Correspondent|As furore over the Ndinyengeiwo video continues to ravage the streets of Zimbabwe social media, Five Star Hotel, Meikles has released a statement distancing themselves from the shenanigans.

In a statement, the hotel- which preferred to refer to the “Ndinyengeiwo video” as an ongoing issue on various social media platforms- claimed that the Business Centre where the star of the Ndinyengeiwo video works is subcontracted to a private company and that they have nothing to do with the management of its affairs.

We are being told the Business Centre had/has somewhat become something of a mini tourist attraction as suitors trip over each other to win (or at least attempt) the heart of Lorraine Guyo who is at the centre of the storm. Reports are that her employer , overwhelmed by the situation has had to let her go.

Below… the Official Statement

In response to an ongoing issue on various social media platforms, Management of Meikles Hotel would like to advise that the Business Centre situated in the lobby of the hotel is a privately run, outsourced facility which is operated and managed by a private company.

Lorraine Guyo-Meikles Hotel SPEAKS OUT on “Ndinyengeiwo video”
Lorraine Guyo-Meikles Hotel SPEAKS OUT on “Ndinyengeiwo video”

ZAPU president Dumiso Dabengwa has for over a month now been sidelined from hectic political activity as he has been holed up in South Africa where he was flown after his health reportedly deteriorated late last year.

Dabengwa, a strong Zanu PF critic, has been in South Africa since December last year with then party national chairperson Isaac Mabuka assuming the position of acting president.

Zapu national spokesperson Iphithule Maphosa yesterday confirmed that his boss is currently receiving medical attention for an undisclosed illness in the neighbouring country.

“I can confirm he is facing health challenges but he has been attended to by South African doctors and he is in good spirits,” said Maphosa while refusing to give more details.

He, however, dismissed rumours that Dabengwa was bed-ridden.

“He is not admitted in hospital. Neither is he bed-ridden. He was supposed to undergo an operation but it was deferred for medical reasons. We wait for the new dates while he is at his home in South Africa. He is the usual DD we all know, in his high spirits,” Maphosa said.

Dabengwa joins a bandwagon of high-profile Zimbabwean nationals who have always sought medical remedy in the neighbouring country.

Meanwhile, the Zapu national spokesperson has gone into self-exile in Namibia following the shutdown which turned violent last month, resulting in a crackdown by the country’s security forces.

Maphosa claims he was forced to flee after security details allegedly invaded his house in the evening.

He claimed the soldiers and police first came, searching for him in connection with the protests, but were told he was out of the country having left on January 6.

Maphosa further said he returned home on January 20 but had to flee the same night after four police officers returned the same evening he had returned.

“As they were at the gate trying to gain entry, I hurriedly sneaked out by jumping the precast wall into the neighbour’s yard and fled,” he said.

“I was never part of the demonstrations so it dawned on me the regime could be having a hit list and were using the stay-away as cover for targeted persecutions,” he said.

Maphosa, however, said he was not feeling safe in Namibia as “we all know how the Zimbabwean regime invested in secret service.

“CIO operatives are all over neighbouring countries and as such safety cannot be guaranteed”. — DailyNews

Dear Friends,

I have just returned from the meeting at State House where I was able to hand deliver the letter below to President Mnangagwa after reading it out aloud to all who were in attendance. Blessings. Dr. Noah Manyika

MDC Alliance on Wednesday snubbed a pre-dialogue meeting of all presidential candidates with President Emmerson Mnangagwa meant to try resolve a political and economic crisis, saying any dialogue with the president must be brokered by an independent outside mediator.

Those who attended include Nkosana Moyo, Noah Manyika, Lovemore Madhuku, Thokozani Khupe, and seveal other presidential candidates from the 2018 elections.

The Movement for Democratic Change (MDC) said it would take part in the talks only if they were held under the supervision of the United Nations, African Union or regional bloc Southern African Development Community.

“The MDC’s position is that the dialogue process must be convened by an independent mediator and not one of the disputants,” the MDC said in a letter responding to Mnangagwa’s invitation to the talks.

The MDC has said Zimbabwe’s problems stemmed from last year’s presidential vote. Mnangagwa won but MDC accused his side of rigging the results, which he denies.

Joice Mujuru, an opposition leader and former vice president to Robert Mugabe, also did not attend the meeting although other smaller parties met Mnangagwa at state house offices in Harare.

In a speech before the talks, Mnangagwa said his opponents should accept his election win, and he urged them to call for the removal of U.S. sanctions on ruling party and government officials.

