Facebook post by David Coltart|Today I leave for the UK to join MDC Alliance Presidential candidate Nelson Chamisa and Tendai Biti for a series of meetings this week with British Government leaders, opposition leaders and officials. We will also be meeting journalists from the Economist, Financial Times, Spectator, Evening Standard and other leading British newspapers. Nelson Chamisa will also be speaking at Oxford University and Chatham House.

It is a great honour for me to have been invited to join Nelson Chamisa on this trip. I am absolutely delighted that once again I am working with my old comrades who have been in the trenches with me since the MDC was formed on the 11th September 1999. In fact the MDC Alliance is in essence the resurrection of the original MDC – read up on the original interim leadership and you will see what I mean.

The main purpose of the week will be to promote British investment in Zimbabwe in a new era under an MDC Alliance government. We will explain that the fundamental difference between the MDC Alliance and ZANU PF is that we, unlike ZANU PF, will implement Zimbabwe’s new Constitution in full – in letter and spirit – and that we will respect the rule of law.

For all ZANU PF’s rhetoric about Zimbabwe being “open for business” the one thing they have never learnt in 38 years of misrule is that the single most important factor in any investor’s decision to invest in a foreign country is security of the investment. If an investor feels that the rules will change, or that a dispute will come before a biased, political judge, or that permits will have to be obtained through bribery, the investor will simply look elsewhere. That is why just this week SA President Cyril Ramaphosa at the Africa/Japan Investment summit, stressed that South Africa’s judiciary is independent and that his Government totally respects South Africa’s Constitution. He gets it.

Sadly ZANU PF doesn’t – including President Mnangagwa’s government. This is not just about ZANU PF under Robert Mugabe. Since Emmerson Mnangagwa came to power in November the Constitution has been systematically breached – General Chiwenga’s appointment as VP and being in charge of Defence is unconstitutional, as are the appointment of Resident Ministers, the failure to open up the ZBC, Herald and Chronicle and a raft of other actions. Our judiciary remains seriously compromised – and rather than implement the Constitution it is none other than President Mnangagwa who in recent times tried to amend the Constitution to further undermine the independence of the judiciary, by reducing the powers of the Judicial Services Commission in selecting the Chief Justice.

In contrast the MDC Alliance, which after all has been the main driver of the new Constitution agreed to by Zimbabweans in 2013, will respect and implement the Constitution in all its fullness. And that is the one fundamental difference between the MDC Alliance and not just ZANU PF, but all the other major parties contesting the election. Without Morgan Tsvangirai, Nelson Chamisa, Jessie Fungayi Majome Tendai Biti, Welshman Ncube, Douglas Mwonzora and many other MDC leaders there would never have been a new democratic Constitution. That is a hard fact.

So we will be telling the British Government and investors that British investment will be secure under an MDC Alliance government. We will also remind them that when the MDC had just a small amount of influence in government between 2009 and 2013 the economy grew dramatically, hospitals reopened, children went back to school and a new democratic Constitution was written and accepted by millions of Zimbabweans.

In other words these are not empty promises, or mere rhetoric – we have a demonstrable track record. If we grasp the full reigns of government Zimbabwe will boom.

God bless Zimbabwe.

By Paul Nyathi|”If you lost your uncle during Gukurahundi and then someone just pitches up saying that period is over, let’s have closure, it won’t work. Things don’t work like that,” says firebrand ZANU PF Member of Parliament for Makokoba Retired Colonel Tshinga Dube.

Dube has come hot on former President Robert Mugabe and his successor President Emmerson Mnangagwa telling them to stop being arrogant on the Gukurahundi atrocities of the eighties.

Speaking in a wide ranging interview with the Zimbabwe Independent weekly newspaper, Dube expressed shock at why President Mugabe would deny responsibility for the atrocities that saw the death of over 20 000 people in Matabeleland and parts of the Midlands provinces.

“If he is refusing to accept responsibility, who does he think should shoulder the blame? Dube questioned on Mugabe.

“It is public knowledge that he (Mugabe) was the president, chief executive of the country, and commander-in-chief when those disturbances happened. Whether he likes it or not, Mugabe is the one who should shoulder the blame; all these other people involved were working under him,” said Dube.

The straight talking Dube did not spare incumbent President Emmerson Mnangagwa saying that he was also strongly involved in the execution of the atrocities and should apologise to the people of Matabeleland in order to begin finding a closure to the atrocities.

“Even the current president (Mnangagwa) was also there, although I cannot say he was fully responsible. These are the people who should apologise to the victims on behalf of the government so that this chapter can be closed,” said Dube.

Tshinga Dube castigated President Mnangagwa’s claims that the Gukurahundi issue was a by gone which was concluded at the 1987 Unity Accord between Mugabe and the late former Vice President Joshua Nkomo.

Dube said that the ZANU PF government failed to handle the issue from the onset of the unity accord while Joshua Nkomo was still alive.

“I think the issue was not properly handled in the first place. If you look carefully, it was actually swept under the carpet. When (Joshua) Nkomo, the late vice-president, was still alive this issue could have been addressed entirely. The mistake was that when the Unity Accord was signed in 1987, we all assumed the issue had been addressed,” he said.

“We did not realise at the time we had not addressed critical post-conflict and reconciliation issues. The victims are still there, but they have not been rehabilitated, there hasn’t been truth and reconciliation, let alone justice and reparations. We cannot change the past, but post-conflict societies need rehabilitation of victims and rebuilding.”

Dube said that Gukurahundi can not be an issue to be easily wished off as Mnangagwa hints, because the victims remain with wounds still not healed.

“For you it will not be over because you will still be bitter and you can be bitter until you die. All the parties involved did not look at that issue the way I think they should have.”

“I have always said there is need for what we refer to in Ndebele culture and IsiNdebele as ukukhumisana umlotha; traditional ritual of coming together to bury the hatchet after proper apologies have been made following a hurtful conflict or such a problem. Once that is done, we then agree as a people or nation that it’s done; the chapter is closed. We have seen that happening in other countries. But we have not had that in Zimbabwe. What we have had here are people who would not say sorry. Their excuse is that it was during a war. I dare ask: what war are you talking about when unarmed and defenceless people were being killed? We talk about war when two or more armed groups or people are fighting. When you just kill people because you have a gun and they don’t have one, that’s not a war.

