By Talent Gondo | President Emmerson Mnangagwa has revealed that the Chinese government has faith in the new administration’s vision and economic agenda.

Zimbabwe’ s current President, who is on his first ever State visit to China ever since assuming power following the November 24 2018 military intervention which deposed former President Robert Mugabe, said his Chinese counterpart, Xi Jinping had pledged commitment to working with Zimbabwe towards creating a new, better and prosperous nation.

“I was delighted to hear President Xi talk of his faith in our vision and economic agenda,” said President Mnangagwa on his facebook page.

“He expressed his commitment to working with our government as we build a new, stronger Zimbabwe.”

President Mnangagwa revealed that during his meeting with President Xi, the two leaders discussed fostering and developing the historic ties between China and Zimbabwe.

“Our discussion centred on developing the existing historical ties of our two great nations for the benefit of both our peoples,” he said.

President Mnangagwa hailed the Zimbabwe China Business Forum adding that such gatherings attended by hundreds of business people from both China and Zimbabwe provided opportunities for industrial and economic growth and employment creation.

“At the Zimbabwe-China business forum, I enjoined hundreds of businessmen and women from both countries to harness the tremendous potential of our great nation towards greater economic growth for all Zimbabweans,” he said.

“Forums such as these help us to bring in the investment we require to create more jobs and develop our new Zimbabwe.”

President Mnangagwa is on a five days State visit to China, his first outside of Africa since assuming power on November 24 2017.

By Paul Nyathi

“All is set for this weekend’s MDC Alliance coalition rally set for Bulawayo’s White City Stadium,” Professor Welshman Ncube the MDC Alliance coalition spokesperson has declared.

In a statement provided to ZimEye.com on Tuesday, Ncube said that the residents of the city are eager to meet with the Alliance leaders and hear Chamisa speak.

Ncube’s statement on the rally preparations is as below:

“Preparations for the Bulawayo MDC Alliance Star rally are at an advanced stage with all Alliance partners busy mobilising masses to attend.

As MDC Alliance, we are encouraged by the overwhelming eagerness and support shown by Bulawayo residents to attend the rally at White City Stadium this weekend. The rally will kick off from 9 AM to 4 PM.

We encourage the people of Bulawayo to come out in their numbers to hear first -hand our presidential candidate Advocate Nelson Chamisa and the other principals deliver a message of hope for the country.

We shall be seeking the support of the people of this great city in achieving our goal of ousting the incompetent Zanu PF government and replacing it with the capable and youthful leadership of Nelson Chamisa in the upcoming election.

This will also be an opportunity for Bulawayo residents and surrounding areas to interact and engage with the MDC Alliance leadership through the various activities lined up in the city on the 7th of April.

Advocate Chamisa and all the other Alliance principals are coming together to pledge that time is up for Zanu PF.

We are focused and committed to ushering a new Zimbabwe that avails equal opportunities to all citizens and more importantly to restore the country’s rightful image among other nations.

We shall continue as an Alliance to comb every corner of this country to wash away all remnants of Zanu PF oppression from the minds of long suffering Zimbabweans.
We are stronger together.

Professor Welshman Ncube
MDC Alliance Spokesperson

Terrence Mawawa

A social media analyst and Zanu PF Youth League member, Brian Mudumi, has sensationally claimed President Emmerson Mnangagwa has sealed mega deals set to turnaround the country’ s comatose economy.

Mudumi, who accompanied Mnangagwa to China postulated that Zimbabweans would soon witness a massive economic transformation.

“On the sidelines of the Zimbabwe China- Business
Forum, we met Mr Zhang the Executive Chairman of
Beijing International Exchange Association and we
discussed possible avenues of cooperation with our country’ s
Tourism Sector and exchange
programs with the Zimbabwe- China Youth Forum,” said Mudumi.

“We tasked Legal teams
from both sides to discuss and prepare a MOU to be
signed by the end of the day(today).

We have great hope that
these synergies will go a long way in empowering
the general citizens and our population.

We agreed to
strengthen deeper understanding and cooperation
through cultural and intellectual exchanges,” added Mudumi.

By Talent Gondo | MDC Alliance President, Nelson Chamisa has requested for a meeting with President Emmerson Mnangagwa in a move aimed at promoting constructive dialogue towards national building.

The youthful leader revealed that he had written to Mnangagwa and was waiting for feedback on his request whose aim was to define and frame the parameters and contours of the country’s political discourse.

“In the spirit of national building and promoting constructive dialogue, I have written to President Mnangagwa requesting for a meeting with him.

“I have written to him (Mnangagwa) with the aim of defining and framing the parameters and contours of a national discourse in our country’s politics,” said Chamisa in a statement issued today.

He said because opposition political parties were not a threat to the nation, it was important for them to express their diverse views and contribute towards building a better nation.

“It is important to eliminate insults, animosity and hatred in our national politics. We need neopolitics; the politics of ideas, solutions, policies and national strategies to develop Zimbabwe,” said Chamisa.

He revealed that he was yet to hear from President Mnangagwa on the exact dates of the meeting.

Below is the full Easter statement issued by Chamisa.

Citizens, revolutionary and convivial greetings to you all.

We are just coming from the Easter holidays and I am deeply pained by some of my colleagues in the political industry who continue to belittle God and the role of the Church in our communities.

They have turned the church into platforms for rallies, in the process bastardizing the sanctity of the church. This past Easter alone, we saw hordes of politicians pontificating at church gatherings in the process desecrating the true meaning of Easter and the Church.

1. Celebrating the resurrection power of the Cross

The new Zimbabwe that I envision will be characterized by a true and honest separation between the State and the church.

I am a firm believer in the autonomy and independence of the church which must as an institution continue to be the custodian of a country’s values and the true moral compass of a nation.

The church must be a place of unity and peace. We have of late seen the church being reduced to a platform of hate and divisive language. The State or any political party for that matter must never be allowed to contaminate, weaken and compromise the church. Church capture must be vehemently resisted.

2. All roads lead to Bulawayo

On Saturday, the MDC and its Alliance partners move to Bulawayo, the country’s second largest city which features prominently in our vision as the hub and industrial capital of the new Zimbabwe.

In the Easter spirit of the power of resurrection, we are committed to resuscitate Bulawayo as the country’s industrial hub.

The city of Kings and Queens has for long been abandoned, neglected and forgotten—thanks to the legendary ineptitude of the party now occupying the seat of government.

2.1 Devolution is our revolution— To devolve is to involve

In the spirit of devolution encapsulated in our Constitution, we will devolve power to all regions and communities so that local people are empowered to make decisions and to control and benefit from the resources around them.

Devolution is the true involvement of a people in the management of their own affairs and in the new Zimbabwe; we do not wish to continue this Hararenization of key national essential activities and services.
Indeed, to devolve is to involve and in the new Zimbabwe, devolution will be a reality so that all local communities are part of the national governance system.

For me, Bulawayo is special. Bulawayo reclaim its status as the industrial capital of the country and as the centre of innovation.

Zimbabweans need and deserve development. As a country, we need the strands of development to be felt in all corners of the country so that everyone feels they belong. As things stand, a lot of our communities justifiably feel left out of the government matrix of development.

We have to resolve that as a matter of urgency.
To the people of Bulawayo, come let us reason together at the White City Stadium on Saturday.

3. Redefining National Politics

3.1 My meeting with President Emmerson Mnangagwa

In the spirit of national building and promoting constructive dialogue in the quest to find solutions to national challenges, I have written to President Emmerson Mnangagwa requesting a meeting with him.

I have written to him with the aim of defining and framing the parameters and contours of a national discourse in our country’s politics.

It is important to eliminate insults, animosity and hatred in our national politics. We need neopolitics; the politics of ideas, solutions, policies and national strategies to develop Zimbabwe.

I am yet to hear from President Mnangagwa on the exact dates that we will meet.

The MDC is a partner in national development and not a threat. Being on opposing political sides is not enemity but just an expression of the reality of diverse views. After all, it is diversity that makes a nation because diversity strengthens and does not weaken.

In that context, national holidays and national events should be inclusive and not be dominated by a single political party.

Programmes must involve all the stakeholders including the official opposition.
In that regard, I will be initiating a courtesy call by the official opposition on government.