“Peace can never be imposed from outside but must issue from within our own society,” Mnangagwa said, in an apparent reference to the MDC demand for an outside mediator.

Zimbabwe has held disputed elections since 2000, which coincided with an economic recession, but in 2009 the ruling ZANU-PF party and the MDC formed a unity government, which ushered economic and political stability.

Last July’s vote, the first since Mugabe was forced to resign after a coup in 2017, was seen as an opportunity to pull Zimbabwe out of its diplomatic isolation and prompting an economic recovery. Instead, the vote left the nation polarised.

Rights groups and witnesses say armed men in police and army uniform have continued to make night raids at homes of opposition activists where they beat up occupants, a charge denied by security forces.

A video surfaced this week of a soldier beating women at a house in a Harare township while another man held a pistol and frogmarched three young men.

Army’s Major General Nyikayaramba told reporters that the army used proportionate force against protesters and that no one had reported rights abuses against the military.

The Zimbabwe Human Rights NGO forum said on Wednesday that 17 people had died since the mid-January protests although police still insist three people were killed.

In Harare, a strike for better pay by public sector teachers entered its second day as some stayed at home while others attended school but did not teach, with unions accusing security agents of intimidation. — Reuters

Correspondent|ZANU PF Youth League on Wednesday passed a vote of no confidence firing its five leaders namely Pupurai Togarepi, Secretary for Youth Affairs Lewis Matutu, Secretary for Administration Tendai Chirau, Admire Mahachi and Mercy Mugomo.

They are accused of failing to defend President Emmerson and the Party.

Chirau confirmed the incident but said their suspension is null.

“It’s true Cadres that a Vote Of No Confidence (VONC) has been passed on five Members of NEC.

“I am part of the five. However a VONC is subject to confirmation of the National Disciplinary Committee of the Party.” Chirau said.

6th  February, 2019

Chief Secretary to the President & Cabinet
Munhumutapa Building
Samora Machel Ave
Harare

Att: Dr M. Sibanda

RE: INVITATION TO DISCUSS THE FRAMEWORK FOR POST-ELECTION DIALOGUE BY POLITICAL PARTIES

We acknowledge receipt of a letter inviting the MDC to participate in a meeting set to discuss “post-election dialogue” framework.

The party notes that Mr Mnangagwa has finally acceded to the call by President Advocate Nelson Chamisa of the need for dialogue as a way of resolving the national crisis.

The MDC believes in genuine and sincere dialogue that ultimately must benefit the people of Zimbabwe. We also believe that national dialogue is part of the unfinished liberation struggle agenda.

It is our considered view that at the core of the crisis in Zimbabwe is the disputed presidential election result and the associated governance issues. In view of this, the MDC’s position is that the dialogue process must be convened by an independent mediator and not one of the disputants.

In this respect the MDC believes that genuine dialogue can only take place if regionally facilitated and mediated by SADC and guaranteed by the AU and the UN. It is also our view and position that genuine dialogue can only take place when a conducive environment has been created for the same.
In this respect the people of Zimbabwe and the MDC calls for the following:

1. Immediate cessation of all forms of violence against the people including rape, killings, shootings, torture, abductions as well as a genuine and transparent process to bring to book those responsible for killing, maiming and raping defenseless citizens,
2. Restore and guarantee the security of all citizens.
3. Immediately stop arbitrary arrests, mass trials, and all violations of the rule of law.
4. Restore and guarantee the independence of the judiciary and cessation of all executive interference with the judiciary and judicial processes.
5. Restoration of the rule of law and an end to malicious prosecutions and the miscarriage of justice being witnessed at Rotten Row magistrates courts.
6. Release of all political detainees and prisoners of conscience.
7. Restore and guarantee the respect of all human rights particularly political freedoms, security of each citizen and all civil rights.
8. The immediate return of all military personnel to the barracks, since the country is not at war.
9. Restore and guarantee freedoms of association, expression and movement.
10. Unbanning of civilian politics and decriminalization of the MDC party by an immediate end to the harassment and persecution of our party’s leadership and their families. Cognisant of the need to balance the fears, interests and aspirations of all the potential stakeholders in the dialogue, the MDC is amenable to sincere discussions around the issues we raise and how best we can create a conducive environment for dialogue.

Yours Faithfully
Sessel Zvizvai
Chief of Staff to the President

By Chirumanzu Correspondent| A top Emmerson Mnangagwa ally, Chief Chirumanzu has died.

ZimEye is reliably told Gerald Mudzengi bled to death.

He was bleeding at the nose and mouth, a close source told ZimEye.

