By Paul Nyathi

Disposed former National People’s Party National Spokesperson Jealous Mawarire has re-emerged in Zimbabwean politics this time as spokesperson of the new political party the National Patriotic Front.

Mawarire revealed himself as the spokesperson of the party in an interview with Voice Of America’s Studio Seven on Monday. The party is being spearheaded from the sidelines by former President Robert Mugabe.

Mawarire revealed that the party will be officially launched within the next few days in preparation for the upcoming elections.

Asked to reveal who the party leadership is, Mawarire would not disclose claiming that the party leadership will be disclosed at the launch.

Meanwhile, sources close to the party indicated that Retired Brigadier General Ambrose Mtinhiri who resigned from the ruling ZANU PF party last week has been seconded by Mugabe to lead the party in the interim.

Several former ZANU PF members who were in the G40 faction are reportedly part of the leadership of the party.

Former First Lady Grace Mugabe is expected to eventually take over the leadership of the party at some stage and be the presidential candidate for the party.

Former Cabinet Minister Samuel Undenge has hit hard times and is struggling to raise money to travel from Chimanimani to Harare where he is supposed to report at Highlands police station as part of his bail conditions, the court heard today.

The former Energy and Power Development minister is accused of prejudicing Zimbabwe Power Company of $12 650.

Undenge appeared before magistrate Ms Tilda Mazhande today and successfully made an application for variation of bail conditions

Through his lawyer, Mr Alec Muchadehama, Undenge informed the court that he was now into farming in Chimanimani hence was finding it difficult to travel to Harare every week due to financial constraints.

When he initially appeared in court, Undenge was ordered to report once a week to the police as part of his bail conditions.

“Having to travel every Friday to make a report, is now a burden to him since he is no longer employed,” Mr Muchadehama said.

In an incident that left Gweru residents awestruck a man has backed his wife up against allegations of prostitution where she shared a bed with a stranger the whole night who later stole from her.

Terence Kondo of Ascot Infill Gweru appeared before Gweru magistrate Mildred Matuvi facing theft charges.

He was convicted on his own plea and was remanded to today for sentencing.

Brenda Hwata’s husband appeared in court defending his wife that she was coned after she rendered help to a man who was in need.

He also testified that he trusted his wife because she was faithful and loyal adding that there was no way she could betray him.

It is the State’s case that Brenda a 40-year-old of Mutapa suburb spent the night with a 22-year-old Terence Kondo while drinking at Sacalo Night Club.

Terence then accompanied Brenda to her house.

When they got to her place, Terence asked Brenda for a place to sleep for $10.

Brenda gave Terence her Nokia 1202 to put his line and do an Ecocash transaction since his phone was off.

The two shared a bed.

During the night, Terence sneaked out while Brenda was sleeping and stole the cell phone he had been given to make payment for the night, another Sony cell phone, a pair of jean trousers, one pair of shoes, DStv decorder and $146.00.

It is alleged that Brenda is a well-known ho_oker in Mutapa. However, the husband argued otherwise in court.

Brenda was awakened by her husband who arrived that morning from Kwekwe who noticed that there were missing goods.

The case was reported to the police following Terence’s arrest.

He was able to recover $18 of the $311 valued stolen property.

Time is running out for MDC vice president Thokozani Khupe to build bridges with the party’s new leader, Nelson Chamisa, with whom she is fighting a terminal turf war.

The MDC’s national council gave Khupe — one of the founding members of the labour-backed party — a seven-day ultimatum last week to smoke a peace pipe with Chamisa or ship out.
This was after the party’s highest decision-making organ in between congresses resolved to endorse Chamisa, who turned 40 years last month, as the party’s substantive president mid last week.
Khupe is now left with two days before her fate is sealed.

So far, there is no sign that Khupe will give in as she insists that she is the only legitimate leader of the MDC, having been elected vice president at the party’s congress in 2006.

Chamisa, along with Elias Mudzuri, were appointed vice presidents by Morgan Tsvangirai (now late)
in July 2016 in what became the genesis of the strained relations between the MDC founding president and his second in command.

Although Khupe could not be reached for comment yesterday, her spokesperson Witness Dube told the Daily News that her boss will not comply with the national council’s decision.
“To say we are complying is rather too strong a word. We are trying our best to make the MDC-T work as a unit. That’s all,” he said.

In the aftermath of the ultimatum, Khupe has been on a frenzied tweeting spree, rubbishing Chamisa’s endorsement.

About 24 hours after she was served with the order for compliance with party decisions, she tweeted:
“It is regrettable and very revealing that while the Guardian Council leadership is yet ceased with sensitive matters in the party, some take pleasure in bullish threats, ultimatums and suspensions. For the record, I have always been acting president of MDC-T in the absence of the late president Tsvangirai since 2006, up until the late president left Zimbabwe on what was to be his last trip to South Africa in January 2018, when he left Hon Mudzuri as acting president.”

In terms of the MDC constitution, the Guardian Council acts as the party’s advisory board.
It is chaired by MDC Senator James Makore.

Career politician and veteran trade unionist, Cephas Makuyana, who once served as Senator, is also a member of the Guardian Council.

Its role is to offer advice and wisdom to the national leadership of the party, including the national executive and the national council.

It also performs and/or carry out any such functions which the national council may from time to time delegate to it, which may include investigations, arbitration and reconciliation in disputes within the party structures and/or among members.

On Friday last week, Khupe had another tweet saying: “This means that by all manner of calculations, when he passed away, I had not been away from party business for eight months as widely claimed.”

“I last saw president Tsvangirai alive on the 28th of January 2018. I made an effort to resolve issues in the MDC-T by going in person to meet and share notes with Hon Chamisa at his law chambers on the 13th of February 2018, a day before president Tsvangirai passed on,” she said.

But her twitter followers took her to task, some suggesting the need to engage arbitrators in order to solve the issue.

“How do you address allegations of insubordination, absconding meetings, fanning factionalism. With all due respect @DrThoko_Khupe can you seek some mediation and resolve this through internal party structures, have you tried these,” wrote one Brighton Kunaka.
She responded by saying she had written to the MDC’s Guardians Council, asking for their intervention in the impasse but that effort has so far been frustrated by Chamisa.

“I personally went to Hon Chamisa’s Law Chambers on the 13th of February 2018. I wrote a letter to the party’s Guardian Council for them to intervene in terms of our constitution. They are the internal arbiters and are seized with this matter even as ultimatums are being issued,” she wrote in response.
Not to be outdone, Chamisa wadded into the debate and, re-tweeting Khupe’s posts, he wrote: “That ain’t smart Dr. You refused to meet MRT (Tsvangirai’s full initials) in Harare saying it wasn’t safe for you but there you were, in Chamisa chambers.”

He added: “Khupe is just stubborn; it’s all about positioning herself without the people at heart. Greedy and opportunist she is, I can say!”
Khupe responded angrily and accused Chamisa of employing violence and bullying tactics to win power.

“A comment yet more revealing of the characters that support bullish political tactics. With all due respect Mr, I may be a woman, but I am not easily fazed by such. Very resolute and on principle, very unflinching! CONSTITUTIONALISM & DEMOCRACY are not a respecter of any person,” she responded.

The bad blood between Khupe and Chamisa started in 2016 when Tsvangirai elevated the Kuwadzana West legislator to the position of vice president.

Since then, the crafty legislator, nicknamed The Cobra after the menacing serpent, has worked his way to the leadership of the party, effectively dealing Khupe a body blow.
Their relationship soured even more last month when Khupe had to take refuge in a hut during Tsvangirai’s funeral to escape the wrath of MDC thugs who were baying for her blood before she was rescued by sympathisers. Daily News

As the nation approaches elections in the next few months, the church has been urged to reach out to its congregants with the message of love, unity and forgiveness.

The call was made by President Emmerson Mnangagwa when he met church leaders at local hotel in Harare today.

President Mnangagwa said dialogue must continue, adding that his door will always remain open.
“Since taking office, I have used every opportunity to preach love, unity and forgiveness. I shall be meeting with other political parties to spread the same message of unity.

“While there may be some disagreements, we must never allow it to become poisonous. The church and government must preach the gospel of peace and preach the gospel of reconciliation. The new administration preaches peace and unity,” said President Mnangagwa.

The President said his administration remains committed to protecting rights of freedom of worship, saying bitterness that is engulfing some people in the country needs prayers.

“It is duty of the church to urge people to refrain from vindictiveness. The Bible says usadzorera chakaipa nechakaipa,” President Mnangagwa said.

He implored the church to partner the government for the development of the economy, reiterating that he is a listening President.

“Hatirambe tichiumba nyika yedu ikwirire tisapfimbike matarenda at akapiwa naJehovah. (Let us continue to build our country using the talents or resources that God gave us).
“As government, we also invite the church to participate in policies like command agriculture and others,” he said.

President Mnangagwa said the success of 2016/ 2017 farming season has spurred the government to expand it to other crops and fisheries.

He called upon church elders to come up with income generating projects to help the young generation and keep them out of mischief.

Turning to the issue of corruption and quoting Romans 12:1-2, Cde Mnangagwa said it takes time to weed out the corrupt elements but with commitment from all Zimbabweans, it shall be won, adding that real change will not occur overnight.

“In the last 3 months, we have managed to attract US$3 billion worth of investment (FDI) into our country. Real change takes time and will not occur overnight. Together we will drive this nation to success.

“It is time to boldly reclaim our space on the international arena. The period of an inward looking Zimbabwe is over. Focus of the new dispensation is to resurrect our economy,” he said.
The President promised to look into some of the requests by the church leaders which include restoration of a national day of prayer, having a Minister of Religion, restoration of land that churches lost during land reform, establishment of an Economic Christian Forum and church representation in parliament.

“You mention that you need more land to build churches and developmental projects and my government is supportive of that. We are glad by your declaration that the church supports the govt of the day,” said the President.

President Mnangagwa reiterated that Zimbabwe is open for business and expressed gratitude to church organisations for contributing to the development of the nation by building schools and clinics. – agencies

Zimbabweans in the Diaspora are planning to stage a protest at the Zimbabwean embassy in London on Wednesday in a bid to push government to deal with police brutality.

This comes amid calls by civil society activists for authorities to compensate families of two people that were recently shot dead by the police.

