Terrence Mawawa | Former Crisis in Zimbabwe Coalition Programmes Manager Nixon Nyikadzino also known as Cde Mao has warned MDC Leader, Nelson Chamisa to be wary of political vultures in the alliance.
Below are Cde Mao’ s views: While the MT brand and template worked during his time, that template no longer fits the new political dynamics.
MT had numbers but there has always
been something missing to grab state power.
Unfortunately those who advise the new leadership are
swamped in the MT paradigm and they are hoping to glide to
power that is under a defacto military rule.
What we see are individuals who want to appease the new leadership without focusing on to the real prize, state power.
What we have criticised in Zanu PF is now evident tiki taka in the Alliance.
We need a new thinking that is objective and people centered.
Vultures should be confined to the forest.
If this is not dealt with NC will beanother captured institution by these vultures.
Eddie Cross | All humans experience seasons – those dictated by the weather and those dictated by our individual histories and events that pick us up and throw us into the future. We have little choice over either except in our limited abilities to pack up and move and at any one point in time 150 million people are on the move from the places where they were once settled and trying to go somewhere else. It’s one of the great movements of human history and it has its roots in all sorts of things – climate change, political upheaval, economic collapse, war and violence, sometimes, just wander lust.
In my own case my family has seen two major shifts in location. The first, when at the start of the Great Christian Mission era, my great grandfather, a young graduate from Theological College in Belfast, accepted the call to pastor a Church in Grahamstown in the Eastern Cape of South Africa. He was one of many thousands and they have changed the character of the Christian Church and today white, Anglo Saxon Christians are a small minority of the global Christian family.
He sailed from England to Port Elizabeth in South Africa by sailing ship and was landed on the beach. He and my Grandmother had a family and he had a fascinating life, hard at times, several wars including the first real guerilla war and freedom struggle – the Boer War at the end of the Century when he, controversially backed the Afrikaners against the might of the British Empire. But what a life, by comparison had he remained in the comfort of his own culture and people, his life would have been very different.
In the process, the Cross clan became South Africans and my Grandfather, and his brothers and sisters made a significant impact on their new country. He, going on to become a close friend and confidant of General Smuts, serving in the South African Cabinet through the Second World War. Other members of the family became wealthy businesspersons, one a Supreme Court Judge. My Grandfather became a Magistrate, eventually becoming the Chief Magistrate of South Africa and a fluent speaker of Afrikaans with many Afrikaner friends in all spheres of interest.
Then came the Great Depression – the massive global collapse in stock markets and currencies that started on Wall Street. My father, a young executive with an American Oil firm in the Transvaal, was told bluntly that he had to move to a new country called Southern Rhodesia. He and two friends in the same position, just climbed onto a train and travelled to Bulawayo – no passports, no exchange control, then just transferred their bank accounts to Bulawayo. He married several years later, and I was part of the progeny, nothing dramatic but part of the human migration all the same.
When he was over 80 years old, Dad told me that he had never really known an extended period of stability. First the Great Depression, then the Second World War, then the formation of the Federation and its breakup, then UDI and sanctions and finally the war of liberation against minority rule. By Independence he was retired and spent the rest of his life living with us and our own family. He had been disabled in a Zanla attack in Harare, but it had little impact on him and how he lived.
So, I grew up as a Rhodesian and then became a Zimbabwean. My, what a journey it has been. I grew up in Bulawayo, going to school on the back of a bicycle ridden by the gardener, watched the first national strike in 1949, not knowing this was the start of the long struggle for freedom and Independence which would end in 1980.
I went to the University of Rhodesia and Nyasaland and got a degree in Economics from London University (the local University was a College of various UK Universities). There I met a young guerilla just back from military training in Algeria who basically converted me into a political activist while he became a Christian and abandoned the liberation struggle – migrating as a refugee to Germany. I never joined the armed struggle but supported the movements fighting for change politically – in the process becoming a friend of one of the main leaders, Joshua Nkomo and a passing acquaintance of Robert Mugabe whom I rejected as a leftist radical at the time.
I cannot imagine what it must be like to live in a 9 to 4 society, where you get a job and work at it all your life, going on retirement at 60 and dying of boredom at 75. Living in a small house in a large City where my medical and other needs are all provided by a State that provides social security. For many in the modern world that is their ambition – I think it’s almost a nightmare.
‘Life in Africa is not for Ninnies’ says a large billboard in Johannesburg. Life here is never easy or boring and I often refer it to white water rafting on the Zambezi below the Victoria Falls. If you have done that you will know exactly what I am talking about. The river changes character every few metres and you cannot relax for a minute, but its one of the great experiences in life and if you have not done it, you have really missed out. It looks very dangerous, but we do not lose too many river rafters!!
Why then does this country have such a pull? I am constantly amazed by the fact that many families who have fled this country for whatever reason in the past only to find their children coming back, settling and making a new life for themselves and their families. Almost invariably they find themselves self-employed or working with close associates. If this economy opens up and starts to grow and young people born here are accepted as Citizens with all their rights, then I expect this trickle to become a river and it will change this country in every way.
But right now, it is autumn – clear blue skies, little humidity, mild temperatures and the country is green and the rivers running. The next two months are just the most amazing time, weather wise. But all our seasons have special characteristics. Our veld is always spectacular, always changing constantly. Often conditions are very hard, but somehow its beauty remains.
Then there are the people; we are a hard-working, enterprising people who are used to making a living under a government that constantly violates the basic rules of sound economics. Our real economy is more than double the official estimates and the volume of money movement in the informal sector, double the level of activity in the banks. But it’s more than that – we are an open, welcoming society with many characteristics that make ordinary Zimbabweans quite exceptional in the region. Perhaps it is because of the Christian revival that has swept the country in recent years, but its roots lie also in our history.
My own commitment to Zimbabwe is well known, it’s not mindless or political, it’s just that this is such an amazing place and our quality of life so exceptional. We have little money or assets left after 37 years of Robert Mugabe, but so many compensations. We go fishing on the Zambezi or to the Umfurudzi bush or in the Highlands to cold trout streams. We can go into the Matobo Hills just 30 kilometers from home. In three hours we can be in some of the wildest and most spectacular wild life areas left in the world.
At work we have the world at our feet. We are pioneers with opportunities galore. All it needs is enterprise and hard work. Our schools offer some of the best all round education experiences. Just ask anyone who employs Zimbabweans by choice. Zimbabweans coming home from abroad are bringing back world class skills in many fields including eye surgery, medicine and engineering. These are the seasons of life and the real key is what we make of it, where ever we live.
President Mokgweetsi Masisi left for Nambia this morning (April 9) to meet with his counterpart Dr Hage Geingob.
This is Mr Masisi’s first international visit as President of Botswana following his innauguration on Apil 1.
A press release from the Ministry of International Affairs and Cooperation says the working visit will serve to further strengthen bilateral relations and friendship between Botswana and Namibia.
The statement further says the President will on the same day pay a working visit to Zimbabwe to meet with President Emmerson Mnangagwa.
The working visit will serve to deepen and broaden the scope of bilateral cooperation between Botswana and Zimbabwe.
He is accompanied on both visits by Minister of International Affairs and Cooperation, Mr Vincent Seretse and Minister of Transport and Communications, Mr Kitso Mokaila.
The President and his entourage are expected back home later today.
Source : Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation
By Paul Nyathi| Apparently MDC-T President Nelson Chamisa lied to the world that he had met with the family of the late nationalist Dr Joshua Nkomo and was promised to be given the popular rod which Nkomo carried in his hand throughout his life.
Angry son to the late liberation icon Sibangilizwe Nkomo told ZimEye.com in an interview that the Nkomo family is absolutely angry at Chamisa’s utterances describing them as very disrespectful of the family and its traditions.
Nkomo said that no one from the family ever met with Chamisa and discussed with him anything to do with the late Father Zimbabwe nor his sacred rod.
“We are absolutely angry at Chamisa’s lies and disrespect of the Nkomo family,” said Sibangilizwe who is Dr Nkomo’s eldest son.
“No one has ever discussed my father’s rod,” said Nkomo angrily. “In fact very few of us know where that rod is and talking about it the way Chamisa did is a serious taboo to the Nkomo family,” he said.
“That rod is not anything to play around with. It liberated this country, it saved people’s lives and Chamisa is just too young to even talk about it let alone claim it,” said Nkomo.
“We can not as a family stoop so low as to take the head of the entire Nyongolo family and give it to a stranger. What is so special that Chamisa has done to deserve to be given Dr Nkomo’s rod or any rod by the Nkomo family.”
“Chamisa is just too young for this issue. His father and even his grand father and his ancestors respect that rod, who is he to claim it?” Nkomo said angrily.
Nkomo said that Chamisa did not even visit the Joshua Nkomo home in Pelandaba which is a stone throw away from White City Stadium where he held his rally.
“Chamisa visited the Joshua Nkomo museum in Matshamhlophe which is a public place under the responsibility of the Parks and Museum Department not the Nkomo home in Pelandaba where I and the Nkomo family reside,” said Nkomo.
According to Nkomo, Chamisa was invited to the museum by Jabulani Hadebe who is the CEO of the Joshua Nkomo National Foundation and a member of the MDC-T and not by the Nkomo family.
“I have never met Chamisa in my life and he does not know me. I only know him from pictures and the television and so he must never lie that he met with the Nkomo family,” added Nkomo.
Contacted for a comment Hadebe also recused himself from Chamisa’s utterances claiming that they never discussed anything about him being given a rod by the Nkomo family.
Hadebe said that Chamisa was just making an unfortunate political statement for his own expediency.
According to Hadebe, Chamisa only promised that he will give assistance to the Foundation when he gets into power after the elections in July.
Mehluli Moyo, the National Director of the Joshua Nkomo Cultural Movement which is chaired by Mr Sibangilizwe Nkomo said that what Chamisa did by claiming the rod of an elderly man of Nkomo’s stature was a serious taboo according to traditions.
“What Chamisa said is serious taboo, he never met the family, he didn’t even meet Mr Nkomo . Chamisa visited the museum just like everyone else would do and there is no rod that was given to him nor promised to him,” said Moyo.
Asked to comment on the actual where about of Dr Nkomo’s rod which Chamisa claimed, Moyo said that even he himself was not at the liberty to discuss the rod.
“As an official of the organisation myself, l am not in a position to discuss Mdala’s rod. That is a deep family issue to be discussed in public. If you hear anyone talking about it in public that person will be telling a lie,” said Moyo.
A Matabeleland cultural activist who asked not to be mentioned due to his links with the MDC-T also lamented at Chamisa’s utterances claiming that the young leader may have just brought himself a curse from the Nkomo elders that may haunt him for a long time.
“Chamisa knows very well that he lied and disrespected the spirit of the old man Nkomo, the best he may need to urgently do is to physically visit the Nkomo family elders and sort the issue out,” he said.
“Some people may take it lightly and belittle the Nkomo family but Joshua Nkomo is an ancestor of many and highly respected in the region for young Chamisa to play with his name like he did,” he added.
ZimEye.com efforts to get a comment from Chamisa’s spokesperson Luke Tamborinyoka were futile as his mobile phone was not reachable at the time of writing.
ENGAGING THE PARENTAGE……Party President Adv. Nelson Chamisa today led a team of MDC-T leaders to the ZCTU offices for a meeting with the leadership of the country’s labour confederation. The party was formed out of the labour movement in 1999 and the two frequently engagage. pic.twitter.com/5sSb2ThwZu
By Don Chigumba| On the midnight of 04 April 2018, Herald Newspaper published an article titled “EX-PM’s Secret Nuptials Exposed”. Herald claimed the late Tsvangirai paid lobola to Nobuhle Marylyn Ndiwani while married to Elizabeth Macheka Tsvangirai. The paper went further to claim that Nobuhle gave birth to Joy, the late Tsvangirai’s child on 27 July 2017 and that the Herald is in possession of the brothers of the late Tsvangirai (Casper and Sam)’ pictures while paying lobola to Ndiwani family.
Therefore, this article seeks to condemn Herald Newspaper for tracking the late Tsvangirai to the grave through their article published on 04 April 2018 at 00:04 midnight. The late Tsvangirai’s spirit should be granted peace order against the unconstitutional/immoral Herald’s attacks. In our Shona culture, there is a dictum that goes ‘wafa wanaka’, we always respect the dead no matter what the evil they could have done during their time of breathing oxygen.
When Tsvangirai passed on, President of Zimbabwe and his deputy acknowledged that Tsvangirai was a hero and fought for the new democratic space in Zimbabwe. The ZANU PF government offered to pay for the hospital bills and funeral expenses, surprisingly, Herald Newspaper can even manage to torment the late Tsvangirai’s spirit. Why are they fighting against the dead?
The late Tsvangirai’s spirit should be in the purgatory right now, waiting to join the paradise but Herald newspaper is busy praying to God so that Tsvangirai’s spirit should be thrown to hell against the wishes of the opposition followers, President and Deputy President of Zimbabwe. I am therefore calling for all Zimbabweans across the political divide to join me in condemning the Herald News Paper.
Herald newspaper claimed that they are in possession of photos of Casper and Sam while paying lobola on behalf of the late Tsvangirai. To what an extend should we accept the photos as evidence of paying lobola? Why did the late Tsvangirai refuse to tell the nation of the new development? Herald newspaper should prove that the photos were linked to lobola and not other things/issues.
The Herald claimed the union gave birth to a baby called Joy, surprisingly, the Herald had already taken the DNA tests and verified that Joy was the late Tsvangirai’s baby. If the position is true, the Herald newspaper should apologies to Tsvangirai family and MDC-T followers for taking DNA tests of the alleged Tsvangirai’s child without the consent of the dead.
The death of Tsvangirai was controversial and for some people to claim to have known the late Tsvangirai’s DNA samples is very dangerous. Herald newspaper should therefore, tell the nation that they were not responsible for the demise. How did they come to know the DNA samples of the late Tsvangirai? How did they come to a conclusion that Joy was Tsvangirai’s love child? Did they use the alleged photos to ascertain the paternity of Joy?
Conclusion
Tsvangirai family and MDC-T followers should get details of the late Tsvangirai’s alleged lobola payment and the evidence to prove that Joy was Tsvangirai’s love child. The Herald should come out clean on why they have decided to follow the late Tsvangirai to the grave? Why should the Herald go against the views of the president and his deputy? Who gave Herald authority to take the alleged photos of Casper and Sam in their possession?
There are allegations that the Herald is out there to destroy the legacy of the late Tsvangirai, why are they harassing the living-timeless? Herald newspaper should apologies. Herald should promote peace and not disunity.
.Don chigumba is a mixed methods research specialist, can be found on twitter @Donchigumba
By A Correspondent| Zimbabwe’s military transition is going to be under discussion on Saturday the 14th April this weekend.
This will be at the Independence celebrations in Nottingham.
“The meeting will talk about the November 2017 events the current ED government’s mandate the sudden death of the MDC and its impact; Constitutionalism in Zimbabwe,” the Chairman of the Nottingham Zimbabwean Community Network, the Regis Manyanya said.
He told ZimEye the meeting will also look into, “Our citizens being held in UK detention centres for being opposed to the rule, immigration rules & regulations in the UK. Obviously we will have lighter times to joke about the Asante Sana mantra & the scarf.”
President Emmerson Mnangagwa’s scarf fashion brand will be on sale at the function. The event will coincide with the upcoming visit of a high powered ministerial delegation from Zimbabwe. FULL DETAILS ARE BELOW:
The first high ranking European Union official to visit Zimbabwe in recent years Mr Neven Mimica is in Zimbabwe and has met President Emmerson Mnangagwa at Munhumutapa building this morning.
Mr Mimica is the EU International Cooperation and Development Commissioner and is expected to launch a number of projects that are being funded by the EU.-
Vice President Retired General Constantino Chiwenga, Acting Foreign Affairs and International Trade Minister Ambassador Simon Khaya Moyo, Special Advisor to the President Ambassador Chris Mutsvangwa and the Chief Secretary to the President and Cabinet Dr Misheck Sibanda and other senior government officials attended the meeting.- state media
Marian Chombo, ex-wife of former Finance minister Ignatius Chombo, has spoken out on how Robert Mugabe hounded her out of Zanu PF.
An angry Chombo dismisses claims she voluntarily quit the ruling party saying she was pushed out, as she attacked Mugabe for ganging up with her husband Iganatius to harrass her.
Marian, who was recently readmitted into Zanu PF under the new Emmerson Mnangagwa administration said she was happy to be back in the party.
In an interview with the local Newsday at Chikeya in Zvimba, Marian said she was relieved to have been readmitted, as her roots were in Zanu PF, a party through which she contributed to the country’s liberation struggle as a war collaborator, and was ready to serve in any post.
“Firstly, I am happy that I am back in the party. However, I want to state that I never left Zanu PF on my own volition but I was pushed out by former President Mugabe.
I’m sure everyone heard Mugabe saying it out during a rally in Chinhoyi and that’s when I joined Joice Mujuru (of the Zimbabwe People First then) since we shared liberation history, but my heart was always with Zanu PF,” she said.
Marian said she was ready to serve the party in any capacity that would help uplift the people’s welfare.
“I think the people at the grassroots are better positioned to decide if I should serve them at any level they see fit. I am ready to serve in any position if the people choose that I serve them. Remember our President (Emmerson Mnangagwa) believes that the people’s voice is the voice of God. It is the ordinary person, who will decide who they choose to lead them,” she said.
“Right now, I am not worried about having a position, as that is for the people to decide.
“My focus right now is that we unite the party and join hands in campaigning for our President so that he wins the 2018 elections resoundingly so he can continue to open up our country for economic growth.”
In the 2013 polls, Marian contested in Zvimba North constituency against her former husband in Zanu PF primaries before she was expelled for defying a directive not to contest.
LIVE-BLAST The CIO boss during the time when activist Itai Dzamara vanished on the 9th March 2015, Happyton Bonyongwe is today being grilled before parliament over the missing $15 billion diamond revenue – Watch the LIVE proceedings as they continue below:
Zanu PF Mashonaland West provincial chairperson, Ziyambi Ziyambi, has rubbished weekend reports that several Zanu PF chefs will stand on the party ticket after ‘dubious’ disqualifications of other potential candidates.
Ziyambi tells the local Newsday that said no member was disqualified, all they were doing was screening them to see if all candidates met the prerequisite criterion.
“We didn’t shut out anyone, as a province, we were tasked by the national directorate to see if the CVs submitted meet the required prerequisites and give comments for the directorate consideration. It must be noted that even if the member did not meet the requirements it is not for us to disqualify them we just put comments for the national directorate to consider or not,” Ziyambi said.
