GOVERNMENT has approved 37 investors who have shown interest to produce cannabis (mbanje or dagga) for medicinal or scientific purposes.

This follows last year’s decision by Government to legalise cannabis production.

Lands, Agriculture, Water, Climate and Rural Resettlement Deputy Minister Vangelis Haritatos said Government was overwhelmed by applications after more than 200 foreign and local investors showed interest to venture into production of cannabis in the country.

The Deputy Minister said this while addressing chief executives at the 6th Africa Round Table forum recently.

He said Government is now working on licensing the selected investors in line with Statutory Instrument 62 of 2018 (Dangerous Drugs – Production of Cannabis for Medicinal and Scientific use Regulations).

“In the last few months, more than 200 local and foreign companies have shown interest in venturing into medical cannabis production. Cabinet has approved about 37 of them and they will be issued with licences. For now we are in the process of registering them,” said Deputy Minister Haritatos.

He said the investors would be issued with 12-month long licences pending renewal. Deputy Minister Haritatos said Government will strongly guard against illicit dealings in cannabis.

He said the global cannabis business is worth $24 billion per year.

The Deputy Minister said his Ministry would be working closely with the Ministry of Health and Child Care in production of medicinal cannabis, in partnership with investors.

Deputy Minister Haritatos highlighted that the industry was facing teething problems in rolling out cannabis production as they feel it will encourage abuse of drugs such as mbanje.

“Let’s give investors a chance. There is a lot of excitement which will bring a lot of investment and help people produce oils for cancer and other medicinal purposes,” he said.

There is strong evidence of cannabis medicinal benefits in the treatment of nausea and vomiting associated with cancer chemotherapy, neuropathic pain, spasticity in multiple sclerosis and spinal cord injury, among others.

By Paul Nyathi|Government has officially announced the $1 – $2.50 RTGS as the official starting exchange rate of the Zimbabwean currency to the United States Dollar.

The official rate was announced by Reserve Bank of Zimbabwe governor John Magudya at a breakfast meeting with captains of industry on Friday morning in Harare.

“Since we are starting a new concept all import invoices have to be resubmitted to the banks to avoid distortions…the rate will open at $1:2,50 (RTGS) as per agreement with foreign currency dealers in the banks. Demand and supply will determine the rate going forward,” – RBZ governor John Mangudya said.

Banks immediately adopted the rate but there was no significant foreign currency business with the dollar as suppliers resisted the exchange rate while banks themselves did not have the U.S. dollars.

The parallel market meantime maintained at $1 – $4.00 RTGS Dollars. The rate is expected to start sky rocketing early next week when business adjusts to the new monetary policy.

Economists predict that the dollar will shoot up to $15 RTGS Dollars to the U.S. Dollar before stabilising.

President Emmerson Mnangagwa finds himself facing a tough choice in his selection of the new Harare Provincial Affairs minister.

Given his limited choices within Zanu-PF, the Zimbabwe we look at the most likely candidates for the post.

Omega Hungwe:

Former Dzvivarasekwa legislator and currently the Zanu-PF’s deputy national political commissar.

Her role in the party, given the aggressive restructuring of the new dispensation means she already has her plate full. Mnangagwa is likely to take this into consideration. The party’s national commissar Engelbert Rugeje has found the going tough and needs able support from Hungwe.

Tongai Mnangagwa:

Currently the Harare South Member of Parliament. He has the potential but the biggest challenge is that he is the president’s nephew. President Mnangagwa is likely keen to avoid any appearances of nepotism, especially given it was a major accusation against former President Robert Mugabe.

Cleveria Chizema:

Despite her blaming former President Mugabe for Zimbabwe’s current economic woes, it has been speculated that the Politburo member has close links to the Mugabe family and is possibly a relative. With this in mind Mnangagwa is likely to avoid her being appointed.

Miriam Chikukwa: (Pictured)

Former Minister of State for Harare Metropolitan Province, she is alleged to be a member of the G40 faction that opposed Mnangagwa during his time as vice-president. Chikukwa was also embarassingly booed at the party’s December congress in 2017 as party members demanded she be ousted from the party. Last year she was also rejected by Harare Province making her a most unlikely provincial minister.

Oliver Chidau:

Suceeding Tizirai Gwata, Chidau became Harare’s second black mayor from 1984 to 1988 and has been in the party structures for quite some time. Always out of controversy and media shy, Chidau, a Chartered Engineer, is a close Mnangagwa ally, currently a Zanu PF senator for Harare. Given his experience, Chidau is leading the pack to be the next Harare Metropolitan provincial affairs minister.

Morning Post

Farai Dziva|Government sources have claimed United Democratic Alliance leader Daniel Shumba yesterday unsuccessfully tried to disrupt the meeting that was attended by representatives of political parties that participated in the 2018 harmonised elections.

The sources claimed Shumba sought to disrupt the proceedings, before walking out of the meeting.

“He was playing some theatrics to seek attention and he later walked out of the meeting,” said the source. “It was clear from the beginning that he wanted to be a spoiler.”

Commenting on the decision by Shumba to walk out of the meeting, Presidential spokesperson George Charamba said: “It is his democratic right to walk away from progress.”

Zanu-PF secretary for Legal Affairs Munyaradzi Paul Mangwana and MDC-T vice president Obert Gutu claimed that they had a progressive meeting.

By Own Correspondent| The Zimbabwe Republic Police (ZRP) has announced a new recruitment policy.

According to the amended policy, potential police recruits are now required to be aged between 18- 22 years old and be in possession of a minimum of 5 Ordinary level passes which include Mathematics, English Language and Science attained in not more than two (2) sittings.

In a statement issued by Senior Assistant Commissioner Charity Charamba, those who were on a waiting list will no longer be considered for service.

Sai Charamba in a statement:

AMENDMENT OF ZRP RECRUITMENT POLICY

The Zimbabwe Republic Police is currently inundated with enquiries on recruitment and some false messages are even circulating on social media platforms purporting that the organisation will soon embark on a recruitment drive.

The police wishes therefore to advise members of the public and those who had conducted interviews and had been put on the waiting list that the recruitment policy has been amended with immediate effect.

Potential police recruits are now required to be aged between 18-22 years old and be in possession of a minimum of 5 Ordinary level passes which include Mathematics, English Language and Science attained in not more than two (2) sittings. In addition the applicants should have a good background with no criminal record and then go through the whole police internal selection process.

In light of this new recruitment policy, all police applicants on the waiting list have been dispensed with and will no longer be considered for any recruitment in the Zimbabwe Republic Police.

Members of the public are therefore advised that future recruitment exercises will be advertised in both the print and electronic media when the need arises. Potential applicants will thus be invited to contact relevant recruitment offices whenever there is a pending exercise.

Meanwhile the Zimbabwe Republic Police wishes to express appreciation and gratitude to all applicants who had shown an interest in the service and were on the waiting list.

By Own Correspondent| The Zimbabwe National Army has distanced itself from a statement alleging that the army is set to conduct home searches for stolen army uniforms

Army spokesperson Lieutenant Colonel Alphios Makotore said the ZNA had never issued a statement to that effect.

He said:

“That statement which is circulating is not authentic; it’s a false statement. Anything which comes from the ZNA has a signature to show that it came from us but that statement doesn’t have one.

Whoever circulated that fake statement about the ZNA searching stolen uniforms in residential areas is going to be charged because that’s a big crime and having an army uniform is a crime as well.”

By Own Correspondent| Denford Ngadziore, the MDC councilor for Ward 16 was on Friday acquitted by a Harare magistrate for public violence charges.

Ngadziore who is also opposition MDC -T Harare provincial youth secretary  was arrested for public violence during the January 14 2019 fuel protests which rocked Harare.

Said the Zimbabwe Lawyers for Human Rights (ZLHR):

“In Harare, magistrate Mashamba acquitted Denford Ngadziore, a Harare councilor who was arrested and charged with public violence.”

By Own Correspondent| The MDC National Council on Friday resolved to launch the Morgan Richard Tsvangirai School of ideology in honor of the party’s late founding father.

In resolutions released after a meeting of the party’s highest decision body, the National Council said the school is necessary to inculcate the ideals and principles of social democracy, smart leadership and to infuse a culture of good governance across all MDC leaders and members.

Read the resolution:

Council resolves to launch the Morgan Richard Tsvangirai School of ideology so as to inculcate the ideals and principles of social democracy, smart leadership and to infuse a culture of good governance across all strands of leadership and membership.

Zanu-PF has its own Herbert Chitepo School of Ideology

Efforts to find a lover on a local dating site have backfired for several women leading to loss of valuables.

Yesterday, police arrested a suspect, Micheal Tapfumaneyi in connection with attacks on several women he promised to marry before robing them.

