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

https://twitter.com/tmukupe/status/1083242247162941441?s=19

By Own Correspondent| Deputy minister of Industry and Commerce, Raj Modi has called on Chibuku Breweries to export its products and generate the much needed foreign currency.

Said Modi:

https://twitter.com/RModiByoSouth/status/1082966305718849536?s=19

By Own Correspondent| Build Zimbabwe Presidential candidate in the 2018 harmonised elections Dr Noah Manyika has castigated President Emmeraon Mnangagwa’s globetrotting under the guise of international re-engagements.

Dr Manyika urged Mnangagwa to make bold political, public policy and economic decisions which benefit the country arguing that foreign trips will not solve the current economic woes bedevilling Zimbabwe.

He said:

“Going to Davos or being interviewed by CNN wont fix our economy. Neither will the global begging trips disguised as international engagements efforts. What will fix our economy are the bold political, public policy and economic decisions government leaders must make here.”

https://twitter.com/drnmanyika/status/1082941592141524992?s=19

By Own Correspondent| President Emmerson Mnangagwa is set to meet the President of the Russian Federation Mr Vladmir Putin during his four-nation trip to Europe next week, the state owned Herald revealed.

Mnangagwa , who is scheduled to visit Russia, Belarus, Azerbaijan and Kazakhstan will also attend the World Economic Forum (WEF) summit in Davos, Switzerland, for the second year running since taking over power from his predecessor former president Robert Mugabe.

Revealed the state media:

“Further, the tour will provide an opportunity to transform the excellent political ties into mutually beneficial economic ties between Zimbabwe and the respective countries.

Information availed to this paper by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Trade underscores that the visits will promote Zimbabwe’s economic interests, image and influence.”

By Own Correspondent| Opposition MDC youth assembly is set to hold a series of demonstrations next week to protest worsening economic conditions in Zimbabwe which they attribute to President Emmerson Mnangagwa’s illegitimacy.

In a statement, the youth assembly said the demonstrations will be held in protest of the back-to-school burden costs, high prices of commodities, a nonperforming and static economy as well as the fuel crisis.

The youth assembly said considering Mnangagwa and his government’s “arrogant and ignorant approach” to the crisis facing the nation, it is important for national institutions and organisations to stand together “as they have not been spared by the wretched policies and leadership.”

Said the youths:

“As the nation faces intense difficulty, uncertainty has engulfed our country. The illegitimate Zanu PF government has failed; disastrous leadership has become a serious threat to the people of Harare and Zimbabwe at large.

The people’s revolution is ripe and we call every citizen to join, we are all affected by the current economic situation, no one should be left behind.”

The youth league said the upcoming “revolution” will be joined by civil servants, the education sector, health sector, vendors, transport operators, students and members of the public at large.

The MDC youths blamed the crisis on Mnangagwa’s “illegitimacy”, suggesting that their leader, Nelson Chamisa had a national dialogue plan that would rescue Zimbabwe.

“The leadership vacuum at the helm of the country coupled with the illegitimate and clueless Mnangagwa has not helped the burning situation the country has found itself in.

The people’s president, … Chamisa and the MDC party have come up with a five-point plan for national dialogue that would help boost confidence in our political processes and in our economy.-Daily News

By Own Correspondent| At a time when the country’s first citizens President Emmerson Mnangagwa is globe trotting using other national airliners and private jets, the country’s struggling airline Air Zimbabwe is suspending operations.

The state media The Herald however claims that the development is due to “maintenance works.”

We publish below the full text by The Herald:

State Media- 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.

“Air Zimbabwe wishes to advise its valued customers of a schedule disruption due to minor component upgrade on the B767-200 ER from 11 to 15 January 2019.

We wish to assure all valued customers who are holding confirmed and ticketed bookings within the mentioned dates that alternative arrangements have been made in order to ensure minimum disruptions to their travel plans,” reads the statement.

The airline said affected passengers will be contacted via email, telephone or SMS with information on alternative arrangements for their travel.

“Normal schedule is expected to resume on 15 January 2019 and we will avail relevant updates via our website and official social media platforms,” said Air Zimbabwe.

In an interview yesterday, Air Zimbabwe corporate affairs manager, Mr Tafadzwa Mazonde said they had made alternative arrangements with other airlines.

“We have strategic relationships with other airlines to cater for such circumstances,” said Mr Mazonde.

Asked about the leased aircraft that was meant to replace Mbuya Nehanda, Mr Mazonde said they had since terminated the lease agreement as the cost of leasing proved to be unsustainably high.

Air Zimbabwe grounded Mbuya Nehanda, a Boeing 737-200 ER for mandatory maintenance expected to last over a month on December 30. The airline said the maintenance check for Mbuya Nehanda was in line with aviation quality and safety standards.

