Own Correspondent|In a very unfortunate incident, MDC Gweru councillors and representatives of council workers pushed and shoved each other in the VVIP tent at the MDC Rally at Mkoba Stadium on Sunday.

The councillors and workers representatives who are all MDC members found themselves discussing a job evaluation exercise currently taking place in the council.

Divisions emerged in the discussions when the councillors accused the workers representatives of trying to fail the councillors and ultimately the opposition party.

Unconvinced workers began shoving and pushing the councillors claiming that issues to do with their remuneration had nothing to do with the party.

The noise from the commotion grew so loud prompting senior party officials sitting in the front row to call for security to sort out the issue.

Party members who witnessed the incident condemned the council officials for failing to keep their issues within the council chambers. Others strongly condemned them for failing to respect the party President as they shoved and pushed each other while the President addressed the rally.

TWO top MDC Alliance officials in Mutare were allegedly beaten with tree logs and subjected to electric shocks after they were detained overnight by soldiers at Herbert Chitepo Barracks, it has been revealed.

Jack and Dunmore Saunyama who are MDC Alliance’s Mutare South district chairman and Dangamvura/Chikanga constituency ward 6 councillor respectively, were allegedly abducted at Jack’s house in Zimunya township last Tuesday night by at least eight armed soldiers.

They were detained at Herbert Chitepo Barracks (formerly 3 Brigade) before they were “dumped” outside the premises the following day.

Prominent Mutare lawyer Christopher Ndlovu said they now feared for the pair’s safety and had been constantly transferring them to private hospitals secretly for security reasons.

Although Ndlovu refused to identify the private hospital where they were admitted, sources said the two were actually on their way to receive specialist treatment in South Africa after a security breach at a private hospital.

“They were tortured using electric shocks, assaulted with booted feet and tree logs all over their bodies,” Ndlovu said.

“They were asked to make confessions that they participated in a stay-away and they were told to implicate senior officials in the party.

“They were assaulted heavily when they did not make the confessions.

“They are receiving medical treatment at a private hospital and we are hopeful that they are going to recover.

“We are worried about their security. This is the reason why they have been receiving treatment at private hospitals and we are hopeful that the doctors are going to come up with a comprehensive medical report because they are torture victims.”

Ndlovu said when he first attended to the two victims, they were crying for water.

“They had been denied water because I understand that if you give them water they will have internal bleeding. I got that knowledge since I have been covering murder cases for many years,” he added.

Another human rights lawyer in Mutare who requested anonymity confirmed the two brothers would seek help in South Africa.

“As you are aware, our President Emmerson Mnangagwa said that he is coming after us for assisting arrested protesters. We are now afraid to come out in the open to help such victims,” he said.

“But they are on their way to South Africa to seek further medical attention; their air tickets are being processed.”

One of the two officials’ brothers, who also chose to speak on condition of anonymity, said his siblings were traumatised.

“I am now on the wanted list by the soldiers, but what I can say at the moment is that my brothers are traumatised. They are even struggling to eat or drink anything,” he said
“They were subjected to inhumane treatment at the barracks, but we are hopeful they are going to recover.”

MDC Manicaland spokesperson Trevor Saruwaka said soldiers had no right to arrest civilians as it was the duty of the police.

The torture of the Saunyamas followed reports that Noah Sahumbe, also from Zimunya township, was allegedly beaten up by soldiers on January 20 and died later due to internal injuries during the army crackdown following last month’s countrywide protests.

He was allegedly beaten up by soldiers while watching a football match at a local bar.

He died of kidney failure, a post-mortem report revealed.

Human rights organisations say at least 17 people were killed during the army clampdown.

-The Standard

By Own Correspondent| A former cabinet minister whose whereabout remain a mystery following the ouster of former president Robert Mugabe has blasted the current administration arguing that besides being at the helm of power with no legitimacy, President Emmerson Mnangagwa had failed.

Professor Jonathan Moyo urged Mnangagwa to concede failure and give opposition MDC leader Nelson Chamisa, who has legitimacy, the chance to lead the country .

Said Professor Moyo:

https://twitter.com/twimboz/status/1099975449344729088?s=19

By Own Correspondent| Permanent Secretary in the Information ministry Nick Mangwana has said opposition Nelson Chamisa’s demands for power sharing with President Emmerson Mnangagwa reflects that he lost the July 2018 harmonised elections.

Mangwana said Chamisa lost the polls hence his strange demands to split the presidential term into two shared phases.

He said:

“This power demand thing is becoming stranger by the day. The bizarre demand to split a presidential term into two shared phases indicates that someone really knows they did not win the elections. They are just so frustrated by the winner takes all aspects of our democracy”

This power demand thing is becoming stranger by the day. The bizarre demand to split a presidential term into two shared phases indicates that someone really knows they did not win the elections. They are just so frustrated by the winner-takes-all aspects of our democracy.

— Nick Mangwana (@nickmangwana) February 25, 2019

Own Correspondent|City Parking has increased its parking tariffs in and around the central business district of Harare, with motorists now having to fork out double what they used to pay prior to the adjustments.hmmmm po

The new tariffs are effective from the first of March.

More to follow:

Controversial prophet Shepherd M Mesala is again in the news. This time the fearless prophet has issued a message for President of Zimbabwe Mnangagwa. “You have managed to be a president through tricks using physical power over your brother Mugabe .

“But it will not be well with you not until you ask for forgiveness and apologies to Mugabe otherwise he still has power over Zimbabwe in the spirit realm. Although Physically he is not in state house, spiritually he is a president.

“There are so many magical powers in Zimbabwe which needs to be uprooted otherwise no peace will come to Zimbabwe. Emerson Mnagangwa should apologise to Mugabe and step down then it shall be well with him but if he becomes stubborn , things will be hard for him, everything will collapse in the nation .

“I am telling you my brother just step down and apologise to Mugabe for the sake of the people of Zimbabwe. And you Mugabe remove all what you put in Zimbabwe so that you clear your for Christ.” The Zambian born prophet said.

Zambian Observer

Own Correspondent|PHD Ministries founder and owner of Premier League side Yadah FC, Walter Magaya on Friday assaulted a player for ‘ marking’ him.

Magaya attacked Tendai Japajapa of Friendly Academy during a training match at Alex Sports Club after the player had marked him the ‘game situation way’.

“I have never known that environment of such prophets like Magaya who can be that abusive. Handiende futi padhuze navo, ndaisaziva kuti Prophet Magaya havamakwe mubhora saka ini ndaenda kukona ndikavamaka ndikahwinha bhora. (I won’t go near him again. I didn’t know Prophet Magaya should not be marked in a game, so I went to him and took the ball away.)

“Ndahwinha bhora, vabva vandidhonza vakati iwe mupfanha kakechitwo uchindimaka ndokuma**sa . Vabva vandirova mbama, vamwe vavo vabva vamhanya kupindira kwakutanga kundirova. (After winning the ball, he pulled me back and slapped me before his entourage joined him.)

“Nobody from my side got involved, and I was later forced to go and apologise to Prophet Magaya for marking him,” said Japajapa.

Nevertheless, Japajapa later made a report to the police and went to the media with his case. However, it was swept under the carpet by the mainstream media houses as they were bribed not to publish the story.

By Own Correspondent| Following his conviction last week for violating sections of the Electoral Act, MDC Alliance vice national chairperson Tendai Biti has appealed against a Harare magistrate Gloria Takundwa’s ruling.

Biti was last week convicted of violating sections of the Electoral Act after he allegedly announced false presidential election results following the 2018 July polls:

Said the Zimbabwe Lawyers for Human Rights (ZLHR) in a statement|

“Human rights lawyer and MDC-Alliance Vice-Chairperson Tendai Biti appeals against his conviction and sentence for contravening the Electoral Act and argues that Harare Magistrate Gloria Takundwa grossly erred and misdirected herself in convicting him and imposing a $200 fine.”

By Own Correspondent| Lawyers here have hiked their charges reacting to the depreciation in the value of the Real Time Gross Settlement (RTGS) Dollar.

A notice released by Law Society of Zimbabwe (LSZ) read in part:

“Legal practitioners are professionally and legally obliged to charge fees for legal work which are fair and reasonable in all circumstances.

In order to assist the profession and the public in this regard and to seek a degree of uniformity and consistency, this tariff is recommended by the LSZ.”

Valentine Mutatu, a law lecturer and human rights defender said:

“You will notice that for senior lawyers, they used to charge US$300 (per hour) and the latest tariff shows they can now charge RTGS$1 200.

If you change that at the prevailing black market rate of today, which is around $420 for a US$$100 bill, it’s slightly lower than what we used to charge.”-Newsday

Finance minister, Professor Mthuli Ncube has posted on Twitter bragging that he is managing to spend what the government collects as revenue, something the country had been failing to do for a long time leading to budget deficit.

Former Finance minister during the inclusive government Tendai Biti is on record saying the government should eat what it kills and Ncube seems to be reading from the same script.

Mthuli Ncube has also hinted that they are targeting a budget deficit of less than five percent of the national budget.

#Zimbabwe Government is cash positive. We managed to pay civil servants salaries for the months of January and February from a cash positive position. We are spending what we have and we are determined to ensure to carry on like that going forward. https://t.co/yAtdTsr1FT

— Prof. Mthuli Ncube (@MthuliNcube) February 24, 2019

Correspondent |41-year old teacher who was brought before the courts facing allegations of fondling a Form 3 pupil’s breasts has been convicted.

The teacher, who cannot be named to protect the identity of the victim, allegedly also tried to rape the girl, but the plan got unstuck, the court heard.