3.2 The national Independence in context

On the 18th of April, the country will be celebrating the country’s independence.

This is the time to pay veneration to our hard-won independence and how the patriotic sons and daughters of this land fought a tenacious liberation struggle to rid the country of racism and colonial rule.

This is the time to seriously reflect on whether as a country we should have a national dress as this would be the fitting occasion to adorn an agreed national dress.

In the new Zimbabwe, the celebration of our hard-won independence will not be a one-day event.

We will introduce an independence month of celebration whose key signpost will include festivities, discussions, seminars, lecture series as well as national tours to important national sites.

While the 18th of April will remain the day for the main event, we have declared April as an independence month to be marked by separate related activities that bestow honour to the sons and daughters of this land—departed or living—with some of them still serving in the country’s institutions such as the army, the police force and the rests of the civil service.
An independent people must think independently. Let it be truly a new dispensation.

If we are open for business, we must be open for new and good politics for the merriment of all Zimbabweans.

At a personal level, I will be engaging in a plethora of activities to honour and commemorate our independence day.

One Zimbabwe, one people.
One Zimbabwe, one future.
One Zimbabwe, one vision.
Behold the new.
God bless Zimbabwe.
God bless Africa

Terrence Mawawa, Masvingo | A local kraal head has openly declared allegiance to Zanu PF in spite of the fact that the Constitution of Zimbabwe clearly spells out that traditional leaders are expected to execute their duties objectively.

Kraal Head Mudemba of ward 7, Masvingo South Constituency is demanding voter registration serial numbers from local villagers, ZimEye.com has been informed.

“Kraal Head Mudemba is intimidating local villagers and he also boasts of having the authority to control police officers,” said a local villager.

Terrence Mawawa | National People’ s Party( NPP) has described the late Winnie Madikizela Mandela as an iconic fighter for the emancipation of black Africans.

Winnie Mandela was married to Nelson Mandela although the two later parted ways.

In a statement posted on Facebook yesterday NPP Spokesperson Jeffryson Chitando described Winnie Mandela as a legendary figure in Africa.

“Rest in peace Winnie Mandela!!!Women are capable leaders!!You led the fight against the
oppressive system. Let Zimbabwean women follow Winnie Mandela’s example and
take up leadership positions. Let us vote for a female President,” read part of the statement.

A serial rapist from Chivi who was last month sentenced to effective 72 years in prison was last week back in court facing another 11 counts that include rape and murder.Charles Matanga Magombedze (31) alias Gora of Chikova Village under headman Madzivire was not asked to plead when he appeared before Masvingo provincial magistrate Mr Langton Ndokera last Thursday.

He was remanded in custody to April 11.

Prosecutor Mr Fidelicy Nyamukondiwa said between December, 2017 and February this year, Magombedze allegedly raped and attempted to rape 11 of his victims that included a 14-year-old juvenile, in Chivi and Masvingo districts.

He allegedly struck one of his victims to death and left another one for dead after raping them.

Mr Nyamukondiwa said on December 22, 2017 Magombedze met a 24-year-old woman who was on her way home from Runde River, grabbed her by the right hand and raped her once before he ran away.

On January 24 Magombedze found another villager at her homestead in Chivi.

The court heard Magombedze forced open the door. He allegedly grabbed the woman by the right hand and raped her once before strangling her to death.

He also took away his victim’s Nokia 1200, an Econet sim card and R200 before he disappeared.On February 21, at Mushai Village under headman Chipindu area in Chivi at around 4PM Magombedze met another woman (35), struck her on the right shoulder with a machete and raped her once before disappearing.

On February 24 around 2AM, in Mhuuro Village under Chief Makovere, Magombedze met a woman and demanded to be intimate with her but she asked to relieve herself.

The woman ran away from Magombedze but he followed, caught up with her and struck her on the shoulder. The woman fell down unconscious and Magombedze raped her five times in that state.

On January 23 around 6AM near Bondolfi Primary school in Masvingo, Magombedze met a 14-year-old juvenile and allegedly demanded to be intimate with her but he left when the girl showed him a blood-stained pad. On February 28 around 3AM, in Vandira Village under headman Madzivire, Magombedzi forced open the door to a room where a woman was sleeping and raped her once.

Last month, Masvingo regional magistrate Mrs Davidzo Malunga sentenced Magombedze to effective 72 years in prison after she found him guilty of eight counts of rape.

Magombedze who looked unfazed during trial on the eight counts of rape left the packed court gallery astounded when he pleaded with the magistrate to pass a death sentence on him.

He claimed evil spirits were tormenting him, adding his target was to have unprotected sex with 500 women.

He said he had been initiated into satanism and was thriving on drinking human blood and having unprotected sex.- state media

The MDC Alliance structures are busy on the ground mobilising for the next rally of the MDC Alliance led by advocate Nelson Chamisa.

On Monday, in Harare, Yvonne Musarurwa and two comrades were sentenced to twenty years in prison. Photos show Yvonne Musarurwa immediately after the sentencing, and she’s smiling, perhaps laughing. As it was in Hades and then Algeria, so in Zimbabwe today, “The struggle itself towards the heights is enough to fill a woman’s heart. One must imagine Yvonne Musarurwa happy.”

In 2011, 29 MDC-T supporters were arrested on suspicion of having killed a police officer. In 2013, 21 were acquitted because of lack of evidence. There was no evidence, and yet they remained behind bars, in Chikurubi, some for more than two years. The High Court Judge Chinembiri Bhunu took great pains to discuss the case of human rights activist Cynthia Manjoro. Manjoro had been released on bail in 2012, after a State witness testified that Manjoro had been arrested “as bait” to lure her boyfriend into a trap. Cynthia Manjoro spent May 2011 to October 2012 in prison. That left eight in the hellhole of Chikurubi. In August 2013, Rebecca Mafukeni died … or was killed. Rebecca Mafukeni had meningitis, she was clearly deteriorating quickly when the judge repeatedly refused bail and all appeals for medical attention were rejected.

Yvonne Musarurwa was with Rebecca Mafukeni in Chikurubi Prison and recalled the ordeal: “The first weeks in police custody were the toughest. We were being interrogated, beaten and tortured. I’ve never felt so much pain in life before. I sustained a broken hand; lacerations all over the body and the only thing I got for all that were a few tablets of paracetamol. They said we were MDC and that there was every chance we would influence the other prisoners and clash with others from ZANU PF. This is why they kept us in solitary confinement. The conditions though were very bad. We stayed in cells that had raw sewage passing through and we cleaned that up using our bare hands. That was the most difficult part and I told myself the day Zimbabwe is free from tyranny, I will personally go to the Minister of Justice and those in charge of prisons to tell them exactly what needs to be done.”

That was 2013. This week, three years later, Yvonne Musarurwa, Tungamirai Madzokere, and Last Maengahama were sentenced to 20 years, despite eyewitnesses stating in court that the three were innocent, despite a complete lack of evidence, despite video evidence that Last Maengahama was in a church miles away when the officer was killed. According to Beatrice Mtetwa, who leads the defense team, the three were convicted based on the doctrine of common purpose, an archaic doctrine by which one may be found guilty of another’s crime. The State went to great lengths to convict Yvonne Musarurwa and her colleagues.

Yvonne Musarurwa is 29 years old. She has spent the last five years in the clutches of the State for a crime she never committed. How many more years until Yvonne Musarurwa, and the rest of Zimbabwe, are freed from prison for a crime they never committed? In Zimbabwe, the State is the crime. For now we must continue to imagine, and see, Yvonne Musarurwa smiling, knowing exactly what needs to be done.- WomenAnd Beyond

Terrence Mawawa | Some political analysts are calling on MDC leader, Nelson Chamisa to seek advice from former President Robert Mugabe while some observers are cynical about such a move.

Mugabe who was forced to step down following a military takeover in November last year emerged out of his cocoon two weeks ago and accused his former deputy, Emmerson Mnangagwa of staging a coup d’etat to topple him.

Mugabe’s latest remarks reveal the nonagenarian is a bitter man.

The formation of the New Patriotic Front also indicates the wily politician is likely to embrace anyone who wants to confront Mnangagwa.