The protest is being organised by Restoration of Human Rights Zimbabwe United Kingdom Chapter together with the MDC, Zapu, Women of Justice Arise, Zimbabwe Human Rights Organisation and MaZimbabweans Yes We Can.

This is also happening at a time when social activists are calling for the police to compensate families of the bereaved.

Several organisations have expressed outrage over the killing of the two civilians by members of the ZRP, following a heated scuffle in Harare’s Central Business District (CBD) recently.

Harare’s CBD resembled a war zone as law enforcement agents blocked commuter omnibuses from either dropping or picking passengers in the capital.

This followed an unpopular directive by the Harare City Council to ban commuter omnibus operators from ferrying passengers into the city centre under an operation code-named Clean-up Harare CBD.

Police commissioner-general Godwin Matanga had to issue a formal apology following the incident, even though he insisted the police had been provoked and that they were not aware that the operation had been called off.

Following this incident, the Tendai Biti-led People’s Democratic Party (PDP) said repression and police brutality had no place in modern democracy.

“The deaths are a result of a conflict emanating from the failure to deal with a peripheral issue of congestion.

“A government with no respect for human life must be jettisoned, removing (former president Robert) Mugabe and a few G40 fellows is tinkering with the deck while the titanic is sinking,” PDP said.

Crisis in Zimbabwe Coalition (CiZC) also criticised the police over the killings.

“CiZC condemns in the strongest sense, the inappropriate and violent law enforcement process which resulted in the death of three innocent civilians as police tried to forcefully enforce an ill-timed ban of commuter omnibuses in Harare’s CBD,” the organisation said.

Ancelmo Magaya’s Zimbabwe Divine Destiny also said: “The horrific pictures of burning vehicles right in front of the ZRP Harare Central Police Station and the stoning of the same which came as a result of public indignation over reckless shooting of at least two people by a trigger-happy police detail, paints a very gloomy and dark picture of the state of governance in our nation”.

Zimbabwe’s police have a history of using excessive force when it comes to enforcing certain statutes.

Some police officers have been previously sued in their personal capacities over these senseless brutal attacks.- Daily News

Statement | The MDC has condemned the violence that took place at the party offices in Bulawayo and has immediately dispatched a two-member team to normalize the situation.

In addition, the party has ordered the party’s chairperson for Bulawayo province, Mr. Gift Banda, to submit a detailed report to President Nelson Chamisa by end of day today.

The party has today dispatched the party’s Arbiter-General and the head of Security and Intelligence, Mr. Giles Mutsekwa to normalize the situation in Bulawayo.

The party’s national council, the supreme decision-making body between Congresses, last week decisively pronounced itself on the matter and said violence was not part of the culture and the DNA of the MDC.

The national council resolved that stern action be taken against the instigators of the disturbing incidences of violence if they are found to be party members.

The party is concerned with the trend that started with the incident in Buhera and now the similar incident in Bulawayo. Of particular concern to the party is the convening of unsanctioned meetings by senior leaders in Bulawayo, the dereliction of duty by some senior officials as well as the possibility of an external hand in the disturbances.

Hon. Thabitha Khumalo
Acting secretary for Information and Publicity
For more information please contact Luke Tamborinyoka on +263773011263

President Emmerson Mnangagwa’s administration has been plunged into fresh turmoil as civil servants threaten to down tools with only a few months left before make-or-break polls to be held before July 31.

This comes as doctors in major hospitals across the country downed tools on Thursday, protesting low salaries and poor working conditions.

But as government fights to contain the doctors’ strike, the Daily News on Sunday can report that potentially explosive undercurrents are raging among other groups of civil servants.
The Apex Council — the umbrella representative body for civil servants — told the Daily News on Sunday on Friday that they too would soon join the industrial action by doctors if their employer does not address their concerns.

The Apex Council is demanding a salary increase that can cushion civil servants against the high cost of living, fuelled by price increases of basic goods and services experienced towards the end of last year.

George Mushipe, the council’s treasurer, said they were deeply concerned about the plight of public sector workers who have not demanded for a salary adjustment in the past four or so years.

“The three-tier pricing system and the unilateral pension deductions have eroded our disposable income. We demand a poverty datum line (PDL) linked salary now to ameliorate the plight of all civil servants,” he said.

“We also demand that those that have attained higher relevant qualifications be upgraded to levels commensurate with their new qualifications. There is a lot of bunching of salaries which is a worrying scenario,” he added.

The lowest earning civil servant takes home below $300, which is way below the PDL, estimated at about $600.

Mushipe said leave for teachers remained banished even though the relevant Statutory Instrument (SI) 1 of 2000 has neither been repealed nor amended.

“The welfare of civil servants is pathetic to say the least. Individual unions are trying very hard to improve their membership welfare like in our case we have embarked on a massive housing scheme where members get into their complete houses and pay over long periods depending on their remaining years of service.

“Government should come in and improve working conditions for its workforce. Morale is at its lowest ebb. Confirmation that bonus will be paid, though staggered was accepted. Some felt it is coming late, others took solace in the fact that it’s coming,” Mushipe said.

The Progressive Teachers Union of Zimbabwe (PTUZ) weighed in yesterday, saying teachers have lost hope in President Emmerson Mnangagwa’s administration despite his pledges when he took over from Robert Mugabe, whose regime was rocked by frequent job actions.

When he was inaugurated as president on November 24 last year, Mnangagwa promised better working conditions for civil servants and said his government would commit itself to paying annual bonuses.

But 100 days later, there has not been any marked improvement, amid report his government is trying to placate the military which helped him assume power from Mugabe by addressing transport problems, reviewing their salaries and providing better houses for troops as part of sharing the spoils of Mugabe’s toppling.

“We are very disappointed as teachers. The president has seen everyone who matters except workers but for any economy to function the government need workers. There is nothing positive in this new regime; our conditions are worse now. We demanded a salary increment as of yesterday, workers are suffering — the government must engage us,” said PTUZ secretary-general, Raymond Majongwe.
“They are dillydallying with our bonuses. We have suffered enough. They must brace for action from teachers, who are suffering,” he said.

Nurses are also threatening to down their tools, with Zimbabwe Nurses Association secretary-general, Enock Dongo, saying in a terse response: “We are not happy at all.”
Following the industrial action by doctors, government immediately pressed the panic button, with Health and Child Care minister David Parirenyatwa telling the press yesterday that efforts were underway to attend to their grievances.

In a statement, Parirenyatwa said: “Through Statutory Instrument 111 of 2006, the Health Service Board (HSB), as the employer, has put in place a framework — the Health Service Bipartite Negotiating Panel, which guides discussion of all the conditions of service and other issues of mutual interest to both the employer and the employees.

“Following submissions by the Zimbabwe Hospital Doctors Association (ZHDA) to the minister of Health and Child Care through a letter dated February 5, 2018, highlighting their grievances, which included locum payments, motor vehicle scheme, availability of equipment and medicines at hospitals, staff establishment, freeze of vacant positions and review of various allowances, government has been attending to these issues.”

Notwithstanding, the doctors insist they are not calling off the strike until they see progress on their complaints.
The doctors gave notice of their intention to strike last month, which they say was ignored by Parirenyatwa.

Their first correspondence to Parirenyatwa was made on February 5.
ZHDA vice president and spokesperson, Mxolisi Ngwenya, said Parirenyatwa should first address their issues and not embark on cheap media propaganda.

“We have had enough. Patients die on our watch because of shortage of equipment. Patients are buying medicines from their own pockets, a clear abuse of the taxpayer’s money. Imali eyanikwa ihealth ingaphi (where is money given to the health sector?) We earn paltry salaries and can’t even afford our own selves. Whoever has that money allocated to health should go to work. Thina asfuni bumbulu (We don’t want nonsense),” Ngwenya charged.

“It has always been said that plans are in progress to resuscitate our health sector by acquiring necessary materials and essential medicines, but little to no progress has been seen on the ground. When will tangible, objective results be seen at our hospitals? We sought clarity as to when the locums will be paid, and that was not mentioned in the response from the HSB,” said Ngwenya.

In a letter submitted to the ministry and HSB, the association highlighted that they needed government to create more posts from the current job freeze to lessen their workload.

“The effort made to create posts in 2017 was noted and appreciated. However, these posts remain in sufficient. Our initial letter implored the ministry to create more posts, not to remind us of those previously created. A promise was made to increase on-call allowance to $720 three years ago. The effort made to increase it by $72 last year is notable, but falls short of the 2014 promise by over 100 percent. Working hours still remain undefined and have seemingly been left to the discretion of hospital administrators,” reads the letter obtained by the Daily News on Sunday on Friday.
Meanwhile, the Zimbabwe Teachers Association (Zimta) has also warned of imminent industrial action if the government fails to address the civil service’s resistance to its relocation to the Office of the President and Cabinet (OPC).

Zimta chief executive officer Sifiso Ndlovu said the shunting of the civil service to the Office of the President and Cabinet, announced on December 27 last year by Information, Media, and Broadcasting Services permanent secretary George Charamba, was an unconstitutional move by the government meant to disenfranchise civil servants.

“We want to create dialogue before conflict but our members are running out of patience. During the (provincial) annual general meetings we recently held they have been speaking very clearly that they are now ready to throw caution to the wind.

“We have tried engage government it looks like they are too busy with the legacy issues instead of addressing some of these fundamental issues affecting the workers in the civil service,” Ndlovu told the Daily News on Sunday.

The Zimta chief executive officer hinted that the transfer of the civil service to the OPC will figure prominently when Zimbabwe’s largest teacher’s union holds its annual general meeting next month.
In response to pressure from its restive membership, Ndlovu said Zimta, which regards the shift of the civil service to OPC as a blatant attack on workers’ rights, has since written to Mnangagwa to register its disapproval of the move.

In the three-page letter dated January 19, signed by Zimta secretary-general Tapson Nganunu Sibanda, the teachers union attacked the Mnangagwa administration for violating the Constitution.
“The shift of the civil service to the OPC will amount to acting in violation of the supreme law of the land i.e the Constitution of Zimbabwe, in that the civil service will be left with no minister. This will be contrary to section 201 of the Constitution which mandates that ‘the President must appoint a minister to be to be responsible for the civil service,” reads part of the letter.

