Correspondent|FORMER Masvingo Provincial Minister Kudakwashe Bhasikiti has called on the National People’s Party (NPP) president Joice Mujuru to dissolve her party and join the Nelson Chamisa-led MDC.

Bhasikiti is a former member of the ruling ZANU-PF as well as the Zimbabwe People First (ZPF), which was led by Mujuru, before she left to form the splinter NPP.

Mujuru and Bhasikiti, a former Masvingo Provincial Affairs minister, are both former members of the ruling Zanu PF party.

The former vice president, along with a coterie of her backers, including Bhasikiti, Ray Kaukonde, Dzikamai Mavhaire, Didymus Mutasa and Rugare Gumbo, among others, were shown the door by former president Robert Mugabe in 2014.

Mujuru and her cabal were expelled on allegations of seeking to topple Mugabe from power.

Her dismissal saw 15 ministers being dropped from Mugabe’s Cabinet, in a serious carnage that threatened to break the party.

Bhasikiti and Mavhaire are now members of the MDC, while Mutasa has since been readmitted into Zanu PF.

Mujuru, who has gone into hibernation since the July 30, 2018 harmonised elections, has been deserted by a number of her supporters, who have either joined the MDC or Zanu PF.

In a Twitter post, Bhasikiti said Mujuru must join the MDC in order to fulfill her dream for change in the country.

“I still believe…Mujuru should honour not only those she caused to be sacked from ZPF but also the masses which supported her to see change in Zimbabwe, by joining hands with the MDC as the change agent…,” Bhasikiti said.

Mujuru made waves after forming the ZPF, some months after leaving Zanu PF.

Observers believed she had a chance to create a formidable force in the country’s political space.

However, a few months after its formation, ZPF split because of irreconcilable differences between its founders.

Mutasa and Gumbo were among those who clung to the party’s name and offices while Mujuru moved on to form the NPP. Mutasa was to later dump the ZPF after being readmitted into the ruling party late last year.

Before their sacking in 2014, Mutasa was the party’s secretary for administration while Gumbo was its spokesperson. Both were members of the party’s politburo.

Correspondent|CHATUNGA Bellarmine, last born of former Zimbabwean strongman Robert Mugabe, has vented his anger against Finance and Economic Development Minister Mthuli Ncube and Reserve Bank of Zimbabwe (RBZ) Governor John Panonetsa Mangudya saying they are cheating Zimbabweans through the bond notes and the RTGS system.

Chatunga says that he does not keep and use the two pseudo currencies introduced by his own father Mugabe in 2016.

He labelled them as sh*t saying he does not want to get cheated by the two men, Ncube and Mangudya, who are running Zimbabwe’s fiscal and monetary policy directions.

Writing on social media site Twitter, Chatunga said; “I don’t keep those sh*t bond notes I have none so-called RTGs accounts I’m not a fool to be cheated by Mthuli and Panonetsa.”

https://twitter.com/bellagushungo/status/1084006557619232772?s=19

A few days ago, Chatunga, who rarely ventures into politics but is famous for partying like tomorrow, fired another potshot at Minister Mthuli Ncube.

Chatunga recently accused the Minister of living an extravagant lifestyle by staying at the five-star Meikles Hotel since he was appointed into the government, even as he preached austerity to the nation.

https://twitter.com/bellagushungo/status/1082935249867288576?s=19

ZANU-PF vehemently denied that Mthuli Ncube is parked at a hotel.

Chatunga, 22, has been the more vocal of the Mugabes since the family was jettisoned from the pedestal of power by a military coup in November 2017.

Recently, Chatunga stood toe to toe with ZANU-PF Chairperson and Minister of Defence Oppah Muchinguri-Kashiri.

This was after Muchinguri said, “Former President President Mugabe “worked with his enemies” the United States to impose sanctions on Zimbabwe.

“All along I suspect he was a sell-out, it’s coming out now. The sanctions by the United States , it was him who wanted the people to continue to suffer. He was working with his enemies,” Muchinguri-Kashiri said.

But Chatunga who does not like unnecessary criticism of his father thought Muchinguri was offside.

“I don’t comment on politics usually because that’s not my field but l find it very funny and very laughable some people saying our Father begged for sanctions to be imposed on Zimbabwe,” said Chatunga on his social blog.

“When it comes to our Father he loves his country and he has continued to say he will remain in the country because he is a patriot person and everyone knows it.

“A great Pan Africanist who’s history doesn’t need to be explained. So you can’t allege President Robert Mugabe asked for sanctions from the west thats hilarious,” he added.

By Own Correspondent| Zanu Pf stalwart and former Higher Education deputy minister Godfrey Gandawa revealed why he is on the run, claiming that the current administration wanted him dead in the run up to the July 30 harmonised polls.

Gandawa , whose whereabouts remain a mystery said he had received credible information from sources within the  security to the effect that state security agents wanted to harm him.

A warrant of arrest was issued against Gandawa in November last year after he failed to appear before High Court judge Justice Tawanda Chitapi for trial in a case in which he is facing 14 counts of defrauding Zimdef of over $400 000.

In an interview from an undisclosed location, Gandawa said he had to sleep in the mountains after he was tipped off that his Magunje homestead would be raided a few days before the July 30 elections.

Gandawa, who contested the Magunje seat as an independent candidate, said he had no option but to flee after receiving information that there were people out to harm him.

‘‘I got a tip-off from one of the Military Intelligence Department (MID) operatives who was part of the team assigned to assassinate me. My source told me not to sleep at home that day since there were five men from state security who were going to kill me between 1am and 2am,” he said.

He said he then decided to hide in the nearby mountain where he could see whatever happened at his homestead.

“I did this to ascertain if the raid was going to happen or if it was just a threat to disturb my campaign since I was doing well on the ground,” he said.

Gandawa’s last campaign message was more visible on social media where he called on the electorate to dump Zanu PF.

The former Zanu PF Magunje MP whose boss at the Higher and Tertiary Education ministry, Jonathan Moyo, is also on the run following the November 2017 coup, said while on the mountain, he indeed saw state security agents raid his rural home and watched them as they abducted his mother, younger brother and two other relatives.

He said this forced him to run away during that night after his fears were confirmed.

Gandawa added that his family members were not safe even now as they were frequently harassed by suspected state security agents.

‘‘My property is being vandalised by Zanu PF militants. I can’t say I am safe since I have been in hiding for over six months now,” he said.

Gandawa said there was no change in Zimbabwe as everything in the country was being militarised.

“One cannot exercise their democratic right freely and that is shameful after 39 years of self-rule. There is no respect for human and property rights because currently Zanu PF supporters are vandalising my properties disregarding the rule of law,” he said.

“Even if you make a police report, no action is taken because the whole system is captured. Zimbabwe is still to mature politically because at the moment the country does not have institutions but a conflated system, where if you are not Zanu PF, you are an enemy.”

Gandawa was, however, hopeful that he would one day get the chance to develop Hurungwe.-TheStandard

By Own Correspondent| Entrepreneur and religious leader, Shingi Munyeza, has warned government against controlling prices adding that the recent fuel price increases and the promise to control prices by the Zimbabwe government is a “catastrophic” move that will result in shortages.

President Emmerson Mnangagwa announced the fuel price increases yesterday following a week of acute fuel shortages throughout the country.

The prices have been increased by about 147%. The new price of Petrol is $3.11 per litre (up from about $1.34) and diesel now costs $3.11 a litre.

Munyeza said on his Twitter today:

NEW PETROL PRICES

BOND not 1:1 to USD

1. I support selling fuel in forex in some stations
2.Increasing bond pump price& forcing price controls is catastrophic,shortages will loom
3.Peacemeal review of incomes &prices is disastrous#SocialContract#NationalDialogueZW@InfoMinZW

— Shingi Munyeza (@ShingiMunyeza) January 13, 2019

By Own Correspondent| Following the announcement by President Emmerson Mnangagwa that effective midnight Saturday, fuel prices had increased by over 100 percent, unconfirmed reports allege that Kuwadzana residents are protesting the increases and barricading roads in the suburb and burning tyres.