He said it was very unfortunate that some of the party members were not familiar with Zanu PF’s rules and regulations regarding primary elections.
Ziyambi said politburo member, Prisca Mupfumira’s Makonde senatorial post went uncontested after no other female party member submitted nominations for the post which was reserved for women candidates.
But a disgruntled party member, who declined to be named, insisted that the selection process was fraught with irregularities.
“Those provincial guys are busy removing CVs for those that they perceive as potential threats in the constituency they applied for … why didn’t they bring members from other provinces to oversee the process like the previous elections?” he asked.
Meanwhile, Provincial Affairs minister Webster Shamu, is reportedly eyeing the Chegutu senatorial post after he surrendered his Chegutu East seat to provincial youth leader, Vengai Musengi.
Former Minister exiled Professor Jonathan Moyo has spoken on the coming elections, which he says are ‘G-40’ elections, as well as other issues including his Zanu PF membership and the November coup. Below is part of the interview published in The Standard paper.
On 2018 elections Moyo says: The 2018 poll is what political scientists call a “critical election” in that it is as historic as the one in 1980, which laid the foundation for Zimbabwe’s first republic under the Lancaster constitution.
It’s a critical election because it’s going to be characterised and defined by a historic realignment of voters in a major generational way that will lay the foundation for the country’s second republic based on the new 2013 Constitution.
Whereas the 1980 election was dominated by the Independence Generation — which was principally made up of a broad coalition of nationalists, veterans of the liberation struggle, peasants, workers and students — the 2018 election is dominated up to some 64% by the freedom generation, which is largely composed of compatriots who were either 10 years old, or were not yet born in 1980.
Seven years ago, in 2011, I described this demographic as Generation 40 or G40. So, make no mistake about it; the 2018 election is a G40 election. This is historic.
Moyo explains the coup : The claim that the so-called G40 did not see the coup coming is false and preposterous.
Amai Dr Grace Mugabe warned about it on several occasions and in public.
I wrote to President Mugabe about the coup plot under confidential cover more than a year before November 15, 2017 on January 8, 2016 based on what Patrick Chinamasa had told me and on July 5, 2016 based on information I had been given by impeccable sources.
I also raised the matter in the video I presented to the Zanu PF politburo on July 19, 2017 about Mnangagwa’s coup plot against President Mugabe.
So, of course, we saw the coup coming and gave appropriate warnings at various times.
But we did not ever consider to resist it violently through counterforce, an option that was always available, but which was undesirable and therefore unthinkable.
JM: I think that’s now for historians to unravel. But one unfortunate but true explanation is that President Mugabe never ever believed that Mnangagwa and Constantino Guveya Dominic Chiwenga would ever depose him in a military coup.
President Mugabe was impervious to that possibility because he trusted these two men more than he trusted anyone else.
The fact that Mnangagwa and Chiwenga, of all people, joined hands and used the military to depose him is something that I’m 100% sure President Mugabe cannot understand, let alone believe, to this day, yet this is exactly what happened: Chiwenga conspired with Mnangagwa to oust President Mugabe in a military coup.
It is not surprising that both Chiwenga and Mnangagwa are finding it difficult and in fact impossible to go out there and campaign for the 2018 elections because they know only too well that they did the ultimate Judas Iscariot act: they sold out and used the violent arms of war to humiliate the one person who groomed them and made them what they are today.
This fact of treachery and betrayal of President Mugabe by Chiwenga and Mnangagwa is painful and totally unacceptable to an overwhelming majority of members of what was Zanu PF before November 15, 2017.
That’s why Zanu PF is today dead. All you have is Junta PF, which is failing to explain to former Zanu PF supporters what happened to President Mugabe and why.
It’s also the reason why the likes of Obert Mpofu are chickening out of representing their constituencies.
They don’t want to face the people because they have no explanations for their treachery and betrayal of President Mugabe.
Amid the furious attacks against President Emmerson Mnangagwa over his trip to China, popular journo and DJ Eric Knight has come out to speak in his support.
Writing on his portal, Knight said, “well, I was not there in Beijing but I can assure you, these men were not talking about Football!
“I can guarantee you they spoke about the Economy of my country, they spoke about Zimbabwe, they spoke about helping each other, they spoke about investments, so they spoke about making things better for our people.”
He continued in his arguments by asking, “so what is wrong with that? Yes, we want to see results but results are only an aftermath of effort! A problem discussed is half solved.
“No matter how pessimistic you are, you can not tell me that nothing will come out of this. President Xi of China is at the moment the most powerful man in the world. He is heading a country with the most powerful economy right now. Even UK, France and Germany are queuing to work with him, so why not Zimbabwe?
“Listen, I dont really care what Party you support, it is your choice and your right. I am talking about my country.
“What kind of a person would be angry when efforts to change our economy are being put? Are you normal!?
“If you are one of them, then you have a BIG problem, we can’t help you. Well done Team Zimbabwe for the efforts. We need friends and funds! Its coming. God is not a fool!
Zimbabwe Hoye!
Three people are in trouble for squandering different amounts of money amounting to nearly $279 000 that was erroneously deposited into their accounts by the Central African Building Society (CABS) following technical glitches at the financial institution last year.
The costly mistake also resulted in the bank firing 13 Information Technology (IT) employees after the error was detected.
One of the three CABS clients who got the “windfall” is Kelvin Kutadza (24), a student nurse at Gweru Provincial Hospital who squandered $54 000 that was erroneously deposited into his account following the bank mistake.
Kutadza appeared before Midlands provincial magistrate Mrs Phathekile Msipa on Friday facing 54 counts of theft.
He pleaded guilty and was remanded in custody to today for sentencing following his conviction.
“The accused is found guilty of 54 counts of theft and is remanded in custody to Monday for sentence,” said Mrs Msipa.
In his defence, Kutadza said as a devoted Christian and a believer in miracles, he thought the money was miracle money when he saw the surprisingly huge figure in his savings account balance.
“When I checked my account and saw the money, I thought it was miracle money. I’m a Christian and thought that my prayers had been answered and I regret using the money.
“I’m a final year student nurse at Gweru Provincial Hospital and I am supposed to graduate on May 5. May the court pardon me,” said Kutadza.
It is the State case that between July and October last year, CABS was upgrading its IT system resulting in functional challenges in updating balances of accounts.
The system, the court heard, failed to record the correct figures each time a client transferred money from the CABS bank account to an Ecocash account or any other bank account using the electronic banking system.
It is alleged that the accused person discovered this systems failure and capitalised on it.
From July 5 to September 20 last year, Kutadza using his mobile phone, transferred various sums of money from CABS to his Ecocash number and to his MBCA savings account prejudicing CABS of $54 052. 34.
With the money, Kutadza went to purchase a house in Mkoba 19 suburb for $32 460 and two non-runner vehicles for $5 500 and $5 000 respectively.
CABS later discovered the offence leading to Kutadza’s arrest.
Total value stolen is $54 052.34 and total value recovered is $2 384.12.
According to court papers, two other CABS clients in Gweru who withdrew $20 000 and $205 000 that was deposited into their accounts through the error are expected to appear in court soon.
Mrs Memory Chitsunge appeared for the State.- state media
Ndaba Nhuku | Zimbabweans must learn to think beyond our grandfathers’ zvigayo/izigayo, bottle stores and tuckshops .
Nelson Chamisa has breathed a new way of thinking and economic progress into our politics. Other nations are progressing doing what he is talking about and you are seeing it as impossible. Because you all want to own are flea markets, zvigayo, bottle stores, buses and tuckshops; none of you dreams about owning shares in some railway project or other infrastructure. None of you dreams about riding a plane from Murehwa to Harare or Hwange to Bulawayo. Our mentality is engrained in our want our fathers knew, envied and spoke about.
Many folks in Diaspora talk of business back home when only talking of having run down trucks to transport maize to GMB or abandoned combis and internet cafes. Please folks, the world is moving fast beyond that. If Ethiopia, Botswana, Namibia and other African countries that are actually poorer than Zimbabwe can plan for bullet trains etc, why can’t Zimbabwe do it? Why should we be stuck with having Matambanadzo or Siposami buses? What can stop us from having cheap flights between out cities and within the region? Only CORRUPTION, and stunted thinking that ends at the tip of our nose can stop such developments.
Yes , Chamisa brings in a new way of thinking they young people should embrace and work towards attaining for their country.
Farai Maguwu | The withdrawal this week by the Emmerson Mnanagwa government of the tender awarded to Geiger International for the dualisation of the Beitbridge-Harare-Chirundu Highway revealed shocking levels of corruption by the Zimbabwean authorities which awarded the tender to an undeserving company in the first place. The $2.7 billion tender was awarded to Geiger International in 2016 and close to 3 years later, no construction has started. Government has cited lack of progress on the project as reason for the cancellation of the tender whilst the contractor has remained mum. But what could be the reasons for the lack of progress?
On its website Geiger International describes itself as ‘a leading supplier of security products, vehicular equipment, textile and housing products’ adding that it ‘has successfully been manufacturing under license military goods in its own factories in mainland China for over two decades’. On construction projects the company website states that ‘our regional head offices in Shanghai- China run significant construction projects with some very competent and very powerful companies as joint partners in the following sectors…’ It relies on subcontracting other players in the construction sector. With no competency of its own, the company has built a syndicate of Chinese companies which it subcontracts for various projects which may entail inflating the costs. A google search on the road construction projects carried out by Geiger International shows only one project – the stillbirth Beitbridge – Harare – Chirundu Highway!
When government announced the estimated cost of the Beitbridge – Chirundu Highway dualization project, there was an outcry from Zimbabweans who argued that the price was inflated. It was also revealed that local contractors would receive a 40% share of the first phase of the project, valued at $400 million. There was no criteria on how the local players were going to be selected. The fusion of fraudulent Austrian-Chinese companies with local tenderpreneurs, equally without capacity, meant the project was primarily for the self-aggrandizement of the negotiators. Predictably, when the underhand deals failed to materialize the project fell through. It would be interesting if Geiger International would issue a statement on why it defaulted on the project. Demand for bribes, corruption and nepotism will top the list of grievances.
The Chinese Connection
Government has repeatedly stated that Geiger International is an Austrian company. Whilst its administrative office is based in Feldkirch, a medieval city in the western Austrian state of Vorarlberg, Geiger International moved to Asia and established its regional headquarters in Shanghai in the early 1990s. It claims on its website to be operating in China but using European standards. This is why the company has maintained that it is headquartered in Austria, ranked 16th on the Transparency International corruption perception index, to disguise its opaque operations. Geiger International has been part of China’s crusade to plunder Africa through negotiating corrupt deals with ruling elites on the continent. It is therefore no surprise that the tender was jointly awarded to Geiger International and China Harbour Engineering Company. This gave an impression of two international companies, one from Asia and the other from Europe, when in reality these are both Chinese companies of the same syndicate.
In 2017 legislator Eddie Cross quizzed Transport Minister Joram Gumbo over the award of the tender to Geiger International, arguing that it is a very small company headquartered in a small Austrian Village with no capacity to carry out such a big project: “…I cannot find any record of it in Austria and all, none at all. It has an address in a small Austrian village but that is the only thing I can find”, queried Hon Cross. Minister Gumbo defended Geiger International as ‘a very big company’ with capacity to deliver.
In 2011 the World Bank blacklisted Geiger International’s Chinese partner, China Harbour Engineering Company alongside ten other Chinese companies for fraud and corruption. By the time the Beitbridge – Chirundu highway award was made in 2016, information over the blacklisting of this company was now in the public domain. In awarding such a contract, or any contract for that matter, due diligence is a prerequisite. This means government, in particular the Minister of Transport Joram Gumbo were well aware they were engaging criminals. Minister Gumbo is also embroiled in yet another $33 million tender scandal involving the Civil Aviation Authority of Zimbabwe, according to the Zimbabwe Independent.
This is not the first time Zimbabwe has chosen Chinese investors without any proven track record for the job they are contracted to do. In 2006 a multi-billion alluvial diamond field was discovered in Marange, eastern Zimbabwe. Instead of allowing locals, who had discovered the diamonds in the first place, and the Zimbabwe Mining Development Corporation to extract the resource, government deployed troops and massacred over 400 artisanal miners and awarded the lucrative fields to shoddy Lebanese, South African and Chinese syndicates who had no history of diamond mining. One of the investors was a Chinese mafia king, Sam Pa, who has eight aliases and corresponding passports. He is also known as Antonio Famtosonghiu Sampo Menezes, Samo, Sam King, Sa Muxu, Tsui King Wah, Xu Songhua, Xu Jinghua, Ghui Ka Leung- is the head of the Hong Kong based 88 Queensway Syndicate which has brokered lucrative deals for China on five continents.
Three Chinese companies – Sam Pa’s Sino Zimbabwe, Anjin Invetsments, and Jinan were nicodemously licensed to extract Marange diamonds. In 2016 former President Robert Mugabe announced that the diamond mining firms had robbed Zimbabwe of more than $15 billion in potential revenues.
Time to take a stand against corruption
Parliament in Zimbabwe has not been able to carry out its oversight role, especially where tenders are involved. For instance when Geiger International was summoned to appear before Transport and Infrastructure Development Parliamentary Portfolio Committee it didn’t show up and nothing happened to them. Former Minister of Mines Obert Mpofu was also summoned to give evidence on the missing $15 billion and he refused to speak, seemingly untouchable. Most of the corrupt deals are done by Ministers and their principals. If parliament is allowed to play its oversight role corrupt deals are exposed and nipped in the bud and prevent this national disgrace. It must be legislated that all deals of 100 million and above must be approved by parliament to safeguard the national interests.
The anti-corruption commission must be fully mandated to handle matters of high level corruption and be empowered to recommend prison sentences on offending public officials. The judiciary must be strengthened so it h=can adequately deal with matters of corruption by passing deterrent sentences. Unless and until corrupt officials are sent to prison and forced to pay back the proceeds of corruption, Zimbabwe will remain handicapped by corruption
Above all, Zimbabweans must hold office bearers accountable by organizing demonstrations and various forms of protests against corruption. In the Geiter International case the citizens must organize themselves and demand the resignation of Transort Minister Joram Gumbo and call on the President to institute an inquiry into the scandal.
Farai Maguwu is Director of Centre for Natural Resource Governance (CNRG). He writes in his personal capacity. He can be reached at [email protected]
Ray Nkosi | Outspoken Member of Parliament at the weekend raised alarm over an imminent Zanu PF implosion, warning of an MDC Alliance led by Advocate Nelson Chamisa victory.
Mliswa took to social media to protest the situation in the ruling Zanu PF party amidst reports of several chefs avoiding party primary elections in the provinces, among them Christopher Mutsvangwa and Phillip Chiyangwa.
Wrote Mliswa on his Twitter portal: “MDC Alliance is gaining momentum whilstZANUPF plots its implosion. When talking about this we’re labelledChamisa fans but they’re scoring own goals, Bhora musango!We’re nearing a2008 scenario where this timethe junta’ll be powerless&under pressure forfree, fair&credible elections.”
The state media reports that Zanu-PF provinces are today expected to submit to the party headquarters in Harare curriculum vitaes (CVs) of aspiring candidates for the party’s May 5 primary elections with the list of successful candidates out by the end of the week. Most provinces had completed the vetting process by yesterday, with some bigwigs reportedly one foot in for the primaries after candidates who had registered to challenge them failed to meet the basic minimum qualifications.
Other Politburo members, however, breezed through uncontested. Although some provinces have resolved to recommend candidates who should be disqualified, the ruling party’s national political commissar, Lieutenant-General Engelbert Rugeje (Retired), reiterated yesterday that all CVs should be forwarded to Zanu-PF’s national elections directorate (NED) to ensure the process was impartial and transparent.
Provincial structures, he said, had no power to disqualify candidates. “All the names will be sent here and we will do the vetting and verification from this side. There had been complaints from the provinces that the incumbents were shutting others out,” said Rugeje.
“So, in the spirit of fairness, we will do the vetting of candidates from here (party headquarters),” he said. It is believed even uncontested candidates have to be confirmed by the NED.
Notably, in the Midlands province Foreign Affairs and International Trade Minister Dr Sibusiso Moyo, who is eying the Mberengwa Senate seat, was unchallenged.
Speaking yesterday after compiling the list to be forwarded to party headquarters today, Midlands provincial chairperson Daniel McKenzie Ncube said his province had received many CVs from members aspiring to be councillors, legislators and senators.
He said senior party members, s Tafanana Zhou, Chiratidzo Mabuwa and Tsitsi Zhou, whom the provincial executive recommended to be suspended, could contest while waiting for a final determination by the party’s national disciplinary committee.
“We received a lot of CVs from aspiring party members and of note is the CV of Lt-Gen Moyo (Rtd) which was accepted unchallenged for the primary elections to be held soon,” he said.
Meanwhile the Midlands provincial leadership has recommended that suspended Kwekwe Central legislator Masango Matambanadzo be disqualified from the primary elections.
Matambanadzo was suspended for alleged insubordination and creating parallel structures.
First Lady Auxillia Mnangagwa attended the meeting.
In Mashonaland West, Justice, Legal and Parliamentary Affairs Minister Ziyambi Ziyambi and Central Committee member Philip Chiyangwa were among senior party members who stand a chance to avoid a contest for primaries after prospective candidates were disqualified because they had not served as party district members for the stipulated five years.
Chiyangwa, who recently moved to Zvimba administration district from Makonde, emerged from a pool of six other aspirants – s Walter Chidhakwa, Crispen Saidi, Zandile Maseko, Peter Chiridza, Sign Chabvonga and war veteran Jesca Tapfumaneyi – who fell by the wayside.
Provincial chairman Ziyambi Ziyambi was also unopposed after aspirants, including s Francis Chitewe, Mercy Dinha (wife to Mashonaland Central Provincial Affairs Minister Advocate Martin Dinha), Webster Chinomwe and Elvis Mareverwa, were disqualified for not meeting the set criteria.
Chegutu West saw youth chairperson Vengai Musengi going uncontested, while Politburo member Christopher Mutsvangwa is also unopposed in Norton, as is Prisca Mupfumira eying the Makonde senatorial seat.
Dexter Nduna (Chegutu East) was uncontested after three other candidates failed to measure up to the requirements.
In Hurungwe West, Keith Guzah found no challengers, but in Hurungwe East, Tongai Mujenje will face s Mary Marumahoko, Ngoni Takundwa Masenda and Patrick Maponga.
