Unusually high temperatures, on top of a lack of rainfall, are hitting crops and livestock, officials say.

Despite a dry year, Sazini Moyo’s maize crop had been pushing up tassels and she anticipated a decent harvest – until her farm outside Bulawayo sweltered through a record five-day heatwave in late February and early March.

Now she fears almost her entire parched crop is a write-off.

“I’m very disappointed, I have lost a lot of money buying expensive seed and fertilisers. All my energy used in tilling the land has gone to waste,” the 40-year-old farmer in Matabeleland South province told the Thomson Reuters Foundation.

According to the Zimbabwe Meteorological Services Department, the province this month suffered five consecutive days of temperatures on average 2 to 4 degrees Celsius above the normal March high of 32 degrees.

In low-lying Beitbridge, near the border with South Africa, the high temperature hit 38.7 degrees (101 degrees Fahrenheit), the met office said.

The heat, which made already dry conditions worse, has hit both crops and livestock, said Obey Chaputsira, the administrator for Matobo District, a drought-prone, low-lying area of Matabeleland South.

“The crop situation currently is very bad,” he said, with grazing areas and water supplies for livestock also affected.

Since last year, his area has seen 200 livestock deaths linked to drought, he told the Thomson Reuters Foundation.

This month, the United Nations launched an international appeal for $234 million in emergency aid for Zimbabwe, where drought is expected to affect a third of the country’s crop and leave 5.3 million people needing assistance.

Zimbabwe’s annual maize consumption is 1.8 million tonnes but farmer groups said this year’s drought-hit harvest may be less than 1 million tonnes.

Finance Minister Mthuli Ncube said the country had 500,000 tonnes of the grain in strategic reserves.

Joseph Gondo, principal director of the Department of Crop and Livestock, confirmed that the country’s harvests are expected to suffer as a result of the unusual heat.

“Crops that are on the tasseling stages are the most affected by the heatwave. We encourage farmers not to apply fertilisers at this moment,” he said.

Gondo said other districts across the country also are struggling with dry conditions.

“Some farmers have already lost their crops while others continue hoping it rains because their crops still have a chance,” he told Thomson Reuters Foundation.

Food insecurity in both rural and urban areas has increased across Zimbabwe this year, with Matabeleland North and Matabeleleland South provinces hardest hit, according to the Zimbabwe Vulnerability Assessment Committee’s (ZimVac) lean season monitoring report for 2019.

Agritex agronomist Kennedy Mabehla said crop assessments across Zimbabwe were underway, with a report on expected yields for the year due out after April.

The dryer and hotter conditions are in line with predictions from the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change, which has said rising emissions could lead to more frequent droughts, hotter conditions and more extreme weather across southern Africa.

Across the globe, the years 2015-2018 have been the hottest four years ever recorded, meteorologists said.

Our Standards: The Thomson Reuters Trust Principles.

SOUTH African President Cyril Ramaphosa said on Tuesday South Africa was ready to help Zimbabwe revive its economy, but within its means, while the two neighbours consider options that could see Harare receiving some financial assistance.

A dearth of US dollars in Zimbabwe has fanned shortages of fuel, drugs and food, choking an economy yet to recover from the disastrous rule of Robert Mugabe, who was removed in a coup in 2017.

South Africa said in January that it had turned down a request in December from its southern African neighbour for a $1.2 billion loan.

But in a joint communique issued after a meeting between Rampahosa and Zimbabwe’s president Emmerson Mnangagwa and officials, the two countries said they were looking at increasing a standing credit facility between central banks of the two nations.

Under the facility, Zimbabwe can access 100 million rand from South Africa’s central bank.

“Other financing options beyond this are also being explored, for example, a facility from South African private banks to the Zimbabwean private sector and guaranteed by the South African government with an appropriate counter-guarantee from the Zimbabwean government,” the communique read.

Ramaphosa had earlier told the meeting that Zimbabwe, which also faces a severe drought this year, deserved support from the rest of the world to help reboot its economy.

He repeated his previous call for sanctions against Zimbabwe to be lifted.

Zimbabwe says US sanctions, which were extended by another year by President Donald Trump last week, throttle its ability to access funding from lenders like the International Monetary Fund and World Bank and raise its political risk profile.

“South Africa, Mr President, stands ready to render support to Zimbabwe within our means in your quest for economic renewal,” Ramaphosa said, without giving details on whether this would entail financial help.

“We want to see meaningful support being given by international development partners to Zimbabwe because Zimbabwe does deserve the support that the world can give.”

South Africa is Zimbabwe’s largest trading partner and home to millions of Zimbabweans who flocked to the country amid an economic meltdown during Mugabe’s rule.

Mnangagwa pledged to protect South African businesses operating in Zimbabwe, which range from mining to manufacturing to construction.

— Reuters

Human Rights Watch (HRW) says Zimbabwe’s security forces used excessive lethal force to crush nationwide protests in mid-January this year following President Emmerson Mnangagwa’s announcement of fuel price increase of up to 150 percent.

In its latest report, HRW said the crackdown against protesters is continuing in the country despite national and international calls for Mnangagwa’s government to halt the arbitrary arrests.

“Zimbabwe security forces carried out killings, rape, torture, and other grave abuses during and since the January protests,” said Dewa Mavinga, Southern Africa director at Human Rights Watch.

Mavhinga noted that “the authorities should arrest and prosecute those responsible for abuses and send a strong message that crimes by the security forces won’t be tolerated.”

He said while the protests have ended, the crackdown continues mainly in Harare. “The government’s failure to address the issues underlying the protests, including the hike in fuel prices, means the situation could deteriorate further.”

Human Rights Watch’s findings are based on interviews with 45 victims of abuses and their family members, witnesses, activists, medical personnel, lawyers, police officers, and others during a research trip to Harare, Epworth, and Chitungwiza in February, and phone interviews since January.

The Zimbabwe Association of Doctors for Human Rights (ZADHR) told Human Rights Watch that they provided emergency medical services to 81 people with gunshot injuries in Harare, Bulawayo, Gweru, Karoi, Chinhoyi, Chitungwiza, Kadoma, and Mutare between January 14 and January 29. Among those killed was 22-year-old footballer Kelvin Tinashe Choto, whom police shot in the head during protests in Chitungwiza on January 14.

In Mbare, a suburb of Harare, witnesses told Human Rights Watch that police and soldiers fatally shot in the neck Tony Nyapokoto, a 36-year-old driver, in front of his house on January 15. Patricia Kamuriwo, 36, said she was shot in the thighs as she crossed the road to look for her child when security forces fired on protesters on January 14, in Epworth, near Harare.

“Security forces appeared to use the crackdown to commit numerous cases of rape.” Eight women from Hopley, Southlea Park, and Epworth in Harare province told Human Rights Watch in separate interviews that they were raped by uniformed and armed soldiers and police, some concealing their identities with masks.

“A 46-year-old woman said that nine armed men, six in army uniform, came to her house in Epworth on January 15 at about 9 p.m. Two soldiers raped her without condoms in front of her teenage son. At the local police station, the police refused to record her complaint, telling her, ‘these things happen, these things are happening all over the country, so we cannot receive your report or open a police case docket’.”

The Zimbabwe Lawyers for Human Rights (ZLHR) reported that police and army personnel carried out apparently indiscriminate door-to-door raids, forcibly entering homes by breaking doors and windows, in some Harare suburbs including Mabvuku, Dzivarasekwa, Warren Park, and Kuwadzana between January 14 and January 29.

Human Rights Watch found that the security forces rounded up and detained hundreds of people, many of whom were brought before the courts on charges of public violence and criminal nuisance, most of whom remain in detention.

“The UN Basic Principles on the Use of Force and Firearms by Law Enforcement Officials provide that whenever the lawful use of force is unavoidable, security forces need to use restraint and act in proportion to the seriousness of the offense. Law enforcement officials should not use firearms against people except to protect against the imminent threat of death or serious injury.”

Some protesters burned cars at a police station in Chitungwiza, barricaded roads, burned tires on roads to stop police vehicles from patrolling, assaulted people on the streets, and looted shops in Harare, Kadoma, and Bulawayo, according to the Zimbabwe Human Rights Commission.

In a January 28 report, the commission found that law enforcement agents seemed to “resort to use of brute, excessive and disproportionate force in most circumstances thereby causing avoidable loss of life and also worsening the situation.”

On January 20, army and police officials jointly addressed the media and denied responsibility for abuses during the protests, blaming the violence on protesters who allegedly stole their uniforms and acted as “rogue cops and soldiers.”

Two days later, Mnangagwa tweeted that “violence or misconduct by our security forces is unacceptable and a betrayal of the new Zimbabwe. Chaos and insubordination will not be tolerated. Misconduct will be investigated. If required, heads will roll.”

Human Rights Watch stressed that leaders in southern Africa should impress upon Mnangagwa the need for prompt, impartial, and effective investigations into the violence.

On February 11, the chairperson of the Southern African Development Community (SADC), Namibian President Hage Geingob, blamed demonstrators for the violence. South African President Cyril Ramaphosa, who met with Mnangagwa in Harare on Tuesday, has not in recent public statements on Zimbabwe even mentioned the human rights situation in the country.

Mavhinga said, “Southern Africa leaders should press Mnangagwa to put an end to security force abuses and ensure those responsible are brought to justice. Instead of burying his head in the sand when it comes to human rights, President Ramaphosa should publicly urge his Zimbabwean counterpart to deliver on his promise to get to the bottom of these allegations and hold perpetrators to account.”

Presidential spokesperson George Charamba was unavailable for comment.

— VOA

ALPHA Media Holdings (AMH) chairman Trevor Ncube, wo is the owner of daily newspaper NewsDay, has apologized for what he called biased reporting by the daily after bit published an article headlined RTGS Dollar to Devalue Further: RBZ.

Ncube, who is one of President Mnangagwa’s advisors, says he was heartbroken by the bias in the report which he said contributes to polarization.

“My heart breaks that @NewsDayZimbabwe got this story so wrong. This is example of our blind spots/biases colouring our world view contributing to polarisation. While l maintain my newspapers are not me/l am not my newspapers – I am embarrassed. Sincere apologies to Zimbabwe,” Nceube said in a tweet.

Last week while speaking at the inaugural meeting of President Mnangagwa and the 26 members of the Presidential Advisory Council at State House, Ncube pledged to play a critical role to ensure that the media is objective and works towards a positive goal for the benefit of everyone, especially in this “toxic environment.

My heart breaks that @NewsDayZimbabwe got this story so wrong. This is example of our blind spots/biases colouring our world view contributing to polarisation. While l maintain my newspapers are not me/l am not my newspapers – I am embarrassed. Sincere apologies to Zimbabwe ?? pic.twitter.com/7Llb7h4ezu

— Trevor Ncube (@TrevorNcube) March 12, 2019

My heart breaks that @NewsDayZimbabwe got this story so wrong. This is example of our blind spots/biases colouring our world view contributing to polarisation. While l maintain my newspapers are not me/l am not my newspapers – I am embarrassed. Sincere apologies to Zimbabwe.

Ncube also made a passionate plea for unity, urging citizens to put away polarisation and work towards a common goal that will see Zimbabwe flourish again.

AMH are the publishers of NewsDay, Zimbabwe Independent and The Standard.

Ncube also said the country was going through a painful period and that polarisation should be put aside for the sake of progress.

President Emmerson Mnangagwa, nicknamed The Crocodile has shed tears for the late ZBC News reporter Judith Makwanya.

