“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

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.

MDC-T vice-president Advocate Nelson Chamisa on Wednesday revealed that his boss, Mr Morgan Tsvangirai, approached the new administration led by President Emmerson Mnangagwa, pushing for an inclusive Government.

Adv Chamisa said they had to go to the United States last week under an MDC-Alliance banner after realising the idea of an inclusive Government had collapsed and they had to gear up for an election.

“And president Tsvangirai, as a democrat, as a national leader, as a statesman went out of his way to make sure that he kick-starts the process, but unfortunately, there were no takers of this inclusive arrangement.

“Government intended then to portray MDC-T as a spoiler.” Adv Chamisa accused the Government of being arrogant. “They don’t appreciate that building a country is not a partisan effort, it is a collective effort,” he said.

“And this is where they are missing it, this is where they want to malign president Tsvangirai.
“Now we are waiting for election, this is why we had to go for a diplomatic offensive to talk to our people as you would see in our rallies, we are now articulating the alternative that we are.

“We are not going to waste time because we are not an inclusive Government, we do not do public relations for a Government.”

In its denial, MDC-T claimed that Mr Tsvangirai was never approached formally or informally about the inclusive Government.

Speaking at the same event, MDC Alliance representative, Mr Tendai Biti said they had no apologies to make over their utterances in the US, where they reportedly called for the retention of sanctions.

“We do not apologise for putting the interests of our country first, we do not apologise for representing Zimbabweans,” he said.

“We are a serious opposition, we have been in the trenches for years. We have scars to prove it. We are as patriotic as the next patriot. Our record speaks for itself.”

Analysts said it was pure propaganda for Mr Biti to allege that they had the interest of the people at heart, when they were prepared to travel all the way to the US to call for the extension of illegal sanctions that have resulted in the suffering of ordinary people.

The contradiction, the analysts said, was glaring at the Press conference where the MDC-T officials purported to speak for the people, when their actions indicated they wanted them to suffer in a bid to force them to vote for the opposition party.

Sanctions are widely credited for the closure of industries and other economic woes that befell Zimbabwe in the past decade and some years.

The Press conference was also attended by MDC leader Professor Welshman Ncube and representatives of other opposition political parties. – state media

President Emmerson Mnangagwa yesterday said he had forgiven all but three members of the vanquished G40 faction as he urged Zimbabweans in the Diaspora to come back home “to help rebuild the country.”

Mnangagwa travelled to South Africa on his first foreign trip as head of State, visiting a country where he sought refuge after being fired as deputy president early last month.

He travelled to South Africa yesterday morning to persuade investors that economically struggling Zimbabwe is an attractive business prospect after the November 21, resignation of former leader Robert Mugabe, whose 37-year rule ended after a military takeover.
Mnangagwa met South African President Jacob Zuma and remarked that he was happy to be back in the country.

The former spy chief fled to South Africa after Mugabe dismissed him during factional fighting in Zimbabwe’s ruling party.

The firing prompted a backlash against Mugabe and Mnangagwa returned to Zimbabwe, where he was sworn in as president.

Mnangagwa delivered a powerful mea culpa in the climactic highlight of protests against him outside the embassy.

“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,” Mnangagwa said.

Jonathan Moyo, the former Higher and Tertiary Education minister was the alleged G40 faction chief strategist, together with Saviour Kasukuwere and Patrick Zhuwao.

Moyo has repeatedly lashed out at Mnangagwa on microblogging site Twitter, claiming the incumbent was under a false sense of victory that would soon come to an end.
Currently in the sanctuary of self-imposed exile, Moyo warned Mnangagwa that if he thought he had succeeded in taking over power, he has not seen anything yet.

“Only an idiot would think it is smart for a genocidal junta to violently shoot itself into power to install a fellow genocidal ‘gukurahundist’ under the mantra of stockholder entitlement,” he wrote on Twitter recently.

“If you and your lot think that will last, then you ain’t seen nothing yet; come rain or shine!” he said.
Mnangagwa said Zimbabwe was now open for business and that his government was in the process of repealing polices that scared away investors such as the Indigenisation and Economic Empowerment Act that compelled foreign investors to cede 51 percent of their shareholding in local firms to locals.

“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. Daily News

Judicial Service Commission (JSC) secretary Justice Rita Makarau could lose her post as it emerged the new administration is making manoeuvres to push her out of the position.

Makarau recently resigned as Zimbabwe Electoral Commission (Zec) chairperson, a few months before crucial general elections, whose credibility will determine whether the country ends 20 years of international isolation. Zimbabwe is due to hold elections before August next year.

Officials at Zec say she was pushed out of the commission following former president Robert Mugabe’s ouster. Makarau was considered very close to Mugabe.

A senior official in the judiciary this week said it would not be surprising if Makarau was relieved of her duties as JSC secretary due to her alleged close links with Mugabe.

“There is a push to have Justice Makarau relieved of her duties as JSC secretary. The appointment was administrative, it was not constitutional, so it is possible that she can be elbowed out. However, she cannot be easily removed from her job as a Supreme Court judge. That is a constitutional appointment,” the official said.

“Makarau’s position is important because it deals with the administrative issues of the country’s judicial system. Issues to do with salaries and the administration side of court cases.”

Makarau told Zimbabwe Independent she had “no comment” when asked if she was being elbowed out of the JSC.

Justice Minister Ziyambi Ziyambi referred questions to Chief Justice Luke Malaba although he stressed Makarau was in the position in an acting capacity.

“I think the best person to talk to is the Chief Justice. As the ministry we are only advisors and we do not interfere with the JSC’s work. What to note, though, is that Justice Makarau has been acting JSC secretary since 2013. She was not appointed secretary,” Ziyambi said.

During the race to succeed the late retired chief justice Godfrey Chidyausiku, Makarau was the preferred candidate of Zanu PF’s G40 faction which had coalesced around former first lady Grace Mugabe. President Emmerson Mnangagwa’s faction — which eventually won Zanu PF’s protracted succession battle with the help of the military — preferred Judge President George Chiweshe.

Mugabe eventually appointed Chief Justice Luke Malaba, who came out tops in interviews conducted by the JSC with a score of 91%. Makarau scored 90% in the public interviews.

The JSC is a statutory body founded on Section 190 of the Constitution. It has three main functions, which are: to render advice to the government on any matter pertaining to the judiciary which advice must be regarded by the government; to promote and facilitate the independence and accountability of the judiciary and to make regulations in consultation with the Minister of Justice.

The constitution also mandates the JSC with nominating judges including acting judges. It also has the task of recommending to the President to establish a tribunal to look into the question whether a judge has committed an act of misconduct or remains suitable to hold the office of a judge.

Meanwhile, Mnangagwa is carrying out consultations on the appointment of the next deputy chief justice (DCJ), a post left vacant after Malaba’s appointment in March.

Justice permanent secretary Virginia Mabhiza last week told the Independent that the president was still consulting. Mnangagwa is also expected to appoint Supreme Court judges following public interviews which were done more than a year ago.

Constitutional lawyers have been arguing Mugabe abdicated on his duties by failing to make appointments despite Section 324 of the Constitution stating that: “All constitutional obligations must be performed diligently and without delay”.