Senate President Edna Madzongwe withdrew from the Chegutu Senate race, leaving Anna Guhwa and Lydia Tsomondo to fight it out.
A record 870 Zanu-PF aspiring candidates in Masvingo had submitted their curriculum vitaes to contest in the party’s primary elections slated for May 5.
Among these were CVs ofthose with pending disciplinary cases. According to provincial chairman Ezra Chadzamira said they had accepted the CVs pending a final decision by the NCD.
“We have only made recommendations on some of the aspiring candidates’ CVs because they have pending disciplinary issues,” he said.
Among high-profile people who have joined the political fray ahead of the primary elections in Masvingo are Minister of Higher and Tertiary Education,Science and Technology Development Professor Amon Murwira (Gutu North), his Mines and Mining Development counterpart Winston Chitando (Gutu Senatorial seat), ex-Confederation of Zimbabwe Industries president Mr Callisto Jokonya (Gutu South) and ex-diplomat Ambassador Jonathan Wutaunashe (Gutu South).
All the other provinces were finalising paperwork before submission today. Herald
Three people died after being struck by lightning in Chimanimani. Tragedy struck on Thursday near Machongwe, Chimanimani East when lightning struck and killed three people Miriam Mtetwa, her daughter Tariro and Dorothy Muterei in an incident that also burnt a house and also killed three dogs.
In an interview at the burial of two of the victims, Chimanimani rural ward 14 councilor Johanne Ndiyama and a villager Eliot Machikichi said the deceased were severely burnt.
“The lightning killed three people while a woman and two kids survived. It also killed three dogs. The deceased were severely burnt,” he said.
George Tukutire who is brother to the late Miriam said the news of the tragic incident shocked the whole family as people never imagined burying a mother and daughter on the same day.
Miriam left seven children with the situation complicated by the death of her husband a few years ago.
“Miriam was now the only parent for her children after the passing on of her husband. The family is deeply saddened by the loss,” said Mr Tukutire.
There is consensus, with the increase on the number of cases of lighting more awareness is needed on the dos and don’ts during rainy seasons.
“The number of people being killed by lightning is now worrisome hence the need for awareness programmes,” noted Zanu PF Central Committee member Cde Joshua Saco.
Six people were last November killed by lightning and locals in Chimanimani are now in fear of moving around even when it is drizzling.- state media
Ray Nkosi | Plans for former President Robert Mugabe to meet President Emmerson Mnangagwa have once again been delayed, with concerns the former leader stands to lose out should there be no dialogue between the two.
This comes as a church coalition under the banner of the Zimbabwe Amalgamated Churches Council are understood to be backing efforts to bring Mugabe and Mnangagwa together, to map a way out of the current impasse.
However, Mugabe is currently on medical treatment in Singapore with his former spokesman George Charamba warning, ” He (Mugabe) is the one with issues to raise with his successor, which means the delayed contact is to his detriment.”
Of concern to Charamba in the local Daily News is the ‘meddlesome’ G-40 which is backed by Mugabe under a new political outfit the National Patriotic Front.
Church sources close to the initiative told the Daily News; “All Zimbabweans are concerned by the tension between our former leader and the country’s new president, and as an important constituency in our nation we are saying that we need to do something quickly to end his unnecessary tension.”
Last month Mugabe told journalists in his first press conference since stepping down that Mnangagwa’s ascent to power was an “illegality”. He said he was willing to discuss with Mnangagwa how to “undo this disgrace” but insisted he would need to “be properly invited for that discussion”.
“Currently I’m isolated,” Mugabe said at the time.
Fireworks are expected this morning as former CIO boss who over-saw the disappearance of Itai Dzamara entered the parliament building to be grilled over the missing $15 billion diamond revenue.
By Farai D Hove| Home Affairs Minister Obert Mpofu is back in parliament today and ZimEye.com will bring our valued readers and viewers the LIVE COVERAGE. Former police boss, Augustine Chihuri and Vice President, Kembo Mohadi are this morning also set to appear before the parliamentary committee on Mines And Energy.
refresh this page to watch LIVE
ZimEye could not at the time of writing verify if Chihuri will appear this time since last month the former police boss was nowhere to be seen as rumours flared that he has fled the country.
Notwithstanding, the below was the full schedule-
ORAL EVIDENCE: MINES AND ENERGY COMMITTEE MONDAY 9 APRIL 2018
The following people have been invited to appear and give evidence on the diamond sector to the aforesaid Committee on Monday 9 April 2018 at 09:00hrs in the Senate Chamber:
A Chihuri
Commissioner General G. Matanga
Mr R Chingodza
Moyo CIO
Mr W. Manungo
Hon P. A. Chinamasa
F. Mazani ZIMRA
Mr G. Masimirembwa
Mining Houses: ZMDC/ZCDC and Board, MMCZ and Board
F. Gudyanga
Mr T. Musukutwa
Mr T. Biti- Apology
Marange Development Trust
Ex Mbada Diamonds Workers
Mr L. Kurotwi
K. D. Mohadi
Mr Rushwaya
Matshiya
Bulawayo Province ZANU PF candidates for this year’s elections will be announced by the party’s head office in Harare.
The revelation was made by the provincial elections committee to the party’s Provincial Coordinating Committee at the weekend.
The elections committee which is led by the Bulawayo Minister of Provincial Affairs Angelina Masuku received applications from aspiring candidates and deliberated on them over the weekend before declining to disclose the names recommended to take part in the primary elections set for the 5th of May.
The committee told party members that it had completed the verification of all the curriculum vitae provided and sent all its findings to the party’s commiserate in Harare to publish the names of contesting members.
Unlike all the other provinces that received applications over the weekend, verified them and immediately advised contesting candidates, Bulawayo province said that it was not their duty to proclaim the successful names.
Masuku said committee members who will release details on the meeting are not loyal to the party and would not be following party’s procedures.
“We all agreed as a team that details of this meeting will only emerge after the headquarters in Harare has processed their CVs. With your (PCC) approval we request that this report should be submitted as it is. We followed the guidelines, nothing else is being used from the local authority to the Senate. We worked according to the guidelines so that the report to Harare is as it is,” she said.
“Anyone who will announce details of this meeting is not loyal to the party. This report constitutes the party’s security documents. So we don’t expect it to be released.”
Masuku said the national office has the final say in the processing of CVs for aspiring candidates.
“Harare will then tell us as Bulawayo that among the people who submitted their CVs, in our assessment these are the people who should contest in the primaries,” she said.
Aspiring candidates had been milling at the party’s offices yesterday as they waited for the committee to announce the recommendations that had been arrived at.
The decision not to make the report public did not go well with some of the aspiring candidates who claimed that they should have been told of what transpired during the CVs verification process. “I might be wrong but although we are candidates, we are part of the provincial leadership. And I think we should be told of what transpired,” said one of the members.
Makokoba Constituency MP Retired Colonel Tshinga Dube concurred saying it was pointless to try to hide details of the meeting as some people would just release it.
“I will agree with her, I know that before the end of the day today I probably would have received details of the report. Some people are ready to release information,” said Rtd Col Dube.
Bulawayo provincial chairman, Professor Callistus Ndlovu however, said the committee was justified not to announce the recommendations that had been arrived at.
Zimbabwe is disabled by a negative risk profile. This stems from past policy volte-faces or shifts, and from our poor debt-servicing record.
Recently, President Mnangagwa faced a difficult question: if Zimbabwe is now open for business, are its doors also open to capital when it wants to leave?
Where does the foreign currency to disinvest come from, given the current paucity of United States dollars? Can an investor repatriate his earnings in US dollars?
We have many investors whose dividends are trapped inside our country, for want of foreign currency.
From these and much more, it is not hard to see why Zimbabwe still has more to do in order to shake off the “trap-door” image that dogs it, dissuading investors and lenders alike.
Until one appreciates the cost which all this levies on efforts to recover our economy, one may never quite appreciate what President Mnangagwa is doing. Or even be able to measure how well he has done so far, or is doing presently.
All is made worse by the gathering electioneering environment in which easy judgments and facile comparisons are made by empty, juvenile opposition politicians at recycled rallies.
Situating travel
The Abidjan meeting of CEOs was critical in so far as it secured a commitment from Afreximbank to de-risk Zimbabwe by unveiling a US$1,5 billion support facility to investors intent on setting up shop in Zimbabwe.
To have a bank availing so much at such a well-targeted meeting is no small story, let alone one deserving to be greeted by a litany of cynical comments which are both uninformed and politically self-serving.
As Zimbabweans, we cannot talk down ourselves and our country, at a time when such a serious and judicious institution is vouching for us.
And Afreximbank has kept Zimbabwe afloat even when the country was at its nadir.
Its bullish rating of Zimbabwe has a lot to do with the changes it reads in the horizon, thanks to the new dispensation, and of course the identity of its key shareholders who understand us better and more, thanks to diplomatic efforts that are underway.
As such offers are made, it is important that the country’s leadership spells out clearly to investors areas deserving priority attention.
Needless to say this situates President Mnangagwa’s travels.
China visit
The just-ended State Visit to China – itself the world’s second largest economy – at the invitation of Chinese President Xi Jiping resulted in a raft of key gains.
But for me, three gains stand out and above all else that was achieved during that short six-day visit.
China, which is owed millions of dollars by Zimbabwe, charitably de-linked Zimbabwe’s debt obligations and settlement plans to Zimbabwe’s eligibility for fresh loans and grants.
To this end, both its banks and its insurers are now ready to provide capital and cover to Chinese venture capital.
This is a fundamental shift in Chinese policy, but one requiring reciprocation by a new, serious Zimbabwe which honours its debt obligations and makes itself attractive to foreign direct investments.
This breakthrough came on the back of a Joint Commission which thrashed out sticky issues between the two nations, and of course from the amazingly warm chemistry that developed between President Xi and President Mnangagwa.
The ball is now in Zimbabwe’s court.
Dollarising such a major policy shift by a mega-economy makes costs of travel to China paltry.
Strategic partnership
The second key gain came by way of the Chinese initiative to upgrade Zimbabwe-China bilateral status to that of Comprehensive Strategic Partnership.
This is quite a departure from the nebulous “all-weather friend” status which, though sweet to repeat in the political mouth, materially and concretely amounted to little in the marketplace.
Comprehensive Strategic Partnership Status in effect bilaterally confers on Zimbabwe preferred status as a destination for Chinese investment capital, aid, skills and other initiatives.
We are now well positioned to tap from both the $100 billion facility announced by China in South Africa a few years ago, and of course from China’s more recent Belt-and-Road Initiative to network the world into one commercial village.
The Forum ob China-Africa Co-operation slated for Shaghai in September 2018, and to which President Mnangagwa is already invited, should allow us to take hard-headed stock.
Key outcomes
Beyond the flow of people, skills and capital, Comprehensive Strategic Partnership Status is a major step towards breaking the jinx of isolation from which Zimbabwe has suffered for nearly a decade since its Land Reform Programme.
Sinosure’s decision to provide cover to Zimbabwe-bound Chinese investment capital, complemented by a decision by a Chinese bank to open shop in Zimbabwe, are key outcomes from the State Visit.
More telling is the preparedness of China to accept trade settlements in Chinese currency, a decision which has far-reaching positive implications for economic interaction between Zimbabwe and China.
Additionally, the decision by CCCC, China’s largest global infrastructure company, to open shop in Zimbabwe is a major milestone and statement of confidence whose tractive value to otherwise dissonant China can hardly be overemphasised.
This is a ringing third-party endorsement for Zimbabwe.
Alongside other infrastructure construction companies, not least those focusing on the long-delayed Kunzvi Dam, on Hwange 7&8 sure to start shortly, on Robert Mugabe International Airport, on road dualisation, on rail expansion and transnational linkages, on construction of Parliament and new Government Complex, “Quad C” will underpin President Mnangagwa’s vision to turn Zimbabwe into a modern-infrastructured, middle-income economy by 2030, a mere 12 years hence.
The third key gain to come out of President Mnangagwa’s State Visit relates to the Chinese offer of an unlimited market to our agricultural produce.
With a population of 1,3 billion, China’s appetite and belly are hard to encompass, much harder to fill.
They need citrus and other fruits from Zimbabwe. They need cotton from Zimbabwe. They need soya from Zimbabwe. They need our meats. They are already buying our tobacco and motivating our tobacco farmers.
What is staggering is that the offer of this vast market comes with substantial commitment to support our agriculture for greater productivity.
China has already availed more money for dam construction. China is offering support for us to turn the more than 10 000 water bodies across the country into irrigation propositions.
Above all, China is ready with inputs and skills, the former coming to us not as exports in finished goods, but as major investments in fertiliser, gas and agricultural equipment manufacturing.
In respect of cotton, the President was able to motivate several Chinese companies that want to sponsor vast cotton fields for feedstock for textile companies which will be set up here to manufacture for global markets.
The Chinese have done as much in Egypt and in Ethiopia.
Special mention
Deliberately, I have shied away from highlighting deals clinched with private companies. Those concerned are better placed to speak to them.
But there is one requiring special mention.
A day before his departure, President Mnangagwa met the owner of Afrochine, the chrome processor already operating just after Selous as one goes to Chegutu.
The investor now wants to develop three other furnaces including one in Mutorashanga and another in Shurugwi.
But these are “smalls” in his investment plans.
The big one for this economy is a steel plant, fashioned after one already operating in Indonesia which employs 20 000 people.
In his own words, Zimbabwe has all the ingredients for such a plant: abundant chrome, abundant iron ore, nickel and abundant and untapped coal for an independent power plant so necessary for such a big, power gulping investment.
But he has been knocking on Government offices for the past three years, to no avail. Still, he didn’t give up on us.
In that 30-minute meeting, the investor was able to walk away with concrete commitments on all his requirements, opening the way for an early start to the project.
Food for stomach
I referred to the above encounter to raise a key component in President Mnangagwa’s challenge in reframing the National Question.
He has to deal with a bureaucracy notorious for its slothfulness, disarticulation and arthritic pace and manner of doing business. Besides, a bureaucracy which has picked the dubious fame of predatoriness.
What the hard nationalistic rhetoric did to us was to mould a bureaucracy full of centurions whose self-view was to guard idle subsoil assets from intending investors, all against begriming poverty.
The out-turn has been paradoxical: a highly mineralised country which is frigid to investors, amidst deepening poverty and social malaise.
Until now our resources were hermetically sealed – a subject for idle, rumbustious boast – ever guarded by a highly efficient “army” of “ragged trousered” nationalists who had no compunction in letting Zimbabweans starve while “feeding” them with the twin alibi and sweet lie of “indigenisation” and “empowerment”.
For that reason, the old dispensation gave Zimbabweans lots of food for thought but hardly any for the stomach, to use the late Achebe’s acerbic phrase.
It is this bureaucratic temperament which has not only put off investors, but has bred a corrupt, anti-business outlook for which we have paid dearly.
And which, too, accounts for the extant overflow of cynicism around any national initiative, threatening to blight all that the current President seeks to do; so that there is no Emerson Mnangagwa – only a Mugabe look-alike.
There is no gainful venture to drum up investments; only another wasteful jaunt recalling years and behaviors gone by!
Swings and roundabouts
There is a dire need for institutional reforms, for new mindsets if this nation has to regain belief in itself again.
Today this frigid beast – the bureaucracy – has to stir, and then be made to function nimbly and honestly.
If not, all will be lost, including the mega-deals just concluded with China.
There are key institutional reforms which beg. There are new mores sorely needed; indeed a new work ethic which must be invented and infused within the bureaucracy.
The President’s emphasis on the rapid results initiative, with its 100-day execution and accountability cycles, is a good start which must gain irrevocable traction.
His zero-tolerance on corruption is a necessary complement.
Above all, there is dire need for institutional reforms – stated thrice – around institutions that handle and interface with foreign investors and foreign investment projects.
I am very clear about one thing: current ministries – both by structure and temperament – cannot be the panacea to this age-old challenge.
We need a new institutional framework, arguably akin to what we saw and met in Rwanda.
There, one supremely executive and overriding institution deals with investors, deals with them from start to finish, all in 24 hours!
This corporatised executive authority led by a CEO who is at par with Cabinet ministers, and who reports directly to Cabinet, passes for a one-stop shop which decides on everything an investor requires to speedily set up shop: from land, policies, laws, by-laws, registration, incentives right down to environmental impact assessments.
It commandeers utilities for various inputs needed by an investor, including factory shells.
Above all, it takes decisions on tax breaks and holidays, including flexibly extending them to allow for enterprise growth.
The guiding philosophy is straightforward: what we miss on the swings, we gain on the roundabouts; what we can’t get now, we get later, or eventually.
There is no Zimra; there is no Finance, Harare City Council or some such hackneyed bureaucratic contraption which shames Whitehall.
Only all these functions melded into one efficient unit that is on the go go.
Bigger picture
This is the new African environment within which Zimbabwe competes for FDI; indeed the new, competitive environment within which she reframes the National Question.
She must believe in herself, making much out of her resource endowments the Almighty has been so generous to give.
She must believe in herself, restoring faith in her leadership, even though broken and betrayed in the past.
Nations go through lows, hit troughs. But the key is to pick themselves up in order to recover.
We cannot do so on gratuitous cynicism deriving from past failures. We can’t do so by concentrating on “smalls” of big national visions and initiatives.
Or by disguising yesterday’s rhetoric of nationalist paranoia into today’s fastidious demand that our leadership remains with us at home, so in suicidal solidarity, we all sink deeper into the slough of despondency as a nation. We have to look at the bigger picture, articulate bigger visions, court bigger players. In China and other nations and concerns of goodwill, we have an opportunity for a fresh start.
George Charamba is the Presidential Press Secretary, and Secretary for Information, Media and Broadcasting Services in the Republic of Zimbabwe. He wrote this article for The Sunday Mail Newspaper – Read Full Article (Part 1)
The multiple initiatives that President Emerson Dambudzo Mnangagwa’s administration has launched may be confusing to a citizenry already buffeted by years of debility and decline.
It is thus important to explain and place in context this flurry of initiatives, a good many of which may involve costs and foreign travel, but all of which are aimed at putting Zimbabwe on an even economic keel.
Key to understanding this broad strategy of many initiatives is appreciating that President Mnangagwa is re-framing the National Question beyond the rhetoric of liberation struggle and land reforms.
Not that both don’t matter to the whole recovery calculus.
No National Question excludes or turns its back on core considerations of national liberation, national sovereignty and the national land issue.
The three form a baseline triumvirate for the modern nation-state.
Yet the key is to restate and reframe these three core issues within a proper, scientific grasp of socio-economic conditions obtaining in Zimbabwe, and at this stage in her evolution.
