By Paul Nyathi|President Emmerson Mnangagwa says that the chaos, confusion and wanton election rigging that characterised the just ended ZANU PF Primary Elections were just teething problems of the “new dispensation.”

In a statement he released on Monday shortly after the close of the voting, Mnangagwa said that the party had set a new level of democracy through the chaotic elections.

“What set these party primary elections apart from those we have had in the past is the fact that these have been conducted under the auspices of a newly-created arm of our party, the Party Elections Commission, which we commissioned recently in order to professionalise our candidate selection process, so we deepen our party’s internal democratic traditions,” said President Mnangagwa.

“Whatever teething problems we have experienced so far and we have noted them closely, we remain convinced that the democratic course we have started in the management of our party affairs is the correct one, indeed one befitting a party of our history, our strength, and our stature.”

Mnangagwa said that the way the primary elections were conducted should be used as a means of shaping the upcoming national elections.

“This means our responsibilities in shaping and reshaping the national body politic, as well as the national democratic and electoral ethos, can never be shirked or overstated,” he said.

“As the ruling party, the democratic content and standards of our processes define and pre-ordain our national politics.

“We thus must not fear to widen the scope and play of the elective ethic in our party affairs and processes.

“Whatever challenges we face in the interim must thus be in the direction of firmly rooting the democratic ethos which, after all, we planted in the land through our historical sacrifices as a party of national liberation.”

The buoyant Mnangagwa vowed that the ruling party will resoundingly win harmonised elections due in July or August this year.

“As we inch nearer and nearer the Harmonised National Elections which will fall due in a few months’ time, our national people’s party, the Zimbabwe African National Union-Patriotic Front (Zanu-PF) is gradually, but inexorably putting its ducks in a row for this plebiscite which it is set to win resoundingly,” said Mnangagwa.

President Mnangagwa said the turnout in the primary elections was overwhelming.

“Far more poignant than the teething problems we have encountered in this internal selection project is the overwhelming turnout of our people who have registered their enthusiasm and keenness to participate in this process, which after all, they see as guaranteeing their successful election in the forthcoming plebiscite,” he said.

President Mnangagwa said the primary elections had displayed Zanu-PF’s strength.

“Equally, our capacity to compete against one another in a non-antagonistic, comradely way has been demonstrated,” he said. “We have thus sown a seed of internal party democracy; we have thus successfully tested our cohesion as members of the same political family.

“And because of both, we have just sent clear signals to those who have chosen to pit themselves against the sheer might of our party.”

By Talent Gondo

Former Zanu PF Member of Parliament for Chivi North, Tranos Huruva faces jail for malicious damage to property after he allegedly stormed a polling centre during the party’s primary elections at Mhandamabwe Business Centre on Sunday and destroyed ballot papers.

Huruva, whose candidature in the polls was turned down by the party, allegedly tore to shreds ballot papers at Chitowa Hall near Mhandamabwe Business Centre.

According to a report by The Herald, the Masvingo provincial party leadership has reported Huruva to the police, who have since lodged a manhunt for the ex legislator, who was allegedly in the company of a group of unknown people.

Zanu Pf Masvingo Provincial Chairman, Ezra Chadzamira confirmed the development adding that Huruva’s conduct was criminal.

“The police are looking for him because it’s quite obvious that if a person does what he did, they will have to be arrested for committing a crime,” said  Chadzamira.

The race for the Zanu-PF Chivi North House of Assembly ticket is beibg contested by legislator Major Mathias Tongofa (Retired),  Brigadier General Elasto Madzingira (Rtd), Major Clifford Mumbengegwi (Rtd), Cde Collen Mharadzano and Cde Brighton Ndove.

Voting in Chivi had to be postponed to Monday to enable the delivery of a new batch of voting material so that the electorate could cast their ballots afresh.

Officer Commanding Crime in Masvingo Province Assistant Commissioner Crispen Makedenge confirmed that the police are looking for Huruva in connection with malicious damage to property.

“We are looking for him (Huruva) and we will charge him with malicious damage to property after he tore ballot papers while people were voting in Zanu-PF primaries in Chivi North,” he said.

Statement By Crisis In Zimbabwe Coalition|On International Workers’ Day, CiZC stands in solidarity with persecuted civil servants

Crisis in Zimbabwe Coalition (CiZC) joins the rest of the world in commemorating the 2018 International Workers’ Day which is being commemorated under the theme, “Uniting Workers for Social and Economic Advancement”.

As the world commemorates this important day, CiZC implores the Zimbabwean government to urgently address the concerns of civil servants, most of whom are earning far below the Poverty Datum Line (PDL) which is currently estimated at around $600.00.

CiZC holds the view that a motivated workforce (in this particular instance civil servants) is critical for national development hence the need for the government to prioritize the welfare of its workers.

CiZC notes with concern that the government has for years totally ignored the concerns of civil servants and as discontent continues to grow among the workers, the government has resorted to intimidation and threats of dismissal.

The recent move (on April 17, 2018) by the Vice President, Retired General Constantine Chiwenga to fire striking nurses has shown a blatant disregard for labour rights by the “new dispensation”.

That is why we insist on the need for Zimbabwe to be open in all fronts, rather than being ‘open for business’, which in this case is a euphemism for outright exploitation of Zimbabwe-As if to say Zimbabwe is under the hammer, up for grabs for exploitation as the leadership is seemingly sleeping on the switch.

When there is such a blanket ‘open for business’, it’s the rights of the citizens in general and those of workers specifically that are undermined as there will be brazen state-capital collusion.

We implore the government to desist from heavy handed approaches and prioritize negotiations when dealing with genuine concerns from its workers.