On possible reparations for the victims, Dube closed off the issue of possible financial compensation for the victims.

“First of all, some people talk about compensation. Who do you compensate when some victims are no longer alive?

“We are talking about something that happened about 30 to 40 years ago. It’s very complicated. If one shows remorse and comes forward to assist victims or their families through certain programmes, for example paying for their education or some such other serious plan, people will see that leaders are indeed sorry about what happened.

Tshinga Dube long lost former President Mugabe’s favour over his tough stance on Gukurahundi. His latest remarks may begin to strain relations with Mnangagwa who is already hinting on a rerun of the Makokoba constituency primary election which Tshinga Dube won.

Refresh to watch

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Professor Mavima is proving to be a liability as the Education Minister. When he was Deputy Minister of Primary and Secondary Education, he is on record at remarking that “teaching is seasonal just like the tobacco industry and sugar industry in Chiredzi.” He was justifying the suspension of vacation leave for teachers in 2016. Recently, he was at it again threatening teachers that they would be fired from their job if they tried to follow what nurses did “as teaching is an essential service.”

It is clear the Professor is operating on unfamiliar terrain. To argue that teaching is seasonal and that teachers do not need to go on leave is the worst lunacy an education official may exude. We had forgiven the Minister assuming his proximity to Dr Lazarus Dokora had spoiled his conception of the profession, but sadly, he has continued with his school boy blunders. The Minister is not even aware of labour rights guaranteed under section 65 of our constitution, viz, the right to collective bargaining as well as the right to strike. To assume, therefore, that teachers are ‘an essential service that cannot go on industrial action’ is to unnecessarily reveal ignorance of key tenets a minister heading a line ministry must be aware of. Needless to mention that the Minister has no locus standi over labour grievances that must be addressed by the employer.

Professor Mavima is advised to do the most honourable thing of supporting teachers in their clamour for increase of salaries; reinstitution of vacation leave; declaration of schools as politics-free zones; increase of rural and hardships allowance; and resuscitation of trachers’ responsibility allowances. Anything less than this will see teachers abandoning classes when schools open.

Teachers are their own liberators. We have nothing to lose, but our chains of poverty and immiseration by an uncaring employer. Any threat to a teacher in Zimbabwe, will be a threat to every teacher in Zimbabwe. Our maxim collective effort would guarantee maximum gains and minimum losses, let alone guarantee success in this national cause. That cause is nothing more than a legitimate labour dispute and teachers’ quest for fair labour practice.

Viva PTUZ VIVA!!

VENCEREMOS!!

Cde Dr Takavafira Zhou (PTUZ President )

The Dr Thokozani Khupe led MDC-T says it has moved on and is not losing sleep over the faction led by Advocate Nelson Chamisa while promising its supporters better lives once elected into office.

Dr Khupe said they are done dealing with people who have no respect for the Constitution.

Addressing just over a 100 party supporters in Luveve, Dr Khupe seemed to dismiss any chances of rejoining the Chamisa led faction insisting that they will go ahead to form the next government once elected into power.

“Once we are elected into power we will ensure that there is free medication. Government should be responsible to teach people especially at primary education and parents should only start paying school fees at secondary education going upwards. We don’t tolerate violence and as such we have since moved on and we are ready to face whoever is standing in these elections,” she said.

The MDC-T Khupe led faction national chairman, Mr Abednico Bhebhe admitted that it was a tall order to dislodge Zanu PF from power as the ruling party has proper structures especially in the rural areas.

“Zanu PF is very clever when it comes to managing the elections. We have 57 rural district councils and only there are being controlled by the opposition and that explains why it is not easy to remove Zanu PF from power. We need to go to Zanu PF strongholds and fight there not to waste time in Bulawayo and Matabeleland region,” said Mr Bhebhe.

The Dr Khupe faction’s Luveve rally comes hard on the heels of their recent High Court victory over the use of the MDC-T party name and symbol, a move that has since been appealed against at the Supreme Court by the Chamisa led faction.

Source zbc news

Comedian and actor, Lawrence Simbarashe has died.

Simbarashe, who was popularly known as ‘Bhonzo’ in the comedy ‘Timy na Bhonzo’ died this evening at Chitungwiza Hospital where he was admitted.

His co-actor in the ‘Timmy na Bhonzo’ series, Charles Jackson confirmed the development.

He said Simbarashe suffered from diabetes and high blood pressure.

Mourners are gathered at house number 544 St Mary’s, Chitungwiza.

By Paul Nyathi|Air Zimbabwe has refused to accomodate its “sibling” aircraft Zimbabwe Airways in its hangars at the Robert Mugabe International Airport it has emerged.

The national career is reportedly refusing to house the Boeing 777 jet in its hangars allegedly raising security and insurance concerns.

The aircraft which touched ground in the country from Malaysia over a month ago is reportedly parked in an open space at the domestic terminal of the airport and is exposed to weather effects especially the high temperatures that have been hitting the country in the last few weeks.

According to media reports, Transport Minister Joram Gumbo this week summoned senior Air Zimbabwe officials to his offices in a bid to force them to accomodate the aircraft whose ownership is still tied up in controversy.

“Minister Gumbo called acting CE (Justice) Makonese, the head of engineering and the legal affairs manager to his offices on Wednesday afternoon. He was unhappy about AirZim’s decision not to find space for the B777,” a source said.

The sources who spoke to weekend media said that the Air Zimbabwe hangars do not meet the standards required by the insurance companies for the plane of which the airline can not take the risk to accomodate the aircraft.

“The Air Zimbabwe hangar which was commissioned during Zimbabwe-Rhodesia era does not meet international standards for risk cover. It does not have smoke or fire detection system. It does not have a fire suppression system (automatic ceiling water/foam sprinklers. The other smaller hangar has been housing AirZim’s B737 which has been on major maintenance for more than four years now,” the source said.

