Correspondent|GOVERNMENT should lay off redundant employees, Mashonaland West Provincial Affairs Minister Mary Mliswa-Chikoka has said.

Addressing heads of Government departments in Chinhoyi last week, Minister Mliswa-Chikoka said there were several portfolios that had become redundant in the civil service.

She emphasised that Government should retire employees who have reached the age of 65 to create employment opportunities for the young.

“There is really no need to pay people who were not performing any duties even in cases where resources were a limiting factor,” she said.

“In some cases, we have drivers, but there are no vehicles, so my question is why is this person being paid? What is he doing? There is nothing wrong with freezing such posts?”

Minister Mliswa-Chikoka said President Mnangagwa was aware of the need to retire civil servants who would have reached 65 years.

Minister Milswa-Chikoka She also took a swipe at departmental heads who created unnecessary vacancies for their relatives and colleagues.

“We are all aware that our budget as Government is constrained and we cannot keep employing people simply because he or she is your relative,” she said.

Minister Mliswa-Chikoka said Government was different from corporates who could employ as many people as they wanted. She urged the heads of Government in the province to submit their monthly reports or risk losing their jobs.

This, she said, had advantages of having some challenges affecting their departments responded to through her office.

“I want to give you a very good example, the Ministry of Primary and Secondary Education provincial head Mr Gabriel Mhumha visited my office complaining about the shortage of teachers in the province,” said Minister Mliswa-Chikoka.

“I quickly consulted the Minister of Pri-mary and Secondary Education, Professor Paul Mavima, who heeded the call and I am sure that we can all testify that recruitment is going on as we are speaking.”

Mashonaland West province has a shortage of 2 938 teachers, with the bulk required in early childhood development classes.

Minister Mliswa-Chikoka convened the meeting to set the tone for Government programmes in Mashonaland West in 2019.

DELTA Corporation says it faced the gloomy prospect of halting all its business operations this month owing to a crippling foreign currency shortage that has paralysed the economy.

To cushion itself from the adverse impact of the unrelenting forex crunch, Zimbabwe’s largest brewer had decided to price its products in US dollars, a decision the group has since reversed following consultation with government. This week, the company, however, increased prices of its beer brands.

The Reserve Bank of Zimbabwe (RBZ) has been struggling to allocate Delta US$5 million it requires monthly to sustain its business operations.

From that amount, US$2 million is channelled towards production of the company’s soda drinks brands.

Company secretary Alex MMakamure said his week that as the foreign currency crisis became more pronounced, the firm “virtually closed” its soft drinks business, with the bleak prospect of halting operations in Zimbabwe.

“The engagements with the stakeholders resulted in sharing the perspectives of the impact of selling exclusively in one of the currencies in the basket of currencies in the multi-currency framework. The company did not arrive at this decision lightly,” he said.

“To illustrate this, the soft drinks business was virtually closed in December, the other businesses were expected to stop trading by mid to end of January as we were fast running out of certain ingredients. There were two clear alternatives: to run down the remaining stocks and shutdown . . .”

Owing to the erratic hard currency allocations from the central bank, the brewer has been struggling to satisfy its debt obligations amounting to US$60 million owed to various creditors.

“Delta has not been able to service its debt obligations to various creditors due to the foreign currency issues.

“We owe our creditors in excess of US$60 million in addition to foreign loans of US$45 million,” he said.

Makamure said the company remained in a “precarious position” and had been surviving on lifelines from its parent company, AB-InBev, which acquired a controlling equity stake in the local brewer in 2017. So far, AB-InBev has shelled out US$60 million to keep Delta afloat.

Last year, Makamure told businessdigest that the viability of Delta’s Shumba Maheu business unit with a monthly turnover of over US$1 million was being threatened by the scarcity of foreign currency required to import packaging material.

The brewer established the Shumba Maheu business unit in 2015 as part of the beverages manufacturer’s plan to diversify.

Before local production of the Shumba Maheu product brands, Delta used to import the starch-based non-carbonated and alcohol-free beverage from an associate company in Zambia.

— Independent

Jane Mlambo| Former President Robert Mugabe Spokesperson, Jealousy Mawarire has fingered vice President Constantino Chiwenga in the dismissal of Chief Magistrate Mishrod Guvamombe over the recruitment of former ministers Savior Kasukuwere and Supa Mandiwanzira.

Posting on Twitter, Mawarire said Guvamombe was fired at the instigation of Chiwenga.

Guvamombe was suspended on allegations of recruiting Kasukuwere and Mandiwanzira for work-related attachment at the Harare Magistrates Court.

The two are currently studying towards Bachelor of Laws Degree at the University of Zimbabwe. They both have cases pending before the courts.

The suspension of Chief Magistrate Guvamombe by the Judicial Services Commission allegedly at the instigation of Chiwenga for allegedly helping former Ministers Kasukuwere & Mandiwanzira get work-related attachment at the magistrate courts stinks to high heavens.

— mawarire mbizvo jealousy (@mawarirej) January 11, 2019

With this kind of Commando Executive interference with judiciary operations, one wonders whether these two former ministers will have fair trials considering they have cases before the courts. It is apparent the junta has no respect for the rule of law & separation of powers.

— mawarire mbizvo jealousy (@mawarirej) January 11, 2019

FIVE people who are members of the Johane Marange apostolic sect have died from a suspected fresh cholera outbreak in Mavhurume village in Murewa.

Murewa district administrator Gumburayi Wadzvanya wrote to the provincial administrator Tarubarira Kutamahufa, confirming the suspected cholera cases.

“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,” the letter read.

“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 environment health departments, visited the village in question.”

Last year, three members of another Johane Marange apostolic sect in Murewa died during a pilgrimage after contracting the deadly water-borne disease.

The church gathering was later banned after leaders of the sect barred health officials from accessing the shrine.

Kutamahufa yesterday said health experts had already been sent to the affected area.

“A team of experts has already been deployed into the affected area and we await confirmation from them to ascertain whether it is cholera or not.

However, I spoke to the acting provincial medical officer, who said some of the deceased are part of the three apostolic sect members who died last year,” he said.

Members of the churrch are barred from seeking medical attention on religious grounds.

SPEED MERCHANT Gabriel Nyoni has completed his move to CAPS United and promised the Green Machine fans some fireworks this season. The winger played for Highlanders last year where he was the club vice-captain. “I have officially joined @capsunitedfczw,’’ Nyoni revealed on Twitter.

“The club is doing things differently this year. CAPS fans are in for a happy 2019. Thanks to the coach (Lloyd Chitembwe) for his welcome message.

“ . . . (thanks) to Mr (Nhamo) Tutisani (vice-president), Mr (Farai) Jere (president) and the whole CAPS United executive.’’

Nyoni revealed he would be doing a post graduate course with the Chartered Institute of Customer Relations Management during his time in Harare.

He said everything for the course was paid for and paid special tribute to Dynamos board member Mthokozisi Nkosi for helping him.

The forward also revealed he has received a stand, in one of Harare’s residential areas, worth US$20 250 as part of the deal to join Makepekepe.

Nyoni is said to have chose a stand rather than a signing-on fee to seal the deal to join Makepekepe.