According to the Constitution Amendment Bill Number One signed into law by former president Robert Mugabe in September, the President is empowered to select the Chief Justice, his deputy and the Judge President. These appointees will not be subjected to interviews in public as provided in the provisions of the current constitution.

“The President is still consulting the Judicial Service Commission on the appointment of the deputy chief justice,” Mabhiza said.

Asked about the appointment of Supreme Court judges, Mabhiza said: “The Judicial Service Commission is also keen on that issue, judging from the continuous inquiry. The appointments are under consideration. Interviews were already done and the President will appoint when he sees it fit.”

Eight High Court judges, namely Justices Charles Hungwe, Lavender Makoni, Alfas Chitakunye, Francis Bere, Samuel Kudya, Nicholas Mathonsi, Joseph Mafusire and Priscilla Chigumba were interviewed in September last year to fill four vacancies on the Supreme Court bench. The JSC had advertised the four vacancies through a public notice in June last year.- the independent

By Farai D Hove| A disturbing picture of the lifelessness body of Chivaka Primary School’s headmaster, was on Thursday circulated around. The man was killed in a car accident in which he was literally crushed to death. The accident happened on the Mutare – Masvingo road near the school. The car which crushed him is seen at the scene, in the picture. A police statement was at the time of writing still awaited so it could not be ascertained exactly how the accident happened. SEE SATELLITE MAP AND PICTURES –

By Farai D Hove| First Lady Auxillia Mnangagwa has been accused of dishing out unhealthy fizzy drinks and fast food to kids.

This was during a LIVE radio discussion Friday morning on the local @capitalkfm radio on the First Lady’s visits to hospitals.

A caller attacked the President’s wife for allegedly donating unhealthy fizzy drinks and fast foods to kids. This was marked by questions on how factual that comment was. It could not be ascertained at the time of writing if the claim was factual and reliable.

The development sparked memories of former First Lady Grace Mugabe whose philanthropic rallies saw scores of citizens being repeatedly killed in stampedes at her functions. ZimEye.com has carried a satellite map revealing those sudden deaths. ( SEE SATELLITE MAP BELOW) –

During the discussion however, other callers said Mrs Mnangagwa’s visits are important as they raise awareness on the status of public hospitals.

By Dorrothy Moyo| The State Media has reported that President Emmerson Mnangagwa was mob-lynched by investors at the South African embassy yesterday. But a different story is coming from critics.

There were more ZANU supporters than investors at the function, quips in MDC National Executive member Chalton Hwende. His views are echoed by many other analysts from the opposition party. Many of these so called investors in fact included fraud convict, Wicknell Chivayo. “This fat guy pictured today in SA meeting ED is not an Investor but a thief”, says Hwende… – (ALSO WATCH THE VIDEOS BELOW) Chivayo stole hundreds of thousands of Rands, has a 5 year sentence on his head, and yet after his release, the government run ZESA dished $1 billion of tenders into his hands.

https://youtu.be/OqbcQCBRsVk

https://youtu.be/p-T_CAmrwP4

• It all started in Gwanda (“ice cream” poisoning)

• And it was also a Gwanda man who rescued him

By Paul Nyathi | President Emerson Mnangagwa has finally revealed where he was hiding during his short stint on exile when he fled from former President Robert Mugabe in November.

In an address to thousands of Zimbabweans resident in South at a business indaba in Pretoria on Thursday, Mnangagwa for the first time told how he walked over 30 kilometres into Mozambique fleeing from state security agents who were in hot pursuit of him as he fled the country.

Mnangagwa then revealed that when he crossed from Mozambique into South he phoned the Gwanda born South African billionaire businessman Justice Maphosa (as ZimEye revealed) who received him and accommodated him throughout his brief exile.

“After walking some 30 kilometres crossing the border into Mozambique. After I had been fired around 4 o’clock (on November 6), intelligence had made me aware of the next move intended to eliminate me,” Mnangagwa said.

“Fortunately, I found a [business] card in my wallet which bore the name of a colleague here, (Justice) Maphosa, whom I phoned and he picked me. I came here and I was well-looked after,” Mnangagwa said parading Maphosa to the crowd.

Maphosa has been Mnangagwa’s top funder as the President led the Lacoste ZANU PF faction in the days of the bitter ZANU PF internal fights that led to the fall of Mugabe.

Reliable sources in South Africa indicated to ZimEye.com that indeed Mnangagwa was during his exile time spotted at the luxurious Tsogo Sun Hotel in Pretoria which is part of Maphosa’s huge business empire in South Africa. – CONTINUE READING –

The businessman has been running several charity programmes with Mnangagwa’s biggest aide retired Defence Forces Commander Constantine Chiwenga’s wife.

Media reports have also hinted that Maphosa was awarded a hefty business tender to supply the Zimbabwe Defence Forces with fire arms.

Maphosa also bankrolls the annual million dollar Gwanda Gospel Music Extravaganza held in Gwanda every August.

Is this true?

And for how long will it last?

State Media – The Zimbabwe Republic Police (ZRP) has embraced the new dispensation with an array of changes in its operations, among them reducing roadblocks to just one per 100-kilometre radius and scrapping spot fines.

Following the end of Operation Restore Legacy by the Zimbabwe Defence Forces (ZDF), the police force is now working on restoring public confidence through a raft of changes. In a memo copied to all stations from the Commissioner Operations dated December 19, 2017, the police are seeking to restore public trust and confidence.

ZRP has scrapped spot fines – But how long will it last?

— ZimEye (@ZimEye) December 21, 2017

The memo outlines a number of changes in the Traffic Section, which allegedly made the police fall out of favour with the public. It states that all other police stations are to stop traffic enforcement operations and concentrate on increasing police visibility in both urban and rural areas.

“Traffic enforcement and road safety duties are to be done by Traffic Branch, whose main focus shall be promotion and facilitation of road safety and security through traffic awareness campaigns and other road safety programmes,” the memo reads.

“Traffic police shall ensure a co-ordinated weekly roadblock schedule and roadblock spacing has been revised to not more than one roadblock within 100 kilometres,”said the memo.

Traffic fines, according to the memo, would be collected on the road but where necessary and for serious offences, police are to take the violator to a police station for acceptance or deposit fine in the form of Z69J or compilation of a docket.

“No spot fines are to be imposed on the motoring public, considerations are being made for us to revert to the ticketing system using Forms 265. Our new culture is to serve with a smile and to prioritise premier customer care. There shall be zero tolerance to corruption across the organisation and where it is observed the perpetrator is to appear in the criminal court within 48 hours and in the disciplinary court within 72 hours.

“Commanders at all levels are to enhance supervision and conduct on the job training and monitoring of all operations. A culture of total commitment to duty, team building and maximum supervision must be adopted,” it said.

“Any failure by commanders in this aspect will attract disciplinary action. All commanders must work towards image building through professionalism and a genuine concern to satisfy public expectations. Never shall any room be left for laziness, rudeness, arrogance and half-hearted approach to duty. May all commanders ensure that these directions cascade down to all members under their command,” said the memo.

“In view of the end of Operation Restore Legacy on 18 December 2017, the ZRP has assumed its full constitutional mandate to maintain law and order alone without the military. It is our duty to create an enabling environment conducive to the conduct of free, fair and credible elections by all parties,” read the memo.

“The peaceful environment should boost investor confidence and encourage foreign direct investment for our economy to grow. We should stop all forms of corruption and where it occurs, swift justice must be done.”

