The MDC-T national chairman, Morgen Komichi says Harare West MP Jessie Majome over-reacted when she withdrew from the party’s primary elections.

Komichi denied serious allegations which say the party wanted to impose the other candidate, Joanna Mamombe.

He said Majome preempted the party’s strategy and it was all premature.

Komichi who created the confusion by introducing a conflicting elections policy, told the Daily News, “we first want to hear people’s views, we cannot impose candidates but we must engage through negotiations. We cannot have one person stopping a process but the truth is she pre-empted our strategy.

“We are supposed to look into Harare today and determine who goes to proportional representatives if both candidates are popular. We are aware of a possibility of independent candidates but she pre-empted our strategy, we were concerned by her fate and still are.”

The MDC-T has said it regrets the violence that occurred during its election candidates selection process.

The party’s national chairman Morgen Komichi, said the party regrets the chaos and violence which affected its candidate selection meetings.

Speaking on violence, he said, “we are regretting that and we will definitely investigate if one of the candidates is involved, then we are going to mete justice on him or her.”

He was quoted by Newsday adding that “the reason for consensus is to allow people to interact and democratically negotiate to come up with one candidate. This is the only first stage of our candidate selection and if they fail to agree, then we are going to another process which is primary elections.”

The Harare West MP, Jessie Majome has spoken on her moves after dropping from the race for re election. Majome said she will not join another party.

Last week, Macdonald Ncube spoke on what pushed her into pulling out.

Ncube said, “The below is an outline of how Jessie Majome was forced out of the race for parliament. This has been drawn from my findings with all stakeholders including the leadership here in Harare (including Chairman Morgan Komichi). –  The MDC-T internal election policy was not clear at all (likely deliberately so) and in the process Jessie Majome saw her opponent gaining unjustly as the 24 year old Joanna Mamombe was allowed to do as she willed at a time when contests were not allowed as per party policy. This was all party policy and nothing of Majome’s making. Mamombe benefited from the chaos created by leaders, who include National Chairman Morgan Komichi, a situation that clearly amounted to a coup. Majome was pushed into a corner where she ended up complaining about the $1,000 she was forced to pay under the policy in which she and other MPs were ordered to pay up so that they retain their seats uncontested. She had not at all sought not to be contested, as this was all party policy. When she began complaining about the money she paid, she was labelled names, at a time when the UK returnee, Joana Mamombe was allowed to illegally campaign, performing an act which was against standing party policy. Even as early as yesterday, some MDC-T senior officials were claiming that Majome’s post is secured and that Mamombe was campaigning illegally, adding to more confusion because according to National Chairman, Morgan Komichi, Majome has to contest, contrary to the $1,000 policy. Below is the outline –

1. As someone said yesterday, there was the $1000 policy, which later was changed to:

2. The CV policy, and then came

3. The Consensus Policy.

In conclusion – Majome was part of the group of MPs that was early this year forced to pay $1,000 each and told their seats would not be contested. This was under the late leader Morgan Tsvangirai. The policy was later shifted from one to the other and the only clear policy was published by Morgan Komichi just a few days ago. Before this, it was chaotic and Mamombe benefited from the chaos as she freely campaigned against party policy.”

This time, Majome told Newsday, “what I have done is to withdraw my candidature from the party primary elections. I have several options, but I am not intending to join anybody. However, as a citizen of Zimbabwe, I am considering and looking at what it is that I want to do. I still want to contribute to Harare West. I just thought I should let things go for now and think clearly about my next move. I will advise my constituents because everything I do is in their behalf. When I make the decision and I will do so before the coming elections, I will communicate this publicly.

“…I have made up my mind and also the nature of some of my concerns are long-term. Like, from last year, they have been telling all sitting MPs that they would not be contested and I am not sure how this will be reversed. For me, I am done and they can go ahead and have the primaries. I am no longer interested because as far as I am concerned, they will not be free and fair.”

By Paul Nyathi|The Speaker of Parliament advocate Jacob Mudedenda has responded to the court appeal by splinter MDC-T leader Thokozani Khupe saying that her expulsion from Parliament was done above board.

Mudenda said that Khupe’s recall was done within the dictates of the law and her constitutional challenge cannot pass at the courts.

Dr Khupe is contesting her expulsion arguing that Parliament turned a blind eye to its constitutional obligation to protect her tenure as a Member of Parliament when it endorsed her expulsion.

“I submit that on the facts alleged, it is impossible for that contention to be properly made and sustained particularly when the applicable legal principles are taken into account,” said Adv Mudenda.