Further details were not available at the time of writing.

Mudzengi was well known in the area for womanising. He had an obsession with dating young girls and was visibly unwell in recent days.

He was found dead at around 8am on Wednesday.

– MORE FOLLOWS

Gerald Mudzengi

A ZIMBABWEAN court on Tuesday 5 February 2019 ended the lengthy
detention in prison of prominent pro-democracy campaigner
Kukhanyakwenkosi Mkandla, who was arrested last month and charged with
public violence over the anti-government demonstrations held across
the country.

The 34-year-old Mkandla was arrested on 17 January 2019 by Zimbabwe
Republic Police (ZRP) officers in Gwanda in Matabeleland South
province and charged with public violence as defined in section
36(1)(a) of the Criminal Law (Codification and Reform) Act or
alternatively for malicious damage to property as defined in section
140 of the Criminal Law (Codification and Reform) Act.

During trial, which was presided over by Magistrate Nomagugu Ncube,
prosecutors claimed that Mkandla, a film maker, forcibly disturbed the
peace, security or order of the public by going on a rampage
destroying property and in the process stoning ZANU PF provincial
headquarters offices and damaging four window panes and uprooted a
sign post at the ruling party’s offices.

But Magistrate Ncube on Tuesday 5 February acquitted Mkandla, who was
represented by Mehluli Dube of Zimbabwe Lawyers for Human Rights
(ZLHR), after ruling that there were several inconsistences in the
evidence led by the state from its witnesses during the human rights
activist’s trial.

Meanwhile, the trial of Nkanyiso Ncube, another Gwanda resident on
public violence charges continued at Gwanda Magistrates Court on
Wednesday 6 February 2019, where he is also facing charges of
obstructing or endangering free movement of persons or traffic as
defined in section 38(c) of the Criminal Law (Codification and Reform)
Act.

Prosecutors claim that Ncube burnt some tyres and placed them on the
tarmac and blocked traffic and the free movement of persons, thereby
endangering people or traffic using the road.

Crisis in Zimbabwe Coalition (CiZC) notes President Emmerson Mnangagwa’s call for a national dialogue with political parties that participated during the 2018 national elections, with concern.

As an umbrella body of civic society organizations in Zimbabwe advocating for democratic development, we reiterate our call for an inclusive process on the national dialogue that brings all stakeholders together beyond political boundaries.

We further clarify that in our view the national dialogue that we continue to call for is not predicated on creating another version of a Global Political Agreement or an elite power sharing deal. We reiterate that our envisaged national dialogue should be a reform process that seeks to safeguard the interest of citizens by restoring the Social Contract between the citizens and those that govern.

In this regard, we hold the firm view that the national dialogue process must never be restricted to political parties but should rather bring on board a cross section of stakeholders that include civic society, labour, women, youth, person living disabilities, farmers, media, students, religious groups and business among other critical stakeholders.

Restricting the dialogue process to political parties will only create a political pact that excludes the concerns of ordinary citizens. This therefore underlines the importance of a mediator accepted by all stakeholders and guarantor at the African Union or United Nations level.

We reiterate that efforts at arresting the multifaceted crisis facing the country must be hinged on a competitive national dialogue process which is seated on broad citizenry issues. We also raise our concerns over a national dialogue process that is facilitated by the National Peace and Reconciliation Commission on the basis of the following:

1. NPRC Commissioners are appointees of the President and save at his mercy who in this case is a conflicted party
2. The commission has, despite repeated calls and need, failed to rollout tangible national reconciliation initiatives
3. The issues at stake require an accepted and un-conflicted party to play the mediator role and a continental or international guarantor

We further call on the president to prove his sincerity by ensuring that the Zimbabwe government has a conducive environment for holding an inclusive dialogue process in the wake of state sponsored terror that has increased fear level amongst citizens. To create a conducive environment and as part of confidence and trust building in the national dialogue, the government must immediately meet the following conditions:

a. End torture, abductions and enforced disappearances, murder, rape and maiming civilians by the military, state security agents and ruling party vigilante groups
b. Decriminalize the work of civic society and end the continued persecution and arbitrary arrests of civic society leaders
c. Ensure that peace and human security prevails to allow for all stakeholder to freely express their views on the national dialogue process
d. Release of all political prisoners and return Zimbabwe to the rule of law
e. The attack on Chapter 12 institutions must seize and independent constitutional bodies allowed to discharge their mandate without undue interference from the state and other conflicted parties
f. Promote fair media coverage for all stakeholders and allow divergent views to be shared on all media platforms. Tolerance to divergence is the hallmark of enriching the national dialogue process

We reiterate that efforts at arresting the multi faceted crisis facing the country are hinged on a proper national dialogue process that seeks to put the concerns of ordinary citizens on board.

