By Own Correspondent- Government remains fearful of another national shutdown as it plans to tighten the country’s repressive laws, a report by a local publication has claimed.

Last month’s week-long stay away degenerated into riots and looting, and more than a dozen people were killed and hundreds seriously injured.

The Daily News claims to have government documents in its possession which reveal the plan:

Police deployments remain on the ground in order to reassure the citizens of their security. This is particularly so, given the fact that the MDC and other local merchants of regime change are planning to carry out further protests under the so-called National Shutdown II.

It is pertinent to note that efforts are underway to align Posa with the 2013 Constitution. In addition, the government is also alive to the constitutional rights of the citizenry, including the right to protest, as enshrined under section 59 of the Constitution.

The above notwithstanding, the rights can be constitutionally derogated from a citizen on the basis of Article 86 of the Constitution which provides for limitations on rights and freedom for the public good.

By Own Correspondent| Namibian workers have called upon the country’s president, Hage Geingob to intervene in the deteriorating situation in Zimbabwe.

Geingob is the current chairperson of the Southern African Development Community (SADC).

Namibia’s Trade Union Congress (TUC)secretary general Mahongoro Kavihuha said:

The crisis in Zimbabwe started more or less at [the same time of the] election in the DRC. He was eager to talk about the DRC, but when it comes to Zimbabwe, until this stage he is quiet.

… Today, we learned that the vice president of ZCTU was arrested, and many more trade union leaders have been arrested and tortured, including citizens.

… We are aware that the liberation movements are in cahoots regarding oppressing people’s rights and people’s feelings, but I hope that our president will show some degree of being a responsible leader, and call upon his counterpart in Zanu-PF to at least respect human rights.

Most of the regional countries have remained quiet on the government of Zimbabwe’s brutal crackdown on civilians. South Africa’s ruling party, the African National Congress said that it was fully behind the government’s brutal clampdown on protestors which reslted in the death of more than 12 people.

Paul Nyathi|MDC president Nelson Chamisa has strongly rebuked ZANU PF social media defender Jones Musara over claims that the MDC leader was having an extra-marital affair with a Harare woman and that a nude video of him with the woman had been leaked.

The ZANU-PF propagandist made the claim on his own Facebook page, attaching a photo of Chamisa with a young woman who he accuses of having an affair with Chamisa.

“Chamisa is fixated on (extra-marital affairs) instead of nation building hence he is not Presidential material,” Musara said, attaching a photo.

Chamisa responded: “Please be truthful. This photo was actually taken at some restaurant on Saturday last week where I was having lunch with the legend Thomas Mapfumo. I also had the pleasure of meeting the young musician Enzo of the Kanjiva fame for the first time.

“I don’t expect such embarrassing lies. I don’t even know that girl whom you unfortunately seek to diminish in standing. I’m not that filthy! Ngativake Zimbabwe nerudo kwete kuiputsa neruvengo!”

Chamisa decried the fact that an innocent woman who only asked for a selfie was having her name soiled all for politics.

“I don’t even know the girl personally,” Chamisa said. “Would it be fair to turn away a fellow zimbabwean who request just a selfie? Kuti takosheiko?”

Chamisa added: “Only weak people invest in inventing weak lies and low propaganda.”

The woman who is in the selfie with Chamisa is actually Lorraine Guyo who created a widely circulated social media video titled “Ndinyengei.”

Guyo met Chamisa at a public place and asked for a selfie, which Advocate Chamisa agreed to. Chamisa was last week abused by ZANU PF information official Energy Mutodi who published a selfie and claimed they were discussing engagements with the opposition leader.

The woman who Chamisa appeared on the photo with, is also a known ZANU PF loyalists.

MDC members warned Chamisa against taking pictures with people linked to ZANU PF

By Own Correspondent| The Harare City Council has warned cyclists to license their bicycles or risk arrest.

Harare City Council spokesperson Mr Michael Chideme told The Herald that it is mandatory to license bicycles.

Said Chideme:

Bicycle owners who use city roads and cycle lanes are advised that the traditional bike licences are mandatory and should be respected. Council wants to use the funds to maintain the cycle lanes and attendant services for the cycling public. Over the years, the fee had been neglected and cyclists had assumed it was scrapped off our books. All those who own bikes are to go to the district offices and register, as well as license their bicycles.

By Own Correspondent| Prophetic Healing and Deliverance Ministries Walter Magaya has been convicted for contravening the Medicines Control Act after advertising his Aguma medicine, which he claimed could cure HIV and AIDS.

However, sentencing has been set for 2:15 pm on Tuesday, 5 February.

Magaya was arrested late last year after he advertised his Indian-made herb purporting that it could treat HIV had AIDS.

Magaya’s conviction was revealed by Information Ministry Ndavaningi Mangwana who wrote on social media:

Jane Mlambo| Opposition MDC Economic Secretary, Eddie Cross has dashed to the defence of President Emmerson Mnangagwa’s administration and Finance Minister Professor Mthuli Ncube saying their economic policies are bearing fruits.

In an interview with ZBC, Cross also said the bond note is the strongest currency in Africa.

The surrogate bond note has been widely condemned for extinguishing the economy after chasing away the little foreign currency that remained in the market.

“The underlying economy is growing. Exports are growing. The fundamentals are strong. The bond note is the strongest “currency” in the SADC region because it is a currency. This indicates the underlying strength of the Zimbabwe economy despite the current problems..”Eddie Cross

By Own Correspondent| Government granted permission for nurses and other health workers to adjust their working hours to 154 hours monthly which translates to three days a week.

In a letter addressed to Provincial Medical Officers and Chief Executive Officers, the acting Permanent Secretary in the Ministr. y of Health and Child Care, Dr Gibson Mhlanga, said the proposal would help health workers cope with transport challenges. According to the proposal, health workers will work a total of 77 hours in two weeks with shifts starting from 7AM up to 7PM. Said Dr Mhlanga:

Reference is made to minute dated December 7, 2018 where it had been suggested that the implementation of this interim arrangement was to start with nurses and extended to other categories. Heads of institutions who had not yet done so are requested to extend the interim arrangement to other categories of health workers. It is important that adherence to a minimum 154 working hours per month is maintained and in a manner that ensures continuity in service provision and adequate coverage.-StateMedia

By Own Correspondent| Teachers’ strike is purely a labour issue hence no need for government to view this with political lenses, the Secretary-General of the Progressive Teachers Union of Zimbabwe (PTUZ) has said.

Raymond Majongwe said the actions called for by teachers’ unions does not deserve visits or threats from war veterans, youths or state security agents considering that should government heed teachers’ calls for increased salaries, the strike will be called off.

Said Majongwe:

“Reports of war veterans, yoytgs and security agents visting schools are on the rise. In Mashonaland East and West its worse. For the record, the action called for by all unions is purely a labour issue. If government responds properly, all teachers will be at work tomorrow.”

A HARARE teenager was arrested yesterday while trying to steal ZANU-PF Member of Parliament for Chivi South Killer Zivhu’s car using Senator Josiah Hungwe’s name.

