A Gweru woman has accused a local ferrochrome smelting company, Xin Yu Mining Corporation, of firing her because she was pregnant.
Angela Gwatiringa, who was employed by Xin Yu as a control room assistant, was recently relieved of her duties by the company after she indicated that she was now heavily pregnant and wanted some leave days.
“I indicated to the company’s human resources manager, Mr Kudakwashe Chitakure that I needed some leave days because I was feeling heavy,” she said.
“When he approached the company directors they gave him the directive to fire me and the following day I was handed a dismissal letter.”
Ms Gwatiringa said she had since approached the National Employment Council after she could not get joy from the management.
“What disturbs me is that, is it a crime to fall pregnant?’ she said. “Labour laws have a provision that when someone is pregnant she will be given maternity leave.
“The company is ignorant of labour laws and workers were always threatened by management, which claims to be politically connected. If you try to voice your concern, you are automatically fired and this is what has happened to me. The management claims they have a strong political connection.”
Mr Chitakure confirmed that they fired Ms Gwatiringa. He said the allegations that she was fired because she was pregnant were false.
“Her job was technical, she was working in a control room and there were concerns that she was not doing her job properly,” said Mr Chitakure.
“The dismissal was based on incompetence. I was not even aware that she was pregnant, so the allegations I think are coming from the fact that she is disappointed.” Chronicle
Farirai Madhumbe | First Lady Auxillia Mnangagwa continued with her public photo shoots, this time visiting Chikurubi Female Prison, where she handed out Christmas goodies to female prisoners and their children.
However, MDC National Excutive member Charlton Hwende asks if Mrs Mnangagwa also met Yvonne Musarurwa improsoned on trumped up charges. Asks Hwende on Facebook, “Madam First Lady I hope you also met Yvonne Musarurwa a political prisoner serving 20 years for being our MDC National Youth Deputy Organising Secretary she doesn’t need a coke and a 2 piecer but freedom and a new Zimbabwe”
The MDC has in the past warned that the country’s poor human rights record will not improve if the new Emmerson Mnangagwa-led government continues to apply the law selectively.
“The government should also release our supporters, Yvonne Musarurwa, Last Maengahama and Tungamirai Madzokere who are all rotting in prison for crimes which they did not committee.”
High Court judge, Chinembiri Bhunu sentenced the trio to 20 years in prison earlier this year for killing ZRP officer, Inspector Petros Mutedzi, in Harare’s Glen View arae during political clashes,” the party said in a statement.
Political parties are not eligible to apply for broadcasting licences in terms of existing laws, but are instead guaranteed access to available broadcasting services, the Broadcasting Authority of Zimbabwe (BAZ) has said.
The statement follows queries by MDC-T vice president and Kuwadzana MP in Parliament last week on procedure for broadcasting licences for political parties.
BAZ chief executive Mr Obert Muganyura said Section 8 and 20 of the Broadcasting Services Act prohibits political parties from controlling or seeking broadcasting services.
“The BAZ would like to advise all political parties that the broadcasting law of Zimbabwe does not allow any political party to be the provider of any radio or television broadcasting service.
“This prohibition is in terms of Section 8 of the Broadcasting Services Act which provides for persons disqualified to be licensed, and Section 20 of the same Act under limitation of control of licences,” said Mr Muganyura.
He said according to Section 8 of the BSA, radio and television broadcasting licences can only be issued to corporate bodies and political parties do not meet this criterion.
Mr Muganyura said Section 20 of the same Act prohibits political parties and organisations from holding or having control of any broadcasting or signal carrier licence.
He said the section meant a political party or organisation could not be a shareholder in any broadcasting licence.
“Political parties, therefore, need not consider establishing their own radio or television stations as such stations cannot be granted the authority to operate in terms of the law.
“What political parties can be guaranteed of, as provided by law, is access to broadcasting services during an election period, in accordance with the regulations promulgated by the Zimbabwe Electoral Commission which regulate the media during that period,” said Mr Muganyura.
Mr Chamisa
Mr Chamisa, who is also former Minister of Information, Communication and Technology claimed other countries availed broadcasting licences to political parties and that Zimbabwe must not be an exception.
In 2015, the MDC said it was planning to establish its own radio and TV stations arguing they were not getting enough airtime from the national broadcaster.
The party has also in the past published its monthly newsletter titled Real Change Times.
It also enjoys wide coverage in the local mainstream media in addition to the pirate Studio7 radio station based in and funded by the United States.- state media
The Zanzibar Border crossing to Botswana is closed until further notice because the Limpopo River is flooding. The Home Affairs Department says it’s not safe for travellers. Officials are advising travellers to use the Platjan Border as an alternative. Meanwhile, traffic is building up at the Beitbridge Border Post to Zimbabwe.
Was Mnangagwa WISE OR JUST STUPID to appoint SOLDIERS to government posts 5 months before ELECTIONS a time when he desperately needs to build public favour?
First Lady Amai Auxillia Mnangagwa visits Chikurubi female prison on Christmas Day and presents Christmas goodies to inmates and their children…. – State Media pics –
By Farai D Hove| Most Zimbabweans in the below representative sample have claimed that Gen Constantino Chiwenga will not be a good deputy of President Emmerson Mnangagwa’s. It was not clear at the time of writing why people have come to such a conclusion- Final results:
Is Chiwenga going to be a good deputy to President Mnangagwa?
Staff Reporter| When president Emmerson Mnangagwa arrived at the Methodist church in Mabelreign yesterday morning, he was somewhat greeted by the same song which was used when the disgraced Bishop Nolbert Kunonga was kicked out of the Anglican church 4 years ago. Now, this could have been mere coincidence, no insult at all intended, but MDC Alliance leader, Jacob Ngarivhume notes stating that this was the case yesterday. “This is the song Anglicans sang when they defeated Kunonga?” he asks.
The lyrics of the song are as follows:
“Tinokudza Zita rako, Baba vanodiwa, neusiku hwakanaka.
By Farai D Hove| A truck belonging to a long time Robert Mugabe business partnership, Sabot transport was involved in a horrific traffic accident that saw scores killed at the weekend.
Fifteen people died countrywide in 13 road traffic accidents recorded on Unity Day last Friday while four others were killed in another accident along the Harare-Beitbridge Highway on Saturday.
Scores others were killed when the Sabot transport truck collided head-on with a kombi plying the Chivi, Masvingo, Beitbridge route.
Sabot which has a fleet size of over 500 horses and over 1200 trailers, has been sustained under the ownership of the controversial Billy Rautenbach who has partnered the former President Mugabe. Rautenbach is also known for demolishing villagers’ properties in Chisumbanje when he 6 years ago made false claims that he was going to electrify the whole of Manicaland using ethanol from his new energy project.
Scenes from the accident in pictures published by ZimEye.com were gory and highly disturbing in what could be the worst accident of its nature in Zimbabwean history.
The number of those who have been injured so far could not be ascertained at the time of going to print.
Full statistics for Saturday and yesterday’s road accidents were not available and police said they would release a comprehensive report today as they were still compiling figures.
In a statement, national police spokesperson Chief Superintendent Paul Nyathi said an analysis of the road traffic accidents revealed that of the 13 accidents, nine were caused by speeding, while four were as a result of inattention and misjudgment.
“Two pedestrians were knocked down at the 132km peg along the Harare-Mukumbura Road while another one died on the spot near Fairbridge, Bulawayo, as they tried to cross the road.
“In yet another incident, which occurred at 2.30am at the 258km peg along Masvingo-Beitbridge Road, one person died after one of the drivers encroached into the lane of oncoming traffic. The same circumstances were also recorded in two other accidents that occurred in Harare and Chivhu. The circumstances point to fatigue/human error,” Chief Supt Nyathi.
He said most accidents were recorded during the early hours of the day.
“As police were are urging motorists to avoid speeding and to exercise extreme caution on the road and to be on the lookout for pedestrians and animals. Pedestrians must check both sides of the road and ensure that it is safe to cross before crossing any road,” he said.
“Encroaching into the lane of oncoming traffic is suggestive of fatigue or sleeping while driving. We urge drivers to take breaks when on long journeys and to desist from taking alcohol and drugs which may impair their judgment,” he said.
Last year, 16 people were killed while 45 others were injured in 106 road traffic accidents that occurred on Christmas Day compared to only four deaths in 2015.
Although police could not release the total number of deaths from December 15 when the festive period officially started, the 16 deaths in one day last year compared to four in 2015 were disturbing given that many motorists failed to travel due to liquidity constraints.
Indications were that speeding and overtaking errors were to blame for most of the accidents. Statistics released by the police indicate that 106 accidents were recorded on Christmas Day last year alone compared to 81 recorded. – State Media/Additional Reporting.
Terrence Mawawa, Gweru| In an incident that stunned court officials, a local woman dumped her husband for not bathing properly.
The woman also shocked her in-laws when she parted ways with her husband because he did not want to be hygienic as she expected.
The woman’s husband, Ishmael Mhanga, (23) of Mkoba 14, Gweru, appeared before Gweru Provincial Magistrate, Pathekile Msipa last Friday facing domestic violence charges.Mhanga allegedly assaulted his wife with clenched fists following an argument.
The court heard that Mhanga wanted to have sex with his wife and she refused arguing that he was stinking.
True men don’t bath especially after drinking & smoking, IS THIS TRUE?
Mhanga’ s efforts to plead with his wife came to naught and a heated argument ensued.
“On December 4 Mhanga wanted to have sex with his wife but she refused.
This angered him and there was an argument. The wife then rushed to the police station where she reported that she had been assaulted by Mhanga,” the court heard.
The woman also left the couple’ s matrimonial home and told her in-laws she was not happy with Mhanga’ s refusal to bath properly.
Mhanga pleaded guilty but Magistrate Msipa acquitted him.
A Gweru woman has accused a local ferrochrome smelting company, Xin Yu Mining Corporation, of firing her because she was pregnant.
Angela Gwatiringa, who was employed by Xin Yu as a control room assistant, was recently relieved of her duties by the company after she indicated that she was now heavily pregnant and wanted some leave days.
“I indicated to the company’s human resources manager, Mr Kudakwashe Chitakure that I needed some leave days because I was feeling heavy,” she said.
“When he approached the company directors they gave him the directive to fire me and the following day I was handed a dismissal letter.”
Ms Gwatiringa said she had since approached the National Employment Council after she could not get joy from the management.
“What disturbs me is that, is it a crime to fall pregnant?’ she said. “Labour laws have a provision that when someone is pregnant she will be given maternity leave.
“The company is ignorant of labour laws and workers were always threatened by management, which claims to be politically connected. If you try to voice your concern, you are automatically fired and this is what has happened to me. The management claims they have a strong political connection.”
Mr Chitakure confirmed that they fired Ms Gwatiringa. He said the allegations that she was fired because she was pregnant were false.
“Her job was technical, she was working in a control room and there were concerns that she was not doing her job properly,” said Mr Chitakure.
“The dismissal was based on incompetence. I was not even aware that she was pregnant, so the allegations I think are coming from the fact that she is disappointed.” – state media
By Wilbert Mukori| After 37 years of one of the most corrupt oppressive and murderous regimes in modern human history that has forced ¾ of the country’s population into a life of hopelessness and despair. One would have thought that people of Zimbabwe will clear and united in wanting the dictatorship to end. It is therefore very disappointing that there are people like Victor Gore who believed “a lot has changed” and list them on ZimEye as follows:
1) no interface rallies 2) no abusing politicians by Grace Gucci 3) Road blocks are fewer 4) Bob’s face’s disappeared from the media 5) ministers now understand the word stress &unemployment 6) Grace Gucci has stopped it, hatichamunzwi. 7) Made MDC panic & fly to seek help from racist Donald Trump!
indepth…Wilbert Mukori
No wonder dictators like Robert Mugabe have thrived in Zimbabwe. When you have a people with such a shockingly low opinion of themselves, who have been crashed and ground into the dust all their lives and yet think nothing of it; it is easy to see why the corrupt, vote rigging and oppression will never stop.
The Zanu PF ruling elite have enjoyed absolute power, amassed wealth and enjoy lifestyles of unparalleled comfort and leisure. Last month’s coup, “Operation Restore Legacy” as the coup plotters called it, was about restoring the absolute power back in the hands of the Joint Operation Command, the Junta that has ruled the country with an iron fist all these last 37 years.
Mugabe, the leader of the Junta, had turned against the other thugs and wanted to hand over power to his wife and her G40 supporters. The rest of the Junta members had no choice but to point a gun at his temple and force the tyrant to resign. Other than that nothing else had changed, the Zanu PF thugs are still in total control and they have been flexing their muscle to punish the losing G40 leaders.
To get the national economy back on track, Zimbabwe needs to do something to end the endemic gross mismanagement, rampant corruption and to scrap all Mugabe’s foolish policies. Mnangagwa has already scrapped some of the more obvious and obnoxious laws such as the indigenisation law and has made a half-hearted go at ending corruption – half-hearted because he has gone after the corrupt G40 members but has allowed his own faction members go free. Worst still he has done absolutely nothing to implement the democratic reforms to end the country’s culture of lawlessness, political violence and vote rigging.
Zimbabwe is still a nation ruled by thugs, the removal of Mugabe alone did not transform Zanu PF from a ruthless dictatorship into a law abiding democratic party. A black mamba does not seize to be a deadly snake just because it has shed-off its old skin.
Whatever President Mnangagwa does on the economic front it will all come to naught as long as he has done nothing to end Zimbabwe’s reputation as a lawless nation ruled by thugs. He could not have
had a more ominous start to his presidency – he is the beneficiary of a military coup and his cabinet is stuffed to the rafters with Zanu PF’s most cold-blooded thugs.
Indeed, if Mnangagwa was to make any foolish attempt to implement democratic reforms to ensure free and fair elections then one thing is certain Operation Restore Legacy mark 2 in which he too will be forced to resign. The Zanu PF thugs have just got taken their respective seats in the dictatorship and they are not going to risk being booted out of power in a free election.
It economic changes are the seed, it is great that President Mnangagwa is paying attention to ensure we have good seed to plant. But by failing to restore the rule of law and holding free and fair elections, he is failing to ensure he has good soil to plant the seed. What good is it to have the best seed if you sow it in rocky soil or in among the weeds and thorns?
Yes Zimbabweans had dreamt of freedom, human rights and economic prosperity during the fight to white colonial oppression but deep down in the hearts of hearts they never believed that Mugabe and his Zanu PF thugs would make that dream come true. So when the tyrant turned their whole world upside down to deny them their freedoms, rights and very humanity the people were disappointed but not shocked, they half expected it to happen.
After 37 years of Zanu PF corrupt and tyrannical rule the people are very pleased Mugabe has gone. They contend with Mugabe’s departure and do not dare ask who is coming after him because they already know it will be another dictator, they do not expect anyone else would be shocked if he/she was anything other than another corrupt, incompetent and murderous thug.
“No more interface rallies!” said Gore! Such a deplorable lack of ambition is shocking from even one person but when this at national level one is left speechless. Zimbabwe is in this hell-on-earth economic and political mess because we have had the great misfortune of having corrupt and incompetent leaders in both the ruling party and the opposition but all because we have one of the naïve and ignorant electorate with zero ambition for themselves and the nation.-zsdemocrats.blogspot.co.uk
Fifteen people died countrywide in 13 road traffic accidents recorded on Unity Day last Friday while four others were killed in another accident along the Harare-Beitbridge Highway early yesterday.
The number of those who have been injured so far could not be ascertained at the time of going to print.
Full statistics for Saturday and yesterday’s road accidents were not available and police said they would release a comprehensive report today as they were still compiling figures.
In a statement, national police spokesperson Chief Superintendent Paul Nyathi said an analysis of the road traffic accidents revealed that of the 13 accidents, nine were caused by speeding, while four were as a result of inattention and misjudgment.
“Two pedestrians were knocked down at the 132km peg along the Harare-Mukumbura Road while another one died on the spot near Fairbridge, Bulawayo, as they tried to cross the road.
“In yet another incident, which occurred at 2.30am at the 258km peg along Masvingo-Beitbridge Road, one person died after one of the drivers encroached into the lane of oncoming traffic. The same circumstances were also recorded in two other accidents that occurred in Harare and Chivhu. The circumstances point to fatigue/human error,” Chief Supt Nyathi.
He said most accidents were recorded during the early hours of the day.
“As police were are urging motorists to avoid speeding and to exercise extreme caution on the road and to be on the lookout for pedestrians and animals. Pedestrians must check both sides of the road and ensure that it is safe to cross before crossing any road,” he said.
“Encroaching into the lane of oncoming traffic is suggestive of fatigue or sleeping while driving. We urge drivers to take breaks when on long journeys and to desist from taking alcohol and drugs which may impair their judgment,” he said.
Last year, 16 people were killed while 45 others were injured in 106 road traffic accidents that occurred on Christmas Day compared to only four deaths in 2015.
Although police could not release the total number of deaths from December 15 when the festive period officially started, the 16 deaths in one day last year compared to four in 2015 were disturbing given that many motorists failed to travel due to liquidity constraints.
Indications were that speeding and overtaking errors were to blame for most of the accidents. Statistics released by the police indicate that 106 accidents were recorded on Christmas Day last year alone compared to 81 recorded .
The Zimbabwe Republic Police (ZRP) has declared that police officers should not be involved in the transport business as part of measures to end corruption and restore public confidence in the force, according to reliable sources.
The ZRP has also ordered an end to all unnecessary salary deductions for its members save for those done through the Salary Service Bureau.
Police sources said the order was made by Acting Commissioner-General Godwin Matanga last week during a meeting he held with senior police officers.
Some of the senior officers who attended the meeting said the acting police chief also ordered that all the money that was being deducted through Kuyedza Women’s Club be done according to the force’s policy, that is voluntarily or willingly.
“The police chief emphasised during the meeting that the following should stop; that is unsanctioned money collection. Kuyedza should be done as per policy-standing and that resources constraints should not be used as an excuse for poor service delivery,” said one of the police sources.
The ZRP will soon conduct audits to check for any malpractices, according to the sources.
The sources added that, “He also said there was not going to be any transport business among officers and that members should work towards building public confidence. And that indiscipline and corruption should stop.”
“He (Acting Comm-Gen Matanga) also said the retirement age is 55 years according to the Police Act, 65 years for Public Service Commission. He said members should prepare for it.”
Upkeep fees that were reported to have been paid by recruits have also been banned and their training should be funded by the force.
Last week, the ZRP admitted to inadequate supervision and unbecoming behaviour by its members, leading to erosion of public trust, faith and confidence in the force.