“In the premises, I submit that the declaratur sought against first (Dr Khupe) and second (MDC-T) respondents have no legal grounding and may be dismissed with costs.”

Adv Mudenda said the Parliament decision was informed by the law and various decisions already made by the superior courts on cases similar to the present dispute.

“I and my office, have been guided by the various views expressed by this court in these kinds of matters as well as its pronouncements,” he said.

“We have in addition been guided by the law as we have always understood it. The allegations made by the applicant against me do not have any legal validity.”

Dr Khupe, who was the opposition party’s Proportional Representation Member of Parliament for Bulawayo Metropolitan, and Nelson Chamisa are locked in a fierce power struggle over control of the party’s name, logo and symbols.

The case is set to be heard in parliament on the 22nd of May.

By Paul Nyathi|Zimbabweans woke up to a surprise fuel price hike on Monday morning which was not announced by government.

Petrol prices have gone up from $1,33 to between $1,39 and $1,40 a litre while that of diesel has shot up from $1,23 to $1,26 per litre.

Government reduced duty on fuels in January which saw a slight reduction in the price of fuel.

Fuel price increases are normally followed by a sharp increase in the price of basic commodities. These prices do not normally come down when fuel prices arw reduced.

In the last few weeks, the priceof bread and beef went up by about 10% and 25% respectively with no explainable reasons given.

There was a significant rise in the price of world crude oil after United States President Donald Trump announced that his country was pulling out of the Iranian nuclear deal recently.

As of Friday, the price of brent crude oil per barrel was $77.

Speaking to weekend media the Confederation of Zimbabwe Industries president Sifelani Jabangwe said in tanden with the rise in international prices the price of fuel in Zimbabwe remained high and would affect producers though marginally.

“For those who have high usage of fuel in their businesses there could be some effects because we understand the prices have gone up due to the international price of oil,” he said.

“But the rise will be marginal because the prices have gone up by, say, just four cents.

“What we are saying is that the impact on price levels will be there but will be minimal.”

However, Confederation of Zimbabwe Retailers president Denford Mutashu said the rise in fuel prices would have a huge impact on consumers.

“Any movement upwards on cost drivers is not welcome in an economy where most people are living under the poverty datum line and are ravaged by a shortage of foreign currency, which does not seem to have an end in sight,” he said.

“Price increases on fuel are not welcome as it is a slap in the face to the ease and cost of doing business in the economy.

“Like I said earlier, it may push production costs for manufacturers and subsequently affect the final price for the consumer in an environment that has not been competitive.”

Consumer Council of Zimbabwe executive director Rose Siyachitema said while the rise in fuel prices would impact the prices of basic commodities, the effect would be minimal.

“It is very difficult to attribute it (the rise in the price of basic commodities) to fuel on the market because there are issues on the market place like the shortage of cash…there is a basket of things that would cause the prices of goods to go up,” she said.

By Talent Gondo| As the hunt for the missing US$15 billion diamonds continues, the former CIO boss, Happyton Bonyongwe will today (Monday) give oral evidence before the Mines and Energy Portfolio Committee chaired by Norton legislator, Temba Mliswa on his former organisation’s involvement in diamond mining.

ZimEye will be live streaming parliamentary proceedings as Bonyongwe and several other representatives of mining firms detail their involvement in diamond mining at Chiadzwa.

FULL STORY 

The parliament of Zimbabwe has dismissed the case by the expelled former MDC T deputy president Thokozani Khupe, saying she is groping in void land.

The Speaker Of Parliament said Court application is void and missguided.

Mr Jacob Mudenda made this statement in his submissions for the case currently scheduled for the 30th of May 2018. He said,

“I and my office, have been guided by the various views expressed by this court in these kinds of matters as well as its pronouncements. We have in addition been guided by the law as we have always understood it. The allegations made by the applicant against me do not have any legal validity.”

By Dorrothy Moyo| President Emmerson Mnangagwa’s protege on the youth front, Godfrey Tsenengamu, has told political parties not to provide lawyers for activists arrested om allegations of committing political violence.

He said this as he called for youths to shun violence and hate speech.

“Youths from different parties should shun violence and should not promote hate speech among members of their parties,” he said, quoted by the state media.

He continued saying, “all political parties’ leaders must not provide legal representation for people who have been arrested because of violence. Educate the general public about the code of conduct so that they can be well-informed.”

By Paul Nyathi|The Electoral Amendment Bill is ready to be law and could be signed into the law by Friday this week at the latest.

Justice and Parliamentary Affairs Minister Ziyambi Ziyambi told media in an interview that the Bill which has passed through the House of Assembly will go through the Senate Upper House on Tuesday to make it in time for President Emmerson Mnangagwa to sign it into law by Friday.