Tapfumanyei was only arrested after a trap was set up with one of the police officers posing as his lover.

“He met one of the ladies here in Harare at Roadport where he offered to carry her bags.

“They met over the site and he told her he was going to introduce her to his relatives before he vanished into thin air at the bus terminal,” said a source.

Reports say Tapfumaneyi was posting his brief proposal on the popular dating site using different numbers.

One of the ladies who was scammed spoke to H-Metro and said she met Tapfumaneyi in Masvingo.

“He told me that he was interested in me and was ready to marry me.

“He travelled all the way from Harare to Masvingo and booked us into a lodge before stealing my cellphone and escaping during the night,” said the lady.

By STEVE HANKE|UNTIL February 20th, Zimbabwe produced a quasi-currency. It was dubbed a “Zollar.” On the 20th, the quasi-currency became Zimbabwe’s official currency. This new currency is called RTGS dollars and consists of bond notes and RTGS (electronic money).

The RTGS dollars possess legal tender status and will serve as the unit of account for the government’s books. The official exchange rate for Zollar quasi-currency had been set at a one-to-one rate with the U.S. dollar. But now, the RTGS dollar will trade at a managed floating exchange rate. The rate today is 2.50 per U.S. dollar, not par, as it used to be. So, Zimbabwe’s official exchange rate has experienced a maxi-devaluation of 60%.

That, however, is not the end of Zimbabwe’s exchange-rate story. Zimbabwe imposes a plethora of exchange and capital controls on its citizens. Under these exchange controls, private individuals, traders, and companies must seek permission from the government to buy, sell, and hold foreign currencies.

So, neither the old Zollar nor the new RTGS dollar is freely convertible into a foreign currency. In consequence, a black-market (read: free market) exists. Indeed, whenever there are exchange controls and restrictions on free convertibility, black markets always appear.

At present, the black-market rate is 5.75, which represents a considerable premium over the official rate of 2.50 RTGS$/USD.

The black-market usually yields a premium over the official rate, as it does Zimbabwe. In some cases, the premiums can reach staggering levels. For example, in 1982, Ghana’s cedi carried a premium of over 2,000%. These premiums are known as black-market premiums.

The black-market premium indicates, among other things, the severity of the controls and restrictions a country imposes on its citizens. In the case of Zimbabwe, the official currency devaluation caused the black-market premium to shrink from 456% to 130%, as the official rate moved from 1 RTGS$/USD to 2.50.

So, as of now, the markets deem that the introduction of the new currency and the maxi-devaluation have reduced the severity of controls that drive a wedge between the official and black-market exchange rate. Moreover, since the black-market premium on foreign exchange is an implicit tax on exports, the reduction in the premium means that the export tax resulting from exchange controls has been reduced.

The chart below contains 22 countries that have black markets in foreign exchange and for which data are available. North Korea tops the list with a black-market premium of 811%. This suggests that controls are severe and that an official devaluation will eventually be in the cards.

Venezuela is at the bottom of the list, with an unusual negative black-market premium. This negative premium suggests that market participants think the bolivar will appreciate relative to the greenback, and that individuals are willing to pay a premium to obtain bolivars on the black-market.

Just why do countries impose restrictions and controls on foreign exchange markets and restrict free convertibility? In most cases, controls are seen as a way to cool off hot money and conserve official foreign exchange reserves.

The pedigree of exchange controls can be traced back to Plato, the father of statism. Inspired by Lycurgus of Sparta, Plato embraced the idea of an inconvertible currency as a means to preserve the autonomy of the state from outside interference.

So, the temptation to turn to exchange controls in the face of disruptions caused by hot money flows is hardly new. In the modern era, Tsar Nicholas II was the first to pioneer limitations on convertibility.

In 1905, he ordered the State Bank of Russia to introduce a limited form of exchange control to discourage speculative purchases of foreign exchange. The bank did so by refusing to sell foreign exchange, except where it could be shown that it was required to buy imported goods.
Otherwise, foreign exchange was limited to 50,000 German marks per person. The Tsar’s rationale for exchange controls was that of limiting hot money flows, so that foreign reserves and the exchange rate could be maintained.

As we move to reflect on Zimbabwe, or any of the other countries in the Hanke Quarterly Black Market Review, we must lift a page from Nobel laureate Friedrich Hayek’s 1944 classic, The Road to Serfdom:

The extent of the control over all life that economic control confers is nowhere better illustrated than in the field of foreign exchanges. Nothing would at first seem to affect private life less than a state control of the dealings in foreign exchange, and most people will regard its introduction with complete indifference. Yet the experience of most Continental countries has taught thoughtful people to regard this step as the decisive advance on the path to totalitarianism and the suppression of individual liberty. It is, in fact, the complete delivery of the individual to the tyranny of the state, the final suppression of all means of escape — not merely for the rich but for everybody.”

Hayek’s message about convertibility has regrettably been overlooked by many contemporary economists. Exchange controls are nothing more than a ring fence within which governments can expropriate their subjects’ property. Open exchange and capital markets, in fact, protect the individual from exactions, because governments must reckon with the possibility of capital flight.

From this, it follows that the imposition of exchange controls leads to an instantaneous reduction in the wealth of the country, because all assets decline in value. To see why, it is important to understand how assets are priced.
The value of any asset is the sum of the expected future installments of income it generates discounted to the present value. For example, the price of a stock represents the value to the investor now of his share of the company’s future cash flows, whether issued as dividends or reinvested.

The present value of future income is calculated using an appropriate interest rate that is adjusted for the various risks that the income may not materialize.

When convertibility is restricted, risk increases, because property is held hostage and is subject to a potential ransom through expropriation. As a result, the risk-adjusted interest rate employed to value assets is higher than it would be with full convertibility. Investors are willing to pay less for each dollar of prospective income and the value of property is less than it would be with full convertibility.

President Emmerson Mnangagwa has proclaimed that Zimbabwe is “open for business.” This refrain rings hollow in the face of Zimbabwe’s exchange controls and its new currency, the RTGS dollar.
If Zimbabwe wants to be open for business and wants its own sound currency, it should adopt a currency board. That would make Zimbabwe’s currency a clone of the U.S. dollar, or some other suitable anchor, such as gold.

A currency board would mandate that exchange controls be thrown in the dustbin. Free convertibility would reign, and so would low inflation rates and higher asset valuations. The “open for business” sign would be the real deal.

Authored by Steve H. Hanke of the Johns Hopkins University. Follow him on Twitter @Steve_Hanke.

Correspondent|THE second session of the national dialogue with July 2018 presidential candidates at State House in Harare on Friday got off to a rocky start‚ with some candidates and their representatives walking out.

Some snubbed the event entirely for various reasons.

President Emmerson Mnangagwa‚ who did not attend the second session‚ set up the national dialogue to address the country’s socio-economic problems. The first meeting was on February 6‚ when four committees were set up.

The first committee was to focus on the institutional framework of the dialogue‚ while the second would deal with the agenda items for the dialogue. The third was going to determine the convenor of the dialogue‚ and the fourth would be responsible for monitoring and evaluating the implementation of the agreed issues.

But Daniel Shumba’s United Democratic Alliance (UDA) withdrew from the second meeting because they were “insincere‚ choreographed‚ and a highly compromised process”.

In a statement‚ the UDA said: “We disagree with the process‚ purpose‚ issues and level of engagement. Clearly‚ no outcomes can be expected from this facade. The process starts with a predetermined agenda even before agreeing on the moderator‚ issues‚ or milestones. It’s inconsequential and of no effect.”

Noah Manyika’s Build Zimbabwe Alliance (BZA) also did not attend the second session‚ which the party said must produce a democratic‚ competent and integral governance outcome if done sincerely.

Manyika (pictured) argued that the continued absence of the MDC Alliance – the biggest opposition party in the country – had had negative effect on the whole process.

“It is my position that any dialogue that does not include the MDC Alliance and other critical stakeholders will not pass the credibility test locally and globally‚” he said.

With the meeting under way‚ deputy minister of information‚ publicity and broadcasting services Energy Mutodi claimed everything was smooth sailing without the MDC Alliance in attendance.

“Today representatives of various political parties established committees to facilitate national dialogue. The national dialogue will go on without MDC Alliance who have refused to accept defeat in last July’s elections‚” Mutodi said.

The MDC Alliance snubbed the dialogue from the onset because the party refuses to recognise President Mnangagwa as a legitimate leader‚ branding the dialogue as a huge farce. Another presidential candidate‚ Joice Mujuru of the National People’s Party (NPP)‚ ridiculed the gathering as a “photo moment”.

Sources said the dialogue has seen the emergence of three camps with various interests. There are some that are pro Zanu PF‚ some who seek relevance by being close to the system and those that feel the committee is already failing to address the real needs of the electorate.