As I write, such an exercise has become both necessary and urgent, all against challenges which our country Zimbabwe faces.
Economic nationalism
And as the man at the helm, President, Mnangagwa bears the responsibility of this redefinition.
President Mnangagwa’s Zimbabwe-is-open-for-business mantra and punchline summarises the reframing of the National Question under current national social conditions.
His emphasis on anchoring the National Question on business and investment may have inspired his recent remark in Abidjan, Ivory Coast that Zimbabwe has shifted from “hard nationalism” to “economic nationalism”.
There is thus a new vocabulary in the air designed to refocus and redirect national effort towards a pro-business, pro-marketplace culture, but all within strictures of national interest and proper, lawful and ethical business practices.
This, in my view, summarises the re-framing exercise.
But this summary has embedded interconnections which are very easy to miss, and a lot easier to throw pot-shots at for cheap electoral politicking.
National interest, which the President has been emphasising, provides a key link with the liberation ethos. We have been free and independent for nearly 38 years.
Our sense of nationalism and liberation cannot remain as it was in 1980 when we became free.
Those distinct and clear-cut demands and magnitudes of the 1980s today coalesce into this overarching notion we call national interest.
Simply put, it means taking decisions and doing things that positively redound to our common, collective good, all the time assuming that we remain a free and sovereign nation.
Time was when the National Question amounted to a call to arms. Then it morphed to consolidating our nation through national unity which we attained in 1987.
Setting aside the massive national social investments of the 1980s and 1990s, the National Question took us back to the struggle for our land.
That, too, got settled, albeit with great acrimony and at huge national cost.
Beyond or because of land, we found ourselves back in the national trenches, thanks to the second challenge to our sovereignty by the West.
Still we deepened the National Question by raising the broader issue of resource nationalism. But there were serious setbacks and contradictions which precipitated the November 2017 16-day wonder revolution.
Today, and in the context of the new dispensation, we face a new National Question: namely the promotion of business and investment in order to re-jig that same liberation ethos.
Another country
With a past in the national liberation struggle, and given his legal grounding, President Mnangagwa is a perfect human/leadership fit for this badly needed transition whose time has come.
The measure of the transition is in how it at once unleashes the entrepreneurial energy of the nation, while defending and upholding both its interests and its sense of law and morality.
Hence the concurrent, two-track rhetoric of business opportunities on the one hand, and zero tolerance on corruption on the other.
I emphasise this duality to lay to rest a misperception that cracking down on externalisation and some such corporate malfeasances, perforce contradicts the thrust to rally businesses – both local and global – for investments in the country to recover and grow the national economy.
Simply, the new ethos calls for fair, deserved reward to clean, lawful business initiatives by whomsoever.
Simply, too, the new ethos draws a cut-off point with a past where business behaviour was predatory and akin to liquidation, both of which left us anaemic.
We have to break with the bad past, and naming and shaming unorthodox business practices, apart from bidding for restitution, sends a clear signal that the past is another country.
Policy dimension
But the call for greater investments in the economy is not an open cheque. Current adversity must never breed desperation.
We are a well-endowed country, a proud people. We have interests; we ought to have plans and priorities.
The call for investments is thus predicated on key strategic national calculations meant to secure our national interest.
President Mnangagwa’s recent visit to Rwanda put all this to the fore. We need to have a national plan and strategy which is both policy-focused and spatially drawn.
The policy dimension sets out our national priorities based on our competitive edge and where we want to be in the next decade. It motivates players through a raft of incentives we offer to nudge itinerant capital towards desired areas.
Spatially speaking, we need a geographical national masterplan which locates given enterprises in certain parts of our country, consistent with our resource endowments and needs of those enterprises we hope to attract.
Above all, consistent with our wish for growth with justice, indeed for growth which lifts all our communities thereby consolidating our national cohesion.
More critically, the spatial masterplan must be backed up by efficient infrastructures which lower entry/establishment costs for business, thereby improving the ease-of-doing business.
Rwanda ensures that areas zoned for specific enterprise clusters are well enabled by way of infrastructure like roads, rail, electricity, water, information and communication technologies etc.
Equally, land is availed competitively for secure operations.
Both Rwanda and China have offered to assist in this broad planning exercise so sorely needed ahead of luring investments in the country.
This awareness and offer is a key take-away from the President’s recent itinerary. It needs to be actualised on the ground.
Struggling Nkosana Moyo led Alliance for People’s Agenda opposition party has been hit by an inevitable split in its Bulawayo province structures.
Members of the party’s Bulawayo Province left the party over the weekend to establish a new political set up called the Independent Bulawayo 40 (IB40.)
The provincial executive members resigned from the party to set up their seperate unit claiming that Moyo lacked political acumen to campaign in the election and denying them campaign funds and material ahead of this year’s general elections.
The nine provincial executive committee members who are initiating the new political movement tendered their resignation to APA immediately announcing their intention to stand elections seperate from the party.
“We also renounce our candidature under the APA ticket in the upcoming 2018 elections. The reasons for us departing from the party are; there is value in being an independent candidate, more in touch with the electorate on the ground, lack of party funding for candidates, no clear structure within the party especially at national level, no clear road map for the election campaign,” part of the letter read.
“It has been a pleasure and a joy working with people who have a heart and a conviction for a new Great Zimbabwe! We greatly appreciate the leadership and the guidance afforded to us from the party. We wish you and the party all the best in the upcoming elections.”
Those who resigned are provincial secretary-general, Nkosana Mkandla, Mduduzi Ndlovu (organising secretary), Nhlanhla Moyo, Natasha Karimakwenda (youth secretary-general) , Johane Marufu (committee member, disability), an AC Gula-Ndebele (elections strategist national youth wing), Nqobizitha Mabhena (chairperson, Matabeleland North) and Dave Ncube (a member).
Ncube, the IB40 interim chair, confirmed the development yesterday.
“IB40 isn’t a political party, but a movement for independent candidates under the age of 40 running for council seats in Bulawayo. This movement was formed after the realisation that party politics have failed to deliver proper service delivery with councillors more preoccupied with keeping their political positions as opposed to the expectations of the people,” he said.
“Independent candidates have their mandate only to the people of Bulawayo and as such will focus more on the service delivery. IB40 will contest in the 2018 elections for council seats.”
Other IB40 interim leaders are Mabhena, as co-ordinator, Mkandla (vice-co-ordinator), Marufu (strategist), Ndlovu (secretary-general), Karimakwenda (treasurer), and Gula-Ndebele as spokesperson.
“What we stand for are local jobs to be given to local people and separation of council business from party business. We need a clear separation between the city of Bulawayo and Bulawayo City Council, non-partisan residents’ association. We are residents first before being political beings, service delivery affects all of us despite our political association,” Ncube said.
“We need a united residents’ association, non-partisan ward development committees, to establish ward development committees involving all stake holders in the community including, police, teachers, health workers residents to tackle developmental issues in the community, to frequent ward feedback meetings, councillors to conduct frequent feedback meetings on council business, and questions and answers sessions.”
Botswana’s new President being sworn in last Sunday
By Paul Nyathi| Botswana’s newly inaugurated President Mokgweetsi Eric Keabetswe Masisi will today be making his first official international visit by making a courtesy call at President Emmerson Mnangagwa’s office in Harare only a week into his inauguration.
According to a Botswana government statement, President Masisi will Monday pay a one-day state visit to Namibia and Zimbabwe.
The statement said the tour aims at deepening and broadening the scope of bilateral cooperation and discussing regional continental and global issues of mutual concern with his counterparts Hage Geingob and Emmerson Mnangagwa.
President Masisi will be accompanied by the International Affairs and Cooperation and with Transport and Communications ministers, Vincent Seretse and Onkokame Kitso Mokaila respectively.
The president and his entourage are expected to return to Gaborone later on Monday evening after short visits to the two neighbouring countries in a state charted flight.
President Masisi, 55, was inaugurated as Botswana’s fifth president last Sunday after President Ian Khama stepped down, ahead of completing the constitutional maximum 10 years in office.
Khama became a friend with Zimbabwe after Mnangagwa successfully executed a smart military coup over former President Robert Mugabe who Khama confessed to disliking for a long time.
Khama disliked Mugabe for what he openly described as impunity on Zimbabweans and dictatorship “which collapsed a once big Zimbabwean economy.”
In sharp contrast to Zimbabwe, Botswana is one of the Africa’s most stable countries and the continent’s longest continuous multi-party democracy.
It is rated as the least corrupt country in Africa by Transparency International and has a good human rights record a huge contrast to Zimbabwe.
The country which is home to tens of thousands of Zimbabwean economic refugees is faced with rising unemployment rate of about 18 per cent and an HIV/Aids epidemic.
“It is because of the peace and tranquillity that our leaders have sustained for so long that Batswana (people) have continued to enjoy relative prosperity,” President Masisi said after taking his oath.
“One of my top priorities as the president of this country will be to address the problem of unemployment, especially amongst the young people,” he said.
The visiting German broadcaster, DW’s Director General, Peter Limbourg has called on Zimbabwean authorities to release their grip on the media to allow development of the sector under the country’s new administration. VIDEO :
CABS Bank errors gave devoted nurse “miracle money”
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 was on Friday remanded in custody to Monday for sentencing 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.
By Farai D Hove| Former police boss, Augustine Chihuri and Vice President, Kembo Mohadi are this morning set to appear before the parliamentary committee on Mines And Energy.
ZimEye could not at the time of writing verify if Chihuri will appear this time since last month the former police boss was nowhere to be seen as rumours flared that he has fled the country.
Notwithstanding, the below was the full schedule-
ORAL EVIDENCE: MINES AND ENERGY COMMITTEE MONDAY 9 APRIL 2018
The following people have been invited to appear and give evidence on the diamond sector to the aforesaid Committee on Monday 9 April 2018 at 09:00hrs in the Senate Chamber:
A Chihuri
Commissioner General G. Matanga
Mr R Chingodza
Moyo CIO
Mr W. Manungo
Hon P. A. Chinamasa
F. Mazani ZIMRA
Mr G. Masimirembwa
Mining Houses: ZMDC/ZCDC and Board, MMCZ and Board
Perhaps the strongest sign that the famous, fearless war veteran is joining the MDC party, Jabulani Sibanda met party leader on Saturday on the sidelines of the White City stadium rally. PICTURES
FILE COPY – Zimbabwe in match with SA… ESPN picture
Zimbabwe senior women’s football team, the Mighty Warriors beat Namibia yesterday.
The Mighty Warriors did not show signs of fatigue in a contest which produced no goals in the first half action.
Although the hosts had a 2-0 cushion, Sithethelelwe “Kwinjie 15”Sibanda’s charges did not hold back in the second half with Emmaculate Msipa scoring the opener much to the excitement of the home crowd that turned up at Rufaro.
Mavis Chirandu sealed the game as a contest after doubling Zimbabwe’s lead 4 minutes before full time to hand the Mighty Warriors a 2-0 win which ensured they sail through to the second round of qualifiers on a 4-0 aggregate victory.
Sibanda was pleased with how her charges performed while her counterpart from Namibia was gracious in defeat.
After overcoming Namibia, the Mighty Warriors will now be bracing up for a tricky second round where they face Zambia. – state media
As the opposition MDC party cancelled primary elections, ZANU PF on the other hand has pursued a somewhat democratic path, save for two constituencies. Below is the latest events-roll in the ruling party’s selection process for the 2018 elections according to the state media –
Zanu-PF provinces are today expected to submit to the party headquarters in Harare curriculum vitaes (CVs) of aspiring candidates for the party’s May 5 primary elections with the list of successful candidates out by the end of the week. Most provinces had completed the vetting process by yesterday, with some bigwigs reportedly one foot in for the primaries after candidates who had registered to challenge them failed to meet the basic minimum qualifications.
Other Politburo members, however, breezed through uncontested. Although some provinces have resolved to recommend candidates who should be disqualified, the ruling party’s national political commissar, Lieutenant-General Engelbert Rugeje (Retired), reiterated yesterday that all CVs should be forwarded to Zanu-PF’s national elections directorate (NED) to ensure the process was impartial and transparent.
Provincial structures, he said, had no power to disqualify candidates. “All the names will be sent here and we will do the vetting and verification from this side. There had been complaints from the provinces that the incumbents were shutting others out,” said Rugeje.
“So, in the spirit of fairness, we will do the vetting of candidates from here (party headquarters),” he said. It is believed even uncontested candidates have to be confirmed by the NED.
Notably, in the Midlands province Foreign Affairs and International Trade Minister Dr Sibusiso Moyo, who is eying the Mberengwa Senate seat, was unchallenged.
Speaking yesterday after compiling the list to be forwarded to party headquarters today, Midlands provincial chairperson Daniel McKenzie Ncube said his province had received many CVs from members aspiring to be councillors, legislators and senators.
He said senior party members, Tafanana Zhou, Chiratidzo Mabuwa and Tsitsi Zhou, whom the provincial executive recommended to be suspended, could contest while waiting for a final determination by the party’s national disciplinary committee.
“We received a lot of CVs from aspiring party members and of note is the CV of Lt-Gen Moyo (Rtd) which was accepted unchallenged for the primary elections to be held soon,” he said.
Meanwhile the Midlands provincial leadership has recommended that suspended Kwekwe Central legislator Masango Matambanadzo be disqualified from the primary elections.
Matambanadzo was suspended for alleged insubordination and creating parallel structures.
First Lady Auxillia Mnangagwa attended the meeting.
In Mashonaland West, Justice, Legal and Parliamentary Affairs Minister Ziyambi Ziyambi and Central Committee member Philip Chiyangwa were among senior party members who stand a chance to avoid a contest for primaries after prospective candidates were disqualified because they had not served as party district members for the stipulated five years.
Chiyangwa, who recently moved to Zvimba administration district from Makonde, emerged from a pool of six other aspirants – Walter Chidhakwa, Crispen Saidi, Zandile Maseko, Peter Chiridza, Sign Chabvonga and war veteran Jesca Tapfumaneyi – who fell by the wayside.
Provincial chairman Ziyambi Ziyambi was also unopposed after aspirants, including Francis Chitewe, Mercy Dinha (wife to Mashonaland Central Provincial Affairs Minister Advocate Martin Dinha), Webster Chinomwe and Elvis Mareverwa, were disqualified for not meeting the set criteria.
Chegutu West saw youth chairperson Vengai Musengi going uncontested, while Politburo member Christopher Mutsvangwa is also unopposed in Norton, as is Prisca Mupfumira eying the Makonde senatorial seat.
Dexter Nduna (Chegutu East) was uncontested after three other candidates failed to measure up to the requirements.
In Hurungwe West, Keith Guzah found no challengers, but in Hurungwe East, Tongai Mujenje will face Mary Marumahoko, Ngoni Takundwa Masenda and Patrick Maponga.
Senate President Edna Madzongwe withdrew from the Chegutu Senate race, leaving Anna Guhwa and Lydia Tsomondo to fight it out.
A record 870 Zanu-PF aspiring candidates in Masvingo had submitted their curriculum vitaes to contest in the party’s primary elections slated for May 5.
Among these were CVs ofthose with pending disciplinary cases. According to provincial chairman Ezra Chadzamira said they had accepted the CVs pending a final decision by the NCD.
“We have only made recommendations on some of the aspiring candidates’ CVs because they have pending disciplinary issues,” he said.
Among high-profile people who have joined the political fray ahead of the primary elections in Masvingo are Minister of Higher and Tertiary Education,Science and Technology Development Professor Amon Murwira (Gutu North), his Mines and Mining Development counterpart Winston Chitando (Gutu Senatorial seat), ex-Confederation of Zimbabwe Industries president Mr Callisto Jokonya (Gutu South) and ex-diplomat Ambassador Jonathan Wutaunashe (Gutu South).
All the other provinces were finalising paperwork before submission today.
By Terrence Mawawa| Zimbabwe’s former Cricket coach, Heath Streak received a massive round of support on Sunday after being accused of being racist. Below were some of the reactions:
A Form Three pupil from a secondary school in Mangwe District reportedly hanged herself after school authorities ordered her to bring her parents to school over a scuffle she had with another pupil over a boyfriend.
She was reportedly sent home by school authorities on 22 March to summon her parents to school after she had fought with another girl on the same day. She was buried on Saturday last week in Ezimnyama in Mangwe District.
Matabeleland South acting police spokesperson Assistant Inspector Loveness Mangena confirmed the suicide.
“Yes, we confirm that we handled a matter of a sudden death by suicide of a Form Three pupil at Mqokolweni High School in Ezimyama. The girl was found hanging by her sister in a kitchen hut on 24 March at about 5.30am. Police attended the scene and the body was conveyed to Plumtree District Hospital. A doctor waivered post-mortem as no foul play was suspected,” said Asst Insp Mangena.
She appealed to members of the public not take their lives but seek counselling in the event of problems or disputes.
“Members of the public should approach elders, police, traditional leaders and churches for counselling. In fact they should involve third parties in trying to solve disputes to avoid unnecessary loss of lives,” she said.
However, according to a source close to the matter who identified the pupil as Inamandla Ncube (17) of Ezimnyama under Chief Wasi, the girl allegedly fought with another pupil at school over a boyfriend.
“After that fight the pair was ordered to bring their parents the following day which was a Friday. However, she did not tell her parents about the issue but came home complaining of a severe headache. The day she was supposed to take her parents to school she woke up complaining of the same problem and did not go to school,” said the source.
He said on the day in question, the pupil woke up early at around 5am pretending to go to school but proceeded to a kitchen hut and hanged herself.
“She was found hanging from the roof truss with a rope around her neck by her sister Vezile Ncube (20) who had gone to the kitchen to do household chores. She alerted the elders and the matter was reported to the police who came and collected the body,” he said.
Recently, a Plumtree District Hospital worker was found hanging in his bedroom, nearly a week after he had allegedly disappeared.
The body of Nathan Ngqabutho Masuku (31) of MaKariba section was discovered after a stench emanating from the house disturbed neighbours. – State Media
Matopos National Park to be turned into a City in the MDC Alliance government
By Paul Nyathi
Prominent writer and critic Hopewell Chinono has laughed off MDC-T President Nelson Chamisa’s promise to turn Matopos National Park into a city when he comes into power.
In a Facebook posting on Sunday, Chinono who refers to Chamisa as “Wamba Dia Wamba” said the thoughts to turn the world heritage site into a city is the most absurd thought in the week.
“So the MDC Alliance leader Nelson “Wamba Dia Wamba” Chamisa spoke about Matopos being turned into a town if he becomes President,” wrote Chinono.