Commanders were ordered to take full note of the negative public perceptions and attitude towards the police and endeavour to implement strategies to reverse this.

“This is achievable through a review of how we have conducted business and fully commit ourselves to addressing issues of concern and expectations of the public,” read the memo.

“This means more visible foot, cycle, horse and motorised patrols in both urban and rural areas. We must also endeavour to revamp police public relations through addressing public safety and security concerns so as to reduce fear of crime in view of the coming 2018 elections.”

National police spokesperson Senior Assistant Commissioner Charity Charamba declined to comment on the latest developments.- state media

State Media-The Ministry of Information, Media and Broadcasting Services is advising all public institutions, corporates, private business entities and members of the public that the official portraits of President Emmerson Mnangagwa are available for collection at its head office in Harare as well as the ministry’s provincial and district offices throughout the country.

In a statement, the ministry said those who need the portraits can request using its distribution chain.

It also said the ministry has not sub-contracted any other institution or individuals to distribute them on behalf of government.

The ministry also clarified that the President’s official portrait is not for sale, adding that anyone found selling it would be committing a criminal offence and liable for prosecution.-state media

By Paul Nyathi | President Emmerson Mnangagwa continues to play the “pro poor” Magufuli radical card, achange from former President Robert Mugabe as he today flew in a low cost scheduled flight from Harare to Johannesburg.

Unlike his predecessor who used to fly in a special business class chartered Air Zimbabwe jet on every trip, Mnangagwa flew to South Africa on his first international trip in a scheduled low cost Fly Africa Club jet which only has economy class.

The president travelled with a delegation of about ten people in the plane which costs about $200 return ticket from Harare to Johannesburg.

The President shocked a lot of travellers at the Robert Mugabe International Airport when he checked in for the flight together with ordinary passengers.

Energy Sector Workers Union of Zimbabwe on Thursday accused the Zimbabwe Electricity Transmission and Distribution Company (ZETDC) board of directors of mis-using funds while sponsoring Wicknell Chivhayo and the former first lady Grace Mugabe’s dubious projects.

In an interview with 263Chat, the union’s General Secretary, Gibson Mushunje bemoaned corruption within ZETDC saying auditors who unearthed the tender scams were offered employment opportunities just to protect Chivhayo and Grace Mugabe’s interests.

“We are demonstrating against the money that was given to Grace Mugabe and Wicknell Chivhayo by ZETDC and also the recruitment of Owen Mavhengere as the company auditor without an interview.

“The reason for employing him was to silence not only him but also the entire audit report so we are calling upon the authority especially the head of state to take action to Chifamba and his crew on how they employed that auditor.

“This year they also recruited another auditor called Pride Chakasisa without an interview as well which is now affecting service delivery as you can see that many workers were fired for prepaid meters tenders and obviously that was a situation set on them.

“The public only knows that Chivhayo was given $5.8 million but the entirety of the content of his contracts was worth about $640 million and this clearly shows that ZESA management was mis-using their power.

“We are also demonstrating against the labor matter whereby ZESA did not pay its employees since 2012 while the bosses enjoys luxurious lives and it was easier for Chifamba to liquidate the money to Chivayo, Psychology Mazivisa ,Oscar Pambuka among others,” he said.

Meanwhile Zimbabwe Congress of Trade Union President, Peter Mutasa said the government called for an investigation into the alleged corrupt dealings involving former First lady and Chivayo.

“There are many allegations within the ZESA corridors some which have been proven and some still yet to be and this is why we are saying on the basis of these allegations, the government should come in and carry an investigation using all its arms.

“We are told that for a long time ZESA money and assets were being applied on partisan and political basis whereby workers are complaining that some of the donations that were given to Grace Mugabe were to acquire political power so there is need for investigation to see how deep this was.

“We also need investigation about the public relations consultancy job given to Mazivisa and Oscar Pambuka maybe the management have a reason to justify it but besides that they were supposed to come up in the open for the citizens to know,” said Mutasa.- 263chat

Ray Nkosi | A Central Intelligence Organisation letter dated 22 March 2007 under the reference ‘Death List’ has been leaked to social media. The letter has a list of individuals who were to be assassinated among them journalist Gift Phiri and MDC Vice President Nelson Chamisa. ZimEye.com is still verifying the authenticity of the letter which also has a CIO date stamp on it.

Ray Nkosi | Acting Police Commissioner-General Godwin Matanga has said indiscipline in the police service was caused by lack of supervision within ranks, indirectly attacking former police boss Augustine Chihuri.

Under Chihuri the ZRP cops had become a public menace popular for corruption and brutality against innocent civillians.

The state media reports that Matanga said this while addressing Senior Assistant Commissioners commanding provinces among other senior police officers in Harare yesterday where he pledged to end corruption in the service.

The acting ZRP boss said police officers should introspect as they reform to gain public confidence.

“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,” said acting Comm Gen-Matanga.

He said there is a need to see more activity by supervisors on the ground.

“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.

He said refresher, developmental and induction courses would be conducted with renewed vigour so that all officers have in-depth knowledge of police work.

Customer satisfaction, professionalism, respect, courteousness and restraint, Acting Comm-Gen Matanga said, will be the epitome of all police activities.

“As we thank the President Cde Emmerson Mnangagwa for bestowing his trust on us to continue serving as members of the Zimbabwe Republic Police, I urge you not to abuse this trust. Never should we act contrary to the oaths we took to serve the people of Zimbabwe with unbending fortitude, professionalism and loyalty,” Acting Comm-Gen Matanga said.

“The Zimbabwe Republic Police shall never again work in manners that will make it lose confidence and trust of the people it serves. When the people speak, we ought to listen attentively. Need I remind you of the well publicised message from His Excellency, President E.D Mnangagwa that, the voice of the people is the voice of God?”

The acting police chief said they were going to roll out a battery of measures to improve their way of doing business in order to connect with the people.

He said as a disciplined police service, they know their limits and the need to strictly abide by the police code of conduct.

He assured the nation that the ZRP would be heavily deployed, patrolling all communities both urban and rural.

Acting Comm-Gen Matanga said they will also be conducting traffic awareness campaigns in an effort to curb road carnage and encouraging members of the public to drive safely on the roads.

He said President Mnangagwa assured the nation that the forthcoming elections would be conducted in a peaceful and democratic environment.

“As members of the ZRP, we have an important role in facilitating the provisioning of such envisaged environment. Let us whole-heartedly rally behind the new Government’s efforts of rebuilding a peaceful and prosperous Zimbabwe,” he said.

Acting Comm Gen Matanga said the concerns of members of the public were now common knowledge and most of concerns arose from traffic law enforcement.

“Complaints are double-pronged. Firstly, they serve as a feedback from the users of our service and secondly they are an indicator of matters that need to be addressed in our planning and implementation strategies.

“That, the Zimbabwe Republic Police, like most modern police organisations, derive their legitimacy from the people, is beyond doubt. As an organisation, we long accepted this view point and committed ourselves to continuous learning under public scrutiny,” he said.

He added: “Indeed, our Code of Conduct, the Police Client Service Charter and all our policies emphasise the need for professionalism in the discharge of our policing mandate at all times. We are obliged to take heed of matters that are of concern to the public as they have a right to point our mistakes.