The 18-year-old – Kingsolom Mlambo – communicated to the unsuspecting Chivi East MP Zivhu while pretending to be Sen Hungwe’s son, Vincent.

The teenager was nabbed by officers from CID Vehicle Theft Squad at Montague Shopping Centre after being driven from a city hotel the initial meeting point where the car was supposed to be surrendered.

Deputy Police Spokesperson, Assistant Commissioner Paul Nyathi confirmed the arrest.

“Yes we confirm the arrest of a suspected teenager who wanted to use the name of Senator Hungwe to steal a car.

“More details will be revealed as investigations are underway.”
Police believe there were more people involved in the deal.

Acting on a tip off the detectives tracked the vehicle, a Volvo SUV driven by Zivhu’s driver to the hotel where the suspect was waiting.

The teenager was picked and led to Montague where the driver said he wanted to drop off.

Upon being confronted the visibly shaken Kingsolom said: “I am sorry, I just wanted to use the vehicle for an outing with friends and I wanted to be showing off to them that I have a nice car,” he said pleading with the detectives.

He was however taken to Southerton Police Station for further investigations.

Zivhu said he was saved by an inquiry he made before releasing the car.

“I nearly gave away my car. It was after I made an inquiry into what type of car was required when I realised that they were thieves who wanted to steal my car.

“I then engaged police to ensure that the culprit gets arrested,” said Zivhu.

“Your Worship, I don’t think there is anyone who knows the official figures of the presidential election. Even Mr (Emmerson) Mnangagwa does not know the number of the votes he got,” Biti told court.

He said he announced the results collected from their agents in nine provinces to put pressure on Zec to release the results, saying delaying the announcement would have given Zec room to manipulate the figures.

Biti added that President Emmerson Mnangagwa’s July 31, 2018 tweet saying he had won the elections before Zec’s announcement was still on his handle and that Zanu PF secretary for legal affairs Munyaradzi Paul Mangwana said the same thing, but they were not arrested.

-Newsday

MDC national vice-chairperson Tendai Biti, who is on trial for allegedly violating the Electoral Act after he announced that his party leader Nelson Chamisa had won the July 30 presidential election, yesterday insisted that the youthful opposition politician had, indeed, won in nine provinces, whose poll tallies were posted at polling stations manned by their party agents.

Biti, who was put to his defence after his application for discharge was dismissed, told magistrate Gloria Takundwa that under normal circumstances, Chamisa would have been declared presidential election winner because, at the time, only Mashonaland West province had outstanding results.

He said he did not announce the results, but simply interpreted what the Zimbabwe Electoral Commission had officially posted outside its polling stations.

-Newsday

Media Statement|The Department of Health is aware that a group of Zimbabwean citizens have gathered at Groote Schuur Hospital to protest against the alleged treatment of the Zimbabwean Vice President, Mr Constantino Chiwenga. at our health facility.

In honour of our commitment to patient confidentiality, we cannot discuss patient details. however, we can confirm that he was not or currently is a patient at the hospital. While we understand the concern of the Zimbabwean community, we need to balance this with the rights of other patients to receive care.

We urge the community to direct their requests to the Zimbabwean authorities and to respect our hospital premises as a healing environment for patients. Health staff should be given the space to continue uninterrupted with their patient care.

Jane Mlambo| Zimbabwe African Peoples Union (ZAPU) has stocked pressure on the underfire South African government to deport Vice President Constantino Chiwenga currently receiving treatment in South Africa saying he should come back home and use the same facility his party neglected and allowed to run down since 1980.

Zapu spokesperson Iphithule Maphosa said if local health facilities are good for ordinary people, they must also be used by top government officials.

“If the facilities in Zimbabwe are good for the ordinary person, they surely are best for the government officials. South Africa must stop the Zanu PF and government looters if at all lives are important. Giving comfort to Chiwenga translates to condoning the mismanagement and rights violations currently taking place in Zimbabwe,” Maphosa said.

“The same Chiwenga once issued a blanket dismissal to striking health workers, further jeopardising an already ailing service for the poor ordinary Zimbabweans.”

VIDEO LOADING BELOW…

Paul Nyathi|While all other teachers’ representative bodies have agreed to embark on an indefinite strike starting today, the ZANU PF Aligned Zimbabwe National Teachers Union claims to have called off the strike after “striking a deal with the government “

According to State Media government claims to have committed itself to operationalising non-monetary incentives and economic initiatives for the teachers leading to ZINATU calling off the strike.

Primary and Secondary Education Minister Professor Paul Mavima yesterday met the country’s nine teachers unions in an effort to block the intended strike but failed.

Sector-specific issues which the teachers want addressed include acting, head of department and examination allowances; accommodation challenges; corruption within Government when members want to transfer; permission to go on annual leave and annual leave on transfer.

The educators also want their children, at least three per individual, to be exempted from paying school fees at Government institutions.

Prof Mavima said Government was committed to operationalising these initiatives.

“We agreed on actions with regards to teacher welfare issues that are within the purview of the ministry,” he said.

“There are other welfare issues like level of salary that is not within the purview of this ministry. Those are being held at the National Joint Negotiating Council (NJNC) where they are represented by Apex Council. But there are issues where we are advocating for the housing of teachers and strategies to ensure that every teacher has a plot or place where they can build houses or where they can get basic core houses. There are also certain things we can do as Government to empower them economically.”

He said task force teams were put in place to ensure implementation of agreements.

“We didn’t just talk. We set up task teams which include representatives of teachers unions and people within the ministry to ensure that there is actual implementation of everything we agreed on. These task teams have different timelines on delivery. Some of them are immediate recommendations that have to go to other government departments. Others have long time frames but the majority of them I have said before the end of February I would like to see a report back to see how far we have gone in the implementation of these issues. I have said let us meet again before end of March so that we can review progress together,” Prof Mavima said.

He said he hoped all teachers will report for duty today.

“We have made an appeal to the unions to say let us give this negotiation under the NJNC and this process we are doing within the Ministry a chance,” he said.

“We also said the unions themselves are part of national institutions, they should be guided by considerations of a bigger national interest and in this particular case it is the welfare of the learners that should guide them. We had disturbances because of the riots that took place and it ate into the learning time of our learners. We can not continue to lose time for our learners otherwise 2019 academic year will be a wash out. We are hopeful that the teachers around the nation will give this process a chance so that in 2019 we can ensure we have taken care of the welfare of our teachers and learners in the primary and secondary education sector,” added Professor Mavima.

Most teachers unions however did not agree to Minister Mavima’s calls and vowed to proceed with the strike action as from today. Only ZINATU and its sister union Teachers Union of Zimbabwe claimed to have accepted Minister Mavima’s proposal for further negotiations.

“We clearly understood the Minister’s explanation on the need for unions to further rigorously engage Government on issues to do with conditions of service,” said Teachers Union of Zimbabwe (TUZ) secretary general Godfrey Kanyongo.

“We appreciate the operationalisation of our issues. We therefore would like to inform all our members to exercise patience until we exhaust all the available opportunities. We are therefore advising our members not to strike tomorrow. Let us give dialogue a chance.”