“That to me is a Wambology because Matopos greatest gift is it’s natural and virgin state. Turning it into a town will destroy what makes it unique and attractive as a tourist destination.”
“Foreign and local tourists come to Matopos for its flora and fauna. It has archaeological, historical and cultural sites that should never be tempered with if it is to retain its relevance in the world of tourism,” said Chinono.
Addressing a huge crowd of MDC Alliance coalition supporters at a rally held at White City Stadium in Bulawayo on Saturday, Chamisa promised the people of Matabeleland that was soon as he comes into government he will ensure the development of the tourist attraction into a major city.
Addressing a similar rally in Dete Matabeleland North a couple of weeks ago, Chamisa also promised to turn Victoria Falls into a Las Vegas from its current semi natural state.
“When I say these things people think I am out of my mind,” said Chamisa in Bulawayo.
“It is possible and we will do that. They can’t see these things happening because they have run out of ideas for this country,” he insisted.
Chinono opted to differ with Chamisa imploring that the tourist sites are serving their purpose best under the conditions they are currently being kept in.
“It is also a popular camping destination because of its current status,” said Chinono.
“You can’t turn Harare, London or New York into camping destinations.
So by making it a town, you would have killed that natural beauty that attracts tourists to it.”
“Victoria Falls is what it is today because the visitors want to be in a natural habitat and not locked in modernity.
That is why restaurants in Victoria Falls make money when they have that ancient feel to them as opposed to the modern metropolitan feel.
“That is why I find the Wambology about turning Victoria Falls into a Las Vegas detached from why Victoria Falls is a popular tourist attraction,” said Chinono.
“What Matopos needs is funding to enhance the parks and its virgin status not turning it into a town,” concluded Chinono.
Young Lemmy Mabaso pen whistling at a very tender age.
By Paul Nyathi
Legendary South African musical group The Soul Brothers have yet again lost one of their long serving members.
Long time saxophonist, composer and dancer Lemmy “The Special One” Mabaso died in Johannesburg on Sunday afternoon after a short illness at the age of 69.
The group announced Mabaso’s death in their official Facebook page and website on Sunday evening.
“Good evening ladies and gentlemen. We lament to announce to you the sad passing of Lemmy “Special” Mabaso,” said the group’s information office.
“Lemmy joined us in March 1979 after the tragedy that took Mpompi Sosibo and Tuza Mthethwa. He came in the fill up Mpompi’s space,” said the band.
Mabaso was born on 15 April 1949. He started his music career when he formed a band called “Alexandra Junior Bright Boys” with his brothers at a very early age.
In March 1979 he joined the Soul Brothers and his first recording with them was the album “Deliwe” which was a tribute to the late Tuza and Mpompi.
The Soul Brothers only surviving founding member “Black” Moses Ngwenya said the band will always remember Mabaso as a great musician.
“We will always remember him as a brilliant musician, a penny whistle star, a saxophonist, a dancer and a composer of merit,” he said.
Dynamos Football Club’s new sponsors, NetOne on Sunday morning said they paid Dynamos forward Christian Epoupa Ntouba a gross total of $18,125.00 this year.
This is contrary to reports from Ntouba’s camp claiming that Dynamos is yet to settle the player’s signing on fees in full.
NetOne CEO, Lazarus Muchenje faced the media on the occassion to give the sponsors’ side of the story.
“…in the recent past, the media has been awash with stories surrounding the strained relationship between Dynamos and its foreign player- Christian Ntouba Joel Epoupa; and have read with anguish the various versions of the story.
Whilst, this matter is purely what we would like to believe, a misunderstanding between Dynamos and Epoupa, the prolonged stand-off between the two parties has become a cause of concern for our brand.
To this end, we went over and above our contractual obligations and called for an all stakeholders meeting with Dynamos and Epoupa’s manager, on Friday evening to seek clarity on the matter with a view of assisting both parties to find an amicable resolution that is mutually beneficial to all brands.
To this end, we wish to put on record and categorically state that NetOne is not in any financial breach in terms of its sponsorship agreement with Dynamos and has processed all Epoupa’s allowances and Sign On fees as per the schedules submitted to us by Dynamos.
To date NetOne and Dynamos have paid a gross total of $18,125.00 to Epoupa this year…,” he said.
Part of the 50 000 crowd at White City Stadium for Chamisa’s Rally.
By Paul Nyathi| Following several arguments on social media on how many people actually attended the MDC Alliance coalition rally held in Bulawayo on Saturday, a ZimEye.com reader says that expert evidence can confirm that at least 40 000 people turned up for the rally at White City Stadium.
The reader who requested anonymity also says that at most 10 000 people may have travelled for the rally from outside Bulawayo leaving the majority to be Bulawayo residents.
The reader says that the figures are not worth arguing about as ZANU PF can still bring the same number into the venue when it holds its rally.
The reader says the figure is very insignificant when compared to the total registered voters in the province.
The writer’s full opinion reads as follows:
“Just how many people were in that bumper crowd at White City Stadium on Saturday?
Let’s stop arguing from the air and work on facts.
White City Stadium has a normal sitting capacity of 15 000 people. That is when people are seated at the designated sitting place on the terraces and not inside the pitch. For a fact ALL those seats were fully occupied so there were certainly over 15 000 people.
On top of the 15 000 there were those of us who were standing right behind all the seated people and in the cycle track. A fair assessment will say perhaps another 15 000 people occupied that area but to give the benefit of the doubt we would half that number and make it 7 000 people. That takes the figure to 22 000 people.
The area in the pitch could be about a hectare which is 10 000 square metres. Seated loosely as is normal the case at these rallies two people occupy a square metre while three people can occupy a square metre while standing.
For a fact not the entire 100 hectares was occupied we can cut a quarter of the hectare and say about 8 000 square metres were occupied. Of that 75% was occupied by standing people which will give us 12 000 people standing inside the pitch taking our tally to 34 000 people.
2 000 square metres of the area was covered by seated people at two people per square metre giving us another 4 000 people. That takes our tally to 38 000.
Then there was the huge number of the carefrees who were loitering behind the terraces and outside the stadium enjoying their drinks and merry making. Those who were at the venue can agree with me that those could easily make up another at least 2 000 people.
Justifiably then, 40 000 people attended the rally using the least possible computations. If extremes would be used the crowd can still be pegged at 50 000.
How many of these were people from in and around Bulawayo is the big question.
I personally had an opportunity to go around the stadium before settling inside shorlty after Chamisa and his crew arrived. I did not see the thirty buses parked outside the stadium which are being claimed by other people. At most I saw no more than ten buses. Working on the claimed buses with an average 60 people in a bus that will be 1 800 people.
There is also claims of some fifty trucks. Say each truck carried 40 people it will give us 2 000 people. There is also claims of Kombis carrying people. Say up to even 500 Kombis came in from outside Bulawayo carrying 16 people each. That will give us 8000 people. These figures will give us +/- 10 000 people coming in from outside Bulawayo. Even if the figure could be put at a straight 10 000 it leaves 30 000 to 40 000 being people from in and around Bulawayo.
Sad fact though is that 450 000 people registered as voters in Bulawayo. The figures need no celebration as it is not yet uhuru for MDC Alliance coalition. ZANU PF and Emmerson Mnangagwa can still come to Bulawayo and easily hit the same numbers.”
Terrence Mawawa| NetOne has revealed Dynamos striker Christian Joel Epoupa Ntouba has received a total of$18,000 from the company.
In a statement, the NetOne CEO Lazarus Muchenje said the company cleared all the money owed to the Cameroonian as part of their sponsorship agreement with the Glamour Boys contrary to media reports that the club failed to pay his dues.
Epoupa missed the opening games of the season, demanding his outstanding dues that amount to over $16 000.
The fall-out has attracted media attention
since the beginning of the 2018 season.
“To this end, we wish to put on record and
categorically state that NetOne is not in any financial breach in terms of its sponsorshipagreement with Dynamos and it has processed all of Epoupa’s allowances and Sign On fees as per the schedules submitted to NetOne by Dynamos.
To date NetOne and Dynamos have paid a gross total of $18,125.00 to Epoupa this year,” said NetOne in a statement.
Terrence Mawawa ZPC Kariba collected their first point of the season
following a goalless draw against struggling Harare Giants Dynamos at
Nyamhunga Stadium yesterday.
PSL results:
ZPC Kariba 0-0 Dynamos
Ngezi Platinum Stars 1-0 Chicken Inn
Yadah FC 1-2 Triangle United
Bulawayo City 0-1 Black Rhinos
Harare City 2-0 Bulawayo Chiefs.
Due to the biting economic hardships people can do all sorts of weird things to beat the crunch crisis.
Police in Buhera last week visited Bheghedhe Secondary Schools to investigate a case in which a Form Four girl was spotted selling mbanje.
Authorities at the school refused to comment on the matter.
However Buhera District Schools Inspector, Godfrey Chimbwanda said investigations were in progress.
Sources at the school said the girl was confronted by senior staff members and she disclosed she was working in cahoots with 13 pupils and several staff members in the deal.
Workers who were dismissed from work by Sugar producing giant, Tongaat Hullet will soon petition President Emmerson Mnangagwa to intervene in the ensuing fracas.
Tongaat Hullet retrenched 181 workers citing low production of sugar that was triggered by the invasion of its land by Zanu PF supporters last year.
The workers were served with termination of employment letters last Tuesday, according to sources at the company.
The Zimbabwe Sugar and Milling Industry Workers Union has vowed to petition Mnangagwa to intervene in the raging dispute.
“As you know, the President has introduced policies that attract investors so we do not expect the company to dismiss employees arbitrarily,” said a member of the union.
“We are therefore compiling papers for presentation to the President,” he added.
President Emmerson Mnangagwa and members of his government were not happy with the fact that Geiger International, the company that had won the Harare- Beitbridge Road Dualisation Tender flatly refused to be manipulated by ruling party mandarins.
Two weeks ago Masvingo State Minister Josaya Dunira Hungwe told reporters in the ancient city the ruling party would oversee the recruitment of workers in the road dualisation project.
A Geiger International official yesterday revealed there was a standoff between the company and the government pertaining to the administration of funds.
“We refused to be cowed into submission and as a result senior government officials became furious,” said the official.
Mnangagwa announced that his government was unhappy with Geiger International’ s dithering in the project.
Mnangagwa ditched the Austrian company following what he described as mega deals he clinched in China.
Terrence Mawawa, Masvingo| MDC-T official were yesterday involved in a horrific accident as they were traveling from Bulawayo to Chivi.
The officials were on their way home after attending the party rally that was held in the city of Kings yesterday.
“Joachim Chiware the Chivi North District Secretary, Emmanuel Chidaushe and 13 others were involved in an accident on their way home from the Bulawayo rally.
The 13 are admitted at Filabusi Hospital while Chiware and Chidaushe are admitted at White Bospital in Zvishavane,” the party said in a statement.
A worker with a telecommunications company died while another is battling for his life after they were electrocuted while pulling a telecommunications cable in Victoria Falls on Friday.
The two employees whose identities are being withheld for the time being were badly electrocuted when the telecommunications line they were drawing accidentally got into contact with a high voltage Zimbabwe Electricity Transmission and Distribution Company line in Mkhosana Suburb in Victoria Falls.
The two workers were connecting a WiFi line to a private residence when the incident occurred.
According to the owner of the house the two tried to draw the line over a Mango tree when their cables got into contact with the live electricity lines.
“I heard a loud scream from where the two were working, when I rushed outside to check I saw the two men wriggling in agony with their clothing on fire,” said the home owner.
“I called for help from neighbours but when an ambulance arrived one of them had already died,” she added.
The surviving employee was airlifted to the privately run Mater Dei Hospital in Bulawayo where he is reportedly in a very critical condition at the Intensive Care Unit.
Police in Victoria Falls confirmed the incident saying that investigations are still on going and the public relations office will issue a statement on the matter soon.
The expelled former MDC spokesman Obert Gutu and also the man in the below video, say that MDC leader Nelson Chamisa smuggled supporters into Bulawayo for his rally yesterday using buses from northern provinces.
$50 000 spent on bussing people to Byo….
We pursue Realpolitik….not self – delusion and self – deception.
Results of Election 2018 will confirm who are the FAKE and who are the REAL politicians…#ServantLeadershipAndService
We will seat your king, Chamisa promises the Ndebele.
By Paul Nyathi
Opposition MDC-T President Nelson Chamisa has implored Ndebele King designate Prince Bulelani Lobengula Khumalo to prepare for his coronation in September this year when the MDC-T replaces the ruling ZANU PF party in government.
Chamisa made the promise at a hugely attend MDC Alliance coalition rally at White City Stadium in Bulawayo on Saturday.
Chamisa earned himself a thunderous applause from the people of Bulawayo when he promised that if his party wins the landmark elections set for July or August this year he will allow the Ndebele people to go ahead with the coronation of Bulelani Lobengula Khumalo which was blocked by the ruling ZANU PF in March this year.
“I was very disappointed when the ZANU PF government barred the Khumalo family from seating their cultural king in March,” said Chamisa.
“When we come into government we are going to respect the cultural values of our people. The Khumalo’s will be allowed to practise their culture and seat the king the way they want,” he said.
“I want to tell Prince Khumalo that he should not be worried, come September we are going to see his coronation as king and we will all attend and bring all our ministers with us,” he said.
The ZANU PF government got the ire of the people of Matabeleland in March when they declared as unconstitutional the crowning of a Ndebele cultural king.
By Paul Nyathi| MDC-T President Nelson Chamisa has reiterated his call for an end to deploying Shona speaking teachers and health personnel into the Matabeleland region.
Addressing a huge crowd of about 40 000 people who thronged White City Stadium in Bulawayo on Saturday, Chamisa said that when his party comes into government after the elections in August it will bring an end the deployment of teachers and nurses who fail to speak local languages of where they are working.
“We are not saying that Shona speaking people must not come to Matabeleland,” he said. “What we are saying is that when they come to work in the schools and clinics in the area they must be able to speak both Ndebele and Shona.”
Chamisa who sporadically battled throwing in a couple of IsiNdebele words in his speech, castigated former President Robert Mugabe and his successor President Emmerson Mnangagwa for being at the helm of the country’s leadership for thirty eight years but still failed to speak IsiNdebele one of the main languages in the country.
Chamisa who himself is married to a Ndebele speaking wife said that he was still perfecting his Ndebele declaring that his government will make it compulsory for all national leaders to speak in the three main languages spoken in Zimbabwe, English, Shona and Ndebele.
“In our government no one will be allowed to be a national leader and not be able to speak the three main languages,” said Chamisa giving co MDC Alliance coalition principal Tendai Biti an ultimatum for him to start learning Ndebele.
“Cde Biti you have to start working on your Ndebele. You can not be a national leader and lack leadership,” said Chamisa to the PDP leader.
“Leadership entails being able to connect with people through their culture and language,” he said.
People from the Matabeleland region have through the years been complaining about government deploying non local languages speaking teachers to teach in schools in the region.
Meanwhile, MDC Alliance coalition co principal and Spokesperson Professors Welshman Ncube has apologised to Matabeleland people for having the Bulawayo rally being dominated by Shona speaking people.
In a Facebook post responding to complaints that have flooded social media by people in the region complaining on the Shona dominance at the rally, Ncube said that the Alliance realised it late into the rally that Shona was dominating the proceedings after noting live social media complaints.
MDC President Prof Welshman Ncube response about the Bulawayo MDC Alliance’s leaders speaking in Shona
“Concerns which were filtered to us during the rally were not in vain. There was an inadequate attempts to correct which included having Rita Ndlovu who speaks Ndebele becoming the anchor MC towards the end,” said Ncube.
“We considered introducing translation but then Cde Biti was already in the middle of his presentation and we thought since I would speak next in Ndebele that might be enough. We knew that Cde Chamisa would speak in as much Ndebele as he could master and that he will also use as much English as he could under the circumstances. However we fully accept the criticism and we will correct,” he said.
Transform Zimbabwe president Jacob Ngarivhume’s address at White City Stadium:
I am very happy to address you people of Matabeleland provinces. Thank you very much for coming. We appreciate that and God bless you.
My message today is directed at Mnangagwa who came to power recently through a military coup. We have to be very clear to him. He must know that he came to power through an illegal process.
MDC rally Bulawayo White City
Chamisa, Ngarivhume, Biti, Mutambara
MDC rally Bulawayo White City
We are reminding him that when we marched last year for the removal of Robert Mugabe, we did not do it insupport of his ascension to power. What we only wanted was to cross over the Red Sea. You do not choose what you hold on to when crossing such a fearsome sea. You can hold on to anything, be it a snake or a hyena, as long it takes you to the other side. This does not mean that a snake or a hyena has become a good animal. After crossing over you then deal with each of them accordingly.
After the Red Sea, we are now going towards the Jordan river which we must cross together as the MDC Alliance which is led by Nelson Chamisa. We must crossover into the promised land where we all want to be.
We must be very clear to Mnangagwa that we know you are there and you are illegal. We know that an illegal president cannot transform the nation of Zimbabwe. The nation must know that what happened was illegal and not good at all.
The salvation of this country will only come after we have voted and voted for the MDC Alliance. The only thing that we must safeguard is the issue of reforms. Reforms are very crucial for these elections. Do not forget that Mnangagwa was incharge of the violence machinery in the past elections. He was the one who led the Gukurahundi massacres. He was also responsible for the pre-emptive coup of 2008 that denied Morgan Tsvangirai victory. This time we have to make sure that we have all the reforms that we need for free, fair and credible elections.
After voting let us be ready to defend our vote. Let us make sure that we do not give up until the Alliance comes into power.
By Dorrothy Moyo| The renegade and expelled former MDC Deputy President, Thokozani Khupe was involved in a car accident soon after her backers declared an “underwear protest” in her support for the presidential bid.
Khupe had just returned from that meeting and was involved in the mishap along the Gwanda-Bulawayo road.
It all happened during the week on Wednesday. Khupe’s Isuzu twin-cab burst its rear tyre and she suffered a swollen forehead, impeccable sources say.
This was revealed by Khupe’s top backer, the MP Ms Priscilla Misihairabwi-Mushonga who spoke alongside a high tea meeting in Bulawayo.
She said, “Thokozani Khupe was involved in an accident on her way here so let’s give her time to rest. Her vehicle burst a tyre and she hit her head so it’s swollen a bit, but we thank God that she is here,” said Hon. Misihairabwi-Mushonga.
There were fears that Khupe suffered multiple fractures, but the only proven injury was the swollen forehead.
