Farai Dziva|Former Real Madrid forward
Cristiano Ronaldo was booed during Juventus’ 0-2 Champions League loss to Atletico Madrid last night.
Ronaldo responded to jeers from the Atletico Madrid fans with a gesture boasting of his five Champions League wins.
Ronaldo, who was making his first return to the Spanish capital since his move from Real Madrid to Turin in the pre-season, was booed during Juventus’ embarrassing defeat.The jeers came every time the 34-year-old got near the ball.
The Portuguese star first made the gesture on the pitch during the game and repeated it when he walked through the mixed zone after the final whistle. He is heard saying: “I have five Champions Leagues, you [Atletico] have none.”
Correspondent|FORMER Cabinet Minister Patrick Zhuwao has written an open letter to former President Robert Mugabe on the occasion of his 95th birthday, but the letter does more than congratulate Mugabe.
Zhuwao’s letter reveals a secret power transfer deal an ailing Mugabe attempted to strike which would have seen former Defense Minister Dr, Sydney Sekeramayi emerging as President of Zimbabwe, with Constantino Chiwenga as deputy.
Mugabe attempted to convince regional leaders to also warm up to the deal, Zhuwao reveals.
Zhuwao, who is also Mugabe’s nephew, asserts that Mugabe never planned to install his wife Grace as President.
Read the full letter below:
Proceed to page 2 below…
Patrick Zhuwao
Mugabe was forced to resign following mounting pressure to impeach him from both ruling and opposition MDC MPs in November 2017.
By Own Correspondent| Opposition MDC T led by Dr Thokozani Khupe has hailed government for its current steps towards aligning the country’s laws to the Constitution.
Said party spokesperson Linda Masarira in a statement:
We applaud all steps that are being taken to align all the laws of Zimbabwe with the supreme law of the land which is the Constitution.
More than five years after the adoption of the new Constitution in 2013, there’s really no reasonable excuse why we still have several laws not aligned with the supreme law.
As the MDC-T, we perceive this alignment of laws with the Constitution as a low-hanging fruit that doesn’t need a lot of money and/or foreign currency to harvest it.
Sometimes, we are our own worst enemies by failing to simply perform the little things that don’t cost money but that go a very long way in enhancing our country’s democratic credentials.
Going forward, we expect the Government to move swiftly to ensure that Zimbabweans’ fundamental rights and liberties are not only respected but that they are also enforced and upheld.
The pariah State image that is still haunting Zimbabwe can easily be sanitised by simply making sure that the country’s Constitution is religiously obeyed and upheld.
It is also incumbent upon Zimbabweans as a people to responsibly enjoy our fundamental rights and liberties without trashing other people’s rights.
For instance, Section 59 of the Constitution of Zimbabwe gives us the right to engage in peaceful demonstrations that shouldn’t degenerate into orgies of wanton violence and the vandalization and looting of both public and private property. Put simply, no right is absolute.
There are always limitations that are meant to ensure the maintenance of law and order. On their part, security organs of the State should resist the temptation of over-reacting to violent demonstrations.
There’s always need to employ reasonable force rather than resorting to excessive force when dealing with unruly and violent demonstrators.
Linda Tsungirirai Masarira
National Secretary for Information and Publicity
By Victor Bhoroma| The Zimbabwean economy has over the years been largely dominated by the government as the law maker, the regulator, business owner (competitor/supplier), consumer, financier and tax collector at the same time. The evolution from a socialist and command based economy where the government is at the center of key economic activities such as agriculture, energy generation and petroleum distribution, mining, tourism, real estate and banking to a free economy which favors private sector investment has been very gradual.
Advancement in globalization and the scope to harness private sector investment has brought to the fore the need for government to deregulate the economy, give authority to custodians of key institutions and allow market forces to play their part. In addition, the collapse of industry defining state entities such as Air Zimbabwe, NRZ, ZimGlass, ZBC, Hwange Colliery, ZUPCO, Kingtons, CSC and ZiscoSteel has demonstrated that government cannot play all economic roles without creating market inefficiencies. Over regulating the economy has also helped to breed bureaucracy, undue political interference, parallel markets, weak institutions and a rent seeking mindset in the public sector.
An economy
is a system in which the supply
and demand for goods and services plays a primary role in a competitive marketplace. On the other hand, a government
is the system or a group of individuals governing an organized community. The government
is a mechanism for determining policy in socio-economic management and is a
means by which those governance policies are enforced. In Zimbabwe, conflict
between major economic players and the government emanates from the latter’s
ideal for influencing all economic activities through politics. Even though
governance cannot be weaned from a political system, politicization of the
government often leads to poor socio-economic development. Political decisions have not always been in
the best interest of a vibrant economy and are partly to blame for the market
inefficiencies present in Zimbabwe. In order to create a conducive environment
for business, the following roles of the government in a market economy should
be clear:
Provide a
legal framework and strong institutions
This is one of the key functions of the government
that is exercised through the Zimbabwean parliament. Enacting laws and a
justice system that ensures that key institutions such as the rule of law, tax
system, economic policy, contracts, financial markets, property
rights and governance are respected and enforced in the economy. Institutions increase the
security that the risk of incurring in an economic transaction is matched by
the full assumption of its commercial benefits such a profit, business growth
and wealth creation. The failure of most 3rd world countries
especially in Africa is premised on weak institutions that are mirrored on
personalities or political organizations without the much needed independence. In
such situations economic decisions follow personal interests, patronage and
ethnic lines.
Ensure
economic stability and growth
This role seems very obvious yet it has been so
elusive in modern Zimbabwe. Economic stability is maintained through policies
implemented by the cabinet. These policies touch on every aspect of the local
market and include monitory policy to control money supply in the market.
Similarly the fiscal policy looks at the taxation levels and government
expenditure in the economy. High inflation rates, market shortages and
oversupply of RTGS ‘money’ in the economy clear point to failure on the part of
government to take decisive action to stabilize and grow the economy.
Improve
quality through fostering competition
Competition is very essential in a free market. The
government should always maintain an independent regulator role to facilitate
creation of new businesses that challenge and disrupt the market. The
government should not protect or sustain inefficient monopolies as it’s akin to
supporting poor product or service quality in an economy. Sectors that currently
need competition include broadcasting (TV and radio), energy generation and
distribution, rail transportation, fixed telephony and downstream petroleum
importation into Zimbabwe. Besides improving service quality, licensing more
players widens the tax base for the government and creates employment. Government
should be preoccupied with ensuring that every business in an economy is a
player through paying taxes, employing locals, buying local goods and
contributing to infrastructure growth than to decide who should be licensed or
do business in the country.
Provide
Public Goods and Services
This role goes without saying. It is important to
ensure consistent funding for public infrastructure such as roads, dams,
bridges, ports, accommodation, electricity and amenities. Infrastructure growth
has a direct bearing on economic growth as it lowers cost of doing business and
allows access to the market. Other public services such as defense, police and
prisons are also key in maintaining peace, security and order in the market.
Social
Security and Income redistribution
Social security services such as pensions, health
care, insurance and occupational safety have multiplier effects to economic
growth in Zimbabwe. These services should always be reviewed according to cost
of living so as to maintain livelihoods, incomes and spending patterns in the
economy. Similarly income and wealth redistribution in the country is achieved
through taxation, welfare benefits, land redistribution and public services.
The gulf between the rich and poor or between various provinces in terms of
economic activity in Zimbabwe is widening. The government should offer economic
incentives for investment in rural areas and marginalized cities. In a way, this
can be a long term strategy in managing rural to urban migration,
overpopulation in Harare and formalize small businesses.
Correcting externalities
Economic growth in a free market brings in negative or
positive externalities. Of particular concern are negative externalities such
as pollution, high crime rate, drug abuse, traffic congestion, road accidents,
corruption and diseases. Taxation and various penalties should always be
punitive enough to control such examples of market failure. Though some may not
be prevented, the government should not be complicit or provide fertile ground
for negative externalities. The best way to do so is to have an independent
justice system that punishes and corrects these externalities in the local
market.
Overall, the above roles are what the Zimbabwean
government need to prioritize with a clear focus on promoting economic growth. Playing
conflicting roles such as regulating and business ownership, competing and tax
collecting, financing and consumption at the same time creates market
inefficiencies such as the scenario in the local market. Market forces should
be left to determine prices in the economy unless if the services are deemed
strategic such as national security, research and development, education,
culture preservation, central registration and environmental protection.
Overregulating and micro managing the economy breeds bureaucracy in government,
parallel market growth, weak institutions and a rent seeking mindset in the
public sector.
Victor Bhoroma is business and economic analyst
with expertise in business management aspects. He is a marketer by profession
and holds an MBA from the University of Zimbabwe (UZ). For feedback, mail him
on [email protected] or Skype:
victor.bhoroma1.
Controversial MDC-T Spokesperson, Linda Masarira has heaped praises on former President Robert Mugabe saying he left a legacy of determining Zimbabwean matters locally and self pride among his people.
Posting on Mugabe’s 95th birthday, Masarira said it is up to Africans to continue with his legacy which was anchored on anti-imperialism and power of African people to chart their own destiny.
1/ The only valuable thing, I learnt from the former President Robert Mugabe is that Zimbabwean decisions must be made in Zimbabwe. He taught us to have self pride & to decolonize the mind in our quest to decide the destiny of our country & Africa. #TheGoodSideOfRobertMugabepic.twitter.com/wBB2yysgHx
2/ He passionately imparted anti-imperialist consciousness & tried to liberate the Africans mindset from mental colonization. He had a good dream of having an African Revolution led by Africans and funded by Africans to benefit Africans which he unfortunately failed to fulfill.
3/ It is now up to the us to determine the destiny of Africa. All African Governments copied & pasted constitutions & I am yet to see any African country that actually wrote an original constitution which incorporates African Culture, Tradition & Value influenced laws or policies
Farai Dziva|In his inauguration speech days after the military takeover, Emmerson Mnangagwa poured his out and described how he was mentored and nurtured by Robert Mugabe.
Mnangagwa also chronicled how the two went through life-threatening situations together.
In his inauguration speech Mnangagwa said: “Let me pay tribute to the former President, despite the errors of omission he made, we should not forget the immense contributions he made during the liberation struggle.To me personally, he remains my father, mentor, my leader and comrade,” Mnangagwa said passionately.
Today as the nation commemorates the veteran leader’s birthday Mnangagwa has not uttered a single word to congratulate his former boss on his 95th birthday.
The government is yet to release an official statement on Mugabe’s birthday.
Despite advanced age Mugabe is seen in latest photographs looking calm and composed as usual.
Farai Dziva| Foreign Affairs and International Trade Minister Sibusiso Moyo has said sanctions are detrimental to economic recovery.
Moyo was commenting on the continuation of sanctions on Zimbabwe.
He further said the imposition of sanctions on Harare was deterring government efforts to move the country forward.
Moyo also argued sanctions were hampering re-engagement efforts.
“The recent EU Council maintained restrictive measures on Zimbabwe but such a move impacts negatively on economic recovery efforts. The continuation of any form of sanctions is not synonymous with Zimbabwe’s re-engagement efforts.
The Government of Zimbabwe will continue to make efforts to solidify genuine re-engagement,” said Moyo.
Farai Dziva|A Masvingo based pastor and youth leader, Isaac Makomichi has invited President Emmerson Mnangagwa and MDC Alliance leader Nelson Chamisa to Masvingo for dialogue with the hope of resolving the current political impasse in the country.
Makomichi has indicated that he is in a position to provide funds to cover fuel and food expenses for the meeting.
In his interview with ZimEye.com, Makomichi, who is also a business mogul said: ” I see the need to chair the national dialogue meeting and I am determined to resolve President Mnangagwa and Mr Chamisa’s differences. I am inviting the two with all respect.I want them to come to Masvingo and we will look for a suitable room so that I can have a discussion with them.
I will give them time to resolve their differences,” said Makomichi.
” I will delegate duties to the two because there is a verse in the bible about the city yaka dzikinurwa nezano remurombo.It’s time for Zimbabweans to live in peace and unity.I want the two to give me a suitable date for the meeting.”
Makomichi is the president of Vulnerable Youth Support Network Trust and the leader of Miracle Healing and Deliverance Ministries.
Makomichi who is also known as the Lord of The Jungle has also said he will give Mnangagwa and Chamisa new posts and new duties as determined by the Holy Spirit.
One, Shingi Chida commented: ” The offer to chair the much anticipated national dialogue for free is good but the people around the leaders are giving their bosses bad advice.”
ZBR28 – Open Letter to President Robert Gabriel Mugabe Zete @95 to Zana.
Bob’s Always Been Your Uncle. 21st February 2019
By Patrick Zhuwao| 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.
Farai Dziva|ZANU PF Mashonaland Provincial chair and Mazowe West Legislator, Kazembe Kazembe is mired in a battle with perceived G-40 elements in the ruling party.
Impeccable sources in the party yesterday said Kazembe vowed to “remove” all perceived G-40 elements from the party structures.
Kazembe has also been accused of tampering with the lower structures of the party to settle scores with his political foes.
Three ZANU PF members, Susan Magaragada, Kudakwashe Kagunha and Henry Chigwada claim they have been victimised by Kazembe and they have subsequently written a letter to the party’s national commissar Engelbert Rugeje challenging their suspension.
“He (Kazembe) is taking advantage of his closeness to Mnangagwa to torment hapless party members,” Zanu PF sources said yesterday.
Farai Dziva| Two MDC A officials who were allegedly abducted by soldiers on Tuesday night were severely assaulted and later dumped, a party spokesperson has said.
The two brothers, Robert and Dunmore Saunyama were allegedly seized from their homes by a group of eight soldiers and taken to 3 Infantry Brigade in Mutare.
MDC Alliance spokesperson, Jacob Mafume said:”After an outcry on social media, once their location was known, their captors released them and they were found dumped.
They had been badly beaten and they were taken to the hospital.”
The alleged abduction was initially revealed by MDC A Manicaland provincial spokesperson Trevor Saruwaka.
One of the survivors of the Battlefields mines disaster was mourned in Mukumbira, Mt Darwin North Constituency after relatives had presumed him dead.
Thickmore and his father
The mines disaster was laden with anguish, expectation and despondency, and for the Madimutsa family of Mukumbura, the presumption was that one of their own, Thickmore had perished, prompting the gathering of mourners at a village in Mt Darwin north.
According to Thickmore’s father, Mr Takaruza Madimutsa, logistics to carry the supposed body of their kin had been made, with the area’s legislator promising to provide transport.
However, upon setting foot at Silvermoon Mine, Mr Madimutsa heard the good news that there were prospects of finding some of the trapped miners alive after rescuers heard some voices underground, but he dismissed the report, and instead assumed the voices were of ghosts.
A few minutes later, his son was brought to the surface, and he was the first one to be rescued.
Thickmore owes his rescue to the power of God and he vows never to venture into artisanal mining again.
When he went underground alongside his peers, he expected to be out just after a few hours and had not carried any food with him since it was tradition to always come to the surface for lunch or dinner.
Thickmore was one of the eight trapped miners who were rescued following the disaster in which 24 people were confirmed dead.
By Farai D Hove| The 62 year old deputy to Emmerson Mnangagwa, Gen. Constantino Chiwenga this week completes 2 weeks in India after being flown there for treatment.
Earlier in February, Chiwenga had told the state broadcaster, ZBC he was not dying as widely reported, and this was after he had secretly flown back from South Africa.
Chiwenga’s condition includes the swelling of hands and discolouring of his skin.
To date, the Deputy Information Minister Energy Mutodi has claimed that Chiwenga is being medically attended over a minor ailment, a comment that has drawn ridicule from citizens.
Sources told of Chiwenga’s India trip on the 7th February. ZimEye has verified from several sources that his whereabouts up to the time of publishing 21st February are truly India.
Insider reports reaching ZimEye as at yesterday said the general who removed former president Robert Mugabe, is now struggling to speak following his struggle with an undisclosed ailment.
On Tuesday night ZimEye telephoned Chiwenga and his cellphone reported a voice message in the Indian Hindi language. The message as explained by a professional interpreter yesterday, is a standard phone “response“. The phone had rung twice just before quickly hitting the voicemail auto-assistant. (We wish to correct the earlier article that said the language was in Mandarin as per the initial news reporter’s account)
Other sources have revealed that in the days before his flight, Chiwenga had apologised to former President Robert Mugabe for conducting the military coup that removed the 95 year old in November 2017.