The social media, today was awash with pictures of tyres burning with indications that this is in Kuwadzana, Harare while others allege that this is happening in Zvishavane, Midlands.

However, one Munyaradzi Chiondegwa on his facebook page dismissed that there were protests in Zvishavane posting pictures of “current settings”.

We publish below the pictures by Chiondegwa:

By Own Correspondent| President Emmerson Mnangagwa has revealed that his action to increase fuel prices is part of government actions in reacting to the current fuel shortages arguing that government acted and acted decisively.

In a statement on his Facebook page following yesterday’s announcement which saw the price of fuel being increased by over 100 percent, Mnangagwa said:

“Following the current shortfall in the fuel market, we have chosen to act, and act decisively. The shortage, attributable to increased fuel usage in the growing economy, and compounded by rampant illegal currency and fuel trading activities, is unsustainable and Government has today decided on the following measures:

1. A fuel pump price set at $3.11 per litre for diesel, and $3.33 per litre for petrol.
2. We will grant a rebate to all registered business entities in Manufacturing, Mining, Commerce, Agriculture and Transport sectors, to be decided at a later date.
3. Enhance the export incentive scheme by an additional 2.5%
4. Implement immediate measures to ensure constant fuel supply into the country for sustainable fuel availability
5. Put in place a package of measures to cushion Government workers, until a full review of Cost-of-living Adjustment package due in April is effected (in the context of the current budget)
6. Begin a comprehensive audit of all fuel draw-downs to establish all misuse of fuel including politically motivated and criminal conduct.

As the new Zimbabwe continues to progress, both economically and diplomatically, we must stay on track and keep on moving forward. Tomorrow, I will embark on a five-nation visit to continue this journey. My visit will focus on bilateral economic engagement, especially in the areas of mining, technology, agriculture, energy and human capital development. In Switzerland, I shall be attending the Davos World Economic Forum, where I will be meeting with world leaders and business executives.

I shall be consolidating and reaffirming our crucial message that “Zimbabwe is Open for Business” with “Dialogue” paramount in the context of our policy of engaging and re-engaging the world.

For Zimbabwe to recover, we cannot go it alone. The new Zimbabwe is moving forward, but unlike in the past, now we must move forward with friends and partners from all around the world by our side

By Own Correspondent| Finance minister Professor Mthuli Ncube revealed that government released $20 million to buy 44 million litres of fuel more than a week ago to replenish depleted stocks.

Ncube said this while addressing a town hall meeting organised by Global Shapers Community Harare in the capital.

Said Ncube:

“Basically, on Friday last week, we authorised the drawdown of $20 million to deal with the crisis and those funds were made available yesterday (Thursday) because it takes a few days (to reflect) . . . so that should enable us to receive about 44 million litres on the back of that release. That is only a blood transfusion to deal with the fuel crisis.

But a lot is going on in the fuel sector. We are also quite aware of the arbitrage opportunities that have been created by the price of fuel relative to its price outside Zimbabwe and also relative to the parallel market.

We are quite aware that there is round-tripping either across borders or between parallel market and the fuel market. And there is a whole parallel market for fuel in the first place, where fuel is being sold, is it for $4 or $5 per litre? Those are the figures that I keep hearing. So you have got these distortions in the market that are making the situation worse. . .

Of course, we have a forex shortage – that is a fact – but perhaps just through currency reforms and getting the right pricing for fuel, that will deal a blow to pricing distortions and arbitrage opportunity.”

“Getting the right pricing for fuel” referred to by Ncube came in the form of the shock announcement made by President Emmerson Mnangagwa on Saturday night that the prices of fuel had been reviewed upwardly.-StateMedia

By Own Correspondent| The government is seriously considering the decentralisation of the issuance of passports.

This was revealed by Home Affairs and Cultural Heritage Minister Ambassador Cain Mathema.

In an interview with the state media, Matema said:

“We are going to decentralise issuance of passport, birth certificate and national identity documents to the lowest district level.

Issuance of passports will be increased because it is every Zimbabwean’s constitutional right to obtain the travel document. The whole administration of systems in the Home Affairs ministry will be computerised.”

Registrar-General Mr Clemence Masango also told The Sunday Mail that by the end of 2019, his department expects to have passport issuance offices operational at Chitungwiza and Murehwa district offices.

Said Masango:

“But we expect to be able to open the Chitungwiza office soon. We have approached the local authority so they can assist with accommodation (for staff).

People will pay the fee online, apply online and then download the form to present it physically to passport offices for capturing of biometrics. This also minimises the chances of corruption.

We get reports of touts who assist people to jump the queue or ask for payment to facilitate quick processing of documents. If the application is done online, we reduce such incidences.”-StateMedia

By Own Correspondent| Makomborero Haruzivishe is still in police custody and is set to appear in court tomorrow, ZimEye can exclusively reveal.

Haruzivishe, a human rights activist and one of the people who testified before the Mothlanthe led August 1 Commission of Inquiry into the country’s post election violence which saw soldiers murdering 6 civilians was arrested at Robert Mugabe International Airport on Saturday.

While the charges to his arrest were not yet clear by end of day yesterday, unconfirmed reports alleged that he was arrested for taking pictures in a protected area.

Said a source privy to developments regarding Haruzivishe’s arrest in an interview with ZimEye:

“Yes he is still under under police custody and he will be going to court tomorrow.”

The Zimbabwe Lawyers for Human Rights yesterday reportedly intervened and are representing the vocal youth activist.

Citizens have however taken to social media initiating a campaign dubbed #FreeMako.

More details to follow. Refresh this page for updates.

By Own Correspondent| Economist and University of Zimbabwe lecturer, Ashkot Chakravarti has applauded efforts being made by Finance Minister Professor Mthuli Ncube to revive the country’s economy.

The renowned economist however said Zimbabweans should appreciate that Ncube is taking over an economy that has been mismanaged for over 20 years.

He said that civil servants are justified in demanding a salary adjustment but they have to understand that the economy had been mismanaged for two decades.

The renowned economist applauded the efforts being made by Finance Minister Mthuli Ncube to revive the economy when he said that this is the first time in a long time that something is being done.

He said:

“I am confident there are ways of raising additional revenues without increasing taxation, but it has to be part of a comprehensive reform package. Such measures have to be given consideration.

I think it is not an unreasonable demand (civil servants asking for better wages). I mean all of us want to have a wage or salary that covers our basic living, but the reality is that look we have to accept the fact that there have been 20 years of mismanagement.

…that is all coming home to roost now. If you think that this is going to be solved in a day, then this is where I differ with most people and, of course, people are upset with the condition of the economy. But, I think for the first time in a very long time some effort is being made to move in the right direction and I think it will take time for these measures to play out.”-TheStandard

ZIMBABWE’S public sector wage bill could balloon to $12,2 billion from the budgeted $3,9 million if government gives in to demands by civil service unions calling for a $1 700 minimum wage.

The umbrella body which represents public sector workers, Civil Service Apex Council (CSAC), says the increase is necessary to meet the rising cost of living that has shot up about 22% since August 2018.

According to the Consumer Council of Zimbabwe (CCZ), a family of six would need $729,88 as at December 2018 compared to $597,81 in August that same year.

“Yes, government is broke, but we are workers of government. At the end of the day when we have provided a service, we also want to be able to earn something that will make us look after our families, at least to live a reasonable life,” CSAC chairperson Cecilia Alexander told Standardbusiness.

“Whether they are able to pay or not, we are now saying we are in a worse off situation and as workers it is our right to demand the value of what we have been earning. It is not correct for any government whatsoever to remove a benefit or to give somebody less without even engaging them.”

