Health and Childcare minister David Parirenyatwa left the Zimbabwe Private Sector HIV/Aids and Wellness board (Zipshaw) launch in stitches on Tuesday after revealing Zimbabweans’ complained about the ‘dwarfish’ Chinese con_doms.

He said private sector should manufacture con_doms not only for Zimbabweans but for export.

Zimbabwe according to UNFPA tops con_dom distribution in Africa but uptake remaining low.

“We used to manufacture syringes, Mazongororo syringes if you remember years ago. We import con_doms from China and some people complain they are too small,” he said with a raucous laughter following thereafter from the attendants

He also reminisced on Zimbabwe’s pharmaceutical heydays.

“We had very big companies in Zimbabwe,CAPS it used to export 48 products and it shrunk. We are now looking for partners We have Datlabs, Varichem, this could be expanded,” said the minister.

Parirenyatwa also said youth fancy certain con_doms which could be a selling point for the private sector should these condoms be manufactured for the region.

“But you know in this region the Southern African region, we have the highest incidence of HIV and AID and we are promoting con_doms. Con_doms both male and female. And the youths have a particular type of con_dom that they like. But we don’t manufacture them. So Mr Manyakara, you want to be a big business, please manufacture con_doms for the region. For the region, and its not beyond us,” he said.

Source: Online

The privately owned Herentals College has been caught in the act spreading litter around the capital. Below was an account by the Harare mayor on how it happened:

By Ben Manyenyeni|  A very different day in the office today – it was high drama, speed-chase in Hatcliffe suburb.

Social media has been awash with a group of private colleges called HERENTALS which is deploying a minimum of two 76-seater buses and some pick -up trucks every day FULL of young MERCHANTS of LITTER, dishing out thousands of flyers city-wide (you think?).

Count 41 jumping out of the back of this small truck

Eyebrows have been raised after more than 80 members of the Zimbabwe National Army sat for and all passed provisional driver’s licence tests conducted at 4.1 Barracks two weeks ago.
It is understood that the soldiers took the licences after an order from a superior in Harare that every soldier must have a licence and now fears are abound that the new drivers are to be used for campaigning in the forthcoming elections by the ruling Zanu PF.
ZNA public relations director Lt Colonel Alphios Makotore referred questions to his junior Captain Francis Chanduru who is based at 4 Brigade. Chanduru neither confirmed nor denied the story but said any soldiers doing driver’s licence courses are doing so to upgrade themselves.
Sources told The Mirror that a letter was read on Parade that the soldiers should get licences urgently as there was a large fleet of vehicles that was coming. Examiners from the Vehicle Inspection Department (VID) then came and conducted learner’s licence tests and all the 80 soldiers who included more than 30 women passed.
The streets of Masvingo are currently a hive of activity with soldiers using their trucks with L plates doing driver’s lessons. A large number of other soldiers are using trucks from Junior Driving School.
Junior Driving School director Noah Marima did not refute allegations that there were a lot of soldiers using his trucks for training. He said the soldiers who were training with his School were like any other ordinary learners.
The Mirror also understands that after completing their learner’s licence courses, the soldiers will go to Plumtree on February 15 where they are going to do road tests and get licences.- masvingo mirror

Tempers flared at a tourism strategy consultative workshop in Mutare when senior officials in the sector traded accusations over their involvement in crafting the tourism vision by former Minister Walter Mzembi.

Director in the Ministry of Tourism and Hospitality Industry Dr Rudo Faranisi took exception to Zimbabwe Tourism Authority chief executive Dr Karikoga Kaseke’s denial of any involvement in the formulation of the tourism sector vision by the ex-minister.

While Dr Kaseke denied involvement, Dr Faranisi insisted he was the advisor to the ex-minister when the strategy was crafted.- state media 

A 23-year-old man bled to death after he was stabbed by a suspected prostitute he had visited following a misunderstanding.

The hooker, only identified as Amai Junior was arrested after she stabbed her ‘client’ Calvin Masamusa, who died in cold blood.

The deceased’s mother, Mbuya Masamusa who was also present at the scene said she had, on several times, warned her son against going to Amai Junior’s lodgings.

“I am in pain that my son’s life had to end this way. I have told him several times to stop going to this prostitute’s house but he never listened to me.

“Two days ago I came here and took him from her but he never paid attention whenever I warned him from visiting this woman.

“She (Amai Junior) would always attack my son; he even had fresh wounds and stiches after he was attacked by her,” she said.

Meanwhile, a close friend to Amai Junior who refused to disclose her identity said Amai Junior stabbed Calvin while defending herself.

“People are saying my friend was Calvin’s prostitute but that is not true, the two have been in a relationship though they met at a night club where Amai Junior was a bartender.

“They have been having fights lately because Calvin was not accepting the fact that my friend no longer loved him.

“He kept on coming to her house demanding sex from her and what happened today is unfortunate but I know Amai Junior was only defending herself.

“Calvin started assaulting Amai Junior when she asked him to give her back the money that she had given him to buy her groceries.

“Amai Junior has, on several occasions, lodged complaints with the police to try and bar Calvin from coming to her house but he kept on coming,” said the source.

The MDC-T-UK and Ireland Province is inviting all Zimbabweans and non Zimbabweans who share our democratic values to a memorial service for the late MDC President Dr Morgan Richard Tsvangirai on Saturday 24th February in Luton.

Dr Tsvangirai is a National hero. He does not require to be conferred the status National hero by a group of persons sitting in an office or boardroom because he already has it. You can’t make him a hero because he already is one. So whether you call him one or not, it has little to no effect.

Ten people can sit down and decide Tsvangirai is not a National hero. But millions, without even meeting, agreed that Tsvangirai is a National hero.

He does not need to be buried at Warren Park Heroes Acre for him to be a hero
Dr Tsvangirai has been buried on a prestigious Heroes Acre, built in the hearts of several millions of Zimbabweans.

Stane Pepu Gonese
MDCT UK & Ireland
Organising Department

Former president Robert Mugabe has broken silence over his resignation from office last November — and on Monday told visiting chairperson of the African Union (AU) Commission Moussa Faki Mahamat — that he stepped down to avoid the country from descending into bloodletting conflict.

Mugabe, who ruled Zimbabwe with an iron fist for close to four decades, “resigned” from the top office on November 21 last year — hours after Parliament had initiated proceedings to impeach him.

This happened after he had refused to leave office during eight tense days that began with the military intervening in the governance of the country.

But for the first time since his inglorious exit from politics, Mugabe who turned 94 years today, on Monday told Mahamat that he gave up power for the sake of peace and development.

“Since it was the first time I was visiting the country, I could not go without meeting him . . . and since (ex) president Mugabe forms part of the heroes who have fought for the continent, he is common heritage for us and he is recognised by the authorities of the country.

“We exchanged views, I found him to be very lucid and he also explained why he had resigned, it is for peace and development of the country . . . , so we appreciated very much and we did discuss very much at ease,” Mahamat, who was on a three-day working visit to Zimbabwe, told journalists yesterday, via an interpreter.

It was the first time that Mugabe had broken his silence from the time his unflappable rule came to an end after the dramatic military intervention on November 15 which culminated his eventual resignation.

The curtain fell on the veteran former Zimbabwe and Zanu PF leader on November 21 when he resigned moments after Parliament had started proceedings to impeach him.

This followed a military intervention code-named Operation Restore Legacy which saw the nonagenarian and his wife, Grace, being placed under house arrest.

Several Cabinet ministers linked to the Generation 40 (G40) faction who had coalesced around Grace were targeted in the operation which ended a week before Christmas, with the soldiers only retreating to the barracks after five weeks of executing the operation.

Among the former ministers who were targeted are alleged G40 kingpins — Jonathan Moyo, Patrick Zhuwao and Saviour Kasukuwere — who are now living in self-imposed exile following the fall of Mugabe.

Moyo and Zhuwao have been publicly and viciously attacking President Emmerson Mnangagwa’s government through social media and interviews with foreign media over the past few weeks.

