MASVINGO–A popular Mucheke Rank tout in Masvingo was found dead on the steps at the entrance to Farai Bar at 6 pm on Tuesday.
It is suspected that Farai Chirara who was popularly known as Doshto took an overdose of an illicit brew known as Chikozodo without taking food in the morning and went to Farai Bar in Mucheke.
He slept in the bar and some of his friends took him outside and left him at the steps of the bar where he was found dead by one of the bar ladies Raviro Madanhire (50). A report was made at Chikato Police Station. – Masvingo Mirror
More than 178 000 Zimbabweans are expected back home from South Arica after the expiry of the Zimbabwe Exemption Permits (ZEP) in June this year.
The imminent return of Zimbabweans, who have been living in South Africa, comes after the neighbouring country announced last year that it will not renew special permits for Zimbabweans without critical skills.
Writing in his weekly column, which is published in this issue, ZANU PF President Emmerson Mnangagwa said a total of 178 412 nationals, including their families and dependents were expected home.
“Through our Embassy in South Africa, Government has availed a portal for them to register so their whereabouts and needs are known in anticipation of the repatriation exercise. Some have been away from home for quite a while and, until now, had set base in South Africa. The ZEP allowed Zimbabweans to lawfully remain in the sister Republic of South Africa in order to pursue their education, to work or set up businesses. With a strong educational foundation and largely highly skilled in different trades and disciplines, our nationals have been active across a wide spectrum of the South African economy. They will not be hard-pressed for options,” he said.
Mnangagwa said Zimbabwe was ready to welcome its citizens back home and had put systems in place to make sure that returnees were fully integrated into the society and contribute to the social and economic wellbeing of the country.
“We are preparing for their return, and to warmly welcome them once they step on home soil. We will do so fully confident that their return and re-integration into their families and communities, and with relatives and friends will be smooth. Government will assist them as they prepare to resume a productive life as full citizens back in the land of their birth.”
President Mnangagwa also thanked neighbouring countries that gave sanctuary to Zimbabweans while the country worked on its economic recovery.
“We thank all those countries which gave them shelter and more skills while we sorted out our affairs for recovery and growth. South Africa ranks foremost among those countries. With our economy now on an irreversible growth trajectory, the time has now come for our nation to claim back its own and to assume full responsibilities for its citizens who may wish or need to come back home. They now have opportunities to contribute here at home. This is how my Government views this latest development,” he said.
The President said a mopping team will leave for South Africa this week to ensure preparations are comprehensive and attend to every detail.
“The team comprises officials from many different Government departments to ensure preparations are comprehensive and attend to every detail.-state media
Tinashe Sambiri|CCC leader President Nelson Chamisa says he is ready to lead the nation.
President Chamisa believes he has attained the necessary experience and knowledge to lead the nation.
The CCC leader wrote on Twitter:
READY TO SERVE & LEAD…
Dear citizens, when you empower me as your President &Commander-in-chief. I will lead extraordinarily, with distinction.
I have served the Republic with patriotic passion and pride. I understand government,having been a Cabinet Minister & MP representing Zimbabwe at various levels SADC, AU, ITU,ACP-EU Joint Parliamentary Assembly in Brussels & UN. #Ready
THE YOUNG CITIZEN ON THE MOVE..We must just fix this country for the sake of this generation.
This is what stirs up my passion for change! It’s an intergenerational consensus for change!
IN a blood curdling incident, a 25-year-old Tsholotsho man allegedly went berserk and strangled his 16-month-old baby, hanged her body on the roof rafters of the house before devouring part of the baby’s face in circumstances yet to be established.
It had to take neighbours to wrest the lifeless body of the baby from the blood-drooling father who was biting off chunks of flesh from the face of the body and chewing them. He has since been arrested and speculation is rife that he has a mental condition.
The man, Mongameli Nkomo, (25) from Masekela Line under Chief Gampu allegedly strangled the baby with his hands. Matabeleland North police spokesperson Inspector Glory Banda confirmed the incident saying the man was in police custody while investigations were underway.
“I can confirm that a man from Tsholotsho killed his biological daughter over unclear circumstances. The man was arrested and investigations are still in progress. Nkomo is said to have arrived home at night on the day in question.
He woke up his wife Nokulunga Mhlanga claiming that he was being chased by goblins. He started praying and told his wife to be strong. Nkomo later held his wife’s hand and bit her right finger and left arm. The wife jumped off the bed while holding their baby but Nkomo snatched the baby from her,” said Insp Banda.
Police said Nkomo’s wife went outside the house screaming for help and that is when neighbours came to the scene. The neighbours proceeded into the house and found Nkomo having killed his daughter and bitten the body’s face, exposing the victim’s teeth. Neighbours had to use force to take away the deceased from Nkomo.
They later subdued him and tied his hands. Insp Banda said the body of the baby was taken to the United Bulawayo Hospitals (UBH) for a post-mortem. Chief Gampu also confirmed the incident which he described as shocking.
“I am pained by the incident. How can one kill his own child like that? What does a 16 month-old baby know and besides, no one deserves to be killed. I was called in the middle of the night and I went to attend to the matter only to find out that a man had killed his daughter and had already eaten part of the child’s chin.
When I arrived at the scene I called the police who acted swiftly and arrested the father. He obviously has to be examined to check his mental state. He had never had any such problems before but I am tempted to think something went wrong with him mentally,” said the Chief.
A villager Mr Edwin Ndlovu said they were still in shock over the incident.
“It’s sad that an innocent soul has been lost just like that. The father never showed any signs of mental problems, he was a good man. I do not know what got into him which led him to kill his child.
We heard noise, people screaming and I armed myself with a stick thinking that there was an invasion at my neighbours home only to hear that Nkomo had killed his child and eaten part of the chin, leaving the small teeth exposed,” said Mr Ndlovu. – State Media
Tinashe Sambiri Hard-hitting CCC youth taskforce spokesperson Stephen Sarkozy Chuma has challenged citizens to assume a common garb in fighting for the release of jailed politician Hon Job Sikhala.
Hon Sikhala was arrested in June last year for speaking on behalf of Moreblessing Ali’s family.
Sarkozy described the incarceration of Hon Sikhala as horrible and unacceptable.
“Sometimes we simply have to stand up.
The abuse of @JobSikhala1 is horrible and unacceptable,” Sarkozy wrote on Twitter.
Chiredzi Town Council sold residential stands on wetlands since 2013
We are aware of the fact that there is corruption in the allocation of stands by the local authority.
But as CCC we don’t associate ourselves with such activities. The main actor being Francis Moyo who is well known for land grabbing and some dubious actitivies in Chiredzi District.
Last week there was an article which circulated around the about the land scams orchestrated by Zanu pf and MDC Alliance councilors.
The public must be informed that as CCC we don’t have any of our Councillors who is involved.
We don’t tolerate corruption in our party.We have a running system to make sure our deployees are not involved in corruption actitivies.Our party is citizen centered, we listen to the citizens and we protect the citizen’s interests.
We call upon ZACC to investigate the Chiredzi Town Council scandal.
Part 1 : Election Agents and the Security of the Vote
By Ignatious Sadziwa and Tinashe Gumbo
Background
The security of the ballot is a very important ingredient in the promotion of free and fair elections.
Dr. Tinashe Gumbo
It satisfies and guarantees electoral credibility and integrity. The role of election agents (also known as polling agents), is very key in any election. Election agents play a gatekeeping role in ensuring that the electorate’s vote is secured. In this article, we seek to discuss the role of election agents in Zimbabwe. Our focus is on the gaps that have manifested during the previous elections with regard to the effectiveness of election agents’ work in the promotion of credible polls. We then reiterate some already-known recommendations for consideration by political parties as they recruit, train and deploy election agents. This is the first of the ten-part series of articles that are meant to contribute to the deconstruction and demystification of fears associated with being an active citizen in electoral processes.
Legal Provisions for Election Agents.
Ignatius Sadziwa
Election candidates are mandated by law (Section 93A, Electoral Act, Chapter 2:13, As Amended up to 28 May 2018) to appoint election agents for a particular poll. This should be done before, on, or after nomination day, but not later than seven days before polling day. The political party that sponsors the candidate is involved (or is an interested party) in the appointment of the election agents. Chief Election Agents are appointed to coordinate other agents (based at polling stations or in constituencies and wards as roving agents). The election agents have to be accredited by the Zimbabwe Electoral Commission. Thus, it should be noted that they are legitimate stakeholders in elections and are guided by the prevailing laws of the country (Section 83, Electoral Act). Zimbabwe has 210 constituencies,1958 wards, and 10985 (at least in 2018) polling stations. A political party that is serious about challenging for power must aim at deploying election agents at all the stations.
The Role of an Election Agent.
Election agents are representatives of both the candidates and political parties taking part in an election contest and their designated area of work is the polling station in the case of polling agents while the Chief Election Agents may be mobile. Election agents “monitor” and ensure that the election is being conducted in a transparent manner that does not disadvantage their candidates and by extension their political party. They witness all aspects of the voting and counting processes. Thus, prior to the opening of the polls, election agents examine the voting equipment including ballot boxes to ensure that they are empty and inspect the voting booth to determine if there is nothing that may influence the voter. They should, thus, be present during the unveiling of the ballot paper, the voting process, counting, and the collation and tabulation of final results.
To an extent, election agents also play an observing role by checking if the prevailing environment is conducive to free and fair elections. They can also assist their candidates and party with parallel voter tabulation (PVT) as witnessed in jurisdictions like Malawi and Zambia during their latest Presidential plebiscites.
Notable Potholes in Previous Elections
The current authors, being active practitioners in the electoral processes in Zimbabwe, noted that election outcomes are always contested because of an axiomatic belief that they are rigged all the time. Without committed, vigilant, willing, and well-trained election agents, it is always difficult to confirm any alleged election rigging. Yet, we have observed some limitations that are associated with recruitment, training, deployment, and the work of election agents in Zimbabwe. The observations in this article were informed by our direct involvement in electoral work and a review of election observation reports by local civic and faith-based organizations. Media reports were also consulted. Below, we attempt to summarize some of the issues noted in previous elections.
1. While an election agent must be a bona fide, loyal, committed, and willing member of a political party, it has emerged that in most cases, parties hastily recruit agents at the very last minute, thereby targeting the “wrong” agents for the task. This explains cases where some election agents went “AWOL” on election day thereby compromising the security of the people’s vote. Others were “bought” on the eve of an election; hence, they would give excuses leading to their failure to do the job. Claims of infiltration by the opponent elements are real as confirmed by one of the authors of this article who witnessed it during his contest for Mberengwa West Seat in 2013.
2. Research has shown that as of 2018, only one political party had the capacity to deploy election agents at all the polling stations. Opposition parties were yet to build their capacity to enjoy 100% deployment. The issue of financial resources and the “security” of the election agents remained a major factor in this regard. Alleged cases of rigging were normally raised at stations where some political parties had not deployed election agents, yet, no scientific evidence could be accessed to back the claims. In such cases, complainants would not be able to access the V11 Return Forms and this weakened their court cases when they subsequently decided to challenge the outcome.
3. The welfare of polling agents also remained a critical factor in previous elections. Some political parties failed to fully support their agents with food, communication means, and other logistical issues such as transport to and from the polling stations. Thus, the agents would be exposed to all forms of manipulation by those with adequate support. A visibly hungry agent could be sent out of the polling station to buy food or “cigarettes” (for mutual benefit) and in the process, some fishy things happened in his or her absence which he or she could not account for. The “poor” agent could also be offered some other “goodies” including communication gadgets to talk to his or her party about an issue that would have happened at the polling station. In such a tricky scenario, the agent could not be vigilant enough to report any critical developments caused by the “generous” opponent at the polling station through a “borrowed” phone. These were realities observed in the previous elections.
4. Polling agents are supposed to be bona fide voters at their designated polling stations. However, some of them have not managed to exercise their right to vote in their entire life as they would have been deployed outside their wards. To be a polling agent calls for commitment, willingness, and vigilance. Therefore, some political parties were forced to deploy some of their agents away from their polling stations as they (election agents) were deemed the “only suitable cadres who can deal with challenges in the other wards. Such cadres are deployed in hot areas where the party does not have a strong membership and where there is the possibility of intimidation from the opponent”, argued one candidate in the 2018 elections. While the argument was valid, it was equally true that the same election agents, who were legitimate voters, would be deprived of their voting rights. Furthermore, they were strangers in the areas they were deployed to, hence they could not provide that much-needed confidence to their party members who, in fact, did not know them.
5. Late arrival at the polling stations was also another major challenge. While the agents were supposed to be at the station at least two or so hours before the opening of the poll, in several cases, they were late due to some logistical challenges that were real. Therefore, they missed some critical processes such as witnessing the pre-poll preparations, examination of voting equipment as well as examination of ballot boxes, and other voting materials.
6. Illiteracy and inadequate training of polling agents were also visible gaps. Election processes are political in nature, but they are also majorly scientific. They involve a lot of figures, calculations, thinking, discussions, negotiations, and making serious resolutions. This requires a lot of prior training on the part of election agents. It emerged from the previous elections that in several cases, election agents were not well trained for the task, and in worst-case scenarios, they were illiterate. This became a fertile ground for rigging as statistics could possibly be manipulated in favor of a particular candidate at the expense of others. Such limitations manifested mainly during the stages of counting, reconciliation of ballot papers, tallying of results, and verification of figures.
7. Absence from the polling station: Some election agents left the polling stations during voting, closing, or counting, thereby allowing “forces of rigging” to rule. The principle is “polling agents should not leave the polling station”, as, in such an instance, illegal activity can happen in their absence. Monitoring the polling process and safeguarding polling boxes is their primary duty. Anything fishy can happen if they leave the polling station even for a moment. Yet, the law empowers the Election Officer to proceed with electoral processes in the absence of an election agent (Section 84).