Why did Chiwenga suddenly apologise to Mugabe last month? He thinks –
This was during the chaotic moments when Mnangagwa was out on his trip to Russia, and other countries, and the so called “ShutDown” stayaway was ongoing. During that time, all civil servants were furious after Mnangagwa announced a fuel price hike that turned Zimbabwe’s into the most expensive in the world.
Meanwhile, the South African government on Tuesday sent well wishes to Chiwenga.
“On Zimbabwe, we must start by wishing Vice President Chiwenga a speedy recovery. We all know that he has not been well. I am informed by our High Commissioner, that he [Chiwenga] has travelled to India for further treatment that will help his condition,” South Africa’s International Relations and Cooperation Minister Lindiwe Sisulu told journalists in Pretoria.
“We wish him a speedy recovery there,” the statement concluded.
Paul Nyathi|Malawian beer maker, Chibuku Products Limited (CPL), has said it has lost 50 percent of its market share in Dedza, Mchinji and Kasungu to smuggled beer products from Zambia and Zimbabwe.
Chibuku Human Resource and Corporate Affairs Manager, Gloria Zimba, disclosed this after Malawi Revenue Authority impounded a truck loaded with such products at Mchinji Border.
Zimba said districts such as Mchinji are infested with such products as bars and hawkers openly stock them despite being smuggled.
“Almost 90 percent of the bars at Mchinji Boma are selling Zimbabwean Chibuku Super, an beers from Zambia called Ng’ambazi, another one called Nkhwazi and another one called Mafuta. And, to our shock, all these products are sold at very cheap prices when you compare them to our local beer because they are just smuggled into the country.
“We have established that there is a full truck that carries over 2,000 cases. It comes every Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays. Other trucks park on the Zambian side of the border and people cross with their bicycles to buy and, at least, two trucks go through the Mqoucha-Jenda Border,” Zimba said.
She further said the government is also losing revenue to unpaid taxes from beer smugglers.
PRESIDENT Emmerson Mnangagwa has no plans to meet his predecessor, former President Robert Mugabe, even on the occasion of the latter’s 95th birthday today, NewsDay has learnt.
Mugabe turns 95 today and Information ministry secretary Ndavaningi Mangwana yesterday said there were no plans to give the former Zanu PF leader a treat.
“Nothing specific as far as I know. I will inquire with the Chief Secretary to the President and Cabinet (Misheck Sibanda).
“But I think it’s likely to be a private affair as it was last year,” Mangwana said. Mnangagwa’s spokesperson, George Charamba also said he was not aware of any planned engzagement between his principal and the former President.
“I am not aware of anything,” was all Charamba said. Mugabe was forced out of power after a coup in November 2017 and was succeeded by Mnangagwa, who he had sacked two weeks earlier. Towards the end of his reign, the former guerrilla leader’s birthday was declared a national holiday at the behest of the Zanu PF youth league as his lieutenants sought to curry favour with Mugabe amid a vicious internal power struggle.
Zanu PF spokesperson, Simon Khaya Moyo was not too enthusiastic about the holiday.
“It’s a Youth Day. I don’t know if anything has been planned. Ask the (Zanu PF) youth league,” Khaya Moyo said.
Zanu PF secretary for youth affairs Pupurai Togarepi said: “We have made a request to meet him, but we are yet to receive a response. Our plan is for a small indoor function at which selected youths will get entrepreneurial advice from different resource persons who we will invite.”
Togarepi could not be drawn into commenting on whether Mugabe had been invited to the event, but insisted that Zanu PF will cherish its former leader’s contributions to the “revolution”.
“Of course, we will remember him for the work he did in leading the country, as well as the revolution. That is why we have Youth Day falling on his birthday. We still hope we will be able to meet him,” Togarepi told NewsDay.
Sheron Shutu: Happy birthday baba!! We love and miss you ?
Helena Muriro Chikwanha: Happy birthday my brother gushungo enjoy your life to the fullest. May our God continue to keep you and surround you with his hedge of protection.
Alfred Mashabha: Happy birthday though your evil company is still haunting us.
Raymond Mtemeri: Happy birthday Bob.i wonder why u didn’t want to hand over power to these guys they are clueless on how to run a country. Pawaivepo taitambura asi apa tazotamburisa.
Lorraine Thoe Mahlangu: Happy birthday grandpa Bob, love you a lot.
Bernatoni Vandirai: Zimbabwe has experienced 38 years of disaster so far, Ian Smith never killed the citizens of Zimbabwe the way Zanu military government has done since they took power. There is nothing to celebrate at all, what people experienced is tears after tears, disastrous dictator, people burned alive by Gukurahundi, the brutality which the ordinary people received from those whom they expected better life and freedom from is just a disappointment of all time. An unbelievable shame of Africa, Sadc and AU just support their comrades. Till today we are still crying for freedom, tired of cleaning blood that is shed by those we thought would deliver Canaan, so sad and painful, there is no hope for a better life for all.
Lushmire Chinyowa: I will never say anything to a man who forced me to cross limpopo river when it was full to capacity running from my mother country going to a place with no relatives no destination no food no shelter. It was like I was exposing my body to anything dangerous it was do or die…. You ruined my life to its totality not only me majority some they divorced some died…. Nxaa I have a novel to write about your time in office sir… Only what I can recommend is your English that is the only one thing good about you above all..
Shaanyana Ntshabele: Happy birthday, you ruined Africa’s bread basket!
Mdara Kenny Nyatowo: Happy birthday uncle Bob the pain you put in us is still fresh & it still manifesting through your evil boys on the chair right now.
Benedict Kwangware: Happy birthday uncle Bob the pain you put in us is still fresh & it still manifesting through your evil boys on the chair right now.
Sam Tafadzwa Kachinga: Happy birthday. May God keep you.
Kishon Chisahwira: Your brood is giving us a torrid time ” like father like sons “but you were a lot smarter than these your brood if only you have groomed a successor in time we would not be suffering as we are right now.
Tanaka Munatsi: Your brood is giving us a torrid time ” like father like sons “but you were a lot smarter than these your brood if only you have groomed a successor in time we would not be suffering as we are right now.
By Business Reporter| The People’s President Nelson Chamisa has passed the below comment over Zimbabwe’s new currency.
He said yesterday’s monetary policy statement will plunge the nation into uncertainly.
Writing on his portal Thursday afternoon, Chamisa announced saying:
“THE MONETARY POLICY STATEMENT is a disaster that will erode livelihoods, plunge the nation into darkness & uncertainty.
“The nation was misled that bondnote was equal to USD. Not good enough to simply wake to say the same are now no longer equal, minus apology & compensation. “
By Own Correspondent| Former Finance Minister and current MDC AllianceNational Vice Chairperson Tendai Biti has advised Reserve Bank of Zimbabwe governor John Mangudya to abandon the ingroduction of RTGs dollars and instead dollarise.
Biti said this following the announcement of the 2019 Monetary Policy Statement by Mangudya in Harare (Wednesday).
Said Biti:
Mangudya is a thief because he has effectively devalued people’s salaries to the extent that if you earn $500, it means you now earn $100. There are going to be implications on inflation and there is going to be an impact on fuel prices and the economy, electricity costs, and there will be shortages at supermarkets.
Further floating the exchange rate and retention of the bond note will guarantee the continued existence of corruption in this economy. Zanu PF elites will continue raiding the RBZ for cheap foreign exchange, which they will arbitrage.
Liberalising or floating the exchange rate, without ring-fencing RTGS balances, will have the disastrous consequences of devaluing people’s balances and floodgates of litigation will open. Only Parliament can float or liberalise the exchange rate.
The RTGS dollar is a lot of rubbish, anything short of demonetising the bond note will bring futile results, and there is need for dollarisation.
By Own Correspondent| A 3rd year female medical student at Midlands State University, Lynette Ndlovu, has been elected President of the Federation of African Medical Students’ Association (FAMSA) becoming the first-ever female president from Southern Africa since the birth of the organisation in 1968.
Selection criteria was based on academic merit, sound leadership skills, and community service.
Said the Midlands State University in a statement:
Lynette Ndlovu has worked tirelessly over the years on her way to election in various capacities all the while, reaffirming her leadership skills, commitment and dedication towards empowering African communities. 2018 was a notable year for the University’s medical students as seven students were selected to be part of the inaugural Southern African boot camp on female reproduction including HIV/AIDS held in Malawi.
Ndlovu together with Nobert Mashoko represented Midlands State University and the country exceptionally well and this resulted in the birth of Youth Against Aids [YAA] sessions in high schools in the Midlands province through the ZiMSA standing committee.
Furthermore, Ndlovu was an active member of the organising committee for the African Regional meeting for medical students’ representatives from all over Africa, hosted by Zimbabwe last year (2018). The same year also saw Ndlovu being chosen to be part of the national advisory council at the ZiMSA annual general meeting held at the Zimbabwe Medical Association (ZIMA) headquarters in Harare.
It, therefore, goes without saying that Ndlovu’s excellent track record speaks volumes about her capabilities and leadership skills and further attests to the high calibre of medical students being nurtured by the University and the nation at large.
On behalf of the entire University community, we say Congratulations, Makorokoto, Amhlope and wish you all the success during your term of office as you undoubtedly serve with excellence.
Established in 1968, the Federation of African Medical Students’ Associations, FAMSA, is an independent, non political Federation of all Medical Students’ Associations in Africa. it now has 25 member countries including South Africa, Nigeria, Kenya, Egypt, Zambia, Tanzania, Rwanda, Kenya and Ethiopia.
Midlands State University located in Gweru is a state owned tertiary institution in Zimbabwe administered by the Ministry of Higher and Tertiary Education. The University was established in 2000 and has branches in various parts of the country. Read More About Midlands State UniversityCATEGORIES
In its commentary today, government-controlled daily publication, The Herald, has said that most people will welcome the new currency and policy measures announced by the reserve bank yesterday.
Tendai Biti, Former Finance Minister and current MDC AllianceNational Vice Chairperson has commented on the introduction of the RTGS dollar and floating of the exchange rate.
Tsonga disco legend Papa Penny is going to be a father again, this time to a baby boy he plans to name after himself. Image: Instagram/Papa Penny
Reality TV star Papa Penny and his wife are ready to welcome their unborn son, who will be their second child together and Papa Penny’s 25th child.
The legendary Tsonga disco musician took to social media this week to share the exciting news and reveal that the couple have already chosen a name for the child.
He’ll be named after his father’s nickname, Penny Penny.
“He is child number 25. We are expecting a baby boy and his name is Penny Penny. Yes, it is my nickname but I have made something great out of and I’ve always wanted to see it on an ID. So now my son will have that name.”
Papa Penny said it was only a matter of weeks before he meets his unborn child and he was eternally grateful to his wife, mama Nomi. He went on to applaud her strength and praised her for how she has raised their daughter Nomi.
He said the couple won’t stop having kids while he still has the energy.
“I’m very happy. This also shows that I’m still energetic. It is great because I still want so many children. I’m grateful to my wife because we share the same goal. She wants to make me a village as well. We can’t wait for his arrival. My wife is almost eight months now.”
Papa Penny will return to TV screens later this year on the third season of his reality show Papa Penny Ahee.
While he didn’t spill the tea on what fans can expect, he did promise it will be the best season yet!
“I never imagined i would be raped by the soldiers, whom we had marched side by side in the streets in a push to oust former president Robert Mugabe in November 2017.
Zimbabwean Soldiers have been Accused of Abuse (File Photo).
An eerie silence and tense atmosphere had forced her to retreat indoors following violent protests over a 150% fuel price hike that had rocked the landlocked nation some hours before on Monday last week.
On the ground, a veneer of peace existed after the police and the army had quelled protests following chaotic scenes of looting of shops, burning of cars, tyres and road blockades by the rioters.
But come dusk, she never imagined she could be a victim of the army retribution in such a callous manner.
“A group of soldiers in masks destroyed the precast wall at our family house at around 1am. Armed with AK47 assault guns with bayonets, switches and sjamboks, they barked orders saying there were some protestors hiding in the house. But it was just me and my one-and-half years-old kid in the house. I kept quiet, and they started shaking the doors, breaking windows and my kid was frightened and started crying.
“They forced open the main door, and ransacked the whole house. They were visibly high. When they got into my room, they started clapping and kicking me, asking why i was quiet and did not open the door for them. Then they demanded to see the protestors whom they said were hiding in the house, but i told them i do not know anything about the demonstration,” she said.
According to her one of the soldiers grabbed her, “torn off my dress and blouse and started to rape me while the other one holding my arms and urging him on. The second one also raped me afterwards. They did not wear condoms, and were reeking of alcohol. I cried but the neighbors were equally terrified and did not come to my rescue. The other soldiers were searching the house, eating food they found in the house. It was only one of them who latter came and restrained them. They just left and disappeared in the dark. I could not identify them.”
“I never imagined i would be raped by the soldiers, whom we had marched side by side in the streets in a putsch to oust former president Robert Mugabe in November 2017. The boring thing is that i had stayed indoors the whole day and never participated in the protests,” she said, tears flowing uncontrollably at the Counseling Services Unit (CSU), a local health institution that offered free medical treatment and counseling to the victims of the military crackdown last week.
Even the counselor consoling her could not stop her from wailing. The trauma was written all over her face, and she was terribly shaken by the sexual assault.
“How would my husband, based in South Africa, react to this? He will divorce me,” she said.
She is among two women raped by soldiers in Harare, according to the CSU. The other one is a 17 year-old girl.
“From Tuesday to Sunday last week, we treated 105 victims, including six juveniles aged between 11 to 17, as well as senior citizens. Most of those we treated here had soft tissue injuries, from assault from baton sticks, chains; some had lacerations on feet, and buttocks. Among the victims were two females sexually assaulted including a 17 year old,” a counselor at the institution said, on condition of anonymity for fear of army reprisals.
He added that there were other 50 critical cases which they did not treat but referred them to the Zimbabwe Doctors for Human Rights. Among the 50, some had gunshot wounds, he said.
“We offer medical, psychological, and counseling services here since some were assaulted in front of their kids, so we counsel the whole family,” he added.
12 people died in the week of the stay-away, dubbed #Shutdown Zimbabwe, which was called by the main labour body, the Zimbabwe Congress of Trade Unions (ZCTU), as well as social movement, #ThisFlag.
ZCTU president Peter Mutasa, and #ThisFlag leader, pastor Evan Mawarire were also not spared in the arrests. They are facing charges of subversion, treason and inciting violence.
According to the Zimbabwe Human Rights NGO Forum, 12 people died, while 78 had gunshot wounds. 242 had dog bites and were tortured or assaulted, while 466 were arrested. The organization recorded 466 cases of wanton destruction of property.
“The Forum has received disturbing reports of armed security personnel breaking into private homes of citizens, indiscriminately torturing occupants including children as young as 9 years old. Through our membership, we have recorded at least 844 human rights violations during the shutdown,” the organisation said in daily updates and in its report.
Even the government’s human rights body, the Zimbabwe Human Rights Commission (ZHRC) conceded that citizens were ‘systematically tortured’ during the week of the stay-away, insisting police officers used live ammunition, instead of rubber bullets.
“At least eight deaths have been reported to the commission and mostly attributed to use of live ammunition,” Sheila Matindike of the ZHRC said at a media briefing in the capital, Harare.
“They seem to resort to use of brute, excessive and disproportionate force in most circumstances thereby causing avoidable loss of life and also worsening the situation…raising questions about their crowd control capacity,” she said.
However, both the army and the police said those involved in killing civilians were not genuine security agents but deserters, retirees and imposters who had stolen army uniforms.
On Saturday night, Police spokesperson Commissioner Charity Charamba together with her Zimbabwe Defence Forces counterpart, Colonel Overson Mugwisi, at a press conference, shifted the blame to fake soldiers and police forces in stolen fatigues during an earlier protest.
“Some of these uniforms worn by criminals were seized by rogue elements during the recent riots in Epworth and Chegutu. We are therefore giving an ultimatum to individuals who have retired, deserted, absented themselves without official leave from service to immediately handover uniforms either to the police or the Zimbabwe Defence Forces,” Charamba said.
The army and police refused to take questions from journalists during the presser.