“Air Zimbabwe wishes to advise its valued passengers that our aircraft, B737 Registration Z-WPA popularly known as ‘Mbuya Nehanda’ will be grounded for a mandatory maintenance check which is expected to be completed after 45 days with effect from midnight 30 December 2018, in line with aviation quality and safety standards,” it said in a statement issued last month.
Mbuya Nehanda serviced the Harare /Bulawayo /Victoria Falls /Harare as well as Harare /Dar es Salaam routes.

Sources at the airline said the plane could be retired as it has served for 33 years.
“This plane was acquired in 1986 and is likely not going to come back into service. It is very old. It is likely going to be replaced,” said the source.

Air Zimbabwe, which has been consistently underperforming in the last few years, was placed under reconstruction on October 4 last year in terms of the Reconstruction of State-Indebted Insolvent Companies Act (Chapter 24:27).

The move was designed to allow Air Zimbabwe an opportunity to clear its debt thought to be more than $334 million.

During the reconstruction process, all payments towards debts accrued by the company prior to October 4, 2018, would be temporarily suspended and settled in terms of this process.

In 1980, Air Zimbabwe had 18 aircraft flying into 31 destinations but it is now limited to Harare-Johannesburg; Harare-Bulawayo and Harare-Victoria Falls and Harare-Dar es Salaam routes. – state media

By Own Correspondent| In a twist of events, three MDC officials are set to appear in court over the Zanu Pf fracas which occured at Kudzanai bus rank in Gweru where machete wielding Zanu Pf youths stormed the bus rank and started collecting revenue from commutter omnibus operators.

Chiundura Constituency legislator Livingstone Chimina and two other MDC officials were on Friday summoned to the police to answer charges of public violence after they effected citizen’s arrest on one of the Zanu Pf thugs involved in the fracas.

The Zanu Pf youth they arrested and handed over to the police was instead released while the trio were charged.

Said national spokesperson for the MDC Jacob Mafume:

“The MDC condemns in the strongest terms the arrest of MDC officials in Gweru including Hon Livingston Chimina of Chiundura Constituency who was playing a representational role stopping an ilegality by Zanu PF thugs who were collecting money from struggling citizens at Kudzanai rank.

The police called Hon Chimina, Charles Machangira and another to present themselves to the police, where they were detained the whole day only to be released later in the afternoon on flimsy public violence charges. They are set to appear before the Gweru magistrate tomorrow.

The three allegedly effected citizen’s arrest on one of the Zanu PF hoodlums who were collecting money from public transport operators at Kudzanayi Bus terminus since Monday. The others managed to escape. The thug was released by the police before the three were summoned to the Station.

The abuse of state institutions to pursue a partisan agenda is retrogressive especially when Zimbabwe is in a space when signs of reform are needed.

The use of the police service to serve a partisan agenda violates the Constitution which states that the service must be apolitical and must not deservice citizens’ political freedoms and rights.

We urge the leaders of the police service to rise above politics and Zanu PF to stop this abuse.

The rising persecution of dissent is a bad way of doing politics and must stop forthwith to allow Zimbabwe to move forward with the development of a Constitutional democracy.

Behold the New. Change that delivers!

Jacob Mafume
MDC National Spokesperson

The MDC condemns in the strongest terms the arrest of MDC officials in Gweru including Hon Livingston Chimina of Chiundura Constituency who was playing a representational role stopping an ilegality by Zanu PF thugs who were collecting money from struggling citizens at Kudzanai rank.

The police called Hon Chimina, Charles Machangira and another to present themselves to the police, where they were detained the whole day only to be released later in the afternoon on flimsy public violence charges. They are set to appear before the Gweru magistrate tomorrow.

The three allegedly effected citizen’s arrest on one of the Zanu PF hoodlums who were collecting money from public transport operators at Kudzanayi Bus terminus since Monday. The others managed to escape. The thug was released by the police before the three were summoned to the Station.

The abuse of state institutions to pursue a partisan agenda is retrogressive especially when Zimbabwe is in a space when signs of reform are needed.

The use of the police service to serve a partisan agenda violates the Constitution which states that the service must be apolitical and must not deservice citizens’ political freedoms and rights.

We urge the leaders of the police service to rise above politics and Zanu PF to stop this abuse.

The rising persecution of dissent is a bad way of doing politics and must stop forthwith to allow Zimbabwe to move forward with the development of a Constitutional democracy.

Behold the New. Change that delivers!

Jacob Mafume
MDC National Spokesperson

Zimbabwe Energy Regulatory Authority (ZERA) has issued a press statement dismissing as false fuel prices circulating on social media.