The absence of a minister in charge of government workers, according to Zimta, effectively renders the civil service ineffective.

“In terms of section 203 (3) of the Constitution, the Civil Service Commission also exercises its functions in accordance with general policy directives which the minister responsible for the civil service may give. As announced, there will be no minister responsible for the civil service owing to the reconfiguration.

“This will make the Civil Service Commission, a creature of the Constitution, ineffective since there will no minister to give them policy directives. Any other directive given by any other person who is not a minister to the commission will be unconstitutional,” said the Zimta secretary-general, adding that Mnangagwa has no constitutional mandate to directly superintend the civil service.

“…there is no provision to the effect that the OPC has an active role in the administration of the civil service. The functions are exercisable by the commission and the minister responsible for the civil service.”

Zimta is convinced that the relocation of the civil service to the OPC was motivated by the Mnangagwa administration’s determination to disempower civil servants from engaging in industrial action.

“The civil service is now being placed under the OPC which also houses the security forces who are exempted from the enjoyment of certain labour rights such as collective bargaining, right to organise and to engage in collective job action, strike or sit-ins.

“As it stands, we also submit that our constitutional rights to just administrative action was not respected since there was no consultation and no reasons whatsoever availed to us or our concerned members,” the teachers union said. Daily News

Former Mashonaland East Minister of State Brigadier-General Ambrose Mutinhiri (Retired) has been reportedly “anointed” by former President Robert Mugabe and former First Lady Grace Mugabe as the leader of G40 cabal’s new political project, New Patriotic Front (NPF) after a meeting at which he was described as “doubly beholden” to Mugabe.

He was reportedly rescued twice from political doom and was reportedly at First Family’s residence at Blue Roof Mansion in Borrowdale on Thursday last week, senior Government sources have claimed.

Brig-Gen Mutinhiri (Rtd) then made an announcement the following day on Friday that he was leaving Zanu-PF on flimsy reasons about the new dispensation despite the fact that he had shown eagerness to participate since the military intervention in November last year. The former minister, who has blivion, is understood to be in the process of recruiting new members to the political enterprise, which is believed to be a mutated version of the G40 group.

Sources said those that have since been conscripted include Engineer Walter Mzembi and Jappy Jaboon in Masvingo, Makhosini Hlongwane in the Midlands province and Simbaneuta Mudarikwa, Edgar Mbwembwe and Beatrice Nyamupinga in Mashonaland East. Eunice Sandi Moyo, who ironically was hounded out of Zanu-PF’s Women’s League by Mrs Mugabe, is understood to be the outfit’s proxy in Matabeleland.

She, together with Hlongwane and Eng Mzembi, also reportedly visited the Blue Roof Mansion on Friday last week, which the source said has now evolved to become “a cell to launch opposition politics”.

It is believed that Brig-Gen Mutinhiri (Rtd) is being used as a Trojan Horse of the First Family – which is desperate to protect its unravelling “sprawling business empire” that includes a haul of 21 farms, local and foreign investments, including claims of Black Granite in Mutoko – because of perceived appeal to the Matabeleland region.

“On Thursday last week, Mutinhiri had a meeting with the former President (Robert Mugabe) and the former First Lady at their Blue Roof at which the issue of launching the New Patriotic Front was the subject matter, and the fact that he was invited to Blue Roof obviously means that the former President and his wife are part and parcel of the New Patriotic Front, which means they have been working in cahoots with Jonathan (Moyo), (Patrick) Zhuwao and (Saviour) Kasukuwere in order to rescue their G40 project,” said the source, who cannot be named for professional reasons.

“And the decision of that meeting was that Ambrose Mutinhiri was then appointed or anointed as the interim leader of the NPF. Obviously, there is still a presumption that former President Mugabe retains an appeal and, therefore, anoints leadership to this new, old political formation. This is G40 by a different name. “And the idea being to appropriate the Patriotic Front in order to give it the decency and resonance of the liberation struggle so as to undermine Zanu-PF during the forthcoming elections.”

It is believed that Brig-Gen Mutinhiri (Rtd) will assume leadership in the interim before Mrs Mugabe eventually takes over, as was previously mulled before the military intervention in November. It has also been revealed for the first time that while Cde Mugabe, in his initial political estimation, was preparing the ground for his wife’s eventual takeover of State power, Prof Jonathan Moyo and Saviour Kasukuwere – key members of the G40 faction — were also angling to eventually take over from the Mugabes.

But Brig-Gen Mutinhuri (Rtd), the source said, has been hand-picked by the former President as he is also considered to be a stop-gap and “safe pair of hands”. “Well, Ambrose is a stop-gap; he is viewed as, one, a stop-gap, and a safe pair of hands, whilst G40 is reorganising itself following the state of disarray which it suffered in November last year,” said the source. “He is a safe pair of hands because his chequered past in Zapu, which included defection to Frolizi, makes him a weaker candidate in the long-term and in fact at Independence, Ambrose Mutinhiri was rejected by Zapu and sank into oblivion in his rural home in Mahusekwa until he was rescued by former President Mugabe, who then gave him a job, which culminated in his appointment as an ambassador.

“Historically, he stands rejected by his original party and he also stands beholden to the former President for rescuing him, which means in terms of the NPF’s calculation, he enters into this structure not as a substantive leader.”

Though Brig-Gen Mutinhiri (Rtd) was previously linked to the Gamatox faction of Zanu-PF, which was led by former Vice President Joice Mujuru and purged at the party’s December 2014 Congress, he was rescued by the former President who, in his “typical divide and rule” style, promoted him the Minister of State for Mashonaland East in order to weaken Dr Mujuru’s party, then known as Zimbabwe People First. It is also believed that Cde Mugabe has since made an undertaking to introduce him around the country as the interim leader of the NPF.

Added the source: “So, he is a man who is doubly beholden from history and from contemporary politics. So, they met on Thursday and he was designated the interim leader. And then there was a commitment by the former President to take him around the country in order to introduce him as the interim leader of the NPF in the absence of Jonathan Moyo, Kasukuwere and Zhuwao.”

Yesterday, the Mashonaland East-based politician reportedly met Cde Mugabe — believed to be
anxious to stage a “second coming” using Mutinhiri as a proxy — again at the Blue Roof Mansion in the company of former Zimbabwe People’s First spokesperson Mr Jealousy Mawarire and a Mr Shephard Nyakudanga and Mr Nyasha Vera. The relatively unknown trio are being roped in as the technical team that will, however, be equally hand-held by the self-exiled trio of Zhuwao, Moyo and Kasukuwere.

Mr Mawarire yesterday said he could not give a comment at night, while Brig-Gen Mutinhiri (Retired) was not picking up his phones. “Essentially, what it means is it’s the former President who is trying to stage a “second coming” behind the person of the dutiful and beholden Ambrose Mutinhiri,” said the source. “And the hope, of course, is as it were revalorise the character of his wife.”

The former First Lady is reportedly desperate to protect the family business empire. “Revamping the G40 project, which is obviously destroyed beyond redemption, is meant to secure their sprawling investments, which they thought Mai Mugabe would mind having either wrestling or legitimise wrestling the power through Kasukuwere,” said the source.

“There is an issue of farms that they (Mugabes) have been leasing to whites. Here was a President who was preaching one-person, one farm, but who has 21 farms. But a good number which was being leased to white farmers. And he knows that the new Government will have to want to choose one out of the 21.

“But some of his investments, including the dairy and the children’s project, were benefiting from a blurred accounting system between those business propositions and State coffers. Now, they are worried that unless they recapture State power, all those projects will crumble.”

There are also reports that after attempts by the New Patriotic Front to lobby regional bodies such as Sadc and African Union came unstuck, the grouping decided to bring their political project in the open.

Cde Mugabe’s new endeavours, sources say, were disingenuous since he is the same person actively asking for his pension, while at the same time relaunching himself as an “active opposition leader”.

“What is noteworthy is that the former President, who by the way is being pushed by the First Lady, on one level seeks to enjoy the package of retirement as a former Head of State, while relaunching himself as an active opposition leader in the present,” said the source.

“He wants a Zanu-PF Government to continue to look after him, to continue to feed him at Blue Roof, which he has turned into a cell to launch opposition politics.

“Whether or not the new order will continue to be that generous, that remains to be seen because essentially what he is doing is to spurn overtures of goodwill which have been shown him in the vain hope that there is still an appetite for a political Robert Mugabe.
“But that is an illusion that he still thinks he is popular.”

It is believed that New Patriotic Front’s agenda was not to win the elections, but to spoil the victory for Zanu-PF, but the chances are understood to be waning by the day.
“This new formation, which the former President is trying to launch, at huge cost to himself, will have to battle the MDC Alliance and vanquish it; and will have to battle Zanu-PF and vanquish it in order to restore G40. It’s a tall order,” explained the source.

“The second side is that this amnesty that was declared of people who externalised funds and who were using Zimbabwe money to buy properties abroad is making them anxious. Not to say they are guilty. What it is that is making them anxious, we will probably know on the 19th.” – state media

By Farai D Hove| MDC leader Nelson Chamisa yesterday promised to set up a government that will among other things ensure that Zimbabweans process passports and birth certificate applications via the internet.

He also spoke of lightning fast printing of birth certificate processing which will be done at the source, as soon as a child is born inside a hospital.

Chamisa said this to thousands of supporters who braved against the rain in Chinhoyi.

He promised people his government will turn Zimbabwe into a Switzerland. VIDEO ROLL:

…

State Media – President Emmerson Mnangagwa has congratulated the newly appointed MDC-T leader Advocate Nelson Chamisa following the death of the party’s founding president Mr Morgan Tsvangirai.

Adv Chamisa was elected substantive leader of the MDC-T last Thursday to replace Mr Tsvangirai who succumbed to cancer of the colon on February 14.
He has since been confirmed as the opposition party’s presidential candidate for the 2018 harmonised elections. In a Facebook post yesterday, the President welcomed Mr Chamisa as his opponent in the forthcoming elections.

“I would like to congratulate Nelson Chamisa as he takes over the leadership of the MDC. We look forward to a competitive, peaceful and positive election campaign, providing the people of Zimbabwe with a clear and democratic choice.