Considered one of the most intelligent footballers around, he felt being paid a huge sum of money, or getting a car, were not better than getting a stand where he could built a house for his family.

He owns his clothing label GN27.

Highlanders chief executive Nhlanhla Dube said they wished Nyoni well at his new club.

“Nothing went wrong actually,’’ he said after one fan asked how Bosso let the forward leave the club.

“(Best) wishes have been exchanged and the chapter closed. The feeling is mutual.’’

State Media

Jane Mlambo| Former cabinet minister, Professor Jonathan Moyo has exposed how the then Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Information, George Charamba used to meddle in party politics against the dictates of his office as he is a civil servant.

According to Professor Moyo, Charamba together with Constantino Chiwenga, Happyton Bonyongwe and other senior Zanu PF members constituted what her termed the 2013 poll group that steered the ruling party’s election campaign programme.

10/24 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 & Jonathan Moyo!

— Prof Jonathan Moyo (@ProfJNMoyo) January 10, 2019

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.

A-77-YEAR-Old man has been found dead in a pool of blood after being axed on the head and between his eyes at his homestead in Gokwe, police have confirmed.

His attacker is unknown and police are investigating the matter.

Mr Anthony Mlangeni of Chitekete area, under Chief Simchembo was found dead, face down on Wednesday morning outside his bedroom hut.

The elderly man lived alone at his homestead.

His son, Mr Ishmael Mlangeni (49) lived a few kilometres away, within the same village.

A neighbour who had gone to the deceased’s homestead to borrow a hoe found the body and alerted the deceased’s son and other villagers.

Police suspect that the old man may have been killed in the early hours of Wednesday.

Midlands’ provincial police spokesperson Inspector Joel Goko confirmed the case.

He said reasons for the attack are not yet known and investigations are underway.

The victim was allegedly last seen at his homestead on Tuesday evening by his son.

“A woman (37) went to the now deceased’s home to borrow a hoe. Upon arrival in the yard, she stumbled on the body of Mlangeni, lying in a pool of blood, a few steps away from his bedroom hut.

“We are appealing to members of the public who may know the suspects or has information that may lead to the arrest of the suspects to come forward. Reasons for the attack are not yet known,” said Insp Goko said.

He said the victim had deep cuts at the back of the head and between the eyes.

His body was taken to the United Bulawayo Hospitals (UBH) for post-mortem.

Murder cases have become rife around the country.

Last November, an 88-year-old man was found dead with multiple gunshot wounds at his home in Plumtree.

His 21-year-old son said he heard several gunshots at around 11PM but said he was too scared to check what was happening outside his bedroom. He discovered his seriously injured father at around 5AM the following day and rushed him to Makhulela Clinic where he was declared dead.

The unknown attackers are still at large.

In April last year, a man from Binga struck an 86-year-old man to death with an axe after accusing him of bewitching him before turning on two women from the same area with the same weapon, leaving them seriously injured.

-State Media

GOVERNMENT is reconsidering the US$400 million National Railways of Zimbabwe (NRZ) recapitalisation project to be jointly undertaken by the South African rail, port and pipeline company, Transnet and the Diaspora Infrastructure Development Group (DIDG) as it insists stakeholders have not agreed on the shareholding structure, among a myriad of unresolved issues stalling the deal, the Zimbabwe Independent can reveal.

In fact, NRZ general manager Lewis Mukwada said government was yet to decide on the suitability of DIDG and Transnet to carry out the multi-million dollar project, which has attracted the interest of major banks from South Africa.

A protracted due diligence exercise to determine the suitability of the consortium to roll out the multi-million dollar project is supposed to be finalised next month, enabling government to make a determination on whether or not to approve the deal. But owing to a number of thorny issues, the deadline could be missed.

Although President Emmerson Mnangagwa last year commissioned 13 locomotives, 200 wagons and 34 coaches, leased from the South African entity under the NRZ recapitalisation framework, the deal could be put off after it emerged that government has not yet given the consortium the nod to revamp the country’s shambolic rail system. A framework of agreement relating to the deal was approved by cabinet two years ago, during former president Robert Mugabe’s tenure. The deal was used as a model project by Mnangagwa during the run up to last year’s elections, where he promised to open Zimbabwe for business and revamp the country’s infrastructure among other promises.

The Independent understands a key meeting between government, NRZ and DIDG will be held on Tuesday to iron out issues.

Various banks, leveraging on the strength of the consortium’s bid to rehabilitate Zimbabwe’s rag tag rail network, have mobilised close to US$1 billion to finance the project.
The banks have provided term sheets but the government has been moving at a snail’s pace amid concerns that some officials wanted the deal to collapse so that a company of their choice implements the project.
“A due diligence was carried on the DIDG and Transnet consortium. The results of this will be submitted to government together with draft agreements and recommendations on whether we should accept the deal or not,” Mukwada said.

“Generally the scope of the project entails much more work than had been originally anticipated, because of its complexity which became more apparent as the project progressed. While considerable progress has been made, the original timelines set last year have had to be reviewed. The committee handling the project is submitting recommendations to its principals on the way forward.”

The due diligence exercise encompasses various areas of the transaction which include technical, financial, commercial, human resources and legal activities.

Mukwada said stakeholders were also yet to agree on the shareholding structure although an agreement seen by the Independent last year revealed that the consortium had a 60% stake.

“Details of shareholding (among other issues) are still under discussion and will be made public once the deal is finalised,” Mukwada said, noting that negotiations were still ongoing.

However, according to terms spelt out in the Framework Agreement between NRZ and the consortium reveals the parties agreed that the local rail operator would hold 40% equity in the joint venture while a 60% stake would be held by the South African entity.

“The consortium will form a joint venture company (JV1) to attract funding from one or more commercial lenders and development funding institutions, including the potential support and participation of certain eligible export credit agencies or similar institutions. NRZ and the consortium will establish another Joint Venture company (JV2) to be incorporated in Zimbabwe comprising JV1 and NRZ. The shareholding in JV2 shall be on a ratio and tenure to be agreed, indicatively 60% for JV1 and 40% for NRZ for a period of twenty five (25) years,” reads the agreement.

The Framework Agreement was entered on January 31, 2018 with Larry Mavima, the then board chairperson of NRZ who is now Midlands Provincial Affairs minister, representing the local rail operator while DIDG was represented by its chairperson Donovan Chimhandamba.

As first revealed by the Zimbabwe Independent last year, a convoluted legal process under the due diligence exercise threatened to derail the project, though various banks had mobilised well over the US$400 million initially required to rejuvenate NRZ.

Now sources involved in the cumbersome negotiations say there are spirited efforts by top government officials to muscle out the South African consortium and rope in a new player to undertake the project.

“There were many players involved who wanted the deal and their strategy was to frustrate the South African consortium. This is why this deal has not come to fruition,” one source said.

A crisis meeting held last month to resolve the bottlenecks besetting finalisation of the deal failed to resolve the impasse after the project’s legal advisors disapproved of it, arguing the due diligence exercise was not complete.

Acknowledging “delays resulting from various factors”, DIDG board chairperson Donovan Chimhandamba however said he remained hopeful that the deal would be back on track.