Heavy handed approaches, as shown by VP Chiwenga will only plunge the nation into a deeper crisis, as the government is seen to be disregarding the constitution, which it is supposed to protect.

When such excesses happen, the government continues on the path of apparent disregard of labour rights and resorts to military tactics to quell genuine protests by impoverished workers.

We take with great concern the move by the government to politicize industrial actions by civil servants who are merely seeking to push their employer to improve their welfare as well as working conditions

It is quite clear that the continued unrest in Zimbabwe’s public service is evidence of the government’s failure to prioritize the welfare of its workers. In some instances, the government has gone to an extent of misleading the nation on issues of civil servants’ salaries.

This was the case when Health Minister, Dr. David Parirenyatwa publicly announced in March 2018 that they had reached an agreement with striking doctors yet that was not the situation on the ground.

This year’s workers day comes at a time teachers have threatened to go on a nationwide strike and CiZC implores the government to urgently act and negotiate with the teachers to avert yet another national crisis.

CiZC also calls upon employers across the board to prioritize workers’ welfare and strive to ensure that salaries are in line with the Poverty Datum Line. It however must also be noted that improving the investment climate in the country is critical in improving the welfare of workers.

CiZC, stands in solidarity with the workers of Zimbabwe and urges them to remain vigilant in defending their constitutionally guaranteed rights which includes the right to organize, collective bargaining and petitioning.

By Dorrothy Moyo| The Home Affairs Minister, Obert Mpofu, has promised to assist diasporans.

Mpofu who last month travelled to Botswana to tell diasporans there to return home (because the country is now safe), has said Zimbabweans in foreign countries will benefit from the Mnangagwa government’s re-engagement efforts.

“Zimbabwe is now friendly to all the countries within and outside the region. We want our citizens to be treated in a manner that is cordial and receive attention on issues where-ever they are from the Government,” said Mpofu quoted by the state media.

He said Government is in the process of engaging South Africa after Zimbabweans based in the neighbouring country highlighted their challenges to Mnangagwa.

Mpofu also talked about his discussions with the South African government. He said, “issues relating to permits and general concerns of disporans were raised during the President’s visit to South Africa. They (diasporans) raised quite a number of issues which we are likely to deal with when we do follow ups as ministers,” he added.

A Harare woman got married while she was already five months pregnant with another man’s child before killing the newly born baby in a bid to save the marriage, a court heard yesterday.

Grace Mukwena (23) of 2777 Domboramwari, Epworth, secretly gave birth in a toilet while her husband was sleeping and strangled the baby girl to death, it is alleged.

She initially appeared in court on Saturday facing infanticide charges and was remanded in custody to yesterday for bail ruling.
Mukwena was back in court yesterday and appeared before magistrate Ms Tilda Mazhande who granted her $50 bail.

As part of her bail conditions, she was ordered to report once a week to the police, not to interfere with witnesses and continue residing at the given address until finalisation of the matter. She will be back in court on May 15.

It is the State’s case that Mukwena was impregnated by her then boyfriend Taurai Chidza, who lives in Mutare, before they parted ways when she was five months’ pregnant. She later got married to Proud Tole.

In a bid to save her marriage, Mukwena, the court heard, did not disclose to her husband that she was already pregnant. Four months into the marriage, on April 27 at around 3am, she went into labour while she was sleeping with her husband.

Mukwena quickly went out of the house and proceeded to the toilet on the pretext she wanted to relieve herself. Tole remained in bed.

Prosecutor Ms Linda Gadzikwa alleged that Mukwena gave birth to a baby girl in the toilet and immediately strangled her to death.

Upon noticing that his wife had taken long to return from the toilet, Tole decided to check on her and went to the toilet. He got the shock of his life when he saw his wife standing next to the lifeless body of a newly born child.

It is alleged that Tole rushed to their neighbour’s house and alerted them. One of the female neighbours wrapped the body in a cloth and rushed to Epworth Polyclinic together with Mukwena.

The sister-in-charge at the clinic confirmed that the baby was dead. The sister-in-charge then called the police after noticing that the baby had some bruises on the neck and was bleeding from the nose and mouth. -state media

A Bulawayo man nearly defrauded EcoSure Funeral Services of $2 000 after misrepresenting that his mother in-law had died.

Khululekani Nyoni (34), a holder of an EcoSure funeral policy, connived with Morgan Moyo (26) and another accomplice who is at large and went to EcoSure services to file a death claim against Ms Egnes Tshuma.

Nyoni pleaded guilty to fraud while Moyo pleaded not guilty before Bulawayo magistrate Mr Franklin Mkhwananzi.

Moyo said he did not know that Ms Tshuma was alive and stated that he was only asked to fill out forms.

Mr Mkhwananzi remanded Nyoni in custody to tomorrow for plea recording. He remanded Moyo out of custody on $50 bail to the same day for provision of a trial date.

Prosecuting, Mr Maclean Ndlovu said the three went to EcoSure offices located along Connaught Avenue and Robert Mugabe Way where they filed a death claim for Nyoni’s mother-in-law.

“On February 27, Nyoni filled in an EcoSure Death claim form to the effect that a beneficiary under his account, Tshuma, had passed on in Matshakayile Village, Lupane,” he said.

“Moyo and the other man completed the EcoSure death claim form as witnesses to the passing on of Tshuma. They submitted the forms while knowing that Tshuma had not passed on.”

Mr Ndlovu said investigations done revealed that Ms Tshuma was still alive and the three had lied. He said by such misrepresentation they stood to benefit $2 000 from the claim in the event that the money was released.-state media

Former Zanu-PF Chivi North legislator Tranos Huruva faces arrest after he allegedly stormed a polling centre in the constituency where people were voting in the ruling party primary elections and destroyed ballot papers on Sunday, before disappearing.