However, a senior army officer, Lieutenant Morrosi Carnage of Inkomo Mounted Regiment, a police officer, Ignatius Zuze and several ZANU PF youth leaders were arrested for taking a leading role in the bloody riots, arson and looting of shops in Epworth, a ragtag settlement south of Harare.
Government spokesperson, George Charamba, in what appears to contradict the army and police explanations during the course of the stay-away, ominously warned that worse things were to come for the protestors.
“The response so far is just a foretaste of things to come,” he said, from Azerbaijan, where he had accompanied Mnangagwa.
Observers said the army and police were trying to hide behind a finger and their excuse exposed them further for failing to account for their uniforms, guns, vehicles and helicopters which could not have been stolen, which will also erode their public trust and capability to defend the country in foreign attacks.
“The claim that there are non-security people committing atrocities while clad in police and military garb is very unconvincing and even if true, speaks of failure by the security sector to, not only run their institution, but also look after their tools of trade,” said Jealousy Mawarire, spokesperson of the opposition National Patriotic Front party.
“Surely, we can’t have an army or police force failing to account for their uniforms, weapons and officers, whether retired, dead or resurrected. The real issue is that there are divisions in the army, police and the state along the faulty lines within a disintegrating Zanu PF. The centre is no longer holding and another coup is loading,” he added.
During the week-long stay-away, the government shut down the internet, a move which critiques said the Mnangagwa administration wanted to mask the human rights abuses.
The internet and social media sites were restored Monday following a High Court challenge of the ban by the Zimbabwe Lawyers for Human Rights (ZLHR) and regional media lobby group, the Media Institute of Southern Africa (MISA).
Judge Owen Tagu ruled that it had “become very clear that the minister has no authority to make the directive” (to cut off the internet) and ordered mobile operators to “unconditionally resume the provision of the full and unrestricted services to all subscribers forthwith.”
Charamba, had earlier on justified the internet shutdown, saying the net was, “the tool used to coordinate the violence; in other words it was part and parcel of the accessory of tools put in place to ensure that there was maximum damage on our society and naturally when you are reacting to a conspiracy of that nature…you ensure that society is protected”.
President Mnangagwa, who was on a tour of Europe, was forced to cancel his Davos trip to deal with the turmoil back home to ‘to get Zimbabwe calm, stable and working again,’ he said on his official Twitter page.
“One week ago, I announced measures to stabilise our nation’s crucial fuel supply. I was aware that these measures may not be popular, and this was not a decision we took lightly. But it was the right thing to do
What followed was regrettable and tragic. Everyone has the right to protest, but this was not a peaceful protest. Wanton violence and cynical destruction; looting police stations, stealing guns and uniforms; incitement and threats of violence. This is not the Zimbabwean want,” he said on Twitter.
He also called for dialogue to fix the country’s comatose economy.
“I invite leaders of all political parties as well as religious and civil leaders to set aside our differences and come together. What unites us is stronger than what could ever divide us. Let’s begin a national dialogue. Let’s put the economy first. Let’s put the people first,” he said.
Mnangagwa threw the rogue soldiers under the bus, promising that heads will roll in the security sector.
“Likewise, 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,” he said.
However, his sincerity is yet to be seen as he did not punish the same soldiers when they killed protestors on August 1 last year in a bid to force the electoral management body, the Zimbabwe Electoral Commission (ZEC) to release presidential results early.
Six people were shot at close range by the soldiers in the capital, Harare.
The August 1 shooting resulted in Mnangagwa setting up a commission of inquiry chaired by former South African president, Kgalema Motlanthe.
But recommendations from the commission are yet to be implemented. Neither did the soldiers that shot the six civilians brought to book, even though some were positively identified in news and social media footage.
This story was produced in collaboration with a correspondent in Zimbabwe. The correspondent requested anonymity out of fear of reprisal.
Harare lawyer Doreen Vimbai Gapare was recently fined $500 by the Law Society of Zimbabwe (LSZ) after she was convicted of unprofessional and compromised conduct in handling a case involving senior journalist Geoffrey Nyarota.
Nyarota, who is the founding editor-in-chief of the Daily News, reported Gapare to the LSZ in February 2017 for gross negligence in the handling of his dismissal by Association Newspapers of Zimbabwe (ANZ), publishers of the Daily News, in May 2010.
The matter went to arbitration and on August 2, 2011, arbitrator Johnlife Mawire found ANZ guilty of summarily and illegally dismissing Nyarota from his employment.
The arbitrator then awarded Nyarota a total of $90 921 as compensation and damages, whereafter Gapare successfully applied for registration of the arbitral award at the High Court.
Nyarota was then requested by Gapare to pay Scanlen and Holderness $650 towards the execution of the award by the Deputy Sheriff. But after the money was paid, the execution was never enforced.
Subsequent inquiry by Nyarota revealed that the amount had been transferred to Gapare’s account at the law firm on her instruction.
ANZ later filed an appeal at the Labour Court against both judgment and quantification of the award and the court then requested the parties to file heads of argument in order for the matter to proceed, but Gapare failed to do so.
By the time the matter was finally set down for hearing, 19 months later, Gapare had still not done anything, claiming that Nyarota was in arrears in payment of his legal fees.
Nyarota dismissed her assertions, arguing that there was no record of any such demand having been made to him at the material time.
It, however, emerged that Gapare had, in fact, given an undertaking in writing to the clerk of the Labour Court in November 2012 that she would submit the heads of argument by December 2, 2012.
When the matter was finally heard on July 10, 2015, the Labour Court handed down a default judgment against Nyarota and upheld ANZ’s application.
Nyarota then reported Gapare to the LSZ in February 2017 and in June 2018, the LSZ ruled that it was Gapare’s duty to protect her client.
“In coming up with an appropriate sentence, council considered the fact that a legal practitioner should, at all times, while seized with a matter in the best interests of the client, as the client relies on the expertise and competence of a legal practitioner,” LSZ executive secretary, Edward Mapara wrote to Gapare in a letter dated February 5.
“It was council’s view that a legal practitioner’s conduct should not, in any way, prejudice the client, as had been the case in this matter. Council has, thus, resolved that you be ordered to pay a fine of $500 within 21 days of notification.”
In considering the case, the disciplinary and ethics committee of the LSZ also considered Nyarota’s complaint that Gapare had improperly associated with ANZ’s chief operations officer, Sharon Samushonga, when she took to hugging her in the court room.
Nyarota had complained that it was insensitive of his lawyer to display such affection in court towards his opponent.
A HARARE magistrate yesterday jailed Borrowdale police officer-in-charge Simbarashe Sibanda to four years for attempted murder of his police girlfriend in a dispute over relish.
Sibanda (40) was sentenced by Harare magistrate Jessy Kufa, who suspended one year of the sentence on condition of good behaviour.
The complainant Stella Ruswa is also a police officer.
In convicting him, Kufa ruled that Sibanda was a police officer who must have self-control.
“Sibanda must have controlled himself since he is a member of the police force. He should have known that gender-based violence was a serious case and a custodial sentence will deter other would-be-offenders as sentencing him to a fine or community service trivialise the offence,” Kufa ruled.
Prosecutor Chipo Matambo told the court that on June 8 last year at around 5pm, Sibanda visited Ruswa’s residence and realised that she had not prepared supper.
The court heard that only a pot with boiling water was on the stove and Sibanda confronted Ruswa about the issue.
Ruswa told Sibanda that there was no relish to prepare the meal, which did not go down well with him. A misunderstanding ensued between the two and Sibanda reached for the boiling water and poured it on Ruswa.
The court heard that Ruswa sustained severe burns and was admitted at West End Hospital for 11 days.
While it’s unlikely that many Zimbabweans yearn for former ruler Robert Mugabe’s return, the occasion of his 95th birthday on Thursday has led some to see him in a softer light.
“Comrade Bob” was toppled from 37 years in power in November 2017 following a brief military takeover that saw him replaced by his one-time protege, deputy and latterly, political rival President Emmerson Mnangagwa.
Immediately after Mugabe’s resignation, there was an outpouring of joy and many people took to the streets to celebrate.
But Mnangagwa’s gloss quickly faded and the economic catastrophe facing Zimbabwe began to crystallise as cash shortages worsened and fuel prices soared.
“We miss Mugabe. If he didn’t care, at least he pretended to,” Harare resident Anita Mugombedzi told AFP. “If what we have seen so far is anything to judge by, Zimbabwe will be worse than it was under Mugabe at his worst.”
In the months after Mnangagwa took power, it became clear the security services were prepared to use deadly force to put down dissent — just as they had done under Mugabe.
Six people were killed after soldiers opened fire in downtown Harare following presidential elections in July, which Mnangagwa won despite rigging allegations and an appeal by the opposition.
In January, at least 17 civilians were killed according to community groups after a crackdown sparked by thousands of Zimbabweans taking to the streets to protest an overnight doubling of fuel prices.
There were also harrowing accusations by civilians of torture and sexual assault by the security services.
“Mugabe made mistakes but he was not as ruthless as those who took over from him. We thought things would be better under Mnangagwa but now many people are saying Mugabe was better,” said Edmond Jera, an unemployed accountant.
Mugabe’s birthday will not be publicly celebrated this year, and it will simply be a national holiday like any other.
Before his fall, his birthdays were week-long extravaganzas and he would receive cakes that weighed as many kilograms as his age along with lavish gifts including cattle and tributes from regime loyalists.
‘Divided’ nation
“The day is passing this year without the usual pomp and ceremony,” said Rashweat Mukundu, a researcher at the Zimbabwe Democracy Institute think-tank.
“Mugabe failed to leave a lasting legacy. He left a divided Zimbabwe. This should be a lesson to those in power today.”
Last year, Mugabe’s family and friends marked his first birthday since his defenestration with a low-key private birthday party at his Harare home attended only by members of his inner circle.
No senior government leaders were thought to have been present.
A pro-Mnangagwa march, originally planned for Thursday, will be held at the weekend, according to the ruling party’s youth wing.
“We are going to march in Harare to show support for our president,” said ZANU-PF’s youth leader Pupurai Togarepi.
But Togarepi diplomatically insisted that “we will remember the revolutionary work done by the former president”, calling him a “giant political icon”.
Harare resident Wright Chirombe said Mugabe’s allies had treated the ex-ruler unfairly.
‘Obscure and irrelevant’
“They should have kept on honouring him rather than want him to appear like he did bad things throughout his rule,” he said. “That’s betrayal, and it’s unfair. He made mistakes like all humans do, but there are many things he did which make him better than those who are now in power.”
Mugabe and his wife Grace, whose apparent thirst for power was seen as one of the factors that sparked the military takeover, have made few public appearances since the nonagenarian’s removal.
He has given only two media interviews since leaving office. In one, he called his removal a coup, and in another on the eve of last year’s general elections he said he would not vote for his former party.
“That’s the reality when you are out of power in most African states,” said Ibbo Mandaza, head of the Southern African Political and Economic Series think tank.
“It’s either you run away and die in exile — or you just become obscure and irrelevant.”
Following reports last year that Mugabe was receiving medical treatment in Singapore, Mnangagwa told a rally in Mugabe’s village that the former liberation fighter was due to be discharged — but was no longer able to walk.
“Mugabe had his many transgressions,” said main opposition Movement for Democratic Change (MDC) party leader Nelson Chamise. “I see my colleague Mr Mnangagwa making an effort to double the catalogue of those transgressions.”
ONE of the finest footballers to ever emerge from Zimbabwe Moses “Bambo” Chunga’s national team career was ended by former Highlanders’ midfield kingpin Rahman Gumbo.
Chunga, a dribbling wizard who made defenders look stupid, went to Belgium where he still commands a lot of respect.
According to another Zimbabwean great Alois Bunjira, the Razorman’s national team dance was brought to an end by Gumbo in the early 1990s when the late German schemer Reinhard Fabisch was in charge of the Warriors.
In an extract from his upcoming book “Alois Bunjira, My Football Journey”, Bunjira says during the Dream Team era, there was a lot of pressure from Dynamos fans and some sections of the media for Fabisch to include the Razorman in his Dream Team squad.
“Fabisch was saying he knew about Chunga’s operation in Germany and the doctors had said Chunga could no longer play at the highest level with great intensity anymore. Chunga insisted he was fit and good enough to play,” writes Bunjira.
He says with the support of Dynamos fans and the press, pressure mounted on Fabisch, who, however, stood his ground arguing that Chunga’s position had young and energetic players like Peter Ndlovu and the late Benjamin Nkonjera.
“The pressure reached boiling point until the Premier Soccer League, Zifa and Fabisch came to an agreement that a match between the Dream Team and the PSL select had to be organised, for Chunga to show that he could still play and deserved a place in the national team. The match was duly organised and pencilled for a Wednesday night at Rufaro Stadium. We were in camp with the Dream Team preparing for a match against Zambia in Lusaka,” writes the former Daryn T and Caps United star player.
He says on the afternoon of the game, there was a pre-match meeting where the starting line-up was announced, but the European based stars, who included Peter Ndlovu, Henry McKop and Agent Sawu, had not yet arrived.
“After the team was announced, Fabisch then called out Rahman and said to him, ‘Rahman, today your job is to mark Moses. I don’t want him to play. This game was organised for him, but I don’t want him in my team. You will make sure he doesn’t touch the ball. Follow him everywhere. Even if he goes to the toilet, you go with him. He will cause trouble in my camp’.
The team then left for Rufaro Stadium, arriving earlier than the PSL select side,” writes Bunjira.
“The PSL select arrived much later when the Stadium was packed to the rafters. For me, that is the only other time I saw Rufaro Stadium so packed, other than during the All-Africa Games in 1995. The noise that greeted the PSL team and cheers for Chunga when he entered the field, one would have thought the Dream Team was a team from Mauritania. The PSL select had all the support and we were treated like an away team.”
He says the match started at a fast pace with the noise in the stadium unbearable as the majority were in solidarity with Chunga.
“Following instructions to the hilt, Gumbo stuck to Chunga like a leech. Bambo hardly played. On realising that Rush was following him everywhere, Chunga decided to play to the gallery to embarrass Rahman. He went to the Vietnam side touchline, and right by the centre flag, he just stood there and never moved while the game was on. Rahman Gumbo did as per instruction and went there to stand with him. The Vietnam fans were incensed and went crazy.”
“They made so much noise and started pelting Rahman with missiles (maize cobs, oranges, stones, zvigubhu etc). The match had to be stopped briefly for order to be restored. The half-time score was 0-0. The second half started with Rahman doing the same job. The temperatures were hotting up. I think the PSL select coaches realised that the tempers were flaring and eventually took off Chunga,” Bunjira writes.
The match finished 1-0 in favour of the Dream Team with Bunjira scoring the only goal, but after the match, says Bunjira, some fans were baying for Fabisch and Gumbo’s blood.
“We even had our bus pelted with missiles. Some of the fans even forgot that we were the Zimbabwe National team. After that match, calls for Chunga to be drafted into the team died a natural death. To this day, I don’t know how Fabisch and Chunga saw each other. It was one of those things in football,” he say.
Bunjira yesterday said he expects his book to be released sometime this year.
Correspondent|Nancy Masiyambiri, the woman who shot to infamy after she had a starring role in leaked s_ex tape, has furiously refuted speculation that she is a sugar mummy.
People on social media referred to her being much older than her s_extape partner, former Studio 263 actor Denzel Burutsa.
This did not go down very well with Nancy who angrily refuted the speculation saying that she was the “kid” in this relationship as Burutsa, who is commonly referred to as “Jabu” from his acting days, is actually eleven (11) years older than she is. She also denied rumours that she may be suffering from HIV because she had what seemed like pimples on her legs.
Speaking to local publication H-Metro, Masimbiri said,
People are saying I am older than Denny, but I am 30 and he is 41. I was hurt and some say I have AIDS but Denny donates blood regularly. He has self-test kits, we normally test each other and for him to have unprotected sex (with me) was because I am clean.
It’s just that pakati pemakumbo angu ndopakasviba chete because of friction. I have been working on weight loss and if it was an STI, it could be from inside my privates.
But mapundu are only on my thighs, even if you google you find that fat woman have such a problem…He felt free to have s_ex with me. He knows kuti vakadzi vari fat vanoita sei. But with this weight, you can feel out of place.