The passing of the Bill has widely been viewed as the reason why the election date still remains un-proclaimed.

With ZEC claiming that the voters roll is ready for inspection, President Mnangagwa is then expected to declare the election date within the next few days.

According to constitutional provisions, Mnangagwa should have proclaimed the election date by the 28th of April failure to which he has an option to announce the election date within 21 days of that date.

By Farai D Hove| MDC leader, Nelson Chamisa today spoke of president Emmerson Mnangagwa saying, ” I heard someone (him) saying you said you will fix the economy and the cash crisis, but how do you do it. Since you’re clueless, why don’t you give me State House and I will do it for you [fix the economy],” he said. SEE VIDEO ROLL:

By Talent Gondo| The Welshman Ncube MDC has approved National Assembly candidates to contest the forthcoming harmonised polls under the umbrella of the MDC Alliance, ZimEye has learnt.

MDC National Spokesperson, Kurauone Chihwayi said the party’s highest decision making body, the National Council  met in Harare on Saturday 12 May 2018 and deliberated on several issues including the forthcoming harmonised polls.

“Council approved candidates for House of Assembly seats allocated to the party in terms of the MDC Alliance agreement,” said Chihwayi.

The following were approved to contest for the National Assembly seats in the forthcoming polls under the MDC Alliance.

Pilate Ndebele – Bulilima West
Maxwel Mthunzana- Lupane East
Mxolisi Sibanda – Lupane West
Witness Khumalo – Tsholotsho North
Zenzo Nkomo – Tsholotsho South
Joyce Ndlovu – Gwanda North
Patrick Dube – Gwanda Central
Angilacala – Ndlovu Insiza South
David Coltart – Bulawayo East
Stella Ndlovu – Luveve
Nimrod Lunga – Vungu
Miriam Mushayi – Kuwadzana
Edwin Mushoriwa – Dzivarasekwa
Thandiwe Mlilo – Mberengwa East
Osherd Mtunami – Shurugwi South
Nicholas Bwanyashuro Muzvezve
Maseko – Zvishavane Runde
Moreblessing Charuma – Chegutu East
Munyamana Godfrey – Mutare North
Jealous Munemero – Buhera North
Faith Chakwera – Mazowe South
Tamary Chimanzi – Mazowe West
Nyanhete – Chikomba West
Boniface Mushore – Mutoko North
Constance Chihota – Marondera West
Kenias Donga – Chiredzi East
Lovemore Zanawi – Chiredzi South
George Mudombo – Chivi Central
Tibba Paswell – Chivi South
Christopher Monera- Mhondoro Mubaira

The party also deliberated on the code of conduct for political parties reiterating the party’s demand for a palpably free, fair and credible election.

“The MDC reaffirmed the commitment of the party to the Code of Conduct for political parties worked on by the political parties represented in Parliament in conjunction with the Zimbabwe Election Commission,” said Chihwayi.

He said the National Council endorsed the working draft of the code and mandated the Standing committee to work closely with other parties to ensure the adoption, launch and popularisation of the Code of Conduct.

However, the party lamented the continued lack of equal, fair and balanced coverage of electoral processes and political parties by the public media in the run up to the elections.

“Council once again expressed concern at the unsatisfactory electoral environment which still persists only a few months before the elections.

In this regard, Council demanded the complete demilitarization of all electoral processes, including the recall back into barracks of all security personnel deployed in communities as part of Zanu PF election strategy,” said Chihwayi.

The MDC also noted with concern the delays in the finalisation of the voters roll and the failure by ZEC to carry out adequate voter education and to ensure that voter registration is fully accessible to all Zimbabweans.

“Council appealed to ZEC to expedite the production of an accurate and clean biometric voters roll. It is most likely that Zanu PF is planning to rig the elections using the ballot paper,” said the MDC.

In this regard the Standing Committee was given the task of working with Alliance partners in the MDC Alliance in doing everything possible to cause ZEC and the government to adopt a public ballot procurement process that is open, transparent, verifiable and subject to audit so that the ballot paper will not be manipulated to predetermine against the will of the people and the electoral outcome.

“Council requested the Standing Committee to make the issue of the procurement, printing, securing and distribution of the ballot paper the highest non negotiable priority of the MDC Alliance,” said the MDC.

Chihwayi said regarding the Alliance, his party expressed its commitment to working with other Alliance partners to the fullest extent possible.

“The party reaffirmed the mandate previously given to the Standing Committee to work with Alliance partners within the limited time left to reach out to other significant opposition parties, alliances, coalitions so that the broadest and cohesive alliance and coalition is built before the election,” said Chihwayi.

