Business Correspondent| Below are guidelines one can follow after registering a mine with the country’s relevant office…
Steps to operating a mine after registration in order
1 appoint a manager This is a process where you appoint a manager at ministry of mines by filling a form that is supplied by ministry of mines You need your ID plus ID of persons to be appointed plus certificate of registration of mine plus last inspection certificate.
2 appointment of blaster Is hiring someone with knowledge experience and recognized training and relevant blasting license through the ministry of mines .
3 apply for explosives storage and purchase licenses after your magazine have been inspected and approved. 4 magazine room it’s a special room built for storing explosives.
5 mine register where all employees are registered with full details.
6 Environmental impact assessment depending on level of operation an EIA is necessary that is done through ministry of mines by a consultant
7 Returns will be covered separately 8 EMA report will be covered in detail with Returns 9 gold registration.
10 mining books and information will be covered separately.
We as CCC youths, we condemn in strongest terms the detention of four University of Zimbabwe (UZ) students who were arrested last Wednesday. The four who are Benjamin Watadza, Emmanuel Stima, Comfort Mpofu and Lionel Madamombe were arrested following #BlackMonday demonstrations in the capital last week.
We as CCC youths, we demand for the unconditional release of the four from Harare Remand Prison as they have not committed any crime.
If ZANU PF leader, Emmerson Mnangagwa was once a student as he claims to have studied law somewhere in Zambia, then he should know that students’ place is a university not a prison.
Mnangagwa is dancing on a political quicksand! He must be reminded that students have always been beacons of revolutions that removed some of the worst dictators in history.
Mnangagwa has declared war to every section of our society. In his short iron fist reign since taking over power through a coup in 2017, Mnangagwa has imprisoned journalists, opposition politicians, church leaders, traditional leaders, students, teachers, civil society leaders and trade unionists.
No one is safe under Mnangagwa’s fascist rule.
The moment now calls for citizens from all walks of life to unite and confront this spineless dictator.
We cannot be silent when the dictator is throwing every one of us in prison like chickens ready for slaughter.
Defiance and resistance is the panacea to oppressive rule. We call for every citizen to join #BlackMonday demonstrations tomorrow demanding for the release of the four students and all political prisoners.
DefyOrDie
REAP
Stephen Sarkozy Chuma CCC YOUTH TASKFORCE COMMUNICATIONS DEPARTMENT
By- As inflation soars, the monthly salary for a soldier is now RTGS 72 300, which is US$25 when converted to foreign currency.
This is a Payslip for an Army Sergeant RTGS 72 300 (US$25). Our Army is suffering too. They too needs our support. It is the same Army that u all feel threatened with. What if the Army and the pple come together? pic.twitter.com/AGH3sg8t1W
By-South African opposition Patriotic Alliance party secretary Kenny Kunene said that the reaction of some non-governmental organisations (NGOs) to raids conducted by the local authority in Johannesburg buildings made him understand why the late former Zimbabwean president Robert Mugabe banned some civil society organisations in his country. During his two-day stint as Johannesburg’s acting mayor, when he stood in for mayor Kabelo Gwamanda who was out of the city, Kunene conducted raids on hijacked buildings in the Joburg CBD. Several NGOs and human rights organisations condemned the raids, describing them as illegal. Kunene vowed to continue with them as he attempts to “clean up the city”. He said: We are presenting it officially to the mayoral committee, it needs to be a priority of the government of local unity. We can’t complain about revenue loss yet we have over 1 700 buildings that have been taken over by criminal syndicates who collect money from our people. Kunene castigated “NGOs masquerading as political parties” and challenged them to declare their political interests. He said: If they want to govern they must go and contest elections like we did. NGOs must not get involved in the work of the government. It is none of their business. We have a crisis of buildings being hijacked in this country, our townships and suburbs are infested with illegal foreigners and drug dealers who are not South African. When we fulfill our mandate and act as the representative of our constituency who has been voted into government, they want to question us. Kunene, who is the transport MMC, vowed he would not allow NGOs to “misuse” the country’s laws. He said: I understand why Robert Mugabe banned all NGOs in Zimbabwe, and only allowed NGOs led by Zimbabweans that seek to help Zimbabweans to exist. He accused the alleged criminals of illegal electricity and water connections as well as drug dealing. -TimesLive
By-The Central Intelligence Organisation and the Zimbabwe National Army wings that conducted Zanu PF primary elections in Midlands are said to have caused divisions in the party, which is now rocking President Emmerson Mnangagwa’s home province.
The FAZ, which is controlled by the Central Intelligence Organisation and the Heritage Trust linked to the army, ran Zanu PF primary elections.
Since the primary elections were held two months ago, Zanu PF supporters in this province are reportedly rejecting recently elected party candidates in more than 10 constituencies.
The FAZ, which is controlled by the Central Intelligence Organisation and the Heritage Trust linked to the army, ran Zanu PF primary elections
According to The Standard, a protest vote is probable in constituencies where Mnangagwa’s allies allegedly manipulated voting during primary elections and deployed their associates to represent Zanu PF in the upcoming general elections.
Local Government and Public Works Minister July Moyo, former State Security Minister Owen Ncube, politburo member Mackenzie Ncube and Tsitsi Muzenda allegedly interfered with the running of the elections by Forever Associate Zimbabwe (FAZ) and Heritage Trust to ensure that “their people” won.
Zanu PF supporters are reportedly not happy with the party’s candidates in Zvishavane, Chirumanzi-Zibagwe, Mkoba South, Mkoba Urban, Vungu, Redcliff-Silobela, Kwekwe Central, Mbizo, Gokwe North , Gokwe-Kana, Gokwe-Chireya, Gokwe South, Shurugwi North, Shurugwi South, Mberengwa and Gokwe Sesame. The Standard quoted a party insider as saying:
In Zvishavane-Runde, more than 10 districts did not vote because ward 7 councillor Mecky Jaravaza, who is also the district coordinating chairperson (DCC), elbowed out Dumezweni Mawite and declared himself the winner.
Larry Mavima was also elbowed out by the same DCC.
In Mberengwa, MPs Marko Raidza and Makhosini Hlongwane were also pushed out because they were not on the July Moyo/Mudha list.
In Chirumanzi district, Barbara Rwodzi ran the show and videos are there where she was forcing people to vote for her.
In Shurugwi North, the sitting MP Ronald Nyathi was pushed out while in Gweru district where Zanu PF had one seat, the sitting MP for Vungu constituency, Omega Sibanda, was pushed out after ballot papers were forcibly taken away from a constituency consultant (FAZ member) by a sitting MP from Kwekwe.
Brown Ndlovu, who has been a perennial loser in Chiwundura, is now the Vungu constituency candidate.
In Kwekwe, Manoki Mpofu was pushed out of Silobela constituency for Jona Nyebvera while Energy Dhala Ncube, a nephew of the former State Security minister Owen Ncube was unchallenged in Kwekwe Central.
In Gokwe South, they imposed Tawanda Karikoga despite the fact that he stays in South Africa while Paul Mavima was uncontested despite scandals.
In Gokwe North, Mayor Wadyajena was pushed aside because he was not part of their team.
Last week, Zanu PF deployed Politburo member, Lovemore Matuke, who is secretary for security, to Midlands to deal with the simmering tensions but the meetings were poorly attended.
Mnangagwa recently said he will announce election dates before the end of the month. He said the general elections will be held in August.
By-Supporters of Zanu PF in President Emmerson Mnangagwa’s home province, Midlands, are reportedly rejecting recently elected party candidates in more than 10 constituencies.
According to The Standard, a protest vote is probable in constituencies where Mnangagwa’s allies allegedly manipulated voting during primary elections and deployed their associates to represent Zanu PF in the upcoming general elections.
Local Government and Public Works Minister July Moyo, former State Security Minister Owen Ncube, politburo member Mackenzie Ncube and Tsitsi Muzenda allegedly interfered with the running of the elections by Forever Associate Zimbabwe (FAZ) and Heritage Trust to ensure that “their people” won.
The FAZ, which is controlled by the Central Intelligence Organisation and the Heritage Trust linked to the army, ran Zanu PF primary elections.
Zanu PF supporters are reportedly not happy with the party’s candidates in Zvishavane, Chirumanzi-Zibagwe, Mkoba South, Mkoba Urban, Vungu, Redcliff-Silobela, Kwekwe Central, Mbizo, Gokwe North , Gokwe-Kana, Gokwe-Chireya, Gokwe South, Shurugwi North, Shurugwi South, Mberengwa and Gokwe Sesame. The Standard quoted a party insider as saying:
In Zvishavane-Runde, more than 10 districts did not vote because ward 7 councillor Mecky Jaravaza, who is also the district coordinating chairperson (DCC), elbowed out Dumezweni Mawite and declared himself the winner.
Larry Mavima was also elbowed out by the same DCC.
In Mberengwa, MPs Marko Raidza and Makhosini Hlongwane were also pushed out because they were not on the July Moyo/Mudha list.
In Chirumanzi district, Barbara Rwodzi ran the show and videos are there where she was forcing people to vote for her.
In Shurugwi North, the sitting MP Ronald Nyathi was pushed out while in Gweru district where Zanu PF had one seat, the sitting MP for Vungu constituency, Omega Sibanda, was pushed out after ballot papers were forcibly taken away from a constituency consultant (FAZ member) by a sitting MP from Kwekwe.
Brown Ndlovu, who has been a perennial loser in Chiwundura, is now the Vungu constituency candidate.
In Kwekwe, Manoki Mpofu was pushed out of Silobela constituency for Jona Nyebvera while Energy Dhala Ncube, a nephew of the former State Security minister Owen Ncube was unchallenged in Kwekwe Central.
In Gokwe South, they imposed Tawanda Karikoga despite the fact that he stays in South Africa while Paul Mavima was uncontested despite scandals.
In Gokwe North, Mayor Wadyajena was pushed aside because he was not part of their team.
Last week, Zanu PF deployed Politburo member, Lovemore Matuke, who is secretary for security, to Midlands to deal with the simmering tensions but the meetings were poorly attended.
Mnangagwa recently said he will announce election dates before the end of the month. He said the general elections will be held in August.
By- Members of Zanu PF Mashonaland West province have been ordered to delete all WhatsApp groups linked to the ruling party with immediate effect.
According to a notice issued by Zanu PF Mash West province’s Information Department secretary, Godwin Nigel Murambiwa, all WhatsApp groups created for members to discuss party-related business must be closed forthwith.
Reads the notice: The Department of Information would like to advise all members, cadres, Cdes, and all affiliates organisations that an instruction has been issued by the security department to dissolve or delete all WhatsApp groups that talk or have links with the party ZANU PF with immediate effect. However, constituents are allowed to formulate, manage and organise one group incorporating every party member. All secretaries for information from all organs are therefore empowered to monitor the activities of the groups in constituencies. Murambiwa warned members who would ignore the instruction that they will be dealt with in accordance with the party constitution. Last month Zanu PF spokesperson Christopher Mutsvangwa accused CCC supporters of cyber-bullying after they allegedly hijacked the ruling party’s WhatsApp groups to campaign for their leader Nelson Chamisa. NewsDay quoted Mutsvangwa as saying: We are being trolled. They are infiltrating our software. The WhatsApp groups were created by some ZANU PF members who wanted to interact with the people on behalf of the President. We have the support of people. Cyber war games against ZANU PF won’t work. It will not affect the outcome of the poll. There are hardly a million on social media. The majority of Zimbabweans don’t have smartphones, especially in rural areas so social media won’t be effective to remove Zanu PF.
A Harare construction company is demanding that Victoria Falls Stock Exchange (VFEX) listed West Property (WestPro) must publish a comprehensive cautionary statement informing its shareholders about a recent High Court ruling that might have a major impact on its asset base.
High Court judge Justice Nyaradzo Munangati-Munongwa last month ordered that WestPro’s prime land in Harare’s Pomona area worth US$105 million must be attached and sold to settle a debt dispute with Fairclot Investments over the Harare Airport Road project.
WestPro went on to publish a notice to shareholders informing them that it had appealed against the judgment at the Supreme Court and that contingent measures had been put in place to protect the business if the appeal does not succeed.
Fairclot, however, has since written to the Securities and Exchange Commission of Zimbabwe (SecZim), saying the notice did not go far enough.
The company’s lawyer Shingi Mutumbwa argued that the Supreme Court appeal did not make it unnecessary for WestPro to issue a cautionary statement in terms of the VFEX rules.
Mutumbwa said the statement should include the fact that the High Court judgment meant that WestPro was liable to pay “US$4,800,000.00 to our clients (and) also loses its flagship property worth half of its balance sheet as indicated in the listing prospectus, where the proposed Pomona City development was intended to be sited”
“These losses would not include the potential claims from those that have already paid for residential stands in the proposed development, which must also be referenced in the announcement,” he added in the letter dated May 15.
Mutumbwa said WestProp’s “notice to shareholders” did not comply with the Twentieth Schedule to the VFEX rules, which prescribes “the minimum disclosure requirements acceptable to the VFEX.”
He said the cautionary statement should include the fact that the events mentioned in the announcement “may have a material effect on the price of the company’s securities” and that it must also include the statement that “shareholders are advised to exercise caution when dealing in the company’s securities until a full announcement is made.”
The statement should also give details regarding information that is the subject of the cautionary announcement and not what the company has done about a potentially “deleterious event and their assessment of their chances going forward.”
“In addition, please note that despite the rosy picture painted by WestProp’s legal advisors and the “notice to shareholders” regarding the putative appeal and its effect, our clients also have a right to apply for execution of the judgment pending appeal.
“The effect of this if pursued would be to render any appeal academic,” Mutumbwa wrote.
In response, SecZim said it noted Fairclot’s concerns and directed the firm to the VFEX, saying the regulator can only intervene as a last resort.
“For exhaustion of administrative remedies, we advise you to raise concerns pertaining to the listings rules directly with the listing authority, the Victoria Falls Stock Exchange,” wrote Anymore Taruvinga, the SecZim chief executive officer, in a letter to Mutumbwa dated May 17.
“Should you be aggrieved by the decision of the Exchange, you may then appeal to us in terms of section 108 of the Securities and Exchange Act (Chapter 24:25),” wrote
WestPro’s lawyers Scanlen and Holderness, however, insisted that the appeal suspended the High Court ruling and things were at the stage they were before the judgment.
“If it has prospects of success on appeal, its remedy is to file a court application for leave to execute pending the appeal,” the lawyers wrote.
“In the absence of a High Court order directing execution pending appeal, the position obtaining is exactly the same as it was at the time of issue of the supplementary prospectus.
“The matter is pending determination by the court in exactly the same manner as it was at the time the supplementary prospectus was issued.
“We have no desire to enter into litigation by correspondence. We are in fact not the legal practitioners dealing with the litigation.”
WestPro, which listed on the VFEX last month, emerged from businessman Ken Sharpe’s Augur Investments.
Fairclot was contracted by Augur Investments to construct the Harare Airport Road, but abandoned the project following a dispute over payments.
It approached the High Court to challenge Augur Investments’ move to pay for a US$4.8 million debt in local currency using a 1:1 rate to the US dollar after the introduction of Statutory Instrument 33 of 2019.
Zanu PF’s elaborate plan to deploy state security services such as the Central Intelligence Organisation (CIO) and the military as part of its strategy to win the harmonised elections at all costs has been laid bare in internal communication.
Since the 2017 coup that toppled long time ruler Robert Mugabe, his successor President Emmerson Mnangagwa has been increasingly involving the Central Intelligence Organisation (CIO) and the military in Zanu PF internal politics.
According to the constitution, the intelligence services and the military are supposed to be apolitical.
Last month, the CIO running under the shadowy Friends Association of Zimbabwe (FAZ) ran the ruling party’s primary elections.
FAZ, led by CIO deputy director general Walter Tapfumaneyi, had the major say in the primaries.
The group was assisted by an army-linked group Heritage Trust, to conduct the elections.
This publication has obtained a Zanu PF internal memo addressed to provincial chairpersons by political commissar Mike Bimha, dated May 19 informing them that FAZ and Heritage will play a huge role in the upcoming voter registration inspection exercise
.The Zimbabwe Electoral Commission (Zec) has not announced when it will open the national voters’ roll for inspection.
However, Bimha said the exercise will be done soon, raising questions about Zanu PF’s relationship with the elections management body.
According to Bimha, Zanu PF will set up national, constituency and polling centre command centres to monitor the voter inspection exercise.
These shall be manned by provincial commissars from the main wing, women’s, youth and war veteran’s league, provincial FAZ and Heritage Trust liaison officers.
“For this programme to be a success, cell chairpersons and a team comprising cell main wing provincial chairperson, cell women’s league chairwoman, cell youth league chairperson and a war veteran at each polling station should be responsible and account for each member in the cell register,” Bimha wrote.
“This team led by the cell chairperson shall physically lead their cell members to the polling station, and retain an auditable record confirming each member’s inspection status.
“It is very critical that data capture is done diligently for this programme.“Constituency experts, (FAZ) and Heritage Trust constituency coordinators will monitor and capture data at each polling station as well as submit daily reports to the command centres.”
The memo was copied to Zanu PF second secretary Kembo Mohadi, secretary general Obert Mpofu, national chairperson Oppah Muchinguri and spokesperson Christopher Mutsvangwa.
“Central committee members, national constitutional assembly (NCA) Members of Parliament (MPs)-elect, sitting MPS and district coordinating committee (DCC) members, constituency experts from FAZ and Heritage liason officers will assist with supervision of the programmes throughout the constituency as well as motivating and directing lower party structures to go and inspect their names,” Bimha said.
Bimha said the ruling party will use the exercise to audit and update its cell registers.
“Undertake an audit of party members registered with Zec who are eligible to vote on the election day,” he said.
“Test the capability of party structures to mobilise members to inspect the voters roll and reflect the party’s capabilities to mobilise on the election day.
“Identify gaps in mobilisation capacity and implement appropriate remedies ahead of the harmonised elections and update cell registers and recruit new members.”
He added: “Ensure that party members identify and familiarise with new boundaries and polling stations following the just-ended delimitation.”
Mnangagwa has said he will proclaim election dates before the end of the month.
By Farai D Hove | A controversial UK based businesswoman aligned to Finance Minister Mthuli Ncube pocketed millions of dollars from diasporan homeseekers having lied to them saying she is purchasing ‘title deed land’ when she meant nationalised farm lands.
For over 15 years to date, all farmlands in Zimbabwe are nationalised, meaning even those with title deeds are subjected to compulsory seizure by the government, since the country’s violent land reform program launched back in 2000.
The women featured in a lengthy story investigated by ZimEye since 2020, will now be met with surprise upon touching down in Zimbabwe to find that their title deeds are mere 99 year lease farmlands, popularly known as hondo yeminda properties.
A legal advisory over the story attempts to summarise the investors’ legal position.
Investors should start questioning whether this investment is safe for them. The points below are some of the red flags Investors should be aware of and should approach Qoki for clarification. ‘We respect the efforts in facilitating the empowerment of women through investment opportunities, however, this should be done fairly without taking any advantage of the vulnerability of others,’ is how they could begin.
The following analysis generally deals with the projects involving the purchase and development of land, however similar concerns could be raised for other Qoki projects as well.
It is also highly recommended that investors (despite of their trust and allegiance to Qoki and its founding members) obtain their own independent legal advice on this and not rely on the analysis set out below
Loopholes that could expose the investor
Red flags
Founding agreement between the Investor and Qoki (What constitutes the relationship between Qoki and the Investor?)
In most cases it appears the only agreement between the Investor and Qoki is a verbal agreement, entered prior to certain representations being made by Qoki through Sithule. These representations are largely made in the form of audio messages/voice notes on WhatsApp, Fakebook posts about the Investment opportunity. Recently it has been noted on a Facebook post that some of the women have signed a Qoki’s Dreamers Document (the Qoki Women Dreamer Terms and Conditions was initially introduced on or around November 2020, after most Investors had already made payments in full or in part). It is important to understand whether this document is a mere document setting out Qoki’s initiatives, or whether it is intended to be a binding agreement between Qoki and the potential Investor. However, to be binding specifically for purposes of the investment that the potential investor is signing up for, the very same document should detail with specificity the type of investment, including its description (size, price, location, current owner), date of purchase, date title passes, conditions precedents etc. Without the specificities, the Qoki Dreamers document may simply not be an enforceable document.
The founding documents lack certainty or clarity as to the relationship between Qoki Investments Pvt Ltd and the Investor, and there are endless issues on this, some of which include the following: There is no relationship between the Investor and Qoki.There is no explicit term detailing this relationship.There is no explicit term detailing that Qoki is purchasing a certain investment/ or entering into an agreement for the purchase of property (or any asset) on behalf of the Investor.There is no explicit term detailing that the contract of sale, or that the funds being paid by the Investor are to be used to acquire a certain piece of property, upon which a specific portion of that property will be subdivided and allotted to the Investor.There is no explicit term detailing the link that the Investor is paying for whatever property is being represented to be purchased for or on behalf of the investorThe Investor does not have a strong legal basis upon to claim title to that property upon purchase and passing of title to Qoki
Pooled Investments
Investors pool in their funds under the promise that they are purchasing a property together. The documents that appear to be used for this are very generic and only list the names of Investors, and the amounts they are contribution, including payments made. The document is not referred to in the Sale of Land agreement, and it does not form part to any subsequent agreement which would ordinarily be entered into by Qoki and the respective pooled Investor for purposes of then transferring title to the Investor.