The prices circulating on social media allege fuel will be sold exclusively in foreign currency starting Monday next week.

ZERA does not directly address these allegations but urges people to dismiss the message.

We publish the full statement below:

The public’s attention is drawn to statements circulating on social media regarding the pricing of fuel in the country.

The statements are false and malicious and were not issued by the Ministry of Energy and Power Development nor the Zimbabwe Energy Regulatory Authority. Members of the public are advised to ignore the messages, which are clearly aimed at causing anarchy and pessimism in the fuel sector.

Section 54 of the Petroleum Act (Chapter 13:22) specifically mandates ZERA in consultation with the Minister of Energy and Power Development to set fuel prices in Zimbabwe. The public is advised that the regulations on fuel pricing contained in Statutory Instruments 80 of 2018, 20 and 100 of 2015 have not changed.

The fuel prices are set on a weekly basis based on the above regulations and these prices are shared with all oil companies and also published on ZERA website.

Monitoring of the regulated prices is conducted on an ongoing basis with those caught flouting the regulations being punitively fined.

The public is urged to desist from panic buying and hoarding given the hazardous nature of petroleum products when stored in undesignated places. ZERA and other law enforcement agencies continue to monitor the situation.”

By Own Correspondent| Orlando Pirates have jetted in the country for their clash with local football champions FC Platinum tomorrow at Barbourfields Stadium in Bulawayo.

FC Platinum have already trained at the match venue after ZIFA condemned Mandava Stadium in Zvishavane, the club’s usual home ground.

FC Platinum coach Norman Mapeza said that his club has been well-received in Bulawayo.

Mapeza said:

“So far so good, I can’t complain. I think the people here have received us very well. Every time we have been here the people here have been good to us. So I would like to say thank you to the people of Bulawayo for the warm welcome they gave to us.”

FC Platinum Captain Petros Mhari called upon all football fans to come in their numbers to support his club irrespective of their team.

Said Mhari:

“Fans must come and support us. It doesn’t matter whether you are a Highlanders or Dynamos or Caps United supporter. If you come and support us it will motivate us as players. I think they chose Barbourfields because it’s close to Zvishavane. I urged Bulawayo fans to come and support us.”

The match to be played tomorrow is the first leg of the Total CAF Champions League in Group B, between the two clubs.-StateMedia

By Own Correspondent| After queing for long hours, motorists at a service station in Waterfalls, Harare forced a fuel service station to close alleging that petrol attendants were engaging in corruption and selectively selling the scarce commodity in US dollars.

Motorists who queued for long hours at the service station could not stomach a situation where more than 30 000 litres of fuel which was said to have been distributed Friday was being sold in US dollars only.

The agitated motorists said the service station was even refusing to accept its own fuel coupons further enraging a multitude of motorists in possession of the coupons.

Contacted for comment, spokesperson of Puma Energy Mrs Belinda Chigwe professed ignorance on the issue.

The Zimbabwe Energy Regulatory Authority (ZERA) has also dismissed widespread social media reports suggesting prices of fuel are set to change by Monday next week.

In a statement, the energy regulator said the reports are malicious aimed at causing anarchy adding that those found flouting regulations will be punitively fined.-StateMedia

By Own Correspondent| Local cooking oil manufacturer, Surface Wilmar has suspended operations in a move which is set to render hundreds of workers jobless.

The country’s biggest cooking oil manufacturer has been attributed the development to worsening foreign currency crisis.

The company makes Pure Drop cooking oil and the Buttercup margarine and Olivine brands.

This development comes when the Reserve Bank of Zimbabwe is failing to provide the foreign currency needed for the importation of key raw materials. Some local companies have gone as far as setting prices in US dollars, a move the government says is illegal.

Surface Wilmar chief executive Sylvester Mangani said:

“We have stopped our operations because the company has not been getting adequate foreign currency and this has led to the ballooning of our obligations with our foreign suppliers who have since indicated their intention to stop supplying the raw materials.

Foreign currency has been a challenge hence our current position to stop the operations until further notice.”

By Own Correspondent| Chief Magistrate Mishrod Guvamombe who was this afternoon suspended from work pending an investigation into allegations of misconduct has been arrested and is set to spend the night behind bars.

The state media reports that the allegations against Chief magistrate Guvamombe stem from a decision to offer work-related attachment to two former Cabinet ministers—Saviour Kasukuwere and Supa Mandiwanzira—at the Harare Magistrates Court.

Kasukuwere and Mandiwanzira are law students at the University of Zimbabwe.

This is a developing story. More details to follow.

Refresh this page for updates.