On average the majority of civil servants earn $500 a month.

“In fact, the $1 733 is not a figure that we came up with to get an increment, it is just a matter of asking government to restore the value of what we were earning around September (2018). At the end of the day, all we want as civil servants is to have the value of what we earned restored, so it is up to government to either look for the US dollars to pay us in hard currency or the other way round,” Alexander said.

On Thursday, workers rejected government’s offer to increase wages by 10%.
A
This was after the CSAC first notified government of its demands in a notice of a collective job action dated January 8, 2019 after it reported a collapse in negotiations for better remunerations to meet the cost of living.

“Yes, the planned strike has a 14-day notice and we are now in the window period. We strongly believe that it would be in the interest of government to resolve some of the issues or to give us an acceptable offer within the window period,” Alexander said.

Government has since brought forward the pay dates for civil servants to January 14 in a bid to appease the workers, but Alexander said the move would not make any difference.

“I don’t think paying us earlier would make any difference because our issue here is incapacitation. As long as we have not received any increment or cushioning, the problem will still remain the same.”

Economist Ashok Chakravarti said the workers’ request for better working conditions was reasonable.

“I am confident there are ways of raising additional revenues without increasing taxation, but it has to be part of a comprehensive reform package. Such measures have to be given consideration. I think it is not an unreasonable demand (civil servants asking for better wages). I mean all of us want to have a wage or salary that covers our basic living, but the reality is that look we have to accept the fact that there has been 20 years of mismanagement…” Chakravarti said.

“…that is all coming home to roost now. If you think that this is going to be solved in a day, then this is where I differ with most people and, of course, people are upset with the condition of the economy. But, I think for the first time in a very long time some effort is being made to move in the right direction and I think it will take time for these measures to play out.”

He added that the measures would come to fruition if they were strictly adhered to and that there were mechanisms that could be raised to meet the civil servants, demands.

Standard

Correspondent|PRESIDENT Emmerson Mnangagwa last night announced new prices for petrol and diesel, effective midnight.

He said: “With effect from midnight tonight, a fuel pump price of $3.11 per litre for diesel and $3.31 per litre for petrol will come into effect. These prices are predicated on the ruling official exchange rate of 1:1 between the bond note and the US dollar and also on the need to keep fuel retailers viable,” Mnangagwa said at State House in Harare.

Before the increase, at the government gazetted price, diesel cost $1.38 a litre, and petrol $1.43 a litre.

The announcement has brought mixed reactions from across the country.

“The correct price should be $4.55 per liter for both otherwise the queues will continue,” said Hopewell Chin’ono, an award winning journalist, documentary film maker.

Chin’ono, who bagged the 2008 CNN African journalist of the year award, added: “This (fuel price increase) should have been followed immediately by floating the Bond Note, otherwise this patch work will resolve nothing.

“The shortage in fuel in Zimbabwe right now was due to a low price which didn’t match the importation cost due to the pegged rate. So we were not able to restock.”

Former Minister of Commerce and Industry Welshman Ncube, who is the MDC-A Vice President, said: “Who would have thought it possible that any government in Zimbabwe could be worse than that of Robert Gabriel Mugabe.

“Surely by now it must be abundantly clearly even to the most intellectually ungifted that a condition sine qua non (condition precedent) of Zimbabwe’s progress is the removal from power of ZANUPF in all its manifestations either as a civilian formation or quasi military entity.”

Melusi Nkomo, an academic, said the new prices were still normal considering the bond note is in real terms not equivalent to the US dollar.

He urged “fear-mongers” to stop pretending they were unaware that ful was costing less than a litre of bottled water in Zimbabwe.

Nkomo said: “Bond$3.11=US$1.04. Bond$3.31=US$1.10. In US dollar terms it’s still normal pricing for fuel in Zimbabwe. Fear mongers should stop.”

Opposition MDC-A leader Nelson Chamisa: “Fellow Zimbabweans, we acknowledge and understand that we have a national crisis, which is descending into a humanitarian crisis.

“We believe this crisis requires all hands on the deck. We will lead and stand ready to play a key role in finding a lasting solution.”

Constitutional lawyer Alex T Magaisa said the increase in fuel prices without a corresponding increase in wages will erode earnings and trigger unrest.

“Fuel price increases without wage increases can only mean one thing: wages and savings have been totally eroded. Prices will rise. The first sign is workers will not be able to go to work. You solve one problem but open up another. It’s a calamity.”

Magaisa added that the problem was politics, not the economy. “Solve the politics! Problem is politics, not the economy. It’s a calamity. Solve the politics!”

“Let’s brace for tough times,” lawyer Fadzayi Mahere said. “Sadly, once the fuel price goes up officially, the cost of transport, labour and other basic goods will automatically go up as well.”

Fuel queues have worsened in Zimbabwe since the start of the new year. The demand for fuel intensified this week with the start of the new school term this week.

Mnangagwa said some were bent on taking advantage of the current fuel shortages to cause and sponsor unrest and instability in the country.

“Such politically motivated activities will not be tolerated,” he said, indicating that the country’s military would be on the lookout to curb the misuse of the fuel.

An increase in the price of fuel is likely to spark a further hike in the prices of goods and services.

The President added that tourists, foreign missions, NGOs and other foreign bodies will be able to buy fuel at designated points at US$1.32 per liter of petrol and US$1.24/L per liter of diesel.

“Guests of Government by way of foreign missions and other registered foreign bodies, and tourists will fuel and refuel at designated points at the price cf US$1,24 per litre for diesel, and US$2,32 per litre for petrol, upon production of proper identification documents,” he said.

On salaries adjustment for civil servants, he said: “Government is putting in place a package of measures to cushion its workers, until a full review of Cost of-Living Adjustment package due in April 2019 is effected, in the context of the current budget.”

He ended by warning “certain elements bent on sponsoring unrest and instability”: “Government is aware of attempts by certain elements bent on taking advantage of the current fuel shortages to cause and sponsor unrest and instability in the country.

“Such politically motivated activities will not be tolerated. To curb continued misuse of fuel in the country, Government, through relevant

“Departments which include its security structures, have started on a comprehensive audit of all fuel draw-downs with a view to establishing points of leakages. Where criminal conduct is apparent, the law will take its course.”

By Own Correspondent| President Emmerson Mnangagwa on Saturday evening announced that Government had decided to increase fuel prices effective midnight.

Mnangagwa announced that petrol will now cost $3.31 per litre while diesel will now cost $3.11 per litre.

We publish citizens’ reactions below:

#ThingsFallApart
To have the head of the pfee administration to announce midnight fuel price hikes under the cover of the night to benefit queen bees is a tragic joke that ain't funny. The centre is broken. It's time for visionary leadership, otherwise the people will perish! pic.twitter.com/hwmWUInipB

— Prof Jonathan Moyo (@ProfJNMoyo) January 12, 2019

Fuel price increases without wage increases can only mean one thing: wages and savings have been totally eroded. Prices will rise. Everything. The first sign is workers will not be able to go to work. You solve one problem but open up another. It’s a calamity. Solve the politics!

— Alex T Magaisa ?? (@Wamagaisa) January 12, 2019

So a whole Presidium called a press conference to announce fuel increase. #Asakhe .

— Zenzele (@zenzele) January 12, 2019

Only in Africa where a president can call a press Conference to announce fuel price hikes pic.twitter.com/xxo6XC0PTp

— ApexNewsZim (@ApexNewsZim) January 12, 2019

It never rains but it pours. Some decisions that the Government of Zimbabwe are making are catastrophic. Failure to deal with the fuel crisis, labour crisis & economic crisis will cause an uprising in Zimbabwe. In USD terms our fuel is grossly over priced#FixZimbabwe #FuelCrisis pic.twitter.com/AdpMvliqea

— Linda Tsungirirai Masarira (@lilomatic) January 12, 2019

Sadly, once the fuel price goes up officially, the cost of transport, labour and other basic goods will automatically go up as well.