Addressing the Zimbabwean crisis implies addressing the concerns of the ordinary citizens who have had to bear the brutal effects of an economic meltdown stemming from a constitutional and legitimacy crisis.

Government needs to honour its social protection obligations and this is achievable through wide consultations hence the need for an inclusive process.

On our part as Crisis in Zimbabwe Coalition, we have set our minimum demands for the national dialogue process based on wider consultations with our membership around the country.

Our demands are highlighted below:

On the process:

1) It is our conviction that the national dialogue process must involve all stakeholders and should be hinged on a national visioning process that has civil society, government, political parties, business, religious groups and labour unions among other critical stakeholders. The dialogue process should produce a clearly timed roadmap to the demilitarisation of civilian political processes and the restoration of normalcy by focusing on key political, economic and social reforms. In this regard, we call for FULL CONSULTATION of all stakeholders rather than cosmetic processes.
On the Economy:
2) It is imperative to arrest the economic downturn in Zimbabwe based on a clear reform roadmap and implementation of pro-poor and inclusive economic policies. Efforts at economic transformation, stabilisation and growth should be aimed at achieving inclusive sustainable economic growth and development.
On Constitutionalism, Rule of Law, Human Rights and Human Security:
3) The Government of Zimbabwe must uphold and guarantee citizens’ rights as enshrined in the Zimbabwean Constitution and other regional and international human rights treaties and statutes. Full implementation of the country’s constitution is equally important in promoting democracy in Zimbabwe.
4) The Government of Zimbabwe must respect the fundamental right of access to information, freedom of expression as well as freedom of association.
5) There is need to immediately operationalise a comprehensive programme on national healing, reconciliation and nation building that will depolarise society and entrench the respect for diversity, inclusion and tolerance in all facets of life.
6) The army must desist from partisan politics and confide themselves to the barracks. There is an imperative need to de-militarise the Zimbabwean state.
7) There is need for non-interference into the work of institutions that support democracy. This again calls for full implementation and respect of the country’s constitution. Also, government must not be seen to be criminalising the work of civic society organisations.
8) CiZC holds the firm view that implementation of electoral reforms is critical as a way of doing away with disputed elections that often result in a legitimacy crisis which comes with negative impacts on democracy and economic development

A Harare woman, Laina Shumba was hauled before the Harare Magistrates court on charges of stealing trust funds.

The state alleges that during the period extended from December 13 2017 to June 28, Shumba generated four fraudulent copies of memorandum with forged signatures of the two trustees, Laina Banda and Peter Lloyd instructing FIM capital ltd to transfer funds to her relative Suwisai Musindire’s South African ABSA bank account.

It is further alleged that in the forged documents, Shumba endorsed a signatory as witness.

It is the state’s case that Shumba forwarded copies of the forged memorandum via the Geoffrey Jekyll Trust email address to FIM Capital ltd’s Mary Tait without the consent of the two trustees.

The copies purported that Geoffrey Jekyll Trust represented by its two trustees Banda and Lloyd had requested the Trust’s offshore investment administrator FIM Capital Ltd to transfer funds to Musundire who had been appointed a trustee of Geoffrey Jekyll Trust.

The funds were to be received through her ABSA bank account.

As a result of the misrepresentation, FIM Capital Ltd deposited £134 977.92 and US$70 000 into the given account.

By Own Correspondent- ZESA Holdings has fired its chief executive Joshua Chifamba following resolutions by the power utility’s board not to extend his second term contract.

Chifamba was last year suspended and arrested on allegations of corruption and criminal abuse of office over $35 million underhand deals involving an Indian company, PME.

The ZESA board decided not to extend Chifamba’s contract on December 13, last year.

The resolution was endorsed by the Office of the President and Cabinet (OPC) in consultation with the Minister of Energy.

Chifamba was arrested together with Zimbabwe Electricity Transmission and Distribution managing director Engineer Julian Chinembiri and his finance director Thokozani Dhliwayo

By Own Correspondent– The University of Oxford is under pressure to denounce Finance Minister Mthuli Ncube over the Zimbabwean government’s brutal crackdown on protestors.

Ncube is a former academic at the institution and remains a visiting professor at the University.

Dan Hodgkinson, lecturer in African history and politics at Oxford said :

……[the] way in which the Zimbabwean government has acted in the last few weeks has been totally abhorrent.