By Own Correspondent| Freelance journalist, Conrad Gweru, who hauled to court for disorderly conduct charges after being arrested for allegedly taking photographs of Zimbabwe Republic Police officers, has been acquitted.

The Zimbabwe Lawyers For Human Rights which was representing Gweru, revealed this on Twitter Friday.

By Own Correspondent| MDC councillors from Chitungwiza were on Thursday summoned by their party president Nelson Chamisa over allegations of vote buying during the election of the town’s mayor.

Inside sources within the MDC reported that Chamisa reportedly asked the councillors to explain themselves over allegations that the mayor, Gift Tsverere, allegedly bribed Jabulani Mtunzi with a Toyota Camry vehicle which the latter made a ‘swap and top deal’ with a Chitungwiza man without Tsverere’s consent.

Said the source:

“Yes the president summoned all 20 councillors at Morgan Tsvangirai house but the matter was never discussed among all the councillors.

The President is not happy with what happened during the mayoral elections where his name was dragged into the mud.

It is also reported that Chamisa called Tsverere ordering him to withdraw the case but it seems he is not willing to do that.”

MDC National Spokesperson Jacob Mafume confirmed that all the 20 Chitungwiza councillors were at Harvest House Thursday, but could not disclose the details of the agenda of their meeting.

A Twitter user in the below post alleges that Emmerson Mnangagwa’s deputy Constantino Chiwenga’s Sister in law is flying to the United States just to celebrate her birthday there. FULL PIC:

Chiwenga's sister in law..Going to celebrate her birthday in NEW YORK..saka ma USD @CGchiwenga arikubva kupi maDoctors achishaya..Zvichapera nerimwe zuva.@LynNemudonhi @Hannah61804866 @hwende @MakomboreroH @MacBelts @MaiNoah1 @ZimEye @InfoMinZW pic.twitter.com/Hle2F3r3vr

— ?AChihera? (@GamufromZim) January 11, 2019

By Own Correspondent| Chief Magistrate Mishrod Guvamombe has been arrested on charges of criminal abuse of office.

Police spokesperson Senior Assistant Commissioner Charity Charamba confirmed the arrest.

She said charges against Mr Guvamombe stem from a decision to offer work-related attachment to two former Cabinet ministers—Saviour Kasukuwere and Supa Mandiwanzira—at the Harare Magistrates Court.

He is set to appear in court tomorrow.

This is a developing story. Refresh this page for updates.

Own Correspondent|A Zimra boss based in Chiredzi has been convicted and fined $15 for using abusive language against a subordinate.

Lloyd Mubingi who is a station manager violated Section 88C of the Postal and Telecommunications Act Chapter 12:05 when he threatened Joseph Mutezo, a Revenue Officer.

Mubingi appeared before Magistrate Rodgers Mawarire on December 19, 2018 for judgment and sentence after the magistrate heard arguments from both Mubingi and the State.

Mawarire said that the State convinced the court that indeed Mubingi used offensive and false telephone messages to threaten Mutezo.

On February 10, 2018 Mubingi made a phone call to Mutezo who was on duty in Chisumbanje. He shouted at him and told him “wakajaidzwa ini handisi mukadzi wako ndokurova usauye padhuze neni uchitaura izvozvo (You are a spoiled brat. Don’t treat me like I am your wife. If you repeat that and you are standing near me, I will beat you up”.

Alternatively Mubingi is going serve 14 days in prison. Mubingi’s lawyer Emmanuel Chibudu of Kwirira and Magwaliba Attorneys was indicated that he will appeal against both conviction and sentence at Masvingo High Court.
Nowell Muranda prosecuted.

Correspondent|Commuter Omnibus fares are reportedly going to go up to at most $10 per round trip starting from Monday.

Commuter Omnibus owners are saying fuel that is readily available is sold at US$ price so for them to make profit they need to hike the prices.

However MDC Deputy Treasurer General Charlton Hwende revealed that some kombi operators had started hiking prices from Thursday.

“Transport prices as from yesterday: Harare (to and fro) Chitungwiza $10, Norton $10, Sunningdale $3 ( to up to $4, Glennorah $3 ( to go up to $4).” Hwende said. “At this point some Civil Servants from Chitown and Norton are now subsidizing their salaries in order to go to work.”

Commenting on the development ZANU PF activist Emmanuel Mutangadura said, “The Government’s deafening silence concerning the spiraling price increases of kombie fares and basic goods in Zimbabwe is really worrying.

“Kombie fares have trebled in 24 hrs but there is no word from government. Prices are being raised with impunity and no one in Leadership seems to have an answer. The fuel situation is becoming worse by the day. If the Government is allowing the market forces to resolve the current declining economy then they are making a huge mistake.”