Sources also indicated that the big jet could not be flawn to Bulawayo during the Zimbabwe International Trade Fair because the runway at Joshua Mqabuko Nkomo airport is too short for the Boeing 777. The runway at Bulawayo airport is 2,6km long and cannot accommodate the B777. The second largest runaway in Zimbabwe is Hwange (4,6km) which is under partial displacement due to asphalt damage followed by Victoria Falls (4km)

Contacted by the media for a comment on the issue, Gumbo said: “Ask those who have told you that, I never knew that it was an issue.”

Source The Standard Newspaper.

Misa Zimbabwe Statement|This year’s World Press Freedom Day commemorations, coming on the verge of Zimbabwe’s elections, pose the greatest test to government’s commitment to constitutional democracy underpinned by democratic media laws.

In saying this, MISA Zimbabwe is mindful of President Emmerson Mnangagwa’s inauguration speech in November last year during which he pledged to strengthen and respect the pillars of democracy.

Regrettably, five months into his tenure, Zimbabwe is still stuck with repressive media laws such as the discredited Access to Information and Protection of Privacy Act (AIPPA), Broadcasting Services Act (BSA) and Official Secrets Act (OSA).

Other restrictive laws include, the Public Order and Security Act, Censorship and Entertainment Controls Act (CECA), and sections of the Criminal Law (Codification and Reform) Act. This situation should also be viewed against the government’s accelerated efforts to introduce the cybercrimes laws, generally perceived as intended to curb free speech online.

These laws essentially curtail citizens’ rights to freedom of assembly and association, demonstrate and petition, including the right to freedom of conscience, as provided for by Sections 58, 59 and 60 of the Constitution. As well as Sections 61 and 62 which protect the right to free expression, media freedom and access to information.

Our theme: Media Reforms Now: Free and Accountable Media Key to Credible Elections, is a reminder to government on the urgency and importance of implementing the outstanding reforms ahead of the elections.

This theme and our exhortations for government to play ball, also ride on UNESCO’s 2018 theme: Keeping Power in Check: Media, Justice and the Rule of Law.

Our position on the issues at hand, are further informed by the African Union Elections Observer Mission’s (AUEOM), post-2013 elections recommendations on improving the state of the media in Zimbabwe.

The AUEM singled AIPPA, BSA and POSA, as some of the contentious laws which curtail fundamental freedoms. It also recommended that the Zimbabwe Electoral Commission “scrupulously enforces” relevant regulations of the Electoral Act to afford alternative voices and all political parties equitable access at all times during elections.

Transformation of the Zimbabwe Broadcasting Corporation into a truly independent, accessible and representative public broadcaster, thus remains of urgency.

While we commend the government for signing the African Charter on Democracy, Elections and Governance, the government should, without any further delays, adopt and effect its relevant clauses into domestic laws and policies.

In turn, the media should at all times, strive to inform the public on issues of the day accurately and fairly as dictated by the profession’s code of ethics. Voters look up to the media to inform them factually and fairly on the various parties, policies and personalities for them to make informed decisions and choices on who to elect into public office.

Security authorities and political parties, should also ensure the safety and security of journalists conducting their lawful professional duties during and after this election period.

Meanwhile, the government cannot continue to dither and prevaricate on these reforms, five years after the coming into being of the 2013 Constitution which provides for the rights to freedom of expression, access to information and privacy, among others.

Instead, the government should:

Ensure its proposed cyber-crimes and cyber-security laws do not infringe civil liberties.
Ensure a safe working environment for journalists and media workers.
The Broadcasting Authority of Zimbabwe should call for applications for community radio stations and license successful applicants as provided for by the Broadcasting Services Act.

Our demands in that regard, are Just and Legitimate!

MEDIA REFORMS NOW!

Golden Maunganidze

Chairperson

MISA Zimbabwe

ZIMBABWE Anti-Corruption Commissioner (Zacc) Mrs Farai Chinyani allegedly kidnapped a Russian woman for three days over a contract farming dispute, it has emerged.

Mrs Chinyani, who is former First Lady Dr Grace Mugabe’s niece, is also being accused of planning a voter education campaign in collaboration with the Zimbabwe Electoral Commission, without the approval of Zacc.
The voter education proposal has divided the commission, with a meeting held a fortnight ago disagreeing with Mrs Chinyani. Other Zacc commissioners feel the voter education collaboration with Zec is outside the anti-graft body’s mandate to fight corruption.

However, Mrs Chinyani’s biggest headache is her dodgy past which could compromise her fitness to hold her position at Zacc as Section 254 (2) of the Constitution says the anti-graft body’s commissioners must be persons of high integrity.

Mrs Chinyani, who is Zacc’s public education and publicity committee chair, dismissed the allegations, saying it was a smear campaign by those seeking to persecute her because of her relationship with Dr Mugabe.

According to information gathered by The Sunday Mail, Mrs Chinyani allegedly kidnapped a lady of Russian origin, Ms Olga Dzubinsky, after a dispute over a contract farming arrangement a few years ago.

It is alleged that Ms Dzubinsky reported the alleged offence to police but the case was not followed up, ostensibly because she got protection from the then First Family and former Commissioner General Augustine Chihuri.

Documents in possession of The Sunday Mail show that the complainant took the matter to the Prosecutor General’s Office, which also attempted to pursue the case but in vain.
A senior official from the PG’s office told The Sunday Mail, “We attempted to prosecute the case, but we could not go through it at the time.”

A letter from the PG’s office to the then Commissioner General Augustine Chihuri confirmed Ms Dzubinsky’s allegations.

“I hereby kindly request your intervention Commissioner General in relation to allegations made by Ms Olga Dzubinsky to the effect that the above mentioned lady committed kidnapping, unlawful entry and threats.
“The matter appears to emanate from some intended contract farming facility that is offered by Ms Olga Dzubinsky’s business which did not materialise in favour of Chinyani. However, Chinyani is alleged to have taken the law into her own hands by threatening the complainant and acting in a violent way. Allegations are that the accused continues with these threat to an extent of promising to cause instability in the complainant’s business as well as causing her deportation since she is a foreigner.”