Zinatu’s Manuel Nyawo said: “Dialogue as a process has not been exhausted. There is no deadlock at the moment because if we go on strike technically we will be found on the wrong side of the law. We do not want our members to be found on the wrong side of the law. We are calling upon all our members and those who are for nation building in this country to take our heed. For tomorrow we are distancing ourselves from the industrial action being called by our colleagues.”

Zimbabwe Teachers Association (Zimta) chief executive Mr Sifiso Ndlovu insisted workers affiliated to his union and other unions including the Progressive Teachers Union of Zimbabwe and Amalgamated Rural Teachers Union the country’s biggest unions would down tools.

Teachers are demanding a minimum salary of $1 733, up from $414.

Correspondent|THE Harare City Council has warned cyclists to license their bicycles or risk arrest.

In a move that may prove unpopular with cyclists, the majority of whom are already failing to meet commuter fares to work, Harare City Council spokesperson Mr Michael Chideme said that it is mandatory to license bicycles and defaulters will be arrested.

Said Chideme: “Bicycle owners who use city roads and cycle lanes are advised that the traditional bike licences are mandatory and should be respected.

“Council wants to use the funds to maintain the cycle lanes and attendant services for the cycling public. Over the years, the fee had been neglected and cyclists had assumed it was scrapped off our books.

“All those who own bikes are to go to the district offices and register, as well as license their bicycles.”

MDC national vice-chairperson Tendai Biti, who is on trial for allegedly violating the Electoral Act after he announced that his party leader Nelson Chamisa had won the July 30 presidential election, yesterday insisted that the youthful opposition politician had, indeed, won in nine provinces, whose poll tallies were posted at polling stations manned by their party agents.

Biti, who was put to his defence after his application for discharge was dismissed, told magistrate Gloria Takundwa that under normal circumstances, Chamisa would have been declared presidential election winner because, at the time, only Mashonaland West province had outstanding results.

He said he did not announce the results, but simply interpreted what the Zimbabwe Electoral Commission had officially posted outside its polling stations.

“In a normal election run by a normal elections commission, Advocate Nelson Chamisa would be the President right now. In my statement to the media, I said Chamisa won the elections in Manicaland, Harare, Matabeleland, Masvingo and Bulawayo and Zec did not dispute that in court, except in Mashonaland West province, where the results were not posted outside the polling station,” Biti told court.

He said the police cherry-picked part of his statement to the media, leaving out other contents in order to incriminate him. 

When asked by prosecutor Tafadzwanashe Mpariwa why he announced the results before Zec’s official announcement, Biti told court that Zec had already announced the official results by posting them outside polling stations.

Mpariwa was taken to task by Biti’s lawyer Beatrice Mtetwa after he asked the opposition legislator to compare the results he released to the Press and Zec’s official results.

Mtetwa asked the prosecutor to tell the court the Zec presidential elections official results before Biti could give his own set of results.

Mpariwa failed to, but insisted that Zec’s figures were the official ones.

“Your Worship, I don’t think there is anyone who knows the official figures of the presidential election. Even Mr (Emmerson) Mnangagwa does not know the number of the votes he got,” Biti told court.

He said he announced the results collected from their agents in nine provinces to put pressure on Zec to release the results, saying delaying the announcement would have given Zec room to manipulate the figures.

Biti added that President Emmerson Mnangagwa’s July 31, 2018 tweet saying he had won the elections before Zec’s announcement was still on his handle and that Zanu PF secretary for legal affairs Munyaradzi Paul Mangwana said the same thing, but they were not arrested.

Biti said his prosecution was politically motivated.

Takundwa postponed the matter to February 18 for ruling, but dismissed Biti’s application for discharge , saying the State had proved a prima facie case against him.

Takundwa did not proffer reasons for dismissing Biti’s application, saying she would provide them in her judgment.

NewsDay

THE Government on Friday granted permission for nurses and other health workers to adjust their working hours to 154 hours monthly which translates to three days a week.

In a letter addressed to Provincial Medical Officers and Chief Executive Officers, the acting Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Health and Child Care, Dr Gibson Mhlanga, said the proposal would help health workers cope with transport challenges.

According to the proposal, health workers will work a total of 77 hours in two weeks with shifts starting from 7AM up to 7PM.

Dated February 1, the letter said nurses had already started implementing the schedule and it was time other health workers joined.

“Reference is made to minute dated December 7, 2018 where it had been suggested that the implementation of this interim arrangement was to start with nurses and extended to other categories. Heads of institutions who had not yet done so are requested to extend the interim arrangement to other categories of health workers,” said Dr Mhlanga.

He said this will enable the health workers to cope with the current prevailing transport challenges until the environment stabilises.

“It is important that adherence to a minimum 154 working hours per month is maintained and in a manner that ensures continuity in service provision and adequate coverage,” said Dr Mhlanga.

He said members who are not comfortable with the extended working hours will continue with the normal working hours and days.

“You are further advised that members should not use the days not worked in terms of this interim framework to do locum duties,” said Dr Mhlanga.

State Media

GOVERNMENT has embarked on a major recruitment drive for teachers amid indications that the there still thousands of students with no teachers for certain subjects especially in remote parts of the country.

In a statement yesterday, PSC chairman Dr Vincent Hungwe confirmed the development.

Last year, the Government said it was in the process of recruiting 3 000 teachers to address manpower shortages affecting the education sector amid reports of rural schools having a teacher-to-pupil ratio of 1-120.

This was affecting the quality of education and its outputs.

“So far, 1 500 names have been submitted to the Public Service Commission for consideration and confirmation. The first batch prioritises schools in the rural areas. Concurrent with the foregoing, the attention of the Commission has been drawn to the plight of (19 993) teachers who completed their training, some as far back as 2012, but have not yet been placed in teaching positions,” he said.

“The Public Service Commission, fully cognisant of the important role that education plays in the attainment of critical national goals, continues to pay close attention to developments in the sector with a view to implementing supportive actions that benefit teachers and learners alike.

“It is not only desirable, but necessary, for ways to be found to close the staffing gap in our schools, where 8 509 posts remain unfilled on account of funding shortfalls. This gap places school children at a disadvantage and retards the attainment of national development goals,” said Dr Hungwe.

He said as the PSC they welcomed a recent decision by Government to provide funds to facilitate the recruitment of 3 000 additional teachers in primary and secondary schools as an interim measure while the request for additional resources to engage more teacher is awaited.

“The Commission also recognises the on-going sterling work by the Ministry of Primary and Secondary Education in identifying the qualified teaching personnel for specific subjects in all provinces and districts of the country,” said Dr Hungwe.

He said Government and the commission were exploring initiatives to create opportunities for the teachers who were not absorbed under the current recruitment exercise.

“Government and the Commission are also exploring opportunities to place the teachers in Sadc member states and other regions through mutually beneficial and multilateral arrangements.

“Meanwhile, Government and the Commission will continue to create opportunities to employ additional teachers within the confines of the national budget, and as and when other opportunities arise to place them teaching positions locally,” Dr Hungwe said.