Mutangadura warned that by the time the government starts to offer a solution it might be too late.

“By the time the government decides to take a stand and decisively deal with the economy it may be too late. Paying $3 or $4 dollars for a single trip to and from work is no joke.

“The continual price increases across the board is bleeding the ordinary hard working Zimbabweans. Government cannot ignore and bury its head in the sand like the proverbial ostrich because what is happening now is pushing people into a corner and sooner or later something will give.

“Where is the country’s Leadership to give comfort and direction in these trying times? Unless resolved urgently, the current galloping price increases without restraint, the government will only have themselves to blame.”

Own Correspondent|PRESIDENT Emmerson Mnangagwa’s motorcade was on Friday allegedly blocked by a long-winding fuel queue at Westgate roundabout in Harare West.

Mnangagwa is said to have been on his way to attend the Addrotech machinery showcase at Gwebi College.

The motorists reportedly refused to move off the way and Mnangagwa was forced to abandon the journey.

The country has been experiencing acute fuel shortages over the past three months. Long snaking queues have become the order of the day.

The government seems to be at sixes and sevens in dealing with the crisis as it not able to diagnose the cause of the crisis.

Shortage of foreign currency, hoarding of fuel, consumption of fuel by small luxury cars, and social media have all been blamed by the officials for causing the fuel crisis.

By Own Correspondent| Chief Magistrate Mishrod Guvamombe has been suspended from work pending an investigation into allegations of misconduct.

The state media reports that the allegations against Chief magistrate Guvamombe stem from a decision to offer work-related attachment to two former Cabinet ministers—Saviour Kasukuwere and Supa Mandiwanzira—at the Harare Magistrates Court.

Kasukuwere and Mandiwanzira are law students at the University of Zimbabwe.

This is a developing story. More details to follow.

Refresh this page for updates.

Correspondent|Police in Mashonaland West has arrested one more suspect allegedly involved in the theft of more than US$150 000 in cash belonging to former President Robert Mugabe.

Andrew Mahumbe, who was on the run, handed himself to the police accompanied by his lawyer Tapiwa Muchineripi of Muchineripi and Associates.

Mawadze appeared before Chinhoyi Magistrate Felix Mawadze facing theft charges and was granted $200 bail.

Four people have so far been arrested for allegedly stealing from the 94 year-old former President before spoiling themselves with luxurious purchases they failed to explain including vehicles, residential stands and livestock.

As part of the bail conditions, the quartet was ordered not to interfere with the state’s chief
witness, Gushungo Holdings human resources manager and administrator of the Grace Mugabe Foundation, Farai Edson Jemwa.

The state, represented by KesiahTeveraishe,is alleging that sometime between December and January this year, Constancia Mugabe (50), Johanne Mapurisa (50) and Saymore Nhetekwa (47) connived with Mahumbe to steal a briefcase containing the said ammount while they were cleaning the house.

Mugabe is said to have kept the keys to the house and had unlimited access to all rooms.

The four will be back in court on January 24.

Correspondent|President Emmerson Mnangagwa led a ZANU PF election war room team that tried to deport to prominent Human Rights Lawyer Beatrice Mtetwa to her country of birth Swaziland during the height of the 2013 harmonised election campaign.

This was revealed by exiled Professor Jonathan Moyo in an expose’ on Econet Boss Strive Masiyiwa on Thursday.

Said Moyo, ” The full 2013 poll group had: Emmerson Mnangagwa (who chaired it), Dr Sydney Sekeramayi, Patrick Chinamasa (deputy chair), Nicholas Goche, Gen Constantino Chiwenga, Augustine Chihuri, Happyton Bonyongwe, Walter Tapfumaneyi, Kizito Gweshe, George Charamba and Jonathan Moyo.

“The group’s overearching agenda was to: 1. Contain Sadc mediation, so it does not derail 2013 elections. 2. Ensure that Parliament is dissolved by 29 June 2013 and elections are held soon thereafter. 3. Get Econet and diamond companies to fund elections to avoid UN funding.

“Besides the three-pronged agenda, there were other daily issues that cropped up. One was a report that lawyer Beatrice Mtetwa had blocked a police raid on Prime Minister Tsvangirai’s Bath Rd offices in Belgravia. The group decided to have Mtetwa deported but this failed.”

Beatrice, a past president of the Zimbabwean Law Society, was arrested for “obstructing or defeating the course of justice”. She was arrested in Harare on 17 March 2013 after she asked to see the search warrant of police officers who were conducting what she called an “unlawful, unconstitutional, illegal and undemocratic” search of the home of her client.