Mrs Chinyani told The Sunday Mail that she knew Ms Dzubinsky but claimed that she was the victim.

“Ms Dzubinsky is the one who actually cheated me and she owes me US$2500. Allegations that I kidnapped her are ridiculous. You can publish the story if you want but you should mention that I know that Goodson Nguni (Zacc Commissioner) is the one who is framing me. This is all part of his plot to get political mileage and distance himself from the former first family that I am closely related to.”

Mr Nguni declined to comment yesterday. “I have no comment over that matter,” he said curtly. – state media

By Farai D Hove| The NPP leader, Joice Mujuru has refused to join MDC leader, Nelson Chamisa. This comes against a rumour that circulated on Saturday claiming that she has decided to join the MDC. 

In a statement, the party said it, “wishes to dismiss the falsehoods that it has resolved to join Mdct Alliance with the contempt it deserves. Deliberations of such magnitude are not done through social media but proper channels of engagement with announcements being made at the appropriate time and forums.” READ MORE 

Continue reading “NPP Never Spoke To MDC Since Tsvangirai’s Death”

By Talent Gondo| Zanu Pf has ordered election re runs in 10 constituencies in Mashonaland West and Harare as part of efforts to resolve disputes over the outcome of the just ended primary polls.

Party supporters (Thursday) besieged the Zanu Pf headquarters threatening to vote for the opposition if their grievances are not addressed.

The supporters alleged gross irregularities, candidate imposition and vote rigging by some of the candidates who claimed victory in the primary elections.

An extra ordinary session of the Politburo, the party’s highest decision making body resolved at a meeting held at the party Headquarters in Harare (Saturday) to conduct election reruns while at the same time sending independent observers to establish and verify the allegations within the disputed constituencies.

Zanu Pf Secretary for Administration Obert Mpofu representing the Party’s Spokesperson, Simon Khaya Moyo said the Politbuto was generally satisfied with the way the elections were conducted saying the conduct of the elections reflected deepening democracy within Zanu Pf.

“We will send independent verification teams where gross malpractices and irregularities were recorded.

The Commissariate will notify the affected constituencies at the earliest possible time,” said Mpofu.

Zanu Pf’s primary elections were held from April 29 to May 1 2018 and the party was electing prospective councillors, national Assembly and Senatorial candidates who will contest the forthcoming harmonised polls under the Zanu Pf ticket.

By Talent Gondo| Several new cholera cases have been recorded in St Mary’s Chitungwiza as the city continues to grapple with water and sanitation related challenges.

Sources privy to developments in the area told ZimEye that although 7 new cases of the disease were recorded and treated at St Mary’s Centre in the satellite town, there were no deaths as a result of the outbreak.

“A 72 year old woman, a 35 year old mother and her twin daughters aged 4 and another man and his tenants were all confirmed cholera positive and they were treated and discharged,” said the source.

According to the source, the affected people had their houses sprayed to avoid the spread of the disease.

Chitungwiza has been at the receiving end of water borne diseases including cholera and typhoid.

Cholera is highly infectious, causing severe watery diarrhea, which can lead to dehydration and even death if untreated.

The disease is caused by eating food or drinking water contaminated with a bacterium called Vibrio cholerae.

In its election manifesto launched Friday in Harare, Zanu Pf pledged to redress the water woes bedevilling the nation promising the provision of sufficient drinking water and sanitation for the citizenry

“As a right conferred to citizens by
the Constitution, Zanu Pf pledges the provision of sufficient drinking water and sanitation to meet WHO standards,” read the manifesto.

The party promised to pursue and implement a national rehabilitation programme of all water purification plants and completing projects including the Gwayi-Tshangani Dam, Mutange Dam, Kunzvi Dam and Wenimbi pipeline.

“We aim to capacitate ZINWA, increase water reservoirs, establish high capacity boreholes in each and every community,  embark on a water harvesting programme and reduce water charges,” read the manifesto.

Zanu Pf’s 2018 election manifesto unveiled. Full Text.

ZANU PF MANIFESTO SUMMARY

Press Release- PSL and ZBC in broadcasting partnership

The Premier Soccer League and Zimbabwe Broadcasting Corporation are pleased to announce that they have agreed to broadcast Castle Lager Premier Soccer League matches on ZBC television and radio stations.

The agreement follows the successful completion of the media broadcasting rights tender process and negotiations.

We advise that broadcasting of League matches will commence during Castle Lager PSL matchday 10 fixtures to be played over the weekend of 5 and 6 May 2018.

We are confident that this partnership will be mutually beneficial to both organisations.

The Premier Soccer League and ZBC will continue to work together to develop the game of football.

By Talent Gondo| Vice President Constantino Chiwenga has waded into MDC T internal affairs describing MDC Alliance leader, Nelson Chamisa as an illegitimate leader.

Chiwenga’ s statement has opened a can of worms with analysts and observers of the MDC T leadership wrangle suggesting that the development indicates that Zanu Pf and the military junta recognise Thokozani Khupe as the legitimate leader of the opposition political party.

Speaking at the party’s election manifesto launch at Harare International  Conference Centre (HICC) on Friday, Retired General Chiwenga said the youthful MDC Alliance leader was not the legitimate leader of the opposition MDC-T.

“Before they tackle our icon, why not do their own supporters a small favour by resolving legitimacy issues that dog and haunt them,”

“We excuse them for being too young to have participated in the struggle but we cannot excuse them for mounting a bid for national leadership from a pilfered party crown,” he said.

Citizens took to the social media accusing the MDC T led by Khupe of fronting the Junta agenda hence the acknowledgement  by Chiwenga of the faction led by the former MDC T Vice President.

However Spokesperson of the MDC T led by Dr Khupe, Linda Masarira said Chamisa has himself to blame for the illegitimate status being conferred to him since he rose to ascendancy through the back door.

“It is there in the MDC T Constitution of what processes were supposed to be followed in the event that a sitting president dies.