Some political analysts believe Chamisa has to meet Mugabe to get advice on how to defeat Mnangagwa while some observers are deeply sceptical of such a move.

Josiah Patsanza commented on Facebook: ‘It’s one of the best things to do, Mugabe is one of the most influential elders in this country, it would shake ED to the core.”

On the other hand Kevin Maeka responded”: It would throw Zanu PF and E.D. into confusion agreed. But it would be stupid politically.

Mugabe is still hated by the majority of the population and he is unrepentant.

To be honest even E.D. is saying “The past is dead” But that is a slightly different matter. Nelson Chamisa should leave Bob alone.”

“I have no grain of sympathy for that old man and such advice comes from Zanu PF
kuda kusvibisa Nero,” said Manasa Bera.

Chances of opposition political parties forming a grand coalition to battle with Zanu PF at the forthcoming polls are narrowing to zero with more and more disjointed alliances emerging each day.

While opposition leaders concur that the only way to end Zanu PF’s rule is through a combined effort to be carried out through a grand coalition, time seems to be running out for over 100 political parties that are seeking to end the ruling party’s 37 years in power.

Zanu PF has been in power since 1980 when the country got its independence from Britain and has over the years been accused of running down the economy and dragging Zimbabweans to record poverty.

But as each day passes, the dream of bringing all the opposition political parties together to field a single presidential candidate, while sharing parliamentary seats among the parties is becoming close to a nightmare, with high chances it will not come to fruition on time, if ever it will.

Political analysts have said time is of essence in this cumbersome quest to bring minds of different political figures on the same page.

Political analyst Maxwell Saungweme told the Daily News that the prospects of a grand opposition coalition were slim as all political parties in the opposition have different interests while some are mere plants of Zanu PF.

He said some of the opposition parties are not even aiming to be the next government but are contend with the official status of being opposition.

“The main opposition party has shown it’s incompetence in coalition building and its lack of internal democracy and lack of tolerance for divergent views. How can such an intolerant outfit lead a grand coalition?” he queried.

“At the same time, the other coalitions are plagued with same problems — lack of internal democracy and intolerance to divergent views. You also have an army of independent candidates who don’t feel they have to relate to any party or coalition.

“At best, the situation lands itself to five or so coalitions of opposition and not one grand coalition. The dream of a grand coalition is as far flung and a long shot as (Nelson) Chamisa’s bullet train dream. It’s not something that can be achieved in a short-term but in a few decades,” added Saungweme.

Already, several coalition groups have emerged Among these are MDC Alliance, a grouping of seven political parties headed by Chamisa, the MDC leader; the People’s Rainbow Coalition, led by National People’s Party (NPP) president Joice Mujuru and Coalition of Democrats led by Elton Mangoma.

Mujuru’s party has made it clear that it would need an equal representation of all the political parties involved.

This alone will create problems especially with parties such as the MDC, which might need a large stake for commanding the highest number of supporters in the opposition.

Rashweat Mukundu, a political analyst, said there are a lot of opportunists in the opposition, which makes it difficult for the members to speak with one voice.

He said while a grand coalition is an important political vehicle to avoid splitting votes and galvanise the opposition message in challenging Zanu PF, in the Zimbabwean case not much thought has been put into the meaning of coalitions and the value they add to the political contest.

Instead, what the country has are groups of political leaders some who are free riders and also opportunistic party leaders seeking office.

“Coalition parties would normally bring historical legacy or something tangible to the table and so far none seem to meet this mark apart from MDC, (Tendai) Biti and Welshman (Ncube). So the existence of many parties is not a hindrance to coalitions as long as those coalition parties are viable in their own right,” said Mukundu.

“This is not the case with many parties apart from MDC, People’s Democratic Party (PDP) and the MDC led by Ncube. The rest are untested and almost adventure movements hoping to strike a chance at political office”.

Mukundu said the squabbles in the MDC Alliance are the clearest indication that alliances must be based on what you bring not what you will get.

“And the MDC Alliance needs a thorough review before the elections dropping free riders and responding to the hard questions of what each party brings to the table,” he said.

The major sticking points that have rendered the coalition to face serious hurdles include the issue of the name of the alliance, who would lead and how the seats will be allocated.

For example, the NPP wants a coalition that has an all-inclusive; name, logo, symbol and slogan, which are neutral and not derived from one or some of the coalescing parties.

Those that will be contesting as independent candidates have also created their own group known as People’s Own Voice.

While the confusion is stinking high, the chances of returning to sanity and build a tangible thing are also slowly vanishing.

This is also happening at a time when the leading opposition political party, the MDC is also dogged with a serious leadership crisis that is set to throw its own fair share of confusion.

Chamisa and Thokozani Khupe are fighting tooth and nail over the party’s leadership position.

Khupe has reportedly registered with the Zimbabwe Electoral Commission as MDC’s presidential candidate, in a move that will create more problems for the party and the opposition as a whole.

While, there seems to be no light at the end of the tunnel, political analyst Shakespeare Hamauswa said the chances for these parties to work together are still there, adding that a single day is long in politics.

“In politics a day is too long for things to happen. It is still possible that most serious opposition parties can join hands. Since there are different coalitions, there can be coalition of coalitions. What is needed is the support of experienced facilitators to negotiations. Squabbles in MDC are normal and the good thing is the anti-Alliance members were booted out while concerns of those who remained were addressed through opening up all seats for open contest,” Hamauswa said.

However, the situation on the ground shows that for Hamauswa’s averment to be achieved, it will take more than commitment and is nothing short of a miracle.

Obert Gutu, who is associated with the Khupe camp, has made it clear that there is no room for negotiation with Chamisa, whom he accuses of illegally grabbing power.

“Some of us have always belonged to the MDC-T that respects and upholds the basic tenets of the party constitution. We are not going to waiver our well-grounded principles and convictions simply to go with the wind. No! We will, never, ever do that.

“We cannot bend the rules simply because that looks and feels convenient to do. We don’t want to create another dictatorship. It is as simple as that. Anyone who thinks that they can bulldoze us into giving up our firmly held principles on democracy and constitutionalism is dreaming. That is not going to happen,” Gutu said.

This flies in the face of togetherness, which the parties are seeking build and achieve.

Some of the coalition members still believe the parties will find one another along the way in time for the elections, pointing out that those that will not toe the line stands to lose out.

The Ncube-led MDC said the dream is to bring everyone to the “big tent”.

“Efforts are still being made to have everybody on the train. Time is ticking away for those parties outside the cage. Those setting conditions risk being left behind. The MDC Alliance is the only game in town and president Nelson Chamisa is the people’s choice. The Alliance has to continue with its journey to the promised land with or without comrades outside the cage.

“The MDC has been calling for a grand coalition for some time. Party structures gave MDC president Welshman Ncube the mandate to see and listen to political players in Zimbabwe. The MDC is behind Nelson Chamisa and the Alliance at the moment,” the party’s spokesperson Kurauone Chihwayi told the Daily News.

The other MDC Alliance member, PDP led by Biti, echoed Chihwayi’s sentiments, saying the door is still open for other political parties to join.

“We have invited all parties to the MDC Alliance and the doors have not closed. What is clear from us is that we have a presidential candidate, and that will remain.

“We have a name for the alliance and that will remain. We have the key elements of the coalition in place we need those that are unseeing to come on board,” PDP spokesperson Jacob Mafume said.- Daily News

 

Tensions are high in all the country’s political parties as they prepare for primary elections to elect their candidates for the crucial Parliamentary elections to be held by August this year. One particular constituency that has had social media in full debate is Harare West held by lawyer Jessie Majome. Majome is faced with a fresh challenge from activist Joana Mamombe. The two will fight it out at the primary elections sources say the date will be announced soon. Majome has launched a social media campaign #myhararewest. Below is her first tweet.

 

Wow! I serve an amazing constituency, over 28000 Hre Westerners registered to vote during the BVR process according to @ZECzim . Twice the number of voters in the 2013 General Election. Thank you Harare West! BIG UP to all the volunteers/sponsors/commissioners #MyHarareWest pic.twitter.com/6MHKf2CtUy

— Jessie F. Majome (@JessieFMajome) April 3, 2018

By Paul Nyathi

Prophetic Healing Ministry leader Prophet Walter Magaya has appeared in court facing charges of rape, unlawful termination of pregnancy and obstructing the course of justice.