The Public Service Commission froze the recruitment of teachers and other professionals in 2014 citing the need for rationalisation.

State Media

A HARARE teenager was arrested yesterday while trying to steal ZANU-PF Member of Parliament for Chivi South Killer Zivhu’s car using Senator Josiah Hungwe’s name.

The 18-year-old – Kingsolom Mlambo – communicated to the unsuspecting Chivi East MP Zivhu while pretending to be Sen Hungwe’s son, Vincent.

The teenager was nabbed by officers from CID Vehicle Theft Squad at Montague Shopping Centre after being driven from a city hotel the initial meeting point where the car was supposed to be surrendered.

Deputy Police Spokesperson, Assistant Commissioner Paul Nyathi confirmed the arrest.

“Yes we confirm the arrest of a suspected teenager who wanted to use the name of Senator Hungwe to steal a car.

“More details will be revealed as investigations are underway.”
Police believe there were more people involved in the deal.

Acting on a tip off the detectives tracked the vehicle, a Volvo SUV driven by Zivhu’s driver to the hotel where the suspect was waiting.

The teenager was picked and led to Montague where the driver said he wanted to drop off.

Upon being confronted the visibly shaken Kingsolom said: “I am sorry, I just wanted to use the vehicle for an outing with friends and I wanted to be showing off to them that I have a nice car,” he said pleading with the detectives.

He was however taken to Southerton Police Station for further investigations.

Zivhu said he was saved by an inquiry he made before releasing the car.

“I nearly gave away my car. It was after I made an inquiry into what type of car was required when I realised that they were thieves who wanted to steal my car.

“I then engaged police to ensure that the culprit gets arrested,” said Zivhu.

Below are some of the messages sent to Zivhu by Kingsolom:
13:13, 2/3/2019h2019: Hy killer its Vincent hungwe

13:13, 2/3/2019: Im short on money  to start a borehole drilling project i just need financial assistance and i will cover you once i get my money..its like a personal loan..i have bought some of the equipmemt..i need to finidh up on monday
13:13, 2/3/2019: Ok brother thank you…wanted to fund a water drilling project of a borehole
13:13, 2/3/2019: Im really sorry…but mudhara jd (Josiah Dunhira) said i can talk to you regarding this case if you are capable of helping me

13:13, 2/3/2019: No i want help for something besides that if you are capable…my wife*s mother is really sick in mutoko now and am at beitbridge…sent cars to service…my wife now doesnt hv a car yekunovatora at mutoko..of only u are capable of helping her with a car to go and take her mother…please brother….
13:13, 2/3/2019: If I sent my driver is it oky
13:13, 2/3/2019: She wants to go with her brother and sisters ..i dont know if you can make the driver drop off the car on town and she will pick it up i would really appreciate it….thank you….
13:13, 2/3/2019: She just want something small…automatic most probably…she is not fluent in manual cars……..anything automatic if you have it we would appreciate
13:13, 2/3/2019: It will be ok if its automatic but there is no problem with the manual but automatic was easier for her….any way you can have.it will be truly appreciated

13:13, 2/3/2019: Ok brother thank you..they would want to depart around 1 pm feel free to organise..cheers
13:13, 2/3/2019: Anywhrre in town will do she will meet with my son….or my wife there ..or drop it in town and will send someone there
13:13, 2/3/2019: Can she come  pa… Hotel….will have someone waiting to pick the car there…just close to the entrance therr as soon as she confirms will have someone to go there…
13:13, 2/3/2019: What kind of a car are you sending inorder for the person am sending yo spot it

[13:14, 2/3/2019]: What kinf of a  car is it and what tome should she go there…they can talk vega vari 2 on app or use texts…….tell your wife to talk to my wife
[13:14, 2/3/2019]: Imota ipi which you are sending for easy identification..can yo wife bring it by 11 am at … hotel.

Source – hmetro

The Thokozani Khupe Cancer Foundation (TKCF) joins the rest of the world in commemorating the International World Cancer Day under the theme; ‘I am and I will’.

Today, the 4th of February 2019 marks the day where the entire world seek to raise awareness of cancer.

As the TKCF we join hands with the rest of the world in encouraging early detection of cancer, its prevention and treatment to save lives.

The TKCF also calls on the government to make treatment and prevention of cancer a priority through affordable health care, accessibility of cancer treatment facilities as well as the availability of cancer medication.

The foundation therefore calls on everyone to go for cancer screening and self examination for various cancers to save lives.

‘Early Detection of Cancer Saves Lives’

ARTUZ Strike update.

04-02-2019

The Amalgamated Rural Teachers’ Union of Zimbabwe, ARTUZ welcomes all sister teacher Unions for finally coming on board on the ongoing job action for a living wage.

We reiterate our call for salaries in United States dollars. We encourage all teachers to take heed of the ongoing job action as we demand a comprehensive Conditions of Living Adjustment, COLA.

Background

Teachers’ basic salaries were last reviewed in 2012 and by then the salaries were negotiated in United States dollars. Over the years the cost of living has soared with prices of basic services and commodities increasing at a cumulative rate of over 500%.

The government has also reneged on the agreement to pay salaries in United State States dollars and they are now paying in the Real Time Gross Settlement terms. The surrogate currency is performing badly on the market and this has heavily eroded the value of our salaries. The average teacher earns around US$120 per month.

ARTUZ has been consistently demanding a living wage from the pockets out campaign of 2017, the salary caravan from Mutare to Harare launched on the 9th of December 2018 and the Salary Camp at Finance Ministry from 7 to 11 January. The Union of the moment also boldly participated in the National Stay away held from 14 to 16 January 2019.

The Union’s membership has demonstrated unwavering revolutionary character by participating in these campaigns and sustaining the ongoing job action.

State Response.

ARTUZ condemns the dastardly, cowardly and barbaric response of the State to our legitimate call for an upward review of our salaries. The State arrested and detained our members who were participating in the Salary Caravan March from Harare to Mutare, a distance of 275Km.

These members were arrested twice for trumped up charges of disorderly conduct. We salute the participants for remaining resolute and concluding the march against all odds.

The State was at it again on 7 January 2019 when the Union launched the salary camp in Africa Unity Square. 14 members of the Union were arrested but the State could not lay any charges against the teachers.

After the successful National Stay the State abducted, tortured and arbitrarily detained the Union’s President and Secretary General. The duo are still appearing in court facing charges ranging from assault to subverting a constitutionally elected government. We pray for justice for these leaders who spent up to 16 days in confinement and were only released under stringent bail conditions.

The government offered a cushioning allowance of around US$15 which falls far short of our expectations.

Way forward.

The Union encourages all teachers to continue withdrawing their labor. The Union’s decision making body will meet on Saturday 9 February 2019 to evaluate the job action. The meeting will come up with other tactics aimed at compelling our employer to award a COLA.

We encourage Un-Unionized teachers to seize this opportunity and join the Union of the moment so that we speak with one voice. Our Union is providing legal cover to all teachers who will be victimized during this job action. We urge teachers to promptly report victimization to the details captured at the foot of this statement.