On his part, Kasukuwere — who is said to be trying to smoke a peace pipe with Mnangagwa’s government — is being linked in some quarters to alleged cloak-and-dagger activities of the mooted National Patriotic Front (NPF), which is also courting opposition parties to take on Zanu PF and its leader in this year’s crucial national elections.

It has been reported that the G40 is allegedly bidding to bring together former vice president Joice Mujuru and the MDC, as part of its wider campaign to stop Mnangagwa from winning this year’s make-or-break elections — whose dates are yet to be announced.

Mujuru, who now somehow enjoys the G40’s support, recently held talks with Mugabe at his “Blue Roof” mansion in Harare — three years after she was sacked from both Zanu PF and government by the 94-year-old.

The NPP leader was ruthlessly cut loose by Mugabe in the run-up to Zanu PF’s 2014 congress, together with other then leading ruling party figures who included former Cabinet ministers Didymus Mutasa and Rugare Gumbo — on untested allegations of seeking to topple the power-addicted nonagenarian.

Mujuru’s meeting with Mugabe coincided with the announcement of the formation of the NPF, which is said to be driven by the exiled G40 kingpins.

Mahamat came to Zimbabwe two weeks after disgruntled G40 stalwarts wrote to regional and continental bodies, the Southern African Development Community (Sadc) and the AU, appealing for their intervention to help Zimbabwe return to “constitutional rule”.

Yesterday, Mahamat said the AU was satisfied with the political developments which brought about the end of Mugabe’s long rein — putting paid to hopes the proponents of the NPF might have been having of delegitimising Mnangagwa’s administration.

“We have said that and everybody has noted that the transition in the country has been a peaceful transition according to the laws of the land and it is the responsibility of the African Union to support and accompany countries in such situations to ensure that there is peace and stability in the country and all others have to respect the sovereignty and the decisions of the country. If there is any unconstitutional change of government then we also have our instruments, we have our rules then it applies in that case,” Mahamat said.

Mahamat, who was accompanied to the press conference by Foreign Affairs minister Sibusiso Moyo, said he was satisfied by his visit to the country, adding that the AU will push for the removal of sanctions against Zimbabwe as a way of improving the people’s economic situation.

During his visit, Mahamat met with Mnangagwa, senior government officials, speaker of the National Assembly Jacob Mudenda and Zimbabwe Electoral Commission chairperson Priscillah Chigumba.

“The African Union is ready to support Zimbabwe in the electoral process and the commissioner for political affairs has met the head of the electoral commission and a team of the African Union will be coming to Zimbabwe so that it will continue to work with that organ, the electoral commission.

“The African Commission is mobilising partners so that they can actively support Zimbabwe in this process and also to have the elections,” Mahamat said.

Since Mugabe’s resignation, Mnangagwa’s government has been consistent in safeguarding the security and interests of Mugabe and his family.

During his appearance at the AU annual meeting in Ethiopia last month, Mnangagwa told the continental leaders that there was no need to worry about Mugabe and his family’s security as they were well-looked after.

Mnangagwa’s government has gone on to give him an eye-watering exit package which includes benefits commensurate with those of a sitting Head of State.

Details of the frail nonagenarian’s massive handshake were announced in the Government Gazette at the end of last year under Presidential Pension and Retirement Packages Notice 2017.- Daily News

A Chinese national and a local business partner on Monday lost $14 500 to armed robbers who intercepted them along the Mutare-Harare highway before they accosted them to their residence, where they stole more money.

Initially, the armed robbers had stolen $8 500 when they hijacked the vehicle in which the pair was travelling. Police spokesperson, Senior Assistant Commissioner Charity Charamba, the gang shot at the Toyota Quantum in which the victims were travelling.

“A Chinese national and his local partner were intercepted by armed criminals, who shot at their vehicle, a Toyota Quantum, and stole $8 500 (bond notes). The criminals forcibly took control of the complaint’s vehicle and drove to Harare, with armed robbers in pursuit with their vehicle, a Toyota Wish,” she said.

“On arrival at the complainant’s residence, the complainants were force-marched into the house where the robbers stole $6 000, which was in the house.”

According to the police, a shootout ensued after police reacted to a distress call, as the robbers were reportedly firing indiscriminately.

Two people, a motorist and a passer-by, were caught in the cross fire. They were rushed to a local hospital, where they are being treated. Police said they had arrested one of the criminals involved, who is assisting them with investigations.

They also warned members of the public to desist from keeping large sums of money, in their homes, as it can attract robbers. Newsday

President Robert Mugabe turned 94 today. Unlike in the past when he enjoyed massive costly birthday bashes, this time round the day has been a quite one. He is pictured with his wife Grace.

By Dorrothy Moyo| MDC Vice President Thokozani Khupe has been told the violence she allegedly tolerated since 2005 has come back to bite her.

Writing on micro blogging website, Twitter, David Coltart former Senator David Coltart, said turning a blind eye on violence was the root cause of the split that cost Movement for Democratic Change (MDC) in 2005.

“Turning a blind eye to violence & intolerance was a root cause of the split in the MDC in 2005.It is a disease created by years of violent rule by ZANUPF which has infected the opposition .Some MDC leaders have toyed with the use of violence , but it always comes back to bite,” he said.

Coltart’s statement comes against the backdrop of protests by Khupe on violence against her at Morgan Tsvangirai’s burial yesterday and as well an announcement by party spokesman Obert Gutu to quit the party.

Gutu said he has disassociate himself with MDC –T

Gutu wrote early morning Wednesday, “BIG ANNOUNCEMENT

“I am not going to continue associating myself with an organisation that advocates for violence and thuggery.

“I’m a principled politician and professional.

“I’m NOT quitting politics.

“I’m going to contest in Harare East constituency in 2018 elections “

Staff Reporter| MDC Acting President Nelson Chamisa has called for justice against those who allegedly attacked Vice President Thokozani Khupe yesterday.

Writing on Wednesday afternoon, Chamisa said,

“Completely unacceptable threats of violence against VP Khupe. Please share videos & pictures to help us identify culprits.

“The police must apprehend and charge those responsible. We will never accept as comrades those who perpetrate violence in our name.”

His comment comes as his party spokesman Obert Gutu announced he is quitting the party. Gutu has for days been against Chamisa’s appointment to the party Presidency.

Below are latest pictures of former President Robert Mugabe inside his Blue Roof residence today as he celebrated his birthday. CONTINUE READING –

Professor Jonathan Moyo wrote of the event saying, “Zimbabwe’s Founding President Cde Robert Mugabe & First Lady Amai Dr Grace Mugabe with Sekuru Emmanuel Ranga, today at the Blue Roof Mugabe Family residence, marking the President’s 94th birthday. #HappyBirthdayGushungo. #MakorokotoAmhlopheBaba! “

Zimbabwean ex-president Robert Mugabe’s nephew, Patrick Zhuwao, has reportedly reacted “angrily” after the African Union (AU) Commission Chairperson Moussa Faki Mahamat praised the Zimbabwean government for the country’s “peaceful political transition” last year.

Mahamat was on a three-day visit to Zimbabwe, where he met with President Emmerson Mnangagwa, who according to the state-owned Herald newspaper “apprised him of measures being taken by his government to ensure free and fair elections”.

Mnangagwa also briefed Mahamat on the peaceful political transition that took place in the southern African country last year, the report said.

A News Day report quoted Mahamat as saying that Africa was “satisfied that the transition was peaceful”.

Mahamat also expressed ignorance over a petition by a new political outfit, the New Patriotic Front (NPF), which was reportedly launched recently by Zhuwao and his allies.

The NPF claimed recently that it had “formally petitioned” the AU and Southern African Development Community (SADC) to challenge Mnangagwa’s legitimacy.

In a 79 page document, the NPF, through its the lawyer Marius van Niekerk, argued that Mnangagwa came into office through military intervention, and as a result, should not be recognised as the southern African nation’s president.