Magauya appeared before Justice Amy Tsanga at the start of his trial at the High Court in Harare on Tuesday morning.

Magaya’s lawyer Advocate Thabani Mpofu tried to get the court to dismiss the allegations against Magaya and was turned down.

Allegations against Magaya are that sometime in June 2015 he had un-consectual intercourse with the complainant and got her pregnant before the prophet asked her to use a pregnancy termination pill.

When his issue began being invested, Magaya paid the complainant $100 000 in a bid to stop her from testifying against him.

The matter was postponed to the 25th of April for continuation with trial.

Advocate Nelson Chamisa | Fellow citizens, revolutionary and convivial greetings to you all.

We are just coming from the Easter holidays and I am deeply pained by some of my colleagues in the political industry who continue to belittle God and the role of the Church in our communities.

They have turned the church into platforms for rallies, in the process bastardizing the sanctity of the church. This past Easter alone, we saw hordes of politicians pontificating at church gatherings in the process desecrating the true meaning of Easter and the Church.

1. Celebrating the resurrection power of the Cross
The new Zimbabwe that I envision will be characterized by a true and honest separation between the State and the church.

I am a firm believer in the autonomy and independence of the church which must as an institution continue to be the custodian of a country’s values and the true moral compass of a nation.

The church must be a place of unity and peace. We have of late seen the church being reduced to a platform of hate and divisive language. The State or any political party for that matter must never be allowed to contaminate, weaken and compromise the church. Church capture must be vehemently resisted.

2. All roads lead to Bulawayo
On Saturday, the MDC and its Alliance partners move to Bulawayo, the country’s second largest city which features prominently in our vision as the hub and industrial capital of the new Zimbabwe.

In the Easter spirit of the power of resurrection, we are committed to resuscitate Bulawayo as the country’s industrial hub.

The city of Kings and Queens has for long been abandoned, neglected and forgotten—thanks to the legendary ineptitude of the party now occupying the seat of government.

2.1 Devolution is our revolution—    To devolve is to involve
In the spirit of devolution encapsulated in our Constitution, we will devolve power to all regions and communities so that local people are empowered to make decisions and to control and benefit from the resources around them.

Devolution is the true involvement of a people in the management of their own affairs and in the new Zimbabwe; we do not wish to continue this Hararenization of key national essential activities and services.

Indeed, to devolve is to involve and in the new Zimbabwe, devolution will be a reality so that all local communities are part of the national governance system.

For me, Bulawayo is special. Bulawayo reclaim its status as the industrial capital of the country and as the centre of innovation.

Zimbabweans need and deserve development. As a country, we need the strands of development to be felt in all corners of the country so that everyone feels they belong. As things stand, a lot of our communities justifiably feel left out of the government matrix of development.

We have to resolve that as a matter of urgency.
To the people of Bulawayo, come let us reason together at the White City Stadium on Saturday.

3. Redefining National Politics
3.1 My meeting with President Emmerson Mnangagwa
In the spirit of national building and promoting constructive dialogue in the quest to find solutions to national challenges, I have written to President Emmerson Mnangagwa requesting a meeting with him.

I have written to him with the aim of defining and framing the parameters and contours of a national discourse in our country’s politics.

It is important to eliminate insults, animosity and hatred in our national politics. We need neopolitics; the politics of ideas, solutions, policies and national strategies to develop Zimbabwe.

I am yet to hear from President Mnangagwa on the exact dates that we will meet.
The MDC is a partner in national development and not a threat. Being on opposing political sides is not enemity but just an expression of the reality of diverse views. After all, it is diversity that makes a nation because diversity strengthens and does not weaken.

In that context, national holidays and national events should be inclusive and not be dominated by a single political party. Programmes must involve all the stakeholders including the official opposition.

In that regard, I will be initiating a courtesy call by the official opposition on government.

3.2 The national Independence in context
On the 18th of April, the country will be celebrating the country’s independence.
This is the time to pay veneration to our hard-won independence and how the patriotic sons and daughters of this land fought a tenacious liberation struggle to rid the country of racism and colonial rule.

This is the time to seriously reflect on whether as a country we should have a national dress as this would be the fitting occasion to adorn an agreed national dress.
In the new Zimbabwe, the celebration of our hard-won independence will not be a one-day event.

We will introduce an independence month of celebration whose key signpost will include festivities, discussions, seminars, lecture series as well as national tours to important national sites.

While the 18th of April will remain the day for the main event, we have declared April as an independence month to be marked by separate related activities that bestow honour to the sons and daughters of this land—departed or living—with some of them still serving in the country’s institutions such as the army, the police force and the rests of the civil service.

An independent people must think independently. Let it be truly a new dispensation. If we are open for business, we must be open for new and good politics for the merriment of all Zimbabweans.

At a personal level, I will be engaging in a plethora of activities to honour and commemorate our independence day.

One Zimbabwe, one people.
One Zimbabwe, one future.
One Zimbabwe, one vision.
Behold the new.
God bless Zimbabwe.
God bless Africa

Advocate Nelson Chamisa is the MDC President and the MDC Alliance Presidential candidate.

Statement | Transform Zimbabwe President Jacob Ngarivhume has called for unity of purpose amidst recent challenges that have rocked the MDC Alliance. He was speaking at a TZ structures meeting held over the weekend in Harare.

The meeting was attended by hundreds of TZ members from structures within Harare Province in Waterfalls. The meeting was part of the feedback meetings the TZ president is doing with all TZ structures after the resolutions passed at the historic TZ Inaugural Congress held on the 24th of March in Harare.

The TZ leader said to the structures, “We have submitted the concerns which you raised at the Congress to the MDC Alliance Principals forum and they are being looked into. We will come back to you when we have received the response.

As Transform Zimbabwe, we remain committed to the Alliance Agreement. We believe it is the best option available for Zimbabwe to dislodge the cruel ZANU PF regime from power.”

The MDC Alliance has been rocked of late by allegations of bullying and imposition of candidates by the MDCT in constituencies allocated to fellow Alliance partners. This is in direct violation of what was agreed in the Alliance agreement signed on the 5th of August 2017.

When asked for comments on the sidelines, Ngarivhume said “Yes, there has some challenges in the Alliance but this is normal in any democratic environment. Challenges are expected where seven different political parties come together. However, we choose to concentrate on what unites us than what separates us.

As Principals we remain focused and committed to making sure that the Alliance works. We cannot let slip this golden opportunity to free Zimbabwe from the cruel ZANU PF hegemony once and for all.

The people of Zimbabwe have suffered for too long and they deserve to be liberated and to live a better life. This is what caused us to overlook our differences as political parties and form the MDC Alliance. This is the vision which guides us and which we will pursue until it is achieved.

The MDC Alliance has the capacity to deal with issues we raised and we are confident that these issues will be addressed timeously and in the spirit of working together towards our common goal of freeing Zimbabwe.”

Ngarivhume pointed out that they will continue to participate in all Alliance programs. Yesterday an Alliance meeting was held in Bulawayo at the MDC T offices where provincial chairpersons from all the Alliance partners attended.

Ngarivhume also revealed that TZ was mobilising for the Alliance Rally to be held in the city of kings this coming weekend. He will address the rally together with other Principals.

By Paul Nyathi

The Bulawayo Province MDC-T faction under the leadership of Nelson Chamisa has come down hard on party members suspected to be aligned to the faction led by Thokozani Khuphe.

The provincial executive dismissed with immediate effect at least 17 members from the party after they were suspected to be involved with the Khuphe faction.

The diamissed officials include provincial secretary Nomvula Mguni, women’s assembly chairperson, Tamani Moyo, local government secretary, Aleck Gumede, information and publicity secretary, Beauty Lifa, Mildred Reason Mangena, Ward 18 chairperson, Mildred Ncube, ward 29 chairperson, Emmelia Moyo, district organiser, Samson Mubemi Magwegwe, and Dorcus Ncube.

Also fired are party youth Mqondisi Balanda Moyo, Alfred Dzirutwe, Sphathisiwe Moyo, Nkanyiso Mabhena, Sibongile Moyo, a Stanley and a Sbyleen.