“The fact that Nelson Chamisa decided to use unorthodox means to ascend to power will never legitimise his presidency,” said Masarira, adding that her party stands for Constitutionalism and equality.

She said populism should not be equated to Constitutionalism.

” We are not fronting the Junta because we want to remove them from power,” she said, emphasising the importance of upholding democracy within the opposition.

By Talent Gondo| MDC Alliance leader, Nelson Chamisa has hit back at Vice President Retired Brigadier General Constantino Chiwenga who recently described the youthful leader as a “juvenile in politics” saying the VP is a converted MDC T member who is well versed with opposition policies.

Addressing party supporters in Chegutu (Saturday), Chamisa said Chiwenga’s address at the Zanu Pf election manifesto in Harare (Friday) reflected that he is a converted MDC T member who listens to the Alliance leader’s vision post 2018.

“I am happy because Chiwenga listens to what I say,” he said.

“He is a converted MDC T member. He showed it when he spent half the time talking about the MDC T policies, mission and vision.”

Chamisa castigated VP Chiwenga for attacking his leadership traits based on his age.

“When he went to war, how old was he? Was he not 19? Who castigated him for joining the liberation struggle at such a tender age?” queried Chamisa.

He urged the Zanu Pf leaders to give young blood a chance to transform the nation since they had played their part in liberating the country from colonial rule.

“What new dispensation can one offer at 75, when he is supposed to go on retirement?” said Chamisa.

He said as soon as he ascends to power, he will ensure that President Emmerson Mnangagwa is retired and gets his dues accordingly as a senior citizen.

Kadoma – Sanyati -Nembudziya Road

By Talent Gondo| Zanu Pf yesterday handed over part of over 300 campaign vehicles sourced by the party for its election campaign to its district and provincial leadership in Manicaland as the party gears for the watershed polls.

The development comes a few days after the party handed over 84 vehicles to chiefs, in a move which analysts have descibed as “sickening vote buying”.

The vehicles, whose cost is unknown comes as the country is grappling with foreign currency shortages and a broke economy, which last month saw nurses embark on a nationwide strike that left the health delivery system on its knees.

Speaking at the party’s election campaign launch in Harare (Friday), Politburo member and Secretary for Transport, July Moyo revealed that the vehicles would be distributed to all the party’s administrative districts, provincial structures and winning candidates.

“People need transport, ” said Moyo, adding that the party would give over 200 more vehicles to “winning candidates”.

“There are seven vehicles that have already been branded that the President will unveil and those to be unveiled today are destined for Manicaland.

Another batch of cars is for winning candidates. There are 210 of them,” said Moyo.

Former Higher Education minister and Zanu Pf strategist, Jonathan Moyo is on record revealing that his former party abuses state resources for its election campaign strategies.

According to Moyo, Zanu Pf will this year alone splash US$70 million on election campaign material including regalia and vehicles for party members and all the registered 226 chiefs.

President Emmerson Mnangagwa last month repossesed a campaign vehicle given to the Former Mashonaland East Minister of State for Provincial Affairs who is now leading a splinter opposition party National Patriotic Front, Retired Brigadier General Ambrose Mutinhiri towards the 2013 elections.

Mutinhiri was forced to hand over the vehicle after two men from the Office the President visited his home asking him to hand it over since it was needed by the party for campaigning purposes.

Former Zanu Pf Secretary for Transport who is now the party’s National Chairperson, Oppah  Muchinguri is on record refusing to disclose the source of funds for the vehicles arguing that such kind of information was “party business which cannot be disclosed to the media.”

Opposition political parties described the purchase of vehicles at the expense of suffering citizens as a reflection that Zanu Pf was an “immoral and insensitive party”.

By Paul Nyathi|The Zimbabwe Electoral Commission ZEC has disapproved a symbol presented by the under contest Zeb Shumba led ZimFirst party.

The symbol which featured the Zimbabwean bird was blocked by the electoral body on claims that the bird is prohibited from being used as a political parties symbol.

The party since recrafted its symbol.

Speaking to ZimEye.com in an interview on Saturday, Shumba said that the party had to accept the order from ZEC and adjusted its symbol accordingly.

“We had no alternative but to comply said Shumba.

The party has since notified its members of the change in the symbol.

“After ZEC wrote to the party stating that our logo consisted of a Zimbabwe bird that is a banned symbol, the party has redesigned the logo,” said Shumba in a statement to the members.

“Please find attached the new logo and the symbolism of each feature on the logo:

“The Map and Number 1- our Country First, Zimbabwe First ideology . The People and Number 1- our People First ideology. The people sitting on a gold bullion- Nyika Vanhu . Abantu Yilizwe: abundance of mineral wealth our people should sit on in comfort and prosperity. Green color- peace and prosperity that comes with ZimFirst. Red – blood shed for our country . Black- our African heritage and our. Thank you Edwin Mazingi Senior Presidential Advisor ZimFirst Nyika Vanhu. Vanhu NdoNyika Abantu Yilizwe. Ilizwe Ngabantu.”

By Paul Nyathi|Opposition MDC-T National Executive member Job Sikhala has made an affectionate plea for under trial former ZANU PF Minister Walter Mzembi not to have his date in court.

Appearing before Harare magistrate Victoria Mashamba on Friday, Sikhala who is the former Minister’s legal council said Mzembi has been admitted into the intensive care unit of a private South African hospital and is unable to attend his fraud trial.

The State had threatened to apply for a warrant of Mzembi’s arrest for wilful default of court appearance.

“Your Worship, my client has a serious health condition which I disclosed under camera when we appeared before your sister magistrate Tilda Mazhande last week. It is on this background that he is not in attendance today,” he said.

“He will take 10 days in the intensive care unit and is restricted to move or fly, as his condition is serious. He is unable to walk or do any other business up to a period of six weeks and it will be proper for the State to ask for an administrative warrant.”

Mashamba upheld Sikhala’s application and issued an administrative warrant for Mzembi.