The Masvingo provincial party leadership has since reporteed Huruva to the police.

Huruva, who was barred from contesting primary elections in the race to be legislator for the constituency, was allegedly in the company of a group of unknown people when he swooped on the ballot papers and tore them to shreds as voting was underway at Chitowa Hall near Mhandamabwe Business Centre.

The race for the Zanu-PF Chivi North House of Assembly ticket pit incumbent legislator Major Mathias Tongofa (Retired) against Brigadier General Elasto Madzingira (Rtd), Major Clifford Mumbengegwi (Rtd), Collen Mharadzano and Brighton Ndove.
Voting had to be postponed to yesterday after delivery of a new batch of voting material to enable the voters to cast their ballots afresh.

“The police are looking for him because it’s quite obvious that if a person does what he did, they will have to be arrested for committing a crime,” Zanu-PF Masvingo provincial chairman Ezra Chadzamira.

“We were left with no option save to stop the voting (on Sunday) and people were only able to vote afresh today (yesterday) at the polling station in question and the law will definitely take its course.”

Officer Commanding Crime in Masvingo Province Assistant Commissioner Crispen Makedenge confirmed they wanted to charge Huruva for destroying ballot papers in Chivi North.

Asst Comm Makedenge said a manhunt was underway for the ex-Chivi North legislator.
“We are looking for him ( Huruva) and we will charge him with malicious damage to property after he tore ballot papers while people were voting in Zanu-PF primaries in Chivi North,” he said. -state media

Press Statement|National People’ s Party under the able leadership of Dr JTR Mujuru wishes to put the record straight on the purported group defection to mdc alliance through a purported and masquerading chairmanship of the mash east province by one Taurayi Pasirayi. For the record, the said Taurayi Pasirayi is not the Provincial Chairman of mash east ; rather he was relieved of the post two months ago by party leadership as a result of his terminal leadership incompetence and non mitigated drunken condition due to extreme condition of alcoholism.

The party had to relieve Mr Taurayi Pasirayi of chairmanship duties of the province after having exhausted all its assistance to him in the form of seeking help from proffessional counselors and drug rehabilitation experts.

NPP leadership had to relieve Taurayi Pasirai of Chairmanship duties so that the province could get new and committed leadership and hence the appointing of acting chair, Mr Raphael Chivige. Mr Taurai Pasiray is a man who is in need of serious medical help and if indeed its true that he is now part of mdc alliance and his alleged colleagues; we urge mdc alliance not to lose hope by assuming the role of assisting him in his fight against drug abuse and alcoholism.

Save to state the correct position that NPP Mash East leadership is solid and intact; the party would not respond to Taurai Pasirayi and his alleged followers given that Mr Taurai Pasirai ‘ medical condition makes it difficult for him to appreaciate the difference between the ideal and reality. NPP being a proud member of PRC has more pressing mobilisation work as PRC prepares to take over the reigns of National leadership post 2018 elections. To that end the leadership would not be detracted by cases of serious medical challenges and instead NPP’ prayers remain firm and hopeful that Mr Taurayi Pasirayi will eventually get the much needed medical help before the holding of 2018 harmonised elections.

Mother Zimbabwe for President 2018.

JTR has my vote 2018.

Adv Gift Nyandoro
NPP Secretary General and PRC Spokesperson.

MDC-T leader Nelson Chamisa has launched an appeal against Justice Francis Bere’s verdict that ruled in favour of rebel leader Thokozani Khupe.

Justice Bere ruled that no-one was entitled to lay claim of the political party’ s name and symbol.

Chamisa has enganged the services of Harare lawyer Advocate Thabani Mpofu to lodge the appeal.

In the notice of appeal lodged at the Supreme Court the appellant argues that High Court judge Justice Francis Bere erred in making pronouncements on substantive issues not placed before it and which the parties had no opportunity to advance arguments on.

The MDC-T further argues that the High Court misdirected itself seriously by finding the matter not urgent which misdirection led to failure by the court to consider the applicable principle of time and consequence.

The applicant further accuses the court for coming with a wrong conclusion premised on the view that the applicant had not instituted proceedings before it and so erred in making a determination without having any regard to the applicant’s constitutive documents and operational statutes.

The applicant finally contends that after making incorrect findings the High Court erred in dismissing the case though in its own reasoning the matter could not be dismissed but had to be resolved in fully contested proceedings.

The applicant seeks the appeal to succeed with costs, an order setting aside the order of the High Court and that the order be heard on merits before a different judge at Bulawayo High Court.- state media

Press Statement By Mashonaland East Province former NPP Members on Joining MDC Alliance

We are gathered here as Mashonaland East National People’s Party (NPP) leadership represented by Provincial Chairperson Taurayi Pasirayi, Provincial Women’s Wing represented by Melody Makoni, Provincial Youth Chairperson Savelore Manyika, Freedom Fighters represented by Philemon Tombe, members of the National Standing Committee James Jowa, Maxwell Museu, members of the National Executive Committee Tonderai Murape, Tawanda T., Phillip Chafunga and Vimbai Shonhiwa. Also gathered here are members of the constituency executives. We are here to make a big statement to the Nation, that after careful analysis and consideration of the developments that have been taking place in the NPP Party, we have decided to disassociate from this project with immediate effect.

The major reason that has driven us to make this bold decision is that we have differed fundamentally with the leadership of Dr. Joice Teurayi Ropa Mujuru on the way forward regarding the Party’s joining of a true grand coalition of progressive political formations. It is our considered view that the MDC Alliance is the only platform that currently offers this once-in-a-generation opportunity to dislodge ZANU PF from continuing to mismanage the affairs of the State and the economy.