“I hope all my opponents will keep this campaign calm, clean and allow you, the people of Zimbabwe, to decide which direction Zimbabwe will take over the next five years.

“Let us all join in remembering, that above all, the people are our judges and we are merely their servants. The Voice of the People is the Voice of God,” said President Mnangagwa.

In a statement released soon after a six-hour meeting of the national executive and national council last Thursday, presidential spokesperson Mr Luke Tamborinyoka said they had unanimously confirmed Adv Chamisa as the new leader to take over from the late Mr Tsvangirai.
“That in line with Article 18 as read together with Article 9.21.1 of the party Constitution, the party through the National Council, has resolved that Hon.

Advocate Nelson Chamisa is confirmed as the party’s substantive leader and the party’s presidential candidate for 2018,” said Mr Tamborinyoka.

He said the party also gave seven days for engagement processes to take place with senior leaders VP Thokozani Khupe, national chairperson Lovemore Moyo and organising secretary Hon. Abednigo Bhebhe.

Mr Tamborinyoka said after that the leadership of the party has been mandated to take the necessary action by operation of law.

The opposition party also fully endorsed the MDC Alliance and Adv Chamisa has since been confirmed as the Alliance’s presidential candidate in the harmonised elections.

Mr Chamisa is involved in a power struggle with Dr Khupe and the other VP Engineer Elias Mudzuri. – state media

Relatives of a Harare vendor, who was shot dead by police recently, are demanding $5 million from the Zimbabwe Republic Police as compensation.

Two other people were also killed and several were seriously injured when police tried to enforce a shortlived ban on public transport vehicles from entering the central business district on February 22.

Annatoria Kaseke, a groundnuts vendor, was reportedly shot in the chest and abdomen by the police.

On Thursday, National People’s Party leader Joice Mujuru pledged to support the National Vendors’ Union of Zimbabwe to secure legal assistance so that the victims of the shootout get compensation.

Representing the victims, Gift Nyandoro of Hamunakwadi and Nyandoro Law Chambers wrote to Home Affairs minister Obert Mpofu demanding $5 million as compensation for Kaseke’s death.

Nyandoro gave the police a seven-day ultimatum to respond or face the music.
He said the deceased left behind a husband and seven children and another additional three dependants who survived on her efforts and contribution as a vendor.

“Therefore, we are instructed to demand on behalf of our client that the deceased’s surviving spouse, children and dependants be compensated to the tune of $5 million within seven days from the date of demand, failure of which our client will be left with no option but to take appropriate legal action as remedy for the same,” reads part of the letter to the police.

“We believe this will be necessary for such a legal suit will also be on a punitive scale against your office.”

In his letter to Mpofu, Nyandoro said police were accepting responsibility, but that alone would not be enough for the deceased’s family.

“While it is heartening to note your public acceptance of full responsibility for the police’s irresponsible and reckless behaviour that has since led to the loss of an innocent life, it is our client’s view that an apology and public censure alone do not suffice in the circumstances,” the lawyer wrote.

“Justice demands that the surviving spouse, children and dependants of the deceased be compensated for justice delayed is justice denied.”

Mpofu publicly apologised for the killings by the police. – Standard

Terrence Mawawa
Thousands in Zimbabweans suffering from renal diseases may not travel abroad to seek medical services because a Kidney Transplantation Unit will be opened at Chitungwiza Central Hospital.

According to Chitungwiza Central Hospital Chief Executive Officer, Dr Obadiah Moyo, the eagerly anticipated Sally Mugabe Kidney Transplantation Unit would be officially commissioned by the end of March.

“We are only waiting for the final inspection of the unit and once that has been done, everything will be fine,” said Moyo.

Hundreds of Zimbabweans struggling with renal problems are travelling abroad to seek medication.

Terrence Mawawa, Masvingo
A Zanu PF councillor and a group of disgruntled parents last week forced staff members at Chekai Secondary School in Masvingo District to suspend lessons over poor results.

Progressive Teachers Union of Zimbabwe (PTUZ) has strongly condemned the forced suspension of lessons.

Below is a statement written by PTUZ president Takavafira Zhou:

Chekai Secondary School in Masvingo District was closed by parents on 2 March 2018 around 12 noon. Parents who had been invited to an Annual General Meeting turned against the school head and teachers for producing poor results.

The parents under the influence of a local Zanu PF councillor ordered all pupils to go home.They then wrote a petition to the district after which they commandeered the school head to accompany them to the district to hand over the petition calling for his dismissal together with other teachers.

As PTUZ we condemn such lawlessness and blame game of teachers for doing so much with too little.

Teachers have always pointed to bloated classrooms, shortage of resources and limited learning time due to Dokora’s myriads of games yet no one listens to them.

Sadly, when students fail, parents and other officials are quick to blame teachers yet there are so many individuals who are destroying the education system in Zimbabwe – including rogue parents.

PTUZ would like to remind parents that creating a harmonious relationship with teachers will also help in the effective learning of students rather than being antagonistic and acidic to teachers.

Mnangagwa’s government has also done virtually nothing to improve the plight of teachers who are lowly paid and discriminated as professionals -as they are not enjoying vacation leave as other civil servants while student teachers’ peanuts allowances are likely to be removed.

We certainly should not be blamed for any eventuality should teachers go on industrial action any time as government has turned a deaf ear to the plight of teachers.

The ruling Zanu-PF will on Wednesday hold a Politburo meeting where the issue of dates for its primary elections as well as modalities on the selection of candidates will be up for discussion.

Speaking at a Provincial Co-ordinating Committee meeting in Gwanda town yesterday at the party’s provincial headquarters, party national spokesperson Simon Khaya Moyo said those aspiring to represent the party should wait and get the direction from the party.

“Do not be misled by people saying we will be having our primary elections on 15 or 16 March. We will be meeting on Wednesday as the Politburo and the issue will be raised. I will issue a statement after the meeting about the way forward. You will be notified via the correct channel in the form of a circular,” he said.

Moyo urged party members to talk about things that make the party stronger instead of engaging in issues that end up destroying the revolutionary party. He said the party should unite and retain all the 13 seats won in the 2013 harmonised elections.

“There is a bit of disappointment in the province as there is a lot of gossip and this should stop. We are not going to allow that. Wake up and stop it. Let us be bold as the late Vice-President (Joseph) Msika taught us to be frank with each other. Let us not fail to have principles and be committed to the party,” said Moyo.

He said a number of heroes in the country came from Matabeleland South and Zanu-PF could not afford to betray them.

“This is where Father Zimbabwe was born, JZ Moyo, T G Silundika, Edward Ndlovu, Thenjiwe Lesabe and many more. Given that history we cannot fail to be an example in the country. We have to win all those 13 seats.

“Unity among ourselves made us win and we should win again. Make people realise that we are serious leaders,” he said.

Moyo said with at least 84 political parties willing to participate in the coming elections, it was clear that the ruling party would win resoundingly.

“A party like us can never dream of losing an election to all these small parties. The President also made it clear that the elections will be free and credible as he has already called on observers from around the world to come,” he said.

Moyo commended the war veterans for being diligent and urged everyone to fight against corruption as President Mnangagwa himself is doing.

Minister of State for Matabeleland South Provincial Affairs Abednico Ncube also insisted on unity and reiterated that gossiping was not good for the growth of the party.

The PCC meeting also endorsed the firing of party members namely Soul Mahalima Ncube, Johns Nkomo, Siphethokuhle Moyo, Sister Bhebhe, Ephraim Moyo and Christopher Masuku.

Meanwhile, war veterans, collaborators, ex-detainees and widows in Matabeleland South Province will on Thursday meet the National Secretary of the War Veterans Association, Victor Mademadanda in Gwanda. All war veterans from the province are invited.- state media

Terrence Mawawa
Controversial musician Andy Muridzo has described fellow artiste, Jah Prayzah as a selfish, greedy and cunning individual who thrives on using other people for self aggrandisement.

An emotional Muridzo has quit Jah Prayzah’ s Military Touch Movement in a huff.

Muridzo launched a scathing attack on the lanky musician whom he accused of reneging on his promises.

“Jah Prayzah is converting every opportunity that arises for personal benefit.

I was supposed to do a collaboration with a musician from Mozambique and Jah Prayzah grabbed the opportunity.

What then is the reason for having the movement?I am not happy with what is happening,” a charged Muridzo told The Sunday Mail.

He also accused Jah Prayzah of being unprofessional in his conduct.

Terrence Mawawa
Controversial musician Andy Muridzo has described fellow artiste, Jah Prayzah as a selfish, greedy and cunning individual who thrives on using other people for self aggrandisement.

An emotional Muridzo has quit Jah Prayzah’ s Military Touch Movement in a huff.

Muridzo launched a scathing attack on the lanky musician whom he accused of reneging on his promises.

“Jah Prayzah is converting every opportunity that arises for personal benefit.

I was supposed to do a collaboration with a musician from Mozambique and Jah Prayzah grabbed the opportunity.

What then is the reason for having the movement?I am not happy with what is happening,” a charged Muridzo told The Sunday Mail.

He also accused Jah Prayzah of being unprofessional in his conduct.

By Paul Nyathi

Ousted MDC-T National Spokesperson Obert Gutu made a surprise appearance at the ill fated party meeting in Bulawayo on Sunday declaring his suspension from the party as baseless.

Gutu was last week suspended from the party pending dismissal by the National Council allegedly for not adhering to party policies.

On Sunday he was a surprise attendant of the meeting suspected to have been a meeting to launch a split of the party.

The meeting ended prematurely when party supporters loyal to new party President Nelson Chamisa stormed into the meeting and thoroughly beat up the people who were attending the meeting ordering them to leave the offices.

Violent clashes ensued resulting in about ten people being ferried to nearby Galen House Medical Centre.

Addressing journalists on his presence in the meeting, Gutu said that there was nothing wrong with him attending the party meeting as he considers himself as still the official spokesperson of the party.

“I am not suspended,” Gutu said.

“The National Council that claims to have suspended me is bogus and does not have the authority to suspend me,” he said.

Meanwhile, deputy President Thokozani Khuphe continued to declare herself as the genuine leader of the opposition party.

Speaking in an interview with the South African Broadcasting Corporation on the sidelines of the violence skirmishes, Khuphe said that she does not recognise Chamisa as the President of the party.