Addressing senior officers in Harare, Acting Police Commissioner-General Matanga said the force would not hesitate to resuscitate the National Development Committee and to empower the Inspectorate Unit to enhance supervision of police activities at all levels.
“There is a well-known Shona saying that, ‘kugona chivi kuzvituka’. May I, therefore, urge all of us to self-introspect, accept that our challenges emanate from lack of or inadequate supervision and unbecoming actions by some of our members, which have no doubt eroded public trust, faith and confidence in the police service,” he said.
“The young police officers need our constant and regular guidance so that they do not stray and malign the good name and image of the police service.”
Acting Comm-Gen Matanga said refresher, developmental and induction courses would be conducted with renewed vigour so that all officers had in-depth knowledge of police work.
Customer satisfaction, professionalism, respect, courteousness and restraint, Acting Comm-Gen Matanga said, would be the epitome of all police activities.- state media
Editor stop lying saying Mnangagwa went to church without a motorcade. This video which you avoided showing us reveals it all zvionerei mega musanyebere vanhu mhani imi!
There was mixed reaction to President Emmerson Mnangagwa’s appointment of Constantino Chiwenga and Kembo Mohadi as party-vice-presidents yesterday with some saying it was a payback while others said people should give the President a chance.
Mnangangwa posted the appointments on his official twitter handle and here are some of the reactions.
Emmerson D. Mnangagwa -Today, I have appointed former Zimbabwe Defence Forces Commander, Constantino Chiwenga and former State Security Minister, Kembo Mohadi as the ruling ZANU-PF’s new Vice Presidents and Second Secretaries. I’m looking forward to working with them to the success of our nation.
Mwana Wevhu- I still don’t understand the motive behind the appointment.. Is it friendship or payback?
Xolisani Sikhosana– It’s payback baba
Douglas Mwonzora– You are militarising state institutions. Those who thought you might reform the state institutions are better advised to think again.
Gerald Maguranyanga– Hon DM. I disagree with u. Lets not criticise just because. Let’s genuinely support this new administration & see how it goes. It’s early days to go all out & attack everything. ED deserves a chance. I’ve given ED the benefit of the doubt.
Elvin Mcluvin– Is there any chance that you will reinstate Prof Jonathan Moyo as a minister?
Ndumiso M. Ndlovu- Did you know? 32 of the 45 American presidents have had some kind of military service to their name?
Thadious Chigodo- Masoja auya, if they say left turn, right turn, they mean it. Discipline and focus gore rino. Hezvoko ma Ministers no more mediocre performance. Non performing Ministers tumai General Mr President. Iwe neni tine basa.
Build Zimbabwe Alliance- Mr. President, it is alleged that the Fly Africa airline you travelled on to get to SA is actually a family owned business? Could you give clarity on the matter. Thank you.
Tafara Mangoma- Fly Africa is not family business to the president. Its owned by Mr C Mugwagwa
Robert moyo- The appointment of Chiwenga as VP confirms that Mugabe was ousted through a coup. I wonder if we gonna have free and fair elections next year.
Staliyan – Yeah should have known when you talked of no business as usual you meant business through the gun. Why so many soldiers in government to begin with are we really going to have a free and fair election next year.
Gerald Maguranyanga – Yes we will have a good election next year. Want a bad one? Wish for it.
Staliyan- I’m not wishing for a bad election no but on the contrary I hope for a good credible one so that we can actually and finally get this terrorist group completely out of power and then start holding them accountable to everything that they have done through the years.
@molifimaleka- hahaha pay back time…nothing for mahala madala. – insider
Ray Nkosi | MDC Alliance leader Jacob Ngavhirume has come out to expose how soldiers in civilian clothes stormed the Methodist church in Mabelreign before President Emmerson Mnangagwa and his wife Auxillia joined the Sunday service.
Wrote Ngavhirume on social media, “My friend was at that church. He messaged me earlier to say there were so many soldiers in civilian who came to the church as early as the church was being prepared for service. He said to me I am expecting a top government official to be here today. When ED (Mnangagwa) walked in he was not surprised.”
Mnangagwa and his wife were photographed in the church amidst speculation why it has taken them so long to join the congregation of a church the President is quoted in the media to have been a member of for decades.
Writes Ngavhirume, “There were scores of security details in plain clothes. Those two were for PR. This strategy won’t fool citizens for ever.”
Terrence Mawawa, Gutu | Local businesspeople have expressed satisfaction at President Emmerson Mnangagwa’ s frantic efforts to introduce policies that attract foreign investment.
The businesspeople who spoke to ZimEye.com yesterday said they were happy to note that there was a significant improvement in the circulation of money since November when Mnangagwa was sworn in as the President of the country.
An official at Gutu Spar said: ” As you can see we are very busy today.I can say there has been a notable improvement in the circulation of cash and we are happy with President Mnangagwa’ s investment policies.”
An operations manager at Tiger General Dealer said business had improved tremendously since Mnangagwa’ s inauguration.
“This month we have managed to record the highest sales since the turn of the millennium and that is very encouraging.
As businesspeople, we are willing to work with the new government and we are fully behind President Mnangagwa,” he said.
By Paul Nyathi | Thousands of cross border travellers between South Africa and Zimbabwe using the Beitbridge border post are certainly set to celebrate much of their Christmas at the port of entry.
Border control officials on both sides of the borders especially those handling travellers coming into Zimbabwe are failing to cope with the huge number of travellers who are reaching to tens of thousands.
As at sunset on Sunday it was taking up to twelve hours for a single vehicle to pass through the two border posts.
Bekithemba Zulu a traveller from Johannesburg travelling to Bulawayo told ZimEye.com that he took exactly eleven hours to get through the two border posts due to the long queues at the border posts.
“I got to the border at about 6am thinking that the border would be clearer in the early hours of the morning but it took me exactly 11 hours to get through the two borders,” he said.
Vehicles waiting to get through tge two borders stretched for about ten kilometres back into South Africa on the South African side of the border.
Vehicles intending to cross out of Zimbabwe into South Africa also stretched about 5 kilometres backwards into Beitbridge town in Zimbabwe.
South Africa is host to close to One Million Zimbabweans who are in that country as economic refugees.
A number of them make their way to Zimbabwe for Christmas Holidays to visit their families and a vice versa visit South Africa to spend holiday with their loved ones who may have failed to make it home.
Watch video of vehicles waiting to get through the border on the South African side of the border.
By Sydney Barson| The President’s inaugural statement “let bygones be bygones” was a reference to those who were G40 supporters so that the public do not start taking revenge, It did not refer to opening the violence of the past for truth and reconciliation, State Provincial Affairs Minister for Manicaland Monica Mutsvangwa has said.
Addressing the Churches in Manicaland (CiM) clergy and lay leaders on Wednesday in Mutare, Mutsvangwa said diversity is an asset and she wants a healthy opposition to keep the ruling party on their toes.
The Churches had raised a plethora of issues for the minister to address.
She said she will take off her Zanu PF hat when there are more important issues at stake. She has already been working with other parties in Parliament and wants to do it in Manicaland.
“Healing is an important national priority and Manicaland should be one of the first areas for the NPRC to operate in at provincial level because there are a lot of broken hearts.” Mutsvangwa said.
She said she was willing to go through the process of truth and reconciliation herself.
“The President’s directive is that people must be persuaded by the parties, not forced. Everyone using election-related or other forms of violence must be brought to book immediately.
The Churches implored government to rein in the police and proposed people centred re-training of the police.
“Police need training not only from government which is committed to a professional force that respects the public, but also from members of the republic who refuse to allow the police to get away with corruption and abuse.” She added.
Referring to a question on Zimbabwean diasporans she said government must respect their umbilical cord with home.
She has moved a motion in Parliament that there be a Diaspora Policy to encourage integration of the diaspora into the nation building discussions and efforts and promised to facilitate this in government.
A CiM member Rev Shirley DeWolf said corruption was a cancer which has slowly but surely embedded itself in the once jewel of Africa and is a cause for concern from the Church.
Responding to the issue of corruption Mutsvangwa said: “With something so deeply embedded in all parts of national life naming and shaming is the only way to root out corruption.”
Her main focus now is on getting the economy up and running so that it will have quick returns for those most disadvantaged.
Said Mutsvangwa, “There is now lots of investor goodwill, but investors are waiting to see how we will manage things. Banking issues are among my first priorities.”
She said she has been working for a long time on a strategy to resuscitate the formal sector of business while not pulling the rug out from under the vendors and their dependents.
Meanwhile she has met with vendors in Mutare and the City Council to put in place measures requested by vendors.
Mutare City fathers with the aid of the military arm have been at the helm of criticism from the public for destroying their livelihoods by effecting a murambatsvina Part 2.
The Churches also asked the minister to investigate and strategize how to close down the lethargy and greed around the Chiadzwa diamonds industry and under put it under international standards.
To date Manicaland has nothing to point at after the Chiadzwa diamond rush and the $15million loot.
One key result area of the interface was that the Church should not underestimate its impact on political processes and must continue to give guidance.
Mutsvangwa asserted that the Church and government must pledge never again to allow a person of political ambition to use the Church as a platform for furthering a political agenda.
She hopes the church will give her constant feedback from the community about their needs and expectations, as people talk differently to their Churches than to politicians.
Terrence Mawawa | Dynamos legend Calisto Pasuwa faces arrest for illegally occupying a residential stand.
A warrant of arrest was issued against the former Warriors and Dynamos Football Club coach Calisto Pasuwa last week.
Pasuwa is in trouble for occupying a council residential stand without approval.
He subsequently skipped a court hearing resulting in the issuing of the warrant of arrest against him.
On November 8, 2017, a Manyame Rural District Council inspector on patrol in Seke asked Pasuwa (47) to produce documentation for his residential stand in the area.
He, however, allegedly failed to produce the documents.
“The accused person (Pasuwa) had no legal right to occupy or use communal land without lawful authority,” read a police statement.
“I was lawfully allocated this piece of land by the village head and I observed all formalities, including having my name registered in the village head’s book for forward transmission to Manyame Rural District Council,” said Pasuwa.
By Paul Nyathi | Wind back to November 6, 2016, in Pretoria South Africa, Vice President elect Kembo Mohadi was given a white handkerchief by Profit Sherphard Bushiri and was assured that the piece of cloth would open avenues for him.
Bushiri gave Mohadi who was Minister of State Security at the time a guaranteed prophecy that he will be promoted and given a crown to a higher position.
When he returned from the prophetic sermon, beleaguered then President Robert Mugabe savaged him heavily in a ZANU PF politburo meeting accusing Mohadi of playing the succession battle using prophets.
“Ahh vakomana, kutoteerera zvimapurofita zvenyu izvi? Munhu akafunda chokwadi? Ahhh, imika imi’ [surely you pay attention to these prophets, learned people like you?]” said Mugabe then.
Exactly one year to the prophecy, on the 6th of November 2017, Mohadi was fired from Mugabe’s governmemt and the party.
Perhaps with the use of the handkerchief given to him to defeat all plans against him, Mohadi returned to clinch the second most senior position in the country as Vice President.
Since Mugabe was overthrown, Mohadi has made several public appearances where he is seen occasionally wiping his head and face with a white handkerchief, could it still be the same piece of cloth from the prophet and could it be the one that steered him to the top national position.
Watch Bushiri give Mohadi the handkerchief and prophecy.
Nicknamed “Mr Perfect” in military circles, a few can deny that as General Constantino Chiwenga pursues his new assignment, the Zimbabwe Defence Forces could not have been left in better hands than those of General Phillip Valerio Sibanda.
Those who worked with him during the liberation struggle and have acquainted themselves with him post-Independence know the qualities he brings to his latest appointment.
A senior ex-Zapu cadre who spoke to The Sunday Mail last week was all smiles as she gave insights into the General’s early life in the struggle, including his inclination to become a pastor.
Jane Lungile Ngwenya, one of Zimbabwe’s most senior surviving nationalists, said she was proud of Gen Sibanda’s elevation and his role in fostering national cohesion.
“. . . I particularly recall Sibanda because I had known him earlier as a Zanla combatant. And now that he is General of the Zimbabwe Defence Forces, memories of his younger days are now flooding back to me.
“He was a pure gentleman. Even at a young age, you could tell that he was destined for leadership. His demeanour and countenance made him stand out among others.
“I also know that during his younger days, he had aspired to be a pastor. This showed that he had qualities of diligence and leadership.”
Ngwenya said soldiers such as General Sibanda are some of the unsung heroes, who played a key role during the 1987 unity talks.
“I know that during these talks, the military were crucial in ensuring that there was peace at the end,” she said.
“There were commanders such as Valerio Sibanda, who were very sober during these talks and stood firm in telling our leaders that they needed to sign the accord. It was not only him; there were others too.”
Gen Sibanda is a decorated liberation fighter, who joined the armed struggle in 1973.
His Chimurenga name was Ananias Gwenzi and he rose to become one of Zipra’s commanders.
He also served as a member of the Zipra High Command and also as Chief of Reconnaissance for the wing’s military intelligence.
At Independence in 1980, Gen Sibanda joined the army and rose through the ranks, becoming Major-General in 1994.
Gen Sibanda headed the United Nations Mission in Angola as the Force Commander in charge of peace and national reconciliation (1995-98).
He was elevated to Zimbabwe National Army Commander in 2003.- state media
Minister of Labour and Social Welfare Hon Petronella Kagonye celebrating her 40th birthday in the capital, Harare! Makorokoto! Amhlope! An eventful birthday it was, announced her ministry in a tweet. PICTURES –
President Jacob Zuma says his Zimbabwean counterpart has given him assurances that former president Robert Mugabewill be looked after as an “elder”.
This emerged after a meeting between Zuma and the new Zimbabwe president, Emmerson Mnangagwa in Pretoria Thursday.
“I have been assured that the founding father of Zimbabwe, former president Mugabe, will be looked after. There will be no problems at all,” Zuma was quoted as saying by the private NewsDay.
“He (Mugabe) is our father. He grew up in the struggle and we have appreciated that this is what is important that in Africa, we should look after our elders,” Zuma added.
Mugabe was forced to resign November 21 after a military operation that quashed the rise of Grace Mugabe and a faction of loyalists known as G40.
Presidential spokesperson George Charamba told the state-run Herald that Mnangagwa had indicated to Zuma that “President Mugabe remains not just safe but revered as the founding father and leader of Zanu-PF and that there is no intention to victimise him or degrade his reputation”.
Mugabe – who was briefly put under house arrest together with his wife during last month’s military operation -left the country earlier this month for routine health check-ups in Singapore. It’s not clear when he is due back.- News24
By Farai D Hove| Scores of Zimbabweans are feared dead after a kombi they were traveling in crushed head on into a Sabot truck at Lundi in a manner never seen in Zimbabwe.
The kombi plies the Chivi – Beitbridge route, sources said.
Details were sketchy at the time of writing. PLEASE NOTE – Other pictures are too gruesome
– REFRESH THIS PAGE AS THIS IS A DEVELOPING STORY –
Thousands of desperate Zimbabweans from Mutare and other cities across the country are flocking to Manicaland Chimoio in Mozambique to buy groceries, which are far cheaper than those found in local supermarkets.
Prices of most goods in Zimbabwe went up drastically recently, sparking outrage from long-suffering consumers.
A visit by The Standard People last Thursday showed that Zimbabweans had become the biggest shoppers for groceries in time for Christmas.
Zimbabweans were swamping shops in Manica and Chimoio like Shoprite, VIP and Jumbo Cash & Carry where basic commodities and canned beer were being loaded onto vehicles.
Fish and chicken have also become popular with the Zimbabwean shoppers. Shop owners in Manica and Chimoio were working overtime and on many occasions unable to cope with the demand created by Zimbabwean shoppers.
The shoppers were exchanging the Zimbabwe bond notes for Mozambican meticals.
In interviews, the Zimbabwean shoppers said they had no option but to cross the border to do their shopping in Mozambique. “The pricing system in Zimbabwe is pure madness. We have no option but to come here to do our Christmas shopping.
The prices are far much cheaper than those in Zimbabwe,” said Emmanuel Chinhema. “Things should not be like this at a time when we have a new government in place.
“We never thought that with this new leadership, Zimbabweans would end up going to Mozambique to buy groceries like we are doing,” said another shopper, Lucia Mandiopera.
The average price of a full chicken in Zimbabwean supermarkets is $15 while in Mozambique it is going for $7.
Basic commodities fetch almost half the price of those in Zimbabwe. Unemployed youths have joined the great trek to Mozambique to become porters, lugging consignments of commodities belonging to traders for a fee.
Confederation of Zimbabwe Retailers Association president Denford Mutashu attributed the rapid rise in commodity prices to the debilitating foreign currency crisis crippling the country.- state media
Following the defeat of his ex-wife, Nkosazana, President Jacob Zuma’s days have closed in on him – a South African news paper writes that an ANC leadership is being dispatched to advise him to step down.
The development comes after Zuma was viewed as the the ANC’s tired horse who has also soiled the party. Before the events of last week, Zuma was claiming that the ANC is in danger of being taken over by capitalists; but he himself has been the face of capitalistic state capture as seen in the report by the country’s former Public Protector, Thuli Madonsela.
The paper, City Press even quotes party insiders stating that the proposal was that new President Cyril Ramaphosa and new ANC secretary-general Ace Magashule, an ardent Zuma loyalist, would lead the discussions with Zuma.
FULL TEXT: A delegation from the newly elected ANC leadership will be dispatched to President Jacob Zuma to advise him to step down voluntarily, as pressure mounts on him to immediately give Cyril Ramaphosa space to rebuild the party’s battered image.
In the days following Ramaphosa’s victory over his rival Nkosazana Dlamini-Zuma at the party’s 54th elective conference in Johannesburg, ANC leaders have been involved in intense discussions about a conflict-free exit for Zuma from the presidency.
There is pressure that Ramaphosa – who will deliver the party’s January 8 anniversary statement and preside over the national executive committee (NEC) lekgotla – should be the one to chair the Cabinet meeting later next month and deliver the state of the nation address in February.
Another view was that Zuma should be allowed to make the state of the nation address his farewell speech and signal a smooth handover.
One ANC leader said: “It was said that he should be requested [to step down] outside of the formalities of the NEC processes, to avoid making it appear as if the NEC removed him. If he does not cooperate, a resolution of the NEC can be easily secured. We all agree that the sooner he goes, the better.”
Party insiders close to the process said the proposal was that Ramaphosa and new ANC secretary-general Ace Magashule, an ardent Zuma loyalist, would lead the discussions with Zuma.