— Sowetan

Correspondent|Norton Member of Parliament Temba Mliswa has alleged that there is a cartel of politicians who are behind the illegal mining activities that led to the death of miners recently in Mashonaland West.

Mliswa says during his term as Provincial Chairperson he tried to fight the cartel.

Mliswa further appealed to the Zimbabwe Republic Police to question the surviving miners in the Battlefields national disaster on where ther=y were taking the gold to and who brought them to the minefields.

Find Mliswa’s full statement below:

Looking back at the Battlefields mine disaster, people mustn’t lose focus. Why aren’t the politicians involved giving us answers? Minister Chitando needs to tell us why people were allowed to continue working on a mine illegally.

Environment Management Agency and the Ministry of Environment where were you and were the requisite laws and compliances effected? Will you ever answer or is it that everyone is involved in the rotandgold smuggling? When so many deaths occur, shouldn’t heads roll?

Eldorado Mine is another mine in the same province that the same has happened and we hear that the illegal makorokoza were brought in through ZANU-PF so who are the ZANUPF politicians behind this in Mashonaland West? As Provincial Chairperson  Ziyambi Ziyambi must answer.

As Minister of Justice, it would appear he’s giving protection to people like Musengi and Nduna. These are syndicates I’m aware of during my tenure as Provincial  Chairperson and always fought hard against.

Artisanal miners should be the ones empowered but not for them to be exploited by politicians

The only reason politicians want artisanal mining to continue is so that they can exploit the hapless miners. Why isn’t anyone asking the surviving miners who put them there, where were they taking the gold and is it there place legally? Those are the key questions the police should be asking.

If the survivors aren’t apprehended for their illegal mining then we’re supporting the system. Henrietta Rushwaya, President of the Zimbabwe Miners Federation is well versed in these processes and the politicians involved and as a straight person can tell us the truth

These are the issues that the infiltrators to the Parliamentary Portfolio  Committee on Mines have tried to muzzle me about.

Correspondent|Parliament has ignored the opposition MDC party’s plea for guarantees that protect their MPs who are in hiding for fear of persecution over recent violent protests triggered by government’s decision to increase fuel prices.

Last month, labour and civil rights organisations called for the stay-away when President Emmerson Mnangagwa raised fuel prices by nearly 150 percent.

The protests turned violent when government reacted by unleashing armed soldiers and police on civilians throughout the country.

Following the protests, several opposition MPs and labour officials were arrested, while others went into hiding to escape the government clampdown, with lawyers and human rights groups saying at least 12 people were killed and 78 others treated for bullet wounds during the protests.

Three MDC Alliance MPs now face expulsion from Parliament for absconding the august House without approval from the Speaker.

The three — Charlton Hwende (Kuwadzana East), Godfrey Sithole (Chitungwiza North), and Joanah Mamombe (Harare West) — are left with about seven  parliamentary sitting days for them to show face in the National Assembly or lose their seats.

While National Assembly Speaker Jacob Mudenda said he had dealt with the matter after the MDC leader in Parliament Thabitha Khumalo wrote to him, the party’s chief whip Propser Mutseyami said the issue was still outstanding.

“Nothing substantial was done by the speaker regarding the guarantees that we requested because he only wrote a letter of confirmation for MPs who were on parliamentary business on the day leaving out the three’s case,” Mutseyami said.

Responding to enquiries on how he had responded to the MDC’s plea, Mudenda refused to give details curtly saying “I have since dealt with that one”.

Mutseyami however, said the MDC was going to continue to engage Mudenda on the issue in a bid to retain their seats.

“We want Parliament to guarantee that the MPs will not be harassed when they come so we are not going to rest because he is the principal of the august House”

The three legislators went into hiding during the January riots after security agents went after them, accusing them of having masterminded the disturbances.

In a February 4 letter to the country’s security forces, clerk of Parliament Kennedy Chokuda confirmed that  five legislators , Happymore Chidziva (Highfield West) Goodrich Chimbaira (Zengeza East) and James Chidhakwa (Tafara/Mabvuku), Job Sikhala (Zengeza West) and Costa Machingauta (Budiriro) who were also on police wanted list were on parliamentary business when the protests occurred.

The MPs were in Kadoma for an induction workshop held by the parliamentary portfolio committee on Defence, Home Affairs and security services from January 13 to 16.

“Kindly note that the 13th and 16th January were travelling days and the workshop itself was held on the 14th and 15th …” Chokuda said before he attached the attendance register to prove his point.

MPs arrested and released on bail include Amos Chibaya (Mkoba), Settlement Chikwinya (Mbizo), Winnie Kankuni (Sunningdale), Lloyd Mukapiko (Redcliff), Rusty Markham (Harare North) and Livingston Chiminya (Chiwundura).

NEW DELHI — The Times of India is reporting that an aircraft with Vice President Constantino Chiwenga and his aides developed a mechanical fault as it prepared to take off at the Indira Ghandi International airport on Friday 7.00PM.

The Boeing 737 A6-RJX was preparing to take off for Zimbabwe when it developed a snag.

“It taxied off at 7PM for take off to Zimbabwe. However, immediately afterwards it developed a mechanical snag and returned back to the terminal at 7.45 PM.

“The non-scheduled flight was operating with a call sign RO-J005. The Boeing 737-700 is over two decades old,” the Times of India says in a report.

Vice President Chiwenga has been in India since 9 February receiving medical attention. He was whisked away after his health deteriorated.

Read more at:
https://m.timesofindia.com/topic/Constantino-Chiwenga

Jane Mlambo| The opposition Movement for Democratic Change has set the 24th to the 26th of May 2019 as the dates for first congress since the death of their iconic founding leader Morgan Tsvangirai.

According to party leader Nelson Chamisa’s spokesperson Nkululeko Sibanda, the elective congress will be held on 24 to 26 May. However Sibanda did not disclose the venue for the do-or-die event.

The announcement followed a National Executive Council held at the party headquarters in Harare today.

Since the death of Tsvangirai in February 2017, Chamisa has faced severe criticism from some quarters who felt he was wantonly violating the party constitution by dragging the congress forward.

Chamisa has also been accused of violating the party constitution when the National Council set and endorsed him as the substantive party leader after Tsvangirai.

But all this will now end when the congress is held.

Chamisa is likely to brush off competition from vice President Elias Mudzuri and Secretary General Douglas Mwonzora who have been scheming their way to the party top post.

Vice President Constantino Chiwenga is still being treated in India contrary to social media claims that he is back in the country, a top government official has said.

Presidential spokesperson George Charamba yesterday refuted claims that Chiwenga who was recently flown to India where he is receiving treatment for a yet to be disclosed ailment had returned to the country in hot haste following news that President Emmerson Mnangagwa had purged his allies in the military.

In Chiwenga’s absence, Mnangagwa has purged top military commanders suspected to be aligned to his ailing deputy in a move seen as consolidating his hold on power amid reports of fresh factional fights in Zanu PF.

Responding to the claims Charamba dismissed them as mere speculation.

“You are following what you are reading on the social media but what did the president (Emmerson Mnangagwa) say regarding that? That is the same situation,” Charamba said adding; “you will be told if there is anything to be told”.

This was after he was pressed to give an update on the former Zimbabwe Defence Forces chief’s health.

Last Saturday, Mnangagwa told Zanu PF supporters at a rally in Mwenezi, South of Masvingo that Chiwenga was still not back at work while Defence minister Oppah Muchinguri-Kashiri is also indisposed.

“As you can see, I have only Vice President Kembo Mohadi to assist me, the other vice president, General Chiwenga, is not feeling well.

“So, that is why he is not with us here. We thought it would be important to officially make this announcement because these are our senior politburo members.

“The national chairperson (Muchinguri-Kashiri) is also not here. She had to receive her regular treatment for the injuries she suffered during the bomb explosion.

When the bombing incident happened in Bulawayo…Chinomona and…Mohadi also got injured, but it’s good that we have them here,” said Mnangagwa.

His other deputy Mohadi has also not been well while Mnangagwa is also not in the best of health after being poisoned in the bitter succession struggle that rocked the ruling Zanu PF party before the November 2017 coup fronted by Chiwenga.

Chiwenga was whisked out of the country two weeks ago after his health deteriorated.

“Deputy information minister Energy Mutodi claimed that Chiwenga was being treated for a “stomach ailment” and was expected in the country “soon.”

Muchinguri-Kashiri was injured in last year’s pre-election Bulawayo bombing incident and Mnangagwa said she had gone for “check-ups”.

• Agencies

Correspondent|Former president Robert Mugabe’s son Robert Jnr recently got into a Instagram war with comedian Kuda Chamisa after the latter expressed his ‘hate’ for the ex president.