Mthuli Ncube is a key part of it – he is the finance minister and he has collective accountability.

An association with Oxford, an incredibly reputable institution, carries with it a lot of authority. To hold a position where you are able to use that authority seems to be problematic, to say the least.

For me, the authorities at Oxford should be thinking quite seriously about the implications that their association with the Zimbabwean government has for them.

The government of Zimbabwe deployed security forces around the country to restore order after nationwide riots broke out in January this year. At least 12 people were reportedly killed while hundreds more were seriously injured.

By Own Correspondent- Opposition MDC T led by Dr Thokozani Khupe has revealed that the party has accepted the invitation for dialogue from President Emmerson Mnangagwa.

Party spokesperson Linda Masarira said the MDC T was sending its party leader Dr Khupe and the party’s Secretary General Gibson Nyikadzino.

Said Masarira:

The MDC-T accepted the invitation and the Presidium accompanied by the Secretary General Nyikadzino are attending the dialogue.

The national dialogue is important as it is a way of resolving the multi faceted crisis bedeviling the country. We believe that Zimbabwean politicians must learn to fight their battles without strangling the voter! This dialogue is a right step towards uniting all political players to work towards peace, truth, reconciliation and development of our country.

It’s good for our country that people find each other. Our nation is too polarised. There are destructive divisions. We need to see all political leaders burying their differences and focusing on bread and butter issues. The winner and losers all need to be magnanimous. Zimbabwe is such a beautiful country with vast potential for prosperity. We are praying for a fruitful dialogue which will see all political leaders putting Zimbabwe first.

By Own Correspondent- Three men from Dzivaresekwa in Harare were slapped with five year jail terms each by Harare magistrate Elisha Singano for stealing from a local businessman goods worth over $20k.

The trio were hauled before the court on allegations of robbing the businessman Econet airtime worth $20 000, a laptop and mobile phone during the January riots.

The trio, identified as Paul Chilenje (32), Tapiwa Muvishi (29) and John Karoti (28) will, however, serve four years each after one year was set aside on condition of good behaviour.

The three were armed with stones when they attacked Passmore Kaseke’s vehicle along the Harare-Bulawayo highway on January 14.

They took away Kaseke’s Note 8 cellphone, a black satchel bag with airtime worth $20 000, Nokia mobile phone, iPhone 6 plus, two chargers and a ZTE mobile phone.

The police managed to recover goods worth $2 000.

Statement by Dr Noah Manyika In Response to Invitation to State House Meeting with President Mnangagwa

Noah Manyika

Earlier today I received a letter signed by the Chief Secretary to the President and Cabinet, Dr Misheck Sibanda inviting me and the other candidates who participated in the 2018 election to a meeting with the President at Munhumutapa Offices on Thursday the 7th of February at 10:00 am to discuss “The Framework for Post Election Dialogue by Political Parties.” I am attaching a copy of the invitation letter below.

I have since received a second message indicating that the meeting has been brought forward to tomorrow the 6th and will now be held at State House at 4 pm.

My views on what needs to happen in order for us to have meaningful dialogue are a matter of public record. It is my intention to attend the meeting if as stated in the invitation it is to discuss the framework for dialogue.

In my view, real and meaningful dialogue that will lead to the change we desperately need in our country can only happen if the people wrongfully detained have been released and the army is withdrawn completely from the streets and from manning roadblocks.

It can only take place if, as the President promised upon his return from his overseas trip, the heads of those who have been responsible for brutalizing citizens roll.

Let me state clearly and unequivocally that I don’t believe the president has created the right conditions for dialogue, something that is in his power to do. I will attend this meeting to hear if he is now prepared to do so and will only be prepared to join any continuing dialogue if this is clearly the case.

Paul Nyathi|PRESIDENT Emmerson Mnangagwa is set to address what he calls a “Thank You” Rally at Pelandaba Stadium in Gwanda on Friday.

Gwanda Central constituency is apparently the only Matabeleland South constituency that did not vote for Mnangagwa and ZANU PF with both Nelson Chamisa and his MDC party coming out victorious.

It is then confusing what Mnangagwa will be thanking the people of Gwanda for.

Addressing heads of government departments during a preparatory meeting held in Gwanda yesterday, Matabeleland South Provincial Administrator Ms Sithandiwe Ncube said all planning committees had been activated.

Various committees also gave feedback on the progress they had made and outstanding work.