ARTUZ is a nonpartisan Union with no intention to capture state power. We note with disgust that the State has labelled us an agent of regime change. Our hands are clean and our intentions are pure, we demand a living wage!

By Own Correspondent|National  Railways of Zimbabwe (NRZ) public relations officer Nyasha Maravanyika confirmed the parastatal has hiked fares by 100 percent.

Maravanyika said the price hike has been necessitated by an increase in the organisation’s operational expenses which have been caused by high cost of spares.

Said Maravanyika

NRZ would like to advise members of the travelling public of a new fare structure for the City-Cowdray Park Commuter Train service. Starting on Monday 4 February 2019, there will be separate fares for children and adults. Single ride fares for adults will go up from 50 cents to $1. Children and school children in uniform will continue paying 50 cents. Students at tertiary institutions of learning will pay $1 while a multiple ride budget ticket will go up from $4.50 to $9. The multiple-ride budget ticket is valid for 10 trips. The adjustment in the prices of fares has been necessitated by an increase in the organisation’s operational expenses which have been caused by high cost of spares

Government is inviting applications for the Presidential And National Scholarships For 2019/2020 Academic Year.

Interested students can submit their applications at The Executive Director Presidential and National Scholarships Department 10th Floor, Compensation House, Corner 4th street and Central Avenue P 0 Box 2656, Causeway, Harare. Closing date is 28 February 2019

The Scholarships target able but disadvantaged students mainly from rural schools in remote districts of the country’s 10 provinces, intent on pursuing undergraduate and post graduate studies at foreign universities abroad in the following disciplines:

1. ENGINEERING

• Mining
• Chemical
• Electrical
• Mechatronics
• Mechanical
• Civil
• Surveying
• Aeronautical
• Industrial and Systems
• Auto
• Materials and Metallurgical

1. HEALTH SCIENCES

• Pharmacy
• Veterinary Science
• Dentistry
• Bio-Medical Sciences and
• Bio-Kinetics
• Bio-chemistry
• Medicine and Surgery
• Psychiatry
• Nursing Science
• Physiotherapy
• Dietetics

3 GENERAL SCIENCES

• Actuarial Sciences
• Geological Sciences
• Archeological Sciences
• Geo Informatics and
• Meteorology

4 AGRICULTURAL SCIENCES

• Horticulture
• Soil Science
• Agricultural Economics
• Winery
• Irrigation and Technology
• Wildlife Management
• Environmental Management
• Water Conservation & Mgt

1. COMMERCE/MANAGEMENT SCIENCE

• Accounting Science
• Financial Intelligence
• Business Economics
• Insurance and Risk Management
• Entrepreneurship
• Forensic Accounting and Auditing

1. SOCIAL SCIENCES

• Law (LLB), International Law
• Drama and Film Studies
• Geographical Information Systems
• Heritage and Cultural Tourism
• Social Work
• Archeology
• E-Governance and Public Policy management
• Fine Arts, Design and Graphics
• International Relations
• Tourism and Hospitality Management
• Physical and Town Planning
• Visual Studies

Preference will be given to applicants who satisfy the following criteria:

• Undergraduate applicants for none Science disciplines should have a minimum of 10 points at ‘A’ Level in subjects that are relevant to the chosen degree programme, and must be 25 years of age or below by 30 December 2019.
• Undergraduate applicants for Science and Technology disciplines should have either A or B in relevant ‘A’ Level science subjects.
• PhDs and Masters applicants should have either First class or Upper Second Class degree classification in the relevant field of study. Masters applicants should be below 35 years of age, and PhD applicants should be below 45 years of age by 30 December 2019.
• All selected candidates shall be required to undergo a thorough Medical Check-up including HIV/AIDS Tests.

Interested candidates should present the following:

• Application letter specifying the preferred undergraduate or post-graduate degree programme in the area of study of your own choice
• Motivation letter
• Police clearance certificate
• Two reference letters, each from a different person or institutions
• Copies of certified ‘A’ Level and ‘0’ Level Certificates
• Copies of certified Degree Certificates and Transcripts in the case of Masters and PhD candidates
• Copies of certified Birth and I. D. Certificates
• Cv which clearly shows your District of origin

These documents should be submitted and addressed to:

The Executive Director

Presidential and National Scholarships Department

10th Floor, Compensation House, Corner 4th street and Central Avenue

P 0 Box 2656, Causeway,

Harare

Closing date is 28 February 2019

Only successful candidates will be notified

By Own Correspondent| Government has appointed a new board for National Social Security Authority (NSSA).

The announcement was made by the minister of Public Service, Labour and Social Welfare Dr Sekai Nzenza.

The previous board was dissolved last October following the expiry of its tenure.

The new board will be chaired by Dr Cuthbert Chidoori. Chidoori holds a Doctorate in Electrical Engineering and Communications.

Board members include Dr Priscilla Mujuru, a lecturer at the University of Zimbabwe, Mfaro Moyo, APEX chairperson Cecilia Alexander, lawyer Arthur Manase and Farai Tichawangana, a chartered accountant finance director at ZESA. 

Nzenza is working on the appointment of the three remaining board members.

She said the new board was expected to uphold good corporate governance and ensure delivery of benefits to pensioners.-StateMedia

After declaring military attacks on civilians, Togarepi says: unity and peace will fix the country | IS HE UNITING THE NATION? HE IS …

— ZimEye (@ZimEye) February 4, 2019

Unity and peace will see Zimbabwe shining again. Ngatibatanei tisimudzire Nyika yokwedu.

— Togarepi pupurai (@TogarepiPupurai) February 4, 2019

By Own Correspondent| The Zimbabwe Congress of Trade Union (ZCTU) Secretary General has been freed on bail pending trial.

Japhet Moyo on Monday walked out of Chikurubi maximum prison where he spent the last 2 weeks incarcerated.

Moyo is facing treason charges following the #Shutdown Zimbabwe protests which were triggered by the over 140 percent fuel price increases.

Said the ZCTU:

By Own Correspondent| The Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) has distanced itself from a social media video showing its members in an anti VP Constantino Chiwenga protest at a South African hospital.

According to the video doing the rounds, the purported EFF supporters are demanding that Chiwenga be deported back to Zimbabwe to seek medical treatment there.

However EFF in a statement said the party was not behind any protest neither will it engage in such.

The party said the video was being circulated by those bent on creating a wedge between EFF and their Zimbabwean brothers.

Below is the full text of the EFF statement:

By Own Correspondent| The Harare City Council is in a major drive to destroy the power of “cartels” that have been depriving the council of much-needed revenue by collecting revenue from its properties and pocketing the proceeds thereof.

The cartels including Mbare-based violent Chipangano outfit, were working in cahoots with council officials and were active in areas such as such as Mupedzanhamo, Mbare Musika and other markets in Highfield among others.Ll

The city council recently took back Carter and Paget houses in Mbare 10 years after it lost them to Chipangano.

A Herald report claims that the city lost more than $3,6 million in revenue through these treacherous shenanigans.