But Mahamat told journalists in Harare that: “I am just learning from you now. I’ve not received any petition.”

In response, Zhuwao, who was currently in exile, came out guns blazing, accusing Mahamat of supporting a “coup government in Zimbabwe”, a New Zimbabwe.com report said.

Zhuwao described Mahamat’s remarks as “astonishing, baseless and false”.

He said that Mahamat’s statement was “partial and partisan” as there were no records of him engaging with “affected stakeholders, including victims and families of those who were killed and tortured during the coup leading to the displacement of countless Zimbabweans both internal and externally”.

Zhuwao also warned that the recognition of the Mnangagwa administration by the continental body risked setting a precedence for other African countries. – News24

Below are assorted state media LIVE updates of President NRZ revival function filmed by ZimEye.com on Wednesday afternoon:

13:06 – President Mnangagwa now witnessing the signing of the agreement between the parties…

12:58 – President Mnangagwa speaks…

“The other day VP Mohadi whispered to me that he wants to be President I told him the tricks – 1. Be sentenced to death and survive, 2. Be poisoned and still survive, 3. Be subjected to 9 youth interfaces and survive and three be a border jumper and survive.

“I am excited by this project as this will go a long way in addressing key resources gaps while negotiations are still ongoing. This will go a long way in seeing this city regain its status as the country’s industrial hub which will also go a long way in enhancing the country’s economic competitiveness. An effective railway system will see us reduce the cost of landing our goods in various countries. The Sadc industrialisation road map identified the enhancing of our rail infrastructure in boosting regional trade.

“My government is committed in ensuring the recapitalisation and modernisation of our railway system. A rejuvenated railway system will not only benefit Zimbabwe but other countries in the region especially those on the north of us. Comprehensive strategies have been put in place to revive our transporting sector. Our road and railway system must be complimentary. The current situation where our roads are moving bulk cargo must not be encouraged as this damages our road infrastructure therefore we must move towards the revival of our rail system so as to move cargo to to railway.

“The speed we address challenges in our transport and Infrastructure must be expedited to be en-sync with our mantra that Zimbabwe is open for Business. I would like to commend the partners in this deal, the timing of this project is most opportune and shows confidence in the future of this our country. The realisation of this project will not only benefit industry but will also improve NRZ passenger train schedule. My government will continue to support the restoration of the NRZ. I call upon the partners to move swiftly in concluding the deal and come up with a win-win agreement…

“To the workers I am fully aware of the problems you are facing in terms of salaries. Your minister has pleaded with you continuously and I must assure you that we will attend to your current challenges. Please let us all support this project. I thank you all,” President Mnangagwa wraps up his speech.

12:40 – “President ED is a man born of the liberation struggle, during federation he went to northern Rhodesia, educated there and even started politics there. He is one of the first people in the 1960s to receive military training to come and liberate our nation. Due to his political activity he was at one point sentenced to death by the colonial government but was saved from the gallows because of his age.

“This our President is a very strong man, if you remember he survived nine grueling interface rallies. He would actually clap and shake the hands of the people who were demonising him, it takes a man of stature to do that. Along this course at one point he got a threat to his life, which resulted in him crOssing the border, which he prefers calling border jumping. However one thing I can tell you is that he is a tried and tested leader and I am confident that he will steer us from the problems which we are all facing in the country.”

12:22 – VP Mohadi about to take to the podium to introduce President Mnangagwa…

12:20 – South Africa Transport Minister Joe Maswanganyi is now on the podium…

“I bring greetings from President Cyril Ramaphosa. In his SONA President Ramaphosa said we will be coming together with the world to celebrate President Mandela’s birthday. We dedicate our visit today to Madiba and his long standing vision of strengthening bilateral relations between South Africa and Zimbabwe. If you remember Madiba and former President Mugabe came together to construct Beitbridge. We are now working round the clock in having a one stop border post. We are also working on the aviation side to increase flights between South Africa and Zimbabwe.

“I enjoy a good working condition with Zimbabwe Transport Minister, Dr Joram Gumbo and I am confident that we will go along way in improving bilateral relations with the Zimbabwe government especially in the transport industry. With the project we are unveiling today, we hope it will go a long way in improving regional rail network in the region and harmonising the safe movement of freight and passengers in the region. It will also play a pivotal role in improving regional integration and further regionalisation in the two countries.”

12:02 – Transport Minister, Dr Joram Gumbo now giving his remarks…

“The recapitalisation of NRZ is long overdue as it was operating using equipment that is not economically sustainable. The journey to revive NRZ has taken a long time but has been eventually fruitful, this is evidenced by the function which we are attending today. The situation on ground really requires an urgent solution as we all know that our rail system goes a long way in reviving our economy as a whole.

“Today we are unveiling part of the equipment but by the end of April we will have received all the other equipment. It is the time to awaken our railway giant…..this is the new dispensation.”

11:45 – Transnet representative Mr Patrius Fusi now addressing delegates…

“We are excited of this relationship that we have forged with NRZ. We are coming up with a geographical strategy especially at enhancing our presence in the continent. We want to be in the forefront of regional integration to help improve cross-border trade. Partnership are important in moving our growth forward.

“This event shows that we are acting rather than talking. We are pleased that we are contributing to Zimbabwe’s programme of action.We are with you as we embark on this journey that we have started. ”

11:41 – NRZ board chairman Mr Larry Mavhima takes to the stand…

“Our once proud NRZ had been reduced to a pale shadow of its former self. We no longer lived up to our motto, ‘We move the nation’, which was really worrying. Last year we began our first step in the recapitalisation project of our railways through the invitation of partners to work with on this massive project. We are happy that we are eventually witnessing the fruition of our dreams.

“We are showing all that we took heed of the President’s remarks that Zimbabwe is now open for business. Today we announce that we cease to become a problem child as we will be moving the nation to a brighter future.

11:20 – Grain Millers Association of Zimbabwe Mr Tafadzwa Musarara has the microphone…

“As millers we are a transport reliant business. It is our conviction that rail transport will always be cheaper. Milling industry cannot be wholly reliant on the road infrastructure. NRZ service delivery impacts on food prices and services delivery in the country. I would like to commend the President’s  Solomonic leadership as it is clear that Zimbabwe is ready for business,” he concludes his brief speech.

11:15 – DIDG representative Mr D Chimandanda now giving his remarks…

“As I stand here we say diaspora is ready to help revive our country and we have vowed to help increase diaspora investment. As recent as last week we started we working with our diaspora colleagues in North America. We believe in reviving such infrastructure as rail will go along way in making it cheaper to do business in Zimbabwe. We are grateful for the support we have got from the government.

“To my fellow colleagues in the diaspora let us stop being critics fr0m the sidelines and come support our country. There is no task which is insurmountable, we will revive our NRZ,” he says.

11:00 – NRZ Manager Engineer Lewis Mukwada now on the podium…

“To us today marks another milestone in our journey to revive our country’s railway infrastructure. Our vision is to restore the capacity in which our railways was associated with back in the day. This equipment is to close the gap while we continue negotiations so that we get financial closure as we realised we were losing business as negotiations continued.

“Part of these trains will target our chrome market where we expect a net profit of $1.1 million monthly after payment of our lease fee. This is a very significant step as we were failing to meet our targets but we will now manage to get the foreign currency we were losing because of our capacity constraints,” he concludes his remarks.

10:50 – “I applaud the spirit of cooperation between the NRZ and its partners. Together we are going to face all challenges and succeed. My offices is always open to render any services required. I want to say to the people of Bulawayo that things are happening and they should be part of things that are happening and not those that have not happened. I want to say to everyone feel at work not just at home. There is no hour to feel at hme but at work because life comes from work not just slumbering.”

10:43 – “Despite the problems faced by NRZ it has remained a pillar of development in the city especially in its support of downstream industries within the city.”

10:36 – Bulawayo Minister of State Cde Angeline Masuku now giving the welcome remarks.