He will be told that this is to salvage the party’s reputation before the 2019 general elections and, that if he sees out the rest of his term, his scandal-tainted image will hurt the party at the polls. Elections are expected before June 2019.
While many of Zuma’s supporters have accepted that change needs to happen, some insist he should resist calls to cut his tenure short by 18 months.
“Let me tell you, that thing of a recall is not going to happen to Jacob Zuma,” said one source close to Zuma.
“He is not Thabo Mbeki and you must know that this is not over for Zuma.”
The ANC recalled former president Mbeki in September 2008, eight months before the end of his term.
What complicates matters is that, unlike after the December 2007 Polokwane conference when Zuma emerged with a clear majority that enabled the recall, this time the spoils are almost evenly split.
The Zuma insider said the ANC was “headed for trouble like you have never seen before”, citing the roughly 50/50 split in the top six and the NEC.
“This is not unity, it is chaos,” he said.
THE TWO CENTRES OF POWER
Ramaphosa supporters say he will be emboldened by the national conference resolution on the two centres of power between Luthuli House and the Union Buildings. It states that ANC headquarters enjoy central authority and those in government have to toe the line.
“In the resolution, it is clear that the centre of power is in Luthuli House and it is there, even in Ramaphosa’s speech. He was asserting his authority that he is now in charge on behalf of the ANC, which is the centre of power for all its members, including Zuma,” said another ANC insider.
If the Zuma recall proposal is defeated in ANC structures, Ramaphosa supporters expect an opposition party to table a motion of no confidence in the National Assembly, based on the latest damning court rulings against Zuma.
They believe that under the cover of a secret ballot, ANC MPs are likely to side with the new leader and vote for Zuma’s departure. They are also putting faith in the fact that even Cabinet ministers who appear loyal to Zuma may try to curry favour with Ramaphosa.
Ramaphosa’s backers say Zuma’s resignation will enable him to hit the ground running and win over disillusioned ANC voters well ahead of the crucial 2019 general election.
But Zuma’s backers say they have sufficient numbers on the NEC to fight back.
“We are ready for them and we will tell the branches that they are sowing disunity, despite the conference being clear on the need for unity,” one Zuma lieutenant said.
ZUMA COULD BE DANGEROUS
An ANC insider said Zuma could be dangerous if he was “fighting with his back against the wall”.
“The moment you begin to pursue them, they develop ideas, and they will remove you before you remove them,” the insider said.
“If, finally, he is sent packing, it won’t be because of a recall, but there will be negotiations for him to go.”
Ramaphosa’s allies say that, as ANC president, he occupies a powerful position and could manage and influence the NEC just like Zuma had, blocking and reversing its decisions.
“Politically speaking, you need to have power, authority and influence, and this is what any president possesses,” said former ANC North West deputy chairperson and Ramaphosa supporter China Dodovu, adding that ministers, deputies and other key appointees in government would tailor their allegiances to keep their jobs.
Dodovu said that because many leaders “are controlled by their stomachs” and “think more about their families and friends than about the general welfare of the people”, they will toe the new leadership’s line.
“My take is that no one will resist the call for President Zuma to step down. They will be scared to raise their hands and object. They fully know there is a risk of losing a lucrative position with its perks.”
Dodovu predicted that “the decision to recall President Zuma will be smooth” and “will not be resisted”.
‘NO REASON TO RECALL ZUMA’
Water and Sanitation Minister Nomvula Mokonyane told City Press that talk of two centres of power was misplaced and there was no need to recall Zuma.
“If Zuma is to be recalled, there must be a reason, just as there was for [Mbeki]. Here we must hear what the reason will be and I am sure leaders will apply their minds. But it can’t be that even before the president closes the conference and there is a declaration, that you people are running with a headline. It is so malicious. You are hurting the ANC,” she said.
The two centres of power is “a silly discussion because a member of the ANC is a deployee in government and you execute the mandate of the ANC”.
Mokonyane said the discussion has turned to “fashionable politics that are hurting the ANC”. Recently, there have been “narratives that are hurting the movement and people grab on to them for various agendas”.
If the ANC wants to resolve the overlap of party and state presidents between its elective conferences and the general elections, it should consider harmonising the timing of the two events, she said. South Africans should appreciate that Zuma “did not come to this conference to seek a third term”, and should respect that he is “left with a year or so to end his term”.
“When the time comes for him to account for his second term in government, it will be done. All other things are malicious gossip and insinuations.”
Last month, National Assembly Speaker Baleka Mbete told City Press that the matter of Zuma’s recall would be the first item the new leadership should be preoccupied with.
She is against a recall, saying the 18 months between the conference and the general election are important to allow the party’s new leadership to take conference resolutions and apply them – “including how you restructure government”.
ZUMA MEETS PARTY ELDERS
Meanwhile, City Press learnt that Zuma met ANC elders this week, where the transition was discussed.
Among those who attended the meeting were former deputy president Kgalema Motlanthe, ANC stalwart Winnie Madikizela-Mandela and leaders from the Ramaphosa and Dlamini-Zuma camps.
A conciliatory Zuma is said to have congratulated Ramaphosa and spoken about how, in 1994, Nelson Mandela had wanted him to succeed him and how Mbeki wanted Dlamini-Zuma to succeed him. He spoke about how Mbeki was Oliver Tambo’s preferred successor, but the younger man gave way to Mandela.
The gist of Zuma’s message was about the crucial role of elders, who have always advised on succession planning in the ANC.
City Press understands that Zuma told the gathering “unity is important because we need each other in the battlefield, and to mobilise society ahead of 2019”.
He said he knew he was not liked much, but he played his part and did his best to ensure pillars of the Freedom Charter were implemented. He urged the incoming leadership to continue the good fight.
Zuma praised Dlamini-Zuma for her courage. Sources said it was “an emotional moment that ended in hugs and with him wiping what appeared to be tears from his eyes.”
He then joined Ramaphosa and Dlamini-Zuma’s hands.
Today marks exactly one month after president Emmerson Mnangagwa rose to become Head of State.
By Victor Gore | A lot has changed,
1) no interface rallies
2) no abusing politicians by Grace Gucci
3) Road blocks are fewer
4) Bob’s face’s disappeared from the media
5) ministers now understand the word stress &unemployment
6) Grace Gucci has stopped it , hatichamunzwi.
7)Made MDC panic & fly to seek help from racist Donald Trump!
While ED may have made many mistakes, I can see he is now a changed man. If he was stealing he stole enough to be completely satisfied. We can not trust those who still need stealing to be well off economically and health wise( I am not mocking nor disrespecting anyone). Look at how much money vanished from MDC ‘s coffers without trace. Tsvangirai has fought a good fight (at least we have a meaningful opposition) this is as far as he can get. He can do MDC a great favor by stepping down. – By Anonymous| READER COMMENT
By Shylene Mtandwa| PDP leader and former Finance Minister, Tendai Biti says nothing has changed with the removal of former President Robert Mugabe
Writing on Sunday afternoon, Biti said “2017 is the most defining year of our lives.the year in which a big chapter was closed and a new one opened.
“But it has also become clear that the challenges of yesterday are still with us. That it will require much more than removing an individual before the country is free,” he wrote on his Twitter handle.
Is it true that nothing has changed?
Is it true that nothing has changed in Zim since Mugabe was removed? @BitiTendai
This is so unAfrican, there is not even a grave to talk about, the pictures below show the place where Zimbabwe’s liberation fighter and singer Cde Chinx Chingaira Makoni was buried earlier this year. Certainly not the grave of a liberation war hero.
Decomposed remains of a Nkayi man who was working at a farm in Matobo District were found hanging by a rope from a tree in a suspected case of suicide.
Matabeleland South provincial police spokesperson Inspector Philisani Ndebele said Shakemore Sigola (28) who was working at Fox Farm in Matobo was found hanging by passersby last Wednesday at Enyandani Farm also in Matobo. He said Sigola was last seen alive more than a week ago, adding that the motive behind the incident was yet to be established as investigations were still in progress.
“We are investigating a suspected suicide case where a man who used to work at Fox Farm in Matobo District was found hanging by a rope from a tree in a bushy area at Enyandani Farm. He was positively identified by some villagers who were his neighbours.
“His body was at an advanced stage of decomposition which indicates that he had been there for several days. Sigola disappeared from his workplace on Friday last week and no one had seen him since then. The motive behind the suicide is yet to be established,” he said.
Insp Ndebele urged members of the public to desist from committing suicide when faced with challenges. He urged people to seek counselling services or to share their problems.- state media
Zimbabweans will tomorrow celebrate their first Christmas without Robert Mugabe as president in 37 years, with some vowing to have celebrations to remember.Mugabe, who was blamed for the country’s deep seated economic problems, was forced to step down by the military last month, and was replaced by his long-time ally Emmerson Mnangagwa.
Zimbabweans celebrated the military takeover with street parties and marches.
However, 2017 was punctuated by economic woes of all sorts, from the cash crunch to the recent price hikes of basic food commodities.
But despite this, the spirit of Christmas and good times has prevailed and most families will indeed celebrate the day in style. Some still travel hundreds of kilometres, often on dusty and bumpy roads, just so they can be with their families in the rural areas.
The Chinhaka family is doing just that this Chritsmas.
“We all go to kwaChikwaka every Christmas with our families. Our mother looks forward to this day when all six of us descend on her homestead and spoil her rotten.
“It is our way of saying thank you for the sacrifices,” said Edgar Chinhaka, who is the eldest of the four boys and two girls.
“They are all married and live in different parts of the country but will all make time to go home.
“My sister is in South Africa but she is on her way and come Sunday evening, we all make a convoy and go home.”
For Amiga Chitemere, a teacher at Hallingbury School in Mabelreign, Christmas is a time to be with family, showing each other love.
She will be catering for 20 people on Christmas Day and also plans to visit her in-laws in Mhondoro.
“It is time to show love and thank God that He is born in our hearts,” she said
Charles Kautare, the ZNNP+ Harare provincial chairperson said he was spending Christmas with his family.
“I would like to be with my family and maybe outdoors. I might even surprise them with a lakeside booking,” he said.
In the diaspora, Zimbabweans will also be celebrating Christmas in a big way.
Adleid Rusike, a Zimbabwean living in South Africa said she was headed for Sun city with her family.
“We are leaving this afternoon for Sun city and will be back on December 27,” she said.
Harare’s CBD was a hive of activity yesterday, with last-minute shoppers dashing from one shop to the other. Major supermarkets had huge promotions, which were meant to make the shopping experience bigger and better
.
Clothing chains like Edgars and Jet also had mark downs to allow families to buy presents for each other.
Exchanging gifts on Christmas is fast becoming the norm, with churches even joining in.
“Although there is a cash crisis, people are still buying gifts and business is better than on other days,” says Sheila from Zone boutique in First Street.
Fast-selling products included lingerie, shoes and dresses.
Mbare Musika, as always, was a bustle of activity, with many people catching buses to their rural homes.
Touts jostled to get passengers for the mostly “chicken” buses destined to the far away rural homes, which are often visited once every year around Christmas.
Amid the chaos, the nifty fingered ones made a killing picking people’s pockets as they were largely distracted by the overwhelming atmosphere.
For many, Christmas day will start with a church service, which on a day like this will be short to allow congregants more time with their loved ones.
Children still love to put on new clothes and receive gifts from their parents and friends.
However, there are those who carefully saved towards their holiday and booked in resort areas away from the bustle of the city.
Hotels and lodges in places like Nyanga with its gorgeous mountains, Vumba and its mystic weather and the ever popular Victoria Falls, are all fully booked.- thestandard
Staff Reporter| Hell broke loose inside the Anglican Church in Rusape Sunday morning.
There was near violence when the sitting priest was in the middle of service told by congregants, “you are a thief.” Allegations by the church folk are that the male vicar allegedly misappropriated church funds.
The accusers were mostly women and some can be seen in pictures supplied ZimEye Sunday morning.
Further details were not available at the time of writing as church members who briefly spoke to ZimEye were being bundled into the Rusape police station. PICTURE BELOW:
Should politicians and rich people be given front row seats in church? The Bible says this is forbidden, and US President Donald Trump together with his predecessor Barrack Obama have been given back seats. But this was not the case today.
The following are the latest ZBC pictures of President Emmerson Mnangagwa and his family taken Sunday morning at Mabelreign Methodist Church, Harare:
Should politicians and the rich like Mnangagwa be given front row seats in church? Mnangagwa was given the best seats at the Methodist Church today.
As Fraud Convict Wicknell Chivayo is given more ZESA tenders after already swindling $5million public money, a clinic has endured 15 months without electricity since August 2016.
Open letter to ZESA the ZETDC
ELECTRICITY CHALLENGES ZIMUTO SIDING, WARD B, MASVINGO NORTH.
Having worked so hard and from our meagre earnings, managed to have electricity connected to our village in Zimuto Siding, under ward B of Masvingo North constituency, it was our belief that our lives and those of fellow villagers were going to be transformed for the better.
We drilled boreholes and built water tanks in preparation for irrigation projects, and we powered all these projects with elelectricity. For two weeks we enjoyed piped water only to be disappointed when our transformer was said to have developed a fault on August 5, 2016, up to now ZETDC has not been able to replace or repair this transformer.
Our meeting with Mr Machingambi was a very cordial one but yielded nothing as his promise to have electricity restored by June 2017 never materialised.
Our transfomer services the only major clinic we have in the area, Zimuto Clinic, which serves the majority of the people in Zimuto. The clinic uses drugs that have to be refregirated. Without electricity these drugs cannot be stocked.
The clinic also serves most of the expecting mothers when tbey have to deliver. Without electricity these pregnant mothers are having to bring candles for lighting during delivery. I sympathize with the hard working nurses who have to work under these conditions where they have to assist in the delivery process using candles, they at times use lighting from their cellphones that is if they are charged
I have personally witnessed one lady who had been bitten by a snake during the night and had to be attended to at this clinic. We had to use our cellphones to provide lighting for these nurses. On record is another man who had injured himself with an axe, again the nurses had to rely on their phones to provide lighting during the stitching process.
Again this transformer serves Government departments at this business centre, namely the Police, Agricultural extension Offices, Veterinary etc. All these departments keep stock of drugs for community use. Without electricity all these departments are affected in one way or the other. We never thought we would go for more than a year without power being restored. Rural electrification has been a marvel for many, but if there is no proper maintenance every noble project is doomed to fail.
Our project was supposed to create a greenbelt of Masvingo. With all the resources invested in this project we are nothing but a laughing stock in the community. Our cattle troughs are dry, no irrigation to talk about, all as a result of a transformer that has gone for more than a year without being repaired. We engaged our Member of Parliament, Davies Marapira to air our plight, nothing has materialised. Several letters have been submitted to ZETDC to express the importance of power at Clinic level, veterinary, household, as well as the Police, and Mr Machingambi confirms receipt of these.
One other option available which the ZETDC manager Mr Machingambi pointed out was to link our line to the transformer that serves the main shopping centre and to join this only one or two poles would be needed plus the cable to link this line. The lines are only a few metres apart. The transformer at the shops has the capacity to power the other section that is being serviced by this faulty transformer. Is this a case of one of those projects that have to develop into a white elephant under our watch.
By Farai D Hove| Most Zimbabweans in the below representative sample have claimed that Gen Constantino Chiwenga will not be a good deputy of President Emmerson Mnangagwa’s. It was not clear at the time of writing why people have come to such a conclusion- The voting is still on and to participate, click below:
Is Chiwenga going to be a good deputy to President Mnangagwa?
Thousands turned out to the National Stadium to witness the conferment of Emmerson Mnangagwa as the new President of the Republic of Zimbabwe when he took over from Robert Gabriel Mugabe who was forced to resign following the pressure from Zimbabweans, lead by the Zimbabwe National Army.
Mnangagwa inherited an illegitimate crown from his mentor Mugabe following discredited elections that the country has held since 1985. I say discredited elections since 1985 because the 1985 elections were held in a repressive atmosphere as Mugabe was trying to create a one party state by then, as evident from his attempt to crush Zanu PF by unleashing Gukurahundi on the innocent souls of Midlands and Matebeleland who were known to be anti-Mugabe. The violence that took place in the 1990 elections is well documented. It was in the 1990 elections when Patrick Kombayi was lucky to escape with his life after he was intentionally shot and left for dead by government agencies, who despite being found guilty for the attempted murder, were pardoned by Mugabe and released from prison.
The only free and fair elections Zimbabwe has ever had were the 1980 elections which brought Zanu PF into power, and Zanu PF, through the greediness and cruelty of its officials, is the author of all the suffering Zimbabweans have gone through. I therefore would like to warn Zimbabweans not to vote for Zanu PF candidates at all levels of the competition in the 2018 elections, particularly its presidential candidate Emmerson Mnangagwa. My reasons for calling on Zimbabweans not to vote for Emmerson Mnangagwa are as follows:
1. Despite Zanu PF forcing some Western countries to impose sanctions on Zimbabwe because of Zanu PF’s corruption, political intolerance and violence on its political opponents, Mnangagwa at his inauguration ceremony made a demand that sanctions against Zimbabwe should be unconditionally lifted and Zimbabwe should be allowed back into the international community without question. Many people did not stop to think what Mnangagwa meant by this, or its implications on the suffering of Zimbabwe. What he did in that speech was to justify the brutality and suffering Zimbabweans had gone through under Mugabe. The result is that the international community will not lift sanctions on Zimbabwe. No meaningful attempts will be made to implement reforms that can result in credible elections, and naturally if Zanu PF supporters see that their party is losing the elections, will resort to violence to deny people their victory. The result is that investors will continue to shun Zimbabwe, unemployment will continue to rise while the Zanu PF top officials who have looted enough wealth for life will continue to enjoy life while the ordinary Zimbabweans continue to suffer
2. Emmerson Mnangagwa is a liar who has unashamedly tried to dissociate himself with Gukurahundi when his statements made at Zanu PF rallies are well documented, thanks to The Chronicle which quoted him verbatim during rallies, such as the one held in Victoria Falls in March 1983. We have been told the truth by Dydmus Mutasa that Gukurahundi was a cabinet decision. Besides, Mnangagwa was Minister of State Security, in addition to his statements quoted in the Chronicle, hence for him to try and dissociate himself with Gukurahundi is an insult to the intelligence of Zimbabweans. Anyone who was a minister and was part of the Gukurahundi decision as informed by Mutasa does not deserve a single vote, whatever post they are contesting for, in the 2018 elections.