It was not clear at the time of writing if and how much medical attention Khupe received. She was however advised to seek the assistance of a neurosurgeon.
Zimbabweans have derided MDC leader, Nelson Chamisa over the latest attempts to remove the energetic MP for Harare West, Jessie Majome and replace her with the UK based 24 year old Joana Mamombe. Below was an array of reactions which spoke loudly in Majome’s support.
By Business Reporter| India has launched out to build its own bullet train, the hyperloop which will travel at more than 1,000 miles per hour – The British Businessman behind the first hyperloop train, Richard Branson speaks saying, with Virgin Hyperloop One, passengers and cargo will be loaded into a pod, and accelerate gradually via electric propulsion through a low-pressure tube. The pod quickly lifts above the track using magnetic levitation and glides at airline speeds for long distances due to ultra-low aerodynamic drag. We’re incredibly excited about the technology behind Virgin Hyperloop One and the way it could transform passengers’ lives.
Ever since our creation, Virgin has been known for disruption and investing in innovative companies. From our airlines to our trains to our spaceline, we have long been passionate about innovation in transport too, especially the development of technology that could transform people’s lives. This is just the latest example. Importantly, Virgin Hyperloop One will be all-electric and the team is working on ensuring it is a responsible and sustainable form of transport too.
As ever, the team behind the business is just as important as the product. I love to invest in people, not just technology. We’re pleased to be working with the co-founders, Executive Chairman Shervin Pishevar and President of Engineering Josh Giegel, who previously worked at Virgin Galactic, and their experienced executive team.
You may first have heard of the original hyperloop name through Elon Musk and SpaceX’s white paper back in August 2013. Hyperloop technology has been explicitly open-sourced and others have been encouraged to take the ideas and further develop them. Virgin Hyperloop One are leading the way in these efforts and are working on exciting projects in the Middle East, Europe, India, Canada, and the US. WATCH VIDEOS:
By Dorrothy Moyo| MDC leader, Nelson Chamisa yesterday vowed to compensate Gukurahundi victims.
Speaking at White City stadium, Chamisa said President Emmerson Mnangagwa must apologise.
“Until you admit that you were part of the system that killed people we will not accept you,” said Chamisa.
He then added saying his administration will treat Gukurahundi victims the same way white farmers have been…
“If you compensate white farmers, why should you not do the same to Gukurahundi victims,” said Chamisa.
This follows his previous statements the previous month when he said, “it’s pointless to try to wash away Gukurahundi. The most logical thing is to acknowledge that the massacres left deep scars in survivors’ hearts and there is need to heal those psychological wounds through properly-structured healing processes,” he said.
“My government also promises to come up with a language policy that ensures that non-Ndebele-speaking people are not deployed in such areas as Matabeleland as that stifles development.”
By Paul Nyathi| (Econet) Steward Bank icon Tawanda Nyambirai has been rubbished for removing his workers from the houses they have lived all their lives at Acturus Mine.
Nyambirai was during the week condemned for upholding the firing of his workers who were punished for merely protesting. In a statement to ZimEye, Mr Nyambirai said his workers have been dismissed “on various grounds including unlawful collective action.”
Nyambirai was responding on the article that last week revealed how elderly workers were forced out of their houses by the man himself.
The development saw the Zimbabwe Congress of Trade Unions descending onto the mine to offer support to the workers.
One critic commented saying, “listen to this faceless Capitalist Oligarch and I quote,”The workers have been dismissed on various grounds including unlawful collective job action.” The working class is now trampled into the dirt for asking for better working conditions and better wages.Is this not what we fought for. This is exactly what Rhodesia did to blacks.This job has its hazards and is back-breaking.The miners deserve better treatment.Government must intervene,especially where they are women and children involved.”
Meanwhile, below was Nyambirai’s full statement: Dear Paul, your article is very unfair. It is also very unfair for you to bring Strive’s good name in matters that do not concern him. This is very irresponsible of you.
Tawanda Nyambirai
The 80 people whose families were evicted had their employment terminated well before I acquired the mine. They appealed against their dismissal and their appeal failed. They had been dismissed on various grounds including engaging in unlawful collective job action. They had held onto company houses because they had not been paid. As part of the deal, I undertook to clear their arrears on the basis that they would vacate upon being paid. After I paid them approximately $700,000.00, some of them engaged lawyers and refused to vacate. Some of them were involved in illegal gold panning. I had to litigate to get them evicted. I acquired Arcturus so that I can exploit its mineral resources and real estate for commercial gain. In the process, I am creating employment and contributing to the national economy. I also have rights. Why should I let people occupy my houses for free, use power that I pay for, at my expense for free, use water and sewerage reticulation facilities at my expense for free? I treat the sewage and purify the water at my expense. Why do you attack me for being a responsible investor and for following due process? If Zimbabwe is open for business to foreigners, it must also be open for business to locals like me. You should be reporting about the politically supported makorokoza who moved in heavy equipment and are processing gold illegally in part of my mine. I have an urgent application pending against them, therefore your allegations of human rights abuses is unfounded. It is my human rights that were being abused.
MDC Alliance Spokesman and deputy president likely- Prof. Welshman Ncube yesterday said Zimbabwe will get spaghetti roads soon under an MDC run government.
He made these comments while speaking at the White City Stadium in Bulawayo. VIDEO:
By Farai D Hove| The Zimbabwean people do not eat slogans, President Emmerson Mnangagwa has said.
He said this as he republished his picture as a young leader in former President Robert Mugabe’s government.
That picture shows him looking up while surrounded by a group of ex-Rhodesian army officers.
It was not clear at the time of writing when exactly the picture was taken.
Below was his short text: “People will embrace programmes that are beneficial to them and not political slogans that do not bring economic turnaround.”
By Dorrothy Moyo| The state owned Sunday Mail reports that President Emmerson Mnangagwa has returned home from China with a bag full of billions of dollars in sealed business deals.
The report published early Sunday morning, had a flashing headline with the text: ” ED RETURNS WITH A BAGFUL.”
The article speaks of for instance the US$1 billion Hwange Thermal Power Station deal which it says was finalised and funds to start work on units 7 and 8 of the plant will be released immediately.
The rest of the report reads: The Kunzvi Project reached financial closure, with Sino Hydro and China Communications Construction Company (CCCC) committing to provide resources for a dam and water treatment plant, and to rollout installation of smart prepaid water meters.
Other projects that will get immediate funding totalling about US$1 billion include Robert Mugabe International Airport expansion, a new Parliament Building, NetOne’s expansion, refurbishment of Morton Jeffrey Water Treatment Plant, and construction of a pharmaceutical factory among others.
Zimbabwe and China also signed a US$1 billion tourism memorandum of understanding.
President Xi Jinping’s government extended a special RMB1 billion (close to US$160 million) facility for Zimbabwe to draw down over three years, and US$20 million to assist President Mnangagwa’s administration.
Chinese investors offered to fund construction of roads and railways, while one wants to build a multi-million dollar five-star hotel in Victoria Falls.
Officials from Oriental State Chinese agreed to set up industrial parks in special economic zones.
On the diplomatic level, the two countries agreed to elevate relations to Strategic Partnership Status, the highest level of bilateral co-operation.
Soon after landing in Harare yesterday morning, President Mnangagwa said: “The trip was a huge, massive success. We have now escalated our relations from the all-weather friendship status to the level of Comprehensive Strategic Partnership and Co-operation.
“This is the highest level which China has with other nations so Zimbabwe has been elevated to that status. When that is achieved it means that there would now be very comprehensive economic relations.
“In that regard, when we looked at our economic relations, there were some challenges facing Zimbabwe in relation to arrears of various loans or contracts or projects or agreements which had been entered into before.
“So we are able, through the wisdom of his Excellency President Xi Jinping, to de-link the past with the present.
“The present is now being opened from a new page where all the projects which we presented have been agreed to and are going to be financed; whilst the old commitments by Zimbabwe to previous projects will be worked on, but separately de-linked from the current process.”
Briefing journalists on the State Visit, Foreign Affairs and International Trade Minister Dr Sibusiso Moyo said President Mnangagwa’s administration had registered huge successes in China.
He said there was “real chemistry” between Zimbabwe’s Head of State and President Xi.
“This, was in summary, what I would call a rejuvenated relation between two brother nations,” said Dr Moyo
“It has been action packed in as far as concretising the economic interest of both countries. The success story is that Zimbabwe was offered Comprehensive Strategic Partnership, which is higher level from the usual all-weather friendship which existed over the years.”
Dr Moyo also said China had agreed not to judge Zimbabwe on the failures of the previous administration.
“President Xi’s government accepted to de-link that whole process and gave a new blank check to Zimbabwe’s current administration.
“We pledged to be responsible for the legacy debt, but as far as those debts were going to be an impediment for us to implement the existing projects, at least that has been de-linked. Zimbabwe was given a new life line as far its economic trajectory is concerned.”
Dr Moyo said the visit had created space for major infrastructure investments.
“There were a number of memoranda of understanding that were signed to develop the road infrastructure in Zimbabwe, and these include possible roads like Beitbridge-Bulawayo-Victoria Falls, and also support was pledged to develop the road from Beitbridge to Harare and also to Chirundu, when certain aspects have been finalised.
“There have been issues around the construction and development of railway systems from Zimbabwe to a port in collaboration with Mozambican authorities, and these are infrastructure projects which are already in the pipeline and which are coming through. The success stories from China are numerous.”
Dr Moyo said Zimbabwe had been invited to be part of the Belt and Road Initiative, President Xi’s ambitious project to create a truly global economic village.
Finance and Economic Development Minister Patrick Chinamasa said the objectives of the mission to China had been achieved.
“The funding of new projects had stopped because we were required to reach an agreement with China Eximbank and also Sinosure, which guarantees most of the investment signed in China,” he said.
“So, they had stopped disbursing, stopped funding new projects. As a result of this visit we were able to persuade the Chinese authorities that our failure to pay our loans was that these loan were legacy loans; these are legacy arrears and that we should be given time to undertake our reforms.
“The result was that the Chinese authorities have de-linked three specific projects, which could not take off. These had reached financial closure but could not take off.
“For Hwange 7 and 8, the disbursements will start immediately. The NetOne Phase 1 was also de-linked, and disbursement will start immediately. The same for Robert Mugabe International Airport.
“The important outcome was to de-link new things from old things. With respect to the old existing debts, we are taking discussions and the expectations is that the discussions will conclude soon.
“This included the Harare Morton Jaffrey Water Works (refurbishment) which stopped and disbursement stalled and we fell into arrears. The Sino Pharmacy debt, National Defence University debt and Sino cement debt are under discussion.”
Industry, Commerce and Enterprise Development Minister Dr Mike Bimha said there was keen interest from Chinese investors to invest in special economic zones.
Dr Bimha said the representatives of 75 Zimbabwean private companies that went to China with President Mnangagwa also sealed deals.
“There is renewed interest in terms of special economic zones in terms of industrial parks; we have an investor who will soon be coming to Zimbabwe to establish an industrial park,” he said.
“We have an investor interested in special economic zones looking into textiles, looking into the whole value chain from cotton to textiles. There was also interest in tourism.”
On arrival in Harare yesterday, President Mnangagwa was received by Vice-President Dr Constantino Chiwenga, Cabinet ministers and other senior Government officials, and service chiefs.
Senator Jeff Flakes poses for pictures with Norton MP Temba Mliswa and others — in Harare, Zimbabwe.
Congressional Delegation arrives at Robert Mugabe International Airport. Senator Chris Coons is welcomed by our Chargé d’Affaires Jennifer Savage while Senator Jeff Flakes disembarks
Congressional Delegation arrives at Robert Mugabe International Airport. Senator Chris Coons is welcomed by our Chargé d’Affaires Jennifer Savage while Senator Jeff Flakes disembarks
Senator Jeff Flakes is greeted by President Emmerson Mnangagwa at the President’s Offices in Harare. — in Harare, Zimbabwe.
US Senators and officials led by Senator Christopher Coons jetted into Zimbabwe to as they claimed, “explore ways of strengthening the bilateral relationship.”
The five Senators met with President Emmerson Mnangagwa, Members of the opposition and civil society, among others to discuss how best to work together to create a brighter future for all Zimbabweans.
Senator Jeff Flake expressed that the building of a more than $200 million dollar New U.S. Embassy compound was a clear indication that the United States values the relationship.
Former Brazilian President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva told thousands of supporters Saturday that he would turn himself in to police, but also maintained his innocence and argued his corruption conviction was simply a way for enemies to make sure he doesn’t run — and possibly win — re-election in October.
The public comments were da Silva’s first since the Supreme Federal Tribunal, the country’s top court, ruled against his petition Thursday to remain free while he continued to appeal his conviction. That ruling set in motion a series of events that would have been unimaginable just a few years ago.
Judge Sergio Moro, who oversees many of the so-called “Car Wash” cases, ordered an arrest warrant for da Silva, giving him until 5 p.m. Friday to present himself to police in Curitiba, about 260 miles (417 kilometers) southwest of Sao Bernardo do Campo, and begin serving his 12-year sentence.
Da Silva, who Brazilians simply call “Lula,” did no such thing. Instead, he hunkered down with supporters in the same metallurgical union that was the spiritual birthplace of his improbable rise to power in one of the world’s most unequal countries.
“The police and ‘Car Wash’ investigators lied. The prosecutors lied,” said da Silva, as a few thousand supporters cheered.
“I don’t forgive them for giving society the idea that I am a thief,” he continued.
Still, da Silva said he would turn himself in “to go there and face them eye to eye. The more days they leave me (in jail), the more Lulas will be born in this country.”
Da Silva did not say where or when he would turn himself in. Party leaders have suggested it would be later Saturday.
Police have made clear they do not want to take da Silva with force at the union, a confrontation that could turn violent.
“The intention is not to force compliance at any cost, but rather follow the order the best way possible, with tranquility and without a media show,” president of federal police Luis Antonio Boudens said in a statement late Friday.
While da Silva spoke, some people cried while others chanted “Free Lula!”
When he finished speaking, a sea of supporters carried him on their shoulders back into the building.
Mauricio Santoro, a political science professor at the State University of Rio de Janeiro, said that by not complying with the order on Friday da Silva “wanted to demonstrate strength and popularity, showing that he is a political leader capable of gathering a crowd in his support.”- AP
Wilbert Mukori | Let us remember where we were, and how we suffered as an isolated nation. In this new era Zimbabwe is open to the world, and governments, businesses and individuals all are looking to do business with us,” wrote President Emmerson Mnangagwa.
“We had many fruitful discussions with political and business leaders in China, including President Xi Jinping, and secured a host of deals which will make a real difference to the lives of Zimbabweans.”
Five points:
1) What “isolation” are you talking about, Sir? Zimbabwe broke relations with the West but not with the East as your predecessor President Mugabe made very clear in his “Look East” policies. Zimbabwe has failed to get any financial assistance and foreign direct investment from the East because of the country’s failure to repay debts and reputation as a corrupt and lawless nation.
Many Zimbabweans are finding your denial of Zanu PF’s decades of misrule as the root cause of the country’s economic meltdown, blaming instead everything on these mythical sanctions, an insult to our intelligence.
2) We all know that there have been no takers to your “Zimbabwe is open for business!” clarion call from anyone in the West because they have been disappointed to see that you have no intention of holding free, fair and credible elections. Investors do not do business in countries ruled by thugs, by failing to hold free and fair elections you are per se confirm Zimbabwe is still a de facto one-party state.
3) China has remained Zimbabwe’s “all-weather friend” dating back to the days of the liberation war, as you readily acknowledged the other day. China has benefited greatly from the relationship as it has been able to flood Zimbabwe with cheap Chinese products and thus forced many of our own local producers out of business and has had a lion’s share of the wholesale looting that has been going on in Zimbabwe.
Zimbabwe has suffered the economic meltdown which has seen unemployment soar to 90%, ¾ of our people now live on US$1.00 or less a day, etc.
Zimbabwe is now the poorest nation in Africa. China is the second richest nation on earth! So all-weather friend!
4) Among the mega deals you signed with President Xi Jinping are deals to help Zanu PF rig the elections. It is no secret that China has always help prop up the Zanu PF dictatorship and provided all the material and moral support to rig elections. It is no secret that China is doing this again now for the same selfish reason of making sure Zimbabwe remains in China’s sphere of influence.
5) Zimbabwe’s economic recovery is only assured by the country ending the criminal waste of resources born of the gross mismanagement and rampant corruptions and the return of law and order. The only sure way to achieve this is for the country to implement the democratic reforms and hold free, fair and credible elections.
By refusing to implement the democratic reforms designed to stop vote rigging you have per se condemned this nation to more years of Chinese exploitation and poverty. The next regime change in Zimbabwe will have to be another military coup or street protests, both will be bloody. This is something this nation is not going to tolerate.
With no reforms, these elections are not going to be free, fair and credible. We strongly object to the continued interference of the Chinese in Zimbabwe’s elections. These flawed elections must and will be declared null and void!
“I will therefore continue to work tirelessly for the people of Zimbabwe both at home and abroad, as we embark on this new and exciting journey together,” concluded President Mnangagwa.
By refusing to implement the democratic reforms designed to restore the individual freedoms and human rights of all Zimbabweans including the right to a meaningful say in the governance of the country you are proving the Zanu PF dictatorship is alive and well.
The only thing “new” from Mugabe’s days is that the head of the dictatorship was replace by a new one. It is “an exciting journey” for the new dictator and his cronies but not the ordinary people who continue to suffer under the yoke of the corrupt, vote rigging and tyrannical dictatorship!
People’s Rainbow Coalition (PRC) presidential candidate, Joice Mujuru, has written to the Zimbabwe Electoral Commission (Zec) complaining over her exclusion from the political parties’ platform, where the upcoming elections are discussed.
The three political parties with representation in Parliament – Zanu PF, MDC-T and MDC – have been meeting to iron out a number of issues ahead of this year’s polls.
Mujuru said even though she is not in Parliament, PRC were a major political player and deserved to be heard.
Her coalition wrote to Zec advising of its existence and demanding inclusion in the political parties’ platform.
They were assured that they will be invited to discuss poll related issues with other parties.
Through her lawyers, Gift Nyandoro of Hamunakwadi and Nyandoro Law Chambers, Mujuru gave Zec five days to respond.
“With respect, the above development has taken our client with shocking surprise and, hence, our client writes to enquire with your office if indeed participation in the political discourse of our country more so in light of the forthcoming harmonised elections is only a preserve of parties represented in Parliament,” he said in response to reports that the three parties MDC-T Zanu PF and MDC met with Zec.