“I do not recognise Chamisa because he was not elected by congress,” said Khuphe.

“I am the genuine acting President of the MDC-T as I was elected by congress in 2014,” said Khuphe.

“They will see that we are the genuine leaders of the party and that we have the people,” vowed Khuphe in reference to the Chamisa faction.

Khuphe who has been given a seven day ultimatum to accept Chamisa’s leadership or be kicked out of the party appears to be adamant and prepared to be dismissed from the party.

The move by Khuphe appears to be leading to yet another split of the MDC-T.

Ray Nkosi |  Following violent clashes at the MDC Bulawayo offices where property was damaged and Vice President Thokozani Khupe’s aide badly injured, the matter has been reported to the police.

MDC Organising Secretary Abednico Bhebhe has singled out pro Chamisa MDC member Gift Banda and others as allegedly being behind the violence amidst claims that they have since been reported to the police.

My interview with MDCT organising Secretary Abedinico Bhebhe on today’s violence at the MDC T offices in #Bulawayo.@citezw @ZimMediaReview @povozim #Asakhe. https://t.co/UNWrd32HSM

— Zenzele (@zenzele) March 4, 2018

A special kind of women’s waist beads that will make their husbands have multiple erections and literally “lock” them from sleeping with other women has evaded the market.

Most of these beads have been perceived as fashion ornaments or accolades for completing sexual training, popularly known as chinamwari, which is common in Malawian cultures.

However, Mbuya Muchadura Mamoyo, as Sandra Maburuse is affectionately known, does not make the ordinary beads; hers are “cooked” in concoctions containing African herbs (muti) that will lock husbands from promiscuity.

“Most cases I am dealing with women these days are about enhancing their sexual lives as sex is an important element of marriage life. I help women with herbs that increase the heat in their bodies and have a special kind of beads that have saved a number of marriages,” Maburuse said.

“These beads will tickle a man’s sexual appetite and after a sexual encounter if the wife causes the beads to come into contact with her husband’s organ he instantly gets another erection and they can make love again.

“I assure you that your man will not be able to have sex with another woman if you always wear these beads when you sleep together.”

Maburuse who claims to also offer seductive sexual dances as part of her product offering to clients said her customers who include white women always come back for more.

Most of her clients are married women with ages ranging from 18 to 30, seeking to protect their relationships.

She draws 19 years of experience, assisting people with different life issues and health problems.

“I have had this gift since birth and there were moments when I would actually die and later wake up while people were already preparing for my funeral,” Muchadura narrated.

“I would see witches and hear their plans from a distance and was always sick most of my childhood. I even dropped out of school because of that and my breakthrough came after I got married and had my first child.

“The child refused to be breastfed at eight months and my in-laws thought I had an extra marital affair. They started taking me for spiritual assistance and were told that I possess a great spirit. After that incident, my family was accused of conspiring to rape.”

It was alleged that her father had raped a minor, while her siblings held the victim’s legs and hands.

She claims to have performed rituals that secured the family bail and eventually cleared them of the allegations in court.

“I then had a dream in which I was told to perform a ritual that would assist them being cleared of the malicious allegations. I did so and they got bails before being acquitted of the false claims,” Muchadura said.

She now survives on the trade and has a shrine in Harare’s Southly Park suburb where she carries out most of her work.- Daily News

Terrence Mawawa
President Emmerson Mnangagwa is in a panic mode as opposition parties team up to challenge him in the coming elections, it has emerged.

A government controlled weekly publication has reported that the panic stricken President will preside over an emergency Politburo meeting to discuss the coming elections.

Following the regrouping of the country’ s main opposition party, MDC, Mnangagwa foresees a daunting task beckoning ahead of the harmonised elections, according to political observers.

Zanu PF National Spokesperson, Simon Khaya Moyo yesterday confirmed Mnangagwa would chair the Politburo meeting slated for this week.

Moyo was in Gwanda yesterday where he conceded the party had to work to overcome the opposition.He made the remarks while addressing members of the Matabeleland South Provincial Coordinating Committee.

“Do not be misled by rumour mongers, the Politburo will deliberate on nagging issues that are affecting the party on Wednesday,” said Moyo.

PRESS STATEMENT

The MDC would like to set the record straight on erroneous media reports of 02 March 2018 which suggested that the party will not conduct primary elections in preparation for the 2018 harmonised elections.

This is patently false and incorrect.

Our constitution is clear on this matter and we remain guided by that.

We wish to advise our members to rest assured that primary elections are on. As a democratic party which respects the will of its entire membership and the sacred party constitution, all aspiring candidates will be subjected to primary elections with the exception of cases where there is consensus among aspiring candidates as is the norm. The MDC will not bend on that.

The times and venues for the primary elections which will be free and fair will be announced in due course.

We regret that the erroneous media reports may have caused unnecessary anxiety across the length and breath of our membership and our Alliance partners.

Kurauone Chihwayi
MDC National Spokesperson

…

By Paul Nyathi| Anti riot police from the Zimbabwe Republic Police Support Unit in Fairbridge in the outskirts of Bulawayo were Sunday noon called in to bring calm at the MDC-T offices in the Bulawayo Central Business District.

Witnesses who spoke to ZimEye.com said that the factional fights in the party started when Deputy President Thokozani Khuphe arrived at the party offices to attend a meeting where discussions around her return to full activity in the party was being held.

According to the witnesses, a group of party youth members from within the province were lying ambush around the party offices waiting for Khuphe to arrive for the meeting before storming into the offices and attacking the party officials who were attending the meeting.

Several people were reported injured and ambulances seen driving in and out of the party offices. Several vehicles that were parked outside the offices were also damaged. SEE THE EARLIER PICTURES HERE :

No arrests were reported at the time of writing.

Statement By Emerson Mnangagwa

I would like to congratulate Nelson Chamisa as he takes over the leadership of the MDC. We look forward to a competitive, peaceful and positive election campaign, providing the people of Zimbabwe with a clear and democratic choice.

I hope all my opponents will keep this campaign calm, clean and allow you, the people of Zimbabwe, to decide which direction Zimbabwe will take over the next five years.

Let us all join in remembering, that above all, the people are our judges and we are merely their servants.

‘The Voice of the People, is the Voice of God’.

Have a blessed Sunday

Zimbabwe and the multitudes of colleagues from Africa, the Diplomatic Community, all the political parties, friends and relatives who turn up for the funeral of my loving husband, Morgan.

To the multitudes who turned up at the hospital in South Africa at our home in Highlands, at the Methodist church in Mabelreign and at all gatherings to do with the funeral of my late loving husband, I say thank you.

On behalf of myself and the children, we felt comforted by your messages and your presence when you came to mourn with us.

Yes, I had known from the outset that Morgan was a national figure that I would share with you all but your commiseration with me and the family was overwhelming and unprecedented!

Brand Morgan touched everyone’s heart and soul but I hugely felt humbled by everyone’s love and support in my hour of grief. Thank you, Zimbabwe for your presence, your messages and your words of comfort.

I am still grieving but your overwhelming presence gave me unprecedented warmth and companionship.

To my dear Morgan, I say go well.
Go well my dearest and I have no doubt that the love you had for your fellow countrymen will ensure that you get eternal peace in the hands of the Almighty.

Yes, we are still grieving and the void you left will never be filled but I shall cherish the time the Lord, favoured me to be with you.Thank you, everyone, for standing by me and the family in our time of grief.

Lastly, I would like to express my profound gratitude to the MDC Family, the government of Zimbabwe, the Tsvangirai family, the Macheka family, civic organisations, the Roman Catholic Church, the Methodist church ofZimbabwe, Doves Funeral Services, Nyaradzo Funeral services, Bakers Inn and the world at large who extended their sympathy and support on the passing away of my husband after a long battle with colon cancer.

May the Almighty God bless you all

Yours sincerely,

Mrs Elizabeth Tsvangirai

Finance and Economic Development Minister Patrick Chinamasa last week delivered a special message from President Mnangagwa to Britain’s Prime Minister Theresa, and held cordial talks on “all bilateral issues” with UK Foreign Secretary Boris Johnson.

Minister Chinamasa, who returned from his tour of Europe yesterday, told The Sunday Mail that he had also had solid interactions in Sweden and France.
“I went to the UK as a special envoy of the President to deliver a message to Britain’s Prime Minister Theresa May. I am also not aware of the content of the message . . .

“We took the opportunity to discuss a wide range of issues affecting our bilateral ties. In fact I can say that in our discussions, nothing was left out. I can only elaborate on the contents of my discussions after I meet the President.”

Minister Chinamasa said discussions with Mr Johnson were frank and cordial.
“The discussion was very cordial, constructive, positive and very forward-looking. There is clear and serious commitment on both sides to normalise relations at the highest level.”
Minister Chinamasa said from Britain he proceeded to Sweden and France, where he also delivered special messages from President Mnangagwa to the two countries’ Heads of States.

“After the UK, I went as a special envoy to deliver a special message to the Prime Minister of Sweden, through the deputy Foreign Secretary of that country. I then addressed Swedish businesspeople.
“From there I then went to Paris, France, to deliver a special message to President Emmanuel Macron. I also had a meeting and took the opportunity to clarify the investment climate in Zimbabwe.”

On Friday, Britain’s Ambassador to Zimbabwe Catriona Laing said on social media she had met Britain’s Prime Minister Theresa May and held “good discussions on Zimbabwe”.
Ambassador Laing tweeted: “Good discussions with No 10 officials on prospects for #Zimbabwe. It’s been a busy and productive week. Now on my way back”.
Her boss Mr Johnson on Wednesday tweeted that his discussions with Minister Chinamsa focused on key matters.

“Good to welcome Patrick Chinamasa, Zimbabwe’s Special Envoy to the UK to Foreign Office today,” he said. “Great hope and optimism for Zimbabwe’s future, we discussed need for free and fair elections this year and opportunities ahead of us.”
Britain showed its interest in engaging Zimbabwe when it dispatched then Minister of State for Africa Mr Rory Stewart to Harare to for President Mnangagwa’s inauguration in November 2017.

Mr Stewart has since been replaced by Ms Harriet Baldwin, who also met President Mnangagwa last month as PM May’s Special Envoy. This was Ms Baldwin’s first official visit to Africa as a minister since her January appointment.