Robert had wished his father a happy birthday on his social media account when Chamisa chipped in

I pray to God to give your father more life kuti ndiwane more time to f*** him up.. If he dies before i meet him Imma p** on his grave. I have nothing against you young bro but mudhara wako aiva d*** last

The young Mugabe refused to take it lying down and challenged him to come through to his father’s birthday party and carry out his threats.

“Come to his party let’s see what you do bro. You got an Invite. DM me. I wanna see you pull up and if you dont do sh**, know that the whole gang is gonna be waiting to kick your lil sh** out and WE will make you an example. Walk the walk fam come to the crib and make your move bro you know where we stay” he wrote.

The birthday bash is set to be all fireworks if his message is anything to go by.

Media Statement By MDC- T|Restating our unwavering position on National Dialogue. 22 February 2019

We the Movement for Democratic Change (MDC-T) restate our well documented position that we are part of the on going national dialogue process to focus on salient national issues that continue to impede social ,political and economic development of our people and the nation at large.

We continue to be saddened by our failure as a people to resolve this national crisis premised on a misnorma that only an elite deal making process can resolve the current economic internecine bedeviling our beloved country.

We believe that as a party founded on the cornerstone of our unmoved principles of selflessness that our dialogue should go beyond a power sharing arrangement. We also state categorically that we are in political society to serve and not to be served on the higher table.

We believe people’s livelihoods are greater than our insatiable appetite for power and its spoils. We call upon all responsible political leaders to think about the suffering of our people and how we can collectively find lasting solutions to this jigsaw.

We met today, 22 February 2019 at state house as political players as a follow up to our inaugural meeting of the 6th of February 2019 were we agreed to form four dialogue process framework committees that is the institutional framework, agenda setting, identification of convenor and the monitoring and evaluation committee.

We are happy to inform the national and the global family that we achieved that milestone today.

Parties deployed their cadres to these four committees without any fights, itself a show of unity of purpose and altruism.

This is a national dialogue which we believe with all our collectiveness that it shall reap the desired national results. We continue to call other political players to find reason to contribute to the national cause by either joining this political parties national dialogue platform or contribute positively in the manner that does not upscale conflict but resonates well with the wishes of our constituencies.

In the next week, we shall continue to lay the firm foundation for this sacred national dialogue process without fear or favour. We are not here to negotiate for power but to contribute to the broader debate of national development and creation of equal opportunities for all.

Let us thrive to be in the shoes of our departed and heroic leader, Dr. Morgan Tsvangirai. May his soul rest in eternal peace. Forward ever, backwards never.

Linda Tsungirirai Masarira

Information And Publicity

Farai Dziva|Masvingo based clergyman, Pastor Isaac Makomichi has launched a programme code named #Make Zimbabwe Proud Again Dialogue Initiative to bring the main political players in the country to the negotiating table.

Makomichi launched the programme under the Zimbabwe Vulnerable Youth Support Network Trust and he is the president of the organisation.

“I have launched the Make Zimbabwe Proud Again Dialogue initiative with the hope of bringing the country’ s main political players to the negotiating table.

I am in the process of liaising with key individuals who will coordinate the much anticipated talks.

I am willing to facilitate the discussions as I believe the church should play a leading role in key national processes,” said Makomichi.

Makomichi has refuted claims that he is being funded by politicians to facilitate national dialogue.

“I am neither Zanu PF nor MDC A, rather I represent vulnerable and socially disadvantaged youths in the country. I am not receiving any form of funding from politicians as some people are speculating,” said Makomichi.

“As the chairman of #Make Zimbabwe Proud Again Dialogue I have managed to talk to Zanu PF national youth leader, Pupurai Togarepi and he is happy with the planned dialogue but he does not want President Mnangagwa to be at the same level with Mr Chamisa because he won the elections- so he should not be treated like Chamisa.

He said I should meet President ED and then go to Mr Chamisa to tell him the election is over and it’s now time to build our nation.

I have also managed to talk to an MDC A member who doesn’t want his name to be published and he said party president NC must be treated like ED and there is need to restore the rule of law first. He also indicated that Zanu PF should address the MDC A’ s demands first,” added Makomichi.

Makomichi is also the leader of Miracle Healing and Deliverance Ministry and he is a successful business mogul who is into gold mining and supplying of motor vehicle oil.

The Harare Magistrates Court on Friday 22 February 2019 acquitted Denford Ngadziore popularly known as ‘Madhuku’, a Councillor for Harare City Council, who had been on trial after he was arrested and charged with committing public violence.

Ngadziore, the Councilor for Ward 16 in Harare’s Mabelreign suburb was
arrested on 16 February 2019 by Zimbabwe Republic Police (ZRP)
officers and charged with inciting public violence as defined in
section 187 and committing public violence in contravention of section
36(1)(a) of the Criminal Law (Codification and Reform) Act.

During trial, prosecutors alleged that Ngadziore, who was represented
by Tinomuda Shoko of Zimbabwe Lawyers for Human Rights (ZLHR), went
around some high-density suburbs in Harare namely Glenview, Budiriro,
Kuwadzana among other areas on Monday 14 January 2019 inciting people
to engage in acts of public violence during an anti-government
protest.

But Harare Magistrate Victoria Mashamba on Friday 22 February 2019
acquitted Ngadziore after ruling that there was no evidence tendered
during trial to prove that the Ward 16 Councillor had committed the
offence.

Magistrate Mashamba stated that state witnesses who testified during
trial lied, changed statements and kept giving contradicting evidence.

Meanwhile, Chitungwiza Magistrate Nyasha Vhitorini on Friday 22
February 2019 convicted Richard Mutswiri Mutiti, a Chitungwiza
resident, who was arrested by ZRP officers and charged inciting public
violence  in terms of section 187(1)(a) of the of the Criminal Law
(Codification and Reform) Act.

Prosecutors charged that Mutiti, who was represented by Shoko and
Idirashe Chikomba of ZLHR, incited people to commit public violence
and encouraged them to loot goods from some shops in Chitungwiza.
Mutiti will be sentenced on Monday 25 February 2019.

At Mbare Magistrates Court, Magistrate Kudzai Zihove on Wednesday 20
February 2019 acquitted nine Mbare high-density suburb residents, who
had been on trial for committing public violence during the shutdown
protests held in January 2019.

In acquitting the Mbare residents, Magistrate Zihove ruled that the
state had failed to prove a prima facie case against the accused
persons to justify putting them to their defence.

Seven of the Mbare residents return to court on Monday 25 February
2019 for continuation of trial as they have been put to their defence.

Farai Dziva|MDC A president Nelson Chamisa will not take part in the second round of talks with Emmerson Mnangagwa set for Friday, February 22, a party spokesperson has said.

Mnangagwa invited all losing presidential candidates in last year’s presidential polls for talks to come up with a framework for dialogue and Chamisa did not attend the first session of the talks.

Mafume told a daily paper Chamisa will not participate in today’s dialogue.

“We responded to that process and indicated that it did not meet the requirements for a dialogue.

That process is a national monologue where he (Mnangagwa) is talking to himself and, in any event, he refused to come to where the churches were gathered.

A person who fears churches and bishops and holiness creates questions in our minds.
We will only participate in a process that is a genuine dialogue, where there is a mediator, who is neutral and a process that will deal with key actors in the crisis in Zimbabwe.As such we will not participate in a monologue,” said Mafume.

Finance Minister Professor Mthuli Ncube has announced the two percent tax deemed prohibitive by many will be used to build new schools, roads and making sure nurses, teachers and doctors are paid wages they deserve.

Ncube said the new tax will also be used to improve the economy, boasting that shop shelves are full.

Since the beginning of the 2 percent tax, government announced that it had collected in excess of $600 million which part of it has been devoted to funding salary increases for teachers.

By Own Correspondent| The MDC national council is today in a crunch meeting to discuss the state of affairs in the party and the country’s crisis.

Said Luke Tamborinyoka who is the MDC Director of Communications:

The MDC national council, the party’s supreme-decision-making body between Congresses,is meeting today to discuss the health of the party and the crisis affecting ordinary Zimbabweans, among a host of other issues.

Of concern to the party is the on-going onslaught against ordinary Zimbabweans, which has seen the arrest and harassment of innocent citizens, including the party’s elected MPs.

Today’s crucial meeting will also deliberate on the general health of the party, the current economic crisis and the dire plight of the ordinary people, who can barely eke out a living in the current tough economic conditions.

Luke Tamborinyoka
Director of Communications

Own Correspondent|Zimbabwe’s banks on Friday started trading a new currency with corporate clients and individuals, although interbank trading won’t begin until Monday, a banking source said.

Zimbabwe’s central bank announced on Wednesday it would scrap the official 1:1 peg between its quasi-currency bond note and the U.S. dollar, launching a new currency known as RTGS dollars.