“Delays have been due to time lost over elections but also recent restructuring and reorganisation at Transnet which also had an impact on progression of the NRZ recapitalisation deal. These changes though they might have slowed down the process a bit, we believe the changes will strengthen the project and make it more sustainable in the long-run,” Chimhandamba said.

Another source close to proceedings, however, said the deal would only be sealed after finalisation of various “transaction agreements” currently being negotiated by the parties involved.

“The final deal will be signed off subject to the approval of the agreements. It is only at that point that we will be certain that the consortium has been given the approval to implement the project. As it stands, anything can happen. There are still things the parties are still working on before the deal is approved,” the source said.

Transport minister Biggie Matiza has previously indicated that the NRZ recapitalisation deal would collapse if stakeholders failed to resolve the outstanding issues by February.

As part of the legal due diligence, the ministry’s legal advisors are demanding Transnet’s board minutes for the past three years and documents of past court proceedings on litigation cases. They have also asked to be furnished with Transnet’s contracts with its suppliers but the DIDG/Transnet consortium believes the demands are unreasonable and will violate agreements which have nothing to do with the NRZ deal.

A number of South African banks which include Standard Bank, Absa, Nedbank and the Industrial Development Corporation of South Africa had cumulatively mobilised close to US$900 million to bankroll the project. Ecobank of Kenya is also willing to inject US$100 million into the project while CBZ is waiting in the wings with a US$50 million war chest.

-Zimbabwe Independent

Mediterranean Shipping Company (MSC) SA (Zimbabwe) Pvt Ltd has threatened to block the release of containers for Zimbabwean importers over their failure to remit in excess of US$9,1 million in shipping fees, businessdigest has learnt.

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.”

-Zimbabwe Independent

MDC leader Nelson Chamisa has relented to pressure from some of his senior lieutenants to bring forward the party’s long-awaited congress from October to June this year as factional tensions in the country’s main opposition movement reaches boiling point, it emerged this week.

Chamisa took over as MDC president in controversial circumstances last year after he outwitted his then two co-vice-presidents, Elias Mudzuri and Thokozani Khupe, during a cat-fight which played out at a time former founding president Morgan Tsvangirai was on his deathbed in South Africa.

Tsvangirai succumbed to bowl cancer on February 14 last year.

Soon after Tsvangirai’s death, Chamisa — who at the time was acting party president — convened an urgent national council meeting which immediately confirmed him as acting party leader until congress is held.

The national council later confirmed Chamisa as the substantive leader.

Chamisa grabbed power at a time Khupe — who was elected vice-president at the party’s last congress unlike Chamisa and Mudzuri who were appointed by Tsvangirai, — had travelled to Johannesburg with some senior party officials to collect the former trade unionist’s body.

Relying on a militant youth wing christened The Vanguard, which launched violent raids on Khupe’s camp, Chamisa managed to decimate his most potent rival then.

Khupe and his followers were beaten by the Vanguard members at Tsvangirai’s funeral in Buhera. She was also subjected to frequent attacks even when she had retreated to her Bulawayo base.

Khupe eventually broke away from the party alongside other officials including former spokesperson Obert Gutu.
But no sooner had Khupe left than fresh fissures emerged particularly between Chamisa and party secretary-general Douglas Mwonzora and Mudzuri, who have been pushing for the leadership dispute to be settled at congress.

Officials in the party say Mwonzora’s camp has since last year been pushing for the congress to be held by end of February in accordance with a provision in the party’s constitution, which states that upon the death or resignation of a sitting president, an acting president must take over for a period not exceeding a year, after which an elective congress should be held to decide the new substantive leader.

Chamisa’s camp has, on the other hand, been arguing that since the MDC leader was made substantive president by the party’s highest decision-making organ, the national council, soon after Tsvangirai’s burial, that provision no longer applied. Instead they say congress can only be held in October this year when it is constitutionally due.

MDC sources told Zimbabwe Independent the party has initiated the process which will lead to the June congress after having tasked its organising department headed by Mkoba legislator Amos Chibaya to come up with a programme of action which will be presented at the national council meeting slated for the end of this month for adoption.
The sources said Chamisa’s camp relented after it realised that further delays were giving impetus to the narrative that Chamisa was afraid of a congress.

“It was realised that delaying the congress to October was feeding into the narrative that Chamisa was too keen to hold onto power without congress approval. The only problem now is that we should hold smaller congresses at all levels of the party, starting with the branch, the ward, the district and then the province before the national congress happens,” an official said.

“Now, it is clear that it will not be logically possible to hold those by June because we need two months to restructure each organ. But then Chibaya’s department was tasked to come up with a timeframe and programme to reorganise those lower structures. The most workable plan would be to waive the two months programme for lower structures so that it would be possible to hold the congress by that time.”
Another source said: “It will all depend on whether or not the national council will agree with the plans of the organising department, especially considering that the party really wanted time to restructure the branches and wards which have not been functioning well especially in rural areas. So there is a little bit of a challenge there but these can be attended to afterwards.”

MDC spokesperson Jacob Mafume said the next national council meeting will decide when the congress is to be held.
“Constitutionally, the latest time by which the congress has to be held is October but the national council can determine otherwise. Hopefully, the issue will be dealt with when it meets next,” he said.

Mafume also said the re-organisation of smaller party organs will kick off shortly.

“It is common knowledge that in the period leading to the congress, we will have to attend to those smaller structures of the party and we are coming up with a programme for that,” he said.

Efforts to get a comment from Chibaya were fruitless as he was not answering calls on his mobile phone.

He also did not respond to text messages sent to him.

-Zimbabwe Independent

Finance minister Mthuli Ncube has said the serious challenges facing the country, including a high budget deficit and significant debt, and currency challenges, were surmountable with major structural reforms.

Addressing the European Parliament yesterday, Ncube said what was required was urgent and bold action, and tough decisions.

“We cannot run away from the challenge — the longer we wait to address it, the harder it will be,” he said.

Ncube said government has developed a comprehensive plan to revive the economy and put the country on the path to steady economic growth.

“The only way to a stronger economy is to restructure, rebuild and reform,” he said.

“This plan involves some painful measures to get our national budget under control. These measures will be felt by all of us, but are unavoidable if we want to get our economy back on track. These measures are those of a doctor performing a lifesaving operation. They cause pain, but the pain is the only thing that will lead to a recovery. As Margret Thatcher once said: Yes, the medicine is harsh, but the patient requires it in order to live.”

Ncube added: “We must all be humble and austere, and government is leading by example. We are continuing to make big cuts to perks and unnecessary expenditure, so that government lives within its means.”

He said government was making structural reforms to liberalise the economy, privatise inefficient parastatals, reduce red tape, regulation and attract investment.

Newsday

 

HARARE – Cabinet failed to sit on Tuesday despite the fact that President Emmerson Mnangagwa had to cut short his annual leave to attend to a crippling strike by doctors in public hospitals.

Cabinet is still to meet this year.

Even though Mnangagwa had to abruptly end his vacation, Vice President Constantino Chiwenga continues as acting president.

Deputy Information minister told the Daily News yesterday that “there was no Cabinet meeting because his Excellency the president is still on leave”.

Political analysts canvassed by the Daily News said the development is “shocking” as it displays lack of seriousness on the part of the country’s leadership to deal with the problems affecting the majority of Zimbabweans.