“And at times, do not expect them to use restrained language in doing so. Where need be, our ongoing desire should be to use the complaints as a yardstick of reforming and re-engineering our services.”

Acting Comm-Gen Matanga said there were a number of occasions when some of their members had been found wanting or caught on the wrong side of the law.

He said discipline was the cornerstone of all police work and regular training coupled with enhanced supervision will ensure that their members abide by their disciplinary code.

He said the force had been tarnished through continued acts of corruption by unscrupulous elements in their midst.

He said more stringent measures would be undertaken to rid the force of corruption.

“In this regard, the Zimbabwe Republic Police shall render swift justice to perpetrators of corruption and other criminal acts through undertaking thorough investigations,” Acting Comm-Gen Matanga said.

“Quite pointedly, there are circumstances that put the Zimbabwe Republic Police in an unfavourable position. As we acknowledge whatever mistakes or misdeeds could have occurred in the past, we need to seriously focus into the future and work hard to rebuild the organisation’s image and a peaceful and crime-free Zimbabwe.”

He said he was fully aware of the resource constraints that impede on police operations and assured the officers that Government was fully seized with the matter.

The meeting was attended by Deputy Commissioner-Generals Innocent Matibiri (human resources), Levie Sibanda (operations) and Josephine Shambare (crime), commissioners, senior assistant commissioners and assistant commissioners.

Meanwhile, the police have pleaded with the public to cooperate with their officers as they execute their constitutional mandate while promising to offer a people oriented service.

Police on Monday assumed their normal day to day policing duties at the end the Zimbabwe Defence Forces’ Operation Restore Legacy which had resulted in the reduction of police visibility on the streets.

Members of the public have said they expect to see a disciplined and reformed police force.

Speaking on televised Crime Watch programme on ZBC on Tuesday, national police spokesperson Senior Assistant Commissioner Charity Charamba said law enforcement agents have heard the public’s pleas and are promising a reformed service.

“We are really committed to ensure that all our officers and members offer quality services to all our stakeholders. We appreciate and acknowledge all of your concerns. We are in the process of reforming all our programmes and activities to ensure that they are people centred. We appeal to the public to please cooperate with our officers as they execute their constitutional mandate,” said Snr Asst Comm Charamba.

She urged members of the public to be responsible during the festive season.

Snr Asst Comm Charamba said the public should guard against common crimes like rape, robbery and housebreaking during the festive holidays.

“Gender based violence cases go up during the festive season because some people become too excited, some people do not take precautions. Travelling people should leave someone at home to ensure that premises are secure,” said Snr Asst Comm Charamba.

She urged public transport operators not to overwork their employees saying fatigue contributes to fatal accidents.

“To the public service operators please allow the driver to rest as fatigue contributes to most of the fatal road traffic accidents. Some accidents are also caused by speeding motorists. All motorists should be responsible and respect other road users, pedestrians also have a right to use the road.”

“In an analysis of road traffic accidents involving pedestrians that was conducted by ZRP, it was established that the major cause of fatalities is speeding, negligent pedestrian, inattention and misjudgement, vehicle defect and braking errors,” she said.

Snr Asst Comm Charamba urged the public not to cross flooded rivers as they risk drowning.

First Lady Auxillia Mnangagwa who currently hogging media limelight as she visits vulnerable children. Below are pictures taken of her visit to Thembiso Children’s home.

– Mnangagwa – “From Now On, Zimbabwe is Now Open for Business”

– On changes to the Indigenisation law. “There’s no need for Govt participation, it’s what you choose to do,” says Mnangagwa

By Paul Nyathi | First Lady Auxillia Mnangagwa got a rude awakening of the conditions at the country’s health institutions when she made a surprise visit to Mpilo Hospital and United Bulawayo Hospitals in Bulawayo.

The First Lady who refused to be welcomed by a government contingent at the Joshua Nkomo Airport in Bulawayo arrived at Mpilo Hospital with just two guards and proceeded to join the queue of patients awaiting attention from nurses.

The wait took her two hours before she eventually got to the nurses who asked her why she had not paid the $6 hospital fee.

When asked to produce her hospital card which she did not have, the nurses then rudely told her that the hospital did not have hospital cards to record her details and would use a piece of paper instead.

Nurses at the two hospitals were caught unawares making it easy for the First Lady to experience what the patients go through when seeking treatment at the health institutions.

Speaking to media after her ordeal at the hospitals, Mrs Mnangagwa said that it was important for health institutions to treat their patients with dignity.

“I didn’t like the attitude of some of the nurses. I want to encourage staff at our hospitals to be friendly to members of the public, especially patients. It’s their mandate to serve the patients.

“I understand that the hospitals are facing many challenges which include shortage of medicines and other consumables. This should not stop our nurses from treating their patients with care. When nurses are welcoming, it makes life easy for patients, despite their conditions and the shortages,” said Mrs Mnangagwa.

This was the second surprise visit to the country’s major health centres by the First Lady after she visited Harare Hospital in a similar manner last week.

The fraud convict and Chikurubi maximum prisoner (2005-8) Wicknel Chivayo has been spotted at the meeting place President Emmerson Mnangagwa is officiating this afternoon in Pretoria. PICTURES:

By Dorrothy Moyo| President Emmerson Mnangagwa has carried with him his advisor Chris Mutsvangwa to Pretoria, South Africa.

Mnangagwa had at the time of publishing, jetted into Pretoria where he is scheduled for meetings with Zimbabwean and South African business people.

He is also meeting outgoing President Jacob Zuma.

Mnangagwa, was accompanied Mutsvangwa, Foreign Affairs and International Trade Minister Retired Lieutenant General Dr Sibusiso Moyo, Finance and Economic Planning Minister Patrick Chinamasa, Minister of Transport and Infrastructural Development Dr Jorum Gumbo, Industry, Commerce and Enterprise Development Minister Dr Mike Bimha, Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Information, Media and Broadcasting Services Mr George Charamba and some senior government officials, was met at the Waterkloof Military Base Airport in Pretoria by South Africa Foreign Affairs Minister Mrs Maite Nkoana Mashabane, Zimbabwe’s ambassador to South Africa Mr Isaac Moyo, some senior officials from the South Africa government and staff members from Zimbabwean embassy in SA.

Mnangagwa immediately proceeded to pay a courtesy call on his SA counterpart President Jacob Zuma at his Manhlamba Ndlopfu Residence in Pretoria, the state media reports.

After a warm welcome the two heads of state went into a meeting with the ministers.

The South Africa side was represented by Minister of International Relations and Cooperation Nkoana Mashabane, Minister of Transport Joe Maswanganyi, Deputy Minister of Finance Sibusiso Buthelezi and Deputy Minister of Economic Development Madala Masuku. – more to follow…

By Farai D Hove| Former Mines Minister Walter Chidhakwa who was yesterday arrested and detained at Rhodesville Police Station, has won a bail application.

Chidhakwa who was charged by the Anti Corruption Commission, has been granted $300 bail.

Details of his bail are that he must report once a week at Highlands Police station and reside at his given address.

Magistrate Josephine Sande presided over the hearing which ended at 12.30pm on Thursday.

During the heading State led by Tapiwa Kasema had opposed bail on two reasons saying: Chidhakwa is a man of means so he will flee jurisdiction and abscond trial. The second reason was that he is facing serious charges and is likely to face a stiffer sentence.