He was fined $400 by Guruve resident magistrate, Shingirai Mutiro, for indecently assaulting the 15-year-old pupil.

Prosecutor Spiwe Makarichi told the court that on June 6 last year, the convict assigned the pupil to sweep his office after school hours and subsequently followed her at around 4:30pm.

The teacher wrestled with her and told her that she was ripe for sex before fondling her.

He muffled her screams with his hand, but later released the teenager after his attempts failed.

The victim narrated her ordeal to her friend who heard the two wrestling in the office and was advised to tell the senior lady, who informed the headmaster before filing a
police report, leading to the teacher’s arrest.

In mitigation, the convict said he was looking after his parents, in-laws and family, hence a custodial sentence would be too harsh.

“Your Worship, may you be lenient with me, I am the breadwinner for my family, parents and my in-laws. May I be given a second chance to reform by a non-custodial sentence since a custodial sentence would throw me in the deep end of unemployment and many lives will suffer,” the teacher
lamented.

Mutiro took into consideration his submissions and that he was a first offender.

The convict was given up to March 26 to pay the fine.

By Paul Nyathi|The thousands of opposition MDC who attended Sunday’s rally at Mkoba Stadium in Gweru warned party Secretary General Douglas Mwonzora against his wishes of challenging President Nelson Chamisa at the congress set for May.

The huge crowd went into song “tengesa uone mashura” as soon as Mwonzora was given a platform to speak on the on going discussions for a dialogue with the ruling ZANU PF.

Mwonzora who is the current party Secretary General is rumoured to be making serious moves to challenge Chamisa who he defeated in the last party congress to land his current position.

Speaking in an interview with state media over the weekend, Mwonzora disputed the rumour that he was moving to challenge Chamisa claiming that party members will do the nominations.

“Let me answer this way, I am a full member of the MDC with full rights given by the MDC constitution.

One of these rights is the right to contest any position.

“However, I’m not yet aware of the position that I’m going to contest because the nomination process has not yet started,” said Mr Mwonzora.

“So I do not know what the members are going to nominate me for. The system is not whether you want or not. It’s whether you are nominated. But the nomination has not yet started so I’m not aware, I don’t know what position I will contest. But I’m eligible to contest any position.”

He said he will not speculate on any position at the moment but will make a special announcement soon after the nomination process has been opened.

“The nomination process is going to be taking place in due course. I will also be announcing shortly after the nomination, if I get nominated for any position I will contest that position. But I have not been nominated yet,” he said.

However, reliable sources within the party have indicated that Mwonzora is currently in full gear mobilising provinces to nominate him to contest Chamisa.

Zanu-PF has emphasised its dominance in Matabeleland South by retaining the Beitbridge East Ward 15 and Matobo North Ward 25 rural district council seats in a by election held over the weekend.

Beitbridge East Ward 15 candidate for Zanu-PF, Rabson Mbedzi garnered 638 votes against MDC candidate Victor Moyo who had 54 votes.

Opposition MDC maintained its position in Chitungwiza narrowly winning the Ward 24 council by election. Zanu-PF candidate for Chitungwiza Mercy Guvamombe lost to the MDC’s Yotam Chagwada by 66 votes.

Matobo North Ward 25 Zanu-PF candidate, Sibonginkosi Dube garnered 483 votes against MDC’s Elkanah Sibanda’s 121 votes.

Chagwada garnered 1 059 votes against ClGuvamombe’s 993 votes. MDC-T candidate Jane Makovere and NCA candidate Anderson Tsakeni garnered 29 and three votes respectively.

In an interview with state media on Sunday, ZANU PF provincial chair for Matabeleland South province Rabelani Choeni said the party was happy with the results.

“We are very happy that we managed to retain the two rural district council seats and the margins by which our candidates won signify the strength of the party in the province,” said Choeni.

Four men and a woman from Glen View 2, Harare, appeared in court last Friday for allegedly fatally assaulting a suspected thief. Suggest Javangwe (48), Mcdonald Ridzai (38), Gladman Munhenga (40), Paul Poverty Musekiwa (38) and Hazel Chari (34) appeared before Harare magistrate Mrs Vongai Muchuchuti– Guwiro facing murder charges.

They were remanded out of custody on $100 bail to April 4.
Allegations are that in December 2018 at about 3am, Javangwe who is employed as a private security guard by residents of

Glen View 2 apprehended Brendon Kahari after he found him walking on the streets.
He apprehended him and called on other people to assist him.

Acting in common purpose Javangwe, Ridzai, Munhenga, Musekiwa and Chari and other residents started interrogating Kahari accusing him of stealing car parts in Glen View 2 area.

The court heard, they started kicking, slapping and beating him with sticks.
They later took Kahari to Glen View Police Station from where he was referred to Harare Central Hospital where he died on admission.

On December 12, a post-mortem was conducted on Kahari’s body by forensic pathologists, Doctors Yehilyn Igletic Capetillo and Aisa Secognolo who concluded that the cause of death was a result of acute renal failure, myo and haemo globinuria and multiple force injuries assault.

In that regard, the causes of death was consistent with assault.

State Media

Local Government, Public Works and National Housing Minister July Moyo says there is need for Government to ensure Senators and National Assembly members do not become members of provincial and metropolitan councils.

Government has been forging ahead with plans to devolve power to provinces to ensure grassroots have more say in the development trajectory of their areas.

Section 268 of the Constitution of Zimbabwe (Chapter 14) provides that Senators and National Assembly members be part of the provincial and metropolitan councils mandated with spearheading provincial economies under devolution.

In his address at a Masvingo provincial devolution conference here on Monday, Minister Moyo said Government urgently needed to fine-tune the Constitution to exclude National Assembly members and Senators from provincial and metropolitan councils.

He said it was a serious anomaly for Members of Parliament to superintend over the same developmental budgetary programmes they would have decentralised in the august House.

“Their (Senators and National Assembly members) involvement in provincial and metropolitan councils is just as good as supervising themselves,” said Minister Moyo.

“In other words, MPs would strain remuneration budgets for the provincial councils and ultimately disrupt the entire sense of devolution.”

The Cabinet minister said allowing MPs to sit in provincial and metropolitan councils would be akin to allowing the legislature to supervise itself.

“In my view, the first thing before setting the ball rolling on the devolution agenda is to amend the Constitution and remove this glaring anomaly. The legislature cannot be accountable to themselves,” he said.

Minister Moyo said the separation of powers in the devolution model mandated provinces to craft their own master plans which would feed into the national agenda.

Senators will be instrumental on the national agenda for development. We must let the provincial and metropolitan councils manage provincial affairs.

State Media

Government is currently operating on a positive cash basis as revenue enhancement and austerity measures announced in the 2019 National Budget continue to yield dividends, Finance and Economic Development Minister Mthuli Ncube has said.

Some of the key highlights of the austerity-focused 2019 National Budget included a 5 percent salary cut on senior Government staff; customs duty on motor vehicles and selected goods to be paid in foreign currency; tax free threshold reviewed to $350 from $300, an upward review (to 7 cents per litre) of excise duty on diesel and paraffin, and to 6,5 cents per litre excise duty on petrol, and an increase on excise duty on cigarettes to $25 among others.

Last year Treasury also introduced a 2 percent Intermediated Money Transfer Tax, which is yielding at least $80 million monthly in new revenue for the Government.

Minister Ncube told business leaders last week that the Government was benefiting from its adherence to the austerity measures.

“Government is cash positive. We managed to pay civil servants salaries for the months of January and February from a cash positive position, with $300 million in the bank,” said Minister Ncube.

“We are spending what we have, and I am determined to ensure that we carry on like that for the next two years. In fact, it should always be like that. On the expenditure front, we have been working hard to curtail expenditure in terms of civil servants’ salaries and civil service reform.

In October, the country achieved a budget surplus of $29 million.

Minister Ncube has said balancing of the budget, in combination with several other measures pronounced in the 2019 National Budget, are a critical step in stabilising the economy.

The austerity measures are also in line with the Transitional Stabilisation Programme (TSP), aimed at setting the economy on a recovery path after years of stagnation.

The TSP acknowledges policy reform initiatives of the new dispensation to stimulate domestic production, exports, rebuilding and transforming the economy to an upper middle income status by 2030.

According to the policy document, the TSP will focus on the following factors: stabilising the macro-economy, and the financial sector; introducing necessary policy and institutional reforms to translate to a private sector-led economy; addressing infrastructure gaps, and launching quick-wins to stimulate growth.

The TSP will be superseded by two five-year development strategies, with the first one running from 2021-2025, and the second covering 2026-2030.

Meanwhile, the inter-bank foreign currency market started operating on last Friday, with an initial set rate of 2,5, which was significantly discounted from the 4 that had been prevailing on the illegal market.

Announcing the Monetary Policy Statement last week, RBZ governor Dr John Mangudya announced the introduction of an inter-bank foreign exchange market.

Prior to the floating of the US dollar, the RBZ had pegged RTGS balances at 1:1 to the US dollar, however shortages had resulted in high premiums for US dollars on the parallel market, which led to increases in prices.

The ‘managed float’ is therefore expected to result in lowering of prices.

State Media

By Paul Nyathi|Opposition MDC leader Nelson Chamisa has called on ruling ZANU PF leader President Emmerson Mnangagwa to agree to a power sharing deal that will see the two leaders take separate two year terms to run the country.

Addressing about ten thousands MDC supporters who filled up Mkoba Stadium in the Midlands provincial capital Gweru on Sunday, Chamisa made the logical call in line with the on-going demands for national dialogue where ZANU PF has indicated unwillingness to be in the same government with the MDC.

Chamisa said his party was prepared to use its “political muscle” through demonstrations in which all its supporters countrywide would descend on Harare if Mnangagwa continues to refuse the power sharing arrangement.