A Few Recommendations
Our conclusion is that election agents are a critical component of the electoral process in Zimbabwe. Anyone can be an election agent once formally appointed by a particular candidate and political party. It, however, remains critical that political parties address the noted gaps in their recruitment, training, and deployment of election agents. Therefore, below are some recommendations we make particularly to the candidates and political parties:
1. Political parties should deliberately invest in the recruitment, training, and deployment of election agents. They should not wait to fulfill this investment at the last minute as doing so may expose themselves to possible infiltration or engagement of “wrong” agents. Election agents’ teams should be made up of people who are well versed in electoral processes, who are literate, committed, dedicated, willing, and available for the task. Most importantly, they should be bona fide members of that political party, who are ready to defend its interest and that of the candidate. Well-trained, and equipped agents are a near guarantee for effective monitoring of the election process against any form of rigging. Training should not be “generic” as we have witnessed in previous elections. There is a need for specialization based on one’s competence and experience in electoral processes.
Loyalty to the party is not enough for one to be an agent! It is not about money but the security of the people’s vote! Neither should relationship with the candidate be the main factor for participation as an election agent!
2. The “welfare of an election agent should remain the welfare of the party”. An ill-equipped and insecure polling agent is “dangerous” for the concerned party. He or she can easily be manipulated by the opposite party as he or she can be offered money, food, or transport to and from the station, thereby making him or her a compromised player. Parties should feed their agents (literally feeding them), equip them with efficient communication means, and guarantee their security in and outside the polling station. By doing so, they would have guaranteed the agents’ presence in the polling station at all critical moments hence the security of the vote. Adequate election agents should be deployed at each station. The law allows three agents per station of which only one should be in the polling station at each particular moment. The other two (either of whom may relieve the election agent entitled to be present in the polling station) shall be entitled to be present in the immediate vicinity of the polling station concerned (Section 95).
3. Vigilance remains a key characteristic of an effective election agent. While on duty, the agent should keep his or her eyes on the polling boxes, on the figures, and on the interest of his or her party. This will ensure that he or she has access to the key data including the final documents such as the V11 Return Forms.
4. Election agents should be deployed in their areas of residence to allow them to vote, but also to give confidence to their party members who come to cast their vote at that polling station. It is indeed cost-effective too to deploy locally as no transport is required to ferry the agents. Furthermore, it is very convenient as the agents will be at the polling stations, on time to witness all the pre-poll preparatory processes. Members of their political parties will feel confident when they see some of their own being part of the team of election agents. It will not help a polling agent to be defending his or her party’s vote “somewhere” when his or her vote does not count at the end of the day.
5. Political parties should be deliberately inclusive in their recruitment and deployment of election agents so that youth, women, and people with disabilities can also be active participants in electoral processes. Although no immediate scientific evidence was available to show the statistics for participation of different categories of people as election agents, we reiterate the importance of inclusivity.
Ignatious G Sadziwa, Executive Director @ Zimbabwe Election Advocacy Trust. He is a Social Democrat and an Election Expert. He can be contacted @ Mobile/WhatsApp +263772706621; Facebook: Ignatious Sadziwa; Twitter: Ignatious Sadziwa; Email: [email protected]
Dr. Tinashe Gumbo is a Social, Economic, and Environmental Justice activist. He writes on elections, the environment, mining, and music. He can be contacted on Mobile: at +254 702 523 940/WhatsApp at +263 773218860; Email: [email protected]; Blog: tinashegumbo.wordpress.com; Twitter: DrTinasheGumbo1; Facebook: Tinashe Gumbo
There is a real buzz in the green half of the capital.
Whenever CAPS United fans burst into the song “Gore Rino Ndizvo Zvarongwa naPapa Lodza”, nine times out of ten it’s just for fun. But this season, the song might carry its actual meaning.
Those who see football through objective lenses and operate in the truth-telling business will agree that the ‘Papa Lodza’ in question, Makepekepe coach Lloyd Chitembwe, is up to something ahead of the upcoming Castle Lager Premier Soccer League season.
Last season, the Green Machine’s campaign was marred by well-documented financial challenges, which resulted in the former Cup Kings being in the relegation matrix.
But after their penultimate game of the season —an entertaining 2-2 draw with champions FC Platinum at the National Sports Stadium, Chitembwe declared that the club does not want a repetition of such a season.
“Going forward, some of these decisions will be very key going forward. We don’t want a repeat of this kind of a season. Everyone has taken lessons, from players, to the coaches, everyone within the football club has taken lessons and we don’t want a repeat of such,” said Chitembwe.
The former Warriors assistant coach even reminded football fans that history shows that whenever the club has such a chaotic season, they go on to win the championship in the next campaign.
Whether the financial challenges which affected the 2016 league champions have been solved or not remains to be seen, but what’s there for all to see, is the quality of players the Farai Jere-led executive has lured to the club.
Kelvin Madzongwe, Tafadzwa ‘Fire’ Rusike, Godknows ‘Zizou’ Murwira, Adrian Silla, Innocent Zambezi and Admiral Matope have all joined Makepekepe, while former Dynamos midfielder King Nadolo, who was spotted at the club’s training session, could be another acquisition.
Last season’s Soccer Star of the Year first runner up and the league top goalscorer William Manondo, is staying put at CAPS.
Madzongwe, who swapped the green shirt of financially-troubled Bulawayo Chiefs for a more greener shirt which he hopes will bring greener pastures, is relishing the prospect of playing for Makepekepe.
“I’m really excited about the opportunity because obviously CAPS United is a big brand. So definitely playing for them is like playing for one of the biggest teams around, considering the history that they have and the calibre of players that have gone through CAPS United,” he told the club’s media department last week.
“So it’s a huge honor to be here, my family was excited when I joined, mostly my dad because he has always been a huge CAPS United fan so for him, I think it’s one of those dreams that he has realized for me,” Madzongwe added.
Madzongwe has added making promises to the list of things he can do, and his first assurance as a CAPS player, is that the Green Machine’s fans should brace for a good season.
“Last year the team didn’t have a good season. We struggled a lot but hopefully, this year things will be better, with the calibre of players that are here. So we are promising CAPS United fans that this year will be much better than last year,” he said.
Veteran winger Phenias Bamusi, believes says everything is smooth-sailing ahead of the 2023 season and CAPS fans can dare to dream.
“I believe we have a strong squad, and there are no disturbances so far,” said Bamusi.
Life is a matter of choices, and one can choose to undermine CAPS United this season, but at their own peril.- Soccer24 Zimbabwe
A democratic Zimbabwe cannot be built on undemocratic processes like violation of the constitution, continuation of Zanu PF poor policies, violence, lack of respect of the rule of law and abuse of human rights.
President Mnangagwa government’s must abide by the constitution and allow the opposition to campaign freely. Zimbabwe cannot afford to have another disputed 2023 election.
Our democracy can be richer and stronger if every political party in the country is given a fair access to the media allowing them to gather unhindered and unharmed.
In terms of political repression, arresting political opponents, poor governance, banning of NGOs, mutilation of the constitution the Zanu PF government under this new republic has broken the record.
In November 2017 President Emmerson Mnangagwa said “the voice of the people is the voice of GOD” literally meaning that whatever people cried for he is supposed to incline an ear. Today Mnangagwa has changed goal posts and has become another Idi Amin of Zimbabwe.
Currently the regime is using dirty tactics like using the Zimbabwe Republic Police to ban CCC campaigning rallies and meetings.
They always say Citizens Coalition of Change is a structureless party but they deploy armed riot police to block their rallies.
Zanu PF government knows that they have no political clout and have ran out of new ideas to lure the electorate.
By stopping Nelson Chamisa to hold rallies punishing his supporters through jailing them and weaponisation of the law, the regime is actually scoring own goals.
The willful violation of the constitution of Zimbabwe, manipulation of the voters roll is a cause of concern.
For the past twenty or so years, we seem determined to miss every opportunity to showcase what Zimbabwe would have been like had it not been for political bickering and resistance to change.
Regression after independence shouts from rooftops what no descendant of Africa wants to. What we are witnessing right now in the country are symptoms of a failed economy.
Its all cheap propaganda that Zanu PF government is signing mega deals, investors are flocking into the country and the mantra that the country is open for business.
The finance industry is now a pale shadow of what it used to be. What brought down the economy needs addressing. There is no country in the world that had managed to flourish uts economy when there is political instability. Where the opposition is treated like an enemy of the state.
Unfortunately, there is still finger pointing the culture strangling Zimbabwe is not far from being solved.
To Hell with Julius Malema and his idea of “shutting down South Africa!
if u get a medical emergency like “gogo” getting a heart attack on the 20th of March 2023 and an ambulance doesn’t arrive cos roads are blocked by the EFF, go open an attempted murder/murder charge against Julius Malema. sue him & build your family a house with that money ?
COSAS must also encourage all students that won’t be able go to school on that day because of the “shut down” to go open a case, the students must sue Julius.
if you have a job interview on that day and can’t make it because roads are closed by the eff… sue him!
you can thank me later for using Julius Malemas ignorance to make you money ??
SAPS will arrest the ignorant EFF leader for incitement of violence, destroying property (vandalism), infringing on other people’s constitutional right of going to school, hospital etc…
The Lusaka Fire Brigade on Saturday managed to put out the fire that was caused by a fuel tanker which exploded on Lusaka’s Mungwi road.Four people have been injured in the inferno. (Pictures by ZNBC NEWS)
There is a real buzz in the green half of the capital.
Whenever CAPS United fans burst into the song “Gore Rino Ndizvo Zvarongwa naPapa Lodza”, nine times out of ten it’s just for fun. But this season, the song might carry its actual meaning.
Those who see football through objective lenses and operate in the truth-telling business will agree that the ‘Papa Lodza’ in question, Makepekepe coach Lloyd Chitembwe, is up to something ahead of the upcoming Castle Lager Premier Soccer League season.
Last season, the Green Machine’s campaign was marred by well-documented financial challenges, which resulted in the former Cup Kings being in the relegation matrix.
But after their penultimate game of the season —an entertaining 2-2 draw with champions FC Platinum at the National Sports Stadium, Chitembwe declared that the club does not want a repetition of such a season.
“Going forward, some of these decisions will be very key going forward. We don’t want a repeat of this kind of a season. Everyone has taken lessons, from players, to the coaches, everyone within the football club has taken lessons and we don’t want a repeat of such,” said Chitembwe.
The former Warriors assistant coach even reminded football fans that history shows that whenever the club has such a chaotic season, they go on to win the championship in the next campaign.
Whether the financial challenges which affected the 2016 league champions have been solved or not remains to be seen, but what’s there for all to see, is the quality of players the Farai Jere-led executive has lured to the club.
Kelvin Madzongwe, Tafadzwa ‘Fire’ Rusike, Godknows ‘Zizou’ Murwira, Adrian Silla, Innocent Zambezi and Admiral Matope have all joined Makepekepe, while former Dynamos midfielder King Nadolo, who was spotted at the club’s training session, could be another acquisition.
Last season’s Soccer Star of the Year first runner up and the league top goalscorer William Manondo, is staying put at CAPS.
Madzongwe, who swapped the green shirt of financially-troubled Bulawayo Chiefs for a more greener shirt which he hopes will bring greener pastures, is relishing the prospect of playing for Makepekepe.
“I’m really excited about the opportunity because obviously CAPS United is a big brand. So definitely playing for them is like playing for one of the biggest teams around, considering the history that they have and the calibre of players that have gone through CAPS United,” he told the club’s media department last week.
“So it’s a huge honor to be here, my family was excited when I joined, mostly my dad because he has always been a huge CAPS United fan so for him, I think it’s one of those dreams that he has realized for me,” Madzongwe added.
Madzongwe has added making promises to the list of things he can do, and his first assurance as a CAPS player, is that the Green Machine’s fans should brace for a good season.
“Last year the team didn’t have a good season. We struggled a lot but hopefully, this year things will be better, with the calibre of players that are here. So we are promising CAPS United fans that this year will be much better than last year,” he said.
Veteran winger Phenias Bamusi, believes says everything is smooth-sailing ahead of the 2023 season and CAPS fans can dare to dream.
“I believe we have a strong squad, and there are no disturbances so far,” said Bamusi.
Life is a matter of choices, and one can choose to undermine CAPS United this season, but at their own peril.- Soccer24 Zimbabwe
Tinashe Sambiri|CCC leader President Nelson Chamisa says he is ready to lead the nation.
President Chamisa believes he has attained the necessary experience and knowledge to lead the nation.
The CCC leader wrote on Twitter:
READY TO SERVE & LEAD…
Dear citizens, when you empower me as your President &Commander-in-chief. I will lead extraordinarily, with distinction.
I have served the Republic with patriotic passion and pride. I understand government,having been a Cabinet Minister & MP representing Zimbabwe at various levels SADC, AU, ITU,ACP-EU Joint Parliamentary Assembly in Brussels & UN. #Ready
THE YOUNG CITIZEN ON THE MOVE..We must just fix this country for the sake of this generation.
This is what stirs up my passion for change! It’s an intergenerational consensus for change!
Tinashe Sambiri Hard-hitting CCC youth taskforce spokesperson Stephen Sarkozy Chuma has challenged citizens to assume a common garb in fighting for the release of jailed politician Hon Job Sikhala.
Hon Sikhala was arrested in June last year for speaking on behalf of Moreblessing Ali’s family.
Sarkozy described the incarceration of Hon Sikhala as horrible and unacceptable.
“Sometimes we simply have to stand up.
The abuse of @JobSikhala1 is horrible and unacceptable,” Sarkozy wrote on Twitter.
Malaria is a life-threatening disease caused by parasites that are transmitted to people through the bites of infected female Anopheles mosquitoes.
It is preventable and curable.
In 2021, there were an estimated 247 million cases of malaria worldwide. The estimated number of malaria deaths stood at 619 000 in 2021. The WHO African Region carries a disproportionately high share of the global malaria burden. In 2021, the region was home to 95% of malaria cases and 96% of malaria deaths. Children under 5 accounted for about 80% of all malaria deaths in the Region. Overview
Malaria is an acute febrile illness caused by Plasmodium parasites, which are spread to people through the bites of infected female Anopheles mosquitoes. There are 5 parasite species that cause malaria in humans, and 2 of these species – P. falciparum and P. vivax – pose the greatest threat. P. falciparum is the deadliest malaria parasite and the most prevalent on the African continent. P. vivax is the dominant malaria parasite in most countries outside of sub-Saharan Africa.