But Chidhakwa’s lawyer,  Sylvester Hashiti argued saying “the main character at the center of this issue, Prof Gudyanga, was granted bail and my client did not flee. He has been co-operating with ZACC. ZACC called him and he voluntarily went to their office.” said Hashiti.

Hashiti also said, “the State says my client is a man of means, but justice knows no pocket, race or colour.” – Adv. Hashiti.

The bail application was eventually granted and upon that time, Chidhakwa’s lawyer, Hashiti announced to the magistrate that on next remand date, January 4, he shall rise to challenge the lawfulness of his client’s arrest by the Zimbabwe Anti-Corruption Commission.

“ZACC has no arresting powers, so we want to ascertain that.” – he said.

By Farai D Hove| Water Resources and Environment Minister Oppah Muhcinguri has been appointed Zimbabwe’s Acting President in the Head Of State Emmerson Mnangagwa’s absence today.

Mnangagwa has flown to South Africa for a series of meetings.

The announcement was made by the President’s office Thursday morning as Mnangagwa flew to Pretoria. CLICK HERE TO READ MORE ON THE SA TRIP.

The development sparked whispers that Muchinguri could be appointed Vice President since Presidential advisor Chris Mutsvangwa has before sounded out that she is the most senior person in ZANU PF next to Mnangagwa. But other analysts declare that it is instead Gen Constantino Chiwenga who will eventually be given the post.

President Emmerson Mnangagwa has facilitated for the reforming of the police which could now see ZRP cops being trained on for instance, media relations.

This was revealed during a meeting between the police and the Media Institute of Southern Africa, MISA yesterday.

Below was the full public briefing following the meeting:

The Zimbabwe Republic Police and representatives of media organisations led by MISA Zimbabwe Trustee Cris Chinaka on 20 December 2017 met in Harare and agreed on a raft of actions to secure a safe and conducive working environment for journalists.

The police delegation was led by Police Spokesperson Senior Assistant Commissioner Charity Charamba.

In attendance during the meeting brokered by MISA Zimbabwe as a follow –up to the one held in   September 2016, was Zimbabwe Union of Journalists (ZUJ), Secretary General Foster Dongozi, Media Alliance of Zimbabwe (MAZ), Co-ordinator Nigel Nyamutumbu, MISA Zimbabwe Programmes Co-ordinator Nyasha Nyakunu and freelance journalist, Godwin Mangudya.

The proposed resolutions and action plans are also aimed at improving the professional working relationship between the media and the police through agreed work plans and timeframes for ease of monitoring of progress.

Senior Assistant Commissioner Charamba , said on their part, the police would  be guided by the resolutions of the meeting towards ensuring pledges committed to come to fruition. She said the meeting marks a “new note”  in shaping professional relations and the way forward between the two parties.

She said the new era as stated by President Emmerson Mnangagwa, would see a change of approach in the way the police conducts its business right down to the last person on the ground.

Chinaka stressed the need for continued dialogue to improve relations and ensuring the media also appreciates and understands the role of the police in a modern state. “We do pledge to continue working with you and finding solutions in areas where there are difficulties,” he said.

The September 2016 meeting came on the backdrop of assaults of journalists during the course of their duties, confiscation of cameras and deletion of video clips by the police thereby souring relations between the two parties.

It was also noted then, that journalists should be professional in their conduct and report the good work of the police as opposed to writing negative things only.

Resolutions of the meeting between ZRP Press and Public Relations and MISA Zimbabwe

1. The Police and the media agreed to improve and strengthen relations through quarterly meetings and continuous engagement and that the first of such meetings is scheduled for March 2018.
2. It was agreed that a safe working environment be created for journalists through training of police officers on the role of journalists.
3. Any form of assault on journalists during the lawful performance of their duties should be reported and dealt with by the police as enshrined in their mandate (detecting, investigating and preventing crime) and the outcome of report communicated.
4. It was also agreed that journalists approach and introduce themselves to ground commanders whenever there are public disorder situations and in cases where they are aggrieved.
5. Where police has concerns with the media, they should engage professional bodies such as MISA, ZUJ or VMCZ to encourage professionalism and accountability.
6. The media to encourage members of the public who approach them with stories of a criminal nature to report to the police at their earliest convenience, so that investigations can be done.
7. The media pledged that it is committed to ensure fair, accurate and balanced reporting and to correct inaccurate stories sincerely and without prejudice.
8. ZUJ, Media Alliance of Zimbabwe and MISA must convene meetings with the Zimbabwe National Editors Forum and media houses on the need to assign specialised reporters to cover the crime beat.
9. On the issue of addressing police officers by their proper ranks, the Police undertook to provide media houses with the correct rank structures during interactions with media houses and journalism students.
10. The Police to conduct outreach programmes and conduct lectures/meetings with media houses, training institutions and newsrooms to sensitize them on police operations.
11. To conduct a tour of media houses and customer care outreach programmes where the media is invited.
12. The meeting also resolved that the media and the police should avoid the use and communication of hate language and that hate language should be reported to relevant professional bodies and authorities.

Staff Reporter| Convicted fraudster and Chikurubi Maximun Prison inmate (2005-8) Wicknell Chivayo has been caught on camera while exposing himself on attempts to bribe President Emmerson Mnangagwa.

Chivayo (per his own confession) is one of many Zimbabwean cash crooks who externalised funds in recent years. He two weeks ago confessed that he of a truth did externalise funds. He said “eheka I sent money outside and this was to buy the solar panels.” But two years later, a tour around Gwanda this week reveals that there is absolutely nothing going on at the field area the man is meant to build the power plant.

In one of his follow up LIVE videos, Chivayo confessed that he is plotting to “say sorry” to President Mnangagwa. (SEE VIDEO BELOW)

The development comes as a top government body, the NECI began investigating the illegal payment of $5million he received from ZESA 2 years ago for the Gwanda Solar project the latter which has failed to kick off. The Zimbabwe power Company Director has since been sent on forced leave to pave way for investigations.

The NECI demanding from Chivayo :

• Intratrek Zimbabwe, bank statements from January 2015 to date;

• Cash book; and

• All other documents pertaining to the Gwanda Solar Project and Munyati Power Station held by the company.

President Mnangagwa last month issued a 3-month ultimatum last month for those who externalised funds saying they should return the funds or face prosecution.

Deputy Finance Minister Terence Mukupe, yesterday revealed there are some individuals who externalised foreign currency who have attempts to donate to Zanu-PF so to avoid prosecution and jail time.

https://youtu.be/OqbcQCBRsVk

Mukupe said, “People who externalised money are known, as the President has said before. Some people were making phone calls to try and donate things to the party. But we said we are sufficient.”

The global Advocacy trip by the MDC Alliance delegation: A big achievement and a strategic move

Harvest House, Harare.

1.We wish to acknowledge the interest generated by the trip to the US and that it is fundamental that there be adequate communication to clear the myths. The MDC understands the importance of accountability, which is a key pillar of good governance, public duty and people-centred leadership. The purpose of this briefing is to account to the people.