The NPP leadership continues to demand the use of a neutral name and logo for the grand coalition, among other conditions. This argument is grounded on the basis that it is a marketing gimmick for one of the parties in the grand coalition. Given that the harmonized elections are around, it is our view that insistence on such conditions is self-serving and does not consider the greater good for the public interest which has been subjected to ZANU PF hegemony for 38 years.

We believe it is stupid and arrogant to continue making such demands, also given that any changes to the coalition name will only confuse the electorate considering that the MDC-T is the biggest opposition political formation that has stood the test of time.

We have always believed in convergence as we embark on this inexorable march to a new and prosperous Zimbabwe. We have always believed in the language of convergence in our battle to deconstruct a social system imposed on the long-suffering Zimbabweans by ZANU PF that continues to thwart and suppress our fundamental interests and freedoms.

Following the signing of the famous MOU between Dr. J.T.R. Mujuru and the now late Dr. Morgan Richard Tsvangirai, joint demonstrations and rally in Gweru in 2016, attendance by Dr. Morgan Richard Tsvangirai at the NPP inaugural convention, joint NERA demonstrations – these positive events raised a lot of hope for the formation of the grand coalition involving the two parties. We have equally seen concerted efforts to persuade the leadership to join the Alliance by lower echelons of NPP, but these have fallen on deaf ears.

Based on this background we have therefore come to the conclusion that NPP has deviated from its founding principles and values of putting people first as evidenced by the leadership’s continued refusal to join the grand coalition.

We are therefore pleased to announce that we have today, Monday 30th April 2018 joined the MDC Alliance, not as NPP, but as Alliance Partners who share the same vision with other likeminded democrats in the battle to challenge the existing political and socio-economic order. We bring a special blend of Zanu PF cadres, MDC (tadzoka nevana venyu), PDP, Mavambo, those who had not been active in politics but had joined Mujuru’s NPP and a special flavour of freedom fighters. NPP presents a solid structure of National Executive Committee members, Provincial Executive Committee members, and Constituency Chairpersons who understand the terrain and features of Mashonaland East Province.

Advocate Chamisa ndimi muneyese, you represent now and the future. We have never seen such charisma, vibrancy and dynamism. You are the only hope for the marginalized, the peasants, students, workers and the unborn. We appreciate your commitment President of accommodating some of our people in the leadership to participate in harmonized elections either as MPs, Councilors, senators, Provincial Councils under the banner of the MDC Alliance.

In conclusion, we commit ourselves to hard work at province, district, constituency, wards and village levels together with our Alliance partners to win the watershed elections resoundingly. We undertake to swiftly integrate our people, visit the fence sitters and doubting Thomasses so that we all have the same visions and mission.

I Thank You

Contact Person
Tonderai Murape, 0773 989 310

Chitungwiza: Zengeza East

Chitungwiza Hospital Chief Executive Officer (CEO), Dr Obediah Moyo thrashed other contenders in Zengeza East landing victory to represent Zanu Pf in the forthcoming polls.

Dr Moyo’s rivalries including renowned Zanu Pf stalwart, Robert Kahanana garnered less than a 100 votes each.

However, Dr Moyo yesterday reportedly engaged the donation mood, supplying voters and polling agents including those representing other candidates who were in the election race with him within Zengeza East with lunch from Chicken Slice.

Besides enjoying the chips and chicken from Chicken Slice, voters were also fortunate to have the generous doctor give voters $3 which was reportedly transferred to their ecocash mobile wallets.

In Ward 16, Kahanana was so unpopular that he got a paltry 2 votes.

The results for the winning Councillors in some of the wards in Chitungwiza are as follows:

Ward 15: Blessing Shamba

Ward 16: Wilfred Gwekwete

Ward 20: Innocent Jenje(Matumbu)

Ward 14: Lameck Chibvongodze

Refresh the page for more updates…

Bulawayo and Masvingo provinces have finished voting in the Zanu PF primary elections with other eight provinces in various stages of completing the voting process.

This was revealed by Zanu PF National Political Commissar Engelbert Rugeje on Monday morning.

Rugeje told ZBC News that there were a few challenges in Manicaland and Mashonaland provinces.

He said Gokwe has two districts left now in the voting process.

Meanwhile, at Stodart Hall polling station in Mbare, voting progressed well since Monday morning and by close of day Sunday about 723 people had cast their votes.

At Tembwe district office in Epworth constituency, voting started Monday and there are a number of people queuing to cast their vote.

A snap survey by the ZBC News indicates that logistical delays had affected progress for the Zanu PF primary elections in Harare South constituency.

Ballot papers were yet to be delivered way after 10 am in Ushewokunze and Hopley.

At some polling stations there were few people while at other points there were a number of voters waiting for ballot papers.

The general impression is that people are kin to participate in the electoral process.

In Hwange district , the Zanu PF primary elections commenced before midday in some centres while voting is expected to start soon in other centres across the district.

Voters from urban centres in Hwange and Victoria Falls started arriving at the polling stations as early as 7am.

There are 32 polling stations where voting is taking place in the three constituencies namely Hwange East, Hwange West and Hwange Central.

Teams with voting materials were deployed to the various centres in the morning.

Zanu PF primary elections coordinator for Hwange District, Patrick Utete saluted the party supporters for their patience adding that all arrangements were in place for the holding of a peaceful exercise.

The Hwange Central seat is tightly contested with 5 candidates vying to represent the party.

Incumbent Hwange West Zanu PF legislator Bekhitemba Mpofu will battle it out with Jiyani Nkosilathi and Bonface Sibanda.

Voting is set to be extended to 7pm to accommodate those who are currently at work.