“Our client further wishes to find out if the so called electoral [law] amendments are being done under the auspices of your office given that our client is not even aware of ever having been invited to such a key political meeting whose outcome would without doubt seek to shape the future political trajectory of our country; should the possibility of holding of free and fair elections be a reality?”
Nyandoro said there were reports that the three parties held numerous meetings with Zec at a hotel in Nyanga, where electoral law reforms were discussed.
“Our client wishes to enquire on whether parties represented in Parliament are the only bona fide parties to contribute their views regarding Zimbabwe’s current political discourse that centres on the possibility of the need to hold free and fair elections,” he wrote.
“If indeed it is true that only three political actors are predominantly deciding the national question of electoral reforms, it is then our client’s view that such conduct amounts to gigantic proportion of the death of democracy in our country.” Newsday
The net is closing in on former Cabinet minister Jonathan Moyo, pictured, who has now been indicted for trial next month over serious allegations of corruption which authorities say happened during his time in government.
However, it is not clear whether the garrulous Moyo — who has been living in self-imposed exile ever since long-ruling former president Robert Mugabe was ousted from power in November last year — will return to the country to face his accusers.
But the State says he will stand trial on May 21, together with his former deputy in the Higher Education ministry, Godfrey Gandawa, as well as three executives from the Zimbabwe Manpower Development Fund (Zimdef).
Moyo is facing a slew of allegations relating to corruption which include serious fraud, money laundering and criminal abuse of office charges, as well as claims that he benefited from
Zimdef donations that involved the purchase of bicycles which he donated to his former Tsholotsho North constituency.
“… Moyo has been indicted and will face his day in court on May 21,” Prosecutor-General Ray Goba confirmed to the Daily News yesterday.
Apart from Gandawa, Moyo will be tried together with Shepherd Honzeri, suspended Zimdef chief executive officer Frederick Mandizvidza and its finance director Nicholus Mapute.
According to the State, Gandawa and Moyo recommended and approved a request for the purchase of 10 printers worth $95 800 and a computerised embroidery machine worth $16 000 on November 6, 2015.
It is also alleged that they awarded the contract to Wisebone Trading (Pvt) Ltd, a company that is said to be owned by Gandawa’s uncle — all this without going to tender as required by the law.
Moyo is alleged to have, from November to December 2015, instructed Honzeri to get quotations for tri-cycles for donation to his then Tshlolotsho North constituency, before instructing Gandawa to transfer $19 030 to HIB Rajput Ace Cycle.
The money was said to be the balance of the money from the printers purchased from Wisebone.
Moyo, Gandawa and Mapute, according to the State, also connived to transfer $27 550 from Fuzzy Technologies for the purchase of 10 three-wheeled motor cycles.
The State says Moyo and the officials were, all in all, involved in multiple corrupt activities which prejudiced Zimdef of $450 000.
On his part, Moyo has said that he is not corrupt, and since he fled the country, he has been working hard to discredit the government by repeatedly questioning the legitimacy of President Emmerson Mnangagwa and his administration, which has, however, been accepted by Sadc, the African Union and key Western powers.
Moyo has also told international media that his life is allegedly in danger, and that he has no intentions of coming back home until there is what he terms a “return of constitutional government”.
“The military specifically targeted my house and myself with a clear intention to cause harm and that is why I am not in the country, although I left legally.
“I am not at liberty to disclose my whereabouts because they have shown a very clear and determined intention to find me and harm me wherever I am,” Moyo said in an interview with the BBC.
The Zimbabwe Anti-Corruption Commission (Zacc), which was repeatedly thwarted by Mugabe in its attempts to have Moyo arrested over the corruption allegations, said yesterday that it expected the former Tsholotsho North MP to turn up at court to clear his name.
“All the witnesses are there and all the evidence is now there for all to see. It’s now up to the judges to deal with the matter.
“As for his (Moyo’s) extradition, that is a matter for the National Prosecuting Authority,” the head of Zacc investigations committee, Goodson Nguni, said.
But well-placed sources to the Daily News last night that they “know” where Moyo was, and that in the event that he did not turn up for court, the government had numerous options at its disposal to deal with him — including activating extradition processes which would see an international arrest warrant being issued against him.
The omens have not been good for Moyo ever since the Constitutional Court (Con-Court) dismissed his application challenging Zacc’s arresting powers.
Sitting as a full bench, the Con-Court ruled in September last year that he had erred when he rushed to the apex court on the issue, when a magistrate could have dealt with the matter.
Moyo had gone to the Con-Court in a bid to stall Zacc, which had swooped on him in 2016. He had argued that he could not be arraigned before the magistrates’ courts on the basis that the anti-graft body had no powers to arrest and detain him.
The late retired Chief Justice, Godfrey Chidyausiku, had subsequently stayed Moyo’s prosecution — pending determination of whether or not his arrest was constitutional.
Moyo, who was bitterly opposed to Mnangagwa succeeding Mugabe, also accused the then VP and key players at Zacc of waging a factionally-driven war against him.- Daily News
A Congressional Delegation led by Senator Christopher Coons is in Zim 2 explore ways of strengthening the bilateral relationship. The five Senators met with President Mnangagwa, Members of the opposition and civil society, among others to discuss how best to work together. pic.twitter.com/YxUzdEzycP
— U.S. Embassy Harare (@usembassyharare) April 7, 2018
Today, I met with 5 US Senators to discuss enhancing the ties between our two nations.
I assured them of our commitment to ensuring free and fair elections, and am confident that with dialogue, we can resolve the issues between us and move forward together. pic.twitter.com/JA4AK2NsWr
— President of Zimbabwe (@edmnangagwa) April 7, 2018
US Senators on a fact finding mission to Zimbabwe led by Senator Christopher Coons have told the Emmerson Mnangagwa administration that Zimbabwe risks losing out on the opportunity to have sanctions lifted if electoral reforms that guarantee free, fair and credible elections are not implemented soon.
Senators Chris Coons and Jeff Flake, both members of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, have introduced a bill to lay the framework for U.S. relations with the new government in Zimbabwe. This legislation updates the Zimbabwe Democracy and Economic Recovery Act of 2001 and sets forth the steps Zimbabwe needs to take to have targeted sanctions lifted.
Wilbert Mukori | When it was reported that Ms Gappah, the Zimbabwean international law expert and author, organised President Emmerson Mnangagwa World Economic Forum (WEF) in Davos, Switzerland; I thought she was being very naïve.
President Mnangagwa went to Davos to woo investors and financial institutions to return to Zimbabwe after two decades of shying away. “Zimbabwe is open for business!” President Mnangagwa told everyone who cared to listen.
“You said that you need to correct for the bad economic situation Zimbabwe found itself in,” he was asked in one of the interviews he gave in Davos. “You pointed to international isolation. You would acknowledge, would you not, that it was also bad decisions by the Zimbabwe government over many years?
“The government, the ruling part; of whom you had been a key figure for many years, in many role; that made those bad decision?”
“That is correct!” President Mnangagwa ready agreed but only to bring in the land issue in the next breath – proof President Mnangagwa and his Junta regime were not ready to acknowledge the truth about Zanu PF’s dictatorial tendencies much less abandon them!
Whilst President Mnangagwa was shrewd enough to acknowledge that Zanu PF needed to shed off its pariah-State imagine to attract foreign investors. It was also clear that he and his coup plotters were not prepared to give up the party’s dictatorial powers that had kept the regime in power since independence. That is why a Zimbabwean like Ms Gappah should have known President Mnangagwa and his Junta would not give up Zanu PF’s dictatorial powers, knowing these are the individuals who had been the heart and soul of the dictatorship all these years.
Soon after the November 2017 coup, President Mnangagwa went out of his way to promise that Zimbabwe would hold free, fair and credible elections. But that was lip-service to take the sting out of the reality of the coup.
The point is, there was really no point wasting time and money in wooing Western investors back to Zimbabwe when it was clear Zimbabwe was still being ruled by lawless thugs! It is therefore shocking that Ms Gappah should now be defending her decision to organise ED’s Davos jaunt.
“MDC is criticizing ED for necessary travel. How did they think the reengagement they proposed in their 2013 manifesto would work? Did they think Zim would be part of some global WhatsApp group? Is ED supposed to just retweet stuff from Munhumutapa and make lots of Facebook LOLs?” Ms Gappah twittered.
So even with the benefit of hindsight, Ms Petina Gappah still fails to recognise the ED regime as nothing more same pariah Zanu PF dictatorship or be it with a new leader. She is naïve but so naïve she cannot even realise that foreign investors are a very politically shrewd lot; they, alike her, were never fooled by such gimmicks as calling a coup a “military assisted transition!” Ms Gappah is not just naïve, she is one of those narrow minded people who are thick and slow!
As White City stadium overflows with MDC Alliance supporters, former MDC spokesman Obert Gutu takes to Twitter to throw a veiled attack against Advocate Nelson Chamisa.
We believe in and practise Realpolitik…
We don’t deceive ourselves by indulging in self – delusion and self – deception.
Election 2018 results will confirm who are the FAKE politicians and who are the REAL politicians….#ServantLeadershipAndService
By Paul Nyathi at White City Stadium | Bulawayo has all but endorsed MDC-T President Nelson Chamisa.
Contrary to perceptions that the highly poltically sensitive city was going to snub Chamisa in the wake of the split orchestrated by Bulawayo based former Deputy President Thokozani Khuphe thousands of people have filled up the stadium.
At midday when ZimEye.com got to the venue, the stadium was already full to capacity with about 30 000 people already in attendance two hours before Chamisa’s expected arrival.
The mood in the city is very vibrant with business nearly at halt in the area around the stadium.
ZimEye.com is following the events at the stadium and will be making updates as they unfold.
The People’s Rainbow Coalition (PRC) led by Dr. Joice Mujuru has castigated President Emmerson Mnangagwa for misrepresenting Memorandum of Understandings as closed business deals, to the people of Zimbabwe.
PRC spokesperson, Advocate Gift Nyandoro in a statement said, a memorandum of understanding is an intention of the need to work together between parties subject to execution of suggested requirements.
“PRC, being the government in waiting urges Zimbabweans not to be fooled and misled by the coup President ED Mnangagwa’s falsehoods and propaganda of having signed economic deals in China.
“The Kindergarten and exaggerated praises of ED’s China visits stands out as a classical demonstration of a military administration that lacks primary understanding of definition and meaning of what constitutes a memorandum of understanding.
“MoU is just a statement of wanting to work together between parties subject to fulfilling of suggested requirements. As such, it remains an intention and for a whole military cabal to celebrate the mere appending of a signature to a statement of intention to work together between China and Zimbabwe, would obviously be no different from allowing Satan to run away with a Christian bible from Christian pulpit,” said Advocate Nyandoro.
PRC advised the government to desist from celebrating futile mega deals, as there is nothing called ‘Free Lunch’ in this era.
He said,” ED needs to appreciate that, in this 21st century there is nothing called ‘Free Lunch’ and the military administration needs to desist from celebrating the so called mega deals, which are nothing but a desperate and hopeless walk into extreme borrowing without a backup plan of strategic retreat.”
“The so called China visit is a terrible tragic tale of a scarf man without a clue on how to rescue Zimbabwe from economic turmoil; to the extent that a coup President celebrates mentioning of remote possibilities, notwithstanding absence of tangible evidence to sustain such misplaced expectations for sudden economic recovery for our country.
“In the circumstances, ED and his military handlers need to understand that the country’s economic challenges are not resolved through a borrowing tendency without a backup plan to repay. That applies both to offshore and domestic date,” he added.
PRC said it is a shame that a country, which was once the bread basket of southern Africa, is now a basket case of non-mitigated begging of individual interests, and that citizens need to appreciate that the current military regime is completely clueless, on how to take the country forward.
Lately, Zimbabwe has been engaging the global community trying to lure investors, as the country has been shunned by investors, who since former President Robert Mugabe’s days, cited unpopular investment policies as the major reason for not fulfilling signed MoUs.
Zimbabwe and Belarus recently signed several deals worth millions of dollars across various economic sectors.www.statesman.co.zw
by Nomazulu Thata| This is just gutter politics of the highest order! Gutter politics that is below the belt in the sense of the word. We cannot be told to vote for women just because they are women. We vote for people who have a credible track record of service delivery. We vote for men and women who have concerns about the plight of our citizens at heart. We vote for people who sell credible national policies and credible clear manifestos. All citizens are able to relate to those manifestos and deem them credible enough to vote for them. We cannot be told to stoop so low and vote for a woman just because she is a woman that is absolute stupid.
MPs Thokozani Khuphe and Priscilla Misihairabwi-Mushonga are taking feminism too far. This politics of panties and female genitals is not real politics you can offer us women in Zimbabwe but third rate politics. This is the kind of politics that has destroyed this country by women themselves. This is the calibre of women we have in our political landscape. We need new names, said NoViolet Bulawayo. It makes us believe that if you constantly talk about women without pants, it will make them hard core feminists: our questions will be. Did you use bottom power to enter politics? Why panties and female genital politics the time you start talking? Are you now trying to use bottom power again to re-invent yourselves yet again? No dear Khuphe and Mishihairabwi, we are going to use our brains to vote, we are going to use our upper part of the pale to vote the best candidates. We are going to vote for any credible politicians: men and women who have credible track record of public service delivery and not gender to determine our vote. That kind of politics is very cheap indeed and we are not buying it.
Nkosana was right when he said we have third rate politicians in our Zimbabwean politics and it is for this reason this country has gone to the dogs. In yesterday’s video Nkosana was articulating policies he is going to implement if he was chosen to be the top civil servant. So far he is the only person who has shown by word of mouth how he is going to tackle and turn around the economic situation in his country. Can Thokozani please do the same? You are both worlds apart with the policies Nkosana promises to implement when he gets to the office. I am coming home to vote, will not waste my vote to vote for a woman just because she is a woman, sorry. So far we do not know what Thokozani Khuphe economic blue print looks likes. She is busy fighting Chamisa without end but is not yes in the election mood at all. Can she tell us what she will do if she was elected as President of Zimbabwe apart from being a woman? Can she articulate her economic policies in the way Nkosana is doing to villagers in remote areas?
Khuphe should not hide behind the fact that she got outsmarted by little Chamisa. That should never be our problem at all. When she outsmarted Gibson Sibanda we never wept so loud because we thought that was politics at play. Curiously Khuphe thinks that they can ride behind Tsvangirai’s popularity and win a landslide majority of 2008. The times have changed. She should use this time not to talk gutter campaigns but should match Nkosana and other credible aspiring leaders in the political playground. To cry so loud using gender and tribal affiliation will not assist much because in Bulawayo and Matebeleland alone, Khuphe is no longer a preferred candidate, she was once upon a time one but not of resent times: she never delivered, times have changed.
This is the time Khuphe should have shown us how capable she is as a leader under such adversaries. A true leader worth of salt comes out brilliantly in such political challenges and rise above all gender and tribal inclinations. We do not buy her female fate alone to vote for her. However, we deeply sympathize with her humiliating experience she was subjected to during the funeral events of Tsvangirai’s passing on.
It is Khuphe’s abilities and capabilities to serve this country that will make us vote for her. We shall want to know how does her political blue print, her political manifesto that she is selling to the electorate look like. What we know is that MP Thokozani Khuphe has no track record of service delivery in those constituencies she was once supposed to serve. She tries to use gender and tribe and perhaps her doctorate degree as her own legitimacy to be the leader of MDC. What did she do tangibly for her region Mathebeleland that will still make us opt to vote for her than other capable leaders in the region? Her impressive face-look, her doeks, her beautiful wardrobe is not enough, but her abilities and capabilities of a politician who knows how to lead a political party and the potential to deliver public service.
To vote just for any woman because she is a woman is politics below the belt. What about those women who will be seeing their menstruation time: are they going to be denied to vote? You are risking 50% of women voters that day alone because you say that day women are supposed never to wear under panties according to your campaign tricks? How are they going to walk in the public during their menstrual days without proper dressing? Did she ever think about that as a woman? This kind of “panty” or “dirty pants” politics is a right off the mature thinking of any credible politician. It sounds more like a comedy than reality. Even feminists in mature developed democracies will laugh this as kindergarten politics not worthy of note: when they say Africans are stupid we cringe! But they are right. This “panty” politics is stupidity of the highest order.
*We vote for people who will take this country forward.* It is leadership qualities, ability, capacity, professionalism that puts bread and butter on the table of all Zimbabweans and not female genitals. This is stooping very low. This should never be supported by any right-thinking women of Zimbabwe. It could be that these women who tell us to vote without pants, and again lift up our dresses to check if indeed we have female genitals have nothing to lose anymore: morally and otherwise: some of them are just game-over in politics. I really think that these women who talk such rubbish must have entered politics using their female genitals: and it is for this reason that they use femaleness again to reinvent themselves. I am sorry about the “unaccepted” language upfront!
It could be that Thokozani Khuphe and Priscilla Misihairabwi-Mushonga have given up their political careers. But for goodness-sake do not sink below the pale in trying to attract voters from women. Women in Zimbabwe do not think with their genitals but with their brains. Women who have gone for girl-initiation ceremonies should know what a female panty means. A female pant is very private. A female pant is the entire dignity of a woman that must not be spoken willy nilly at political rallies. That graphic demonstration of Mishihairabwi at a Trade-Union prayer meeting was unfortunate: A demonstration how women should enter the ballot box, and if she thinks she should vote for the man, she should lift up her skirt to check if she is male of female: Sure, Sure. It is as if to say we think with our female organs: when I see it once more, it will assist me to vote rightly: below the belt in the sense of the word. Did I not know that I am a woman ever since I was born? A prayer meeting should not turn into shebeen night clubs where they show their clients their vaginal faces as proof that they are indeed women!!!!
Former Finance Minister Ignatius Chombo and ex-Zanu-PF Youth League secretary Kudzanayi Chipanga yesterday appeared in court for their routine remand.
The duo, who appeared before Harare magistrate Ms Tilda Mazhande, was remanded to May 10. Chombo’s trial date could not be set as his docket is still pending at the Prosecutor-General’s Office.
The former senior Zanu-PF official is facing abuse of office charges from his time as Minister of Local Government, Public Works and National Housing.
It the State’s case that Chombo allegedly connived with Psychology Chiwanga, Rejoice Pazvakavambwa, Iben Fransisco, James Chiyangwa, Theresa Chenjerayi, Elias Choto and Lazarus Chimba to forge documents used to transfer a Glen Lorne, Harare, property from the Harare City Council to Alois Chimeri.