The first symptoms – fever, headache and chills – usually appear 10–15 days after the infective mosquito bite and may be mild and difficult to recognize as malaria. Left untreated, P. falciparum malaria can progress to severe illness and death within a period of 24 hours.
In 2021, nearly half of the world’s population was at risk of malaria. Some population groups are at considerably higher risk of contracting malaria and developing severe disease: infants, children under 5 years of age, pregnant women and patients with HIV/AIDS, as well as people with low immunity moving to areas with intense malaria transmission such as migrant workers, mobile populations and travellers.
Disease burden According to the latest World malaria report, there were 247 million cases of malaria in 2021 compared to 245 million cases in 2020. The estimated number of malaria deaths stood at 619 000 in 2021 compared to 625 000 in 2020.
Over the 2 peak years of the pandemic (2020–2021), COVID-related disruptions led to about 13 million more malaria cases and 63 000 more malaria deaths.
The WHO African Region continues to carry a disproportionately high share of the global malaria burden. In 2021 the Region was home to about 95% of all malaria cases and 96% of deaths. Children under 5 years of age accounted for about 80% of all malaria deaths in the Region.
Four African countries accounted for just over half of all malaria deaths worldwide: Nigeria (31.3%), the Democratic Republic of the Congo (12.6%), United Republic of Tanzania (4.1%) and Niger (3.9%).
Prevention Over the last 2 decades, expanded access to WHO-recommended malaria prevention tools and strategies – including effective vector control and the use of preventive antimalarial drugs – has had a major impact in reducing the global burden of this disease.
Vector control Vector control is a vital component of malaria control and elimination strategies as it is highly effective in preventing infection and reducing disease transmission. The 2 core interventions are insecticide-treated nets (ITNs) and indoor residual spraying (IRS).
Progress in global malaria control is threatened by emerging resistance to insecticides among Anopheles mosquitoes. As described in the latest World malaria report, other threats to ITNs include insufficient access, loss of nets due to the stresses of day-to-day life outpacing replacement, and changing behaviour of mosquitoes, which appear to be biting early before people go to bed and resting outdoors, thereby evading exposure to insecticides.
Preventive chemotherapies Preventive chemotherapy is the use of medicines, either alone or in combination, to prevent malaria infections and their consequences. It requires giving a full treatment course of an antimalarial medicine to vulnerable populations (generally infants, children under 5 years of age and pregnant women) at designated time points during the period of greatest malarial risk, regardless of whether the recipients are infected with malaria.
Preventive chemotherapy includes perennial malaria chemoprevention (PMC), seasonal malaria chemoprevention (SMC), intermittent preventive treatment of malaria in pregnancy (IPTp) and school-aged children (IPTsc), post-discharge malaria chemoprevention (PDMC) and mass drug administration (MDA).
These safe and cost-effective strategies are intended to complement ongoing malaria control activities, including vector control measures, prompt diagnosis of suspected malaria, and treatment of confirmed cases with antimalarial medicines.
Vaccine Since October 2021, WHO also recommends broad use of the RTS,S/AS01 malaria vaccine among children living in regions with moderate to high P. falciparum malaria transmission.
The vaccine has been shown to significantly reduce malaria, and deadly severe malaria, among young children.
Business Correspondent| Two Zimbabwean companies have put in place a strategic partnership to foster proper investment in mining.
The companies, Inner Core Resources Private Limited and Three Wingers Enterprises, are keen to turn mining into a lucrative sector in Zimbabwe and beyond.
A representative of Inner Core Resources said on Monday:
“Anything related to mining we can assist. We have a team of experts in various departments and we deal with a variety of issues. Even those who seek to learn about mining and how to invest can contact us.”
“Any mining related baby (Issue), we can help…
Those who want to buy mining equipment and don’t know which ones to use, where to get the best equipment, we can assist.
Mining Equipment selling for those who want to set up milling plants,” said the official.
Inner Core Resources can be contacted through its partner Three Wingers Enterprises.
MDC President Senator Douglas Togarasei Mwonzora is attending the 62nd Session of the Organisation of African, Caribbean and Pacific States and the European Union Joint Parliamentary Assembly in Brussels, Belgium.
By A Correspondent| The Zimbabwe Anti-Corruption Commission (ZACC) has arrested a former National Railways of Zimbabwe of Zimbabwe (NRZ) top engineer for corruption.
This follows an internal audit report released last year indicating that Phillip Chifamba, who was chief engineer for infrastructure at the parastatal, grossly inflated costs for the renovation of an NRZ guest house in Bulawayo.
He was nabbed on Thursday last week after ZACC carried its own investigations and he is expected to appear in court soon.
The property, number 242 Leopold Takawira in Bulawayo, was supposed to cost US$110,000 to renovate but Chifamba, working in cahoots with the others who are also under investigation, caused the price to be increased $214 000.
This represents a variance cost of 104,000 in direct contravention of the company’s Procedural order as read with the Procurement Regulations which provide for re-tendering in the event of a price variance above 20%.
The property is used as the official residence of the NRZ board chairperson, a position currently occupied by Advocate Martin Dinha.
The audit report also indicated that Chifamba connived with former NRZ chief finance officer Joel Lunga, who approved the payments by-passing General Manager.
They also did not run the tender past the Procurement Regulatory Authority of Zimbabwe as is required at law.
Payments were made directly through Lunga.
“Payments were done by the Finance Branch on instructions from the acting chief finance officer (Lunga). Papers wrongly processed for payment sailed through the hands of acting chief finance officer without scrutiny,” the audit report said.
It added: “All payments regarding variations were approved by the offices of the chief engineer and that of the then procurement manager and paid for by the finance branch. This was clearly contrary to expectations of the line of duty of the chief finance officer.”
By- Police in Sanyathi have issued a warrant of arrest for local MP and Mines deputy minister Polite Kambamura (Zanu PF) after he allegedly unleashed a militia on party rivals holding a meeting at Nyimo business centre on Thursday.
Several party officials were injured in the violence when the militia attacked district chairpersons from Arda, Rusvingo and Nyaunde, which led to the arrest of three members of Kambamura’s hitmen.
“Three people namely, Enock Chimombe, Sithabile Bhebhe, and Joseph Siampongo have been arrested for public violence and have been transferred to Kadoma Law and Order section. They will appear in court soon. The outstanding two who are yet to be arrested are Polite Kambamura and William Pariyangiwa,” said a police officer who declined to be named.
The complainant in the case is Zanu PF Arda district chairperson Sylvester Mhirizhonga, who reported the case under RRB5413524.
“I can confirm that three people who were part of a gang that beat us yesterday have been arrested. They were picked up by police in the morning,” Mhirizhonga said.
Police spokesperson Assistant Commissioner Paul Nyathi said he was unaware of the matter.
Several party officials who spoke to NewsDay Weekender alleged that the hired youth militia was under instruction to beat up Zanu PF district chairpersons perceived as blocking Kambamura’s re-election bid.
Kambamura told NewsDay Weekender on Thursday that he was in Sanyati, but distanced himself from the violence.
“I do not know what you are talking about. Yes, I am in Sanyati but never witnessed that,” he said.
The Sanyati legislator is not new to intra-party violence.
He has of late been accused of unleashing hired thugs on his rivals within the ruling party to ensure he is not challenged in the primary elections.
In 2018, he was accused of destroying ballot papers belonging to a rival during the party’s primary elections. Source – NewsDay
By- The High court has dismissed a case in which former MDC deputy president Elias Mudzuri was challenging his expulsion from the party.
Mwonzora recently expelled Mudzuri alongside Norest Marara, Edwin Kakora, Gift Konjana, Den Moyo and Edwin Dzambara. Mudzuri then filed an urgent chamber application at the High Court seeking to stop the confirmation of his expulsion. However, High Court judge Justice David Mangota dismissed Mudzuri’s application, ruling that he had failed to justify his request. Ruled the judge: The logic of the matter is that the letter of 6 February 2023 would not have taken away from the applicant his position as Vice-President of the first respondent (MDC-T) and allowed him to remain a card-carrying member of the first respondent. He would, in all probability, have been stripped of his membership in the first respondent completely. Once it is accepted, as it should, that the applicant is no longer a member of the first respondent, the logical conclusion which follows from the stated matter is that he has no right that he requires to protect. An applicant for an interdict must prove, on a preponderance of probabilities, the existence of the right which he wants to be protected by the interdict. All other requirements for an interdict will only be considered after the existence of the right has been established. Where, as in casu (in this case), no such right exists, the application for an interdict fails. The applicant failed to prove, on a balance of probabilities, the existence of any right which he enjoys in the first respondent. The application is struck off the roll of urgent matters with costs. In his application, Mudzuri cited, the MDC-T, MDC-T president Douglas Mwonzora, party chairman Morgen Komichi, and MDC-T Secretary General Paurina Mupariwa Gwanyanya as respondents. The respondents challenged his application, arguing that what he sought to interdict had already taken place. Mudzuri, Norest Marara, Edwin Kakora, Gift Konjana, Den Moyo and Edwin Dzambara were expelled from MDC-T for violating the party’s constitution after dragging their Mwonzora to court challenging his re-election on December 18, 2022.
By- Former MDC deputy president Elias Mudzuri has lost a court challenge against his former boss Daglous Mwonzora.
Mwonzora recently expelled Mudzuri alongside Norest Marara, Edwin Kakora, Gift Konjana, Den Moyo and Edwin Dzambara. Mudzuri then filed an urgent chamber application at the High Court seeking to stop the confirmation of his expulsion. However, High Court judge Justice David Mangota dismissed Mudzuri’s application, ruling that he had failed to justify his request. Ruled the judge: The logic of the matter is that the letter of 6 February 2023 would not have taken away from the applicant his position as Vice-President of the first respondent (MDC-T) and allowed him to remain a card-carrying member of the first respondent. He would, in all probability, have been stripped of his membership in the first respondent completely. Once it is accepted, as it should, that the applicant is no longer a member of the first respondent, the logical conclusion which follows from the stated matter is that he has no right that he requires to protect. An applicant for an interdict must prove, on a preponderance of probabilities, the existence of the right which he wants to be protected by the interdict. All other requirements for an interdict will only be considered after the existence of the right has been established. Where, as in casu (in this case), no such right exists, the application for an interdict fails. The applicant failed to prove, on a balance of probabilities, the existence of any right which he enjoys in the first respondent. The application is struck off the roll of urgent matters with costs. In his application, Mudzuri cited, the MDC-T, MDC-T president Douglas Mwonzora, party chairman Morgen Komichi, and MDC-T Secretary General Paurina Mupariwa Gwanyanya as respondents. The respondents challenged his application, arguing that what he sought to interdict had already taken place. Mudzuri, Norest Marara, Edwin Kakora, Gift Konjana, Den Moyo and Edwin Dzambara were expelled from MDC-T for violating the party’s constitution after dragging their Mwonzora to court challenging his re-election on December 18, 2022.
By-The Police have announced that they arrested more than 1 800 drivers for using illegal routes permits and not following permit timetables.
The operation comes after Police recently expressed concern over the conduct of some public service vehicle drivers who need to comply with the timetables and route permits. This has resulted in avoidable accidents caused by bus drivers engaging in dangerous and reckless road races for passengers. National police spokesperson Assistant Commissioner Paul Nyathi on Friday said the number of people who have been arrested under the operation stood at 1 805. He said: On 22/02/23, Police arrested 711 people across the country on operation on the enforcement of route permits and timetables for public service vehicles (PSVs). This brings the cumulative figure of arrests to 1 805. Last week, Asst Comm Nyathi said the enforcement of route compliance and timetables would be done in terms of the Road Motor Transportation Act. He said: The Zimbabwe Republic Police has noted with concern the conduct of some public service vehicle drivers who are not complying with timetables on route permits, resulting in the drivers being dragged into dangerous and reckless road races for passengers. This conduct has resulted in road traffic accidents in some instances. In a bid to ensure compliance with road traffic rules and regulations by public service vehicles, the Zimbabwe Republic Police will with immediate effect heighten enforcement on compliance with route permits and timetables. Owners of public service vehicles are, therefore, advised to adhere to the dictates of their route permits and timetables forthwith. We appeal to public service vehicle owners to cooperate with police officers to ensure sanity prevails on the roads.
The rand has been hit hard by the long-expected confirmation that South Africa was greylisted by the Financial Action Task Force (FATF), an international body that sets standards to combat money laundering and terrorist financing.
The local currency was trading at R18.46/$ in early afternoon trading on Friday, the weakest level since November last year.
It is closed to reaching levels last seen at the height of the pandemic crisis in May 2020.
Maarten Ackerman, chief economist and advisory partner at Citadel, says it’s possible that the rand could breach R19/$, and even weaker, in coming days.
The currency started the year at R17/$, but has come under pressure in recent weeks as the dollar rushed ahead as new US economic data supported more aggressive interest rate hikes, he adds.The rand started bleeding on Thursday after meeting minutes from the Federal Reserve revealed an increased appetite for hikes.
“SA remains behind the US in the quantum of rate hikes so far, with only a 375 basis points lift in the repo rate versus the 450 basis points lift in the Fed funds rate in the current hiking cycle, resulting in rand weakness as SA’s risk premium with the US has eroded severely,” says Annabel Bishop, Investec economist.
If South Africa’s interest rates are not raised in step with the US, the rand and local assets like bonds will lose their appeal to foreign investors, who are on the hunt for good returns.
Foreign inflows are crucial to keep the rand stable.
Greylisting is also negative for foreign inflows.
Countries on the grey list have historically seen a decline in foreign investment.Being on the grey list signals to global banks, financial institutions and foreign investors that the country is not fully compliant with anti-money laundering and terrorist financing standards.
Greylisting is expected to hike the cost of doing business in South Africa by increasing the amount of due diligence companies have to carry out.
South Africans may also find sending funds offshore and transacting with international banks more onerous.But Ackerman says that rand could return to levels of around R17.50/$ in the second half of the year.