After their meeting, President Mnangagwa formally informed Ms Baldwin of Zimbabwe’s intention to return to the Commonwealth, which could happen by the end of 2018.
President Mnangagwa also said he would like to meet PM May as relations between the two states thaw after nearly two decades of acrimony.

Ms Baldwin said her visit to Zimbabwe “created an opportunity to strengthen UK-Zimbabwe relations as part of a wider process of international engagement”. Sunday Mail

By Paul Nyathi

Crown Prince Bulelani Collins Lobengula Khumalo has been unveiled as the official King of the Ndebele people of Mthwakazi Kingdom.

Khumalo was unveild in public for the first time in Zimbabwe at a private function held in Bulawayo on Saturday after the official ceremony to crown him was called off by the government and the High Court on Friday.

Thousands of people in Bulawayo and the region had geared to attend the ceremony at Barbourfields Stadium on Saturday.

ZimEye.com sources indicated that instead about one hundred people including a majority of chiefs from Matabeleland attended the colourful unveiling ceremony held at a Chief Nyangazonke’s luxurious home in Burnside in the City.

The ceremony was characterised by feasting and drinking on traditional Ndebele meals and drinks and went on through the night.

The government through the Minister of Local Government July Moyo declared the crowning of the king unconstitutional and illegal. The same was confirmed by high court judge Martin Makonese.

Chief Nhlanhkayamangwe Ndiweni told the gathering that the public crowning of the King will be held at a date to be advised as the Crown Council is still engaging with the authorities in Zimbabwe.

“We are not done yet. We will take the issue to the limit and a new date for the king’s coronation will be advised,” said Chief Ndiweni.

Mavis Mary Ngwerume, the registered manager of a residential care home for adults with severe learning disabilities, Divine Care Solutions in Reading, made numerous illicit withdrawals from a resident’s account who had been placed there by Slough Borough Council. 

Between June 2009 and April 2015, she dishonestly and for the benefit of herself and others withdrew and stole money from his account totalling £16,551.

An investigation was sparked after a social worker from Slough Borough Council was reviewing his care package and noticed that he had spent far more money than was expected.

Her Honour Recorder S Campbell sentenced Ms Ngwreume on February 15, and referred to her crime as ‘despicable’. In sentencing the judge referred to Ngwerume offering no guilty plea, showing no remorse and attempting to blame both the victim and colleagues during her evidence.

Greed had led to Ngwerume taking small amounts initially in 2009, but over the years this had increased considerably as she became confident that no-one would notice. She had also been sending money abroad to her children, some of which had probably been taken from him.

Ngwerume will serve half her sentence and will be released on licence for the remainder. Enquiries will continue into Ngwerume’s financial circumstances with a view to confiscation under the proceeds of crime act 2002 in an effort to recover the loss suffered by the resident.

Cllr Natasa Pantelic, cabinet member for health and social care, said: “This is a terrible crime. As the manager of the care home, Ngwerume had the trust of a vulnerable resident and should have safeguarded their financial interests. To take advantage of someone in this way is completely wrong and has had a consequence as we’ve seen in the judge’s ruling.”

“I hope the investigation into her financial circumstances reveals that the victim can be reimbursed.”

Mavis Ngwerume, a Zimbabwe national, is listed as a director of LADK Ltd in Reading, a company specialising in residential care activities for people with learning difficulties, mental health and substance abuse, along with two other directors also of the surname Ngwerume.

Motor vehicle owners will soon realise huge savings as Government reduces road user fees by more than half in a development meant to ensure realistic cost structures commensurate with international standards.

The state owned Sunday Mail says it understands Government is ceased with the finalisation of a new fees structure that will see vehicle owners paying $80 for new vehicle registration plates.

The cost of the number plates is currently pegged at $160. Under the proposed fees, trailer registration will attract $70 from $170 while replacement of vehicle registration books will be $15 from $30.

Motor vehicle owners seeking to replace the third number plate will fork out $17,50 from $35.

In an interview last week, Transport and Infrastructural Development Minister Dr Joram Gumbo said his ministry is now awaiting release of a comprehensive document with the fees structure from Treasury. “The proposals are with the Ministry of Finance awaiting approval. I cannot say when this will be officialised because it is now up to the Ministry of Finance,” he said.

The initiative is part of the ministry’s 100-day plan and are aimed at promoting the ease of doing business.

Dr Gumbo said it was envisaged that the reduction in the fees will motivate motor vehicle owners to comply with various registration requirements.
“The development is also expected to boost revenue for the Central Vehicle Registration department and Road Motor Transport section once more motorists find it easier to pay for services,” he said.

Dr Gumbo said increased revenue from the fees will also see progress in road rehabilitation and ensure safe driving.-state media

MDC-T deputy president Dr Thokozani Khupe says she is yet to recover from the attempt on her life at the burial of the opposition party’s late leader Morgan Tsvangirai in Buhera two weeks ago.

Appearing in public for the first time since the alleged arson attempt on a building in which she and two other senior party officials hid from a mob of MDC-T youths, Dr Khupe said her larynx was damaged.

She said this after failing to speak at a public lecture on ethnicity and politics in Zimbabwe, organised by a civil society organisation in Bulawayo on Friday. Tsvangirai’s death has plunged the MDC-T into leadership crisis with party organs declaring Advocate Nelson Chamisa the party’s substantive president. Dr Khupe insists she MDC-T acting president.

At the lecture, she asked MDC-T organising secretary Mr Abednego Bhebhe to present on her behalf.

“Unfortunately, I lost my voice as you know I stayed in that hut which was filled with smoke for three hours and my voice box was affected. I cannot speak so I will ask Bhebhe to speak on my behalf,” she said.

Mr Bhebhe slammed the alleged arson attempt.

“… something happened in Buhera; it was bad. A lot of people want us to speak out and tell them what happened. uMaKhupe, Lovemore Moyo (national chairman) and Bhebhe will not tell you anything because what happened in reference to the region is not about them, it was never about them, it’s about all of you citizens,” said Mr Bhebhe.

Mr Chamisa’s faction has given the three up to Friday to start performing party duties or risk disciplinary action.

Mr Bhebhe said Dr Khupe would not throw in the towel, likening her to the first wife in polygamous marriage who soldiers on.

“She (could) have long back rejected her husband but she still stays put so that when she decides to leave, children, neighbours and relatives, will know that she was a woman of integrity,” he said.

“Because if you just walk away without explaining yourself to those around you, they will badmouth you, they will say you were sent away because of prostitution yet you won’t be a prostitute.

“They will say you were chased away because of witchcraft yet you were not a witch. “But before you leave you should stand your ground.”

On Mr Chamisa’s elevation, Mr Bhebhe said: “A minority can respect the constitution better than the majority. The majority don’t respect the constitution because they don’t use the constitution but populism.

“Which is what we are seeing happening here. The majority would not want to follow what the constitution says but because they want to use the numerical advantage, they will say let’s make noise in our numbers that becomes law.

“When somebody from the minority speaks constitutionalism, she or he is questioned for raising their voice.”- state media

Government has reduced the price of Diesel 50 from US$1,30 to US$1,22 per litre with effect from tomorrow as part of efforts to peg a realistic price of the eco-friendly fuel.

The new price comes at a time Government banned the importation of Diesel 500 by 1 May 2018, citing its damage to vehicle engines due to high Sulphur content.

In a notice published last Friday, the Zimbabwe Energy Regulatory Authority (Zera) said the transition from D500 to D50 was progressing well since the importation of D500 was banned through General Notice 669 of 2017.

“The retail price for the week starting March 5, 2018 should not exceed US$1, 22 for all diesel,” said Zera.

“The reduction of D50 prices in the market is a result of use of cheaper pipeline transportation of D50 into the country as opposed to road and rail. “The convergence in prices of D50 and D500 that is being witnessed shows compliance with the Government directive to ban retail of D500 by 1 May
2018.

“However, subsequent prices will change in line with movements in international crude oil prices and the application of the fuel pricing regulations by Zera.”

Compliance testing by Zera shows that the majority of fuel retail sites in the country are now selling D50 only, with a few dispensing remaining stocks of D500.

During the transition from D500 to D50, motorists whose vehicles use D50 only are urged to verify with retail sites that they are buying fuel compatible with their vehicles.

Zera said it would continue to conduct compliance audits to ensure that high fuel quality is maintained at the correct prices and necessary steps are followed where violations occur.

Most countries are moving towards use of diesel with low sulpur content with the majority of those in Europe now at D10.

The fuel has much better combustion quality than regular diesel, resulting in improved fuel consumption and engine performance. Sunday Mail

Harare will have to restart its search for a substantive town clerk after the Local Government Board (LGB) rejected the three short-listed candidates.

Harare mayor Bernard Manyenyeni said the LGB was not happy with the selection and requested that the position be re-advertised.

Suspended human capital director Cainos Chingombe, Hatfield legislator Tapiwa Mashakada and Gweru town clerk Elisabeth Gwatipedza had been selected by the local authority for final consideration.

“I have received communication from the LGB that they are not happy with the three candidates and they have requested fresh interviews for the position so it is back to square one. This was after more than 30 months without a town clerk,” Manyenyeni said.

The mayor further pointed out without giving much detail that the LGB gave different reasons of their opposition for each candidate.

He added that as Harare needs a speedy resolution to the impasse as it was not ideal for a capital city to not have someone who makes executive administrative decisions.

Community Water Alliance coordinator Hardlife Mudzingwa said the position needed to be filled speedily as Harare could not function without a substantive chief executive.

“This position cannot have a person acting in it for so long. We thought that in the 100-day plan laid out by government something would have happened but that has not been the case. It should be filled by a professional person and not someone who is selected on partisan lines,” he said.

The position has been lying vacant for three years after the former town clerk Tendai Mahachi was retrenched.

In 2016, council appointed former banker James Mushore to the position but he was suspended by former Local Government minister Saviour Kasukuwere for flouting procedures to his appointment.

Following his suspension Mushore approached the Labour Court recourse into the matter which is yet to be determined.

If Mushore wins the Labour Court case, Harare City Council will be compelled to pay him over $250 000 in backdated salaries.

When the three candidates were revealed residents rejected the candidates arguing that they are “uninspiring”.