3. Soon after taking over from Mugabe, Mnangagwa unconstitutionally appointed Provincial Resident Ministers, when one of the reasons for which Zanu PF wanted to impeach Mugabe was that he had disregarded the constitution of Zimbabwe on the creation of Provincial Councils. A leader who disregards the constitution should never be trusted. Additionally, he also thought he could get away with unconstitutionally appointing 8 people who were not members of parliament into the cabinet. Fortunately, analysts were quick to point out the anomaly, forcing Mnangagwa to reduce the number of non-parliamentarians to the required number of 5. But that shows what a schemer we have for a President. Certainly, such a schemer should not be allowed to run the affairs of the country beyond what the illegitimate crown inherited from Mugabe allows. Had alert analysts not voiced concern, Mnangagwa would have continued with 8 ministers who are not members of parliament.
4. Mnangagwa is trying to shield Lacoste leaders from embarrassment while humiliating the leaders of the G40. He has a list of the Lacoste officials who have externalised funds, yet cannot take immediate action against them as he has with the G40 leaders. He is giving some of them time to escape the country and enjoy their externalised ill gotten wealth. He should act on the names.
5. Emmerson Mnangagwa is cruel, to the extent that he said at a Zanu PF rally that if he was God he would starve MDC supporters of oxygen so that they would die. He is known to have created a youth group in Kwekwe which he sponsored to cause harm to MDC supporters, and late the G40 when factionalism pitting his Lacoste fanction and the G40 began in Zanu PF
6. His looting of diamonds in the Democratic Republic of Congo is well documented in the United Nations reports
7. Mnangagwa makes partisan decisions which do not carry the national sentiment. He declares 21 February, the birthday of Dictator Mugabe, based on the recommendations of bootlicking Zanu PF youths. Did he ever consider the feelings of the rest of Zimbabweans who have suffered under Mugabe, who he want to commemorate Mugabe’s birthday? This proves Mnangagwa continues to bootlick Mugabe even in his retirement. The little good Mugabe did to Zimbabwe does not count given that just three years after independence he was already killing innocent sons of the soil in Matebeleland and Midlands through Gukurahundi
8. Mnangagwa has unwittingly told Zimbabweans his regime will try to achieve some quick gains that will hoodwink people to trust him. His quick gains were well publicised in the media, including state media, but many people have not realised that the real intention is to try to fool people that he and his team are capable of turning around the economy because of some gains made in a short space of time. He will try to hoodwink people to forget about reforms which are the key to investment inflows. People of Zimbabwe, open your eyes wide and see Mnangagwa’s intentions. He will divert resources to areas where people will see some quick gains and steal the elections, and the suffering will continue after the elections. Zimbabwe needs broader reforms which will lead to credible elections for the economy to thrive.
9. Mnangagwa visited South Africa and addressed Zimbabweans based in that country. For him, it was important to only encourage them to come back home – obviously he thinks he has charmed enough to win their votes. Instead he should also have told them of plans in place for them to vote from the Diaspora, just as our Mozambican counterparts can vote from Zimbabwe during elections in Mozambique.
10. Mnangagwa unwittingly told the recent Zanu PF Congress that elections will be held sooner that most people expect, an indication that he, like Mugabe in 2013, will rush the country to elections while the quick gains are still influencing the people’s opinion, without real reforms that will unlock the country’s economic potential
11. Corruption is so entrenched within Zanu PF to the extent that Mnangagwa’s trusted Lieutenant Josiah Hungwe has argued that tenders should be given to private companies because all government enterprises are completely corrupt. And we know that all government departments and parastatal organisations are staffed by Zanu PF appointees. Voting out Zanu PF candidates is the only way to stamp out corruption.
Here are my 11 reasons from my observations and knowledge of Mnangagwa why Zimbabweans must vote out Emmerson Mnangagwa and Zanu PF out and give the country a new start. I implore all Zimbabwe not to ignore these reasons, and those with more evidence against Zanu PF should share to fully inform the electorate before they plunge the country into further chaos by voting in Zanu PF candidates in 2018
Who is telling the truth between Mnangagwa and Kasukuwere?
Are you ready to create a pure “monya” President who vanishes like Kasumuzu Banda and survives every poison attack?
By Farai D Hove| The events of the last 8 weeks which have been filled with much action, drama, trepidation and excitement, have seen the country’s arch enemies Emmerson Mnangagwa and his nemeses Jonathan Moyo and Saviour Kasukuwere making claims against each other – the latest of these is a hot story that they both fled on foot into Mozambique while running away from each other, literally.
Mnangagwa’s escape happened on the 7th November 2017 and Kasukuwere’s was two weeks later, although a Mutumwa Mawere tele-conversation claimed it happened on the dingy coup night of the 14th November.
Mnangagwa on Friday speaking to Zimbabweans in South Africa claimed that he walked over 30km on foot fleeing Zimbabwe into Mozambique. But several witnesses who saw him on the 7th November say that he was actually driven out through the Forbes Border post into Mozambique accompanied by bodyguards and a driver. Yesterday ZimEye.com revealed the satellite map tracker showing where and when he was spotted at the Forbes Border post. Mnangagwa has since been likened to Malawi’s founding President Kamuzu Banda after many of his other claims of assassination including poison attacks were probed and found having serious holes in them.
Kasukuwere on the other hand in a private conversation with businessman Mutumwa Mawere has made claims while speaking of the events that transpired from the day soldiers descended onto his house on the 14th November last month. He said when the soldiers arrived for the first time, he was actually inside the house just as they opened fire.
He said both him and Prof Jonathan Moyo ran away on foot like Edgar Tekere and Robert Mugabe did in 1974. He said this without clearly explaining the connection with Prof Moyo’s presence and how they ended up in the bush together.
When the snipers first arrived, they opened fire on the house and upon that time Kasukuwere sounded the alarm. When the alarm blew up loudly, the snipers retreated while fearing that other soldiers who guard Kasukuwere (personally assigned by the President’s office) would be alerted and there would be a full blown open war.
Readers please note concerning the below claims that Kasukuwere has told ZimEye that Mawere “broke ethics, recorded a private conversation without permission and broadcast it.” He told ZimEye while cautioning people against believing the below narration hook, line, and sinker.
Upon that time they then fled on foot non stop into the bushes where-ever they could find an escape route and flee. He said they even passed through parks and continued on and on…
Said Kasukuwere, “[they] just jumped the durawall and started firing.
“I was inside the house…I think our alarm saved us, I think so, and we didn’t make any noises, we just kept quiet…
“but the alarm continued to go…so …they … after 10 to 15 minutes of heavy shooting then they left.”
Kasukuwere said it was at that point that they quickly left the house and escaped before the soldiers could come back.
A Grace Mugabe vicar was thoroughly bashed and humiliated by vapostori while together with ZRP cops in Budiriro 3 years ago, and has now seen fate upon fate befall him. The man is also guilty of attacking Kariba based preacher Patrick Mugadza early this year.
By Paul Nyathi | TheApostolic Christian Council of Zimbabwe (ACCZ) which hosted Grace Mugabe’s controversial Super Sunday rally, endorsing her as the next Vice President held a Press Conference on Friday to dismiss their leader Archbishop Johannes Ndanga.
The council dismissed Ndanga for appointing Grace as the patron of the church without discussing the issue with the board and for also individually appointing ZANU PF inclined members into the board without consultation.
By Farai D Hove| The G40 Kingmaker, Prof Jonathan Moyo claims that the Zimbabwe National Army killed many people during the just ended November coup that removed president Robert Mugabe and put in his place his fired deputy, Emmerson Mnangagwa.
Writing from the diaspora, Prof Moyo on Saturday published a number of pictures of his property and also those of a presidential security aide, Albert Ngulube’s battered face and head. Beyond Ngulube, Prof Moyo did not state who exactly according to his claims was killed only saying “there are untold fatalities…” PICTURES
5/5 My politburo video of 19 July 2017 on the Mnangagwa/Chiwenga coup plot has been proven by events. About the coup, it’s a lie to say it was bloodless. There are untold fatalities, rampant torture, illegal arrests & detentions & internal & external displacement of citizens! pic.twitter.com/tcF08vhUUc
A 16-year-old boy in Harare’s Hopley suburb died after being severely assaulted by a man who wanted to “teach him a lesson” for proposing love to his girlfriend.
The suspect and his alleged accomplices are now in remand prison.
The Sunday Mail has gathered that Admire Tsuro (25), Noworry Regu and Knowledge Chinorwiwa (19) allegedly accosted Munashe Shumba at Mazvimbakupa Shopping Centre, Hopley, on December 8.
It is alleged Tsuro was angry over Shumba’s reported advances towards his 22-year-old girlfriend and wanted to “teach him a lesson”.
Tsuro and his sidekicks then assaulted the teenager, it is alleged; and Shumba later made a police report, leading to the trio’s arrest.
Shumba, who sustained injuries during the assault, was admitted at Harare Central Hospital on December 11, and died four days later.
Tsuro, Regu and Chinorwiwa were subsequently arrested early last week, charged with murder.
They appeared before Mbare magistrate Ms Tafadzwa Miti who remanded them in custody to January 8, 2018.- state media
Former Warriors and Dynamos Football Club coach Calisto Pasuwa was last week arrested for occupying a council residential stand without approval.
He subsequently skipped court, and a warrant of arrest is out for him.
It is alleged that on November 8, 2017, a Manyame Rural District Council inspector on patrol in Seke asked Pasuwa (47) to produce documentation for the land he occupies in the area.
He, however, allegedly failed, and was later arrested.
The papers at Chitungwiza Magistrates Court reads: “The accused person had no legal right to occupy or use communal land without lawful authority.”
In his statement to the police, Pasuwa insisted he was legally settled.
“I was lawfully allocated this piece of land by the village head and I observed all formalities, including having my name registered in the village head’s book for forward transmission to Manyame Rural District Council,” he said.- state media
Former Midlands Minister of State Jason Machaya was denied bail and remanded in custody till January 15, 2018 when he appeared before the Gokwe Magistrates Court facing charges of criminal abuse of office after he fraudulently acquired 1 000 residential stands from Gokwe Town Council and later resold them.
The complainant in the matter is the State represented by Officer-in-Charge CID Gokwe, Stanford Chimbunde. It is the State’s case that sometime in 2013, the Gokwe Town Council requested for 3 000 residential stands around Mapfungautsi Extension from the Local Government ministry and the request was granted.
Machaya, as chairperson of the provincial lands committee, allegedly made a request of commonage allocation from the 3 000 stands, which entitled him to receive 10% of the allocated stands in line with the Commonage Law. The State alleges that between 2011 and 2017, Machaya demanded 1 000 residential stands when he knew he was supposed to get 300.
Machaya allegedly hired a private land developer, Striations World Marketing Property Developers, to service the stands. On December 20 this year, police detectives interrogated Gokwe town engineer Clemence Madondo, who confirmed that they had allocated 1 000 stands to Machaya after he demanded them.- agencies
Professor Jonathan Moyo | With Chiwenga appointed Vice President. I take a break from my break to say the appointment confirms the 15 Nov military coup. President Mugabe was ousted not to benefit Zimbabwe but Chiwenga & Mnangagwa personally. Coup commanders and coup tribalists have been promoted to higher offices!
For the record, lawful Zimbabweans know the JUNTA and its Illegitimate coup govt aren’t one & the same thing as the COUNTRY. President Mugabe did not have to be humiliated and ousted in a MILITARY COUP by Zanu PF TRIBALISTS claiming loyalty to him. No! No!
The decision by the Junta and Mnangagwa to take away from PF Zapu, with no election, the post of National Chairman has destroyed the Unity Accord. It’s gone. Everyone can now see that the MILITARY COUP was done by gukurahundists and tribalists in Zanu PF!
The Junta & ED’s ZanuPF tribalists have committed:
*Gukurahundi atrocities: 1980-1987
*Military violence on Mujuru & others: 2008
*Gamatox purges on Mujuru & supporters: 2014
*Coup to oust & humiliate Pres Mugabe: 2017
*Armed attacks on G40 & backers: 2017
#2018UnityIsKey!
My politburo video of 19 July 2017 on the Mnangagwa/Chiwenga coup plot has been proven by events. About the coup, it’s a lie to say it was bloodless. There are untold fatalities, rampant torture, illegal arrests & detentions & internal & external displacement of citizens!
Ray Nkosi | General Constantino Guveya Dominic Nyikadzino Chiwenga who was this morning appointed Vice President by President Emmerson Mnangagwa, is in another social media storm after pictures of his went viral on social media in a visit to a vapostori shrine. ZimEye.com could not establish when the pictures were taken at the time of going to press. See pictures below.
Paul Nyathi | ZAPU leader Dumiso Dabengwa may have struck a wrong code in his efforts to find closure to the Gukurahundi atrocities of the eighties.
Addressing about 300 people at a function held in Bulawayo on Friday, Dabengwa invited the people of Matabeleland to gather in August next year and rebury all the Gukurahundi victims in descent graves even without authority from government.
“Let us rise in numbers next year around August to October and go out through the entire region with picks and shovels and dig up all the people lying in the shallow graves and bury them,” said Dabengwa.
“You need not worry about the coffins we will be able to get those,” he said.
Further to that Dabengwa said that Matabeleland people should not invite the Gukurahundi atrocities perpetrators, chief of who he singled out President Emerson Mnangagwa, to apologise to the victims claiming that there can never be an apology on premeditated murder.
“In do not agree with sentiments that say Mnangagwa must come and apologise to us for the atrocities before we can start accepting him as president, they executed the murders after careful planning that’s why they have not apologised in 30 years, leave them like that don’t ask for their apology,” he said.
Dabengwa urged the people of Matabeleland to begin to realise that the solution on the Gukurahundi issues lies within the region and not from the same government which executed the killings.
Responding to Dabengwa’s calls, Alliance for National Salvation ANSA leader Moses Mzila Ndlovu said that Dabengwa’s call was out of order as it is tantamount to tempering with evidence “which will be required soon.”
“Dabengwa’s call doesn’t work, we can not at a time when we are pushing for investigations on the killings start tempering with the evidence,” he said.
Mzila said that what needs to be done first is to work at voting out the government that harbours the perpetrators of the atrocities so that a new government can effectively deal with them.
Another Bulawayo veteran politician, Felix Magalela Mafa also dismissed Dabengwa claiming that his call for the tempering with the mass graves is out of order as it will disturb vital evidence of the killings.
Mafa also said that reburials can not just be done without consulting the families of the murdered people as per cultural requirements.
At least 20 000 people are suspected to have been killed and buried in shallow graves and disused mines throughout Matabeleland and part of Midlands province during the Gukurahundi era of 1982 to 1987.
Farirai Madhumbe | War Vets leader Doug Mahiya has had to run for dear life after being chased from Harare South by a Major General Tarwirei.
Mahiya according to ZimEye.com sources had gone to the constituency as a potential Parliamentary candidate hosted by Harare Provincial Chairperson Masimirembwa who was set to introduce him.
The rest is history after Major Tarwirei set rowdy youths on Mahiya. “They run over 2kilos vasina mota! Let military rule resistance brew in ZANUPF!! Tozoita mass march in support of ZANUPF civilians as before handiti!,” wrote one Zanu PF supporter on social media.
President Emmerson Mnangagwa has lived up to his word of promoting the Buy Zimbabwe initiative and on his first foreign assignment to South Africa on Thursday, he chose to use a locally owned private airline, Fly Africa.
Fly Africa is the only locally owned airline outside Air Zimbabwe which is owned by Government.
Officiating at a Buy Zimbabwe awards ceremony in Harare recently, President Mnangagwa said: “Buy Zimbabwe efforts through its annual Buy Zimbabwe Awards should be applauded. The campaign seeks to actively promote home-grown products for the domestic and global markets.”
In line with this objective, President Mnangagwa walked the talk by using Fly Africa which is a low cost airline wholly owned by locals.Fly Africa executive chairman Mr Cassidy Mugwagwa applauded the move by President Mnangagwa saying it would help to grow the local industry.
He said the confidence that President Mnangagwa had expressed in their brand as Zimbabwe’s First Citizen was a seal of approval and a huge milestone in the aviation industry.
“It is an inspirational moment that one will never forget,” he said.
“The President has raised the bar and we will strive for greater heights because in our view, this is a seal of approval from the highest office. When the President talks about Buy Zimbabwe, some think it is mere talk but with this development, it is clear that he practices what he preaches to the nation.
“One major way we can contribute to the growth of our economy as Zimbabweans is to promote and having confidence in our own products and brands. To us at Fly Africa, this is a brand endorsement and we say thank you Cde President, may you call again.”
Mr Mugwagwa said their objective at Fly Africa was to become Zimbabwe’s most favoured mega brand in the aviation sector in the shortest possible time.
“We have been carrying people since August and now we carried our President and this is no mean achievement by any measure. We are hoping to land on our maiden Johannesburg trip on or before January 15, 2018. What has been keeping us is the reservation system linked into the security system, which is the advanced passenger processing system which is linked to the department of Home Affairs in South Africa and our own security agencies here. All those systems are now up and our website will also be running by the second week of January, 2018 where passengers can book and buy tickets online,” he said.
In line with the Buy Zimbabwe initiative, Mr Mugwagwa said they were putting extra flights for the Victoria Falls route to cater for carnival-goers before the end of this month. Herald
Joice Mujuru’s opposition political party will take legal action to stop any splinter group using the name National People’s Party (NPP), secretary-general Gift Nyandoro has warned.
This comes after the opposition party has split into two groups, the ex-vice president-led NPP and the National People’s Party Democrats (NPPD).
The breakaway party comprises the party’s national youth chair Lloyd Masiya, deputy national organising secretary Susan Chuma, secretary-general Diaspora Constituency Beulah Chavarika and secretary for Education Enock Mapanje.
Nyandoro told the Daily News that reports the party had split into two opposing factions were “pure nonsense”.
But when asked whether his party would take legal action against any group using the name NPP, he said yes.
“This group which calls themselves NPPD comprises persons who have been fired from the party,” Nyandoro said, adding that in terms of Article 2 of the party constitution, “it is clear that the name of the party and its symbol shall belong exclusively to the party for use by its members only.”
“It is therefore clear that the party name and symbol cannot be used by non-members like the group comprising (Munyaradzi) Banda, Mai Chuma, Masiya, Kuda Gara, Willard Gwerevende, Mapanje, among others,” Nyandoro said.
“Whilst the formation of a political party by those fired is their democratic right, they cannot purport to be doing so using our party name and logo as these belong exclusively to the party.
“Legal processes are currently in motion to bar the expelled members from putting the name and symbol of the party into disrepute”.