The former Cabinet minister and Zanu PF legislator, who is on $400 bail, is facing various fraud allegations, which include unauthorised donation of four government-sourced television screens to the United Family International Church led by Emmanuel Makandiwa, Walter Magaya’s Prophetic Healing and Deliverance Ministries and Nehemiah Mutendi’s Zion Christian Church in Masvingo.

The television sets had been bought by government for the promotion of the World Cup in 2010. He also faces a theft of trust property valued at $1,8 million at his former Tourism ministry.

By Paul Nyathi|As the small town of Chegutu is still in confusion following violent incidents experienced during the ZANU PF primary elections held last weekend, MDC-T President Nelson Chamisa will on Saturday descend in the town to deliver a different message of hope and peace.

On Monday after failed primary elections on Sunday, ZANU PF supporters resorted to horrific intra party violence that saw local member of parliament Dexter Nduna discharging five rounds of live ammunition resulting in him being arrested.

Residents of the town widely condemned the violence and the shooting.

Chamisa is expected to address thousands of people in the town as he continues to deliver the MDC Alliance coalition coalition promises of a Zimbabwe government different from the current ZANU PF government.

The youthful opposition leader will immediately after the Chegutu rally fly out of the country to the United Kingdom where he is expected to engage with Zimbabweans and diplomats in that country.

He is also expected to make an address at Chatham House as he paves way for his party.

By Talent Gondo|President Emmerson Mnangagwa has dumped party bigwigs who lost the just ended primary elections revealing that the days of favouratism and political chickenary were over.

Addressing delegates who attended the launch of the party’s 2018 election manifesto at the HICC, in Harare (Friday), President Mnangagwa revealed that the party will allow a rerun in very few constituencies in order to allow for democracy to prevail.

“The days of favouritism and chickenary are gone and buried no matter the person’s status or standing,” said Zanu Pf’s first secretary.

“Leaders must come from the people. We must fully respect their (electorate) wishes,” he said.

Several Zanu Pf bigwigs were booted out of the 2018 election race during the party’s primary elections held last weekend.

Politburo members and Cabinet ministers, were left in shock following their humiliating defeat at the hands of not so popular opponents.

Industry and Commerce minister, Mike Bimha, Special Advisor to the President, Christopher Mutsvangwa, Christopher Mushowe who is the Scholarships minister, Douglas Mahiya, War Veterans top boss and Abednico Ncube among others lost the primaries which were marred with violence, controversy and allegations of rigging and ballot stuffing.

President Mnangagwa however revealed that the party would consider reruns of the primaries in a handful of constituencies as part of ensuring that the will of the people prevails.

“We must never deviate from our internal democratic systems,” said President Mnangagwa.

“We must guard against those with ulterior motive who may violate and undermine our democratic system,” he added.

By Paul Nyathi|Inconsistent civil servants representative body The Apex Council has urged teachers not to go on strike when schools open on Tuesday next week.

The labour body which has through the years clashed with its members over insincere and inconsistent bargaining says that they have not yet exhausted all avenues to address the teachers grievances.

Teachers have threatened to down tools at the beginning of the second term next week if Government does not meet their varied demands including low salaries and allowances.

Mrs Cecelia Alexander, the chairperson of the Apex Council said employees have not reached an impasse with the employer and there is no need for a strike at the moment.

She said it will be premature for teachers to embark on an industrial action as there is still room for negotiations.

“The Apex Council has not yet reached a deadlock with the Government. The Government says it is ready to give us feedback on the concerns we raised. Therefore, it is premature for Apex to take action before exhausting the engagement process as a matter of procedure,” she said.

Six teachers’ unions which fall under the Federation of Zimbabwe Educators Union (Fozeu) — Progressive Teachers’ Union of Zimbabwe (PTUZ), Zimbabwe Teachers’ Union (Zimta), Amalgamated Rural Teachers’ Union (Artu), Zimbabwe National Teachers’ Union (Zinatu), Zimbabwe Democratic Teachers’ Union (ZDTU) and Professional Educators’ Union of Zimbabwe (PEUZ) — have all resolved to withdraw labour when schools open next week.

They argue that Government should negotiate with them separately since they have peculiar concerns that do not affect other civil servants.

Mrs Alexander said before taking drastic action, civil servants should wait for Monday’s negotiations as they could yield positive results.

“We are informing all civil servants that negotiations with Government are still underway and we will be meeting Government on Monday, May 7, 2018. We are anticipating to get a positive response on the concerns which have not been addressed for a long time. Feedback will be on review of salaries and allowances for all civil servants,” said Mrs Alexander.

She said the Apex Council has presented some its challenges to Government including reinstatement of vacation leave, address institutional accommodation matters and housing for civil servants.

The Government has already warned that it will dismiss all teachers who will not report for duty on Tuesday.

By Paul Nyathi|ZANU PF Member of Parliament Dexter Nduna is facing up to ten years imprisonment if convicted on the two charges against him.

Nduna appeared before Chegutu Magistrate Felix Chauromwe on Friday facing two charges of public violence and use of a fire arm in a public place.

The two counts carry a maximum sentence of ten years imprisonment between them if he is convicted.

The ZANU PF parliamentarian won the right to represent the party once again in the Chegutu West constituency at the primary elections held over the weekend.

Allegations against him are that on Sunday he fired five shots into the air from his personal gun in public in an effort to bring to order ZANU PF supporters who were clashing over the electoral processes.

He is also charged with six other ZANU PF supporters for being involved in public violence on the same day.

Chauromwe granted Nduna $100 bail and asked him to return to the courts on the 16th of May for routine remand.

By Talent Gondo|As the country heads for the watershed polls, Zanu Pf is set to reintroduce and play party jingles using the national broadcasters including the ZBC as part of its election campaign strategies, ZimEye has learnt.

Addressing delegates attending the party’s election manifesto launch at the Harare International Conference Centre (HICC) in Harare (Friday), Head of the Herbert Chitepo Ideological College, Munyaradzi Machacha confirmed the development revealing that the party had composed jingles to be used during the election campaign.

“The party has composed jingles which will be used during the election campaign,” said Machacha.