Let’s brace for tough times ahead.

— Fadzayi Mahere?? (@advocatemahere) January 12, 2019

So basically what ED's done,
Is to give us a fuel price,
Pegged at the black market price of the USD,
But he refuses to adjust salaries accordingly,
So he maintains the 1:1 lie.
@ new prices,
A teacher's pay,
Buys +/-120L fuel.
It's R17 in SA
So teachers earn +/- R2040/month
?

— Thandekile Moyo (@Mamoxn) January 12, 2019

Fuel prices up with effect from midnight. Diesel $3.11 per litre and Petrol pegged at $3.31.
"These prices are predicated on the ruling official exchange rate of 1:1 between the Bond note and US$."
What does this last statement mean? Is it Pfeeconomics? pic.twitter.com/Jx7klYnPs4

— Duduzile Nyirongo (@Dudu_Nyirongo) January 12, 2019

The Government has officially declared it's anti workers , anti poor & anti people ideological position tonight by increasing fuel prices. Workers salaries have now been reduced to nothing & our suffering elevated to another level.We must & will mobilize & fight for our survival

— ZCTU – Zimbabwe (@ZctuZimbabwe) January 12, 2019

Dambudzo said he is bringing sanity to the fuel sector by increasing the price of fuel by 300%.

Muroverei maoko president wenyu uyu. Anogona. Pfeeeeee munhamo!.

— Citizen Champion (@MpiganiaUhuru) January 12, 2019

https://twitter.com/tjchaitwa/status/1084167923353243650?s=19

So mnangagwa was announcing fuel hike for absent fuel?

— Mzilankatha (@Mzilankatha_) January 12, 2019

Own Correspondent|Residents of Bulawayo this morning woke up to a shock taxi fare increase following President Emmerson Mnangagwa’s unprecedented doubling of the price of petrol last night.

The Commuter Omnibuses from the Western Suburbs of the City that are mostly high density increased their fares from 75 cents to $3 per single trip per person while those from the eastern low density suburbs decided to charged varied fares with some at $2.50 while others are charging $3.00.

Mnangagwa on Saturday night announced a hectic fuel price increase to $3.31 for petrol and $3.11 for diesel from $1.47 and $1.39 respectively.

Meanwhile, the city of Bulawayo did not have a drop of fuel on Saturday with long queues at all fuel stations. Motorists claim that the filling stations decided to hold on to the product in anticipation of the price increase.

Some stations started serving customers in the middle of the night after the increase came into effect.

Meanwhile, a social media post making rounds in the city and attributed to the Bulawayo United Public Transport Association indicates that the taxis fares have officially been pegged at $2.50 per trip.

Correspondent|FORMER Zimbabwean strongman Robert Mugabe is writing a book to record his memoirs after being ousted from power in dramatic fashion in a military ‘soft coup’ that ended 37 years of his rule in November 2017.

The revelations were made by veteran journalist Mduduzi Mathuthu on Twitter who said, “Robert Mugabe IS writing a book. Kunjalo.”

Mathuthu is the one who first broke the news that Professor Jonathan Moyo is writing a book before Professor Moyo confirmed it later on Twitter.

Recently former Deputy Prime Minister Authur Mutambara lamented that Robert Mugabe is about to die without writing a book so that people can read history from his lenses and understanding.

Commenting on Mathuthu’s post one Chenhamo Mutengure said , “Finally we get to read real history from the history maker who was there every step of the way. Not zvana Nyarota, Mutambara naRay.”

“I would buy the book,” said Mlungisi Dube.

Businessman Ali Naka questioned whether Mugabe is capable of writing a book at his age.

Many liberation struggle heroes in Zimbabwe have died without penning memoirs excluding Joshua Nkomo and Edgar Tekere.

In 2014 former National University of Science and Technology lecturer, Dumiso Gilbert Matshazi, said he chickened out of writing the late Home Affairs and Defence Minister Enos Nkala’s book after realizing that what the veteran politician wanted to reveal about President Robert Mugabe and others was too hot to handle.

Matshazi said Nkala, who was a founding member of the ruling party ZANU-PF, tasked him to publish the book after his death.

In a hard-hitting press statement announcing plans to write his memoirs, Nkala then said,”I want to remind His Excellency that I am not among those who die many times before their actual death. I am a son of heroes and a self-made hero and have just completed 74 years of my life with a greater part of it spent in Ian Smith’s prisons and detention camps for the liberation of my country.”

Zimbabweans on social media said they are waiting anxiously for the said Mugabe book should Mathuthu’s statement be true.

STATEMENT BY HIS EXCELLENCY THE PRESIDENT, CDE E.D. MNANGAGWA, ON THE EVE OF A MAJOR FIVE-NATION FOREIGN OFFICIAL VISIT, 12TH JANUARY, 2019

Ladies and Gentlemen of the Media,

I have decided, through you, to share with the Nation details on my forthcoming five-nation visit to Russia, Belarus, Kazakstan, Azerbaijan and Switzerland. My visit to the first four States will enhance bilateral relations in line with our policy of engagement.

As you may be aware, these four countries have had good relations with us before and after Independence, with Russia standing with us in the United Nations Security Council at our moment of greatest need.

My visit this time around will focus predominantly on bilateral economic engagement especially in areas of mining, technology, agriculture, energy and human capita development, among others. As I visit, Zimbabwe already has scores of students who are receiving tertiary training in critical skills areas in these countries.

In Switzerland, I shall be attending the Davos World Economic Forum. Alongside other world leaders and business executives, I shall be consolidating and reaffirming our message that “Zimbabwe is Open for Business” and “Dialogue” in the context of our policy of engaging and re-engaging the world.

Given that the World Economic Forum is a premier Forum for the interaction of political and business leaders, Zimbabwe will take full advantage of this opportunity to market itself and to seek gainful investment partnerships.

For its recovery, Zimbabwe cannot go it alone. To this end, my delegation will include our own business leaders who will be interacting with their counterparts and potential investors.

As I leave the country, I am aware of the economic strides we have made, and also of the challenges that lie ahead. In particular, our agricultural performance is likely to be impacted negatively by the El Nino phenomenon.

It is in this regard that Government, alongside other SADC States who are in a similar situation, has initiated an appeal for appropriate assistance from the international community.

Let me now turn to the fuel situation obtaining in the country.

Following the persistent shortfall in the fuel market attributable to increased fuel usage in the economy, and compounded by rampant illegal currency and fuel trading activities, Government has today decided on the following corrective measures:

1. With effect from midnight tonight, a fuel pump price of $3,11 per litre for diesel, and $3,31 per litre for petrol, will come into effect. These prices are predicated on the ruling official exchange rate of 1:1 between the Bond Note and the United States Dollar, and also on the need to keep fuel retailers viable.

Guests of Government by way of foreign missions and other registered foreign bodies, and tourists will fuel and refuel at designated points at the price cf US$1,24 per litre for diesel, and US$2,32 per litre for petrol, upon production of proper identification documents.

2. Cognisant of the need to prevent generalized price increases for goods and services in the country, with the attendant hardships which that will entail especially to the commuting workforce, Government has decided to grant a rebate to all registered business entities in Manufacturing, Mining, Commerce, Agriculture and Transport sectors.

Details on the exact form the rebate system will take will be announced in due course. Given these cost mitigations and incentives, Government does not expect, and will not allow, businesses to engage in a new round of price increases.

3. Equally, Government will enhance the export incentive scheme by an additional 2.5%.

4. Government has put in place measures to ensure constant fuel supply into the country for sustainable fuel availability.

5. Government is putting in place a package of measures to cushion its workers, until a full review of Cost—of-Living Adjustment package due in April 2019 is effected, in the context of the current budget.