When Beatrice arrived at her client’s home, police were already conducting the search. She was handcuffed and taken to Harare Central police station. Despite a High Court order for her release, she was held in custody for eight nights and was allegedly ill-treated and denied access to her family.

The High Court finally released her on bail of $330 after magistrates had initially refused to let her go.

Media Statement|The MDC-T notes with concern the lack of urgency by the government of Zimbabwe to address the debilitating economic crisis. It is not a secret that the current government is unable to stabilize the economy and there is urgent need for them to start having dialogue with all stakeholders in politics, business, civic society and the church to come up with a holistic approach to rescue Zimbabwe from the economic quagmire currently bedeviling the nation.

2019 has not started well for the majority toiling Zimbabweans. The unrelenting currency crisis marked by growing parallel currency market as Zimbabwean authorities persist against glaring evidence and commonsense that there is no parity between the surrogate Bond notes and the US dollar. The severe shortage of basic commodities that manifested in the spiraling prices and rationing items per customer, notably cooking oil, sugar, bread and the disappearance of certain fizzy drinks like cokes and Fanta. Indeed, many households did not enjoy the Christmas as would be expected as fuel shortages made travelling impossible for many. The list is endless and one could go on and on, but the underlining point is that social services have irredeemably suffered and poverty deepened to the majority people both in the urban and rural areas.

1. Labour

The labour unrest, first by doctors then teachers and likely the rest of public service, was inevitable if one considering the deteriorating socio-economic conditions in Zimbabwe that have festered political uncertainty and instability if not responsibly addressed. Contrary to the majority’s expectations that the ‘Zimbabwe is open for business’ meant further starvation by workers and deteriorating labour conditions. In any case, good salaries are a prerequisite for economic recovery if they are sustainable, internally equitable and externally competitive.

2. Demand for wages in US dollar

Understandably, the call by doctors and teachers have been for remuneration in hard currency, hence underlying the demerits of the Bond notes and RTGs. Simply put, these professionals and other workers are merely asking for a living wage and under the prevailing circumstances the safest measure of one’s income is US dollar denominated one. In response, the government has either missed the underlying problem or pretended to and hence argues against the hard currency as if it were the problem. The problem is the valueless Bond which workers cannot equitably exchange for their sweat and everybody knows that.

It its response, the government should bear its full responsibility for the continued deaths of patients who have since gone unattended since the industrial action by doctors. It cannot just be quantifying how much it would mean to pay the striking workers their deserved remuneration but what it means to the many households who have lost their loved ones whose lives could have been saved. The public are judging the government not on how much they would eventually settle to pay but on what value to citizens’ lives it put measured in terms of its perceived sense of urgency in resolving the matter.

The same would apply to the education sector where a loss of one lesson or 30 minutes is irrecoverable and has a long term bearing not only the quality of our education but on the competitiveness of the country in the near future. The government must be seen to display a sense of urgency and seriousness in these strikes which unfortunately is currently lacking, or so we perceive.

3. Controlling Public Sector Wage Bill

In the midst of all this, is Zimbabwe’s perennial developmental challenge posed by a hugely skewed wage bill that chews all money that should be going to infrastructure development. Talking of a huge wage bill may presuppose high salaries for civil service yet that is exactly the opposite. The wage bill problem is largely a policy issue that government should have addressed long back and still can do so with the necessary political will. Instead, the authorities have stifled genuine wage adjustments hoping to address the anomaly in the recurrent expenditure. What must be done include:

• Progressive reduction of wage bill
Any fast-track reduction of the wage bill runs the risk of prejudicing workers who then become demotivated and performance and services delivery suffer. For example, in many government departments there have been no replacements after retirements, dismissals or deaths and hence burdening the remaining workers who anyway are underpaid.

•Wage ceiling for Ministries
As part of ensuring fiscal stability each government department should have a wage bill ceiling wherein vacant positions could be easily filled but without violating the limit. These ceilings would be adjusted bearing in mind the conditions and comparability with regional practices.

•Review of Allowances
One way that has sustained this huge wage bill problem is a system of allowances that management especially apportions itself to compensate for low pay. There is need to rationalize allowances and be quantifiable monetarily with agreed ratios such that the salary is not trebled by allowances.

4. Restructure but not Privatize Parastatals

One wonders where government expenditure goes? The elephant in the room are parastatals that unfortunately have become milking cows for the ruling party elites. Originally, these public entities were engines of growth and development but now they have become a disservice to the public due to corruption and mismanagement. We do not believe privatization is the solution but responsible management and punishing corrupt managers and removing non-performing boards.