Masiya and his group, while concurring with Nyandoro that there was no split, said by coming up with the NPPD, they were carrying out their own version of
“Operation Restore Legacy” — a military intervention that topled long-ruling president Robert Mugabe and ushered in the country’s new President, Emmerson Mnangagwa into office.
“As such, we agree with the so called NPP legal department that there was no split but Operation Restore Legacy under the banner NPPD,” Masiya said.
He accused Nyandoro’s legal department of not doing anything when “vultures overturned the constitution.
“As NPPD, we are totally unfazed by political midgets and Lilliputians masquerading as legal supremos.
“The so-called expulsions are mere political dreams and allegations with no legal ramifications.
“We are strong and fully geared after completion of the cleansing ceremony and the party is back to the people,” Masiya declared.
This comes as the NPP has been rocked by a spate of desertions, with many accusing Mujuru of being captured by a small cabal seeking to push their factional agendas.
The Daily News heard that meetings have been extremely fractious, with much violent argument, barracking and interminable hair-splitting as every tiny point is dissected and analysed.
The disgruntled party members first wrote a letter to Mujuru last week, seeking her redress to their concerns, but claim that she did not take heed of the early warnings.
“Following the refusal by the NPP president to address our concerns as outlined in our petition on outstanding grievances of 12/12/2017 addressed to ..Mujuru, we, the aggrieved members of the party do hereby denounce the NPP top five leadership consisting: the president …Mujuru, the vice president John Mvundura, the vice president, Sam Sipepa Nkomo, the national secretary-general Gift Nyandoro, the national chairperson Dzikamai Mavhaire,” the splinter group said in a statement yesterday.
According to the group, the five top leaders have presided over the death of democracy and constitutionalism in the NPP and have “captured” Mujuru to an extent that she is subverting the will of the membership.
As the party continues to disintegrate, NPP’s provincial treasurer Canaan Matiashe, organising secretary Albert Mukaratirwa, secretary for Information and publicity Norman Mbizi and provincial chairperson Garikai Dzimunya, also tendered their resignation letters on Monday. Daily News
By Paul Nyathi | The Apostolic Christian Council of Zimbabwe (ACCZ) which hosted Grace Mugabe’s controversial Super Sunday rally, endorsing her as the next Vice President held a Press Conference on Friday to dismiss their leader Archbishop Johannes Ndanga.
The council dismissed Ndanga for appointing Grace as the patron of the church without discussing the issue with the board and for also individually appointing ZANU PF inclined members into the board without consultation.
The Zimbabwe National Liberation War Veterans Association has hailed the appointment of Lieutenant-General Engelbert Rugeje as the Zanu-PF national political commissar saying the move will help reconnect the party with its liberation ethos.
Lt Gen Rugeje, a veteran of the liberation war, was appointed by President Emmerson Mnangagwa into the Zanu-PF Politburo during the party’s extra ordinary congress last Friday replacing Mr Saviour Kasukuwere who was expelled along with 25 other members of the G40 cabal.
The President also appointed Cde Oppah Muchinguri-Kashiri as the party’s chairperson among a number of appointments.
War veterans are on record calling for the deployment of a person with liberation credentials to the Zanu-PF commissariat department so that they guide the party in accordance with the party’s liberation ethos.
They condemned the conduct of Mr Kasukuwere, a key member of the G40 cabal, who used the position to purge perceived enemies of his clique especially targeting party cadres with a liberation background.
ZNLWVA spokesperson Cde Douglas Mahiya yesterday said Lt Gen Rugeje’s appointment marks a shift towards getting the party back on the rails in the aftermath of the chaotic and destabilising politics of the G40 cabal.
“We hail his appointment to the position of political commissar. Remember, we have always encouraged the party to deploy someone with a liberation background in the party’s commissariat department.
“It is the articulation of the revolutionary principles and ethos that should guide the party in its activities,” he said.
“The party and the people will benefit from those principles. We will be able to actually position the party in its former position, that of a party guided by the liberation principles and ideology.”
Political analyst Mr Richard Mahomva weighed in saying the party’s ideological values need to be celebrated and imparted especially on the youth.
“Cde Rugeje’s appointment is quite significant in addressing the long dismissal of war veterans’ participation in the party. Therefore, his tenure must play a decisive role in anchoring long lasting binding terms to unity in the party and country at large,” he said.
Mr Mahomva said, in line with President Mnangagwa’s address at the Zanu-PF extraordinary congress, the party must connect with the youth and impart the liberation tradition and ideology to future commissar s.
“That way, ideological values of the party will be carried into the future,” he said.
Addressing Zanu-PF members as he opened the congress, President Mnangagwa said the G40 faction and their destructive politics had not only destabilised Zanu-PF but also brought confusion in the country.
“It had destabilised the party, causing absolute divisions and disquiet in the nation which sat on edge. The party ideology, rules and protocols were being desecrated daily; or simply being brushed aside at will,” said President Mnangagwa.
“Party structures were overrun, while elected office-bearers were summarily suspended and dismissed at speeds of caprice and vaulting ambition. Corrupt activities and corrupt individuals were daily sanitised while millions of dollars were being stolen and stashed outside the country.”
President Mnangagwa said the G40 cabal created a self-serving environment that shielded corrupt tendencies and criminals.
“The economy bled from repeated rampant smuggling. The country was violated with impunity. Disaffection was building especially from among the youths who were seeing their hopes of a bright future slipping away,” he said.
“Veterans who had sacrificed to liberate this country were not just being reviled; they were being abused and incarcerated on flimsy pretexts.
“Party events were manipulatively re-engineered to contrive a show of popularity and unanimity. Party mobilisation was reduced to coercion. Party rallies became expensively choreographed pseudo-events dominated by a roving core group which used different venues in order to create a misleading illusion of populism which belied the bitter discontent which simmered beneath, threatening to boil.”
The Zanu-PF First Secretary said the G40 group derailed the ruling party from a progressive and people oriented organisation.
“Let us draw lessons from all that happened. We must vehemently defend to the hilt the party values, cultures and traditions.
“Revolutions do get infiltrated and corrupted and once corrupted, they degenerate and lose direction,” said President Mnangagwa.
“We must never lower our guard and must arrest any negative tendencies that creep into the party to hold, corrupt and alienate us.” Herald
Two Batswana teenagers were remanded in police custody last Friday after their arrest on allegations of killing and secretly burying a 30-year-old Zimbabwean man who had hired them for a piece job in Mahalapye.
According to the police, the teenagers killed the Zimbabwean on November 24 after completing the job he had hired them for.
Police Superintendent Isaac Mamadi said the two suspects were later arrested after driving away in the deceased’s car.
The suspects then led the police to a river between Mahalapye and Mokotswane villages, where the deceased’s decomposing body was recovered.
“Our investigations are still ongoing, but from what we gather, issues arose after payment when the deceased gave the suspects half the amount he had promised them because he was not fully paid,” Mamadi said.
“The deceased’s body was decomposed when it was exhumed and there were signs of wounds and cuts on the head.” mmegi
Morgan Tsvangirai | The statement published in the Newsday of today purportedly under my authority but issued by our Secretary General is unfortunate, misleading and grossly false. I would like to state categorically that the MDC-T entered into an electoral alliance agreement in good faith with its partners on August 5 2017. That agreement includes seat allocation and is binding on all parties.
The MDC-T Election Directorate will issue guidelines on candidate selection for seats allocated to it, and such guidelines are yet to be issued out.
The agreement is informed by our National Council resolutions of December 2016 and August 2017 and cannot therefore be rescinded by a personal opinion of a leader. The National Council, the supreme decision making body in between Congresses, has been appraised at every turn on the negotiations with our Alliance Partners. In addition our Secretary General or any other leader other than the President has no authority to speak on matters pertaining to the Alliance unless authorised to so by myself and such authority was not given to him.
I would like to assure our partners and the generality of the people of Zimbabwe, who demanded this unity during my national tour in January 2017, that the alliance, which is the only hope to secure change in this country, is intact and not under threat from any quarter.
By Paul Nyathi | Opposition MDC leader Professor Welshman Ncube has taken to task a Newsday reporter Obey Manayiti for publishing falsehood in a widely read article claiming that Ncube said MDC Alliance leader Morgan Tsvangirai is untrustworthy.
In a WhatsApp chat between Ncube and Manayiti, the MDC Alliance coalition spokesperson demands to know from the journalist where he ever made the sensational the allegations against Tsvangirai.
“Good morning Obey. I am very disappointed in your commentary in the story. When was I seething with anger? When did I make any accusation against Tsvangirai? When did I say Tsvangirai was an untrustworthy partner? Why on earth attribute to me things I never said?” asked an upset Ncube.
Shockingly, the reporter who is quoted as the author of the story expresses ignorance of the issue altogether.
“Good morning Prof, I haven’t seen the story as yet but I will check and come back to you,” he responded.
“I am very upset. Tell me when did I say Tsvangirai was bent on perpetuating ZANU PF rule when I NEVER even mentioned Tsvangirai,” said Ncube after sharing the story with the journalist.
“Oh I see, I will raise it at work. However, sometimes we use Tsvangirai as a symbol for his party,” responded the journalist requesting to do a follow up story to try and put correct facts on the matter.
“We should not do journalism of this kind. What is the Agenda for creating fake news in this instance? What happened to professional honesty? I certainly have no interest in a follow up story. The newspaper has an ethical and professional obligation to withdraw the false statements attributed to me which I didn’t say. That is the only solution to the publication of falsehoods,” Ncube responded angrily.
Farirai Madhumbe | President Emmerson Mnangagwa has appointed his two Vice Presidents General Constantino Guveya Dominic Nyikadzino Chiwenga and Kembo Mohadi, amidst concerns that the latter might have blood on his hands.
Mohadi was in 1999 implicated in the murder of Lutheran World Federation employee Strover Mutonhori, who was accused of having an affair with Mohadi’s wife Tambudzani.
Mutonhori disappeared from the Omadu Hotel in Kezi, only for his decomposing body to be found on the 17th of August 1999 at the Whitewaters Range in Matopos.
Local media reports that Mutonhori Tambudzani with family sources saying the two allegedly had an affair.
Tambudzani the state media reports has filed a notice of intention to defend summons by her husband who is seeking a decree of divorce. Mphadi told the court recently that he had not enjoyed sex with his wife since the MDC was formed in 1999.
Mohadi, who is also Beitbridge East MP and his wife, the Senator for Beitbridge, have been married for 36 years and have four children who are now adults.
Tambudzani (nee Muleya), who is the defendant in the matter, through her lawyers, Phillips Law Legal Practitioners, last week filed her notice of appearance to defend the claims being made her husband at the Bulawayo High Court.
Mohadi, through his lawyers, Mugiya and Macharaga Law Chambers, last month approached the same court seeking the nullification of their marriage, claiming it has irretrievably broken down.
“Be pleased to take notice that the defendant has on 29 September 2017 at 3.10PM entered an appearance to defend the above action. The summons was served on the defendant on 27 September 2017,” read the papers.
In his founding affidavit, Mohadi, who is the plaintiff, said there were no prospects of a reunion since they stopped staying together as husband and wife more than 18 years ago.
“The plaintiff (Mohadi) submits that the marriage between the parties has broken down irretrievably to such an extent that the parties no longer live as husband and wife,” he said.
Mohadi said they have not been intimate with each other for more than 18 years.
“The plaintiff and the defendant (Tambudzani) have not been staying as husband and wife for over 18 years now, which is the cornerstone of any normal marriage. The parties have lost love and affection for each other and no longer share common interests,” he said.
In papers before the court, Mohadi said while he was still staying with his wife, they acquired movable and immovable property even after their separation, but wanted the court to distribute the assets equally.
The Minister said during the land reform programme, he was allocated a farm by the Government at Lot 1 of Lot 10 Jopembe Beitbridge, Umzingwane Estates, where he made some developments, but was willing to give the property to his wife.
The parties also acquired a homestead at Dipeni in Beitbridge under Chief Sitauze area and there are a few goats and some sheep.
Mohadi said during the subsistence of the marriage, they acquired several household goods, which he was proposing to share equally with his wife.
Some of the assets include an eight tonne Nissan UD truck, two three tonne Nissan Cabster trucks, an E320 Mercedes Benz and a Nissan Navara, which is a non-runner.
Other vehicles mentioned in court papers include a non-runner vintage, a Toyota Land Rover Discovery, an E280 Mercedes Benz, a Nissan Patrol and Toyota Hilux single cab.
The couple also owns two motorbikes, five tractors, four houses, three in Beitbridge and one in Harare, generators and several motor pumps.
By Paul Nyathi | Farmers Rob Smart and his son Darreyn were on Thursday given a thunderous welcome by villagers at Lesbury Estates in Headlands communal lands east of the Harare.
The now almost delict farm had been taken over by Tebernacle Missions leader Bishop Trevor Manhanga a self confessed ZANU PF and Robert Mugabe loyalist who already had two farms.
The ZANU PF die hard clerick evicted Robert Smart from Lesbury farm with the help of armed police and ZANU PF militia early this year.
The Smart family had stayed at the farm for more than eight (8) decades and only to be evicted after Bishop Manhanga had claimed that he was “given” the farm by government.
“I am in legal and lawful possession of an offer letter issued on 15th March 2015 to a piece of land measuring 100 hectares of Lesbury Estates in Makoni District,” he said on taking over the farm.
“ There are at least two other persons known to me who also have valid offer letters to land on Lesbury Estates, namely the current Chief Tandi (Mr. William Samhungu) and Mr. David Nyakonda. I am not privy to the amount of land that has been offered to them but none of us is in dispute with each other,” Bishop Manhanga said.
The Pro –President Robert Mugabe cleric said, Mr Smart deserved to be evicted because he was “arrogant”.
The eviction of the white farmer, left over 10 000 local villagers who depended on the farmer in terms of employment stranded.
According to the villagers where Lesbury farm is situated, Mr Smart was instrumental in developing their area.
They said the white farmer was also repairing local roads as well as incentivizing teachers at local schools.
With a military escort, Robert Smart made his way back into Lesbury farm about 200km east of the capital, Harare, on Thursday to cheers and song by dozens of workers and community members.
“We have come to reclaim our farm,” sang the women and men, rushing into the compound.
Ruling ZANU PF party supporters, led by the liberation war veterans evicted many of Zimbabwe’s white farmers under a violent land reform program led by Mugabe.
The Minister of State for Bulawayo Provincial Affairs Angeline Masuku has urged the people of Bulawayo to work hard towards the development of the province and to remain united as was envisaged when the Unity Accord was signed.
Masuku was speaking yesterday to commemorate the signing of the Unity Accord on December 22 in 1987.
The Unity Accord ended disturbances in the country’s Matabeleland and Midlands provinces in the 1980s.
“This is an important day that should be valued by every Zimbabwean. When the former President Robert Mugabe and the late Vice President Dr Joshua Nkomo signed the Unity Accord, it brought peace in Zimbabwe.
“I want to call upon the people of Bulawayo to respect this day because it brought peace to the people of Zimbabwe.
“Where there’s no peace there’s is no development. It’s therefore important to promote peace and maintain it at all times,” said Masuku.
She said Unity Day was not just a holiday, but a day to reflect and remember how the country’s leadership managed to bring peace to the country.
“I was one of the 10-member committee which was tasked after the signing of the Unity Accord to preach the gospel of unity. The committee consisted of five Zanu members and five from Zapu.
“I was one of the Zapu members. Our task was to make sure that people don’t fight or incite violence in the communities. It was not an easy task because in some areas the people were violent against us while some chased us away,” said Masuku.
“Our lives were at risk but we soldiered on because we wanted to see a peaceful Zimbabwe. This led to the 1990 congress held by the united Zanu-PF, with both parties brought together.”
She said the people of Bulawayo should remember that the unity experienced today was fought for.
“It’s therefore important to work together in bringing Bulawayo back to its status of being the country’s industrial hub. If we work together we’ll succeed.
“The new Government that has come in should reflect unity in the entire country,” said Masuku.- state media
Tragedy has befallen a Zimbabwean family after it was involved in an accident that killed a woman and her 18 months-old daughter, leaving her husband and son hospitalised after they returned home for the holiday from Australia where they are based.
Mr Emmanuel Ngoni Mpofu (34) and his son Romero Emmanuel Nicholas (14) survived the accident which killed his Australian wife Ms Penno Elizabeth Claire (32) and daughter Anaishe Elizabeth Mpofu. The crash occurred around 6PM near Victoria Falls along the Victoria Falls-Kazungula road on Thursday.
Claire and her daughter suffered head injuries and died on the spot.
Police said Mr Mpofu failed to control the vehicle resulting in it veering off the road and overturning before it rolled several times.
“I can confirm that two people, a woman and her daughter died on the spot at about 6pm on Thursday on the Victoria Falls-Kazungula road,” said police officer commanding Victoria Falls District Chief Superintendent Jairos Chiwona.
He said Mr Mpofu was still admitted to Victoria Falls District Hospital yesterday while Romero was treated and discharged.
Police suspect that Mr Mpofu, who was driving a Zimbabwean registered Toyota Regius towards Victoria Falls from Kazungula, was speeding.
“The driver lost control of the vehicle resulting in it veering off the road and overturning before it rolled several times. Initial investigations show that the driver could have been speeding. We would want to urge motorists to observe road rules,” said Chief Supt Chiwona.
Meanwhile, police in Matabeleland North Province have warned members of the public against violent and unruly behaviour during the Christmas Holiday.
In a statement, ZRP Matabeleland North provincial spokesperson Inspector Siphiwe Makonese said police will be in full force to prevent criminal activity.
She said the province will be receiving thousands of people especially for the iflix Victoria Falls carnival which starts next week Friday hence criminals might want to take advantage of the situation.
Insp Makonese said common crimes during this period include burglary, stock theft, theft, mugging, assault and public violence as well as traffic offences.
“The province traditionally receives many people this period and we want to urge those visiting to make sure they deal with recognised agents and lodges and not to deal with strangers as they are prone to falling victim,” she said.
“We also advise people not to leave their homes or kids unattended as they may also fall victim. Let’s avoid violence when we gather to celebrate Christmas and we know some people want to celebrate using firecrackers or by skidding cars, let’s be careful as this is dangerous.”
Insp Makonese encouraged people not to buy livestock products from unregistered dealers as they may be working in cahoots with stock thieves.- state media
President Emmerson Mnangagwa has assured countries in the region that his government will continue looking after the welfare of former President Robert Mugabe, South African leader and Sadc chair Jacob Zuma revealed on Thursday.