Source ZBC news

The Zimbabwe Teachers Association has rubbished fears of an alleged Chiwenga threat previously fired on nurses two weeks ago and said its members will be on strike as planned.  The teachers said they will not be intimidated by government officials to stop them from exercising their Constitutional rights.  Below was their statement

1. The Zimbabwe Teachers’ Association (ZIMTA) hereby categorically states that no amount of threats or illegal declarations from individuals in government will stop or intimidate teachers from exercising their Constitutional and legal right to participate in the industrial Job action.

2. For the avoidance of doubt, members must not be intimidated or threatened by service Ministers’ such as Professor Paul Mavima, whose Ministry has been on record as not having the mandate to address workers’ conditions of service because they are not the employer.

3. We also believe that the Ministry of Primary and Secondary Education and the Minister also abide by the same Zimbabwean Constitution which teachers subscribe to, and which gives workers the right to withdraw their labour, wherever and whenever working conditions are nowhere near satisfactory.

4. Threats and allegations that link collective job action to political parties are just unfortunate and meant to strangle and suppress workers’ rights in a democratic country such as Zimbabwe.

5. ZIMTA wishes to remind the education Minister Professor Paul Mavima that Unions in education exist for the sole mandate of representing the welfare of members and are in no way; a rival to political parties or to him as a head of a service Ministry. Maybe (sic) guided accordingly.

30 APRIL 2018 
WE EDUCATE THE NATION

By Paul Nyathi|The Mayor of Gwanda councillor Knowledge Ndlovu was last week involved in a physical wrangle with a fellow ZANU PF member after the member challenged him to represent the party as councillor for ward 5 in Gwanda town.

Highly reliable sources within the party structures in Gwanda told ZimEye.com that Ndlovu went into physical fight with Minister Abednico Ncube’s son Emmanuel accusing him of bussing in people from outside the ward to come and vote for him at the primary elections.

According to the sources Ndlovu went wild on Ncube at the party candidates verification process which was held in Gwanda last week telling him to withdraw his application challenging him to the position.

The two are reported to have been dragged to the Gwanda police station by police details who were maning the verification process where the two were heavily reprimanded by the police.

Police in Gwanda would not be drawn to comment on the matter.

By Paul Nyathi|ZANU PF has gone to the mountains blaming government owned Jongwe Printers for causing the chaos witnessed in its primary elections that virtually failed to kick off on Sunday.

Though a few areas managed to go ahead with the voting where material arrived on time, in most areas voting was called off at sunset as voting material had not been delivered to the polling stations or was incorrect.

In an interview with journalists on Sunday evening, the ZANU PF’s National Elections Committee chairperson Engelbert Rugeje said an unanticipated breakdown at Jongwe Printers last Friday caused the glitch on the elections.

“We had been assured by Jongwe Printers that they would be through with printing by Friday. They eventually had technical problems with their machines, which broke down, but they took long to inform us hoping that they would be fixed on time. The problems have since been dealt with,” Rugeje.

He said logistical challenges that plagued the preparations were expected given the high number of people who have expressed an interest to represent the party.

“This election attracted interest from a lot of people and these problems are expected. Some of the problems were related to people whose names could not be found in the register. This is why we urge people to go and verify and inspect the register to avoid these problems,” he said.

He said voting will continue on Monday until every eligible member who intends to vote has done so.

However, exiled former party heavyweight Jonathan Moyo rubbished the excuse being given by the party claiming that the chaotic situation in the primaries is a deliberate move to rig the elections in favour of candidates close to President Emmerson Mnangagwa.

“If you honestly believe that the junta chaos, alleged Jongwe Press breakdowns, Army & Commissariat incompetence displayed by Rugeje and postponement of your primaries represents a new dispensation, then you are all mad,” said Moyo in a Twitter post.

Among the issues emanating from the elections was that some voters were not included in the voters roll compiled by the party cell leaders.

Allegations that the leaders deliberately excluded from the voters roll some people known to be favouring unwanted candidates were reported from most areas.

In some areas, some candidates were not appearing on the ballot papers.

By Paul Nyathi|The thousands of people who attended the Thomas Mapfumo concert on Saturday will take years to forget the experience they got on the night.

Playing in the country for the first time in fifteen years, Mukanya took to the stage for a tantalising four hours.

Mapfumo showed the crowd that he still has the energy of old singing and showcasing some dance styles as he took them down memory lane with some of his old popular hits.

He came on stage after Winky D had set the bar high for performers of the night.

Winky D is known for outclassing international acts because of his approach, but he failed to maintain the record against Mukanya.

Winky D played most of his hits and sent the crowd wild when Oliver Mtukudzi joined him on stage for the song “Panorwadza Moyo”. It was a rare occasion because they rarely perform the song live together.

Most people did not expect Mukanya to be on stage for four hours because of his age and apparent frailty. He defied everything and enjoyed the homecoming event. The way he sang and danced showed that he was happy to be back home. After the old and popular hits, he rounded up his performance by belting out the new song that can be roughly titled “Chauya Chauya”.

He reminded people of his old days when he would churn out hits until sunrise. It was indeed a memorable affair and many people are calling for his return to the stage.

By Paul Nyathi| ZANU PF sources have laid claim that preliminary yet to be confirmed reports from within ZANU PF primary elections show that Special Advisor to President Emmerson Mnangagwa, Christopher Mutsvangwa has lost the ZANU PF primary election in Norton.

Other sources say Mutsvangwa was sabotaged by the G40 agents.

Furthermore an impeccable NPF source on Saturday claimed that people like Mutsvangwa would see their fate as punishment for the November coup.

“They will not make it because NPF is everywhere inside there,” the source said.

This is a developing story and details are still coming through.