“It has been confirmed that President Emmerson Mnangagwa will be holding a ‘thank you’ rally at Pelandaba Stadium, Matabeleland South Province on Friday 8 February. All committees are now on the ground and they are planning for this event.

“As heads of government departments can you communicate with one another on outstanding works that have to be done so that this event can be a success,” she said.

Late last year, ZANU PF unceremoniously moved the venue of its annual Conference from Gwanda town to Esigodini after the party’s provincial executive felt Gwanda was not an ideal venue since it is being held by the opposition MDC.

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Government has entered into negotiations with bakers to have the price of bread adjusted downwards following a recent price hike.

Sources who attended the meeting yesterday said government was pushing for the price of a loaf of bread to be pegged at $1,80, instead of $2,60 being charged by the bakers.

Bakers defended their decision to increase the prices, citing a rise in the cost of production and the Reserve Bank of Zimbabwe’s failure to disburse foreign currency that would enable them to pay for some unavoidable export requirements.

National Bakers Association of Zimbabwe president Ngoni Mazango told NewsDay that engagements were ongoing.

“There are engagements that are taking place at the moment. That’s all that I can tell you,” he said.

“That’s enough to say there are engagements that are taking place, that’s enough.”

Consumer Council of Zimbabwe executive director Rosemary Siyachitema said consumers were not looking forward to any increases because they have had to put up with a lot of them.

“What we understand, because we can speak to the ministry and are doing a follow-up on the discussions between the Ministry of Industry and bakers, is that they are still holding the discussions and apparently, they need to determine the price of bread by Friday so that we know because they are saying there are issues that are there in terms of cost of inputs, the things that they put when they are making the bread,” she said.

Siyachitema said consumers were waiting with bated breath, as they were not looking forward to any increases.

“You wake up, there is an increase; you wake up there is another increase and bread, as we know, is a basic. Things like bread and mealie meal are basics and it’s important that they are not priced beyond their (consumers) pockets,” she said.

“I think the government needs to come up with some understanding of how those prices can be maintained at a level that consumers can afford.”

Efforts to get a comment from Industry minister Nqobizitha Mangaliso Ndlovu were fruitless.

NewsDay

Some Zimbabwean teachers stayed at home while others went slow on the job as a strike at state schools got off to a patchy start amid fears of further intimidation by security forces who cracked down hard on last month’s protests.

Zimbabwe is grappling with an economic crisis marked by cash shortages and rising prices of basic goods after President Emmerson Mnangagwa hiked fuel costs 150 percent last month.

That brought demonstrations and looting, plus a brutal response from security agents, which rights groups say left 12 people dead. Police put the figure at three.

In schools near central Harare, most teachers appeared to have turned up for work, but some were not conducting lessons in adherence with the strike, witnesses said.

In a classroom at a primary school in Harare’s Mbare township, a Reuters photographer saw one teacher eating from her lunch box in the morning while pupils sat quietly.

She and the headmistress declined to be interviewed.

“Stay home, be safe. Don’t be intimidated by police and CIOs (Central Intelligence Organisation),” the Zimbabwe Teachers Association (ZIMTA), the biggest teachers’ union, said in a circular to members.

Zimbabwe has more than 100,000 public sector teachers.

The Bulawayo-based online news site, Centre for Innovation and Technology, said teachers at several schools in the country’s second biggest city did not turn up for work and parents had to collect their children.

“Some teachers are in class but there is no meaningful teaching going on,” ZIMTA president Richard Gundane told Reuters.

Government workers are demanding wage rises and payments in U.S. dollars to cope with soaring inflation and an economic crisis that has sapped supplies of fuel and medicines.

Many Zimbabweans, who have seen purchasing power eroded despite adopting the dollar in 2009, say Mnangagwa has not delivered on pre-election pledges to kick-start growth after the exit of Robert Mugabe in 2017.

Despite their demands for better pay, other public workers declined to join teachers on strike because they are fearful of the volatile security situation and want to continue negotiations with the government.

Economic hardships have seen the government allowing nurses to work just three days a week because they do not have enough money for bus fares, the nurses union said on Tuesday.

The government has pleaded with teachers’ unions to give talks a chance, saying children will be prejudiced.

iol.co.zw

By Own Correspondent| Finance minister Professor Mthuli Ncube has encouraged Zimbabweans to continue working hard adding that the current austerity measures are necessary and will soon bear fruit.

Ncube said this in an interview with the State media.