Deputy Chief Secretary, Presidential Communications George Charamba issued the statement on behalf of the President. Full statement below:

Condolence Message following the sudden death of Judith Tendesai Makwanya, 12th March 2019

On behalf of his Excellency the President, Cde Emmerson Dambudzo Mnangagwa, I wish to express my deepest and heartfelt condolences to the Makwanya Family on the passing on of Judith.

A seasoned and committed journalist, the late Cde Makwanya leaves behind a hard-to-fill gap in the Broadcast sub-sector of our media industry.

Many will remember her strident and passionate reports inspired by a deep love for her profession, country and her people.

It was this love and principled stance in defence of the National Interest which earned her the wrath of the West by way of punitive sanctions imposed on her.

As we mourn her sad and untimely departure, we are all challenged to harness our communication skills in defence of our Nation and its interests.

We will miss her so sorely.

May her soul rest in Eternal Peace.

George Charamba
Deputy Chief Secretary, Presidential Communications
Office of the President and CABINET

FINANCE and Economic Development Minister Mthuli Ncube has said the possibility of Zimbabwe either adopting the SA rand as its main currency of trade – alongside its local unit, the RTGS dollar – or joining the rand monetary union was “not under consideration”.

Ncube told media on the sidelines of the third session of the bi-national commission between South Africa and Zimbabwe on Tuesday in Harare that the country had “completed its currency changes” and the adoption of the rand was unnecessary.

One of the key requirements of the monetary union is that member states have a local currency of their own. The current members of the union are Swaziland, Lesotho and Namibia.

After a decade without a currency of its own, last month monetary authorities in Zimbabwe introduced a domestic currency. The RTGS dollar is a fusion of electronic bank balances, bond notes and bond coins. 

The new currency is officially trading at 2.5 to the US dollar, according to the interbank market rate. On the black market, however, it is much weaker and trades at about 3.6 to the dollar.

“We have completed the currency changes and we want to continue now on the path of fiscal reforms. We need to be competitive and a local currency is necessary. The rand, just like the US dollar, is foreign currency,” said Ncube, adding that joining the rand monetary union “is not under consideration as we have a domestic currency”.

As Zimbabwe’s economic meltdown takes its toll, various industries in the country have recently expressed a desire for the rand to be used, given the close ties between SA and Zimbabwe. Experts have also frowned on the continued use of the US dollar as it is too strong for Zimbabwe’s economy, a situation that has made local goods uncompetitive. 

Ncube said the bi-national commission had also focused on money owed to SA firms in revenue and dividend payments that are currently “stuck” in the country . “We will accommodate South African companies and continue to work at ensuring their funds are repatriated,” he said.

South African Airways is among the SA companies most affected by Zimbabwe’s forex crunch, with an estimated R1bn in revenues stuck in the country. 

Cyril Ramaphosa and Emmerson Mnangagwa look on as ministers Lindiwe Sisulu and Perence Shiri sign on behalf of their countries in Harare on Tuesday.

Meanwhile, the commission, which has tabled 45 agreements between the two countries, did not agree on any financial package being extended by SA to Zimbabwe.

President Cyril Ramaphosa said the issue of a bailout was discussed with a view to finding lasting solutions to the problems faced by the two countries. “Our discussions have covered a wide range of issues – investment, trade, mining … We did not focus on one issue. We will have continued dialogue, investment and financial co-operation as we traverse the challenges faced,” he said.

Zimbabwean president Emmerson Mnangagwa said the economic prosperity of the two countries were closely linked and any economic regression by one country would have “a pull-down effect” on the other.

Zimbabwe’s foreign affairs minister Sibusiso Moyo, who read the joint communiqué of the commission, said “a facility for Zimbabwe was being explored” that would encourage co-operation in the private sector.

— TimesLIVE

SENIOR medical practitioners in Zimbabwe today held a meeting at Parirenyatwa Hospital where they resolved to go on strike over a number of grievances.

The doctors say they will only be working on emergency cases.

At the same meeting, consultants in surgery and anaesthetics resolved to preserve sundries for emergencies and to demonstrate tomorrow citing working conditions and lack of surgical sundries.

Part of their statement read:

“As consultants, our hearts bleed because of what is prevailing and feels that if we continue pretending we can offer full services we would be complicit in the deaths of our patients.”

“We have decided to rationalize use of the limited and very finite resources that are currently available.

We are now forced with immediate effect to further scale down the services which we are offering, to deal with dire emergencies only until the situation normalizes.”

See more:

SA President Cyril Ramaphosa concluded a much-anticipated visit to Zimbabwe on Tuesday, commending the new administration of Emmerson Mnangagwa for its bid to revive the economy and promised to explore a number of options of financial help.

But otherwise he made no concrete offer of help, voicing a “commitment to work with Zimbabwe in addressing the socio-economic challenges”.

“South Africa stands ready to render support to Zimbabwe within our means in your quest for economic renewal,” he said, during the talks held at a Harare hotel.

Last year Zimbabwe requested $1.2 billion in emergency credit from South Africa, but Pretoria indicated it did not have the funds.

In a joint statement issued after the 24-hour visit, the two governments said they were exploring ways to help Zimbabwe financially.

One of them would be a loan facility from South African private banks to the Zimbabwe private businesses.

The loans will be guaranteed “by the South African government with an appropriate counter-guarantee from the Zimbabwe government,” said the statement.

An almost similar deal was struck last month with the diamond-rich Botswana, involving a $100-million credit from private banks in both countries but available to Botswana private companies doing business in Zimbabwe.

“We’re not giving them a single loan,” President Mokgweetsi Masisi said in Gaborone after a visit to Harare, dismissing media reports that the credit was being made available by the state.

Mnangagwa took over after long time ruler Robert Mugabe was forced to resign in 2017, but is struggling to solve Zimbabwe’s economic crisis.

In January this year, crowds took to the streets to protest after Mnangagwa more than doubled fuel prices.

The military and police quelled the demonstrations, leaving at least 17 people dead and hundreds wounded.

South Africa has borne the brunt of economic and political troubles in Zimbabwe. Millions of Zimbabweans have fled to South Africa following decades of economic turmoil.

“What affects one, affects the other. Economic prosperity in one country has a stimulus effect on the other. Likewise economic regression has a pull down effect on the other,” said Mnangagwa.

Ramaphosa has led calls by African leaders for the lifting of years-long sanctions imposed by Western powers over rights abuse under Mugabe’s regime.

“We have been calling for those sanctions to be removed immediately because they impede the growth of the Zimbabwean economy and they also are having an adverse effect on the ordinary people of Zimbabwe,” Ramaphosa reiterated on Tuesday. — AFP

Farai Dziva|
An MDC Alliance official hanged herself in mysterious circumstances last week.

Stan Ndanga (42) hanged herself in unclear circumstances last Thursday.

According to the police Ndanga was found hanging from a tree near his homestead in Chivhu.

Police are still investigating the circumstances that led to Ndanga’ s death.

Villagers in Chikomba area have expressed shock at Ndanga’ s untimely death.The villagers would not disclose why Ndanga took his own life.

ZIMBABWEAN authorities have arrested and charged a man with
undermining authority of or insulting President Emmerson Mnangagwa
after he allegedly stated that he disliked him for mismanaging the
country’s economy.

32 year-old Farai Gwaza of Dindi village in Pfungwe, Mashonaland East
province was arrested early this month and charged with undermining
authority of or insulting President Mnangagwa as defined in section 33
of the Criminal Law (Codification and Reform) Act.

ZRP officers who arrested Gwaza, who is represented by Tinomuda Shoko
of Zimbabwe Lawyers for Human Rights (ZLHR) claimed that he pointed a
finger at a colleague wearing a ZANU PF party T-shirt and said; “I
like the colour of the T-shirt but I don’t like the picture of the
person on it because he is making people suffer yet enriching
himself”.

For allegedly uttering that statement, Gwaze was detained in police
cells for two nights before he was released.

Meanwhile, in Harare, Magistrate Francis Mapfumo recently acquitted a
Harare woman, who had been on trial on charges of disorderly conduct
after she was arrested for allegedly insulting some police officers by
labelling them as President Mnangagwa’s lackeys.

31 year-old Prisca Dausi of Epworth, who was represented by Idirashe
Chikomba of ZLHR, had been on trial at Harare Magistrates Court after
she was arrested in September 2018 by ZRP officers who charged her
with disorderly conduct as defined in section 41 of the Criminal Law
(Codification and Reform) Act.

During trial, prosecutors charged that Dausi uttered some abusive
words to the effect that the law enforcement agents, who intended to
demolish her brother’s cabin which he uses as a barber shop as they
were under the impression that it belonged to some unidentified men
whom they had reportedly arrested in connection with drug use, were
minions.

However, Magistrate Mapfumo discharged Dausi at the close of the
prosecution case after ruling that the state witnesses who testified
during her trial gave contradictory evidence thereby rendering the
state case unreliable.

Farai Dziva| Ruling party Zanu PF spokesperson Simon Khaya Moyo is unhappy with the fact that MDC A president Nelson Chamisa has not called for the removal of sanctions.

According to Khaya Moyo Chamisa has direct communication with United States President Donald Trump.

In an interview with This Morning Post on Monday, Khaya Moyo declared: “
What is stopping him from calling the US about sanctions? Sanctions are illegal and they should be removed as a matter of emergency.”

Moyo further claimed Chamisa had openly indicated he was in a position to communicate with Trump without going through bottlenecks.

By Own Correspondent- The Combined Harare Residents Association (CHRA) is set to host a Water Dialogue Forum tomorrow

The meeting, set to be addressed by Harare Mayor Councillor Hebert Gomba and other senior Harare City Council officials is set to be held at New Ambassador Hotel.

Said CHRA in a statement:

“In view of the water challenges bedeviling Harare,CHRA will be hosting a Water Dialogue Forum tomorrow 13 March 2019 at the New Ambassadors Hotel from 5pm-7:30pm.

Key Speakers who have confirmed attendance to the Forum are ; 
-His Worship the Mayor ,Councilor Herbert Gomba,
-The Director of Water in the Ministry of Agriculture,Lands Climate and Water
-CEO Upper Manyame Sub Catchment Council 
-Mr H.Mudzingwa Community Water Alliance 
-Mr S.Chari Harare Wetlands Trust,
-Harare Water Director Engineer Mabhena Moyo.

This important Forum come at time when the City of Harare has introduced a Water Rationing Program as a measure to deal with water demand management,in view of the poor raw water quality , quantity at Lake Chivero and shortage of water treatment chemicals

By Own Correspondent- The youth wing in the MDC has called on the Emmerson Mnangagwa led administration to stop harrassing the youths in their quest for a more democratic Zimbabwe.

Addressing the media at Morgan Tsvangirai House in Harare, Tuesday, chairperson of the MDC Youth Assembly, Happymore “Bvondo” Chidziva said:

“….the crisis at hand is a crisis of leadership, the crisis of governance, the crisis of political legitimacy. We believe that the current government has no political or moral rights to be leading. We acknowledge that the current regime has failed to address the economy, health, educational and social challenges affecting the nation.

……… the military establishment in the country continues to interfere in the running of the country in violation of rights and freedoms of the ordinary people in Zimbabwe. There is continued abuse of opposition and civic society representatives in Zimbabwe… The youths note the continued persecution of young people through state sponsored violence especially following the January 14 violence. We are concerned by the targeting of youth activists. since we believe this is meant to disable, disenfranchise young people. We call upon an end to the harrassment of the youths.”

The MDC regrets the unconstitutional appointment of Oliver Chidawu as Minister responsible for Harare metropolitan province by Emmerson Mnagagwa.