The MDC-T axe also fell on the party’s district women’s assembly chairpersons from Makokoba, Mpopoma, Njube-Lobengula, Pumula and Magwegwe.

These are Edward Simela (Mpopoma/Pelandaba main wing district), a Masuku (Nkulumane main district), Mavis Mlilo, Flora Gumbo, a Matshazi, a Chingundla and a Ponah, who are general members.

Provincial spokesperson Felix Magalela Sibanda confirmed the development in a statement, accusing the axed officials of snubbing party programmes, among other allegations.

“On March 25, the provincial executive fired some errant MDC-T members from the party. Those who are either MPs or councillors will be recalled from Parliament or council, whatever the case maybe,” he said.

“They were fired primarily for putting the party into disrepute and disregarding national council resolutions, failure to attend party meetings and programmes,” he said.

The purge comes a few days after the MDC-T national council fired Khupe, former national organising secretary, Abednico Bhebhe and former national spokesperson, Obert Gutu, for refusing to recognise Chamisa’s appointment as substantive party leader following the death of its founder, Morgan Tsvangirai in February this year.

“It was resolved that all in Parliament or council should be recalled, henceforth. For all fired have the right to appeal within 14 days.

Prophetic Healing and Deliverance ministry leader Walter Magaya has pleaded not guilty to rape, unlawful termination of pregnancy and obstruction of justice charges as his trial kicked off today before High Court judge Justice Amy Tsanga.

The State, led by Prosecutor General Ray Goba, successfully argued against the defence team led by Advocate Thabani Mpofu who had earlier challenged the laying of charges saying it was defective as there was no criminal offence disclosed in the charge.

The State indicated in its summary of prosecution that it would summon at least eleven witnesses to testify against Magaya.

PG Goba also made an application to have Magaya given restrictions as he alleged that the accused had been interfering with State witnesses. Goba said Magaya was facing serious charges hence should have his bail conditions reinstated despite a court order terminating them.

Justice Tsanga ruled that the court order terminating Magaya’s bail conditions should stand because the State had no compelling case against accused in the matter.

Magaya is alleged to have raped the complainant sometime in June 2015 before giving her a pregnancy termination pill to ingest. Further allegations are that the defendant, realising that the matter was being investigated, reportedly deposited US$100 000 into the complainant’s CBZ Bank account number 09124212590012, allegedly to interfere with investigations.

The matter is set to continue on April 25.- state media

Statement | Preparations for the Bulawayo MDC Alliance Star rally are at an advanced stage with all Alliance partners busy mobilising masses to attend.

As MDC Alliance, we are encouraged by the overwhelming eagerness and support shown by Bulawayo residents to attend the rally at White City Stadium this weekend. The rally will kick off from 9 AM to 4 PM.

We encourage the people of Bulawayo to come out in their numbers to hear first -hand our presidential candidate Advocate Nelson Chamisa and the other principals deliver a message of hope for the country. We shall be seeking the support of the people of this great city in achieving our goal of ousting the incompetent Zanu PF government and replacing it with the capable and youthful leadership of Nelson Chamisa in the upcoming election.
This will also be an opportunity for Bulawayo residents and surrounding areas to interact and engage with the MDC Alliance leadership through the various activities lined up in the city on the 7th of April.

Advocate Chamisa and all the other Alliance principals are coming together to pledge that time is up for Zanu PF. We are focused and committed to ushering a new Zimbabwe that avails equal opportunities to all citizens and more importantly to restore the country’s rightful image among other nations. We shall continue as an Alliance to comb every corner of this country to wash away all remnants of Zanu PF oppression from the minds of long suffering Zimbabweans.
We are stronger together.

Professor Welshman Ncube
MDC Alliance Spokesperson

Doctors who have been on strike since the beginning of last month, said they are resuming work today.

Some departments at major Government hospitals such as Mpilo Central Hospital in Bulawayo had been shut down as a result of the strike.

The industrial action was called off during the Easter holidays and the doctors said they are resuming work today.

In a statement, Zimbabwe Hospital Doctors’ Association said they had finally reached an agreement with the Health Services Board after President Mnangagwa intervened.

“Procurement of essential medicines and drugs is in motion and we expect an improvement soon so that we offer quality health care to patients. There was an upward review of on call allowances,” said Dr Ngwenya.

He said doctors will work hard and continually review the situation until the attainment of regional and international standards despite the limitations in the economy.

“Should the Health Services Board fail to honour the agreement, we will have no choice but to express our grievances again. We would like to thank His Excellency, Cde Mnangagwa for his intervention and swift action hence doctors will report for work in their numbers,” said Dr Ngwenya.

He said the process of procuring equipment and medicines was underway and doctors were aware of the shortage of foreign currency hence were not expecting change overnight.

United Bulawayo Hospitals (UBH) clinical director Dr Narcisius Dzvanga said everything will normalise today.

“No one comes from strike on a holiday and doctors will report for work tomorrow (today). The strike ended during a holiday and no one had put them on duty hence everything will normalise tomorrow,” said Dr Dzvanga.

His Mpilo Central Hospital counterpart Dr Solwayo Ngwenya said he was grateful patients will from today be able to access the out patients department which had been closed.

“These developments came by during a holiday and people had travelled before knowing about the end of the strike hence we expect all doctors to report for work tomorrow. We had made rosters to stretch up to April 3 to cover the holidays. All our departments will be fully operational tomorrow,” said Dr Ngwenya.

Community working group on Health director Mr Itai Rusike said the end of the strike will bring relief to members of the public who were failing to access health services.

“The month long strike action had a serious impact on the already strained health sector which does not have enough medical personnel, drugs and equipment. Never again should we put our people at risk by failing to dialogue and agree on issues of national importance,” said Mr Rusike.

He said the Government needs to strengthen its labour dispute handling procedures for the essential services in order to avoid unnecessary pain, suffering and avoidable deaths.

“I hope the agreement signed by the Government and the doctors will address the root causes of perennial job action and also take into consideration other health professionals to avoid nurses also downing tools. Zimbabweans need to know, how much has been collected from the Health Levy and what it has been used for as the doctors were also complaining about the general absence of tools of their trade at Government hospitals.”- state media

A 21 year old Zambian lost an arm and sustained multiple fractures after he was allegedly attacked by three domesticated crocodiles when he jumped into their pool in Victoria Falls.

Mr Collin Peter Stewart Miller (21), who is suspected to have been drunk, allegedly bulldozed through a restricted area and climbed over a protective fence into the reptiles’ enclosure on Thursday around 9PM.

He was reportedly in the resort town to attend a friend’s wedding. Witnesses said two locals bravely jumped into the enclosure and rescued Mr Miller.

“Mr Miller who lost his left arm, sustained fractured ribs and injuries on the head, was immediately airlifted to South Africa,” said a witness.

Yesterday he was reported to be in a stable condition at an unnamed private health facility in the neighbouring country.

The incident, which has become the talk of the resort town, occurred at The Victoria Falls River Brewing Company.

The company’s director Mr Mike Danes declined to talk about the incident.

“I can’t talk about the issue because the people concerned who are from Lusaka, said they don’t want it in the Press. You can talk to the police because we made a report,” said Mr Danes.

Earlier the company had released a statement chronicling how the incident occurred.

“On Thursday evening a member of the public deliberately climbed over a protective fence and entered the crocodile pool which houses three crocodiles, deliberately putting his life in extreme danger.

“He was rescued by incredible efforts of two very brave men including an employee of the Cage Diving Company. He sustained several injuries including loss of arm. The River Brewing Company wishes him a very speedy recovery and we are grateful to the quick thinking and bravery of his rescuers,” read the statement.

The Victoria Falls River Brewing Company manufactures different kinds of clear beer and also operates a restaurant at the same premises at Busy Island, between Ilala Lodge and N1 Hotel.

The company domesticated three crocodiles at a pool behind the building, which attract tourists in droves.

Mr Miller of 09 Lufwanyana Road, Handworthy Park in Lusaka, Zambia was booked at a local lodge ahead of the wedding ceremony before going on a drinking spree with friends.

He allegedly entered the restaurant kitchen without the knowledge of staff, and exited through a window which leads to the pool.

A news crew visited the premises yesterday afternoon and the three reptiles which can be roughly more than two metres long, were basking in the sun.