“I am here to welcome uBaba uPresident to this beautiful city of Queens and Kings. We feel greatly honoured to play host to this unique and historic ceremony. Not only am I enthralled by your presence but I am excited by the prospects of a revived rail system that will go a long way in reviving other industries in the city and country as a whole.”

10:26 – President ED is being accompanied by Vice President Kembo Mohadi, Transport and Infrastructural Development Minister Joram Gumbo and Industry and Commerce Minister Mike Bimha among top government officials.

Staff Reporter| President Emmerson Mnangagwa was today criticised by news readers for wearing his multi-coloured scarf today. Some News Observers watching on ZimEye.com said the Head Of State “should have known better not to wear a scarf on a hot day like today.”

“Why wearing scarf even when it’s not necessary in some occasions His Excellence ED Mnangagwa? You look great without that scarf Sir,” wrote one Memory Msipha.

But others defended Mnangagwa. “Only he knows why he’s wearing the scarf. Don’t let it bother yous lot,” wrote one Clementina Sibanda.   Mnangagwa was speaking at an event broadcast LIVE by ZimEye.com as he launched an ambitious NRZ locomotive project in Bulawayo. WATCH LIVE VIDEO STREAMING BELOW

– NRZ chairman Larry Mavima says the $400m Transnet deal and the delivery of wagons & locomotives is tangible proof that Mnangagwa’s “open for business” mantra is not just talk…

LIVE video of the event – refresh to watch

By Staff Reporter| President Emmerson Mnangagwa is today launching the introduction of new wagons for the National Railways of Zimbabwe.

The NRZ recapitalisation involves the signing of a framework agreement between NRZ and Transnet.

The capitalisation deal is worth over $400 million.

It involves the rehabilitation and renewal of plant, equipment, rolling stock, signaling and telecommunications infrastructure and the supporting information technology systems.

It is also meant to bring a modernised train control system.

The equipment that will be unveiled comprises 13 locomotives, 200 wagons and 34 coaches which are being leased from South African rail utility, Transnet. The UK based Diaspora Investment Development Group (DIDG)/Transnet Consortium is also part of the project.

LIVE video of the event – refresh to watch

By Staff Reporter| President Emmerson Mnangagwa is today launching the introduction of new wagons for the National Railways of Zimbabwe.

The NRZ recapitalisation involves the signing of a framework agreement between NRZ and Transnet.

The capitalisation deal is worth over $400 million.

It involves the rehabilitation and renewal of plant, equipment, rolling stock, signaling and telecommunications infrastructure and the supporting information technology systems.

It is also meant to bring a modernised train control system.

The equipment that will be unveiled comprises 13 locomotives, 200 wagons and 34 coaches which are being leased from South African rail utility, Transnet. The UK based Diaspora Investment Development Group (DIDG)/Transnet Consortium is also part of the project.

MDC-T acting president, Nelson Chamisa yesterday told tens of thousands of party followers that he would quit politics if President Emmerson Mnangagwa wins the next elections, insisting the opposition party will form the next government.

Addressing mourners at the funeral of the late MDC-T leader, Morgan Tsvangirai in Humanikwa village, Buhera, Chamisa, whose leadership of the party is under contestation, insisted on uniting the party to face off with Mnangagwa.

He declared he would quit politics “if Mnangagwa wins the next election”.

“We are ready to form the next government and in September we will,” Chamisa declared to wild cheers from the crowd.

Tsvangirai, who succumbed to cancer of the colon last week, was buried at his rural homestead under a tense atmosphere, as internal power struggles stole the show.

Chamisa said he was anointed by Tsvangirai to lead the opposition outfit.

“(Former President Robert) Mugabe failed to plan his succession, but our president (Tsvangirai) did. God has a plan for everything. When a great leader dies, his protégé takes after him.- Newsday

By Farai D Hove| MDC Secretary general, Douglas Mwonzora has said the attack on party Vice President Thokozani Khupe yesterday, was tribal.

He wrote in a tweet saying it was also “sexist and totally unacceptable.”

He full tweet read, “the attack on @DrThoko_Khupe by a gang of sponsored and drunken goons at Dr Tsvangirai’s funeral was outrageous and sadistic. It was tribal, sexist and totally unacceptable.”

Youths threatened violence on Khupe and Mwonzora yesterday and they can be see in video footage shouting, “Ngaaende!, Ngaaende!, Ngaaende!”

Khupe however says she was in fact beaten up “with stones,” and the youths were about to burn her inside a hut they were forced to hide in.

A UZ student, Nyaradzo Mutize was allegedly assaulted by the late MDC leader Morgan Tsvangirai’s uncle yesterday as she was blocked from photographing Gogo Tsvangirai.

The incident was reported by the media and was still unverified at the time of writing.

Tsvangirai’s uncle, Innocent Zvaipa, reportedly slapped the University of Zimbabwe student yesterday in full view of everyone.

Mutize was later detained for more than half an hour and ordered to delete all the images of Gogo Tsvangirai she had captured.

The state media reports how Tsvangirai’s burial was marred by violence and intimidation as vice president Thokozani Khupe and secretary general Douglas Mwonzora were threatened with violence and had to flee from the venue under police escort at one point.

Khupe goes on however to say that there were not just threats, that she was “beaten with stones” and nearly burnt after being trapped inside a hut. –  state media

The Zanu-PF Youth League will today mark Robert Gabriel Mugabe National Youth Day with various activities to commemorate the former President’s contribution to the liberation and development of the country.

This was said by  Zanu-PF secretary for youth affairs Cde Pupurai Togarepi in an interview on the sidelines of an ongoing ideological training workshop for students held in conjunction with the Zimbabwe Congress of Students Union at the University of Zimbabwe yesterday.

“Tomorrow is going to be Youth Day, so youth will be doing charity work and will be associating with each other, discussing development issues, issues that challenge them and we are also going to have time to interact with these students tomorrow and reflect on this training they have gone through,” he said.

“We are going to be listening to the youths, they have their own issues they want to convey to the leadership of the party and we will give them a platform to talk to the leadership. That time of us going to rallies is gone, our new dispensation is going to be interactive, so tomorrow is going to be the starting point for us.”

Cde Togarepi described Cde Mugabe as a hero who had done a lot for the country’s development, adding that a youth delegation is expected to visit the former President at his home today.

“He is our hero, he is our icon,” he said. “He is somebody who has contributed to the development of this country immensely. So, this day came about recognising him as our leader and what he has done for this country.

“So, you cannot celebrate the Youth Day without including Robert Mugabe in the process, so we are going to celebrate with him in mind and where possible some of our youths will be going there to sing happy birthday with him. Toenda ne ma bhosvo ikoko kunocelebrata ne mukuru wedu, tinomuda.”

Meanwhile, Zimbabwe Service Commissions chairman Dr Mariyawanda Nzuwah has confirmed that today is a public holiday with respect to public officers as gazetted by President Mnangagwa on November 24 in Statutory Instrument Number 143 of 2017.

“Accordingly, Wednesday, 21st February is a Public Holiday with respect to public officers,” Dr Nzuwah said. He said all public officers were expected to work the whole day yesterday and report for duty tomorrow, adding any violation of office hours would be considered an act of misconduct.

Calls for former President Mugabe’s birthday to be made a national holiday were adopted by Government in August last year following intense lobbying by the Zanu-PF Youth League.
The day coincides with the 21st February Movement celebrations meant to commemorate the principles and ideals that former President Mugabe stood for.

The 21st February Movement was formed in 1986.
Speaking during his acceptance speech at his inauguration as the second Executive President of Zimbabwe last year, President Emmerson Mnangagwa indicated that the former president needed to be accorded the respect and recognition he deserved as one of the founders and leaders of Zimbabwe  Herald

By A Correspondent| 20 student nurses who had their training contracts terminated at Bonda Mission Hospital have taken Minister of Health and Child Care Dr. David Parirenyatwa, Bonda Mission Hospital and the provincial medical director for Manicaland, Dr. Mafaune, to court.