A 33-year-old soldier based in Masvingo broke into a police base and got away with a steaming pot containing chicken from a fire together with property worth a combined $570.

Emmanuel Mutandavari of KMP Runyararo South but stationed at 4.1 Infantry Battalion Brigade in Masvingo stole a three- legged pot containing chicken, cellphones, sleeping bag, kitchen utensils, among other items before disappearing.

Appearing before Masvingo magistrate Mr Takawira Mugabe facing four counts of unlawful entry and theft, Mutandavari was convicted on his own plea of guilty.

All the four counts were treated as one for the purposes of sentencing.

Mr Mugabe fined Mutandavari $300 or 30 days in prison. Delivering sentence, Mr Mugabe said he had considered that Mutandavari was still a serving member of the army and did not want him to lose his job.

“I have not given you a custodial sentence because I wanted to save your job since you are a serving member of the army. However, next time you will not get the same favour, you must stop going around committing crimes, taking other people’s property and stealing petty things like cooked chicken meat. You should feel ashamed,” said Mr Mugabe.

In mitigation, Mutandavari said he committed the offences under the influence of alcohol and pleaded with the court not to send him to jail.

Prosecutor Mr Fidelicy Nyamukondiwa said between March 17 and April 22, Mutandavari broke into Runyararo West police base, stole a three-legged pot with chicken meat valued at $140 and cellphones from one of the police officers’ car parked outside. He also stole handcuffs and a sleeping bag. “On March 17 at around 11pm, Mutandavari went to the police base and broke into Constable Davison Driver’s room after forcing open the door by breaking a padlock.

He stole a brown bed mattress, a green sleeping bag , frying pan, kitchen knife, cellphones; Nokia 535, Nokia 1208 and a pair of handcuffs all valued at $200 and went away. He also got away with kitchen utensils that include pots and groceries worth $355,” said Mr Nyamukondiwa.

He said on April 22 at around 5am, Mutandavari passed by Ms Auxilia Chiwawa’s house and found a pot of meat placed on a cooking stand and took it away.
When Ms Chiwawa went to check on her pot, she discovered that it was nowhere to be found but she had seen the accused passing by.

The complainant made a formal report to the police who, acting on a tip off, headed to Mutandavari’s house where they recovered the stolen property and arrested him.

Property lost was worth $569 and all was recovered, including a three legged pot, at the accused’s house.  – Chronicle

By Paul Nyathi|The Zimbabwe Electoral Commission has announced that it will soon be unveiling the initial biometric voters roll for inspection.

The electoral body announced through a statement on Sunday that the voters roll will be released to the public from the 19th to the 29th of May.

During this period, potential voters will be able to switch their voting stations if need be.

The voters roll inspection process is normally the last process before the President proclaims the election date.

By Paul Nyathi|The ruling ZANU PF party has failed to conduct its primary elections on Sunday as chaos and confusion dominated the polling.

ZANU PF commissar Englebert Rugeje announced on Sunday evening that elections in most areas will be taking place on Monday.

According to Rugeje most voting stations had not receive ballot papers deep into the night on Sunday forcing the postponement.

By Paul Nyathi|Reliable information coming through to ZimEye.com indicates that Daily News editor Gift Phiri was on Sunday arrested and charged with criminal trespass after he was spotted taking pictures of senior police officers briefing Zanu PF polling agents at Zvishavane police station.

ZimEye.com informants indicated that Phiri was made to pay a twenty dollar fine for the offence and released.

Details are still sketchy and efforts to get a comment from Phiri failed at the time of writing.

BULAWAYO councillors have given Town Clerk Mr Christopher Dube a 30-day ultimatum to either implement resolutions that were passed by the councillors or face the axe, Sunday News has established.

The councillors have over the past few months accused Mr Dube of stalling development by failing to implement key council resolutions. Councillors had to summon Mr Dube and his directors on Thursday last week where they gave him 30 days to have implemented the resolutions or face the chop. The Mayor, Councillor Martin Moyo, confirmed the development saying it was in the councillors’ rights to demand answers when they felt management was stalling development in the city.

“Councillors are really concerned hence the decision to take this route. We cannot really be shooting ourselves in the foot because on one hand we declare that the city is open for business but it takes us 14 months to implement such key investment resolutions. What councillors are saying is that they will not accept any lethargy and negative attitudes that frustrate investment and I believe they were right in demanding answers and coming up with such a telling decision, we now will wait and see the progress within this set period,” said Clr Moyo.

According to a council confidential report the councillors accused council management, among other things, of shutting out investors and making potential investors lose confidence in the city’s call for investment.

“We have observed with great concern the gross inefficiency in council operations in view of the February 2017 investment prospectus and Harry Allen Golf Course town house development. Of particular concern is the unacceptable and anti-development pace with which various development opportunities have been handled.

“We lay this blame on the town clerk for failure to fulfil his functions as prescribed in the Urban Councils Act. Some of the negative effects of this inefficiency are, slowing down development of the city, shutting out investment, making potential investors lose confidence in the city’s call for investment, denies locals and ratepayers job opportunities and makes a mockery of councillors’ capacity to run the city and foster development,” reads the report.

The councillors further noted that Mr Dube’s inefficiency contradicts the Government’s push that Zimbabwe is open for business.

“It also denies the City of Bulawayo potential revenue which is critical at improving service delivery and exposes serious shortcomings in the council’s management and raises fears that this could be an act of sabotage against the city’s residents and Central Government,” reads the report.

Council sources who attended the Thursday special council meeting revealed that the meeting dragged from 2pm and ended after 9pm with councillors baying for Mr Dube’s blood.