Introduced by former President Robert Mugabe in 2010 through the then minister of Information minister, Professor Jonathan Moyo, jingles were played on the national broadcaster every two hours.

Composed in praise of Mugabe and the ruling party, jingles were sung by musical artists and groups such as Tambaoga and Mbare Chimurenga choir among others.

Jingles were part of Zanu Pf’s 2013 election campaign following the defeat of the party in 2008 by opposition Movement for Democratic Change.

Analysts including opposition political parties however described the move by ZBC of playing jingles as a reflection that the national broadcaster was partisan and biased in its reportage of national issues.

By Paul Nyathi|The Matabeleland South ZANU PF Provincial Coordinating Committee is pushing for a complete nullification of the primary elections held over the weekend, ZimEye.com can reveal.

Highly reliable sources within the party in Gwanda told ZimEye.com that the committee has submitted an urgent appeal to the party headquarters requesting that results from the thirteen constituencies be nullified.

The committee is reportedly claiming that the elections were flawed resulting in losing candidates raising complaints to the PCC.

“The PCC claims that it has complaints from all the thirteen constituencies on the primary election and all of them of a similar nature which is forcing for a total rerun of the whole election,” said the sources.

According to the sources, complaints being raised are that the voters roll through out the province was irregular as some cell leaders were bribed to manipulate the roll.

The sources also claim that members of the opposition MDC-T were incorporated by G40 cell leaders into the voters rolls in order to elect weaker candidates to sabotage the Lacoste faction candidates.

“The PCC claims that in places like Insiza and Umzingwane MDC-T members with ZANU PF cards were incoporated into the voters rolls.”

The sources further claim that the PCC alleges that some of the candidates were not genuine ZANU PF members and were ineligible to contest the primary elections.

The province is also alleged to be calling on the party to immediately dismiss party Secretary for Information and Publicity Simon Khaya Moyo who they claim is a G40 functionary in the party and is directly responsible for causing the sabotage in the provincial elections.

The PCC is also reportedly demanding for the immediate recall of National Commissar Englebert Rugeje from his position accusing him of being politically immature to handle the office.

Provincial Chairman Rapelang Choene would not immediately give a comment on the matter as he was said to be in a party meeting in Harare.

As MDC leader Nelson Chamisa this week continued to hammer on the government over online document processing systems, the state has rolled out an online visa payment facility as part of efforts to facilitate travel in line with the objective of improving the ease of doing business through harnessing information communication technologies.

The Government of Zimbabwe which has prioritised e-governance in order to modernise the public sector systems and processes to improve service delivery has rolled out the online visa payment facility which will allow visitors to the country to pay the visa fee in advance.

Department of Immigration principal director Mr Clemence Masango said the system is up and running adding that the government arm is targeting to go paperless in most of its services in order to facilitate smooth movement of people and promote business.

“We believe that as an authority we have an important role to play in promoting investments and tourism. We are glad to announce that the online visa payment facility is now up and running,” he said.

As part of efforts to promote investments, the authority said it now is a position to issue resident permits within 24 hours to Zimbabwe Investment Authority (ZIA) approved investors.

On the other hand online visas application can now be processed within 48hours.

Meanwhile, the Department of Immigration said it is pleased with the benefits being derived under the Kavango-Zambezi UNIVISA project between Zimbabwe and Zambia.

According to the government arm, work is now underway to integrate the UNIVISA into the main national border management systems of both countries. – state media

Vice President Constantino Chiwenga scoffed at MDC leader Nelson Chamisa today when he said the man’s spaghetti road and bullet train call is an unrealistic pipe dream.

His boss, Emmerson Mnangagwa also teamed up to denigrate Chamisa.

Speaking at the launching of the ZANU PF manifesto in Harare, Chiwenga said: “until we ask ourselves why pretenders who sell us such convoluted dummies cannot manage small traffic in our real world cities and municipalities which they control and run.

“Why reach Bulawayo in 40 minutes when Harare workers can’t reach Kuwadzana in 5 hours? Why open cans of spaghetti when potholes strangle single lane roads in the city centre.

“Shouldn’t these starry eyed juvenile politicians take us to Mabvuku after a hard day’s work before they put us on Apollo II to the moon? We shall have time to dismantle their little make belief dreams as we get down to real campaign work.

“Before they tackle our icon could they do their supporters a favour by resolving ridiculous issues that dog and hound them. We excuse them for being too young to have participated in the struggle but we can’t excuse them for mounting a bid for national leadership from a pilfered party count.”

By Paul Nyathi|Thousands of ZANU PF supporters are gathering at the Harare International Conference Centre on Friday for the official launch of the party’s election manifesto.

President Emmerson Mnangagwa will deliver the key note address and unveil the party manifesto.

The party’s candidates to contest in the elections will also be introduced to the members.

Chaos is expected to prevail when the candidates are unveiled as most of them are still under varied electoral disputes.

By Paul Nyathi|Defeated Minister of Provincial Affairs for Matabeleland South Abednico Ncube is making frantic efforts to make his way back into the ZANU PF fray after losing primary elections over the weekend.

The Minister who briefly collapsed on Monday when he got news of his loss to radio personality Omphile Marupi, is reportedly lodging an appeal with the party electoral commission claiming that Marupi was an illegible candidate.

Ncube who was heavily trounced by Marupi is twinning up with an also defeated Matabeleland South provincial chairman Rapelang Choene to try and force reversal of the voting processes in their constituencies and the entire province.

Ncube lost representation of Gwanda South while Choene lost the Beitbridge Senatorial race to Tambudzani Mohadi estranged wife to the Vice President Kembo Mohadi.

Information from within the ZANU PF offices in Gwanda indicates that Ncube claims that Marupi should be disqualified because he has not served the minimum five years in the ZANU PF structures at least at district level.

Marupi was cleared by the Electoral Commission at the party vetting process which was done at the headquarters in Harare. Ncube did not raise his concerns prior the voting.

Efforts to get a comment from the ZANU PF commissar Englebert Rugeje failed as his mobile phone went unanswered.