5. Formalizing the Economy

The rapid rate of the informalization of the Zimbabwean economy is such that government’s source of revenue keeps shrinking by day. Instead of chasing shadows, it is imperative for government to bite the bullet and put industrial policy of rapid formalization of the economy. First, it should create desperately needed employment and possibly reduce extremes of poverty. Manufacturing should be boosted and increase our exports and address the imbalance between the export and import bill. Instead of trying to tax everything including the infamous 2% tax on transactions, more exports are the answer to any country including Zimbabwe.

It is not enough to say Zimbabwe is open for business and expect some rich foreigner to put money in Zimbabwe. It never works that way. The Zimbabwean government must facilitate an economic recovery programme not through borrowing loans for huge projects but supporting small to medium projects by women and youths especially so as to increase household incomes and revive manufacturing.

6. Enabling Labour Environment

In the same manner the government is courting business it must do the same in creating a labour friendly environment. It is a fact that Zimbabwe is one of those countries that are rated poorly in compliance to internationally recognized labour standards. No serious business gets attracted to a country that has hostile labour practices because disruptions are more likely. While changes in the labour legislation could be progressive but the most pressing need is a mindset shift by government leaders and the security sector that have historically treated organized labour as state enemies. A labour dispute does not necessarily translate to an anti-government protest unless the authorities clumsily handle the workers.

In conclusion, we implore the President of Zimbabwe and his government to put the people of Zimbabwe first and to consider the plight of the patriotic Zimbabweans who decided to stay in Zimbabwe and help to rebuild their country. Business should be opened to Zimbabweans first if the government is concerned about the people of Zimbabwe.

Linda Tsungirirai Masarira
MDC-T National Secretary for Information and Publicity

By Own Correspondent| Goromonzi West legislator and Deputy Minister for Information and Publicity, Energy Mutodi has said that MDC’s late founding president’s children are better positioned to take over the party leadership.

Mutodi’s comments follow the recent victory of an opposition party in the Democratic Republic of Congo.

The election officials in the DRC declared Félix Tshisekedi to be the winner against the incumbent, Joseph Kabila. Felix Tshisekedi is the son of the late veteran opposition leader Etienne Tshisekedi.

Mutodi said that Tsvangirai’s children will have a better chance of winning compared to Chamisa whom he said is arrogant.

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.”

By Own Correspondent| A Mediterranean Shipping Company (MSC) SA (Zimbabwe) Pvt Ltd has revealed plans to block the release of containers for Zimbabwean importers over their failure to remit in excess of US$9,1 million in shipping fees, a report has claimed.

According to the report, the fees, for facilitation of trade through sea freight transportation of imports and exports, have accumulated over time.

In a letter addressed to Confederation of Zimbabwe Industries president Sifelani Jabangwe and copied to the Reserve Bank of Zimbabwe gleaned by businessdigest, MSC Zimbabwe said the impact of this will be a reduction in inflows and, by extension, outflows of approximately 5 000 twenty-foot units equivalent to 125 000 tonnes of freight.

MSC Zimbabwe managing director Giorgio Spampinato said the continued failure by the central bank to acknowledge its key role in trade and to live up to its commitments has left the company with no option but to discourage the loading of Zimbabwe-bound cargo on its ships.

“The Mediterranean Shipping Company SA Limited (MSC) hereby notify you that we are contemplating the possibility of halting the release of containers to Zimbabwean importers who have not paid for our services at origin as well as discouraging the acceptance of cargo destined for Zimbabwe aboard our ships worldwide.

Our decision would be necessitated by the fact that despite numerous engagements with various offices at various levels, our efforts of settling amount due to our head office have been in vain and we remain unable to remit the long outstanding remmitable funds for services already rendered to players in your industry,” he said.

“Our facilitation of trade through sea freight transportation of import and exports has resulted in the accumulation of unremitted funds amounting to nine million one hundred and three thousand and eleven dollars (US$9,103 111.00) due to our principal in Genève,” he said.

MSC Zimbabwe is a wholly owned subsidiary of MSC Mediterranean Shipping Company headquartered in Geneva, Switzerland (MSC Global). It is the world’s second largest container shipping line, owning over 500 vessels.

“We are your trade link to the rest of the world and in laymen terms one cannot talk of trade without giving any regard to the role that a shipping line plays within the trade chain,” he said.

“In our bid to support economic growth as well as avert shortages of key commodities in the country, MSC Zimbabwe as agents of MSC Global have been collecting freight charges locally on behalf of MSC Global under the assurances that we would receive support to remit sea freight (fee) portion in its totality to the owners.mz -Zimbabwe Independent

By Own Correspondent| Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Information, George Charamba has been accused of meddling in party politics against the dictates of his office as he is a civil servant.