2.It is exactly 6 weeks into this regime, the situation has not significantly changed and will require all hands to develop and usher a new value driven, democratic developmental state. Correction of past wrongs, violations and failures should not be selective but comprehensive. In our view, economic reforms without political reforms are an unsustainable deception;

3.Next year in 2018, Zimbabwe goes into a watershed election through which the country should poise itself for growth, progress and development. Following the ouster last month of the big man, a strongman who had misgoverned the country for 37 years, all patriotic Zimbabweans know that we must leave no stone unturned in giving the citizens of our beloved country a reason to hope.

4.The much needed hope and national prosperity can only be assured through a return to legitimacy and people’s will underwritten by SADC, Africa and the world. It is against this background that President Morgan Tsvangirai, the MDC Alliance presidential candidate, dispatched us into Africa, Europe and the United States on a global campaign for free, fair and credible elections. That was the essence of our mission and it is regrettable that some among us fell for the cheap ruse that we had gone around calling for sanctions against this country.

5.Every Zimbabwean knows our record in patriotism and national duty. Our trip was about, strategic reengagement for reconstruction and economic recovery, opposition repositioning and a call for a return to legitimacy through free, fair and credible elections. This is the only sure route to have all undesirable restrictive measures and other encumbrances against this country jettisoned and lifted. Zimbabwe cannot continue to be a pariah state or banana republic. Our nation needs to immediately be back into the glorious family of nations as a people-centered, prosperous and progressive developmental country.

6.We mean business. We stand strong. We are serious about forming and being the next government in the next few months. Central to the purpose of our trip, if we are to be the new government we must prepare. Being the new and next government we can’t call for sanctions against our government. Strategic reengagement at party and country level is key. The “Mugabe must go” mantra requires we reposition and reframe our message. Reengagement is a Long process. We saw it in the inclusive government. We must start now. We need $15bn for reconstruction

7.Put simply, we were on a patriotic duty to ensure that Zimbabwe gets back into business again, (a back to business mode) (a back in the game approach) particularly if we are able to bring back African and international confidence by running a truly credible election next year.

8.During this trip, we met business and political leaders in Africa and beyond. We made presentations to various bodies, including the US Foreign Relations Committee, exhorting them to assist this country in its return to legitimacy which is the only way we can unlock the political and economic handcuffs currently arresting the nation.

9.Zimbabweans know that this country needs to start afresh. We need international goodwill. We need massive capital injection but above all, we need international confidence; which confidence can only come with the installation of a legitimate regime in Harare through credible elections. Last month’s developments must be seen as the first step towards a long journey to legitimacy, which must culminate in clean elections and a truly people’s government next year.

10.The new administration in Harare has said the right words at times. They have promised a new start and a new era for the country. Above all, President Emmerson Mnangagwa has promised free and fair elections but what has been missing is a proper roadmap to that election; the timelines and the implementation of key reforms, including the return of our soldiers to the barracks in line with the dictates of the Constitution. That is the area where we need the support of SADC, the AU and the broader international community— all of whom we have engaged and will continue to engage without fear or favour.

11.Moreover, the signs and noises coming from the current regime in the past week have confirmed our skepticism about the new regime in Harare especially the words of presidential advisor Chris Mutsvangwa who said last week that Zanu PF will be working with the army to ensure victory in the next elections. This is in flagrant violation of our Constitution and it is such noises that vindicate the chastity of our mission to Africa and the broader international community that indeed we need everyone’s support in our pursuit of credible elections in Zimbabwe.

12.The struggle for a democratic and prosperous Zimbabwe is a long and winding one. History did not begin or end in November 2017. The MDC has continued on the path it has been following since 1999 and while we acknowledge the changes that have happened in the national leadership they inevitably remain changes in a political party. This must not sway us from the path of democracy.

13.We were all united and in agreement that Mugabe had to go and we will never regret the position we took because it has always been our position. We welcome those who joined us in November after they finally saw the light. However we were not blind to the fact that the removal of Mugabe did not mean the removal of Mugabeism and the totality of the system that he had created. Thus in all this we knew that after waking up the day after Mugabe’s departure we still had lots of work to do. This is the work that we continue doing, engaging Zimbabweans, our regional and international allies.

14.We are happy the soldiers have returned to the barracks. We are happy to see that even they now agree with us, now that the command element has announced the same. We must now proceed with Operation Restore Legitimacy because that is the core of next year’s elections.

15.Our great motivation is that Zimbabwe must have legitimacy because the lack of it among fellow members of the community of nations has been a burden on our economy. It is because of a lack of legitimacy that some countries continue to impose measures upon us. As a nation we have the power to get these measures removed and all we have to do is to do things the right way. We must hold free, fair and credible elections. How will they stand on hilltops telling us what to do if we hold free, fair and credible elections? This is what we seek. Our engagements are aimed at ensuring that we hold free, fair and credible elections.

16.We know that many Zimbabweans are very hopeful. We all want economic liberation. We also want democracy. However, our hopes must be based on firm foundations, not false premises. As your leadership, we believe it is important to lay down these foundations. We cannot allow ourselves to be swayed by the prevailing winds at any given time. If it happens we must quickly find ourselves. In this case our hope as a nation must be firmly founded on democratic values and principles; on strong economic ideas and honest relations with others.

17.We went to the US as part of our engagements towards fulfilling these goals. Contrary to propaganda and misinterpretations we did not go to America to call for any measures. We have no control over American policy. If anything we asked the Americans to continue with the humanitarian support they have been giving to Zimbabweans. It is our wish to see our people thriving not starving. We understand the need for external help where we are struggling. However, we will continue to be charity cases unless we do the right things by ourselves. We also need to show our commitment by demonstrating electoral reforms that will help us have free fair and credible elections. If we do that, these countries that have measures against us will have no leg to stand on. The power is in our hands. Let’s collectively and together shame all who wish us ill.

18. Our great hope is that the government will understand this cardinal rule that for us to advance as a nation we must have sound policies and a free fair and credible election. Our view is that whoever succeeds between our parties must proceed on a foundation of legitimacy. That is what will emancipate our economy from the present shackles. This is why we seek to work together in order to implement the necessary reforms. If they are receptive this would be great news to Zimbabweans. To this end we urge them to retract or castigate statements made by some among their number to the effect of military involvement in the 2018 elections campaign. They create the wrong impression and spoil the name of the nation at a time when so many Zimbabweans have hope for a better and cleaner future.

19. It is urgent that we transit towards the restoration to legitimacy constitutionalism and the rule of law.

This roadmap must have the following benchmarks

1) The implementation and executing electoral reforms that including

2) (a) credible BVR in respect of which all political parties sign on to,
(b) The introduction of the diaspora vote
(c) The presence of international monitors and observers at least six months before the election
(d) The establishment of an enabling environment without violence, fear and coercion
(e) Electoral and other legislative reforms including the repeal of POSA and AIPPA
(f) Comprehensive media reforms including equal access to the public media and the granting of broadcasting licences. 
(g) A special role of the UN in view of past contested elections

All the above must be guaranteed and underwritten by the international community including SADC, the AU and the UN.

We must collectively deal with the political and economic hygiene issues.