He said:

Things are certainly going to get better as we go. The changes that we are making, the reforms that we are implementing are necessary. There has been such a long time actually 20 years where there has been incredible indiscipline in the economy and there has to be a change and these changes are costly. We keep saying that these are changes that are needed when a patient is down and out and you need to resuscitate them and give them medication and that is the only way they can survive but that medication can be painful so we are going through that phase.

By Own Correspondent| President Emmerson Mnangagwa has invited leaders of political parties who participated in the Presidential election of 30 July 2018 to a meeting to discuss a framework for dialogue and interaction.

In an invitation letter directed to the National Peace and Reconciliation Commission Chairperson Justice Sello Nare, all the Presidential candidates who participated in the elections are expected to bring three delegates.

The invitation letter also states that for those candidates with parliamentary representation, one extra delegate can be from Parliament.

The meeting will be facilitated by the Office of the President and Cabinet, and will be held on 7 February 2019 at 1000 hours in the New Munhumutapa 2nd floor Boardroom. Delegates are expected to be seated by 0930 hours.

Those attending the meeting are encouraged to ensure that delegates have identification documents for ease of entry.

By Own Correspondent| Zanu-PF Youth League yesterday commended President Emmerson Mnangagwa for his leadership reaffirming its full support for his efforts of changing the economy.

Said Yeukai Simbanegavi, the Zanu PF national youth secretary for information and publicity who is also the current Youth, Sport, Arts and Recreation deputy minister: “We have had a very fruitful meeting and as the youth league representing the entire youths from Zimbabwe from all the 10 provinces, we stand in support of the Government and the President of the Republic of Zimbabwe Cde Emmerson Dambudzo Mnangagwa. We support the President’s efforts in turning the economy around.

“He has not been resting since he was elected and is still making sure that the manifesto that was put across during the elections of reengagement, fighting corruption, keeping Zimbabweans united and the creation of jobs is achieved. Those who mean the country well and have no other nefarious political agendas will agree that the move by the President has paid off.

“There are no more fuel queues and the black market has died. We also applaud the President for providing the cushioning allowance for civil servants against economic hardships. The youth league understands and has absolute faith in where the President is taking the nation, which is to achieve economic, political and stability as a county.”-StateMedia

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By Own Correspondent- Opposition MDC Nelson Chamisa has called for genuine and sincere dialogue under a credible convener and mediator.

Chamisa said the current crisis in the country does not need games or drama neither does it need false dialogue.

The statement comes following the invitation by President Emmerson Mnangagwa calling all the presidential candidates who contested the just ended harmonised polls.

Said Chamisa:

“GENUINE DIALOGUE NOT GAMES AND DRAMA..

We’ve a political crisis arising out of a disputed and rigged Presidential election result in Zimbabwe. The Presidency is disputed. We need genuine and sincere dialogue under a credible Convener and mediator to solve this crisis. We can’t have false dialogue to cheat and deceive citizens hoodwinking SADC and AU. Stop citizens abuses, beatings and arrests.Release all political prisoners.Decriminalize the MDC members and the MPs.Restore and guarantee all freedoms, rights and dignity of citizens.Guarantee the independence of the judiciary.”

By Own Correspondent| The Progressive Teachers Union of Zimbabwe has said the job action which started today Tuesday is on course with most of its membership in Mashonaland East participating in the announced stay away.

In a report issued by the PTUZ on the job action, the organisation said:

Report on job action in Mashonaland East

We have conducted a survey in Mash East and we are pleased to report that the stay away over salaries is very successful in all areas.

Teachers have responded in their numbers to express their dissatisfaction over salaries. In Chikomba almost 90% of teachers are away from work.

The same scenario is also shared by Mudzi Mutoko and Seke. In Marondera around 70% of teachers are away. This is also shared by Seke and UMP. Goromonzi Murewa and and Wedza it is 80% of teachers who are at home.

The remainder which is around 20% on average is attributed to fear and those without unions. Generally the action has started well with no incident so far recorded except a cases of party vehicles and security agents who are making unannounced visits.

These “visitors “ have nothing to do with us but they are sure out of bounds.Our hope is that government will come up with a competitive offer to allow for normal learning.

Otherwise we urge all our members to be in their homes relaxing with their kids they are failing to pay fees for. Please do some in house teaching.Never be fooled by media. We are right on track.

Tomorrow will be a better day.We smell victory. Together we can

PTUZ Mashonaland East

Own Correspondent|Latest local media reports claim that President Emmerson Mnangagwa and opposition leader Nelson Chamisa of the MDC are this Thursday expected to meet in Harare over breakfast for “national dialogue.”

According to the reports, one of the initiators of this convergence is the general-secretary of the Zimbabwe Council of Churches (ZCC), the Revd Dr Kenneth Mtata.