They said Mashakada is an active MDC politician, Chingombe is yet to answer for the council’s salary scandal while Gwatipedza also had an issue of purchasing $40 000 curtains for her council home. Daily News

Below is a list circulating of a proposed Cabinet to be picked by MDC Alliance President Hon. Nelson Chamisa. Below is the speculative Cabinet –

Finance and Economic Development: Tendai Biti
Defence and War Veterans: Elias Mudzuri
Home Affairs and State security: Douglas Mwonzora
Transport and Infrastructure: Prince Dubeko Sibanda
Tourism, Parks and Environment: Maureen Kademaunga
Minister of Local Government, Devolution and Provincial Councils – Ben Manyenyeni
Mines and Energy Development – Gabuza Gabbuza
Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation – David Coltart
Health and Social Welfare- Dr. Ruth Labode
Public Service, Labour and Social Security – Hon. Paurina Mpariwa
Women Affairs, Social Welfarand National Healing- Tabitha Khumalo
Justice and Parliamentary Affairs- Jessie Majome
Commerce and Industry – Tapiwa Mashakada
Education, Research, Science and Technology – Jacob Ngarivhume
Information, Publicity and Communication Technologies- James Maridadi
Agriculture and Lands- Chalton Hwende
Youth, Sports, Arts and Culture- Fadzayi Mahere
Office of the President- Clifford Hlatywayo
Deputy Home Affairs: Lillian Timveos
Deputy Defence: Tracy Mutinhiri
Deputy Foreign Affairs: Kucaca Phulu
Deputy Health : Peter Matarutse
Deputy Education: Mandla Nyathi
Deputy Local Government: Job Sikhala

BOMBSHELL, A REAL ONE: Marondera West MP Ambrose Mutinhiri, a former ZIPRA commander, says quitting Zanu PF. Cites “military coup”, says won’t be bound by “illegalities of a few rogue elements”. This is major folks! pic.twitter.com/ZJG4aUum8t

— Mduduzi Mathuthu (@Mathuthu) March 3, 2018

By Staff Reporter| People Rainbow coalition leader and NPP President Joice Mujuru today addressed PRC Aspiring members of Parliament and Councillors.

The function was in Mash Central and below were some of the picture highlights.

Mujuru was described under the term “Mother Zimbabwe for President 2018.” BELOW WERE SOME OF THE PICTURE HIGHLIGHTS-

Chinhoyi here we come! This Sunday, March 4. Don’t miss this #StrongerTogether pic.twitter.com/Uj2FpioWE3

— MDC Alliance (@MDCAllianceZW) March 3, 2018

Below are the details for the late Charles Ndhlovu’s memorial service in Newmarket on Saturday:

We are kindly inviting you to a memorial celebration service , of our dear sweetheart Charles Ndhlovu ( BHUTIKI ). The only Son.which is taking place on the 3rd March 2018. The venue address is Roman Catholic Church, 14 Exeter Road, Newmarket CB8 8LT. Start time is 11.00am till 17.00pm. There will be food refreshments in the church hall same venue thanks in advance.

The family of the Zimbabwean nurse who worked at a South African hospital where the late MDC-T leader Mr Morgan Tsvangirai was hospitalised, suspects her alleged murder was linked to her photograph with the politician in his final days.

Ms Nomsa Ncube, who worked at Wits Donald Gordon Medical Centre (WDGMC) in Johannesburg where Mr Tsvangirai was hospitalised, came under the spotlight when a picture of her posing next to the ailing politician during his final days went viral on social media.

Prior to her death, a complaint against her had been filed with the South African Nursing Council (SANC) by a fellow nurse who wanted her disciplined for misconduct.

Ms Ncube’s body was reportedly discovered in a pool of blood by her Grade Three daughter at their flat in Johannesburg on February 18, four days after the former Prime Minister’s death.

When our Bulawayo Bureau contacted Mrs Ncube’s brother Absolom, he said they expected her body in the country last night ahead of burial today.

“I can’t say anything because we haven’t been told anything yet,” he said. “We don’t know what happened and we are just gathered here waiting for the body that is on its way from South Africa and we lay her to rest. That’s it.”

Ms Ncube, a former sister-in-charge at Nkayi District Hospital, is said to have left the country for South Africa in 2008.

A relative who preferred anonymity said Ms Ncube’s daughter discovered her mother’s body when she woke up on February 18.

“It is alleged that a neighbour heard Nomsa’s child screaming and shouting for help in her flat,” said the relative. “When neighbours went to investigate, they found her dead in a pool of blood. We suspect that she was killed, but we are not sure who may have done it.”

The relative said they hoped the police investigations will lead to the arrest of the murderers and probably establish the motive.

The source said the family was disappointed that no-one from Mr Tsvangirai family or the MDC-T party had visited or contacted the family following their daughter’s death, yet she was taking care of the late MDC-leader while in hospital.

Convicted rapist and former Member of Parliament for Bikita West Munyaradzi Kereke  has had three years of his 10-year sentence cut by prison officials on account of good behaviour, the Daily News can report.

The businessman has also been removed from the D Class section at Chikurubi Maximum Prison to Connemara Open Prison, which is meant for male inmates.

This emerged in a court application in which Kereke is seeking bail pending appeal based on changed political circumstances.

Kereke, a former advisor to then Reserve Bank of Zimbabwe governor Gideon Gono, was jailed after being convicted for raping his then 11-year-old relative, following private prosecution proceedings.

He was jailed after a long legal battle that took about six years.

Efforts to have him prosecuted through the normal court process had hit a brick wall after the State claimed there was no sufficient evidence to proceed with the matter.

He was eventually prosecuted privately after an order was given to the then Prosecutor-General Johannes Tomana to issue a certificate for private prosecution.

In his latest application, Kereke told the court that the Zimbabwe Prisons and Correctional Services (ZPCS) has, taking into account his exemplary behaviour, reclassified him from the D Class and he now qualifies to be admitted to Connemara Open Prison.

“That entitles him to occasionally be with his family. The conditions pertaining to the grant of bail have accordingly drastically altered. An applicant who is effectively entitled to serve his sentence at home is surely entitled as well to bail pending appeal,” Kereke told the court.

“The Zimbabwe Prisons and Correctional Services has further cut 40 months of the sentence he must serve through remissions. In reality, applicant has now directly served 18 months, 48 months were suspended on condition of good behaviour, a further 40 months have been interfered with on remission which leaves applicant with 38 percent of his sentence to serve. The risk of him absconding under the circumstances has been diminished to the point of extinction,” he added.

He said the new political dispensation has an effect on his political persecution.

“The court was also duty bound to consider the ‘political’ angle set up by applicant. It was consistent with the nub of his defence and was not an afterthought as wrongly concluded by the court,” he said.

But the complainant’s lawyer, Charles Warara, is challenging the application in court.

Warara, who is representing the girl’s guardian, Francis Maramwidze, told the court that Kereke was getting special treatment because of his political connections, which he said must be investigated.

He alleged the business had told the trial court that he belonged to the Lacoste faction in Zanu PF and that the persecution he was facing was as a result of that.

“He admitted to be very close to the current president of Zimbabwe (Emmerson Mnangagwa) and as such he might be using that influence in prison to continue his political protection,” Warara said.

He further said Kereke was trying to use the current political system to get out of prison, adding that the change of government cannot amount to changed circumstances in his case.

“He wants this court to be collated and be viewed as sympathetic to him because of the political changes that has taken place in Zimbabwe because he submitted that he is in prison because respondent (Maramwidze) benefited from the old and deposed government and now the current government is connected to him, he must be released,” Warara said.

Warara also said there are fears that once Kereke is released on bail he might never taste jail again by pulling political strings.

“Once he is released, he will never again be taken back because he is connected to the leadership in the government and they have openly stated in public that applicant must be helped out of prison because he was taken to prison through a political outfit notoriously called G40 which he claimed in court was responsible for his political persecution.

“Powerful people in Masvingo Province have declared that applicant is a victim of political persecution who must be assisted to come out of jail. That assistance is now manifesting in the form of reduction of his sentence by Zimbabwe Prisons and Correctional Services…,” the court was told.

Warara further told the court that there was no disclosure to the effect that he had been removed from D Class and that there was need for a prison official to provide a sworn statement confirming the process was done lawfully, adding the changes were a manipulation of the system by powerful government officials.

“Again, this is proof that the coming in of the new political dispensation benefitted the applicant. Applicant gets his sentence slashed by three years, just like that and if he has served two years as he claims, the sentence he has served is less than that which he has had remitted.

“All this needs proof and an investigation by respondent why the applicant has suddenly become such an important prisoner to the current hosts in government. It will become meaningless for the justice system to benefit rapists on the basis that a court sentence can be slashed by prison officials just like that,” Warara said.

Kereke’s lawyers from Mutandiro, Chitsanga and Chitima Attorneys have since written to the presiding judge, Davison Foroma, in a letter dated February 22, 2018, to have the bail application postponed indefinitely.

The lawyers said they would need to respond to issues of remission of sentence and Kereke’s removal from D class.- Daily News

A 17- year old boy who fought a crocodile after it attacked him while he was swimming with friends in Gwayi River in 2016 had his left leg amputated last year following an alleged botched operation.

Mpumelelo Tshuma of Gwayi Range Farm, was 15 years and doing Form Two at Nechilibi High School when the incident happened.
He bravely fought the crocodile together with his brother and five other boys.
Mpumelelo, who missed school last year after sustaining injuries on the left leg, was operated on at Mpilo Central Hospital in Bulawayo.

The leg was unfortunately amputed at the same hospital last November due to complications.

The family is blaming the health institution for the loss of the leg. Mpumelelo said although the pain has subsided, he regrets losing his leg.

“They cut off my leg in November last year because it was giving me problems. I couldn’t walk properly because the leg was twisted after they put a metal in it,” he said.
The leg was amputated below the knee and Mpumelelo now uses an artificial leg.
He said the artificial leg is shorter than the other leg and makes it difficult for him to walk.
Contacted for comment, Mpilo Central Hospital clinical director Dr Solwayo Ngwenya defended the health institution saying the doctors who operated on Mpumelelo did their best.