Issues that still need to be addressed by the current government, opposition political parties and the generality of Zimbabweans are:

– Having a clear roadmap to credible, free and fair elections

-How to develop and implement a shared national vision which is inclusive, promotes tolerance, encourages investment, and safeguards property rights, address past violence, reconciliation,

– How to develop a plan of action that address the 3 wicked problems of inequality, poverty and unemployment is still missing

– How to restore confidence in our economy, for investors, for foreign direct investments and not mortgage our future, our children’s inheritance in debt

– How to restore constitutional legitimacy, the return of soldiers to the barracks is a first step, which should be celebrated, but this is not the end, civilian processes and institutions should be allowed to function with fear, bias or favour.

-How to regain standing in international community should be equally grounded in internal reforms that remove justification for continued isolation of Zimbabwe for her peers.

– Key spaces need to be made national not partisan,

1. Traditional leaders, our police and army (these are representatives of the people and not the party)

2. Public media should give unequal space and coverage to all voices and all parties;

3. The governing party should not abuse state resources

Contrary to Zanu PF peddled misinformation, our message in the US was very clear. Zimbabwe needs to be engaged and not isolated. More precisely, the new authorities need to be engaged particularly on the difficult issues affecting our country to avoid lip stick temporary solutions.

We are patriotic citizens. 
We are democrats.

We owe no one an apology for our global campaign for re-engagement and for the return to legitimacy through the holding of free and fair elections whose mission and agenda some have deliberately chosen to misrepresent for selfish political capital.

Our record however speaks for itself, we have served our country to the best of our abilities and we have always put our people first.

For us to move without the fear of regression we need to address the following:

1.Resolution of the Political Crisis, through the holding of a proper election with observers allowed in the country three months before the election with unfettered access to the different parts in the country. We view this as a proper path to rebuilding the social contract.

2.Creation of an inclusive growing economy, deal with macroeconomic stability and in the long term ensure growth, we in the MDC Alliance will create a hundred billion dollar economy within 15 years with the economy growing at an average of 7 percent.

3.Attracting FDI, our team will create a conducive environment including the total repealing of the Indigenisation and Empowerment Act, the respect of property rights, the rule of law and constitutionalism.

4.Change the country’s accumulation model, the state must shift from the current extraction model which places our dealings at the lowest level of global commodity circuits.

5.Financial Sector Stability and Liquidity, as we stated in our critique of Chinamasa’s budget there is urgent need to demonetise the bond note, joining the Rand Monetary Union in the medium term and ring fencing of the US dollar balances to avoid a further loss of value in the accounts of the Zimbabwean people.

6.Expenditure retrenchment, a phased ejection of ghost workers over a period of three years so as to rationalise the public sector wage bill and reform of all State Owned Enterprises.

7.Monetising Democracy, all the Chapter 13 institutions must be strengthened and the implementation of devolution of power must be urgent to ensure even development with decision making vested in decentralised tiers and spheres. The talk by Chinamasa of trying to do away with devolution will further divide our people and polarise our society.

8.International Relations, International Re-Engagement, end isolation of the nation, deal with the debt question and negotiate a martial plan aimed at reconstruction.

9.Putting an end to the land question, stop new farm invasions, deal with security of tenure to ensure that new farmers have both use and exchange value and institute a land audit meant to weed out multiple farm ownerships as well as rationalise the ownership of idle farms.

10.Dealing with the past, we need full enquiries into past political violence including Gukurahundi, we also need to have missing people accounted for including Itai Dzamara. The approach being advocated by Mutsvangwa of sweeping stuff under the carpet did not work under Mugabe repeating the same mistake is folly of the highest order. A full judicial inquiry into the disappearance of the Marange diamonds must also be opened.

Lastly, we want to assure the people of Zimbabwe that as an Alliance, we will continue our international advocacy for free and fair elections next year. As a nation, we have waited too long on the lay by of democracy and we cannot afford to miss the opportunity provided by next year’s elections to poise this country for growth, prosperity and development.

We wish to state that we are heartened by the receptive ear granted to us by our brothers and sisters in Africa and beyond during our recent trip.

Yes, Mugabe may be gone but our national challenges are far much greater than the removal of one person. As Zimbabweans, we need jobs, a stable economy and an accountable people’s government with love and care. We need truly national institutions chlorinated from partisan infections and interference. We need a government that tells the truth and gives people hope.

We need growth, prosperity, development and happiness of the people of this land. Above all else, we need a government installed through the sovereign will of the people of Zimbabwe and that can only happen through a credible election. That process towards a full return to legitimacy needs African and broader international support and that was the basis of our mission.

Zimbabweans certainly deserve better and soon, we will be intensifying our engagement in that regard.

God bless You
God bless Zimbabwe
Merry Christmas
Hon. MP. Advocate Nelson Chamisa and Advocate Tendai Biti

Horror pictures of`agricultural seeds, wheelchairs and all sorts of other bric-a-brac recovered at minister Joseph Made’s farm, unused and left to decompose. Made is currently under arrest together with Walter Chidhakwa they are being held at Rhodesville Police Station.

President Emmerson Mnangagwa will be delivering his first State of the Nation Adress (SONA) on Wednesday which is widely anticipated as Zimbabweans have a lot of expectations for the president. Some have complained about the cost of living which seems to be getting worse than under his predecessor, former president Robert Mugabe.

Said Obert Gutu, spokesperson for the MDC-T: “In fact, the situation is now worse than it was during the Mugabe regime. Life is getting very tough for the majority of Zimbabweans and the government appears at sixes and sevens regarding what to do in order to arrest the economic implosion.”

“The State apparatuses are becoming increasingly militarised as we see more and more members of the armed forces being appointed to influential positions in government. The MDC would like the President to address what measures his government is taking to stop the creation of a de facto military junta running the affairs of government.”

However, MDC spokesperson Kurauone Chihwayi is not optimistic about the prospects under Mnangagwa. Said Chihwayi:

We are expecting the same old lyrics, too sweet to hear, but not achievable. Mnangagwa is more of a Hollywood actor than a State President.

The MDC is not expecting miracles from the same Zanu PF comedians. They still need cartons of cosmetics to convince us that they are beautiful, not the cheap bar-talk.

Emmerson Dambudzo Mnangagwa is a politician and the First Secretary of the Zimbabwe African National Union Patriotic Front (Zanu- PF). He is the current President of Zimbabwe and was sworn in on the 24th of November 2017 as Head of State and Government and Commander-in-Chief… Read More About Emmerson Mnangagwa

Obert Chaurura Gutu is a Zimbabwean lawyer, politician and a member of MDC-T where he serves as the party’s spokesperson. He is a former Deputy Minister of Justice, Legal And Parliamentary Affairs. Gutu formed Gutu and Chikowero Attorneys At Law. He was voted senator for… Read More About Obert Gutu

The Movement for Democratic Change – Tsvangirayi (MDC-T) formerly just the Movement for Democratic Change (MDC) is the main opposition party in Zimbabwe formed in an era of economic melt down and political unrest in 1999. The party was part of the Zimbabwe’s Government of… Read More About MDC-T

Farirai Madhumbe | Former Cabinet Minister Walter Chidhakwa has been arrested and is being held at Rhodesville Police Station.

Chidhakwa’s arrest comes after the state media over the weekend fired warning shots that he together with former Tourism minister, Walter Mzembi, would be arrested for corruption and abuse of office.