“At the end of the meeting councillors resolved to give Mr Dube 30 days to have implemented council resolutions and further complete the process of land alienation in the city which does not require procurement but simply needs allocation,” said the source.

The town clerk was also reportedly ordered to convene special council meetings to seek guidance from the councillors in the 30-day ultimatum. Some of the projects that will be concluded within the 30-day period include the Ascot Race Course re-development, which according to the report, Mr Dube had initially said is a long term project. Others include community facilities in Cowdray Park, Pumula South, Emganwini, Magwegwe North Extension, Luveve Five Extension, Mahatshula, Emhlangeni, Mahatshula East, Woodville and Parklands Extension.

“It was agreed that most of the projects just needed co-ordination of departments hence the feeling that the town clerk was failing to supervise his team. What nearly angered the councillors during the meeting is when one of the directors claimed some of the projects they had advertised in the prospectus was just a means of testing the market but they were not ready to implement them,” said the source.

The city came up with the investment prospectus after the Ministry of Local Government, Public Works and National Housing had noted that local authorities were inundated with unsolicited bids from local and foreign investors hence the order for the councils to advertise development, service delivery and partnership opportunities.

The Sunday News.

Teachers’ Industrial Machinery clanking into gear: We are our own liberators come second term

27 April 2018

In the history of humanity there comes a time when it is imperative to take a decision that is not necessarily popular but right. As such teachers of Zimbabwe have been forced by government to chose the root of industrial action as efforts to engage government have been ignored. It was our hope after our petition to Minister Mumbengegwi dated 27 March 2018, our reminder dated 9 April 2018 that the government would mellow down to a constructive approach and engage teachers. Sadly, the government has decided to pursue its usual bellicose homelitics, grandstanding scapegoatism and bullish monumental labour injustice and vandalism. Our demands were and are legitimate:
-a 100% salary increase more so taking into account the low salaries that were last reviewed in 2013.
-An increase of rural and hardship allowance by 75% of basic salary more so taking cognisance of the fact that the current $13 is an insult to teachers.
-Reinstitution of vacation leave that was unlawfully stopped by government in 2016 and successfully challenged in a labour court by Ptuz. Denying teachers vacation leave is not only discriminatory but also degrading and treating teachers in a servitude manner.
-Ensuring that schools are politics free zones and thus guarantee that they are terrains for effective teaching and learning processes.
– The establishment of collective bargaining as envisaged in section 65 of our Constitution.

Teachers across the country and across the Union divide have spoken and we can firmly confirm that we have served the gocernment with a notice to go on industrial action from the beginning of second term today. We cannot continue to accept cold and calculated educational vandalism. Neither can we trust the future of our children to poverty stricken and hungry teachers. While we are dedicated to serving the nation, we should remind the government that we are not slaves but workers who deserve better treatment from the employer in order to play our crucial role as the engines of National development. As teachers we cannot continue to watch a game we should be playing. The quest for better living and working conditions is our concern.

Even at this 11th hour we urge government to do the most honourable thing for the nation by engaging FOZEU leaders in order to address legitimate demands of teachers. At the same time we are aware that the government banks on intransigence, irresponsibility and threats, but we certain don’t eat threats. We have nothing to fear except fear itself. At any rate cowards die several deaths before their actual death. The history of Zimbabwe is pregnant with brave men and women as well as youths who were looked down upon but liberated many souls. Teacher’s are no exception as a critical national force. We urge teachers to sharpen their instruments of combat for a protracted showdown for a legitimate national cause. Let this cause not be misconstrued for anything other than a labour conflict. Perhaps the so few who always attack teachers for doing so much with so little will respect us.

Viva Ptuz Viva
Venceremos

Dr Takavafira Zhou (President)
Raymond Majongwe (SG)

By Paul Nyathi

Dynamos 2 (Marufu 71′ Moyo 77′)
Bulawayo City 1 (Ncube 73′)

Dynamos football club finally registered their first win of the season by beating Bulawayo City at Rufaro Stadium on Sunday afternoon.

Three goals in a space of seven minutes were the only highlights of the otherwise very drab match.

Dynamos won possession in the center circle and Marufu released Makaha who swept past Hamfrey Ncube, Makaha then cut it back into the goal area where Marufu obliged with a first time grass cutter that Kumwala intelligently let go through his legs into the nets to put Dynamos ahead.

But the saying that a team is always vulnerable after scoring proved true when right from the resumption Mateyaunga was forced into a fine save but the rebound fell to Chrispen Ncube who had simple tap in. He however looked suspiciously offside when the initial shot come

Dynamos who were sensing blood kept probing and from a position he had banged his first Dembare goal Marufu was fouled by Mudzingwa.

Upstepped Blessing Moyo with a textbook freekick. Sasha simply passed it in with a curling shot.

This time once Dembare regained the lead their game management was better. They could have added another with a bit of precision.

Mutasa started with Man Of The Match Godfrey Mukambi in defense with Obey Mwerahari and Marshal Machazane completing a three man central defense.

Mandiranga and young Panashe played as wide wingers on either side of Dembare’s formation. Dhemere probed while Blessing Moyo and James Marufu fortified the midfield.

Quality who was a passenger partnered Kumwala.

By Paul Nyathi|The government has warned teachers of dismissal if they go ahead with their plans to go on strike when schools open next week.

Primary and Secondary Education Minister Professor Paul Mavhima made the warning to the teachers in a statement on Saturday saying authorities will not allow the situation in the education sector to degenerate into chaos.

On Friday, the Zimbabwe Teachers’ Union resolved to withdraw its members from work on May 8 to push for a salary review and reinstatement of vacation leave.

Recently, public sector nurses went on a nationwide strike that crippled the country’s health delivery system and government responded by dismissing the striking nurses from employment and were all asked to reapply if they still wanted their jobs back.