The High Court granted Chombo $5 000 bail coupled with stringent conditions. Similarly, a trial date could also not be set for Chipanga, who is facing charges of making false statements and undermining public confidence in the military. He is on $500 bail.
Chombo and Chipanga are being represented by Professor Lovemore Madhuku.
MDC-T President Adv. Nelson Chamisa’s remarks to the press
Morgan Richard Tsvangirai House, Harare, 5 April 2018
1.Introduction
Almost two months after the untimely death of the national legend and founding leader, the iconic President Morgan Richard Tsvangirai. Notwithstanding the sad loss of our leader, whom the country continues to mourn to this very day, the party remains a strong and formidable unit ready for the watershed polls due in a few months time.
We are a solid family of democrats that is growing stronger every day. Our footprints in all that we do have shown that we are sticklers to constitutionalism and the rule of law. We are the game changers, the movers and shifters.
As a party, we are proud social democrats that eschew the values of empathy, solidarity, tolerance, freedom and justice.
On the national scale, I remain touched by the people’s sorry predicament. The cash shortages persist and citizens are finding it hard to access their hard-earned cash. Unemployment continues to be a huge challenge while the few that are employed are finding it hard to survive due to inadequate remuneration.
Civil servants, including our hard working doctors and nurses are struggling to survive. The paltry salaries of just over $300 do not befit the dignity and status of civil servants who expend sweat and tears to keep our country running.
The national crisis is crying out for a new government that will truly respond to the needs of the people.
2. Redefining the narrative—April is Independence month
Indeed, we are a proud pan-African political formation whose broad mandate is to complete the unfinished business of the liberation of struggle.
It is in line with our character as a proud-African movement and pan-liberation movement that we have declared April the independence month.
For us, as a day is not enough to accord the befitting veneration to our liberation struggle in which so many of our patriotic sons and daughters paid the ultimate price.
April is therefore an independence month in which we will take part in many activities to celebrate our liberation struggle; the bloody and intractable struggle in which we shed blood to rid the country of oppression, subjugation and racism.
It is in line with that redefinition and rebranding that as a party, we will seek to play a prominent role in all national events including the country’s national Independence Day activities.
National days must be inclusive and must not continue to be arrogated or dominated by a single political party. It is demeaning of our independence to ascribe it to the sole efforts of a political party. It was a struggle by all Zimbabweans that must be celebrated by all.
As I have already said, under our leadership, we will set aside the whole month of April—and not just a single day—to the celebration of our uhuru.
April will indeed be an Independence month.
3.Election Preparedness
Within the context of independence, it is important to restate that the party remains strong and ready to participate in the forthcoming polls. Our liberation struggle was mainly about one-man-one-vote and we stand ready to participate in a truly free, fair and credible plebiscite.
To attest to our readiness, the party’s Elections directorate has received CVs from aspiring candidates who wish to stand in the local government and parliamentary polls. We have received a total of 3 911 CVs from aspiring candidates and this attests to the willingness of Zimbabweans to represent the party at both parliamentary and local government level.
Our preparation is well on course and in the next few weeks, we will have a complete panel of candidates that will represent the party at all levels.
We are determined to meet the 50 percent threshold for women and the 20 percent youth quota in line with the constitution and the resolutions of the supreme organs of the party.
3.1 Electoral reforms
Last month, we launched our Plan and Environment for a Credible Election (PEACE). That document has 10 key demands of what we want addressed if we are to have an undisputed election.
We will do all that is possible to ensure that Zimbabweans are given a chance to freely express their sovereign will in fair and credible poll.
Our 10 demands include, but are not limited to:
1.Independence of the Zimbabwean Electoral Commission (ZEC), including the independence and professionalization of the Zimbabwe Electoral Commission Secretariat.
2.The creation of an authentic biometric voters’ roll properly audited and signed off by all stakeholders.
3.Full disclosure and transparency around the ballot paper, its technical status, its printing and its distribution thereof.
4.The complete de-securitisation of election institutions and the electoral process, incorporating the exclusion of Zimbabwe’s security sector from managing the incumbent ZANU PF’s election campaign.
5.Provision for Zimbabweans residing in the Diaspora to vote in the election.
6.Media reforms allowing for equal access to public media by all contenders in the election.
7.The enactment of major amendments to the Electoral Law and the repealing of restrictive laws such as: the Public Order Security Act (POSA); Access to Information and Protection of Privacy Act (AIPPA); and the Broadcasting Services Act (BSA).
8.Allowing entry of international monitors and supervisors at least 3 months before the 2018 election and provision for the United Nations to supervise the poll.
9.Absence of violence and intimidation before, during and after the election.
10. Political impartiality of traditional leaders, including abolition of politicized food aid in election campaigns.
Conclusion: The road to Victory (R2V)
As a party, we are ready to roll. We are fine-tuning our policy programme and our people’s manifesto that will truly respond to the challenges facing the despondent citizens of this nation.
We have rebranded and revamped this movement and in the next few weeks, we will be unveiling the detailed policy programmes of how we will rescue this country from the abyss.
We have done it before and we will do it again. Zimbabweans are under no illusion about the MDC’s capacity to govern, given our record during our stint of delivery between 20019 and 2013.
With our competent hands on the wheel of government, the future can only be bright for the people of Zimbabwe.
The party is ready; Zimbabweans are ready and they continue to show their confidence judging by their participation in the party’s activities. The region and the world are anxious for a truly new dispensation that delivers to the people.
Young talented television and radio personality Ruvheneko Parirenyatwa has landed a top Zimpapers group position.
In a statement released on Friday, the Zimpapers spokesperson Ms Beatrice Tonhodzayi announced the appointment of Parirenyatwa to the post of Projects Manager for the Radio Broadcasting Division.
The group also put Simon Mapuranga to the post of general manager for Bold Ads.
Under the new portfolio, Ms Ruvheneko will be overseeing projects for the division’s radio stations, namely Star FM and Diamond FM.
Due to the management agreement between Kingston’s Holdings and Zimpapers, which has seen the latter managing Nyaminyami FM in Kariba and Capitalk FM in Harare on behalf of Kingston’s, Parirenyatwa will also be overseeing projects at the two stations.
“We are expecting to see exciting things happening both at the Radio Division and at Bold Ads,” said Ms Tonhodzayi.
“Zimpapers is a business that does not believe in complacency. The company’s leadership is constantly thinking of new ideas and strategies to keep the business relevant and profitable, hence new skills, faces and changes are something that we shall be seeing a lot more as we move on.”
Parirenyatwa daughter to Health and Child Care Minister David Parirenyatwa, studied journalism at the University of Cape Town, South Africa.
She hosts her talk show “Ruvheneko” on Star FM Zimbabwe on Mondays at 7pm, Capitalk 100.4 FM on Wednesdays at 7pm and on her online TV platform every Thursday at 7pm.
A former programming manager of ZiFM Stereo, also worked for the African Leadership Network in Johannesburg and GQ Magazine in Cape Town.
An overly excited Joice Mujuru led National People’s Party provincial chairman has come trailblazing on youthful MDC-T President Nelson Chamisa describing him as a political toddler who will not be voted for.
Speaking to a handful of his party members in Bindura over the Easter weekend, the Mashonaland Central chairman of the party Godwin Chimombe described Chamisa as a political toddler, who can not be compared to Mujuru.
“You can not compare Chamisa to Mujuru, he is still a political toddler who even failed to respect the constitution of his party and rushed himself to the leadership of the MDC-T,” said Chimombe.
Speaking in the presence of his party leader, Mujuru and other senior party leaders, Chimombe said Zimbabweans should not entrust Chamisa with the running of the country as he will disregard the country’s constitution.
He further castigated the young MDC-T leader claiming that young people can not be trusted to lead the country as they are intoxicated in drugs.
“How do you expect him to follow the Constitution of the country?” he said.
“He thinks the election can be won by youths, but the youths are intoxicated by dagga. Our election will be won by women.”
Chimombe is himself a former MDC-T youth leader. He left the MDC-T to join Mujuru’s party at its formation in 2015.
Mujuru has also previously castigated Chamisa also describing him as very immature and not a befitting replacement of the late MDC-T founding President Morgan Tsvangirai.
By Robson Melasi| All my life I never seen a girl who has matured and ready for marriage going from town to town telling men that she is ready for marriage.
A girl who is aware of her maturity and readiness will stay in her town, men will notice her, talk among themselves and come to ask for her hand in marriage.
If Zimbabwe is really open for business and ready why is our President going from country to country chasing after investors who seem to be running away with their money? Does that not show desperation? Like the example of the girl, men will suspect there is something wrong with her. I believe there is something wrong with our president. He has no confidence in his country to attract the investors.
CHIEF Nyangazonke of Maphisa in Kezi, Matobo District has warned people who are descending on his area in search of amacimbi to stay away or risk being charged at his court for looting a resource that belongs to locals.
Speaking in a telephone interview with the state owned Chronicle newspaper on Thursday, the chief said the mopani worm harvesters were also bathing and relieving themselves in or near rivers.
He said amacimbi are meant to augment locals’ food supply and to be sold to help communities pay for children’s school fees, among others.
“If there is anyone who is still in my area harvesting amacimbi and does not belong here, they should leave with immediate effect. If they cannot abide by our community rules, then they face arrest. Non-locals who are coming Nicodemously for our natural resource are not welcome. This is a natural resource that should be benefiting the community as a whole, especially in these tough economic times,” said the chief.
“Locals should harvest them in abundance and raise money for school fees, and for barter trade with other basic commodities. Most people in my community have serious challenges in paying fees and providing for their families. It is our gift from Mother Nature and locals should benefit. We never go to other areas for their gold or diamonds or whatever natural resource that they have, they should leave us alone with our food.”
The chief said the mopani worm harvesters were living in makeshift camps under squalid conditions that could prove to be a breeding ground for diseases.
“These people who have come to squat in our area are posing a major health risk to the community and livestock. They are defecating in the open, littering the bush with plastics and this is not good for our livestock. Our cattle now eat faeces and plastic and get sick and we have to foot the bills for veterinary treatment. They are bathing upstream in the rivers that we drink from,” he said.
Matobo District Administrator Mr Robert Muzezewa shared the chief’s sentiments.
He said the campers were cutting down trees indiscriminately, leading to massive deforestation in some parts of Matobo.
“People come to harvest worms and wild fruits and they don’t do it while considering conservation methods that the locals do. They just destroy and go because it is not their place. A lot of umnyi trees have been cut down by urbanites who do not consider that next year that tree would have borne more fruit.
They are also cutting down mopane trees for the worms that would be in higher branches; it’s just bad for the environment and is unfair to locals,” he said.
By Nomusa Garikai| “Let us remember where we were, and how we suffered as an isolated nation. In this new era Zimbabwe is open to the world, and governments, businesses and individuals all are looking to do business with us,” wrote President Emmerson Mnangagwa.
“We had many fruitful discussions with political and business leaders in China, including President Xi Jinping, and secured a host of deals which will make a real difference to the lives of Zimbabweans.”
Five points:
1) What “isolation” are you talking about, Sir? Zimbabwe broke relations with the West but not with the East as your predecessor President Mugabe made very clear in his “Look East” policies. Zimbabwe has failed to get any financial assistance and foreign direct investment from the East because of the country’s failure to repay debts and reputation as a corrupt and lawless nation.
Many Zimbabweans are finding your denial of Zanu PF’s decades of misrule as the root cause of the country’s economic meltdown, blaming instead everything on these mythical sanctions, an insult to our intelligence.
2) We all know that there have been no takers to your “Zimbabwe is open for business!” clarion call from anyone in the West because they have been disappointed to see that you have no intention of holding free, fair and credible elections. Investors do not do business in countries ruled by thugs, by failing to hold free and fair elections you are per se confirm Zimbabwe is still a de facto one-party state.
3) China has remained Zimbabwe’s “all-weather friend” dating back to the days of the liberation war, as you readily acknowledged the other day. China has benefited greatly from the relationship as it has been able to flood Zimbabwe with cheap Chinese products and thus forced many of our own local producers out of business and has had a lion’s share of the wholesale looting that has been going on in Zimbabwe.
Zimbabwe has suffered the economic meltdown which has seen unemployment soar to 90%, ¾ of our people now live on US$1.00 or less a day, etc.
Zimbabwe is now the poorest nation in Africa. China is the second richest nation on earth! So all-weather friend!
4) Among the mega deals you signed with President Xi Jinping are deals to help Zanu PF rig the elections. It is no secret that China has always help prop up the Zanu PF dictatorship and provided all the material and moral support to rig elections. It is no secret that China is doing this again now for the same selfish reason of making sure Zimbabwe remains in China’s sphere of influence.
5) Zimbabwe’s economic recovery is only assured by the country ending the criminal waste of resources born of the gross mismanagement and rampant corruptions and the return of law and order. The only sure way to achieve this is for the country to implement the democratic reforms and hold free, fair and credible elections.
By refusing to implement the democratic reforms designed to stop vote rigging you have per se condemned this nation to more years of Chinese exploitation and poverty. The next regime change in Zimbabwe will have to be another military coup or street protests, both will be bloody. This is something this nation is not going to tolerate.
With no reforms, these elections are not going to be free, fair and credible. We strongly object to the continued interference of the Chinese in Zimbabwe’s elections. These flawed elections must and will be declared null and void!
“I will therefore continue to work tirelessly for the people of Zimbabwe both at home and abroad, as we embark on this new and exciting journey together,” concluded President Mnangagwa.
By refusing to implement the democratic reforms designed to restore the individual freedoms and human rights of all Zimbabweans including the right to a meaningful say in the governance of the country you are proving the Zanu PF dictatorship is alive and well.
The only thing “new” from Mugabe’s days is that the head of the dictatorship was replace by a new one. It is “an exciting journey” for the new dictator and his cronies but not the ordinary people who continue to suffer under the yoke of the corrupt, vote rigging and tyrannical dictatorship! – zsdemocrats.blogspot.co.uk
By Tadmore Yoga | Amid an ongoing heap of attacks and insinuations against MDC leader Nelson Chamisa, details have emerged on the reasons why Chamisa’s wife, Sithokozile, “does not play” an Auxillia Mnangagwa or a Grace Mugabe.
Nelson Chamisa and his wife, Sithokozile
ZANU PF youths have made a wild claim against Chamisa and saying that this is the reason why she does not appear in public with her husband like a normal First Lady would. According to (US) White House rules, the First Lady is supposed to accompany her husband on all public appearances and visits. The woman has to come out holding her husband’s hand and there is a particular way this is done. Without this, protocol is broken and humiliation follows. This is the way it is done in the United States, and in the next episode we shall look at how it is done in Zimbabwe.
Now coming to the real issue why Chamisa’s wife rarely appears in public with him: while the man himself has chosen not to speak, sources close to the MDC politician have told ZimEye.com Chamisa “will never be Barack Obama or Donald Trump.
“Did you not know she is a lawyer working for an NGO and her employer bars her from participating in politics? Participating in the MDC as a First Lady the way Elizabeth used to, will render her jobless,” the highly placed source said.
Once Sithokozile pursues the First Lady job, she will need to fit the below criteria and she will have to work without a salary:
How did the role of first lady come to be?
According to Andrea Gonzaez, Martha Washington is considered to be the first “first lady,” but the term wasn’t used until after her death. Her main function was to play hostess for social events, and she set the standard for the subsequent first ladies.
The role has historically been reserved for the president’s spouse, but some first ladies have not been married to POTUS. Emily Donelson took over the hostessing duties during the presidency of her uncle Andrew Jackson, a widow. Harriet Lane did the same during the administration of James Buchanan, who never married.
However, our contemporary understanding of the role can be traced back to Eleanor Roosevelt, according to Dr. Katherine Jellison, chair of the history department at Ohio University, who has studied extensively the topic of first ladies.
During her time at the White House, Roosevelt expanded her duties beyond just being a hostess, spending her time working on social reform projects.
“She is the first first lady to have press conferences, she is the first first lady to have a significant number of staff working for her,” Jellinson said. “She is the one who made the role of first lady as high profile as it is today.”
What are some of the first lady’s responsibilities?
Contemporary first ladies are expected to perform public and ceremonial duties. While they’ve always hosted state dinners and other official events, now they also serve as surrogates to their husbands’ administrations, taking on particular social projects or causes.
State Media- A man from Bulawayo committed suicide by shooting himself in the head with a pistol for yet unclear reasons.
Mr Dominic Magava (59), a divorcee who lived with his elderly mother in Woodville suburb, was found dead inside his car yesterday morning.
Relatives suspect he shot himself on Thursday at around 8PM. Mr Magava’s younger brother discovered the body and alerted the police.
He allegedly shot himself under the chin and the bullet went through his head, damaging the skull in the process.
Bulawayo Metropolitan province police spokesperson Inspector Precious Simango confirmed the incident.
“I can confirm that we received a report of sudden death by shooting of a 59-year-old man. The deceased was seen by his younger brother seated on the driver’s side of his car and there was a revolver in between his thighs.
“The deceased had gunshot wounds on the chin and head and as police we are still investigating so that we are able to establish circumstances leading to his death,” she said.
The revolver believed to have been used in committing the alleged suicide was registered under Mr Magava’s name.
Insp Simango said the body was taken to the United Bulawayo Hospitals (UBH) for a postmortem.
By Emmerson Mnangagwa| Today, I conclude my first state visit outside of Africa, an historic visit which will help bring further crucial momentum to our economy.
We had many fruitful discussions with political and business leaders in China, including President Xi Jinping, and secured a host of deals which will make a real difference to the lives of Zimbabweans.
The refurbishment of Hwange Power Station Units 7 and 8 is set to increase power generation by 600 megawatts, while we also secured a massive infrastructure development deal under which the world’s largest infrastructure development company will set up a regional office in Zimbabwe. They will focus on road, rail, air and dam construction projects and will be true partners in the development of the new Zimbabwe.
Our two countries also signed numerous agreements to advance areas of economic cooperation, skills development, education and other facets of the economy.
I have seen some comments here asking why these foreign trips are necessary at this time. Thank you for sharing your thoughts and I appreciate your opinions.
Let us remember where we were, and how we suffered as an isolated nation. In this new era Zimbabwe is open to the world, and governments, businesses and individuals all are looking to do business with us. The new Zimbabwe must embrace the international community in order to secure crucial foreign investment. These projects will create jobs, and foreign investment will inject crucial cash into our economy.
I will therefore continue to work tirelessly for the people of Zimbabwe both at home and abroad, as we embark on this new and exciting journey together.