Their application reads in part:

“Our admission and studies were, however, suddenly, unexpectedly, unilaterally and unlawfully terminated by the first and third respondents without justifiable reasons or explanations,” said one of the students in her founding affidavit.

“We were notified of this decision on the 5th of February 2018 even though the letters were dated February 1, 2018.

“…We have invested financial resources to be enrolled for this programme. Some of us even borrowed money from relatives in the hope that we will enrol for the programme and be employed eventually. Our future and livelihood are at stake

“We were never informed nor invited by first respondent to discuss the matter before the decision was made

“There is an undeniable breach of natural justice and a violation of Section 68 of the Constitution as well as Section 3 of the Administration of Justice Act.”

Convicted fraudster, Wicknell Chivayo who obtained nearly a billion worth of tender business from the power utility, ZESA and also a straight payment of over $7million, and failed to account for its use, has said he will never be jailed. He spoke in the below LIVE video which he shot yesterday afternoon:

A group of 20 student nurses at Bonda Mission Hospital, who had their training contracts terminated barely a month after commencement, have taken the Minister of Health and Child Care Dr David Parirenyatwa to the High Court.

Minister Parirenyatwa, Bonda Mission Hospital and the provincial medical director for Manicaland, a Dr Mafaune, were listed as respondents in the suit.

The 20 were served with termination letters without any tangible reason, a development that resulted in their lawyer Mr Emmanuel Mukwewa approaching the court with an application for reinstatement. Mr Mukwewa of Mukwewa Law Chambers wants the ministry to be barred from unlawfully interfering with the training of the 20.

According to the court application, the 20 in July 2016 responded to an advertisement that was placed in a local newspaper inviting applications from aspiring nurses. The interviews were held to recruit students for the 2017 and 2018 intakes.

Several candidates passed the test, but the 20 were among the group admitted for the January 2018 intake. They received offer letters stating January 8, 2018 as the school opening day. They paid for all the requirements, including uniforms, as per the student nurses’ list.

“Our admission and studies were, however, suddenly, unexpectedly, unilaterally and unlawfully terminated by the first and third respondents without justifiable reasons or explanations,” said one of the students in her founding affidavit.

“We were notified of this decision on the 5th of February 2018 even though the letters were dated February 1, 2018.”

Between February 5 and 13, 2018, the students sought audience with the relevant authorities, but they did not get a favourable response. The students contend that the decision to terminate their training seriously affected them.

“It is an understatement that this is a drastic decision adversely affecting us as we have nowhere to start,” reads one of the founding affidavits. It is extremely difficult, if not impossible for us to secure alternative places for a similar training as vacancies are periodic and highly sought after.

“We have invested financial resources to be enrolled for this programme. Some of us even borrowed money from relatives in the hope that we will enrol for the programme and be employed eventually. Our future and livelihood are at stake.”

Terminating the training contract without any hearing, the students argued, was a violation of their right to administrative justice.

“We were never informed nor invited by first respondent to discuss the matter before the decision was made,” reads the affidavit.

“There is an undeniable breach of natural justice and a violation of Section 68 of the Constitution as well as Section 3 of the Administration of Justice Act.” The matter is yet to be set down for hearing at the High Court. – state media

Terrence Mawawa
A Non Governmental Organisation(NGO) who was attacked by Zanu PF youths narrated how he was nearly killed by ruling party thugs.

The Catholic Commission for Peace and Justice worker, Abel Mauchi was attacked by Zanu PF youths led by one Musiiwa at Manga Business Centre in Gutu District last week.

” I was attacked by Musiiwa who led a group of Zanu PF thugs.

The hooligans accused me of interfering with their activities and they also demanded my serial number.

They assaulted me with booted fit and left me for dead.I was rushed to Gutu Mission Hospital where doctors confirmed that I had sustained a broken rib,” said Mauchi.

Terrence Mawawa, Masvingo
A Masvingo City Council employee turned violent after being caught in a compromising position with his workmate’ s wife.

A toilet cleaner at the city council Shadreck Nduna(41) was last arrested by the police after stabbing Bezel Charumbira who caught him red handed having sex with his wife.

According to the police, Charumbira returned home from work and found Nduna having sex with Saliwe Shakanye( the former’ s wife).

“Last week we arrested a council employee who was caught having sex with his workmate and neighbour’ s wife.

Nduna produced a knife and
stabbed Charumbira three times in the head.

When Charumbira fell to the ground, Nduna hit him with a chair and ran away.

Nduna is expected to appear in court soon,” cops at Chikato Police Station said.

Terrence Mawawa | The Zimbabwe Exiles’ Forum has said the late MDC leader Morgan Tsvangirai’ s long time understudy, Nelson Chamisa is the suitable person to lead the opposition party.

The leader of the Pretoria based forum, Tino Mambewu has described the death of the former Right Honourable Prime Minister, Tsvangirai, as a huge blow to the struggle for democracy.

Speaking in an interview with SABC News today Mambewu said Chamisa worked with Tsvangirai for a long time and he was the only suitable Presidential candidate capable of defeating Zanu PF’ s tired horse, Emmerson Mnangagwa.

“As we mourn the death of the people’s icon, let us quickly remember that he has done his part.The struggle has to continue and as I see it Chamisa has the capacity to take us to the promised land,” said Mambewu.

MDC leader, Welshman Ncube on Saturday claimed the late MDC-T leader, Morgan Tsvangirai had confided in him that he had long forgiven former President Robert Mugabe for the torture and suffering he endured during his reign.

Tsvangirai died last Wednesday in South African, where he was receiving treatment for colon cancer.

He will be buried today in Buhera.

Drama has, however, characterised his funeral, but Ncube, who was addressing mourners at an interdenominational memorial service for the late Tsvangirai at Large City Hall in Bulawayo on Saturday, said Zimbabweans must emulate Tsvangirai’s selflessness to ensure peace and unity prevails.

Ncube’s statements follow the infighting in the MDC-T over Tsvangirai’s successor.

“…we are also celebrating Tsvangirai’s life, a life which was so rich, so diverse. I want to remind you that Tsvangirai won the 2008 presidential election. He did not get the 47% as claimed by the electoral commission.

“He got more than that, that is why it took them six weeks to rig, and that is why I always say Zimbabwe’s first coup was in 2008, not in November last year. It was a pre-emptive coup. When they removed Mugabe, they already had experience, but Tsvangirai forgave them,” he said.

“The 2008 coup leaders are the same that removed Mugabe last year, but Tsvangirai had long forgiven them for robbing him of the presidency. He had no bitterness at all, he had no grudge against them, no bitterness that over the years they vilified him, arrested him, beat him and laid treason charges against him. He was selfless,” Ncube said.

The former prime minister endured torture, arrest and was at one time charged with treason together with Ncube and other MDC leaders.

The treason charge followed the broadcast of covertly shot video footage purporting to show Tsvangirai plotting Mugabe’s assassination.

The charges were based on a grainy four-and-a-half-hour video of a meeting between Tsvangirai and Canadian-based political consultant, Ari Ben Menashe in December 2001.- Newsday

Diplomatic Corps mourning fmr Prime Minister Morgan Tsvangarai @usembassyharare pic.twitter.com/HUQFRcRdZu

— Amb Harry K. Thomas (@harrykthomasjr1) February 20, 2018

– refresh this page to watch –

MEANWHILE, CLICK HERE TO FOLLOW THE LIVE TEXT UPDATES

For the first time in decades, former President Robert Mugabe’s birthday will be a low key event, without the attendant largesse and extravagance, which had come to characterise it, in spite of the day being declared a public holiday.

The Zanu PF youth league had been planning a do for Mugabe for weeks, but it was not clear whether the former President was part of the process, with suggestions he had snubbed his former party colleagues.

Acting Information minister and Zanu PF spokesperson, Simon Khaya Moyo confirmed there would be no public event this year. “It is a youth event,” he said. “The youth have said they will clean-up the cities.