Own Correspondent|In a surprise move, the Minister of Defence and War Veterans Affairs Oppah Muchinguri has gazetted an extension of the retirement age of army reserves from 65 to 70 years.
According to the Gazette the changes will affect the Air Force under Statutory Instrument 17/ 2019 and Army Reserves under Statutory Instrument 18/2019 amending the Defence Act governing the respective reserves.
The effect of the gazette will allow the Minister, on the recommendation of President Emmerson Mnangagwa to permit a reserve member who reaches retirement age (65 years) to continue serving until 70.
By A Correspondent| Impeccable sources have moved to confirm reports that Emmerson Mnangagwa’s deputy, Constantino Chiwenga last month physically called on former President Robert Mugabe to apologise for conducting the coup that made Mnangagwa President in November 2017.
Why did Chiwenga suddenly apologise to Mugabe last month? He thinks –
This was during the chaotic moments when Mnangagwa was out on his trip to Russia, and other countries and the so called ShutDown stayaway was ongoing. During that time, all civil servants were furious after Mnangagwa announced a fuel price hike that turned Zimbabwe’s into the most expensive in the world.
The chaos saw on the 15th January, groups of soldiers descending onto schools to assault teachers forcing them to go and strike in public, while other security forces ordered civilians to go and loot from shops.
As is seen in a video of Mnangagwa’s in law Terence Mukupe’s confessions, even some youths arrested for looting were on an official party mission.
Why did Chiwenga suddenly apologise to Mugabe last month? He thinks –
It is believed that there was a military operation set to remove president Emmerson Mnangagwa last month and social media posts by Mukupe appear to confirm as he tweeted thanking the ZIPRA wing of the military for intervening to save Mnangagwa.
It was in the middle of that chaos that Chiwenga was hit by deep regret.
The sources told ZimEye, “it is true that he went to apologise to Robert Mugabe around the time ED was in Belarus.”
“When president Emmerson Mnangagwa returned, he was not at all amused and he told him (Chiwenga) you are now trying to play your tribal Zezuru games, right? – mavakuda kuita zvenyu zvemaZezuru handiti?
“But notwithstanding, Chiwenga still told him to go and do the same, that is, apologise to Mugabe,” our source concluded.
Mnangagwa has as a result of “security fears”, since retired four top army generals and re-assigned them to diplomatic service.
The four are Major General Martin Chedondo, Major General Douglas Nyikayaramba, Major General Anselem Sanyatwe and Air Vice Marshall Sheba Shumbayawonda.
ZIMBABWE is expected to experience near record-high temperatures across the country from today up to Saturday, the Meteorological Services Department (MSD) warned yesterday.
The MSD said in a statement that a series of high temperatures will hit the country’s low-lying areas today and the areas are likely to record extreme temperatures of between 30 and 36 degrees Celsius.
“The Meteorological Services Department wishes to advise the public in the following areas: Matabeleland South, Masvingo, much of Midlands, Manicaland and most of Mashonaland provinces that high daytime temperatures will affect these areas today,” reads part of the statement.
The department urged people to take precautionary measures such as drinking lots of water and avoiding prolonged stay in the sun.
“Due to the hot conditions, the general public is advised to stay hydrated by taking a lot of fluids and those engaging in outdoor activities are advised to put on sun hats,” said the MSD.
“Direct exposure to solar radiation should be kept at a minimum, especially during the hottest part of the day, which is between 11am and 3pm.
“These temperatures are expected to range from 30 to 36 degrees Celsius and are linked to hot and dry winds blowing from warmer regions near the Equator.”
The MSD department warned that the high temperatures could prompt violent thunder storms.
“It is also important to note that a combination of this moisture together with the heat can trigger violent thunder-showers that may be accompanied by hail and strong winds,” the department said.
“The temperatures are, however, expected to reduce in Matabeleland North and in some parts of Harare Metropolitan as those areas are expected to receive some light showers late in the afternoon. The strongest El Nino event ever recorded is now under way and is affecting Zimbabwe and other countries.”
Own Correspondent|Thousands of people from Gweru and surrounding areas are expected to fill up Mkoba Stadium in the city for opposition MDC leader Nelson Chamisa’s first rally in 2019.
Amos Chibaya, the MDC national organising secretary confirmed the rally, and that the police have been notified.
“Yes, I can confirm that on Sunday the 24th of February, MDC president, Honourable Nelson Chamisa will address a rally at Mkoba Stadium where we are gathering as a party to hear the direction we are taking amid this grinding crisis that our nation has been plunged into,” Chibaya said.
“Fuel queues are resurfacing, medicine in hospitals cannot be found, civil servants cannot go to work due to poor salaries, and the ordinary citizen is hungry and cannot put food on the table. The economy is on a free fall. This grand crisis shows that the current regime has failed and president Chamisa will articulate the way forward.”
Late last year, police refused to clear an MDC rally in the Midlands province following a cholera outbreak.
“It will be all systems out on Sunday. As we speak, I am in Mkoba overseeing our boys who are putting posters to announce the rally. This shows how serious this rally is going to be. I am making sure the rally takes place without any incidences. Actually the police have been very cooperative with us,” said Chibaya.
The MDC leader will be largely expected to touch on the proposed national dialogue with President Emmerson Mnangagwa and the party’s recent demand for a transitional government to pave way for a fresh round of elections to solve the legitimacy crisis of the current government.
Chamisa last month snubbed Mnangagwa when the Zanu PF leader called a meeting with all presidential candidates in last year’s elections. Chamisa insisted on an independent mediator and not the President, who he accused of being complicit in the political and economic mess rocking the country.
The opposition leader will also be expected to unpack alternative economic policies.
Top MDC Alliance officials, among them party deputy presidents Morgen Komichi and Welshman Ncube, as well as vice-chairperson, Tendai Biti, are expected to attend the rally.
By Nomusa Garikai| “It is an obligation upon every political player in the country to recognise the pronouncement by the Constitutional Court.
So the issue of the election of the President is not on the table and will not be on the table because a decision has been made by the highest courts on that particular issue. We are not entertaining any discussion on that,” said Paul Mangwana, Zanu PF secretary for legal affairs.
“We are saying we have a Government in place led by President Mnangagwa, but there are areas which require improvement from a social, political and economic perspective, let us discuss those issues with full recognition that there is a President who was elected by the people of Zimbabwe that is the context under which we are discussing. We are not discussing the legitimacy or otherwise of the election of the President. It is not an item on the agenda.”
Mangwana and Zanu Pf can say whatever they like the reality is that no one with a working brain including the many election observers and, most important of all, the investors and lenders condemned last July’s elections as a farce. Zimbabwe is therefore being ruled by a regime that has no democratic mandate to govern the country, making the country a pariah state no one would want to do business with.
The root cause of the country’s worsen economic meltdown is the failure of Mnangagwa’s clarion call, “Zimbabwe is open for business!”, to attract investors.
Zanu PF has always rigged the elections and presented the nation and the world with a fait accompli of a Zanu PF government. The party has got away with it in the past.
For 38 years Zimbabwe has been stuck with a corrupt and incompetent regime with the disastrous consequences of economic meltdown and political paralysis. The all-powerful and tyrannical Zanu PF party is surrounded by an enfeebled opposition parties, making Zanu PF the only game in town.
Still the country’s economic situation, with 75% of the people now living of US$30 per month in a country with poverty datum line is US$650, with basic services such as supply of clean water and health care all but collapsed, etc.; it is clear something must be done a.s.a.p. to revive the economy.
On the political front, it is clear that if Zanu PF remains in power until 2023, the party will rig those elections too to extend its rule. As long as Zanu PF remains in power there is no hope of any meaningful economic recovery because under Zanu PF rule the country is and will remain a pariah state. Zanu PF must be forced to step down, the sooner the better to create the political space for the appointment of an interim administration to implement the reforms necessary for free, fair and credible elections.
The basis for demanding that Zanu PF step down is that the party does not have the mandate to govern the country since it rigged last July’s elections. Zanu PF cannot pre-empty the demand for it to step down by taking the rigged election off the agenda; it is the only issue on the agenda worth the candle.
When she distances herself from gigs that have been organised in honour of her late husband Oliver Mtukudzi, is she implying there are sinister motives in the gestures?
While she does not openly say it, a statement from Tuku Music that expressed reservations over events to honour the national hero raises a lot of dust.
Many critics have interpreted the move as a ploy to block Mtukudzi’s daughter Selmor from taking over her father’s legacy.
Daisy is Selmor’s stepmother and their unsound relations have been a matter of public consumption for years.
Selmor is widely seen as the right person to take over her father’s musical legacy because she has been doing music for a long time.
She has also participated in gigs to honour her father and Daisy’s actions have been seen as an obvious move to derail any plans to crown Selmor as the heir to Mtukudzi’s music.
Contacted for comment by The Herald, Daisy could not open up on the issue.
“I don’t know what you talking about. All I know is I am not part and parcel of whatever is going on. If anything comes I will contact you,” she said.
The speculation and accusations against Daisy emanated from the statement on Monday that was released on social media announcing that the family is not part and parcel of any event and pleaded with everyone to respect their wish.
“As the Mtukudzi family, we would like to thank everyone who comforted us during the hard time when we lost a son, father, brother, uncle, husband and grandfather, Dr Oliver Mtukudzi.
“We appreciate the support shown to us from everyone at this very hard time and we wish that such a gesture be accorded to everyone else at their time of need.
“We are still trying to come to terms with the loss of our pillar of strength and as such we have not engaged any organization or individual to organize, plan any events on behalf and for the Mtukudzi family here in Zimbabwe and elsewhere. We would like to distance ourselves from any events or gatherings that are being held in the name of the Mtukudzi family as we are still grieving,” read part of the statement.
This angered many fans.
Tuku was more than just a family man, he was a man of the people. An entertainer and a hero who will be remembered for his music works forever. Everyone want to celebrate his life.
If Daisy is doing so to fight Selmor over her father’s music, then she defies the meaning of her name: a beautiful flower.
Some fans even queried if ever she was also disowning the recently show held in South Africa and the one done in Canada with the former Black Spirits band members.
Among many messages that attacked Daisy in several harsh words, one fan Codza Sackie had a piece of advice for the widow.
“I have been #TeamDaisy since the funeral because she was the one who was looking after the late legend. Daisy please, Dee, don’t taint the respect that the fans have for you as the surviving spouse. It’s not only the Mtukudzi family that is mourning his departure. Why not sit down with the organisers and agree on something rather shutting them down, you never know you might get something after the events,” he posted.
Maybe Daisy has to reconsider this advice to salvage respect that seems to be slipping away with every harsh comment that an angry fan makes over the issue.
SIMBISA Brands has opened its first Pizza Inn branch in Gwanda and a second Chicken Inn branch in the mining town.
In an interview during the official opening of the new outlets yesterday, Chicken Inn and Pizza Inn operations Manager for Gwanda, Miss Sibongulwazi Mpofu said the move was meant to bring services closer to the people.
“We opened our first Chicken Inn branch at Glow Garage in Gwanda in 2015 and today we are officially opening our second branch plus our first Pizza Inn branch here at Engen G arage.
“We decided to bring services closer to our clients here in Gwanda who have continued to support us,” she said.
Miss Mpofu said people had to travel to as far as Bulawayo for pizza hence the decision to open the Pizza Inn in Gwanda.
“Our branch has a staff complement of about 30 people and all these workers are from Gwanda. We strongly believe in empowering the people and giving back to the community we operate in,” said Miss Mpofu.
She said they had received positive response from the public since the opening of the new business.
A resident from Gwanda, Mrs Lethukuthula Moyo expressed excitement over the new branch saying she had long awaited to have Pizza Inn opened in the town.
“We are happy that our town finally has Pizza Inn and that there is now another Chicken Inn branch. Our town is busy as it’s along the highway to South Africa hence the need for such services,” she said
Correspondent|THE Zimbabwe National Army (ZNA) has notified members of the public that its officers will move door-to-door in some neighbourhoods in search of stolen army uniforms.
The soldiers will also be on the lookout for “other resembling clothing items”.
The operation will be mounted starting this coming weekend, according to the statement dated 20 February 2019.
Justifying the search, the army says this has been necessitated by a recent spike in armed robberies, intimidation, assault and other crimes which have been pinned on soldiers as the perpetrators would be wearing military camouflage.
The army further advises members of the public to voluntarily surrender such items to the nearest police station or army camp before the search begins.
By Own Correspondent| A bolt of lightning struck dead three Mvurwi tobacco farmers over the weekend who were working in the grading shed at Muswite Farm.
The trio, Tonderai Mungate (21) Onward Gede (16) and Jameson (22), all from plot number 74 at Muswite Farm, were burnt to death in a grass-thatched tobacco grading shed on Sunday.
Mashonaland Central police spokesperson Inspector Milton Mundembe confirmed the incident. “I can confirm the death of three tobacco farmers who were struck by a bolt of lightning and died while grading tobacco in a thatched shed on Sunday,” he said.
According to John Gede (44), the trio were working inside the grading shed while he was working outside and a bolt of lightning struck, thereby killing the trio on spot.“We were working together at the plot when tragedy struck.
The three were operating from inside, while I was operating from outside. Suddenly a thunderstorm came and I sought shelter. After a few minutes, I saw the shed on fire. I screamed for help, but unfortunately, the three had been struck dead,” he sobbed.
In a related case, a 23-year-old Mt Darwin man was struck and killed by lightning yesterday while also hanging tobacco leaves in a grading shed.
Malven Ben (23), of Manuwere village under Chief Kandeya, was grading tobacco with his brother Allan Ben (22) in Mt Darwin when tragedy struck. He was pronounced dead upon admission at Mt Darwin Hospital.-Newsday
RESERVE Bank of Zimbabwe (RBZ) Governor John Mangudya yesterday announced the eagerly awaited monetary policy in which he liberalised the trade of foreign currency and effectively declared the real time gross settlement (RTGS) dollar as the local currency.
Below are reactions from analysts, economists and industrialists:
Godfrey Kanyenze, director for Labour and Economic Development Research Institute of Zimbabwe:
The RTGS dollar is a local currency that has been introduced by the governor. It is a desperate measure that the governor has taken because the fundamentals are not right for the introduction of a local currency. There is need for the availability of foreign currency for a local currency to be introduced. The availability of foreign currency is the only way to make the rate go down because as long as there is no foreign currency, the rate will continue to rise.
Former Finance minister Tendai Biti:
(Reserve Bank of Zimbabwe governor John) Mangudya is a thief because he has effectively devalued people’s salaries to the extent that if you earn $500, it means you now earn $100. There are going to be implications on inflation and there is going to be an impact on fuel prices and the economy, electricity costs, and there will be shortages at supermarkets.
Further floating the exchange rate and retention of the bond note will guarantee the continued existence of corruption in this economy. Zanu PF elites will continue raiding the RBZ for cheap foreign exchange, which they will arbitrage.
Liberalising or floating the exchange rate, without ring-fencing RTGS balances, will have the disastrous consequences of devaluing people’s balances and floodgates of litigation will open. Only Parliament can float or liberalise the exchange rate.
The RTGS dollar is a lot of rubbish, anything short of demonetising the bond note will bring futile results, and there is need for dollarisation.
Sam Malaba, Agribank chief executive:
He has managed to deal with currency imbalances by allowing the rates to move to an interbank market rate, whereby the RTGS and nostro balances can trade in the nostro system on a willing-seller, willing-buyer basis, that’s removing a slight element of distortions. He has also indicated that he will provide some seed funding to the banks to meet bona fide import(s) requirements. Therefore, that will help to stabilise the exchange rate. By moving the rate, he is now allowing exporters to get the full value and not to subsidise importers.
Industrialist Delma Lupepe:
I am in full support of the monetary policy. I am sure in the near future we will be having our own currency. That is the next step. We are in the right direction. It could do a lot for us. For instance, remove price distortions. For us industrialists, it will help attract investors because investors could not understand the bond notes issue. It will bring stability to the economy, hence attract foreign direct investment.
Isaac Kwesu, Chamber of Mines chief executive:
The issue of the interbank trade of forex is a step in the right direction, as this will go a long in the preservation of value for exporters. It is our hope that the RBZ will pay the miners timeously to allow them to have adequate forex to import the equipment.