Zuma told journalists in Pretoria following a closed-door meeting with Mnangagwa that the new Zimbabwean leader had assured him that Mugabe was in good hands.
“I have been assured that the founding father of Zimbabwe, former President Mugabe, will be looked after. There will be no problems at all,” Zuma said.
Mugabe was forced to resign last month following a November 14 bloodless military intervention aimed at stopping a brutal internal power struggle that had engulfed the ruling party Zanu PF, hence threatening the stability of the country.
The then Zimbabwean leader, who was placed under house arrest, initially dug in, but capitulated after Zanu PF triggered impeachment proceedings against him on November 21.
Zuma paid tribute to Mugabe and, like Mnangagwa, referred to the former Zimbabwean strongman as “our father”.
“He [Mugabe] is our father. He grew up in the struggle and we have appreciated that this is what is important that in Africa, we should look after our elders,” Zuma said.
Both Mnangagwa and Zuma once served as heads of civil and defence during the liberation struggles of the two countries.
Making his maiden foreign trip since taking charge, Mnangagwa said he had called on Zuma for guidance.
“I felt on my 26th day in office I must come to my brother and receive guidance. He is a very experienced President,” he said.
“I felt that the challenges we face, the first port of call is to go to my colleague and say Your Excellency, I have taken the leadership of Zimbabwe, I seek your guidance in whatever challenges I may face. I have had no doubt he would give his complete and honest guidance.”
South Africa is Zimbabwe’s biggest trading partner and Mnangagwa said his administration would be economic-oriented.
“My administration will focus on economics and trade co-operation. South Africa is Zimbabwe’s biggest trading partner. There might be challenges, but as brothers and sisters, I have come to assure President Zuma that we should feel open to discuss any challenges in order to grow our respective economies and co-operation,” the President said.
Mugabe and Mnangagwa fell out in the last days of the former’s Presidency, with the then Zanu PF leader using public platforms to denigrate his deputy, while the then VP’s supporters claimed he had been poisoned at a rally in Gwanda using ice-cream from Gushungo Dairies owned by the former First Family.
The former President is currently in the Far East for routine medical treatment at the expense of the State.- Newsday
Staff Reporter| ANALYSIS| State Security and Defence Minister Kembo Mohadi has been appointed Zimbabwe’s new 2nd Vice President. The development has led to wild celebrations from members of a religious cult that white-suit necromancer Shephard Bushiri prophesied Mohadi’s new job last year 2016.
So was it true prophecy and not rather “pocketcy”?
While video archives do show Bushiri making a prediction to Mohadi that he shall soon receive a crown, documents seen by ZimEye which have been for public knowledge for nearly 10 years print out Mohadi’s name in bold as set for the Vice Presidency. Politburo and Central Committee discussions dating back to 2009 show that Mohadi was sected for the VP post as far back as 2009. These can be obtained with a mouse click on the public search engine Google.
This is not the Preacher’s first prophecy prank- he has been seen several times before aiming at predictions using an iPad device before a crowd of hundreds of people. In one such incident, the man uses his iPad to look up the picture and profile of a person before calling them out and appearing publicly as if he possesses all knowledge.
So now, after evaluating all pieces of evidence, is there really a prophecy to talk about? Who did the prophet consult, God or Google? Was this prophecy and not pocketcy?
Staff Reporter| Gen Constantino Chiwenga and the current Defence & Security Minister, Kembo Mohadi, have been announced on radio as Zimbabwe’s new Vice Presidents. The announcement was made Saturday morning by presidential spokesman George Charamba.
The development has led to religious celebrations by Mohadi’s church cult members who say the minister’s prophet a Malawian necromancer, made an accurate prediction last year when he prophesied that the man would soon receive a crown. But 7 years before, it was already public knowledge obtained on the search engine Google that Mohadi was set for the VP post.
Lightning claimed two victims, who was said to have been coming from a picnic . They died instantly on the spot, hembe kubvaruka bvaruka. This all happened in the Marshlands area.
– SK
Are we all ready for an IMMORTAL PRESIDENT who survives all poison attacks and can vanish out of Zim like Kamuzu Banda, walk 30km on foot and then totally unnoticed sneak back home a King President? READ https://t.co/Q0Ag2KyDC4
By Farai D Hove | The South African army literally participated in Zimbabwe’s coup which unseated the 94 year old Robert Mugabe as it was kept updated with every detail every step of the way, the State House has claimed.
The development might illustrate how and why Mnangagwa was early November able to sneak into South Africa and remain unnoticed for over 16 days. During that time many made claims that he had not at all fled Zimbabwe.
Presidential spokesman George Charamba made these comments after debriefing with President Jacob Zuma and Emmerson Mnangagwa.
Charamba in a report published in the state owned Chronicle, spoke on Zuma’s sentiments during the meeting saying, “he (President Zuma) paid ringing tribute to the Zimbabwe Defence Forces for handling a very delicate situation,” he said.
“He says the army in Zimbabwe behaved in a manner that no one expected and to a point that it was not easy to say was this a coup or was it not a coup. What became very clear is that the region was not dealing with a military issue; it was dealing with a political issue which had invited the involvement of the military. He says let us not run away from it; all our armies are political armies because what came first was politics which then found a gun,” said Mr Charamba.
He continued saying, “he was also thankful that throughout the operation, the ZDF command kept briefing commanding South African Defence Forces to a point that the South African Government, through its defence arm, was always aware of what was happening adding to the fact that not a single drop of blood was shed but also that there was no overthrow of constitutional order.”
Charamba said President Mnangagwa briefed his counterpart on developments leading to his nomination by the party, his appointment to the Government as President as well as confirmation through Congress.
Charamba then added: “He (President Mnangagwa) also indicated to the South African President that President Mugabe remains not just safe but revered as the founding father and leader of Zanu-PF and that there is no intention to victimise him or degrade his reputation. Second issue is that he applauded the Bi-National Commission and that his wish is that the Bi-National Commission fits in neatly with the new emphasis of the new era on economy and that nothing should stand in the way of investment, partnerships and trade between the two countries which after all are biggest trading partners and biggest economies in the Sadc region. If there are any impediments there should be that giveness to talk.
“Third message related to huge population of Zimbabweans in South Africa and he thanked South Africa for looking after Zimbabweans but also for broadening their skills as well as their experience and that time has now come for Zimbabwe to invite back its citizens on the strength of the skills they had acquired for them to contribute to the recovery of their economy.”
In his address to journalists, President Zuma said: “We have the same background that we had to fight for our freedom. So there is more commonality between us. I am very happy that Cde President did come and I am clearer now about the situation in Zimbabwe. It confirms what I could observe from a distance that it looks that there is stability now in Zimbabwe.
“I also commended the manner in which the army, when they had a concern, how it handled the situation, the situation could not go out of hand.
“It indicates the maturity of Zimbabweans in handling any situation that could develop and we are very grateful for that because in a number of countries if the army decided to stand up, then they leave a trail of destruction generally but in Zimbabwe I think they were able to control and indeed finally (the) political situation was controlled.”
President Mnangagwa responded saying: “I have come to South Africa and a courtesy visit to His Excellency President Zuma for two major reasons. The first is that South Africa is the closest neighbour to Zimbabwe in terms of tradition and history. Secondly, he is the current chairman of Sadc and perhaps thirdly I spent my 16 days of exile here. That aside, I regard President Zuma as my elder brother.
“With that background, I felt on 26th day in Office I must come to my brother and receive guidance. He is a very experienced President and I felt the challenges which I face the first port of call is to go to my colleague and say Your Excellency I have taken the leadership of Zimbabwe and I seek your guidance in whatever challenge I face and I have no doubt he will give complete and honest guidance.”
President Mnangagwa said he thanked President Zuma and the ANC for holding a peaceful elective conference.
By Farai D Hove| President Emmerson Mnangagwa on Thursday claimed that he escaped on foot into Mozambique on the 7th November last month. Did he tell the truth? Even his nemesis Saviour Kasukuwere has claimed in a conversation with businessman Mutumwa Mawere that he and Professor Jonathan Moyo in November also fled Zimbabwe into Mozambique (all the way from Harare) on foot “Tekere-Mugabe style”. Are these politicians telling the truth and not playing mind games with the public?
Even poison attack, was it real?
President Mnangagwa has before claimed that deadly poison failed to kill him in an assassination attempt in Gwanda in August 2017, and has another case of cyanide attack in his office in 2014 which white powder according to a government report by the then State Security Minister, Kembo Mohadi, Ngwerewere mealie meal is more harmful than it. (Mealie meal is more poisonous than the powder found in his office), a development that saw his secretary, Catherine Magaya who reported the “poison attack” being declared by doctors to be merely psychotic, when she also added that a rock had fallen from heaven and gone straight for Mnangagwa’s desk.
Escape into Mozambique witnessed by public
The President’s escape into Mozambique was witnessed by several people who have told it and they state that he clearly left the Forbes Border post (not at all on foot) in a car and had a driver and bodyguards.
Details have also emerged from his own personal advisor Christopher Mutsvangwa who has added evidence on his escape. SEE ON THE MAP THE ROUTE OF MNANGAGWA’S ESCAPE:
Earlier reports claimed he attempted to flee to Mozambique and was blocked at the Forbes Border post. The report said he then returned to Zimbabwe and was eventually assisted by the army to escape via air to South Africa.
The report was covered on the day it happened after reporters from a local newspaper traveled to the border post after hearing of the man’s violent encounter at the border.
The local paper, TellZim had claimed that he returned back into Zimbabwe.
But Mutsvangwa told ZANU PF supporters in Manicaland at the end of November that Mnangagwa escaped into Mozambique via road.
The original report confirms Mutsvangwa’s account as it reveals that after a scuffle at the border, Mnangagwa returned into the car he was in and they quickly fled the scene. Mnangagwa who was in the company of four other people believed to be his relatives, had a torrid time trying to exit the border despite that their passports had already been stamped.
Eye witnesses who spoke to the TellZim journalists said the problem started when Mnangagwa’s car was being searched by security details at the border.
“When he reached at the exit gate, it took almost 20 minutes searching his car and at that moment he disembarked the car after being delayed. The gate pass was for five people but only four people were there.
“He started walking back to the entrance gate but no one could quickly identify him as he was wearing a poor boy cap. He was stopped by police who grabbed him from behind but stopped after noticing who he was.
“Another policeman who had his AK47 cocked was unfortunate as he was kicked by Mnangagwa’s aide who had come to whisk him away. They fled the scene in two cars while the other car managed to cross the border,” said the source.
The incident happened around in the morning of the 7th November 2017.
After that incident, the then Manicaland Minister Mandi Chimene then mocked Mnangagwa labelling him a border jumper. But that appeared to be merely rhetoric as Mnangagwa was witnessed by many at the border leaving Zimbabwe in a vehicle.
“We thank you the people of Manicaland for giving our President safe passage into Mozambique when he was about to be killed by the G40 so that he comes back alive to lead the country. I would like to applaud you for being bold enough,” said Mutsvangwa
He continued saying “we would have lost our President if you did not accord him the opportunity to escape.”
3 Months after the Gwanda poison incident, where is the evidence that Mnangagwa was poisoned?
Portrayed as a man who can survive several poison attacks and one who can sneak out of Zimbabwe totally unnoticed and then come back a President.
By Dorrothy Moyo| ZANU PF leader EmmersonMnangagwa soon after returning from his South Africa August 2017 medicalcheckup trip boasted before a funeral crowd in Masvingo that deadly poison failed to kill him in an assassination attempt in Gwanda in August 2017.
He boasted that unlike the late Masvingo Minister Mai Shuvai Mahofa, he proved invinsible (or immortal), as it were. He was this year portrayed as a man who can survive several poison attacks and one who can sneak out of Zimbabwe unnoticed and then come back as the President.
He also while alleging that the G40 faction wanted to kill him, claimed that he was unconscious for over 5 days between Saturday and Wednesday after the 12th August incident, a complete contradiction to what a well known G40 medical doctor David Parirenyatwa revealed on the Monday that he had conversed with Mnangagwa and he was even jovial. Ironically the same Parirenyatwa who contradicted him has been reappointed Minister of Health with no qualms whatsoever.
Since 2014 has there ever been poison?
Mnangagwa has another case of cyanide attack in his office in 2014 which white powder according to a government report by the then State Security Minister, Kembo Mohadi, Ngwerewere mealie meal is more harmful than it. (Mealie meal is more poisonous than the powder found in his office), a development that saw his secretary, Catherine Magaya who reported the “poison attack” being declared by doctors to be merely psychotic, when she also added that a rock had fallen from heaven and gone straight for Mnangagwa’s desk.
Scientists reveal that Cyanides are extremely toxic and only a small amount of material is sufficient to kill a person. For example, the probability that a person who weighs 160 lbs, (72.64 Kg), who ingests 0.3632 grams potassium cyanide will die within three days is 50 %, and if he ingests 0.55 grams, the probability is over 90 %.
As for the other State House Secretary, Fadzi Nyemba who was also hospitalised, it was a mere safety procedure, Mohdai’s report claims.
What has made the development on Mnangagwa’s Gwanda poison attack more comical is the fact that 3 years after the 2017 Gwanda poison incident, the evidence that Mnangagwa was poisoned is still to be seen. The only testimonials are from faceless people who continuously claim to be the President’s relatives and they have made staggering claims from non radioactive palladium, (and after being proven that the substance is common) shifted to the more deadly polonoium.
Where are the President’s toxicology results and why have they been delayed? When they finally arrive, will they be authentic?
Terrence Mawawa, Masvingo| Villagers in the Zimuto Area in Masvingo District have predicted a landslide victory for President Emmerson Mnangagwa in the 2018 polls.
In a survey conducted by Masvingo Centre for Research and Advocacy last week, 90% of the villagers said Tsvangirai would not defeat Mnangagwa in the 2018 polls.
The villagers indicated that Mnangagwa was in a better position to win the elections because he won the hearts of many Zimbabweans when he took over power after the resignation of his former boss, Robert Mugabe.
“Villagers in the Zimuto Area have pointed out that Morgan Tsvangirai is no longer popular as a result of various factors.
The villagers have also indicated that President Mnangagwa is poised for victory in the 2018 polls because he is already in the process of reviving the economy.
At the same time Tsvangirai has nothing new to offer, according to the villagers,” read part of a report released by Masvingo Centre for Research and Advocacy.
“The villagers have also stated that Mnangagwa has an upper hand over Tsvangirai because of his composure and determination,” Masvingo Centre for Research and Advocacy further indicated.
By Paul Nyathi |ZAPU President Dumiso Dabengwa says that he declined the offer extended to him by President Emerson Mnangagwa to be one of the Vice Presidents in his new government.
Addressing about 300 people who took part in a Gukurahundi march at Stanley Hall in Makokoba Township Bulawayo on Friday, Dabengwa said he declined the offer because he made a personal vow never to work with ZANU PF ever again.
The veteran politician and freedom fighter said that he declined the offer despite pressure from even some people within his party and the Matabeleland region whi were pushing him to take the position.
“I refused to take the offer on a matter of principle as I made a personal vow never to work in a ZANU PF government whatever it took,” he said.
“Some people were calling me at night, some coming to my home trying to convince me to take up the position but I declined.”
President Mnangagwa’s chief advisor Christopher Mutsvangwa has however always declared it as false that Mnangagwa approached any members of the opposition asking them to join his government claiming that instead opposition party members including Morgan Tsvangirai of the MDC-T were pushing Mnangagwa to include them in his government.
By Dorrothy Moyo| President Emmerson Mnangagwa on Friday begged Zimbabweans to forgive him but also said as for him and on his part, he will never forgive three people Jonathan Moyo, Saviour Kasukuwere and Patrick Zhuwao.
In begging for forgiveness while yet refusing to forgive Jonso, Tyson & Zhuwao Mnangagwa proves that he is SENSIBLE or SENSELESS?
Speaking at Zimbabwe’s South African embassy, Mnangagwa said he has forgiven every Zimbabwean apart from the three.
Mnangagwa urged Zimbabweans in the Diaspora to come back home “to help rebuild the country.”
“Whatever wrong we might have done to you, we need to forgive… I have forgiven the cabal and they are in the country except for only three who remain outside and still saying funny things but all that will soon come to an end,” said Mnangagwa.
Jonathan Moyo, the former Higher and Tertiary Education minister is said to have be the G(Gushungo Generation)40 faction’s chief strategist, together with Saviour Kasukuwere and Patrick Zhuwao, the latter who is said to have been the one pushing Grace Mugabe to believe that she can become President of the country in Mnangagwa’s place.
A deeper analysis however has revealed that the real G(Gushungo)40 Godfather is non other than Mnangagwa himself from around 2014. The now President is seen in recorded footage at gatherings engineering the Gushungo cult as he claimed that the Creator Almighty God literally wears Gushungo fabric according to the Holy Bible.
Meanwhile Mnangagwa in his open appeal on Friday, said Zimbabwe was now open for business and that his government was in the process of repealing polices that scared away investors.
“We are 16 to 18 years behind other nations and we do not have to reinvent the wheel but we need to work hard to catch up and overtake others so that we can proudly walk around the world as proud Zimbabweans,” Mnangagwa said.
By Dorrothy Moyo| Tens of thousands of Zimbabweans have backed the first lady Auxillia Mnangagwa after she was attacked on a radio programme Friday morning when told that she is feeding kids with unhealthy foods such as fizzy drinks and hot fat food. PICTURES:
“Valid point… he lost his ministerial position…and he could not recover from the stress… there are some very serious stresses that might come…
By Farai D Hove| Some former ministers are now infected by the disease of depression to the last point of failing to recover.
This was revealed by the Speaker of Parliament Jacob Mudenda. He said a relative of his is struggling to adjust to life outside the luxuries of a cabinet minister after he lost his job.
He spoke in response to Musikavanhu MP Mr Prosper Mutseyami (MDC-T) who had suggested there was need to capacitate Parliament’s clinic to offer counselling services, particularly to former ministers who had lost their jobs.
Mudenda said, “I think that is a valid point to some extent. I have a cousin who lost his ministerial position and he became so stressed up that in the end, he could not recover from the stress.
“So, we will make some arrangements but there are some very serious stresses that might come when you do not win at your constituencies.
“Now for that one, unfortunately we may not provide services because you will not be part of the system.”
————————————–
FULL TEXT:
HON. MUTSEYAMI: There is the second one. Thank you Mr. Speaker Sir. First and foremost, Mr. Speaker Sir, is that I wish everyone a merry Christmas but my bigger issue is to do with our clinic here. Maybe for the Ninth Parliament as we go along, if we could have this
clinic well equipped system with regards to managing of stress and all
that – the counseling department is not there.