“But the party will send its well wishes and a cake. “It is a day we treasure and we revere the former President.” Mugabe was every February 21st feted like a deity with public gatherings across the country under the banner of the 21st February Movement.

Zanu PF politburo secretary for youth Pupurai Togarepi confirmed what Moyo said.
“We will celebrate with our former President by visiting him with a cake,” he said. Asked if there will be a public programme for youth and whether the 21st February Movement had died following Mugabe’s removal from office, Togarepi said the “structure still exists”. Newsday

By Own Corespondent | ZBC news reporter Tendai Munengwa, has joined politics.

The 40 year old journalist is eying Mount Darwin South constituency parliamentary seat which was under the former Zanu PF political commissar and former Local Government minister, Saviour Kasukuwere.

Munengwa who is contesting on a Zanu PF ticket is battling with businessman James Makamba, and Zanu PF youth wing political commissar Godfrey Tsenengamu in the party’s primary elections due in few weeks time.

Makamba is being discredited by local villagers for having skipped the country before the finalisation of his externalisation allegations he was arrested on in 2005.

Tsengamu on the other hand is said to be popular in Mount Darwin Central than in Mount Darwin South.

Munengwa at the weekend was in the constituency where he visited the local chief Matope on a familiarization tour.

After visiting Chief Matope, he donated tonnes of cement, roof-sheets, windows and furniture for the completion of a classroom block at Chiunye secondary school.

Below are pictures of MDC leader Morgan Tsvangiirai’s body at his Buhera home Tuesday morning . ALSO FOLLOW THE LIVE UPDATES HERE.

By Farai D Hove| Mnangagwa protege’ Francis Mufambi has said Nelson Chamisa cannot rely on the funeral crowd scenes to claim an election win.

Writing on the “Tsvangirai Send Off” Freedom Square rally yesterday, Mufambi said Chamisa’s crowd cannot be used to analyse an electoral win.

He said,  “some gullible people want to analyse a funeral crowd to an electoral crowd! Oh My Ancestor Tadio. Zimbabwe is fully behind Cde ED…..Even majority of formerly opposition.. Yes we are celebrating MT’s life.

“It is Zanu PF that gave and maintained his dignity in his time of need. The government gave him a proper house, proper medical assistance, a befitting funeral arrangement against the financial constraints he faced in the last lap; And his body was handled in the best manner possible which is reserved for only State Presidents and Senior Officials!! Thank you President ED for your warm heart.

“Now fast forward. The Cdes pretending to be ready to carry MT’s legacy are rushing for the political spoils, they are not concerned about his death but power for it own sake. They start ridiculing MT’s generation by their misplaced Generational Nonsense- a concept borrowed from the poisonous G40 and its apparatchiks. Those who hated Morgan held kangaroo meetings when his body was still warm in death….I never thought power can be that evil.”

By Dorrothy Moyo| The late MDC leader, Morgan Tsvangirai’s mother, Gogo Lydia yesterday brisked her son’s successor Nelson Chamisa and daughter in law at the Freedom Square rally.

Mbuya Tsvangirai refused to join the Tsvangirai family at the high table at the rally which was to celebrate her son’s life.

She chose rather to stay inside the hearse near her son’s body.  The state media reports how she remained unmoved throughout the function.

There was more drama when her grandson Edwin introduced the whole Tsvangirai family. He skipped his stepmother Elizabeth, Macheka Tsvangirai, raising more emotion. Tsvangirai family members have told reporters the reason they have issues with Elizabeth is that she was no longer living with her late husband. They thus feel her entitlement to the matrimonial property is without merit. Elizabeth is entitled to the state pension for life.

It is believed Gogo Lydia was protesting against Chamisa and Elizabeth’s presence following her video recorded stunt on Saturday when she was filmed by ZBC News, while threatening to commit suicide if Elizabeth and Nelson Chamisa showed their faces.

Afterwards, she flew to Buhera aboard a military helicopter.

Harare City Council has banned commuter omnibuses from the central business district (CBD) and is ordering them to operate from new ranks with effect from Wednesday.

In a statement yesterday, Harare City Council corporate communications manager Mr Michael Chideme said the new development will be implemented tomorrow.

“City of Harare advises residents, the commuting public and commuter omnibus operators that with effect from Wednesday 21 February 2018, no commuter omnibuses will be allowed in the central business district,” he said.

The commuter omnibuses will terminate their journeys at the new peripheral ranks, from Charge Office to Seke Road and Dieppe Road (Coca-Cola), From Copa Cabana and Market Square to Coventry Road and Rotten Row rank.

Mr Chideme said council will only allow shuttle services to be provided into the CBD using specific routes.

“Shuttle services in and out of the CBD will be provided from the new ranks and the buses will follow specific routes,” he said.

Chideme said the routes would be as follows: Coventry Rank – Rotten Row – Robert Mugabe Way – fourth St Rank through Copacabana Rank.
Fourth St Rank – Fifth St – George Silundika Rd – Fourth St – Jason Moyo – through Copacabana – Rotten Row to Coventry Rd Rank.

Seke Rd Rank – Seke Rd – Robert Mugabe Way – S. Muzenda Rank (Fourth St Rank).
Coventry Rd Rank – Rotten Row – Charter Rd – Market Square Rank – Bank St – Kenneth Kaunda – S. Muzenda Rank (Fourth Street) and back.

Seke Rd Rank – Dieppe Rd – Chiremba Rd – Robert Mugabe Way – Robson Manyika –Charge Office.

Coventry Rd Rank – Cripps Rd – Dieppe Rd – Glenara Rd – S. Machel Rd – Rotten Rd – Coventry Rd Rank.

Chideme said the routes will be improved in the long run. “This move was long overdue. We want to restore order in our city like we promised. The routes will continue to be improved as we implement this strategy,” he said. Herald

Government will repossess Wakefield Farm in Headlands, which former Zanu-PF national secretary for youth affairs Mr Kudzanai Chipanga allegedly dubiously acquired after the land was earmarked for the construction of a State university.

Mr Chipanga is alleged to have corruptly acquired the farm with the help of then Local Government, Public Works and National Housing Minister Saviour Kasukuwere and former Minister of Higher and Tertiary Education, Science and Technology Development Professor Jonathan Moyo.

Though he was allegedly not doing anything meaningful at the farm, Mr Chipanga is accused of levying a monthly fee of $10 000 to the former farmer to continue his activities.
Minister of State for Manicaland Provincial Affairs Senator Monica Mutsvangwa said her office was seized with the matter.

“My office is working towards reversing all the anomalies and make sure State land is allocated for the rightful usage,” she said.

Minister Mutsvangwa said this on Sunday while addressing Zanu-PF members attending a provincial coordinating committee (PCC) meeting held in Mutare.

She was reacting to a suggestion by Zanu-PF secretary for finance Cde Patrick Chinamasa that her office should repossess the farm from Mr Chipanga.

“We had set aside three farms, which were gazetted by the then Minister of Lands, Didymus Mutasa,” said Chinamasa.

“This one was set aside for the construction of Manicaland State University.” Cde Chinamasa said in his endeavour to see development taking place in the area, he then engaged Prof Moyo and showed him the piece of land.

“I also went with Mandi Chimene (then Manicaland Minister of State for Provincial Affairs) and showed her the land,” he said.

“I was shocked to hear that they had given the same land to Chipanga. Maybe G40 meant to spite me, but that land remains a national asset.” Minister Mutsvangwa said her investigations had revealed that Mr Chipanga “was doing nothing” at the farm.

“The original farm owner was allegedly told by Chipanga to pay him $10 000 every month and continue farming,” she said. “The farmer ended up paying Chipanga $7 000 every month.

“Chipanga still wants to return to the farm, but there is no activity that he is doing. We made it clear that the farm is earmarked for the university.”

The minister said her office was aware that Mr Kasukuwere fraudulently allocated Ms Chimene another piece of land, which was State land.

“When he was Minister of Local Government, Kasukuwere gave Mandi (Chimene) documents that changed the farm, which appears as State land on Mutare’s master or grand plan,” she said.