It is our prayer that the remaining percentage will be paid at the interbank rate to reduce the risk of affording the local inputs, which has gone up four-fold.
Sifelani Jabangwe, Confederation of Zimbabwe Industries president:
I think it speaks to our plea that we have been pushing to have a platform to trade forex. From the management perspective, it will allow us to plan using the prevailing rate. Business was getting from the black market and some were now using extremely high rates, but now this will normalise because there will be an official rate to work with. What is important for now is for the central bank to manage liquidity so that it won’t go out of control.
Industrialist Busisa Moyo:
The only move that I feel was not correctly analysed is the introduction of a 30-day limit. While I understand that it intended to encourage market players to use or spend their dollars on production, on the other hand, it will have the effect of driving dollar savings offshore. We are likely to see an increase in foreign direct investment since investors will get full value.
Economist Eddie Cross:
I am not going to be surprised if the rate is going to weaken again a few days later, but his announcement is a welcome development. For more than a year, the country had been trading in the black market sector, which was not a good thing.
The market in which the US$ should have been trading was a ratio of 4:1 to the bond note. What he has done is that he has set up a formal market and put into existence a system where banks and financial institutions can start trading in foreign exchange.
One can now take money from their nostro account and exchange it into RTGS, and that is the shift because we had a situation where no official market was in existence.
Felix Mhona, chairperson of the Parliamentary Portfolio Committee on Budget and Finance (Zanu PF)
What the governor has now done is to formalise the black market rate and we feel that is the way to go. What it now means is that people will get foreign currency from the formal market, instead of the black market. As a committee, we will need to meet to look at the impact of the floating of the exchange rate on salaries and the economy.
Emcoz president Oswell Binha
The challenge with our country is that there are a lot of monumental mistakes that were done by the central bank and government in the past. It will not be easy for us as a country to correct those mistakes. As business players, we had put up what we call a call to action and we believe that, for once, government has listened to our call and plea. The pronouncement by the central bank is purely what we had proposed as business.
In essence, governor Mangudya has floated the exchange rate and allowed the market, through the banks, to determine the exchange rates as opposed to government and reserve bank being the ones to determine the rate
Under the circumstances, we believe the governor has bit the bullet and come up with the best monetary policy statement and we now need to monitor, going forward, how this turns out to affect the economy. We believe we need to keep the dialogue door open between the central bank, government, economists, and all relevant stakeholders.
By Own Correspondent| Former President Robert Mugabe today turns 95.
His birthday is a public holiday known as Robert Gabriel Mugabe National Youth Day.
During his reign, Zanu-PF youth league hosted lavish birthday parties for Mugabe using taxpayers’ money as well as coercing businesspeople and villagers to fund the event.
The former leader of Zanu-PF and Zimbabwe was removed from power in 2017 through a military coup led by General Constantino Chiwenga.
Mugabe resigned under pressure from the military after army tanks were deployed in Harare, and politicians close to him were attacked and fled the country for safety. His party’s legislators also moved a motion, together with opposition legislators to impeach him.
Media Statement By MDC|The MDC notes with concern Mr. Mnangagwa’s lack of sincerity to have genuine dialogue to resolve the challenges facing the people of Zimbabwe. He has shown little interest in dialogue with his body language clearly showing he is not ready and willing to find a lasting solution to the crisis.
The Party remains committed to a process of genuine dialogue to resolve the multi-layered crisis currently confronting the people of Zimbabwe. The Party believes that genuine dialogue is in the interest of all Zimbabweans.
Genuine dialogue must be solely intended to resolve the various challenges facing the people and not to hoodwink the region and the international community that there is a sincere national conversation taking place in the country.
The Party leadership met for six hours today and noted the continued suffering of ordinary Zimbabweans due to the non performing economy and failure to deliver by Mr Mnangagwa’s administration.
The leadership however, restated the position that the MDC will only take part in a dialogue that is presided over by a credible, independent, mutually acceptable mediator/convener. It is only under such a convener that an agenda can be adopted and a sincere dialogue process begin to unlock the challenges affecting ordinary Zimbabweans.
There cannot be genuine dialogue in the current environment of systematic violence, intimidation of human rights defenders and contrived convictions. The party leadership noted with concern the slow genocidal campaign in the countryside, especially in the urban areas.
There has to be an immediate cessation of the current clampdown to create a conducive environment for a sincere national conversation.
Zanu PF’s lack of sincerity around dialogue manifests itself in the monologues currently taking place in which Zanu PF is speaking to like-minded individuals and institutions.
By Farai D Hove | President Emmerson Mnangagwa’s deputy Constantino Chiwenga currently hospitalized in Asia is now unable to speak, it has emerged.
Insider reports reaching ZimEye say that the general who removed former president Robert Mugabe is now struggling to speak following his struggle with an undisclosed ailment.
Chiwenga was flown to India early February after his health deteriorated. 4 days later it got to the level of failing to eat.
However speaking is now difficult, a Harare based source told ZimEye.
Last night ZimEye telephoned the man and his cellphone reported a voice message in the Indian Hindi language. (ZimEye could not at the time of writing establish exactly where the man is.
ZimEye will reproduce the full transcript off the voicemail message.
Meanwhile the South African government yesterday sent well wishes to Chiwenga.
“On Zimbabwe, we must start by wishing Vice President Chiwenga a speedy recovery. We all know that he has not been well. I am informed by our High Commissioner, that he [Chiwenga] has travelled to India for further treatment that will help his condition,” South Africa’s International Relations and Cooperation Minister Lindiwe Sisulu told journalists in Pretoria.
“We wish him a speedy recovery there.”
Paul Nyathi|MDC National Deputy Chairman and former Finance Minister, Tendai Biti has described Wednesday’s monetary policy presented by the Reserve Bank of Zimbabwe governor John Magudya as a mere “dog’s breakfast. ”
In a social media post on Twitter in response to the central bank’s tactical reintroduction of the Zimbabwean dollar, Biti said the move will not be functional as the ruling ZANU PF lacks trust and transparency which are fundamental in the functioning of a formal economy.
Biti said the new Zim Dollar, introduced as RTGS Dollars will collapse and lead to hyper inflation, shortages and queues a situation Zimbabweans experienced in the years 2007 to 2014.
According to him the new currency lacks key fundamentals to give it value in the market such as market confidence and a stable macroeconomic environment.
“It is a disaster to embark on currency reform in the absence of key fundamentals to back that currency . These include market confidence, reserves , a decent Capital account and a stable macroeconomic environment,” said Biti.
1) Modern functional States are founded on #trust & #transparency .That clearly is not part of the DNA of ZANU . The regime today disingenuously & mendaciously de – dollarised the economy by informally re-introducing the Zim $ now called the RTGS $ through the back door .#Shame
2) It is a disaster to embark on currency reform in the absence of key #fundamentals to back that currency . These include market confidence, reserves , a decent Capital acvount , & a stable macroeconomic environment.This is elementary
3) Regrettably the economy now enters another period of self induced shocks that will see salaries and values being devalued, hyper inflation, shortages and queues.What a dog s breakfast!!!
Mangudya delivered the monetary policy at the Reserve Bank of Zimbabwe on Wednesday and announced the immediate floating of the United States Dollar and creation of a new currency known as the RTGS Dollar as the highlights of the country’s new policy.
The presentation of the policy was delayed last week after Biti made premature declarations that government was reintroducing the Zimbabwean dollar. The declaration was heavily disputed by government.
Prior the presentation of the monetary policy, Biti insisted on the demonetisation of the Bond Note as the immediate first step forward.
1) Today s Monetary Policy will lack the thunder of a new currency after we caught them with their pants down.A decent #MP should however 1) demonetize the bond note 2) ring fence RTGS balances 3) strengthen multi currency regime 4) remove export retention 5)stop quasi fiscals
By Nomusa Garikai| The primary objective of the Reserve Bank of Zimbabwe’s (RBZ) long awaited Monetary Policy Statement was to bring sanity to Zimbabwe’s chaotic economic world, especially the madness in financial and currency markets. As RBZ Governor, Dr John Mangudya, readily admitted when he launched the policy statement. “This is essential in order to bring sanity in the foreign currency market whilst at the same time promoting exports, diaspora remittances and investments for the good of our national economy,” he said.
Sadly, instead of bringing sanity and stability he has only succeeded in mudding the muddy waters. After going through the statement it is clear that no one in RBZ and Ministry of Finance; headed by the flamboyant and blundering Professor Mthuli Ncube, who approved the statement; know what they are doing.
The statement confirms that insanity still rules supreme in Zimbabwe because nothing in the statement makes any sense. Nothing!
“Denominating the existing RTGS balances, bond notes and coins in circulation as RTGS dollars in order to establish an exchange rate between the current monetary balances and foreign currency. The RTGS dollars thus become part of the multi-currency system in Zimbabwe. The legal instrument to give effect to this has been prepared,” said the statement.
It should be noted here that RTGS balances were, until now, denominated Bond Notes, the electronic equivalent of Bond Notes and coins. The value of the RTGS was less than the Bond Notes and Coins for various reasons including convenience and electronic transactions were subject to the new 2% tax introduced last October by Minister Ncube. Whilst the exchange rate to Bond Notes and coins was 3:1 to the USD the equivalent RTGS exchange rate was 4:1 or worse.
So in denominating all Bond Notes balances and cash to RTGS$ means people have just lost out, instead of having Bond Note worth US$0.33 they now have RTGS$ worth US$0.25!
“The RTGS dollars shall be used by all entities (including government) and individuals in Zimbabwe for the purposes of pricing of goods and services, record debts, accounting and settlement of domestic transactions,” we are now told.
When Governor Mangudya was asked what is exchange rate for the RTGS$ against the USD; his reply was that the RBZ will not set a rate but would let the market decide.
It should be remembered here that until this statement government had recognised only the official exchange rate of 1:1 of Bond Note to USD.
So by acknowledging the unofficial exchange rate of 4:1 those with the economic muscle will impose the exchange rate that suits them. Employers, including government, will never adjust the workers’ wages, agreed at on the basis of 1:1 exchange rate. Meanwhile all the goods and services will be charging in RTGS$ using the highest exchange rate possible!
Last time, October last year, when Finance Minister suggested government would let the Bond Note float this had caused serious financial turmoil as people rushed to sell their Bond Notes for the more stable USD; the exchange rate soared to as much as 10:1 and only started to come down when the Minister withdraw his foolish statement!
It is hardly six months since Minister Ncube’s ill-advised exchange rate comment and yet government has once again put its foot into it! Government has just fired the starting gun of the rat race to buy USD with RTGS$. The value of the latter will fall. – SOURCE: zsdemocrats.blogspot.com
ZIMBABWE’S government dropped its insistence that a quasi-currency known as bond notes trades at par with the dollar as it overhauled foreign-exchange trading and effectively devalued the securities.
The measures are a step toward trying to create a new currency and stabilize Zimbabwe’s economy, which has been plunged into crisis as a shortage of foreign currency stoked the fastest increase in consumer prices in more than a decade and caused shortages of food, fuel and medicine. Zimbabwe abandoned its own currency in 2009 after inflation spiraled to 500 billion percent, allowing the use of the U.S. dollar and other units as legal tender. Bond notes were introduced in 2016.
The central bank will immediately establish an interbank foreign-exchange market in which the bond notes will be denominated as electronic money known as RTGS dollars, Governor John Mangudya said at a briefing Wednesday in the capital, Harare.
While the government has previously insisted that bond notes and RTGS$ are worth the same as U.S. dollars, the units are currently trading at between 3.66 and 3.8 to the dollar respectively on the black market.
Denominating bond notes as RTGS dollars will “establish an exchange rate between the current monetary balances and foreign currency,” Mangudya said. “The new framework is set to bring certainty, predictability and functionality to the economy’s foreign-exchange market.”
‘Effective Devaluation’
The announcement amounted to an effective devaluation, Harare-based economist John Robertson said.
“He didn’t mention it by name, but they have devalued it,” he said. “We should now see a convergence of a stable rate going forward. Buyers and sellers will now need to meet and agree on a rate.”
Mangudya said that under the new system introduced on Wednesday:
RTGS dollars would be used by all entities including the government to price goods and services
The use of RTGS dollars would eliminate the existence of a multi-pricing system; prices should either remain at their current levels or decline “in sympathy with the stability in the exchange rate”
The central bank has arranged “sufficient lines of credit” to enable it to maintain foreign currency to underpin the exchange rate
Foreign currency from the interbank market will be used for foreign-payment invoices
New Currency
The refusal by foreign traders to accept bond notes as legal tender resulted in payment problems for companies such as gold miners and grain millers and exacerbated shortages of raw materials. Shops also charged customers different prices depending on which unit they used to pay, offering discounts as high as 70 percent to those who used real U.S. dollars.
The central bank measures are a step toward Zimbabwe reintroducing its own currency, Neville Mandimika, an analyst in Johannesburg at FirstRand Ltd.’s Rand Merchant Bank, said in response to emailed questions. Finance Minister Mthuli Ncube has said he wants a new currency introduced within a year.
“The move is largely constructive as the government now officially recognizes that U.S. dollars and RTGS$ are not at parity,” Mandimika said.
“The introduction of a Zim dollar will be just in name, but the RTGS$ is essentially the Zim dollar.” — Bloomberg
By Own Correspondent| Presenting the 2019 Monetary Policy Statement on Wednesday, Reserve Bank Governor (RBZ) Dr John Mangudya revealed that a legal instrument to ensure that RTGs dollars become part of the multi currency system in Zimbabwe had already been prepared.
Said Mangudya:
“After taking into account of the implications amd putting in place safeguards to maintain stability in the forex market, the bank is with immediate effect establishing an interbank foreign exchange market in Zimbabwe to formalise the trading of RTGs balances and bond notes with US$s and other currencies on a willing buyer willing seller basis through banks and bureaux de change under the following framework:
Denominating the existing RTGs balances , bond notes and coins in circulation as RTGs dollars in order to establish an exchange rate between the current monetary balances and foreign currency.
The RTGs dollars thus become part of the multi currency system in Zimbabwe. The legal instrument to give effect to this has been prepared.”
The Reserve Bank of Zimbabwe (RBZ) has liberalised the US dollar exchange rate against Real Time Gross Settlement (RTGS) balances, bond notes and all currencies in the multi-currency basket as it seeks to formalise trade in foreign currency.
The US dollars in the new market will be retained export earnings, with the remainder continued to be allocated by the Reserve Bank for essential goods and services.
Delivering the 2019 Monetary Policy Statement (MPS) yesterday, RBZ Governor Dr John Mangudya said the move would bring sanity in the foreign currency market, promote exports, boost Diaspora remittances and investments, eliminate multi-tier pricing, as well as preserve the value of local forms of money.
The RBZ had pegged RTGS balances at one-to-one with the US dollar, but shortages resulted in high premiums for US dollars outside RBZ control.
Wild swings in parallel market exchange rates in the last quarter of last year spawned a spike in prices of goods and services, propelling monthly and annual inflation rates to record levels since dollarisation of the economy in February 2009.
As such, the central bank will, with immediate effect, establish an interbank foreign exchange market to formalise trade in foreign and local currencies through banks and bureaux de change on a willing-buyer, willing-seller basis.
This entails denominating the existing RTGS balances, bond notes and coins in circulation as RTGS dollars to establish an exchange between current monetary balances and foreign currency.
Dr Mangudya said to get the US dollar equivalent of current RTGS or electronic balances, the prevailing market determined exchange rate will apply.
“This will bring fairness and transparency in the distribution of foreign currency,” Dr Mangudya said, adding that the policy measures sought to formalise what was already happening on the parallel market, which the bank had no control over.
To anchor exchange rate stability, Dr Mangudya said the RBZ will aggressively intervene in the market to sterilise liquidity so as to help contain inflationary and exchange rate pressures.
Zimbabwe has $1,8 billion usable RTGS balances out of a total of about $10 billion.
Highlights . . .
Foreign exchange rate liberalised.
Interbank market to be established.
RTGS dollars now part of multi-currency basket.
Currency trade on willing buyer/willing seller basis.
Lines of credit to support foreign exchange regime.
RBZ to support importation of critical goods.
Retained export receipts to be used within 30 days.
Nostro FCA settlement platform established.
Prices to remain stable.
New exchange regime to preserve values.
Nostro balances increase 88 percent to $451 million.