Currently, we have had challenges as Parliament, as the Eighth
Parliament whereby we have had people who have been moved from positions and all that and people have gone through a lot of challenges, pressure, stress and blood pressure. It is very professional for this arm of Government of Parliament to have an institution which is supposed to deal with these challenges or these kinds of trauma in terms of stress
through a counseling department so that people will understand that
once they lose positions, they are supposed to be back benchers.
As we speak, there are some people who cannot understand why they are in new positions and they do not understand that they are back benchers due to lack of counseling. So, it is important to address the counseling department.
THE HON. SPEAKER: Order, order. I think that is a valid point to some extent. I have a cousin who lost his ministerial position and he became so stressed up that in the end, he could not recover from the stress. So, we will make some arrangements but there are some very
serious stresses that might come when you do not win at your constituencies. – [Laughter.] –
Now for that one, unfortunately we may not provide services because you will not be part of the system.
MOTION
A Harare man appeared in court on Thursday on allegations of duping a Ukrainian business partner of $150 000 in a gold mining venture. Duke Dexter Sherry appeared before Harare magistrate Ms Josephine Sande facing fraud charges and was remanded to January 18 on $300 bail.
As part of his bail conditions, Sherry was ordered to reside at his given address and to report to CID Harare every Friday. The complainant is Oleh Lazarovych. The prosecutor Mr Sebastian Mutizirwa is alleging that sometime in January last year, Sherry and Lazarovych entered into a gold mining joint venture. It is alleged that Sherry and Stanley Goredema owned a registered gold mine in Mazowe. The parties allegedly agreed that Lazarovych would inject $150 000 as capital and because he is a foreigner, Sherry undertook to open a business bank account.
It is alleged that Lazarovych provided $100 000 for buying of equipment and Sherry bought a Subaru vehicle valued at $6 300 for use at the mine. The court heard that Lazarovych left for Ukraine and Sherry did not buy the equipment as agreed, instead he sent Lazarovych a photograph of some equipment, indicating that he had bought it.
It is alleged that Sherry demanded $43 000 from Lazarovych, alleging that it was meant to pay a fine at the Environment Management Agency (EMA). The court heard that Lazarovych later sent Ngoni Chitauro to investigate whether or not the mine was operational. It was discovered that there was no activity at the mine, prompting Lazarovych to come to Zimbabwe. The matter was reported to the police. Lazarovych lost $149 300 and nothing was recovered.- state media
The Reserve Bank of Zimbabwe (RBZ) has warned members of the public against using Bitcoin, one of several virtual currencies being used outside the country, saying its use is illegal in Zimbabwe.
Virtual currency is defined by the Financial Action Taskforce as a digital representation of value that can be digitally traded and functions as a medium of exchange, a store of value and unit of account, but with no legal tender status.
It is different from money used electronically to represent and transfer value denominated in flat currency or real or national currency. In a statement, RBZ Governor Dr John Mangudya said virtual currencies were not only unregulated, but were neither issued by public authority nor guaranteed by the State.
“The Reserve Bank of Zimbabwe wishes to advise members of the public that the use of and trading in cryptocurrencies or virtual currencies is not regulated by the country’s laws and presents risks such as money laundering, terrorism financing, tax evasion and fraud,” he said.
“Under the existing legal and regulatory dispensation, any person who invests in virtual currencies or participates in any transaction involving virtual currencies does so at own risk and will not have legal protection from, or recourse against, any regulatory authority.”
Dr Mangudya said virtual currencies were attractive to money launderers and other criminals because of their anonymity and ease with which transactions could be conducted on the Internet and across borders.
“In this regard, virtual currencies are not in any way attached to notes and coins circulating in the country. Virtual currencies do not have legal tender status in Zimbabwe or in any jurisdiction in the world,” he said. Dr Mangudya noted that the use of cryptocurrencies was on the increase both locally and globally and there were entities facilitating their purchase and sale in and outside Zimbabwe.
“There are many virtual currencies in circulation, with Bitcoin being one of the most popular,” said Dr Mangudya. Some traders and dealers had been pushing for the use of the virtual currencies, arguing they provided the unbanked public with an opportunity to regain financial control.
But the central bank is on record as saying that while at face value there appeared to be some economic benefits, it discouraged its use, saying any form of unregulated alternatives should not be tolerated.
Bitcoin, which was brought to popularity in Zimbabwe through the MMM pyramid scheme, whereby members could “give help” and “ask for help” in the form of bitcoin, managed to attract as many as 66 000 people. When it eventually crashed, a number of people were “burnt” and left with a sour taste. Some Bitcoin start-ups in Zimbabwe include Bitmari, a company which enables Zimbabweans to send money across countries in Africa at substantially lower costs.- state media
Some former ministers, who were recently dropped from Cabinet, are reportedly struggling to come to terms with life outside Government and are suffering from stress-induced ailments like hypertension, legislators have heard.
Speaker of the National Assembly Advocate Jacob Mudenda said he had a relative who was dropped from Cabinet recently and was failing to adjust to life outside the luxurious style that goes with being a member of the Executive after he lost his job. President Mnangagwa named a leaner 22-member Cabinet to cut Government expenditure.
Adv Mudenda made his remarks on Tuesday to support Musikavanhu MP Mr Prosper Mutseyami (MDC-T) who had said there was need to capacitate Parliament’s clinic to offer counselling services, particularly to former ministers who had suddenly become backbenchers. Mr Mutseyami said some of them were suffering from stress-induced high blood pressure and trauma.
“I think that is a valid point to some extent. I have a cousin who lost his ministerial position and he became so stressed up that in the end, he could not recover from the stress.
“So, we will make some arrangements but there are some very serious stresses that might come when you do not win at your constituencies. Now for that one, unfortunately we may not provide services because you will not be part of the system,” said Adv Mudenda, drawing raucous laughter from the floor. Mr Mutseyami had risen on a point of order to say he was concerned with Parliament’s health centre which ought to be adequately equipped.
“My bigger issue is to do with our clinic here. Maybe for the Ninth Parliament as we go along, if we could have this clinic well equipped with regards to managing of stress and all that — the counselling department is not there.
“Currently, we have had challenges as Parliament, as the Eighth Parliament whereby we have had people who have been moved from positions and all that and people have gone through a lot of challenges, pressure, stress and blood pressure,” said Mr Mutseyami.
“It is very professional for this arm of Government of Parliament to have an institution to deal with these challenges or these kinds of trauma in terms of stress through a counselling department so that people will understand that once they lose positions, they are supposed to be backbenchers. As we speak, there are some people who cannot understand why they are in new positions and they do not understand that they are backbenchers, due to lack of counselling. So, it is important to address the counselling department.”
In the Upper House, former Defence Minister Sydney Sekeramayi had the House in stitches when he reminded Senate President Edna Madzongwe that he was no longer a Cabinet minister. This was after Madzongwe addressed Sekeramayi as “Honourable Minister” in requesting him to adjourn debate.
“Thank you Madam President, I am a former minister,” said Sekeramayi courtly before Madzongwe apologized. Not only have some ministers lost their posts to realignment, but some chairpersons of portfolio committees have also been reduced to ordinary committee members.
They include Chegutu West MP Dexter Nduna who was replaced by Muzarabani South MP Christopher Chitindi. Masvingo Central MP Dr Daniel Shumba lost the chairmanship of the portfolio committee of Mines and Energy to Norton MP Mr Temba Mliswa (Independent).- state media
Terrence Mawawa | President Emmerson Mnangagwa and South African President Jacob Zuma have implored the people of Zimbabwe to forgive former President Robert Mugabe and concentrate on nation building.
Speaking in Pretoria, South Africa yesterday, the two leaders said it was imperative for the people of Zimbabwe to focus on rebuilding the economy rather than clinging to errors of commission and omission made by the former liberation war icon.
Zuma urged the people of Zimbabwe to respect the nonagenarian because of the illustrious role he played during the liberation struggle.
” I am happy because President Mnangagwa has assured me that Cde Mugabe will not be harassed and that he is safe and well protected.
We cannot run away from the fact that he is our father and we cannot dispute the role he played during and after the liberation struggle.
We have to consider the fact that the man nurtured us so let us respect him,” said Zuma.
Mnangagwa maintained he was groomed by Mugabe.
Considered by many as Mugabe’s blue eyed boy since the days of the liberation struggle, Mnangagwa is under pressure to reverse the policies implemented by his former boss.
“I have a lot of respect for Cde Mugabe and as I have always said, he is my father and mentor.
However let us do away with what happened in the past. Our thrust is to rebuild Zimbabwe,” said Mnangagwa.
[10:32 PM, 12/22/2017] Bekezela Maduma Fuzwayo: I declined Mnangagwa VP offer says Dabengwa
By Paul Nyathi
ZAPU President Dumiso Dabengwa says that he declined to take the offer extended to him by President Emerson Mnangagwa to be one of the Vice Presidents in his new government.
Addressing about 300 people who took part in a Gukurahundi march at Stanley Hall in Makokoba Township Bulawayo on Friday, Dabengwa said he declined the offer because he made a personal vow never to work with ZANU PF ever again.
The veteran politician and freedom fighter said that he declined the offer despite pressure from even some people within his party and the Matabeleland region whi were pushing him to take the position.
“I refused to take the offer on a matter of principle as I made a personal vow never to work in a ZANU PF government whatever it took,” he said.
“Some people were calling me at night, some coming to my home trying to convince me to take up the position but I declined.”
President Mnangagwa’s chief advisor Christopher Mutsvangwa has however always declared it as false that Mnangagwa approached any members of the opposition asking them to join his government claiming that instead opposition party members including Morgan Tsvangirai of the MDC-T were pushing Mnangagwa to include them in his government.
By Showbiz Reporter| Music super star Oliver Mtukudzi Thursday night staged a superb show at his Pakare Paye arts centre in Norton.
At the show which started with local young and upcoming musicians the music icon mentors at the centre,Tuku took revels down the memory lane when he played songs he composed in the 1980s.
The music superstar took to the stage at exactly 00:00 hours and entertained his followers most of them from Norton for his traditional two (2) hours before Sulumani Chimbetu took over the stage.
By UK Police| An officer attached to Parliamentary and Diplomatic Protection Command has been dismissed for possession of indecent images of children and possession of extreme pornography at a Special Case Hearing on Thursday, 21 December.
PC Adam Cox, faced allegations that he had breached the Metropolitan Police Service’s standards of professional behaviour in regards to discreditable conduct.
On Wednesday, 15 November PC Cox appeared at Norwich Crown Court where he pleaded guilty to possession of 645 category A, 201 category B and 449 category C indecent images of children. He also pleaded guilty to possession of 396 extreme pornographic images.
The officer was suspended from duty on 2 August 2016.
The investigation into his conduct was led by the Directorate of Professional Standards (DPS).
The Chair, having considered all of the evidence found the case of gross misconduct proven.
The Chair of the misconduct hearing, AC Helen Ball stated: “It is particularly sad and unacceptable that an officer in PC Cox’s trusted position would behave in such a discreditable way. He was in possession of a very large number of images of young children. Any conviction is discreditable; one of this nature where the behaviour has meant the abuse of the vulnerable is deeply so.”
“Dismissal without notice is the appropriate sanction in these circumstances.”
Former PC Cox was sentenced at the Old Bailey today, Friday, 22 December to a 12 month custodial sentence suspended for two years. He is subject to a supervised Rehabilitation Order for 50 days. Regarding the possession of the extreme pornographic images, former PC Cox received an eight month sentence suspended for two years.
Additionally former PC Cox will be required to complete 250 hours of unpaid work, and is now subject to a Sexual Harm Prevention Order.
As of an amendment made on Friday, 15 December to police regulations former PC Cox will now be placed on a Police Barred List preventing future employment elsewhere in policing.
Terrence Mawawa, Mvuma | A Zanu PF member who is believed to be a member of the G-40 Faction has been accused of plotting to unseat the First Lady, Auxillia Mnangagwa who is the MP for Chirumhanzu- Zibagwe Constituency.
Zanu PF Councillor for ward 13, Mvuma, Tremendous Musara is eyeing the Chirumhanzu- Zibagwe Constituency, according to sources in ruling party.
“The young man (Musara) is under siege.Mrs Mnangagwa’ s aides have since barred him from receiving farming inputs.
He is also under surveillance because it is widely believed he wants to fight Mrs Mnangagwa.
I can tell you that Musara wants to take on the First Lady in the primary elections,” claimed a Zanu PF Official.
“Mrs Mnangagwa’ s supporters have vowed to block Musara from participating in party activities,” added the official.
Musara however denied he was eyeing the Chirumhanzu- Zibagwe Constituency.
” I do not know what you are talking about. I have no intention to become an MP.
All those who are peddling lies about me are misguided, ” said Musara.
Eight members of the same family in Rujeko Suburb, Masvingo escaped death by a whisker when about 20m long tower light glided under a storm that hit the City on Tuesday afternoon and plunged onto the roof of six roomed house in Dhimba Close.
The same storm left a trail of destruction as it destroyed trees in many parts of the town and in particular the leafy suburb of Rhodhene. There was also a number electricity pylons poles that were brought down in Rujeko.
City Engineer Tawanda Gozo confirmed the incident and he suspected that one of the three legs of the tower light had aged and it gave in due to the heavy winds.
“Five children were playing in the kitchen and when the rains intensified they joined us in the dining room. There was a loud bang hardly before they sat down. We first thought that it was lightning but we became suspicious as water started pouring into the house through the roof. We checked and that is when we realised that the tower light had fallen on the roof.
“We had two spare bedrooms extensively damaged and the kitchen where the children had been playing. A bed, stove, laptop, plates and cabinets were damaged beyond repair.
“We thank the Almighty that we survived this,” said a visibly shaken Tendai Mahove the housewife.
“Investigations are still going on but it is suspected that one of the tower lights’ three legs gave in and the remaining two could not sustain the weight due to wind and probably ageing causing it to fall on the roof of the house to the east.
“As for compensation, the insurance will have to look into that and make a determination. We hope by tomorrow the wreckage would have been removed for repairs to be carried out at the house,” said Engineer Gozo.
One of the neighbours Tapiwa Musengi who witnessed the tower light slowly collapsing attributed the disaster to ageing and motorists who often hit one of the legs when they reverse in the Close.
“I heard a sound of something cracking while in the dining and when I checked outside I could see the tower light slowly sliding towards Mahove’s house. I just stood there in shock and could not raise alarm.
“The third leg was rusty and just a disaster waiting to happen whenmotorists from time to time hit it as they reverse their vehicles in the narrow street,” said Musengi.
“Our sincere apologies. Council will definitely look into the issue and come out with one voice. We thank God there are no fatalities,” said the Mayor Hubert Fidze.
Richard Musekiwa councillor for ward 7 in Rujeko also promised that the Council will do everything in its capacity to assist the affected family.-Masvingo Mirror
By Kingstone Jambawo | What constitutes national security?
The importance of national security – measures taken by a state against external and/or internal threats to its economy and stability – cannot be overemphasised. It is precisely this national security that was threatened by growing factional fights within the ruling ZANU-PF.
Since the Zimbabwe Defence Forces (ZDF) has been immersed in Zimbabwe’s politics since independence, no moment could have presented itself for a military intervention than the sacking of Mnangagwa. In ZDF’s view, the concern for national security became a paramount one, particularly due to succession battles within ZANU-PF. The need to purge all sources of threats to our national security in order to ensure a successful stable emerging democracy became quite apparent when Grace Mugabe’s intentions became clear.
The overwhelming military approach to national security should largely be based on the conditions under which the national security clause can be invoked – the assumption that the principle threat to security comes from other nations. Of course, this is contestable for there is no doubt that the greatest threat to national security could be internal. It is such internal threats that induce or make a state vulnerable to external attacks.
As such, the security of the nation does not therefore have to do with military defence alone. There is need, however, to locate the concept of national security where it rightly belongs by attaching to it a broader meaning that emphasises not only military development but also political, economic, and social development of civil society. Development then becomes a central concept in our understanding of the concept of security. In effect, therefore, one can say that national security refers to these measures that are taken for the protection of a given nation against internal and external threats.
These threats could thus be military, political, economic, social, and cultural or otherwise which date back to 2008, so the coup could have happened then.
Indeed no nation, regardless of its military development level, can be regarded as secure if its economy is battered yet ours has been for at least two decades. If unemployment exacerbates corruption, if poverty, disease, and malnutrition intensify to the extent where its citizens are compelled to engage in dangerous activities, such as prostitution, bribery and robbery to be able to make a decent living, then the country’s security is at risk. According to this view, it becomes clear that for the ZDF, these were not enough to warrant a military intervention, but the sacking of a revolutionary leader was hence ZDF is ZANU-PF.
The ZDF imposed President Emmerson Mnangagwa who was immediately confronted by the same sort of political, cultural, social and economic problems which has beset the Mugabe government that he was part of for the whole 37 years. It is unlikely that E D Mnangagwa’s administration that comprises of the same old cabinet are going to be able to cope with these issues, therefore, as it has always been the case, they will fail miserably in their self-imposed tasks.
The reason why the armed forces seized power is not to be found in the success or failures of the Robert Mugabe administration, so to find the reason, we will have to examine the various factors and events preceding the ZDF intervention which have already been reported extensively by various media. To reiterate, this military regime has come into power in a situation of acute succession crisis within ZANU-PF.
The ZDF has not removed the system but only one of the hated and feared oppressors in ZANU-PF and replacing him with another, which many commentators have said might be worse than his predecessor. After which no recognition was granted to the opposition whatsoever, yet bizarrely this change of power was greeted with hope and satisfaction by many. This situation has generated the belief that the real problem to the continued violence, disappearances and human right abuses was Robert Mugabe alone and that the military imposed Mnangagwa is all of a sudden the guarantor of human rights and good governance.
We have forgotten that politics from the viewpoint of the typical ZANU-PF politician is seen as a profession where one could enrich himself at the expense and disadvantage of the poor people. Given the repressive political climate that has always existed under former President Robert Mugabe and that the military felt ‘compelled’ to interfere in the body politics of the state under the pretext of rescuing the Zimbabwean people – it is sad to note that, the repressed Zimbabwean people tended to give support which will wane over time.
Lessons from Sierra Leone
A clear example being in Sierra Leone, where the military overthrew the then All People’s Congress (APC) government led by the now late Joseph Saidu Momoh in 1992. Generally, the Momoh regime then was one that could best be described as being corrupt, and which has as a daily way of life tribalism and cronyism, much to the distaste of national unity and peaceful coexistence mantra.