The central bank began selling U.S. dollars to banks on Friday morning at a rate of 2.5 RTGS to the greenback according to sources.

The rate is however being heavily resisted by individuals intending to sale the US dollar to the banks as the parallel market rate shot to RTGS$4 to $1.

The artificial rate at the banks is reportedly being forced on by the Reserve Bank of Zimbabwe while the banks do not have the foreign currency at hand.

By Own Correspondent| A report by a local publication has reported that President Emmerson Mnangagwa is under pressure from senior Zanu PF stalwarts to reshuffle his cabinet.

The disgruntled officials are those believed to have fought in Mnangagwa’s corner in the race to succeed Mugabe.

They now feel that they should have their day in the sun as the current cabinet has failed to deliver.

Presidential spokesperson George Charamba said that he is not aware of an imminent cabinet reshuffle.

He is quoted as saying:

“Not that he would tell us before doing it, but there is no reshuffle. It’s just a case of some people who are pushing for posts.”

Several ministers are considered to be not up to the task according to the report:

“It is not clear whether Mnangagwa’s top ally, Owen Ncube, who orchestrated the illegal cutting off of internet connectivity in a futile attempt to facilitate a crackdown on civilians away from the glare of the international community, will remain as Minister of State for National Security in the President’s Office.

Industry and Commerce minister Mangaliso Ndlovu’s head also seems to be on the chopping block as he is largely seen as clueless.

Health minister Obadiah Moyo, whose credentials have been questioned by doctors, has had a torrid time as he failed to address doctors’ grievances, resulting in a 40-day strike. The prolonged strike resulted in many patients being turned away from public hospitals leading to loss of life.-TheIndependent

Jane Mlambo| Minister of Youths, Sport, Arts and Culture, Kirsty Coventry has announced that her ministry is set to hold a National Youth Indaba which will bring together youths from all walks of life to work together in taking Zimbabwe forward.

According to Coventry, this will become and annual event.

By Paul Nyathi|Build Zimbabwe Alliance leader Noah Manyika has this time completely snubbed President Emmerson Mnangagwa’s on going dialogue with opposition parties indicating that he will not attend the meeting for as long as MDC leader Nelson Chamisa does not attend.

Manyika attended Mnangagwa’s first invitation tabled his demands for a more inclusive attendance including civic society and other stakeholders before leaving the meeting.

He also demanded for a neutral mediator and not for Mnangagwa to lead the dialogue himself.

Below is his official letter to Mnangagwa’s Chief Secretary Misheck Sibanda.

By Paul Nyathi|Former Sunday News editor Edmund Kudzai has sensationally raised claims that he has been arrested for what is described as a camouflage umbrella.

Below is what the Zimbabwe Defence Act classifies as prohibited camouflage. Does an umbrella fit into the description?

By Own Correspondent| Former Sunday Mail editor Edmund Kudzayi is currently in police custody after he was reportedly arrested for possessing a camouflage umbrella.

Kudzayi was arrested Friday morning and is being detained at Borrowdale police station.

This is a developing story.

Refresh this page for latest updates.

Own Correspondent|Pro-democracy activist and #ThisFlag Movement founder, Pastor Evan Mawarire has been accused of being a military plant who was paid and protected by the military to oppose former president Robert Mugabe.

The shocking accusation which was made by Jealousy Mawarire, the spokesperson for the Robert Mugabe- affiliated Party, the National Patriotic Front (NPF).

Jealous Mawarire now and again also acts as Mugabe’s spokesperson and organised a number of press conferences for him in the run-up to the July 30 harmonised elections.

Jealous also sensationally claimed that the military had even paid for the airline tickets for Evan Mawarire’s family to leave the country.

The accusations were made after Evan Mawarire had written microblogging site Twitter, that he had forgiven Mugabe for the hell that he had endured under his rule.

Robert Mugabe, u turn 95 today. its hard 2say happy birthday coz millions had unhappy birthdays or fewer ones, they died due 2 yo brutality. I suffered at yo direct instruction but I’m strong enough 2 say I FORGIVE U. I hope u live long enough 2 ask those u destroyed 4 forgiveness.

…You’re so right. It’s the hardest thing to do coz you feel entitled to your unforgiveness. You figure it’s justified but then you realize unforgiveness imprisons you.

…As a matter of fact yes it does make me feel better, forgiving those you hate does that. He is genuinely forgiven and I hope he can ask the millions who hate him for forgiveness before his time is up.

Obviously, this did not go down well with Jealous Mawarire who retorted:

“The other side you don’t tell people is that u opposed him at the behest of the army, they gave you protection which was never given to those vawakaitisa, they bought you and your family air tickets, hapana chatisingazivi vakuru. Enjoy working with the army, your work isn’t finished.”

Mawarire is yet to respond to the allegation.

By Own Correspondent| Government refused to hold direct talks with teachers’ representatives after teachers’ unions wrote a letter dated February 13, requesting for an urgent crisis meeting.

Civil Service Commission secretary Jonathan Wutawunashe wrote back to the PTUZ saying that the Commission will not be meeting with teachers unions.

Said Wutawunashe:

The Commission acknowledges receipt of your minute dated February 13, which contents are noted, please note that the commission will not be meeting unions/associations directly. You are, therefore, advised to direct your issues to the National Joint Negotiating Forum.

However, the Progressive Teachers’ Union (PTUZ) secretary general Raymond Majongwe said that the government’s response was disrespectful and spiteful.

He said:

We believe it was disrespectful and spiteful for the government to back down on promises that they made by hiding behind the law. The law does not stop the government from engaging their workers. The law, as designed by the legislator under statutory 141 of 1996, does not bar the government from engaging its workers.

Teachers launched a week-long strike at the beginning of February demanding better working conditions. The strike was eventually called off after the government warned striking teachers that they would lose their February salaries.

By Own Correspondent| Constitutional law expert and political analyst Advocate Fadzayi Mahere has blasted government for failing to respect property rights.

Mahere said that the Monetary Policy Statement punishes producers and exporters.

Writing on her Twitter page recently, Mahere said:

“We must have a serious discussion about property rights. By the stroke of a pen, the Govt compulsorily takes people’s property without compensation – exporters, depositors, farmers. Sad.

When will they learn that there can be no productivity or investment without property rights?

You can’t say low productivity and a lack of investment are the problems but every policy you announce punishes those who are producing and exporting. An investor who was banking here and invested in real currency five years ago wakes up today and his money is not money anymore.”

By Simba Chikanza | The Central Intelligence Organisation was on Friday put on high alert after an internal plot was reported in ZANU PF’s Mashonaland West – the area which was the former first lady Grace Mugabe’s launch pad for her disasterous rallies that lead to the November 2017 coup. It was alleged that the tourism minister Prisca Mupfumira is behind the move. But Zvimba MP Phillip Chiyangwa has told ZimEye there is no truth in the rumour. Chiyangwa said allegations and counter fingerpointers where the machinations of internal saboteurs. Chiyangwa, responding to a previous news article, also said a party WhatsApp group where these rumours emerged is not even official. SO WHY WAS THE CIO MINISTER INVOLVED? WATCH THE VIDEO LOADING BELOW…

Correspondent|Exiled former Cabinet Minister Professor Jonathan Moyo has availed a full bursary for one L. Munodawafa to study   Science subject at St. Francis and St Claire High School in Guruve.

Prof. Moyo was responding to an appeal by the Headmaster of the school who said, “L. Munodawafa does not know her mother and father’s whereabouts. She is a staying with her old grandmother at Musapurwa village in Ward 7. From primary school to Form 4 teachers have been assisting her to meet educational needs at St Philips Magwenya High School. She has a desire to become an Engineer.”

Munodawafa came out with ten A’s in Ordinary Level subjects.

Announcing the bursary Prof. Moyo said, “In response to L. Munodawafa’s appeal for a bursary to do A-Level STEM courses at St Francis and  St Claire High School in Guruve; after she got A’s in all the 10 subjects she took in the 2018 O-Level exams, I commit to organizing a full STEM bursary for her.”

Another former Cabinet Minister Saviour Kasukuwere congratulated Prof. Moyo for his kind gesture saying, “National Youth Day! What an initiative! Progressive and forward-looking.”

Here below are Munodawafa’s results:

Own Correspondent|FORMER President Robert Mugabe and his wife, Grace, along with their family business, Gushungo Holdings have been evicted from a Mazowe farm following an application by three farmers who were claiming ownership of the land.

Adonia Makombe, Sahungwe Hungwe and Nyika Chifamba issued summons at the High Court against Mugabe in June last year, seeking his eviction from Lot 1A Teviotdale Farm in Mazowe district of Mashonaland Central province.

The three argued that they were holders of offer letters for the land, which they grabbed at the height of the land reform programme in 2000.