The dollar rally is expected to lose some steam as the US interest rate hike cycle ends, with “peak dollar” expected in the first half of the year.
A Mutare man was on Thursday hauled before a magistrate for allegedly creating an illegal by-pass on his farm opposite the 22 Miles tollgate, reported The Herald.
Padina Dzumbira appeared in court facing charges of contravening sections of the law governing tollgates.
The appeared before Mutare magistrate Perseverance Makala yesterday charged with contravening section 3A (3) of Statutory Instrument 250/21 of the Toll Road (National Road Network) (Amendment) and was remanded out of custody to 10 March 2023.
The rule bars the use of a private bypass road falling within 1km of a toll gate unless authorised by the Minister of Transport and Infrastructural Development.
No one is allowed to collect toll fees on any road within 1km of a tolling point.
Prosecuting, Sharon Chibvongodze said the Zimbabwe National Road Administration (ZINARA) saw drivers by-passing the 22 Miles tollgate on the farm road, and reported Dzumbira to the police.
Last year, the 22 Miles acting tollgate supervisor Charedza Majedera allegedly saw Dzumbira allowing vehicles to bypass the tollgate using his private road.He then called in the ZINARA risk and loss control department to set up surveillance cameras to record evidence.
Part of the State outline reads: An analysis made on the video footage obtained from the surveillance cameras on October 14, 2022, October 17, 2022, and October 25, 2022, shows classes of motor vehicles bypassing the tollgate and pass through the accused’s homestead.
Tears and pain at @PSMASZim, where former CEO Cuthbert Dube, was earning a hefty salary of US$460000/month, and today workers are being retrenched without any retirement package after working for over 3 decades faithfully, (plus the last 4 months without a salary). pic.twitter.com/VKwKc4CChg
After banning lithium exports and seizing millions worth of lithium mined by ZANU PF members in Mberengwa, the govt has betrayed the taxpayers once again by importing 18 Chinese electric cars.
The govt, through the Central Mechanical Equipment Department (CMED), has now bought a total of 18 electric vehicles from a Chinese company as Zimbabwe continues to promote the use of smart energy as the world gradually shifts from petroleum-fuelled vehicles.
CMED was recently requested to also explore the provision of urban commuter services using electric buses which were cheaper to run compared to conventional vehicles, bringing relief to urban commuters who will benefit from lower fares.
Most of the electric cars recently bought by CMED were being used at its driving school, EasyGo, and the rest as shuttle cars at Robert Gabriel Mugabe International Airport.
The vehicles and the charging infrastructure at the CMED Harare depot, were bought by the CMED from BYD Company, which produces cars, buses, trucks, electric bicycles, forklifts and rechargeable batteries.
The purchasing of the electric cars also comes after Transport and Infrastructural Development Minister Felix Mhona this week said Zimbabwe was committed to adopting clean energy solutions for the transport sector.
This was aimed at helping the country towards climate change mitigation.
Minister Mhona said efforts had been made to develop systems, some of which had been adopted under international regulatory institutions such as the International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO).
He was speaking during the 85th Session of the Inland Transport Committee (ITC) underway in Geneva, Switzerland.
He was contributing to a panel discussion on the topic: “Critical partnerships and leaving no one behind in the climate battle: global challenges and winning formulas for net zero leaders”.
“I wish to reiterate that Zimbabwe is committed to cooperation under the United Nations System, and to the adoption of international good practices and standards on all matters under the purview of the ITC. Cooperation bilaterally and at the multilateral level, as well as re-engagement, lie at the heart of the foreign policy of my leader, His Excellency, the President of the Republic of Zimbabwe, Cde Dr ED Mnangagwa’s administration.
“Zimbabwe joins the United Nations family in shaping the attendant discourse, underpinned by the critical question that is among the top policy priorities for governments around the world on: “Critical Partnerships and Leaving no one behind in the climate battle: global challenges and winning formulas for net zero leaders”,” Minister Mhona said.- state media/additional reporting
One of the churches in the country which the state media claims has the largest following in terms of numbers — Vapositori — has pledged 2,3 million votes for President Mnangagwa as a token of appreciation for his astute leadership that has ushered Zimbabwe into a new era.
Uniting under the banner of Vapositori for ED (VED), the garment-donning church that is home to arguably the majority of Zimbabweans, either discreetly or indiscreetly, was yesterday at State House in Harare and pledged to play its part in defending Zimbabwe’s revolution.
Apparently, President Mnangagwa’s unique style of leadership, his open-door policy, and the universally acknowledged “Nyika Inovakwa Nevene Vayo” philosophy have charmed Vapositori who are drawn from Johanne Masowe, Vadzidzi, Mugodhi, and other variations.
President Mnangagwa told Vapositori that nobody, but Zimbabweans could take the country to the Promised Land, saying any developed country today stands rich, primarily through the labour of its people.
“When I got the letter that there is Vapositori for ED who would like to see me, I didn’t think there would be such a huge number at the highest level. When I say nyika inovakwa nevene vayo, that philosophy is not selective. God gave each country its own resources, I don’t think God wants to see other nations oppressing others. Some think when I say Nyika inovakwa nevene vayo I am talking about only those in politics; I mean every single Zimbabwean, no matter your background, put shoulder to the wheel to build your country,” the President said.
As a listening leader, President Mnangagwa said his door would forever be open for Vapositori, who have asked him for a Ministry of Religion.
“I heard you say that you want to defend the country’s Independence. There are many who don’t appreciate that, if it was possible we would go back to our true selves and be proud of who we are.
“Now we are being misled, if we are in agreement that we have a task to preserve our heritage, our task will be surmountable because we will be together as one people,” he said.
The President added that he will ensure freedom of worship is enjoyed by every Zimbabwean and also promised to engage traditional leaders whom the Vapositori had said were sometimes interfering with their activities.
“You are reservoirs of knowledge, you have asked for a religious ministry. I have taken this into consideration, and soon I will be meeting with chiefs to get their views on the issue that you have raised.
“Let me tell you that we have some who are black only in colour but inside they are white, it is better to associate with the white man openly,” he said.
The Vapositori, through their spokesperson Madzibaba Obey Mapuranga, told the President that they will express themselves through the ballot and silence puppets that masquerade as opposition figures.
“We are saying had it not been for the democracy kind of rule that came from the whites, our erstwhile colonisers, this country would be ruled forever by Zanu PF because it is the only party that sacrificed blood to liberate this country, there is no other party. But because this country is not a theocracy, it’s a democracy, we have accepted that and we are coming into the democratic processes and vote. We are going to bring the vote, more than 2.3 million Vapositori in their churches, they will vote for Zanu PF,” said Madzibaba Mapuranga.-state media
Mines deputy minister and Sanyati legislator Polite Kambamura allegedly hired a militia to violently disrupt a Zanu-PF cell inter-district meeting at Nyimo business centre in his constituency yesterday.
The case was reported to the police under RRB5413524.
Several party officials who spoke to NewsDay alleged that hired youth militia was under instruction to beat up Zanu-PF district chairpersons from Arda, Rusvingo and Nyaunde, perceived as blocking Kambamura’s re-election bid.
Zanu-PF Arda district chair Sylvester Mhirizhonga, who was one of the victims, said they reported the case to the police.
“I am in pain as we speak,” he said.
Zanu-PF Rusvingo district chair Joseph Takasungwa said Kambamura came with a truckload of thugs to cause violence.
“The Member of Parliament came with a hired crowd which beat up people, including myself,” he said.
Nyaunde district chair Kudakwashe Gwatinyanya said he needed medical attention after he allegedly lost a tooth during the scuffle.
Zanu-PF Mashonaland West provincial member Tawanda Tachiona confirmed that Kambamura had sent people to beat up party leaders in Sanyati.
“We witnessed district party leaders being beaten up. We are taking those injured to Sanyati Hospital,” he said.
Contacted for comment, Kambamura distanced himself from the skirmishes.
“I do not know what you are talking about. Yes, I am in Sanyati, but never witnessed that,” Kambamura said.
The Sanyati legislator is not new to intra-party violence.
He has of late been accused of unleashing hired thugs on his rivals within the ruling party to ensure he is not challenged in the primary elections. – NewsDay Zimbabwe
Presidential Spokesman George Charamba has breathed fire over his own office’s Herald article that accuses the UK and US of funding NGOs so they interfere in the upcoming elections. The state’s spittle reads as follows –
The United States (US) and the United Kingdom (UK) are determined to spoil the country’s elections to isolate Zimbabwe on the international stage and in their subversive plots, they have roped in non-governmental organisations (NGOs) and some media outlets.
Commenting on a story published in The Herald on Thursday detailing how the US was dangling US$37 million to NGOs to stealthily interfere in the forthcoming elections, Presidential spokesperson and Deputy Chief Secretary (Communications) in the Office of the President and Cabinet, Mr George Charamba, said the Government was on top of the situation and would not hesitate to clampdown on subversive elements, especially now that the Private Voluntary Organisation (PVO) Bill was set to become law.
While there was a flurry of activity as the country gravitated towards the 2023 elections, in the past year several attempts by the West, particularly the US, to sneak in so-called monitors, were thwarted by alert authorities.
Mr Charamba said the heightened activities in the NGO sector were just a tip of the iceberg.
“A lot has been happening and a lot will continue to happen as we heat up towards the 2023 harmonised elections. In fact, you will be surprised that from as early as mid-last year we deported several deputations from American institutions, principally IRI (International Republican Institute) and NDI (National Democratic Institute) who were trying to force themselves on us on the grounds of what they termed long-term monitoring and observation of local elections,” said Mr Charamba.
The mission of the US, which had become more daring as elections loom, was essentially to scout for conduits to funnel illicit money into Zimbabwe and get manpower that would be used to ostensibly monitor elections, but in reality trigger chaos in the event the opposition lost elections.
It has also emerged that US Secretary of State in the Bureau of African Affairs Mr Robert Scott was set to visit Zimbabwe to push for his country’s interests and interfere in Zimbabwe’s electoral process through a meeting with Zimbabwe Electoral Commission (ZEC) chairperson Justice Priscilla Chigumba.
“We are going to very courteously ask this gentleman, who has invited himself on us that he must wait for an agreement between America and Zimbabwe, for America to have right of audience with our chairperson of ZEC on the one hand and for Zimbabwe to have similar rights with the Attorney-General of the US before they go for elections. Diplomacy proceeds in reciprocity, we will assert our sovereignty,” said Mr Charamba.
For the US in particular, which still maintains illegal economic sanctions on Zimbabwe, there was a realisation that the sanctions were spectacularly backfiring as they missed out on investment opportunities in Zimbabwe, and what was worse, to their international trade rivals.
Further, the US finds itself isolated as European Union (EU) member states have reviewed sanctions against Zimbabwe, owing to reforms that have been implemented by the Second Republic.
“So what the Americans are wishing for, and what they would want to see happen are elections fraught with violence, that is discredited so that they can then use that information to discredit the legitimacy of the poll outcome.
“What Americans aim to do is to spoil things for us, import violence, sponsor violence, discredit the electoral process so that they can have a face-saving excuse to maintain their illegal sanctions against this country, that has nothing to do with a democratic process here, but everything to do with what they consider as a hostile foreign policy which Zimbabwe is accused of pursuing, in respect of mining, in respect of war in the East, which by the way has nothing to do with us but certainly in respect of our resources.
“We reserve the right as a sovereign nation to decide who to partner with, after all they are the ones who chose to sanction us, in which case they have discounted themselves as a potential partner in our economy”.
Thus, Mr Charamba said, to spoil the elections, the US will stop at nothing to throw spanners into the country’s electoral processes, ever apprehensive of a Zanu PF victory.
“They have had several meetings both internally, in other words inside Zimbabwe as well as within the neighbourhood of Zimbabwe, and I won’t mention names at this juncture, where they have been staging meetings which are graced by certain naive Zimbabweans, meetings meant to plan and map mechanisms for pushing illicit funds that will then be used to support the opposition and to support para-opposition organisations which will tend to give credence and amplify messages of dissatisfaction with the electoral process from opposition members. As events would have it, we are very much deep in their structures and we know everything that they are planning, we even know the amounts they have placed in different institutions within the neighbourhood, and much worse we know the channels that they are going to use”.
But such days of fanning subversion in the name of civic education are soon to end as the PVO Bill is set to become law.
“That money is beginning to be brought into the country, we know the spoors and we will soon clamp down on them. What we lacked was the legal framework to allow our various institutions to take decisive action against that wanton interference by the Americans, one hopes that as soon as the Bill becomes law, then you will see our systems going into full swing to see that all that mischief is dealt with”, said Mr Charamba.
The NGOs are also planning an orgy of violence similar to that which was instigated by the MDC in 2018 when it lost the elections and this time around, the CCC activists will be embedded as election monitors at 10 250 polling stations around the country.
“This is a deployment of violence garbed as monitors in the event that the CCC loses the election, something that they know is inevitable,” Mr Charamba said.
While America’s gripe with Zimbabwe is over the investment and Zimbabwe’s position in international geopolitics—the UK on the other hand is determined to scuttle Zimbabwe’s bid to rejoin the Commonwealth and any incidences of violence in the forthcoming elections will work in their favour.
“The British are worried that the Commonwealth member states have taken a firm position that Zimbabwe must come back into the Commonwealth and that decision must be a result of a sum total of member states. It means the British, the Australians, and Canadians no longer have the prerogative of deciding Zimbabwe’s application; what the British are gunning for is a discredited election which will then be used to block Zimbabwe’s re-entry,” said Mr Charamba.
Lured by cash, Mr Charamba said a publisher of a local newspaper is set to stand on the ticket of CCC in the forthcoming elections.
“The newspaper structures are being used to support the opposition in the name of supporting the media in the country, we are aware of that. You have youngsters straight from university, very innocent, you have now been conscripted to be part of those organisations that have been hastily put together because of the lure of money. They don’t realise that in terms of international law, it is actually seditious subversion, you are really laying yourself open to seditious charges and they carry with them a very long sentence. This is friendly advice to all Zimbabweans who are associated with foreign created subversive organisations that they are skating on very thin ice, the long arm of law will catch them”.-state media
An 18-year-old vendor from Beitbridge has been sentenced to 10 years in prison after being convicted for indecently assaulting a 13-year-old boy.