The remainder is tied up in Treasury Bills, RBZ savings bonds and loans to public sector and private borrowers.
The RTGS dollars will become part of the multi-currency system and a legal instrument which amends the Finance Act of 2009 which pegged the US dollar at par with bond notes and RTGS balances, has already been prepared and will be gazetted soon.
Dr Mangudya said the bank had arranged sufficient lines of credit to maintain adequate foreign currency to underpin the foreign exchange market.
He said foreign currency from the interbank market shall be utilised for current bona fide foreign payment invoices, except education.
“All foreign liabilities or legacy debts due to suppliers such as International Air Transporters Association (and) declared dividends shall be treated separately after registering such transactions with the exchange control for the purposes of providing the bank sufficient information that will allow it to determine the roadmap for orderly expunging of the legacy debt,” Dr Mangudya said.
The RBZ will continue to provide foreign currency for the importation of critical commodities such as fuel, electricity, medicines and water chemicals through existing letters of credit facilities and the foreign exchange allocation committee.
Dr Mangudya said significant shifts in economic fundamentals during the last quarter of last year saw parallel market foreign currency premiums increasing from between 1,4 and 1,8 to the US dollar to current levels of 3 and 4.
This increase in foreign currency premiums had negative pass through effects on annual inflation, which rose from 5,4 percent in September last year to 56,09 percent in January this year, Zimbabwe’s highest inflation rate in nearly a decade.
“In this respect, continuing to use the US dollar as a unit of account, when its value has drifted away from the value of the RTGS dominated money supply has brought forth a number of challenges,” said Dr Mangudya.
“The challenges include multi-tier pricing by business, speculative pricing, loss of Government revenue, valuation and accounting difficulties, asset liability mismatches and negative investor confidence.
“The current monetary arrangements if maintained could pose the risk of costly redollarisation of the economy, which will move the economy into recession. This is evidenced by the fact that some businesses are already gradually reducing prices due to low demand in the economy.
“Moreover, some of those charging in foreign currency have also been experiencing reduced demand for their products and are thus reverting to pricing in RTGS and bond notes.”
Dr Mangudya said exporters on the other hand were fast becoming uncompetitive, as the export incentive scheme had been eroded by the forex premiums induced inflation.
Bureau de change will be allowed to purchase foreign currency without limits, but will be limited to sell hard currency for small transactions up to a maximum daily limit of US$10 000 per institution.
To allow exporters to benefit from the interbank foreign currency market and to promote uninterrupted supply of forex in the economy, the central bank increased foreign currency retention thresholds for some of the exporters.
Retained export receipts shall be utilised within 30 days, after which the unutilised export earnings will be offloaded into the market at the prevailing market exchange rate or critical imports and external payments.
Dr Mangudya said the measures were also aimed at increasing demand for domestic forms of payment and to preserve foreign currency for external payments that include essential imports.
By Own Correspondent| Addressing delegates at an International Day for People Living with Disability function in Kadoma recently, Mary Mliswa revealed that figures of the disabled used by Government could be understated as some parents hide their disabled children due to stigma.
Mliswa, who is Zanu Pf’s Hurungwe West legislator said there is need for government to reach out to such families through a door to door research.
She said:
“Some of the statistics that you have might not be correct because a lot of people are hiding their disabled children or relatives.
Government is offering many programs for those living with disabilities, but there is need for the Social Welfare Department from provincial down to district level to set up groups in wards that will move at each household assisting people with disabilities.
So we want a situation whereby you go door by door gathering the correct information while working with local leadership. These cases are rampant in rural areas.”
Did you know that Chiwenga went to apologise to RG in January for the coup? This happened when Emmerson Mnangagwa was away and ED was not happy; but Chiwenga asked him to do the same. He said he will go.
Farai Dziva|Following the disturbing report about the abduction of MDC A members by soldiers, economists fear that the rising political temperature in the country will drive away investors.
The MDC A yesterday chronicled how its members were terrorised by soldiers in Manicaland Province:
Heavily armed soldiers abducted the Saunyama brothers
Robert Saunyama, popularly known as Jack Roberts, of Zimunya Township in Mutare South and his younger brother and Chikanga-Dangam
vura Ward 6 Councilor, Danmore Saunyama.
The two were abducted by ZNA soldiers suspected to be from 3/1 infantry battalion around 2130hrs today(yesterday).
Jack Roberts is the MDC District Chairman for Mutare South and he represented the MDC Alliance as a Parliamentary candidate in the 30 July harmonised elections in the same constituency.
The soldiers are reported to have arrived in an unmarked Toyota double cab truck. They numbered around 8 and were heavily armed.
They forced their entry into Jack’s house where he was hosting his brother who had visited him with his wife and that of his other brother Jericho.
The soldiers started assaulting the wives of the three brothers and their children, together with Clr Danmore.
All this while four soldiers were training their guns on Jack Roberts threatening to shoot him should he attempt to fight them.
The victims of this barbaric military brutality bled profusely and suffered various degrees of injuries.
The soldiers then bundled the two brothers into their truck and took them to an unknown destination.
This brutality is coming only three weeks after we buried Noah Sahumbe of Zimunya Township who succumbed to injuries he sustained after being assaulted by soldiers from 3 Brigade.
The residents of this sleepy township have not known peace ever since.
What is clear from this incident is that Zimbabwe is descending into a dark period of kidnappings, abductions, beatings and extrajudicial killings.
The dark days of Gukurahundi and 2008 run-off killings are upon us once again.
One cannot fail to link the veiled threats by Mr Mnangagwa over the weekend in Masvingo province with this heinous operation.
It’s clear the junta has stepped up the terror campaign against ordinary, peace loving citizens.
Is this the new dispensation? Clearly there is nothing new but a continuation of Mugabe’s legacy of brutality.
Trevor Saruwaka
MDC Manicaland Province Spokesperson
Farai Dziva|An MDC A official has said the new dispensation has a traceable propensity for violence following the abduction of party members by soldiers in Manicaland Province yesterday.
“What is clear from this incident is that Zimbabwe is descending into a dark period of kidnappings, abductions, beatings and extrajudicial killings.
The dark days of Gukurahundi and 2008 run-off killings are upon us once again.
One cannot fail to link the veiled threats by Mr Mnangagwa over the weekend in Masvingo province with this heinous operation.
It’s clear the junta has stepped up the terror campaign against ordinary, peace loving citizens.
Is this the new dispensation? Clearly there is nothing new but a continuation of Mugabe’s legacy of brutality,” said MDC A spokesperson for Manicaland Province Trevor Saruwaka.
Farai Dziva|Zanu PF sympathisers Jimaya Muduvuri and Douglas Mandaza, in collaboration with several apostolic sects, have launched a gospel songs that calls for the removal of sanctions against Zimbabwe.
However, this has incensed some sections of the Christian Community.
The song’ s lyrics appeal to the United States of America and the European Union to remove sanctions on Harare.
According to Muduvuri the song will play a major role in calling for the removal of sanctions.
“We are appealing to the US and EU to remove sanctions against our country. Our people have suffered for too long.
We will use the power of music to campaign for the lifting of sanctions and we therefore call upon all Zimbabweans to assume a common stance for the development of our beloved country,” said Muduvuri in an interview with ZBC News.
Mandaza also said:”We have realised that we cannot rebuild the nation without seeking divine intervention and the first step towards reconciliation is the removal of sanctions. “
Farai Dziva|MDC A leader Nelson Chamisa has dismissed claims that he is determined to bypass the constitution to remain at the helm of the opposition party.
Last week individuals calling themselves friends of Morgan Tsvangirai said Chamisa should cede power because his mandate had expired.
All posts will remain open to promote democratic principles, according to the youthful leader.
“All positions are open.Leaders are nominated and deployed by structures and membership in the provinces.There is no self-nomination in our party!
There is no party at law called MDC-T! We will educate and inform our members,” said Chamisa.
Farai Dziva|MDC A leader Nelson Chamisa has dismissed claims that he is determined to bypass the constitution to remain at the helm of the opposition party.
Last week individuals calling themselves friends of Morgan Tsvangirai said Chamisa should cede power because his mandate had expired.
All posts will remain open to promote democratic principles, according to the youthful leader.
“All positions are open.Leaders are nominated and deployed by structures and membership in the provinces.There is no self-nomination in our party!
There is no party at law called MDC-T! We will educate and inform our members,” said Chamisa.
ZIMBABWE is expected to experience near record-high temperatures across the country from today up to Saturday, the Meteorological Services Department (MSD) warned yesterday.
The MSD said in a statement that a series of high temperatures will hit the country’s low-lying areas today and the areas are likely to record extreme temperatures of between 30 and 36 degrees Celsius.
“The Meteorological Services Department wishes to advise the public in the following areas: Matabeleland South, Masvingo, much of Midlands, Manicaland and most of Mashonaland provinces that high daytime temperatures will affect these areas today,” read part of the statement.
The department urged people to take precautionary measures such as drinking lots of water and avoiding prolonged stay in the sun. “Due to the hot conditions, the general public is advised to stay hydrated by taking a lot of fluids and those engaging in outdoor activities are advised to put on sun hats,” said the MSD.
“Direct exposure to solar radiation should be kept at a minimum, especially during the hottest part of the day, which is between 11am and 3pm. “These temperatures are expected to range from 30 to 36 degrees Celsius and are linked to hot and dry winds blowing from warmer regions near the Equator.”Chronicle
By Own Correspondent| Information and Publicity minister Monica Mutsvangwa has revealed that government is moving towards replacing the Public Order and Security Act (POSA) with a new law, the proposed Maintenance of Peace and Order Bill.
While addressing the media during the post-cabinet meeting on Tuesday, Mutsvangwa said:
Following the approval by the cabinet of the repeal of the Public Order and Security Act (POSA) at its previous sitting, Cabinet considered and approved the consequent proposed Maintenance of Peace and Order Bill, Whose provisions will be in conformity with the constitution of Zimbabwe.
There is a provision in POSA where the armed forces can be called to assist the police and the constitution says that once armed forces have been called to assist the police, the president must cause parliament to be informed.
We are going to insert that provision to ensure that within the Maintenance of Peace and Order Bill, that provision is captured whereby the president will now be called upon to inform parliament within seven days of its next sitting after deploying soldiers to assist the police.
Farai Dziva|Two villagers in Zaka District, Masvingo Province were last week attacked by marauding hyenas that are reportedly causing havoc in the area.
The two villagers from Chief Ndanga and Chief Bota’ s areas were treated at local hospital, according to government sources.
Ndeya Nyede, the Zaka District Administrator has since appealed to the Parks and Wildlife Department to capture the nocturnal animals.
Officials at the Parks and Wildlife Department in Masvingo said they were yet to get an official report from the affected district.
“We can only take appropriate action when we get an official report from the concerned area.We are therefore waiting for an official report from Zaka,” said an official at the Parks and Wildlife Department in Masvingo.
Farai Dziva|Congolese playmaker Thievy Bifouma could miss the 2019 Afcon qualifier against Zimbabwe next month after suffering a knee injury last week.
The Turkey-based forward who plays for Yeni Malatyaspor in the top division tore his collateral ligament during training and missed the weekend’s clash against Besiktas. The extent of the injury is still unknown, but the 26-year old could stay on the sidelines for some weeks.
The encounter against the Warriors will be played on the 22nd of March at the National Sports Stadium in Harare.
Bifouma is Congo’s top goal scorer in the qualifiers and was the one who got the equaliser in the first leg played in Brazzaville last year.
By A Correspondent| There were fires inside Zanu-pf party last night as an alleged plot to humiliate first lady Auxillia Mnangagwa was unmasked.
The development saw accusations fingering party heavyweight Phillip Chiyangwa and a sitting cabinet minister, flying all over the place. Justice Minister Ziyambi Ziyambi ended up dissolving a whole WhatsApp group in an attempt to dampen the bitter in fighting.
“Amai Mnangagwa and minister Mary Mliswa will be booed at the function on Friday,” one party member said.
Another passed allegations against Zvimba MP Philip Chiyangwa. Chiyangwa was said to have lost confidence in ZANU PF after posting a mock video of a child (representing zanu-pf) being overcome by a black animal. There was no suggestion however to link Chiyangwa to the supposed attacks on Auxillia Mnangagwa. THE VIDEO IS BELOW.
Menawhile, below was Ziyambi’s sudden announcement –
Dear Comrades.
It has come to my attention that several groups have been formed by comrades in the name of zanu Pf. While we applaud those that IT conscious for heeding H.E’s call to play with them on social media a disturbing trend has emerged where these groups are now being used to attack party leadership. It is against the Constitution of Zanu Pf and indeed our culture to attack party leadership let alone in public as this puts the name of the party into disrepute. Accordingly l hereby direct that all those Zanu Pf cadres from Mash west in groups such as Zanu Pf Mash West group Must exit. With immediate effect out provincial secretary for Information as well as Secretary for Administration have been directed to monitor all groups and anyone who hence forth continues to say things that puts the party into disrepute will be dealt with accordingly.
By A Correspondent| There were fires inside Zanu-pf party last night as an alleged plot to humiliate first lady Auxillia Mnangagwa was unmasked.
The development saw accusations fingering party heavyweight Phillip Chiyangwa and a sitting cabinet minister, flying all over the place. Justice Minister Ziyambi Ziyambi ended up dissolving a whole WhatsApp group in an attempt to dampen the bitter in fighting.
“Amai Mnangagwa and minister Mary Mliswa will be booed at the function on Friday,” one party member said.
Another passed allegations against Zvimba MP Philip Chiyangwa. Chiyangwa was said to have lost confidence in ZANU PF after posting a mock video of a child (representing zanu-pf) being overcome by a black animal. There was no suggestion however to link Chiyangwa to the supposed attacks on Auxillia Mnangagwa. THE VIDEO IS BELOW.
Menawhile, below was Ziyambi’s sudden announcement –
Dear Comrades.
It has come to my attention that several groups have been formed by comrades in the name of zanu Pf. While we applaud those that IT conscious for heeding H.E’s call to play with them on social media a disturbing trend has emerged where these groups are now being used to attack party leadership. It is against the Constitution of Zanu Pf and indeed our culture to attack party leadership let alone in public as this puts the name of the party into disrepute. Accordingly l hereby direct that all those Zanu Pf cadres from Mash west in groups such as Zanu Pf Mash West group Must exit. With immediate effect out provincial secretary for Information as well as Secretary for Administration have been directed to monitor all groups and anyone who hence forth continues to say things that puts the party into disrepute will be dealt with accordingly.
Farai Dziva|Former Dynamos players Valentine Ndaba and goalkeeper Tonderai Mateyaunga are likely to switch camp to the Glamour Boys’ arch rivals Caps United.
The two are currently training with CAPS United as they seek to impress coach Lloyd Chitembwe, according to NewsDay.
The duo struggled for game time at the Glamour Boys last season with Ndaba getting offloaded during the mid-season transfer window. Mateyaunga was pushed into the shade by Simbarashe Chinani, who cemented his place as the first choice goalkeeper for the better part of the campaign.
The two are set to join another former Dynamos player Carlos Rusere who is also trying his luck at the Green Machine.
CAPS United, who are rebuilding their squad following an unsuccessful 2018 season, are expected to close their transfer books this week.
By Stanley Goreraza| South Africa is one of the best destinations for medical treatment and advanced health care in the world. If South Africa found Constantino Chiwenga’s medical condition beyond their abilities that they had to refer him a third country, it means Chiwenga’s condition is of a very serious and life threatening nature.
It is not some simple abdominal problem.
If we are to please God then it is binding on us to practice what I call Jesusness. Jesusness instructs us to pray for him no matter what he did or has done. We are to leave the judging to God Almighty. We are to love our enemies as Jesus loved the men who crucified him that he prayed for them and asked God to forgive them.
By sincerely praying for him, we purify our hearts of hatred and desire for revenge. Both hatred and revenge are darkness. When we remove darkness, light enters. By asking God to heal him, God forgives us for our own sins.
Much has been done by Chiwenga that caused the spilling of blood and dropping of tears. Chiwenga has caused untold pain to many. Some are widows, some orphans, some have nothing to eat and some do not have shelter because of what Chiwenga and his confederates have done.
We must leave them to God. By asking mercy for them we ask mercy for ourselves and our country. We acknowledge that we too have sinned and desire God’s mercy and forgiveness just as Chiwenga does.