The constitution stipulates that affairs of Harare Metropolitan Province are managed by the Harare Metropolitan Council led by the Mayor of Harare and deputized by the Mayor of the second largest city in the province, which is Chitungwiza. Section 270 of the constitution provides for the roles and functions of Provincial and Metropolitan Councils as follows;

a) Planning and implementing social and economic developments in its province

b) Coordinating and implementing governmental programmes in its province.

c) Planning and implementing measures for conservation, improvement and management of natural resources in its province

d) Promoting tourism in its province and developing facilities for that purpose

e) Monitoring and evaluating the use of resources in its province and

f) Exercising any other functions…..

These constitutional provisions together with the clearly defined functions of local authorities’ leaves Provincial Governors now christened Provincial Ministers with no role to play except to interfere with the smooth running of local authorities on behalf of Zanu PF whose track record in mis-governance is known.

The MDC calls upon government to quickly promulgate the laws to operationalise devolution. All laws whose provisions are now unconstitutional like the Urban Councils Act, the Provincial Councils and Administration Act, the traditional leaders act to mention a few should be repealed with immediate effect.

Government should begin to allocate at 5% of the budget to local government as stipulated by the supreme law. The grants will go a long way in improving service delivery, which is hamstrung by the economic meltdown.

The constitution has created a 3 tier government system, giving the provincial and metropolitan council and local government specific mandates.

S. Zvidzai
Secretary for Local Government and Devolution
Movement For Democratic Change

By Own Correspondent- Former Zimbabwe National Road Administration executive board chairman, Albert Mugabe, has appeared in court charged with criminal abuse of office involving $300 000.

Mugabe was not asked to plead when he appeared before Harare provincial magistrate Vongai Muchuchuti-Guwuriro.

He was released on $500 bail and ordered to report every Friday at ZRP Highlands. He was also ordered not to interfere with State witnesses, to surrender his travel documents and reside at his given address.

Mugabe was represented by a top Harare lawyer, Admire Rubaya.

The State led by Sabastian Mutizirwa told the court that on March 30 in 2017, ZINARA human resources committee deliberated through a round-robin resolution the acquisition of a mortgage loan from CBZ bank in respect of ZINARA CEO Nancy Chamisa Masiyiwa.

The six-member Human Resources Committee unanimously resolved to commend the ZINARA board for approval to secure a mortgage loan scheme not exceeding $300 000 for that purpose.

On April 5 that year, Mugabe wrote a letter of undertaking for the mortgage loan in respect of Masiyiwa to CBZ ill-advising that the ZINARA board had authorised her to enter a housing scheme and if her contract was to expire, the board would still pay for it.

On April 11, it is alleged that Mugabe wrote another letter to CBZ lying that the board had agreed to set off the full amount in the event that Masiyiwa accrued arrears and termination of her contract knowing full well that the board had not authorised such a decision.

The loan was later released on the belief of the false letters written by Mugabe in contrast to his duties as a public officer.

The matter was remanded to April 11.

So, what really killed Makwanya, a lethal injection, or mere shock from verbal attacks for criticising Mnangagwa?

— ZimEye (@ZimEye) March 12, 2019

By Farai D Hove| ZBC’s diplomatic correspondent, Judith Makwanya who was reported dead today, was linked to leaked (January) ZBC WhatsApp chats which became topical in the last two weeks. This was all the more due to the repeated justification by the government to use military force on anyone criticizing Emmerson Mnangagwa’s January fuel price hikes. The leaked ZBC WhatsApp chats over the January fuel price increases have been linked (by the public) to the death of the veteran journalist following Justice Minister Ziyambi Ziyambi’s speech shocker to the UN on the 27th Feb when he boldly said the army was justified to move in and kill anyone involved in a revolt against the ZANU PF President’s new fuel prices in January. WATCH VIDEO BELOW: (STORY CONTINUES)

This was so despite the fact that Mnangagwa’s fuel price increase was widely and heavily criticised even by the Russian government as cruel and unjustified. Zimbabwe now has the most expensive fuel in the world, and as soon as Mnangagwa landed in Moscow, Russia’s prime minister while refusing to fund Mnangagwa, said the Russian government does not want to be associated with unjustified fuel price hikes. Ziyambi justified the mass murder of civilians who have been criticising Mnangagwa’s fuel price hike saying it is necessary to avert a government take over.

Ziyambi told the UN on 27th February, “it is important to note that these protests were premeditated, pre-planned, masterminded and sponsored by external forces and local NGOs who were working with some civil society organisations and some workers unions, to make the country ungovernable and to effect regime change.

“Government consequently deployed law enforcement agents to quell these protests and avert further loss of life and destruction of property.

“It is a pity that the same groups have continued to propagate biased and misleading reports that are aimed at tarnishing the image of Zimbabwe yet they continue to get favourable attention.

“This happens even when in cases where they are alleged to have incited the commission of crimes and violations of the rights of other citizens.”

So, what really killed Makwanya, a lethal injection, or mere shock from verbal attacks for criticising Mnangagwa?

Makwanya, who has been at the ZBC for over two decades, was diagnosed with high blood pressure last Thursday.

Unconfirmed reports allege that Makwanya became stressed after a Whatsapp chat where the state broadcaster employees were reportedly hurling insults at the current leadership leaked.

So, what really killed Makwanya, a lethal injection, or mere shock from verbal attacks for criticising Mnangagwa?

— ZimEye (@ZimEye) March 12, 2019

ZimEye has it on good authority that the late Makwanya was summoned by a senior government official over the leaked whatsapp chat. Details of the meeting had not been made public at the time of writing.

Her condition reportedly deteriorated on Monday evening when she suffered a stroke, and she died at around 11:00pm at the West End Clinic in Harare.

The government on Tuesday described Makwanya as a patriotic media personality who “served her country with distinction”.

HAVE YOUR SAY…

So, what really killed Makwanya, a lethal injection, or mere shock from verbal attacks for criticising Mnangagwa?

— ZimEye (@ZimEye) March 12, 2019

ZimEye will be livestreaming an MDC Youth Assembly Presser at 2:30 pm Zimbabwean time set to be held at Morgan Tsvangirai House in Harare.

Refresh this page for latest updates.

By Own Correspondent- ZBC’s diplomatic correspondent Judith Makwanya has died. She was 56.

Makwanya, who has been at the ZBC for over two decades, was diagnosed with high blood pressure last Thursday.

Unconfirmed reports allege that Makwanya became stressed after a whatsapp chat where the state broadcaster employees were reportedly hurling insults at the current leadership leaked.

ZimEye has it on good authority that the late Makwanya was summoned by a senior government official over the leaked whatsapp chat.

Her condition reportedly deteriorated on Monday evening when she suffered a stroke, and she died at around 11:00pm at the West End Clinic in Harare.

The government has described Makwanya as a patriotic media personality who “served her country with distinction”.

ZIMBABWE ELECTION SUPPORT NETWORK

12 March 2019 – BULAWAYO – The Zimbabwe Election Support Network (ZESN) held a post-2018 harmonised election conference on 7 and 8 March 2019 in Bulawayo. The overall objective of the Conference was to review the conduct of the 2018 harmonised elections focusing on the legislative and administrative framework, the political environment, role of observers, electoral reform process, and recommendations by election observer missions among other pertinent factors.

In attendance were representatives of the Ministry of Justice Legal and Parliamentary Affairs, members of the Justice, Legal and Parliamentary Affairs Portfolio Committee, development partners, the Zimbabwe Electoral Commission, political party officials and representatives, academia, media and local and regional civic society organisations.

The conference highlighted positive and negative issues that characterized the July 30 harmonized elections and identified key electoral reform issues for future elections. The electoral environment in the run up to the election was noted to be a significant improvement from previous elections with political parties able to freely campaign and canvass support. In addition, other processes such as voter education and voter mobilisation by ZEC and civic society organisations were much improved. Improvements were also highlighted in the voter registration and the resultant voters roll.

Some of the challenges identified by the speakers include; the inaccessibility of the voters’ roll to political parties on time, inequitable coverage of elections by the media, absence of accountability and transparency in political parties finance, misuse of state resources, absence of transparency in the design and printing of ballot papers, low representation of women and persons with disability, partisan involvement of traditional leaders in politics, under registration in urban areas, and high candidates’ nomination fees among other issues.

The Conference drew insights from presenters from the SADC region and East Africa who shared their experiences in relation to electoral processes in their countries. The role of SADC and AU in the Zimbabwe elections was interrogated as regards their assessment of the electoral outcome and participants urged the SADC and AU to publicize their election reports on time so that they can influence the electoral reform agenda.

With the understanding that elections are a process, it was agreed that the electoral reform agenda must begin forthwith starting with the implementation of recommendations by the international, regional and local observer missions to the 2018 harmonised elections.

The Conference proffered the following recommendations based on the deliberations that took place:
1. There is need to craft a new comprehensive Electoral Act that fully aligns with the Constitution.
2. The government must put in place measures to enhance the independence of ZEC, other Chapter 12 Commissions as well as the Judiciary.
3. Parliament should consider delinking delimitation and census to facilitate timely adjustment of boundaries.
4. ZEC should ensure adequate stakeholder involvement in the implementation of the delimitation exercise. 
5. There is need for a law compelling equal representation of women and men as candidates.
6. There is need for media law reform to ensure media plurality, diversity and equitable coverage of political parties and candidates during elections.
7. Civil society organisations should collaborate more in the implementation of activities to ensure message discipline and wider reach. 
8. There is need for further discussion on the role of the Zimbabwe Human Rights Commission in monitoring and observation of human rights violations during electoral periods.
9. There is need to revise and strengthen election dispute resolution mechanisms as well as introduce punitive measures against electoral offenders.
10. It is imperative to explore alternative dispute resolution mechanisms including strengthening the role of traditional leaders in dealing with disputes and conflicts at a local level.
11. Electoral stakeholders must ensure that there is sustainable dialogue on key electoral reforms ahead of the 2023 elections.
12. There is need to strengthen intraparty democracy as a way of deepening the culture of democracy and tolerance in the broader society.
13. SADC and AU should make their election reports public and avail them on time so that they can influence the electoral reform agenda. 
ZESN believes that the pathway to the next election should be defined by a comprehensive electoral and political reforms process that guarantees the holding of free, fair and credible elections.

ZESN remains committed to the promotion of democratic electoral processes in Zimbabwe.

By Own Correspondent- MDC co-deputy president Elias Mudzuri said that he will only contest for presidency if he is nominated.

Mudzuri said people should not be sidetracked by the upcoming MDC elective Congress set for the 24th to 26th of May but focus should be on reviving the economy and alleviating the suffering of the masses.

Said Mudzuri in an interview:

“…….I will wait for nominations But I really want us to talk about the economic situation, we want the government to account. People are struggling. I am moving around and people cannot afford [basics]. They don’t have the money and there are no jobs.

There are fuel queues everywhere and people are talking about the ease of doing business. That must be the debate because this country is not going to work with political arguments alone.

At the end of the day, this country belongs to all of us and if we are not careful and concentrate on political personalities, we will not find a solution.

… Look at Syria, it has been 10 years with civil war and if we are not serious, we will find ourselves in that situation. Even if we don’t agree, we must find a common vision. We can talk at an individual level.

Right now, we have a dead economy and people are too poor. We have a drought and it is real. We must seek solutions and we are a family as Zimbabweans. There is a need to remove the them-against-us mentality. We are one.”

By Own Correspondent- Veteran broadcaster Judith Makwanya has died. She was 56. Makwanya was diagnosed with high blood pressure last Thursday.