Miracle Bengure, who betrayed the trust of a man who had offered him accommodation, has been jailed for 10 years after being convicted for aggravated indecent assault on the Good Samaritan’s 13-year-old son.
Bengure pleaded guilty to the crime he committed on the 15th of this month when he appeared in court before he was slapped with a ten-year jail sentence.
Three years were however suspended on the condition that he does not commit a similar offence within the next five years.
It is the State’s case that Bengure was last week offered accommodation by a Good Samaritan, whose name cannot be disclosed to protect the child’s identity, but betrayed his trust by indecently assaulting his 13-year-old son who was fast asleep.
Bengure was arrested the following day after the matter was reported to the police.- ZBC News
Kusvikira rinhi tichitendera mbavha kutibira? 43yrs of stealing tovapa dzimwe 5yrs to make it 48yrs are sure? Changamuka mwana weZimbabwe. Zanu yaba zvakwana. pic.twitter.com/1udRZhg4Lq
Zimbabwe recorded a 100 percent increase in divorce cases last year, a development that counsellors and analysts say is a cause for concern.
Although divorce is often deemed as a solution to toxic relationships, it negatively impacts both parties, their children, family and community at large as health experts say divorce and separation are often associated with increased anxiety and depression as well as increased risk of alcohol abuse.
Causes of divorce range from infidelity, financial challenges, lack of communication and intimacy, violence within the marriage institution and unresolved disputes.
Statistics from the Judiciary Service Commission show that in 2020, 1 117 couples filed for divorce and the figure went up to 1 351 the following year.
Last year however, the figure doubled to 2 735 cases against 13 436 recorded marriages. In essence, 20 percent of Zimbabwean marriages are likely to end in divorce.
Of the 2 735 divorce cases filed last year at the High Court in Bulawayo, Masvingo, Harare, Mutare and Chinhoyi, 1 561 were completed.
Bulawayo recorded 613, Harare 1 731, Masvingo 145, Mutare 156 and Chinhoyi 90 divorce matters.
Experts argue that divorce is a sensitively painful change and can generate lasting feelings of unhappiness, anger and trouble. Divorce, they also say, is without doubt a strong risk factor and a source of stress.
Family lawyer Shepherd Chingarande said the main cause is that some couples make false starts by marrying for the wrong reasons.
“People marry for the wrong reasons and that is how many get it all wrong. Some are under pressure from parents and friends based on the biological clock and they just marry whoever comes into their lives first. Compatibility is key and when two do not have anything in common after sex, the relationship is likely to end in divorce. Others ignore red flags with the hope that marriage can change a person and upon disappointment, they opt out,” said Chingarande.
He said financial difficulties fuel disputes at home while life-changing decisions also have an impact on marriages as some individuals are quick to make those without consultation as if they are single.
“Marriage at a young age or lack of skills to deal with tough situations can be stressful,” said Chingarande.
He added that domestic violence cases which are on the increase in Zimbabwe and addictions related to drug abuse often lead to breakdown of marriages. “Infidelity or adultery, ethnic differences and even high expectations driven by social media can also be another source of friction leading to divorce,” said Chingarande.
Local psychologist Jacqueline Nkomo said the increase in divorces may spell more mental problems for Zimbabwean communities as the breakdown in marriages often come with several consequences for the couple, children, extended family and community.
She said those consequences however should not deter those in abusive relationships from divorcing as that may put their lives at risk.
Nkomo said those who divorce should open up to their children and explain reality so that children do not battle guilt feelings as they may suspect their existence is the reason their parents divorced.
“Although divorce is not commendable, sometimes it’s necessary to deliver abused spouses from toxic relationships. However, whenever people choose to go separate ways they must go through counselling and be equipped with coping strategies to handle after effects which are more negative than positive,” said Nkomo.
“Divorce disturbs the order of what has become normal to us as humans and once two people separate, children and family members suffer. Children whose parents divorce also battle low self-esteem and may develop depression coupled with anxiety emanating from the changes that the development brings into their social, emotional and sometimes financial lives.”
Nkomo said those who divorce often think they are strong but are at risk of bottling up issues which may also lead to stress and depression.
“We envision communities where family structures are maintained and where individual members can live in harmony. We need to get to a point where we also accept that sometimes divorce is the only way out and not stigmatise divorcees.
Some are labelled failures and they live a life of pain and regret because communities think they could not sustain their families. We should also learn to be content so that we foster love, peace and unity in our marriages,” added Nkomo.
Renowned marriage counsellor Herbert Ndlovu said despite the alarming 100 percent increase in divorce, happy and successful marriages were still possible in Zimbabwe.
He said not all hope is lost and members of the public should be willing to go the extra mile to revive and sustain marriages despite challenges such as inadequate resources.
“In my 27-year marriage, I have learnt that acceptance plays a major role. We should stop trying to remodel our partners as that often causes strife in marriage. Couples who also have high expectations of each other suffer disappointment since we are all humans hence the need for us to be tolerant and strive to bring the best. Christians are chief culprits on this as they like imposing their convictions on others, successful marriages need both partners to accept differences and live in harmony,” said Ndlovu.
He said engaging God from day one is very important as couples cannot treat God as a second option. “We need to pray together and connect spiritually from day one so that when troubles emerge, we can draw inspiration from the Creator of marriages. Couples should never relax even for a day and think that because they are married, it will stay like that. Marriage is hard work, nothing comes automatically hence we must do everything and put a lot of effort to keep marriages thriving and happy” said Ndlovu.
He said infidelity is an individual choice hence everyone has the power to stop having extramarital affairs.
“I urge spouses to be loyal to each other, be honest and easily communicate everything. Do not discuss your partner’s faults or any disagreements with anyone. Loyalty means sticking with each other even in bad times. Even when our spouses are at fault we should never discuss them with any third party even parents, pastors, family or friends,” said Ndlovu. -Chronicle
The Zimbabwe Electoral Commission is deeply reluctant to act on reforms, it has emerged.
Speaking at a media briefing in Harare on Wednesday, CCC spokesperson Fadzayi Mahere accused Zanu PF of dragging feet in terms of setting up key reforms.
Political analysts have urged CCC to exert pressure on the ZEC to implement reforms before polls.
The Zimbabwe Electoral Commission is deeply reluctant to act on reforms, it has emerged.
Speaking at a media briefing in Harare on Wednesday, CCC spokesperson Fadzayi Mahere accused Zanu PF of dragging feet in terms of setting up key reforms.
Mahere further accused Zanu PF leaders Emmerson Mnangagwa and Constantino Chiwenga of encouraging party supporters to kill CCC members.
Political analysts have urged CCC to exert pressure on the ZEC to implement reforms before polls.
Citizens’ Coalition for Change (CCC) champion Vengai Chivaura is boosting projects for women in in Mhondoro- Mubaira.
Chivaura is supporting women’s fundraising programmes in the area.
“Change champion Vengai Chivaura is supporting the Mhondoro Mubaira Constituency Mukando scheme -in which women raise money to buy whatever they desire.
Chivaura will top up the money raised and provide transportation to buy items in Harare.
Lately Chivaura helped women in Makomo village and Kavhukatema village who bought blankets, plates, pots and groceries,” CCC said.
Citizens’ Coalition for Change (CCC) champion Vengai Chivaura is boosting projects for women in in Mhondoro- Mubaira.
Chivaura is supporting women’s fundraising programmes in the area.
“Change champion Vengai Chivaura is supporting the Mhondoro Mubaira Constituency Mukando scheme -in which women raise money to buy whatever they desire.
Chivaura will top up the money raised and provide transportation to buy items in Harare.
Lately Chivaura helped women in Makomo village and Kavhukatema village who bought blankets, plates, pots and groceries,” CCC said.
SUSPENSION OF PRIMARY ELECTIONS BY CCC AN UNDEMOCRATIC MOVE AND A THREAT TO DEMOCRACY.
Voter, Mind The Dictator
By Dr Masimba Mavaza | Opposition Citizens Coalition for Change (CCC) says it will do away with the traditional primary election system to choose party candidates for the impending harmonized elections set for later this year.
Speaking to journalists during a press conference this wee, CCC national spokesperson Fadzayi Mahere said citizens will select party candidates through a sophisticated party template. “We received a number of enquires on what our candidate selection process will look like. ”
In actual fact Mr Chamisa, the leader of the main opposition party in Zimbabwe (the CCC), declared that he will be nominating his party’s parliamentary candidates for the 2023 harmonised elections in what CCC confirms to be a complicated system.
The announcement that Chamisa will hand pick and thrust upon the nation’s parlimentary candidates is, even by Mr Chamisa’s own owful democratic standards, a new low. This is a serious onslaught against democracy.
Primary elections, or direct primary are a voting process by which voters can indicate their preference for their party’s candidate, or a candidate in general, in an upcoming general election, local election, or bye election. In a primary election voters are solely the members of a political party in what is called a closed primary. However, political parties control the method of nomination of candidates for office in the name of the party.
Primary elections are typically held for offices that have a rigid term, such as a president, member of a legislature or councillors. Offices which can be replaced without recourse to a new election, typically do not have dedicated primaries of their own; rather, the party typically nominates its internal party leader as its candidate for such an office.
Mr Chamisa and his Western sponsors have always argued that Chamisa repreesent the cause for liberty, democracy and and choice. The arguement is that Mr Chamisa’ s administration, should he win the elections, usher a hitherto unknown era of democracy in the country. When we hear these meaningless rumblings, many of us react with dismay at the sheer audacity of these deceptions by a dictator masquerading as a democrat.
CCC acts chillingly like vicious a man who beats the hell out of wife in his house and then masquarades as an advocate of human rights in the wider society. Why should women out there trust a perenial wife beater to act in their intetests? Similarly why should voters trust a perenial despot in his own party to respect any democratic values in Zimbabwe.
Voters must judge CCC with its undemocratic behaviour and the impunity with which it acts in their own party, not by empty proclamations of democracy.
CCC does not yet control the enforcement arms of the state such as prisons , low enforcement forces and state weapons and yet they act so ruthlessly against domocratic tenants. It is even scary to begin to imagine what a monster against democracy the party will be if it gets hold of power and state intruments. What makes it even more terrifying is that the man leading the part is not even self aware. He is the epitome of impunity. CCC represents the place where voters should not go to and Chamisa represents a figure that voters should avoid.
Imposition of parlimentary candidates will not be just an event. It will be the beginning of a proceess that will have far reaching impact not only on democratic culture but on the well being of our communities.
When Chamisa imposes a member of parliament in Kezi, for example, not only will he be insulting the communities in that particular constituency , but will be maiming and killing local democracy. Secondly, by filling parliament with his appointed stooges he will be killing national democracy .
Chamisa has no clue what parlimentary democracy means. Parlimentary democracy means election by the people, for the people and accountable to the people. Nomination means hand picking by the leader, for the leader and accountable to the leader.
In employment setups they say he who hires fires. In politics the equivalent is that a representative is accountable to their constituent. In this case chamisa will be the constituent.
An election provides the link between the elector and the representative. With Chamisa’s disgrace, there will be no link between his stooges and the the communities. Chamisa must look at the phenomenon of primary elections in Zanu PF and learn lessons on the link between those who vote at grassroots level and those who finally stand in parliament. Primary elections are not just an excercise in local choice, they ensure that a representative understands and speaks to local priorities. We are a diverse country in many ways and thst is why each constituency must send its own voice to parliament. It is even more than parliamentary work. This is also about MPs doing constituency work, talking to ministers, to the private sector etc on behalf of their constituencies. What does Chamisa know about local issues in Zaka, Chirumanzi, Mbalalabala?
Chamisa has a serious misapprehension of what democracy is. He thinks he has a natural right to be called a democrat, regardless of how he acts
He believes that Zanu PF must be eternally condemned regardless of any loudable efforts. He thinks he can wear the garb of democracy and act with impunity.
Mr Chamisa does not understand that the right to vote, which he is trumpling, was won by blood. Many did not return from the war. Parents lost their children. Children lost their parents. The man does not see the value of the right to vote . He thinks that freedom has always been there.
Chamisa acts like a pertulent son who inherits a mortgage purchased house soon after the death of his parents. He then sales and gambles away the proceeds. Such a pitable child has no clue of the toil and tears, the sacrifices that their parents put in buyinng and psying for the house.
CCC must not lie to its members that they are doing away with primaries in order to avoid infiltration. Anybody who is not affiliated with a party does not vote in a partisan, primary election.
Every ballot cast has an impact on our local communities.
It’s usually things that are very local and very personal, which makes primary elections democratic.
Primary elections determine which candidate will represent each political party in advance of a general election.
There are two main types of primaries: closed and open.
In a closed primary, voters may only cast their ballot for the party in which they are affiliated.
• An open primary allows voters to cast their ballot in either primary regardless of party affiliation.Primary elections give you, the voter, the opportunity to decide who from a pool of candidates should ultimately be nominated by your political party to run in the general election.Primary elections generally attract more partisan voters, which is how extreme candidates can end up on the ballot in a general election. Improving participation can help to moderate the outcomes.
Based on voter turnout and primary results, parties may rework their election strategy and devote more or less attention and resources towards certain demographics, states, and issues. On the other hand ZANU PF draw disproportionate attention in the presidential primaries because they hold the first caucus and primary election at Congress and often give a candidate the momentum to win their party’s nomination.
Candidates who receive mass support but ultimately don’t win primary elections can sometimes still influence the winning candidate and the platform they take to the general election.
So selecting candidate yes as opposed to electing them is a disaster and a direct attack on democracy.
The horns covered in lies are out CCC has now shown us it’s true colours.
It is seriously undemocratic to remove primary elections and appoint candidates. It simply means the parliament will be filled with partisan candidates who are only working for the appointing power. So the actions of the CCC is indeed undemocratic and it should be frowned at.