“Last month there was a stay away called by our mother, the Zimbabwe Congress of Trade Unions and we took heed to it as we are a child of ZCTU. Now, we are saying we want dialogue with (President) Mnangagwa. I know you are asking yourselves a question, if (President) Mnangagwa refuses dialogue what will we do? We said we are giving him a short space of time to conclude dialogue and do away with the election mode. The country cannot be perpetually in an election mode.

“We want to close the election mode and go into economic transformation. We will call our membership from across the country and engage in a democratic mass action and shut down Harare,” he said.

The opposition leader, who has snubbed Mnangagwa a led dialogue with several other losing presidential election candidates at the 2018 elections said the dialogue should be restricted to Zanu-PF and the MDC.

Twenty two candidates contested the elections with Chamisa and Mnagagwa narrowly sharing about 99% of the votes while the rest shared only 1%.

“Mnangagwa you will give me two years to govern the country and we inter change like that as we rule our country together. Political dialogue is a necessity to unlock the political stalemate in the country. That is the agenda we have for this country. We are saying Mnangagwa give us signals of sincerity. We don’t want to see soldiers on the roadblocks, they should go to the barracks where they belong and in the event we are invaded they take up arms and defend the country. We want dialogue in the country,” he said.

Correspondent|RICHARD Tsvangirai, the son of the late MDC founding president Morgan Tsvangirai failed to open a bank account with ICBC China because of sanctions against Zimbabwe.

The bank told him he could not open a bank account because he came from a country on a blacklist thats include South Sudan and Yemen.

This is despite the Acting Chinese Ambassador to Zimbabwe Zhao Baogang calling for sanctions against the country to be removed.

Richard said: “So today I tried to open a bank account with ICBC here in China, however, surprisingly, I couldn’t do so because I originate from a sensitive country, some of the countries who were on the backlist are South Sudan, Yemen.”

https://twitter.com/RTsvangirayi/status/1099759626722062337?s=19

https://twitter.com/RTsvangirayi/status/1099855090142179330?s=19

INFORMATION minister Monica Mutsvangwa says Zimbabweans must brace themselves for a raft of media reforms as her ministry moves to align various laws with the constitution.

Mutsvangwa (MM) told our senior reporter Veneranda Langa (VL) that the major thrust of the reforms will be to improve access to information and to guarantee freedom of expression.

She also revealed that the state-controlled Zimbabwe Broadcasting Corporation (ZBC) was set for a major overhaul. Below are excerpts from the interview.

VL: What are the media reforms that we can expect from your ministry in the short term?

MM: The new reforms are meant to align our laws to the constitution and modernise our media landscape as well.

These reforms are inspired by the aspirations and value systems set in our constitution.

We have taken those as the minimum standard, but we did not end there.

We went for the gold standard by incorporating different international conventions that Zimbabwe is a signatory to.

In the short term you would expect that once our boards have been cleared, then we will licence other players to operate in the broadcasting space.

You will continue to see our efforts to depolarise the industry and the country at large.

VL: What are the Bills that are likely to come before Parliament? What will be the difference between the envisaged new legislation and the Access to Information and Protection of Privacy Act (AIPPA)?

MM: I believe I should bring the Bills before Cabinet within the next three weeks, after which we will trigger the parliamentary process. The difference with the new information Bills will be that we are not mixing unrelated issues.

Media regulation is a separate issue from issues of the right of access to information as guaranteed by section 61 of the constitution.

Those issues should not be mixed as was the issue with AIPPA.

Issues like criminal defamation are also put off the law. In terms of protection of privacy, we have focused on the protection of personal information given to public and private bodies and not use the law as a means of hiding public officials from accountability and scrutiny.

We have also removed the issue of “controlling” the media and are now centred on “regulating”.

On freedom of information, we have also proposed that it’s not only public bodies, which should provide access to information, but private ones as well, as long as the information is of public interest or is used to protect rights.

VL: Are we likely to have broadcasting reforms? When are we likely to see new television licences issued?
MM: Principles to amending the Broadcasting Services Act (BSA) are ready for presentation to Cabinet.
Keep an eye on the post-Cabinet briefing. Once Cabinet has taken a position on the proposals, the public will be informed.

Regarding licensing, as I said before, that depends on the Broadcasting Authority of Zimbabwe (BAZ) board being in place.

Once that is done, BAZ will issue licences. Regarding online services that do not use the finite frequency spectrum, BAZ will issue those on a continuing basis without any need to call out (for applications).

We have consulted the Attorney-General on this and we are advised that we do not need a board in place to issue these licences.

VL: There are reports of bad blood between you and your deputy, Energy Mutodi, especially over his utterances on social media. At one time he suggested that there must be a Cabinet reshuffle and you were seen as one of his targets. How do you relate with your deputy?

MM: There is no bad blood between my deputy Honourable Mutodi and I, as we are both appointees of the president.

Government decisions are made in Cabinet where I sit as the minister.

Anything outside of that forum is hearsay, speculation, wishful thinking or plain gossip.

Within the ministry, the permanent secretary is the government accounting officer.

The deputy minister is there to help the two in the ministerial commission. Our jobs are very clearly defined.

Regarding what transpires on social media, I am sure the pertinent bloggers can best answer for their posts that lie out of the purview of my ministry.

As regards possible reshuffles — that is strictly and solely the domain of the president, who is the nationally elected head of the executive.

I dare not and will not ever stray where even political angels fear to tread.

VL: There are also reports that on several occasions presidential spokesperson George Charamba has dismissed whatever your ministry has said. An example is the issue of Charamba’s comments that people should not believe everything posted on Mnangagwa’s official Twitter account as there are people trying to put words into his mouth. Your ministry runs another Twitter handle which tells people to believe in everything posted on Mnangagwa’s account. What should people believe?

MM: The President has unequivocally pronounced himself on his Twitter account.

He said that’s his account and what is posted there are his views and positions.

I don’t need to continue to assert the authority of his Twitter handle because he has done that himself.

VL: Is there some truth in reports that Charamba is still pulling the strings within the Information ministry?

MM: I am in charge of my ministry. I wouldn’t know what other people want to do or are thinking of doing.

They would be the best people to answer for themselves.

VL: Can you give the nation an update on Vice-President Constantino Chiwenga and Defence minister Oppah Muchinguri-Kashiri’s health conditions following announcements that they were seriously ill?

MM: I have no current update on Honourable VP Chiwenga. On Defence minister Honourable Muchinguri, she is fine.

I believe you have seen her attending public engagements in a good state of health.

You have seen her with His Excellency the president at the India-Africa hub and other engagements.

She has been coming to her office and attending public engagements.

VL: There are reports that Zimpapers editors that were recently suspended or fired were victims of your interference and that you wanted to appoint your loyalists. What is your reaction to that?

MM: Caesar Zvayi is not fired and I am sure he can affirm that. He is actually still working for Zimpapers in a more expansive role than before.

Zimpapers group is a Zimbabwe Stock Exchange-traded company. Its corporate governance conforms to the ZSE rules.

As a growing stable, Zimpapers and its board have the corporate discretion to deploy its staff as it sees fit.

The ministry keeps an arm’s length relationship with the Zimpapers group. Our nominal influence is exercised through a trust as one of the many shareholders.

Through this channel, we recommend policy directions. We are not involved in personnel issues.

VL: Can we look forward to a reformed ZBC because people have been complaining that their programming is not up to standard? If so, what will be the improvements?

MM: ZBC reported having a challenging technical problem, hence their unfortunate and inadvertent failure to broadcast the monetary policy statement (last Wednesday).

They also experienced some of these hitches during the Motlanthe Commission sittings. We are addressing the challenges.

But from a policy point of view, they are a national broadcaster and should run current affairs programmes of national interest when they do occur.

We have programmes to turn around ZBC as well as help change its public image.

We will revamp its image and the quality of its programmes.

VIDEO LOADING BELOW…

FULL HD VIDEO: Chamisa At Mkoba https://t.co/dneI46uItL via @ZimEye pic.twitter.com/45422ONMYT

— ZimEye (@ZimEye) February 24, 2019

https://youtu.be/S2mScAe0F0U

By Farai D Hove| The People’s President Nelson Chamisa yesterday called for a national transitional authority in which he will be president for 2 years before handing over to the Zanu PF leader, Emmerson Mnangagwa to take over for the remaining two, as he said.

Speaking at Mkoba in Gweru yesterday, Chamisa said, “we need a transitional authority were Mnangagwa will rule for two years and I will also rule for the same number of years.”

VIDEO LOADING BELOW…
https://youtu.be/S2mScAe0F0U

VIDEO LOADING BELOW…

https://youtu.be/S2mScAe0F0U

A Zimbabwe National Army soldier and a Zimbabwe Republic Police Support Unit officer on Friday night opened fire at the Beitbridge Border Post towards a cross-border transporter’s vehicle, sending the public and other border officials scurrying for cover.

Although no one was injured, the soldier, only identified as Gwaze, shot twice at the vehicle as it was passing the Customs and Excise Last Man Point near the Vehicle Inspection Office as it headed towards the exit for northbound gate.

A policeman who was at the exit gate said bullets cracked and sparked on the tarmac as Gwaze fired from an AK 47 assault rifle aiming at tyres of the trailer towed by the vehicle as the driver, now known to be Gumbo Chiweshe, proceeded to the exit gate.

“We took cover as he shot oblivious of the danger posed to people in the direction of the car he was firing at,” said the policeman.

“He must have fired seven times with the last two as he emerged from the VID gate shouting ‘stop him’ to surprised policemen manning the gate. One policeman fired two shots towards the car which had driven past.”