Harare Town Clerk indicated that the council will continue demolishing illegal structures within the city in order to bring sanity to Harare.

By Own Correspondent|

By Own Correspondent| SA FM has claimed that contrary to reports that Zimbabwe’s Vice President Constantino Chiwenga is at Cape Town’s Groote Schuur Hospital in South Africa, the former army general is not being treated at the health institution.

In a tweet issued today, Monday, the radio station claimed that VP Chiwenga is not seeking medical attention at the Cape Town health centre.

Earlier today, Zimbabweans in South Africa held demonstrations at Groote Schuur Hospital where Chiwenga was reportedly airlifted on Saturday in what government sources described as a “medical emergency.”

However, SA FM said Western Cape Health Department confirmed Chiwenga was not being treated at Cape Town’s Groote Schuur Hospital.

Said SA FM:

Western Cape Health Department confirms Zimbabwe’s Vice President, Constantino Chiwenga is not being treated at Cape Town’s Groote Schuur Hospital. A group of Zimbabwean nationals are protesting outside the hospital, calling for Chiwenga to go back home to receive treatment there.

Western Cape Health Department confirms Zimbabwe's Vice President, Constantino Chiwenga is not being treated at Cape Town's Groote Schuur Hospital. A group of Zimbabwean nationals are protesting outside the hospital, calling for Chiwenga to go back home to receive treatment there

— SABC News Radio (@SABCNews_Radio) February 4, 2019

A top radio station, SAFM has said Zimbabwe’s Vice President Constantino Chiwenga is not at all at Capetown’s Groote Schuur Hospital in South Africa.

The development came following reports on Sunday that he was admitted at the infirmary.

The general who removed Robert Mugabe in November 2017, reportedly flew into South Africa on Saturday and government sources said he was truly unwell and had to be airlifted out of Zimbabwe.

The following day (Monday) Zimbabweans in South Africa stormed the  Groote Schuur Hospital.

While they were demonstrating several other sources in Zimbabwe claimed that he is not at all at the institution. Two relatives claimed to ZimEye saying he is not as bad as reported.

But ZimEye discovered Chiwenga was nowhere near his usual areas of visits on Sunday as government sources described his flight out of Zimbabwe as a “medical emergency.”

SAFM has however quipped in with a different version, saying the Western Cape Health Department has confirmed Chiwenga was not at all being treated at Cape Town’s Groote Schuur Hospital on Monday.

Their tweet read: “Western Cape Health Department confirms Zimbabwe’s Vice President, Constantino Chiwenga is not being treated at Cape Town’s Groote Schuur Hospital. A group of Zimbabwean nationals are protesting outside the hospital, calling for Chiwenga to go back home to receive treatment there.”

Western Cape Health Department confirms Zimbabwe's Vice President, Constantino Chiwenga is not being treated at Cape Town's Groote Schuur Hospital. A group of Zimbabwean nationals are protesting outside the hospital, calling for Chiwenga to go back home to receive treatment there

— SABC News Radio (@SABCNews_Radio) February 4, 2019

The International Development Committee tomorrow takes evidence from the Minister for Africa on the recent violent crackdown by Zimbabwe security forces.

Witnesses

Tuesday 5 February 2019, Thatcher Room, Portcullis House

At 10.00am

• Jocelyn Alexander, Professor of Commonwealth Studies, University of Oxford
• Stephen Chan, Professor of Politics and International Studies, SOAS
• Simukai Chigudu, Associate Professor of African Politics, University of Oxford

At 10.45am

• Harriett Baldwin MP, Minister of State for Africa at the Foreign and Commonwealth Office and Minister of State for International Development
• Annabel Gerry, Head of DFID South Africa and Zimbabwe, Department for International Development

Purpose of the Session

The International Development Committee is holding an urgent evidence session on the situation in Zimbabwe. Following the recent violent crackdown by Zimbabwe’s security forces, this session allows the Committee to explore how the UK, and DFID in particular, should respond. The Committee will first hear from a panel of academic experts before then questioning the Minister for Africa, Harriet Baldwin MP, and the head of DFID Zimbabwe. – UK Govt/DIFID

By Own Correspondent- Independent legislator for Norton Temba Mliswa and members of the Parliamentary Portfolio Committee on Mines and Energy which he chairs have been accused of demanding a $400 000 bribe from investor James Ross Goddard of JRG Contracting (Pvt) Ltd.

According to a report by the Chronicle, Goddard alerted the police chief, Commissioner General Godwin Matanga and Vice President Kembo Mohadi of the extortion attempts.

Goddard was keen on investing in the Hwange Colliery Company.

In documents which the Chronicle claims to have in its possession, Goddard says that he had several meetings with Shepherd Tundiya who claimed to have been seconded to Hwange Colliery by the Office of the President and Cabinet to deal with the challenges bedevilling the mining concern. Goddard later met with Mliswa. Of a subsequent meeting with Mliswa, Goddard wrote:

After the meeting, Hon Temba Mliswa departed, together with Hon Anele Ndebele, who went to sit in his vehicle. Hon Chikomba and Hon Prince Sibanda then instructed Shepherd Tundiya to demand a facilitation fee of $400 000 in order for JR Goddard Contracting to secure the contract to mine at Hwange, which had to be paid the following day.

The JRG team advised that they could not meet the demand and subsequently advised Shepherd Tundiya that this demand for a facilitation fee goes against the principles that JR Goddard Contracting has been operating under since inception in 1982. Furthermore, this demand is a very serious challenge to his Excellency, President Emmerson Mnangagwa’s anti-corruption efforts.

By Own Correspondent- Four people died on the spot this morning when a commuter omnibus they were travelling in burst its rear tyre at Tiger Reef-Bridge at the 15 kilometre peg along Gokwe-Kwekwe road.

Eyewitnesses claim four people died on the spot including the conductor, while 13 other passengers were injured and were taken to Kwekwe General Hospital.

The kombi had 17 people on board and the driver is among the injured.

Eyewitness claimed that the kombi burst its rear tyre and rolled several times before landing on its roof.

By Own Correspondent- The Zimbabwe Revenue Authority (Zimra) has refused to disclose the value of goods lost in three fire incidents in which its warehouses at Beitbridge Border Post were razed to the ground, saying the information was private.

On Tuesday last week, goods believed to be worth thousands of dollars belonging to travellers who had failed to pay duty were destroyed when a warehouse at the border post was gutted by fire, a third such incident following outbreaks in 2014 and 2016.

A Zimra official said investigations to establish the cause of fire were on-going.

Responding to questions from a local publication, Zimra acting spokesperson, Inzwirai Muonwa, said she was not at liberty to discuss the value of destroyed goods.

Said Muonwa:

“The investigation report of the State warehouse fire that occurred in 2014 was not a public document and cannot be shared with the media.

The value of the goods destroyed in the 2014 warehouse fire related to specific taxpayers’ information that cannot be disclosed.”

She said she was not in a position to disclose the value of the goods burnt in the fire that devoured an out-sourced State warehouse at the Red Star building, torched during riots against Statutory Instrument 64/2016 that banned imports of goods deemed locally available.