Her condition worsened on Monday evening when she suffered a stroke. She died at around 11 PM at the West End Clinic in Harare.

Here is how Zimbabweans on Twitter reacted to the news of Makwanya’s death:

Zenzele Ndebele
Sad to hear about the passing on of Judith Makwanya. She was someone who was very open minded and friendly.

Professor Jonathan Moyo
Tragic news about Judith Makwanya. She was a committed media practitioner and an inspiring voice who challenged crude gender barriers in Zimbabwe’s fledgling broadcasting industry.

Mduduzi Mathuthu
Judith Makwanya was actually very nice, and kind. Unfortunately in our polarised political existence, every human relationship is looked at from a political perspective. So sorry to learn of her death, my heart goes out to her grieving family and colleagues. R.I.P my sister.

Fungai Machirori
I knew her personally. I agree. Once I asked to interview her for Her Zimbabwe. And she said, “but you know where I work.” I got the message. This is really sad stuff.

Kudzai Mtisi (Chief Murakashi)
ZBC Diplomatic Correspondent Judith Makwanya has passed away. She was a star. The neocolonial thugs at @usembassyharare placed her under sanctions. What’s the rationale of placing a female journalist under sanctions? That’s the cruelty of these Americans. Rest in Peace Judith.

Caesar Zvayi
R.I.P to a friend & colleague … the inimitable Judith Makwanya. GUTTED.

Raj Modi
Rest in peace Judith Makwanya. Broadcast news has lost a patriotic voice.

The Masterclass ZW
The staff, management and students at the Radio Presenter Masterclass would like to extend heartfelt condolences to the @ZBCNewsonline & the Makwanya families on the passing of veteran broadcaster Judith Makwanya. The next generation of broadcasters stand on your shoulders. RIP

ZANU PF patriots
We have lost one fine reporter. Judith Makwanya you left too soon. Rest strong Cde..

Hopewell Chin’ono
Sad to hear the passing of ZBC diplomatic correspondent and journalist Judith Makwanya.

Whenever I met her she took my teasing in her stride and just like Reuben Barwe, she was willing to engage with respect those who were opposed to views.

Power FM Zimbabwe
Veteran ZBC reporter Judith Makwanya has died.

She served her country with distinction and was one of the journalists placed on the sanctions list which became a Roll of Honour for Patriots.

263Chat
We have learnt with great sadness the passing on of @ZBCNewsonline Diplomatic Corresponded @JudithMakwanya . Our heartfelt condolences to her family. May her soul rest in peace #263Chat.

Jealousy Mawarire
Am heartbroken to learn of the sudden passing on of veteran broadcaster Judith Makwanya, I affectionately called her Tete Judie. She was one of the few ZBC journalists who wasn’t afraid to be seen in public chatting to me. May your dear soul rest in peace Tete Judie.

#MHSRIP

May her soul Rest In Peace.

Reserve Bank of Zimbabwe (RBZ) governor John Mangudya yesterday clashed with the Public Accounts and Finance Committee over the definition of quasi-fiscal activities carried by the Central Bank.

Mangudya appeared before a joint meeting of Public Accounts and the Finance committees to discuss the legal basis for the RBZ undertaking quasi-fiscal activities and how the amounts were used in financing fuel procurement and other commodities.

He told the legislators that they, along with Ncube, do not understand the term “quasi-fiscal activities” and that they need a workshop to unpack it.

Bikita West MP Elias Musakwa (Zanu PF) asked Mangudya to explain how the RBZ acquired loans amounting to almost $1 billion and how much money was channelled to public sector investment programmes, recurrent expenditure and stimulus programmes.

“I do not think your question is relevant at this moment because those are not quasi-fiscal activities,” Mangudya said, adding that the apex bank had not carried any quasi-fiscal activities since 2014.

“Quasi-fiscal activities at the RBZ do not exist and it is important for Zimbabweans to know the truth, and what RBZ used to do when we bought tractors, generators and baccossi – those were quasi-fiscal activities and so do not confuse those with what is happening now and people should not abuse the RBZ by confusing those with what is happening now. They were taken over by the RBZ Debt Assumption Act.”

Tendai Biti (MDC Alliance), however, pressed Mangudya further by rephrasing Musakwa’s question saying: “In your Monetary Policy Statement of February, you said there were certain things that were going to carry on using the old system, and you said the bank, through the foreign currency committee will continue to supply foreign currency for fuel, wheat and 14 other products, and in our definition these fall under quasi-fiscal activities.”

Biti pointed out that the RBZ has no mandate to give money to fuel players, Zesa and others because these were essentially activities of central government; and also in terms of section 6 of the RBZ Act the bank’s functions were only to regulate the country’s monetary system, achieve and maintain the stability of the Zimbabwe dollar, and to act as banker and financial adviser to government and economic stability, among others.

But Mangudya insisted that the MPs had a wrong definition of quasi-fiscal activities.

“It is a wrong definition. Quasi-fiscal activities are activities done by the central bank and any other bank at below the market price. We need to use an international definition so that Parliament does not have its own definition. This economy is going through difficult times. There is no one in this country who can borrow funds to help Zimbabwe. So these are just foreign names. Zimbabwe is a step child in a family of nations and it is difficult to deal with a step child so that it does not have kwashiorkor and die.

“My core business is in section 49 of the RBZ Act, to ensure there is foreign currency. When I give money for fuel, it is only called a foreign allocation. I think as MPs you need a workshop with RBZ on what are quasi-fiscal activities,” Mangudya said.

Biti then asked him to explain why Ncube, in his 2019 budget statement mentioned that the RBZ was engaging in quasi-fiscal activities and was going to ensure that they are liquidated.

“I think Ncube was misinformed on that point because I asked him to give me three or one quasi-fiscal activity I was engaging in and he could not. That’s a wrong definition that the minister was using and he also needs a workshop on that. Do not use Zimbabwean language on that,” Mangudya said. Biti then ordered Mangudya to give Parliament a document detailing how much he paid in what he termed “foreign allocations” and not quasi-fiscal activities.

-Newsday

By Paul Nyathi|Veteran ZBC News reporter Judith Makwanya died this morning at a Harare hospital just hours after being admitted with an emergency medical condition, according to a notice from the Ministry of Information.

Her death has raised major eyebrows as it comes shortly after a social media WhatsApp chat group discussion amongst the state broadcaster news men was leaked.

In the leaked chat an official identified as Judith and highly suspected to have been Makwanya wrote “hatiende kunoita zvisina basa zvematuzvi. Havana dhiri, plus he is rocked with scandals” (We are not going to a worthless event. These people are useless).

Then another official by the name Merit, suspected to be news reporter Merit Munzwembiri responded saying: “ED anyura, zvatopera apa hachapabudi” (Ed is finished, he will not get out of this).

The same Merit is quoted as having criticized the move by the Mnangagwa administration to increase fuel prices saying “dai vari VaMugabe havaimbodaro and this government has failed” (Mugabe would not have done that).

Then another official by the name Josh Mutali asked: “Ko muchaita sei vanhu venyu zvavave kudzingwa” (What will you do now that your people are being fired).

The chats further accused the ZBC chief executive officer Patrick Mavhura of having been working for the ousted G40 faction by giving instructions to reporters.

Zimbabweans have received news of Makwanya’s death as a shock and social media critics have quickly blamed President Emmerson Mnangagwa’s security system for her death.

By Own Correspondent- A Zanu PF apologist on social media has deliberately stoked tribal tensions by suggesting that people from Matabeleland hate school and should not be aggrieved when they get non-Ndebele speaking teachers.

Writing on microblogging site Twitter, the “Murakashi” said:

“If you belong to a tribe that hates going to school and becoming teachers, please don’t blame anyone when your kids are being taught by teachers from other tribes.”

The remarks came as there has been anger and consternation in Bulawayo and Matabeleland where concerned parents have expressed unhappiness over the deployment of teachers to the region who have Shona surnames.

By Own Correspondent- President of Ideal Zimbabwe Tinashe Jonas who was supposed to take a walk of sacrifice to Munhumutapa building to arrest President Emmerson Mnangagwa and Vice Presidents Constantino Chiwenga and Kembo Mohadi was reportedly arrested.

Jonas, who announced last week that he was about to do the unthinkable against Zimbabwe’s big three where he was arresting the presidium so as to restore democracy, constitutionalism and human rights was picked up by plain clothes policeman near Jameson Hotel in Harare.

A source who witnessed Jonas being arrested said the self styled civilian policeman was arrested just before he embarked on his lone journey to Munhumutapa building, which houses the country’s first citizen and his deputies.

Revealed the source:

“Jonasi was filmed while being arrested but the man who filmed him was also picked up by the police and taken away. They were both picked up by police details in plain clothes in unmarked cars.”

Efforts to contact the police however proved futile.

Another source who is also privy to what transpired claimed that Jonas and the man who filmed him were both taken to office number 88 at Munhumutapa building where the later was instructed to format his mobile phone before being released.

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

MDC deputy president Elias Mudzuri says Zimbabweans must focus on tackling the country’s chronic challenges and avoid being swayed into “small” debates about his party’s elective congress set for May this year.

In an interview with NewsDay, Mudzuri described the May congress as a family affair, which must not be a sideshow of the real challenges of reviving the economy.

“I really want us to talk about the economic situation, we want the government to account. People are struggling. I am moving around and people cannot afford [basics]. They don’t have the money and there are no jobs,” he said.

His comments came amid reports that the ruling Zanu PF party had infiltrated the MDC to influence the outcome of its congress.

“There are fuel queues everywhere and people are talking about the ease of doing business. That must be the debate because this country is not going to work with political arguments alone. At the end of the day, this country belongs to all of us and if we are not careful and concentrate on political personalities, we will not find a solution,” Mudzuri said.

He warned that Zimbabwe was risking going the way of Syria.

“Look at Syria, it has been 10 years with civil war and if we are not serious, we will find ourselves in that situation. Even if we don’t agree, we must find a common vision. We can talk at individual level,” he said.

“Right now, we have a dead economy and people are too poor. We have a drought and it is real. We must seek solutions and we are a family as Zimbabweans. There is need to remove the them-against-us mentality. We are one.”

Mudzuri, who has been touted as a possible presidential candidate, refused to discuss the party’s elective congress.

“People are the ones that nominate. They haven’t said anything as yet. I will announce my decision at the right moment. It is a democratic process and everything will come out,” he said.

-Newsday

The Zimbabwean government has pleaded with South Africa to help revive its collapsing economy to avoid a contagion effect.

Addressing a ministerial meeting of the third session of the Zimbabwe-South Africa Bi-National Commission (BNC) in Harare yesterday, Foreign Affairs and International Trade minister Sibusiso Moyo said a weaker Zimbabwe was a threat to South Africa’s economy.

“A stronger Zimbabwe is one that is capacitated to effectively partner South Africa in shouldering the burden of leading the southern African development region towards prosperity. It is for this reason that the Republic of South Africa, should find it in its interest to create an environment and conditions that stimulate a quick turnaround of Zimbabwe’s economy,” Moyo said.

The ministerial meeting was a precursor to today’s BNC Heads of States summit between President Emmerson Mnangagwa and his South African counterpart, Cyril Ramaphosa who jetted into Harare last night.

Zimbabwe last month held a similar indaba with Botswana and Harare took its investment plea to Gaborone, with the neighbouring country pledging a $95 million business support package.

Moyo said once Zimbabwe’s economy starts to function well, South Africa would be the biggest winner.