By Dorrothy Moyo| Thokozani Khupe’s PA was Sunday afternoon spotted busy watching Nelson Chamisa’s rally in Mutate. SEE BELOW –

…..

“Suckur was unfair to Chamisa” writes Hopewell Chin’ono.

I have finally watched the BBC’s Hard Talk interview with Nelson Chamisa.

I hardly comment on colleagues and their work but I take exception on this occasion.
I speak here as a British trained journalist whose training includes working at the BBC.

Stephen Sucker was unfair to Nelson Chamisa. He would never speak like that to Donald Trump and yet journalism requires fairness regardless of one’s station in life.

Stephen Suckur peddled a lot of myths and gossip which is embarrassing for a journalist of his stature and embarrassing for an organization like the BBC.

Nelson Chamisa was not prepared for the interview but that did not warrant a disrespectful posture by Suckur.

Suckur has clearly made up his mind on the next general election’s result, that is his own right.

But he shouldn’t think that it is good journalism to use a candidate or interviewee to validate his already held views which in my opinion were not rooted in facts but scurrilous gossip.

Making declaratory statements about the election outcome to me is not only wrong without explaining why, it brings into question the impartiality of the journalist and the organization he represents.

Nelson was a victim of terrible research on the part of the program’s producers. He was also a victim of his own lack of preparedness.

He should have been sharper, structured and simple. Petina Gappah was right when she said that Wamba shouldn’t have agreed to do the interview in the first place.
She was also right that he should keep it simple.

As I said earlier, Nero can be judged on this one if his adversaries are also subjected to the same program format which I know they won’t agree to.

Nelson Chamisa’s team must engage with the international community because his team has clearly lost that battle with the Brits.

The BBC is part of the British establishment so it is not surprising that it has followed the lead of its government.

British journalists talk to their ambassadors or foreign office especially before such a big interview.

The insights they get will invariably shape the nature and outcome of their journalistic enterprise.

Chamisa must stop his team members like Tendai Biti from attacking the British ambassador on social media.

Those cheap attacks do nothing but pull back their agenda retrogressively.
Emmerson Mnangagwa has been building his relationship with the British since around 2014 through his business and industry surrogates.

Nelson has built a bad reputation of not taking western diplomats seriously. These are the people who will define whether the election is credible or not.

His HardTalk experience is a result of not taking care of these relationships. He should chose if he wants to be an island or join the rest of the world by engaging with their envoys in Harare.

Currently those relationships are broken. I have heard the Stephen Suckur sentiments expressed on many occasions in diplomatic compounds!

Wamba must take note of advice and what people are saying.

Emmerson Mnangagwa is taking note of what people are saying and is talking to everyone regardless of the power he has.

Those engagements have led to the confidence that many including Stephen Suckur now have in an Emmerson Mnangagwa victory and presidency out of a credible election.

That confidence should however not extend to insulting his guests on HardTalk.

Nelson was extremely restrained, Suckur could never have spoken like that to Julius Malema.

HardTalk does not mean insults and condescending attitudes. I simply means tough questions asked in a fair and respectful manner.

The architect of this format Sir Robin Day would probably turn in his grave at how Stephen Suckur conducted the interview.

Not even veteran inquisitors like Jeremy Paxman or John Humphreys would use words like NONSENSE

LIVEBLAST- refresh this page for more

MDC leader Nelson Chamisa is today in Mutare at Bambazonke, Mutare South where he is conducting another rally following two others in Buhera and Makoni South, yesterday.

Refresh this page for more details

By Paul Nyathi|About forty members of the Walter Magaya PHD Ministries Church on Sunday sort healing prayers at the church on injuries incurred after being thoroughly beaten by Highlanders Football Club thuggish soccer fans on Saturday.

A ZimEye.com source at the church said that the soccer loving members of the church, most of them women, were on Sunday morning spotted receiving prayers for their varied injuries from church elders before the arrival of prophet Magaya.

The Magaya owned Yadah Stars Football Club handful fans were on Saturday brutally attacked at the National Sports Stadium by Highlanders fans who had travelled with the team from Bulawayo.

The incident occured with about five minutes of play left in the match between the church side and the suddenly battling Bulawayo side.

The few Yadah fans who had been singing gospel praise songs and dancing throughout the match attracted the fury of the known violent Highlanders fans when the ball was kicked out of play into the terraces where the yard fans were.

Instead of throwing the ball back into the pitch for play to resume, the Yadah fans began throwing the ball between each other at the terraces.