It will be dangerous to allow this to happen. We can only stop it by voting for ZANU PF which understands the pains of getting and fighting for freedom of choice. Democracy is never won democratically.
An 18-year-old vendor from Beitbridge has been sentenced to 10 years in prison after being convicted for indecently assaulting a 13-year-old boy.
Miracle Bengure, who betrayed the trust of a man who had offered him accommodation, has been jailed for 10 years after being convicted for aggravated indecent assault on the Good Samaritan’s 13-year-old son.
Bengure pleaded guilty to the crime he committed on the 15th of this month when he appeared in court before he was slapped with a ten-year jail sentence.
Three years were however suspended on the condition that he does not commit a similar offence within the next five years.
It is the State’s case that Bengure was last week offered accommodation by a Good Samaritan, whose name cannot be disclosed to protect the child’s identity, but betrayed his trust by indecently assaulting his 13-year-old son who was fast asleep.
Bengure was arrested the following day after the matter was reported to the police.- ZBC News
Mines deputy minister and Sanyati legislator Polite Kambamura allegedly hired a militia to violently disrupt a Zanu-PF cell inter-district meeting at Nyimo business centre in his constituency yesterday.
The case was reported to the police under RRB5413524.
Several party officials who spoke to NewsDay alleged that hired youth militia was under instruction to beat up Zanu-PF district chairpersons from Arda, Rusvingo and Nyaunde, perceived as blocking Kambamura’s re-election bid.
Zanu-PF Arda district chair Sylvester Mhirizhonga, who was one of the victims, said they reported the case to the police.
“I am in pain as we speak,” he said.
Zanu-PF Rusvingo district chair Joseph Takasungwa said Kambamura came with a truckload of thugs to cause violence.
“The Member of Parliament came with a hired crowd which beat up people, including myself,” he said.
Nyaunde district chair Kudakwashe Gwatinyanya said he needed medical attention after he allegedly lost a tooth during the scuffle.
Zanu-PF Mashonaland West provincial member Tawanda Tachiona confirmed that Kambamura had sent people to beat up party leaders in Sanyati.
“We witnessed district party leaders being beaten up. We are taking those injured to Sanyati Hospital,” he said.
Contacted for comment, Kambamura distanced himself from the skirmishes.
“I do not know what you are talking about. Yes, I am in Sanyati, but never witnessed that,” Kambamura said.
The Sanyati legislator is not new to intra-party violence.
He has of late been accused of unleashing hired thugs on his rivals within the ruling party to ensure he is not challenged in the primary elections. – NewsDay Zimbabwe
By-Litle known opposition leader Robert Chapman says he is targeting 74 votes in Zimbabwe’s general election slated for later this year.
Chapman, who recently emerged from nowhere, said he would contest and win this year’s elections.
Chapman told the state media that his target is not just to win the presidential election but to do so convincingly. He said:
We are shooting for the win, right now the target is about 74% of the votes, that is what we are targeting.
That is our goal that we are striving for. We look at the centre, we know what the polls, the numbers are showing us in the middle then we want to take a little bit from each side, from each of the extreme spectrums.
We think we can win people from both sides of strongholds of parties.
By A Correspondent| The stage is set for the 21st National Arts Merit Awards (NAMA) powered by Old Mutual Zimbabwe tomorrow at the Harare International Conference Centre, with the organisers aiming to provide a unique experience for the industry and the fans.
This year’s event will run under the theme ‘Unlocking Dreams.’Arts mother body, National Arts Council of Zimbabwe (NAC), said this year the ceremony will recognize outstanding achievements within the arts sector by locally-based artists.
The line-up of performers includes the who is who in the local music industry, songbird Gemma Griffiths, mbira queen Hope Masike, Tocky Vibes, Poptain, Feli Nandi, poet Obert Dube and socialite Mai Titi.
Also billed to perform are gospel singer Mathias Mhere, hip-hop stars Saintfloew and Holy 10, dancehall singer Freeman, Andrea the Vocalist, songstress Ammara Brown, urban groover ExQ and DJ Tamuka.
Old Mutual Zimbabwe continues to be a responsible business in the communities through financial education, financial inclusion, education, skills development, entrepreneurship, and diversity and inclusion.
As Zimbabwe’s largest integrated financial services group, Old Mutual recognizes the awards as the best platform to build a strong arts sector in the country and as a result, offers opportunities to educate and encourage artists to plan for their future, and unlock their dreams.
Hence, Old Mutual continues to partner with the arts and culture sector to empower artists and to make a positive difference by providing sustainable, tailored, and meaningful support through conducting financial literacy/education workshops under the flagship programme “On The Money” which is designed to teach all on how best to manage finances using relatable behaviours of Africa’s Big Five animals.
Last year, through these workshops Old Mutual managed to financially educate artists, equipping them with the knowledge that positively influences their financial behaviour while empowering them with a money mindset.
This year a series of Financial Literacy workshops have been scheduled aiming to continue furnishing artists with knowledge on how best they can handle their finances investing into both now and the future so that they are financially prepared for life during and after fame.
The key areas of focus that are taught to artists using Old Mutual’s On The Money program are Financial Planning, Savings, Budgeting, Managing Debt and Investing.
NAMAs are designed to recognize outstanding achievements within the arts sector and Old Mutual augments with financial literacy programmes. Empowerment of this nature will allow our artists to exploit financial products to their advantage and sharpen their saving, budgeting and investment skills.
Part 1 : Election Agents and the Security of the Vote
By Ignatious Sadziwa and Tinashe Gumbo
Background
The security of the ballot is a very important ingredient in the promotion of free and fair elections.
Dr. Tinashe Gumbo
It satisfies and guarantees electoral credibility and integrity. The role of election agents (also known as polling agents), is very key in any election. Election agents play a gatekeeping role in ensuring that the electorate’s vote is secured. In this article, we seek to discuss the role of election agents in Zimbabwe. Our focus is on the gaps that have manifested during the previous elections with regard to the effectiveness of election agents’ work in the promotion of credible polls. We then reiterate some already-known recommendations for consideration by political parties as they recruit, train and deploy election agents. This is the first of the ten-part series of articles that are meant to contribute to the deconstruction and demystification of fears associated with being an active citizen in electoral processes.
Legal Provisions for Election Agents.
Ignatius Sadziwa
Election candidates are mandated by law (Section 93A, Electoral Act, Chapter 2:13, As Amended up to 28 May 2018) to appoint election agents for a particular poll. This should be done before, on, or after nomination day, but not later than seven days before polling day. The political party that sponsors the candidate is involved (or is an interested party) in the appointment of the election agents. Chief Election Agents are appointed to coordinate other agents (based at polling stations or in constituencies and wards as roving agents). The election agents have to be accredited by the Zimbabwe Electoral Commission. Thus, it should be noted that they are legitimate stakeholders in elections and are guided by the prevailing laws of the country (Section 83, Electoral Act). Zimbabwe has 210 constituencies,1958 wards, and 10985 (at least in 2018) polling stations. A political party that is serious about challenging for power must aim at deploying election agents at all the stations.
The Role of an Election Agent.
Election agents are representatives of both the candidates and political parties taking part in an election contest and their designated area of work is the polling station in the case of polling agents while the Chief Election Agents may be mobile. Election agents “monitor” and ensure that the election is being conducted in a transparent manner that does not disadvantage their candidates and by extension their political party. They witness all aspects of the voting and counting processes. Thus, prior to the opening of the polls, election agents examine the voting equipment including ballot boxes to ensure that they are empty and inspect the voting booth to determine if there is nothing that may influence the voter. They should, thus, be present during the unveiling of the ballot paper, the voting process, counting, and the collation and tabulation of final results.
To an extent, election agents also play an observing role by checking if the prevailing environment is conducive to free and fair elections. They can also assist their candidates and party with parallel voter tabulation (PVT) as witnessed in jurisdictions like Malawi and Zambia during their latest Presidential plebiscites.
Notable Potholes in Previous Elections
The current authors, being active practitioners in the electoral processes in Zimbabwe, noted that election outcomes are always contested because of an axiomatic belief that they are rigged all the time. Without committed, vigilant, willing, and well-trained election agents, it is always difficult to confirm any alleged election rigging. Yet, we have observed some limitations that are associated with recruitment, training, deployment, and the work of election agents in Zimbabwe. The observations in this article were informed by our direct involvement in electoral work and a review of election observation reports by local civic and faith-based organizations. Media reports were also consulted. Below, we attempt to summarize some of the issues noted in previous elections.
1. While an election agent must be a bona fide, loyal, committed, and willing member of a political party, it has emerged that in most cases, parties hastily recruit agents at the very last minute, thereby targeting the “wrong” agents for the task. This explains cases where some election agents went “AWOL” on election day thereby compromising the security of the people’s vote. Others were “bought” on the eve of an election; hence, they would give excuses leading to their failure to do the job. Claims of infiltration by the opponent elements are real as confirmed by one of the authors of this article who witnessed it during his contest for Mberengwa West Seat in 2013.
2. Research has shown that as of 2018, only one political party had the capacity to deploy election agents at all the polling stations. Opposition parties were yet to build their capacity to enjoy 100% deployment. The issue of financial resources and the “security” of the election agents remained a major factor in this regard. Alleged cases of rigging were normally raised at stations where some political parties had not deployed election agents, yet, no scientific evidence could be accessed to back the claims. In such cases, complainants would not be able to access the V11 Return Forms and this weakened their court cases when they subsequently decided to challenge the outcome.
3. The welfare of polling agents also remained a critical factor in previous elections. Some political parties failed to fully support their agents with food, communication means, and other logistical issues such as transport to and from the polling stations. Thus, the agents would be exposed to all forms of manipulation by those with adequate support. A visibly hungry agent could be sent out of the polling station to buy food or “cigarettes” (for mutual benefit) and in the process, some fishy things happened in his or her absence which he or she could not account for. The “poor” agent could also be offered some other “goodies” including communication gadgets to talk to his or her party about an issue that would have happened at the polling station. In such a tricky scenario, the agent could not be vigilant enough to report any critical developments caused by the “generous” opponent at the polling station through a “borrowed” phone. These were realities observed in the previous elections.
4. Polling agents are supposed to be bona fide voters at their designated polling stations. However, some of them have not managed to exercise their right to vote in their entire life as they would have been deployed outside their wards. To be a polling agent calls for commitment, willingness, and vigilance. Therefore, some political parties were forced to deploy some of their agents away from their polling stations as they (election agents) were deemed the “only suitable cadres who can deal with challenges in the other wards. Such cadres are deployed in hot areas where the party does not have a strong membership and where there is the possibility of intimidation from the opponent”, argued one candidate in the 2018 elections. While the argument was valid, it was equally true that the same election agents, who were legitimate voters, would be deprived of their voting rights. Furthermore, they were strangers in the areas they were deployed to, hence they could not provide that much-needed confidence to their party members who, in fact, did not know them.
5. Late arrival at the polling stations was also another major challenge. While the agents were supposed to be at the station at least two or so hours before the opening of the poll, in several cases, they were late due to some logistical challenges that were real. Therefore, they missed some critical processes such as witnessing the pre-poll preparations, examination of voting equipment as well as examination of ballot boxes, and other voting materials.
6. Illiteracy and inadequate training of polling agents were also visible gaps. Election processes are political in nature, but they are also majorly scientific. They involve a lot of figures, calculations, thinking, discussions, negotiations, and making serious resolutions. This requires a lot of prior training on the part of election agents. It emerged from the previous elections that in several cases, election agents were not well trained for the task, and in worst-case scenarios, they were illiterate. This became a fertile ground for rigging as statistics could possibly be manipulated in favor of a particular candidate at the expense of others. Such limitations manifested mainly during the stages of counting, reconciliation of ballot papers, tallying of results, and verification of figures.
7. Absence from the polling station: Some election agents left the polling stations during voting, closing, or counting, thereby allowing “forces of rigging” to rule. The principle is “polling agents should not leave the polling station”, as, in such an instance, illegal activity can happen in their absence. Monitoring the polling process and safeguarding polling boxes is their primary duty. Anything fishy can happen if they leave the polling station even for a moment. Yet, the law empowers the Election Officer to proceed with electoral processes in the absence of an election agent (Section 84).
A Few Recommendations
Our conclusion is that election agents are a critical component of the electoral process in Zimbabwe. Anyone can be an election agent once formally appointed by a particular candidate and political party. It, however, remains critical that political parties address the noted gaps in their recruitment, training, and deployment of election agents. Therefore, below are some recommendations we make particularly to the candidates and political parties:
1. Political parties should deliberately invest in the recruitment, training, and deployment of election agents. They should not wait to fulfill this investment at the last minute as doing so may expose themselves to possible infiltration or engagement of “wrong” agents. Election agents’ teams should be made up of people who are well versed in electoral processes, who are literate, committed, dedicated, willing, and available for the task. Most importantly, they should be bona fide members of that political party, who are ready to defend its interest and that of the candidate. Well-trained, and equipped agents are a near guarantee for effective monitoring of the election process against any form of rigging. Training should not be “generic” as we have witnessed in previous elections. There is a need for specialization based on one’s competence and experience in electoral processes.
Loyalty to the party is not enough for one to be an agent! It is not about money but the security of the people’s vote! Neither should relationship with the candidate be the main factor for participation as an election agent!
2. The “welfare of an election agent should remain the welfare of the party”. An ill-equipped and insecure polling agent is “dangerous” for the concerned party. He or she can easily be manipulated by the opposite party as he or she can be offered money, food, or transport to and from the station, thereby making him or her a compromised player. Parties should feed their agents (literally feeding them), equip them with efficient communication means, and guarantee their security in and outside the polling station. By doing so, they would have guaranteed the agents’ presence in the polling station at all critical moments hence the security of the vote. Adequate election agents should be deployed at each station. The law allows three agents per station of which only one should be in the polling station at each particular moment. The other two (either of whom may relieve the election agent entitled to be present in the polling station) shall be entitled to be present in the immediate vicinity of the polling station concerned (Section 95).