6. Government is aware of attempts by certain elements bent on taking advantage of the current fuel shortages to cause and sponsor unrest and instability in the country.

Such politically motivated activities will not be tolerated. To curb continued misuse of fuel in the country, Government, through relevant Departments which include its security structures, have started on a comprehensive audit of all fuel draw-downs with a view to establishing points of leakages. Where criminal conduct is apparent, the law will take its course.

I thank you.

By Own Correspondent| Responding to questions on whether a letter doing social media rounds was indeed their statement, MDC Spokesperson Jacob Mafume attributed the letter to the security details bent on tarnishing the image of the party.

Said Mafume:

“Its a high level desperation when the regime resorts to publishing falsehoods in order to tarnish the image of our party. They seek to put the blame on us, it’s infantile.”

Below is the letter which the party has distanced itself from:

By Own Correspondent| Opposition leader Nelson Chamisa has said his party is ready to play a key role in finding a lasting solution to the country’s national crisis which is slowly degenerating into a humanitarian crisis.

Chamisa’s statement follows announcements by President Emmerson Mnangagwa revealing the new fuel prices in a development which analysts have said will see the prices of all goods and services sky rocketing.

Said Chamisa:

Fellow Zimbabweans, we acknowledge and understand that we have a national crisis, which is descending into a humanitarian crisis. We believe this crisis requires all hands on the deck. We will lead and stand ready to play a key role in finding a lasting solution.

— nelson chamisa (@nelsonchamisa) January 12, 2019

By Own Correspondent| His Worship Harare Mayor Councillor Herbert Gomba will this Wednesday officially open Kuwadzana library, ZimEye has learnt.

This was revealed by the Coty of Harare in a tweet:

Said the City of Harare:

KUWADZANA LIBRARY TO BE OFFICIALLY OPENED ON WEDNESDAY BY HIS WORSHIP HARARE MAYOR CLR HERBERT THOMAS GOMBA.

— City of Harare (@cohsunshinecity) January 12, 2019

By Own Correspondent| President Mnangagwa announced Government visitors in the country by way of foreign missions and other registered foreign bodies, and tourists will buy fuel in United States dollars.

Mnangagwa made the announcement on Saturday evening where he also announced Government’s decision to increase the price of fuel. Zimbabweans will pay $3,11 per litre for diesel, and $3,31 per litre for petrol. Mnangagwa said the prices are predicated on the ruling official exchange rate of 1:1 between the Bond Note and the United States Dollar, and also on the need to keep fuel retailers viable.

He said Government visitors will buy fuel at designated points.

Said Mnangagwa:

“Guests of Government by way of foreign missions and other registered foreign bodies, and tourists will fuel and refuel at designated points at the price of f US$1,24 per litre for diesel, and US$2,32 per litre for petrol, upon production of proper identification documents.”

By Own Correspondent| The announcement of the new fuel prices is a display of incompetence , hopeless confusion and absolute disregard of the plight of the Zimbabwean people, opposition MDC led by Nelson Chamisa has said.

The party said what characterized Dambudzo Mnangagwa’s witchly hour press conference is not only misguided but hapless.

Said National Spokesperson Jacob Mafume:

“The shock announcement of fuel prices hikes is not only misguided, but hapless. Any citizen who tuned in to the press conference has surely been left even more aware of the cluelessness that has been masquerading as Zimbabwean leadership since November 2017.

That the fuel increase will only trigger a wave of price hikes on each and every other item on the shelves is as obvious as the incapacity of Zanu Pf to govern and lead a prosperous Zimbabwe.

Instead of accepting its gross failure to turn the economy around, the cartel now basks in the pretence of “mega deals” in curious corners of the forgotten world such as Uzbekistan, Khazakistan, and other places you may never have heard of.

The Zimbabwean commuter will, starting Sunday the 13th of January, fill the pinch of this administration’s hopelessness, while Mnangagwa and his scarfed- henchmen will be comfortably flying Swiss jets.

They will continue to go tiger fishing, golf modelling on taxes collected from the 2% hike.

As we strenously pointed out in the run up to the stolen July 2018 election, nothing exists in the Zanu PF manifesto or the minds of the cabal leadership that can pass off as an idea or policy from which hope of a prosperous Zimbabwean economy can spring eternal.

The Mnangagwa administration has clearly failed in most absolute terms and must just resign and let Zimbabwe move forward.

The MDC joins every Zimbabwean bearing the brunt of this abject failure in calling Mr Mnangagwa and his faux government to order.”

By Own Correspondent| Health and Child Care ministry has issued a public apology for the loss of lives and suffering during the just-ended doctors’ strike.

In a statement published in the press, the ministry expressed appreciated citizens for being patient during the crisis.

The statement reads:

“The ministry of Health and Child Care would like to notify the public that the doctors who had embarked on strike from December 1, have now agreed to resume duties at their various stations. We would like to appreciate and acknowledge the patience shown by our citizens during this prolonged impasse.

We regret any suffering or loss of life that may have occurred during this period. We now look forward to a body of professionals in their diversity to provide the much-needed health service while government works towards creating a better environment for the delivery of such service.”

A display of incompetence , hopeless confusion and absolute disregard of the plight of the Zimbabwean is what characterized Dambudzo Mnangagwa’s witchly hour press conference.

The shock announcement of fuel prices hikes is not only misguided, but hapless. Any citizen who tuned in to the press conference has surely been left even more aware of the cluelessness that has been masquerading as Zimbabwean leadership since November 2017.

That the fuel increase will only trigger a wave of price hikes on each and every other item on the shelves is as obvious as the incapacity of Zanu Pf to govern and lead a prosperous Zimbabwe.

Instead of accepting its gross failure to turn the economy around, the cartel now basks in the pretence of “mega deals” in curious corners of the forgotten world such as Uzbekistan, Khazakistan, and other places you may never have heard of.

The Zimbabwean commuter will, starting Sunday the 13th of January, fill the pinch of this administration’s hopelessness, while Mnangagwa and his scarfed- henchmen will be comfortably flying Swiss jets.

They will continue to go tiger fishing, golf modelling on taxes collected from the 2% hike.

As we strenously pointed out in the run up to the stolen July 2018 election, nothing exists in the Zanu PF manifesto or the minds of the cabal leadership that can pass off as an idea or policy from which hope of a prosperous Zimbabwean economy can spring eternal.

The Mnangagwa administration has clearly failed in most absolute terms and must just resign and let Zimbabwe move forward.

The MDC joins every Zimbabwean bearing the brunt of this abject failure in calling Mr Mnangagwa and his faux government to order.

Behold the New. Change that Delivers!

Jacob Mafume
MDC National Spokesperson

By Own Correspondent| MDC National Spokesperson Jacob Mafume has condemned the arrest of youth activist Makomborero Haruzivishe describing it as a barbaric episode which has no space in modern day society.

Haruzivishe was arrested Saturday at Robert Mugabe International Airport but details of the charges he was facing were still sketchy by the time of writing.

Sources privy to the development allege that he was arrested for taking photographs in a high security zone.

Said Mafume in a statement

The arrest of Makomborero Haruzivishe is another barbaric episode which must not be part of a modern Zimbabwean society.

The MDC condemns in the strongest terms this arrest with the contempt it deserves.

As mentioned in our statement yesterday, the abuse of state apparatus for unconstitutional partisan agendas is not only an illegality but deals a blow to the acceptance of the motherland in the family of nations.

A state which oppresses it’s own people defines those who claim to be the leaders; it exposes their thuggery and their mafia style intolerance and persecution of those who hold different political views.

A full blown autocracy.

Makomborero was nearly abducted in 2018 less than a week after his testimony at the August 1 inquiry.

Before his arrest today, the state had arrested and illegally detained his colleagues from the Global Youth Action from DRC and USA who were later deported after a night long interrogation.

There has also been a concerning revival of trumped up charges on the National Youth Chairperson, Hon Happymore Chidziva.