Gwaze and another soldier ceased firing after failing to stop the vehicle, said the policeman, and the two went back picking some objects, which must have been spent cartridges..

It has since been established the two shot at vehicle number AEJ 8714 which had gone through and been cleared by the Customs and Excise Department and authorised out, a process signed for by security guards deployed at the Malume Section of the border post.

Matabeleland South police spokesperson Chief Inspector Philisani Ndebele did not deny nor confirm the incident, but referred The Standard to his national boss Assistant Commissioner Paul Nyathi, who was yet to get the report.

Zimbabwe National Army spokesperson Lieutenant Colonel Alphios Makotore had not responded to questions sent to him in the morning and his mobile phone went unanswered. — Standard

Correspondent|CHATUNGA Bellarmine Mugabe and South African hip hop star Ricky Rick challenged Zimbabwean authorities on Saturday after flying into Harare dressed in military fatigues.

Chatunga is the youngest son of former President Robert Mugabe.

The duo’s ‘stunt’ came the same day that former Sunday Mail editor Edmund Kudzayi appeared in court for being in possession of a camouflage umbrella.

Chatunga and Ricky Rick touched down at the Robert Gabriel Mugabe International Airport where they were received by socialite and businessman, Genius “Ginimbi” Kadungure.

The laws of Zimbabwe criminalises the wearing of camouflage by civilians.

Section 32 of the Criminal Law (Codification and Reform) Act outlaws the possession and wearing of “any camouflage uniform.”

It defines camouflage uniform as “any article of wearing apparel made of material carrying military-style camouflage markings.”

Ricky Rick was due to perform at Ginimbi’s Club Sankayi in Harare on Saturday night.

By Paul Nyathi|ZANU-PF has won both Ward 15 in Beitbridge East, and Ward 25 in Matobo North in the by-elections held on Saturday.

The results are as follows:

Beitbridge East Ward15 by-election

Rabson Mbedzi, Zanu PF: 638
Victor Moyo, MDC Alliance: 54
Rejected votes – 6
Matobo North Ward 25:

Sibonginkosi Dube, Zanu PF: 483
Sibanda Elkanah, MDC Alliance: 121
Rejected Votes- 3

PRESIDENT Emmerson Mnangagwa’s government looks to be lining up opposition leader Nelson Chamisa’s uncle Peter to be the fall guy after the Zanu PF leader angrily blasted an unnamed official for allegedly withholding fuel meant for farmers involved in the government’s much-hyped Command Agriculture programme.

In an unrestrained tirade, Mnangagwa attacked the “leader of the programme” at a Mwenezi Zanu PF rally last weekend for allegedly undercutting his efforts to shore up the economy through his Command Agriculture scheme, which is now beset by huge problems.

Initially, the attacks were widely seen as targeted at Kuda Tagwirei whose company Sakunda Holdings was appointed by the government in 2016 to be the main driver of Command Agriculture.

But Information, Publicity and Broadcasting Services ministry permanent secretary Nick Mangwana claimed the 76-year-old leader was in fact referring to Peter Chamisa, a provincial officer for the Agriculture Extension Services (Agritex) who is related to the 41-year-old leader of the largest Zimbabwean opposition party.

“Masvingo leadership informed the president that he held on to fuel coupons and refused to distribute them, only distributing them after the fuel price review when the fuel companies were now discounting them,” Mangwana said referring to Redan Petroleum (Private) Limited’s decision to debase the value of coupons bought before the January 12 increase in the price of fuel.

“They also informed the president (prior to the Mwenezi rally) that he was giving Command Livestock animals to civil servants who had no land instead of the target beneficiaries.”

A career civil servant, government officials claimed Chamisa was attempting to sabotage Command Agriculture as part of the opposition leader’s “kudira jecha” agenda.

Chamisa has frantically denied the claims, saying he has never been involved in politics, but said he has been working his whole life quietly and diligently behind the scenes at Agritex to get agriculture moving.

“His Excellency was referring to …Chamisa, the provincial Agritex officer-Masvingo,” Mangwana told the Daily News in a blistering statement.

Chamisa staunchly denied attempting to sabotage the Command Agriculture programme, and said he found the accusations against him incredibly disturbing.

“I am just hearing it also. We handle fuel when it comes and we distribute it to farmers, the coupons.

“Right now, we are just preparing information at our system, I cannot comment about that. I am sure you know even the Head of State commented on it, so for me it’s a bit sub-judice and too sensitive as of now,” Chamisa told the Daily News.

Asked if the distribution efficiency has been good, he said:

“Yah, it’s done in districts, maybe you should confirm with the districts.

“Districts are the ones that identify the beneficiaries, we just process for them. We collect from Harare then give to districts who in turn give to farmers.”

Asked why he thought he was being singled out for vindictive treatment, Chamisa said: “We are trying to find out (as well) because probably people don’t have enough information. So, people are throwing speculation around.”

He declined to comment if he was related to the opposition leader.

Chamisa has served government his whole life.

He has worked in Agritex in several provinces, including Mashonaland Central, Midlands and now Masvingo as provincial officer.

Zanu PF provincial chairperson Ezra Chadzamira raged about Peter in an interview with the Daily News, alleging many Masvingo farmers had vented about his disloyalty and also fumed that Chamisa’s uncle was sabotaging Command Agriculture.

“Command fuel was held at Agritex offices by an officer called Peter Chamisa. He released the fuel when it was rebased from 20-litre coupon to eight litre coupons. That’s when he released it to the farmers,” Chadzamira told the Daily News.

Asked why they thought Chamisa did that, Chadzamira, who is also the Masvingo West Zanu PF Member of Parliament retorted: “That we don’t know. I am telling you that fuel came to him but he was saying it didn’t come. He then released fuel when it reduced the quantity from 20 to 8-litre coupons, that’s when fuel started going to farmers. So, he sabotaged the Command Agriculture through that.”

Asked if the Zanu PF leadership engaged Chamisa on the inordinate delay in the release of fuel, Chadzamira said: “Isn’t it his job? Do you want us to move across all departments in the province checking if people are doing their jobs? We saw it when people started asking, following up on their fuel, and they were told its not there, and then all of a sudden, the fuel was availed.

“He was also involved in shady deals with Command Livestock. Some civil servants benefited from the Command Livestock, getting cattle when they did not have farms.

“We discovered that when we went to Mwenenzi to launch Command Livestock where the farmers and chiefs complained bitterly that you come here to give cattle to civil servants when we the owners of this area have nothing.” — DailyNews

Correspondent|Minister of Information, Publicity & Broadcasting Services, Energy Mutodi, has claimed that number of people who died under the President Mnangagwa’s New Dispensation is far smaller than those killed during Gukurahundi or the 2008 political violence when former president Robert Mugabe was in charge.

Mutodi was responding to media reports that Mugabe on his 95th birthday ceremony on Saturday blasted President Mnangagwa for sending soldiers to kill protesters.

He said: “We have noted some words of repentance by former President Mugabe saying army must protect not kill. True that a few have lost lives in running battles with the police but that can not compare with Gukurahundi or the 2008 violence when he was at the helm.”

General elections were held in Zimbabwe on 29 March 2008 to elect the President and Parliament.

After the recount and the verification of the results, the Zimbabwe Electoral Commission (ZEC) announced on 2 May, after over 4 weeks of awaiting results, that Tsvangirai won 47.9% of the vote and Mugabe 43.2%, necessitating a run-off, which was to be held on 27 June 2008.

Despite Tsvangirai’s continuing claims to have won a first round majority, he decided to participate in the second round. The period following the first round was marked by political violence.

ZANU-PF and the MDC each blamed the other’s supporters for perpetrating the violence; Western governments and prominent Western organisations blamed ZANU-PF for the violence.

Tsvangirai pulled out of the race and fled to Botswana, claiming as many as 300 of his supporters had been killed. Thousands others were displaced into safer cities of neighbouring countries.

By Own Correspondent| Government will from today start vaccinating people from nine selected suburbs in Harare against typhoid.

The development follows the continued diagnosis of sporadic cases of the water borne disease.

At least 325 000 people from Mbare, Mufakose, Budiriro, Glen View, Kuwadzana, Hatcliffe, Hopley and Dzivarasekwa are expected to be vaccinated.–StaMedia

By Own Correspondent| Addressing delegates at his Gweru Thank You rally on Saturday, MDC president Nelson Chamisa emphasised the importance of dialogue in unlocking the country’s political stalemate.

Said Chamisa:

“Political dialogue is a necessity to unlock the political stalemate in the country. That is the agenda we have for this country. We are saying (President) Mnangagwa give us signals of sincerity. We don’t want to see soldiers on the roadblocks, they should go to the barracks where they belong and in the event we are invaded they take up arms and defend the country. We want dialogue in the country.”

Watch the video below for this and more:

https://twitter.com/Fungai_Motiv8/status/1099792590751387649?s=19

So you are actually confirming on official capacity as a government minister that Zanu Pf government was responsible for killing thousands during gukurahundi and 2008 runoff elections!!! And u know that yo boss was responsible for security during both genocides

— BossMannex (@BossMannex) February 24, 2019

I don't think you have forgotten that Mr Mnangagwa was involved in all those dark events. If what you say here was meant to be his defence it has clearly done the opposite. Mugabe then. Mnangagwa then and now.

— Dr Andrew Mavise (@AndrewMavise) February 24, 2019

https://twitter.com/eddmuttin/status/1099784927850229767?s=19

https://twitter.com/FaraJabula/status/1099784638195789825?s=19

Beside this being a continuation of the same system, don't you think at this rate ED's tally will soon surpass Bob's tally?