In an instant the Highlanders fans some carrying knobcarries and a host of missiles and weapons descended on the helpless Yadah fans beating them thoroughly.

One Yadah fan escpaed death by a whisker after police officers inside the pitch pleaded with three Highlanders fans who were holding him high intending to through him about thirty metres down the terraces onto the concrete surface.

The Highlanders fans had already been infuriated by the church side whose players had been employing delaying tactics when their team was piling pressure to find a goal in a match which ended in a goalless draw.

The young ball boys set up around the pitch also added to the Highlanders fury when they hid the spare balls leaving only one ball available for play which took time to be brought back into play every time it went out of play.

Highlanders players ran around like headless chickens chasing after the ball every time it went out of play to resume play.

None of the Highlanders fans were arrested by the police who were easily out numbered by the Highlanders fans.

Comment could not immediately be obtained from the Premier Soccer League officials.

Highlanders fans have a huge track record of violent scenes at their team games.

Years back in the late nineties the team’s fans gave enough to football authorities and had to see the team play five morning games in an empty stadium as punishment.

A couple of years back the Bosso fans murdered a prominent Dynamos fan in one of their similar violence incidents.

By Paul Nyathi|The Welshman Ncube MDC has unveiled its 34 House of Assembly candidates to contest this year’s harmonised elections.

The party did not have any primary elections but used the discretion of the National Council to decide the candidates where more than one person showed willingness to contest the election.

The names were revealed to media in a statement by party spokesperson Kurai Chihwayi.

“The MDC National Council met in ordinary full session in Harare on Saturday 12th of May 2018 and deliberated on various national issues including the upcoming harmonised elections scheduled for between 22 July and 22 August 2018 and the following were the candidates approved by the National Council.

Pilate Ndebele – Bulilima West
Maxwel Mthunzana -Lupane East
Mxolisi Sibanda – Lupane West
Witness Khumalo -Tsholotsho North
Zenzo Nkomo – Tsholotsho South
Joyce Ndhlovu – Gwanda North
Patrick Dube – Gwanda Central
Angilacala Ndlovu – Insiza South
David Coltart – Bulawayo East
Stella Ndlovu – Luveve
Nimrod Lunga – Vungu
Miriam Mushayi – Kuwadzana
Edwin Mushoriwa – Dzivarasekwa
Thandiwe Mlilo – Mberengwa East
Osherd Mtunami – Shurugwi South
Nicholas Bwanyashuro – Muzvezve
Maseko – Zvishavane Runde
Moreblessing Charuma – Chegutu East
Munyamana Godfrey – Mutare North
Jealous Munemero – Buhera North
Faith Chakwera – Mazowe South
Tamary Chimanzi – Mazowe West
Nyanhete – Chikomba West
Boniface Mushore – Mutoko North
Constance Chihota – Marondera West
Kenias Donga – Chiredzi East
Lovemore Zanawi – Chiredzi South
George Mudombo – Chivi Central
Tibba Paswell – Chivi South

Chihwayi said that the party is committed to working within the terms of the MDC Alliance coalition though reports from the MDC-T the senior partner to the coalition are that the party is threatening and preparing to contest in some of the constituencies seconded to the MDC.

The Nelson Chamisa party is said to be claiming that some candidates presented by Ncube are not popular enough to wrestle the seats from ZANU PF.

By Paul Nyathi|Splinter MDC-T leader Thokozani Khupe has called on the electorate not to vote for people who are making outrageous promises if they come to power.

Addressing about 2000 people at the launch of her party’s 2018 election manifesto in Bulawayo on Saturday, Khupe said people should vote for her party which is giving realistic promises through its manifesto dubbed “Building an Economy to Support Transformation” (BEST).

Khupe said the general elections present the people of Zimbabwe an opportunity to chart the course of their lives for the coming five years.

“The 2018 elections give the people of Zimbabwe a choice. Either you maintain the status quo of the false promises and continued suffering or you vote the BEST and restore decent lives and prosperity for all.

“The MDC-T government shall serve all regardless of race, gender, ethnicity or political affiliation. This manifesto is our social contract with the people. I have confidence that together we shall make 2018 elections the change we have always wanted,” she said.

Khupe said once elected into power, her party will prioritise rapid reindustrialisation, economic turnaround and job creations among other.

“We have an urgent task to transform the lives of the suffering majority who must regain their human dignity after years of impoverishment. The MDCT government shall prioritise economic rejuvenation through rapid-reindustrialisation and creation of decent jobs for all.

“…It is time that Zimbabwe changes from being an exporter of raw materials, especially our minerals, agriculture produce and timber to value addition of our raw materials. Value addition will not only give the country far much better returns buts shall also retain and create new jobs on the domestic Market.