But, Mugabe and his wife challenged the farmers’ assertion, arguing the letters were not an entitlement to the land and that they had no right to demand the eviction over land for which they themselves had no lawful authority to use, possess or occupy.

Mugabe argued that only the Lands, Agriculture and Rural Resettlement minister could exercise that right, but High Court judge Justice Helena Charehwa ruled in favour of the farmers and ordered the former President off the land.

In their application, the three cited Mugabe, Grace, Gushungo Holdings, Police Commissioner-General Godwin Matanga, Lands, Agriculture and Rural Resettlement and Home Affairs ministers Perrance Shiri and Cain Mathema and police chief superintendents only identified as Nhubu and Kunene, as respondents.

“It is ordered that an order be and is hereby made against fourth to eighth defendants in terms of R182 (ii) for (1) the restoration of possession of sub-division 1, 2 and 3 of Lot A of Teviotdale Farm, Mazowe district to first, second and third respondents (Makombe, Hungwe and Chifamba) respectively.

The judge also ordered the “eviction of all persons claiming occupation through fifth defendant (Lands minister) of sub-division 1, 2 and 3 of Lot A of Teviotdale Farm, Mazowe district Mashonaland Central Province” plus payment of costs on a higher scale.

However, soon after being evicted from the piece of land, Mugabe, Grace and Gushungo Holdings filed an appeal at the Supreme Court on February 15, 2019 challenging Justice Charehwa’s order and the matter is yet to be set down for hearing.

On February 18, the farmers also filed an urgent chamber application seeking an order for executing their judgment pending Mugabe’s appeal and the matter is also yet to be set down for hearing.

The former first family is reportedly owning more than ten farms in the country.

By Own Correspondent| Former Sunday Mail editor Edmund Kudzayi has been arrested.

Kudzayi was reportedly arrested this morning after police stopped his vehicle and found a “camouflage umbrella”.

He is currently detained at Borrowdale Police Station.

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

Own Correspondent|Former President Robert Mugabe owned Gushungo Holdings is reportedly on the verge of collapse after it emerged that the company was struggling to keep afloat and was failing to pay workers’ salaries since September last year.

According to one of the workers’ leaders, a Dr Elson Sweva, Gushungo Holdings owes workers substantial amounts of money in salaries and commission.

Sweva said the situation worsened when the company reduced salaries without the workers’ consent.

“Things have not been going on well since March last year, but the situation became worse after our salaries were reduced from $250 to $100 in September,” Sweva said.

He said the company stopped paying commission last year as it was experiencing high product returns.

He said most workers received a two months’ salary of $196 following a meeting held on February 1.

“Following a meeting on February 1, we were given two month’s salary totalling $196 and, surely, what would one do with that amount in this economy? Even housemaids are paid better salaries,” Sweva added.

But Gushungo Holdings managing director, Lameck Chinoera said the company does not owe workers outstanding dues, claiming that it was the other way round because some employees were still to repay advanced loans.

“We don’t have anyone who is owed a salary. Those who work for commission are paid for what they would have worked for. It’s not for the company to give people extra commission, it’s calculated. I have a payroll indicating that some people actually have loans,” said Chinoera.

On the viability of the company, Chinoera said they were being affected by foreign currency shortages like any other business in the country.

“We might have closed down one or two products on account of shortages of forex like most companies, but we are actually working on two shifts,” he said.

Sources said Gushungo Holdings reduced its workforce by half since March last year and has been hit by resignations of key personnel.

Last year, former First Lady Grace Mugabe, told 106 workers at Gwina Farm in Banket that she was not going to pay them terminal benefits even if they went to court.

Gwina Farm was reportedly grabbed by Grace from Supreme Court judge Justice Ben Hlatshwayo, who was then allocated another land.

According to reports, the former First Family owns over 10 farms in the country.

Source: NewsDay

THE Nelson Chamisa-led MDC yesterday said it will snub another round of national dialogue slated for today, claiming President Emmerson Mnangagwa’s Zanu PF government is not taking their concerns seriously.

MDC spokesperson Jacob Mafume confirmed that his party would not participate in today’s dialogue.

“We responded to that process and indicated that it did not meet the requirements of a dialogue,” he said.

“That process is a national monologue where he (Mnangagwa) is talking to himself and, in any event, he refused to come to where the churches were gathered. A person who fears churches and bishops and holiness creates questions in our minds.

“We will only participate in a process that is a genuine dialogue, where there is a mediator, who is neutral and a process that will deal with key actors in the crisis in Zimbabwe. We will not participate in a monologue.”

Coalition of Democrats leader, Elton Mangoma and MDC-T vice-president Obert Gutu have confirmed they were invited and would participate.

Mnangagwa recently invited 22 losing presidential aspirants in last year’s harmonised elections for talks, but Chamisa snubbed the gesture.

The following day, the Zimbabwe Council of Churches organised a prayer breakfast meeting, which Chamisa attended, but Mnangagwa was in no-show. Although a majority of small parties will likely attend, Zanu PF and MDC have traded barbs over the direction the national dialogue has to take.

— NewsDay

Finance and Economic Development Minister Professor Mthuli Ncube says Government will continue to implement appropriate fiscal measures to bring inflation down to single-digit levels by year end.

Inflation, which erodes the value of currency, has a deleterious effect on the economy as it hinders pricing mechanisms, capital formation, stimulates speculative activities and hoarding and leads to misallocation of productive resources, something that has previously thrown Zimbabwe into turmoil.

But, the Treasury chief says Zimbabwe will institute measures to forestall the slide, after months of rising inflation.

The measures include reducing public expenditure and narrowing the trade deficit, which the Zimbabwe National Statistics Agency (Zimstats) said stood at $2,4 billion as at December 31, 2018.

Historically, inflation has sky-rocketed to record hyper-inflationary levels in Zimbabwe, attributable to fiscal indiscipline and a high trade deficit as imports outstripped export receipts.

Additionally, wasteful Government expenditure in particular created excess money supply, which triggered high demand for US dollars to pay for imports and store value, as inflation crept up.

In his weekly column in the The Herald newspaper, Minister Ncube said the fiscal consolidation measures were already bearing fruit, in the process helping balance up the budget.

The month-on-month inflation rate showed signs of a sustained decline last year, an indication of the positive effect of the measures being implemented by Government.

The minister said month-on-month inflation slowed down to 9,2 percent and 9,0 percent in November and December 2018, respectively, slightly increasing to 10,75 percent in January 2019.

“The policies of restructuring and reforming our economy are beginning to be felt with the month-on-month inflation expected to maintain downward trend from March 2019, a crucial marker of our economic stability and a direct result of these reforms.

“Things, therefore, are getting better. It is vital that economic agents, investors, consumers, and indeed policy makers focus their attention on month-on-month inflation developments rather than year-on-year,” said Minister Ncube.

Although year-on-year inflation has been on an upward trend since October 2018, reaching 56,9 percent by January 2019, Minister Ncube believes correct implementation of fiscal measures would reduce it significantly before year end.

The Treasury chief, however, acknowledged that the high inflation had a knock on effect on consumer spending as incomes were being eroded by the rising cost of goods and services.

He said this was downplaying their standards of living, but stressed that sustained implementation of the ongoing fiscal measures would bring a relief in the not so distant future.

Said Minister Ncube: “It has been eating away at our savings and our pensions, risking greater poverty. With inflation, long-term planning for companies becomes impossible as prices keep changing.

“In the same vein, fiscal forecasts become distorted in an inflationary environment. This is why as Minister of Finance; I have vowed to get inflation under control immediately. And we are already seeing results.”

Some of the fiscal measures being implemented include the 2 percent tax on electronic transactions, separation of nostro and RTGS accounts and reduced public expenditure.

Income generated from the intermediated money transfer tax will be used to improve social services such as building schools, roads and improving civil servants’ wages.

Minister Ncube emphasized the need for correct implementation of the fiscal and other economic reform measures to achieve the intended objectives of improving the state of the economy.

The finance minister also said that the implementation of the TSP was also expected to see Zimbabwe grow into an upper middle class economy by 2030.

State Media

THE opposition MDC Alliance’s national standing committee which met on Wednesday failed to agree on the date for the long overdue Congress, amid indications that the members are split along factional lines.

The opposition party last held a Congress in November 2014.

Local daily NewsDay reports that sources who attended the meeting said there were heated exchanges during the meeting over the interpretation of the party’s constitution, but Chamisa told his lieutenants that he would have the final word.

Chamisa reportedly clashed with party secretary-general, Douglas Mwonzora after the latter recused himself from indicating which date he preferred congress to be held.

“It was a heated meeting. Chamisa asked everyone to give a date on which the congress should be held, but Mwonzora refused probably feeling he had been waylaid. Chamisa probably wanted to gauge his adversaries’ preparedness and was angered by Mwonzora’s response,” a source said.