Sources gave different versions of the story.

Some allege a drunken Miller removed his shirt and dived into the pool intending to swim unaware that there were crocodiles while some allege he was trying to commit suicide.

“We were shocked when he just stormed into the kitchen despite a sign prohibiting members of the public. He exited through the window and jumped into the pool. The crocodiles immediately pounced on him.

“He is lucky because alert guests quickly followed and rescued him but one of the crocs had already cut off his arm.

“The other crocodile nearly crushed his head but it turned away to chase after the one with the arm and that’s how he was rescued,” said a source who witnessed the incident.

Miller was rushed to Chinotimba Medical Centre before being airlifted to South Africa for further treatment. Hwange District Medical Officer Dr Wisdom Kurauone confirmed the incient.

The wedding which was in the resort town, went ahead on Saturday, The Chronicle learnt.

Police could not readily comment.

Meanwhile a fisherman from Binga is battling for life in hospital following a crocodile attack.

Siphiliyano Muleya (30) of Chilila Fishing Camp was attacked at around 6PM on Friday at Masumu River after he had returned to the river to collect his cellphone which he had forgotten in a fishing net.

He was rushed to Binga District Hospital and later transferred to Mpilo Central hospital in Bulawayo.

A source close to the victim said Muleya had walked back to the river alone.

“It is during this time that the croc grabbed his calf and he bled profusely. He screamed for help prompting fishermen who where nearby to rush to his rescue. The fishermen used big sticks to beat up the crocodile until it let go the victim,” said a source that preferred anonymity.

Two weeks ago, only a few pieces of human flesh were recovered after a 52 year old fisherman was devoured by crocodiles in Lake Kariba. A ZimParks team, with the assistance of the police sub-aqua team hunted down the crocodiles and managed to kill one in which pieces of human flesh were recovered.

Matabeleland North police spokesman Inspector Siphiwe Makonese could not be reached for comment.

Ray Nkosi | By the time former President Robert Mugabe was ousted from power his penchant for travelling had become a huge liablity to the country’s economy, spending over $50 million on foreign trips a year.

In 2016 alone according to a financial statement published in the latest government gazette, foreign travel expenses totalled $53.2 million.

Things have not changed under President Emmerson Mnangagwa’s new dispensation, as foreign trips continue to gobble up much needed financial resources. Mnangagwa currently on a state visit to China where he went with a huge entourage is reported to have blown up  to $2.3 million on this trip alone.

Mnangagwa has travelled to 13 countries in five months.

The local Newsday quotes anonymous sources saying, ” Air Zimbabwe had offered to take the presidential delegation to China for $1,9 million but government opted for a luxurious private jet owned by Switzerland-based aviation management company, Comlux at a cost of $2,3 million.

“This probably excludes costs related to the crew for the eight days of the President’s State visit to China,” a source, who spoke on condition of anonymity, said adding Mnangagwa used Comlux’s most prized asset, the VIP Boeing 767.

According to internationally-recognised rating agent, S&P Global, Comlux is rated as an integrated group in the aviation sector specialising in Airbus and Boeing, with the former typically chartered by heads of state, royal families, business leaders or sports teams.

Mnangagwa’s special adviser, Christopher Mutsvangwa said:“It’s a long flight … needs non-stop capacity … Air Zimbabwe flights have no similar capacity, as they have to make a refuelling stop-over. Our bilateral State visit need not needlessly burden third countries with security and protocol.”

Air Zimbabwe acting chief executive officer, Joseph Makonese would also not be drawn into commenting on the matter, claiming he was away on holiday.

“I am not aware because I am on a break. Ask our communications manager, (Tafadzwa) Mazonde,” he said.

Mazonde was not available for comment.

Efforts to get comment from Foreign Affairs permanent secretary, Joey Bimha were futile.

 

MDC Alliance presidential candidate, Nelson Chamisa has savaged politicians who use church gatherings as campaigning platforms to lure votes from congregants, reminding them that such platforms were a preserve of Christianity and not politics.

This comes after President Emmerson Mnangagwa addressed thousands of Zion Christian Church congregants in Bikita recently, where he reminded congregants that the new political dispensation that he is heading is all in God’s plan.

Zanu PF politburo member and secretary for war veterans Victor Matemadanda in another parallel Easter church attendance took to the podium and urged members of the Jekenisheni church to vote for Zanu PF in the coming polls.

In his Easter message, posted on his Twitter account yesterday, Chamisa attacked his political rivals for diverting the purpose of church gatherings and turning them into platforms for scoring political points.

“[I] had a wonderful and prayerful Easter weekend. The blood of Jesus shall never lose its power. Jesus Christ is Lord and Saviour. For me, worship gatherings must never be reduced to being rallies for politics and point-scoring, ”he said.

Matemadanda was unreachable for comment.

The ruling Zanu PF party has consistently come under attack for maintaining its political presence within the religious sects, with members of the apostolic sect having recurrently found themselves on the receiving end of Zanu PF politicians visiting their churches to canvass for support.

By Paul Nyathi

It was all fireworks at Rufaro Stadium in Harare on Sunday when Highlanders stunned a rather weak Dynamos in Castle Lager Premier League match.

Anti riot police had to fire teargas to disperse disappointed rowdy Dynamos supporters who could not come to terms with the loss to their bitter rivals and confirm a bad Easter Weekend for the winless Harare giants.

The restless supporters caused pandemonium at the main gate to the VIP stand demanding explanations from the club’s leadership on the club’s poor run.

Highlanders marched past the equally youthful Dynamos with a simple tap-in by forward Ozias Zibande at the stroke of half-time.

While Dynamos coach Llyod Mutasa and his technical team have been preaching that they are not pressing the panic button yet, some of the supporters are already getting disillusioned and are not sure where the team is headed with continuous losses since the start of the season.

Police had to call for reinforcements as the unruly supporters, who were holding placards and insulting the club’s leadership through disparaging lyrics, blocked the team bus from leaving Rufaro and refused to leave the exit point long after the match had ended.

It was only after the police fired teargas that the disorderly crowd gave in.

By Paul Nyathi

Civil society organisations falling under the banner of the Crisis In Zimbabwe Coalition will this week hold a demonstration in the streets of Harare demanding for President Emmerson Mnangagwa’s government to set up full electoral reforms before the 2018 elections are held.

Crisis In Zimbabwe Coalition Chairman Rashid Mahiya told ZimEye.com in a statement that the demonstration which will be held on Thursday will deliver a petition to the parliament and the Zimbabwe Electoral Commission amongst other institutions.

“The demonstration will target key institutions like the Parliament of Zimbabwe, the Speaker of Parliamemt, ZEC and the Ministry of Justice and Parliamentary Affairs where petitions will be submitted,” he said.

The demonstration which is expected to attract thousands of people from civil society organisations around the country will be echoing messages recently sent out by opposition political parties in calling for a free and fair election set forJuly or August this year.

According to Mahiya, the Civil Society will be protesting against parliament’s disregard of a petition presented to it by the organisations three years ago.

“The protest comes in the wake of the disregard by parliament to the civil society petition submitted three years ago through the Election Resource Centre,” he said.

The organisations will also protest against what Mahiya described as the “Proposed piecemeal reforms to the Electoral Act.”

Amongst the issues also raised by the Civil Society groups is the thorny demand for ZEC to demilitarise its staff compliment and the removal of people within the electoral body known to be directly linked to the ruling ZANU PF.

“We will also protest on the refusal by ZEC to publish a list of personnel employed by the Commission with a special interest on ensuring demilitarization of the Elections Logistics Committee and removal of ruling party functionaries from the secretariat,” he said.

The CSOs will also take swipe at the “continued partisan conduct of traditional leaders and the increasing incidences of intimidation on the electorate,” according to Mahiya

He added that after the demonstration, the Civil Society Organisations will produce a Citizens Election Charter, a Zimbabwe Civil Society Pre-Election Assessment Report and a Civil Society Roadmap to the Conduct of Credible, Free and Fair Elections under a programme called “100% feya feya” as they seek to see a free and fair election.

President Emmerson Mnangagwa has repeatedly assured that his government will this year seek to conduct a credible free and fair election.