It is clear that this has nothing to do with prosecution but persecution.

The democratic space is closing, we are concerned by this relentless retrogression.

We demand his immediate release and an end of politically motivated arrests.

What Zimbabweans need is a lasting solution to the current economic meltdown. Zimbabweans need to know when fuel supplies will return to normalcy. They need to know the official currency to trade in, they need decent wages, jobs, infrastructural development, Zimbabweans need a listening government that shows concern for the suffering masses.

They certainly don’t deserve such a clueless, heartless and ignorant government as displayed by the failed Zanu PF government.

Behold the New. Change that delivers!

Jacob Mafume
MDC National Spokesperson

“…I am aware of the economic strides we have made…”

By Farai D Hove| ZANU PF leader Emmerson Mnangagwa has said the country has had economic strides. Announcing while reading his speech LIVE on ZBC Saturday night, Mnangagwa said, “as I leave the country, I am aware of the economic strides we have made, and also of the challenges that lie ahead in particular our agriculture performance is likely to be impacted negatively by the Elnino phenomenon. It is in this regard that government alongside other SADC states who are in a similar situation has initiated an appeal for an appropriate assistance from the international community. ” VIDEO:

VIDEO LOADING BELOW…

The arrest of Makomborero Haruzivishe is another barbaric episode which must not be part of a modern Zimbabwean society.

The MDC condemns in the strongest terms this arrest with the contempt it deserves.

As mentioned in our statement yesterday, the abuse of state apparatus for unconstitutional partisan agendas is not only an illegality but deals a blow to the acceptance of the motherland in the family of nations.

A state which oppresses it’s own people defines those who claim to be the leaders; it exposes their thuggery and their mafia style intolerance and persecution of those who hold different political views.

A full blown autocracy.

Makomborero was nearly abducted in 2018 less than a week after his testimony at the August 1 inquiry.

Before his arrest today, the state had arrested and illegally detained his colleagues from the Global Youth Action from DRC and USA who were later deported after a night long interrogation.

There has also been a concerning revival of trumped up charges on the National Youth Chairperson, Hon Happymore Chidziva.

It is clear that this has nothing to do with prosecution but persecution.

The democratic space is closing, we are concerned by this relentless retrogression.

We demand his immediate release and an end of politically motivated arrests.

What Zimbabweans need is a lasting solution to the current economic meltdown. Zimbabweans need to know when fuel supplies will return to normalcy. They need to know the official currency to trade in, they need decent wages, jobs, infrastructural development, Zimbabweans need a listening government that shows concern for the suffering masses.

They certainly don’t deserve such a clueless, heartless and ignorant government as displayed by the failed Zanu PF government.

Behold the New. Change that delivers!

Jacob Mafume
MDC National Spokesperson

By Own Correspondent| President Emmerson Mnangagwa is set to issue a press statement, the ministry of information and publicity has revealed.

Revealed the ministry in a tweet:

“In the next few minutes President of the Republic is going to issue a Statement to the nation at the State House.”

Responding to Wellington Madhefu who queried whether Mnangagwa was in the country or not, the information ministry responded and said he is in the country.

In the next few minutes President of the Republic is going to issue a Statement to the nation.
Venue: State House.

— Ministry of Information, Publicity & Broadcasting (@InfoMinZW) January 12, 2019

I thought he's out of the country

— Wellington Madhefu (@madhefu) January 12, 2019

He is in the country

— Ministry of Information, Publicity & Broadcasting (@InfoMinZW) January 12, 2019

By Own Correspondent| Bulawayo Vendors Trust have urged Finance minister Mthuli Ncube to abandon the use of the bond notes which they say is  having adverse effects on the informal economy.

Said the organisation:

“Government’s surrogate currency, bond note has negatively affected the informal economy. Informal traders have to exchange the bond notes for foreign currency on black market and where they are accepted they devalue the currency which leaves a huge dent in their pockets.”

Finance and Economic Development Minister Professor Mthuli Ncube yesterday said the country will have its own currency within the next 12 months, as Government is frantically working on raising enough foreign currency to anchor it.

Addressing delegates at a “Road to Davos” townhall meeting in the capital yesterday, Prof Ncube said adopting the United States dollar or the South African rand would not solve the country’s macro-economic problems.

He said:

“On the issue of raising enough foreign currency to introduce the new currency, we are on our way already, give us months, not years.”

By Own Correspondent| Finance Minister Professor Mthuli Ncube has revealed that Zimbabwe will do away with the divisive two percent tax in the next two to three years arguing that the country cannot have austerity forever.

Speaking at the Global Shapers Zimbabwe Road to Davos discussion in the capital Harare Friday, Ncube said he was now comfortable with the fiscal side of his austerity measures and is now working on the monetary side.

He spoke against the demands for dollarisation which he described as capitulation while justifying the need to re-introduce the Zimbabwean dollar.

He said:

“I’m now comfortable with the fiscal side in austerity measures. I even contemplate easing taxes in the next 2/3 years. We can’t ‘ve austerity foreeva. What’s left now is the heavy weight lifting on the monetary policy side. Dollarization would be capitulation. We need own currency.”

By Own Correspondent| Opposition MDC leader who was ordained the People’s President, Nelson Chamisa on Saturday morning engaged Zimbabweans to contribute towards finding solutions to the country’s woes opening a harshtag dubbed #takecharge.

Said Chamisa in writing:

“As we prepare to roll out the 2019 roadmap, agenda, action plan and vision for Zimbabwe going forward, the situation in the country is further deteriorating and worsening.

What would you recommend to be done to arrest and solve our common problems in Zimbabwe?”

By Own Correspondent| Zimbabwe Democracy Institute Director Dr Pedzisai Ruhanya has called on citizens to unite and engage in civil disobedience as a way of challenging the current Zanu Pf administration for failing to deliver on election promises.

Dr Ruhanya said agonising is not the solution but people should organise and unite in challenging the existing status quo and engage in peaceful demonstrations as this is the only language that is understood by Zanu Pf.

Said Ruhanya:

“Zimbos come together in the national interest to peacefully, lawfully resist through civil disobedience the 39 years of failed policies of ZANU PF. Dont agonise, organise. Bring ZANU PF to the negotiation table through public protests of MISRULE, thats only language they hear!

The socio-economic-politico crisis in Zimbabwe and the consequent national anger requires a leader now. In the late 1990s Morgan Tsvangirai stood up and brought together all disparate forces and voices; labour, students, poor, employers and farmers workers to confront Bob, system.”

Jane Mlambo| Finance Minister Professor Mthuli Ncube has announced that Zimbabwe will scrap the divisive two percent tax in the two to three years saying the country cannot have austerity forever.

Speaking at the Global Shapers Zimbabwe Road to Davos discussion in the capital yesterday, Ncube said he was now comfortable with the fiscal side of his austerity measures and is now working on the monetary side.

He spoke against the demands for dollarisation which he described as capitulation while justifying the need to re-introduce the Zimbabwean dollar.

“I’m now comfortable with the fiscal side in austerity measures. I even contemplate easing taxes in the next 2/3 years. We can’t ‘ve austerity 4eva. What’s left now is the heavy weight lifting on the monetary policy side. Dollarization would be capitulation. We need own currency” said Ncube.

By Own Correspondent| Opposition MDC has warned Deputy Information minister Energy Mutodi to stay away from the party’s internal processes advising him to concentrate on the factional fights within Zanu Pf.

The comment comes after Mutodi tweeted that the late party founding leader Morgan Tsvangirai’s children stand a better chance of winning elections than current President Nelson Chamisa.

Said Mutodi:

“With the DRC election commission declaring Félix Tshisekedi as President Elect of Congo, it’s high time Tsvangirai’s children take over the MDC, the party of their father. They stand a better chance. NC can never win an election, not even unity talks because of his arrogance.”