“The value of the goods lost in the Red Star warehouse fire relates to specific taxpayer information that cannot be disclosed,” Muonwa said.

She also refused to disclose the general description of the goods in the warehouse which got burnt last week.

Muonwa said the Customs and Excise Department had not auctioned the goods understood to have been held for over a year-and-a-half although Customs and Excise regulations stipulate that goods not claimed within three months should be auctioned.- Newsday

By Own Correspondent- Zimbabwean comedy celebrity, Madam boss, whose real name Tyra Chikocho has apologised to her fans for dressing inappropriately at the recent Star FM Music Awards.

Chikocho was dressed in a black jumpsuit at the music awards.

While others felt that the comedy celebrity was on point, others felt that the jumpsuit was not appropriate especially in the Zimbabwean context. She thus got mixed reactions on an Instagram photo that she posted.

Following the negative feedback, she apologised:

My dear Fans.
Firstly I would like to apologize for my dressing at the STAR FM AWARDS.
As you know I travel a lot,so mukufamba tinoona zvakasiyana siyana and I really thought this jumpsuit was going to be a show stopper to my fans but overally YOU MY FANS you didn’t accept it that well.

I do what I do for you,so it is with great deepest apologies from the bottom of my heart and I repeat AGAIN I AM SORRY.

I am going to go back to those long dresses because they where more elegant than the jumpsuit.

Ndiri munhu wenyama ndombotadzawo,and I hope you accept my apology.

I love you all and God Bless.

By Own Correspondent- The Acting Chinese Ambassador to Zimbabwe, Zhao Baogang said his country will continue to offer technical and financial support to Zimbabwe adding that his country has strong confidence in the leadership of President Emmerson Mnangagwa.

In a report published by the state media, Baogang urged Zimbabweans to unite pledging the completion of all Chinese initiated projects in the country.

This statement comes as the Chinese celebrate their new year which begins on the 5^th of February which saw Chinese business people operating in the country joining hands and celebrating their new calendar.

Reported the state media:

Baogang said his country is proud of the progress made in developing the Hwange Power Station which is expected to produce excess power which the country will export to neighbouring countries.

China reminded Zimbabweans to value peace for economic prosperity, adding that the current leadership has the capacity and will to transform the country.

The Chinese believe 2019 is a promising year for Zimbabwe and Baogang emphasised that his country’s aim is to complete all the projects they have launched within a reasonable time. Among the projects include the new parliament building and the Robert Mugabe International Airport, among others.-StateMedia

By Own Correspondent| The Chitungwiza community development network (CCDN) has expressed concern at recent developments which has seen the demolition of informal business structures in the satellite town situated 25 kilometers away from Harare.

In what has been likened to former presidwnt Robert Mugabe’s infamous “Operation Murambatsvina”, government has demolished illegal structures among them small businesses operating in communities.

This follows a crackdown on illegal vendors in the central business district of most major cities and towns.

Said the CCDN in a statement:

“The CCDN is appalled and concerned at the ongoing decimation of thousands of livelihoods in the informal sector through forced demolitions of informal business structures and summary evictions from marketplaces and workspaces in a government sanctioned operation which began this week in Harare and Chitungwiza.

Since Monday 28 January 2019, truckloads of police in riot gear have gone around shopping centres in chitungwiza ordering informal business people to demolish structures housing their livelihoods and vacate marketplaces and workspaces.

State media reports indicate that the operation is state sanctioned through a govt directive given in 2018 ordering local authorities to conduct urban cleanups and demolish illegal structures. The timing of the operation, coming after the #Shutdown protests has led to suspicions that it is an extension of the govt crackdown targeting the opposition’s urban support base.

CCDN mourns the loss of livelihoods and attendant socio economic rights occassioned by this operation.

We commiserate with the affected informal entrepreneurs and call on them to remain strong and resilient like the biblical water reeds (tsanga) that ” fall when the river current rises and rise when the river current falls”.

We call on the govt to empathise with the millions of women children and youth in Harare metropolitan province (90 % of total population) who eked out a miserable living from the informal economy. These forced demolitions will certainly condemn them to abject poverty .

CCDN notes with regret that councillors who are our elected representatives in the sphere of local government were not consulted before this decision was taken. We also note with dismay that councillors remain in the face of those onslaught.

The Zimbabwean constitution of 2013 and many international statutes such as the african charter on human and peoples rights, to which Zimbabwe is a signatory ringfence and promote the right to participate in socio-economic activities. This operation dubbed Murambatsvina 2, goes against the spirit and letter of our constitution and human rights conventions.

Thriving businesses in the informal manufacturing sector in Chitungwiza with trades such as carpentry (furniture ), welding (window frames tools) upholstery (sofas) vehicle repairs spraypainting mobile money (Ecocash) catering (sadza gango) currency dealers (changemoney) retail ( tuckshops and vendors) have been decimated almost overnight due to the government’s directive .

It has taken many years and hardwork for these entrepreneurs to build these businesses which are being razed to the ground.

To ensure that their families survive the demolitions/ evictions and the deepening economic crisis in Zimbabwe, we call on the affected entrepreneurs and residents to continue operating their businesses from the safety of their homes.

We call on the Chitungwiza community to continue supporting these hardworking people by giving them business as usual.

CCDN also notes that the ubiquitous market stalls by the roadside (Musika) has been the worst affected by the current demolitions. The changes in the operating environment for informal entrepreneurs necessitates a change in the way we conceive the market as a physical space (musika) to a mentality that sees the market as many platforms where demand meets supply.

Informal business people should specifically consider creating virtual markets in the form of whatsapp groups to buy/sell specific products and services.

We advise the newly elected chitungwiza town council to mitigate the suffering of its constituents by quickly developing and providing regularized market stalls and working spaces (home industries) to the affected entrepreneurs residents and youth.

End;

By Own Correspondent- The Grain Millers Association of Zimbabwe (GMAZ) has said the bread price increases are not associated to flour cost drivers as the product’s supply price to bakers has remained constant.

Zimbabweans on Sunday woke up to a new price structure of the basic commodity, which is now selling at around $2,50 in most retail shops and the GMAZ has clarified the issue.

GMAZ Media and Public Relations Manager, Garikai Chaunza said:

“The Grain Millers Association of Zimbabwe has noted the recent increase in bread prices. These bread price increases are however not in any way associated with flour cost drivers as the product (flour) supply price to bakers has remained constant. Flour supplies to bakers have however remained suppressed due to the non-availability of foreign currency to bring in imported wheat which is still held in Beira.”

The country has recently witnessed price increases on most goods.-StateMedia

BAKERS have increased the price of bread, with a standard loaf now pegged at $2,50 or alternatively US$0,90, citing the rising cost of production after government failed to provide support to maintain the current price of $1,40.

This is the second increase within three months and yesterday, the Grain Millers Association of Zimbabwe (GMAZ), a body tasked with importation of wheat for bakers, said the increase had nothing to do with the supply of flour.