— Dhaviti Sorojena (@dhaviti) February 24, 2019

So you are actually confirming on official capacity as a government minister that Zanu Pf government was responsible for killing thousands during gukurahundi and 2008 runoff elections!!! And u know that yo boss was responsible for security during both genocides

— BossMannex (@BossMannex) February 24, 2019

By Own Correspondent| President Emmerson Mnangagwa will officiate and address the Zanu-PF Youth League’s Presidential Solidarity March and rally set for March 2 2019 in Harare.

The rally was postponed following the death of national hero Callistus Ndlovu. The march which was set for last Saturday will be held under the theme #EDwillNeverWalkAlone.

In a statement Youth League’s political commissar Godfrey Tsenengamu confirmed Mnangagwa will address a rally after the march.

Said Tsenengamu

Due to the burial of the late national hero Cde Callistus Ndlovu which then coincided with our grand Presidential Solidarity Rally, we now wish to advise all our members across Zimbabwe and in the diaspora that the Presidential Solidarity Rally will now be held on Saturday the 2nd of March 2019 in Harare where the President Cde ED Mnangagwa will be the guest of honour.-StayeMedia

VIDEO LOADING BELOW…

Jane Mlambo| MDC leader, Nelson Chamisa has explained why he has absconded two dialogue meetings called by President Emmerson Mnangagwa saying the letter he got stated that it was a meeting of losing candidates and not the winner.

Chamisa told a rally in Gweru that Mnangagwa’s letter to him clearly stated that it was a meeting of losing candidates.

“Tsamba yakazouya ichiti I am inviting losing Presidential candidates ndikati henaro, iwe wakaruza sanganai ikoko,” said Chamisa to thunderous applause from his thousands of supporters.

FULL HD VIDEO: Chamisa At Mkoba https://t.co/dneI46uItL via @ZimEye pic.twitter.com/45422ONMYT

— ZimEye (@ZimEye) February 24, 2019

VIDEO LOADING BELOW…

Mwonzora announces: Mnangagwa is saying Mnangagwa is saying I am failing to rule because you poured Jecha pic.twitter.com/z9e69jPMOP

— ZimEye (@ZimEye) February 24, 2019

VIDEO LOADING BELOW…

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ajuyBVlkIcQ

PRELIMINARY STATEMENT ON THE 23 FEBRUARY LOCAL AUTHORITY BY-ELECTIONS

Harare – 24 February 2019 – As part of its comprehensive efforts to observe the local authority by-elections in Beitbridge East Ward 15, Chitungwiza South Ward 24 and Matobo North Ward 25, the Zimbabwe Election Support Network (ZESN) trained and deployed 17 election observers to every polling station in the three wards. The by-elections are the first to be held in 2019.

This Preliminary Statement is based on reports from the observers who comprised of static observers based at polling stations and collation centres as well as mobile observer teams who were roving around the Wards. The political environment within which the three by-elections were held was generally peaceful and calm without reports of any major incidents.

Observation methodology
The findings and recommendations of this preliminary statement are made in reference to the Electoral Laws of Zimbabwe, the Revised Southern African Development Community (SADC) Principles and Guidelines Governing Democratic Elections as well as other regional and African election guidelines and principles.

Set up and opening of Polling Stations
Observers reported that all polling stations were set up on time and in accordance with the laid down ZEC procedures in a manner that ensures secrecy of the vote. ZESN observers also reported that polling stations were equipped with special booths to cater for persons with disabilities particularly those in wheelchairs. All polling stations were reported to have opened on time with all requisite voting materials such as ballot boxes, ballot papers, voter’s rolls, indelible marker ink and official ZEC stamps.

Voting Process and Procedures
Observer reports show that the voting process in the three by-elections proceeded smoothly at all polling stations with laid down voting procedures such as checking voters’ names against the voters’ roll and examining voters’ finger for indelible duly followed. At all polling stations in the three wards, all voters had a finger marked with indelible ink before voting and ballot papers stamped with the ZEC stamp before being issued. In addition, at polling stations in the three wards, voters were required to present identification before voting with those having defaced or invalid identification such as drivers’ licences being turned away.

Political environment
ZESN observed that the political environment on Election Day was largely calm. However an incident was reported at Unit M Creche in Chitungwiza where it was alleged that supporters of ZANU PF and MDC Alliance argued over suspicions of vote buying close to the polling station. The situation was diffused by the riot police before any violent clashes transpired. There were no major incidents reported in the other two local authority by-elections.

Turned away, redirected voters
ZESN noted a significant number of turned away voters at polling stations for various reasons including turning up at the wrong polling stations, not being registered to vote in the ward and having improper identification. Voters who turned up at wrong polling stations were redirected to their appropriate stations. For instance, in Chitungwiza at St Aidain’s AA polling station, 54 voters had been redirected to other polling stations as at 16:00 hours. At Seke 3 BB 86 people had been redirected to other polling stations and 5 turned away at 18:00 hours. In Matobo North Ward 25, at Matobo Research as at 16:00 hours, 8 people had been turned away for not being registered to vote. In addition, at Seke 3 some voters from neighbouring Ward 18 were turned away upon presenting themselves to vote. The voters indicated that they had voted at the school during the 30 July harmonised election hence the assumption they were eligible to vote.

Assisted voters
ZESN observed instances of assisted voters due to illiteracy, old age and visual impairments. Most voters who were assisted to vote did not bring relatives or friends to assist them resulting in the presiding officers and election officers rendering the assistance. For instance, at Dumba School in Beitbridge 26 were assisted to vote of which 21 were Female and 5 Male.

Political Party Agents
Political Parties and candidates are allowed to have one election agent inside the polling station and an additional agent stationed within the vicinity of the polling station. However, in Chitungwiza South Ward 24, of the four contesting parties only ZANU PF and the MDC Alliance comprehensively deployed election agents. ZESN reiterates its call for political parties to deploy election agents to enable them to observe and authoritatively comment on electoral processes.

Counting and results management
In the three by-elections, ZESN observers were permitted to observe counting at all polling stations. ZESN observed that closing and counting procedures were duly followed including checking the seals on ballot boxes, requesting election agents to sign V11 forms and posting results outside polling stations.

Election Results
ZANU PF won the Beitbridge East Ward 15 and Matobo North Ward 25 local authority by-elections and the MDC Alliance won the Chitungwiza South Ward 24 seat. Below are the complete results for each Ward

Recommendations

1. Contesting political parties and candidates must endeavour to comprehensively deploy party agents in elections to enable them to authoritatively monitor and make informed assessments of the electoral process.
2. There is need for continuous civic and voter education in between elections by ZEC and CSOs in order to reduce numbers of turned away voters.
3. ZEC should devise mechanisms of clearly marking out polling stations to reduce the number of redirected voters.
4. There is need to put in place mechanisms to reduce instances of assisted voters and put administrative reform measures to help improve people with disabilities and assisted voters’ access to a secret ballot.
5. ZESN urges political parties to field more female candidates and youths as contestants in elections to ensure that there is equal gender and youth representation in leadership positions.

WATCH VIDEO…

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ajuyBVlkIcQ

Jane Mlambo| MDC leader Nelson Chamisa is expected to address thousands of party supporters in Gweru, his first major rally in 2019.

The rally is also the first since the party announced dates for its next elective congress which is set for the 24th to the 26th of May.

Chamisa is expected to tackle the national dialogue issue which has been a major talking point in the country and will explain to party supporters why he has absconded two meetings called by President Emmerson Mnangagwa.

ZimEye will continue to give you live updates of the rally. Keep following us for more.

By Own Correspondent| Opposition MDC Alliance’s Yotam Chagwa won Saturday’s Chitungwiza Ward 24 by-election.

The election was a close race between the major contestants, MDC Alliance and ZANU PF.

Below are the results:

• MDC Alliance: 1 059
• ZANU PF: 993
• MDC-T: 29
• NCA: 3
• Votes Rejected: 9

By Own Correspondent| Deposed Zimbabwean leader Robert Mugabe who celebrated his 95th birthday at a private ceremony at his home in Harare on Saturday has warned his predecessors who are at the helm of power to stop killing civilians.

Speaking in vernacular language, the former Zimbabwean president said if a leader enjoys bloodbath and seeing dead bodies, the time would come when the people would rejoice at the news of their deaths.

Said Mugabe:

“Tiri kunzwa kuti kune mitumbi nemitumbi yevanhu vakauraiwa nemasoja, ndiyani achavafushunura? meaning we hear that there are loads and loads of dead bodies murdered by the soldiers, who will exhume these bodies?

He who is obsessed with seeing dead bodies everyday will see that the people will clamour to see his corpse one day. I say to soldiers, stop killing people!”

POLICE in Bulawayo are investigating a case of sudden death where a man was reported dead following a beer binge with friends in North End suburb.

Mr Zulu Maseko (42) who resided at Matopo Research Station in Matobo was allegedly last seen drinking beer throughout the day on Tuesday in North End suburb with Melani Moyo, Gugulethu Maseko and Isaac Gonyora. It is alleged that he collapsed and died at around 5am on Wednesday.

Bulawayo Metropolitan police spokesperson Chief Inspector Precious Simango said investigations were underway. She said it is alleged that Maseko who was employed at Matopo Hills Lodge, had not complained of any ailments prior to his death.

“At around 9pm, Maseko and Gonyara left the now deceased in the company of Moyo at his residence and he was not complaining of any ailments. It is alleged that at around 5am, Maseko said he was feeling hot and went outside the house where he collapsed,” said Chief Insp Simango.