And so when it became apparent that the people were tired with the one party and authoritarian rule of the then APC party, they saw the intervention of the military in the political arrangement of the state as a rescue mission. The military coup of 25 year old Captain Valentine Strasser was, just like that of Johnny Paul Koroma, undemocratic and unacceptable. Nevertheless, unlike the one of Johnny Paul Koroma, Strasser’s coup was welcomed by the people. The coup was popular at the time because just like the one in Zimbabwe, most Sierra Leoneans were disgruntled with the ageing and ineffective APC leadership.
Part of National Provision Ruling Council (NPRC)’s popularity was a promise to end war and restore peace in Sierra Leone. The coupe – marked by widespread looting – recovered approximately $13.5 billion from the homes of ex-ministers and senior APC cabinet members. Although there were similar raids and arrests in Zimbabwe, no amount of money has been disclosed. Captain Strasser and his lieutenants, however, did not think compromise or working with RUF was in the best interest of the government and the people of Sierra Leone, just like Mnangagwa’s interim government did not include the opposition.
In Zimbabwe, the widely talked about National Translation Council (NTC) did not materialise. However, the Captain Strasser led military became drunk with power and at the end they even became worse than those they had removed from power. Captain Strasser even tried to lower the mandatory age requirement for a precedent from 45 to one more appropriate for his age 30 for the upcoming elections without success.
What followed was extrajudicial killings as was evident in the execution of over 20 people, including civilians and military officers after they were alleged to have attempted to stage a mutiny against the government. This in itself was ridiculous and outrageous and this was how they began losing public confidence and sympathy. Consequently NRPC lost the elections and had to hand over power to Ahmed Tejan Kabbah, the leader of the opposition, Sierra Leone people’s Party (SLPP).
Personal motivation
When looking at the ZDF intervention in state politics, one is immediately confronted by a number of questions. For example, what was the conditions that fostered or preclude the military intervention, the capacity and historical significance of the partisan ZDF and the part these two factors played in the success of the coup, the efficiency of the political system that the ZDF replaced, etc? But questions of morality and norms are also involved.
Yes Zimbabwe was torn by the political strife caused by Grace, ZANU-PF infighting resulting from succession theories – Lacoste vs G40 – but was that enough for the armed forces to intervene? Or there are some other sinister personal motives.
Justifying the military engagement in Zimbabwe politics, General Constantine Chiwenga waved the constitution about as he read his speech on the 14th of November. On the 15th of November General Dr Sibusiso B Moyo announced on the seized Zimbabwe Broadcasting Corporation (ZBC) that “The President is safe and sound – We are only targeting criminals around him” whereas an underrated factor could be Chiwenga’s personal idiosyncratic skill or possible his own state of security and protection of personal wealth.
The personal, psychological or financial circumstances of the generals may have played a critical role for instigating the coup. The generals, retired Defence Forces Commander, General, Constantine Chiwenga, the new Defence Forces Commander General, Philip Sibanda, retired Air Marshall, now Minister of Lands, Agriculture and Rural Resettlement, Perence Shiri, all of who have become fat cats, are some of the richest in the region. They own businesses, farms, safaris, huge houses and big cars among other assets, courtesy of ZANU-PF’s patronage network.
The military hierarchy is said to have plaid a pivotal role in money spinning companies in which the government has a stake such as Mbada Diamonds and Anjin Invstments which were reportedly exploiting diamonds in Chiadzwa under shady circumstances amid concerns of looting.
Chiwenga’s vast wealth which was amassed from 2002 was exposed during a divorce case, just like that of Chombo. Mnangagwa, Chiwenga, and Shiri – Black Jesus – have been implicated in the Gukurahundi massacres.
Having been involved in the politics of Zimbabwe for so long, it is clear that the ZDF generals are a powerful interest group and now – as we do not have a choice – need them to be reoriented to accept democratic values that respect civilian leadership.
One issue that stands out clearly is that, according to the Zimbabwe constitution in general and the Defence Forces Act in particular, the Zimbabwe military has no veto power and no basis to masquerade as kin-makers. The coup plotters were smart in giving it a revolutionary character, thereby duping the masses into supporting the coup. The revolutionary element was in that now famous peaceful march
To keep out the AU – the coup makers, were desperate to make it look like it had been determined by the people of Zimbabwe yet it was impossible for the people themselves to decide who is to rule or not. Many expected a National Transition Authority that included the opposition. Now what if the ‘new’ system does not function – which is more likely going to be the case – or if the people lack the means to change the order from military to civilian rule, for example – given the history of our partisan security forces – are we going to be able to establish a kind of order or succession that we wish to have through a peaceful, free and fair credible elections?
Partisan military regime
As with military governments elsewhere, ZANU-PF have a history of preventing opposition by eliminating or silencing what they call “subversive” elements in society, such as the MDC and activists, leading to systematic violations of human rights and widespread political repression.
A ZANU-PF military regime is one way in which the military generals can assume a dominant role in the country’s political system without the political instability that generally characterises praetorianism. The party military regime is an authoritarian regime based on an alliance of near equals. In this alliance the strong revolutionary party – ZANU-PF – is going to share rule with the armed forces generals as a reward for a job well done. Clearly ZANU-PF has provided the regime’s revolutionary political cadres, the lion’s share of civil servants, and the legitimatising ideology. The armed forces will continue to provide a key means of social mobilisation and control and receive a disproportionate influence in policy making. This sort of regime differs ideologically from a short term military rule. When the military assumes a moderator role and rules briefly, it generally has conservative objectives.
The enhancement of personal power is a key factor and top priority for individuals within the military who seek political role from the military. It is evident from case studies of military dominated governments that the maximisation of personal power and wealth is indeed a very high priority for coup leaders. More lucrative opportunities are associated with the involvement of military officers in the political process of the country. The best opportunities are off course in a country where bribery, cronyism, and corruption flourish as a matter of course.
The civil society should be vigilant and ready to engage the politicians through various non-governmental organisations or else militarised values are going to become a prominent element in the Zimbabwean political culture.
The international community response
Regime changes that result from a coup d’état against a democratically elected government is generally not accepted by the international community. However, as we have seen after the Egyptians ouster of Mubarak, the international community is prepared to recognise governments that are established after a successful revolution against an authoritarian regime.
The African Union (AU) has no tolerance if there is a military coup against a democratically elected government, meaning that if the coup is against an undemocratically elected government it is not unconstitutional. The AU and South African Development (SADC) is very clear on their opposition to the legal takeover of state power.
SADC, AU, and the West have all recognised Zimbabwe’s new government which came into power by illegitimate means, thereby ignoring the Gukurahundi, Murambatswina, farm invasions, and the 2008 electoral credentials that the coup plotters possess. Their statements were not strong enough against the military’s subversion of the constitutional order.
The military should have shown respect of our constitution when the incumbent ZANU-PF government refused to relinquish power after losing the 2008 elections. Instead the Zimbabwe Military establishment threatened to prevent any elected leader without liberation war credentials from leading the country which was an open violation of the Zimbabwean supreme law.
Had the AU stood firm against the military coup – Zimbabwe’s constitution would have been spared from this shredding – now there is a risk that military coups that are not called coup are going to be a ritual or an institution of Zimbabwe’s politics. Assumptions of power by unconstitutional means have just begun and they are going to become a norm rather than an exception, if Zimbabweans do not do something about this one.
Africa’s reaction to the coup in Zimbabwe is one of approval, manifested by vociferous verbal praise on the junta and lack international ostracism of the new government. It is now on the path to legitimate itself through another sham national election. At the same time – it seems – the African Union policy of preventing the spread of coups or the legitimation of military regimes, will not be applied on Zimbabwe.
How the population may respond
This is a new territory and experience for Zimbabweans, however president Mnangagwa’s success will be measured primarily through the country’s economic performance. To achieve this, he will need consistent support of all the important sectors in Zimbabwean society. Thus the degree to which president Mnangagwa succeeds in turning the economy around; dealing with corruption – walking the talk – is likely to have a strong effect on how both the population and ZDF think about military intervention in future. If he is successful, the view that the armed forces have done a good job will be entrenched – especially the job of ‘targeting criminals around the former president Mugabe’. On the other hand, if he fails, such prior assumptions are going to be questioned. In sum an unsuccessful Mnangagwa will diminish the probability that changing the country’s leadership will continue to be considered a legitimate role for the armed forces.
Another critical factor stems from the relationship of Mnangagwa’s government and civil society. The most important component of this relationship is the level of repression which according to his history is very tainted. The predicted higher levels of repression will stimulate stronger reactions from the civil society. Those who have relatives who have ‘disappeared’, killed in 2008, displaced during Murambatswina, and the Gukurahundi victims’ families are not likely to accept his rule. Needless to say that these issues need to be addressed as urgently as possible to generate confidence.
For the well-educated Zimbabwean population, awareness on the gains of democracy enjoyed in western countries should be sufficient to ensure that the military is permanently kept out of politics in Zimbabwe. Nonetheless, we are where we are. It is therefore very essential for the opposition and human rights organisations to address this matter. Human Rights Organisations should aim, not just a panacea for preventing future military takeover of political power – but also to fashion out a military that supports democracy and the constitution rather than undermining it.
The current 2013 constitution – flawed or not – is the supreme law of the country. The respect accorded to the country’s supreme law should outweigh opposition to or indeed our frustration with Mugabe that we should ecstatically welcome its shredding. Thus we cannot take lightly the violation of the constitution because clearly it was not the only way to remove Mugabe – the person – from power allowing ZANU-PF to fail the people of Zimbabwe over again. More of the old is what we are in for.
Although General Chiwenga quoted a part of the constitution that he interpreted to mean that he can remove an elected despot – the rest of his 14th November Press Statements gave him away. This was followed by ED Mnangagwa’s statement on 21 November, which by then it was clear that the coup d’état of 15 November was in pursuit of the Lacoste faction agenda against that of G40 in ZANU-PF, therefore, this coup is unconstitutional under section 208 of the Constitution of Zimbabwe.
Impact on Zimbabwe Defence Forces (ZDF)
Though they have won the glory by removing Robert Mugabe their violent credentials, especially after the recent attacks on civilians, the legacy of fear and distrust of the security forces is resurfacing with more potency.
It is very unlikely that the ZDF’s Mnangagwa, whether radical or conservative is going to rule by consensus. So far they have not shown interest in ruling by force but it won’t be long therefore – given their history – it should not be assumed that they will continue to do so. There is no intent whatsoever to root out the criminal elements within ZANU-PF though there will be a few sacrificial lambs from the G40 faction – Chombo and Chipanga. One example is that Orbert Mpofu remains in government.
There is no doubt that civilian democratic rule is better than military rule. The military rule chances of preserving human and civil rights, good governance, democracy and transparency are also very limited. Save to say arbitrary military takeovers give the soldiers a negative image. The new government will be aware that a prolonged military rule will affect the ZDF as an institution. It can result in the loss of respect, glory, prosperity and professionalism for the ZDF therefore an election that will legitimatise the incumbent will be top priority.
This coup d’état, as I said earlier, may have been greeted with hope and satisfaction, but is the imposed leader – the Crocodile – capable of delivering that hope? Generally speaking, a coup d’état – supported by the masses or not – is an undue interference in the politics of a country. It may also prove worthwhile to re-examine and look closely at the intentions stated by the coup-makers during the initial stages, and whether these intentions were genuine or not.
Conclusion
Finally, ZANU-PF’s Congress outcomes has prompted the idea that there are other explanations based on the purely personal motives which the architect of a coup may have had. General Chiwenga is poised to become Vice President and most likely president after Mnangagwa’s departure.
However this individual motive does not explain how Chiwenga or indeed Mnangagwa won support for a coup from the masses, SADC, AU and the international community that include UK and USA. Only the EU has voiced the need for a democratically recognised government.
The generals themselves did not justify the takeover on personal grounds nor did they mention Conditions within the Zimbabwean society, or other circumstances, which could be cited as the reason for the change of power other than vague mention of the state of the economy and “we are only targeting criminals surrounding him”. This view draws one to think that the underlying motive may be personal.
Zimbabwe has had its own model of military rule since 1980. Samuel Huntingdon once argued that military coups are more often an end to democracy than the beginning of a transition to democracy. Zimbabwe is not going to triumphantly transition from military rule before – or indeed after – the elections, therefore we are not heading towards a liberal democracy anytime soon. This is because ZANU-PF cannot afford to put in place the required reforms without harming itself.
This government is illegitimate hence any elections that it may organise are also illegitimate.
Annete Bongiwe | Just so I don’t have to say this again… my response to hospital visits by the high and mighty, both yesterday and all other days to come!
Sithule Nicole Tshuma thank you for provoking this discussion. I will pen my two cents. I work at UBH. I bring my heart to work everyday, not fruits or fees ($15 per patient) and find there are no essential drugs, no surgical sundries, no basic lab tests and no basic radiology services, no x Ray films! We cancel people’s operations, even emergencies because of the issues listed above, and stupid reasons like the laundry machine is not working so no sterile linen, the suction machine is not working etc.
We have had the same CEO and minister for years both presiding over a failing hospital while their own packs continue to swell. The President has the power to dis-appoint both but no, he hasn’t! So I’ll not even touch the legitimacy of this new administration, neither will I speak about the abuse of our people in campaign trails, I will just stick to my everyday experience as I toil to serve my people… I will tell you that such visits are an insult that should never be applauded or repeated. When they come the shelves are suddenly full of surgical gloves, surgical blades, theatre caps etc which the First Lady didn’t buy, but the hospital administration buys to appease the visitor. And then they disappear again as soon as she’s gone! Please stop! Stop! I beg you! Stop! Our people need genuine leaders who will lay down their lives for the people… leaders with real principles and values, who understand that their power is given them by the people to serve and not subdue! I rest my case!
Wilbert Mukori | “President Emmerson Mnangagwa has shown a shocking popularity amongst Zimbabweans living in South Africa as almost ten thousands Zimbabweans turned up to meet him in what was meant to be a business briefing of an expected 100 people,” reported Paul Nyathi.
“The Diaspora has traditionally been an opposition stronghold with Morgan Tsvangirai enjoying unfettered support which has now been shaken by Mnangagwa’s visit.”
Why are you shocked?
The same Zimbabweans had remained loyal to Tsvangirai even in the face of the mountain of evidence that MDC had sold-out during the GNU by failing to get even one democratic reform implemented. Tsvangirai & co. had proven beyond all reasonable doubt that they are breathtakingly corrupt and incompetent and many Zimbabweans still remained as loyal to MDC as before. This proved that their loyalty to Tsvangirai was not founded on ideological or admiration of Tsvangirai’s leadership qualities, these were clearly lacking here. This was just blind loyalty a blind man who give to whoever happen to be holding his hand.
Many Zimbabweans, both in Zimbabwe and in the diaspora, have come to the conclusion that the GNU did not deliver the free, fair and credible elections, as MDC leaders had promised; they have never figured out that it was because MDC had failed to implement even one democratic reform. They have never asked Tsvangirai & co. what happened and the MDC leaders were shrewd enough never to offer any explanation.
The only trouble with having blind followers is that it will not take much to persuade them to baby dump you and follow someone else. They are like branches of a willow tree, the whole branch swings one way then the other even in the lightest breeze.
There is nothing, absolutely nothing, that President Mnangagwa and his Zanu PF cronies have done to deserve their new-found popularity. Zanu PF is a party of ruthless thugs and the events of the last three years have shown just how ruthless these thugs are. Mnangagwa, Chiwenga and the rest staged the coup that forced Mugabe to resign not out of concern of the long suffering masses but as the last throw of the dice to wrestle power from Grace Mugabe and her G40 faction.
Yes, Zimbabweans everywhere were overjoyed to see the back of Robert Mugabe, regardless of the circumstances of his demise. By to herald Mnangagwa and his thugs as heroes for staging the coup is to miss the very important point that they are the ones who had imposed Mugabe on the nation all these years. Worse still, the coup was about removing one dictator but only to replace him with another.
There is nothing, absolutely nothing, that would lead anyone to belief Zanu PF is no longer a party of thugs just because Mnangagwa and not Mugabe is the new leader. Mnangagwa has moved swiftly to ruthless silenced his G40 faction rivals. He has kept the same oppressive laws and practices he himself had perfected when he was Mugabe’s henchman. He has been quick to promise free, fair and credible elections although he has not implemented even one democratic reforms to make this possible.
The Zimbabweans who thronged to hear President Mnangagwa in SA are no different from the thousands of ordinary Zimbabweans, up and down the country, who marched in support of the coup on 18 November 2017. They are like a slave who mistakes the replacement of one slave-master for another with his freedom! Zimbabweans are equating the departure of Mugabe with the end of corruption, vote rigging and tyranny and arrival of a new Zimbabwe of competent government in which all their individual freedoms and human rights have been restored. The penny will drop when they realise the corruption, vote rigging, etc. of the Mugabe days have not gone away and it is business as usual!
One only hopes that the penny will drop soon enough before the people make the mistake of giving President Mnangagwa and his cronies the mandate to rule in next year’s elections. If next year’s elections are free, fair and credible then the people must vote Zanu PF out of office because that is they one chance to make sure future elections are free, fair and credible.
If Zanu PF are allowed to stay in office and the party’s ambitious economic recovery agenda start to falter as did Mugabe’s “Gutsa ruzhinji!” (Mass prosperity!) the party will resort to the same dirty tricks of intimidation, harassment, vote rigging, etc. to stay in power. No doubt, the Zimbabwe electorate, the willow tree branches, will swing back to the supporting Morgan Tsvangirai, from one slave-master to another, blundering from pillar to post!
Terrence Mawawa, Gweru| In an incident that stunned court officials, a local woman dumped her husband for not bathing properly.
A Gweru woman has accused a local ferrochrome smelting company, Xin Yu Mining Corporation, of firing her because she was pregnant.
In the days following Ramaphosa’s victory over his rival Nkosazana Dlamini-Zuma at the party’s 54th elective conference in Johannesburg, ANC leaders have been involved in intense discussions about a conflict-free exit for Zuma from the presidency.
Stadium to witness the conferment of Emmerson Mnangagwa as the new President of the Republic of Zimbabwe when he took over from Robert Gabriel Mugabe who was forced to resign following the pressure from Zimbabweans, lead by the Zimbabwe National Army.
Mozambique while running away from each other, literally.
Eight members of the same family in Rujeko Suburb, Masvingo escaped death by a whisker when about 20m long tower light glided under a storm that hit the City on Tuesday afternoon and plunged onto the roof of six roomed house in Dhimba Close.