His promise came at the back of insistances by the U.S Government that it will only be able to remove sanctions on the country only when credible elections are held.

Meanwhile, former Minister in former President Robert Mugabe’s government Jonathan Moyo is on record vowing that the ruling party will never set up electoral reforms that will see it stand a chance to lose elections.

Terrence Mawawa, Chiredzi| A senior Zanu PF official is the one was forced to run for dear life following violent intraparty clashes here last week.

Francis Moyo, a Zanu PF aspiring Parliamentary candidate for Chiredzi West Constituency was given a violent chase as rogue ruling party elements stoned his vehicle.

According to party sources, the thugs were allegedly sponsored by one Farai Musikavanhu, another aspiring Zanu PF Parliamentary candidate for the same constituency.

“Moyo’s vehicle was stoned by rowdy youths sympathetic to Musikavanhu.

Moyo was forced to run for dear life as the melee ensued,” said a Zanu PF official.

Contacted by ZimEye for a comment, Moyo denied he ran away but he confirmed his vehicle was stoned by unruly party youths.

By Farai D Hove| Renegade expelled MDC Deputy President Thokozani Khupe has postponed her party’s upcoming congress over what she claims are fears of a confrontation with party leader Nelson Chamisa’s MDC Alliance rally.

Her congress was to be held this coming weekend.

In a statement released yesterday, Khupe’s PA, Witness Dube told ZimEye and other media houses that the congress has since been moved to the 21st April 2018.

He said the faction fears violence from the Nelson Chamisa led MDC Alliance as was seen a few weeks before. Below was his letter in full text:

Below was former ZANU PF strategist, Prof Jonathan Moyo’s eulogy of the late Winnie Mandela who passed on on Sunday:

Mama Winnie Madikizela-Mandela was the personification of the audacity of hope in the dark days of apartheid & on occasions when the dreams of the oppressed were shattered in the new South Africa. Her spirit of resilience will reverberate into posterity! #RIPMamaWinnieMandela pic.twitter.com/bw3kahRYqH

— Prof Jonathan Moyo (@ProfJNMoyo) April 2, 2018

Terrence Mawawa| A Shurugwi had the court gallery in stitches after threatening to commit suicide over the payment of a high maintenance figure.

Taurai Matsveru stunned the court when he said he was not in a position to pay $ 80 for the upkeep of his two children.

Matsveru told Magistrate Sangster Tavengwa he would commit suicide if he was forced to pay a high maintenance figure.

“You can send me to prison if possible.I am not prepared to pay the sum of $ 80.

The figure is too high or else I will commit suicide,” said Matsveru.

Despite his threats Matsveru was ordered to pay $ 120 for the upkeep of his children.

Terrence Mawawa, Zaka

Thousands of MDC supporters have been utterly disappointed by the postponement of a party rally scheduled for Jerera Growth Point today.

Thousands of enthusiastic and avid MDC supporters, having travelled from as far as Chiredzi and Gutu, have been stunned by the postponement of the rally.

MDC Provincial Chairperson, James Gumbi, was expected to address the rally.

“My brother this is not a rally, rather it is a district meeting.

I admit there have been serious hiccups but we are trying our level best to rectify the matter,” said an MDC official.

On the contrary, the some party officials maintain the rally has been held at Jerera Growth Point.

Terrence Mawawa

The ruling party has instructed both private and public companies to bankroll the Independence Day Celebrations, it has emerged.

Government sources told ZimEye.com a strategic meeting on the Independence Day Celebrations was held in Beitbridge last week.

The meeting was chaired by Acting Beitbridge District Administrator Kilibon Ndou.

“During the meeting companies were ordered to make contributions towards the Independence Day Celebrations,” said a government official.

Terrence Mawawa

Parents of Ordinary Level candidates who wrote their examinations in November last year at Dadaya High School have concurred to drag ZIMSEC to court for withholding the results over alleged cheating.

According to sources at the school, 57 out of 127 candidates have been affected by the withdrawal of results.

Dadaya High School head, Tamirira Nyasha Shumba confirmed the withholding of O Level results by ZIMSEC.

A member of the School Development Committee said:”Parents have resolved to take the matter to court.We are deeply concerned about the prolonged withdrawal of results. ”

“Our children cannot be punished for ZIMSEC’ s glaring incompetence.This has become totally unacceptable,” fumed one parent.

First Lady Auxillia Mnangagwa has appeared in public for the first time wearing her husband’s trademark scarf. The Mnangagwa’s are on a state visit  in China. 

Media statement: It is with profound sadness that we inform the public that Mrs Winnie Madikizela-Mandela passed away at the Netcare Milpark Hospital, Johannesburg, South Africa on Monday the 2nd of April 2018.

She died after a long illness, for which she had been in and out of hospital since the start of the year. She succumbed peacefully in the early hours of Monday afternoon surrounded by her family and loved ones.

Mrs Madikizela-Mandela was one of the greatest icons of the struggle against Apartheid. She fought valiantly against the Apartheid state and sacrificed her life for the freedom of the country. Her activism and resistance to Apartheid landed her in jail on numerous occasions, eventually causing her banishment to the small town of Brandfort in the then Orange Free State.

She kept the memory of her imprisoned husband Nelson Mandela alive during his years on Robben Island and helped give the Struggle for justice in South Africa one its most recognisable faces. She dedicated most of her adult life to the cause of the people and for this was known far and wide as the Mother Of The Nation.

The Mandela family are deeply grateful for the gift of her life and even as our hearts break at her passing, we urge all those who loved her to celebrate this most remarkable woman.

The family will release details of the memorial and funeral services once these have been finalised.

For more information, contact Victor Dlamini, the Mandela Family Spokesperson, on +REDACTED….

The ‘Ambassador of Happiness,’ a comic character and a politician, Joseph Chinotimba has seen his developmental meetings being oversubscribed as people from all walks of life enjoy his comic statements.

The comedian cum pastor and politician is the sitting Buhera South legislator and he considers happiness as the best natural medicine.

Chinotimba is just gifted with the ability to make people laugh, and many people attend his meetings and rallies just to see and mingle with him.

Chinoz with the people

Such was the mood at the Zanu PF district meeting in Buhera South where he was on the dance floor with his supporters after distributing part of the 40

000 plates he sourced from China.

The supporters who attended Chinotimba’s meetings said his addresses are captivating and make them happy.

The ‘Ambassador of Happiness’ says he is humbled by the jovial mood of his supporters whenever he calls for meetings in his constituency.- state media

Whitlaw Mugwinji | I have been following the Jessie Fungayi Majome versus Joana Ruvimbo Mamombe primary elections debate on social media.

What was supposed to be a very exciting discussion about the contest between these two brilliant female comrades, has been turned into a shame.

Some progressive comrades (male and female), who in the past have been champions, advocating women to enter politics have unfortunately turned misogynistic in their bid to defend their preferred candidate.

Yes, I consider it misogyny to take away Joana’s agency and accuse her of being used by males. Joana is a very capable young woman who is more than able to decide whether to contest or not, on her own.

Can we please return to the real debate on who should represent MDC Alliance in Harare West between these two excellent comrades, not this misogyny.

Zimbabwe is reportedly set to sign a diamond processing deal with Botswana within the next three months, after President Emmerson Mnangagwa met with his counterpart, President Ian Khama, last month in Gaborone.

According to the state-owned Herald newspaper, Mnangagwa was in Botswana on a state visit.

Mnangagwa toured the world renowned Diamond Trading Company (DTC) that would assist Zimbabwe in polishing, cutting and valuing its diamond.

The DTC is regarded as the world’s most sophisticated diamond sorting and valuing hub. Its arrangement with Zimbabwe would likely see the southern African nation sending its vast diamond to Botswana for processing, cleaning and polishing before being sold.

The move would see the country’s diamond make better returns than their current price of $50 per carat, the report said.

Zimbabwe lost more than $15bn in diamond revenue over a 10 year period.

In February 2016, ex-president Robert Mugabemade headlines after revealed that diamonds worth billions of dollars were looted in the eastern mining area of Marange.

Mugabe said at the time that the state treasury received less than $2 billion.

Mugabe’s revelation prompted the country’s opposition parties to call for a thorough investigation into the disappearance of the diamonds.