“Crocodile bites are very bad because it uses a lot of force and as such crushes bones,” he said. He said crocodile teeth could cause untreatable infection and those who survive its attack are therefore lucky. Chronicle

Two men and a woman from Bulawayo who assaulted a man after he failed to pay for the services of a prostitute in Cowdray Park suburb have been fined $100 each.
Malvin Ndlovu (20), Patrick Chabwedzera (24) and Clara Rubaya (20) —all from Cowdray Park — appeared before Western Commonage magistrate Mr Lungile Ncube charged with assault that resulted in their victim sustaining injuries.

Mr Ncube convicted them on their own pleas of guilty. He sentenced them to wholly suspended sentences of six months for good behaviour. The magistrate ordered them to pay a fine of $100 each.
The trio assaulted Mr Christopher Hwariva (25) on Tuesday after he had failed to pay for the services of their roommate Shupikai Sibanda who is a sex worker.

They assaulted Mr Hwariva with fists and an electric cord while he was naked. However, Rubaya told the magistrate that she did not use an electric cord during the assault. “When Shupikai called me into the room, Hwariva was still naked and I took his belt which I used when we were assaulting him,” she said.

Prosecuting, Mrs Memory Ndlovu said on Tuesday at around 2AM, Mr Hwariva hired the services of Sibanda.

She then asked him to send the money to Rubaya’s EcoCash account since she did not have an account.

“After they had finished Rubaya said there was no money in her EcoCash account. That is when she called the other two accused persons and they assaulted the complainant several times with fists and an electric cord all over the body accusing him of not paying Sibanda for her services,” said Mrs Ndlovu.

The court also heard that Sibanda later opened the door and the complainant escaped. Hwariva went to hospital for treatment and a medical report was produced in court as evidence. Chronicle

By Paul Nyathi|  The above picture shows former President Robert Mugabe in his early days as President while also in a scarf which President Emerson Mnangagwa has recently copied.

Zimbabwean villagers who were evicted from Manzou farm in Mazowe in 2015 to pave way for the then first lady Grace Mugabe have reportedly been awarded more than $30 000 as compensation by the court.

The villagers were evicted in spite of a court order granting them reprieve to stay on the farm until government secured alternative land for them.

During the forced evictions, police destroyed homesteads, household furniture and the villagers’ crops, including maize grain and groundnuts, reports said.

Through their human rights lawyer, Noble Chinhau, the villagers led by Leonard Mukoore, demanded compensation for loss of property and dignity they suffered.

In court papers filed at the Bindura magistrates court, the families accused the police of evicting them without a court order.

Chinhau cited Home Affairs Minister Obert Mpofu, Acting police Commissioner-General Godwin Matanga and six junior cops as respondents.

According to local media the Bindura magistrates’ court issued a judgement against Mpofu, police commission and the six junior cops this week.

The court said that Mpofu and the police commissioner were liable for the more than $30 000 compensation.

“We hope that by the end of March this year all judgements will be delivered and we expect the cited authorities to pay the damages as indicated by the court,” said Kumbirai Mafunda from Zimbabwe Lawyers for Human Rights was quoted as saying by Deutsche Welle.- News24

Mutare woman has fled her matrimonial bedroom following incessant forced attempts by her HIV positive husband to have unprotected sex.

Chipo Damba revealed this at the Mutare Civil Courts where she is applying for a protection order against her lawfully wedded husband, Martin Damba.

She told the presiding magistrate, Miss Nyasha Kuture, that she now feared for her life living under the same roof with her husband. Chipo said they both got tested for the HIV and Martin tested positive.

“He says I am his lawfully wedded wife and therefore we should all die together from the virus since he has it. He forces me to be intimate with him without protection,” she said.

She also accused Martin of damaging condoms each time they have sex in attempts to transmit the virus to her.

“Your Worship, against his will, we use condoms for protection but the moment he excuses himself to go to the toilet, he comes back with a broken condom and attempts to use it without my knowledge. He wants us to die together yet he is the one who was promiscuous in our relationship,’’ she said.

Chipo told the court that because she refuses to have unprotected sex with Martin, he now accuses her of being a goblin’s wife and threatens to take her to her parents’ house.

She said the abuses have affected her physically and emotionally, thereby affecting her work as a teacher.

Martin refuted the allegations saying it has been two years since they last shared a bed as husband and wife.

He labelled his wife a liar and ungrateful person. “This woman was uneducated and I sent her to school from Form 3, till she attained the Diploma in Education that she now boasts of.

“Now she wants to take everything away from me. I am a very peaceful person why would I force her to be intimate with me, as peaceful as I am?” said Martin.. –  state media

Embattled  MDC-T vice president, Thokozani Khupe, has vowed that she would not leave the opposition party although she has lost the succession race to Nelson Chamisa.

MDC-T national organiser Abednico Bhebhe told journalists yesterday that Khupe was determined to stay put and preserve her legacy despite being the butt of vicious attacks by party members aligned to Chamisa.

Bhebhe conveyed the message on behalf of Khupe who attended the media briefing but could not address the journalists as she had lost her voice.

This came a day after the MDC-T national council met in Harare and endorsed Chamisa as the party’s substantive leader and 2018 presidential candidate.

The party organ also gave Khupe, Bhebhe and national chairman Lovemore Moyo a seven-day ultimatum to make amends and work with the other leaders or face possible expulsion.
Speaking on her behalf, Bhebhe said Khupe would remain in the party in order to build the nation and leave a legacy that would stand for long.

“Khupe’s stay in the party signifies that even if a man marries other wives, the first wife will remain for the sack of the children and even if she leaves, she will be remembered as a good wife. She is building a nation and soon people will recognize her importance after her departure,” Bhebhe said.

Bhebhe said Khupe wanted to leave a mark and teach people how proper leadership was.

“Khupe wants people to see and learn how things are done in a proper way and proper things are done this way,” he said.

One participant asked Khupe why she was still interested in the party when it has been obvious that she was being side-lined.

“It is up-to you to denigrate yourself. There are a lot of parties out there that admire your strength. It’s up to you if you can leave MDC-T and look for a better place where you can be recognised and maintain your legacy,” Bhebhe said. Newsday

Government is anxious to improve the welfare of the Zimbabwe Defence Forces (ZDF) and other security services amid growing agitation within the 40 000-strong force following delays in paying last year’s bonus and poor conditions of service, it has been established.

Despite coup-proofing — creation of structures and taking measures to limit the possibilities of a coup — the military pressured out former president Robert Mugabe last November after 37 years in power. He was succeeded by President Emmerson Mnangagwa.

Military sources told the Zimbabwe Independent this week that the army is moving to address transport problems experienced by soldiers, review salaries and provide better housing for the troops as part of sharing the spoils of Mugabe’s toppling. It is also running around to pay bonuses. At least 20 000 houses would be built for the army, a source said.

This comes at a time some restless soldiers have written anonymous letters to recently appointed ZDF commander General Phillip Valerio Sibanda, demanding an improvement in their conditions of service. The troops have been particularly been anxious over the bonuses which they expected to be paid last month.

The restlessness of the soldiers is heightened by the realisation that only the top security brass has so far benefitted from Mugabe’s dramatic ouster. The chief beneficiaries of the removal of the long-serving ruler in the army were former ZDF boss retired general Constantino Chiwenga who is now vice-president in change of the Defence ministry; Sibanda who succeeded him, Zimbabwe National Army commander Edzai Chimonyo who replaced Sibanda, former ZDF chief-of-staff (quartermaster) Sibusiso Moyo now Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Trade and ex-Air Force of Zimbabwe (AFZ) Marshal Perrence Shiri appointed Agriculture minister. As a result of Shiri’s elevation, Elson Moyo came in to replace him.

Former Zimbabwean ambassador to South Africa Isaac Moyo became Central Intelligence Organisation (CIO) boss replacing Aaron Nhepera who was acting.

The biggest losers in the security forces were police commissioner-general Augustine Chihuri who was succeeded by Godwin Matanga.

Mugabe’s head of security Albert Ngulube was also removed, together with many other senior CIO officers. Several army officers in the last two months were also promoted to higher ranks. Twenty lieutenant-colonels were promoted to the rank of colonels this week, while 10 senior AFZ officers elevated.

However, the rank and file of the army — the foot soldiers — are yet to see the benefits of their sweat in removing the then entrenched Mugabe.

Sources said in order to ensure that there is no intensified unrest in the army, the military, which is struggling to improve salaries and benefits, as well as pay bonuses, is moving to build 20 000 houses units which may end up increasing to 60 000 units for soldiers and other security personnel. The military sources said a local building society will partner the military in the construction of low cost houses for the servicemen.

“The initial phase will include construction of 20 000 houses for the soldiers and ultimately the project should yield 60 000 houses for other all security personnel, which means the army, police and other security services,” a senior army officer said.

“A team of senior military commanders has been meeting stakeholders in Zimbabwe and even travelled to South Africa in January to finalise the project. The military will also look at how salaries can be improved, address the transport situation and the touchy bonus issue.”

Currently, the public service wage bill accounts for over 85% of government revenues, suggesting there is no fiscal space to increase salaries and pay bonuses.

Another source said accounts clerks at army units had already calculated and adjusted February salaries in anticipation of either bonus or salary adjustments. However, nothing came.

“Meetings were held and Treasury has committed to urgently address the situation,” a source said.

“Payday had to be moved to Friday (a fortnight ago) from the Thursday then over this issue. Commanders are taking seriously things like anonymous letters written to them. The soldiers who wrote the letters are demanding to also be rewarded for carrying out Operation Restore Legacy which led to Mugabe’s removal. They want a fair share of the spoils. They think that only the top brass benefitted from through promotions, associated remuneration and perks.”

Finance minister Patrick Chinamasa could not be reached for comment as his phone went unanswered. Questions sent to army spokesperson Aphios Makotore were not responded to at the time of going to print.

Early this month, Sibanda ordered soldiers to be on high alert, warning the servicemen against taking bribes from politicians amid concerns that expelled Zanu PF officials, particularly Mugabe’s supporters grouped under the outgunned Zanu PF G40 faction which lost the succession war to Mnangagwa’s clique, are regrouping and could have their own military sympathisers inside.

Last week Treasury promised to announce dates on which the public servants’ staggered 2017 bonuses will be paid. Zimbabwe Independent