“It was changed from State land to peri-urban and given to Mandi (Chimene) as the developer. “There were about 550 people who were paying for stands after she sub-divided the farm. There was a lot of money exchanging hands that happened during that time.” State media

The late MDC-T leader Mr Morgan Tsvangirai’s mother caused a scene at Freedom Square Square in Harare yesterday when she refused to disembark from the hearse carrying the body of her son at a send-off ceremony for party supporters.

Efforts to make her disembark from the vehicle and join other family members and party officials at the high table were fruitless. This came as Mr Tsvangirai’s son, Edwin, in his speech at the venue told MDC-T officials and supporters to respect the family.

Gogo Tsvangirai seemed to stick to her words when she declared at the weekend that she did not want her daughter-in-law Ms Elizabeth Macheka and controversially appointed acting party leader Mr Nelson Chamisa at the funeral. She even said she did not want to hear Mr Chamisa speak.

When the hearse carrying Mr Tsvangirai’s remains arrived at the venue, people were expecting to see Gogo Tsvangirai joining the high-table reserved for family members, party leadership and dignitaries. But this was not to be, as she did not disembark from the vehicle.

This sent conflicting signals in the gathering, with some suggesting that she snubbed the occasion, while others claimed it was for security reasons.

Gogo Tsvangirai could be seen eating bananas in the vehicle, as the casket bearing the body of Mr Tsvangirai remained in the vehicle throughout the proceedings.

Edwin described his father as a man imbued with great humility and unifier, who struggled for democracy.

He urged the MDC-T members to protect his father’s legacy by ensuring a non-violent election this year. “My father was a very powerful man, who fought for democracy,” he said. “MDC, respect us as a family. Desist from violence. My father advocated for unity, let us stop fighting.”

Master of ceremony Mr Abednego Bhebhe seemed to have forgotten to recognise the presence of MDC-T co-vice presidents Engineer Elias Mudzuri and Dr Thokozani Khupe.

He only did so after a reminder. Eng Mudzuri and Dr Khupe are fighting for the control of the party with Mr Chamisa in the wake of the demise of Mr Tsvangirai.

Each of the three claims to be the interim leader of the opposition party. Former Zambian Labour Minister Fackson Shamande, a close friend of Mr Tsvangirai, described him as a courageous man who was committed to democracy.

He said he advised Mr Tsvangirai against joining the inclusive Government in 2008. “He said to me the best way to heal our wounds is to put our differences aside,” said Mr Shamande.

“I told him not to join the unity government. I said to him you will be dribbled. They are going to use you as a shield and come next elections you will not stand a chance.”

When Mr Chamisa took to the podium, he dwelt on the envisaged split of the party.

“We hear some people saying the party will split,” he said. “This old man (Tsvangirai) was a unifier. This party is not for Chamisa, it is not for Khupe, Mudzuri, Moyo, Mwonzora, Komichi or anyone in the leadership. It is the people’s party.”

“Yes there can be fighting among the top leadership but that does not mean that the party is collapsing.”

After the speech most people, including Eng Mudzuri jostled to shake hands with Mr Chamisa.

Dr Khupe remained glued to her seat. When the proceedings ended, Dr Khupe was the first to leave the podium.

Former deputy Prime Minister Professor Arthur Mutambara, Professor Lovemore Madhuku, Dr Munyaradzi Gwisai, former Masvingo Provincial Affairs Minister Paul Chimedza, MDC Alliance leaders and civic organisations groups attended the ceremony. – State Media

Mrs Elizabeth Tsvangirai captured yesterday together with MDC leader Pamela Vivian Chitimbe and activist Linda Masarira.

Wicknell Chivayo is embroiled in boardroom squabbles with his business partner Mr Yusuf Ahmid, whom he accuses of plotting to elbow him out of Intratrek Zimbabwe (Private) Limited.

Mr Chivayo, who is the founder and managing director of Intratrek, is battling to protect his interests in the firm, arguing that they own 50 percent shareholding apiece.
He claims that a verbal agreement entered between the two parties awarded them equal shareholding in the company.

Intratrek was awarded a tender worth $5 million to set up a 100MW solar project in Gwanda under controversial circumstances and it has been heavily criticised over failure to implement the project in time despite receiving payment from the Zimbabwe Power Company without a guarantee.

The problems arose when Mr Ahmid’s lawyers sought to be provided with documents related to the Gwanda tender, both from ZESA Holdings and Mr Chivayo. It is claimed that Mr Ahmid’s lawyers also had a meeting with ZESA Holdings, a development Mr Chivayo felt was part of his partner’s strategy to topple him.

Prominent Harare lawyer Mr Wilson Manase of Manase & Manase Legal Practitioners has written to ZESA Holdings chief executive officer Engineer Josh Chifamba warning him against entertaining Mr Ahmid and his lawyers in discussions regarding the Gwanda project.

Mr Manase, on behalf of Mr Chivayo, also wrote to Mr Ahmid’s lawyers Bruce Tokwe Commercial Law Chambers, accusing them of roping in ZESA Holdings in their plot for a boardroom coup.
“Your demand (for documents) has been inopportunely made at a time when both your clients and yourself jointly and severally engaged certain officials from ZESA Holdings on or around 25 January 2018 on an inimical attempt to illegally topple our client from his rightful position as a 50 percent shareholder in Intratrek Zimbabwe and its managing director,” he said.

“The agenda and subsequent deliberations at the aforesaid meeting clearly demonstrate an insatiable appetite on the part of your clients and indeed any party associated with them, to unjustly benefit from the hard work and dedication which our client invested in the operations of Intratrek Zimbabwe, culminating in the winning and signing of the Gwanda Solar 100MW EPC Contract with the Zimbabwe Power Company on October 23 2015.”

Mr Manase added, “It is highly abhorrent on the part of your clients and correspondingly unethical on any person to be part of such an unscrupulous skirmish whose intention is to cuckold our client and swindle his shareholding in Intratrek Zimbabwe”.

The verbal agreement between the parties, Mr Manase said, awarded them 50 percent shareholding apiece in Intratrek Zimbabwe. Mr Manase stated in the letter that Mr Ahmid abandoned Intratrek for three years, only to resurface when the ZESA tender had been won.

“Their conduct is only explained by sheer greed and self-absorbed interests to acquire undeserving gains from the Gwanda Solar 100MW project,” he said.

“It is clear that your clients have conveniently peddled falsehoods in order to unjustly benefit from our client’s exceptional dedication to ensuring that the project is a success.”

In a letter to Eng Chifamba, Mr Manase urged ZESA to stop meddling in the affairs of Intratrek.

“This unwarranted and illegal meddling is without doubt, highly improper, bordering on a scandalous connivance between public officials and a cabal of ill-intentioned schemers purporting to represent Intratrek Zimbabwe, while harbouring hostile interests in our client’s business in general and the Gwanda Solar project, in particular,” he said.

In terms of the contract between ZPC and Intratrek, any official communication should strictly be done between the two companies’ managing directors only. Herald

In #Harare for my first visit following the peaceful transition of power. #Zimbabwe is indeed open for business! Met with President @edmnangagwa and it was an honour to also pay a visit to former President Robert Mugabe. With thanks to foreign minister SB Moyo. #ED100days pic.twitter.com/5quQCEuRRS

— Moussa Faki Mahamat (@AUC_MoussaFaki) February 19, 2018

Flash floods left scores of Bulawayo residents counting their losses, with the city’s Fire Brigade saying it was overwhelmed by distress calls following heavy rains that pounded the city on Sunday.

Some residents in Nketa, Nkulumane, Tshabalala and Cowdray Park suburbs were among the worst affected.

Bulawayo Fire Brigade Chief Fire Officer Mr Richard Peterson said his team attended to numerous flash flood calls from 3PM to 10PM on Sunday.