The pooled funds could be used for whatever purpose Qoki may deem fit, including paying other Investors there is no mandate from the pooled investors for Qoki to purchase a piece of land on behalf of the investors.there is no certainty as to what the funds can be used for, while the funds and names of the pooled investors are listed on a document, the same document is very generic and afford little to no legal protection to the pooled investor
Entity being used – Directorship
Legal entity used to purchase land (Qoki Investments (Private) Limited) (“Qoki”) is a company registered in Zimbabwe with the following directors and shareholders (as at 25 August 2020): Directors Sithule Tshuma (regardless being resident in the UK, the address listed with the Registrar of Companies in Zimbabwe, is that of New Lobengula, Bulawayo – therefore any legal service against Sithule in her capacity as director of Qoki will need to be affected in Bulawayo, Zimbabwe, and not in the UK)Emmaculate Lee TshumaKaren KhumaloNompilo Moyo Shareholders (equally holding 2,000 shares): Sithule Lee TshumaEmmaculate TshumaKaren KumaloSehlile Gumbo Tapfumaneyi Nompilo Moyo
The is no relationship between Qoki (the Company) and the Investor: The shareholders are entitled to all the assets held by QokiOn winding up of Qoki (liquidation of all assets including all investments held by Qoki), and after the payment of creditors, the shareholders are entitled to all the proceedsQoki Investors do not have any legal protection that entitles them to the assets of Qoki, the Investors may launch legal proceedings against Qoki, but with the limited documents and agreements that set out the relationship between Qoki and those Investors, this is very difficult to prove
Possible breaches of various laws
The Qoki Investment scheme largely operates in the UK and Zimbabwe, and the conduct carried out by Qoki may (managing pooled investments) may be subject to regulations in both countries, requiring regulatory licences and/or authorisations. It is possible that without the appropriate authorisations and/or licences, Qoki may be in breach of laws in the UK and Zimbabwe UK Possible violation of financial services laws, and conduct of business may require a specific licence to obtained by the entity such as the Financial Conduct Authority Zimbabwe Possible violation by running an unregistered collective investment scheme. Violations of these laws may impose civil or criminal penalties to the directors, and a possibility of winding up of Qoki, with the proceeds of the liquidation to be paid to the Regulators. Depending on how Investors make payments to Qoki, including the remittance of funds to Zimbabwe, Qoki may be in breach of Money Laundering laws. Dealing with foreign currency may also expose Qoki to Reserve Bank regulation non compliances
Contracts of Land
It appears that the sale of the land is done through a Memorandum of Agreement of Sale. The Memorandum of Agreement of sale shows in most cases shows that Qoki is purchasing the Property from the seller who is the current owner or executor of a deceased estate. The Memorandum of Agreement does not make any reference to the Investors, or that Qoki is acting in an agency capacity on behalf of the Investor. It means that after the successful completion of the sale, Qoki is entitled to receiving title of ownership through a title deed.
The agreement of sale of land is between the seller and Qoki, this creates a few challenges for the Investor, namely: On passing of title to Qoki, Qoki becomes the owner of the propertyQoki enjoys all the rights that come with ownership of propertyQoki in its full discretion (through its directors) decides what it wants to do with the property Qoki can decide in its absolute discretion to honour its representations made to its Investors by transferring title and to the Investor. However, Qoki does not have a legal obligation to do this and if the directors decide not, they simply can keep the title indefinitelyIn the event Qoki does not transfer title to the Investor, the Investor does not have a strong legal basis (if any) to claim the transfer of title, it would be difficult to prove that the Investor is entitled to receiving title in the absence of an express agreement detailing that sale of land from Qoki to the Investor, or an agency agreement between Qoki and the Investor, detailing that Qoki is purchasing the property as agent on behalf of the Investors, or an agreement conferring the right to acquire land.In the event of Qoki’s Insolvency, the Investor does not have a legitimate claim against the assets held by Qoki, and as such do not rank as a creditor. Investors are likely not to get any of the payments they would have made to Qoki for the purchase and the development of land.The Investor invests in this scheme highly at their own risk, at the hope that Qoki honours its representations made about the potential transfer of title on completion of the project. The investor does not have any legal protection. In the event of the death of the Investor, the heirs of the Investors will have difficulty in including the right to acquire land or claims of money paid to Qoki as part of the deceased estate
Land development projects
Most of the Qoki projects involve the purchase and development of land. The agreements that are often shared with Investors at the onset are for purposes of purchasing the land, and not necessarily for the development of that land. There have been concerns on lack of transparency with regards to the actual costs involved with the land development, as this are not disclosed initially, at the time when an investor signs up for the purchase of the land. It would seem prudent (and perhaps safer for the Investor) that upon Qoki acquiring the land, as a first step, undertakes the subdivision process and then grant the title deeds to the Investor prior or simultaneously with the development of the land
With the current legal uncertainty of land ownership including whether Investor funds are being used to fund the purchase of the land they believe to be based on representations made at the marketing of the Qoki Project, the Investor cannot be entirely certain that their funds are being used for what they have been told, and they cannot ascertain this information from Qoki. The risk in doing this is that funds can be pooled in to develop a project that the Investor did not even sign up for.
Payments and updates on purchased investments
The invoices that are usually provided prove funds deposited with Ncube and Partners are of a generic nature, they appear to lack certainty and could relate to any transaction that Qoki is undertaking. There are concerns that a single invoice could be used for multiple projects
Initial Investors
There is a consistent theme in Sithule being one of the first investors in each project that is announced. This can be highly suspicious and typical to a pyramid scheme
Ownership of land
There has been a lot of talk about title deeds being given to Investors at the completion of projects. It does not seem that this is clearly documented in the agreements that the Investor signs up to, and it is a highly risky scenario for any Investor. Without an explicit term in the agreement detailing how and when title will pass onto the Investor, the Investor should not be investing into Qoki.
As stated above, without any explicit term in the agreement on the passing of title from Qoki to the Investor, the Investor has little or no protection from the law on acquiring title despite having fully paid the amounts required by Qoki. The critical agreement in this entire investment transaction is the sale of land of between Qoki and the seller of the land (an agreement that the Investor is not part of). That is the agreements that results in title passing from the seller to Qoki. There however is no subsequent agreement between Qoki and the Investor, that sets out among other things, an obligation by Qoki to transfer a portion of the land to the Investor. Without this agreement (either in the form an agreement for a right to acquire land / agency agreement / sale of land agreement between Qoki and the Investor), the Investor does not have any legal protection to enforce the transfer of title. This is an incredibly dangerous position for the Investor to be in, regardless how they trust Sithule or Qoki as an entity. If Qoki (the Company) changes its directors, or if Sithule ceases to be a director for whatever reason, the Qoki company through its new directors could decide not to honour any promises made on social media with regards to transferring title if these
By Farai D Hove | Does Mnangagwa have competent staff working at state house? The President Of Zimbabwe was filmed offering his Mozambican counterpart dry bread which has an embarrassing brand name.
Mnangagwa who recently hired a convicted armed robber, Paradzai Kutyauripo, as the nation’s new Director Of State Residences, is on camera feeding the visiting head of state to bread with a brand name Zim women culturally find to read, ‘manhood.’
One commentator criticised the ZANU PF leader saying in a language mix: ‘ED na Nyusi waikatsa chingwa ngendaa yei??? Horaiti vakadii kuisa chingwa mumasosi or trey nyana?
‘Mhamha Akusiriya wakashaya ka stock margarine here? Or kuti fafafa zvimazanda kana tu supu? Zvinhu zvekudai hazvidi kudaro. Iro zita riripa chingwa izita hwai?? Kuda kunzi vari humble here ma busy bodies aya?’
Former Mines secretary Francis Gudyanga, who was serving two and a half years for abuse of office at the Harare Central Prison, was on Friday pardoned by President Emmerson Mnangagwa.
Last week, Mnangagwa announced a Presidential Amnesty releasing over 4 000 inmates in a bid to decongest the country’s overpopulated prisons.
Gudyanga was in February last year sentenced to four years in prison, following his conviction.
Harare Magistrate Barbara Chimboza suspended 18 months of his sentence on condition he restituted the Minerals Marketing Corporation of Zimbabwe (MMCZ), a total of US$25 228.
Speaking to journalists as he boarded a Zimbabwe Prisons Correctional Service (ZPCS) bus, which was on its way to the Central Business District, Gudyanga thanked well-wishers for supporting him during his incarceration.
The former permanent secretary was donning a grey suit and t-shirt, and was almost unrecognizable.
“We want to thank our families, friends, and well wishers for their support and prayers and their visits, but also, we want to thank the prison officers who looked after us very well.
“I appreciate the companionship of our fellow inmates,” Gudyanga said.
Another ex-inmate shouted, “Hatidzoke futi pano pajeri pane inda! (We won’t come back again. This prison is lice infested)”About 405 inmates, mostly, the elderly were released from Harare Central Prison.
A total of 4,279 pardoned inmates, including 104 women, will be released from prisons around the country.
Those who have been pardoned include the terminally ill, females, and juveniles who are not serving specified offences.
Also, those who benefited in the Presidential Amnesty had served one-third of their sentences by April 18, 2023, while those who remained behind bars were convicted for violence-related offences.
By A Correspondent| Opposition legislators are still pushing for the diaspora vote to be captured in the Electoral Amendment Bill arguing that Zimbabweans in the diaspora are contributing to the development of the country through remittances.
As the National Assembly debated the Bill, Harare North MP Allan Markham (MDC Alliance) said there is no reason for diasporans to be denied the right to vote.
“The biggest thing that must be covered clearly in this Bill is the issue of our diaspora. Our diaspora is the biggest foreign currency earner in this country.
“Our human resources that are being exported are the biggest owners of money into the country and they do have the vote.
“I do not care if it is a postal vote, special vote, or any other vote; there is no reason why the diaspora cannot vote if they are Zimbabwean citizens.
“It is in the SADC Protocol. Most SADC countries facilitated it and yet we deny them. Yet our biggest earner of forex is the diaspora,” said Markham.
Makoni Central MP, David Tekeshe (MDC Alliance), said it is not true that diasporans will vote for the opposition.
“Zimbabwe is exporting labour and are you saying when those people want to vote, they should take vacation leave come back home and vote?We have exported 500 teachers.
“Should they all take vacation leave to come back home and vote?In the past, people used to think that the diaspora vote would go to the Opposition but that is not true.
“We have seen the likes of Nick Mangwana being offered jobs back home while they are in the UK, in the diaspora; which means there are a lot of people in the diaspora who support the ruling Party.We cannot deny people their right to vote because we are afraid they might vote us out.
“There are others who are in the opposition who are supporting the gold mafias because they are benefiting from your presence and they will vote for you. I think the diaspora vote must be considered,” said Tekeshe.
The Electoral Amendment Bill seeks to amend the Elecas approved by the Cabinet on the 4th of October 2022.
By Dorrothy Moyo | The below video is of Mnangagwa publicist Passion Java appearing to make a unnamed woman fall in church.
Panganai Java’s stunt comes at a time when his colleague Uebert Angel was exposed in Al Jazeera’s documentary, GoldMafia, for money laundering and gold smuggling operations.
In the clip, Java motions his hands appearing as if controlling the woman’s gravitational balance with his palms, shortly before the woman collapses into the area the preacher was motioning his hands. DO YOU KNOW THIS WOMAN? VIDEO BELOW
FOUR University of Zimbabwe students have appeared in court facing charges of malicious damage to property.
The accused are Emmanuel Sitima (24), Comfort Mpofu (22), Tawanda Benjamin Watadza aged (22) and 24-year-old Lionel Madamombe.
Allegations are that between the 14th and 15th of this month, the quartet and others who are still at large spray-painted and defaced several building walls in Harare without the consent of the owners demanding the immediate release of CCC Legislator Job Sikhala who is facing charges of inciting public violence.
The co-accused allegedly spray painted the High Court, Constitutional Court, Civil Court, Methodist Trinity Church in Zimbabwe, Number Seven Central Avenue Harare, Runhare House and Karigamombe.
The witness in the matter Detective Inspector Arimoni Mirombo from CID Law and Order opposed bail claiming that if granted bail they are likely to team up with their accomplices who are still at large and commit similar offences.
Detective Inspector Mirombo also submitted that the accused persons have vowed to continue committing similar offences until Sikhala is released.
Meanwhile, Harare City Council Municipal officer Prisca Mutereko who was arrested by the Zimbabwe Anti-Corruption Commission on Wednesday has appeared in court facing charges of extortion.
Circumstances are that early this month, Mutereko and other Municipal officers issued a ticket to Paguta Trading for failure to produce a valid council business licence with a fine of US$290 to be paid within seven working days.
The court further heard that on the 15th of this month, Mutereko went to the firm where she locked the premises after the company failed to pay the required fine.
It is alleged that Mutereko later solicited for a bribe to facilitate the re-opening of the premises.
The complainant reported the matter to ZACC, and a trap was set, leading to the accused’s arrest on the 17th of this month after receiving 60 United States dollars.
CHIKOMBA-Police in the Midlands is investigating a case where a 17-year-old Chivhu boy was robbed and killed by a gang driving a silver Toyota Noah on Saturday. Midlands Police Spokesperson Inspector Emmanuel Mahoko confirmed the matter to The Mirror. He said John Mbano (17) and two other men boarded a silver Toyota Noah at Chivhu Chicken Inn, intending to travel to Masvingo.
The vehicle allegedly had three men and a woman on board. After driving for a while, the driver turned back towards Chivhu on a detour road and stopped at a bushy area. The three men and a woman then demanded cash and valuables from Mbano and the two men he boarded the vehicle with. The robbers went on to strip them and assaulted them with an iron bar and went away with US$285, ZAR100 and two cell phones.
Mbano was dumped in a bushy area two meters from the road, while the other two men were dumped a short distance from Mbano. Mvuma Police attended the scene and found Mbano’s lifeless body with several stab wounds. The body was taken to the Mvuma District Hospital mortuary… www.masvingomirror.com
By Farai D Hove | Members of the party priding itself of empowering people are nowhere near riches- A video of ZANU PF youths beating each other over t shirts has emerged. The footage was shot at a party rally where the master of ceremony ended up screaming to the poverty-stricken youths: “you won’t be able to finish these t shirts, we have more than enough.”
National Foods, a local food product maker and marketer, lost nearly US$6 million to hackers who broke into its computer systems and gained access to credentials to transfer money from its bank accounts in one of the largest cybercrimes ever documented in the nation.
The suspects, which included two foreigners, created a complex phishing scheme that started with the senders sending an email to the finance manager of National Foods that appeared to be from a South African financial institution.
Phishing is the fraudulent act of sending emails that appear to be from trustworthy businesses in an effort to get people to give personal information, such passwords.
Upon opening the e-mail, Natfoods’ computer system was corrupted.
This gave the fraudsters access to the company’s computer system, including authorisation to process financial transactions.
The scammers then began instructing the firm’s banks to deposit money into their own bank accounts in South Africa using the finance administrator’s credentials.
Zimbabwe Republic Police spokesperson Assistant Commissioner Paul Nyathi confirmed the case.
“I can confirm that we have that case. I will have the full details by Monday,” he said.
Sources close to the case said local banks were made to believe they were receiving genuine instructions to transfer funds from Natfoods.
The Sunday Mail has gathered that the funds were transferred into two South African banks — FNB and First Rand Bank — on numerous occasions between September and October last year.
The scandal only came to light in November following an internal financial audit that uncovered the suspicious transactions amounting to millions of dollars.
An investigation was then instituted to look at transactions between Natfoods and two local banks that dealt with the food processing company, and it was established that their computer system had been compromised.
“Local investigations established that the company’s computer system was hacked through the finance manager’s email,” said a source.
“No one noticed it until one of the banks indicated that there was an overdraft, which raised management’s eyebrows.
“A check was made into how the account got an overdraft and the bank statement proved that the money was transferred to South African banks.”
The matter was reported to the CID Commercial Crimes Department and investigations are ongoing.
According to police sources, out of the US$6 million that was spirited away by the scammers, about US$3,5 million had already been withdrawn.
Law-enforcement agents have since obtained a High Court order in SA to freeze bank accounts holding part of the loot pending investigations.
The Asset Forfeiture Unit (AFU) of the National Prosecuting Authority (NPA), with assistance from its counterparts in South Africa, have also obtained a seizure order to freeze properties suspected to have been bought using proceeds of the crime.
The South African AFU has since seized a fleet of top-of-the-range vehicles and a plush Johannesburg mansion pending further investigations.
In addition, detectives have identified two individuals — a Congolese and Ghanaian — as the masterminds behind the offence.
They are also following leads pointing to the involvement of Zimbabwean nationals.
As investigations into the matter intensify, an investigating team led by a high-ranking official from the NPA will leave for South Africa today to conduct further inquiries into the case.
South African authorities have granted the team two weeks to conduct their investigations.
“There has been a delay in the team getting clearance from the Government, but last week, they got the Cabinet authority to travel to the neighbouring country and Treasury has since provided funds for the trip,” said the source.
“Indications are that they want to trace more properties and transactions from bank accounts that were used in South Africa.
“The team will be working with the South African police since mutual legal assistance has been granted.” Sunday Mail
GUTU-Magistrate Mitchell Panavanhu has fined a member of the President’s Office (CIO) stationed in Gutu ZWL$300 000 for biting the finger of a patron during a bar scuffle.
Tatenda Chinyemba (26) was fined for biting Tawanda Zvomusha’s finger when he appeared in court yesterday. The incident happened on February 17, 2023, at In and Out Bar near Gutu Garage.
Circumstances are that Chinyemba met Zvomusha at the bar and quizzed him over his identity details which he revealed to him. Chinyemba then allegedly continued pestering him over what he was doing in Gutu…Masvingo Mirror
ZANU PF President Emmerson Mnangagwa has promised to fix price hikes. He made these comments in his weekly column.
Mnangagwa said the authorities are aware that some businesses were disconnecting point-of-sale devices, discouraging sales in local currency, abusing the foreign currency auction system, and directing goods to the informal market through a covert network of agents in his weekly column for The state owned Sunday Mail.
Given the increasing inflows from record foreign currency revenues and the widespread use of the US dollar in local commerce, he said that it was impossible for the exchange rate to be unstable.
Foreign currency collections increased by more than 20% between January and March of this year compared to the same time last year, continuing the trend. Cumulative earnings are predicted to reach a record US$12 billion this year.
The committee, led by the Ministry of Industry and Commerce, is investigating developments that prompted businesses to increase prices of goods and services.
It is also looking into reported stockouts of basic commodities in some retail outlets.
Industry and Commerce Permanent Secretary Dr Mavis Sibanda told the state media the committee was literally working around the clock to enable it to present its findings this week.
“I have instructed the committee to work 24-hour shifts, including over the weekend, because we want to get the findings soon,” she said.
“The report will be submitted to Cabinet but the investigations are still work in progress.
“They haven’t finished yet and I am hoping to get the final document soon so that we can look at it and submit it to Cabinet.”
Dr Sibanda said the committee was looking at a broad range of issues, including unjustified price hikes, unfair business practices and why some businesses are refusing to transact in the local currency.
“There is really a lot of work to be done,” she added.
“The committee also includes people from the National Competitiveness Commission, Competitions and Tariffs Commission and the Ministry of Industry, so that we look at things from a broader point of view.
Business Correspondent| Below are guidelines one can follow after registering a mine with the country’s relevant office…
Steps to operating a mine after registration in order
1 appoint a manager This is a process where you appoint a manager at ministry of mines by filling a form that is supplied by ministry of mines You need your ID plus ID of persons to be appointed plus certificate of registration of mine plus last inspection certificate.
2 appointment of blaster Is hiring someone with knowledge experience and recognized training and relevant blasting license through the ministry of mines .
3 apply for explosives storage and purchase licenses after your magazine have been inspected and approved. 4 magazine room it’s a special room built for storing explosives.
5 mine register where all employees are registered with full details.
6 Environmental impact assessment depending on level of operation an EIA is necessary that is done through ministry of mines by a consultant
7 Returns will be covered separately 8 EMA report will be covered in detail with Returns 9 gold registration.
10 mining books and information will be covered separately.
Cotton farmers have reclaimed cotton they supplied to broke government run COTTCO citing lack of sincerity.
Irate cotton farmers say the Zanu PF regime is failing to address their concerns.
In a statement on Thursday, CCC accused Mr Emmerson Mnangagwa’s administration of hoodwinking farmers…
Cotton farmers in Gokwe have reportedly reclaimed their cotton from Cottco due to longstanding payment delays and low cotton prices offered by the government.
In addressing these concerns, a Citizens’ Coalition for Change government promises to create a more favorable market for farmers and ensure that they receive fair and competitive prices for their produce in time. #VoteCCC
Khama Billiat has attracted interest from Tanzanian giants Young Africans as his Kaizer Chiefs future remains uncertain.
The former Warriors international’s contract is set to expire at the end of the season.
With just a month left before the end of his deal, the 32-year-old is now eligible to sign a pre-contract with a club of his choice.
And Young Africans have confirmed their interest in the player through club’s vice president Arafat Haji.
“He is a high-level player that we would like to have in our team,” Haji told Isolezwe newspaper, as cited by Goal.com.
“We know him and we know that his contract is ending. However, he is still a Chiefs player, we must respect that.
“We will discuss the signing of players and plans for next season after the season is over.”
Meanwhile, other reports in South Africa have suggested that Chiefs are considering extending and talks will commence at the end of the season.- Soccer24 News
Divine Lunga is wanted by South African top-flight side Golden Arrows on a permanent transfer.
Lunga has spent this season on loan at the KZN-based side from Mamelodi Sundowns.
The loan spell is set to lapse on June 30 after he rejoined Arrows at the start of the season. He has featured in 27 appearances, scoring once and assisted three times.
According to FarPost.co.za, the club now wants to retain the player on a permanent basis.
“We have not spoken to Mamelodi Sundowns yet. But the club and coaches want him to stay,” Golden Arrows spokesperson Mqo Thusi told FARPost.
“His loan ends when the season ends but as a club, we want him. We are awaiting discussions with the club [Mamelodi Sundowns].
“We want him to stay longer because he has done so well since coming back. He has been one of the standout performers at the team.
“But we can’t speak on behalf of the Mamelodi Sundowns because they obviously have their plans with him.”- Soccer24 News
CHIKOMBA-Police in the Midlands is investigating a case where a 17-year-old Chivhu boy was robbed and killed by a gang driving a silver Toyota Noah on Saturday. Midlands Police Spokesperson Inspector Emmanuel Mahoko confirmed the matter to The Mirror. He said John Mbano (17) and two other men boarded a silver Toyota Noah at Chivhu Chicken Inn, intending to travel to Masvingo.
The vehicle allegedly had three men and a woman on board. After driving for a while, the driver turned back towards Chivhu on a detour road and stopped at a bushy area. The three men and a woman then demanded cash and valuables from Mbano and the two men he boarded the vehicle with. The robbers went on to strip them and assaulted them with an iron bar and went away with US$285, ZAR100 and two cell phones.
Mbano was dumped in a bushy area two meters from the road, while the other two men were dumped a short distance from Mbano. Mvuma Police attended the scene and found Mbano’s lifeless body with several stab wounds. The body was taken to the Mvuma District Hospital mortuary… www.masvingomirror.com
Khama Billiat has attracted interest from Tanzanian giants Young Africans as his Kaizer Chiefs future remains uncertain.
The former Warriors international’s contract is set to expire at the end of the season.
With just a month left before the end of his deal, the 32-year-old is now eligible to sign a pre-contract with a club of his choice.
And Young Africans have confirmed their interest in the player through club’s vice president Arafat Haji.
“He is a high-level player that we would like to have in our team,” Haji told Isolezwe newspaper, as cited by Goal.com.
“We know him and we know that his contract is ending. However, he is still a Chiefs player, we must respect that.
“We will discuss the signing of players and plans for next season after the season is over.”
Meanwhile, other reports in South Africa have suggested that Chiefs are considering extending and talks will commence at the end of the season.- Soccer24 News
Divine Lunga is wanted by South African top-flight side Golden Arrows on a permanent transfer.
Lunga has spent this season on loan at the KZN-based side from Mamelodi Sundowns.
The loan spell is set to lapse on June 30 after he rejoined Arrows at the start of the season. He has featured in 27 appearances, scoring once and assisted three times.
According to FarPost.co.za, the club now wants to retain the player on a permanent basis.
“We have not spoken to Mamelodi Sundowns yet. But the club and coaches want him to stay,” Golden Arrows spokesperson Mqo Thusi told FARPost.
“His loan ends when the season ends but as a club, we want him. We are awaiting discussions with the club [Mamelodi Sundowns].
“We want him to stay longer because he has done so well since coming back. He has been one of the standout performers at the team.
“But we can’t speak on behalf of the Mamelodi Sundowns because they obviously have their plans with him.”- Soccer24 News
GUTU-Magistrate Mitchell Panavanhu has fined a member of the President’s Office (CIO) stationed in Gutu ZWL$300 000 for biting the finger of a patron during a bar scuffle.
Tatenda Chinyemba (26) was fined for biting Tawanda Zvomusha’s finger when he appeared in court yesterday. The incident happened on February 17, 2023, at In and Out Bar near Gutu Garage.
Circumstances are that Chinyemba met Zvomusha at the bar and quizzed him over his identity details which he revealed to him. Chinyemba then allegedly continued pestering him over what he was doing in Gutu…Masvingo Mirror
A first-of-its-kind World Health Organization (WHO) Global report on sodium intake reduction shows that the world is off-track to achieve its global target of reducing sodium intake by 30% by 2025.
Sodium, an essential nutrient, increases the risk of heart disease, stroke and premature death when eaten in excess. The main source of sodium is table salt (sodium chloride), but it is also contained in other condiments such as sodium glutamate. The report shows that only 5% of WHO Member States are protected by mandatory and comprehensive sodium reduction policies and 73% of WHO Member States lack full range of implementation of such policies.
Implementing highly cost-effective sodium reduction policies could save an estimated 7 million lives globally by 2030. It is an important component of action to achieve the Sustainable Development Goal target of reducing deaths from noncommunicable diseases. But today, only nine countries (Brazil, Chile, Czech Republic, Lithuania, Malaysia, Mexico, Saudi Arabia, Spain and Uruguay) have a comprehensive package of recommended policies to reduce sodium intake.
“Unhealthy diets are a leading cause of death and disease globally, and excessive sodium intake is one of the main culprits,” said Dr Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, WHO Director-General. “This report shows that most countries are yet to adopt any mandatory sodium reduction policies, leaving their people at risk of heart attack, stroke, and other health problems. WHO calls on all countries to implement the ‘Best Buys’ for sodium reduction, and on manufacturers to implement the WHO benchmarks for sodium content in food.”
A comprehensive approach to sodium reduction includes adopting mandatory policies and WHO’s four “best buy” interventions related with sodium which greatly contribute to preventing noncommunicable diseases. These include:
Reformulating foods to contain less salt, and setting targets for the amount of sodium in foods and meals Establishing public food procurement policies to limit salt or sodium rich foods in public institutions such as hospitals, schools, workplaces and nursing homes Front-of-package labelling that helps consumers select products lower in sodium Behaviour change communication and mass media campaigns to reduce salt/sodium consumption Countries are encouraged to establish sodium content targets for processed foods, in line with the WHO Global Sodium Benchmarks and enforce them though these policies.
Mandatory sodium reduction policies are more effective, as they achieve broader coverage and safeguard against commercial interests, while providing a level playing field for food manufacturers. As part of the report, WHO developed a Sodium country score card for Member States based on the type and number of sodium reduction policies they have in place.
“This important report demonstrates that countries must work urgently to implement ambitious, mandatory, government-led sodium reduction policies to meet the global target of reducing salt consumption by 2025,” said Dr Tom Frieden, President and CEO of Resolve to Save Lives, a not-for-profit organization working with countries to prevent 100 million deaths from cardiovascular disease over 30 years. “There are proven measures that governments can implement and important innovations, such as low sodium salts. The world needs action, and now, or many more people will experience disabling or deadly—but preventable—heart attacks and strokes.”
The global average salt intake is estimated to be 10.8 grams per day, more than double the WHO recommendation of less than 5 grams of salt per day (one teaspoon). Eating too much salt makes it the top risk factor for diet and nutrition-related deaths. More evidence is emerging documenting links between high sodium intake and increased risk of other health conditions such as gastric cancer, obesity, osteoporosis and kidney disease.
WHO calls on Member States to implement sodium intake reduction policies without delay and to mitigate the harmful effects of excessive salt consumption. WHO also calls on food manufacturers to set ambitious sodium reduction targets in their products.
To read the report, visit: https://www.who.int/publications/i/item/9789240069985
Business Correspondent| Below are guidelines one can follow after registering a mine with the country’s relevant office…
Steps to operating a mine after registration in order
1 appoint a manager This is a process where you appoint a manager at ministry of mines by filling a form that is supplied by ministry of mines You need your ID plus ID of persons to be appointed plus certificate of registration of mine plus last inspection certificate.
2 appointment of blaster Is hiring someone with knowledge experience and recognized training and relevant blasting license through the ministry of mines .
3 apply for explosives storage and purchase licenses after your magazine have been inspected and approved. 4 magazine room it’s a special room built for storing explosives.
5 mine register where all employees are registered with full details.
6 Environmental impact assessment depending on level of operation an EIA is necessary that is done through ministry of mines by a consultant
7 Returns will be covered separately 8 EMA report will be covered in detail with Returns 9 gold registration.
10 mining books and information will be covered separately.
By- Air Force of Zimbabwe (AFZ) has fired its top officer over his role in an aircraft accident that killed two experienced pilots on 02 February this year.
The AFZ SF260 trainer aircraft flew into electric lines as it struggled to gain height shortly after take-off near Mlezu College in Kwekwe.
Group Captain Bensen Munyanduki, 50, and Wing Commander Daniel Manyenga, 37, died in the accident.
Air Commodore Marcelino Jakuvos Jaya, the Base Commander of the former Thornhill Air Base in Gweru, now Josiah Tungamirai Air Force Base, has left the Air Force in disgrace over the accident.
Jaya reportedly gave the instruction to the two pilots to fly the stricken aircraft. Online news quoted a military source as saying:
A tribunal found that after the aircraft first crash-landed, Air Commodore Jaya was given specific instructions by AFZ Commander Air Marshal Elson Moyo to put the aircraft on a low-bed truck and take it to the air base.
Instead, Jaya ignored a lawful instruction and decided to send our best two pilots on a doomed mission to fly an aircraft that had not been properly assessed by engineers after the earlier incident when it crash-landed.
The aircraft failed to pick up height leading to the tragic deaths of the two pilots.
ZimLive reported that the SF260 first flew on a training mission to Zvishavane with different pilots.
When the pilots were returning to Josiah Tungamirai Air Force Base, they flew into bad weather and were forced to crash-land the aircraft on a dusty road.
AFZ then sent a recovery mission and the two pilots, who had no serious injuries, were transported to the hospital for assessment.
According to ZimLive’s military sources, Air Commodore Jaya ignored instructions from senior officers to recover the aircraft with a truck.
He, instead, instructed Munyanduki and Manyenga to fly the aircraft back to base.
The plane tragically crashed shortly after take-off, robbing the Air Force of two of its experienced pilots.
By A Correspondent- A man from Maphisa in Matabeleland South was recently arrested for allegedly leading an armed robbery gang in the city.
Limukani Khupe, owner of multiple businesses in Maphisa, Homestead and Sun Yet San, showed up at a rural clinic two months ago with a gunshot wound in his hand. Clinic staff hesitated to treat Khupe’s wound without a police report but eventually intervened to save his life.
Khupe claimed he accidentally shot himself while investigating a suspicious noise. Despite his explanation, villagers described Khupe as having a flashy lifestyle and suspicious wealth, fueling rumours he used his businesses for money laundering from illegal activities.
Police arrested Khupe last week for allegedly leading a gang responsible for a string of armed robberies. Officers found a licensed revolver under Khupe’s name.
By Wilbert Mukori- Zimbabweans love to boast, at least until a few years ago, that they are one of the most literate nations in Africa. In this case, the definition of literate as some one who can read and write needed to be revised, as far I am concerned, to include “and understand what read and written”.
If Zimbabweans understood what they read then they would not be so naive and gullible and the country would not be in such an economic and political mess! How is it possible that we have fallen prey Tom Sawyer’s tricks, not once, not twice but multiple times; for a literate nation.
“Tom appeared on the sidewalk with a bucket of whitewash and a long-handled brush. He surveyed the fence, and all gladness left him and a deep melancholy settled down upon his spirit. Thirty yards of board fence nine feet high. Life to him seemed hollow, and existence but a burden.” wrote Mark Twain in The Adventures of Tom Sawyer.
“ . . . . . At this dark and hopeless moment an inspiration burst upon him! Nothing less than a great, magnificent inspiration.
“He took up his brush and went tranquilly to work. Ben Rogers hove in sight presently – the very boy, of all boys, whose ridicule he had been dreading. . . . .
“Tom went on whitewashing – paid no attention to the steamboat. Ben stared a moment and then said: “Hi- yi ! You’re up a stump, ain’t you!”
“No answer. Tom surveyed his last touch with the eye of an artist, then he gave his brush another gentle sweep and surveyed the result, as before. Ben ranged up alongside of him. Tom’s mouth watered for the apple, but he stuck to his work. Ben said:
“Hello, old chap, you got to work, hey?”
“Tom wheeled suddenly and said:
“Why, it’s you, Ben! I warn’t noticing.”
“Say – I’m going in a-swimming, I am. Don’t you wish you could? But of course you’d druther work – wouldn’t you? Course you would!”
Tom contemplated the boy a bit, and said:
“What do you call work?”
“Why, ain’t that work?”
Tom resumed his whitewashing, and answered carelessly:
“Well, maybe it is, and maybe it ain’t. All I know, is, it suits Tom Sawyer.”
“Oh come, now, you don’t mean to let on that you like it?”
The brush continued to move.
“Like it? Well, I don’t see why I oughtn’t to like it. Does a boy get a chance to whitewash a fence every day?”
That put the thing in a new light. Ben stopped nibbling his apple. Tom swept his brush daintily back and forth – stepped back to note the effect – added a touch here and there – criticised the effect again – Ben watching every move and getting more and more interested, more and more absorbed. Presently he said:
“Say, Tom, let me whitewash a little.”
Tom considered, was about to consent; but he altered his mind:
“No – no – I reckon it wouldn’t hardly do, Ben. You see, Aunt Polly’s awful particular about this fence – right here on the street, you know – but if it was the back fence I wouldn’t mind and she wouldn’t. Yes, she’s awful particular about this fence; it’s got to be done very careful; I reckon there ain’t one boy in a thousand, maybe two thousand, that can do it the way it’s got to be done.”
“No – is that so? Oh come, now – lemme, just try. Only just a little – I’d let you, if you was me, Tom.”
“Ben, I’d like to, honest injun; but Aunt Polly – well, Jim wanted to do it, but she wouldn’t let him; Sid wanted to do it, and she wouldn’t let Sid. Now don’t you see how I’m fixed? If you was to tackle this fence and anything was to happen to it – ”
“Oh, shucks, I’ll be just as careful. Now lemme try. Say – I’ll give you the core of my apple.”
“Well, here – No, Ben, now don’t. I’m afeard – ”
“I’ll give you all of it!”
Tom gave up the brush with reluctance in his face, but alacrity in his heart.”
Beautiful! Genius!
Robert Mugabe pull-off the same dirty Tom Sawyer trick with Morgan and his MDC friends. The primary task of the GNU was to implement the democratic reforms and stop Zanu PF rigging elections. Mugabe’s challenge was to distract Tsvangirai and his 2 Deputy Prime Ministers 30 or so MDC Ministers and over 150 MPs and Senators so they forget implementing the reforms. Distract then not just for a day or a month but for five years. He pulled it off!
MDC leaders failed to implement even one token reform in five years of the GNU.
Implementing the reforms was Zimbabwe’s get-out-of-jail card and MDC failed to play it.
“Mazivanhu eMDC adzidza kudya anyerere!” (MDC leaders have learned to enjoy the gravy train good-life, they will not rock the boat!) boasted Zanu PF cronies during the GNU why MDC was not implementing the reforms.
Tsvangirai and company were convinced they were now fully paid up members of Zimbabwe’s ruling elite with a life-time seat on the gravy train. They had a very rude awakening the morning after the July 2013 elections when Zanu PF had a landslide victory and it was back the ghetto for most of the MDC leaders.
Ever since the lost golden opportunity to implement the democratic reforms MDC/CCC leaders have given up on getting even token reforms implemented and focus their attention on participating in the flawed elections to give Zanu PF legitimacy and win the few gravy train seats Zanu PF offers as bait.
Morgan Tsvangirai and his MDC/CCC friends have got away, so far at least, with the blatant betrayal of the people on reforms and the participation on flawed elections because the people themselves as just as ignorant and gullible as the MDC leaders. It is no secret that even to this day the likes of Nelson Chamisa has no clue what the democratic reforms are much less how they are to be implemented. This is why he still talks on reforms even now with just a few months before voting day.
The Zimbabwean voters are so gullible many of them believe in the oxymoronic nonsense of CCC has strategies to win rigged elections. Not just an elections but elections “so flawed, so illegal, that the only logical step was to withdraw”, David Coltart, one of very few MDC/CCC with some, not much, grey stuff between his ears.
After 43 years of rigged elections and with the nation in deep, deep trouble because of the decades of corrupt and tyrannical Zanu PF rule, one has to be insane to forfeit one’s right to a meaningful vote in pursuit of winning rigged elections.
So, now Zanu PF has the right to rig elections! And we, the people have the privilege of the Herculean task of jumping over the bar that is being raised higher and higher until we fail!!!
By-CCC Kambuzuma Member of Parliament, Willias Madzimure says prison inmates should be permitted family time and to exercise their conjugal rights.
The Government is currently working on the Prisons and Corrections Services Bill, which seeks to reform legislation governing prisoners. Madzimure argued that allowing family time for prison inmates will enable them to keep their families intact whilst they serve their sentences. CITE quoted Madzimure as saying: It is important that we have a special day at the end of every month where the prisoners can interact with their families because we have already punished the inmate by incarcerating him. I think it is important that we also work along those lines and do something to make sure that we have got full rehabilitation of prisoners. A prisoner who spends ten years in prison after leaving a one-year-old child, the child will be nine years old by the time he is released. For him to go home and say, “I am your father, I am back” and expect the child to really embrace the father and understand that this is the father, will be a torrid time for both the prisoner and the child. Madzimure also said when a married person or one in a relationship, is arrested and imprisoned, their partners should be allowed to visit them to provide conjugal rights. He said: I would want to raise the issue of conjugal rights for prisoners. In Sweden, the moment you are arrested, you are interviewed and you submit the name of your wife, if you are married and if you are a married woman, you submit the name of your husband. If you are a person who is not yet married, you submit your girlfriend’s name. So every Thursday, you are allowed to be visited by your wife or husband in private. The reason is very simple. The issue of sexuality is not a secret and for us to expect someone to go to prison and spend ten years alone in prison without enjoying his or her rights, I think it is wrong. This can be corrected so easily by making sure that we have prisoners with private accommodations that can be used for that purpose because let us not assume that there is nothing happening in prisons. A lot of things happen in prison – so let it be clear that this is the facility that we have in prisons. Last week, President Emmerson Mnangagwa pardoned 4 279 prisoners under the latest Presidential Amnesty. According to the Zimbabwe Prisons and Correctional Services (ZPCS), a total of 4 166 men and 104 women will be released from the country’s 47 main prisons and eight satellite prisons.
By James Gwati-Citizens from all over the country are fundraising for the upkeep of the jailed politician and social rights activist Jacob Ngarivhume’s family.
Ngarivhume, was convicted and jailed for three years for mobilising against corruption and human rights abuses by the state.
The citizens posted on social media appealing for support for Ngarivhume’s wife and children:
Please let us stand with Jacob’s wife Nyasha, and their 3 children at this moment. ED knows the hardship caused by locking up the primary breadwinner. It is meant to discourage others from speaking out.
Justice Minister and Zanu-PF politburo member, Ziyambi Ziyambi, has appeared to give credence to speculation that an impeachment bid may be mounted against President Emmerson Mnangagwa after general elections due in August this year.
A disaffected faction of the ruling Zanu-PF party is reportedly working on a so-called ‘Bhora Musango’ strategy to stop Mnangagwa from winning the presidential vote as he seeks a second five-year term in office.
Failing that, an impeachment bid may be the next resort for the rebels, working together with opposition the Citizens Coalition for Change (CCC) led by Nelson Chamisa.
The faction’s members reportedly routed key Mnangagwa allies in the recent Zanu-PF primary elections, among them Ziyambi as well as the likes of Justice Mayor Wadyajena.
However, addressing a Zanu-PF inter-district meeting at Banket Sports Club on Sunday, Ziyambi warned prospective ruling party legislators against joining any impeachment bid against Mnangagwa.
“There is no one who can remove the president without Zanu-PF coughing,” said Ziyambi.
“If you go to Parliament and think you will join others and try to do what they call impeachment, we will simply write a recall letter and force a by-election.”
The Zanu-PF rebels are said to support Vice President Constantino Chiwenga who is claimed to be seething over Mnangagwa’s decision to go for a second term in office.
Mnangagwa came to power after a coup led by Chiwenga toppled long-time ruler Robert Mugabe in 2017.
According to political analyst Simukai Tinhu, Mnangagwa’s bid for a second term breaches a pre-coup agreement with his deputy.
Chiwenga’s allies, according to Tinhu, insist the pair reached an agreement that “the then army commander would aid Mnangagwa’s rise to the presidency and, in return, Mnangagwa would step down after one term, paving the way for Chiwenga (to take over)”.
Vice President Constantino Chiwenga with President Emmerson Mnangagwa
Chiwenga has repeatedly dismissed reports of tension with his boss, recently telling a publication produced by the Presidential communications department that; “We were one, very solid. We are bound together … he is part of me and I am part of him.”
He added; “… there are many things that have been said. And we don’t even worry about them. We laugh at them and ask ourselves, ‘have you seen what some idiot put on social media today?'” “This is what is important. We have a mission to fulfil, so let them bark and do whatever.”
However, this is not the first time impeachment has been mulled against Mnangagwa.
Addressing the party ahead of the 2018 elections, Mnangagwa said he was aware of plans to possibly remove him after the vote.
“I got intelligence that some of those who have won this primary election have two minds,” he said.
“They have gone to join the Zanu-PF bandwagon … to be elected with the possible view that, once in Parliament, they … will move a motion of impeachment.”
He added; “There are two things that you need to know. First, the (country’s) Constitution provides the basis for impeachment and such basis must be fulfilled before impeachment proceedings begin.
“Secondly, our (Zanu-PF) constitution provides an instrument to chuck out from Parliament any member whom we think is not Zanu-PF anymore.”
Meanwhile, anger against Mnangagwa within Zanu-PF has also been stocked by allegations of rampant corruption with the recent Gold Mafia documentary series by Al Jazeera exposing his allies and family members for alleged involvement in gold smuggling and laundering of the proceeds.
Government has defied opposition calls to abandon the local currency despite its spectacular free-fall and price spikes that have seen businesses abandoning it.
In Parliament on Wednesday, opposition lawmaker Charlton Hwende (Citizens Coalition for Change) asked government to consider paying farmers in United States dollars only to preserve value for retooling and preparations for the next season.
“The RTGS will not enable these farmers to buy inputs for the next cropping season,” Hwende said.
“Why is the government not considering paying them in United States dollars for all their produce just like what is being done beyond the borders? Right now, the government is paying farmers RTGS and expects them to go to shops where prices are being inflated.”
Last month, government announced that farmers would be paid at US$368 per metric tonne payable as US$200 in foreign currency plus US$168 in Zimbabwe dollars at the interbank rate.
This means farmers will get nearly half of their earnings in local currency at the official rate, which is less than half the value on the verdant parallel market.
But Justice minister Ziyambi Ziyambi, who is also the leader of government business in Parliament, said government was not prepared to dump the Zimdollar.
“Honourable Hwende is in other words encouraging government not to pay in RTGS (Real Time Gross Settlement), but US dollars. The truth is that we cannot stop paying farmers in RTGS. We cannot, therefore, say we are no longer paying in RTGS. We cannot dump the RTGS because it has lost value and we adopt another currency. That is not possible. We have to promote our own currency if we want to control our own economy,” he retorted.
“We can only put measures to control and stabilise the inflation rate on the parallel market. If you look at all the countries around the world, Zambia for example, has once done it, but eventually moved away from that decision and opted for its own currency, the kwacha.”
However, Norton legislator Temba Mliswa (Independent) said government should abandon the local currency experiment.
“Let us not lie to each other. Our local currency has no value at all. Let us park it. We must not play politics with reality,” Mliswa said.
“As ministers, they are paid in US dollars, that is what they are using and that is what has value.”
Zimbabwe, which has suffered bouts of hyperinflation over the past 15 years, is in the throes of another episode of hyperinflation, while its currency is on a free-fall.
Critics blame the dire state of the economy on years of government mismanagement and made worse by endemic corruption.
At 75%, inflation is a long way off the 500 billion percent recorded by the International Monetary Fund at the height of hyperinflation in December 2008, but remains among the highest in the world.
That hyperinflation episode forced the southern African country to dump its currency, which had become worthless, and legislators feel that the current economic crisis and the free-falling currency warrant similar action.
When the Zimdollar was reintroduced in June 2019, it was trading at 1:1 with the US dollar, but has since fallen to $1 407 on the official auction market and $3 200 on the black market.
Mutare lawyer Cosmas Chibaya is being investigated by the Law Society of Zimbabwe (LSZ) for unethical conduct.
Chibaya is being accused of selling a residential stand in Chikanga suburb to Lackmore Chikove without the knowledge of its owner, Joseph Ngorima.
LSZ executive secretary Edward Mapara on Wednesday confirmed the investigation.
“Once the LSZ is satisfied with the submissions and evidence by both parties, the council will make recommendations. The committee determines if the lawyer is guilty of an act of unprofessional conduct or not and upon receiving submissions in mitigation recommends an appropriate penalty,” Mapara said.
“For serious matters, they recommend referral to the disciplinary tribunal for suitability to remain on the register of legal practitioners, which we call disbarment in our professional terms.”
Chikove filed a complaint against Chibaya on August 1, 2022.
He claimed that in April 2021 he inquired about residential stand 1521 in Chikanga Phase One, and was told by Chibaya that it was on sale and he was in possession of its title deeds.
Chibaya allegedly told him that the stand, measuring 312 square metres, was being sold for US$13 000.
Chikove paid US$9 000 deposit and the remainder after three months.
In February 2022, Chikove said he was surprised when Ngorima claimed ownership of the same stand.
At the time, construction of his house was at window level.
HARARE City Council (HCC) has only managed to allocate 56 housing stands in five months while its housing waiting list is ballooning, resulting in land barons taking advantage of desperate home-seekers.
“We managed to allocate only 56 stands since January and this is sad as the housing waiting list is standing at 11 282 active members as at December 31, 2022,” mayor Jacob Mafume said in his first quarter report on Wednesday.
“The city is finalising the human settlement policy which is coming as a review to the current housing policy.
“We will then unveil the new housing models that the city will implement going forward particularly as we seek to address the outstanding issues in the pay schemes that are operational in Harare.”
He added: “Going forward the city will not allocate unserviced land because this has created a lot of problems and has promoted the mushrooming of illegal settlements.”
The report also covered issues to do with waste management which Mafume said remained a major challenge.
“This is largely due to low fleet availability and the inherent littering that is the culture of some residents of Harare,” he said
Mafume said the health sector in the capital was under the spotlight, adding that the council had been recording an average of 1 500 deliveries per month at polyclinics despite a shortage of facilities.
In this edition of Pres1 Times, I attempt to answer three topical issues in relation to Zimbabwe’s upcoming general election. When is the general election going to be held? Will the general election be postponed? When is the actual election date going to be set?
Reader, I try to answer these three questions as a student of Constitutional law and Politics.
First, when is the general election going to be held?
I posit that a lawful election can only happen between the 20th and the 26th of August 2023. This is in contrast to the dominant proposition in the public domain that states that the election is constitutionally due between the 27th of July and the 26th of August 2023. Politically, any date between 20 and 26 August 2023 will not make any fundamental difference to the election dynamics. However, if the election is held on any other date, it will be a violation of the constitution and that will result in constitutional court challenges.
Why then is it that some commentators and the media are erroneously propagating the election period between 27 July and 26 August? Reader, this is because section 158 (1 a) of the constitution is clear that a general election must be held so that polling takes place not more than 30 days meaning not earlier than 30 days before the expiry of the President’s term of office. Mnangagwa was sworn in as President on 26 August 2018. So no voting should happen earlier than the 27th of July 2023 which marks 30 days before expiry of Mnangagwa’s term. At the same time, an election cannot be held after 26 August 2023 because Mnangagwa’s term of office would have expired. This means that voting will have to take place between the 27th of July (not earlier than 30 days before Mnangagwa’s term expires) and the 26th of August (not after the expiry of Mnangagwa’s term). This the constitutional provision that many commentators have emphasised giving a wide range of an election period as between 27 July and 26 August 2023.
However, my departure point is that section 158 (1a) should be read together with Section 161 (2) of the constitution to give a more precise answer as to when polling will take place in the current context. Reader, this is important because according to Section 161 (2) of the constitution, if the Zimbabwe Electoral Commission (ZEC)’s delimitation of new electoral boundaries is completed less than six months before the voting day in a general election, the new boundaries so delimited cannot apply in that election. The President gazetted ZEC’s new delimitation report on 20 February 2023 in line with section 161 of the constitution. As a result, six months after 20 February takes us to 20 August 2023. Reader, this means if the new electoral boundaries are going to be used, the election cannot happen before 20 August according to section 161 of the constitution and we already know the election can also not happen after 26 August as enshrined in section 158 of the constitution. Hence if both sections are read together a lawful election can only happen between 20 and 26 August 2023.
However, can the general election be postponed?
It is highly unlikely that a general election due between 20 and 26 August 2023 will be called off barring unforeseen events such as an earthquake, a disease outbreak like Covid 19 or civil war. I do not even think that the court case challenging the validity of the delimitation report and seeking to postpone the election will succeed. Never mind that constitutionally, there is no explicit provision for the postponement of elections. This is not because of the court case’s merits or lack thereof. Reader, the dominant precedence in world politics is that when politics and law clashes, politics seem to always prevail.
Rather, one needs to understand the nature of the post-colonial Zimbabwean state and its politics to appreciate why the election is most likely not be postponed. Zimbabwe has held regular general elections when constitutionally required to since the end of colonial rule in 1980. However, Zimbabwe’s holding of regular elections does not suffice as a measure of democracy. In fact, across the world, governments are holding more and more elections but the democratic quality of elections is arguably declining. Since the end of the cold war, even hard core authoritarian leaders have realised that it is better to hold and manipulate general elections than not to hold them at all for legitimation. This is a trend Africa has recently witnessed in Djibouti, Cameroon and Equatorial Guinea, Chad, Uganda and the Republic of Congo.
This approach of holding elections without a choice has produced less electorally closed authoritarian regimes but more competitive electoral authoritarian regimes and this is where Zimbabwe fits in my analysis. By allowing periodic elections, the Zimbabwe government tries to embrace at least a semblance of democratic legitimacy, hoping to satisfy external actors like the Commonwealth, the African Development Bank, United Nations, foreign investors, Western nations, regional and continental allies as well as internal actors. At the same time, by placing the election under tight authoritarian controls they still show no apparent intention of surrendering power.
Reader, if the election is not going to be postponed when then is the election date going to be set?
It is the President who has the constitutional prerogative to fix the election date. However, there are two significant issues to consider provided in section 38 of the Electoral Act. First, the President must allow between 14 and 21 days after the publication of the election date for the nomination court to sit. Second, the voting day that the President must set should be between 30 and 63 days after the sitting of the nomination court. So legally, one can only hold an election between 44 and 84 days after the presidential proclamation.
Reader, this simply means an election cannot happen in less than 44 days from the day Mnangagwa announces an election date. At the same time, this means an election can also not happen more than 84 days from the day Mnangagwa announces the polling date. There will at least be 44 days and at most 84 days to prepare from the day Mnangagwa announces the election date. For example, in 2018 Mnangagwa set the 30 July election date on 30 May and that allowed for 60 days which fell between 44 and 84 days as required by law.
Given my proposition that the general election must be held between 20 and 26 August 2023 to meet the constitutional test, allow for the nomination court to sit and a decent campaign period thereafter, it is most likely that the President can proclaim the election date any day between 28 May and 7 July 2023 and you can factor in a very small margin of error.
However, based on political praxis, the proclamation to set the election date is likely to be in the week of 29 May to 2 June 2023 again allow a very small margin of error. Any proclamation in late June to July, though legal, will politically cast the poll as a ‘snap election’. A snap election is one that is called suddenly and without a long political campaign period. Some authoritarian leaders use a snap election to ambush the opposition. In also do not foresee a late proclamation because can trigger a crisis or shambolic election given financial and logistical demands for a harmonised election and ZEC’s state of unpreparedness.
Reader, in future it is good for electoral democracy for the election date to be clearly stated in the law so as to minimise manipulations and ambush by the political incumbent. For now, we are saved by the delimitation exercise and our reading of the politics to know that the general election must happen between the 20th and the 26th of August 2023.
President Emmerson Mnangagwa says government is pinning hopes of resolving power shortages in the short-term on negotiations with Mozambique, among other countries.
“As Zimbabwe journeys towards the attainment of a prosperous and an empowered upper-middle-income economy by 2030, we are improving production and productivity across all sectors of the economy. This will require additional energy. It is thus commendable that negotiations on a broad memorandum of understanding on energy are progressing well,” Mnangagwa told delegates at the Zimbabwe-Mozambique Business Forum attended by Mozambican President Filipe Nyusi.
“Accordingly, its conclusion must provide a comprehensive and structured framework for increased co-operation in this important area of energy which supports industrialisation and growth.”
Nyusi is on a three-day State visit.
At the end of last year, Zesa Holdings announced that it had paid US$5 million of the US$16 million owed to the Mozambique power utility, Electricidade de Moçambique to unlock a fresh power import arrangement.
Zesa has secured US$310 million for the rehabilitation and extension of Hwange Stage 1 and Stage 2 units.
This is expected to unlock an additional 400 megawatts of reliable power supplies to the grid.
The country has been battling acute power shortages for several years, as successive droughts have resulted in poor inflows into Kariba Dam with ageing coal-fired power stations repeatedly breaking down.
Zimbabwe has in recent years sought to boost the take-up of renewable energy through measures such as removing import duties on solar energy-related products, requiring all new construction to include solar systems, and introducing net metering.
“Half the population lives under extreme poverty, US$2.2 billion is lost to corruption annually and we have the highest hyperinflation rate in the world – all because those in power would rather loot and persecute than lead,” Fadzai Mahere told a packed United Nations (UN) auditorium in Geneva, Tuesday.
The Citizens Coalition for Change (CCC) spokesperson’s no-holds-barred address was part of this year’s UN Geneva Summit on Human Rights and Democracy.
Mahere narrated her ordeal at the hands of President Emmerson Mnangagwa’s administration which she laid into for its treatment of political opponents, prisoners, ‘abuse’ of state institutions and judicial capture.
She highlighted her treatment at Chikurubi Maximum Prison after her arrest on charges of undermining the authority of the police after she tweeted that a police officer had struck dead a baby with a baton stick in Harare.
“Two years ago, I woke up in an overcrowded jail cell in Zimbabwe’s Maximum Security Prison. No water. No toilet. No underwear. No dignity. No rights,” said Mahere.
“Inmates ate watery porridge with their bare hands because spoons are not allowed.
“Before lights were off, we had to line up in queues for roll call – groups A, B, C and D. D was for Dangerous. Even though the other women there had committed crimes such as murder, armed robbery and infanticide, I alone was put in the dangerous group. I had committed the dangerous crime of tweeting against police brutality.”
Mahere, who was recently found guilty of the crime and fined US$500 said her conviction, that of Transform Zimbabwe (TZ) President Jacob Ngarivhume and the continued incarceration of CCC member Job Sikhala was evidence Mnangagwa had weaponised the judiciary.
Ngarivhume was sentenced to four years in prison a few weeks ago while Sikhala is about to clock a year in pretrial detention.
Added Mahere: “The government’s war against freedom and its weaponisation of the law against myself and other government critics such as Sikhala and Ngarivhume is calculated to send a chilling message to the rest of society – We’re watching you, even on Twitter and this is the punishment you get for participating in opposition politics.”
With Zimbabwe’s general elections drawing closer, government is under increasing pressure to deliver a free and fair poll. A bid to rejoin the Commonwealth could ‘worsen’ scrutiny for Mnangagwa.
Mahere is expected to be announced by her party as its Harare North Parliamentary candidate. She told attendants the UN, Commonwealth and other likely observers should insist on a credible election.
“I would not risk my life and freedom if I did not sincerely believe that change is possible.
“This August, Zimbabweans go to the ballot box with one simple mission, to win Zimbabwe for change, to install ethical, competent leaders who believe in freedom, dignity and prosperity for everyone.
“The world must insist on the election being free, fair and credible. The will of the people has to prevail. It is difficult but we must emancipate the jewel of Africa from the imprisonment of its current dictatorship,” said Mahere.
Norton legislator Temba Mliswa (Independent) has challenged President Emmerson Mnangagwa to respond to Al Jazeera’s Gold Mafia investigative documentary which has alleged involvement of the First Family and other senior government officials in alleged gold and money laundering activities in Zimbabwe.
Al Jazeera released a four-part documentary series centred on a secret recording of Mnangagwa’s ambassador-at-large Uebert Angel — born Uebert Mudzanire — and his associates promising to help undercover journalists launder US$1,2 billion in dirty money.
Since the release of the documentary, Mnangagwa has said nothing about the issue although Information, Publicity and Broadcasting Services minister Monica Mutsvangwa has said government is taking “allegations raised in the documentary seriously and has directed relevant organs to institute investigations into the issues raised therein”.
However, speaking during an interview with Alpha Media Holdings chairman Trevor Ncube on the platform In Conversation with Trevor, Mliswa said: “The police have not arrested Ewan MacMillan and Simon Rudland because they had the right documentation from the Reserve Bank of Zimbabwe as they were flying gold above board with Emirates coming back with cash and it is documented. What wrong have they done?
“Most of these people saw an opportunity as business people, they are capitalists and they seized an opportunity. The question is on leadership. They have done nothing wrong, they are making their own money, their duty is to make money and any opportunity they will seize on it they are exonerated,” he said.
“The number one citizen, the President has got to respond to these issues and (that’s my) advice, it’s either he takes it or he does not and advice does not have to go through one to nine.”
He said as a legislator he was wondering why Mnangagwa was not responding to the allegations.
“When George Charamba is responding as the presidential spokesperson he is not even doing a good job and if so, then can we say that it’s the President’s response?” Mliswa added.
Mliswa was expelled from Zanu-PF party in 2015 over allegations of fuelling factionalism, insubordination and undermining the authority of the party, among several other charges.
Ten persons are being looked into by Masvingo police who believe they are part of the ring smuggling lithium ore. In the Masvingo industrial area, where many haulage trucks were parked with the lithium ore after a Police bust, at least 3 700 tonnes of lithium ore that had been allegedly stolen from Bikita Minerals were discovered.
Most of the ten are drivers, and they are Victor Mangwanya (58) of Palace Green Investment, Charles Chapu (46), Elvis Nyamunda, Maldwyn Tapiwa Joni (26) of Shereni Transport, Tapiwa Banhiwa (26) and Tendai Masawi (34) of Dreams Transport, Irimai Goche (40) of Neshto Trucks, Albert Manyenga (23) of Amour Shield Security, Frank Badza (65) and Raphios Ndabambi (61) of Palace Green Investments.
POLITICAL and human rights activists have castigated Citizens Coalition for Change (CCC) spokesperson Fadzayi Mahere for recklessly denouncing her motherland in Geneva for thirty pieces of silver, pointing to the need to expedite the Patriotic Bill to deal with such careless behaviour.
In a shocking show of dislike for her country, Citizens Coalition for Change spokesperson Advocate Fadzayi Mahere hijacked a human rights conference in Geneva to denigrate her country in exchange for a few pieces of silver.
For the love of money and cheers from former colonialists, Mahere surprised Zimbabweans across the globe who have questioned her citizenship.
Political and Human Rights activist Ms Abigirl Mupambi said Mahere’s actions were confirmation that her party is working with former colonial masters for a regime change agenda.
”Fadzai Mahere is a typical example of why we urgently need the Patriotic Act put into action. Her actions serve to confirm why even her western masters, who were cheering her up, activated the Logan Act in the United States to guard their national interests. Such inept individuals are dangerous and must be whipped into line time and again. You don’t crop up from your backyard and speak like that on behalf of a nation that is detrimental and unpalatable. Something must be done about this!!… Fighting ZANU PF is one thing, Attacking Zimbabwe is something else,” she said.
Opposition political party LEAD president Ms Linda Masarira said Patriotic Bill must be expedited to deal with people such as Mahere.
“I think sometimes we are painting a very terrible picture for our country, I have been in Chikurubi before and there are decent animation facilities. We have challenges as a nation, but we can’t paint a gory picture like what Fadzai Mahere said in Geneva, we are Zimbabweans first before anything else, said Masarira.
Zimbabwe has come up with a Patriotic Bill to impose stiffer penalties on those that campaign against the country.
Mahere’s antics are not new after the Citizens Coalition for Change leaders campaigned for the imposition of illegal economic sanctions on the country as part of an agenda to effect regime change.- ZBC News
A suspected fraudster has appeared in court for allegedly duping a man of US$4 000 who was seeking to get a sponsorship certificate to go to the United Kingdom.
Tadiwanashe Tembo Ndlovu (21) who is facing charges of fraud, appeared before Harare Magistrate Mr Dennis Mangosi.
The court granted him $300 000 bail and will return on June 26.
The complainant is Bethuel Shelton Rundofa.
The State alleged that on December 18, 2022, Rundofa received a message link on Whatsapp group named UK Sponsorship that Ndlovu was in a position of processing certificate of sponsorships.
Rundofa got interested and contacted Ndlovu who confirmed to him that he was an agent who could facilitate certificate of sponsorships to people who want to go to the United Kingdom.
On December 20, Rundofa made an appointment with him and they met at the corner of Third Street and Central Avenue, Harare.
They entered into a certain office and he told Rundofa that he needed to pay US$4 000 so that the certificate would be processed within two weeks.
The following day, Rundofa returned to the office to make the full payment and Ndlovu ordered his friend Gerald Pondai to write an affidavit and he signed it.
After the said two weeks, Ndlovu started giving numeral excuses until he became unreachable both on the phone and at his office.
This prompted Rundofa to file a police report.-state media
We are deeply saddened to learn of the passing of Kelly Rusike, the legendary Jazz Invitation front man and Zimbabwean Jazz bassist. He was a veteran producer, writer, arranger, and Sound Engineer, owning Shed Productions, a major recording Production House in Zimbabwe that produced numerous audio commercials, jingles and songs.
Kelly’s contributions to the Zimbabwean music industry will always be remembered, particularly his timeless works such as Cecilia, Bp yangu yakwira, and Ngwerewere sadza advert.
Our hearts go out to his family, friends, and all those who knew him.
Emmerson Mnangagwa has formally revoked the illegal General Notice 635 of 2023, which purported to hide the Ministry of Health and Child Care’s acquisition and disposal of specific commodities from public scrutiny.
Last week, General Notice 635 was published. The withdrawal is detailed in General Notice 851A of 2023, which Dr. Misheck Sibanda, the Chief Secretary to the President and Cabinet, published in an extra-ordinary Government Gazette.
It is hereby announced that His Excellency the President has immediately revoked the statement contained in General Notice 635 of 2023; as a result, that general notice is repealed, according to Dr. Sibanda.
The President had, in accordance with Section 3(6) of the Public Procurement and Disposal of Public Assets Act, according to the repealed notice.
“It is hereby notified that His Excellency the President has with immediate effect cancelled the declaration set forth in General Notice 635 of 2023; that general notice is accordingly repealed,” Dr Sibanda said.
According to the repealed notice, the President had in terms of section 3(6) of the Public Procurement and Disposal of Public Assets Act (Chapter 22:23), declared various goods to be of “national interest” hence they had been exempted from public disclosure.
These included construction equipment and materials, biomedical and medical equipment, medicines and drugs, vehicles including ambulances, laboratory equipment among others.
In a statement last week, Dr Sibanda said the document in question had no standing at law, in policy and in terms of set Government procedures.
“Upon further investigations, it has come to light that the so-called Government Gazetted Notice is a nullity, having been published without authorisation, and without the signature of the Chief Secretary to the President and Cabinet, as is the norm. While further investigations are underway, Government wishes to advise the public that, on the instruction of His Excellency the President, the document in question has been rescinded as it has no standing at law, in policy and in terms of set Government procedures. It thus should be disregarded”.
He stressed Government’s commitment to managing a transparent public procurement policy and process, as required by the laws of the country.-Stat Media
FC Platinum coach Norman Mapeza has equated Manchester City to supersonic airliner Concode, after the English side produced a football masterclass to put Real Madrid to the sword in last night’s Champions League semi-final second leg.
Bernardo Silva’s first half brace, Eder Militao’s 76th minute own goal and Julian Alvarez’s late strike sent Guardiola’s men to the final in Instabul 5-1 on aggregate, after last week’s 1-1 stalemate in Madrid.
Mapeza, whose love for Guardiola’s style of management is well-documented, described the Spaniard’s side as a well-oiled machine which is hard to stop.
“If you look at Manchester City and Real Madrid, they are top quality teams with top quality players. But City is like a machine,” Mapeza said while previewing the Platinum miners’ league game against ZPC Kariba on Saturday.
“Some ten years ago, there was an aeroplane called Concode. Manchester City are like the Concode,” added the former Warriors captain.
Mapeza also showered Guardiola —who he played against in the 1994/95 Champions League season when the former was at Turkish giants Galatasaray —with praise, saying the serial winner always had coaching instincts when he was still a player. – Soccer24 News
Cotton farmers have reclaimed cotton they supplied to broke government run COTTCO citing lack of sincerity.
Irate cotton farmers say the Zanu PF regime is failing to address their concerns.
In a statement on Thursday, CCC accused Mr Emmerson Mnangagwa’s administration of hoodwinking farmers…
Cotton farmers in Gokwe have reportedly reclaimed their cotton from Cottco due to longstanding payment delays and low cotton prices offered by the government.
In addressing these concerns, a Citizens’ Coalition for Change government promises to create a more favorable market for farmers and ensure that they receive fair and competitive prices for their produce in time. #VoteCCC
Houston Dynamo defender Teenage Hadebe will earn an increased salary in his third season in the American Major League Soccer.
The Zimbabwean international signed his contract in 2021.
According to information released by Major League Soccer Players Association, Hadebe will this season earn $1,288,077.
The money includes the player’s base salary and all signing and guaranteed bonuses annualized over the term of the player’s contract, including option years.
The figure also includes any marketing bonus and any agent’s fees, both annualized over the term of the contract but excludes Performance Bonuses.
The amount has increased by over $155,000 from his first annual earnings in the MLS in 2021.
Meanwhile, Hadebe ranks third in earnings at Houston Dynamo behind Hector Herrera and Sebastian Ferreira.- Soccer24 News
FC Platinum coach Norman Mapeza has equated Manchester City to supersonic airliner Concode, after the English side produced a football masterclass to put Real Madrid to the sword in last night’s Champions League semi-final second leg.
Bernardo Silva’s first half brace, Eder Militao’s 76th minute own goal and Julian Alvarez’s late strike sent Guardiola’s men to the final in Instabul 5-1 on aggregate, after last week’s 1-1 stalemate in Madrid.
Mapeza, whose love for Guardiola’s style of management is well-documented, described the Spaniard’s side as a well-oiled machine which is hard to stop.
“If you look at Manchester City and Real Madrid, they are top quality teams with top quality players. But City is like a machine,” Mapeza said while previewing the Platinum miners’ league game against ZPC Kariba on Saturday.
“Some ten years ago, there was an aeroplane called Concode. Manchester City are like the Concode,” added the former Warriors captain.
Mapeza also showered Guardiola —who he played against in the 1994/95 Champions League season when the former was at Turkish giants Galatasaray —with praise, saying the serial winner always had coaching instincts when he was still a player. – Soccer24 News
POLITICAL and human rights activists have castigated Citizens Coalition for Change (CCC) spokesperson Fadzayi Mahere for recklessly denouncing her motherland in Geneva for thirty pieces of silver, pointing to the need to expedite the Patriotic Bill to deal with such careless behaviour.
In a shocking show of dislike for her country, Citizens Coalition for Change spokesperson Advocate Fadzayi Mahere hijacked a human rights conference in Geneva to denigrate her country in exchange for a few pieces of silver.
For the love of money and cheers from former colonialists, Mahere surprised Zimbabweans across the globe who have questioned her citizenship.
Political and Human Rights activist Ms Abigirl Mupambi said Mahere’s actions were confirmation that her party is working with former colonial masters for a regime change agenda.
”Fadzai Mahere is a typical example of why we urgently need the Patriotic Act put into action. Her actions serve to confirm why even her western masters, who were cheering her up, activated the Logan Act in the United States to guard their national interests. Such inept individuals are dangerous and must be whipped into line time and again. You don’t crop up from your backyard and speak like that on behalf of a nation that is detrimental and unpalatable. Something must be done about this!!… Fighting ZANU PF is one thing, Attacking Zimbabwe is something else,” she said.
Opposition political party LEAD president Ms Linda Masarira said Patriotic Bill must be expedited to deal with people such as Mahere.
“I think sometimes we are painting a very terrible picture for our country, I have been in Chikurubi before and there are decent animation facilities. We have challenges as a nation, but we can’t paint a gory picture like what Fadzai Mahere said in Geneva, we are Zimbabweans first before anything else, said Masarira.
Zimbabwe has come up with a Patriotic Bill to impose stiffer penalties on those that campaign against the country.
Mahere’s antics are not new after the Citizens Coalition for Change leaders campaigned for the imposition of illegal economic sanctions on the country as part of an agenda to effect regime change.- ZBC News
By-The Russian Government has delivered 18 new helicopters to Harare, which authorities say would be used for emergency air medical services, law enforcement and tourism.
The helicopters will be used for air ambulances, air policing, and rescue missions in case of disasters. Further, the helicopters are set to boost the tourism sector against the backdrop of an assured health service for tourists through emergency air medical services that will be offered in resort areas like Mana Pools and Victoria Falls. The helicopters are part of the Government’s partnership with the Russian Federation and were delivered to the Robert Mugabe International Airport in Harare. Speaking at a ceremony to receive the helicopters, President Mnangagwa said the bond between Zimbabwe and Russia was unbreakable, solid and had stood the test of time. “Zimbabwe is under sanctions, we are constrained unlike our neighbours and the rest of the world to acquire the tools we need to mitigate the impact of cyclones and disasters in our region. “When I discussed with my brother (Russian) President (Vladimir) Putin, he recommended that their company, Russian State Corporation, (Rostec) produce the type of equipment we want and we have ordered these 18,” he said. President Mnangagwa said he is confident that the Ministries of Environment, Climate, Environment and Tourism as well as Home Affairs and Cultural Heritage would swiftly respond when disasters strike as was the case during Cyclone Idai. The President also hailed the continued excellent relations with Russia, saying most freedom fighters, including himself, were trained in that country. He said the historical co-operation is no longer military but is now “economic and humanitarian”. Added to that, President Mnangagwa said the relationship with Russia is developmental and focused on modernising the economy, improving lives and moving people from poverty to prosperity, a process that needs friends to assist in the exploitation of the country’s resources. “The Russian Federation is under sanctions, Zimbabwe is under sanctions from the same people for different reasons, then you are told don’t speak to that guy who is under sanctions when I am also under sanctions. You are saying victims of sanctions should not speak to each other, what nonsense?” he said. President Mnangagwa said the country stands tall and is progressing despite the sanctions which taught the nation to be independent, innovative and produce essentials like medical oxygen. He said the country was also food secure before reiterating that Zanu-PF was headed for a landslide victory in the harmonised elections set for August.
The director-general of Rostec, Mr Sergey Chemezov, said the products manufactured by their company are ideal for the African continent. Mr Chemezov said some of the helicopters are medical ones to be used as air ambulances for providing emergency medical assistance while others serve as a basis for law enforcement and State security. Home Affairs and Cultural Heritage Minister Kazembe Kazembe said it was impossible to talk of Zimbabwe’s economic journey without mentioning President Mnangagwa’s engagement and re-engagement efforts.
By-In what appears to be a plot to rig elections through patronage, the Zanu PF-led government has ordered the release of 4 279 prisoners under the Presidential Amnesty.
According to the Zimbabwe Prisons and Correctional Services (ZPCS), 4 166 men and 104 women will be released from the country’s 47 main prisons and eight satellite prisons.
In a statement released on Thursday, ZPCS spokesperson Meya Khanyezi said:
These inmates were being rehabilitated and have been serving for the offences they committed against the state therefore, those aggrieved are encouraged to forgive them for their successful reintegration into society.
According to a Statutory Instrument of an Extraordinary Government Gazette published last Friday by the Ministry of Justice, Legal, and Parliamentary Affairs, those who have been pardoned include terminally ill female prisoners and juveniles who are not serving specified offences.
Those to be released would have served one-third of their sentences by 18 April 2023 while those who remain in prison are convicts serving time for violence-related offences.
Khanyezi urged communities to forgive and embrace the inmates that have been given amnesty. She said:
We would like to appeal to the close family members, stakeholders, and the society at large to embrace and accept inmates who have been released on amnesty.
Successful reintegration of inmates back into society is not the sole mandate of ZPCS alone but it requires combined efforts from all citizens of Zimbabwe.
These inmates were being rehabilitated and have been serving for the offenses they committed against the state, therefore, those aggrieved are encouraged to forgive them for their successful reintegration into society.
The number of inmates to be released per province:
Bulawayo Metropolitan – 688 (680 males and 8 females)
Matabeleland North – 231 (230 males and 1 female)
Matabeleland South – 129 (127 males and 2 females)
Harare – 790 (770 males and 20 females)
Midlands – 537 (527 males and 10 females)
Mashonaland East – 397 (358 males and 39 females)
Mashonaland West – 340 (333 males and 7 females)
Mashonaland Central – 206 (204 males and 2 females)
Masvingo – 398 (392 males and 6 females)
Midlands – 537 (527 males and 10 females)
Zimbabwe’s prisons have a carrying capacity of 17 000 inmates but were holding more than 22 000.
By James Gwati-Citizens from all over the country are fundraising for the upkeep of the jailed politician and social rights activist Jacob Ngarivhume’s family.
Ngarivhume, was convicted and jailed for three years for mobilising against corruption and human rights abuses by the state.
The citizens posted on social media appealing for support for Ngarivhume’s wife and children:
Please let us stand with Jacob’s wife Nyasha, and their 3 children at this moment. ED knows the hardship caused by locking up the primary breadwinner. It is meant to discourage others from speaking out.
Houston Dynamo defender Teenage Hadebe will earn an increased salary in his third season in the American Major League Soccer.
The Zimbabwean international signed his contract in 2021.
According to information released by Major League Soccer Players Association, Hadebe will this season earn $1,288,077.
The money includes the player’s base salary and all signing and guaranteed bonuses annualized over the term of the player’s contract, including option years.
The figure also includes any marketing bonus and any agent’s fees, both annualized over the term of the contract but excludes Performance Bonuses.
The amount has increased by over $155,000 from his first annual earnings in the MLS in 2021.
Meanwhile, Hadebe ranks third in earnings at Houston Dynamo behind Hector Herrera and Sebastian Ferreira.- Soccer24 News
FC Platinum coach Norman Mapeza has equated Manchester City to supersonic airliner Concode, after the English side produced a football masterclass to put Real Madrid to the sword in last night’s Champions League semi-final second leg.
Bernardo Silva’s first half brace, Eder Militao’s 76th minute own goal and Julian Alvarez’s late strike sent Guardiola’s men to the final in Instabul 5-1 on aggregate, after last week’s 1-1 stalemate in Madrid.
Mapeza, whose love for Guardiola’s style of management is well-documented, described the Spaniard’s side as a well-oiled machine which is hard to stop.
“If you look at Manchester City and Real Madrid, they are top quality teams with top quality players. But City is like a machine,” Mapeza said while previewing the Platinum miners’ league game against ZPC Kariba on Saturday.
“Some ten years ago, there was an aeroplane called Concode. Manchester City are like the Concode,” added the former Warriors captain.
Mapeza also showered Guardiola —who he played against in the 1994/95 Champions League season when the former was at Turkish giants Galatasaray —with praise, saying the serial winner always had coaching instincts when he was still a player. – Soccer24 News
A first-of-its-kind World Health Organization (WHO) Global report on sodium intake reduction shows that the world is off-track to achieve its global target of reducing sodium intake by 30% by 2025.
Sodium, an essential nutrient, increases the risk of heart disease, stroke and premature death when eaten in excess. The main source of sodium is table salt (sodium chloride), but it is also contained in other condiments such as sodium glutamate. The report shows that only 5% of WHO Member States are protected by mandatory and comprehensive sodium reduction policies and 73% of WHO Member States lack full range of implementation of such policies.
Implementing highly cost-effective sodium reduction policies could save an estimated 7 million lives globally by 2030. It is an important component of action to achieve the Sustainable Development Goal target of reducing deaths from noncommunicable diseases. But today, only nine countries (Brazil, Chile, Czech Republic, Lithuania, Malaysia, Mexico, Saudi Arabia, Spain and Uruguay) have a comprehensive package of recommended policies to reduce sodium intake.
“Unhealthy diets are a leading cause of death and disease globally, and excessive sodium intake is one of the main culprits,” said Dr Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, WHO Director-General. “This report shows that most countries are yet to adopt any mandatory sodium reduction policies, leaving their people at risk of heart attack, stroke, and other health problems. WHO calls on all countries to implement the ‘Best Buys’ for sodium reduction, and on manufacturers to implement the WHO benchmarks for sodium content in food.”
A comprehensive approach to sodium reduction includes adopting mandatory policies and WHO’s four “best buy” interventions related with sodium which greatly contribute to preventing noncommunicable diseases. These include:
Reformulating foods to contain less salt, and setting targets for the amount of sodium in foods and meals Establishing public food procurement policies to limit salt or sodium rich foods in public institutions such as hospitals, schools, workplaces and nursing homes Front-of-package labelling that helps consumers select products lower in sodium Behaviour change communication and mass media campaigns to reduce salt/sodium consumption Countries are encouraged to establish sodium content targets for processed foods, in line with the WHO Global Sodium Benchmarks and enforce them though these policies.
Mandatory sodium reduction policies are more effective, as they achieve broader coverage and safeguard against commercial interests, while providing a level playing field for food manufacturers. As part of the report, WHO developed a Sodium country score card for Member States based on the type and number of sodium reduction policies they have in place.
“This important report demonstrates that countries must work urgently to implement ambitious, mandatory, government-led sodium reduction policies to meet the global target of reducing salt consumption by 2025,” said Dr Tom Frieden, President and CEO of Resolve to Save Lives, a not-for-profit organization working with countries to prevent 100 million deaths from cardiovascular disease over 30 years. “There are proven measures that governments can implement and important innovations, such as low sodium salts. The world needs action, and now, or many more people will experience disabling or deadly—but preventable—heart attacks and strokes.”
The global average salt intake is estimated to be 10.8 grams per day, more than double the WHO recommendation of less than 5 grams of salt per day (one teaspoon). Eating too much salt makes it the top risk factor for diet and nutrition-related deaths. More evidence is emerging documenting links between high sodium intake and increased risk of other health conditions such as gastric cancer, obesity, osteoporosis and kidney disease.
WHO calls on Member States to implement sodium intake reduction policies without delay and to mitigate the harmful effects of excessive salt consumption. WHO also calls on food manufacturers to set ambitious sodium reduction targets in their products.
To read the report, visit: https://www.who.int/publications/i/item/9789240069985
We are deeply saddened to learn of the passing of Kelly Rusike, the legendary Jazz Invitation front man and Zimbabwean Jazz bassist. He was a veteran producer, writer, arranger, and Sound Engineer, owning Shed Productions, a major recording Production House in Zimbabwe that produced numerous audio commercials, jingles and songs.
Kelly’s contributions to the Zimbabwean music industry will always be remembered, particularly his timeless works such as Cecilia, Bp yangu yakwira, and Ngwerewere sadza advert.
Our hearts go out to his family, friends, and all those who knew him.
We are deeply saddened to learn of the passing of Kelly Rusike, the legendary Jazz Invitation front man and Zimbabwean Jazz bassist. He was a veteran producer, writer, arranger, and Sound Engineer, owning Shed Productions, a major recording Production House in Zimbabwe that produced numerous audio commercials, jingles and songs.
Kelly’s contributions to the Zimbabwean music industry will always be remembered, particularly his timeless works such as Cecilia, Bp yangu yakwira, and Ngwerewere sadza advert.
Our hearts go out to his family, friends, and all those who knew him.
Cotton farmers have reclaimed cotton they supplied to broke government run COTTCO citing lack of sincerity.
Irate cotton farmers say the Zanu PF regime is failing to address their concerns.
In a statement on Thursday, CCC accused Mr Emmerson Mnangagwa’s administration of hoodwinking farmers…
Cotton farmers in Gokwe have reportedly reclaimed their cotton from Cottco due to longstanding payment delays and low cotton prices offered by the government.
In addressing these concerns, a Citizens’ Coalition for Change government promises to create a more favorable market for farmers and ensure that they receive fair and competitive prices for their produce in time. #VoteCCC
Business Correspondent| Below are guidelines one can follow after registering a mine with the country’s relevant office…
Steps to operating a mine after registration in order
1 appoint a manager This is a process where you appoint a manager at ministry of mines by filling a form that is supplied by ministry of mines You need your ID plus ID of persons to be appointed plus certificate of registration of mine plus last inspection certificate.
2 appointment of blaster Is hiring someone with knowledge experience and recognized training and relevant blasting license through the ministry of mines .
3 apply for explosives storage and purchase licenses after your magazine have been inspected and approved. 4 magazine room it’s a special room built for storing explosives.
5 mine register where all employees are registered with full details.
6 Environmental impact assessment depending on level of operation an EIA is necessary that is done through ministry of mines by a consultant
7 Returns will be covered separately 8 EMA report will be covered in detail with Returns 9 gold registration.
10 mining books and information will be covered separately.
The Tobacco Industry and Marketing Board (TIMB) CEO Emmanuel Matsvaire who has been accused of several allegations is reportedly being shielded by the company board chair Patrick Devenish and other influential politicians.
There is a dossier which was reportedly handed over to the Zimbabwe Anti-Corruption Commission (Zacc) which raises pertinent questions about Matsvaire’s fitness to hold office.
However, the silence by investigating authorities on the allegations against Matsvaire has prompted market watchers to question the sincerity of the anti-corruption fight.
Matsvaire, sources said, is Devenish’s blue-eyed boy, thereby creating a “tobacco mafia” controlled by a few chosen elite.
It is alleged that the tobacco mafia has captured some corruption investigators and reporters as the tobacco cartel seeks to cover up some shady dealings..
Highly placed sources alleged that Matsvaire, who was linked to the late Agriculture Minister Perrence Shiri, is untouchable as he has managed to spread his tentacles in key institutions such as anti-graft bodies and some media houses.
The TIMB boss is also accused of being involved in intricate underhand deals with some named top white businessmen.
The TIMB boss is allegedly making “moves” to scuttle a potentially explosive investigation “to make the case suffer a natural death”.
Matsvaire, who holds a PhD in Agricultural Economics, did not respond to questions posed to him via WhatsApp recently despite having read the message as evidenced by the blue tick.
The dossier alleges that Matsvaire was involved in the misappropriation of agricultural inputs such as fertiliser and chemicals.
This, the dossier said, happened during the 2017 to 2021 farming season.
In part, the document reads: “The input clerk Ms P Chide who is stationed at TIMB head office would sent numerous 30 tonnes truckloads of inputs to four provinces (Mashonaland East, Mashonaland Central, Mashonaland West and Manicaland). The regional managers (RM) were accountable and responsible for receiving and distributing of these inputs to growers.
“However, the RM for Manicaland by then Mr Emmanuel Matsvaire who is the current Operations Director and Acting CEO failed to account for three truckloads of inputs (1800 bags; 90 000 tonnes of fertilisers worth about US$$90,000) that were dispatched to his area.
“The inputs went missing, disappeared into thin air, they vanished and to-date were never recovered. The staff members who worked closely with him hinted that the inputs were actually received and sold by Mr Matsvaire with the cash converted into his own pocket for personal gains.”
There are also allegations that Matsvaire was involved in the abuse of the TIMB Tobacco Inputs Credit Scheme (TICS) contract programme through flawed tender procedures.
“There is also a nepotism case in which Matsvaire teamed up with the TIMB human capital partner. They connived to employ Rogas Chikomo as a registration clerk at TIMB Mutare office in 2017 to 2022 June. The records show a continuous unprocedural renewal of employment contract without conducting any interviews,” reads the dossier.
It is also alleged that Emmanuel Matsvaire and Divine Bona promoted Aid Taruvinga from field officer to technical officer between August and December 2022.
Questions have been raised over Taruvinga’s qualifications in relation to the post.
All these cases, the dossier alleges point to Matsvaire’s wrongdoing and a thorough investigation should be conducted as the government intensifies the fight against corruption.
Cotton farmers have reclaimed cotton they supplied to broke government run COTTCO citing lack of sincerity.
Irate cotton farmers say the Zanu PF regime is failing to address their concerns.
In a statement on Thursday, CCC accused Mr Emmerson Mnangagwa’s administration of hoodwinking farmers…
Cotton farmers in Gokwe have reportedly reclaimed their cotton from Cottco due to longstanding payment delays and low cotton prices offered by the government.
In addressing these concerns, a Citizens’ Coalition for Change government promises to create a more favorable market for farmers and ensure that they receive fair and competitive prices for their produce in time. #VoteCCC
Hey have you asked yourself why big brands like Coca-Cola ,Pepsi still advertise their business .
I Know in many people’s eye make no sense that a well known brand still engage into advertising and invest so much into that .Just an example ,Coca-Cola ,Pepsi and Minute maid they are buying exclusive display fridges for promotion campaign every year .
(1) The fall of Mr juicy This was the first drink to compete with Coca-Cola in Zimbabwe. It took a lead in introducing the concept of sport drinks to the Zimbabweans and became famous in the whole country.
The excellent advertising made it the top spot in Zimbabwe beverage market .It sales reached an astonishing 5.5 billion in 2003 which is the sum of sales of Pepsi and Coca-Cola in Zimbabwe .From this moment Mr Juicy stopped advertising and nobody knows what Mr Juicy is.
The reason for Mr Juicy ‘s sinking is complex ,but of course ,it cannot be attributed to the fact that it stopped advertising. This case study can help us to answer the question that stopping advertising result to collapse of your company consumers will always forget .
(2) Forgetting theory The Forgetting curve of German psychologist Ebbinghaus tells us that people’s Forgetting speed of one thing is not linear but begins to be high and then slow down subsequently .The theoretical guiding significance of this discovery is that any memory must be repeated and repeated again
Advertisers deeply understand this principle and repeatedly deepen their impression before people forget it ,in order to build a solid image ,otherwise people will just forget it .So people still advertise without ceasing the principle behind this is to use the memory curve to enhance the impression before Forgetting.Always remember even the impression has been repeatedly strengthened ,if does not strengthen over time it will also slowly dissapear in the minds of consumers
Let’s take another example -Paradzai Messi the sungura King he was an idol of the entire Zimbabwe however over the past 3 years how many people still remember him .A Zimbabwe living legend .When you ask the younger generation they just know him as a shoplifter who was helped by Mudiwa Hood and does not know he was once a sungura national idol and song writer .He stopped advertising his work who still accept him as a brand ambassador or book him to perform .ln reality this shows how decline in business value brought about the decline in exposure .
(3)The mechanism of advertising :inform ,persuade ,remind ,strengthen.
For any product it’s advertising audience can be divided into high frequency consumers ,low frequency consumers ,non consumers .The advertising mechanism for these three types of people is different .According to the classic advertising theory the logic of advertising comes in four aspects inform ,persuade ,remind ,strestrengthen.Advertising is the to cultivate awareness and new customers as well to remind consumers that we are still there to satisfy their needs.
I was a non -consumer of Coca-Cola but last when I finished doing my errands I was thirsty and hungry .l saw a Coca-Cola poster at a certain written “original dream that will definitely reach ” with only reading this advert my thirst was totally quenched in a minute and because of the cool feeling I became a low frequency consumer of Coca-Cola
This year I laughed my young brother love sweet drinks but this days I meet him he always ask for kambucha even if instant gave him Coke he would specifically switch to kambucha l asked why and he said Kambucha invited seh calaz as a brand ambassador l am a big fan so I started to love kambucha .Consumers are just like that the are many reasons to fall for the brand .
This actually shows that advertising is the key our business.For advertising and social media management contact YungNation Creative marketing 0779357056 ,+263777836706,+263778440400,+263778331233
Investors should start questioning whether this investment is safe for them. The points below are some of the red flags Investors should be aware of and should approach Qoki for clarification. ‘We respect the efforts in facilitating the empowerment of women through investment opportunities, however, this should be done fairly without taking any advantage of the vulnerability of others,’ is how they could begin.
The following analysis generally deals with the projects involving the purchase and development of land, however similar concerns could be raised for other Qoki projects as well.
It is also highly recommended that investors (despite of their trust and allegiance to Qoki and its founding members) obtain their own independent legal advice on this and not rely on the analysis set out below
Loopholes that could expose the investor
Red flags
Founding agreement between the Investor and Qoki (What constitutes the relationship between Qoki and the Investor?)
In most cases it appears the only agreement between the Investor and Qoki is a verbal agreement, entered prior to certain representations being made by Qoki through Sithule. These representations are largely made in the form of audio messages/voice notes on WhatsApp, Fakebook posts about the Investment opportunity. Recently it has been noted on a Facebook post that some of the women have signed a Qoki’s Dreamers Document (the Qoki Women Dreamer Terms and Conditions was initially introduced on or around November 2020, after most Investors had already made payments in full or in part). It is important to understand whether this document is a mere document setting out Qoki’s initiatives, or whether it is intended to be a binding agreement between Qoki and the potential Investor. However, to be binding specifically for purposes of the investment that the potential investor is signing up for, the very same document should detail with specificity the type of investment, including its description (size, price, location, current owner), date of purchase, date title passes, conditions precedents etc. Without the specificities, the Qoki Dreamers document may simply not be an enforceable document.
The founding documents lacks certainty or clarity as to the relationship between Qoki Investments Pvt Ltd and the Investor, and there are endless issues on this, some of which include the following: There is no relationship between the Investor and Qoki.There is no explicit term detailing this relationship.There is no explicit term detailing that Qoki is purchasing a certain investment/ or entering into an agreement for the purchase of property (or any asset) on behalf of the Investor.There is no explicit term detailing that the contract of sale, or that the funds being paid by the Investor are to be used to acquire a certain piece of property, upon which a specific portion of that property will be subdivided and allotted to the Investor.There is no explicit term detailing the link that the Investor is paying for whatever property is being represented to be purchased for or on behalf of the investorThe Investor does not have a strong legal basis upon to claim title to that property upon purchase and passing of title to Qoki
Pooled Investments
Investors pool in their funds under the promise that they are purchasing a property together. The documents that appear to be used for this are very generic and only list the names of Investors, and the amounts they are contribution, including payments made. The document is not referred to in the Sale of Land agreement, and it does not form part to any subsequent agreement which would ordinarily be entered into by Qoki and the respective pooled Investor for purposes of then transferring title to the Investor.
The pooled funds could be used for whatever purpose Qoki may deem fit, including paying other Investors there is no mandate from the pooled investors for Qoki to purchase a piece of land on behalf of the investors.there is no certainty as to what the funds can be used for, while the funds and names of the pooled investors are listed on a document, the same document is very generic and afford little to no legal protection to the pooled investor
Entity being used – Directorship
Legal entity used to purchase land (Qoki Investments (Private) Limited) (“Qoki”) is a company registered in Zimbabwe with the following directors and shareholders (as at 25 August 2020): Directors Sithule Tshuma (regardless being resident in the UK, the address listed with the Registrar of Companies in Zimbabwe, is that of New Lobengula, Bulawayo – therefore any legal service against Sithule in her capacity as director of Qoki will need to be affected in Bulawayo, Zimbabwe, and not in the UK)Emmaculate Lee TshumaKaren KhumaloNompilo Moyo Shareholders (equally holding 2,000 shares): Sithule Lee TshumaEmmaculate TshumaKaren KumaloSehlile Gumbo Tapfumaneyi Nompilo Moyo
The is no relationship between Qoki (the Company) and the Investor: The shareholders are entitled to all the assets held by QokiOn winding up of Qoki (liquidation of all assets including all investments held by Qoki), and after the payment of creditors, the shareholders are entitled to all the proceedsQoki Investors do not have any legal protection that entitles them to the assets of Qoki, the Investors may launch legal proceedings against Qoki, but with the limited documents and agreements that set out the relationship between Qoki and those Investors, this is very difficult to prove
Possible breaches of various laws
The Qoki Investment scheme largely operates in the UK and Zimbabwe, and the conduct carried out by Qoki may (managing pooled investments) may be subject to regulations in both countries, requiring regulatory licences and/or authorisations. It is possible that without the appropriate authorisations and/or licences, Qoki may be in breach of laws in the UK and Zimbabwe UK Possible violation of financial services laws, and conduct of business may require a specific licence to obtained by the entity such as the Financial Conduct Authority Zimbabwe Possible violation by running an unregistered collective investment scheme. Violations of these laws may impose civil or criminal penalties to the directors, and a possibility of winding up of Qoki, with the proceeds of the liquidation to be paid to the Regulators. Depending on how Investors make payments to Qoki, including the remittance of funds to Zimbabwe, Qoki may be in breach of Money Laundering laws. Dealing with foreign currency may also expose Qoki to Reserve Bank regulation non compliances
Contracts of Land
It appears that the sale of the land is done through a Memorandum of Agreement of Sale. The Memorandum of Agreement of sale shows in most cases shows that Qoki is purchasing the Property from the seller who is the current owner or executor of a deceased estate. The Memorandum of Agreement does not make any reference to the Investors, or that Qoki is acting in an agency capacity on behalf of the Investor. It means that after the successful completion of the sale, Qoki is entitled to receiving title of ownership through a title deed.
The agreement of sale of land is between the seller and Qoki, this creates a few challenges for the Investor, namely: On passing of title to Qoki, Qoki becomes the owner of the propertyQoki enjoys all the rights that come with ownership of propertyQoki in its full discretion (through its directors) decides what it wants to do with the property Qoki can decide in its absolute discretion to honour its representations made to its Investors by transferring title and to the Investor. However, Qoki does not have a legal obligation to do this and if the directors decide not, they simply can keep the title indefinitelyIn the event Qoki does not transfer title to the Investor, the Investor does not have a strong legal basis (if any) to claim the transfer of title, it would be difficult to prove that the Investor is entitled to receiving title in the absence of an express agreement detailing that sale of land from Qoki to the Investor, or an agency agreement between Qoki and the Investor, detailing that Qoki is purchasing the property as agent on behalf of the Investors, or an agreement conferring the right to acquire land.In the event of Qoki’s Insolvency, the Investor does not have a legitimate claim against the assets held by Qoki, and as such do not rank as a creditor. Investors are likely not to get any of the payments they would have made to Qoki for the purchase and the development of land.The Investor invests in this scheme highly at their own risk, at the hope that Qoki honours its representations made about the potential transfer of title on completion of the project. The investor does not have any legal protection. In the event of the death of the Investor, the heirs of the Investors will have difficulty in including the right to acquire land or claims of money paid to Qoki as part of the deceased estate
Land development projects
Most of the Qoki projects involve the purchase and development of land. The agreements that are often shared with Investors at the onset are for purposes of purchasing the land, and not necessarily for the development of that land. There have been concerns on lack of transparency with regards to the actual costs involved with the land development, as this are not disclosed initially, at the time when an investor signs up for the purchase of the land. It would seem prudent (and perhaps safer for the Investor) that upon Qoki acquiring the land, as a first step, undertakes the subdivision process and then grant the title deeds to the Investor prior or simultaneously with the development of the land
With the current legal uncertainty of land ownership including whether Investor funds are being used to fund the purchase of the land they believe to be based on representations made at the marketing of the Qoki Project, the Investor cannot be entirely certain that their funds are being used for what they have been told, and they cannot ascertain this information from Qoki. The risk in doing this is that funds can be pooled in to develop a project that the Investor did not even sign up for.
Payments and updates on purchased investments
The invoices that are usually provided prove funds deposited with Ncube and Partners are of a generic nature, they appear to lack certainty and could relate to any transaction that Qoki is undertaking. There are concerns that a single invoice could be used for multiple projects
Initial Investors
There is a consistent theme in Sithule being one of the first investors in each project that is announced. This can be highly suspicious and typical to a pyramid scheme
Ownership of land
There has been a lot of talk about title deeds being given to Investors at the completion of projects. It does not seem that this is clearly documented in the agreements that the Investor signs up to, and it is a highly risky scenario for any Investor. Without an explicit term in the agreement detailing how and when title will pass onto the Investor, the Investor should not be investing into Qoki.
As stated above, without any explicit term in the agreement on the passing of title from Qoki to the Investor, the Investor has little or no protection from the law on acquiring title despite having fully paid the amounts required by Qoki. The critical agreement in this entire investment transaction is the sale of land of between Qoki and the seller of the land (an agreement that the Investor is not part of). That is the agreements that results in title passing from the seller to Qoki. There however is no subsequent agreement between Qoki and the Investor, that sets out among other things, an obligation by Qoki to transfer a portion of the land to the Investor. Without this agreement (either in the form an agreement for a right to acquire land / agency agreement / sale of land agreement between Qoki and the Investor), the Investor does not have any legal protection to enforce the transfer of title. This is an incredibly dangerous position for the Investor to be in, regardless how they trust Sithule or Qoki as an entity. If Qoki (the Company) changes its directors, or if Sithule ceases to be a director for whatever reason, the Qoki company through its new directors could decide not to honour any promises made on social media with regards to transferring title if these
By-The government has directed the Prisons to release 4 279 prisoners under the latest Presidential Amnesty.
According to the Zimbabwe Prisons and Correctional Services (ZPCS), a total of 4 166 men and 104 women will be released from the country’s 47 main prisons and eight satellite prisons.
In a statement released on Thursday, ZPCS spokesperson Meya Khanyezi said:
These inmates were being rehabilitated and have been serving for the offences they committed against the state therefore, those aggrieved are encouraged to forgive them for their successful reintegration into society.
According to a Statutory Instrument of an Extraordinary Government Gazette published last Friday by the Ministry of Justice, Legal, and Parliamentary Affairs, those who have been pardoned include terminally ill female prisoners and juveniles who are not serving specified offences.
Those to be released would have served one-third of their sentences by 18 April 2023 while those who remain in prison are convicts serving time for violence-related offences.
Khanyezi urged communities to forgive and embrace the inmates that have been given amnesty. She said:
We would like to appeal to the close family members, stakeholders, and the society at large to embrace and accept inmates who have been released on amnesty.
Successful reintegration of inmates back into society is not the sole mandate of ZPCS alone but it requires combined efforts from all citizens of Zimbabwe.
These inmates were being rehabilitated and have been serving for the offenses they committed against the state, therefore, those aggrieved are encouraged to forgive them for their successful reintegration into society.
The number of inmates to be released per province:
Bulawayo Metropolitan – 688 (680 males and 8 females)
Matabeleland North – 231 (230 males and 1 female)
Matabeleland South – 129 (127 males and 2 females)
Harare – 790 (770 males and 20 females)
Midlands – 537 (527 males and 10 females)
Mashonaland East – 397 (358 males and 39 females)
Mashonaland West – 340 (333 males and 7 females)
Mashonaland Central – 206 (204 males and 2 females)
Masvingo – 398 (392 males and 6 females)
Midlands – 537 (527 males and 10 females)
Zimbabwe’s prisons have a carrying capacity of 17 000 inmates but were holding more than 22 000.
By-The Russian Government has delivered 18 new helicopters to Harare, which authorities say would be used for emergency air medical services, law enforcement and tourism.
The helicopters will be used for air ambulances, air policing, and rescue missions in case of disasters. Further, the helicopters are set to boost the tourism sector against the backdrop of an assured health service for tourists through emergency air medical services that will be offered in resort areas like Mana Pools and Victoria Falls. The helicopters are part of the Government’s partnership with the Russian Federation and were delivered to the Robert Mugabe International Airport in Harare. Speaking at a ceremony to receive the helicopters, President Mnangagwa said the bond between Zimbabwe and Russia was unbreakable, solid and had stood the test of time. “Zimbabwe is under sanctions, we are constrained unlike our neighbours and the rest of the world to acquire the tools we need to mitigate the impact of cyclones and disasters in our region. “When I discussed with my brother (Russian) President (Vladimir) Putin, he recommended that their company, Russian State Corporation, (Rostec) produce the type of equipment we want and we have ordered these 18,” he said. President Mnangagwa said he is confident that the Ministries of Environment, Climate, Environment and Tourism as well as Home Affairs and Cultural Heritage would swiftly respond when disasters strike as was the case during Cyclone Idai. The President also hailed the continued excellent relations with Russia, saying most freedom fighters, including himself, were trained in that country. He said the historical co-operation is no longer military but is now “economic and humanitarian”. Added to that, President Mnangagwa said the relationship with Russia is developmental and focused on modernising the economy, improving lives and moving people from poverty to prosperity, a process that needs friends to assist in the exploitation of the country’s resources. “The Russian Federation is under sanctions, Zimbabwe is under sanctions from the same people for different reasons, then you are told don’t speak to that guy who is under sanctions when I am also under sanctions. You are saying victims of sanctions should not speak to each other, what nonsense?” he said. President Mnangagwa said the country stands tall and is progressing despite the sanctions which taught the nation to be independent, innovative and produce essentials like medical oxygen. He said the country was also food secure before reiterating that Zanu-PF was headed for a landslide victory in the harmonised elections set for August.
The director-general of Rostec, Mr Sergey Chemezov, said the products manufactured by their company are ideal for the African continent. Mr Chemezov said some of the helicopters are medical ones to be used as air ambulances for providing emergency medical assistance while others serve as a basis for law enforcement and State security. Home Affairs and Cultural Heritage Minister Kazembe Kazembe said it was impossible to talk of Zimbabwe’s economic journey without mentioning President Mnangagwa’s engagement and re-engagement efforts.
GUTU-One of the few remaining first 316 Nyazvidzi Small Scale Farm owners and an evangelist with the Methodist Church in Zimbabwe (MCZ), Sekuru Benson Mahohoma Makura, has turned 100 years old.
The centenarian of Farm 249 turned a year older on May 16, 2023. He is also a full-fledged farmer and has been an evangelist since the liberation struggle. One of his daughters, a reverend with MCZ, Chisenwa Makura, told The Mirror that her father’s life is a testimony.
Sekuru Makura of the Madyira totem previously fell blind and suffered a stroke.
Long life is seemingly a virtue in the family as his wife, Mbuya Fadzai Makura (90), is by his side and the two worship and work together.
“As the Makura family, we celebrated a milestone with our centenarian father. My father has made it this far because of his diet-conscious nature. He went back to preaching last year just after he suffered a minor stroke…
Zimbabwe yesterday took delivery of 18 helicopters from Russia under a public-private partnership (PPP) deal, but critics questioned why their procurement has been shrouded in secrecy.
Government has said the choppers would be used as air ambulances, search and rescue, and air policing while sources said they would also be used for VIP transport and the Air Force.
It said the procurement of the helicopters was done under a PPP arrangement with Russia, but details of the private companies involved were not revealed.
“Private-public partnership means the money used belongs to the public and there should be accountability,” observed one critic who declined identification.
“It also means there are private companies involved, but why has government only revealed State actors? Was this deal put to tender?”
This comes at a time when government is still reeling from the abortive attempt to hide from the public and taxpayers procurement under the Public Procurement and Disposal of Public Assets Act of construction equipment
and materials, biomedical and medical equipment, medicines and drugs (pharmaceuticals), vehicles including ambulances, laboratory equipment, chemicals and accessories, hospital protective equipment and their repair or maintenance and machinery.
President Emmerson Mnangagwa eventually repealed the controversial law in an Extraordinary Government Gazette yesterday, over two weeks after its publication.
It’s not clear if the helicopters were acquired under the controversial law, which legal experts say was in force for a fortnight before its repeal.
“It is hereby notified that His Excellency the President has with immediate effect cancelled the declaration set forth in General Notice 635 of 2023; that general notice is accordingly repealed,” said the Chief Secretary to the President and Cabinet, Misheck Sibanda.
“Public Procurement and Disposal of Public Assets Act [Chapter 22:23]: Special Procurements in the Public Interest: Health Service: General Notice 635 of 2023, repealed.”
Last week, Sibanda had insisted that the controversial “looting” law was published without his signature as is the norm.
Officials also pointed out that the law was gazetted without Mnangagwa’s knowledge and when he was attending the coronation of King Charles III in London, the United Kingdom.
By-The Zimbabwe dollar this week lost value against the United States dollar on the foreign currency auction held by the Central Bank.
On 16 May 2023, the weighted average was US$1: ZWL$1,404.8039 up from US$1: ZWL$1,212.5.8 reported on 09 May 2023.
The central bank allotted a total of US$14,444,323.31 down from US$16,349 930.31, with the majority of the allotment going to raw materials, followed by machinery and equipment.
The amount allotted for the Small to Medium Enterprises Forex Auction was US$1,576,700.13 down from US$2,280,785.72, while the Main Forex Auction was allotted US$13,171,159.91 down from US$16,772,580.66.
♦ Weighted Average Rate moved to 1,404.8039 up from 1,212.5.8.
How the money was allocated:
Raw Materials …………………………………………. (SME) US$350,687.48 … (MAIN) US$7,007,641.38
Machinery and Equipment …………………………. (SME) US$415,614.30 … (MAIN) US$1,926,117.50
THE Government is working on revising statutory instruments to strengthen road safety legislation in the medium to long term.
Zimbabwe this week joins the rest of the world in marking the United Nations Road Safety Week with attention being drawn towards strengthening road safety measures to minimise road carnage.
Current statistics show that five people are killed daily in road traffic accidents, and the government is considering revisiting some of the various pieces of legislation on road safety.
“The issue of managing safety on the roads needs a holistic approach. The pieces of legislation we have were at times not very punitive. We have revisited several statutory instruments and we are now finalising them and introducing them to the public. We are not going to tolerate negligence on the roads. We will be seeing very punitive measures,” said the Minister of Transport and Infrastructural Development, Honourable Felix Mhona.
There are proposals to have all drivers undergo a retest after a certain period and for a defensive driving certificate to be made compulsory.
The Traffic Safety Council of Zimbabwe (TSCZ), which has since embarked on a programme to remark pedestrian crossing points in Harare, noted the far-reaching negative economic effects of accidents on the country.
“We have 150 people dying every year due to accidents. We cannot afford that and also UN studies have shown that the economic cost for accidents is more than US$5 million every year.
“So we need to practice safety on the roads. So we have mobilised resources to do pedestrian marking crossings,” said the Managing Director of the Traffic Safety Council of Zimbabwe, Mr Munesu Munodawafa.
The UN global road safety week comes at a time Zimbabwe has witnessed a sharp increase in fatal road traffic accidents.
Zimbabwe is also a signatory to the global plan for the 2021-2030 decade of action for road safety with an ambitious target to reduce road traffic deaths and injuries by 50 percent by the year 2030.- ZBC News
THE Government is working on revising statutory instruments to strengthen road safety legislation in the medium to long term.
Zimbabwe this week joins the rest of the world in marking the United Nations Road Safety Week with attention being drawn towards strengthening road safety measures to minimise road carnage.
Current statistics show that five people are killed daily in road traffic accidents, and the government is considering revisiting some of the various pieces of legislation on road safety.
“The issue of managing safety on the roads needs a holistic approach. The pieces of legislation we have were at times not very punitive. We have revisited several statutory instruments and we are now finalising them and introducing them to the public. We are not going to tolerate negligence on the roads. We will be seeing very punitive measures,” said the Minister of Transport and Infrastructural Development, Honourable Felix Mhona.
There are proposals to have all drivers undergo a retest after a certain period and for a defensive driving certificate to be made compulsory.
The Traffic Safety Council of Zimbabwe (TSCZ), which has since embarked on a programme to remark pedestrian crossing points in Harare, noted the far-reaching negative economic effects of accidents on the country.
“We have 150 people dying every year due to accidents. We cannot afford that and also UN studies have shown that the economic cost for accidents is more than US$5 million every year.
“So we need to practice safety on the roads. So we have mobilised resources to do pedestrian marking crossings,” said the Managing Director of the Traffic Safety Council of Zimbabwe, Mr Munesu Munodawafa.
The UN global road safety week comes at a time Zimbabwe has witnessed a sharp increase in fatal road traffic accidents.
Zimbabwe is also a signatory to the global plan for the 2021-2030 decade of action for road safety with an ambitious target to reduce road traffic deaths and injuries by 50 percent by the year 2030.- ZBC News
TWO Chitungwiza Municipality officials have appeared in Court facing charges of criminal abuse of office.
The two, Chitungwiza Municipality Land Surveyor, Henry Kandawasvika and former Chitungwiza Town Planner, Rosemary Maridza appeared at the Harare Magistrates Court this Wednesday.
Kandawasvika who was arrested by officers from the Zimbabwe Anti-Corruption Commission (ZACC) this Tuesday, was jointly charged with Maridza and the suspended Director for Housing, Hazel Sithole, who is on remand.
Allegations are that sometime in 2019, Maridza created a site plan for 30 commercial stands in Unit G, Makoni Business Centre without following due procedure.
The land which belongs to the state and requires Ministerial authority for change of use was reserved for an open space on the Chitungwiza Municipality layout plan.
It is alleged that Kandawasvika and Maridza made false representations on verification forms claiming that the land was for commercial use.
It is further alleged that the stands were submitted to the suspended Chitungwiza Director of Housing who went on to allocate the land to hand-picked individuals, contrary to the municipality’s housing policy.
The duo was freed on ZWL$100 000 bail each.- ZBC News
Castle Lager Premier Soccer League new boys Sheasham are standing their ground on their quest to host their next game at Bata Stadium, insisting they will not do so anywhere else.
The Gweru-based side are scheduled to welcome CAPS United on Sunday but the build-up to the clash has been marred by confusion over the venue.
Bata Stadium (Sheasham’s home ground) was given the green light by the ZIFA First Instance Body (FIB) to host league games and the John Nyikadzino-coached side even hosted Highlanders there on May 7.
But barely a week later, the PSL banned the facility from hosting league matches until construction is complete.
Sheasham then wrote to both the PSL and ZIFA advising them that the Construction Boys will not fulfil the CAPS game if it is not being played at Bata.
While the PSL is insisting that the game will be played at Mandava Stadium in Zvishavane, Sheasham are standing their ground and threatening not to fulfill it.
“We are not going to play at Mandava, that’s for sure,” a source at Sheasham who chose not to be named, told Soccer24.
“We are clear on that issue, our stadium was given the green light by the FIB to host PSL matches and we are abiding by that, while continuing to sort out other areas they highlighted we should,” added the source.
PSL spokesperson Kudzai Bare confirmed they received the letter from Sheasham and said they will act accordingly if the Construction Boys don’t fulfil the game on Sunday.
“We will be guided by the rules and regulations of the PSL if they decide not to fulfill the fixture,” said Bare.- Soccer24 News
Yesterday’s proceedings in the trial of activist Sybeth Musengezi, who is accused of illegally entering ZANU PF party structures, resumed as his attorney attempted to persuade the court to dismiss the testimony of the State witness, which they referred to as “hearsay.”
The first witness the State called was Cde Godwills Masimirembwa, the Zanu PF provincial chairperson for Harare, who described how they learned that Musengezi was not a party member.
He claimed that after looking into the cell registration, the group learned that Musengezi had used two different locations, neither of which he actually lived at or paid any visits to.
Mr. Nqobani Sithole, a legal representative for Musengezi, and Doug Coltart filed a request to have his main testimony struck from the record, claiming that it was founded on false information.
“The accused name does not appear in Zanu PF 2020 cell registers and neither do we have a record of him applying to become a member of Zanu PF in 2020.
“In 2023, we again as Zanu PF carried out cell registration exercise through the country including Hatcliffe again the accused name does not appear anywhere in Harare province current cell registers indicating that he is not a member of the party,” he said.
Masimirembwa told the court during cross examination that investigations to look into Musengezi’s records was as a result of his application at the High Court challenging how President Mnangagwa ascended to power.
“He challenged the President on how he ascended into power. I read the article in the newspapers and was engaged by the Zanu PF team to check who this person was.
“This is because all party members are guided by the ZANU PF constitution and if anyone has grievances within the party there is internal grievances procedure to be followed and that was never done,” he said.
Musengezi’s lawyers then tried to disregard Masimirembwa’s evidence stating that there was no document before the court containing a resolution that he was assigned to represent the party in this matter.
Masimirembwa reinforced that automatically by his position as chairman he was entitled to represent the party and if need be to tender a resolution from the party it could be tendered.
The cross examination is expected to continue on June 13.-state media
This was reportedly the best medical drama or hospital show to watch that will make your heart race, aside from thrillers.
Dramatic turn.. the man
Mpilo Central Hospital in Bulawayo recently experienced ugly scenes that shocked nurses, patients, and other hospital staff when one of the medical professionals there was confronted by his former workmate who is also a medical professional accusing him of having an affair with his girlfriend.
According to reports, the dramatic scenes began in the physicians’ quarters of the medical facility and eventually spread to the theatre where one of the doctors accused of being a “woman snatcher” was performing an operation.
Former Mpilo Central Hospital employee Tendai Chadambuka (37) accosted Selby Muchini (29) at his residence first.
“He called him out of the theatre but Muchini refused since he was still busy and concentrating on the patient. In a fit of rage, Chadambuka stormed into the theatre room and repeatedly shoved him while trying to seize his cellphone but he kept a firm grip on it.
“He vainly tried to take the cellphone and in the process Muchini was left injured on the mouth. Chadambuka gave up and went away,” said the source.
Muchini reported the incident to the police. After making a report he returned to the hospital and sat in his car which was parked within the hospital premises.
“While he was sitting in his car, Chadambuka again confronted him and threatened to assault and abduct him. Muchini then reached for a pepper spray which was in his car and sprayed him on the face.
“After that he went back to the police station and reported the incident,” said the source.
When reached for comment Muchini confirmed the incident saying:
“He (Chadambuka) has been harassing me for quite a long time. He has been accusing me of being in love with his girlfriend and I have told him on countless occasions that I’m not in love with her.
“I only met his girlfriend when he was with her at a party in Mzilikazi suburb last year and I have told him that I’m not in love with her but he does not understand.”
He added: “He confronted me at the hospital while I was in the theatre and he had to wear operating theatre attire to cross the demarcation line to where I was performing an operation on a patient.
“He tried to take my phone but I refused and he left when nurses, patients and other hospital officials had gathered to witness the incident.”
When called to hear his side of the story Chadambuka initially said: “Don’t you think it’s a lie?”, before he hung up
When called for the second time he said: “Who are you? And what were you calling in connection with. My brother, that matter is political, that’s all I can say.” —B Metro
Media in Spain have honed in on four Real Madrid stars after their heavy defeat against Manchester City on Wednesday evening. The nature of their Champions League exit was dubbed a ‘historic humiliation’ by the press, with Carlo Ancelotti’s side falling short in their pursuit of a second consecutive European crown.
The tie was finely poised after a 1-1 first-leg draw at the Bernabeu last week, but City had already put distance between themselves and Los Blancos by half-time in the return leg at the Etihad Stadium.
Bernardo Silva’s double was followed up by Manuel Akanji and Julian Alvarez, making it 4-0 on the night and 5-1 on aggregate as City set up a bumper Champions League final against Inter Milan next month.
Pep Guardiola’s side could have made the margin even wider, but for goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois’ heroics in the Real Madrid goal. Naturally, the Belgian avoided the brunt of the post-match media frenzy, but four of his team-mates weren’t so lucky.
Karim Benzema and Luka Modric were both singled out … After what Mundo Deportivo dubbed a ‘disaster’, AS laid into the experienced midfield duo of Toni Kroos and Luka Modric. Both players were substituted long before the full-time whistle after being given the runaround in the middle of the park.
The German and his Croatian partner in crime were said to be ‘outclassed’ by their opponents in Manchester, with Rodri and John Stones starting at the base of midfield for the hosts, while the same report referred to reigning Ballon d’Or winner Karim Benzema as ‘non-existent’
Pep Guardiola reveals why he was angry with De Bruyne after Man City thrash Real Madrid Pep Guardiola has lifted the lid on Kevin De Bruyne’s actions that left him frustrated in the second half of their 4-0 crushing of Real Madrid as Manchester City reached the Champions League final. The Premier League champions’ Treble quest now looks to be more of a realistic goal than distant dream as they sent the 14-time winners crashing out in the semi-final second leg. But despite a near-complete performance, Guardiola still wasn’t entirely satisfied.
Man Utd hero Evra in ‘heated’ chat with Man City staff after Real Madrid win The Frenchman was the hero of Madrid’s victorious Champions League campaign last season, counting his winner against City in the semi-final among a host of other memorable moments during the fairytale run. With Kyle Walker, Ruben Dias and Manuel Akanji at the back, Benzema couldn’t lay a glove on the Sky Blues this time around.
For all his flashes of talent in the first leg, Eduardo Camavinga also opened himself up to criticism against City with an error-strewn display at left-back that allowed Bernardo to run riot.
Eduardo Camavinga had a tough night against Bernardo Silva.
Camavinga was branded ‘ignorant’ by Marca for City’s opener, which saw Bernardo lash home after Kevin De Bruyne’s through pass, although the youngster certainly wasn’t helped by Vinicius Jr. ahead of him, who negated his defensive duties for most of the game.
The Brazilian was broadly let off the hook by the Spanish press, however, after scoring in the first leg and showing intent to try and take the game to City after the break. Walker still earned rave reviews for his marking job against Vinicius, who was effectively kept under wraps.- Express
Cervical cancer is the fourth most common cancer among women globally, with an estimated 604 000 new cases and 342 000 deaths in 2020.
About 90% of the new cases and deaths worldwide in 2020 occurred in low- and middle-income countries (1).
Two human papillomavirus (HPV) types (16 and 18) are responsible for nearly 50% of high grade cervical pre-cancers HPV is mainly transmitted through sexual contact and most people are infected with HPV shortly after the onset of sexual activity. More than 90% of them clear the infection eventually.
Women living with HIV are 6 times more likely to develop cervical cancer compared to women without HIV.
Vaccination against HPV and screening and treatment of pre-cancer lesions is a cost-effective way to prevent cervical cancer.
Cervical cancer can be cured if diagnosed at an early stage and treated promptly.
Comprehensive cervical cancer control includes primary prevention (vaccination against HPV), secondary prevention (screening and treatment of pre-cancerous lesions), tertiary prevention (diagnosis and treatment of invasive cervical cancer) and palliative care.
Overview
Worldwide, cervical cancer is the fourth most frequent cancer in women with an estimated 604 000 new cases in 2020. Of the estimated 342 000 deaths from cervical cancer in 2020, about 90% of these occur in low- and middle-income countries. Women living with HIV are 6 times more likely to develop cervical cancer compared to women without HIV, and an estimated 5% of all cervical cancer cases are attributable to HIV (2). Moreover, in all world regions the contribution of HIV to cervical cancer falls disproportionately on younger women.
In high-income countries, programmes are in place which enable girls to be vaccinated against HPV and women to get screened regularly and treated adequately. Screening allows pre-cancerous lesions to be identified at stages when they can easily be treated.
In low-and middle-income countries, there is limited access to these preventative measures and cervical cancer is often not identified until it has further advanced and symptoms develop. In addition, access to treatment of cancerous lesions (for example, cancer surgery, radiotherapy and chemotherapy) may be limited, resulting in a higher rate of death from cervical cancer in these countries.
The high mortality rate from cervical cancer globally (age standardized rate among women: 13.3/100 000 in 2020) could be reduced by effective interventions at different stages of life.
HPV and cervical cancer A large majority of cervical cancer (more than 95%) is due to the human papillomavirus (HPV).
HPV is the most common viral infection of the reproductive tract. Most sexually active women and men will be infected at some point in their lives, and some may be repeatedly infected. More than 90% of the infected populations eventually clear the infection.
Cervical cancer is by far the most common HPV-related disease. Nearly all cases of cervical cancer can be attributed to HPV infection.
Although most HPV infections clear up on their own and most pre-cancerous lesions resolve spontaneously, there is a risk for all women that HPV infection may become chronic and pre-cancerous lesions progress to invasive cervical cancer.
It takes 15 to 20 years for cervical cancer to develop in women with normal immune systems. It can take only 5 to 10 years in women with weakened immune systems, such as those with untreated HIV infection.
Cervical cancer control: a comprehensive approach The Global strategy towards eliminating cervical cancer as a public health problem, adopted by the World Health Assembly in 2020, recommends a comprehensive approach to cervical cancer prevention and control. The recommended actions include interventions across the life course.
TWO Chitungwiza Municipality officials have appeared in Court facing charges of criminal abuse of office.
The two, Chitungwiza Municipality Land Surveyor, Henry Kandawasvika and former Chitungwiza Town Planner, Rosemary Maridza appeared at the Harare Magistrates Court this Wednesday.
Kandawasvika who was arrested by officers from the Zimbabwe Anti-Corruption Commission (ZACC) this Tuesday, was jointly charged with Maridza and the suspended Director for Housing, Hazel Sithole, who is on remand.
Allegations are that sometime in 2019, Maridza created a site plan for 30 commercial stands in Unit G, Makoni Business Centre without following due procedure.
The land which belongs to the state and requires Ministerial authority for change of use was reserved for an open space on the Chitungwiza Municipality layout plan.
It is alleged that Kandawasvika and Maridza made false representations on verification forms claiming that the land was for commercial use.
It is further alleged that the stands were submitted to the suspended Chitungwiza Director of Housing who went on to allocate the land to hand-picked individuals, contrary to the municipality’s housing policy.
The duo was freed on ZWL$100 000 bail each.- ZBC News
COMMENT: Even if Qoki is registered in 10 other countries, its legal operating country is where it was traded, advertised and where its sole Director/owner operates from, that geo location is where His Majesty’s HMRC regulates. This is the case, no matter how many other (sub) directors Sithule Tshuma appoints to the satellite countries like Zimbabwe… because it is registered in UK, anything else is read as a fraudulent diversion, and those so called directors are technically sub owners, if at all they possess anything.
The UK based property scheme ringleader, Sithule Tshuma’s own lawyer has expressed affirmations over revelations that her Mthuli Ncube supported Qoki program is totally fraudulent, a term publicised by one of the founders.
Writing in a WhatsApp group, Zibusiso Ncube, connecting to another lawyer’s findings, sounded concerns only over what he said is “panic” that the ZimEye news piece causes. He went further to narrate that there is no malice whatsoever in the article, adding that his only disputation is what he terms ‘a design to defame,’ not the factual contents revealed in the Friday night piece, an investigation conducted over the last 3 years now set for litigation in UK courts. Zi Ncube’s opinion, connected to that of another lawyer who managed to obtain a USD6,000 quick refund from the Qoki company.
The lawyer writes to ZimEye stating as follows:
I just wanted to comment on this story. I’m based in Australia and helped my mother exit this scheme some time last year. I’m a SA trained lawyer based in Australia, when my mother who’s based in Australia as well, who had opened up to me about investing in this scheme, particularly buying a piece of land I became very suspicious and asked her to share all the documents she’d been given, they looked very suspicious and did not detail any sale of land at all. With the assistance of my Zim based colleagues who are lawyers, I obtained a combo at extract of the Qoki company that had purported to purchase this land and I discovered that the directors were Sithule and others. My mother and none of the members of that scheme were shareholders, so I then started to question the basis upon which they were entitled to the land in the absence of a shareholders agreed or any memorandum of understanding setting out the initial terms of this transaction.
I reached out to Sithule who was very aggressive and I then immediately told my mother to withdraw from the scheme and obtain her whole investment of approx US$6k. I wrote a letter to Qoki via Sithule and their lawyer; it took about a week or two to get the money back. Thankfully, all of it was refunded.
My other suspicions on the Qoki schemes were that it was a ponzi type scheme, which also flagged some potential money laundering concerns.
I’m glad this has finally come to light. I wish I could have had the chance to tell you guys about the story then but I didn’t know how or who to report this to. What upset me was looking the whole Qoki and Sithule business on Facebook and seeing how they kept luring people and people genuinely believed in it.
I’m happy to provide you with a detailed account should you wish a formal comment on this story.
Many thanks
Tawanda
– ORIGINAL ARTICLE BELOW –
By Investigative Correspondent | Fraud, fraud, fraud: title deeds that never come, and shares that don’t even exist – A UK based property scam went on for 5 years while being advertised as a multiple-director run community organisation, when it was just a single person’s business, that traps buyers through ‘the instalment-concept’ in the place of an outright purchase. (video)
Sithule Tshuma with Finance Minister Mthuli Ncube in London
The entity popularly known as “QOKI ZINDLOVUKAZI GROUP C.I.C” was no CIC at all, and clearly no multiple director entity, contrary to what its owner Sithule Tshuma claimed it was. (A CIC under UK law is a community interest company).
Running the Julian-Condlife-consulted entity using bullying techniques synonymous with church cults, the NHS nursing practitioner managed to convince hundreds of “investors” to believe her claim that she was running a community interest company, when the entire joint was just a private business designed to routinely squeeze out more money under the guise of never-ending development expenses, as victims would be made to pay more after their full figure has been settled.
So deceptive was the program that even one of the Qoki founders, popularly known under the alias, Ndaba Nhuku owned up to ZimEye, saying his own siblings would never buy property through Sithule Tshuma’s Qoki company, a development that’s seen a group of some of the best UK solicitors describing the scheme as a scam, just as they now offer to assist pro bono.
The story starts around 2016 when a (self-acclaimed blesser) UK based fraud accused lawyer, Julian Condliffe, and a nurse, Sithule Tshuma were running a property-lure venture advertising saying they were empowering women or blessing them so that they get their first title deeds.
Fast forward to 2017, Sithule Tshuma would start the formal company, flanked by the so called “investor, property solicitor, blesser,” Julian (Julie) Condliffe, and Tshuma’s male colleague, who is the so called Ndaba Nhuku (not real name).
The organisation was launched on 22 April 2017 under the expertise of property solicitor, and so called investor, Julian Condliffe who announced promises using religious language that the recruits were to be blessed or empowered by her (Julian Condliffe).
Condliffe also provided expert training to the several female attendants at Crowne Plaza Hotel, in Manchester City.
Julie Condliffe and Sithule Tshuma launching the Qoki Property Investment Program together on 22 April 2017.
Sithule Tshuma would soon start claiming that the company has numerous directors. She would also claim that purchases of land done by her company will have undergone due diligence processes, which was not true. Anyone who questions or requests for clarity would and continues to be bullied and labelled titles such as ‘an enemy of progress.’
As a result, hundreds of investors are now facing an uncertain future without either title deeds or ownership-paperwork having paid over lumpsums to try securing their promised investments. The total prejudice runs in the millions of dollars. Each investor paid amounts between USD7,000 and USD70,000 per person.
The first group of several “investors” has listed areas of deception by Sithule Tshuma, being:
1. Fake Community Organisation advertised as so when it is just a single individual’s property. While Sithule Tshuma displayed her company under the prefix, CIC, which title is reserved only for companies with at least 3 directors or trustees, she also proclaimed saying she has many directors on her board when there is only one, herself.
2. Incomplete or skimpy contracts that were only signed by one party, that is: “we signed contracts adhering to payments, however, the company or Sithule did not return the signed contract to us,” as said.
Evasive answers – anyone who questions and requires for clarity was quickly shut down and on social media bullied using the term, ‘an enemy of progress.’
3. Running coordinated bullying on social media while failing to answer simple questions over products asked by a broadcaster, Ezra Sibanda. Sithule Tshuma ran various bullying campaigns against people asking her simple questions, requiring a yes or no answer.
4. Diverting conversations from Ezra Sibanda when they could have been handled there., and taking out on another journalist who was not even working on her stories. Is that normal behaviour, and not a fraudulent one?
5. 3 years later, why have you not publicised clearly to these customers that the products they are buying into are not divisible, and that they also stand to lose all their money in the event of loss of life?
6. Why are investors, who make inquiries of clarity on many of these unclear things being punished by being removed from WhatsApp groups, if it is not to bully and subdue their will power?
7. Are you not running a cult that’s simply enslaving its members?
Properties bought over the period 2016 to 2023 are still to be issued title deeds over to the buyers, and anyone who complains is bullied and harassed while being regularly ordered to pay money for land development and maintenance.
They include:
Nondwene 1 96 Ladies Nondwene 2. 89 ladies Douglasdale 1. 46 ladies Douglasdale 2 82 ladies Douglasdale 3 – 38 ladies Douglasdale 4 – 65 ladies Esigodini plots 20 ladies Esigodini Girls high 36 ladies Riverside 80 ladies Qoki school 30 ladies Qoki Plumtree Services (had 44 in May 21 when I left ) Airport road plots 1 Airport road plots 2 (24 ladies plus Sithule Tshuma) Woodville Burnside Qoki Hotel and Golf Course, 50 ladies QokisDale Nyamandlovu Farm, 52 ladies Qoki Trucks, 24 investors
Qoki Truck investors seen here celebrating, what has become a traumatic investment as the Truck project has seen bankruptcy. Truck investors spoken to advise no dividends were given even during the time when the business was booming.
Qoki Synergy
Hwange Filling station 46 ladies. Plumtree Filling station 30 ladies. Qoki Butcher and bakery. Qoki Market. Qoki Lamanzi Borehole. Qoki South Africa Bank 20 ladies. Qoki Coaches 30 ladies. Qoki Express Grocery.
In her audios, Tshuma continued to claim that her property purchases undergo the due diligence procedure.
A content audit of audio messages by Sithule Tshuma impressing investors to pay up for land purchases, reveals rapturous high-pitched repetitions of the following cluster of electric/emotive statements, tucked at the end by a non-conclusive that tries to insulate them by saying, “it’s entirely up to you what you do with your money.”
The cluster of electric pitched up to [A# Minor, and D#Minor] repetitions contain such as follows:
“Our solicitors (lawyers) have done background checks…we don’t buy dodgy land… all we want is land… each person gets title deeds for their land… it takes roughly about a month… then that’s when subdivision begins… we are buying land together… but it will fall under Qoki… all the land will be used up… we work with the council… we check title deeds prior… this is private land that we buy and then we subdivide… you shouldn’t contact the seller, because others have done it and then we’ve lost the land in the end… so it’s entirely up to you to trust us… we don’t buy dodgy land, the land is checked, everything if its good land, that’s why we work with city council, if its dodgy land you don’t even engage the city council, they won’t just going to build… thina, we work with city council, thats ukuthi… u town planner, who works at city council, everything is done city council, by abantu e city council… so, but I am not going to give you (details) of who is the seller because our lawyer has done that because I don’t want a situation where I tell you who is the seller and then we end up jeopardising the land… “
LAWYER’S FRAUDULENT ASSURANCE. Sithule Tshuma’s lawyer Zibusiso Charles Ncube in the conversation would at the end on his own assure buyers that per Tshuma’s words, he has truly done background checks on a piece of land owned by a ‘White guy’, indicating that, after paying the full purchase price they are going to get the Title Deeds which they (buyers) however still do not have to date.
Even the very title deed for the farm land, is still to be delivered 2 years later, as the one the lawyer supplied on 22 April 2021 was invalid, according to the Deeds Office.
Using religious terms, Zibusiso Charles Ncube posting an audio message in the WhatsApp group said in full on 1 Jan 2021, “Good evening ladies, the sun is set where I am, and I can safely say, happy new year; we want to thank the Lord for bringing us this far, it’s been a very tough year, but look, the Lord has been gracious and is still gracious, and I pray that He gives each and every one of us a prosperous, and definitely better 2021;
“Alright, Nondweni ladies, we made another instalment payment today. In terms of the subdivision of the property, we ate into the seller’s property, I think we ate into the seller’s property by 7 hectares.
“But he is an understanding guy.
“He is a fella that I also go to church with, he is Adventist.
“He is understanding, he is excited by the way we actually handled the transaction and is actually even considering selling off the entire property onto us, so with Nondweni the next stage is once we complete the instalments, and we pay the purchase price in full we shall move on now to take title (deed).
“Remember this is needed this what do you call this? A Certificate of No Present Interest, Mr Majoko the seller’s legal practitioner is handling that; I will touch base with him in the turn of the year, probably in the first week, to ascertain how far we have gone, I think we had given him up to the end of January, to procure that document, but otherwise i think we are on course.
“I believe there are surveyors who are also on the ground, they should be able to give us updates in terms of what they are doing, but otherwise I am happy with the way that we are progressing, let’s continue united as we are, and very soon we will be through. Otherwise, well done ladies, let’s keeping on!”
My own sister I told her don’t buy this kind of land
However, commenting over the development, Ndaba Nhuku told ZimEye, the Qoki method is neither reliable nor credible. He said: “… all the people who go to Qoki they opt in as individuals, they are not forced. There is no coercion, like in a church. You are asked you want to buy land, you want to buy land, you are told, this is what is available guys. Do you want to join? They join on their own.
“In land, there will be 10. 10 women. They won’t be many people.
“So, it’s not as straight forward as people who come to you complaining, whether they are 100 or what. They just want to use you, if they use you fair and fine. And then people like me will come and defend Sithule.
“Because Qoki, I founded it, and I know the principles behind Qoki. I am the founder of them, just like I told Ezra. Qoki is my baby, when I defend it I defend it knowing what is happening inside it, and knowing what. My own sister I told her don’t buy this kind of land. Go and buy your own land individually, because this land takes long to divide, the council wants you to meet certain requirements and its exhausting for an individual to make it. And all those people were told that we shall do this, do this, but they like paying small amounts, yes small amounts come with so many tags, it becomes exhausting, for people who don’t have resources who work. So, in a nutshell this is what happens with land bought by groups…”
Meanwhile, Sithule Tshuma who is on record declaring that her company is a community interest entity that has different directors, did not comment. On 1 April 2021, Tshuma, in a WhatsApp group with her lawyer Zibusiso Charles Ncube, said in part: “Even if anything had to happen to me, God forbid Qoki is an organisation with different directors. It’s a registered organisation with different directors ladies and it’s well known that Qoki is you people not an individual thing or company or whether its got different directors. The lawyers represent Qoki, not an individual, if I am making sense.”
It is this falsehood that has woken investors up following the initial investigation by VOA journalist, Ezra Sibanda.
Meanwhile, Sithule Tshuma’s lawyer Zibusiso Charles Ncube who continued to act as a sales advocate for her, repeatedly stressing a claim that Miss Tshuma is not at all fraudulent in her business so investors must pay all and any new charges forced on the investors.
When Ncube was asked by ZimEye, he reported back via phone saying the clear contradictions between Sithule’s claim to organisational structure and reality, are empty allegations being raised by the media. WATCH THE VIDEO BELOW.
Zibusiso Charles Ncube has since been reported to the Law Society Of Zimbabwe.
GUTU-One of the few remaining first 316 Nyazvidzi Small Scale Farm owners and an evangelist with the Methodist Church in Zimbabwe (MCZ), Sekuru Benson Mahohoma Makura, has turned 100 years old.
The centenarian of Farm 249 turned a year older on May 16, 2023. He is also a full-fledged farmer and has been an evangelist since the liberation struggle. One of his daughters, a reverend with MCZ, Chisenwa Makura, told The Mirror that her father’s life is a testimony.
Sekuru Makura of the Madyira totem previously fell blind and suffered a stroke.
Long life is seemingly a virtue in the family as his wife, Mbuya Fadzai Makura (90), is by his side and the two worship and work together.
“As the Makura family, we celebrated a milestone with our centenarian father. My father has made it this far because of his diet-conscious nature. He went back to preaching last year just after he suffered a minor stroke…
By-Musicians have mourned the late veteran Jazz musician Kelly Rusike who passed away in Harare Thursday.
Rusike was part of the Rusike brothers, who topped the local music charts in the 1980s and early 1990s.
He was a veteran producer, writer, arranger, and sound engineer who owned Shed Productions, a major recording production house in Zimbabwe.
The Rusike Brothers, with whom Kelly sang and produced music, have confirmed his death in a statement. They said:
It is with profound sadness that we announce the death of our young brother Kelly Rusike who passed away on the 17th of May 2023 after a long battle with diabetes. Kelly lived for his music and touched many lives through it. His music will forever live in our hearts as he travels to a higher place where “the journey continues”.
Tributes have started pouring in from friends in the music industry.
Veteran guitarist Clive Mono Mukundu wrote on his socials:
Julie Sandi wrote:
Kelly Rusike I woke up this morning to the news of your passing. I’m still trying to digest this all. You were not only a good friend but you were the first to convince me to do my first TV advert through your production company for Karinga
This is a really sad time for me. I knew what you were fighting (diabetes) but I also relaxed because I knew you were managing it.
My deepest condolences to your children Courtney and Cole, grandson, your life partner, Yolanda and the Rusike Brothers and your fans.
Go well, may your dear soul rest in eternal peace.
Kelly Rusike was a legendary Zimbabwean jazz bassist who was part of the Rusike Brothers, a family band formed in 1978 in Lusaka, Zambia.
The Rusikes moved from Zimbabwe to Zambia in 1965 during the liberation struggle. Their father, Abiathar Rusike, was a teacher, journalist, and musician who coached his five sons to become music superstars.
The siblings were Tawanda, Abbie, Kelly, Philip, and Colin. Influenced by the Jackson Five and other Black American pop acts of the 1970s, they returned to Zimbabwe in 1980 after independence and became popular with many audio commercials, jingles, and hit songs, including the timeless Cecilia, Bp Yangu Yakwira, and Ngwerewere sadza advert.
…do not be afraid to vote for ZANU PF for it is best for the kind of a country you want to have…
By Dr Masimba Mavaza| Zimbabweans vote every five years to exercise the right which they were given through blood. The freedom to vote was watered by the blood of the heroes some are planted in unmarked graves dotted in the region. Many were blown into pieces by bombs as they fought for every Zimbabwean to have a right to chose his own leader. One man one vote was the battle cry. Since 1980 Zimbabweans have come home to their own provinces or towns to vote with their fellow kinsman. Their people have voted there in Uzumba Matamba Pfungwe , Dotito Tsholotsho and every part of Zimbabwe for more than four decades. The first free and fair democratic vote was cast in 1980.
In August ten million Zimbabweans are eligible to vote. It is our hope hope that all of those millions will vote.
We like to think of these millions as individual citizens from Matebeleland to Mashonaland to Manicaland and to Masvingo with all towns farmers who stop their fall plowing long enough to walk into town with their wives—wage earners stopping on the way to work or the way home—business and professional men and women—town and city housewives—and that great company of youth for whom this year’s first vote will be a great adventure.
Zimbabweans under ZANU PF have had to put up with a good many things in the course of our history. But the only rule we have ever put up with is the rule of the majority. That is the only rule we ever will put up with. Spelt with a capital letter P we are all Patriots.
In some places in the world the tides are running against democracy. But our faith has not been unsettled. We believe in democracy because of our traditions. But we believe in it even more because of our experience it came through blood and it is enchored by lives of our children our fathers our brothers and sisters.
Here in Zimbabwe we have been a long time at the business of self-government. The longer we are at it the more certain we become that we can continue to govern ourselves, that progress is on the side of majority rule, that if mistakes are to be made we prefer to make them ourselves and to do our own correcting through ZANU PF.
When you and I stand in line in August for our turn at the polls, we shall stand in a line which reaches back across the entire history of our Nation. Our heroes fought so that we stand in that line. All these—in their day-waited their turn to vote. And rubbing elbows with them—their voting equals—is a long succession of Zimbabwean citizens whose names are not known to history but who, by their vote, helped to make history.
Every man and every woman who has voted in the past has had a hand in the making of the Zimbabwe of the present. Every man and woman who votes will have a hand in the making of the zimbabwe of the future. To refuse to vote is to say: “I am not interested in the Zimbabwe of the future.”
We who live in a free Zimbabwe know that everything is not perfect. But we are beginning to know also that, in self-government as in many other things, progress comes from experience.
People do not become good citizens by mandate. They become good citizens by the exercise of their citizenship and by the discussions, the reading, the campaign give-and-take which help them make up their minds how to exercise that citizenship.
Not only are people voting in larger numbers this year. They also know more this year than ever before about the real issues. They are thinking for themselves and the future of their country and children.
We doubt if there was ever more downright political intelligence at the average Zimbabwean fireside than there is today.
For four decades and a half we have had here free choices and a free press, free public forums and a free pulpit. For more than four decades we have had a free communications. The Zimbabwean citizen of today therefore, is a product of free institutions. His mind has been sharpened by the exercise of freedom. That is why we have no fear either of the threats of demagogues or the ambitions of puppets. Neither can get far nor long thrive among a people who have learned to think for themselves and who have the courage to act as they think.
This year they have thought things through to a point where the eternal simplicities mean more than the fuzz-buzz of technical talk. They know that the important thing is the spirit in which ZANU PF will face problems as they come up, and the values it will seek to preserve or to enhance. At bottom those are the things that count. A greater job has been started to revamp our economy. So it has to be finished. It can only be possible if we all vote ZANU PF.
This year, not only are more people voting, not only have people thought things through more carefully; but more people in all parties have assumed the obligation of citizens to get out and work in the political process by which democracy maintains itself.
It is a fact that ZANU PF has done wonders under the new dispensation. each and every one who is interested in obtaining the facts and in spreading those facts abroad, each and every one of you interested in getting at the truth that lies somewhere behind the smoke-screen of lies being spread by the detractors just look around you. Roads are being rehabilitated. The infrastructure is being revamped. Our economy is wriggling its head out of the global depression.
Hundreds of thousands have seen the truth.As Zimbabwe we salute those who see the truth and vote for ZANU PF not only with personal gratitude but with the gratitude of a democracy that can only function if its people are willing to take the honorable part in it.
We also commend those who have worked in a similar honorable way in the opposition and have seen the light and now are voting for ED Mnangagwa and ZANU PF. They, too, have helped the public understand the issues before it, and that is a service to democracy. We have seen brave opposition members who have realised their mistakes. Just to name but a few we have Senetor Timveos, Cde Chebundo and many others. These deserve our salute as we march towards the election month.
Zimbabwe with you confidently looks forward to your continued cooperation in the service of democracy. As we vote there should be no bitterness or hate where the sole thought is the welfare of Zimbabwe. That applies to men and women in all parties. It is true, today It will be true after the election.
When ED Mnangagwa is elected he will become the President of all the people. It will be his concern to meet the problems of all the people with an understanding mind and with no trace of partisan feeling.
ED Mnangagwa welcomes any Zimbabwean citizen or group of citizens who can offer constructive suggestions for the management of government or for the improvement of laws.
Society needs constant vigilance and the interest of individual men and women.
And when you go to the ballot box do not be afraid to vote for ZANU PF for it is best for the kind of a country you want to have. In Zimbabwe when it comes to polls we are all equals.
It is an experience in responsibility and humility to be permitted, as President, to know and share the hopes and the difficulties, the patience and the courage, the victories and the defeats of this great people.
Sometimes men wonder overmuch what they will receive for what they are giving in the service of a democracy—whether it is worth the cost to share in that struggle which is a part of the business of representative government. But the reward of that effort is to feel that they have been a part of great things, that they have helped to build, that they have had their share in the great battles of their generation.
However large or small our part, we can all feel with Theodore Roosevelt who said many years ago: “It is not the critic who counts; not the man who points out how the strong man stumbled, or where the doer of deeds could have done them better. The credit belongs to the man who is actually in the arena; whose face is marred by dust and sweat and blood; who strives valiantly; who errs and comes short again and again; who knows the great enthusiasms, the great devotions, and spends himself in a worthy cause; who at the best knows in the end the triumphs of high achievement; and who at the worst, if he fails, at least fails while daring greatly; so that his country shall never be with those cold and timid souls who know neither defeat nor victory.”
Zimbabwe is the only country we can call ours in the whole world. Let us all register to vote and vote for ZANU PF.
By-The Zimbabwe Republic Police has announced that the number of missing children is rising and urged parents to safeguard their children.
The alarming number has left many questions being asked as to what is really happening.
While some may be fleeing domestic abuse or other personal issues, others may be victims of criminals taking advantage of the situation.
The police are urging parents and guardians to safeguard their children and resolve any outstanding family issues.
National police spokesperson, Assistant Commissioner Paul Nyathi, urged children to take heed of their parents’ advice instead of being confrontational.
Tapera Sarema was also reported missing
“These cases of missing children have become common and criminals can take advantage of such kinds of situations,” said Ass Comm Nyathi.
This comes in the wake of Emmanuel Muronzi (14), from Mandara, who has been missing since Sunday.
His guardian said they have not slept since he disappeared without a trace.
“He was last seen walking from Mandara shops to Antelope Lance.
“He was wearing a red t-shirt and black shorts.
“He had gone kumusika to leave his baby brother with his mum, like he usually does, because he babysits on weekends while his mum varikumusika at Mandara Shops.
Emmanuel Muronzi
“He was rushing back home to cook, but never arrived home.
“A police report was made and we have gone as far as Mabvuku, Tafara, Ruwa, and all surrounding places, looking for him.
“No one has seen him.
“Mwana asina musikanzwa uyu and his parents have not slept for days,” said the guardian.
Last week, H-Metro ran a story of a Form One Chitungwiza schoolgirl, Mitchell Gwashavanhu, who has been missing since March 1.
Her family has been searching for her ever since but all their efforts have been in vain.