Dr. Mtata made news headlines last week when he pulled out of President Mnangagwa’s 24-member Presidential Advisory Council shortly after learning of his appointment.

Dr. Mtata excused himself from the Council, saying he was committed elsewhere but would continue to serve his country in various capacities. He said that he had not been consulted beforehand, although he expressed support for the government’s nation-building agenda.

He issued a statement, saying: “I feel really flattered to be invited to serve the nation and President in such a role in a moment as this. My current position will, however, limit effective functioning in such a huge role. I have therefore humbly withdrawn my name.”

Now, Dr. Mtata is the one being credited by the churches’ website as having initiated the National Dialogue Breakfast after he wrote on social media on Monday evening: “We had dialogue in 1979, and a new Zimbabwe was born. We had dialogue in 1987, and had the Unity Accord. Had dialogue in 2009, and got a government of national unity. We had a wide engagement in 2013, and got a new constitution.

“Though imperfect, we always benefited from dialogue.”

The invitation by Churches in Zimbabwe targets President Mnangagwa and 200 leading political figures to the “National Dialogue” prayer breakfast.

The aim is to unite opposing factions around the ideal of achieving “long-term peace, unity, justice, and prosperity for all Zimbabweans”.

Both President Mnangagwa and Advocate Nelson Chamisa’s offices have yet to confirm their attendance.

Norton Member of Parliament Temba Mliswa has rubbished as smear campaign reports that he wanted a bribe from  businessman James Ross Goddard who wanted to mine coal at Hwange Colliery.

Mliswsa is alleged to have connived with three other legislators in demanding an amount to the tune of $400 000 as  facilitation fee.

“And so the smear campaign begins. Not that I can say this is unexpected, I’m sure we all saw something of this nature coming. Ok so if JRG was bribed, why didn’t he attempt to set us up instead of a hearsay report in response to my allegations?” Said Mliswa.

Goddard is said to have alerted Police Commissioner General Godwin Matanga and Vice President Kembo Mohadi after the alleged incident.

Mliswa demanded the evidence of the allegations and said he is determined to go to court over the allegations of corruption which he leveled against Mohadi on Twitter. Mohadi’s lawyers threatened Mliswa with legal action if he did not retract his statement.

“Where’s the evidence? In fact now that this bribe story is being published now, it gives credence to the fact that Hon VP has something to hide. Never mind I’ll not be swayed, it’s off to court we go

“I’ll also be suing the Herald for publishing something baseless, reporting should be factual and media need to stop being used to print falsehoods. Why did JRG waste an opportunity to trap? Investigations must continue, I’m used to this.

“This story has been around for a while and records in Parliament will prove that Tundiya denied this accusation on record with Hon. Paradza further admitting it was just pub talk.

“This is not a headline,the best headline is yet to come when the evidence against the Hon. V. P. Mohadi is released.” Mliswa threatened.

 The Zimbabwe Election Support Network (ZESN) notes the establishment of an inter-ministerial taskforce to address recommendations and issues raised by the various election observer missions and the Motlanthe Commission on the 1 August 2018 shootings.

ZESN however, urges government to set up an inclusive multi stakeholder taskforce comprising of a wide range of key stakeholders such as other political parties that participated in the 2018 harmonised election, churches and civic society groups including representatives of persons with disabilities, youths and women to spearhead electoral and political reforms.

The Motlanthe Commission had recommended the establishment of a multi-party reconciliation initiative, including youth representatives, with national and international mediation to address the root causes of the post-election violence. The Commission also recommended the identification and implementation of strategies for reducing tensions, promoting common understandings of political campaigning, combating criminality, and uplifting communities. ZESN therefore calls for the inclusion of other stakeholders to ensure representation of all electoral stakeholders in the implementation of recommendations by local, regional and international election observers before the 2023 elections.

ZESN identified a number of key areas that require adequate reforms namely enhancing the independence of the Zimbabwe Electoral Commission, the Zimbabwe Human Rights Commission and other Chapter 12 institutions, reviewing results management and transmission systems, revising provisions around the delimitation of constituencies, tightening provisions on the role of traditional leaders. Furthermore, provisions must be put in place to regulate political parties and enforce the disclosure of sources of funding and the use of campaign funding.

The Network implores the government to strengthen the National Peace and Reconciliation Commission to ensure that it fully delivers on its Constitutional mandate and initiate dialogue that will culminate in initiatives that build and sustain peace in the country to avoid disputed electoral processes in future.

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