We cannot desire mercy and forgiveness for ourselves and not others.
Farai Dziva|Zanu PF sympathisers Jimaya Muduvuri and Douglas Mandaza, in collaboration with several apostolic sects, have launched a gospel songs that calls for the removal of sanctions against Zimbabwe.
The song’ s lyrics appeal to the United States of America and the European Union to remove sanctions on Harare.
According to Muduvuri the song will play a major role in calling for the removal of sanctions.
“We are appealing to the US and EU to remove sanctions against our country. Our people have suffered for too long.
We will use the power of music to campaign for the lifting of sanctions and we therefore call upon all Zimbabweans to assume a common stance for the development of our beloved country,” said Muduvuri in an interview with ZBC News.
Mandaza also said:”We have realised that we cannot rebuild the nation without seeking divine intervention and the first step towards reconciliation is the removal of sanctions. “
The Zimbabwe National Army is advising members of the public
that it will conduct snap searches for ZNA uniforms and other resembling
clothing items in residential areas starting on this weekend.
This has been necessitated by the sharp rise in cases of
theft, robbery etc executed using military regalia mostly by rogue elements of
the society. Members of the public are urged to voluntarily surrender these
clothing items to the search teams before the searches are conducted or
surrender them to the nearest police station or army camp.
Please be warned and comply accordingly to avoid any
inconviniences that might be caused by the exercise.
Farai Dziva|MDC A leader Nelson Chamisa has dismissed claims that he is determined to bypass the constitution to remain at the helm of the opposition party.
Last week individuals calling themselves friends of Morgan Tsvangirai said Chamisa should cede power because his mandate had expired.
All posts will remain open to promote democratic principles, according to the youthful leader.
“All positions are open.Leaders are nominated and deployed by structures and membership in the provinces.There is no self-nomination in our party!
There is no party at law called MDC-T! We will educate and inform our members,” said Chamisa.
Farai Dziva|Former Zanu PF chief strategist Jonathan Moyo has claimed soldiers are tormenting his family and government agents are plotting to take over his farm.
Moyo further claimed that on Monday soldiers visited his farm under the guise of a ZBC news crew assessing the progress and challenges of farmers in the area.
“Incensed by this thread exposing the recent dastardly invasion of Farfell Farm, a Manicaland agro-enterprise, FOUR JUNTA AGENTS TRESPASSED into our Mazowe family farm on Monday to make mischief using the name of ZBC “to assess progress and challenges of farmers in the area.
While TRESPASSING, the junta agents ILLEGALLY filmed PADDOCKS to give a false impression of under- or non-utilisation of the farm. Apart from cropping and poultry the 600ha farm mainly has cattle ranching YET NO CATTLE were filmed
Also, NO WORKER CLAIMED TO HAVE BEEN UNPAID!MY FAMILY OWNS THE FARM. We PAID the government for it in full in 2002 from a CBZ LOAN. IT’S OUR FAMILY INVESTMENT. On 15 Nov 2017, the same Army, that killed my father, attacked, looted and occupied our home and caused us to desert it before blocking my bank accounts. NOW IT’S OUR FARM!” Moyo tweeted.
RTGS dollars is a currency; an addition to multi currency; will be the functional currency; used for pricing, settlement of local transactions; budget is in this currency; legal instrument has been crafted, reference currency changed from USD to RTGS
Lines of credit arranged to stabilize the currency
RBZ will provide seed FX so that every bank can trade Friday morning
RBZ will sell this FX to banks at a rate of allowable margin 2.5%
Fuel, cooking oil, electricity etc will get separate allocations – will not be part of interbank applications
3.5 million individual accounts have $205 million only. People have no money! Bulk of RTGS is held by about 1,900 firms
Farai Dziva| The MDC A has implored the people of Zimbabwe to remain vigilant in the wake of escalating cases of violence and intimidation.
The party condemned the abduction of its members in Manicaland Province in a statement that was released yesterday:
Heavily armed soldiers abducted the Saunyama brothers Robert Saunyama, popularly known as Jack Roberts, of Zimunya Township in Mutare South and his younger brother and Chikanga-Dangam vura Ward 6 Councilor, Danmore Saunyama.
The two were abducted by ZNA soldiers suspected to be from 3/1 infantry battalion around 2130hrs today(yesterday).
Jack Roberts is the MDC District Chairman for Mutare South and he represented the MDC Alliance as a Parliamentary candidate in the 30 July harmonised elections in the same constituency.
The soldiers are reported to have arrived in an unmarked Toyota double cab truck. They numbered around 8 and were heavily armed.
They forced their entry into Jack’s house where he was hosting his brother who had visited him with his wife and that of his other brother Jericho.
The soldiers started assaulting the wives of the three brothers and their children, together with Clr Danmore.
All this while four soldiers were training their guns on Jack Roberts threatening to shoot him should he attempt to fight them.
The victims of this barbaric military brutality bled profusely and suffered various degrees of injuries.
The soldiers then bundled the two brothers into their truck and took them to an unknown destination.
This brutality is coming only three weeks after we buried Noah Sahumbe of Zimunya Township who succumbed to injuries he sustained after being assaulted by soldiers from 3 Brigade.
The residents of this sleepy township have not known peace ever since.
What is clear from this incident is that Zimbabwe is descending into a dark period of kidnappings, abductions, beatings and extrajudicial killings.
The dark days of Gukurahundi and 2008 run-off killings are upon us once again.
One cannot fail to link the veiled threats by Mr Mnangagwa over the weekend in Masvingo province with this heinous operation.
It’s clear the junta has stepped up the terror campaign against ordinary, peace loving citizens.
Is this the new dispensation? Clearly there is nothing new but a continuation of Mugabe’s legacy of brutality.
Trevor Saruwaka
MDC Manicaland Province Spokesperson
RBZ Governor John Mangudya says the continued use of the USD has had serious negative consequences on the economy including speculative pricing and negative investor confidence, which need to be corrected.
Reserve Bank of Zimbabwe (RBZ) Governor Dr John Mangudya has admitted that the economy has largely deteriorated since last monetary policy statement in October 2018,we now in an (highly) inflationary environment and parallel market rate has more than doubled .
By Farai D Hove | President Emmerson Mnangagwa’s deputy Constantino Chiwenga currently hospitalized in Asia is now unable to speak, it has emerged.
Insider reports reaching ZimEye say that the general who removed former president Robert Mugabe is now failing to speak following his struggle with an undisclosed ailment.
Chiwenga was flown to India early February after his health deteriorated. 4 days later it got to the level of failing to eat.
However speaking is now difficult, a Harare based source told ZimEye.
Last night ZimEye telephoned the man and his cellphone reported a voice message in the Chinese mandarin language. ZimEye could not at the time of writing establish exactly where the man is.
ZimEye will today Wednesday reproduce the full transcript of the voicemail message.
Meanwhile the South African government yesterday sent well wishes to Chiwenga.
“On Zimbabwe, we must start by wishing Vice President Chiwenga a speedy recovery. We all know that he has not been well. I am informed by our High Commissioner, that he [Chiwenga] has travelled to India for further treatment that will help his condition,” South Africa’s International Relations and Cooperation Minister Lindiwe Sisulu told journalists in Pretoria.
“We wish him a speedy recovery there.”
By Farai D Hove | President Emmerson Mnangagwa’s deputy Constantino Chiwenga currently hospitalized in Asia is now unable to speak, it has emerged.
Insider reports reaching ZimEye say that the general who removed former president Robert Mugabe is now struggling to speak following his struggle with an undisclosed ailment.
Chiwenga was flown to India early February after his health deteriorated. 4 days later it got to the level of failing to eat.
However speaking is now difficult, a Harare based source told ZimEye.
Last night ZimEye telephoned the man and his cellphone reported a voice message in the Indian Hindi language. (ZimEye could not at the time of writing establish exactly where the man is.
ZimEye will reproduce the full transcript off the voicemail message.
Meanwhile the South African government yesterday sent well wishes to Chiwenga.
“On Zimbabwe, we must start by wishing Vice President Chiwenga a speedy recovery. We all know that he has not been well. I am informed by our High Commissioner, that he [Chiwenga] has travelled to India for further treatment that will help his condition,” South Africa’s International Relations and Cooperation Minister Lindiwe Sisulu told journalists in Pretoria.
“We wish him a speedy recovery there.”
One of the lawyers who represented President Emmerson Mnangagwa’s in his Constitutional Court election defence, Tinomuda Chinyoka was arrested on Monday after a human rights lawyer who is representing several individuals detained during last month’s fuel protests accused him of assault.
Brian Dube, who has also filed a complaint with the Law Society of Zimbabwe, said Tinomuda Chinyoka approached him from behind whilst he was in a court building in Gweru and “assaulted me by pressing me hard on my right collarbone with force and I felt pain.”
Chinyoka went on to issue several unspecified threats, boasting that he was connected to powerful people, Dube alleged.
The reported attack on the lawyer, who is also the Movement for Democratic Change (MDC) MP for Gweru Urban, follows threats made by Mnangagwa at a rally in Mwenezi last Saturday where he vowed to “go after” lawyers representing hundreds of citizens detained over the January 14 nationwide protests.
Chinyoka was part of Mnangagwa’s legal team that successfully got the Constitutional Court to declare him winner of last year’s presidential election. He denied assaulting Dube, but confirmed that he had been arrested.
“Brian Dube and Jeremiah Bamu concocted a false assault charge against me to secure my arrest and removal from court. Instead of representing their client, they are busy lying and consorting with mobs to assault lawyers and witnesses,” Chinyoka said on Twitter, indicating that he would likely appear in court on Friday.
Dube said he was inside the Gweru Magistrates Court awaiting the arrival of his client, the MDC’s Chiwundura MP Livingstone Chimina, when he had a nasty encounter with Chinyoka.
The lawyer told Gweru Provincial Magistrate Charity Maphosa: “There was a gentleman that was seated right behind me on the bench there about 15 minutes ago, who stood up, charged towards me and pressed me on my right shoulder and indicated that I had ‘pissed him off’ with the defence outline and he was going to deal with me.
“He was standing right behind me in this courtroom. I asked him who he was because I have been seeing him a lot around these courts for the past three weeks and that’s when he refused to introduce himself saying I was not supposed to know him.”
He said he later learnt from one of his colleagues that the individual was Chinyoka.
“Your Worship, I stand before you threatened with unspecified action by a stranger, a person I don’t know. Lawyers should not be harassed in court, no matter how powerful some people are. Our independence as professionals is being tampered with.
“I make this submission on record because my fear is twofold: the first is that I don’t know what he is capable of and as a professional I’m frightened and therefore can’t exercise my rights to freely and independently represent my client.
“My second fear is that I am also a public official apart from being Honourable Chimina’s defence lawyer. I represent thousands of people who he might fail to control once they hear that I have been threatened.”
He said Chinyoka should not, in the first place, have had access to the defence outline which is only served to the prosecutors, accusing the state lawyers dealing with the case of working with Chinyoka.
Chinyoka was a losing candidate in the 2018 Gweru Urban Zanu PF primary elections. Had he won, he would have faced Dube in last July’s general elections. Late last year, he applied for the post of Prosecutor General but failed in interviews.
Jane Mlambo| MDC Treasurer General has scoffed against a circulating picture in which his party president is wearing an un-ironed jacket.
Hwende said Chamisa is giving the Zanu PF regime sleepless nights, the reason they are so keen to blackmail him at any turn.
The President @nelsonchamisa is giving the regime sleepless nights now they have resorted to photoshopping his pictures. Mapererwa zvino we all know and saw him well dress when he attended the court for Hon @BitiTendaipic.twitter.com/dJNUP0nK9H
— Chalton Hwende MP Chairperson Public Accounts (@hwendec) February 20, 2019
Five protesters were yesterday each jailed five years after being found guilty of participating in a wave of demonstrations dubbed Shutdown Zimbabwe last month.
Simbarashe Nyamadzawo, 22, Gilbert Jasimoni, 34, Abisha Musakanda, 24, George Tomu, 26, and Danny Sere, 27, were convicted of public violence charges before Harare regional magistrate Hosea Mujaya and were each sentenced to five years’ imprisonment.
A juvenile, 16, who was part of the gang, was sentenced to receive five strokes of the cane before the same court last week. Mujaya suspended one-and-a-half years of the sentence leaving the protesters an effective three-and-a-half years behind bars. In passing sentence Mujaya considered that the convicted persons were first offenders but said they had committed a very serious offence that could only be justified by a custodial sentence.
“Property was destroyed and public order and free movement of traffic disturbed at the instance of the accused persons,” Mujaya said.
“The accused persons even went on to attack police officers who attended the scenes and showed disregard of the law. They undermined the authority of the police. One of the police officers who testified in this trial sustained a visible scar on the face.”
Chimurenga Music maestro Thomas Mapfumo who has a reputation for speaking his mind has directed his sharp tongue at Zimdancehall artists.
Mukanya, as Mapfumo is popularly known, said that it was not rewarding for local artists to pursue dancehall music unless they are able to use Jamaican Patois. He singled out Tocky Vibes saying that he is now on the right path after ditching Zimdancehall following advice from the late Oliver Mtukudzi.
Critics of Mukanya have accused him of running his mouth on a number of occasions. He received criticism last month after he seemed to have taken a dig at Sungura Maestro Alick Macheso although he took back his words later on.
SOUTH Africa’s Mlindo the Vocalist who is billed to perform at BAC Leisure in Bulawayo on Saturday seems to have committed to perform at two shows in two countries on that day.
This is after a poster of SA afro-soul singer – Donald for his “10 years of Donald” gig taking place on Saturday at Sun City – emerged with Mlindo advertised as one of the performing artistes.
After seeing this poster, local fans of the Macala hit-maker were puzzled as to how the artiste would perform at both events on one night as the SA gig begins at 6:30PM.
While gates for the BAC show open at 2PM, Mlindo will likely perform in the evening.
And even if he performs in the afternoon, he would not be able to catch a flight back to Johannesburg as the only flight (South African Airlink) on Saturday departs at lunch time meaning that Mlindo would need to hire a private jet to attend both shows which would be costly for the local promoter – 3D Events.
Quizzed about the double booking, event organiser Mduduzi Mdlongwa issued a video drop by Mlindo in which the artiste made it clear that he was not attending the Sun City show.
“I can’t wait to be in Zimbabwe this weekend. I’m not going to Sun City as I’m going to be in Zimbabwe. I just needed to clarify this and will do another official video later,” said Mlindo on the clip.
It remains to be seen if Mlindo will keep his word and grace the Zimbabwe event as most South African acts are notorious for claiming to have missed their flights to Zimbabwe each time they double book.
Jane Mlambo| Former Zimbabwe Republic Police Commissioner Augustine Chihuri and Central Intelligence Organisation boss Happyton Bonyongwe were on Monday removed from the sanctions list which retained former President Robert Mugabe and Wife Grace.
On Monday, the EU head of policy, Federica Mogherini said the bloc’s Foreign Affairs ministers decided not to add fresh names to the sanctions list, but kept Mugabe and his wife, Grace on the list as well as the Zimbabwe Defence Industries.
“On Zimbabwe, there was a council decision today to uphold the embargo and restrictive measures against the Zimbabwe Defence Industries, to uphold individual restive measures against Robert Mugabe and Grace, to uphold suspended individual measures against the Vice-President (Constantino Chiwenga) the commander of Zimbabwe Defence Forces (Philip Vallerio Sibanda), the Minister of Lands and Agriculture (Perrance Shiri) and to lift two individual measures (Augustine Chihuri and Happyton Bonyongwe),” Mogherini said.
Jane Mlambo| The opposition Movement for Democratic Change (MDC) has urged Zanu PF to comply and address the various concerns that forced the European Union and United States of America to impose sanctions on Zimbabwe.
Commenting in the Newsday, MDC spokesperson Jacob Mafume said Zanu PF should abrogate blame on the opposition for the imposition of sanctions.
“The issue of sanctions is a bilateral issue between the affected members and the EU. They know what they did to get those measures and they need to adjust their behaviour accordingly,” he said.
Yesterday the EU renewed sanctions on Zimbabwe but did not include any new people.
Correspondent|Grain Millers Association (GMAZ) has revealed that the country could run out of bread in a few days following the dwindling of flour stocks as a result of the country’s failure to pay for imported wheat.