Former cabinet minister Professor Jonathan Moyo exposed how Charamba in partnership with the now Vice Preaident Constantino Chiwenga, former CIO boss Happyton Bonyongwe and other senior Zanu PF members constituted what he termed the “2013 poll group” that steered the ruling party’s election campaign programme.

The group according to Moyo, made various strategies including forcing the country to go to elections on 31 July 2013 against an agreement that sought to push for electoral reforms before polls.

The group also plotted to deport top Harare human rights lawyer Beatrice Mtetwa as well as blocking the United Nations from funding the 2013 elections.

By Own Correspondent| Villagers  in Chikombedzi are refusing to bury a man who was allegedly shot dead by a drunk cop on christmas day.

A Newsday report claims that the villager, from the Shangani community is yet to be buried as the community demands justice and answers first.

A delegation led by Masvingo Provincial Affairs minister Ezra Chadzamira is said to have held a charged meeting with the community leaders on Wednesday at Chibwedziva Primary School.

National overseer for the Alliance Church, David Hadhlani said:

“This is not the first time that policemen have killed a person here. Gezani, Chambuta and Chibwedziva have become torture camps. Police are meeting instant justice in these areas. We need to mend the relationship between the police and the community.

In 2010, police from the Support Unit beat a drunken reveller to death. Again in 2014, police beat another man to death at Shulugu Primary School in Gezani, while his children and wife watched. Right now, they shot a teenager to death on Christmas Day and the boy is yet to be buried.”

The meeting resolved that the dead man should be buried and the family assisted financially with funeral costs. The police undertook to conduct awareness campaigns to rebuild the strained relationship between the law enforcement agents and the community.

By Own Correspondent| At least 5 members of the Johane Marange Apostolic sect died from cholera in Murehwa after rejecting medical assistance after contacting the disease.

Thus was revealed by Murewa district administrator Gumburayi Wadzvanya in a letter dated January 8 which was written to the provincial administrator Tarubarira Kutamahufa.

The letter, which confirmed the suspected cholera cases read in part:

“The Ministry of Health has received a report from the head of Nyamutumbu Primary School, Mr Magora, of probable cases of cholera in Mavhurume 2 village in ward 11 of Murewa district.

It was reported that there were five people who had symptoms of diarrhoea and vomiting who had died. Three of them died at Chitsidzo of Johane Marange apostolic sect in the village and two of them died at Murewa Hospital.

Murewa Hospital has since activated an emergency team, which was sent to assess the situation on the ground. The team, comprising representatives from the community nursing departments, laboratory departments and environmental health departments, visited the village in question.

The same sect lost three members to cholera in 2018 after it barred health officials from visiting the shrine. The church gathering was later banned as a result.”-Newsday

MUSIC superstar Oliver “Tuku” Mtukudzi is under the weather, with an alleged heart problem that has kept him off the stage for some time, NewsDay Life &Style has learnt.

The Tozeza Baba hitmaker did not stage any local or international shows during the festive season as is often the norm with big names in music.

Although Tuku is a diabetic patient, close family sources yesterday said the music legend has been in and out of hospital since November due to a heart ailment.

At one time, he had water drained from his heart at a local health facility.

“It is sad to have someone close to you under the weather as in the case with Nzou (Tuku), who has not been feeling well for some time now. He has not been well such that at one point he failed to travel for his concert outside the country. Let’s keep him in our prayers,” said the sources who declined to be named.

Tuku failed to make the United Kingdom tour for the London Jazz Festival in October last year due to ill health.

NewsDay Life & Style understands that Tuku’s relatives and close friends held a small private gathering at his plush Norton’s Knowe suburb home just before Christmas to cheer him up as he reclined on a stretcher bed-cum-chair.

“To bring cheer to mudhara (Tuku), his close relatives and family friends had a small gathering before Christmas at his home in Norton, where some of the youngsters he has mentored took turns to entertain the guests, as he also showcased his guitar playing prowess.”

Repeated efforts to get a comment from Mtukudzi’s spokesperson, Walter Wanyanya, were fruitless as he was not answering his mobile phone. The publicist was also yet to respond to questions sent to him by the time of going to print.

Born on September 22, 1952 in Highfield, Harare, Tuku is one of Zimbabwe’s most renowned and internationally-acclaimed artiste.

With 66 albums to his name, the musician has toured several countries and has been endorsed by many companies as their brand ambassador. He has been to all five continents of the world, playing in world capitals and at top festivals. Tuku has contributed immensely to the nurturing of Zimbabwean music talents and holds various prestigious positions, among them the Goodwill Ambassador for United Nations Children’s Fund and the coveted Cavaliere of the Order of Merit bestowed on him by the Italian government.

-Newsday