“It is telling when the president cuts short his leave to deal with the crisis, and the crisis remains unresolved and he is not allowed to resume his duties. Something is clearly amiss,” political analyst and former civic society leader McDonald Lewanika said.

Lewanika suggested that either Mnangagwa’s return from leave was cosmetic and only meant to paint a picture of someone seriously dealing with the issues, or he is simply ineffective.

“In any event, the development shows a government that is at sixes and sevens with multiple centres of authority and power.

“Without alternative explanations, the failure of Cabinet to meet in the midst of a crisis regardless of who would be in the chair is telling, and suggests a disheartening lack of urgency and order in the State,” said Lewanika.

Another analyst Piers Pigou said the absence of clarity on how Mnangagwa and Chiwenga are currently working gives rise to all sorts of speculations and confuses citizens.

Pigou said it was easy, under the circumstances to conclude that the cluelessness by the country’s leaders on how to extricate the country out of the economic quagmire it finds itself in is the reason why nobody seems keen on taking charge.

“Given the notification by the Apex Council for industrial action, it appears neither Mnangagwa nor his deputy, Chiwenga, has a clear route forward to resolve the currency and related salary and costs crises,” Pigou said.

Explaining his return from vacation, Mnangagwa said he wanted to directly engage Chiwenga over the crisis that followed the collapse of negotiations between junior doctors and government.

“I have cut short my leave to be in immediate and active consultation with the acting president in resolving the situation in the health sector,” reads part of the statement.

Chiwenga, in his capacity as acting president, had been tasked by Mnangagwa with resolving the impasse between the State and the junior doctors who are pressing for improved working conditions and better pay.

Prone to kneejerk reactions, Chiwenga immediately announced the sacking of about 500 junior doctors after the labour court deemed their industrial action illegal.

The decision which came hard on the heels of yet another impulsive pronouncement was largely condemned in the country with some analysts describing it as irrational.

Presidential spokesperson George Charamba had told the Daily News at the time that his boss was concerned with the loss of life in public hospitals and rubbished claims that Mnangagwa’s return to work was a no-confidence vote in Chiwenga’s ability to handle the situation.

United Kingdom-based political analysts Alex Magaisa had pointed out at the time that Mnangagwa’s decision was a polite way of telling his deputy that he had performed dismally in his absence.

“I have had to cut my vacation because my deputy has failed to handle the crisis in the health sector’. That’s it, in a nutshell, without all the diplomatic frou-frou,” Magaisa wrote on his Twitter handle.

Yet Charamba maintained that “if you are in acting capacity, there are certain things that an acting president cannot do”.

“But also critically, where there is loss of life, it would be callous for a president to pretend everything is normal,” Charamba said.

Daily News

VIDEO LOADING BELOW…

EIGHT armed robbers, among them two police officers allegedly raided a Chinese mining company in Zvishavane and went away with an Isuzu pick up, 48 grammes of gold, US$8 820, $6 800 bond notes and 2 155 Chinese yuan.

The two police officers, Moses Karumbidza (30) and Isaac Kawundura (33) both based in Mberengwa and attached to the ZRP Support Unit, together with Thulani Nkala (38), Taurai Matarirano (27), Tady Magama (25), Learnmore Makore (27), Wellington Moyo (34), Hardlife Mazheke (28) all from Zvishavane, armed themselves with three rifles and four pistols and went to Camlark Mine where they robbed the owners of their valuables, gold and cash.

The gang allegedly fired shots in the air and ordered everyone to lie down before ransacking the mine premises on December 11 last year.

The eight suspects, who allegedly ganged up with eight others still at large, have approached the High Court seeking bail pending trial.

In papers before the court, the eight men through their lawyers Mutendi, Mudisi and Shumba Legal Practitioners, filed their application at the Bulawayo High Court citing the State as a respondent.

In their bail statements, the applicants argued that the State case was weak hence it would not induce them to abscond if granted bail.

They said they were wrongfully implicated, arguing that there was no evidence linking them to the alleged offence. “The allegations are spurious and there is no link between the alleged offence and the applicants save for the alleged confessions extracted through use of brutal force and torture. The police are taking a vindictive approach against the applicants and they are misleading in their averments that the applicants were armed with firearms, which were never recovered,” argued the applicants’ lawyers.

“The respondent alleges that the applicants committed armed robbery when there is no evidence to that effect. In fact, no weapons or cartridges were recovered after the alleged commission of the crime to suggest that shots were fired on that particular day.”

The State, which was represented by Mr Kudakwashe Jaravaza, opposed the application, arguing that the accused persons were likely to abscond if granted bail due to the gravity of the alleged crime.

Mr Jaravaza said the eight men had a propensity to interfere with witnesses and commit further offences if granted bail. “All the accused persons have previous cases of armed robbery committed in Mashava and Kadoma and again in light of the fact that the firearms used in the commission of the robbery were not recovered it is not in the best interests of justice that the applicants be released for there is a likelihood of them committing similar offences,” he said.

On December 11 last year, the gang allegedly drove to Camlark Investments Mine armed with three rifles and four pistols. It is alleged that the 16-member gang, disguised as police officers, force marched security details at Camlark Mine to the residence of the Chinese owners of the mine.

They used a bolt cutter to destroy a padlock at the gate before accessing the residence. They allegedly fired two shots prompting one of the occupants, Mr Zhang Ren Lon to come out of the house to investigate.

The suspects manhandled Mr Zhang and took him back to his house where they ordered him to show them where he kept the money.

The gang allegedly looted cash amounting to US$8 820, $6 800 bond notes and 2 155 Chinese yuan.

They also broke into one of the mine offices and took a computer hard drive and 48 grams of gold and loaded them into the stolen car and drove off.

A report was made to the police leading to the arrest of the eight men and only the stolen car was recovered.

State Media

A 24 year old Dangamvura man has been caged 12 months after bedding a 12-year-old-girl who had eloped to him after she had been chased away from home for being in a relationship with him.

Kudakwashe Ncube from Foroma Village under Chief Marange was convicted on his own plea of guilt by magistrate Perseverance Makala.

He was originally handed a 15-month sentence but three months were suspended on condition of good behaviour leaving him to serve an effective 12-month sentence.

Ncube was charged with having sexual intercourse with a minor in contravention of section 70 (a) of the Criminal Law (Codification and Reform) Act chapter 9:23.

Prosecuting, Percy Musukuto informed the court how Ncube approached the Grade Seven girl with a love proposal in September 2018, which she later accepted.

Sometime in December, the girl then eloped after her parents chased her away from home because of her affair with Ncube.

Ncube’s mother, however, accompanied the underage girl back to her parents.

On January 2, her parents again ejected her from home and she returned to Ncube’s home. Ncube in turn then proceeded with her to Mutare’s Dangamvura suburb where his father resides.

On January 3 at around 0200 hours, the two had consensual unprotected sexual intercourse.

The girl’s cousin made a police report acting on instructions from the girl’s mother, leading to Ncube’s arrest.

— DailyNews

ZAPU president Dr Dumiso Dabengwa is reportedly ill and is in South Africa where he is receiving specialist treatment, his party has revealed. In an interview, Zapu’s secretary-general Dr Strike Mkandla said Dr Dabengwa went to South Africa in December.