She said an ambulance was summoned and the ambulance crew pronounced him dead upon their arrival. A report was made to police who then attended the scene and the body was taken to the United Bulawayo Hospitals Mortuary for post-mortem.

Police appealed to anyone who may have information on what may have happened to the deceased to contact their nearest police station. Last Tuesday, a man from Filabusi was also found dead following a beer binge with friends. Police launched investigations into the case of suspected murder.

In another matter, police in Matabeleland South are investigating a case of sudden death where a woman (59) from Plumtree died after attending a party. Mrs Ellah Ngwenya of Ntunungwe Village, in Bhidi area, was found dead the following morning after attending a birthday party within the village.

Matabeleland South police spokesperson Chief Inspector Philisani Ndebele confirmed the incident.

“We are investigating a case of sudden death where a 59-year-old woman was found dead after attending a birthday party within her village. She allegedly ate cake in the afternoon and was later served with tea and bread, among all other guests. At around 7pm, the now deceased left for her home in the company of grandchildren and upon arrival, went straight to bed,” he said.

Police said it is alleged the now deceased had not complained of any pains or ailments at the time when she retired to bed.

When her grandchildren went to see her the following morning, they realised that she was not responding and alerted neighbours. Neighbours noted that the woman was dead and they reported the matter to the police who attended the scene.

The body was also taken to United Bulawayo Hospitals for a post-mortem.

THE Zimbabwe Republic Police has amended its recruitment policy that will see the age one can be accepted at Constable level reduced from 30 to 22 years, while a pass in a Science subject at O-level is now compulsory.

In addition, one has to have passed five subjects in not more than two sittings including Mathematics, English Language and Science. Before the changes, minimum entry requirements into ZRP at Constable level included being aged between 18 and 30, and having five Ordinary Level passes (Grade C or better) in not more than three sittings, with English Language and Mathematics being compulsory.

Chief police spokesperson Commissioner Charity Charamba said applicants who were on the waiting list had been done away with.

“As stated in the statement, there are no recruitments and there is no waiting list. What we have done is we have amended our policy, which will see the recruitment of an elite and capable officer. Once recruitment begins we will advertise in both the print and broadcast media,” she said.

Comm Charamba said the process would be inclusive of a vetting process that would weed out any criminal elements with intent to join the force to perform criminal activities under the guise of the law.

“Applicants should also have a good, clean background with no criminal record,” read part of the statement.

She said applicants would then go through a rigorous selection process.

“The ZRP wishes to express appreciation and gratitude to all applicants who had shown interest in the service and were on the waiting list,” she said.

State Media

A messy fight has erupted in Nyanga over the Sanyanga chieftainship which is supposed to be resuscitated after it was abolished 67 years ago by the white colonial regime.

The clash emerged after the Manicaland Provincial Assembly of Chiefs chose Edward Sanyanga as the heir amidst a raging dispute over his suitability.

Manicaland Provincial Administrator Mr Edgar Seenza wrote to the Sanyanga family on January 31, 2019 confirming that Edward was recommended by the Provincial Assembly of Chiefs as Chief Sanyanga.

The Sanyanga chieftainship covers the Nyanga area where the Nyangani Mountain is located.

This sacred mountain is where some international tourists allegedly disappeared for disrespecting the traditional values of the area.

Historical researches say the last chief of Nyanga was Shumbamhini who was killed by the white settlers in 1905 after which Headman Magwendere reigned over the area until 1951.

Chief Shumbamhini who was the seventh chief of the Nyanga area was allegedly poisoned and then beheaded before his head was taken to Germany.

The Sanyanga clan raised a host of grievances against Edward whom they allege is not of their blood but belonged to the Matsungo clan.

In part the document which was submitted to Mr Seenza reads, “Edward is not of the Simboti totem. This is a crucial requirement for one to qualify as chief under the Sanyanga clan. His family name — Sanyanga — is an adopted one as his father was raised by a stepfather who was a Sanyanga.

“This is because his paternal grandfather, a Matsungo of the Shumba Mutasa totem, divorced his grandmother who went away with a son and later married into the Sanyanga family of the Simboti totem.

“This is the reason why he said the first house in the chieftainship which he is trying to fraudulently create is Matsungo. There is no Matsungo of the Simboti totem but a Shumba Mutasa. Therefore, Edward does not qualify to be a chief as he is not one of us. He should be grateful that we raised him in our clan and it ends there.”

The Sanyanga Clan is demanding that the Manicaland Provincial Assembly of Chiefs re-look into the chieftainship issue and give them a platform to fully explain the matter.

They claim that the chair of the Provincial Assembly of Chiefs, Chief Makumbe was allegedly biased towards Edward.

A series of meetings which were held in Nyanga for the past years failed to yield positive results as Chief Makumbe allegedly turned a deaf ear to the grievances raised by the Sanyanga family.

“The Sanyanga clan expresses reservations at the manner in which Chief Makumbe handled the meeting to install Chief Sanyanga at the Nyanga District Administrator’s offices on May 15, 2018. Chief Makumbe was clearly biased against the Sanyanga clan members represented by over 100 people in favour of a small group led by Chief Tangwena’s village head Edward Sanyanga,” reads part of the grievances.

Contacted for comment, Chief Makumbe confirmed that there was a long-running dispute over the Sanyanga chieftainship.

“There has always been a fight and the Sanyanga people are very temperamental. However, I have not received any official complaints regarding the Sanyanga chieftainship. There is nothing on my desk,” he said.

Chief Makumbe explained that there was an acute shortage of resources to deal with the matters related to resuscitation of chieftainships.

“Government has not budgeted for new chiefs; when resources permit, we will look into at the outstanding issue.”

Chief Makumbe told The Sunday Mail that the Manicaland Provincial Assembly of Chiefs investigated the Sanyanga chieftainship and realized that Edward was the first to submit his paperwork for the resuscitation of the chieftaincy.

However, the Sanyanga clan tells a different story.

State Media

At least 86 percent of the targeted girls between 10 and 15 years have been vaccinated under the ongoing HPV (Human Papilloma Virus) vaccination programme, which ends in May this year.

Essentially, HPV vaccines prevent infection by certain types of human papilloma virus, which is the major cause of cervical cancer in women.

Director of epidemiology and disease control in the Ministry of Health and Child Care Dr Portia Manangazira told The Sunday Mail last week that Government was confident of vaccinating the targeted 900 000 girls within the next three months.

“The mop-up campaign targeted 900 000 girls and so far we have achieved 86 percent coverage. And by the end of the campaign, we would have reached the targeted number,” said Dr Manangazira.

She said Government was particularly targeting those between the ages of 10 and 15 as they were not sexually active.

In addition, the vaccines that were secured with the support of Gavi (the vaccine alliance) were specifically for the identified age groups.

Gavi is an international organisation that brings together the public and private sector to create equal access to new and underused vaccines for children in developing countries.

“We had to come up with the correct age that would meet with the requirements of the vaccine that was provided by Gavi, which states that the girls should not be sexually active,” she said.

Schools have been the most efficient and resourceful to carry out the campaign, she added, and in future the programme will be part of schools’ health programmes.

From 2020, vaccinations will target Grade Five girls only.

Cervical cancer is the leading cause of death among Zimbabwean women, accounting for 15 percent of all cancer cases reported by the Zimbabwe Cancer Registry in 2012.

The 2010 Zimbabwe HPV and Related Cancers Summary Report says it is responsible for 1 286 deaths annually, with 2 587 new cases and 1 772 deaths projected by 2025.

HPV affects the skin and body’s moist membrane linings, mainly genitalia, mouth and throat.

Continued exposure to HPV 16 and 18 through intercourse could lead to pre-cancerous lesions that later develop into cancer if untreated.

Other HPV types are, however, harmless, often clearing without medical intervention.

In 2014, the World Health Organisation played a key role in the Health and Child Care Ministry’s HPV vaccination pilot programme, which targeted over 4 000 girls from Marondera and Beitbridge.

State Media

Former Cabinet Minister Walter Mzembi has put his palatial Harare mansion on the market for a princely $2 million amid speculation the 55-year-old politician is finalising moves to flee the country to avoid possible imprisonment on corruption charges, weekend state media reports.

One of the four real estate companies engaged to sell the house, Kennan Properties, last week confirmed that the imposing residence in the high-income suburb of Vainona is valued at US$800 000, which translates to around $2 million at the official RTGS exchange rate prevailing last Friday.

Renowned estate agents Pam Golding Properties, Bard Real Estate and Sky Ryan Properties have also listed the house for sale.

Described by property dealers as the quintessence of luxury, the double-storey house features six air-conditioned bedrooms (all en suite), two lounges, a bar, separate cigar and whisky lounge, gymnasium, sauna, office, five lock-up garages and a swimming pool on the façade.

The master bedroom is a mini-house as it has its own television lounge and a walk-in closet.

“A majestic and breathtaking Mediterranean double-storey home. This perfect home is nothing but pure luxury with columns, staircases, special ceiling treatments and built-ins,” said Kennan Properties on its website.

So grand is the mansion that a British Broadcasting Corporation (BBC) news crew member could not help but marvel at it during a televised poolside interview with Mzembi in the aftermath of former President Robert Mugabe’s resignation in 2017.

Mzembi is facing prosecution for corruption and criminal abuse of office during his tenure as Minister of Tourism and Hospitality industry.

He is alleged to have stolen or illegally disposed of Government property worth $1,6 million, some of which was donated to Prophetic Healing and Deliverance Ministries church leader Walter Magaya.

Mzembi failed appear in court on January 28 to answer to the charges, with his lawyer Mr Job Sikhala telling the court that his client could not stand trial as he was receiving treatment for colon cancer in South Africa.