By Paul Nyathi|Disgraced ZBC TV Sports reporter Spencer Banda has opened up on a social media post making wild runs that he was caught pants down in another man’s bedroom.

In a statement sent to ZimEye.com by a colleague of Banda, which is also circulating in the social media, Banda apparently claims that he was kidnapped in the streets of Harare and beaten up before being photographed half naked.

“I was on my way home from Hifa then idecided to pick up my teams order yema rugby stockings. As i was waiting for my parcel on the road a car parked in front of mine and from it came out 4 gentlemen who started to assault me and one of them manhandling our Sock supplier,” says the post allegedly written by Banda.

“In the process they were accusing me of dating this woman and the mob that had gathered began to assault me. For close to 2 hrs I endured this trying to profess my innocence. When i got a chance I fled and went to the police where I filed a report and the culprits were uprehended,” says the post.

Questioned by ZimEye.com on how the reporter appears naked in the picture and at a residence not on the streets, Banda’s collegue who insisted on anonymity could not explain.

“My brother just take what we are telling you except if you have your own version which you want to push to tarnish his image go ahead and publish that,” he said.

The friend further went on to warn the ZimEye.com reporter that he should not have published the story in the first place since he is also a man and likely to be caught in the same predicament.

“You are a man too my friend, you also get involved in such situations. If I was you I would not write anything about this especially about a collegue in the industry,” he said.

The friend would also not disclose the police station where the report was made. Harare Central Police expressed ignorance on the matter.

Efforts to get Banda’s official comment on both the incident and the statement were futile.

By Paul Nyathi|President Emmerson Mnangagwa has handed over a further twenty five top of the range Toyota Hilux Double Cab vehicles to traditional chiefs who had not yet received their cars.

The cars were handed over to the chiefs at a closed door ceremony held at the ZANU PF Headquarters in Harare on Thursday afternoon.

The Chiefs who have not received the vehicles are reportedly giving President Mnangagwa sleepless nights demanding to get the cars before elections set for July or August this year.

The twenty five are part of a $14 million fleet of cars to be given to all the chiefs which government claims to be part of their work package.

The first batch of the vehicles was handed to the chiefs on the sidelines of a special ZANU PF meeting in Gweru in January.

The purchase of the vehicles which was sanctioned by former President Robert Mugabe shortly before he was kicked out of his position in a coup in November last year, has been met with huge criticism from all sectors in the country.

Zimbabweans generally believe that the ZANU PF government is using the vehicles as a vote buying tool from the chiefs.

By Paul Nyathi|Prominent ZBC TV Sports reporter Spencer Banda on Friday hit social media headlines with a picture of him half naked making circulations.

Allegations are that Banda was caught in a compromising position with a married woman in her matrimonial bed by the woman’s husband.

According to the reports, Banda was thoroughly beaten by the husband before he was dumped outside the apartment half naked.

ZimEye.com efforts to get a comment from Banda were futile.

However, a fellow sports journalists close to Banda who would not be named downplayed the matter claiming that social media could be distorting the matter.

“I have not spoken to Banda yet but there are a lot of possibilities around that picture which social media is not giving time to verify,” he said.

“I can only pray and hope that he is safe as his mobile phone is not reachable since the picture went viral,” said the journalist.

By Paul Nyathi| The man who is known for making several threats on people among whom is a woman he made death threats on, the Vice President of the Thokozani Khupe led MDC-T Obert Gutu claims that he is getting continuous death threats on his mobile phone.

The former MDC-T Chamisa spokesperson revealed in a sensational Facebook post on Thursday that he feels unsafe due to the threats coming through from South African mobile numbers.

Coincidentally and ironically, Gutu is the same who once threatened to kill on a woman based in South Africa via a cellphone sms.

This time he claims he has received threats from South Africa.

“Over the past few months, I have been receiving death threats on my mobile phone from several South African – registered mobile phone numbers,” Gutu said.

Gutu left the MDC-T led by Nelson Chamisa with former Deputy President Thokozani Khuphe after refusing to accept Chamisa as a legal leader of the party.

Meanwhile, Gutu also claims that there was a break in at his law chambers on Wednesday night which he believes to be politically motivated.

According to Gutu the burglars brutally attacked the security guard at the firm leaving him for dead before ransacking the building and leaving without taking anything.

“There was a break – in at Negona Chambers around midnight on Wednesday, May 2,2018. More than ten (10) burglars armed with iron bars broke into our premises and severely assaulted the security guard who was on duty,” he said.

“The guard suffered very serious head injuries and we evacuated him to a local hospital for emergency medical treatment.

“The thugs vandalised the outside alarm system sensors and they also broke the kitchen door using iron bars.The timeous arrival of two (2) Safeguard Security reaction teams saved our security guard’s life since he had been left for dead.

“The thugs ran away without stealing anything.”

By Paul Nyathi | A final year student nurse at Gweru hospital is languishing in remand prison after squandering $54 000 “miraculously” deposited into his CABS Bank account last year.

Twenty Four year old Kelvin Kutadza of Mkoba 19 in Gweru has been sentenced after pleading guilty to 54 counts of fraud totalling $54 052.34 .

According to the court, sometime in July last year, CABS Bank erroneously deposited the money into Kutadza’s bank account following a system failure, money which Kutadza went on to squander by making various transfers into his mobile phone account and into his MBCA Bank Account.

Kutadza went on to buy a house in Mkoba 19 for $32 000 and two cars worth $10 500 using part of the money. $2 300 was recovered when the bank realised the mistake last week leading to his arrest.

In his defence, Kutadza confessed to being a highly devoted Christian and believed that the money was miracle money which he had been promised in church.

“When I saw the money in my account, I honestly believed that my prayers for miracle money had been answered that is why I used the money,” Kutadza told the court.

He pleaded with the court to forgive him and allow him to finish his training as a nurse where he is due to graduate on the 5th of May. He pleaded that he was going to dispose the house and cars to pay back the money to the bank.

The bank is also reportedly investigating two other people who benefited from the error and swindled the financial institution  of over $200 000. The bank has since dismissed thirteen of its information technology staff members over the system technical failures.