“He (Chamisa) was not amused. He accused Mwonzora of ‘trying to be clever and half’. Chamisa’s supporters in the meeting preferred August while others want it in October. In the end, there was no consensus and Chamisa said he would have the final
say.”

Chamisa controversially rose to power last February railroading the party’s national council into endorsing him as successor after founding leader, Morgan Tsvangirai passed away in South Africa.

Tsvangirai’s death triggered an internal power struggle that resulted in then co-vice-president Thokozani Khupe breaking away, while another vice-president, Elias Mudzuri and Mwonzora stayed on. They are reportedly plotting to challenge Chamisa at congress.

Another source, however, said Chamisa had given everyone a chance to give their interpretation of the constitutional provisions.

“Chamisa asked everyone to read the constitution and give their interpretation of when the congress should be held. Our constitution says congress must be held every five years, but a special congress can be held in the event of a vacancy in the office of the president before his or her term expires.

“While we all know that Chamisa was endorsed by the national council to take over as substantive leader, it is important to note that it would be unhygienic to hold an extra-ordinary congress in the same year as a congress proper,” NewsDay heard.

“The president is actually right. He could call for an extra-ordinary congress today, get elected and then refuse to have his position contested in October. The fifth year for us began in November last year and anytime from then we could have held our congress. It’s just a matter of logistics.”

Party spokesperson Jacob Mafume confirmed that the standing committee discussed the issue of political dialogue, congress and the situation in the country.

“It was an open meeting in which people were allowed to air their views regarding congress. While we do not have a specific date yet, most agreed that we will have it in October. What is left are logistics and, in any case, our structures will have to begin this process soon,” Mafume said.

Mwonzora refused to comment on the claims of an altercation between him and Chamisa.

“The national standing committee is a private meeting whose discussions are the preserve of members of the party,” he said.

Meanwhile, Chamisa has called for an urgent party National Council meeting today to discuss the issues that were discussed by the Standing Committee.

NewsDay

By Own Correspondent| According today a report published by a local daily newspaper, MDC leadership reportedly clashed last Wednesday over the party’s elective Congress date.

A report by the Newsday claimed that the MDC’s elective Congress is likely to be held in October after a national standing committee meeting held on Wednesday could not find common ground on a date.

Sources who attended the meeting claimed that MDC president Nelson Chamisa clashed with party secretary general Douglas Mwonzora after the latter refused to suggest a date for the much-awaited Congress.

Said the sources:

It was a heated meeting. Chamisa asked everyone to give a date on which the Congress should be held, but Mwonzora refused probably feeling he had been waylaid. Chamisa probably wanted to gauge his adversaries’ preparedness and was angered by Mwonzora’s response.

He (Chamisa) was not amused. He accused Mwonzora of ‘trying to be clever and half’. Chamisa’s supporters in the meeting preferred August while others want it in October. In the end, there was no consensus and Chamisa said he would have the final say.

Correspondent|PRESIDENT Emmerson Mnangagwa surprisingly turned up in neighbouring South Africa Thursday to attend an outreach meeting organised for African leaders by the BRICS group.

The group brings together five major emerging economies – Brazil, Russia, India, China and South Africa.

The Pretoria government’s department of international relations and cooperation (DIRCO) released a picture of Mnangagwa and the neighbouring country’s President Cyril Ramaphosa late Thursday afternoon.

This comes as SA President Cyril Ramaphosa is planning on coming to Zimbabwe next month on the 12th, and top of the agenda will be the issue of sanctions imposed on Zimbabwe by the US and its allies.

This was revealed last Tuesday by the South African Minister for International Relations and Cooperation, Lindiwe Sisulu, when she addressed journalists in Pretoria.

Reiterating South Africa’s calls for sanctions against Zimbabwe to be scrapped, Sisulu revealed that President Cyril Ramaphosa will next month lead a high-level delegation to Harare for a bi-national commission.

“We are preparing for a bi-national with Zimbabwe, on March 12th. Our President [Ramaphosa] will lead the delegation to Harare. I think sanctions imposed on Zimbabwe will be top of our agenda and we are putting them across in the world, because we believe that for as long as Zimbabwe has sanctions imposed on it, the possibility of recovering from its economic woes will remain very glim and dim,” said Sisulu.

By Simba Chikanza | It was in October last year when ZimEye first published this story searching for baby Abi’s parents. Abi was found wrapped in a Harare Hospital towel back in August 1983, and was eventually adopted by Australian parents.

Up to this week she had no clue of her own identity. Thanks to the Global DNA Zimbabwe company, working hand in hand with numerous valued volunteers, and in the latest, collaboration from the Star FM radio station’s Tilda Moyo, Abi has finally obtained and 99.9% DNA match.

Speaking to ZimEye.com last night, Abi hinted that her plight had nothing to do with baby dumping. Latest details strongly suggest that it was a case of theft of babies, and Abi is one of many children who have been abducted just after birth at the same hospital. ZimEye this week opens this investigative as it is revealed more children have disappeared and scores of parents to this day do not know where their children are. (One of these is a Mutare based Mr Musimwa, who has asked ZimEye.com to help locate his daughter). BELOW WAS THE SHORT PROGRAM INTRO: –

VIDEO LOADING BELOW…

Paul Nyathi|A former Superintendent at Mutare Prison who lost his job in 2015 for allegedly calling then First Lady Grace Mugabe (pictured) a dog, has lost an appeal against his dismissal at the High Court.

Ruben Zimondi last month appealed against his dismissal at the High Court and cited President Emmerson Mnangagwa, justice minister Ziyambi Ziyambi, Commissioner General of Prisons and Correctional Service, Paradzai Zimondi and the secretary for the Public Service Commission, Vincent Hungwe as respondents.

The matter was heard before Justice Isaac Muzenda.

The case against him was that, on 5 December 2014, he was watching television at Mutare Prison Farm in the company of other officers.

On that day while a programme featuring ZANU PF national conference was beaming on the television, Zimondi is reported to have then shouted that former first lady Grace Mugabe was a dog who was behind the problems and factional fights in Zanu PF.

“Ma problems ese arikuitika mumusangano anokonzereswa nembwa inonzi Dr Grace Mugabe asi isu musangano tinouda,” Zimondi is reported to have said.

Unfenzied colleagues reported him to his superiors, leading to his dismissal after a disciplinary hearing.

Justice Muzenda dismissed Zimondi’s appeal, ruling that he had improperly cited the PSC secretary as the first respondent instead of citing the PSC.

“The applicant improperly cited the Secretary as the first respondent instead of citing the Public Service Commission,” the judge said.

“That was a fundamental error and the preliminary point finds favour with this court and accordingly the point in limine is upheld and the application is dismissed with costs.

REGIONAL airline, Air Tanzania will begin operating flights on the Dar es Salaam and Harare route today.

The flight, which will Depart Dar es Salaam at 10:10 am and is expected to arrive at the Robert Mugabe International airport at 11:25am, is expected to create vital connectivity between the two countries.

Air Tanzania will fly from Julius Nyerere International Airport to Robert Gabriel Mugabe International Airport three times a week. Apart from the Dar es Salaam-Harare route, the airline also flies to several destinations such as Mauritius, Egypt, Kenya, Germany, Italy, Switzerland and China.

As stated on the Air Tanzania website, a return trip between Dar es Salaam and Harare is expected to cost around $230 (economy class) and $355 (business class).

The Dar es Salaam to Harare route will be serviced by its newly acquired Airbus A220-300. In 2018, Air Tanzania became the first African carrier to take delivery and operate the Airbus A220-300.

Air Tanzania will now join Ethiopian Airlines, Kenyan Airways, South African Airlines and RwandaAir on the Harare route.

The airline’s fleet is made up of two Airbus A220-300s, a Boeing 787-8, a Bombardier Q300 and three Bombardier Q400s summing their current fleet to seven aircrafts.

The airline was established as Air Tanzania Corporation in 1977 after the dissolution of East African Airways and has been a member of the African Airlines Association since its initial start.

Air Tanzania was wholly owned by the Tanzanian Government until 2002 when it was partially privatised. This then saw the government reducing its shareholding to 51 percent after entering into a partnership with South African Airways.

However, the partnership only lasted for four years as it accumulated heavy losses within that period. The government repurchased the shares in 2006, once again making the airline a wholly-owned government company.

Daily News

Own Correspondent|OPPOSITION MDC leader Nelson Chamisa is reportedly seeking to meet South African President Cyril Ramaphosa when he arrives in Harare for an anti-sanctions lobby and bi-lateral meeting with President Emmerson Mnangagwa on March 12.

MDC insiders said Chamisa, who late last year claimed he had written to Ramaphosa seeking his intervention in Harare’s developing political crisis, will take advantage of the South African leader’s impending State visit to “door-step him” into a meeting.