The state media reported Sunday, quoting the Zimbabwe Anti Corruption Commission (ZACC) that there was reasonable suspicion the two pampered themselves with money illegally acquired during their stints in Government. Anti-graft agents are also onto former Secretary for Higher and Tertiary Education, Science and Technology Development Professor Francis Gudyanga for allegedly siphoning US$230 000 from the Zimbabwe Manpower Development Fund.

President Jacob Zuma is set to meet with his Zimbabwean counterpart President Emmerson Mnangagwa on Thursday at his Mahlamba Ndlopfu residence in Pretoria, the presidency has said in a statement.

This would be Mnangagwa’s first working visit to South Africa since his inauguration on November 24.

“During the courtesy call, the two heads of state will share perspectives on various issues of mutual importance, such as, regional, continental and international developments,” the presidency said.

During the same visit, Mnangagwa would be expected to “address a high profile business conference” at the Zimbabwean embassy in Pretoria, News24 reported earlier.

This comes as Mnangagwa’s new administration strives “to revitalise the economy through attracting investment”.

The economy 

According to the state-owned Herald newspaper, a statement by Zimbabwe’s embassy in South Africa on Tuesday said that all Zimbabwean business people based in South Africa and all those interested in investing in Zimbabwe are invited to the high-level meeting.

“His Excellency, Ambassador Isaac Moyo invites all Zimbabweans in South Africa and all business persons with an interest in investing in Zimbabwe to a business meeting which will be addressed by His Excellency, Cde ED Mnangagwa, the President of the Republic of Zimbabwe,” read part of the statement.

In his first speech as president of Zimbabwe, Mnangagwa emphasised his and Zanu-PF’s new commitment to growing the economy and creating jobs.

“As we focus on recovering our economy, we must shed misbehaviours and acts of indiscipline which have characterised the past. Acts of corruption must stop forthwith,” he said.

The Herald quoted him at the time as saying: “The many skilled Zimbabweans who have left the country over the years for a variety of reasons must now come into the broad economic calculus designed for our recovery and take off.”- News24

Auxillia Mnangagwa who has made history by becoming the only politician in Zimbabwe to double as a First Lady and an MP will not relinquish the Chirumanzu-Zivagwe Constituency despite her tight schedule but will instead fight to retain the seat in next year’s general elections.
This emerged during her first visit to the constituency as First Lady last Thursday.
Mnangagwa is the country’s third First Lady after independence and the other two; the late Sally and Grace, both married to Robert Mugabe were never Members of Parliament although they held senior posts in Zanu PF.
Mnangagwa who was under siege from the Mugabes’ for most of 2017 told hordes of her supporters in the mining town of Mvuma that she will never abandon her constituency despite her husband’s elevation to the position of President. Even the persecution she suffered under the Mugabes would not push her out of the constituency, she said.
However senior Zanu PF politician Oppah Muchinguri-Kashiri suggested in an interview with The Standard at the weekend that Mnangagwa learns from Grace Mugabe’s mistakes and step down as an MP.
Mnangagwa who exuded extraordinary humility during the meeting in sharp contrast to her acerbic predecessor urged her supporters to separate her role as MP from her roles as First Lady.
“Please when I am here I am your MP and one of you. The only time that I become First Lady and mother of the nation is when I am away from this constituency. We have gone through difficulties but I will never abandon you.
“We are still together despite the changes that happened in the past few days. I am still your MP and I am still your mother. Please separate me from the President’s business. When I am here I am your MP and when I am out there I am the First Lady and mother to all,” said Mnangagwa.
Chirumhanzu-Zivagwe is a Constituency that Mnangagwa won in a by-election after her husband who was the MP was appointed Vice President in 2014.
Midlands ZANU PF provincial executive member Norest Msindo praised Mnangagwa for her humility despite that she is the First Lady. He also described her as a selfless woman.
“Despite her husband being Vice President for the past three years and now the President, Mai Mnangagwa continues to carry herself around in a manner that only servant leaders do,” said Musindo at the meeting.
Violet Juru, a secretary in the provincial women’s wing thanked Mnangagwa for empowering women in her constituency by starting income generating projects.
“She gave us sewing machines, road runner chickens and started a horticulture project for us. We thank her for the vehicle that she bought for us for our burial society,” said Juru.- Masvingo Mirror

The MDC Alliance is calling for all opposition parties in Zimbabwe to bury their differences in order to fight Zanu PF as a single force, noting that the military’s intervention in the ruling party’s internal affairs has obliterated the divisions that had greatly contributed to the governing party’s misfortunes.

Addressing a rally during the executive launch of the MDC Alliance at Macdonald Hall in Bulawayo over the weekend, Welshman Ncube of the Alliance said there was no need for the opposition to give President Emmerson Mnangagwa a chance to resuscitate the economy as he was the architect of what he called the “2008 pre-emptive coup.”

Ncube was referring to the period when the ruling party under former president Robert Mugabe kept Zimbabweans in suspense with a month long wait before they released the election results.

The Zimbabwe Electoral Commission (Zec) described the delay as meticulous verification.

Zec, which is packed with loyalists of the ruling party, released figures that showed opposition MDC leader Morgan Tsvangirai had won the election but without an outright majority and therefore a run-off was ordered.

However, Tsvangirai pulled out of the race citing violence on his supporters which was allegedly perpetrated by the army.

In December 2004, while addressing service chiefs and the new leadership of the war veterans association at the Zanu PF headquarters, Mugabe made a telling “Freudian slip” of the tongue when he said Tsvangirai had garnered 73 percent of the vote.

“Mugabe is gone. For years and years, we used to say Mugabe must go and he is gone finally,” Ncube said.

“But we had to get the help in our fight through those who were close to him who are the ones who were behind a pre-emptive coup in 2008 when Mugabe lost elections.

“So this is not the first time they have done a coup. Their first coup after independence was in 2008 when Morgan Tsvangirai beat Mugabe all systems out.

“So people should not tell us today to give Mnangagwa and his team a chance,” he said.

He said it was time for the opposition and people of Zimbabwe to unite and end the Zanu PF rule come 2018.

This, he said, was because after Operation Restore Legacy which eliminated the Generation 40 (G40) cabal in Zanu PF, the ruling party had emerged somewhat united.

“Zanu PF was going to these coming elections a divided lot with G40 on the other side and Team Lacoste on the other; they were fighting day and night. What has happened now is through (Constantino) Chiwenga they have fired G40 and got united as team Lacoste,” he said.

“So as they are going for elections they are regrouping. We are going to face a united Zanu PF and behind it will be the army. So, we as opposition we have to realise that and be united,” Ncube urged the gathering.

The MDC Alliance spokesperson taunted Zanu PF that they were panicking at the resurgence of the opposition party who they thought had been buried since Mnangagwa’s takeover.

“For those who read newspapers you might have come across such statements indicating that the MDC has destroyed itself by going to America to ask for sanctions,” he said.

“If you hear people in Zanu PF complaining about what we will have done just know that thing is good.”

“We are not going to be told by Zanu PF what should be our strategy. We are not going to be told by Zanu PF who our friends should be. The MDC Alliance programme is decided by MDC Alliance. In politics they say if you see your opponent silent then it means whatever you are doing is worthless. Your opponent should feel the heat.”

Ncube said as the MDC Alliance they were not going to stop telling the world the truth until a free and fair election was held in the country.

He said given proper electoral reforms there was no way Zanu PF can win a free and fair election. – Daily News