“Our record as the MDC-T in service delivery speaks for itself from our short stint in the inclusive government. In a very short time, we managed to restore basic health care, education, water and other services which unfortunately have declined terribly since the end of our tenure. MDC-T government shall restore social services delivery and expand these services to all citizens in both rural and urban areas,” she said.

She said that once her party gets into government it will re-engage with the international community and all progressive forces for the country desperately need without selling its soul to the highest bidder.

“We are a both Pan Africanist and social democrats. We strongly believe in a democratic developmental state to play a significant role in the development trajectory. We believe in the right of workers to organise and for full respect of labour rights. Our economic growth and development must be pro-people,” said Khupe.

MDC-T (Khupe) becomes the second political party to launch its election manifesto the lunch of the Zanu PF manifesto and election campaign last week in Harare.

Lacoste member, Energy Mutodi who has just accomplished a PhD at the University of Cape Town in South Africa, writes saying MDC leader Nelson Chamisa lacks the experience needed to run a country.

FULL TEXT:

Opposition MDC presidential candidate Nelson Chamisa (40) will not win this year’s elections mainly because of his lack of intellectual and other extra-ordinary abilities that characterize successful African heads of states.

An experience in fighting colonial regimes, participation in ending civil wars, a military background, business acumenship, a doctorate or work experience in international organizations such as the International Monetary Fund (IMF), World Bank, UN and similar organizations are among the key qualities that characterize successful African presidents.

It is unfortunate that the MDC candidate does not have any of the above, making him a straight loser in the impending elections.

By Talent Gondo| Zanu Pf National Political Commissar Retired Lieutenant General Engelbert Rugeje, has announced the names of the candidates who have won in the recently held primary by elections held on Thursday May 10 2018.

The by elections were held following heavy contestation of the party’s initial primary elections results where there were allegations of rigging and ballot stuffing.

Details to follow……

Dear Harare Westerners|In 2008 I was elected to represent the people of the newly formed Harare West constituency in National Assembly. Since then I have discharged my duties as a parliamentarian representing the will of Harare Westerners at best and for the good of our beloved Zimbabwe.

My re-election into Parliament in 2013 is signalled Harare Westerners confidence in me to representing their will and voice.
As we come to the close of this 8th parliament, I have been seeking to continue representing of Harare West under the MDC Alliance banner.

However, there are several of factors, which I have highlighted to my party, that have constituted a manipulation of party guidelines towards a fair outcome in the impending primary elections. This has been to such an extent that the will and voice of Harare Westeners whom I am a part of will be lost in the political processes at play.

In light of these, I have withdrawn my candidature for the MDC Alliance ticket for Harare West.

Dear Harare Westerners, I continue to have your interests at heart and together as always we will forge a way forward best for our community. A Harare West constituency in which all who live and work in it attain the best possible standard of living and work promised by Harare West constituency.

Your MP

Jessie Fungayi Majome

By Talent Gondo| Aspiring Harare West legislator, Joanna Mamombe has responded to news that her arch rival in the impending primary elections, sitting MP, Jessie Majome will no longer contest the polls.

Mamombe said she had received the news with mixed feelings.though she would have loved Majome to contest as a way of ensuring that democracy prevails.

Below is the full text of Mamombe’s response.

Naturally, as a candidate for the MDC Alliance Primary election I have received with mixed feelings the news of the withdrawal of Hon. Jessie Majome from this process.

I would have loved that this democratic contest is settled by the key stakeholders themselves, the residents of Harare West. My participation has always been about me as a young person responding to the call for leadership in such a defining moment in our country.

The MDCT internal democracy and indeed elsewhere demands that leaders must respond to and be validated by the membership and constituents. This is a cardinal principle which many MDC members have fought for. The right to elect and be elected in a free and fair contest.

In July 2017, I sought audience on more than three (3) occasions with Hon. Jessie Majome as I intended to let her know that I was intending to contest the seat that she was currently holding.

These meetings were never to be. It goes without saying therefore that this has always been my decision out of my own agency to offer myself for public office. I am therefore saddened at the suggestion that there may be senior Party members pushing my candidature. It is these kinds of sentiments that create a hierarchical ceiling and discourage young women from participating in politics and public leadership. Why is it that the success of any young women must always have a man behind?

I have offered myself for public leadership because I believe that I have a contribution to make in this country. I have lived in Harare West, where my father has a property and therefore understand the challenges facing this community.

As a member of the MDCT I understand the task at hand. Our country has been stuck in economic stagnation for years, unemployment is high, social service delivery has collapsed and our public health faltering.