On February 3, Mzembi was widely rumoured to have died but his associates immediately dispelled the report by circulating a video on social media showing an apparently healthy Mzembi working from an office.

The location of the office was, however, not disclosed.

On the same day, Mzembi gave an interview to South African online publication eTurbonews rubbishing claims that he had died.

“I am talking to you from heaven but this wasn’t funny. My daughter in Europe was woken by this news and called me in panic,” said Mzembi.

State prosecutor Mr Brian Vito sought Mzembi’s arrest contending that the suave but litigation-weary politician was feigning illness.

Sources said efforts by Mzembi to sell some of immovable assets could be part of a scheme to skip bail as he fears incarceration.

“He might want to claim political persecution but he has a clear case of corruption which might lead to his imprisonment. This may be the reason why he is selling his assets and spending most of his time in Johannesburg where he has set up base,” said one source.

The source said Mzembi was working flat out to acquire South African citizenship for which he might qualify through his maternal grandmother who is of Sotho origin.

His adult children with his first wife are living in Europe and he is known to go by the name John Maleti in some Johannesburg circles.

Mzembi could not be reached on his local mobile phone number to comment on the issue, and Mr Sikhala yesterday professed ignorance on his whereabouts.

“I last spoke to him a couple of weeks ago and I am not sure where he is. I will check for you but he should be at his house here in Harare,” said Mr Sikhala.

He said as the legal counsel he was also not aware that his client was disposing of some assets.

“I am hearing this for the first time. Let me do some investigations,” said Mr Sikhala.

Mzembi served for eight years as Minister of Tourism and Hospitality Industry before he was appointed Minister of Foreign Affairs in October 2017, a position he held for less than a month before Mr Mugabe stepped down.

He was credited for successfully organising the United Nations World Tourism Organisation (UNWTO) assembly, which Zimbabwe co-hosted with Zambia in 2013, but it later emerged that he might have abused some of the resources meant for the event.

This resulted in his arrest in January last year.

State Media

By Own Correspondent| Reserve Bank of Zimbabwe governor John Mangudya has cinfirmed that bank balances for both RTGS dollars and FCA Nostros will remain the same and government will not raid anyone’s foreign currency account.

Last year the RBZ advised banks to separate foreign currency accounts and RTGS money.

Under the stewardship of former Governor Dr Gideon Gono, the RBZ was accused of raiding foreign currency from exporters’ accounts, but Dr Mangudya has assured account holders that all forms of money were safe in the bank, adding that there would be no changes in bank balances despite the recently announced changes through the monetary policy.

Said Mangudya:

“We have never raided anyone’s nostro account, our records can testify and we will not do so going forward.”

He said although banks agreed to start trading the RTGS dollars as $2,50 to US$1, going forward the rate will be determined on a daily basis by market forces.

“The bank rate will determine the rate on the market. We will arrange foreign lines of credit since demand will be greater than the supply of foreign currency. We need to cloud seed the market with foreign currency,

For the foreign currency dealer this is your opportunity to open formal bureau de changes and trade formally. We only have one Zimbabwe and should work together. The parallel market (street) rate is way too high because there is a risk premium, you can go to jail for 10 years.

We delayed presenting the monetary policy because we wanted to analyse all submissions from all sectors of the economy so that we speak to everyone, nothing else. Bulk of money in Zimbabwe is seating on the RTGS platform. We only have $437 million of bond notes.”-StateMedia

By Own Correspondent| Vice President Dr Constantino Chiwenga yesterday evening jetted back home from India, where he had gone to seek medical treatment.

Deputy Chief Secretary (Presidential Communications) to the President and Cabinet George Charamba said VP Chiwenga has “fully recovered and was raring to go”.

Said Charamba:

“The Vice President returned this evening after a successful treatment. He has fully recovered and is raring to go.”

Farai Dziva|The teenager who brutally killed his sister last week has said he was overtaken by emotions.

The teenager told the police he did not have the intention to kill his sister but he overreacted because of extreme provocation.

The teenager brutally killed his sister for allegedly refusing to prepare food for him.

According to Masvingo Provincial Police Spokesperson Chief Inspector Charity Mazula, Valentine Chimedza (18) brutally killed his sister Rutendo Matanga (16) following a heated dispute over food. The incident happened in Ziware Village under Chief Charumbira in Masvingo last Saturday.

” The incident happened last Saturday when the two siblings’ mother Zadziso Mavenyengwa had gone to Chiredzi to visit relatives.

Valentine ordered Rutendo to give him something to eat and the latter indicated that she had not prepared anything.

This then incensed Valentine and the two began to exchange blows. Valentine took a hoe handle and struck Rutendo on the head and all over her body.

Rutendo died as a result of the attack.Valentine has since been arrested, ” said Mazula.

By A Correspondent| President Robert Mugabe, the former head of state has told ZANU PF leader, Emmerson Mnangagwa he is wrong by surviving on killing people.

Speaking at his birthday celebration, Mugabe reportedly told Mnangawga he is not God.

Below were written excepts of Mugabe’s speech published by National Patriotic Front Spokesman Jealousy Mawarire who attended the 95 year old’s birthday celebration.

Below is Mawarire’s narration of Mugabe’s speech:

2) Speaking in Shona & English (code mixing) he said “Vamwe vanofunga hukuru hunoreva kuponda vanhu, handizvo!” (Some believe being a leader entails murdering people, that’s not it.

(3) “Vana vaNkomo, vaMuzenda, nevanwe vakaenda handizvo zvatakasikira masoja. Masoja haatungamirire politics.” (Mr Nkomo, Mr Muzenda and I did not create the army to kill people. The army does not lead politics)

(4) “Ko zvino tinonzwa kunemakuva nemakuva evanhu akafa vachiurawa nemasoja, vachafushunhurwa nani?” (Now we hear there are countless graves of people killed by the army, who is going to unearth or exhume those bodies?)

(5) “Zvamurikuita [zvekuuraya vanhu] izvi zvichakudzokerai, mangwana, mangwana, chaiwo”. (What you are doing [killing people] is going to catch-up with you very very soon.Just tommorrow, it would have caught up with you)

(6) “Anoda kuona mutumbi wevanhu everyday, achazoona kuti vanhu vachazoda kuona mutumbi wake iye. Ndinoti kumasoja stop killing people! “(He who is obsessed with seeing corpses everyday will soon realize that people would clamour to see his corpse 1 day. I say to soldiers stop killing people!)

(7) “I say to soldiers be followers of the people u want to lead, you are not even qualified to lead them. Take your places in recognition that u r not trained to lead but to follow the people, to protect them”

8) “Iwe uri pamusoro uri kuda kuzvirumbidza? (U who is on top, you brag?) You are not God ED (Mnangagwa). Today you are at the top, tomorrow u will be at the bottom. Zvizive izvozvo (know that). God has his own way of punishing rogues and cruel people.”

(9) “You can’t do without seeing dead bodies? Uri munhu akaita sei anopona nendufu?” (What kind of a person are you? You feed on death? )

(10) “No! no! no! to soldiers being leaders of the people? Get the soldiers to their rightful place.”

(11) “Hatimbotaura zvekunyara, zvekutya kwete.(We will not shy away or be afraid to talk, no!) Let’s be frank with each other.”

(12)”Hatingati vanhu varambe vachingorohwa musoro. (We can’t continue with pple being bashed on the head.) So I say to you, get your lessons correct. Let’s create an environ where our pple are happy, not what’s happening now.”

(13) “Vanhu ngavade masoja not vamatye” (People should love their army, they should not fear the army.)

(14) “This is not the environment we wanted to create navaMsika nanavaNkomo. Tinoda kuti vanhu vafare.” (This is not the environment we wanted to create with Mr Msika and Mr Nkomo [late VPs], we wanted people to be happy “.

(15) “Tinoda kuti vanhu vaone nyika senyika yavakarwira kwete yakarwirwa nevamwe vasiri ivo. Kwete yakarwirwsa nemasoja chete.” We want people to see the country as the one they fought for, not one that was fought for by soldiers alone)

(16) “Ndiri kukuudzai (I am telling you) straight forward. I dont care what will happen to me”

(17) “Ndoda kutenda kunyange vandirikutuka ivava, tinovatenda nokuuya kuzoterera” (I want to thank even those I am chiding, we thank them for coming to listen).

(18) “We are one pple in Zimbabwe. Tinosungirwa kubatwa nevatungamiri sevanhu vaMwari kwete sezvikara zvemusango. (Leaders are bound to treat us like God’s people, not beasts of the forest)

(19) “When we started our struggle we had principles and those principles have been abandoned.”

Correspondent|GOGO Mungoshi, the mother of the recently deceased prolific Zimbabwean top author Charles Lovemore Mungoshi, has died.

Her death comes exactly seven days after the death of her son, Charles, who passed on on 16 February following a decade-long fight against a neurological condition.

Mungoshi, who died aged 71, was buried on Tuesday.

Funeral arrangements for the late Gogo Mungoshi are yet to be released, but family sources confirmed her death. —

Emmerson Mnangagwa’s spokesman, George Charamba says Mnangagwa’s deputy, Gen Constantino Chiwenga is back from India.

Charamba said Chiwenga has fully recovered. Charamba, quoted by the state media, said:

“The Vice President returned this evening after a successful treatment. He has fully recovered and is raring to go.”

The report said, Chiwenga was accompanied by his wife, Mary, and Health and Child Care Deputy Minister Dr John Mangwiro.

Correspondent| Song and dance bellowed from the Blue Roof mansion in the usually quiet upmarket Borrowdale suburb, as hundreds of invited guests on Saturday attended the birthday party for former Zimbabwean president Robert Mugabe.