He said Dr Dabengwa was not hospitalised, but living with relatives while undergoing routine check-ups.

“There were some things to be done, but he is fine we spoke to him yesterday (Tuesday). He was expected to return shortly after Christmas and it was noted that he should go for a check-up on the 4th.

“It was then observed that it would be a waste of money to come this side and return. He decided to stay with his relatives over the Christmas Holiday. We expect him maybe next week,” he said.
Dr Mkandla did not disclose Dr Dabengwa’s ailment.

He, however, said there is nothing the public should be worried about regarding his health.

“It’s a routine check really. Maybe things that propped up, he did not know about them. It seems new things were identified during the routine checkups which they felt should be attended to.

“He is yet to undergo an operation. Some of these things might be complicated or alternatively some of these things may not be serious needing just regular check ups,” he said.

State Media

ZAPU president Dr Dumiso Dabengwa is reportedly ill and is in South Africa where he is receiving specialist treatment, his party has revealed.

In an interview on Wednesday, Zapu’s secretary general Dr Strike Mkandla said Dr Dabengwa went to South Africa in December and has remained in the neighbouring country since then.

He said Dr Dabengwa was not hospitalised but living with relatives while undergoing routine checkups.

“There were some things to be done but he is fine we spoke to him yesterday (Tuesday). He was expected to return shortly after Christmas and it was noted that he should go for a check up on the 4th. It was then observed that it would be a waste of money to come this side and return. He decided to stay with his relatives over the Christmas holiday. We expect him maybe next week,” he said.

Dr Mkandla did not disclose Dr Dabengwa’s ailment.

He however said there is nothing the public should be worried about regarding the liberation struggle stalwart’s health.

“It’s a routine check up really. Maybe things that cropped up, he did not know about them. It seems new things were identified during the routine checkups which they felt should be attended to. He is yet to undergo an operation. Some of these things might be complicated or alternatively some of these things may not be serious needing just regular checkups,” he said.

Dr Dabengwa revealed that he was not feeling well during a funeral service of the late National University of Science and Technology’s founding Vice Chancellor Professor Phinias Makhurane at Amphitheatre last month.

-State Media

Former Lands minister Douglas Mombeshora and his wife Millicent yesterday lost household property worth thousands of dollars after failing to settle an undisclosed debt to a local bank.

The couple’s property which include a washing machine, two wooden sideboards, two-door steel cabinets, a massaging machine, a broken desk, an electronic digital safe, books, a television, a plasma television, a steel shelf, gym equipment and a boardroom table, among other items, was auctioned to the public in line with a High Court order.

Meanwhile, prominent businessman MacDonald Chapfika will next week on Wednesday lose property worth $1 000 at a public auction in Marondera.

Chapfika lost a high court case against Godwin Kwinjo and the courts instructed the sell off his bedroom suit.

This is not the first time for the Highdown Investments owner to lose property worth thousands due to defaulting on payment of debt.

In 2017, the prominent businessman, who had his exclusive deal to supply Harare City Council with water treatment chemicals cancelled in 2010, failed to pay an unspecified amount of money to Kwinjo, who later got a writ of execution to attach the businessman’s property.

In 2014, Chapfika also lost property valued at $21 000 that was attached after he failed to repay a debt to Nelhurst Trading.

In 2011, the High court ordered the sale of Chapfika’s double story house he owned after he defaulted on a $300 000 loan.

Daily News

Zimbabwe’s main opposition has warned that a worsening economic crisis will have a negative effect on neighbouring South Africa, to where a majority of Zimbabweans are fleeing.

Warnings by the MDC come amid a crippling strike by doctors and industrial action planned by teachers.

The protests are the latest in a series of economic and political woes afflicting South Africa’s northern neighbour.

“The economic and political crisis in Zimbabwe is worsening. This affects our neighbouring countries, particularly South Africa,” said Jacob Mafume, MDC Alliance spokesperson.

He briefed media on a recent visit to SA by MDC leader Nelson Chamisa, who met SA President Cyril Ramaphosa.

– CAJ NEWS

Hundreds of students across the country have been turned away from school for non-payment of fees despite government’s directive not to send learners away.

This comes after Primary and Secondary Education minister Paul Mavima discouraged schools from sending children away for non-payment of fees suggesting they should not be punished on behalf of their parents.

“We have said it over and over again that no child should be sent away for non-payment of fees. That is government policy. We don’t expect it to be happening. The matter of fees is between the school and the parent, not the child and under our Constitution every child has a right to go to school.

“We want to provide quality education that is accessible; therefore, no child should be left behind,” Mavima said.

As schools opened earlier this week, Nyamuzihwa High School in Mutoko and Baring Primary School in Mutare chased away school children for failure to produce receipts as proof of payment upon entry at the schools.

Justice for Children (JCT) expressed exasperation that a number of schools were chasing away students despite stated government policy.

“JCT urges schools to treat children under their care humanely. JCT has just received disturbing reports of a school locking out children leaving them with their school stuff in the rain,” the charity said in a statement.

JCT said the legal position is that if schools are owed, the one to go after is the parent and not the innocent and hapless child.

The organisation’s programmes manager John Mhlanga told the Daily News that as education is a right, government must make efforts to ensure that it is affordable to everyone.

“If we are to maintain our literacy level I am sure primary education should be catered for by government. In terms of the constitution, children have the right to basic education. To make it affordable it has to be free to ensure that it becomes compulsory. Every child whatever the level of income the family may have must be able to fulfil the right to education through attending school,” Mhlanga said.

Some of the children were allegedly sent home for debts as little as $7 on opening day.

Zimbabwe Lawyers for Human Rights (ZLHR) pointed out that the majority of those who fall victim to this practice are children from disadvantaged families and acquiring education can be the only way out of a life of poverty.

“Turning away children from the classroom undermines the principle of the best interest of a child, a standard prescribed and emphasised in the constitution of Zimbabwe, and in human rights instruments that Zimbabwe has voluntarily ratified,” ZLHR said.

Government last year resolved to start offering free basic education this year saying authorities will amend the Education Act when Parliament resumes sitting to align laws with section 27 of the Constitution.

Free basic education was stopped during the early 1990’s at the height of government’s Economic Structural Adjustment Programme (Esap) that witnessed massive reduction of social services.

-Daily News

Jane Mlambo| Former Finance Deputy Minister Terrence Mukupe has sensationally claimed that he is working to protect government from unnecessary criticism saying it is the duty of children to protect the home when trouble comes.

Posting on Twitter, Mukupe urged government to take a stand on currency reforms swearing that he is not going to jump ship and leave his party leadership to suffer alone.

https://twitter.com/tmukupe/status/1083084624119717888?s=21

A South African based 33-year-old Zimbabwean woman was on Wednesday slapped with a 6 months jail term after she was convicted of smuggling drugs worth $27 000 via Robert Mugabe International Airport.

Harare Magistrate Learnmore Mapiye ruled that the convict, Judith Munemo will serve four months effective with two months set aside after she pleaded guilty to the charges last Thursday.

