The prices of basic goods, including foodstuffs, have soared in
recent weeks, as the country’s economy continues to collapse – compounding
the misery of long-suffering Zimbabweans.

As a result, crisis-weary ordinary citizens told the Daily News yesterday
that it was imperative for the government to take urgent measures to
mitigate the situation, if a major socio-economic crisis was to be
avoided.

Among the basic foods whose prices have shot up in recent weeks are beef,
poultry products, vegetables, fruits, dairy products, cooking oil, sugar
and rice.

Beef is now sold at $7 per kg from an average of $4,50 in October 2016,
while a 2-litre cooking oil bottle, which used to trade at $2,99 before
the import restrictions which were imposed by the government in June last
year now costs an average of $3,40.

The executive director of the Consumer Council of Zimbabwe (CCZ), Rosemary
Siyachitema, told the Daily News yesterday that while her organisation was
yet to compile the basic food basket data for January, her organisation
had since last December witnessed the price jumps.

She said the December 2016 food basket stood at $133,06 – up from the
November figure of $128,34. In October, the figure stood at $125,37.

According to the CCZ, the price of cooking oil went up in December to
$1,49 from $1,39 in November for a 750ml bottle.

Harare housewife and mother of three, Anesu Mandebvu, implored the
government “to stamp its authority” and call delinquent retailers to
order.

“We are dying slowly because our income cannot fulfil our needs,” she
lamented.

“In fact, we can only afford to buy fish once or twice a week,” she said
adding that her children sometimes refused to eat the cheap and
poor-quality food she now cooks for the family.

When the government introduced Statutory Instrument 64 of 2016 (SI 64) in
June last year, banning a number of imported products, the idea was to
help protect struggling local industries which were operating at an
average of 35 percent of their installed capacity.

However, the move effectively curtailed competition from foreign players
and has resulted on average in an increase in the cost of living, through
price increases.

Elisha Chandawana, who owns a supermarket in the Harare high density
suburb of Kuwadzana, said the increase in food prices had led to a
reduction in demand.

“Our sales have dropped because families cannot cope with the continuous
increase in prices,” he added.

Economic analyst, Francis Mukora, said some of the more recent price rises
were not justified, adding that some supermarkets and manufacturers were
profiteering as figures showed that food prices had gone up far faster
than can be justified.

“Profiteering happens. There are cases where people make inappropriate
margins along the distribution system, and this is what is happening with
some retailers,” he said.

“The priority for supermarkets is to get the appropriate stock on and off
their shelves as fast as possible, and increasing prices should not be
part of the game. Retailers are taking advantage of stifled competition to
rip off consumers,” Mukora added.

However, Confederation of Zimbabwe Retailers (CZR) president, Denford
Mutashu, claimed yesterday that the market had not experienced any price
increases.

“This is actually news to me because prices have actually gone down in the
outskirts. I am coming from Mt Darwin. As CZR, what we see is not prices
going up pe ser, but during the festive season retailers refine prices to
levels that attract traffic.

“But after the holidays, they revert to the normal prices … cooking oil
prices have actually gone down,” he said.

Mutashu also said food prices had stabilised in January, adding that the
declining aggregate demand had left retailers with no room to increase
prices.

“In fact, price increases are detrimental to retailers mainly because of
the competition between informal and formal retailers. Consumers will walk
away.

“Retailers do not increase prices, they are just a conduit and act on how
manufacturers peg prices against supply and demand,” he said. – Daily News

Zimbabwe remains among the world’s most corrupt countries, according to results of a survey by global watchdog Transparency International released on Wednesday.

The southern African nation ranked 154 out of 176 countries on TI’s 2016 Corruption Perception Index (CPI) with a score of 22 points, from 21 over the past three years.

TI, a leading global crusader against graft, says its annual corruption perception index is based on expert opinion and measures perceived levels of public sector corruption worldwide.

Zimbabwe’s police, tender board and tax agency are considered to be the most corrupt public institutions, and are costing the country $1 billion annually, according a report released by TI’s local office in November last year.

The lower-ranked countries in the index are plagued by untrustworthiness and badly functioning public institutions like the police and judiciary. Even where anti-corruption laws are on the books, in practice they’re often skirted or ignored.

“Over two-thirds of the 176 countries and territories in this year’s index fall below the midpoint of our scale of 0 (highly corrupt) to 100 (very clean). The global average score is a paltry 43, indicating endemic corruption in a country’s public sector,” Transparency International said in the report.

Critics say Zimbabwe’s government is not committed to fighting corruption, despite having set up an anti-graft body in 2014. The Zimbabwe Anti-Corruption Commission has yet to resolve a single case and is accused of being used to achieve political ends in President Robert Mugabe’s faction-riddled ZANU-PF party.

Its most high profile case last year was its unsuccessful bid to have Higher Education Minister, Professor Jonathan Moyo arrested over allegations of diverting $430,000 meant for government programmes to personal use.

But it routinely ignores adverse reports by the country’s auditor-general on abuse of public sector funds. In 2015 the auditor-general found 22 ministries, out of a total 26, to have abused funds as well as having flouted procurement procedures and governance rules.

Energy Minister Samuel Undenge admitted to failing to observe the law when the Zimbabwe Power Company (ZPC) made an unsecured advance of $5 million to controversial firm Intratrek, a company fronted in Zimbabwe by Wicknell Chivayo. He did not get a visit from ZACC officials.

The payment was purportedly for preparatory work on the 100MW Gwanda solar plant, one of several power contracts that Intratrek has been awarded by the government.

No country got close to a perfect score in the CPI though Denmark and New Zealand are the top ranked both with scoring 90.

Botswana remains the highest ranked African country at number 35 with a score of 60. Zimbabwe is ranked higher than 11 other African countries, including the Democratic Republic of Congo (156), Burundi (159), South Sudan (175) and Somalia (176). – Source

GWERU City Council’s multi-bedroomed mayoral mansion, which has been lying idle since the departure of then mayor, Sesel Zvidzai in 2008, now requires at least $40 000 to fix its crumbling fittings.

Town clerk, Elizabeth Gwatipedza, said council was considering leasing or selling the building instead of repairing it.

But to be honest, it would be better to deposit for a new house than to repair and maintain a building for that amount.”

Gwatipedza said the mansion was not benefitting council and that it would be better to lease or even sell it.

She, however, ruled out earlier proposals to transform the building into a lodge, saying the nature of the mansion would not make it a viable guest house.

Last year, the Judicial Services Commission approached council requesting to lease the building and use it as the seat for High Court sessions, but residents objected to the move, arguing council would not benefit from such a deal.

The mayoral mansion is one white elephant that Gweru has for years been urged to exploit, as the city’s coffers are running dry with dwindling streams to sustain the local authority’s successive budgets.

At one point, council tried to lease out the property for $3 000 per month to any interested tenants, but found no takers.

LOCAL artiste Jah Prayzah may have composed his popular ballad, Mudhara vachauya, to simply highlight challenges associated with long-distance relationships between many Zimbabweans and their loved ones in the Diaspora, but if one chose to give a political spin to that song, which talks of a man who is assuring his loved one not to worry because he would soon come back home from abroad, its message would underscore the expectant mood in the country, in general, and the ruling ZANU-PF party, in particular, as President Robert Mugabe’s return looms.

Most likely to fly straight home anytime soon from Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, where he is attending the African Union’s 28th ordinary summit, President Mugabe will touch down at the Harare International Airport to the same old Zimbabwe, where political squabbles within his ZANU-PF party and government have become overheated over the 92-year-old’s succession plan.

In power since the southern African nation gained independence 37 years ago in 1980 following a protracted and bloody bush war against the late Ian Smith’s regime, President Mugabe — who turns 93 on February 21 — has, for years, kept the world guessing as to who could be his possible successor during or after his lifetime.
This has led to serious ructions within his 54-year old party.

At the party’s December conference in the country’s ancient city of Masvingo the party’s youths declared that the nonagenarian should rule for life.

And when their dear leader touches down in Harare, they will rush to deliver a new message to him that they are ready to take up arms against a coterie of his erstwhile colleagues in the form of veterans of the 1970s guerilla war for independence, who are insisting that he hands over the baton stick to the most senior person in the party, who happens to be one of his deputies, Vice President Emmerson Mnangagwa.
It will not only be the youths who will be scrambling to report back to the President, but his lieutenants as well.

They have been up to some really serious mischief while he was away since late December last year on a month-long holiday abroad.

They have been exchanging salvos at every opportune time as the factional fighting in the ruling party continues unabated, despite the President himself pleading for ceasefire.
Like some little lads who have been up to some mischief and eager to be the first to report on the others to their parents on their arrival back home, there undoubtedly shall be a scramble at the airport as many in both party and government try to outrun each other to squeal on one another.

Among those who have been really naughty during President Mugabe’s absence were two former workmates at the ministry of information, George Charamba and Jonathan Moyo.
What the former, who has been publishing articles in the Herald under the pseudonym, Nathaniel Manheru, thought was “friendly advice” — albeit laced with prickly venom — to the latter to stop pursuing the succession issue because it was a futile exercise, attracted sharp vitriol from Moyo, who told off Charamba in one of the most crude way that left many including War Veterans Minister, Tshinga Dube, perplexed.

In response to Charamba’s “advice” Moyo went ballistic on his favourite turf: Twitter.
“What a useless statement from a useless idiot with a useless message from his useless Stalinist handlers who are ignorant of the magic of elections,” thundered Moyo and in the process unmasking Charamba as the face behind Nathaniel Manheru.

For the two fellas, January is proving to be their favourite month for sparring, especially a few days before the President returns.
Around the same time last year the two were at eat other’s throats throwing up tantrums over the same succession issue.

“One tragedy of these little fellas, and I call them little fellas, they confuse media skills with social skills. They think you can scale up a political ladder by twitting; who think when you manipulate one or two headlines you have a social base for launching your stupid ambitions, they will come to grief, get it from me. I am not speaking as a permanent secretary, but as President Mugabe’s press secretary,” said Charamba in a radio interview with ZiFM in January last year.

But the bottom line is: Will the shrewd veteran politician act out of his usual ordinary way?
Analysts are divided over the issue.
But some are convinced that it shall be the same old story of the President not taking sides and simply turning a blind eye to the now full scale open warfare in his party and government while, like a caring parent, delivering his usual words of caution in the process.

“President Mugabe has proved reluctant to decisively deal with the factional issues in his party, which evidences the fact that he is aware of his own political constraints and increased loss of grip, in both party and government,” said political commentator, Otto Saki.

“He missed several opportunities to unite his party and the open disagreements are not going to abet. He will continue to provide a figment of control and responsibility. Dismissing or disciplining any of the faction members will stand to weaken him further,” Saki concluded.

Since 2004, the emotive issue of who will succeed him whenever he decides to retire from active politics has been the coal that has fired the factionalism furnace whose pressure has been dangerously building up.

In 2014 the pressure chamber first breached and thrust out of the party the country and ZANU-PF’s first female vice president, Joice Mujuru.
Crude shenanigans within the party saw Mujuru and over 200 cadres either being suspended for varying number of years or dismissed altogether, like in the case of Mujuru, Didymus Mutasa and Rugare Guumbo, to name just a few of some of the party’s former top names.

This was the era of the weevils and gammatox, the names given to the two factions linked to Mnangagwa and Mujuru respectively.
More than two years after that decisive moment when President Mugabe for the first time practically tried to act on factionalism, notwithstanding that he opted to side with one of the factions, the veteran leader is now confronted by a much trickier situation.
“The best decision to make is for him to resolve the fact that, within and without his party, it appears he is now viewed as the singular greatest liability and threat to party, State and nation’s progression. That is a very unfortunate indictment, but unavoidable as the continued demystification of his person and power, leaves him at the mercy of uncouth political novices across factions in his party, preparing for political life after him,” opined Saki.

Mnangagwa is none the wiser on the novices’ crude machinations after being photographed holding a huge mug with the words: “I’m the boss” written on it.
Long before he had put his mug down following his New Year’s eve toast, the picture had gone round the world countless times jolting his rivals into frenzy.

His attempts to duck enemy missiles being propelled by the connotations of the “I’m the boss” words on the mug were a little late to stop the damage.
“Against the background of many utterances and activities, all of them unsolicited but claiming or seeking association with my person, my family and or my position both in ZANU-PF and in government, I want to make it clear that there are elements on the loose who talk and act as if they support me and or the party, ZANU-PF, when in fact they are being handled and managed from elsewhere by hostile forces,” Mnangagwa was quoted as having said.

But his woes go beyond the mug scandal. His archrivals are rubbing their hands in anticipation as they hope that his other shenanigans, such as his controversial interview with a British publication would create more trouble for the 75-year-old politician, who has been fondly known as Ngwena (crocodile) in ZANU-PF circles.

The wide-ranging interview with the New Statesman magazine has torched ragging debate in the ruling party with some of the statements made by Mnangagwa being viewed as anti-Zezuru, which happens to be President Mugabe’s tribe.
Undoubtedly, the real boss President Mugabe, as Mnangagwa confessed following the mug fiasco, has already been fully briefed of all these goings on and, as usual, probably enjoying himself.
However, as former United States president, Bill Clinton once said: “When times are tough and people are frustrated and angry and hurting and uncertain, the politics of constant conflict may be good, but what is good politics does not necessarily work in the real world. What works in the real world is cooperation.”

The politics currently playing out in Zimbabwe might precisely be the kind that Clinton referred to, but, unfortunately, cooperation seems to be the last thing factions in ZANU-PF are prepared to do.

Antagonists are geared for the winner-take-all state of affairs.
Political scientist, Ibbo Mandaza believes that there is now a likelihood that President Mugabe would call for a special congress to finally get rid of Mnangagwa.
“I can’t see him (President Mugabe) leaving things to chance. He will now do anything to get rid of Emmerson,” said Mandaza.

The ruling party’s youths have already sounded the war drums having since called for a special congress, failure which they have said they are prepared to plunge the country into civil war if President Mugabe is not allowed to rule till he dies, a demand that pitched the ruling party’s factional wars at a much higher level.

But University of Zimbabwe political science lecturer, Eldred Masunungure, does not see the President drifting an iota from his usual modus operandi.

“It’s highly unlikely that he will act any differently, because things are working in his favour. As long as there are divisions in the party it works to his advantage. He is not too worried that is why he is relaxed wherever he is on holiday. There is absolutely no basis for him to act any differently when things are working in his favour,” said Masunungure. Fingaz

Zimbabwe and South Africa are in talks over the establishment of a one stop border post at the Beitbridge entry point.

The International Customs Union Day celebrations held on Thursday in the capital provided a platform for government and business to review successes on regional integration, the impact of tight import controls, current trade patterns for Zimbabwe and the state of the nation’s ports of entries.
Minister of Industry and Commerce Dr Mike Bimha who was the guest of honour told the ZBC News following the successful setting up of a one stop border at Chirundu, Zimbabwe and South Africa are now discussing the possibilities of a one stop facility at Beitbridge to ease congestion and facilitate smooth trade.

ZIMRA acting commissioner general Mr Happias Kuzvinzwa says the organisation is committed to fulfill government’s initiative towards the rolling out of one stop border posts across the country.

According to a study by COMESA, the Beitbridge border post is the busiest road border post in Southern Africa with expectations the one stop facility, although capital intensive, will improve customs clearing and other critical procedures. – State Media

THE Ministry of Primary and Secondary Education continues to raise the ire of parents and guardians chiefly because of the controversial policies being introduced by its head, Lazarus Dokora.

This week the Financial Gazette correspondent Njabulo Ncube (NN) sought the views of former education minister, David Coltart (DC), on the present state of the education sector and how he thinks sanity can be made to prevail in this important sector.

NN: Generally, what is your take on what is happening in the Ministry of Primary and Secondary Education?

DC: While I have been encouraged by the fact that the curriculum review process that I started during my tenure has continued, I am worried about several disturbing changes in policy that have become evident since I left office. In broad terms, what I tried to do was grant as much autonomy (as possible) to schools, both government and private, across the nation. Included in that policy was, for example, the right given to parents to enhance conditions of service for the teachers teaching their children and allowing school development associations (SDAs) to control their own funding. Sadly, Minister Dokora has reversed that policy in a variety of ways, clearly with the intention of maintaining as much centralised control over education as possible, even to the extent of trying to get SDAs to submit monies raised to a central pot. I believe that one of the key strengths of our education system has been that parents and local headmasters and teachers have taken a keen interest in the running of their respective schools, which I think is being undermined by this desire to control everything from Harare.

NN: Where is the Ministry or Minister Dokora going wrong?

DC: If I have to identify a key mistake being made by the Ministry at present is its failure to adequateley consult with all stakeholders. It seems to me that a variety of policies have been announced without adequate consultation with parents, teachers, school leaders and teachers’ unions. It is apparent that some policies have been announced with almost no consultation whatsoever and others have been announced before a broad consensus has been reached. The formulation of education policy is unique in this regard because there is no deeper emotion than parents’ love for their children. While government can get away with minimal consultation in other areas of governance, it cannot do so when it comes to the education of children. It makes even running individual schools very different to, say, running a business, because one has such a broad range of stakeholders all with such fervent passion for the task at hand. One only has to see the difficulties experienced by Michael Gove, the former education secretary in the United Kingdom, when he tried to implement drastic changes; and indeed the woes of the South African government’s attempted introduction of a new curriculum, to realise how hard it is to implement new education policies.

It is in that context that, while no one doubts that there is great need for curriculum reform, I fear that there has been insufficient consultation, consensus building and planning. To give an example I wanted to consolidate all the education laws and worked hard on the production of a new single statutory instrument (SI) during my tenure. By the end of my term I had still not succeeded in building that consensus and so was unable to implement that new SI. I could have forced it on everyone as I had that power in terms of the Education Act, but I decided that it was more important that a consensus be reached. I fear this has not happened here.

NN: What about the new history curriculum, the pledge, heritage studies, not using English as the main medium of tuition in primary school, the new languages they want to teach when Shona and Ndebele are not being taught effectively, amid the collapsing school infrastructure?

DC: While there are some very positive aspects of the new curriculum, indeed certain features reflect many of my original policy goals, such as balancing academic education with vocational education, I am very disturbed by certain features of the new curriculum. In particular it seems to me that the new history and heritage studies syllabi are nothing more than propaganda. When I was minister I argued that objective, neutral historians should formulate our history syllabus so that it could be more factual and less politically-biased than the original syllabus. It appears that, if anything, the history and heritage syllabi have become even more politically-biased in favour of ZANU-PF. Key aspects of our history, such as ZAPU’s dominant role, the reasons for the original split between ZAPU and ZANU, Gukurahundi, Murambatsvina, Zimbabwe’s war in the DRC have either been ignored or glossed over.

Another very serious development, which has been reported to me is an attempt to cut back on the teaching of English in primary school. While I have not had confirmation that this is true, if what has been reported to me is correct this is an appalling development. Whatever our history, whatever role that English has played in the subjugation of black Zimbabweans in the past, the fact remains that it is the business language of the world, much as Latin was 2000 years ago. One of the greatest gifts we can give our children is a solid knowledge of English. South African University professors often comment on the good grasp Zimbabwean students have of the English language; it is hard to demonstrate sufficiently how important this is to the education of our children. One of the key problems we had in my tenure was the dearth of experienced English teachers. If there is now to be a deliberate policy of downplaying the importance of English, combined with a stretching of already limited resources to the teaching of Mandarin, we may well undermine one of the main pillars of our excellent education system, with devastating consequences.

NN: But what would you have done instead, if you were still minister to prevent the disgruntlement in the sector which characterised the first weeks of the 2017 first term?

DC: It really comes down to what I have said before: Consult widely and build a consensus with all stakeholders. However, it appears that even if that consensus had been established the introduction was unplanned for. For example, has government produced new textbooks for Mandarin and Portuguese? I have not heard of them. It seems to me that this new curriculum has been hoisted on teachers without the necessary teaching aids being supplied. If this is the case it is a critical error.

NN: What is your take on the proposed teaching of foreign languages such as Mandarin, Portuguese etc. when the country has no requisite teaching skills even to effectively teach local vernacular languages?

DC: Perhaps the most worrying aspect of the new curriculum relates to the new language policies. On the face of it, the introduction of Mandarin, Portuguese and Swahili sound like positive developments, but my fear is that we are not yet in a position to effectively teach these subjects and other existing languages are already being taught badly. It has always been a major concern of mine that indigenous Zimbabwean languages are not being taught effectively. The harsh reality is that very few of our children can speak indigenous languages other than their mother tongue and English. It has been a serious indictment on our curriculum and syllabi that, despite the fact that children get some eight years of instruction in languages other than English and their mother tongue, most cannot speak, read or write another indigenous language at the end of their schooling. In addition, the teaching of minority indigenous languages such as Tonga, Kalanga, Venda, Sotho and Shangani is woeful. In my view, we should have concentrated on improving the teaching of these languages before venturing out to teach these other languages.

Had I continued as minister, I would have directed that more resources be allocated to the production of textbooks and training of teachers for these indigenous languages, rather than divert those scarce resources to the instruction of other foreign languages. My policy regarding languages such as Mandarin and Portuguese would have been to introduce them at some of the academies of excellence where children with demonstrable language skills could be taught these languages. Most Zimbabweans will never use Mandarin and Portuguese, but it is important that certain of our children, who are talented with languages learn those languages so that they can become interpreters and, for example, diplomats, in countries which seek those languages.

NN: The minister has directed headmasters to do away with Physical Science after he split it into two separate subjects, Physics and Chemistry at O Level, yet the country lacks such specialist teachers. Is this what the Nziramasanga Commission of Inquiry on Education and Training recommended?

DC: The Nziramazanga Report advocated for a curriculum which focused more on vocational subjects and to that extent the new curriculum is an improvement, and the splitting of subjects as you have mentioned is justified. However — and this is key to the entire debate — if the new curriculum is not accompanied by a major increase in the actual amount of government funding for education, it may be doomed to fail. When I was minister I complained about the disparity between the theoretical education budget (the one announced by the Minister of Finance on budget day) and the actual budget (being the actual amount of money disbursed by Treasury to the Ministry). There was always a massive gulf, even in the days of the Government of National Unity (GNU); and from all the reports I receive from former colleagues within the Ministry, nothing has changed. Indeed the situation is now far worse. A change to the curriculum like this demands a massive increase in spending. It is no use announcing that Chemistry will be taught separately if most schools don’t have adequately equipped and well supplied Chemistry laboratories, or have few teachers with the necessary qualifications to teach Chemistry.

NN: The Nziramasanga inquiry and its recommendations were formulated or concluded nearly 20 years ago, do you see its recommendations as still relevant nearly two decades later and more so in this day and age of advancements in ICT?

DC: There is no doubt that the Nziramazanga Report is just as relevant now as it was when it was first produced. We have a good education system, but it is now in some respects antiquated and ill-equipped to prepare our children for this new computerised age.

NN: The opposition and other critics of the ZANU-PF administration strongly feel that the education sector is being politicised. Some might say it is a question of soar grapes as former opposition minister. But what is your take on this perception or view?

DC: The danger of criticising a former subordinate, who has taken over one’s job is that it may be viewed as sour grapes. That is one of the principal reasons why I have withheld criticising either the Ministry or the Minister until now. I felt it was important to give my successor a chance to get the job done. However, I fear that in the three and half years since he has taken office the education system has begun to slide again. I have argued before that the most important government ministry is Education because it determines our future more than anything else. Our outstanding education system has been the bedrock of our nation for decades; as damaging as other ZANU-PF policies have been in other spheres, the fact remains that successive generations of educated Zimbabweans have ameliorated the destruction of our country. It is educated Zimbabweans who have made the difference between a country which still has hope and a failed state. If the education system is now undermined by what appears to be politically-motivated, as opposed to educationally-motivated, policies then it is our duty to speak out.

NN: Lastly but not least, what would you say you achieved as the then minister in charge of primary and secondary education in Zimbabwe during the ill-fated GNU?

DC: It is not for me to say what I achieved; I took over an education system which was near a total state of collapse. With the help of some outstanding educationalists throughout our nation, and with help from international agencies such as UNICEF, we managed to stop the rot and stabilise the sector. Many of my proposed policies, such as a new curriculum, academies of excellence and a rationalised legal structure, were never implemented much to my frustration. In that context I felt that much was left undone and that the transformation of our education system into one of the best in the world, was not achieved.

GOVERNMENT has embarked on a research to establish the economic impact of Western-imposed economic sanctions on Zimbabwe with the results expected to be used for policy formulation.

In its 2013 election manifesto, Zanu-PF estimated that the sanctions cost Zimbabwe US$42 billion in revenue, with former Finance Minister in the inclusive Government, Mr Tendai Biti, saying they contracted the economy by a factor of over 40 percent.

Government has set aside $150 000 for the research that will be carried out by the University of Zimbabwe Consortium in one year.

The research team will be led by economist and chairman of the Department of Economics at the University of Zimbabwe, Dr Albert Makochekanwa.

Other members of the team include UZ Dean of Social Studies Professor Charity Manyeruke, Dr Hodson Makurira, Prof Charles Nherera, Dr Mark Nyandoro, Prof Paul Mapfumo and Dr Jokoniya Chirenda from the Faculty of Medicine among others.

Minister of Higher and Tertiary Education, Science and Technology Development Prof Jonathan Moyo yesterday said the research was purely academic. He said the team would research on the economic impact of sanctions from 2001 to determine the extent to which the various sectors of the economy were affected.

“The focus is on the economic impact of sanctions on Zimbabwe. The real impact of sanctions has not been understood and it is important to engage academics so that we can have a deeper understanding of these sanctions, so that we may be able to make future informed decisions.”

“Since 2001, our country has been under Western-imposed sanctions. The discourse on sanctions has largely been political. There have been political players that have dealt with this question,” he said.

He said although the reality of sanctions had been playing out in the real world of ordinary people, business organisations and education institutions, it had not been systematically analysed, audited and understood.

“It is important for policy intervention not about looking back, but about understanding what has happened to have a basis of making informed policy on the way forward.

“Sanctions belong to the past, but their impact is with us and there have been a number of areas which require interventions.

“The composition of the team shows that we are looking at the real impact. Our role is to facilitate the research and we have no other role,” he said.

Dr Albert Makochekanwa said each faculty from the University of Zimbabwe was represented.

“The group is comprised of 10 selected members, from all the faculties, including deans,” he said.

The findings of the research are expected to be published in several international peer reviewed journals such as African Journal of Economic Policy, South African Journal of Economic History, Journal of Applied Sciences in Southern Africa and Journal of Human Capital.

The ministry called for proposals to carry out the study last year in September and nine proposals were submitted out of which seven met the basic criteria.

Other bids came from Bindura University and Science education, Zimbabwe Open University, Dr Mugano Consultancy, Right Community Development Consultancy, Afro Fair Research, Lupane State University and FEM Research. – Newsday

According to the South African Police Services, the Hawks nabbed the Zimbabwean, Hardlife Bhebhura (35), and another man, Rodrigues Jose Jorge (49), in Springbok.

They had just transacted with an undercover agent.

SAPS investigation uncovered the alleged illegal enterprise operating through runners from Springbok, Port Nolloth and Steinkopf.

“Upon their arrest on Sunday, 22 January 2017, about 123 carats worth more than 1.7 million rand were recovered. Both suspects were each charged with three counts of dealing and possession of uncut diamond and more arrests are imminent,” SAPS said.

The suspects on Monday appeared before the Springbok Magistrates Court and were remanded to February 1.

Rodrigues Jose Jorge was granted R25 000 bail but Bhebhura was remanded in custody.

Zimbabwe is losing revenue through nefarious activities like the smuggling of its precious minerals through the porous borders.

The smuggled minerals include gold. Home Affairs Deputy Minister Obedingwa Mguni is on record stressing the need to tighten security at the country’s borders. – State Media

The social movement Tajamuka will tomorrow hit the streets again, this time in a demo to fight against economic injustice.  Below is their statement;

Tajamuka Zvakare!!!!!!!

Mangwana Friday

The young & people’s social movement is back again. Tajamuka Zvakare. Tajamuka zvachose.

We are calling upon all vendors to join us at 10 am on Friday the 27th of January 2017, corner Jason Moyo and Ruzende. Even if you’re NOT a vendor but youre outraged by the economic injustice being meted out against our vendors, you are welcome. We will meet with all vendors and all patriotic Zimbabweans to clean confront the city council of Harare and the Ministry of local government.

No vendor will be expelled from their livelihood. Hapana mu vendor achabviswa pabasa rake. Ndipo panebunditso yedu. Munhu wese achabva paanotengesera achienda industry awana basa .Ahoyi Citizens Ahoyi Ahoyi Vendor Ahoyi

Tajamuka/Sesjikile

THIRTY-four illegal Ethiopian migrants, who were arrested while hiding at a Marondera farm, pleaded guilty on Tuesday before magistrate Shane Kubonera, who then convicted and discharged the group into the hands of immigration officials.

The all-male group of Ethiopians, who had been detained since December, were relieved after continuous postponement of their case, as the State looked for an interpreter.

Among the illegal immigrants were four boys aged between 11 and 12.

According to court papers, on December 16 last year, the suspects were transported from Mutoko to Marondera en route to Beitbridge by Cletto Nyandoro and Gift Bere.

They were allegedly later dropped at Plot 3, Bemba Farm in Marondera, by Nyandoro, who had gone to Marondera Town to buy food for them. Acting on a tip-off, police stormed the farm and arrested the suspects after discovering that they had no travel documents.

Tariro Shirichena-Chamisa represented the State. – Newsday

Suspended Prosecutor-General Johannes Tomana is to hear on his fate tomorrow.

The PG’s suitability for office case is set to complete its hearings tomorrow.

The tribunal comprises of Chinhengo, University of Zimbabwe law lecturer, Emmanuel Magade and lawyer, Melania Matshiya as members.

It began its work on July 25 last year and was supposed to have concluded its work within three months.

Tomana’s lawyer, Tazorora Musarurwa confirmed that the hearing would end this week.

“We are likely to conclude the matter this Friday (tomorrow) after the tribunal hears evidence from all the 23 witnesses called. The process was slow as each witness had to be cross-examined,” he said.

In terms of the law, the tribunal is expected to submit a report of its findings to Mugabe and if found guilty, Tomana will automatically be relieved of his duties.

President Robert Mugabe suspended Tomana in June last year on charges of criminal abuse of office and set up a three-member tribunal to investigate him.

Tomana is facing charges of defying court orders and criminal abuse of office after he withdrew charges against two military intelligence officers, who were allegedly caught in a foiled attempt to bomb the Gushungo Dairy plant last January.

Tomana is also accused of failure to prosecute several cases involving high-profile political personalities like then deputy minister, Bright Matonga and refusal to issue certificates of private prosecution to Francis Maramwidze and Telecel Zimbabwe.
Of the cases, Maramwidze was the only one who finally got a certificate of private prosecution and successfully prosecuted former Bikita West MP, Muyaradzi Kereke, who eventually got a 10-year prison term for raping his minor relative at gunpoint.

Meanwhile, Advocate Ray Goba is acting Prosecutor-General. – Newsday

The Zim People First leader, Joice Mujuru is once again going to be tested in the political field as a by-election beckons in Mwenezi East.

Squabbling in Mujuru’s party was among the reasons she lost resoundingly in the Bikita-West by-election, resulting in one of her top leaders, Retired Colonel Claudiuos Makova resigning.

Meanwhile the state media reports that, ZANU-PF Masvingo provincial leaders have set their sight on retaining the Mwenezi East National Assembly seat which fell vacant last month.

The then incumbent Joshua Moyo died after a long illness in December last year.
Acting Masvingo provincial chairman Amasa Nhenjana said the party will early next month conduct a primary election to choose a candidate to stand in the by-election whose date is yet to be proclaimed.

He said the provincial leadership was motivated by the party’s landslide victory achieved in Bikita West where Beauty Chabaya garnered 13 156 votes against her nearest rival, Mr Kudakwashe Gopo from ZimPF who managed only 2453 last week.

Chabaya won the seat that fell vacant following the incarceration of Munyaradzi Kereke for 10 years for rape in July last year.

State Media – A bloc of Western countries is sponsoring a Seychelles candidate to rival Zimbabwe’s Dr Walter Mzembi and split the African vote ahead of elections to choose the new secretary general of the United Nations World Tourism Organisation, it has emerged.

Dr Mzembi, who is also the Minister of Tourism and Hospitality, has been endorsed by the regional body Sadc and the 54-member African Union, but recently, Seychelles Minister for Tourism, Civil Aviation, Ports and Marine, Alain St Ange ghosted into the race with the support of some powerful European countries to rival the Zimbabwean candidate.

Georgia and Brazil are the other two countries with candidates to replace incumbent Mr Taleb Rifai in May. Dr Mzembi last week officially launched his bid in Madrid, Spain, where he posed a vision of change and progressiveness, sending panic among the “status quoists”.

In the past year, he has been on a major global diplomatic foray to boost his candidature.
In an interview on Tuesday Dr Mzembi said the emergence of the Seychelle’s candidate was both politically and racially motivated.

He said St Ange would play spoiler. “There is absolutely no rationale,” he said of St Ange’s candidature.

“He is very conscious of the fact that we have 10 votes as Africa, and we are pitting these against 10 European votes, five votes from the Americas, five votes from South Asia and the Pacific and three votes from the Middle East to make a total of 33 votes.

“So, anyone who wants to get past us as Africa will try and split Africa’s bloc votes of 10. This is essentially what they are doing in this instance. This approach is a zero-sum game for Africans because whoever emerges should never hope to win, we will both lose,” said Dr Mzembi.

Dr Mzembi is disturbed by the racial underpinnings in propping St Ange.

“What we are confronted with, is our detractors competing with us for positions in multilateral systems, the United Nations itself included. It is a desire to exploit the ethnical make-up of Africa, which is made up of negroid Africa, white Africans and Afro-Asiatics,” he charged.

“It is a very painful experience having to be discriminated against because you are negroid and picking white African candidates to basically split the African consensus,” complained Dr Mzembi.

But Zimbabwe is not taking this lying down and has triggered diplomatic moves to stop St Ange in accordance to regional and continental consensus.

He said: “We have asked for a meeting with the Seychelles. I met the Minister of Tourism for Seychelles, who is the successor to this one who wants to contest against me. We have requested officially for a meeting with the president of the Seychelles because we suspect that he has not been furnished with all the facts.”

He said at the forthcoming African Union summit, Zimbabwe would seek to influence the continent into renouncing the candidature of St Ange.

“We are fighting to win and I am hoping that the African Union can show its teeth in the matter and restrain Member States,” he said.

“I will not allow my candidature to just pass like previous candidatures that are disturbed by Africans amongst themselves without the benefit of either a pre-emptive process or a post mortem.
“I want to use this as a very classic example on the AU’s binding decisions and how they can avoid wilful violation going into the future,” he said. – State Media

IT has emerged that Energy and Power Development Minister Samuel Undenge lied that Fruitful Communications Private Limited was doing Public Relations Consultancy work for Zesa for free after the company owned by Zanu-PF Highfield legislator Psychology Maziwisa and television personality Oscar Pambuka issued summons at the High Court claiming an outstanding fee of $36 000 from the parastatal.

Fruitful Communications did PR work for Zimbabwe Power Company, a Zesa subsidiary. It was Minister Undenge who directed Zesa to engage Fruitful Communications. Interestingly, Minister Undenge told The Herald on May 12 last year that Fruitful Communications was offering its services to Zesa for free.

“They are people in public relations and there is no formal contract with anyone and if anyone wants to help for free, we allow them to do that,” he said.

“They felt they wanted to explain something to the public. It is just like you, you write a lot of things, but we do not pay you,” he said then.

In its summons at the High Court, Fruitful Communications suggests its being owed by Zesa for work done. It was hired despite Zesa Holdings’ subsidiaries having fully-fledged PR departments. Hussein Ranchod and Company is representing Fruitful Communications in the High Court case.

The plaintiff’s declaration states that in February last year, ZPC engaged the services of Fruitful Communications as their public relations consultant to “air news items and features” on television and radio stations.

Fruitful Communications claims it offered various services to ZPC with the power company undertaking to pay all the bills.

Despite demand, Fruitful Communications claims, ZPC has refused to pay the bill that amounted to $36 000.

On February 6, 2016, Fruitful Communications claim that they performed some public relations work which was aired on news bulletins on Power FM Radio.

Two weeks later, Fruitful Communications featured on Radio Zimbabwe, Power FM and National FM news bulletins, doing public relations for ZPC. On February 22, the consultants featured on the television programme “Media Watch” talking about Kariba water levels.

The consultancy firm is claiming payment for its appearance on ZBC’s Good Morning Zimbabwe programme on March 2, 2016.

On March 7, the consultants claim that they featured on ZTV Lunchtime News and Power FM News bulletin, doing ZPC’s work. On March 19, 22 and 27, Fruitful Communications claims it rendered services to ZPC by speaking on behalf of the power company on Radio Zimbabwe, Power FM and National FM during news time.

On April 8, the consultancy represented ZPC on ZTV lunch time news and also spoke during a Zimbabwe International Trade Fair interview.

Fruitful Communications is also claiming payment for representing ZPC’s participation on a programme called Power Talk with the Consumer Council of Zimbabwe on April 18.

On April 29, May 7 and May 10 last year, the consultancy firm claims it spoke on behalf of ZPC on Radio Zimbabwe, Power FM and National FM radio news. Before filing a response to the lawsuit, ZPC lawyers Kadzere, Hungwe and Mandewere have requested to be furnished with further particulars to the case from Fruitful Communications.

“Was the engagement reduced in writing or oral? If written, a copy thereof is requested. If it was oral, who acted for the defendant (ZPC)? What were the full terms of the agreement?”

ZPC also seeks clarification on what Fruitful Communications meant by the phrase “news items and features”. The power company also wants to know how Fruitful Communications arrived at the figure $36 000.

Fruitful Communications is yet to file the further particulars before ZPC files a proper response to the suit. – State Media

A-22-YEAR-OLD man from Maphisa allegedly committed suicide by hanging after the parents of his pregnant girlfriend reported him to the police for sleeping with a minor.

Phathisa Dlamini was found dead at home at Maphisa growth point on Tuesday morning.

Matabeleland South acting provincial police spokesperson Assistant Inspector Nkosilathi Sibanda confirmed the incident yesterday.

He said investigations were underway.

“We received a report of sudden death. A man was found hanging in his house on Tuesday morning. A colleague discovered the body.

“He was last seen the previous night with his housemate at their house. Investigations are underway,” said Asst Insp Sibanda.

He urged members of the public to desist from committing suicide but share their problems and seek advice from friends, relatives, police and churches.

“We are calling on people to desist from taking their own lives even when they’re having problems. It’s important to engage other people who can assist,” Asst Insp Sibanda said.

Sources told The Chronicle that Dlamini allegedly had a relationship with a 14-year-old girl who was in Form Two.

“The minor is reportedly pregnant. When her parents discovered the pregnancy, the girl’s mother confronted him and threatened to report him to the police.

“The following day, Dlamini was picked up by police for questioning. We suspect that he was probably frustrated and stressed and resorted to suicide,” said the source. – State Media

The ruling Zanu PF party is going ahead with President Robert Mugabe’s birthday bash in the Matopos in Matabeleland South, much to the anger of citizens there still wounded from the Gukurahundi atrocities.

Matopo residents have apparently tried to petition authorities on the insensitivity of holding a birthday bash over literary the ‘dead bodies’ of their loved ones.

The state media reports that the Zanu PF national youth leadership has described the 2017 edition of 21^st February Movement celebrations as instructive to the revolutionary party’s youths’ commitment to safeguard the gains of the liberation struggle.

The youths say this year’s celebrations come at a time they are reinvigorated and inspired to maintain the legendary iconic status of patriotism symbolised by the illustrious life of President Robert Mugabe.

Zanu PF Secretary for Youths Affairs Kudzai Chipanga and Zanu PF youth league national secretary for finance Tongai Kasukuwere said the stage has been set.

The girl child has been empowered and given equal access to opportunities thanks to the policies of President Mugabe, added Zanu PF Kuwadzana legislator Betty Kaseke.

The youth leaders say the celebrations come at a time they are committed to ensure they decimate the opposition through the ballot in the harmonised elections to be held next year.

The annual 21^st February Movement celebrations are slated for Matopos in Matabeleland South at a date to be announced.

*YARD’S POSITION ON THE COMMENTS REGARDING THE ZIMBABWEAN PRESIDENCY BY THE EFF PRESIDENT AND COMMANDER-IN-CHIEF*

As the Youth Advocacy for Reform and Democracy (YARD) we firmly stand behind the revolutionary significance of the message emanating from Julius Malema, the youthful 21st century African revolutionary.

YARD associates itself with progressive organisations like the EFF and to this end are proud to have had our Founder & Commander-in-Chief, Hon. Temba Mliswa in attendance at the launch of the EFF election manifesto as well as the recent visit by the YARD SRC to South Africa where they met with the EFF Student Command.

Beyond the strong relations that we share with the progressive institution, the Economic Freedom Fighters, we stand guided firstly by the historic lessons of the African revolution which was born for the sole purpose of the decolonisation of Africa, and secondly by the ideological essence of Pan Africanism which has unfortunately been heavily diluted by the leaders who in all fairness, should be relics of history.

It is from the basis of this background that we appreciate and thank the substantive solidarity that has been proffered by the Economic Freedom Fighters, a move which was taken in full view and confidence that the Zimbabwean youths have a pivotal part to contribute in the holistic African Revolution.

Establishment of gerontocracy and the personification of the struggle is unsustainable as it contradicts the cause and course of the African revolution.

The politics of Africa has been betrayed by some of the founding fathers and institutions of the liberation war. The legacy of a decolonised Africa has been tainted across the African continent due to the power politics and ideological capture by an ageing generation. This therefore makes our struggle a generational one, and as such it is no surprise that the same gerontocrats were quick to attack Commander-in-Chief Julius Malema, because the youth agenda disqualifies all of them from the power dynamics and governance of African states.

The wave of youthful leadership is sweeping across the continent and Zimbabwe should never allow itself to be left behind. The only sustainable change can never be deposited safely in the political parties but in a generational transfer of power to the radical and equally capable youths in Africa.

Engagement of an African solution to the African questions remains the legacy of President R.G Mugabe, Julius Nyerere, Nelson Mandela, Kwame Nkrumah and Samora Machel. It is therefore our prayer that His Excellency may be able to entrust the youths of Zimbabwe with the mantle to carry forward and protect the gains of the liberation war.

*TINOTENDA MHUNGU*

*YARD NATIONAL COMMANDER FOR INFORMATION & SPOKESPERSON*

+263 733 612 633

[email protected]

@Yard2018

Facebook: Youth Advocacy for Reform and Democracy – YARD

POLICE in Bulawayo have arrested two gangs of armed robbers, one of whom is suspected to have killed a security guard at a Seventh Day Adventist church-run primary school in Pelandaba suburb.

Four members of the first group of armed robbers: Onias Bhebhe (43), Thompson Phuthi (40) Martin Bhebhe (36) and Nozinhle Bhebhe (24) have been linked to the Pelandaba suburb murder.

Their victim, Buton Sikalongo, whom they allegedly savagely attacked, died upon admission to Mpilo Central Hospital last Wednesday morning.

Sikalongo’s workmate Mr Vusa Tshuma was left for dead.

National police spokesperson Chief Superintendent Paul Nyathi said the Pelandaba suburb gang was facing armed robbery and murder charges in connection with the crime committed last week on Tuesday.

“Circumstances are that on the said date at about midnight, the four suspects went to a school in Pelandaba, Bulawayo, where they ransacked the school stealing laptops and other property. The robbers strangled a security guard manning the premises,” said Chief Supt Nyathi.

“Police managed to recover a star pistol and various equipment used for unlawful entry and theft upon arresting the quartet.”

He said police also recovered a laptop and money among other stolen property.

Chief Supt Nyathi declared war on criminals saying police would not rest until the streets and premises are safe for residents.

He said the second gang of armed robbers, who were also four, was arrested for hijacking a taxi after attacking its driver before robbing an usiphatheleni of over R55 000 using the vehicle.

Chief Supt Nyathi said the incident occurred on January 3.

“The four accused who had hired a taxi grabbed and assaulted the taxi driver before demanding cash and a cell phone from him. The robbers, after bundling the taxi driver out of his vehicle, drove the car and spotted a money changer whom they robbed of R55 000, $1 200, R7 600 and two Samsung cell phones,” said Chief Supt Nyathi.

Yesterday, the Officer Commanding Bulawayo West District, Chief Superintendent Marshal Dube, his deputy Superintendent Mathias Matongo, Bulawayo police spokesperson Inspector Precious Simango among others visited the SDA run school where they spoke to Sikalongo’s brother George who had travelled from Zambia for his brother’s burial.

George expressed gratitude to the police for swiftly apprehending the murder suspects.

He said he was disturbed by the gruesome murder of his only brother.

“I sincerely want to thank the police for their efforts in combating this sinful cruelty done to my brother.

“Buton was my only brother whom I dearly loved. Now I no longer have a brother. It was painful to learn that he died following an attack from robbers. He was a hero for Christ. He died protecting the school and church property,” said George describing his brother as a martyr who loved the church.

“Even children were crying during the service. This church was his home. It was part of his life. He died defending its property,” he said.

LIVE VIDEO:

Join ZimEye.com right now as we expose police officers who are ripping people off through bribery. The program begins at 6.30pm(UK time)

Nearly one in 10 British women finds sex painful, according to a recent study.

The survey of nearly 7,000 sexually active women aged 16 to 74, in BJOG: An International Journal of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, suggests this medical problem – called dyspareunia – is common and affects women of all ages.

Women in their late 50s and early 60s are most likely to be affected, followed by women aged 16-24.

Doctors say there are treatments that can help if women seek advice.

But many still find the subject embarrassing and taboo, the survey results show.

Painful sex was strongly linked to other sexual problems, including vaginal dryness, feeling anxious during sex, and lack of enjoyment of sex.

However, there can be lots of different physical, psychological and emotional factors causing painful sex, which can be complex to treat.

Some women said they avoided intercourse because they were so afraid of the pain.

‘It hurt so much’

Karen (not her real name) is 62 and from Greater London. She said her problems began around the age of 40.

“I felt that my sex drive dipped quite considerably, arousal seemed to take longer, and, despite an understanding husband, I started to dread him making approaches.

“It’s like any muscle group I guess, the less you use it the worse it gets.”

Karen tried using lubricant but still encountered problems.

“It became like a vicious cycle. You worry and get tense and that only makes it worse.”

Karen developed another complication called vaginismus – involuntary tightening of the muscles around the vagina whenever penetration is attempted.

“It wasn’t just in bed. It happened when I needed smear tests too. I would be crawling up the bed away from the nurse because it hurt so much.”

Karen spoke to her doctor who recommended she try oestrogen creams and pessaries for the dryness and dilators to help with the involuntary tightening.

“Women need to know that there is help out there for these kinds of problems, especially as we are all living longer.

“You shouldn’t have to be writing off your sex life in your 50s.

“Many women don’t like to talk about it. We share all the gore of childbirth, yet women of my generation don’t tend to talk openly about sex and the menopause. We should.”

The national survey of sexual attitudes and lifestyles was carried out by the London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine (LSHTM), University College London and NatCen Social Research.

Of those who reported painful sex (7.5%), a quarter had experienced symptoms frequently or every time they had had intercourse in the last six months or more.

Around a third of these women said they were dissatisfied with their sex life, compared with one tenth of the women who didn’t report painful sex.

Lead researcher, Dr Kirstin Mitchell, from LSHTM and the University of Glasgow, the said there could be a whole range of reasons for dyspareunia.

Lack of enjoyment

“In younger women, it might be that they are starting out in their sexual lives and they are going along with things that their partner wants but they are not particularly aroused by.

“Or they might be feeling tense because they are new to sex and they are not feeling 100% comfortable with their partner.”

Painful sex might be caused by other health problems, such as sexually transmitted infections, endometriosis and fibroids, which should be diagnosed and treated.

Women around the age of the menopause can find sex painful because of vaginal dryness.

Dr Mitchell says it’s not just older women who can feel embarrassed talking about painful sex, even though the condition is common.

Other research, involving about 200 university students in Canada, suggests up to half of young women find their first experience of intercourse painful.

Seek advice

Dr Mitchell says sex education should do more to better prepare young people.

“Often sex education is about STIs and pregnancy, but it should also prepare people to think about what makes sex enjoyable and how to communicate what they like and dislike in a trusting and respectful relationship.”

If you have pain during or after sex, you should get advice from your GP or a sexual health clinic.

If there is an emotional reason or anxiety that is causing problems, a counsellor or sex therapist may be able to help – and your GP or sexual health clinic can refer you to one. – BBC

Loss of property and land by widows, mainly to in-laws is contributing to over 70 percent of Zimbabweans living in poverty, a report released by the Human Rights Watch on Tuesday showed.

Widows routinely loss land and property soon after the death of their husbands with little chance of justice because of ignorance and the cost of obtaining justice.

The 52-page report by the watchdog entitled: “You Will Get Nothing,’ Violations of Property and Inheritance Rights of Widows in Zimbabwe,” is based on interviews with 59 widows conducted across Zimbabwe’s 10 provinces between May and October 2016.

This is despite the fact that Zimbabwe in 2013 approved a new constitution that approves civil, registered customary and unregistered customary marriages. The Zimbabwe Constitution of 2013, Section 17 (1)(c) guarantees equal access to property and land to men and women.

The report found that widows in unregistered marriages have been the main victims of the land and property grab.

According to the 2012 census, over 587,000 women — about 14 percent of all women in Zimbabwe — are widows.

According to Zimstat, as at April 31 2016, an average Zimbabwean lived on $3,22 and 72 percent of the population lives under the poverty line with women being the most affected.

“In many of the cases brought to the attention of Human Rights Watch, knowledge about property rights, inheritance rights, and civil and customary law on marriage were major obstacles to protecting widows’ property,” read the report by HRW, an independent non governmental organisation.

Legal fees and lack of resources were also cited as the barrier for widows to access equal rights to their property.

“Going to court can be expensive, and processes can take years to complete. A lack of basic resources means that even relatively minor court fees or transportation costs can put legal remedy out of reach for many widows,” said HRW.
The average consultation fees to a legal practitioner is $50 while appearance in court is $130. Property cases can be resolved over six months or more.
The report recommends the alignment of marriage laws, property laws in line with constitution.

Zimbabwe should “commit to implementation of the constitution and national laws for widows’ equal inheritance rights by amending laws and regulations and repealing all laws that violate women’s property rights under domestic or international standards, including African standards,” read the report.

Former minister in the government of national unity between 2009 and 2013 and member of the National Assembly Priscilla Misihairabwi-Mushonga told the meeting to launch the report that she had a joint will with her late husband.

“I am an activist, I had access to information and to the best lawyer. My lawyer was Beatrice Mthethwa. I had access to the courts and by then I was a Minister… I woke up one morning with nothing except a suitcase,” she said. – The Source

Despite the shrill official propaganda to the contrary, Zimbabwe’s economy is continuing on its steep decline — with the latest manifestation of this implosion being the alarming disappearance of the much sought-after United States dollars from the market in recent weeks, with devastating consequences for the country.

This latest dose of bad news to hit long-suffering Zimbabweans comes as economists have recently reaffirmed that average incomes in the country are still hovering at their lowest levels in more than 60 years, with the majority of families having to make do with less than $200 a month.

Reserve Bank of Zimbabwe governor, John Mangudya, confirmed to the Daily News yesterday that Zimbabwe was witnessing a drastic shortage of American dollars, blaming rampant externalisation of the coveted greenback for the crisis.

Banking sources also said last night that the critical shortage of the US dollar had escalated ever since the central bank introduced bond notes into the market in November last year, as President Robert Mugabe’s stone-broke government desperately sought to mitigate the country’s crippling cash and liquidity crisis.

“It is a fact (that US dollars have disappeared). Nowadays we are importing small denominations because externalisation is high …. smaller notes make externalisation more difficult,” said Mangudya, adding that “generally, in money laundering, people favour high value notes, and so banks are importing smaller notes”.

However, Mangudya also said the country had, at the same time, seen an increase in US$ deposits.

“We have seen a significant increase in US dollar deposits, and in terms of the money in circulation, we have more US dollars in the system compared to bond notes.

“So, people should not be alarmed with the disappearance of high-value notes. It is just one of the measures being implemented against externalisation,” he told the Daily News.
But banking sources said while the $100 and $50 notes had started disappearing at the beginning of the country’s cash crisis, around May last year, the shortage had escalated following the release of the bond notes.

The chief executive of the Zimbabwe National Chamber of Commerce (ZNCC), Takura Mugaga, also told the Daily News yesterday that the disappearance of high-value US dollar notes was being caused by externalisation, pointing out that people were also using the greenback as a store of value.

“You need to note that most people are holding US dollars in their homes and not depositing them, as they seek a strong currency to hold on to,” he said.

But former Finance minister, Tendai Biti, said the disappearance of the high-value US dollar notes was “a direct result of a government-instituted grand theft”.

“What the government is doing through bond notes is that they are swallowing legitimate US dollar balances in the system and stealing the US dollars.

“If you go to the bank and your balance is US$200, but you get 100 Bond and $100, what has happened to the other $100?” he queried.

“We are experiencing what is known as Gresham’s Law, where bad money is replacing good money in the system,” the People’s Democratic Party leader added.

A senior economist with risk and analysis firm IHS Global Insight, Alisa Strobel, added that “the increase of uncertainty over the impact of bond notes to the Zimbabwean economy, and fears we could see a repetition of 2009’s hyperinflation, bodes ill for the economy across the board”.

Although Zimbabwe introduced a multi-currency system in 2009, including using the South African rand and recently the Chinese Yuan, almost all Zimbabweans prefer the greenback to the other currencies.

Prominent economist, Ashok Chakravarti, said recently that a whopping $358 million in cash had been siphoned out of the country in the past five years alone.
He also told a Confederation of Zimbabwe Industries (CZI) gathering in Harare late last year that greenback banking deposits had declined from $627 million in 2010 to $269 million last year.

“We have about US$269 million in banks, which is about six percent of total bank deposits. Cash in the system has depleted compared to deposits … There has been genuine externalisation. You need to have a non convertible currency to stop externalisation. If you need this country to move you have to have a currency which cannot be externalised,” he said.

And as Zimbabwe’s economy continues to die, the World Bank last year downgraded the country from its list of improved economies to the unflattering tier of struggling countries, as Harare’s political and economic turmoil continues to escalate.

In its publication titled Africa’s Pulse, the Bretton Woods institution said the country had failed to register significant economic growth over the past few years.

“Zimbabwe’s fiscal deficit has deteriorated as remedial actions have been limited and this has resulted in the country registering a negative correlation between the cyclical components of government consumption and GDP,” it said.

Economists say poverty levels have reached “numbing levels”, amid indications that the situation will worsen in 2017, as Mugabe’s Zanu PF government continues to demonstrate its inability to fix the rot. Daily News

Tertiary students have requested a meeting with Higher Education minister, Jonathan Moyo, and a parliamentary panel to discuss the re-introduction of students’ grants.

University of Zimbabwe (UZ) Students’ Representative Council (SRC) has since written to Parliament and Moyo’s office over the engagement, which they said would also help clarify government’s position on tertiary fees and attachment issues.

In December last year, Moyo promised to re-introduce student loans this year, at a Zanu PF conference.

But the students fear the minister could have been grandstanding as there was no clarity over how the grants would be introduced, a few weeks before the commencement of the 2016/2017 second semester next month.

“It would be folly of the highest kind and unparalleled naivety for us to just accept Moyo’s promise as it is and not make any follow up.

“The government has promised to bring back loans before without actually doing so,” UZ SRC spokesperson, Tafadzwa Chabata, said.

“This is what has motivated us to seek a meeting with Moyo so we can hear from the horse’s mouth exactly when and how loans are going to be availed to students,” he said.
“We want to know the number of students the loan facility is going to cater for, the total amount that will be available, conditions for accessing of loans and conditions for repayment among other things.”

Moyo said the student loans would improve skills and manpower development.
Student representative bodies have reported massive dropout rates at universities because of tuition fees challenges, with the  Zimbabwe National Students’ Union (Zinasu) claiming that at least 12 000 threw in the towel in the first quarter of 2016 alone.

In a January 16 letter to Moyo, UZ SRC president Tinotenda Mhungu said they also wanted to meet the minister so they could work out how Zimbabwe Manpower Development Fund (Zimdef) funds can help students doing research.

“We propose the following matter to be considered as part of the agenda in the meeting; clarity on dates and structure of the proposed re-introduction of students’ grants and or loans,” Mhungu said.

The proposed matters include “rationalisation of academic fees particularly for students on attachment, establishment of a gender charter for the protection of the girl-child, explanations on the Zimdef and how it can benefit and assist university students in their researches as well as engagement on the urgent need for the amendment of Ordinance 30 and re-alignment of the Universities Act to the current Constitution”.

In another letter to Parliament, the students said they believed the legislature could intervene in contentious issues that were affecting students’ welfare in the country.
“This need comes in the wake of lack of clarity on certain debates and issues affecting students and the satisfaction of engagement between the student representatives and your office as the immediate parliamentary committee responsible for representation of all student welfares and liaisons of universities with government,” Mhungu wrote. – Daily News

Below is Jelousy Mawarire’s response to a note circulating on social media, purporting to have been written by his nephew. In it ‘Jealousy Mawarire jnr’ claims that his uncle Mawarire senior is a former Central Intelligence Organisation operative, and that he stumbled upon information that senior Zim PF officials are still on the CIO payroll.

Jealousy Mawarire | I have been alerted that there is someone masquerading as Jealousy Mawarire jnr on Facebook claiming to be my relative. I have no relative who carries my name, it’s not our culture in the family to name relatives after ourselves that is why even my son has his own name. We understand that there are leaders of some briefcase parties who are desperate for relevance who have been using social media and some gullible publications to peddle vitriolic stuff especially against Dr Mujuru in order to attract attention to their moribund political formations. We know as we have communicated in December 2016, that Zanu-PF is desperate to scuttle coalitions talks between Dr Mujuru and Dr Tsvangirai and the media gimmicks that we are witnessing show us that some briefcase party leaders are fronting Zanu-PF’s desperate bid to destroy the on going talks. I challenge the so-called Jealousy Mawarire jnr to publish his picture with any of my relatives especially my Father if he is a close relative who claims to have been at my house on Christmas day. The Zanu-PF regime is desperate and the false death stories on Dr Tsvangirai a few days ago show the desperation that has gripped this dying regime. Everything that this Jealousy Mawarire jnr is saying is a lie because such a person does not exist in the Mawarire family that sired me. I thought you should know.

EFF STATEMENT ON ZANU-PF’S RESPONSE TO CALLS FOR PRESIDENT MUGABE TO STEP DOWN

24 January, 2017

The Economic Freedom Fighters party has released a statement in response to Zanu-PF, confirming their point that President Robert Mugabe must leave power.

The EFF reaffirms its position that President Mugabe’s occupancy of the position of president is not good for the radical African political program. He is the bastion of the reactionary phenomenon of “lead to the death” that has crippled the image and praxis of post-colonial Africa. President Mugabe is not only the contemporary engine of personality cult, but he is protected by a group of cowards around him who hypocritically defend him everyday, whilst harbouring ambitions to lead soon.

We are unequivocal that revolutions ought to promote programs and not personalities. The continent needs heroes who will be able to stand firm on the objectives of the African revolution whilst allowing democratic practices and succession of leadership. His example is contradictory to this ideal since it directly or indirectly promotes the phenomenon of refusing to leave office until death.

Before the ZANU-PF and its youth wing respond to the EFF about the charge that they are cowards; they should ask themselves a simple question – what is revolutionary about being led by a person in old age; who sleeps all the time in meetings, can no longer even hold a pen or write half a page? Failure to respond to this question signifies not that they are afraid of others, but of President Mugabe.

When youth movement across the continent are fighting for change, questioning the transformation of liberation movements into old age homes and general gerontocracy. The ZANU-PF youth is instead defending and advancing an essentially anti-youth statuesque. This is because there is actually no youth in the ZANU-PF Youth; what you find are middle age men and women, half of which are suffering from a mid-life crises. They should be ashamed of themselves for holding the future from being born in Zimbabwe.

We shall never tell lies as revolutionaries; all the anti-colonial struggle icons like Oliver Tambo, Nelson Mandela, Julius Nyerere knew when it was enough and handed over the baton to others. The African revolution must always distance itself from all forms of personality cults; insistence that President Mugabe must lead to the grave is a sign that ZANU-PF is drowning in cowardice.

ISSUED BY THE ECONOMIC FREEDOM FIGHTERS

MBUYISENI QUINTIN NDLOZI (National Spokesperson)

Luke Tamborinyoka | President Tsvangirai yesterday paid his condolences to chief Siyachilaba in Binga North following the death of nine members of his community who were struck by lightning at a funeral.

As a true national leader he is, President Tsvangirai took some time off his busy schedule
to be with the families of the bereaved.

President Tsvangirai who provided food packs to the bereaved families said, in the true spirit of solidarity, it was important to make sure that the nineteen children who were orphaned following the sad incident in the Siyachilaba community continue to go to school.

He was accompanied by the two Binga MPs Hons. Prince Sibanda and Joel Gabbuza.

Among the national leaders travelling with the President are Vice President Thokozani Khupe, National Organising Secretary Abednico Bhebhe, Deputy National Organising Secretary Hon. Amos Chibaya, Secretary for Elections Murisi Zwizwai, Deputy Treasurer General Charlton Hwende and the National Youth Chairperson Happymore Chidziva.

President Tsvangirai is on a nationwide tour to solicit ideas from the people on the new government architecture people aspire for, ahead of 2018 elections.

He is also soliciting for the same on the alliance building process adopted by the national council and wants public participation in the party’s thrust to work with other political parties in the cow horn formation on Robert Mugabe and Zanu PF.

Today President Tsvangirai will address Matabeleland North provincial council in Lupane before proceeding to Hwange tomorrow.

Luke Tamborinyoka
Presidential Spokesperson and Director of Communications
Movement for Democratic Change

The Amalgamated Rural Teachers Union of Zimbabwe (ARTUZ) is this week attending a meeting called by government to address the burning bonus issue.
The meeting dubbed, ‘a bonus indaba,’ comes in the wake of the rural teachers having heeded the call by ARTUZ to embark on a go slow.

The first meeting began yesterday, 24th of January.

If the meetings are unfruitful, ARTUZ says it will escalate the job action.

Teachers were last year giving fake promises for bonuses.

ZimEye will update our valued readers on developments.

Ray Nkosi | Controversial Member of Parliament for Norton Constituency caused a stir in Parliament when he castigated First Lady Grace Mugabe’s extravagant lifestyle.

He said,  “If people are buying rings for over a million dollars, if they were bond notes, would they buy the rings for a million dollars – no they would not.

“I do welcome bond notes and to also stop those leaders who are extravagant in terms of using taxpayers money to be able to expend on luxury items like rings which absolutely mean nothing to the welfare of the people of this country.

We have hospitals, schools and many things. I personally am a Member of Parliament in Norton and there is not even a decent mortuary at Norton Hospital so that people can be put there but we hear that the First Lady is spending and I will not hide this”.

In a point of order raised for him not to mention the First Lady as she was not there to defend herself the streetwise Mliswa responded, “Mr. Speaker, I did not name the First Lady and I did not put a name to it. Your wife is the First Lady in your house unless she is not. My mother is the First Lady in my house.”

Ray Nkosi | The City of Bulawayo this morning woke up to a huge relief at the news that four man have been arrested on suspicion of murdering long serving Pelandaba Seventh Day Adventist church security guard Buton Sikalongo last week.

The four thugs who the whole of Bulawayo wanted arrested whatever it took are Onias Bhebhe (43), Thompson Phuthi (40) Martin Bhebhe (36) and Nozinhle Bhebhe (24) were picked up by the police in the city after a massive search for the brutal murderers.

Their victim, whom they allegedly savagely attacked, died upon admission at Mpilo Central Hospital last Wednesday morning and was buried at Solusi Mission on Sunday.

National police spokesperson Chief Superintendent Paul Nyathi confirmed the arrest of the four man all from Pelandaba suburb and are now facing armed robbery and murder charges in connection with the crime committed last week on Tuesday.

The brutal murder of Sikalongo left residents of Bulawayo shocked as the long serving member of the church was known throughout the city particularly for his commitment to the church and community of the city.

The four men brutally stabbed Sikalongo with knives and chopped him with an axe in probably the most brutal murder the city ever expected on an innocent man whose whole life was spent around the church.

Staff Reporter| An MDC-T councillor in Mt Darwin, Mrs Fungai Mavhura and her accomplice have been arraigned before a Mt Darwin Magistrate Court for theft of Presidential Scheme inputs.

Pfura Rural District ward 34 councilor Mrs Fungai Mavhura and Kamutsenzere GMB Depot Clerk, Paddington Chinembire have appeared before Mt Darwin Magistrate Mrs Tendai Chifamba charged with theft of trust property.

The state represented by Prosecutor Mrs Lynette Masango alleged that the two connived to steal 25 bags of urea fertilizer sourced for beneficiaries in ward 34 Kamutsenzere under the Presidential Inputs Scheme.

After sourcing for a buyer and being paid US$600 councilor Mavhunga is alleged to have conspired with Chinembire to steal the fertilizer which was being kept at Kamutsenzere GMB depot.

Following an anonymous tip, Dotito police managed to intercept the truck loaded with the loot at Sohwe roadblock leading to the arrest of the two.

Magistrate Chifamba adjourned the trial to the 1st of February after granting the two accused US$100 dollars bail each.

Terrence Mawawa, Masvingo | Dendera Music icon Sulumani ‘Sulu’Chimbetu has denied recent claims that he attacked President Robert Mugabe and Zanu PF in his latest album ‘Jamboree’. The musician who inherited the Dendera legacy from his father, the late Simon Chopper Chimbetu, hit the headlines following the release of his latest album said to be loaded with political messages.

Sulumani attended the Zanu PF campaign rally addressed by Vice President Phelekezela Mphoko in Bikita last week. The rally was held to drum up support for Zanu PF candidate Beauty Chabaya who eventually won the Bikita West by-election by a wide margin, albeit under controversial circumstances.

It is believed Sulumani belted it out at the Zanu PF rally to atone for the controversy he created through his album. In the album Sulu likens the situation in Zimbabwe to the suffering experienced by the Israelites in Egypt. However, the Dendera Music icon has vehemently denied he attacked Mugabe in his latest production.

“Where did you get that ? I did not attack the President. Sometimes people interpret songs in different ways. However, as I indicated why would I attack the President? People are like that,”said Sulu.

Asked why he had performed at the Zanu PF rally in the wake of the controversy surrounding his album Sulu said he would clarify the position through his publicity desk. It is believed the Dendera Maestro panicked following connotations attached to his lyrics and sought to please Mugabe by performing at the Zanu PF rally.

SOUTH African police are investigating the cold-blooded murder of Zimbabwean businessman, Jimmy Choeni, who was shot by two unidentified gunmen at his base in Musina on Monday night.

Choeni, who owned a private security company, was allegedly shot three times in the back by the assailants, and died on the spot, while his unidentified female companion walked away unscathed.

Ray Nkosi | Zimbabwe Electoral Commission (ZEC) chairperson Rita Marau, says her commission never promised to use any electronic means of voting for the 2018 elections.

Addressing journalists in Harare yesterday, Makarau said the biometric system will only be used in voter registration and not in the actual voting.

The surprise new development from the elections commission will likely cause more confusion to the electorate and opposition parties who have been preparing for an electronic system of vetting voters in the elections to avoid multiple voting which has dented previous elections in the country.

Makarau said that the biometric system will only be confined to the registration process leaving the actual voting system as was in the much disputed 2013 election. She said that the new technology will only be used to compile a new voters roll which will eliminate ghost voters that have been hinted in previous election.

“Only living people will be in the voters roll as no dead person will ever be able to walk to register in the voters roll,” she said.

Makarau warned that people who will not register in the new biometric based voters roll will not be allowed to vote in 2018.

According to Makarau ZEC has not yet awarded the tender to supply the equipment and method to be used in the registration process. She said that her commission is still waiting on potential tenders to complete the process which should be ready by March for voters to start registering.

“We will have a trial run in February before opening up for the registration process in March,” she said.

Terrence Mawawa, Chivhu| The husband of a police officer based at Sadza Growth Point stole a laptop from a house at the local police camp and hid the gadget in the refrigerator.

A woman who stays at Sadza Police Camp Revai Gumbo, left her house for a few minutes to pick her child from the neighbourhood. When she returned she was shocked to notice the door at her room had been opened and an HP255 Laptop had been stolen.

She immediately made a report at the camp. The police began to search the houses at the camp.

They then approached Sindiso Ncube’s house and knocked at the door but he did not respond. Ncube is married to a police officer.

Police officers then advised Ncube who was hiding behind a bed they were looking for a stolen laptop.

The police officers then forcibly entered the room and found the laptop hidden in the refrigerator.

“Constable Muchato and Sergeant Chikwema searched the house and a jittery Ncube was found in possession of the laptop (in the fridge),”the court heard.

The matter was heard before Chivhu Residential Magistrate Story Rushambwa last week.

Magistrate Rushambwa said Ncube had embarrassed his wife by stealing the laptop.

Ncube was sentenced to 18 months in prison and 12 months were suspended for five years.

The stolen laptop is valued at $300.

A GOOD Samaritan has lost a vehicle worth about R200 000 to a man who had volunteered to clean it.

Zibusiso Ndlovu (22) of Emganwini suburb in Bulawayo allegedly approached Mr Ian Mpofu, a cross border driver and told him that he did not have a place to stay as he had been kicked out of his parents’ house.

Mr Mpofu of Mzilikazi suburb — whose employers are in South Africa — decided to employ Ndlovu as a conductor but is now regretting his decision after he lost the vehicle.
He said Ndlovu disappeared with the Toyota Quantum registration number CD49DM GP on Monday last week at around 2PM.

Mr Mpofu said the vehicle was worth R200 000 and belonged to his South African employers.

“Through pity and trust, I recruited Ndlovu as my conductor. I took him into my home after he told me he didn’t have a place to live as he had been kicked out of his parents’ home in Emganwini suburb,” he said.

“We had travelled together on two trips and he seemed like a quiet, trustworthy young man.”
Mr Mpofu said they arrived home on Monday morning from South Africa intending to go back the following day.

“When I woke up to clean the car in the afternoon, he offered to clean it. I took a bath and dozed off on the sofa only to be awakened by my nephews who had come from school. That is when I noticed that the car was not there.

“I phoned him and he said he had gone to pick-up some customers in the Western suburbs. I asked him why he had done that because he doesn’t even have a licence and we were not returning (to SA) that day. He said he was returning immediately, but until today I have not seen him,” he said.

Mr Mpofu said Ndlovu never returned and his phone went off at midnight and has not been reachable up to now.

National police spokesperson Senior Assistant Commissioner Charity Charamba said investigations were underway.

“A commuter omnibus conductor stole a Toyota Quantum after the driver of the vehicle gave him car keys so that he could clean it. The driver retired to bed and the accused drove the vehicle to an unknown destination.

“The complainant reported the case to police and investigations are in progress,” she said.
Snr Asst Comm Charamba said police were urging motor vehicle owners to be wary of persons they entrust with their car keys as unscrupulous people may end up stealing their vehicles. – state media

ZANU-PF Matabeleland South chairman Rabelani Choeni, who was involved in an accident early this month, has fully recovered and is expected to resume party duties after his review next week.

Choeni and four others were involved in an accident along the Beitbridge–Bulawayo road near West Nicholson when his vehicle burst a rear tyre and overturned.

He and a pregnant passenger were admitted at Gwanda District Hospital; him for five days and the woman for six days. Two other passengers were treated and discharged.

In an interview, Choeni said he had fully recovered and was waiting to go for his review next week.

“I am now feeling fine. I feel I have recovered but will go for my review end of this month to ascertain my recovery. I have not yet resumed duty but after the review, I will go back to official party business,” he said.

“However, party business should go on. It should not stop because I am not there or dead. Preparations for the 21st Movement, I gather, are going on well. Although I have not been attending the meetings, I will be briefed on the progress but from what I hear all is going on smoothly.”

Choeni said his vehicle veered off the road and overturned.

The accident happened at Johnsley Resettlement area just before West Nicholson when he was on his way to Matopos National Park to identify the site for hosting the 21st February Movement Celebrations next month.

The party has started fundraising for the event following the setting up of 10 committees to spearhead preparations.- State Media

Government has declared Harare roads a state of disaster and has moved in to assist the city to rehabilitate the “untrafficable’’ roads some of which are contributing to major accidents.

The Ministry of Transport and Infrastructural Development yesterday deployed a team to start work on Seke Road, while Local Government, Public Works and National Housing Minister Saviour Kasukuwere said Government would engage companies to carry out road maintenance around the city.

Incessant rains have worsened the condition of most roads.

Minister Kasukuwere and Transport and Infrastructural Development Minister Joram Gumbo, Acting mayor Clr Herbert Gomba, town clerk Mrs Josephine Ncube and other city officials toured some of the potholed roads in Harare and inspected workers patching potholes along Seke Road.

Minister Kasukuwere said Government would use its existing contractors and engage other companies to speed up repairs of Harare roads.

“We will certainly write to the Office of President and Cabinet and waiver some of the requirements because we have a state of disaster,” said Ministe Kasukuwere.

“We have not had sufficient funding in the City of Harare to look after the road infrastructure. We actually have a state of disaster. We have to mobilise as much resources as possible and I am happy the Minister of Transport has come to give us that support for us to be able to repair and also maintain most of our roads.”

He said allowing the current state of roads to continue as it is for the next two to three weeks, the city might not have any road to talk about in Harare.

“As it stands, we are now even affecting the foundation of the roads because the tar is gone,” he said.

“I think the point the Minister (Minister Gumbo) has made is that Harare is not the Vatican. Harare is not on its own. We are together City of Harare and Government because Harare is the capital city.”

Minister Kasukuwere said Harare could not be left to a few individuals as more than 60 percent of the 5 000 kilometres of the road was impassable.

He said the rains had hit the city hard compared to many other years because of lack of general maintenance that is required.

“The City of Harare cannot cope. Clearly what you can see is that they have failed on their own to look after this situation hence we had to ask the parent Ministry of Transport to assist us in maintaining the roads,” he said.

He said he was happy that Minister Gumbo had already deployed teams from ministry and City of Harare to work together on the project.

Minister Gumbo said most of the country’s roads were in a deplorable state and required urgent attention.

“We are here to complement the City of Harare. We know that the funds they get from the Zimbabwe National Roads Administration (Zinara) are not enough for them to maintain the roads as it were, so we are here and we promise we are going to do the best we can,” said Minister Gumbo.

“We are also aware that some of the roads belong to us, those ones we call the through roads which pass through City of Harare and we cannot leave that responsibility to the city.

“It is important and critical that we work together with City of Harare and make sure that our people in the capital city find themselves using good roads. Harare is our capital city. We must make it. We can include other service providers to make sure we arrest the situation.”

Minister Gumbo said most of the country’s roads required urgent attention hence he had met all the road authorities around the country.

“They are also busy doing that (rehabilitating roads) but as you can see the concentration of people and cars in Harare is far bigger than what you meet outside but already there is a machinery going on throughout the country,” he said.

“We have already asked the Ministry of Finance to allow us to use some of the money we call road access funds to rehabilitate the Harare- Beitbridge -Victoria Falls Road, Beitbridge Chirundu Road and all those other roads you are talking about. Our last meeting was in Bulawayo over the weekend.”

Acting Mayor Gomba said he was happy Government has come to work with council in maintaining and repairing roads. – State Media

PROSECUTORS yesterday withdrew before plea charges of criminal insult against Zanu-PF legislator for Gokwe-Nembudziya Justice Mayor Wadyajena, an Emmerson Mnangagwa ally. 

The withdrawal, which was opposed by the defence, came after the complainant Letina Munamato Undenge, who is Energy and Power Development Minister Samuel Undenge’s wife, filed an affidavit saying she was no longer interested in pursuing the case.

“The State wishes to withdraw charges before plea as the complainant has filed a withdrawal affidavit. The State will stick to that since the accused had not been formally charged,” said prosecutor Mr Takunda Ndovorwi in court.

The complainant, who last month also skipped court when trial was supposed to kick off, didn’t give reasons why she was no longer interested in pursuing the matter.

Wadyajena (35), hadn’t been asked to plead to the charge.

In response, Wadyajena’s lawyer Mr Givemore Muvhiringi of Dube and Company challenged the withdrawal before plea saying it gives the state an unfair advantage over the legislator as charges can be revived later.

“The accused feels prejudiced by attending this court so many times after the state elected to charge him. This is clearly in violation of his right and he feels he should have been afforded time to clear his name,” said Mr Muvhiringi.

The defence wanted charges to be withdrawn after plea.

“It is proper that if the State is to withdraw charges, the withdrawal has to be after plea since the accused has already filed his defence outline,” said Mr Muvhiringi.

He cited Section 56 of the Constitution which provides for the right to protection of the law and Section 44 which speaks of the court’s obligation to implement constitutional provisions.

Victoria Falls resident magistrate Ms Lindiwe Maphosa accepted the withdrawal before plea, saying the fact that a defence outline had been filed made no difference.

The legislator was on $800 bail while the court had allowed him to apply for the release of his passport for convenience whenever he intended to travel on Parliament business.

Last year, Cde Wadyajena abandoned his application to the Constitutional Court challenging the constitutionality of the charges, opting to stand trial.

He was accused of committing the crime in December 2015 during Zanu-PF’s 15th Annual People’s Conference in Victoria Falls.

Another Zanu-PF member and the MP for  Mashonaland West, Cde Jimayi Muduvuri, he was also alleged to have insulted also withdrew the charges claiming the move was meant to foster unity in the revolutionary party.

Allegations were that on December 11, 2015, Cde Wadyajena saw Cde Muduvuri travelling to Elephant Hills Resort along Park Way road in his Mercedes Benz ML320, which had pictures of the First Lady Cde Grace Mugabe with the words “Munhu wese kuna Amai” (Everyone should rally behind the First Lady) inscribed below the images.

Wadyajena, who was standing beside his car, is alleged to have shouted: “Iwe Jimayi uri mboko . . . Unongoti munhu wese kuna Amai sei. Get away,” loosely translated, “Jimayi you’re an idiot, why do you say everyone should rally behind the First Lady? Get away.”

Prosecutors allege that the following day while at Elephant Hills Resort reception area, he allegedly insulted Undenge.

Some words allegedly uttered by Wadyajena were allegedly unprintable. – State Media

A MAN from Mwenezi was severely injured on his right leg when a crocodile attacked him during a fishing expedition.

Mr Munei Hofisi (47) of Munhundugwe Village under Chief Mawarire is battling for his life at Matibi Rural Hospital after being attacked by the crocodile while fishing in Pambe Dam in Mwenezi.

Masvingo police spokesperson Inspector Charity Mazula said the incident occurred on Saturday at around 3PM when Mr Hofisi was fishing using nets.

“Mr Hofisi survived the attack but had his right leg badly injured. He was rushed to Matibi Rural Hospital for treatment where his condition is said to be critical,” said Insp Mazula.

She appealed to members of the public not to fish in crocodile infested water bodies as this leads to loss of precious lives.

According to a relative, Mr Albert Hofisi (34), Munei left home with his brother at around 2PM intending to catch fish using nets and was attacked from behind while fishing.

“Mr Hofisi left home at around 2 PM for Pambe Dam for a fishing expedition. While at the dam setting nets at around 3 PM, he was attacked by a crocodile from behind and sustained serious injuries on his right leg,” he said.

“His leg looked like it had been chopped by a machete.”

Other fishermen administered first aid on Mr Hofisi and bandaged the leg before he was rushed to hospital.- State Media

A 27-YEAR-OLD Bulawayo woman was kidnapped and held captive for seven days by her ex-boyfriend who repeatedly raped her during that period.

Kudakwashe Antony Mapwevo (27) of New Lobengula suburb appeared before Western Commonage magistrate Mr Lungile Ncube charged with four counts of malicious damage to property, assault, rape and unlawful detention.

He pleaded not guilty and was remanded to January 27 for trial.

Prosecuting, Mr Mufaro Mageza said Mapwevo allegedly sent a message to the complainant, whose name has been withheld for ethical reasons, via her grandmother, asking to meet her.

“On January 11, this year at around 9AM, the complainant was phoned by her grandmother to the effect that the accused person was looking for her.

“She proceeded to the accused person’s home, where she found him standing outside with his brother,” said Mr Mageza.

The court heard that Mapwevo became violent in the middle of the ex-lovers’ meeting, allegedly angry that she was late.

He allegedly grabbed her phone and smashed it against a wall before forcing her into the house.

“He force-marched her into the house where he held her hostage until January 19, depriving her of her right to freedom of movement,” said the prosecutor.

Mr Mageza said Mapwevo raped the complainant several times after forcing her into the house.

“The accused person had sexual intercourse with the complainant from January 12 to January 19 without her consent,” he said. – State Media

A 20-YEAR-OLD woman from Bulawayo yesterday dragged her father to court seeking $90 for school fees.

Ms Nolic Gumpo of Pumula South suburb told a court that she wanted her father Dumisani Ncube to assist her achieve her dreams.

Ms Gumpo said she failed to obtain her Ordinary Level results at her previous school as they were withheld because she lost three text books.

She said her father refused to give her money to buy the text books.

“I am a former student at Mpopoma High School and l lost three text books. My teacher informed me that l passed four subjects but when l approached my father he refused to buy text books in order for me to collect my results,” Ms Gumpo said.

She said she has decided to repeat her O-Levels and has secured a place at Mcumbatha Secondary School in Nkulumane suburb.

“Your Worship, my father refused to give me money to buy text books and collect my results. I’ve since secured a place at Mcumbatha Secondary School to repeat my Form 4. I need $45 for school fees and $45 for food, transport and clothes”.

In response, Ncube said his daughter was a stupid child because she had dragged him to court.

“She is stupid! I wasted my time coming to this court. I paid for her school fees last time but she did not bring her results. Instead of showing me her results she told me stories of text books,” he said.

Bulawayo Magistrate Mr Tinashe Tashaya ordered Ncube to give her child the money to buy text books and postponed the matter to February 10. – State Media

The Zimbabwe Electoral Commission has made a surprise turn around announcing that there will be no biometric voting. Among the companies that made a bid to provide biometric equipment was the discredited NIKUV, raising fears among Zimbabweans of another rigged election.

However, the state media reports that there will be no biometric or any electronic voting in next year’s harmonised elections as the new technology that the Zimbabwe Electrical Commission is set to acquire will only be confined to voter registration.Although the voting system remains the same, those who fail to register afresh using the biometric technology would not be eligible to vote. The biometric voter registration, which is expected to start in March, would capture biometrics such as a person’s unique physical traits and finger prints among other things.

These features can be detected and recorded by an electronic device as a means of confirming identity. Zec chairperson Justice Rita Makarau told The Herald yesterday that nothing, in terms of voting, would change.

“The biometric technology is for voter registration only,” she said. “It’s not biometric or electronic voting. The technology is going to assist us to compile a bit more accurate voters’ roll. When it comes to voting. we use our usual process like the one we used in the recent Bikita West by election.”

Justice Makarau said at least 12 companies had submitted bids to supply the biometric voter registration kits. She said all the bids were being evaluated with a view to come up with the final three.

“We will invite the last three to bring their kits for demonstration before we settle for the final supplier,” she said. “We expect to do the demonstrations in early February after which the final supplier would be announced.”

Among other things, Zec would also embark on massive voter education campaigns likely to start during the first quarter of this year. Justice Makarau was optimistic that everything would be in place before the elections.

Recently, Justice Makarau said the new biometric voters’ roll would contain the so-called ghost voters.

“Because we are capturing people’s biometrics, the dead will not be on the voters’ roll because they won’t be able to present their biometrics,” Justice Makarau said.

“Only the living with fingerprints and their faces will be able to present themselves. To that extent, our voters’ roll is going to be very accurate. The biometric voter registration kits are coming with a software that detects multiple or double registrations. Your face and fingerprints would help us to weed out all those who try to register twice.”

Justice Makarau went on: “Because human beings are prone to die anytime, some of those registered may die before voting day and we may have a few of those remaining on the voters’ roll. Do not come to us and say so and so died two days ago and is still on the voters’ roll.”

The biometric voters’ roll would be polling station-based, meaning that the name of a voter will only appear at a particular polling station.

Justice Makarau allayed fears that capturing a person’s biometrics would intimidate the voter saying biometric voter registration was “a voter registration technology which had nothing to do with what will happen on the voting day.”

The electoral body is engaging political parties at regular intervals and had since agreed to form nine sub-committees that would assist it to prepare for the polls. – State Media

The Zimbabwean government has castigated South African Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) leader, Julius Malema for his recent utterances calling President Robert Mugabe to step down.

Malema also labelled Zanu PF members as cowards who are afraid of telling the president to step down.

In a statement to the state media, the Minister of Information, Media and Broadcasting Services, Dr Chris Mushohwe, said Zimbabweans view Malema as a loud-mouthed “Gucci”revolutionary who acquired the infamy of deserting and betraying politics of liberation as espoused by the ANC.

“We pity and dismiss him as an ignorant youth, ‘rema’in Shona, one abortively trying to punch above his life long weight. Simply, he is nothing more than a shrunken, talkative joke. And in typical fashion of political charlatans, he seeks to make up for his inner political deficiencies by projecting himself as a trans-border and continental politician who fancies himself big and cute enough to pass comment and judgement on developments elsewhere on the continent,”said Dr Mushohwe.

Dr Mushohwe added:  “What makes Malema’s statements irritatingly despicable is an informing presumption that in spite of his threadbare, prodigal political career, he visualised himself as important enough to comment and pass judgement on the leadership credentials and political career of so iconic a figure as President Mugabe.”

He said Malema’s inspiration lies elsewhere, and no amount of taping from the proud record of Zanu PF and Zimbabweans, or of invoking the name of  Zimbabwean leader and President, will grant him even a patina of respectability, whether at home, on the continent or abroad.

Other Zanu PF members also lashed out at Malema, describing him as a shallow minded politician, who is too young to lecture on Zimbabwe and President Mugabe.

“A drunkard and shallow minded political prostitute like Julius Malema has no authority to lecture on patriotic Zimbabweans to turn against their constitutionally elected president,” the Zanu PF youth leader, Kudzai Chipanga.

Businessman and politician, Jimaya Muduvuri scoffed at Malema’s utterances, saying the wanton attacks clearly highlight the political immaturity of Malema.

“He has also demonstrated to be an accomplished sellout and a rebel, whose hidden agenda towards the African icon is bound to backfire on him,” he said.

Zanu PF legislator for Highfield West, Psychology Maziwisa said Malema is a nonentity in Zimbabwe and African politics whose anti-Mugabe antics are just nonsensical and will come to naughty.

Other observers described Malema’s sudden attack on President Mugabe as coming from a political opportunist and renegade whose premature political utterances should be dismissed with the contempt they deserves. – State Media

As South descends into elections northern neighbors Zimbabwe have taken center stage as all political parties make mention of it at every opportune time.

The latest, EFF leader Julius Malema, described Zimbabweans as cowards for failing to dislodge 93-year old ruler Mugabe.

Malema said, “The situation in Zimbabwe is bad . . . I know that people from Zimbabwe will respond with insults but people in Zanu-PF are cowards. How can you fail to say to Mugabe, with all due respect, please step aside because currently what Zanu-PF is doing is it is burdening Mugabe.”

He went on to give the example of “Commandant Fidel Castro” who when he reached the advanced age passed the baton stick to his brother Raul.

South Africa heads for polls in 2019, but critically the ruling party ANC has its elective congress at the end of the year which will see six candidates battle it for the top post which is a straight jacket to country presidency.

The Minister of Home Affairs, Malusi Gigaba of ANC, was the first to make the mark with Zimbabwean in political politics when he said Zimbabweans with Special Permits must seek other options if they wish to continue to stay in the rainbow nation.

Not to be outdone, Johannesburg Herman Mashaba of DA launched a veiled attack on Zimbabweans when he said all illegal foreigners are criminals, and must leave his city.

Political analysts opine that sending foreigners out of South Africa will appease locals who claim they are taking their jobs.

Zimbabweans total an estimated 4million in South Africa, though the only less than a quarter are documented. – Agencies

Luke Tamborinyoka | President Morgan Tsvangirai today met opinion leaders in Binga, Matabeleland North province where the community here expressed concern over their underdeveloped area, among other concerns.

They gave thumbs up to the proposed alliance of opposition parties, expressing hope that the new government will deal with the interests and concerns of ethnic minorities such as the Tonga people.

They had grievances over the lack of proper schools and hospitals, blaming Mugabe and Zanu PF of pursuing exclusive policies that sidelined other people and groups.

The community leaders had issues with the stringent fishery regulations that failed to take into account the fact that their lives revolve around fishing in the Zambezi.They said they had hope in the 2018 election and that the coalition of opposition parties would overthrow the Zanu PF culture of exclusion.

President Tsvangirai assured the Tonga community that the new government would take seriously their concerns and usher in a new governance culture in full compliance with the Constitution.

President Tsvangirai is on a tour of all the country’s provinces, listening to the concerns of the people and allowing them to input into the sculpting of the governance architecture of the new government of 2018.

The Tonga community welcomed the alliance of opposition parties and the creation of a common front in 2018, saying it gave them hope that this time around, Zanu PF would be consigned to the dustbins of history.

In the next two days, President Tsvangirai will engage opinion and party leaders in Lupane and Hwange.

Presidential Spokesperson and Director of Communications

Businessman Simon Rudland has approached the High Court demanding over $30 000 in adultery damages from Timothy Tombras — a man he accuses of dating his wife, Leigh Anne.

According to court papers, the ex-transport and bus tycoon alleges that Tombras was in an adulterous relationship with his wife between 2013 and 2014.

“As a consequence of the adulterous relationship, plaintiff (Rudland)’s relationship with his wife broke down resulting in among other things, plaintiff having to vacate his matrimonial home,” he said.

Rudland added that “as a result of the adulterous relationship, plaintiff has suffered damages in the amount of $20 000, being $15 000 for contumelia, and further $5 000 for loss of comfort and society of his wife”.

He said soon after he left his matrimonial home, Tombras moved in and continued having an affair with his wife.

“For the period that the defendant (Tombras) remained in occupation of the plaintiff’s residence, he used and abused plaintiff’s motor vehicle, a Toyota Hilux double cab,” Rudland claimed in the court papers, further claiming that Tombras used the car without his knowledge and consent.

He further accused Tombras of abusing the motor vehicle and damaging it in the process, resulting in him requiring $7 551 to repair it.

“During the time that the defendant took occupation at his residence, he took away without plaintiff’s knowledge and consent two submersible pumps from plaintiff’s purification plant. The reasonable replacement cost of each pump is in the amount of $1 050.”

The businessman said Tombras is liable to the replacement of the pump at a price of $2 100 and the repair of the water purification plant, which costs $3 025.

He further accused his wife’s boyfriend of taking away his television set and 6 000 litres of diesel.

“Despite lawful demand, defendant has refused and or neglected to pay the various amounts claimed…or indeed to indicate a willingness to make good the damages,” Rudland said.

Tombras has not yet fully responded to the claim, but has since filed an appearance to defend in the matter, yet to be heard on merits before the High Court.

Last week, the defendant all but admitted — in a separate case at the magistrates’ courts — that he was indeed in an unholy relationship with Rudland’s wife, which could swing the flurry of litigations into the cigarette trader’s favour.

“Accused will State that he is a drug and alcohol abuse rehabilitation counsellor by profession and that is how he became acquainted with the complainant’s wife Leigh Anne Rudland,” Tombras told magistrate Blessing Murwisi in the underway criminal case.

“When the complainant and his wife separated and at the inception of the divorce proceedings, that is when he began counselling her as she had alcohol abuse issues,” he said, adding he had “rendered his services at the specific request and instance of Rudland’s wife, and mother-in-law”. – Daily News

STOP THE EVICTIONS: HIGH COURT OF ZIMBABWE ORDERS CITY OF HARARE AND ZRP.

Staff Reporter| Local Government Minister Saviour Kasukuwere and Police boss Augustine Chihuri were this afternoon slapped into line by a top judge.

The High Court of Zimbabwe’s Justice Mangota issued an interdict banning the Zimbabwe Republic Police and the Harare City Council from evicting vendors operating within the Central Business District of Harare pending the determination of Vendors Initiative for Social and Economic Transformation (VISET)’s urgent High Court application against the evictions.

The next hearing will be on Tuesday, the 31st of January 2017.

The case was heard this afternoon before Justice Mangota in the Judge’s Chambers. Respondents in the case were The City of Harare, The Ministry of Local Government and The Commissioner General of the Police Augustine Chihuri. – ZimEye

Ray Nkosi | The exclusive picture sent to ZimEye by sources is proof of how Zanu PF used the military in its election logistics during the Bikita-West election. ALSO READ – We were forced to vote ZANU PF.