“These bread price increases are, however, not in any way associated with flour cost-drivers as the product (flour) supply price to bakers has remained constant. Flour supplies to bakers have, however, remained suppressed due to the non-availability of foreign currency to bring in imported wheat, which is still held in Beira,” GMAZ spokesperson Garikai Chaunza said in a statement.

In November last year, bread was going for $1 and increased to $1,40 retail price after government and the central bank committed to meet 80% of foreign currency demand by the industry, supposing that the price of flour would remain at $36,50 per 50kg.

But government has been failing to fulfil its promises, forcing bakers to act.

Bread is already scarce on the market, and bakers have scaled down production, resulting in long queues in retail outlets.

Due to limited supply, informal traders were now selling bread at $3 per loaf, instead of the recommended $1,40.

NewsDay is reliably informed that government has, for the past month, been engaged in series of meetings with bakers, with a view to ensure they maintained existing bread prices.

According to reliable sources, bakers met the central bank on January 7 and on January 16, held a meeting with Vice-President Constantino Chiwenga, who monitors the food security cluster and presented their precarious position.

They also held a meeting with the National Competitiveness Commission on January 18 this year to try and find a lasting solution.

Bakers are irked by the fact that a number of resolutions such as 80% forex allocation, liquidation of bakers legacy debt of $4,8 million, reduction of flour price made by government to support bakers, have not been 
addressed.

Contacted for comment, National Bakers’ Association president Ngoni Mazango said: “I am in a meeting now. I am not in a position to talk now. You are lucky that I answered your call.”

Between December 2018 and January 2019, the baking industry has received 27% and 9%, respectively, of foreign currency allocations.

According to information at hand, as at January 20, out of the monthly forex requirement of $1,2 million, Lobels did not receive any allocation, whereas Bakers Inn was allocated $100 000 .

Proton Bakers, which needs 
$320 000 of forex monthly, was only given $50 000.

Another baker, Bakels Zimbabwe, whose monthly forex requirement is $500 000, was not allocated anything.

Reserve Bank of Zimbabwe governor John Mangudya had not responded to questions sent to him at the time of going to print last night.

Bread is one of the 16 monitored products, which include cooking oil, mealie meal, flour, sugar, rice, salt, chicken, eggs, beef, fresh milk, laundry soaps and washing powder, among others.

Newsday

By Farai D Hove| At a time when video footage emerged of soldiers assaulting mothers at a property, the spokesperson of the MDC Thoko party, Linda Masarira took a turn on Sunday morning to criticise civilians.

This also came at a time when there were several abductions of MDC members at the weekend.

Masarira said members of the public are wrong.

Below was her full text: “In as much as  ZANUPF Official is wrong, Zimbabweans are wrong too as well as all political parties.

“If we are all sincere that we want to fix Zimbabwe, we all have to fix our mindsets first. So long our mindsets are not reformed there is no hope for a better & brighter Zimbabwe.”

By Paul Nyathi|It just never rains but it pours for MDC Vice President Elias Mudzuri inside the opposition party administration.

The troubled Vice President who was recently taken to task for attending a parliamentary ceremony at State House without clearance from the party, has run into fresh trouble for failing to offer his seat to party leader Nelson Chamisa during the recent burial of late musician Oliver Mtukudzi in Madziwa.

Not only that, Mudzuri, the party is raising claims against him for attending the burial without notifying the party as per protocol requirements.

What makes issues worse for Mudzuri is that party President Nelson Chamisa attended same burial but was not given the reception that Mudzuri received from the predominantly ZANU PF run protocol.

Chamisa was initially blocked from entering the venue for the burial by state security before members of the public overpowered the security and let Chamisa through.

When he eventually did, he was still forced to follow proceedings while standing in the crowd.

While Chamisa was being humiliated, Mudzuri was being given a VVIP treatment by the ZANU PF leaders including an acknowledgement by Defence Minister Oppah Muchinguri-Kashiri when she went through the salutations as she presided over the burial on President Emmerson Mnangagwa’s behalf.

“Mudzuri breached party protocol by going alone to Tuku’s funeral without informing the party’s information and protocol department,” said a senior MDC official close to the events.

“He should have checked with these two departments if the president (Chamisa) was attending the burial.

“The other co-Vice President (Morgen) Komichi and other senior party officials travelled with the president but he (Mudzuri) chose to travel alone and to make matters worse, he was acknowledged while the president was harassed and embarrassed.”

The official said in terms of party protocol, Mudzuri was supposed to surrender his high table seat to Chamisa.

“The moment he saw Chamisa entering, as a junior official, he was supposed to vacate his seat and give way to the president.

“He never bothered to do that and instead, he remained seated as if he was enjoying Chamisa’s humiliation,” said the official.

“Mudzuri’s conduct during Tuku’s burial will certainly be discussed during the coming standing committee and national council meetings. His behaviour is now unbecoming,” said another senior party official.

Mudzuri has not yet officially commented on the issue.

Own Correspondent|JUSTICE, Legal and Parliamentary Affairs minister Ziyambi Ziyambi, together with his Finance and Economic Development counterpart Mthuli Ncube, have both been taken to court by the MDC-T led by Thokozani Khupe over a $1,8 million political parties funding which Treasury paid to Nelson Chamisa’s MDC faction last year.

Early last month, the MDC-T through their lawyer Prof Lovemore Madhuku petitioned the High Court seeking an order to compel both the Justice and Finance ministers to pay the money which it claims was due at the end of December 2018.

The MDC-T then issued the summons against Ziyambi in his official capacity as the minister responsible for the administration of the Political Parties (Finance) Act and Ncube in his official capacity as a minister in charge of the Consolidated Revenue Fund.

However, on January 21, 2019, both ministers, through their lawyers from the Civil Division of the Attorney-General’s Office, entered their appearances to defend, setting a stage for a bruising legal battle.

“Be pleased to take notice that on January 21, 2019 the defendants [Ziyambi and Ncube] hereby enter an appearance to defend the action instituted by the plaintiff [MDC-T] … The summons was served on defendants on January 16, 2019,” part of the notice of appearances to defend read.

According to the MDC-T, the basis for its claim of the money is that in 2013, it contested the general elections during which time it obtained more than 5% of the total votes cast in that election and, as a result, qualified to be paid money appropriated by Parliament for political parties.

“Plaintiff (MDC-T) applied to the first defendant (Justice and Parliamentary Affairs ministry) under section 4 of the Political Parties (Finance) Act and was approved as a qualifying political party,” the party
said.

“For the financial year ending December 31, 2018, the first defendant, despite receiving from the second defendant (Finance ministry) an amount of $1 800 000 meant for the plaintiff, has refused and/or neglected to pay to the plaintiff that amount.”

The MDC-T further said despite several demands to have the money released, both ministries had not budged, thereby forcing the political party to approach the court for recourse.

Khupe’s faction broke away from the Nelson Chamisa-led MDC after losing a leadership battle to the former student leader following the death of Morgan Tsvangirai in February last year, but kept the MDC-T moniker.

She was expelled from Parliament in April last year after the party recalled her as its proportional representation legislator for Bulawayo Metropolitan
province.