However, MDC spokesperson Jacob Mafume, shot back at the Goromonzi South legislator urging him to be worry of his future as the ruling party top officials appear confused and divided on how to take the country out of its current economic quagmire.

“Energy Mutodi should worry about his future if the Acting Presidency refuses to leave his Acting Presidency. He should worry more about the failure of Zanu PF than any imaginary failure in the MDC. His President can’t even occupy office because the Acting President is still acting even if the President has cut his leave.”

https://www.facebook.com/374908219268232/posts/2084254525000251/

By Own Correspondent| Some of Chitungwiza commuter omnibus operators here have joined the fray of businesses charging forex pegging a single trip from the satellite town to the city centre Harare at US$1 or 3 bond.

Passengers here have been left stranded following the development which they said is making it difficult for them to commute.

Said Gregory Dube from Unit D in Seke:

“The situation is getting out of hand. Where is the President when all this is happening? Please tell him to come back and sort out this economic mess instead of travelling the world.”

Angela Chikwanha who had to return home after hearing the new fares had no kind words for President Emmerson Mnangagwa’s administration.

She said:

“This is why there should be competent people in office. I am sure these people are driving us to a certain boiling point. We are suffering and it is getting worse by the day.”

Zimbabwe Democracy Institute Director Dr Pedzisayi Ruhanya called on citizens to unite and challenge the existing status quo arguing that peaceful protest is the only language that is understood by Zanu Pf.

Said Ruhanya:

“Zimbos come together in the national interest to peacefully, lawfully resist through civil disobedience the 39 years of failed policies of ZANU PF. Dont agonise, organise. Bring ZANU PF to the negotiation table through public protests of MISRULE, thats only language they hear!

The socio-economic-politico crisis in Zimbabwe and the consequent national anger requires a leader now. In the late 1990s Morgan Tsvangirai stood up and brought together all disparate forces and voices; labour, students, poor, employers and farmers workers to confront Bob, system.”

By Own Correspondent| The Zimbabwe National Statistics Agency (ZimStat) reports that Zimbabweans imported make up and skincare-related items worth $7,2 million.

Reported ZimStat:

“Zimbabwe also imported deodorants, shaving creams and anti-perspirants worth $2 million for the 10 months from February to October 2018.

The country also imported plastic bottles, carboys, flasks and other similar articles of plastic worth nearly $30 million February to October last year.

Footwear and leather polishes close to $1,7 million were imported from February to October 2018.

In the same period, $181,793 worth of chewing gum was imported. Zimbabwe’s imports were mainly sourced from South Africa (35,2 percent) Singapore (19,4 percent); United Kingdom (6,4 percent); China (7,5 percent); and Japan (4,5 percent).”-StateMedia

Jane Mlambo| Former President Robert Mugabe’s spokesperson Jealousy Mawarire has waded into Professor Jonathan Moyo’s Twitter war with Econet Wireless founder and magnate Strive Masiyiwa after revealing that the exiled politician could have hijacked Nelson Chamisa’ s Constitutional Court challenge against the 30 July Presidential election results.

Mawarire who was once Prof Moyo’s runner boy before they crosses ways said the former Higher education minister had a penchant for claiming urgency for initiatives by other people to extort money from individuals and parastatals.

Mawarire said Prof Moyo was not as intelligent as most people assume, something he accused him of using to get money from people.

U have to be naive to believe he championed both applications. The naive, those who believe he is a super intelligent being, not a useful messenger, have often been fleeced of money by the extortionate Prof. It happened with my application and we saw it with the Chamisa appl.

— mawarire mbizvo jealousy (@mawarirej) January 12, 2019

By A Correspondent| The Zimbabwean People’s President, Nelson Chamisa on Saturday morning engaged his people on what to do to fix the nation’s woes.

He said in writing: “As we prepare to roll out the 2019 roadmap, agenda, action plan and vision for Zimbabwe going forward, the situation in the country is further deteriorating and worsening.

“What would you recommend to be done to arrest and solve our common problems in Zimbabwe?” FULL TEXT

As we prepare to roll out the 2019 roadmap, agenda, action plan and vision for Zimbabwe going forward, the situation in the country is further deteriorating and worsening.What would you recommend to be done to arrest and solve our common problems in Zimbabwe?#takecharge

— nelson chamisa (@nelsonchamisa) January 12, 2019

By Own Correspondent| Zimbabwe will today receive the first batch of 335 Zimbabweans who sought refuge in Botswana a few years ago through Plumtree Border Post.

The group, which is part of 686 Zimbabweans staying at Dukwi Refugee Camp outside Francistown, will be met by a delegation of high ranking Government officials at the International Organisation for Migration (IOM) Reception and Support Centre in Plumtree.

Government has assured the Zimbabweans living at the refugee camp that there was no need to fear returning home.

Matabeleland South provincial social welfare officer Mr Totambirepi Tirivavi yesterday confirmed that the first group would arrive in the country today with four family members already at the IOM Reception and Support Centre in the border town.

Said Tirivavi:

“We are expecting at least 335 Zimbabweans who were staying at a refugee camp in Botswana and four of them have already arrived.

However, I cannot comment much because there are some pertinent issues that have to be dealt with by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Trade and our officials from the head office who will be here tomorrow (today) to welcome them.”-StateMedia

By Own Correspondent| President Emmerson Mnangagwa has congratulated Democratic Republic of Congo president-elect Felix Antoine Tshisekedi on his victory in the presidential elections in that country.

Mnangagwa congratulated the people of Congo for voting peacefully.

He also congratulated outgoing President Joseph Kabila for the manner in which his government conducted the election adding that he looks forward to working with Tshisekedi.

Said Mnangagwa:

The Government and the People of Zimbabwe join me in conveying to you our most sincere congratulations following your victory in the presidential elections held in your country on December 30, 2018.

Your election is a clear testimony of the trust and confidence the people of the Democratic Republic of Congo repose in your leadership. I look forward to working closely with you as we explore avenues of enhancing bilateral cooperation as well as improve the trade relations that exist between our two countries.

At continental and multilateral levels, I affirm my commitment to working with you for the common good of both our peoples and the continent. I take this opportunity Dear Colleagues to wish you personal good health and success as you discharge the onerous duties of the highest office in the country. Please accept, Your Excellency, the assurances of my highest consideration.”

By Own Correspondent| Bulawayo Vendors Trust have called on government to abandon the use of the bond notes which they say is  having adverse effects on the informal economy.

Said the organisation:

“Government’s surrogate currency, bond note has negatively affected the informal economy. Informal traders have to exchange the bond notes for foreign currency on black market and where they are accepted they devalue the currency which leaves a huge dent in their pockets.”

Finance and Economic Development Minister Professor Mthuli Ncube yesterday said the country will have its own currency within the next 12 months, as Government is frantically working on raising enough foreign currency to anchor it.

Addressing delegates at a “Road to Davos” townhall meeting in the capital yesterday, Prof Ncube said adopting the United States dollar or the South African rand would not solve the country’s macro-economic problems.

He said:

“On the issue of raising enough foreign currency to introduce the new currency, we are on our way already, give us months, not years.”

National airline, Air Zimbabwe has suspended flights up to mid-month due to maintenance works being carried out on its only functioning plane.

The airline, which has largely been operating only two serviceable aircraft, was left with one following the grounding of the popular Mbuya Nehanda last month.

The remaining aircraft, the 767-200ER, also known as Chimanimani is undergoing servicing.

In a statement yesterday, Air Zimbabwe said it had made other travel arrangements for customers who had booked flights in advance but is not taking any bookings up to January 15.