Minister Mavhima said schools will open despite the threats of a strike by educators.

He said: “The pressure that these unions are attempting to put on Government should be viewed in the correct context; that of trying to follow the same route taken by doctors and, more recently, nurses.

“As Government we have always engaged unions when it comes to the issues of the welfare of teachers.

“As a matter of fact, we are sitting down with them on Wednesday as part of the ongoing engagement process.”

The minister said unions should understand that Government was working on reviving the economy which will translate to better conditions of service for its workers.

“The unions need to understand that this is a new administration focused on reviving the economy and every patriotic Zimbabwean should work with Government to help in the efforts to revive the economy,” he said.

“This is so because when the economy grows, the working conditions of all workers and not only teachers will gradually improve.

“However, from Government’s side there is little scope for improvement of remuneration because of the financial situation. The Ministry of Finance has no capacity at the moment to improve their salaries.

“The education sector employs the highest number of people in the civil service, which makes it difficult to have a wholesale review of their salaries given the financial problems we are facing.

“The education sector is an essential service such as the health sector, and according to the country’s laws, it is illegal to withdraw a service in that sector.

“This is the message I will tell them when we meet on Wednesday because they cannot hold the whole nation at ransom.

“There are those who are saying schools will not open, engaging in an industrial action and forcing schools to close are two different things.

“It is illegal to forcibly close schools.

“As Government we are giving an express assurance that schools will open.

“Government will take appropriate disciplinary measures against those who will partake in the illegal industrial action.”

However, some elements leading the teachers were adamant that they will embark on the proposed job action.

Terrence Mawawa,Masvingo| The ruling party Zanu PF has seized council properties to use them as polling centres during its primary elections, it has emerged.

Council sources have revealed the revolutionary party has not paid a single cent to use the properties.

” Zanu PF is using City Council properties for its primary elections and nothing has been paid to the local authority.

Political parties are supposed to hire council facilities like Mucheke Hall,Civic Centre Hall,Building Brigade and schools,” council sources said.

By Own Correspondent| A driver has been found dead in a disturbing accident while carrying a coffin from South Africa. The accident happened near Mvuma and the latest pictures ZimEye reveals below show the coffin split open without the body. The body was found cast out of the container. A comment from the police was not possible at the time of writing. PICTURES:

By Paul Nyathi|Vice President Constantino Chiwenga says that the Zimbabwe Electoral Commission is delaying the announcement of the election date.

Speaking in an interview with journalists on the sidelines of the official opening of the just ended Zimbabwe International Trade Fair in Bulawayo on Friday, Chiwenga said that government and the party are ready for the elections.

” President Mnangagwa is ready for the elections and even ready to announce the election date but is being delayed by the Zimbabwe Electoral Commission,” he said.

ZEC officers however say it is President Mnangagwa instead who must proclaim an election date.

“As soon as ZEC is done the president will announce the election date.”

ZEC is still invoiced in finalising the voters roll after undertaking an intensive voter registration exercise using the new biometric voter registration process.

According to the constitution, President Mnangagwa should have proclaimed the election date at least by the 28th of April.

Since the date has not yet been proclaimed, Mnangagwa now has the last thirty days within which he is expected proclaim the date.

Zimbabwe’s last election was held on the 31st of July 2018 with this election expected to be held by the 22nd of August at the latest.

By Paul Nyathi|Thousands of Zanu-PF supporters will on Sunday cast their votes at more than 3 000 polling stations across the country to elect candidates who will represent their party in the forthcoming harmonised elections in July.

A total of 3 250 polling stations have been set up for voting which is expected to start at 7am and end at 5.30 pm. Aspiring candidates yesterday held their last round of joint campaign rallies in different parts of the country, in line with the party’s new format for campaigns.

In a statement availed to our Harare Bureau yesterday, the party’s national political commissar Lieutenant General (Retired) Dr Englebert Rugeje said: “All polling stations are expected to open for business on Sunday 29 April 2018, commencing at 0700 hours and closing at 1730 hours. Counting and collation of results will start immediately after closure of voting and results will be announced to those present.

A copy of the results will be posted at the polling station. Polling station results will be forwarded to the Administrative Elections Management Centre where Parliamentary, Senatorial, Women’s Quota and Provincial Council results will be announced.”

“The results will be forwarded to the Provincial Elections Management Centre for onward transmission to the National Elections Management Centre at the party headquarters in Harare. Final results are expected to be announced by the national elections commission chairman on Monday 30 April at 1600 hours.”

President Emmerson Mnangagwa has extended the Auditor General Mildred Chiri’s tenure.

This was announced in a Government Gazette on Friday. Finance Minister Patrick Chinamasa announced Mrs Chiri’s term of office has been extended to February 2023, after Parliament approved her nomination by President Emmerson Mnangagwa.

Chiri was last year briefly removed by President Mr Robert Mugabe who attempted to replace her with former Industrial Development Corporation (IDC) General manager Mr Mike Ndudzo. That move was rejected by Parliament and Chiri was soon reinstated.

The notice reads:

“It is hereby notified, in terms of section 310 (1) as read with section 340(1)(a) of the Constitution of Zimbabwe Amendment (No.20) of 2013, that the President, with the approval of Parliament, has reappointed Mildred Chiri as Auditor-General with effect from 26th February, 2017, for a period of six (6) years ending 25th February 2023.”

By Farai D Hove| The convicted fraudster and ZESA cash swindler, Wicknell Chivayo has said he will be joining politics under ZANU PF.

Chivayo said he wants to contest for a parliamentary seat under President Emmerson Mnangagwa’s leadership.

He said this as he shared the below graphic. FULL TEXT: