The Donald Trump-led United States administration has tabled a raft of tough conditions to be met before full engagement with Zimbabwe and removal of sanctions, setting the stage for a possible clash with President Emmerson Mnangagwa’s Zanu PF government.

This came as three opposition leaders – Nelson Chamisa (MDC-T), Tendai Biti (People’s Democratic Party) and Jacob Ngarivhume (Transform Zimbabwe) under the banner of the MDC Alliance – and several civil society groups visited the US this week on a diplomatic mission to present the country’s state of affairs.

Acting principal deputy assistant secretary of State for Africa, Stephanie Sullivan on Tuesday demanded that Zimbabwe should reform first before opening negotiations for re-engagement.

She said engagement with the recently-inaugurated Mnangagwa government should be premised on demonstrated behaviour change and not rhetorical intentions.

“Along the way, there will be many actions that we will need to assess, as we look to re-engage.

“We will need to see free and fair elections.

“The military needs to return to its barracks and State institutions should be demilitarised,” Sullivan said in a paper titled The Future of Zimbabwe to the US Senate Committee on Foreign Relations subcommittee on African Affairs.

“Perpetrators of abuses against civilians should be held accountable regardless of party affiliation.

“The government must engage in hard economic reforms, including addressing budget deficits, reforming the Indigenisation Act and reducing corruption.

“We will want to see improved protection of fundamental freedoms, a freer media, and a truth and reconciliation process.

“The people of Zimbabwe deserve these reforms, and many more.”

However, Zanu PF spokesperson, Simon Khaya Moyo yesterday scoffed at conditions set by Trump’s administration, saying the ruling party had no obligation to take orders from another sovereign State.

“We are never given conditions of engagements.

“As a party we never work on conditions,” he said, referring further questions to Mnangagwa’s spokesperson, George Charamba, who was not reachable on his mobile phone.

MDC-T secretary-general, Douglas Mwonzora yesterday reiterated his party’s position that Zimbabwe should only approach the international community for engagement with clean hands.

“The MDC-T wants re-engagement with the international community on condition that Zimbabwe undertakes the necessary economic, political and social reforms, which include going back to constitutionalism and the rule of law.

“It also includes the removal of all forms of violence and intimidation.

“The MDC-T doesn’t support anything that prolongs the suffering of the people of Zimbabwe.

“We are supporting re-engagement, it should start, but it must be on a give-and-take basis.”

Opposition officials and civic groups have been accused of begging the US to maintain sanctions on Zimbabwe despite Mnangagwa’s promises of wide-ranging reforms.

The MDC Alliance denied calling for the sanctions, saying their role was to enlighten the international community on the need to implement desired reforms before the elections.

“The objectives of the trip are as follows: A push for and advocacy for a transition to a democratic order – Operation Restore Legitimacy and Democracy – stating a case for free and fair elections in Zimbabwe,” Chamisa said.

In his position paper to the US Senate committee last night, Biti called for the immediate return to democracy after a military operation that overthrew former President Robert Mugabe.

Biti called for immediate restoration of the country to constitutionalism, the rule of law, and legitimate civilian rule, accusing Zanu PF of using the military to subvert constitutional order and entrench undemocratic rule.

“The military must be demobilised from the streets,” his position paper said.

Human Rights Watch official, Dewa Mavhinga, accused of calling for the renewal of sanctions, yesterday described his accusers as pushing for a propaganda agenda.

“But I did not call for sanctions. There is a huge difference there. Talk of sanctions is propaganda,” he said.

“My view is that the Mnangagwa government should be measured on its ability to deliver a democratic election in 2018 and return soldiers to the barracks.

“A military takeover is not the benchmark for re-engagement. Instead, focus must be on an urgent roadmap to democratic elections, where the military plays no part.”

A Zimbabwean journalist and former human rights lawyer, Peter Godwin said removing individual US sanctions would be rewarding Mnangagwa for his “internal coup” and could only perpetuate the culture of impunity infesting Zimbabwean politics.

“If we reward Mnangagwa’s ‘same as it ever was’ Zanu PF for its internal coup, for example, by prematurely dropping individual sanctions, we would help cement the culture of impunity that already infects Zimbabwe, where the perpetrators never face the consequences of their actions, and where real freedom and reform remain elusive,” he said in his address to the US Congress. Newsday

Mutare City Council (MCC) has compiled a dossier listing properties that were either sold or processed by the city during the tenure of Manicaland Provincial Affairs minister Mandiitawepi Chimene in a move which could potentially see former Finance minister Ignatius Chombo being asked to explain some of the transactions.

This MCC says this is being done to ascertain whether there have been acts of abuse of office and possible corruption involving the two former Zanu PF heavyweights.

However, some councillors allege that this is a vengeful exercise aimed at settling old “political” scores by certain officials within the MCC.

Chombo is currently on $5 000 bail where is facing a slew of charges emanating from the time he was Local Government minister while Chimene has gone into self-imposed exile following the fall of former president Robert Mugabe.

MCC chamber secretary Cephas Vuta told Eastern News that they had already compiled and submitted the list of properties they said belonged Chombo and Chimene.

“We compiled and submitted the list of properties belonging to former finance minister Chombo and provincial affairs minister Chimene,” told a full council meeting.

He said this was in line with the military’s operation which targeted “criminals” around Mugabe.

Among the properties that are under the spotlight is a residential home in Aloe Garden which councillors claimed was not procedurally awarded to Zanu PF Mutasa MP Irene Zindi, who allegedly received it as a golden handshake for serving as one of the city’s commissioner.

Councillors want the house repossessed.

Apart from the house, MCC has extended its investigations to cover the highly-contested disposal of Meikles Park which was taken by government in a swap deal with land in Fern Valley which the municipality was given to expand the city.

Government sold Meikles Park to businessman-cum politician Esau Mupfumi who had earmarked the area for developing a mall.

National Social Security Authority (Nssa) has challenged the sale at the High Court arguing that it had purchased Meikles Park before government’s and MCC swap deal.

The MCC has labelled swap deal bad but town planner Richard Simbi told the councillors that the transcation between government and council was above board.

“Meikles Park deal was a very bad deal for council because there was arm twisting… we however can’t have a short cut…we will have to follow the legal route.

“There is however a court case pending at the High Court where Nssa is claiming that it had bought the land before the transaction. So let us let the law take its course,” Vuta said.

He said the transaction relating to Meikles Park was done on the basis of a directive from the ministry of local government.

MMC said Chombo was minister at the time.

Simbi, however, dug in telling councilors that “this is normal practice and it’s not the first time we have had such a deal with government.”

Chombo and Chimene were said to be part of the Generation 40 (G40) faction which viciously fought President Emmerson Mnangagwa’s bid to succeed Mugabe in favour of his wife, Grace.

When the military launched its operation in the wee hours of November 15 in an intervention which it said was targeting ‘criminals’ around Mugabe, several G40  aligned ministers – including Saviour Kasukuwere, Jonathan Moyo, Patrick Zhuwao and Chimene have all gone into self-imposed exile.

Chombo  was detained for several days before appearing in court to answer various charges including corruption. Daily News

By Dorrothy Moyo| The case in which a journalist was taken to court over the recent Grace Mugabe used underwear donation story, has fallen apart.

The matter was into this month still on trial, despite fall from power of the Mugabes.

Kenneth Nyangani was arrested for reporting that former first Lady Grace Mugabe had donated used underwear.

The Zimbabwe Lawyers for Human Rights has said it continues to offer legal assistance to persecuted human rights defenders such as Nyangani, represented by ZLHR lawyer Brian Majamanda.

The man was being prosecuted for allegedly writing and publishing an article on the donation of some used undergarments reportedly sourced by former First Lady Grace Mugabe. Nyangani’s lawyer, Brian Majamanda argued that his client had laboured a lot of reporting conditions, which were infringing on his right to personal liberty.

“My client should be protected by the law in terms of section 56 of the Constitution,” he said.

Magistrate Chiwundura then asked the State why it was failing to provide a trial date upon which time the State said it was still conducting some investigations.

The verdict was that the case would only proceed by way of summons.

In the aftermath of the “Zimdef funds abuse” accused Professor Jonathan Moyo’s ouster, government yesterday sent on forced leave the Zimbabwe Manpower Development Fund (Zimdef) chief executive officer Mr Fredrick Mandizvidza and top management to pave way for a forensic audit at the institution.

Besides Mr Mandizvidza, also sent on forced leave are the principal finance director and administrator Nicholas Mapute, the Human Resources manager Mr Ignatius Noah Kajengo, the corporate legal secretary Mr Servious Kufandada, the chief accountant Ms Ropafadzo Mukamba and the senior revenue manager Mr James Gombarago. Higher and Tertiary Education, Science and Technology Development Minister Professor Amon Murwira confirmed the development in a statement yesterday.

“The Minister of Higher and Tertiary Education, Science and Technology Development Professor Amon Murwira has decided to send the Zimbabwe Manpower Development Fund (Zimdef) top management on leave in terms of section 48 (2)(b) of the Manpower Planning and Development Act (Chapter 28:02).

“The chief executive officer Mr Fredrick Mandizvidza has been sent on forced leave together with the principal director finance and administration, the Human Resources manager, the senior revenue manager, the corporate legal secretary and the chief accountant,” read the statement from the ministry.

It added: “The CEO and his team have not been suspended, but have been sent on forced leave with full benefits to pave way for forensic audit. The six members will immediately proceed on leave for the period extending from December 13, 2017 to January 31, 2018. The Auditor-General has been requested to facilitate the process of carrying out this forensic audit.”

Professor Murwira has in the interim appointed Engineer Sebastian Marume as acting chief executive officer. Eng Marume is currently the director of Quality Assurance and Standards in the Ministry. “The ministry is committed to improving the performance of Zimdef in line with Government’s parastatal review programme,” he added.

The sending on forced leave of Zimdef top management and an order for a forensic audit follow reports of corruption at the organisation that was reportedly committed by former Higher and Tertiary Education, Science and Technology Development Minister Professor Jonathan Moyo and his then deputy Dr Godfrey Gandawa.

Prof Moyo is accused of siphoning over $400 000 from Zimdef in connivance with Dr Gandawa. Zimdef funds are meant to support students at tertiary institutions. The pair allegedly siphoned the money through shelf companies and Dr Gandawa’s personal account. At one point, Dr Gandawa bought personal furniture from the proceeds while Prof Moyo confirmed buying bicycles for people in his constituency.  – state media

Criminals abusing cyberspace should be fished out and exposed for people to feel safe in using the Internet productively, Postal and Telecommunications Regulatory Authority of Zimbabwe Director-General Dr Gift Machengete has said.

Speaking after meeting with the Japanese Ambassador Toshiyuki Iwado and the delegation from NEC Africa in Harare, Dr Machengete said people should be safe on cyberspace, hence the need to invest more in cyber security sector.

“As regulator, issues to do with cyber security are central to our work because we are mandated to regulate and also promote the same sector for growth, ensuring that there is development. Trust in ICTs can only be there when people believe that they are safe and that is where you bring in things like cyber security,” said Dr Machengete.

“For example right now, we have shortages in terms of cash, so we have moved more than any other African country. In fact, I can say that Zimbabwe has taken up mobile money ahead of many countries because of the situation we found ourselves in which is now an advantage to us. For that to continue we need people to have confidence and that can be found if they are safe, and criminals are accounted for and those who want to abuse cyberspace to commit crimes should be accounted for,” he said.

Dr Machengete said cooperation with partners like Japan will help in that regard.

“As regulator, we feel this is opportune time to embrace technology that Japan has. We would want to know whose sim card it is by recognising even the face. There are many criminal activities people do using sim cards and we do not want to let them go scot free.”

Information Communication Technology and Cyber Security Minister Supa Mandiwanzira said cooperation with Japan and other partners in the area of cyber security was vital to protect the people.

“It is my appeal that we find again ways of reconnecting and where possible get some assistance from the Japanese government in terms of investments in the ICT and cyber security space where I think we have a huge task to build infrastructure that will protect our people from cyber criminals,” he said.

Minister Mandiwanzira said cyber security was a new baby added to the ministry of ICT. Cyber security is being given prominence because of its importance in commerce and general use of ICTs by the people.

Japanese Ambassador to Zimbabwe Toshiyuki Iwado said his embassy will continue to push Tokyo to promote cooperation with Harare especially in the area of cyber security.

“We discussed on how we can promote co-operation in this important area. We exchanged views on how we can help promote cyber security and safety for the people and we are really satisfied with the response from the Minister,” he said.- state media

Ray Nkosi | President Emmerson Mnangagwa yesterday chaired his first Zanu PF Politburo meeting after taking over from President Robert Mugabe in leading the ruling party.

The state media reports that the Zanu-PF Politburo met to mark the official commencement of its Extraordinary Congress set for Friday.

The party’s Secretary for Information and Publicity, Simon Khaya Moyo, told journalists after the meeting that the Politburo received various reports on ZimAsset and the state of agriculture in the country.

“Minister of Lands, Agriculture and Rural Resettlement Air Marshal Perrance Shiri gave the state of agriculture in the country. The Minister assured the Politburo that the country has enough maize to sustain until the next season. He also assured the Politburo that the 2017/18 season is in full swing and the demand of inputs under Command Agriculture had risen.  The Presidential Input Scheme and the Cotton Input Scheme are also underway and are expected to cover more households this season,”  he said.

Ex- finance minister and Zanu PF Mutoko South MP David Chapfika is set to lose property worth $1 500 as recompense for legal fees arising from an ongoing divorce case before the High Court.

Chapfika is divorcing with his wife of 33 years Abina Chapfika (nee Mutimusakwa) following adultery allegations against the politician.

He has since been ordered in the interim to pay $500 maintenance every month to Abina, pay electricity and water bills, buy groceries, pay medical bills, pay her domestic workers and pay for her motor vehicle maintenance until the case is concluded.

Chapfika was further ordered to pay a contribution of $1 500 in legal fees, which has culminated in a writ of execution being issued for his property to be attached.

“You are required and directed to attach and take into execution the movable goods of the applicant (Chapfika), at No. 10 Aintree Road, Highlands, Harare and of the same to be realised the sum of $1 500 which respondent recovered by a judgment dated July 14, 2017, besides all your costs thereby incurred.

“Further to pay to the said respondent’s legal practitioners the sums due to it as above mentioned and for your so doing this shall be your warrant,” the writ of execution reads.

The main application is yet to set down for hearing.

Abina through her lawyers from Muhonde Attorneys, filed for divorce demanding $2 000 maintenance every month, claiming the marriage has irretrievably broken down.

“The marriage relationship between the parties has irretrievably broken down to the extent that there are no reasonable prospects of restoring the same to a normal marriage relationship…

“The defendant (David) has improperly and immorally associated with other women to the extent of having extra-marital relationships, the last known of which resulted in him violating the Marriage Act by contracting a polygamous customary marriage with another woman, whose particulars are unknown to plaintiff,” Abina said.

Abina accused David of siring three children out of wedlock and refusing to terminate the “illegal” marriage.

“The defendant has accordingly committed bigamy, which does not only offend against the laws of Zimbabwe, but plaintiff (Abina) finds unacceptable and incompatible with a normal marriage relationship,” she said, adding that the two have not lived as husband and wife for the past two years.

“The defendant has treated with and/or subjected the plaintiff to emotional, verbal and psychological abuse and harassment resulting in stress, untold suffering and mental anguish, all of which the plaintiff finds incompatible with the continuation of a normal marriage relationship,” she said, further stating that she had lost love and affection for David.

Among some of the properties that the two acquired together are Lot 1 of Subdivision A of Lot 222 Highlands Estate of Welmoed, the RemainingExtent of Lot 124 Athlone Township of Green Grove, Hurudza Farm along Shamva Road, five motor vehicles — a Jeep Grand Cherokee, Toyota Vigo,

Ford Ranger, Mercedes Benz ML class, Mercedes Benz S class and several household property.

The two, according to court papers, also own two farm houses, three hammer mills, tractors, planters, irrigation equipment and a company called Racewin Trading (Private) Limited.

Abina demanded 50 percent shares in Racewin Trading (Private) Limited and on all immovable properties, unconditional and undisturbed use of 200 hectares at Hurudza Farm among other items.

She is also demanding custody of their child born in 1998. In addition, she wants David to pay school fees and other requirements for their child until completion of university education.

Terrence Mawawa, Masvingo | Josaya Dunira Hungwe is an enigmatic character.

Only a few months ago, he passionately described former President Robert Mugabe as a saint and he also said the ruling party was ready to shed blood on behalf of the nonagenarian.

Last week the Minister of State for Masvingo Province dropped a bombshell when he said the ruling party was prepared to unleash the army on opposition supporters.

Hungwe’ s utterances have all but stifled hopes of a democratic electoral process in the country, according to political analysts.

“We were intellectually defeated by the G-40 cabal and we had to resort to the army to help us.

In 2018 we will use the army to silence dissenting voices.This means we will romp to victory by all means necessary,” said Hungwe.

Masvingo based political writer and analyst, Batsiranai Ngungama said Hungwe’ s threats would not halt the inevitable process of democratic change.

“Hungwe is existing in cartoon land and he will soon have a rude awakening .

The people of Zimbabwe have suffered for too long under the Zanu PF regime so Hungwe is wasting his time by attempting to cow the people into submission,” said Ngugama.

Nobuhle Phiri | President Emmerson Mnangagwa’s Special Advisor Christopher Mutsvangwa is feeding him poison on the Gukurahundi atrocities a top analyst has said.

Mustvangwa came out recently to downplay the Gukurahundi killings telling journalists, “talking about the Gukurahundi issue was “simply unhelpful” and “irresponsible”.

Responding to this political analyst Pedzisai Ruhanya said, ” Christopher Mutsvangwa is dead wrong on Gukurahundi. If that is the advice he is giving President Mnangagwa then its poisonous. The killing of over 20 000 people in the Matebeleland and Midlands provinces should be a key deliverable for this government on the transitional justice front,” Ruhanya said.

Ray Nkosi | Female politicians leading political parties in Zimbabwe have just had an indaba to share notes and map a way forward to win the 2018 Presidential elections.

The women leaders present at the strategy luncheon include; Mrs Lucia Matibenga PDP Team Leader, Mrs Joice Mujuru leader National People’s Party, Barbara Nyagomo leader of the Progressive Democrats of Zimbabwe-PDZ and Audrah Mpofu President National Democrstic Party-NDP.

United Bulawayo Hospitals (UBH) nurses downed tools yesterday citing lack of stationery, needles and drugs, among other medical basics at the health institution.

The Zimbabwe Nurses’ Association (Zina) members vowed to continue with their work stoppage until UBH authorities addressed the sad state of affairs, which was putting patients’ lives at risk and making their work difficult.

The strike action follows a similar job boycott by Chitungizwa Central Hospital staff last week over the shortage of resources.

The UBH nurses accused management of not prioritising the provision of medical necessities at the institution, claiming there was rampant corruption and maladministration.

“We need resources to make sure our patients receive the quality service they deserve, otherwise we are not going back to work. There is virtually nothing in the wards and we are tired of improvising everything as we try to provide health care services,” UBH Zina chairperson Anthony Majongosi said.

“We cannot continue improvising everything while the hospital is supposed to buy resources with revenue collected from patients. We feel that the money paid by patients could be used to make sure the patients get quality service.”

The protesting nurses, carrying banners calling for the improvement of health care services, also forced the closure of a private pharmacy at the institution.

The nurses alleged UBH management was deliberately not buying drugs for the institution to force patients to buy from the private pharmacy said to be owned by some board members.

Zina on Monday wrote to UBH chief executive officer Nonhlanhla Ndlovu notifying her of their indefinite strike action.

“There is no stationery, no gloves, no needles, no syringes and the drugs in our hospital pharmacy, but people can buy them at a private pharmacy at our hospital. Our patients are buying everything despite paying hospital bills; they buy sundries for theatre despite paying theatre fees. We have emergencies like ruptured uterus, but we have to ask relatives to go and buy sundries, risking the patient’s life,” the letter, signed by Majongosi, read.

“As nurses, we are concerned about our patients, therefore, we have passed resolutions that we will be withdrawing our services as from December 12 until the hospital provides us with resources to use. The private pharmacy at the hospital must be closed as it seems our hospital pharmacy is no longer ordering enough drugs to give the private pharmacy more customers.”

Contacted for comment, Ndlovu said: “We had a meeting with the nurses on the issues they have raised. We made them aware of the challenges we face as UBH, challenges we all know are related to the economy, but we have resolved the issue, agreed on the way forward and they are now back at work.”

The country’s health delivery sector is experiencing a myriad of challenges such as shortages of drugs after years of underfunding from Treasury.

Finance minister Patrick Chinamasa last week allocated $408 million to the health sector in his 2018 National Budget despite Health minister David Parirenyatwa’s demands for over $1 billion. Newsday

Botswana Minister of International Affairs and Cooperation Dr Pelenomi Vincent Moitoi has delivered a special message to President Emmerson Mnangagwa from his counterpart President Ian Khama congratulating him on his recent appointment and also indicating areas of further cooperation between the two countries.

Dr Moitoi said the relationship between the two countries is bound to grow from strength to strength following the smooth transition of power in Zimbabwe.

Botswana ambassador to Zimbabwe Lieutenant General Louis Fisher accompanied the minister to the meeting which was also attended by Foreign Affairs and International Trade Minister Major General Sibusiso Moyo.

Meanwhile, President Mnangagwa is currently chairing a Zanu PF politburo meeting whose agenda is to discuss final preparations of the extraordinary congress set to be held this Friday.

Finance Minister Patrick Chinamasa will also brief the politburo on the progress of ZIM ASSET while the Minister of Lands, Agriculture and Rural Resettlement Air Marshal Perrance Shiri will brief the meeting on the progress of command  agriculture and preparations for the summer cropping season.- state media

Chances are very high that Zanu-PF would have lost next year’s elections if it had fielded Robert Mugabe as its presidential candidate, a senior official said yesterday.

Speaking during a Zanu-PF Bulawayo inter-district meeting at the party’s Davies Hall provincial headquarters, the National Commissar, Victor Matemadanda, said the populace and the party had become disillusioned with the actions of former First Lady Mrs Grace Mugabe.

“Zanu-PF was going to lose the 2018 elections had we continued with the former president as our candidate. This is largely because he ( Mugabe) had allowed his wife (Mrs Grace Mugabe) working in cahoots with the professor of succession (Prof Jonathan Moyo) and that dangerous boy called Tyson (Mr Saviour Kasukuwere) to destroy the party from within,” he said.

Matemadanda said Zanu-PF would not move forward if there is no discipline within the party.

“The aspirations of the liberation struggle which we fought for can now be achieved following Operation Restore Legacy. When we fight in a revolution we don’t fight for personal glory, but for everyone and this fight should benefit the party. We want discipline in the party,” he said.

Matemadanda said there was a need to re-orient youths who were swayed into supporting G40 by giving them a chance to reform instead of purging them.

He also challenged district chairpersons to play a leading role in mobilising support at grassroots level.

“We must strive to put Zanu-PF forward through building structures for the party starting at cell level. We are going to restructure the party by putting the right people in key positions. I also urge the party to work with war veterans,” said Matemadanda.

He said the party would revisit the issue of ex-Zipra cadres who were deregistered from being war veterans under unclear circumstances.

“There are Zipra cadres who were deregistered. As a party, we want to re-look into that after the Extra-ordinary Congress so that it is corrected. Sadly such disgruntled people who were affected are now working with the opposition,” Matemadanda said.

The province unanimously endorsed President Emmerson Mnangagwa as the party’s presidential candidate in next year’s elections.

It also resolved that newly appointed Minister of State for Bulawayo Provincial Affairs Angeline Masuku be elevated into the Central Committee.
Masuku is a member of the National Consultative Assembly.

The ruling party’s Bulawayo provincial secretary for administration Elphas Mashava read out the resolution.

The meeting also endorsed the resolution by the Central Committee declaring President Mnangagwa as the party’s First Secretary and candidate in next year’s harmonised elections following the recall of former President, Mugabe, last month during a special Central Committee meeting held at the party’s headquarters.

The Central Committee is Zanu-PF’s highest decision-making organ outside Congress.

President Mnangagwa’s election as the Zanu-PF President and First Secretary will be ratified at the Extra-Ordinary Congress which starts in Harare this week.

The province also endorsed the expulsion of several party members on various charges including former Vice President Phelekezela Mphoko and Mrs Grace Mugabe, who was the Secretary for Women Affairs.

Matemadanda warned party members in Bulawayo against retribution in the aftermath of Operation Restore Legacy, saying members should direct their energy towards mobilising massive support for the party ahead of the 2018 harmonised elections.

“We are all aware that Zanu-PF had been hijacked by individuals in the mould of a faction called G40, a brainchild of Prof Moyo. The faction had become a serious problem everywhere until the commanders of the Zimbabwe Defence Forces (ZDF) came to our rescue through Operation Restore Legacy. We therefore don’t want party members who want to revenge. We are saying no to retribution and this is the message that I have brought to you from President ED Mnangagwa and the Central Committee,” he said.

Zanu-PF Bulawayo provincial chairman Callistus Ndlovu also commended Operation Restore Legacy, saying it corrected what was wrong.

“The party is more important than individuals and anyone who thinks otherwise is not a worthy leader. We therefore applaud Operation Restore Legacy for correcting what was wrong,” he said. – state media

Self-exiled Zimbabwean businessman James Makamba is reportedly back in the country. Makamba is a entrepreneur, politician and former commercial broadcaster.

In February 2004, Makamba was arrested and charged with violation of Zimbabwe’s Exchange Control Act. Makamba was subsequently arrested on two separate occasions. He was tried and acquitted on all three occasions in both the Magistrate’s and High Court of Zimbabwe, after which he fled the country.

Terrence Mawawa, Masvingo|A Zimbabwean pastor who has been in political exile in South Africa has returned to Zimbabwe to as he claimed, rescue the troubled nation from years of poverty, unemployment and tyranny.

Pastor Timothy Chiguvare who is the president of the People’s Progressive Party of Zimbabwe (PPPZ), has said he has a God given vision to deliver Zimbabwe from political bondage.

He said God gave him the vision to lead Zimbabwe out of the current economic abyss.

“We are not just coming to Zimbabwe to try our luck, rather we are carrying a God given vision,” said Pastor Chiguvare.

“Our party will restore the nation’s legacy and revive fundamental social and moral values torn asunder by the previous government.

Our approach is unique, vivacious and inspired by the will of God.

Our Great God is in control of everything and yes we are back in Zimbabwe to win elections.

We are ready to take off and there is no going back.The time the people of Zimbabwe have been waiting for has finally arrived,” said Pastor Chiguvare.

He added: “SADC and the African Union must reform to avoid embarrassment. They are running late and time has never been their friend.

SADC and AU have failed the African people by failing to understand what democracy means.

SADC and AU must know that voting is the foundation stone for political action and that Africa deserves ‘BLOOD-BATH FREE, CREDIBLE AND LEGITIMATE ELECTIONS.’

A true government is mirrored by conducting a free and fair election in which citizens choose their leaders without intimidation from the government or any other political party.”

“Africa is the richest continent on this planet and it is very unfortunate that our continent has been brought to its knees because of corrupt, unjust and selfish leaders.

What we lack in Africa is not prayer but men and women of integrity.

It takes the voices of integrity in leadership to build nations.

We are desperately in need of reliable wisdom and strategies from God on raising responsible leaders with integrity,” said the Pastor.

He added: “I am taking along millions of our youths and women of all ages thereby ensuring that they are represented in every area of PPPZ’s new government.”

Staff Reporter| President Emmerson Mnangagwa was yesterday told he is to remain under the heavy slab of sanctions until he has proven that he is a change man.

This was announced by a US government representative at a senatorial session last night.

When asked on accountability for atrocities, Mnangagwa could be an even more repressive leader than Mugabe, …. how the US government levels that?, the Principal Deputy Assistant Secretary, Bureau Of African Affairs, Hon. Stephanie Sullivan, replied saying,

“One of the things we will be looking for is for the people of Zimbabwe to organise some sort of truth and reconciliation process so that they can work through these traumas of the past. As far as President Mnangagwa , he remains under US sanctions, and again the government is in front of us right now and we are going to try to work to engage positively; he in his inauguration speech really wanted people to look forward, forget about the past, we are going to deal with him and other members of the government but again not just appeal to … but try to help the government and the people of Zimbabwe who have gone through this very dismal track of human rights.”

When asked, to expect the government led by someone who has participated, responsible for horrific violations, horrific human rights atrocities; to expect there to be a real Truth And Reconciliation Commission from a government led by someone who has a record that the whole state department sees to be this horrific this, should we really be as expecting a real Truth And Reconciliation process?, Stephanie Sullivan said, “We certainly don’t believe this will be a spontaneous course of action without a great deal of pressure and discussion and its not just the United States, its also as I mentioned the like minded partners and a very active civil society;

“there were so many people out in the streets, celebrating the prospects of a new Zimbabwe, and we think in some ways, maybe not dramatically, yes but the line shave moved and the kinds of oppression that people felt obliged to withstand in the predecessor regime, I think that its been a bit of a game changer despite the fact that its the same people who are running the show at this point.” WATCH THE FULL DISCUSSION AND PROGRAM REVIEW BELOW:

https://youtu.be/Sso39Iucigw

The African Export-Import Bank (Afreximbank) is set to inject $1,5 billion to stabilise the country’s economy, as well to provide investment guarantee to investors that the bank will pick up country risk which may befall their investments.

“We are here to extend congratulations to President Mnangagwa and also reaffirm our continued support for the Government and people of Zimbabwe under his leadership. We discussed various areas where we have been intervening and will continue to intervene,” said Dr Oramah.- state media

NetOne Cellular (Private) Limited is suing its ex-managing director Mr Reward Kangai over $2 million financial prejudice it suffered due to his alleged mismanagement.

Mr Kangai served as the company’s managing director for four years before his expulsion on a cocktail of charges involving mismanagement.

NetOne contends that failure by Mr Kangai to comply with the provisions of the Procurement Act, Public Finance Management Act, Sections 298(1) (d) and 308(2) of the Constitution caused financial prejudice to the firm.- state media

Home Affairs and Culture Minister Dr Obert Mpofu’s company, Khanondo Safaris and Tours has taken a Victoria Falls construction firm to court over a debt of more than $15 000.

Khanondo Safaris and Tours is a leading tour operator in Victoria Falls, which specialises in African safaris and tours, accommodation and activities.

Through its lawyers, Mashindi and Associates, the company has filed summons at the Bulawayo High Court citing Falls Contractors (Pvt) Ltd as the defendant.

Khanondo Safaris and Tours is seeking an order directing Falls Contractors to pay $15 417,64 being an outstanding balance for building material bought from its subsidiary, Khanondo Hardware, on credit.

“The defendant on different occasions bought various building materials from Khanondo Hardware on credit. Falls Contractors paid for some of the material and left a balance of $15 417,64,” said Khanondo Safaris and Tours in court papers.

Minister Mpofu’s company said despite demand, Falls Contractors has failed, refused or neglected to settle the debt.

Khanondo Safaris and Tours wants Falls Contractors to pay the legal costs it incurred in the lawsuit.

Falls Contractors has not yet responded to the summons and has 10 working days to do so. – state media

By Paul Nyathi | Self confirmed all weather partner to presidential aspirant Alliance for People’s Agenda leader Dr Nkosana Moyo, businessman Trevor Ncube is reported to have sold his media venture Mail and Guardian.

Reports from South Africa indicate that Ncube has sold the highly popular media house to the Media Development Investment Fund (MDIF) has purchased a majority stake in M&G Limited.

Under the new deal, Ncube, the now-former publisher, will leave. The new ownership by MDIF, an American non-profit organisation, has drawn messages of encouragement from current editor-in-chief Khadija Patel.

The ZimEye.com sources from South Africa claim that Ncube has been failing to keep the paper viable leading to his sale of the venture.

Ray Nkosi | Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Trade Major-General Sibusiso Moyo had a diplomatic briefing with US Ambassador Harry K. Thomas earlier today.

While the contents of their brief were not immediately available, Ambassador Thomas wrote on twitter, “Pleased to meet new Foreign Minister Moyo and exchange views on a constructive way forward @usembassyharare.”

General Moyo was recently appointed Foreign Affairs minister by President Emmerson Mnangagwa after a Cabinet reshuffle, popular as General BAE he rose to fame after November coup which ousted President Robert Mugabe.

The Zanu PF politburo meeting which was suppossed to have been held today at the party headquarters in Harare, has been postponed to tomorrow, 13 December 2017.

Speaking to ZBC News today, Zanu PF spokesperson Ambassador Simon Khaya Moyo said all politburo members should be seated by 10 am at the same venue tomorrow.

He did not give reasons for the postponement.- state media

Cde Khaya Moyo also said the central Committee meeting scheduled for tomorrow will now be held on Thursday 14 December 2017 at the same venue.

Central Committee members are expected to be seated by 10 am.

A pregnant woman believed to be in her thirties was allegedly killed at a lodge in Bulawayo, before her body was shoved under a bed and set alight. The incident, confirmed by Bulawayo chief fire officer Richard Peterson, occurred at Esikhosini Khumalo guest lodge early yesterday morning.

“I can confirm that our team was called in the early hours of yesterday to attend a house fire at number 5 Newhall Avenue Khumalo where one room of the guest house caught fire. On arrival, the fire had already been extinguished by residents and a female adult was severely burnt to death. We suspect that the fire was deliberately set, so as to destroy evidence after the killing,” Peterson said.

He said property worth about $2 000 was destroyed in the fire. However, a worker who spoke to Southern Eye on condition of anonymity said a female adult booked the room, saying her boyfriend was to follow later and promised to pay for the room the following morning.

“I heard some screams coming from their room and there was silence thereafter, in the early hours of the day. I thought they were enjoying themselves. I heard somebody locking the room and I woke my colleague, as we suspected that they were the ones who wanted to evade paying for the room. We went to the front door intending to wait and block them from leaving without paying. No one came out until we went back to our room. That was when I realised that there was smoke coming from the room, but it was locked,” the worker said.

She said they called the fire brigade and found the body of the female adult under the mattress which was severely damaged.- Newsday

Ray Nkosi | Veteran politician Angeline Masuku has come out to slam Zanu PF bootlickers.

Masuku raises her voice to attack hero worshippers soon after senior government minister Josiah Hungwe equated President Emmerson Mnangagwa to the biblical Nehemiah.

The state media reports that Masuku said ZANU-PF members should desist from creating gods out of their leaders through hero worshipping them, a liberation war stalwart and minister said yesterday.

In an interview, Zanu-PF’s National Consultative Assembly member,  Angeline Masuku, said party supporters are partly to blame for divisions that rocked the party in the recent past.

Masuku who is also the new Minister of State for Provincial Affairs in Bulawayo said candid talk could have ended Zanu-PF factionalism before it got out of hand.

She said leaders in the party were being blinded by hero worshipping which should now stop.

“We are to blame (for what was happening). People should stop singing songs that glorify a leader. We should work together. I recently stopped women from singing to me saying “Nxa umama ekhona konke kulungile.” We should be collective “Nxa omama bekhona konke kulungile”.

“Those individual praises create gods out of leaders yet leaders are part of the people. We’re to blame because a leader does not praise himself or herself, it’s us who shower him or her with praises. I wish you could emphasise this, when a leader has been appointed, our people should stop destroying the leader by giving him or her praises to an extent that he or she sees himself or herself above the people,” said Masuku.

She recalled refusing to apologise to the former First Family after she had challenged Mrs Grace Mugabe to stop insulting party leaders back in 2014.

Masuku said other party leaders persecuted her and cheered when Mrs Mugabe was doing a despicable act.

“If someone utters disrespectful words on elderly people, I don’t celebrate. It doesn’t amuse me. Our culture doesn’t allow us to do that but Zimbabweans were now cheering that.

“We were being insulted yet Zimbabweans were making loud cheers. When I challenged it saying these things were getting out of hand, our people accused me of insulting an important family hence I was advised to apologise.

“If telling the truth is insulting, then I can’t apologise, that’s reality. I will never tolerate being insulted by a child no matter their social standing,” said Masuku.

“I’m certain that if this thing was corrected from day one, Robert Mugabe who sacrificed a lot for this country could not have been humiliated to the extent of almost being impeached.”

She said the party’s extraordinary congress to be held in Harare this week should instil discipline in the party.

“There should be discipline in the party which will result in party members joining their hands together to discuss issues to do with economic development instead of gathering in a meeting to discuss who to fire from the party.

“We fought for the liberation of this country, now we should fight to put for economy back on track,” she said.

The Local Government Board (LGB) has refused to release the names of its members as the fight to appoint a Harare town clerk explodes.

Harare mayor Bernard Manyenyeni has demanded to know who constitutes the LGB, but the board has refused to provide the information, instead directing his enquiries to the new Local Government minister July Moyo.

Harare has not had a town clerk since 2015 after the former incumbent Tendai Mahachi resigned amid withering pressure from residents and councillors.

“The LGB acknowledges receipt of your letter requesting the composition and credentials of the LGB members. The LGB is appointed by the honourable minister of Local Government, Public Works and National Housing and as such the letter should be addressed to the minister who is the appointing authority,” read the letter from the LGB chairperson one S M Ngwenya.

Manyenyeni told the Daily News that the new Constitution has no provision for a LGB.

He said that the LGB is just another ministerial tool used to secure the appointment of politically acceptable executives in council.

“It seeks to perpetuate its illegal existence by being opaque and shadowy. Which organisation in this day and age prides itself in its own non-disclosure,” Manyenyeni said.

Efforts to seek comment from minister Moyo on the composition of the LGB were futile as he was not answering his mobile.

Last year, council appointed former banker James Mushore to the town clerk position but he was suspended by former Local Government minister Saviour Kasukuwere who argued his appointment flouted laid down procedures.

Following his suspension, Mushore approached the Labour Court seeking recourse, but the matter is yet to be determined.

If Mushore wins the Labour Court case, Harare City Council will be compelled to pay him over $200 000 in backdated salaries.

In the most recent search for the city’s town clerk,  three candidates namely Tapiwa Mashakada, Cainos Chingombe and Elizabeth Gwatipedza were shortlisted in the city interviews.

Mashakada is the sitting MDC Member of Parliament for Hatfield, Chingombe is Harare City Council’s human capital director while Gwatipenga is town clerk of Gweru.- Daily News

Tinashe Mawere | For decades, a key facet of Robert Mugabe’s rule in Zimbabwe has been how he has used the symbols and rhetoric of the liberation war to support his claim to power, and undermine his rivals.

Eventually, he was brought down by that same rhetoric.

Zimbabwe’s nation building project solidified strict gender divisions, where ‘mothers of the nation’ support their men and instill a reputable culture to coming generations. The roles of men have been built around militarised masculinities as reflected in amadoda sibili (real men), a concept which revolves around the jealous protection and defense of the nation, to safeguard chimurenga (liberation struggle) gains such as land and sovereignty.

Men and women are positioned differently as subjects in the body politics of the Zimbabwean nation. Men are hailed as ‘sons of the soil.’ This locates men in the politics of belonging, since they are ‘sons of…,’ and in stories of resistance, since as sons they are called upon to defend or protect their natal place. This is how men like Robert Mugabe and currently, President Emmerson Mnangagwa and General Constantino Chiwenga have attained some element of messianic and godly identities. At various times, national narratives positioned them as guarding and defending nationhood.

On the other hand, the soil or land that gives birth to the sons is naturalised in the discourses of motherhood. This is why motherhood is revered, meaning those who represent it have to be women of ‘character.’ Anyone who deviates from or inverses the above parameters of nation formation is seen as a national dis[Grace], needing the intervention of amadoda sibili.

It is this liberationist and masculinist narrative that has shaped the Zimbabwean situation and made Zimbabwe’s future a complicated case, full of uncertainties, especially in the context of conflicting gender and generational interests.

From teacher to typist

In many cases, the national image is symbolically expressed through the character of the national women, specifically those who are public figures. Robert Mugabe’s first and second wife, Sally and Grace respectively, have entered the radar as images of the Zimbabwean nation at different times. Sally entered the scene during the years following national independence from colonial rule and during a period of Mugabe’s political ascendance and national growth.

Sally had been in the trenches during national formation. She supported Mugabe and the nationalist cause and rose within political ranks because of her hard work, thus earning herself the title ‘mother of the nation.’ Her public image was modest, mature, respectful and her participation in the struggle identified her with the chimurenga legacy and helped to nurture Mugabe as an acceptable ‘son of the soil’ who could be trusted with the nation.

Grace’s entrance came as Sally was dying – perhaps predicting the start of national bleeding. Her arrival in the 1990s saw the beginning of a national crisis, collapse and demoralization that has heightened with her political rise.

Grace attempted to construct herself along lines of motherhood, as expected in gendered constructions of nationhood. But she struggled to make that image stick. Having been a typist and Mugabe’s secret lover, in a patriarchal nation like Zimbabwe, she was all too often associated with the young, immature, loose urban woman image, the ‘small house’ or husband snatcher, known for corrupting men and destroying families. Recently, public discourses have been naming her ‘marujata,’ which refers to a loose, pompous wife lacking direction.

She pushed hard to be known as ‘Amai’ (mother), using this term at rallies and gatherings, claiming to be the ‘mother’ of and to all Zimbabweans. She used her involvement in orphanages and care homes to reinforce the mother identity. At rallies, she has distributed food and clothing to ‘her children’ as a mother who ‘cares’ and sustains livelihood. Her recent physical attack on the South African woman, Gabriella Engels, can be seen in the sense of a mother nurturing and protecting her sons from the ‘contamination’ of an ‘evil woman’.

However, falling outside the liberation war history, and unable to fit in with the old guard that grew suspicious of the new generations, Grace associated with a ZANU-PF faction known as the Generation 40 (G40). As G40, it lacks liberation war credentials or history, just like Grace. There have been narratives, especially from a former ZANU-PF member and Norton constituency parliamentary representative, Temba Mliswa, that the G40 are ‘gay gangsters.’ Such identities are seen as polluting the Zimbabwean national identity and threatening its survival and progression.

Grace was accused, among other crimes, of failing to satisfy her gendered roles of support, reproduction and nurturing. She is seen in terms of contamination, disturbing the natural body politic of ZANU-PF. In this view, since she has polluted Mugabe, both have to be eliminated from the political body to avoid further contamination. The point is that Grace has failed in being ‘mother of the nation.’ This is symbolically reflected by her wayward sons, her lack of respect and dignity as reflected by her public cursing of people, her failure to unite the Zimbabwean ‘family’ but instead trigger divisions. Her failure to stick to her gendered role of ‘nurturing’ the nation, and instead, usurping the role of ‘father of the nation’ and her disrespect of the liberation war history also make her conflict with the expectations of Zimbabwe’s national project.

Similar discourses of defilement have been associated with the Morgan Tsvangirai-led Movement for Democratic Change (MDC). At one time, Robert Mugabe claimed that a victory for Tsvangirai and the MDC would make the dead turn in their graves. Tsvangirai himself has been anglicised and caricatured as Tsvangson or ‘teaboy’ in a show of his foreignness, femininity, and homosexuality – all of which make him ‘incapable’ of leading Zimbabwe.

Mugabe’s recall from being leader of the party is, at least in part, due to his association with these national ‘pollutants’ which have defiled the masculinities expected from him as the ‘son of the soil.’ Mugabe is no longer part of the amadoda sibili, responsible for national protection, as the G40 has taken advantage of his age to corrupt him while his wife has taken over his responsibilities.

In contrast, Mnangagwa’s takeover, with military support as well as the support of the war veterans, is a continuation of ZANU-PF rule and the protection of the chimurenga legacy.

Zimbabwe may have a new president, but some things haven’t changed: ideas of manliness that date back to the liberation war remain the psychological space on which the Zimbabwean nation is constructed.

Tinashe Mawere is a Postdoctoral researcher in the Department of Historical and Heritage Studies and the Centre for Sexualities, Aids and Gender at the University of Pretoria. The above views appear in some of his work around nationalism, gender and sexuality carried out at the University of Western Cape’s Women’s and Gender Studies department and the Centre for Humanities Research and the department of Historical and Heritage Studies and the Centre for Sexualities, Aids and Gender at the University of Pretoria.

Self styled Zanu PF cleric, Trevor Manhanga, has insisted that his recent takeover of a white-owned commercial farm in Rusape was above board and vowed to stay put despite reports that President Emmerson Mnangagwa’s government had revoked his offer letter and given it to former property owner, Robert Smart.

Smart last week told international media that government had given him the greenlight to repossess Lesbury Farm following his forced eviction in July this year. No government official could confirm the claims.

In an interview with Al-Jazeera, Smart gave a harrowing narration of how he lost a portion of his land to Manhanga.

“Youths came with guns and harassed me, my family and farm workers ordering us to vacate the premises. I was served with letters that I did not understand and I was not given a chance to explain,” he said amid reports that the farm takeover had been facilitated by former Manicaland Provincial Affairs minister Mandiitawepi Chimene.

But Manhanga told NewsDay yesterday that his occupation of part of the farm was above board.

“I did not invade, occupy or grab any farm or portion thereof. I am in legal and lawful possession of an offer issued on March 15 to a piece of land measuring 100 hectares of Lesbury Estate in Makoni.

“There are at least two people known to me who have offer letters of portions of Lesbury Estates, namely the current Chief Tandi (Mr William Samhungu) and David Nyakonda,” he said.

Manhanga said another 30, A1 farmers had also been allocated land at the same farm.

“There are no frictions between all those allocated land at Lesbury Estate. Since I am in possession of a valid offer letter, I continue to be the legal owner of the 100 hectares offered to me.

“I have been informed that this offer letter has been revoked by the issuing authority. If and when that happens, I will be able to respond to that query,” Manhanga said.

“For now, I continue with my operations in ploughing a maize crop under the command agriculture programme.”
Manhanga claimed that he suspected Smart could have misinformed government regarding his eviction from the farm.- Newsday

By Farai D Hove| President Emmerson Mnangagwa has been pressured to explain to address public on revelations that convicted fraudster Wicknell Chivayo was dished a total near $1 billion in tender contracts. Mnangagwa was the head of a commission over-seeing the Tender Board in the years running up to and before his ascendancy to State House, the same period Chivayo won his tenders. Many have alleged that Chivayo due to political influence, could easily escape investigations for his Gwanda Solar Project contract payment for a whopping $5 million.

Inquiries have since been submitted to the President to inspire public confidence as the revelations become more glaring.

https://youtu.be/OqbcQCBRsVk?

Already President Mnangagwa has been criticised for another tender which was for the construction of the Beitbridge road whose total cost ended up being inflated by a suspicious $2 billion. More revelations emerged that the figure was furthermore changed several times.

For the Beitbridge highway road, Mnangagwa was criticised by the MDC party. Harare West legislator, Jessie Majome, said the way the project was handled raised suspicion. “The move startlingly breaks all the rules in the good governance and rule of law book. What on earth happened to checks and balances? Is it a trap for him (Mnangagwa) to trip on? Moreso it rides roughshod over the rigorous procedures in the Procurement Act and the principles of financial management in the Constitution. No wonder why we keep ranking low on the business competitiveness index,” she said.

State Media – Former Finance Minister and Harare lawyer Mr Tendai Biti’s wife of 10 years has filed for divorce at the High Court, citing loss of affection and love for each other. Mrs Charity Biti (nee Maguwah), through her lawyers Mawere & Sibanda Commercial Lawyers, issued summons for divorce claiming maintenance for the couple’s only minor child.

The couple had their marriage solemnised in 2007 under Marriage Act (Chapter 5:11). Part of the plaintiff’s declaration reads: “Plaintiff avers that the marriage between the parties has irretrievably broken down to such an extent that there is no reasonable prospect of restoration of a normal marriage relationship between them in that:

“a) The parties have lost love and affection for each other,
(b) The plaintiff and defendant are no longer compatible,
(c) The plaintiff and defendant have not lived as wife and husband since August 2014.” Mrs Biti is claiming custody of the 12-year-old son proposing that the politician should be granted limited access to the child.

She intends to relocate to the United States next month, together with the child. “It is in the best interest of the minor child that the defendant exercises reasonable access in the following manner:

“a) For two thirds of each of the US’ summer holidays,
(b) On alternate Christmas and Easter holidays,
(c) At all other times which may be agreed to mutually between the plaintiff and defendant until the child becomes 18-years-old or becomes self-supporting whichever occurs first.”

Mrs Biti wants the politician to pay the child’s school fees, to buy uniforms and to cater for all the boy’s other living expenses, including accommodation, food and clothing.She wants him to pay the child’s medical insurance and travel expenses whenever he wants to see the child.

Mrs Biti is seeking to be awarded an immovable property at Stand Number 14 Coltman Road, Mount Pleasant in Harare measuring 4 048 square metres. She also wants the court to award her a black Mercedes Benz S350 (ADY 5606) and household property at the family’s Umwinsdale home.
Mrs Biti seeks an order to have the couple’s 6 831 square metre plot in Umwinsdale sold for the parties to share the proceeds equally.

In a her declaration, Mrs Biti considered that when she married her husband, he had already acquired other immovable properties, hence she proposed that he be awarded more immovable properties including:

a) Number 2 Poland Way, Glen Lorne, Harare (4 000 square metres),
(b) Number 7 Bernard Avenue, Chisipite (4 114 square metres),
(c) Number 26 Rowland Square, Milton Park (2 762 square metres), (d) Tsoko Lodge, Number 1 Shato Close, Juliasdale and (e) Murehwa homestead and pig farm.

Mrs Biti also proposed that her husband be given a Toyota Land Cruiser (ADI 2870), a white Ford Ranger (ADL 1761), Mercedes Benz E300 (ADA 7481) and a Mercedes Benz E280 (ACY 5148).

She also offered Mr Biti household goods at Tsoko Lodge and some items at the couple’s Umwinsdale home.
Mr Biti is yet to respond to the summons.

By Farai D Hove| Barclays Bank boss, George Guvamatanga, has quit following the announced takeover of his company.

Guvamatanga was managing director for over 28 years at the financial institution.

His decision comes following the company’s takeover by FMB Capital Holdings.

The development was announced by chairman, Mr Antony Mandiwanza who in a statement said Guvamatanga has retired from the bank with effect from November 2017.

The new chief finance officer, is now Samuel Matsekete.

Said Mandiwanza quoted by the state media, “following the successful completion of the transaction between Barclays Bank PLC and FMB Capital Holdings, the board of directors for Barclays Bank of Zimbabwe would like to inform all stakeholders that the managing director of Barclays Bank of Zimbabwe, Mr George Guvamatanga has retired from the bank with immediate effect from November 2017 in order to pursue other interests.

“The bank is deeply indebted to George for his 28 years of dedicated service, 10 of which he was the managing director of Barclays Bank of Zimbabwe. George steered the business through difficult times whilst managing to lead the bank’s growth scale and profitability over the period…”

https://youtu.be/OqbcQCBRsVk?t=12m26s

Convicted fraudster and Chikurubi inmate (2005-2007), Wicknell boasts saying, “even if I go to remand prison, it’s a day or two.” The man who obtained an illegal cash payment of $5million for ZESA’s Gwanda Solar’s lawyer, Thabani Mpofu told the Daily News Chivayo was picked up on Sunday and reports point to the CIO Fraud Squad to be behind the arrest. He last night however re-surfaced on social media and began boasting about how untouchable he is. A witness who was together with Chivayo during his years at Chikurubi Maximum Prison, (jailed on allegations of staging a coup on President Emmerson Mnangagwa’s behalf), Cpt Albert Matapo tells ZimEye he believes Chivayo has been paying bribes to ward off criminal investigations.  VIDEO:

https://youtu.be/01t1jQ7YMQY?t=28s

Zanu-pf President and First Secretary Emmerson Mnangagwa yesterday met the revolutionary party’s provincial chairpersons to get an update of the situation in their respective provinces. The revolutionary party’s spokesperson Simon Khaya Moyo confirmed the development.

“The President and First Secretary of zanu-pf Emmerson Mnangagwa met with all the party’s provincial chairpersons at his Munhumutapa offices in Harare today (yesterday) to obtain first-hand information on the goings-on in their respective provinces,” he said.

“The President directed the implementation of previous announcements regarding the expulsions and suspensions of party members. The chairpersons fully understood and appreciated the position.” President Mnangagwa recently implored party cadres not to engage in any form of retribution, urging members to let “bygones be bygones and work towards achieving the goal of unity in the party”.

President Mnangagwa’s meeting with provincial chairpersons comes as zanu-pf is preparing for an Extraordinary Congress. The Congress will be held on Friday at the Robert Mugabe Square.

The non-elective Congress will deal with specific issues that came out during a special Central Committee meeting held on November 19. The Extraordinary Congress is expected to endorse the recalling of former President Robert Mugabe and the installation of President Mnangagwa as the First Secretary and President by the Central Committee on November 19.

The Central Committee also indicated that President Mnangagwa would be the party’s presidential candidate in the 2018 harmonised elections. The Extraordinary Congress is also expected to uphold the decision by the Central Committee to expel G40 cabal members such as former First Lady Grace Mugabe, former Vice President Phelekezela Mphoko, Professor Jonathan Moyo, Saviour Kasukuwere, Patrick Zhuwawo, Makhosini Hlongwane, Ignatius Chombo, Anastancia Ndlovu, Walter Mzembi, Kudzanai Chipanga, Mandi Chimene and Letina Undenge.

Others are Samuel Undenge, Sarah Mahoka, Mpehlabayo Malinga, Xavier Kazizi, Tongai Kasukuwere and Innocent Hamandishe, Eunice Sandi Moyo and Shadreck Mashayamombe The Central Committee meeting also resolved to improve the standing of war veterans and reinstate District Coordinating Committees that had been abolished.

The Central Committee further resolved that all Central Committee members elected at the 2014 Congress but suspended or expelled from the party subsequent to the Congress on the basis of fictitious or fabricated allegations by the G40 cabal be reinstated. Members from the lower organs of the party, that is: provincial, district, branch councils, who were suspended or expelled from the party subsequent to the 2014 Congress were also reinstated to the positions they held. For the first time, the Extraordinary Congress business will take only a day and the budget for the event has been slashed from $8 million to around $3 million.

About 6 000 delegates drawn from the Central Com­mittee, National Consultative Assem­bly, National Council of the Women’s League, National Council of the Youth League, Provincial Executive Coun­cils and the main, women’s and youth wings are expected to attend the Extraordinary Congress. Foreign delegates have also been invited as per tradition.- state media

Newly appointed Minister of State for Manicaland Provincial Affairs Monica Mutsvangwa has vowed to give her all in turning around the developmental fortunes of the province.

In a wide-ranging interview in Mutare on Wednesday, Mutsvangwa who replaced self-exiled Ms Mandi Chimene, said: “President Emmerson Mnangagwa has already outlined his vision for the whole country and we are taking our visions from there to make sure that we actually speed up the developmental projects of the province. There is need to show seriousness on this issue.

“The events of the past month tell us that Zimbabweans from across the political divide expect at least something, at least low hanging fruits. They have been going through a difficult time. You know what has been happening, the liquidity crunch, people are failing to access their own money. These are the issues that the President is very much seized with. I am here in Manicaland to make sure that his vision becomes a reality.”

Mutsvangwa bemoaned the sorry state of Mutare and its environs and called for immediate action to address some of the challenges the city is grappling with.

“The City of Mutare is in a sorry state and has nothing to show that it is the fourth largest city in the country. As we are speaking, it is almost like a ghost city. Industries are closed. We need to look at ways of using our resources to resuscitate industries in Manicaland.

“We want to look at what investments we can bring here to create employment. We have so many university graduates roaming the streets as airtime vendors. We were so proud when Quest Motors opened its factory, but now it is a shell. It is now a white elephant, so these are the issues that need urgent address. The potholes on the roads are just an eyesore.

“Honestly for a fourth largest city in the country, we deserve something better than this. There are no shades at bus stops. Issues of water in Dangamvura are some of the areas we can quickly look into and address them. This starts with us dealing with corruption,” she said.

She implored on all civil servants to put their shoulders on the wheel and change their mindsets.

“I must say I have been appointed by a President who has outlined his vision very clearly and has talked to civil servants. He told them that this culture of business as usual should just stop. Slothfulness and coming to office late should be things of the past. We are calling on all civil servants to do their work professionally.

“I am known for hard work. I am prepared to work day and night. I will certainly make sure that whenever and wherever I am supposed to be I will be there on time to ensure that the President’s vision for Manicaland is achieved. We have eight months before we have our elections and my task is to make sure that the 100-days vision of our President, His Excellency Honourable ED Mnangagwa is realised,” she said.- state media

After some torturous months of uncertainty surrounding their stay in South Africa as their permits neared expiry, thousands of Zimbabwean nationals in the country are now contending with threats by local banks to freeze their accounts by end of the month when the permits elapse.

Some 250 000 holders of the Zimbabwean Special Dispensation Permit (ZSP), who are among millions that have fled economic and political crises to the neighbouring South Africa, are in panic mode as none of the new permits would be issued by December 31.

The Department of Home Affairs recently extended the deadline for applications to the end of January.

This will pave way for the issuing of the new Zimbabwean Exemption Permit (ZEP).

As the expiry of the current permits draw to an end, some South African banks have alerted Zimbabwean account holders to the possibility of freezing their accounts pending the issuance of new permits.

Hordes of Zimbabwean clients banking with ABSA, Capitec, First National Bank (FNB), Nedbank and Standard Bank confirmed receiving notifications to renew their permits lest their accounts were frozen.

“I have been warned to bring with new documents before the December 31 expiry date. After receiving this message, I promptly rushed to the bank hall to verify. Officials plainly told me they will freeze it if no permit is received,” said Mlungisi Ndebele of Alexandra township north of Johannesburg.

A Zimbabwean client with the same bank raised similar concerns.

“Now, if banks freeze our accounts, they would have skinned us alive! I have kept all the money for my three-year savings with the intention to purchase a car and a house,” Ruzvidzo Takawira of Bramley, Johannesburg said.- CAJ