Munemo initially tried to disown the drugs saying she did not know how they ended up in her bag but changed plea after she was cornered by the prosecutor, admitting to committing the offence in a bid to fend for her family.

Munemo was nabbed upon arrival at the airport following a tip-off by some unknown persons.

The drug smuggler was charged with contravening the Medicines and Allied Substances Control Act.

It is the state’s case that on 1 January 2019, detectives from CID drugs and Narcotics Harare, received a tip-off to the effect that Munemo was aboard an Ethiopian Air flight ET 863 from India and was in possession of Ephedrine.

Detectives went to the airport and managed to identify her while collecting her luggage comprising of a brown bag and a monarch bag.

The Court further heard that she took the green route used by passengers without anything to declare and was intercepted at the exit.

Upon being searched, she was found in possession of 18 x 500-gram tins containing ephedrine.

She was arrested and brought before court where she was remanded in custody and sentenced yesterday.

-263Chat

Speech by Minister of Finance Prof Mthuli Ncube to the European Parliament to the European Conservatives and Reformists Group(ECR Group).

Rebuilding Zimbabwe

Zimbabwe is back on the map. Just as we open up our economy and democratic space, so too are we opening our arms to the world.

The dark times are behind us, and the future is bright and positive; a future of cooperation and dialogue. A future whereby Zimbabwe is an active and responsible member of the global community.

The Zimbabwean economy faces a raft of serious challenges, including a high budget deficit and significant debt, and currency challenges. These are challenges we cannot face alone.

And while these challenges are significant, with major structural reform they are not unsurmountable. What is required is urgent and bold action, and tough decisions. We cannot run away from the challenge – the longer we wait to address it, the harder it will be.

Government has developed a comprehensive plan to revive our economy and put us on the path to steady economic growth. The only way to a stronger economy is to restructure, rebuild and reform.

This plan involves some painful measures to get our national budget under control. These measures will be felt by all of us, but are unavoidable if we want to get our economy back on track.

These measures are those of a doctor performing a lifesaving operation. They cause pain, but the pain is the only thing that will lead to a recovery. As Margret Thatcher once said, “Yes, the medicine is harsh, but the patient requires it in order to live.”

We must all be humble and austere, and government is leading by example. We are continuing to make big cuts to perks and unnecessary expenditure, so that government lives within its means.

Alongside this, we are making structural reforms to liberalise our economy, privatise inefficient parastatals, reduce red tape and regulation and attract investment.

It is vital that we do not panic. The money in Zimbabwean’s bank accounts is and continues to be of value, and Government is guaranteeing the availability of all essential commodities, including fuel.

Amidst these reforms, our growth projections remains strong, a similar rate to some of the fastest growing economies in Africa. This is an indication of where we are going if we keep on this path.

We must be realistic and recognise the scale of the challenge. According to the IMF, it takes a few years for an economy such as ours to overcome our constraints. There are no silver bullets or quick fixes. Reform, hard work and patience are the only solution.

We are undertaking a shared journey towards a better and more secure future. The road is long, winding and at times bumpy. But there is no other way. This is the road to an upper middle-income economy, ala Vision 2030, and if we travel it together, with patience and purpose, we will realise our vision.

The new Zimbabwe cannot go it alone. We must open our arms to the international community, international investors, and international financial organisations.

Eight armed robbers, among them two police officers allegedly raided a Chinese mining company in Zvishavane and went away with an Isuzu pick up, 48 grammes of gold, US$8 820, $6 800 bond notes and 2 155 Chinese yuan.

The two police officers, Moses Karumbidza (30) and Isaac Kawundura (33) both based in Mberengwa and attached to the ZRP Support Unit, together with Thulani Nkala (38), Taurai Matarirano (27), Tady Magama (25), Learnmore Makore (27), Wellington Moyo (34), Hardlife Mazheke (28) all from Zvishavane, armed themselves with three rifles and four pistols and went to Camlark Mine where they robbed the owners of their valuables, gold and cash.

The gang allegedly fired shots in the air and ordered everyone to lie down before ransacking the mine premises on December 11 last year.

The eight suspects, who allegedly ganged up with eight others still at large, have approached the High Court seeking bail pending trial.

In papers before the court, the eight men through their lawyers Mutendi, Mudisi and Shumba Legal Practitioners, filed their application at the Bulawayo High Court citing the State as a respondent.

In their bail statements, the applicants argued that the State case was weak hence it would not induce them to abscond if granted bail.

They said they were wrongfully implicated, arguing that there was no evidence linking them to the alleged offence. “The allegations are spurious and there is no link between the alleged offence and the applicants save for the alleged confessions extracted through use of brutal force and torture. The police are taking a vindictive approach against the applicants and they are misleading in their averments that the applicants were armed with firearms, which were never recovered,” argued the applicants’ lawyers.

“The respondent alleges that the applicants committed armed robbery when there is no evidence to that effect. In fact, no weapons or cartridges were recovered after the alleged commission of the crime to suggest that shots were fired on that particular day.”

The State, which was represented by Mr Kudakwashe Jaravaza, opposed the application, arguing that the accused persons were likely to abscond if granted bail due to the gravity of the alleged crime.

Mr Jaravaza said the eight men had a propensity to interfere with witnesses and commit further offences if granted bail. “All the accused persons have previous cases of armed robbery committed in Mashava and Kadoma and again in light of the fact that the firearms used in the commission of the robbery were not recovered it is not in the best interests of justice that the applicants be released for there is a likelihood of them committing similar offences,” he said.

On December 11 last year, the gang allegedly drove to Camlark Investments Mine armed with three rifles and four pistols. It is alleged that the 16-member gang, disguised as police officers, force marched security details at Camlark Mine to the residence of the Chinese owners of the mine.

They used a bolt cutter to destroy a padlock at the gate before accessing the residence. They allegedly fired two shots prompting one of the occupants, Mr Zhang Ren Lon to come out of the house to investigate.

The suspects manhandled Mr Zhang and took him back to his house where they ordered him to show them where he kept the money.

The gang allegedly looted cash amounting to US$8 820, $6 800 bond notes and 2 155 Chinese yuan.
They also broke into one of the mine offices and took a computer hard drive and 48 grams of gold and loaded them into the stolen car and drove off.

A report was made to the police leading to the arrest of the eight men and only the stolen car was recovered.- state media

STATE MEDIA – Acting President Retired General Dr Constantino Chiwenga says panic buying and hoarding tendencies are fuelling shortages and price distortions.

Dr Chiwenga was speaking at the launch of the second phase of the centre pivots irrigation facility under the crop production programme, held at Farnley farm in Chegutu East constituency today.

The Acting President launched the second phase of the centre pivot irrigation facility at a time the country is experiencing unpredictable rainfall patterns that are inconsistent with the traditional farming season.

The irrigation facility will thus mitigate the impact of mid season droughts and El niño effects that Zimbabwe is subjected to.

After a brief tour of the farm, Cde Chiwenga who was accompanied by Acting Chief Secretary Mr George Charamba, proceeded to address hundreds of Zanu PF supporters from surrounding areas, cabinet ministers, government officials and captains of industry who converged at Farnley farm to witness the launch.

“Let’s build our nation and let’s desist from promoting tendencies like panic buying or using social media platforms to spread misleading information,” he said.