3. Vigilance remains a key characteristic of an effective election agent. While on duty, the agent should keep his or her eyes on the polling boxes, on the figures, and on the interest of his or her party. This will ensure that he or she has access to the key data including the final documents such as the V11 Return Forms.
4. Election agents should be deployed in their areas of residence to allow them to vote, but also to give confidence to their party members who come to cast their vote at that polling station. It is indeed cost-effective too to deploy locally as no transport is required to ferry the agents. Furthermore, it is very convenient as the agents will be at the polling stations, on time to witness all the pre-poll preparatory processes. Members of their political parties will feel confident when they see some of their own being part of the team of election agents. It will not help a polling agent to be defending his or her party’s vote “somewhere” when his or her vote does not count at the end of the day.
5. Political parties should be deliberately inclusive in their recruitment and deployment of election agents so that youth, women, and people with disabilities can also be active participants in electoral processes. Although no immediate scientific evidence was available to show the statistics for participation of different categories of people as election agents, we reiterate the importance of inclusivity.
Ignatious G Sadziwa, Executive Director @ Zimbabwe Election Advocacy Trust. He is a Social Democrat and an Election Expert. He can be contacted @ Mobile/WhatsApp +263772706621; Facebook: Ignatious Sadziwa; Twitter: Ignatious Sadziwa; Email: [email protected]
Dr. Tinashe Gumbo is a Social, Economic, and Environmental Justice activist. He writes on elections, the environment, mining, and music. He can be contacted on Mobile: at +254 702 523 940/WhatsApp at +263 773218860; Email: [email protected]; Blog: tinashegumbo.wordpress.com; Twitter: DrTinasheGumbo1; Facebook: Tinashe Gumbo
Midlands State University is introducing the modularization system of learning and teaching beginning the first semester of 2023.
The modularization system is not very different from the current semester-based system. The only major difference is that modules shall no longer be taught for the entire duration of a semester but are rather going to be taught and examined over a shorter period of time.
The major features of a modularization system are:
1. The first semester, being half of the academic year, shall be divided into two quarters-1st and 2nd quarter.
2. The second semester, shall also be divided into two quarters-3rd and 4th quarter.
3. Just as in a semester-based system, students shall enroll at the beginning of the semester and register for all the modules allocated for the semester.
4. Students will be expected to learn half of the registered modules in six weeks and write examinations in the first quarter before proceeding to study the other modules in the second quarter.
5. The same shall obtain in the third and fourth quarters of the second semester.
6. Examination results of the modules that students would have sat for in the first and third quarters shall be published but academic decisions shall only be published at the end of the first and second semesters.
Students shall be advised about the finer details concerning the modularization system by their respective faculties.
Due to the short duration of quarters, students are strongly encouraged to pay tuition fees and register early so that they do not miss out on lectures and examinations.
Businessman Ofer Sivan seeking to remove his business partners Gilad Shabtai and Munyaradzi Gonyora from the shareholding of the company Adlecraft Investments has attracted the wrath of the High court for providing false information.
Sivan approached the court claiming to be the managing director and sole shareholder in Adlecraft Investments seeking to interdict Shabtai and Gonyora from claiming interests in the company.
Sivan alleged to have acquired Adlecraft Investments in 2011, becoming its executive director and sole shareholder with the responsibility of running its affairs.
Shabtai and Gonyora denied that Sivan was the sole shareholder of the company because during the period there were indigenisation laws that didn’t allow foreigners like him to own 100 percent shareholding in a registered company.
Shabtai further argued that he held equity in the company, Adlecraft Holdings, which had an extant shareholders agreement with the Munyaradzi Gonyora and other individual shareholders.
Adlecraft Holdings hold 49 percent of the shareholding in Adlecraft Investments whilst Gonyora owns 10 percent shareholding in the same company.
Shabtai in turn possessed 70 percent of Adlecraft Holdings which has 49% in Adlecraft Investments, share structure which was presented to the Zimbabwe Investment Authority (ZIA) when the company applied for an investment licence.
They also argued that the structure remained unchanged and any contrary position would have been a misrepresentation to ZIA.
In his findings High Court Judge Justice Manzunzu said it cannot be correct for Sivan to claim sole shareholding, making strong remarks against the provision of false information to the court.
“The applicant cannot pretend to play a smart game and leave the matter in the hands of the respondents alone. The respondents label him a liar who must not be believed. The documents which the applicant now distances himself from were actually executed under his hand.
“Litigants must be warned and must know that you can only sail through these courts if you are truthful. If you want to lose the confidence of these courts, then adopt a chameleonic behavior.”
“It is the applicant (Sivan) who gave out information to the Zimbabwe Investment Centre of the shareholding of the company which he now says the respondents must prove its authenticity.
“One cannot approbate and reprobate, blowing hot and cold has no space in the courts.
” It was the duty of the applicant, as the author and/or co-author of the documents to reveal the truth behind them. The applicant cannot say the documents were a forgery when his signature sits there. Forged by who, for what purpose? “Applicant prepared his own cake and he must eat it,” the court said.
The court said Sivan’s claim that Shabtai and Gonyora are not shareholders means he lied to ZIA.
“When the applicant disputes that the first and second respondents are not shareholders, it means he lied to ZIA that they were. An investment license was issued on theķ strength of the information which applicant supplied which he now wants to dissociate with. There is a plethora of cases where the courts have condemned the evidence of a litigant who is economic with the truth,” the judge said.
In the final analysis the Court declared that Ofer Sivan was not a sole shareholder of Adlecraft Investments and he could not in the circumstances interdict Gilad Shabtai and Munyaradzi Gonyora from presenting themselves as holding equity in Adlecraft Investments.
Tinashe Sambiri| CCC change champion Vengai Chivaura is assisting rural women in Mhondoro- Mubaira with self-help initiatives.
Chivaura is supporting women’s fundraising programmes in the area.
“Change champion Vengai Chivaura is supporting the Mhondoro Mubaira Constituency Mukando scheme -in which women raise money to buy whatever they desire.
Chivaura will top up the money raised and provide transportation to buy items in Harare.
Lately Chivaura helped women in Makomo village and Kavhukatema village who bought blankets, plates, pots and groceries,” a CCC official said.
The Reserve Bank of Zimbabwe (RBZ) has shot down a proposal by ZESA Holdings for businesses to wholly pay electricity tariff in United States dollar following the government’s policy to align tariff payment with the foreign retention threshold.
ZESA believes a 100% US$ payment tariff would ensure the country enjoys a steady supply of electricity.
But RBZ governor John Mangudya told Business Times there is a need to balance what businesses get and what they have to pay for electricity.
“ZESA proposed a 100% payment in US$ but industry can only pay in US$ to the extent of their US$ retention for example the exporters can only pay 75% in US$ and the rest in local currency while those US$ domestic sales can pay 85% in US$ and the balance in RTGS.
“That’s the policy and we are sticking to that stance,” Mangudya said.
ZESA, which charges an average of US$0.1221 per kilowatt hour, or Zimbabwe dollar equivalent, generates less than 500 megawatts (MW) a day against a national demand of 2 500MW.
To cover for the shortfall, ZESA imports electricity from regional power utilities and has imposed a crippling unscheduled load shedding lasting more than 12 hours daily.
The rolling power cuts have forced companies to use backup diesel generators, which are expensive to run.
ZESA has, however, argued that getting 100% forex from commercial consumers would ensure that consumers get uninterrupted electricity supply as it will be able to import electricity and also import critical parts to maintain its electricity distribution network.
ZESA is battling low electricity generation from its power stations in Kariba, Hwange, Bulawayo, Harare and Munyati.
While low water levels at Kariba Dam has resulted in Kariba South Hydroelectric Power Station generating less than 400MW from a possible 1 050MW, thermal power stations in Hwange, Bulawayo, Munyati and Harare have outlived their lifespan.
The obsolete equipment at the thermal power stations has resulted in low power generation.
Zimbabwe Electricity Transmission and Distribution Company acting MD Howard Choga said a cost-reflective tariff remained key in the efficient distribution of electricity.
Police in Marondera, Mashonaland East province, have launched a manhunt for three female suspects who allegedly took turns to‘rape’ a man at gunpoint near Chihota.
The suspects, allegedly driving a blue Honda Fit, also robbed the complainant (name withheld) of his money and belongings.
Provincial police spokesperson Inspector Simon Chazovachi confirmed the incident.
“We are appealing to anyone with information that may lead to the arrest of the suspects to assist us. We also urge the public to consider using public transport to avoid such incidences,” Chazovachi said.
According to police, on February 22, the complainant boarded the vehicle at Mbudzi traffic circle on Harare on his way to Beatrice.
The vehicle had three female occupants including the driver. Two females occupied the back seat.
Upon arriving at Harare South turn-off, one of the suspects told the complainant that they wanted to pick someone near the Harare South Golf Course.
They stopped the vehicle in the bushes and sexually abused the complainant.
Stepmother scalds juveniles Couple loses US$32 K to machete gang Stepmother scalds juveniles Man rapes 10-year-old niece.
After the act, they dumped him by the roadside and sped off towards Chihota.
They also took his belongings and US$60.
The man was then admitted at Beatrice Hospital where he is being treated.
By A Correspondent- The Civil Registry Department has announced that Bulawayo and Harare passport offices will no longer be operating on Saturdays.
In a statement, the Civil Registry Department, said from Monday 27 February, passport offices will be operating from 7.45 am to 4.45 pm from Mondays to Fridays. Reads the statement:
Extra hours will be implemented whenever it is necessary. The Civil Registry Department would also like to remind members of the public that the e-passports can be accessed at the Harare passport office, Bulawayo Provincial registry, Chinhoyi Provincial, Gweru provincial registry, Lupane provincial registry, Marondera provincial registry office, Murewa district registry, Beitbridge district registry, Chitungwiza district registry, Hwange district registry, Zvishavane district registry.
The department said an e-passport which can be issued within seven working days costs US$120.
Emergency e-passports that are issued within 48 hours can be accessed at US$220.
By– BancABC Zimbabwe managing director Lance Mambondiani has been sent on forced leave pending investigations into alleged malpractices.
Mambondiani, who joined the banking group in 2019, is reported to have fallen out with the board over a protracted period on issues relating to misgovernance and fraudulent practices, according to impeccable sources. This will be the second time that Mambondiani leaves a bank CEO post unceremoniously after his exit from Steward Bank in 2019.
By A Correspondent- Mines deputy minister and Sanyati legislator Polite Kambamura allegedly hired a militia to violently disrupt a Zanu PF cell inter-district meeting at Nyimo business centre in his constituency yesterday.
The case was reported to the police under RRB5413524.
Several party officials who spoke to NewsDay alleged that hired youth militia was under instruction to beat up Zanu PF district chairpersons from Arda, Rusvingo and Nyaunde, perceived as blocking Kambamura’s re-election bid.
Zanu PF Arda district chair Sylvester Mhirizhonga, who was one of the victims, said they reported the case to the police.
“I am in pain as we speak,” he said. Zanu PF Rusvingo district chair Joseph Takasungwa said Kambamura came with a truckload of thugs to cause violence.
“The Member of Parliament came with a hired crowd which beat up people, including myself,” he said.
Nyaunde district chair Kudakwashe Gwatinyanya said he needed medical attention after he allegedly lost a tooth during the scuffle.
Zanu PF Mashonaland West provincial member Tawanda Tachiona confirmed that Kambamura had sent people to beat up party leaders in Sanyati.
“We witnessed district party leaders being beaten up. We are taking those injured to Sanyati Hospital,” he said.
I do not know what you are talking about. Yes, I am in Sanyati, but never witnessed that,” Kambamura said.
The Sanyati legislator is not new to intra-party violence.
He has of late been accused of unleashing hired thugs on his rivals within the ruling party to ensure he is not challenged in the primary elections.
LEADER of Johanne the 5th of Africa Church Archbishop Andby Makururu has commended President Emmerson Mnangagwa’s call for stern measures to eradicate drug and substance abuse among the youths.
The Mutare-based cleric was speaking following the Robert Mugabe National Youth Day held on Tuesday where President Mnangagwa warned drug peddlers and users that their time was nigh.
In a statement, Madzibaba Andyby Makururu said as a church with a strong belief in Pan Africanism, it thinks drug abuse is a remnant of colonialism.”We won the war against imperialism easily but this war against drug abuse is a difficult one as it is self-inflicted.
“These exposure to drugs is Western-funded and as church we maintain that cleanliness is nearer to Godliness. Our young people should always have a clean mind,” said Madzibaba Makururu.
He went on to urge the youths to embrace the National Youth Day to remain focused in protecting the country’s sovereignty.
“Like what President Mnangagwa says ‘nyika inovakwa nevene vayo’, the youths should reflect on the Robert Mugabe National Youth Day to remain focused to be able to steer the country’s development,” he added.
His church has a philanthropy arm, Ruvheneko Rwenyenyedzi which he says is contemplating will built affordable drug rehabilitation centres.
This was at play when a woman was allegedly stripped naked and robbed of her clothes and a cellphone by an unidentified man she met while walking along a footpath.
This was after the man had identified himself to the woman as a police officer.
The woman is aged 18.
According to a source, the woman was walking along a footpath in Tshabalala suburb. When she was a few metres from a beerhall in the suburb, an unidentified man emerged and introduced himself as a police officer.
“He handcuffed her before stripping her naked and took her clothes and a cellphone. He then lit a cigarette and smoked. While he was smoking the woman exploited the opportunity and ran away towards Mambo Beer Garden,” said the source.
While she was running in her birthday suit, she met a Good Samaritan who took her in his car to a police station.
“A man identified as Freeman Chahweta, who was driving a silver Honda Fit took her to Tshabalala Police Station where she reported the incident,” said a source.
Female police officers offered the victim a sarong to wrap herself before they accompanied her to her home.
Bulawayo police spokesperson Inspector Abednico Ncube confirmed the incident and warned members of the community against walking along footpaths.
“We would like to discourage members of the public from walking along footpaths as they are a haven for criminals and they would be putting their lives at risk,” he warned- state media
By A Correspondent- Police in Gweru, Midlands province have launched a manhunt for a woman and her unidentified l0ver who are on the run after allegedly killing the woman’s other suspected lover.