The guests were celebrating the former statesman’s 95th birthday at a private ceremony at his lavish Harare home. The event was held under the theme “a living legend”.

There were strictly no children allowed at the function, which had a black and gold dress code.

Mugabe’s children organised the birthday party, which was strictly by invite.

His eldest daughter, Bona, and son-in law, Simba Chikore, were the main organisers. Bona is said to have put the guest list together.

Notable among the guests was Gideon Gono, the former central bank governor and the Mugabe’s personal banker.

Family members, among them his wife, Grace, wished the 95-year-old Mugabe a long life.

During a short speech at the event, Grace said she would stand by her husband until the very end.

Mugabe, in his speech, criticised the heavy-handedness of the military against citizens under President Emmerson Mnangagwa’s government.

“Some people think that being a leader means killing people and beating people, but that is not the way. Even the fallen heroes would not approve of that,” said Mugabe.

“We are hearing there are graves that have been created by the army when they kill people. It is not the task of the army to lead the people with guns. Let us not be killers of our own people,” he added.

Human rights groups said 17 people died last month from protests that broke out linked to a fuel price hike.

Mugabe said the actions of the leaders would soon come back to haunt them.

“Soldiers should take their rightful place and fight when the situation demands. They should be protectors of people and I am not scared to say it,” said Mugabe.

Guests were served an array of local and foreign delicacies by chefs hired for the event.

The menu included sirloin, pig on the spit, grilled chicken and salads, along with a range of desserts.

The party was scheduled to go up until late into the night, having kicked off at 2pm.

A $1 BILLION Chinese deal to resuscitate the Zimbabwe Iron and Steel Company (Ziscosteel) is facing collapse after government changed its shareholding offer to Zhang Li, the president of Guangzhou R&FA, NewsDay Weekender has learnt.

The Chinese billionaire, who is into real estate development, had until last month been pushing to start work on the collapsed steel giant.

But early this month, according to sources, the investors started to pack their bags after they failed to agree on the shareholding structure.

“At first, the Chinese guy was offered 100%, but then it later changed to something like 48%. The Chinese team did not like the new deal,” a source from the Industry ministry

said.

Industry minister Nqobizitha Mangaliso Ndlovu was not answering his phone yesterday.

In January last year, President Emmerson Mnangagwa promised that Ziscosteel and Shabani Mashaba Mines would begin operations within his first 100 days.

However, no activity has yet started at the two entities, which used to provide thousands of jobs and other downstream benefits into the economy at their peak.

Ziscosteel, which at its peak had a

5 000-strong workforce, officially closed its doors in 2016 and laid off its remaining workers without terminal benefits.

Most of its infrastructure, equipment and spares have either been vandalised or looted over the years of the company’s redundancy.

In 2006, Indian firm Global Steel Holdings Limited courted Ziscosteel and was to inject $400 million in a rehabilitate, operate and transfer arrangement.

In 2011, Essar Africa Holdings’ bid to take over in a deal worth $750 million also hit a brickwall due to bickering in the then inclusive government.

“Already, equipment which was being assembled on site has been dismantled and there is no hope for the revival of the mine in the near future,” another source said.

Ziscosteel’s revival is expected to trigger growth in Hwange Colliery Company Limited, National Railways of Zimbabwe and other companies.

NewsDay

Correspondent|supporter of the Movement for Democratic Change has warned party leader Nelson Chamisa that the Zimbabwe African National Union-Patriotic Front could hijack the coming MDC elective congress because “rumours” say 3 000 ZANU-PF youths have obtained MDC party cards.

The national council of the MDC yesterday set 24-26 May as the dates it will hold its party congress to elect a new leadership and map the way forward.

Chamisa today said he expects 7 000 delegates to attend the congress which would see a rebranding of the party.

“MDC CONGRESS 24-26 May 2019.7000 delegates expected.. Taking the MDC to a wholly NEW level. It’s not about positions but a new propositional value, organisational & leadership culture recasting, new strategies and tactics, deeper ideological and values and rebranding,” he tweeted.

One of his followers going by the name EG tweeted: “Morning my president. Remour has it over 3000 zanu pf youth are now in position of mdc membership cards. Muchenjere kucongress uko.”

Chamisa seemed to be acknowledging problem as he responded: “Takasvinurira nyaya iyi!”

It was not clear whether this was a genuine threat or just a way of trying to show that nothing stands in the way of Chamisa apart from ZANU-PF.

Although some of his supporters have been campaigning that Chamisa should not be opposed for the presidential post, sources say that the party’s old guard feel that though popular Chamisa is destroying the party.

They argue that he has gotten rid of all the people that are potential threats to his leadership and has brought in loyalists including those from parties that broke away from the MDC during Morgan Tsvangirai’s era.

The old guard is reported to be behind Elias Mudzuri who has been booed at most of the recent gatherings by Chamisa’s supporters.

The old guard also believes that Chamisa is dictatorial and does not listen to advice and this could be detrimental to the party’s prospects in 2023.

ZANU-PF leader Emmerson Mnangagwa has warned that his party could reverse the urban support that the MDC currently enjoys by the time the country gets to the 2023 elections.

A technical fault on a plane that was supposed to fly Vice President Constantino Chiwenga has delayed his return after undergoing medical treatment in India, a senior government official has said.

Deputy Chief Secretary responsible for Presidential Communications, George Charamba said Chiwenga was now on his way and was fit.

He said his plane could not take off on Friday because of poor lighting.

“What I can say is he is fine now and when he touches down, expect a chubby Vice President,” Chiwenga said.

Charamba said Chiwenga was now on his way but could not give details on when he will touch down at the Robert Mugabe International Airport.

The Times of India reported on Friday that the aircraft which was supposed to transport Chiwenga and his delegation back home developed a snag at IGI Airport on Friday just before the plane was supposed to take off.

Quoting sources, the newspaper said the Boeing 737 (A6-RJX) taxied out at 7 pm for taking off.

However, soon afterwards it developed a snag and had to return to the terminal at 7:45 pm.

The vice president was in India for treatment for a yet undisclosed ailment

BULAWAYO – The honouring of the late former Cabinet minister Callistus Ndlovu as a national hero has left the Dumiso Dabengwa-led Zimbabwe African People’s Union (Zapu) seething with anger — as it sees him as “a sellout”, the Daily News can report.

Ndlovu — who was the ruling Zanu PF’s Bulawayo provincial chairperson — collapsed and died at the age of 83 in South Africa on Wednesday last week, where he was being treated for pancreatic cancer.

He will be buried at the National Heroes Acre in Harare today, having defected to Zanu PF in 1984, at the height of the brutal crackdown against PF Zapu members by the country’s security forces around the time.

This was just before PF Zapu, which was led by the revered late former vice president Joshua Nkomo, entered into a peace accord with ousted former president Robert Mugabe and Zanu PF — following the Gukurahundi atrocities of the early 1980s in which an estimated 20 000 innocent people, mainly in Matabeleland and the Midlands, were killed by the security forces.

Thirty-five years after Ndlovu’s controversial defection from PF Zapu, including calling the party a “dead donkey” at the time, Dabengwa’s organisation said bluntly yesterday that the fallen politician did not deserve to be ranked among the “genuine heroes” of the country.

“We do commiserate with the Ndlovu family on the death of their loved one. I also knew him personally, but Ndlovu’s declared hero status is a nonevent to Zapu.

“We recognise the remaining sell-outs in Zanu PF on the account of the 1987 Unity Accord that was signed to end the Gukurahundi genocide on Zapu and Ndebele speaking people.

“The lesser sell-outs are those who, after being arm-twisted to join Zanu PF in 1987, developed cold feet when Zapu pulled out in 2009.

“But Ndlovu does not belong to this category of spineless former cadres. He belongs to the real sell-out clique of Zapu members who abandoned their kith and kin right at the peak of the Gukurahundi genocide,” Zapu spokesperson Iphithule Maphosa told the Daily News yesterday.

“So, and in a nutshell, his hero status is nothing more than Zanu PF’s celebration and rewarding of mediocrity and loyalty — in the same manner they have rewarded corruption and looting.

“Mediocrity as seen on Ndlovu as a nationalist politician and leader with zero contribution to the development of the country and its people, and lack of loyalty as seen by his ditching of his people during the genocide to go and dine with the perpetrating murderers,” Maphosa added.

He also said Ndlovu’s 1984 jibe, that Zapu was a dead donkey, was at the time tantamount to “celebrating the annihilation of the innocent Ndebele people by security forces at the height of Gukurahundi”.

The jibe was never forgotten nor forgiven by many people in the region, which saw Ndlovu being booed routinely during public appearances.

As a result, the late minister was always under pressure to defend himself against the “dead donkey” statement — which he, at one point, said had been misinterpreted by irresponsible journalists.

“First of all, I believe that one would expect an average person to be intelligent enough to know the difference between a metaphor and a statement of fact.

“And if someone thinks that a metaphor is exactly the same as a matter of fact, then that person lives in cuckoo land.

“For starters, I never said PF Zapu was a dead donkey. The statement which I made speaking in Kalanga at a rally in Plumtree was that if anybody thought PF Zapu was going to win the election that year, that person was actually failing to see reality.

“It is a worthless effort if someone is to translate it, as some hired journalists decided to do and made an issue out of nothing,” Ndlovu said then in an attempt to explain the issue away.

An estimated 20 000 people are said to have been killed in the Matabeleland and Midlands provinces when the government deployed the North Korean-trained Fifth Brigade to the two regions, to fight an insurrection.

Unity Day was subsequently set up to commemorate the Unity Accord which was later signed between PF Zapu and Zanu PF on December 22, 1987, and which ended hostilities between the two parties.