GMAZ general manager Lynette Veremu sent a letter to the National Bakers Association of Zimbabwe (NBAZ) and stated that Zimbabwe cannot pay for 55,000 tonnes of imported wheat in bonded warehouses in Mozambique.
“We regret to advise that the current stocks for foreign wheat for bread flour have depleted to 5,800 tonnes and … we are left with less than eight days of national bread flour supplies.” read part of the letter.
GMAZ spokesperson Garikai Chaunza confirmed that the country is facing serious shortages of wheat.
“True, foreign wheat stocks have seriously depleted and we have been raising a red flag about this situation since August to authorities,” said Chaunza
The country, currently producing less than a third of its national wheat requirements estimated at 350 000 to 400 000 tonnes per annum, relies largely on imports for the staple cereal
Efforts to speak to Ngoni Mazango who is the president of NBAZ proved fruitless as he did not pick his phone on Wednesday.
PRESIDENT Emmerson Mnangagwa and his top lieutenants in the military have been left out of the European Union (EU)’s latest sanctions list despite widespread calls for their censure over the army’s recent brutal crackdown on civilian protesters.
The EU imposed sanctions against former President Robert Mugabe’s government in 2000 and has since then maintained the restrictive measures, although gradually relaxing them to allow for implementation of political and economic reforms by the Zanu PF regime.
On Monday, the EU head of policy, Federica Mogherini said the bloc’s Foreign Affairs ministers decided not to add fresh names to the sanctions list, but kept Mugabe and his wife, Grace on the list as well as the Zimbabwe Defence Industries.
A top private school has been hit by a scandal after school girls were recorded on camera naked.
It is said that students from Girls College of Bulawayo visited Falcon College in Esigodini for a water polo match.
However, some Falcon College boys allegedly placed a spy camera in the girls’ changing rooms resulting in unsuspecting pupils from Girls College being recorded naked.
The issue has sparked outrage from parents who want the matter to be reported to the police, something that has not been done.
Representatives from both schools and some parents from Girls College attended the meeting which was held at the girls’ only school in Bulawayo.
Two boys from Falcon College, the formerly all-boys school which started admitting girls in 2017, are alleged to have placed the spy camera in the girls changing room.
A source who attended yesterday’s meeting said Falcon College authorities told the gathering that two boys fingered in the spy scandal had been expelled and the video recording, which was confiscated, would be destroyed.
The source said some parents are not happy with the decision, saying the duo should be arrested for the offence.
It was not immediately clear how the matter came to light.
“The boys are said to have been expelled but many parents feel that the issue should be taken to the police and the boys should be arrested.
The Falcon headmaster assured us that the video would be destroyed to protect the girls,” said the source.
In an interview, Girls College principal, Mrs Les Ross, confirmed the incident which happened last Friday.
She could not comment further referring questions to Falcon College authorities, who could not be reached immediately.
“The whole issue is being dealt with at Falcon College; it did not happen on my grounds, it happened at Falcon. Falcon College will be better placed to comment on that,” said Mrs Ross in a telephone interview.
A parent who spoke on condition of anonymity accused Falcon of sweeping the matter under the carpet.
The parent said the school should be investigated for similar allegations, as this was not the first time an incident of this nature has occurred at Falcon College.
“This is not the first time something of this nature has happened at Falcon and the school should be investigated.
“They are sweeping the matter under the rug to protect the school’s reputation, but what about our girls who have been violated. This is unacceptable,” said the parent.
Another parent said the incident raises questions about the safety of girls at such events.
The parent said such perverted behaviour might lead to worse violations such as rape.
“I know I speak on behalf of many parents when I say this behaviour is unacceptable and the culprits should be punished,” she said.
Bulawayo acting Provincial Education Director (PED) Mrs Olicah Kaira said she had not received a report on the matter.
Matabeleland South acting PED Mr Lifias Masukume could not comment saying he was in Harare.
Correspondent|MDC Alliance Organising Secretary Amos Chibaya has warned those who intend to challenge president Nelson Chamisa at the Congress scheduled for later this year that they risk consigning themselves to the political dustbin.
Chibaya, who is the party’s national organising secretary made the remarks on Saturday in Mkoba, Gweru while addressing a feedback meeting in his constituency.
Said Chibaya: “We saw on ZBC-TV someone saying MDC must now immediately go for congress and sensationally claiming that Chamisa’s term has expired.
“That is cheap propaganda and dirty political grandstanding. I am the owner of all party structures as the organiser. The party president’s term is still on.
“Chamisa was born in 1978. That is the same year that Morgan Tsvangirai’s firstborn, Edwin, was born. So, in short, Chamisa is Tsvangirai’s firstborn left to lead the family of the MDC.
“In short, once you begin to think that Chamisa must be removed from the helm at the Congress, you should realise that your ancestors have forsaken you and you have lost your senses.
“Chamisa is the man of the moment from the grassroots going up and anyone wishing to challenge him will just be throwing themselves in the political dustbin.”
There has been widespread speculation that MDC vice president and secretary general, Elias Mudzuri and Douglas Mwonzora respectively, are ready to challenge Chamisa for the presidency.
THE Constitutional Court (ConCourt) has banned the use of State security agents as public prosecutors at civilian courts, saying their secondment to the National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) was a serious violation of the Constitution.
The ruling came following an application filed by the Zimbabwe Law Officers’ Association and former public prosecutor Derek Charamba, where the parties were seeking an order compelling Prosecutor-General (PG) Kumbirai Hodzi and Justice Ziyambi Ziyambi to stop engaging police and army personnel as public prosecutors.
Sometime in January 2015, the late former Chief Justice Godfrey Chidyausiku, who headed the nine-member ConCourt bench, reserved judgment in the matter after submissions were made by the PG’s representative Sharon Fero and applicants’ lawyer, Advocate Tawanda Zhuwarara.
But yesterday, ConCourt judge Justice Antoinette Guvava delivered the unanimous judgment and read out the operative part which ordered the PG to disengage the services of security officers from the NPA over the next two years.
“The engagement by the first respondent (NPA) of the serving members of the security services to prosecutorial duties is in contravention of Section 208 (4) of the Constitution of Zimbabwe… It is, hereby, ordered that: the first respondent (NPA) is directed to disengage all members of the security services within 24 months from the date of this order,” Justice Guvava said.
During the hearing, the late Justice Chidyausiku took the PG’s Office to task, demanding an explanation on why the NPA wanted its job to be done by police officers and soldiers still in service.
“Why do you want the police to do your job? We in the Judiciary do not want to have police officers as magistrates,” Justice Chidyausiku said then.
“Give us one good reason why we should have police prosecutors as opposed to civilian prosecutors…. In principle, I do not see the reason why the PG would want his job done by police.”
In response, Fero said the practice of engaging security forces as public prosecutors had been in existence since time immemorial, adding that the main reason was unattractive condition of service offered by the NPA.
Fero further said there were no provisions in the Constitution that precluded security forces to be engaged as prosecutors.
But in his submissions on behalf of the applicants, Zhuwarara said the use of security forces to perform prosecutorial duties in civilian courts was in violation of section 208(4) of the Constitution.
He added that the engagement of police and army officers to prosecute in civilian courts was a misnomer adding that the practice could not be condoned, tolerated or excused in a democratic society.
“The mechanics of birthing a public prosecutor are different from those put in place to bring about a police officer or an army officer….they (police and army prosecutors) are part of the security system and cannot be engaged in civilian institutions since they are bound by specific rules of discipline,” he said. — NewsDay
By Own Correspondent| A Constitutional Court Judge here has directed the Prosecutor General (PG) to remove all serving soldiers and police officers from the department within the next two years.
Justice Antoinette Guvava on Tuesday delivered the unanimous decision by the whole bench of the country’s highest court.
Said Justice Guvava:
The engagement by the first respondent (NPA) of the serving members of the security services to prosecutorial duties is in contravention of Section 208 (4) of the Constitution of Zimbabwe… It is, hereby, ordered that: the first respondent (NPA) is directed to disengage all members of the security services within 24 months from the date of this order.-Newsday
ZIMBABWE National Soccer Supporters Association’s leadership have pleaded with Government to reverse its decision not to guarantee ZIFA’s bid to host the 2019 COSAFA Cup this year.
Eddie “Mboma’’ Nyatanga, the ZNSSA leader, said there had been a huge outcry from their members after revelations the country will not host the tournament.
The government, citing short notice given to underwrite the staging of the competition, announced on Monday they could not guarantee ZIFA’s bid to host Southern Africa’s flagship soccer tournament.
COSAFA had wanted to stage their biggest tournament, in history, this year from May 19 to June 1.
Zimbabwe last hosted the tournament in 2009.
Nyatanga said the majority of football fans had been disappointed at losing the opportunity of watching their Warriors in action at home with ZIFA having wanted to use their best players, in the event the country qualified for the 2019 AFCON finals.
Nyatanga said he would lead an appeal to the Government for a possible change of stance by the Ministry of Youth, Sport, Arts and Recreation.
“We are very disappointed to hear about the decision related to the COSAFA Cup. As soccer supporters we believe this was going to be a perfect platform for our Government to showcase the Warriors, for two weeks, in front of their own fans, it was a perfect platform to help the Warriors cement their bond with all Zimbabweans.
“Football has the power to unite people and we believe that these Warriors have the capacity to unite the people by being the host team in the COSAFA Cup.
“This tournament also presents us with a chance to showcase our hospitality, as a nation, when all those countries bring their senior teams here,’’ Nyatanga said.
The ZNSSA leader said it was inconceivable that a nation that hosted the Barcelona Legends could not host the COSAFA Cup.
“These Warriors are our real heroes. But we have seen a lot of money being splashed to bring the Barcelona Legends, a grouping of retired footballers, and yet we cannot do the same for our Warriors,’’ said Nyatanga.
“I am personally going to engage Government, on behalf of the supporters, and ask that the position be reviewed and that, as a nation, we mobilise resources to host that tournament in May.’’
Warriors cheerleader, Chris “Romario’’ Musekiwa, also felt staging of the tournament in Zimbabwe would not just benefit ZIFA and the Warriors but the country as a whole.
“This kind of tournament is a big opportunity to put the country on the map. When you host such tournaments, all the focus in African football will be on this country and we can showcase our culture, our tourism sites and everything Zimbabwean,’’ he said.
In announcing the government position Youth Sport, Arts and Recreation Minister Kirsty Coventry said they felt the country was not being given enough time to prepare a classy event as requested by COSAFA.
According to Coventry, the country was still open to hosting the event in the future.
“We have had some deliberations this morning and we needed to come to the media and the country and let you know of some of the outcomes.
“The main discussions were on and around the hosting of the COSAFA tournament and it’s been agreed that at this time the deal was not just very good for the country or for ZIFA.
“So, we will not be hosting the COSAFA games this year. But we look forward to having adequate time to be able to host a world class event in the near future.
“We want to make sure that when we do host an event of this magnitude that we are fully prepared, we have good timing. We just don’t feel that was given to us this time around,’’ Coventry said.
The Judicial Service Commission (JSC) has fired senior Masvingo magistrate Mr Peter Madhibha for gross incompetence, among other reasons.
JSC secretary Mr Walter Chikwana confirmed Mr Madhibha’s sacking.
He said Mr Madhibha was sacked after he appeared before a JSC disciplinary committee and was found guilty of contravening the Commission’s Regulations of 2015 that demands high levels of competence on the part of court officials.
Mr Madhibha, who was served with his letter of dismissal last week, was found guilty of passing non-custodial and lenient sentences for some offences that would under normal circumstances warrant stiffer penalties.
He had served as magistrate for 17 years.
“Yes, l can confirm that Mr Madhibha appeared before the JSC disciplinary committee. He was fired after the committee recommended his dismissal on February 12, 2019. His conduct violated the Judicial Services Commission Regulations (2015) which stipulate that all court officials have to exercise a high level of competence in the manner they execute their duties,” he said.
Others reasons for firing Mr Madhibha were his failure to satisfactorily respond to queries raised by Masvingo resident High Court Judges, Justices Garainesu Mawadze and Joseph Mafusire during their review of a case he had handled.
The case involved the State versus one Ernest Chifumuro (Case: MSVP 549/18) where Mr Madhibha ordered the latter to just pay a fine of $1 000 after convicting him of culpable homicide.
Chifumuro was convicted after a bus he was driving caused the death of six people along the Masvingo-Beitbridge highway.
It was felt that a custodial sentence would have sufficed considering the circumstances surrounding the fatal crash. Masvingo Provincial Magistrate Mr Langton Ndokera said Masvingo now has 18 magistrates following the departure of Mr Madhibha
“Masvingo used to have 19 magistrates, excluding two regional magistrates (at Masvingo and Chiredzi magistrates courts).
‘‘Today (Friday), JSC has issued Mr Madhibha with a letter of dismissal. Our establishment now comprises of 18 magistrates,” said Mr Ndokera.
He said the JSC will continue to deal with cases of incompetence and corruption within the judiciary.
“We have it in good authority that there are syndicates of court officials engaging in corruptions. Some deliberately deny offenders bail so that they get kickbacks while others arrive at questionably lighter sentences after allegedly getting bribes from accused persons. We will deal decisively with this rot,” Mr Ndokera said.
The legitimacy of President Mnangagwa will not form part of the agenda for inter-party national dialogue as he was duly elected as Head of State and Government before his election was confirmed by the Constitutional Court (Concourt), a senior Zanu-PF official has said.
In an interview with Zimpapers Television Network (ZTN), Zanu-PF secretary for Legal Affairs Munyaradzi Paul Mangwana said the ruling party will not entertain attempts by MDC-Alliance to put President Mnangagwa’s election as the President of the country on the agenda when the dialogue begins.
He said every Zimbabwean had an obligation to recognise the result of an election, which was pronounced by the Zimbabwe Electoral Commission (ZEC) before endorsement by the Concourt.
“It is an obligation upon every political player in the country to recognise the pronouncement by the Constitutional Court. So the issue of the election of the President is not on the table and will not be on the table because a decision has been made by the highest courts on that particular issue. We are not entertaining any discussion on that,” said Mangwana.
“We are saying we have a Government in place led by President Mnangagwa, but there are areas which require improvement from a social, political and economic perspective, let us discuss those issues with full recognition that there is a President who was elected by the people of Zimbabwe that is the context under which we are discussing. We are not discussing the legitimacy or otherwise of the election of the President. It is not an item on the agenda.”
He reiterated that the dialogue being prepared had nothing to do with power sharing saying Zanu-PF got a full mandate from the people to run the country for the next five years.
Mangwana said the national dialogue being driven by President Mnangagwa was running together with another one comprising political parties represented in Parliament to discuss legislative and budgetary issues.
He said the four political parties represented in Parliament held their inaugural meeting last weekend in Bulawayo. He said the inter-party dialogue of political parties represented in Parliament had been in place since the inclusive Government culminating in the writing of a new Constitution.
“After the constitutional programmes the dialogue continued looking at legislative reforms, we have participated in the interparty dialogue all along but after the election which led to President Mnangagwa being elected as the leader of this country, the MDC Alliance said it will not recognise the outcome of the presidential election and we said, ‘look if you cannot recognise our principal as leader we have difficulties in engaging you’,” said Mangwana.
“Efforts were ofcourse made to mediate on that particular issue and it continued until last week we decided to meet if we could find common ground. This did not only include MDC Alliance but two other political parties in Parliament because our framework of negotiation is premised on political parties represented in Parliament. “
He said the last meeting in Bulawayo was to look at the framework under which parties should engage and it was also meant to orient new political parties like National Patriotic Front which is being represented by Masango (Blackman) Matambanadzo.
A technical committee to come up with items to be placed on the agenda was constituted and another meeting will be held in two weeks.
“We are discussing critical issues to take our economy forward, how do we ensure that the youths in our party live in peace, that they sing from the same hymn book, as political parties how do we reduce tension, what should be the approach to the budget in Parliament,” he said.
"REGIME CHANGE" CRIMINAL: 1. Chamisa did it through elections(2018).
2. Mnangagwa did it by deploying the ZDF, announcing it on ZBC TV LIVE, 8 month's before on 15 Dec 2017 at 1pm, to change the election results.(There were no protesters at all, no vanguard, no NGO)