Movement for Democratic Change spokesperson Obert Gutu said at the time that the disappearance of the diamonds was “very astounding and startling”.- News24

Two Zimbabwean companies, Platinum Agriculture and Princewood Enterprises have sealed three deals to the tune of US$520 million for the procurement of mining, irrigation and other agriculture equipment.

The fourth deal pertaining to public mass transportation for provision of buses is still in the making with Allan Bus public transport system.

Addressing Zimbabwean journalists in Beijing, Platinum Agriculture and Princewood Enterprises Director, Mr Dakarai Mapuranga said the transportation deal signing has been delayed due to the need to make alterations so that the buses become more suitable for the road system in Zimbabwe.

Pertaining to the agriculture and agricultural equipment he said those wishing to access the facilities will do so through their banks under some revolving facility.

“Our week-long visit has yielded positive results for Zimbabwe’s economy. We have sealed a US$400 million deal with China’s Lovol company that produces heavy machinery for agriculture and mining, while a US$40 million revolving facility was secured with Good Agro-Rising for the supply of chemicals for tobacco and other export-oriented crops. Those wishing to benefit will do so through their banks as this is a revolving fund. Let me make it clear that nothing is being given for free like what happened under some previous facilities that have not been paid back,” he said.

Mr Mapuranga added that under the deals, Dayu Corporation will supply centre pivots and drip irrigation equipment at the tune of US$80 million.

Mr Mapuranga said the two companies that are working closely with government ministries chose to support agriculture and mining as the two sectors are the biggest foreign currency earners for Zimbabwe.

The business delegation is accompanied by technical people who are capable of advising the government on the suitable and appropriate technology required in the sectors and avoid a situation where the equipment and machinery is bought without backup.- state media

The Zimbabwe Parks and Wildlife Management Authority has said the killing of a collared bull elephant by a Russian trophy hunter outside Gonarezhou National Park was legal as there is no law that prohibits the hunting of animals under research.
The elephant which was wearing a research tag was shot dead by a Russian trophy hunter on March 7 about 5km outside the Gonarezhou National Park.

In an yesterday, ZimParks spokesperson, Mr Tinashe Farawo, said the hunting was above board.
“That elephant was legally hunted; everything which was done was above board. Yes, it was collared. After the harvesting of the elephant, the collar was returned to the researcher. It’s important for people to understand that we don’t have a law that protects collared animals from being harvested or hunted,” said Mr Farawo.

He said the hunters did not see the collar and mistakenly hunted down the elephant.
“It’s also important to note that when people are harvesting or hunting these elephants it’s difficult to see the collar. By the way it was not harvested in the park. We don’t allow hunting in the park. It was hunted in the safari area and it’s allowed in line with international regulations the CITES and the like,” he said.

Mr Farawo said various stakeholders have been pushing for a law that protects the iconic animals
“Some of the issues that stakeholders are pushing that the researcher or the person monitoring the animal must also communicate with the hunters so that at least these animals are protected. There is no law. Stakeholders are saying let’s have a law,” he said.
“As it is now, harvesting a collared animal is legal in Zimbabwe. Nothing amiss about what happened in Masvingo”.

International media reports say while it is not illegal to shoot animals wearing tags, it is considered unethical. It is reported that the hunters claimed not to have noticed the tag until after the animal was dead.The bull elephant had been tagged inside the national park but had wandered outside the unfenced boundary into an area known as the Naivasha Community Conservancy, which has been set aside for hunting by locals.

Reports say Martin Pieters, ex-chairman of the Zimbabwe Professional Hunters and Guides Association, was leading a legal 14-day excursion near Gonarezhou when the killing happened. Pieters and his Russian client, who has not been named, were with his unarmed friend, two trackers, a parks ranger and a local council representative when they picked up the elephant’s tracks on day six of the expedition.The group began tracking the animal and found it in thick bush, meaning they were not able to see the whole body of the elephant.

Pieters, after seeing the elephant’s large tusks, ordered his client to shoot, the Zimbabwe Professional Hunter and Guides Association says.

The bull had been in the area since around February 20. Pieters had not been made aware of this fact, reports say.

Asked by Netwerk 24 about the loss of the elephant, Pieters said: “It does not matter, the hunt was completely legal.’’

The tag belongs to the Frankfurt Zoological Society which collared elephants in the park in 2009 and again in 2016. It is not clear precisely when this male was collared.The killing of the giant bull follows the killing of Cecil the lion by hunter, Walter Palmer in Zimbabwe in July 2015. The lion was also tagged by researchers. – state media

Former Police Commissioner-General Dr Augustine Chihuri who is facing a $240 000 maintenance suit cannot be located, with the messenger of court and police saying they are not aware of his whereabouts.

Failure by the messenger of court to locate the former top cop has forced his estranged mistress based in Bulawayo Ms Sithulisiwe Mthimkhulu to resort to publishing a notice in the national media to notify him of the summons.
Revelations of the difficulties by the messenger of court to locate Dr Chihuri comes at a time when police have also told Parliament that they were failing to locate him so that he can appear before lawmakers to answer questions related to a diamond mine allegedly owned by the police.

In the maintenance case, Dr Chihuri is supposed to pay $3 655 per term for school fees, $349 in monthly medical aid, and $650 as monthly maintenance for the upkeep of his Grade Four daughter and is reportedly defaulting payment.

The woman is also demanding a lump sum maintenance of $240 000 from the former police boss for the upkeep of his child.

The maintenance case was initially expected to be heard on February 26 this year at the Bulawayo Magistrates’ Court where it was filed but Dr Chihuri did not turn up for the hearing.

In an interview yesterday, Ms Mthimkhulu’s lawyer, Mr Godfrey Nyoni said they were not sure of the former police boss’ whereabouts and had failed to deliver the summons hence they had resorted to a public notice in the press to communicate with him.

“You can’t serve anything on him. They don’t allow anyone at his house. Even to know whether he is in or not you won’t know. The security guards don’t take any letter or anything. We have tried serving him with summons twice and failed,” said Mr Nyoni.
Mr Nyoni said in the event that Dr Chihuri does not respond to the notice the courts were likely to issue a default judgment against him.

In a notice published in the media last Friday, Mr Nyoni said: “Take notice that on the 9th day of April 2018 at 8AM, an application shall be heard wherein applicant will be seeking an order for lump sum maintenance in the sum of $240 000 and for the minor child Shanine Mthimkhulu.

“Further take notice that if you desire to oppose her application, you will need to file your opposing papers before the above stated date and to appear before the magistrate for an inquiry into the above claim. If you do not file any opposing papers or appear in court an order shall be granted against you for the above amount and costs.”

Dr Chihuri has not responded to the court application.
Details of his affair with his former subordinate are contained in a maintenance suit filed at the Bulawayo Maintenance Court under case Number 191 /18.

In her summons, Ms Mthimkhulu revealed that she and the retired police boss have a child together born on July 2 in 2009.

She said Dr Chihuri neglected her from the time she fell pregnant and has failed to take care of his daughter.

“When it was time for us to go and get the child’s certificate, the respondent refused. I ended up doing it all on my own and that is why the child bears my surname and not his,” said Ms Mthimkhulu.

Recently police said Dr Chihuri’s whereabouts are not known as they had failed to locate him to appear before the Parliamentary Portfolio Committee on Mines and Energy.
His successor Commissioner General Godwin Matanga told legislators that he had unsuccessfully tried to locate his former boss.

Dr Chihuri did not turn up for first hearing on March 16 when he was supposed to appear before the committee, along with Comm Gen Matanga, and former Home Affairs Minister Ignatius Chombo. He again failed to turn up on March 23 and this prompted committee chair Mr Temba Mliswa to order Comm Gen Matanga to leave no stone unturned in his search for Dr Chihuri.- state media

By Redley Mugabe|  Preliminary figures collated so far indicate that at least 32 people died and 163 injured in road accidents over the Easter holiday.

A total of 32 fatal crashes were recorded during the Easter break while police noted that this is an increase from 18 people, who perished last year.

Police spokesman Chief Superintendent Paul Nyathi said of yesterday, 265 road accidents were recorded countrywide with 20 of them being fatal.

The Police quoted by the state media, said the mishaps were caused by speeding, inattention and failure to observe road rules among others.