Our people demand change, demand a better a future, a new opportunity to dream. I understand very well that our Party and the broader democracy movement faces monumental tasks ahead.

Alluta Continua..??

LIVEBLAST – refresh to watch

ZimEye brings our valued viewers and readers LIVE updates from Murambinda Growth Point where MDC leader Nelson Chamisa is conducting his rally soon after landing in the country from the UK.

1.pm – A large crowd has gathered at Murambinda and have begun singing… SEE VIDEO:

LIVEBLAST – refresh to watch

ZimEye brings our valued viewers and readers LIVE updates from Murambinda Growth Point where MDC leader Nelson Chamisa is conducting his rally soon after landing in the country from the UK.

1.pm – A large crowd has gathered at Murambinda and have begun singing… SEE VIDEO:

LIVEBLAST – refresh to watch

ZimEye brings our valued viewers and readers LIVE updates from Murambinda Growth Point where MDC leader Nelson Chamisa is conducting his rally soon after landing in the country from the UK.

1.pm – A large crowd has gathered at Murambinda and have begun singing… SEE VIDEO:

By Talent Gondo| After a relatively slow beginning of his 2018 musical journey due to the continued sickness of his father and his death, Nox Guni has bounced back with a hot new video to his hit single ” One More Time.”

The video, produced by Daddy Ish at Ice n Roses Records was mixed and mastered by Nox himself.

Shot in various locations, the quality and art direction of the video is a scorcher which also reflects great artistic prowess at play.

The video comes as a boost to Nox’s fans at home and abroad after the Johannesburg based crooner had to cancel most of his scheduled shows because of his fathers illness.

According to Nox’s management, the video will be premiered on Trace with premiere dates still to be announced.

“The official trailer has just been released and Africa awaits the release of this great video,” revealed the management.

By Paul Nyathi|Prominent critic Hopewell Chinono has urged Zimbabweans to bear with opposition MDC-T leader Nelson Chamisa as he matures in his political leadership.

In one of his usual straight to the point critics, Chinono says that if Zimbabweans are able to forgive Chamisa’s rivals some of whom have committed atrocious acts then young Chamisa also needs to be forgiven for his so called “childish blunders,”

An extract of Chinono’s writing picked up from his Facebook page reads as follows:

Nelson Chamisa’s trip to London was a disaster, but to what extend should he be continuously bashed for the mistakes and YES, the lies that he peddled?

We need to put things into context, he is young and exuberant and has made mistakes but so has the other side too.

They have been part of Robert Mugabe’s electoral fraud that was underpinned by violence and murder!

So if we can forgive them and say let us give them a chance, then we should be able to do the same to Wamba.

He should now be judged on the basis of what he does with the mistakes he has made so far.

I would like this election to be about ideas as much as it should be about political realities, both past and present.

ZANUPF has fraudsters, incompetent ministers and shady characters like Supa Mandiwanzira and Obert Mpofu but we are willing to give President Mnangagwa a chance to state his case because we understand that politics is not simplistic.

It should also be about fairness, proportion and honesty as much as it should be about objective realities around us.

Nero, as Nelson is also known to his supporters has made mistakes but his biggest mistake so far has been his tragic failure to publicly acknowledge those mistakes and knowing when to apologize.

Emmerson Mnangagwa has also made monumental mistakes but he has been wise enough to know when to pull back and when to turn on the charm and more importantly when to keep quiet.

He has acknowledged that Zimbabwe is 18 years behind, Constantino Chiwenga acknowledged on the eve of Operation Restore Legacy that nothing had happened on the economic front in the last five years.

Citizens like that sort of candor and honesty, that is why many are willing to give them a chance.

Nelson needs to do the same and acknowledge that he may have exaggerated and stretched the truth! He was caught out on HardTalk.

Citizens love leaders who accept that they are not perfect, we see ourselves in them.

However it is unfair and not right to judge Wamba on this issue alone, he didn’t kill or maim anybody.

If we can forgive ED and his outfit, then let us also have the fairness and decency of extending the same principle to Nero!

We want the best out of our leaders, they are not perfect. In fact many of them are not fit for purpose.

However we don’t live in an utopian world, we also need to accept that the best people for the job might be those that hurt us before it lied to us before.

Let us hear what they have to say and judge them cognizant of the proportion of their commissions and omissions.

If Nero is unacceptable because if his past lies and fiction, what about those who murdered and stole elections for Mugabe?

Let us have the ability to understand politics, it is not for saints.
ED deserves a fair opportunity to present his case as much as Nero does.