-State Media

Jane Mlambo| With the Zimbabwe economy teetering on the being of total collapse, citizens have engaged in a debate comparing the former Finance Minister Patrick Chinamasa and the current Professor Mthuli Ncube on who did a better job and here is the verdict:

Michael Mahlangu; The current one has some good ideas, unfortunately he is in a wrong buscket. Political and economic reforms from Junta government will make him succeed, remember the former wanted to get rid of ghost workers but stopped by this Zanu pf party. As for now, it’s 1 out of 10

Vongai Zimudzi;  Policy wise and creating economic sustainable development I will give mthuli 6/10 & 3/10 for hon chinamasa

Day to day runnings of the economy I will give Hon Chinamasa 7/10 and mthuli 3/10

James Matsika; Muthuli Ncube is far better than chinamasa. The way he is tackling the challenges is of a person who knows what he is doing. The economy is on recovery after Chinamasa sent the country rock bottom by printing money.

Ari Tikva Goldstein; Mtuli is a reflection of his master. Austerity for Prosperity. And the later was to keep the boss on work while looting. We had suplus and reached targets government saved $29m recently. I give Mtuli 9/10 he is realistic in approach. Long-term are painful and difficult and worth.

Elson Kanso; Mthuli loves social media rather than concentrating on his actual task,also overzeleous,he lacks maturity

THE opposition MDC has shot back at Deputy Information minister Energy Mutodi over his meddling in their party affairs after he tweeted that the late party founding leader Morgan Tsvangirai’s children stand a better chance of winning elections than current President Nelson Chamisa.

Writing on Twitter today, Mutodi charged that MDC founder, the late Dr Richard Morgan Tsvangirai’s children should take over leadership of opposition party from Chamisa.

“With the DRC election commission declaring Félix Tshisekedi as President Elect of Congo, it’s high time Tsvangirai’s children take over the MDC, the party of their father. They stand a better chance. NC can never win an election, not even unity talks because of his arrogance,” he wrote.

However, MDC spokesperson Jacob Mafume, in an interview with 263Chat today, shot back at the Goromonzi South legislator urging him to be worry of his future as the ruling party top officials appear confused and divided on how to take the country out of its current economic quagmire.

“Energy Mutodi should worry about his future if the Acting Presidency refuses to leave his Acting Presidency. He should worry more about the failure of Zanu PF than any imaginary failure in the MDC. His President can’t even occupy office because the Acting President is still acting even if the President has cut his leave,” Mafume said.

Mutodi has of late been picking fights with his colleagues in the ministry of information as well as other people including Alpha Media Holdings owner, Trevor Ncube.

-263Chat

Jane Mlambo| South African based prophet Shepherd Bushiri is charging USD600 or R8000 to attend his service set to be held at the Harare Exhibition Park, a social media report claims.

The controversial Malawian “prophet,” is set to visit Harare at the end of the month to headline a two-day conference being organised by Uebert Angel’s Spirit Embassy.

https://twitter.com/TapiwaKasongo/status/1083798621873717249?s=19

Bushiri is the founder of Enlightened Christian Gathering Church and the Shepherd Bushiri Ministries International headquartered in Pretoria, South Africa and with branches across the African continent.

Correspondent|DEPUTY Minister of Information, Publicity & Broadcasting Services Energy Mutodi has proposed a bizzare suggestion for the opposition MDC: let the children of the late party founding leader Morgan Tsvangirai take over.

The reason? “Nelson Chamisa can never win an election, not even unity talks because of his arrogance,” Mutodi said.

Mutodi’s argument was that since Félix Tshisekedi, the son of a former opposition leader has been declared winner of the DR Congo elections, it seemed children of founding political figures had better chances of winning.

Said Mutodi: “With the DRC election commission declaring Félix Tshisekedi as President Elect of Congo, it’s high time Tsvangirai’s children take over the MDC, the party of their father. They stand a better chance. Nelson Chamisa can never win an election, not even unity talks because of his arrogance.”

When it was put across to him that maybe Bellarmine Chatunga or Robert Mugabe Jnr should also take over ZANU-PF, Mutodi had this to say: “For revolutionary parties like ZANU PF, ANC, SWAPO it’s a big NO because there was combined effort by comrades to liberate the country.

“Opposition parties are merely family kingdoms and a successor from outside the family tends to spoil the vision, is directionless and eventually fails.”

Finance and Economic Development Minister Professor Mthuli Ncube yesterday said the country will have its own currency within the next 12 months, as Government is frantically working on raising enough foreign currency to anchor it.

Addressing delegates at a “Road to Davos” townhall meeting in the capital yesterday, Prof Ncube said adopting the United States dollar or the South African rand would not solve the country’s macro-economic problems.

“On the issue of raising enough foreign currency to introduce the new currency, we are on our way already, give us months, not years,” he said.

Asked to give a timeline on when currency reforms would be implemented, Prof Ncube said it would be done “in less than 12 months”.

He said separating the parity between Real Time Gross Settlement accounts (RTGS) and foreign currency accounts (FCA) was the beginning of currency reforms which are necessary for pushing the country’s economy in the right direction.

“There is a balance between preservation of value and removing price distortions,” said Prof Ncube.

“The separation of accounts between the FCA and RTGS accounts was the beginning of currency reform.”

Prof Ncube said he was no longer in favour of adopting the rand as that would still depend on the availability of US dollars.

“I also hear that the citizens are pushing towards adopting the rand, I even argued for it years ago and there was a reason, you know, if we are going to assume the rand as our currency, we first of all have to acquire the rand and we need US dollars first to purchase the rand. In the long-term, Zimbabwe needs its own currency,” he said.

“Our job is to introduce a currency that will be stable and less volatile. Dealing with the fiscal side is the first order to move towards a stable currency. After all, what we have now is fiscal policy and now monetary policy and we have to tighten the belt on the currency volatility.”

Adopting the United States dollar as the country’s sole legal tender is not the way to solve Zimbabwe’s macro-economic challenges, said Prof Ncube.

This comes as different companies and individuals have been pushing for the re-dollarisation of the economy, with claims that the shortage of hard currency is choking business operations.

Recently, Delta Corporation announced that it would start selling its products in hard currency, citing that operations were being adversely affected by foreign currency shortages. The decision was later reversed after consultations with the Government.

Instead, Prof Ncube said Zimbabwe’s solution lay in currency reforms.

“The issue is shortage of forex with the corporates, the silver bullet is about currency reform, if we get that right the corporates can access foreign currency whenever they need it, the currency reform agenda is also impeding foreign investment, if investors cannot take their money out of the country then we cannot attract investors,” he said.

“A long-term solution to the crisis is, currency reforms, currency reforms, and currency reforms; and ending arbitrage opportunities in the market, accepting the US dollar as the only legal tender is not currency reform, its submission.

“As a nation if we accept US dollar as our sole currency, then it means that we are afraid of currency reform and that’s capitulation.” This also comes at a time when industry has also raised a red flag towards re-dollarisation.

Confederation of Zimbabwe Industries (CZI) president Sifelani Jabangwe is on record saying re-dollarising the economy is counter-productive as it stifles growth and could halve the size of the economy.

“We see more companies wanting to sell in US dollars, but the issue is that we don’t need dollarisation as an economy,” said Mr Jabangwe.

“The economy will shrink by as much as 50 percent if we dollarise, so for me it is not the right way to go. We have seen it with US dollars in the past that we won’t be competitive when using the US dollar.”

An economist with a local commercial bank Joseph Mverecha has on countless times weighed in, disapproving the re-dollarisation of the Zimbabwean economy.

“Re-dollarisation will sustain disintermediation and dislocation in the economy, to the extent that foreign exchange access is non-existent for the vast majority of Zimbabweans who are non-exporters and constitute the largest segment of the population,” said Dr Mverecha.

State Media

Delivered fuel for a generator at a mortuary in Marondera today that blacked out for 48 hours. I'm still so sick at what I saw. Please make special provision for hospitals and the elderly. ED I am begging please ??. Fine it's not your fault, but u wanted this job. Please HE??

— #ThePeoplesChampion???✊? (@acielumumba) January 9, 2019