“We were so overwhelmed by the calls. We were unable to attend to some but we attended to most of them. Nketa 9, Nketa 6, Nketa 8 and part of Nkulumane even in Lobengula we had one or two cases. But I think 90 percent of the flooding occurred in houses in Nketa,” said Mr Peterson.

He said the major cause for flash floods was failure to create weep holes after people erected precast walls, thus interfering with the flow of water.

Mr Peterson said his team also faced resistance from some residents who did not want holes to be drilled into the pre-cast walls.

A Chronicle news crew visited some suburbs yesterday and residents narrated their ordeal.- state media

A form one pupil at Tshazi Secondary School in Filabusi, Matabeleland South, allegedly bit 14 of his classmates, seriously injuring one amid suspicions that he is rabid.

School authorities yesterday took some of the pupils to Filabusi District Hospital for medical tests.

The juvenile (14) who cannot be named for ethical reasons reportedly went on a biting frenzy on Thursday and Friday last week.

Sources at the school yesterday said veterinary officials visited the school as they feared the juvenile could be rabid.

“It just happened on Thursday; the boy was behaving like he had fallen into a trance. He bit his classmates and seriously injured one boy who had to be rushed to hospital bleeding. A chunk of flesh was removed from his arm sending shivers to pupils who witnessed the incident,” said a source.

His classmates, sources said, are now scared of the boy following the incident.

“Pupils in his class were very scared as they had not seen such a strange incident before. Rumour swirled that the boy could either be possessed by ancestral spirits or he is rabid,” said another source.

A Chronicle news crew visited the school yesterday and the school head, only identified as Mr G Ndlovu declined to comment saying they were compiling a report on the unusual occurrence.- state media

Terrence Mawawa, Masvingo
Former MDC MP for Masvingo Central Constituency Jeffryson Chitando has appealed for peace and unity during the burial of the late MDC president Morgan Tsvangirai.

Commenting on Facebook yesterday Chitando called on warring MDC parties to pay homage to the late veteran opposition leader in a peaceful way.

“Kuziva kwangu munhu achinge ashaika mumusha
vese vemapolitical parties vanochema nokubatana
panhamo.Vanhu veMDCT truly Dr Morgan Richard
Tsvangirai was your party president but dai
mambomira mashoko akawanda veruzhinji taviga
mwana weZimbabwe.

His death has robbed
Zimbabwe of a hero not only a party hero saka
kutukana kwamuri kuita pasocial media dai
mambosiya gamba ripihwe ruremekedzo
rwegamba,” wrote Chitando.

Chitando is the National People’ s Party(NPP) spokesperson.

Terrence Mawawa |Zanu PF youth league member and political strategist Brian Mudhumi has defended acting MDC leader, Nelson Chamisa saying the youthful politician’ s detractors are determined to soil his reputation.

Commenting on Facebook yesterday Mudhumi said:
“In as much as I may not agree with Chamisa
ideologically,
common sense tells you that it’s only cheap politics or a
smear campaign against him.

Chamisa will never be a stupid person who can be involved
in an affair with his boss’s Wife – that can never
happen Cdes.”

Mudhumi was responding to reports that Chamisa was barred from attending Tsvangirai’ s funeral.

Terrence Mawawa | Firebrand opposition leader, Julius Malema has said the people of South Africa have drawn practical lessons from what happened in Zimbabwe over the past two decades.

Speaking in that country’ s Parliamentary debate on the State of the Nation Address made by President Cyril Ramaphosa, Malema accused the Zanu PF regime of depriving the late MDC leader, Morgan Tsvangirai of the right to rule Zimbabwe.

Malema made the remarks during the Parliamentary debate in Capetown today.

“We all agree that Morgan Tsvangirai spent his life fighting for democracy in Zimbabwe.

He was deprived of the opportunity to rule Zimbabwe by the regime although he had won the elections in 2008.

I wish to convey my heartfelt condolences to the people of Zimbabwe following Tsvangirai’ s death.

We will never allow the ANC to subvert the will of the people. That will not happen here in South Africa,” said Malema.

By Terrence Mawawa, Masvingo| Sugar producing giant Tongaat Hullet has refused to be involved in the messy Zanu PF factional struggles.

Officials at Tongaat Hullet refused to bow down to pressure from Vice President Costantino Chiwenga who wanted them to nail G-40 MPs Darlington Chiwa(Chiredzi West and Denford Masiya(Chiredzi East).

A company official has made claims that Chiwenga ordered Tongaat Hullet to release a statement indicating the two demanded bribes from the company.

“We cannot release a false statement. The two MPs never demanded bribes from us,” said the senior company official.

He added:”We have nothing against Chiwa and Masiya.Whatever has been said is based on political divisions and factionalism.”

Chiwenga is fighting hard to elbow both Chiwa and Masiya out of the ruling party, according to impeccable sources.

Terrence Mawawa, Chivhu
Businesspeople here have declared Tuesday February 20 a ‘public holiday’ in honour of the late MDC leader Morgan Tsvangirai who died in South Africa last Wednesday.

The former Right Honourable Prime Minister will be buried at his rural home in Buhera tomorrow.

Tsvangirai’ s body has been flown by an army helicopter to Humanikwa Village in Buhera for burial tomorrow.

Businesspeople in the transit town yesterday said they would close their shops tomorrow to join millions of Zimbabweans in mourning the veteran opposition leader and icon of democracy.

“I will travel to Buhera tomorrow to pay homage to the people’ s hero .On Tuesday we will not open our shop for business. However we will resume normal operations on Wednesday,” said a takeaway operator who identified herself as Nancy.

“Tomorrow I will travel to Buhera so I will close my shop,” said a retail trader.

“This is a huge blow to democracy. The people’ s hero will be sadly missed,” said furniture trader by the name Washington.

FORMER Education Minister Mr David Coltart has lashed out at the MDC-T’s top leadership that is entangled in a messy succession battle following the death of party leader Mr Morgan Tsvangirai.

Mr Tsvangirai succumbed to colon cancer in South Africa on Wednesday last week and will be buried at his rural home in Buhera tomorrow.
Mr Coltart yesterday took to the micro-blogging site Twitter and lambasted the warring parties, saying their conduct was “shockingly distasteful.”

The politician, who was the opposition party’s founding secretary for legal affairs when it was established in 1999, urged the rival factions to unite and bury Mr Tsvangirai with dignity before deciding on who will fill his shoes in terms of the party’s constitution.

“I find the conduct of the entire top leadership of the MDC-T shockingly distasteful at present. For goodness sake bury Morgan Tsvangirai in unity and with dignity without hurling insults at one another and then decide who will lead the party in terms of the MDC-T constitution,” said Mr Coltart. Mr Tsvangirai’s death has plunged the MDC-T in turmoil.

The MDC-T is locked in a messy succession battle pitting Advocate Nelson Chamisa and two other deputies, Engineer Elias Mudzuri and Dr Thokozani Khupe.
The three are all fighting for the top post.
The intra-party political manoeuvres have also divided not only the MDC-T leaders but also the late Tsvangirai’s family members.

The fissures are also threatening the MDC Alliance, a grouping of opposition parties intending to participate in the coming election under one umbrella.

Adv Chamisa is in favour of the alliance while others led by Dr Khupe feel there is no need to enter into a coalition particularly in Matabeleland region.

Terrence Mawawa| An official from the government controlled Cold Storage Commission(CSC) has accused Masvingo State Minister Josaya Dunira Hungwe of lying to the nation about the state of affairs in the organisation.

Hungwe last week claimed he had contacted investors who were willing to inject capital into the commission’ s coffers.

Hungwe further claimed that CSC was ready to reopen its doors.

The official who declined to be named told ZimEye.com yesterday Hungwe’ s utterances were out of sync with the reality on the ground.

“It is unfortunate to note that the Minister’ s sentiments are divorced from what is happening on the ground. When Minister Hungwe visited the CSC Premises with officials from his offices we briefed him on the state of affairs here but he chose to release a political statement.

He also knows about the $ 30 million debt that is yet to be cleared,” said the official.