“Furthermore, it goes without saying that a stronger Zimbabwe offers an expanded market for South African manufactured products,” Moyo said.

The minister said SA investors could make use of special economic zones (SEZs) that offer free importation of capital equipment and tax variables in Zimbabwe.

“I am inviting South African businesses to take advantage of the varied incentives provided for by SEZs in Zimbabwe. These zones offer incentives that include, among others, duty-free importation of capital equipment and tax variables. The SEZs that we aim to set up in Zimbabwe’s 10 provinces offer opportunities to create cross-border value tax through partnerships between Zimbabwean companies and South African investors in areas that include mining and engineering, leather, textile and clothing,” he said.

“A prosperous Zimbabwe makes for a prosperous South Africa and vice-versa. As we continue to break new ground within the framework of our bilateral co-operation, I am delighted to note that we have registered tangible progress delivered from our agreements and memorandum of understanding (MOUs) which forms building blocks of our Bi-National Commission.”

Moyo said trade was the major driver for growth.

“Delivering concrete results for the benefit of our people and countries remains our paramount objective bestowed upon us by our leaders and by history. Trade is the major driver for the growth of our two economies. For that reason it has become a major focus of co-operation between our countries,” Moyo said.

The ministerial indaba was co-chaired by South Africa International Relations minister Lindiwe Sisulu, who said her country was ready to support Zimbabwe economically and was eager to fulfil all MOUs that were signed since 2015 when the BNC was launched.

-Newsday

Jane Mlambo| Underfire MDC Secretary General Douglas Mwonzora’s nightmare at the Mutare Thank You Rally over the weekend has reportedly forced him to reconsider his challenge for the party’s Presidential post amid indications that he is likely to throw his ring in the vice Presidency race.

Mwonzora endured an afternoon to forget when he was booed by party supporters only to be saved by Nelson Chamisa who threatened to leave if his powerful Secretary General is not allowed to address the rally.

Top MDC sources told a local online news organisation that Mwonzora was already open to abandoning his challenge for Chamisa.

“He has every chance to win and knows that. There have been a lot of mudslinging and back-biting which could divide the party right through the middle. Mwonzora will likely contest for the vice presidency,” a source close to Mwonzora said.

Reserve Bank of Zimbabwe (RBZ) governor John Mangudya yesterday denied that the central bank was involved in any quasi-fiscal activities and called out Finance minister Mthuli Ncube and parliamentary committees for not understanding the issues involved.

Mangudya made the remarks when he appeared before a joint meeting of Public Accounts and the Finance committees to discuss the legal basis for the RBZ undertaking quasi-fiscal activities and how the amounts were used in financing fuel procurement and other commodities. He told the legislators that they, along with Ncube, do not understand the term “quasi-fiscal activities” and that they need a workshop to unpack it.

Bikita West MP Elias Musakwa (Zanu PF) asked Mangudya to explain how the RBZ acquired loans amounting to almost $1 billion and how much money was channelled to public sector investment programmes, recurrent expenditure and stimulus programmes.

“I do not think your question is relevant at this moment because those are not quasi-fiscal activities,” Mangudya said, adding that the apex bank had not carried any quasi-fiscal activities since 2014.

“Quasi-fiscal activities at the RBZ do not exist and it is important for Zimbabweans to know the truth, and what RBZ used to do when we bought tractors, generators and baccossi – those were quasi-fiscal activities and so do not confuse those with what is happening now and people should not abuse the RBZ by confusing those with what is happening now. They were taken over by the RBZ Debt Assumption Act.”

Tendai Biti (MDC Alliance), however, pressed Mangudya further by rephrasing Musakwa’s question saying: “In your Monetary Policy Statement of February, you said there were certain things that were going to carry on using the old system, and you said the bank, through the foreign currency committee will continue to supply foreign currency for fuel, wheat and 14 other products, and in our definition these fall under quasi-fiscal activities.”

Biti pointed out that the RBZ has no mandate to give money to fuel players, Zesa and others because these were essentially activities of central government; and also in terms of section 6 of the RBZ Act the bank’s functions were only to regulate the country’s monetary system, achieve and maintain the stability of the Zimbabwe dollar, and to act as banker and financial adviser to government and economic stability, among others.

But Mangudya insisted that the MPs had a wrong definition of quasi-fiscal activities.

“It is a wrong definition. Quasi-fiscal activities are activities done by the central bank and any other bank at below the market price. We need to use an international definition so that Parliament does not have its own definition. This economy is going through difficult times. There is no one in this country who can borrow funds to help Zimbabwe. So these are just foreign names. Zimbabwe is a step child in a family of nations and it is difficult to deal with a step child so that it does not have kwashiorkor and die.

“My core business is in section 49 of the RBZ Act, to ensure there is foreign currency. When I give money for fuel, it is only called a foreign allocation. I think as MPs you need a workshop with RBZ on what are quasi-fiscal activities,” Mangudya said.

Biti then asked him to explain why Ncube, in his 2019 budget statement mentioned that the RBZ was engaging in quasi-fiscal activities and was going to ensure that they are liquidated.

“I think Ncube was misinformed on that point because I asked him to give me three or one quasi-fiscal activity I was engaging in and he could not. That’s a wrong definition that the minister was using and he also needs a workshop on that. Do not use Zimbabwean language on that,” Mangudya said. Biti then ordered Mangudya to give Parliament a document detailing how much he paid in what he termed “foreign allocations” and not quasi-fiscal activities.

-Newsday

An artisanal miner from Shurugwi went berserk and randomly attacked patrons at Mzansi Night Club in the gold mining town with a machete leaving three people dead and several others injured as revenge after being duped by a sex worker.

The incident occurred on Friday when Benjamin Chipapata (26) of Sebanga Extension, Shurugwi indiscriminately attacked patrons with a machete killing a sex worker, a vendor and a male patron while leaving several others seriously injured.

Chipapata had allegedly hired a prostitute and took her behind the popular nightspot.

The two had an altercation which led to the prostitute leaving him and running to find sanctuary in the bar.

Chipapata, according to a police source, chased after the prostitute armed with a broken empty beer bottle.

The source said all hell broke loose when one of the patrons tried to disarm him and stabbed him in the process.

According to a police memo addressed to Gweru Rural Dispol, Chipapata sustained a small cut due to the scuffle.

“On March 8, 2019 at around 2 AM, Partson Bhenga had a misunderstanding with the accused person over an unknown issue.

After the misunderstanding Partson Bhenga left the accused person and entered the bar.

“Thereafter, the accused person approached Judith Ruzive intending to buy polony.

“The accused person was holding a beer bottle which accidentally fell down. Other patrons who were at Mzansi night club asked the accused person the reason why he broke the bottle.

“One of the patrons took the broken bottle and stabbed the accused person on the left side of the chest. The accused person fell down as the patrons moved away.

“The accused person got up and pursued the one who had stabbed him inside the bar while holding a machete and failed to locate him,” reads parts of the memo.

Chipapata allegedly randomly attacked patrons with the machete.

He struck Judith Ruzive once on the left shoulder, once on the right wrist and once on the head.

“The accused person struck an unknown complainant with a machete once on the left thigh and right heel,” read the memo.

Chipapata attacked Partson Bhenga whom he had previously had a misunderstanding with before fleeing from the scene.

The matter was reported to the police leading to Chipapata’s arrest.

Sources yesterday said three of the attacked people later died in hospital due to injuries sustained as a result of the attack.

Chipapata is detained at Shurugwi police station under DB number 283/19 and docket number RRB 3645032.

Midlands police spokesperson Inspector Joel Goko confirmed the incident saying only one person had been confirmed dead by Friday.

“I can confirm that we are investigating a murder case where an artisanal miner murdered a vendor at Mzansi bar in Shurugwi. The other two people Chido Makamba and Bhenga were said to be in a very critical condition when we last checked. I am not aware of other deaths because there is another unidentified sex worker who was also attacked together with other patrons,” he said.

-State Media

NORTON legislator Temba Mliswa (independent) has sued the Zimbabwe Newspapers Limited, the publishers of The Herald and The Sunday Mail, among others, for $2 million for defamation.

The legislator issued a letter of demand through his lawyers Kadzere Hungwe and Mandevere, in which he said Zimbabwe Newspapers published two articles on February 4, 2019 in The Herald and Chronicle, and another on February 13, 2019 titled MPs demand $400 000 bribe and ‘Dishonourable’ Mliswa on a bull rampage.

“We are currently preparing summons and we should be able to file them at the High Court today (yesterday) since our letter of demand seems to have been ignored,” Mliswa’s lawyer Marufu Mandevere said.

In the letter of demand, Mliswa said the published articles went far beyond the recesses of public interest, privilege or fair comment and the publishers refused to retract or to offer an apology.

“The aforementioned articles went far beyond the recesses of public interest, privilege or fair comment. Such articles were not only injurious, distressing and disparaging, but were designed to impair and hamper our client’s career as a politician,” the lawyer said.

Mliswa’s lawyer also said no journalistic privilege could excuse the reproachful mischaracterisation of his client’s actions and responses that afflicted the alleged articles.

“Resultantly, on instruction of our client, we hereby demand from you a retraction of the mentioned articles, and an apology to our client. Should you elect not to accede to our client’s demand within seven days of receipt of this letter we have instructions to cause summons against you in the sum of US$10 000 000 for defamation damages as well as the attendant costs of suit,” the letter of demand, dated February 28, 2019, read.

NewsDay

Reserve Bank of Zimbabwe (RBZ) governor John Mangudya yesterday clashed with the Public Accounts and Finance Committee over the definition of quasi-fiscal activities carried by the Central Bank.

Mangudya appeared before a joint meeting of Public Accounts and the Finance committees to discuss the legal basis for the RBZ undertaking quasi-fiscal activities and how the amounts were used in financing fuel procurement and other commodities.

He told the legislators that they, along with Ncube, do not understand the term “quasi-fiscal activities” and that they need a workshop to unpack it.

Bikita West MP Elias Musakwa (Zanu PF) asked Mangudya to explain how the RBZ acquired loans amounting to almost $1 billion and how much money was channelled to public sector investment programmes, recurrent expenditure and stimulus programmes.

“I do not think your question is relevant at this moment because those are not quasi-fiscal activities,” Mangudya said, adding that the apex bank had not carried any quasi-fiscal activities since 2014.

“Quasi-fiscal activities at the RBZ do not exist and it is important for Zimbabweans to know the truth, and what RBZ used to do when we bought tractors, generators and baccossi – those were quasi-fiscal activities and so do not confuse those with what is happening now and people should not abuse the RBZ by confusing those with what is happening now. They were taken over by the RBZ Debt Assumption Act.”

Tendai Biti (MDC Alliance), however, pressed Mangudya further by rephrasing Musakwa’s question saying: “In your Monetary Policy Statement of February, you said there were certain things that were going to carry on using the old system, and you said the bank, through the foreign currency committee will continue to supply foreign currency for fuel, wheat and 14 other products, and in our definition these fall under quasi-fiscal activities.”

Biti pointed out that the RBZ has no mandate to give money to fuel players, Zesa and others because these were essentially activities of central government; and also in terms of section 6 of the RBZ Act the bank’s functions were only to regulate the country’s monetary system, achieve and maintain the stability of the Zimbabwe dollar, and to act as banker and financial adviser to government and economic stability, among others.

But Mangudya insisted that the MPs had a wrong definition of quasi-fiscal activities.