We now know of their weaknesses, let us talk about their strengths!
This race is open and up for grabs for the group that plays their cards right.

We spent the whole day being hit with videos projecting Nelson’s weaknesses.

For the purposes of fairness I also thought that it would be only right to remind ourselves of the weaknesses of his adversaries.

Now that we know, what do they have to offer?

By Talent Gondo| Harare West Member of Parliament, Jessie Majome’s exit from the party’s primary elections against rival Joana Mamombe has seen party stalwarts trading insults with high indications of a split vote come election day.

Rival camps have since emerged with those supporting Majome calling on the party to be transparent on candidate selection and adherence to party guidelines while those supporting Mamombe argue that Majome should go through primary elections just like most aspiring party cadres.

Majome revealed that she was pulling out of the primary election race over “unfair and inconsistencies to party electoral guidelines”.

“I cannot do this with a clear conscience. There is selective application of what we agreed as a party on election guidelines,” she said.

Harare West citizens took to the social media expressing their feelings over Majome’s exit from the primary elections race.

“Time to vote for capacity, consistency, integrity and humble leadership jn Harare West. Not for a party but leadership,” said Harare Westerner Rashweart Mukundu.

Simeon Mawanza, another Harare Westerner said he would make personal donation to campaign for Majome adding that he would mobilise a team to assist in this task.

“How can such a hard working MP be wasted? She deserves to be in parliament standing up for the things that matter in ordinary people’s lives. #Tangatakambonyarara zvedu.  Makuda kuti tiite #OperationRestoreMRTLegacy man he,” he said.

Another Harare West resident said it was sad to lose such a gifted person.

“Very sad indeed to hear that she has withdrawn driving put gifted people from the party,” said Simukai Rinhi.

Ronald Tapfuma Jongwe said Majome had his vote regardless of which political outfit she represented.

“I can say without equivocation Jessie has my vote a y day and in whatever jacket she comes in. I am Team Wamba all the way but on this one  I refuse to follow blindly I follow capacity, results and dedication, leadership and in Jessie I see those virtues.Give us a signal Jessie,” said Jongwe.

Ady Munava and Solomon Swans urged Jessie to contest as an independent pledging their support to her.

Munya Mutetwa said he would rather go and braai than  vote for any other candidate besides Majome.

MDC T Deputy Treasurer, Charlton Hwende, however said citizens should respect Majome’s rights to pull out of the race saying she had exercised her rights.

“She has exercised her right, let’s respect her,” said Hwende.

Responding to news that Majome had pulled out of the primaries, aspiring legislator for Harare West, Joanna Mamombe said she had so much respect for Majome and was saddened by those purporting that her candidature was being pushed by senior politicians within the party.

Denford Ngadziore said out of the 3 000 prospective voters from Harare West, Majome would garner less than 300 votes.

“Fact.Out of the 3 000 voters from Westlea, Westgate and Redroofs…….Majome would not get 300 votes,” said Ngadziore.

By Talent Gondo| Harare West Member of Parliament, Jessie Fungai Majome’ s exit from the MDC T primaries over “election irregularities”, has been described as a huge loss to the MDC T led by Nelson Chamisa.

Senior party member who served as the Secretary for Legal Affairs for the MDC when the party was formed in 1999 said Majome was a critical member of the party which the MDC Alliance could not afford to lose.

“Let me just put this out there. I have known Jessie Fungai Majome since she worked for me at the BLPC in the 1990s and I know her as a tireless campaigner for human rights and democracy,” said Coltart.

“She is a critical member of the #MDCAlliance and we need her to be a key member of our team.”

Nduku Nduna, an MDC T supporter called on the MDC T to put its house in order so that the party does not lose its “best performers”.

“The party can’t afford losing best performers in parliament because some people are not following rules and procedures. Let’s build the party and stop self inflicted problems,” said Nduna.

Majome pulled out of the MDC primary elections citing the manipulation of party guidelines.

“Sadly for me in this primary election, I have noted several factors that I cannot ignore, which I have highlighted to my party which I believe, honestly, constitute manipulation of my party guidelines towards a fair outcome to the extent in my view regrettably so, that the will of bona fide and genuine Harare Westerners would be lost in that process,” said Majome.

Zimbabwe Democracy Institute (ZDI) director, Pedzisai Ruhanya said Majome’s withdrawal was a reflection of MDC T’s failure to clarify election processes.

“The challenge in Harare West and MDC  T primaries in general appears to be lack of leadership to explain processes, address and clarify issues that are in the public interest,” said Ruhanya.

“Can’t stomach this tomfoolery masquerading as democracy,” he said.