Forex is in high demand with various sectors sharing the little that the country is generating, noted Dr Chiwenga while imploring Zimbabweans to develop a culture of pulling in one direction to achieve set goals.

Turning to agriculture, the Acting President said the country needs farmers with a business perspective and beneficiaries of the irrigation facility will be subjected to an approved selection criterion.

The irrigation facility programme is a public-private-partnership arrangement between the government and a company called Pedstock Investments.

Other speakers at the launch included Lands, Agriculture, Water, Climate and Rural Resettlement Minister Retired Air Chief Marshal Perrance Shiri, Minister of State for Mashonaland West Cde Mary Mliswa, Pedstock Investments Managing Director Mr Dror Jackson, house of assembly member for Chegutu East Cde Webster Shamhu and owner of the farm Mr Ngoni Chirikure.

To date twenty by forty (20*40) hectares centre pivots have been delivered into the country while a further 20 kilometres of pipes for irrigation have been secured.- state media

ZAPU president Dr Dumiso Dabengwa is reportedly ill and is in South Africa where he is receiving specialist treatment, his party has revealed.

In an interview on Wednesday, Zapu’s secretary general Dr Strike Mkandla said Dr Dabengwa went to South Africa in December and has remained in the neighbouring country since then.

He said Dr Dabengwa was not hospitalised but living with relatives while undergoing routine checkups.

“There were some things to be done but he is fine we spoke to him yesterday (Tuesday). He was expected to return shortly after Christmas and it was noted that he should go for a check up on the 4th. It was then observed that it would be a waste of money to come this side and return. He decided to stay with his relatives over the Christmas holiday. We expect him maybe next week,” he said.
Dr Mkandla did not disclose Dr Dabengwa’s ailment.

He however said there is nothing the public should be worried about regarding the liberation struggle stalwart’s health.

“It’s a routine check up really. Maybe things that cropped up, he did not know about them. It seems new things were identified during the routine checkups which they felt should be attended to. He is yet to undergo an operation. Some of these things might be complicated or alternatively some of these things may not be serious needing just regular checkups,” he said.

Dr Dabengwa revealed that he was not feeling well during a funeral service of the late National University of Science and Technology’s founding Vice Chancellor Professor Phinias Makhurane at Amphitheatre last month.- state media

Heavy rains destroyed the roof at Beitbridge border post arrivals section at the green route zone.

The green route zone is for travelers with nothing to declare or those importing goods under the traveler’s rebate.

More to follow…

State Media

GOVERNMENT has offered civil servants 10 percent pay increment across the board beginning this April but this was immediately rejected by its workforce which still insists on a planned strike in two weeks’ time.

This was revealed at a press briefing by APEX Council chairperson, Cecilia Alexander following a round of wage negotiations by government and its restless employees.

Alexander said they were going to brief their constituency on the offer and will meet government next week to present their position.

Civil servants on Tuesday gave their employer the mandatory 14-day notice to embark on a massive strike action while insisting their current wages have been eroded by a recent wave of price increases.

They have been demanding their wages to be paid in US dollars but this was vehemently rejected by a cash-strapped government which says it does not generate its revenue in forex.

President Emmerson Mnangagwa has said any pay increases offered by his administration shall be within the country’s budget.

The lowest paid civil servant currently earns $414 and shall start receiving an additional $41 if government proceeds to implement the offer.

More to follow…

Jane Mlambo| Political analyst, Ibbo Mandaza has blasted Zanu PF and President Emmerson Mnangagwa for failing to address the prevailing economic crisis in the country which has seen fuel disappear from service stations among other challenges.

Writing on Twitter, Mandaza said those in charge are clueless and in disarray when things were getting out of hand.

So, now that the country is burning and those purportedly in charge are clueless and virtually in disarray, what is to be done? @glenmpani @ProfJNMoyo @ClaudeKKabemba @mawarirej @TamukaKagoro77 @TrevorNcube

— Ibbo D Mandaza (@ibbosnr) January 9, 2019

Correspondent|Bulawayo ZANU PF Youths on Thursday stormed fuel service stations and confiscated all jerrycans from people who were on the queue to purchase fuel.

Fuel stations are allowed to sell fuel to buyers with jerrycan containers.

“Today Zanu PF youths are moving around the few Bulawayo service stations with fuel confiscating jerrycans.” Said Journalist Kholwani Nyathi. “Probably a novel way to arrest the raging crisis in their heads.”

It was not clear in what capacity did the youths have to engage in such acts.

“ZANU PF has a pathologist mentality of being useful only when life is already extinct.” Commented one Joachim Garikai.

On Wednesday in Kwekwe members of the Zimbabwe Defense Forces were reported to be manning most of the service stations controlling the crowd. At some instances they allowed their fellow ZDF members to purchase fuel ahead of other motorists who had queued for more than 7 hours.

Zimbabwe has been hit by massive fuel shortage since the disputed July 2018 elections. The situation has been attributed to lack of foreign currency which is needed to be allocated to fuel companies to import fuel from South Africa and Mozambique.

However Progressive Teachers Union of Zimbabwe Raymond Majongwe announced on Twitter that he saw 101 trucks of fuel tankers heading to Harare and Mutare.

VENDORS at Mbudzi Round About market clashed with their foreign landlord over charging them rent in United States dollars on Wednesday.

More than 150 vendors accommodated at the market found gates closed with bouncers demanding to see new lease agreements before allowing access to the premises.

The premises are managed by one Felix of Russian origin who refused to entertain H-Metro over allegations that he is demanding rentals in United States dollars, forcing the tents to sign new lease agreements.

The vendors’ chairperson Skumbuzo Munyawarara told H-Metro that they were given a short notice to vacate the place if they fail to pay rentals in United States dollars beginning of January 2019.

“Felix is becoming cruel to us and affecting families conducting their businesses here,” said Manyawarara.

“Some of the tenants do manicure and he is expecting them to charge in US dollars.

“Ndiyani angagadzirwe nzara achibhadhara US dollar?

“It is illegal to buy forex on black market and we have nowhere to get the US dollars he is demanding.

“He want all the tenants to pay half the amount in local currency and the other half in United States dollars but none of the tenants is willing to sign that agreement since we do not charge our clients in foreign currency.

“What is so disturbing is that the money is deposited into another person’s account since he is after evading tax and his timing has affected our business when we are trying to raise cash after paying school fees.

“We wrote a petition to him where we gave all our grievances and he promised to meet us only to be met by bouncers by the gate requesting for new lease agreements.

“It is unfair and he is refusing to meet vendors as agreed. We will take the issue to higher offices in order to defend men and women empowered running their business here,” said Munywarara.

Hmetro

Own Correspondent|FOUR people died and 15 others were seriously injured when a Bindura-bound kombi they were travelling in overturned at the 82-kilometre peg along the Harare-Mukumbura Highway.

“I can confirm that four people have died so far as a result of a kombi accident that was being driven by Wellington Kagona,” police confirmed.

One died on the spot, and two upon admission.

The accident occurred on Monday evening.

Another person died yesterday at Bindura Hospital, while 15 others are in critical condition at Parirenyatwa Group of Hospitals,” Mashonaland Central police spokesperson Inspector Milton Mundembe said.