“It is a wrong definition. Quasi-fiscal activities are activities done by the central bank and any other bank at below the market price. We need to use an international definition so that Parliament does not have its own definition. This economy is going through difficult times. There is no one in this country who can borrow funds to help Zimbabwe. So these are just foreign names. Zimbabwe is a step child in a family of nations and it is difficult to deal with a step child so that it does not have kwashiorkor and die.

“My core business is in section 49 of the RBZ Act, to ensure there is foreign currency. When I give money for fuel, it is only called a foreign allocation. I think as MPs you need a workshop with RBZ on what are quasi-fiscal activities,” Mangudya said.

Biti then asked him to explain why Ncube, in his 2019 budget statement mentioned that the RBZ was engaging in quasi-fiscal activities and was going to ensure that they are liquidated.

“I think Ncube was misinformed on that point because I asked him to give me three or one quasi-fiscal activity I was engaging in and he could not. That’s a wrong definition that the minister was using and he also needs a workshop on that. Do not use Zimbabwean language on that,” Mangudya said. Biti then ordered Mangudya to give Parliament a document detailing how much he paid in what he termed “foreign allocations” and not quasi-fiscal activities.

-Newsday

The Governor of the Reserve Bank of Zimbabwe is currently giving oral evidence before the parliamentary committee on Budget, Finance and Economic Development. The committee is chaired by former minister of finance, Tendai Biti. The topic of discussion is Mangudya’s recently delivered monetary policy statement.

As expected, most of the conversation is centred on the introduction of the RTGS dollar and the resumption of an interbank foreign currency market. Some of the discourse almost escalated into high emotions but tempers almost immediately cooled.

The governor was asked why the RBZ would not just match the exchange rate that’s prevailing on the parallel market. He responded that the whole economy must not be dictated by random people who just announce exchange rates on social media.

Mangudya said that the volume of trade on the parallel market is not even that high and such low volumes did not warrant such a high exchange rate. He said the daily volumes on the parallel market were around $1000 in total daily or at most $5000. Thus it doesn’t make sense for the parallel market to be taken seriously is essentially what the governor was saying.

$1000 daily?
We don’t have data on volumes obviously but some of us personally know people who have traded way above that much in a day and do so consistently. The governor may have his figures wrong there.

Even if it’s true that the volumes are so low, that could be more a reflection of the liquidity of the market itself. And no, the rates are not determined by someone on social media although there are people who update on the going rates via social media.

The parallel market could be exhibiting more of the ‘willing seller, willing buyer” position than the interbank rate.

Fingaz

Jane Mlambo| ZBC reporter Judith Makwanya has died, the ministry of information, publicity and broadcasting services has officially announced.

Makwanya was admitted into a hospital on Monday with a medical emergency.

Government learns with sadness of the untimely passing on of Diplomatic Correspondent Ms Judith Makwanya. Judith served her country with distinction and was one of the journalists placed on the sanctions list which became a Roll of Honour for Patriots. May Her Soul Rest in Peace

— Ministry of Information, Publicity & Broadcasting (@InfoMinZW) March 12, 2019

THE Zimbabwean government has pleaded with South Africa to help revive its collapsing economy to avoid a contagion effect.

Addressing a ministerial meeting of the third session of the Zimbabwe-South Africa Bi-National Commission (BNC) in Harare yesterday, Foreign Affairs and International Trade minister Sibusiso Moyo said a weaker Zimbabwe was a threat to South Africa’s economy.

“A stronger Zimbabwe is one that is capacitated to effectively partner South Africa in shouldering the burden of leading the southern African development region towards prosperity. It is for this reason that the Republic of South Africa, should find it in its interest to create an environment and conditions that stimulate a quick turnaround of Zimbabwe’s economy,” Moyo said.

The ministerial meeting was a precursor to today’s BNC Heads of States summit between President Emmerson Mnangagwa and his South African counterpart, Cyril Ramaphosa who jetted into Harare last night.

Zimbabwe last month held a similar indaba with Botswana and Harare took its investment plea to Gaborone, with the neighbouring country pledging a $95 million business support package.

Moyo said once Zimbabwe’s economy starts to function well, South Africa would be the biggest winner.

“Furthermore, it goes without saying that a stronger Zimbabwe offers an expanded market for South African manufactured products,” Moyo said.

The minister said SA investors could make use of special economic zones (SEZs) that offer free importation of capital equipment and tax variables in Zimbabwe.

“I am inviting South African businesses to take advantage of the varied incentives provided for by SEZs in Zimbabwe. These zones offer incentives that include, among others, duty-free importation of capital equipment and tax variables. The SEZs that we aim to set up in Zimbabwe’s 10 provinces offer opportunities to create cross-border value tax through partnerships between Zimbabwean companies and South African investors in areas that include mining and engineering, leather, textile and clothing,” he said.

“A prosperous Zimbabwe makes for a prosperous South Africa and vice-versa. As we continue to break new ground within the framework of our bilateral co-operation, I am delighted to note that we have registered tangible progress delivered from our agreements and memorandum of understanding (MOUs) which forms building blocks of our Bi-National Commission.”

Moyo said trade was the major driver for growth.

“Delivering concrete results for the benefit of our people and countries remains our paramount objective bestowed upon us by our leaders and by history. Trade is the major driver for the growth of our two economies. For that reason it has become a major focus of co-operation between our countries,” Moyo said.

The ministerial indaba was co-chaired by South Africa International Relations minister Lindiwe Sisulu, who said her country was ready to support Zimbabwe economically and was eager to fulfil all MOUs that were signed since 2015 when the BNC was launched.

NewsDay

Reserve Bank of Zimbabwe (RBZ) governor John Mangudya yesterday denied that the central bank was involved in any quasi-fiscal activities and called out Finance minister Mthuli Ncube and parliamentary committees for not understanding the issues involved.

Mangudya made the remarks when he appeared before a joint meeting of Public Accounts and the Finance committees to discuss the legal basis for the RBZ undertaking quasi-fiscal activities and how the amounts were used in financing fuel procurement and other commodities. He told the legislators that they, along with Ncube, do not understand the term “quasi-fiscal activities” and that they need a workshop to unpack it.

Bikita West MP Elias Musakwa (Zanu PF) asked Mangudya to explain how the RBZ acquired loans amounting to almost $1 billion and how much money was channelled to public sector investment programmes, recurrent expenditure and stimulus programmes.

“I do not think your question is relevant at this moment because those are not quasi-fiscal activities,” Mangudya said, adding that the apex bank had not carried any quasi-fiscal activities since 2014.

“Quasi-fiscal activities at the RBZ do not exist and it is important for Zimbabweans to know the truth, and what RBZ used to do when we bought tractors, generators and baccossi – those were quasi-fiscal activities and so do not confuse those with what is happening now and people should not abuse the RBZ by confusing those with what is happening now. They were taken over by the RBZ Debt Assumption Act.”

Tendai Biti (MDC Alliance), however, pressed Mangudya further by rephrasing Musakwa’s question saying: “In your Monetary Policy Statement of February, you said there were certain things that were going to carry on using the old system, and you said the bank, through the foreign currency committee will continue to supply foreign currency for fuel, wheat and 14 other products, and in our definition these fall under quasi-fiscal activities.”

Biti pointed out that the RBZ has no mandate to give money to fuel players, Zesa and others because these were essentially activities of central government; and also in terms of section 6 of the RBZ Act the bank’s functions were only to regulate the country’s monetary system, achieve and maintain the stability of the Zimbabwe dollar, and to act as banker and financial adviser to government and economic stability, among others.

But Mangudya insisted that the MPs had a wrong definition of quasi-fiscal activities.

“It is a wrong definition. Quasi-fiscal activities are activities done by the central bank and any other bank at below the market price. We need to use an international definition so that Parliament does not have its own definition. This economy is going through difficult times. There is no one in this country who can borrow funds to help Zimbabwe. So these are just foreign names. Zimbabwe is a step child in a family of nations and it is difficult to deal with a step child so that it does not have kwashiorkor and die.

“My core business is in section 49 of the RBZ Act, to ensure there is foreign currency. When I give money for fuel, it is only called a foreign allocation. I think as MPs you need a workshop with RBZ on what are quasi-fiscal activities,” Mangudya said.

Biti then asked him to explain why Ncube, in his 2019 budget statement mentioned that the RBZ was engaging in quasi-fiscal activities and was going to ensure that they are liquidated.

“I think Ncube was misinformed on that point because I asked him to give me three or one quasi-fiscal activity I was engaging in and he could not. That’s a wrong definition that the minister was using and he also needs a workshop on that. Do not use Zimbabwean language on that,” Mangudya said. Biti then ordered Mangudya to give Parliament a document detailing how much he paid in what he termed “foreign allocations” and not quasi-fiscal activities.

NewsDay

By Own Correspondent- The renewal of sanctions against Zimbabwe by the West recently is an angry reaction to the rejection of their preferred candidate, MDC Alliance leader Advocate Nelson Chamisa, a Zanu Pf Central Committee has claimed

Zanu PF Central Committee member Clemence Makwarimba said the renewal of the illegal sanctions against the country is a bitter reaction to President Mnangagwa’s victory.

Makwarimba said the road to economic recovery after years of being on the decline will be painful but President Mnangagwa is determined to succeed.-StateMedia

FINANCE and Economic Development Minister, Professor Mthuli Ncube, says the country’s financial situation is improving positively with the newly introduced RTGS dollar set to gain more value on the back of ongoing fiscal reforms and control of money supply into the market.

In an interview with United States’ National Public Radio (NPR) during his recent trip to Washington, Prof Ncube said Government’s transformative reform drive was slowly pulling the economy back to stability.

“The situation is improving, but improving slowly. But it will improve faster as we go along,” said the minister.

“I am hopeful we will see this through. Zimbabwe will be normal again. We’ll turn it around.”

Asked about the public confidence factor on the new RTGS dollar and the need to tame inflation, which had spiralled into double digits, he said prudent macro-economic management and capacity exhibited by President Mnangagwa’s new dispensation would yield the desired confidence and focus, which was absent in the past.

“That has changed since four months ago since we came in. We are running a budget surplus. We are containing the growth of money supply. We’re determined to give value to the currency that we’ve launched and want people to believe in us. We’re determined to make this right,” said Prof Ncube.

The latest progress report on reforms issued by Treasury already shows that Government has scored major milestones in containing fiscal deficit and broadening revenue base through curbing leakages and expenditure containment. The target this year is to reduce budget deficit from about 12 percent of GDP in 2018 to five percent. Inflation is also expected to slow down to single digit benefiting from the fiscal consolidation measures and containment of money supply growth to below 10 percent by year end, says Treasury.

“These are being complemented by the recent Monetary Policy Statement, which introduced interbank foreign currency exchange and separate FCA accounts and RTGS accounts. These have set the tone for the implementation of currency reforms.

The minister said President Mnangagwa’s “Zimbabwe is open for business”, was genuine and was being expressed in the ongoing reforms meant to create a favourable investment climate and an inclusive economic growth.

He said the recent violent protests that resulted in wanton destruction of property and looting of businesses were regrettable, and exposed institutional gaps reminiscent of the old regime as the intensity of protests overwhelmed the enforcement — law enforcement agents. He, however, commended President Mnangagwa for coming out very strongly and clear in condemning violence from both sides.

State Media

Zimbabwean engineers maintaining aircraft in Malaysia went for months without being paid their travel and subsistence allowances after former Air Zimbabwe chief operating officer, and later chief executive of the controversial Zimbabwe Airways, Mr Simba Chikore, diverted funds meant to pay them for his personal use.