“He is working out a plan to approach Ramaphosa for a meeting. It’s highly unlikely because Ramaphosa is coming here to meet (President Emmerson) Mnangagwa in his capacity as leader of Zimbabwe and specifically for business. The other thing is Ramaphosa has already taken a position and it’s almost a waste of time to think he will shift,” a top MDC source said on condition of anonymity.

Ramaphosa’s International Relations minister Lindiwe Sisulu, in announcing the visit, said South Africa was demanding the unconditional removal of sanctions against Harare to “allow development and reforms”.

“We are preparing for a bi-national with Zimbabwe, on March 12th. Our President [Ramaphosa] will lead the delegation to Harare. I think sanctions imposed on Zimbabwe will be top of our agenda and we are putting them across in the world, because we believe that for as long as Zimbabwe has sanctions imposed on it, the possibility of recovering from its economic woes will remain very glim and dim,” said Sisulu.

Sisulu was echoing Ramaphosa’s stance made at the World Economic Forum in Davos, Switzerland, recently at which the South African leader said the world needed to give Mnangagwa’s administration a chance to implement its reforms and development agenda.

Chamisa’s spokesperson Nkululeko Sibanda seemed to confirm an attempt to talk to Ramaphosa will be made.

“President Chamisa has the utmost respect for His Excellency, The Right Honourable President Ramaphosa. He has communicated with regional leaders at every turn and will continue to take every opportunity to engage with the region and especially the South African President His Excellency Ramaphosa,” he said.

Ramaphosa’s spokesperson Khusela Diko was not available for comment.

South Africa’s ambassador to Zimbabwe, Mphakama Mbete, said he was not aware of Chamisa’s planned meeting with Ramaphosa.

“I have not been made aware of their (MDC) wish (to meet Ramaphosa). I can’t speak on behalf of my President regarding this issue,” he said.

Chamisa, Sibanda added, is concerned about the political, economic and social implosion that is worsening in the country, “and hopes that regional engagement would concentrate efforts on solving the problems that are within Zimbabwe’s control”.

“We surely can rebuild our country by dealing with the scourge of corruption, the inhumanity of human rights abuses, the indignity of a militarised State and the indecency of electoral impropriety,” the opposition leader’s spokesperson said.

“The president (Chamisa) will, with due respect, not engage in any diplomatic work using public media. If there are or were to be any communication with President Ramaphosa on his visit to Zimbabwe, the publicisation of the same would be subject to diplomatic protocols.

“President Chamisa always wants to balance public interest and support the work of the media with the need to respect diplomacy.”

Chamisa late last month rejected Mnangagwa’s call for a meeting to discuss the framework for possible dialogue among political actors in the country, instead demanding the release of activists arrested following deadly protests in January.

He has also demanded a neutral convener for such an indaba.

Other losing presidential candidates attended Mnangagwa’s meeting.

A teacher at Amaveni Primary School in Kwekwe was on Monday arraigned before the courts for shoving a Grade One pupil against a desk, resulting in her sustaining a cut on her forehead. The pupil was rushed to Kwekwe Hospital where she received several stiches on the forehead.

Mejulla Matina (51) appeared before Kwekwe magistrate Mr Tayengwa Sangster facing assault charges.

Mr Sangster remanded Matina out of custody on $50 bail.

She will be back in court on February 28 for commencement of trial.

In granting bail, Mr Sangster ordered her not to interfere with State witnesses, continue residing at her given address and report to Kwekwe Central Police Station every Friday.

Mr Sangster also advised the school headmaster to consider giving Matina a special leave so that she will not prejudice the pupil’s education or interfere with her.

The State had argued that Matina’s trial be fast-tracked in the interest of the complaint who is a minor.

“Your worship, I pray that the case be given due diligence it deserves so that we put the rights of the child first, bearing in mind that children have a tendency of forgetting easily, I, therefore pray that the case be dealt with as a matter of urgency,” said Mr Devine Chagombera on behalf of the State.

Matina’s lawyer, Mr Collen Maboka of Ruvengo, Boka and Company, argued that, she needed enough time to study the State papers and the medical report which were not made available to him.

It is the State’s case that on February 13 around 8am, the complainant failed to comply with given instructions during a Mathematics lesson.

This did not go down well with Matina who held the complainant by the ear and pushed her towards the table.

State Media

Farai Dziva|Deputy Media, Information and Broadcasting Services Minister Energy Mutodi has said Emmerson Mnangagwa has done a lot of things to preserve Robert Mugabe’s legacy.

Writing on twitter today Mutodi argued Mnangagwa has done justice to the legacy of the veteran leader.

Mutodi was responding to questions raised on the failure by government and the ruling party Zanu PF to celebrate the nonagenarian’s birthday.

“Today we got a fantastic holiday, Robert Mugabe Day. We got an airport named after him as well in addition to roads and schools.

Many thanks to President ED Mnangagwa for doing justice to the legacy of the former President,” said Mutodi.

Presidential spokesperson George Charamba said that he was not aware of any government plans to celebrate Mugabe’s birthday, while ZANU PF spokesperson Simon Khaya Moyo said that he was not sure if the party’s youth league had planned something.

Zete @95 to Zana: Bob’s Always Been Your Uncle

Open Letter to President Robert Gabriel Mugabe

Zhuwao Brief Reloaded 28 (ZBR28). Patrick Zhuwao. 21st February 2019

This open letter to you Gushungo, President Robert Gabriel Mugabe, is to wish you a happy birthday as you turn 95 on your way to a century; makati zete muchienda kuzana (relaxed on your way to a century).

I am honoured to have worked intimately with you. I am very elated that history will record me as one of very few senior leaders that consistently stood by you publicly and privately. I am proud to have served in your government as a cabinet minister for two years and a deputy minister for three years. I am gratified to have been an officer bearer under the civilian ZANU PF that you led from the time I was elected into the District Executive at Porta Farm in 1996 and rose up the ranks to be a Politburo member until 2017.

Those 21 years as a leader in ZANU PF, Parliament and Government gave me the opportunity to know you, appreciate the environment that you operated within, and understand the forces that you had to contend with. Unfortunately, a very large number of people, especially the younger ones, have only had to see you through the eyes of your detractors to a point where they profess themselves on you within an envelope of misinformation, ignorance and conjecture. Most of the people who interacted with you, including senior leaders, are not able to honestly tell your story because they remain terrorised and traumatised under a militarily captured ZANU PF and the militarised state of Zimbabwe.

Furthermore, Gushungo, when we engaged with you as senior leaders we considered such interactions as privileged discussions which we feel cannot be divulged without your express consent. As a result, the story of Zimbabwe and your participation in shaping our beautiful nation is being distorted. Worse still, all of those who supported the November 2017 coup nationally, regionally, continentally and globally have come to the sad realisation that the so-called MILITARILY ASSISTED TRANSITION was in effect a negation of the conclusion of a democratisation process that would have put the principles of the 2013 Constitution into effect.

Whilst some of us who were privileged enough to be aware of and agree with your plans on ZANU PF succession know that the November 2017 coup was in effect a MILITARILY INTERRUPTED SUCCESSION. Having had dinner with you and Honourable Saviour Kasukuwere at your Blue Roof Residence, I know for a fact that you planned on supporting Dr Sidney Sekeramayi to succeed you. From telephone conversations that you held with Professor Jonathan Moyo and myself jointly, I also know for a fact that you have never supported the notion of your wife taking over.

Some of the people that saw hope in the November 2017 coup are so emotionally scarred by the knowledge that they supported a misadventure that is worsening the plight of Zimbabweans. They did not understand what you meant and why you would consistently say that politics leads the gun and that the gun should never lead politics. They are not aware of how you attempted to forestall the military takeover of ZANU PF and in effect the country to a point where Zimbabwe is a now a military state. They are not even aware of your attempts, months before the coup, to request some regional leaders to speak to Chiwenga to accept Dr Sekeramayi as a successor instead of his plan to have Mnangagwa succeed you and him becoming deputy.

I am aware that divulging these issues is tantamount to betraying confidential conversations. I have had to do so in order to buttress my request for you to record your views, thoughts and perspectives. There are several of your former colleagues that are constrained from setting the record straight until you have done so yourself first. People need you to remind them of how you always stood by them and tried to protect them. You remain an indomitable icon to those that understand and appreciate you. However, I would like to request you to record your views and perspectives in order to assist those that have not been fortunate to know enough about you, what you believe in, what you stand for and what you have achieved. Happy birthday Gushungo.

Dear Zimbabweans, please know that President Mugabe tried to fight off the militarisation of our country. Bob’s ALWAYS been your uncle.

Asante Sana. Iwe Neni Tine Basa. Umsebenzi lo Umkhulu.