He said Kagona tried to overtake at a blind spot, but lost control of the vehicle when he saw an oncoming truck and the kombi overturned several times, landing on its roof.

Police said the accident was due to human error and speeding.

He urged motorists to observe road traffic rules.

GOVERNMENT has developed a comprehensive plan to revive the economy, which will involve painful measures like a bitter pill administered to a patient, Finance and Economic Development Minister Professor Mthuli Ncube has said.

He made the remarks in Brussels, Belgium, yesterday while addressing the European Conservatives and Reformists (ECR) Group.

The ECR Group is a centre right political wind in the European Parliament established in 2009 under the founding principles of Prague. This is the first time Zimbabwe has been invited to the group’s meetings.

President Mnangagwa’s Government has prioritised re-engagement with all nations as it seeks to revamp an economy that has suffered isolation for decades.
In his address, Minister Ncube outlined part of the measures which the Government is taking to revive the economy.

These include cutting Government expenditure, privatising parastatals, liberalising the economy and reducing red tape. He said urgent and bold action was needed.

“Zimbabwe is back on the map. Just as we open up our economy and democratic space, so too are we opening our arms to the world,” said Prof Ncube.

“The dark times are behind us, and the future is bright and positive; a future of cooperation and dialogue. A future whereby Zimbabwe is an active and responsible member of the global community,” he said.

“The Zimbabwean economy faces a raft of serious challenges, including a high budget deficit and significant debt, and currency challenges. These are challenges we cannot face alone,” stated Minister Ncube.

He however, said it was impossible to run away from the challenges.
“And while these challenges are significant, with major structural reform, they are not insurmountable. What is required is urgent and bold action, and tough decisions. We cannot run away from the challenge — the longer we wait to address it, the harder it will be,” he said.

“Government has developed a comprehensive plan to revive our economy and put us on the path to steady economic growth. The only way to a stronger economy is to restructure, rebuild and reform,” said Prof Ncube.

“This plan involves some painful measures to get our national budget under control. These measures will be felt by all of us, but are unavoidable if we want to get our economy back on track,” he added.
He said pain would be felt as the measures were implemented but it was unavoidable.

“These measures are those of a doctor performing a lifesaving operation. They cause pain, but the pain is the only thing that will lead to a recovery. As Margret Thatcher once said, ‘Yes, the medicine is harsh, but the patient requires it in order to live’,” said Minister Ncube.

He urged Zimbabweans to be humble in their expenditure.

“We must all be humble and austere, and Government is leading by example. We are continuing to make big cuts to perks and unnecessary expenditure, so that Government lives within its means,” he said.

“Alongside this, we are making structural reforms to liberalise our economy, privatise inefficient parastatals, reduce red tape and regulation and attract investment,” said Minister Ncube. He urged the nation not to panic.

“It is vital that we do not panic. The money in Zimbabwean’s bank accounts is and continues to be of value, and Government is guaranteeing the availability of all essential commodities, including fuel,” he said.

“Amidst these reforms, our growth projections remains strong, a similar rate to some of the fastest growing economies in Africa. This is an indication of where we are going if we keep on this path.

“We must be realistic and recognise the scale of the challenge. According to the IMF, it takes a few years for an economy such as ours to overcome our constraints. There are no silver bullets or quick fixes. Reform, hard work and patience are the only solution,” said Minister Ncube.

He said the road to an upper middle income economy was long, bumpy but guaranteed a secure future.

“We are undertaking a shared journey towards a better and more secure future. The road is long, winding and at times bumpy. But there is no other way. This is the road to an upper middle-income economy, ala Vision 2030, and if we travel it together, with patience and purpose, we will realise our vision,” he said.

“The new Zimbabwe cannot go it alone. We must open our arms to the international community, international investors, and international financial organisations,” said Minister Ncube.

— State Media

BULAWAYO pharmacies and clinics have run out of birth control pills amid a biting shortage of basic drugs and medicines in the country, the Southern Eye has gathered.

A survey on clinics and pharmacies in the city showed they did not have the commonly used Marvelon birth control pill.

The pill, which is taken daily as a way of preventing pregnancy, has been in short supply in the past months, according to users of the product.

A Luveve resident, Gladys Mukanhaire, said she recently visited the Zimbabwe National Family Planning Council (ZNFPC) offices in the city after failing to acquire the tablet in shops and council clinics.

“I normally get the pill at Princess Margaret Clinic in the city, but of late they do not have any supplies. I bought my current supplies from Botswana in November. This issue is really serious. I urge the responsible authorities to address this issue as a matter of urgency,” Mukanhaire said.

The government-run Mpilo Central Hospital and United Bulawayo Hospital (UBH) reportedly face shortages of the birth control pill, but Mpilo clinical director Solwayo Ngwenya declined to comment when contacted yesterday.

Health minister Obadiah Moyo said he was attending running meetings when reached for comment yesterday.

ZNFPC Bulawayo provincial manager Blessed Gumbo said Marvelon was being brought into the country by private players.

“As the ZNFPC, we have in our stocks what is called the control pill, which is packaged in Zimbabwe and readily available. The Marvelon is procured by private players and I would like to think that maybe issues to do with foreign currency to procure are a challenge, resulting in its shortage,” Gumbo said.

Bulawayo proportional representation legislator and MDC chairperson, Tabitha Khumalo said shortages of the birth control tablets trampled on women’s reproductive health rights.

“I have heard a lot of people complaining about the shortages of contraceptives. I think government should respect our right to reproductive health by making sure that contraceptives are in abundance,” Khumalo said, adding she would also raise the issue with the Health minister in Parliament.

The country faces drug shortages, and the situation has been made a lot worse by demands from pharmacies and private health delivery institutions to be paid in United States dollars, forcing some people to resort to traditional medicines.

NewsDay

Two self-proclaimed prophets from Karoi, who hired a pirate taxi in Beitbridge before stealing the vehicle and attempting to sell it, have been convicted of theft by the Beitbridge regional magistrate.

Type Mutumwa (30) Jefta Zishiri (age not stated), both of Chikangwe suburb in Karoi, denied the charge of theft of a motor vehicle when they appeared before Chrispen Mberewere, who convicted them and remanded them to today for sentencing.

Prosecutor Munyonga Kuvarega said Tinashe Gorejena was employed by Delight Gwanyanya as a taxi driver and was using an unregistered Honda Fit to operate within the Beitbridge radius.

Towards end of April last year, the two self-proclaimed prophets visited Beitbridge from Wedza and established their “shrine” near White Lodge. They hired Gorejena’s taxi about four times and paid the driver for the services.

However, on May 4, the two approached the taxi driver and pretended as if they wanted to hire the taxi again to go to White Lodge to see a girlfriend.

The two drove away, leaving the taxi driver behind but never returned, instead switching off their mobile phones and changing sim cards.

It was the State case that the two drove to Slaughter Farm between Lion’s Den and Karoi in Mashonaland West.

Acting on a tip off, police on June 3 arrested Zishiri in Karoi as he tried to sell the vehicle. Mutumwa was later arrested in Karoi.

The vehicle, which was worth $4000, was recovered.

NewsDay