This is contained in revelations obtained by The Herald which highlight how former president Robert Mugabe’s son-in-law abused his family ties to corrupt people – including Government officials – and processes while he ran the show between 2016 and 2017.

Among a slew of allegations pointing to malfeasance published in our issue yesterday, there are reports suggesting personal dishonesty that saw Mr Chikore pocketing money meant to pay health insurance for workers, while in another case he withheld payments of allowances to staff.

This is despite that he would have got the funds – amounting to over US$50 000 – from the Reserve Bank of Zimbabwe. As of November 2017, the draw-downs from RBZ amounted to  US$51 840 with more requested for December and January, documents in our posession show.

“Engineer Martin Gwafa, Simba Mironga and Lawrence Mashoko were the engineers that had been maintaining the aircraft in Malaysia from June 2017 to April 2018,” explained the source.

“They were employees of Air Zimbabwe but Air Zimbabwe stopped paying their salaries as of December 2017 citing absence from work for a period without reporting for duty.

“The crew were maintained by a monthly travel and subsistence allowance of US$288 per day from Zimbabwe Airways. Since they were no longer receiving a salary from Air Zimbabwe, the crew depended heavily on this monthly allocation,” said the source.

The RBZ would release the money in hard currency, which would then be handed over to the spouses of the staff, who in turn would wire the funds to the workers.

However, Mr Chikore reportedly pocketed the money on occasions and contriving excuses, leaving the workers marooned in Malaysia. The source said some of the funds were used to pay per diems for a certain minister and his aide.

“This was irregular as the per diems for the ministry had to be done through Cabinet authority,” the source said.

Another source corroborated prejudice of the Malaysia-based workers. “They were told that it was top secret and that they were bound by the Official Secrets Act,” he said.

“They were afraid and would not even approach our embassy in Malaysia for help.”

The Herald understands that investigations into the shady deals involving Mr Chikore and the Zimbabwe Airways imbroglio are underway with dockets being prepared for prosecution, after being stalled at the Zimbabwe Anti-Corruption Commission whose top leadership was forced out recently to give President Mnangagwa’s anti-corruption campaign a fresh impetus.

The Special Anti-Corruption Unit (Sacu) is also keen to finalise the matter.

“The whole deal involving the acquisition of planes from Malaysia and the Embraer planes that you wrote about will be examined, including going to ascertain with the government of Malaysia about the nature of the deals,” said a source at Sacu.

There are fears that the price of the planes bought from Malaysia and the United States – four Boeing 777-200ER and six Embraer-145 respectively – could have been inflated.

Further, according to those with knowledge of the deals, the aircraft could still have been used elsewhere after the purchase by Zimbabwe, thereby prejudicing the country of large amounts of money.

At the weekend, Minister of Transport and Infrastructural Development Joel Biggie Matiza said that Government was regularising acquisition of the planes.

“The Embraer is on its way, as we speak and will arrive in the next two weeks,” he said.

“Government has also authorised payments of the outstanding amounts,” he added.

Last month, Cabinet approved the regularisation of the acquisition of aircraft bought from Malaysia and make outstanding payments for the Embraer planes acquired in the US to be brought to Zimbabwe.

By Own Correspondent- Zimbabwe has been ranked number 83 in the world according to the 2019 Military Strength Ranking compiled by Global fire Power, which is the trusted source of military rankings worldwide.

Zimbabwe ranks 13th on the African continent in terms of the military mighty, behind countries such as South Africa, Angola and Zambia.

The ranking uses 55 different factors including the number and diversity of weapons.

Other factors which are considered included: location, natural resources, local industry. financial stability, but not the current political leadership.

According to the report, Zimbabwe’s firepower is structured as follows:

• 30 000 active personnel;
• 0 reserve personnel;
• 5 584 086 manpower at its disposal;
• 3 182 989 people fit-for-service;
• 308 744 citizens reach the eligible age to serve annually;
• 10 aircraft fighters;
• 7 attack aircraft;
• 14 transport aircraft;
• 46 trainer aircraft;
• 42 combat tanks;
• 300 fighting armoured vehicles;
• 0 self-propelled artillery;
• 65 towed artillery;
• 22 rocket projectors;
• 0 frigates;
• 0 submarines;
• 0 patrol vessels; and
• 0 mine warfare vessels.

The top 15 armies in Africa are (bracket value is world ranking):

1) Egypt (12);

2) Algeria (27);

3) South Africa (32);

4) Nigeria (44);

5) Ethiopia (47);

6) Angola (57);

7) Morocco (60);

8) Sudan (69);

9) DR Congo (72);

10) Libya (77);

11) Zambia (78);

12) Tunisia (80);

13) Zimbabwe (83);

14) Kenya (86); and

15) Uganda (93).

By Own Correspondent- WhatsApp has taken the drastic step to eliminate the use of third-party apps like WhatsApp Plus and GB WhatsApp (modded apps).

WhatsApp has already started to ban users that are using 3rd party applications like GBWhatsApp, WhatsApp Plus and YOWhatsApp on their Android devices.

A statement released by the instant messenger app on its website reads says:

“If you received an in-app message stating your account is “Temporarily banned” this means that you’re likely using an unsupported version of WhatsApp instead of the official WhatsApp app. If this is the case, you must download the official app to continue using WhatsApp.

Unsupported apps, such as WhatsApp Plus and GB WhatsApp, are altered versions of WhatsApp. These unofficial apps are developed by third parties and violate our Terms of Service. WhatsApp doesn’t support these third-party apps because we can’t validate their security practices.”

The other WhatsApp versions such as GBWhatsApp are popular with users because they have plenty of features that are still missing from the real WhatsApp.

In an attempt to fill that gap, developers started creating modded versions of WhatsApp that went above and beyond to make sure users get the features that aren’t present in the actual app.

However, these ‘fake’ WhatsApps pose a significant threat to WhatsApp and to the users as well in terms of privacy and security.

By Own Correspondent- The Zanu-PF Youth League is not happy with the sentiments expressed by the Finance and Economic Development Minister, Professor Mthuli Ncube over the removal of the indigenisation law.

In an interview with Bloomberg Television, Ncube said that Zimbabwe is in the process of removing the indigenisation law which is discouraging foreign direct investment.

Zanu-PF youth League Commissar Godfrey Tsenengamu however respondent to the statements by Ncube and said that the 51/49% ownership remains for platinum and diamonds miners.

In an interview with a local online publication, Tsenengamu said:

“The President came out and said 51/49 remains for minerals like Platinum and Diamond and now the Finance Minister comes out saying they are scrapping it out completely to give 100% ownership to foreigners.

What is it we are driving at as a country? What has informed that decision by the Finance Minister? What has happened to the declaration by the President which the Finance Minister seems to be overturning?

… The President saw reason in partially reserving that sector for the indigenous as this would ensure the empowerment and economic emancipation of the previously disadvantaged but what’s surprising today is how the Finance Minister can just change that today.

The world over especially in the West there is no foreigner with 100% ownership over strategic sectors especially critical minerals like diamonds and am not sure what’s motivating the Finance Minister to declare that.

… Are we that desperate that we can choose to dis-empower ourselves in order to satisfy foreigners who will create jobs yes but which jobs will never make us rich? We will remain poor but employed when we continue giving away our resources in this manner.”

By Own Correspondent- Opposition MDC National Spokesperson Jacob Mafume has dismissed as false reports alleging that party president Nelson Chamisa is set to meet former President Robert Mugabe in the next few days.

In an interview with a local radio station on Monday night, Mafume said that there is no scheduled meeting between his party’s leader and deposed Zanu Pf leader Mugabe in the near future.

Mafume, however, left room for a meeting between the two in the future. He said that there is a lot to learn from Mugabe some of which include what to do to avoid abusing human rights and also how to manage a leadership succession.

He also spoke at length on the status of the MDC as a coalition of other political parties revealing that the Alliance was an electoral pact and the party remains the Movement for Democratic Change (MDC).

Farai Dziva|MDC A deputy chairperson Tendai Biti has described as futile, attempts by Emmerson Mnangagwa to use shadowy Public Relations tactics to conceal his tainted political record.

“The truth is this is a murderous regime that has committed crimes against humanity including rape , murder and torture .

No amount of spin or lies can ever chlorinate the bandits masquerading as rulers in Zim. The truth is you can’t put lip stick on a crocodile,” tweeted Biti.

“The regime cannot supply drugs in hospitals, it cannot deal with cholera, it cannot supply water to its citizens- yet it has the indecency of contracting a US lobby firm #BrianBallard to wash its dirty linen in the USA. An absolute embarrassment,” added Biti.

The Zanu-PF Youth League has clashed with Finance and Economic Development Minister, Professor Mthuli Ncube over his recent pronouncement that government is reversing the indigenisation policy to allow foreign entities full ownership of their investments.

This latest development shows the deep-seated problems that the “technocrats” hired by President Emmerson Mnangagwa face in executing their duties in a government where the majority of the hardliners from the Robert Mugabe era are still in control of the party and government.

In an interview with Bloomberg Television last week, Ncube said they are removing the indigenization policy which he said was discouraging foreign direct investment into the country.

“We are removing that indigenization rule, which is discouraging foreign direct investment,” Ncube said in an interview with Bloomberg Television in Washington.

“We say Zimbabwe is open for business; you can only be open if you allow ownership of 100 percent,” added Ncube.

However, Zanu-PF youth League Commissar Godfrey Tsenengamu told 263Chat that the move is against a declaration by President Emmerson Mnangagwa that the 51/49% ownership remains for platinum and diamonds miners.

“The President came out and said 51/49 remains for minerals like Platinum and Diamond and now the Finance Minister comes out saying they are scrapping it out completely to give 100% ownership to foreigners.

ZANU-PF Youth league political commissar, Godfrey Tsenengamu was not amused.

“What is it we are driving at as a country? What has informed that decision by the Finance Minister? What has happened to the declaration by the President which the Finance Minister seems to be overturning?” Tsenengamu said.

Zimbabwe holds the world’s second-largest known reserves of platinum-group metals after South Africa, plus substantial deposits of gold, diamonds, lithium, iron ore, coal, chrome and nickel.

The changes to the ownership rules would need to be ratified by parliament.

However, Tsenengamu argued that 51/49 percent on Platinum and Diamonds was not responsible for driving away investors but policy inconsistency.

“The President saw reason in partially reserving that sector for the indigenous as this would ensure the empowerment and economic emancipation of the previously disadvantaged but what’s surprising today is how the Finance Minister can just change that today.

“The world over especially in the West there is no foreigner with 100% ownership over strategic sectors especially critical minerals like diamonds and am not sure what’s motivating the Finance Minister to declare that,” he noted.

Tsenengamu expressed worry that Mthuli Ncube could be very desperate for investors and in the process dis-empowering locals.

“Are we that desperate that we can choose to dis-empower ourselves in order to satisfy foreigners who will create jobs yes but which jobs will never make us rich. We will remain poor but employed when we continue giving away our resources in this manner,” noted Tsenengamu.

However, other colleagues of the ZANU-PF Youth League boss called him to order, reminding him that even with the existing percentages under Mugabe, the country benefited nothing.

By Own Correspondent- South African President, Cyril Ramaphosa has arrived in the country ahead of the official opening of the third session of the Zimbabwe-South Africa Bi-National Commission (BNC) set for tomorrow.

He was met at the Robert Mugabe International Airport by his counterpart, President Emmerson Mnangagwa and his two Vice Presidents Constantino Chiwenga and Kembo Mohadi and other senior government officials.

The Ministry of Information, Publicity and Broadcasting Services confirmed that President Mnangagwa will host a banquet in honour of President Ramaphosa this evening.

The BNC opened in Harare this morning with a meeting of senior officials which called for vigorous implementation of bilateral agreements between the two countries.

Zimbabwe’s Foreign Affairs and International Trade Secretary Ambassador James Manzou and his counterpart, South African Director-General of the Department of International Relations and Cooperation Kgabo Mahoai officially opened the meeting.

The BNC is the highest bilateral framework of co-operation between Zimbabwe and South Africa and the second session of the BNC between the two countries was last convened in South Africa in October 2017.-StateMedia

https://youtu.be/0X-_dUTgLI4

Tempers rose during an MDC Alliance rally at Chisamba Grounds in Mutare over the weekend when the party’s supporters heckled secretary-general Douglas Mwonzora resulting in president Nelson Chamisa threatening to walk out of the gathering unless Mwonzora was allowed to speak.

This was after supporters sympathetic to the youthful leader heckled and booed Mwonzora as he took to the podium to address the rally.

Mwonzora has thrown his name in the hat and will be challenging Chamisa’s MDC Alliance presidency at the party’s crucial congress in May.

It was, however, clear from the onset of the rally that Mwonzora could have a torrid time as almost all high ranking MDC Alliance leaders who spoke seemed to accuse him of being Zanu PF by challenging Chamisa.

https://youtu.be/0X-_dUTgLI4

Dangamvura-Chikanga MP and MDC chief whip Prosper Mutseyami had set the tone of the rally by declaring that a caucus by all sitting MPs and senators backed Chamisa’s presidency beyond congress. Organising secretary Amos Chibaya who was directing proceedings also hammered home on the need for the party to maintain its momentum by retaining their young leader declaring that any thoughts of changing their leader was a Zanu PF agenda.

Youth Assembly leader Happison “General Bvondo” Chidziwa pronounced his position saying as young people they would support one of their own for the party’s presidency.

Lynette Karenyi-Kore, the women’s assembly leader also rose to add her voice to the endorsement of Chamisa’s continued leadership of the party beyond congress before it was Mwonzora’s turn to take to the podium.

Not to be outdone, Tendai Biti would also go on to declare that there was no need to change commanders in the middle of a war.

So by the time Mwonzora came to the podium, all anger was focused on him as he rose to deafening booing forcing Chamisa to rush to the stage and threatening to return without addressing the rally if they would not allow the party secretary-general to address them.

Chamisa told the rally he understood emotions were running high due to the impending congress but bemoaned what he termed Zanu PF culture in which it is a taboo for the presidency to be openly challenged.

“MDC people follow MDC culture… our secretary-general shall speak after that we will proceed with our programme otherwise; I’ll not address the rally myself,” Chamisa said before chiding a group of supporters who were already raising placards denouncing Mwonzora.

“Put down the placards, this is not the time,” he said.

“I know its congress time… I know you’re used to Zanu PF culture that says the leader should not be contested. I’ve heard what you said that you don’t change a commander during war but we want people to determine their leaders. I’ll have to allow those who want to contest to do so… He who contests me is the one who strengthens me,” Chamisa said.

He said he knew that when the party openly shows division it would be because of positions.
“I know that if it’s like this in Manicaland there will be positions being sought,” the MDC leader said.

Mwonzora on his part went on to deliver a speech in which he applauded the province’s exploits in the past election before declaring his vision for a united party.

“I want this MDC to be a united party, I want this MDC to be a party that chooses, I want this MDC to be a tolerant and democratic party. I want this MDC as secretary-general to be a disciplined party,” Mwonzora said in an emotional delivery. — DailyNews

ZORA music maestro Leonard Karikoga Zhakata’s show at Specimen in Glen Norah over the weekend reportedly attracted a paltry crowd of only 20 people.

The show failed to kick off on time as there were very few people at the venue, and the delay was mean to crank up the numbers, but people still would not show up.

A reveller who tried to negotiate for a discounted entry fee with the bouncers was heard saying:

“Handisi kuda kumbogara mukati umu ini, ndiri kuda kungonzwa hangu Madam Boss ndodzoka zvangu paden (I’m not here for the whole show, I just want to see him perform Madam Boss then I go back home).”

Zhataka took the airwaves by storm when he released his immortal song “Mugove” in the 1990s. His fame continued to soar for over a decade with songs such as Gomba Remarara, Upenyu Mutoro and Pane Ziya Pane Dovi.

However, the Mugove hitmaker’s fortunes nosedived when he released ‘Mubikira’ which resulted in the censorship of his music by ZBC.

— 263chat

The Postal and Telecommunication Regulatory Authority (Potraz) has started consulting cellular service providers on tariff increases after the Reserve Bank of Zimbabwe floated the exchange rate last month.

Potraz customer service’s manager Mr Phibion Chaibva told journalists on the side lines of the authority’ outreach programme at Chinotimba Shopping Centre in Victoria Falls on Saturday that while he was not privy to the increases proposed by cellphone service providers, he was aware that consultations were underway.

He said that the authority was going to decide on the increases using costs submitted by service providers.

“What I know is Potraz’s approval of tariffs is cost based. Our regulations say it should be supported by documents of what it costs providers to provide their service and their mark up,” he said.

The review in tariff comes as the cost of goods and services has been going up. Mr Chaibva said as an authority they were keen to ensure that subscribers get the best service and value from providers. He said the most common complaint that they have been getting during their road show was that of subscribers losing their credit without making a call. He said some of the issues pertained to lack of communication on billing.

“Service providers should continuously engage their clients on billing so that they will make the right decision on their spending patterns,” he said.

Mr Chaibva also said their roadshows were also targeting children to raise awareness of dos and don’ts when using the internet.

“We are saying that the internet is good and children should access it but parents have a duty to monitor the sites that their children visit and the people they engage because some of them are very dangerous. The child might assume that he or she is talking or communicating with another child yet it’s someone who wants to harm them,” he said.

In terms of uptake, he said the country’s mobile penetration was at 94 percent.

“Our market uptake is almost mature. We are nearly there almost everyone is connected,” he said.

— State Media

By Own Correspondent| The government of Zimbabwe on Monday advised citizens to check the model of Boeing aircraft before checking in for their flights.

Writing on microblogging site Twitter, Deputy Minister for Information, Energy Mutodi said:

“While investigations around the plane crash involving Indonesian and Ethiopian planes are continuing, we would like to advise Zimbabwean citizens that we have classified the American-built Boeing 737-Max8 as an unsafe aircraft due to its malfunctioning auto-pilot software.

A combination of malfunctioning sensors, an unfamiliar auto-diving software and inability to resist aerodynamic roughness in the lower atmosphere make the American Boeing 737-Max8 prone to take-off and landing accidents. Always check the flight model before check in.”

Mutodi’s warning comes after a Boeing 737-Max8 came down on Sunday morning soon after takeoff from Nairobi Kenya.

The plane crash killed all 157 people on board.

Farai Dziva| MDC A secretary-general Douglas Mwonzora has been issued with a warrant of arrest.

The politician failed to appear in court for trial in a case in which he is facing charges of negligent driving.

According to court documents, Mwonzora’s trial was expected to start last Thursday but he was nowhere to be seen- resulting in him being issued with an arrest warrant.

Mwonzora was involved in a car accident on May 27 last year long Tynwald Road in Harare.
He bumped into another car as he was reversing his Toyota Land Cruiser at the intersection of Kirkman Drive and Tynwald Road.
The damaged car, also a Toyota Land Cruiser was being driven by one Onsmo Muzhingi.
Mwonzora is also being charged with failure to insure a motor vehicle.

11/03/2019
20:00
HE President Mnangagwa is hosting a banquet in honor of HE President Ramaphosa

— Ministry of Information, Publicity & Broadcasting (@InfoMinZW) March 11, 2019

Farai Dziva| MDC A spokesperson Jacob Mafume has been released by the police after a rigorous interrogation process, party sources have said.

Mafume was freed without any charges after police indicated they would call his lawyer Advocate Bhatasara if they intend to press formal charges against him.

Earlier today, MDC deputy national spokesperson Bekithemba Mpofu indicated that Mafume was confined at ZRP Law and Order section in the company of his attorney Advocate Bhatasara of Zimbabwe Lawyers for Human Rights.

Several MDC A councillors and MPs have been arrested since the beginning of the year.

MDC National Spokesperson Councillor Jacob Mafume has been released without charge with police indicating they would call his lawyer Advocate Tonderai Bhatasara if they intend to press any charges.

More to follow…

Own Correspondent|The Zimbabwe Lawyers for Human Rights (ZLHR) reports that said that a 32-year-old man is facing prosecution after he was arrested and charged with undermining the authority of or insulting President Emmerson Mnangagwa after he allegedly told a colleague wearing a ZANU PF party T-shirt that he does not like the picture of the person on it.

In Zimbabwe, a 32 year-old man is facing prosecution after he was arrested&charged with undermining authority of or insulting President Emmerson Mnangagwa after he allegedly told a colleague wearing a ZANU PF party T-shirt that he doesn't like the picture of the person on it.

— ZLHR (@ZLHRLawyers) March 11, 2019

Farai Gwaza from Dindi villange under Chief Chitsungo in Pfungwe, Mashonaland East province, will have his day in court for the “crime”.

Pfungwe is a ZANU-PF stronghold, with the ruling party scooping victory after victory in successive local ward and national elections.

Farai Dziva|The MDC A Youth Assembly has strongly condemned the arrest of party spokesperson Jacob Mafume today.

MDC A Youth Assembly official Arnold Batirai Dube has confirmed the incident.

See Dube’ s statement below:

The MDC A Youth Assembly strongly condemns the unjustifiable arrest of MDC A spokesman Councillor Jacob Mafume.

This shows a systematic pattern of victimisation of MDC A members by Zanu PF through abusing the police and justice system to settle political scores with citizens who are not happy with the ongoing culture of poor governance, economic rot, corruption and gross violation of human rights.

As MDC A youths, we are demanding the immediate and unconditional release of Mr Mafume and all other prisoners of conscience.

It is mind- boggling to note that Zanu PF is speaking of national dialogue yet it is using state apparatus to victimize citizens.

FreeJacobMafume

Cllr Arnold Batirai Dube
MDC A Youth Assembly national executive member
+263778165528

Correspondent|MDC Alliance spokesperson Jacob Mafume has been arrested. Mafume is currently detained by police at Harare Central Law and Order Section.

Party officials say the police are indicating that they will prefer treason charges against him.

Former MDC legislator and Minister of Education David Coltart says that Mafume’s arrest shows that the country is back to the 1980s when ZANU PF systematically detained ZAPU MPs in an attempt to crush that party.

A number of MDC Alliance officials have been arrested and charged with offences ranging from criminal nuisance to treason.

This follows the violent protests in January against a sharp spike in fuel prices. the State accuses opposition officials of encouraging banditry under the guise of peaceful demonstrations.

Property worth millions of dollars was lost during the protests, while as many as 17 people lost their lives.

Farai Dziva|MDC A leader is the most influential and powerful politician in the country, argues political observer Edson Musarurwa.

See Musarurwa’ s argument below: Emmerson
Mnangagwa rigged the election, Nelson Chamisa disputed the results and the Constitutional Court dismissed the case.

Mnangagwa was then declared President . Now he is the President and he is in charge of the army, police, the judiciary and other powerful service organs.

Surprisingly he is still crying for recognition from Chamisa.

My question is if he is the duly elected President why is he literally crying for endorsement from Chamisa? Is this not a way of indirectly admitting that Chamisa is the most powerful man in the land at the moment?