According to Midlands police spokesperson Inspector Emmanuel Mahoko the murder incident happened on 24 December last year at the Chiedza’s house in Shurugwi.
Sources close to the case said Chiedza’s unidentified l0ver and her other boyfriend Robson Ngoni (32) allegedly met at her place and a fight broke out.
“The two l0ve rivals fought and at the height of the fight Chiedza’s l0ver stabbed Ngoni in the neck resulting in him falling to the ground bleeding and he died instantly. The attacker fled and is yet to be arrested,” said the source.
Inspector Mahoko said since December last year investigations have been underway to arrest Chiedza and her l0ver.
We are appealing for information that may lead to the whereabouts of Chiedza and her l0ver.
“Anyone with information may contact any nearest police station or contact us on 054-2221073, ”he said.
By A Correspondent- An 18-year-old vendor from Beitbridge has been sentenced to 10 years in prison after being convicted for indecently assaulting a 13-year-old boy.
Miracle Bengure, who betrayed the trust of a man who had offered him accommodation, has been jailed for 10 years after being convicted for aggravated indecent assault on the Good Samaritan’s 13-year-old son.
Bengure pleaded guilty to the crime he committed on the 15th of this month when he appeared in court before he was slapped with a ten-year jail sentence.
Three years were however suspended on the condition that he does not commit a similar offence within the next five years.
It is the State’s case that Bengure was last week offered accommodation by a Good Samaritan, whose name cannot be disclosed to protect the child’s identity, but betrayed his trust by indecently assaulting his 13-year-old son who was fast asleep.
Bengure was arrested the following day after the matter was reported to the police.- ZBC News
Media Mines deputy minister and Sanyati legislator Polite Kambamura allegedly hired a militia to violently disrupt a Zanu PF cell inter-district meeting at Nyimo business centre in his constituency yesterday.
The case was reported to the police under RRB5413524.
Several party officials who spoke to NewsDay alleged that hired youth militia was under instruction to beat up Zanu PF district chairpersons from Arda, Rusvingo and Nyaunde, perceived as blocking Kambamura’s re-election bid.
Zanu PF Arda district chair Sylvester Mhirizhonga, who was one of the victims, said they reported the case to the police.
“I am in pain as we speak,” he said.
Zanu PF Rusvingo district chair Joseph Takasungwa said Kambamura came with a truckload of thugs to cause violence.
“The Member of Parliament came with a hired crowd which beat up people, including myself,” he said.
Nyaunde district chair Kudakwashe Gwatinyanya said he needed medical attention after he allegedly lost a tooth during the scuffle.
Zanu PF Mashonaland West provincial member Tawanda Tachiona confirmed that Kambamura had sent people to beat up party leaders in Sanyati.
“We witnessed district party leaders being beaten up. We are taking those injured to Sanyati Hospital,” he said.
Contacted for comment, Kambamura distanced himself from the skirmishes.
“I do not know what you are talking about. Yes, I am in Sanyati, but never witnessed that,” Kambamura said.
The Sanyati legislator is not new to intra-party violence.
He has of late been accused of unleashing hired thugs on his rivals within the ruling party to ensure he is not challenged in the primary elections.
By A Correspondent- A man believed to be in his early 20s was found hanging from a tree in Kwekwe Central Business District in a suspected case of suicide.
The man, only identified as Junior and believed to be a street vendor, was found hanging from a mango tree in a car parking lot of Beverly Building.
Midlands Police Spokesperson, Inspector Emmanuel Mahoko confirmed the incident saying investigations were ongoing.
“We confirm a case of suspected suicide by hanging which occurred on 22 February 2023 at about 2 AM behind Bata Shoe Company in Kwekwe. The body was discovered hanging from a tree by a passerby,” he said.
He appealed to members of the public to help identify the body as he did not have any particulars on him.
The now deceased has only been identified as Junior and no further particulars are known. ZRP Kwekwe is handling the case and may anyone with information that can help please come forward,” said Inspector Mahoko.
A ZANU-PF returnee Siyani Sibanda who was recently welcomed back to the revolutionary party and died on Saturday after being hit by a vehicle at Cross Dete, has been awarded a State assisted burial.
Sibanda had just disembarked from a car on his way from a party event where a programme for returnees was launched in Cross Dete when the accident occurred.
His lifeless body was found on the side of the road.
Police confirmed his death labeling it as a hit and run incident.
In a statement, Zanu-PF National Political Commissar Cde Mike Bimha said Sibanda “Has been granted state assisted funeral and will be buried at his homestead in Cross Dete on Wednesday 15 February 2023 hence headquarters members should depart early Tuesday.”
Sibanda was buried this morning in Cross Dete.
The party’s Matabeleland North provincial chairperson Cde Richard Moyo was supposed to be the chief mourner and was represented by acting Hwange District Development Coordinator Mrs Shamiso Masocha.
The State assisted with transport to carry mourners from as far as Victoria Falls for the burial, coffin, tents, fuel, food for mourners and money.
The revolutionary party has since formalized and assimilated returnees in the spirit of leaving no-one and no place behind.
THIRTY-one-year-old Simbarashe Chanachimwe, popularly known as Dama who was on the police wanted list in connection with unlawful dealing in dangerous drugs, has been arrested.
In a statement, the Zimbabwe Republic Police said Chanachimwe was arrested after police raided his place in Mbare on the 9th of this month and found 26 sachets of dagga.
This was at play when a woman was allegedly stripped naked and robbed of her clothes and a cellphone by an unidentified man she met while walking along a footpath.
This was after the man had identified himself to the woman as a police officer.
The woman is aged 18.
According to a source, the woman was walking along a footpath in Tshabalala suburb. When she was a few metres from a beerhall in the suburb, an unidentified man emerged and introduced himself as a police officer.
“He handcuffed her before stripping her naked and took her clothes and a cellphone. He then lit a cigarette and smoked. While he was smoking the woman exploited the opportunity and ran away towards Mambo Beer Garden,” said the source.
While she was running in her birthday suit, she met a Good Samaritan who took her in his car to a police station.
“A man identified as Freeman Chahweta, who was driving a silver Honda Fit took her to Tshabalala Police Station where she reported the incident,” said a source.
Female police officers offered the victim a sarong to wrap herself before they accompanied her to her home.
Bulawayo police spokesperson Inspector Abednico Ncube confirmed the incident and warned members of the community against walking along footpaths.
“We would like to discourage members of the public from walking along footpaths as they are a haven for criminals and they would be putting their lives at risk,” he warned- state media
Govt has ordered boarding schools in five provinces to suspend lessons tomorrow as part of mitigatory measures against the expected arrival of Cyclone Freddy which has already hit Madagascar and now proceeding to Mozambique and possibly to our country.
Govt In Last Minute Panic To Shut Schools Despite Clear 2 Week Warning
The provinces likely to be worst affected include, Manicaland, Masvingo, Mashonaland East, Mashonaland Central, Matabeleland South and Harare Metropolitan.
In its weather update last night, the Meteorological Services Department (MSD) urged citizens in some districts in the southern parts of the country to be on high alert as a severe tropical Cyclone Freddy is expected to make landfall in the country tomorrow. Tropical Cyclone Freddy, which is now an overland depression will reach its peak intensity of 110km/h and make landfall in the early hours of Friday.
Districts such as Chimanimani, Chipinge, Chiredzi, Mwenezi, Beitbridge, Chivi, Masvingo rural, Zaka, and Bikita are expected to be affected. The districts are expected to receive localised heavy rains and strong rains starting today until tomorrow morning.
In her post-Cabinet briefing yesterday, Information, Publicity and Broadcasting Services Minister Monica Mutsvangwa said Government, through its agencies, has taken due alert and put in place a number of measures such as setting up of evacuation establishments, deploying aid and medical supplies in Government offices in potentially vulnerable districts.
The measures include issuing a directive to boarding schools to suspend lessons tomorrow while day scholars will not be required to go to school.
“The nation is informed that Cabinet noted that Cyclone Freddy has hit Madagascar and is proceeding to Mozambique whereupon it will also affect neighbouring countries, inclusive of Zimbabwe.
“The provinces to be most affected include the following: Manicaland, Masvingo, Mashonaland East and Central and Harare Metropolitan,” said Minister Mutsvangwa.
She said weather experts are predicting that it may cause damage along its path.
“Boarding schools should remain open, but suspend lessons in the affected areas on Friday to reduce the movement of pupils and they should gather students in buildings or dormitories with secure roofs or spaces where they can get covering if the roof is blown off,” said Minister Mutsvangwa.
“Day scholars in affected areas can have Friday off to reduce student movement.”
Minister Mutsvangwa said Cabinet has also directed that small-scale miners and artisanal miners should avoid going underground and urged citizens to avoid crossing flooded rivers while public transport operators should operate during day time.
In view of the unpredictable weather conditions largely due to the effects of climate change, Minister Mutsvangwa said all local authorities stand warned against settling people in wetlands, waterways, river basins, and other undesignated sites.
“Cabinet would like to assure the nation that all these measures are meant to avoid unnecessary loss of life. The public will be kept abreast of all developments on the matter,” she said.
In a statement yesterday, the Department of Civil Protection urged citizens to be on high alert for forecasted severe Tropical Storm Freddy.
“We call on all relevant stakeholders and traditional leaders to step up efforts to disseminate information to their various communities in particular all Manicaland, Masvingo, and Matabeleland South provinces where heavy rains accompanied by strong winds are expected,” read the statement.
“We urge the citizens to take heed of the Meteorological Services Department alerts as they continue monitoring the unfolding situation.
“Citizens should be on the watch for possible flooding, avoid crossing flooded rivers/streams, stay indoors, and avoid artisanal mining on shacky grounds during the period.”
The department said people living in low-lying areas should move to high ground.
A National Civil Protection Committee emergency meeting was held yesterday in Harare where stakeholders discussed possible measures to put in place in the event of a disaster.
“District Civil Protection Committees countrywide have also been mobilised and district development coordinators are required to be on standby to respond to any eventualities,” the statement added. State Media
Popular suspected Mbare drug dealer, Simbarashe Chanachimwe, alias Dhama, who was allegedly found in possession of 26 sachets of dagga, appeared in court yesterday.
Chanachimwe (31), was asked not to plead when he appeared before Mbare magistrate Mr Rangarirayi Gakanje charged with unlawful possession of dangerous drugs.
He was granted $50 000 bail on condition that he continued to reside at his house 9885 Manyame Park, Chitungwiza, until finalisation of the matter.
Chanachimwe was ordered not to interfere with State witnesses and to report once every Friday between 6am and 6pm at St Mary’s police station.
The matter was remanded to March 20 for a possible trial.
The complainant in the matter is the State represented by Paul Chamunorwa Chiwawa.
It is the State’s case that on February 4, 2023, at around 10:30am, the CID Drugs and Narcotics represented by Detectives Sergeant Chiwawa and Constable Karomo ran an operation code-named, “NO TO DRUGS”.
During that operation, the police reaction group was led by Inspector Kamusoni, Dog Section team led by Assistant Inspector Murewa and ZRP Matapi led by Inspector Chiripanyanga.
The team raided Chanachimwe’s alleged drug base situated at an open space eastwards of Block 14 Matapi Flats, Mbare, affectionately known as PaDhama.
The State further alleged that a search was conducted at the swampy area and Detective Sergeant Chiwawa found a bucket hidden in the swam with 27 sachets of loose dagga.
Subsequently, a dagga plant approximately 1,7 meters was also discovered by Detective Constable Karomo and he uprooted it.
The police recovered the dagga which was taken to ZRP Matapi as an exhibit and subsequently to Southerton post office where it weighed 50 grammes.- state media
THIRTY-one-year-old Simbarashe Chanachimwe, popularly known as Dama who was on the police wanted list in connection with unlawful dealing in dangerous drugs, has been arrested.
In a statement, the Zimbabwe Republic Police said Chanachimwe was arrested after police raided his place in Mbare on the 9th of this month and found 26 sachets of dagga.
TWO minor children died while 13 others were injured when a vehicle they were traveling in as a family was involved in an accident in Mabale, Hwange.
The accident, involving a South African registered vehicle, happened on Sunday morning along the Cross Mabale-Gwayi Mine road.
The driver Tobias Ncube was driving his South Africa-based brother’s vehicle and had been sent to buy sugar from Cross Mabale shops when he loaded family members on a joy ride.
Ncube’s unnamed brother had just arrived and was resting at home when he took the vehicle and drove to Mabale shops.
The road was slippery as it was raining.
Police spokesperson for Matabeleland North Inspector Glory Banda confirmed the accident.
“The first party, Tobias Ncube was driving a South African registered Land Rover Freelander along Gwayi Mine-Mabale road with 15 passengers on board. Two were adults and the rest were juveniles all from the same family.
“He had been sent to buy sugar and decided to take the car and loaded the family members. On approaching the 4km peg along the road he hit a pothole and lost control of the vehicle which hit a tree and overturned landing on its roof,” said Insp Banda.
He said all passengers were thrown out of the vehicle and one child died on the spot while another died on admission to hospital.
The other 13 including the driver were injured.
Those who were critically injured were rushed to St Patrick’s Hospital in Hwange, while others were taken to Lupote Clinic where they were treated and discharged.
Councilor for Hwange Rural District Council ward 17 Joseph Bonda rushed to the scene soon after the accident and carried those who were critically injured to St Patricks’ Hospital in Hwange.
Zanu-PF District Development Coordinator Secretary for Transport and Welfare Cde Sikhathele Moyo who stays in the area, and other villagers rushed to the hospital to assist the family with medical supplies.
“It’s so sad because these are all members of the same family that have been thrown into serious need as they had no money and we had to run around to mobilise some money for medicines. We are looking for donations so they get treatment and so far we got drip for those in hospital,” she said.
The Zimbabwe Electoral Commission is deeply reluctant to act on reforms, it has emerged.
Speaking at a media briefing in Harare on Wednesday, CCC spokesperson Fadzayi Mahere accused Zanu PF of dragging feet in terms of setting up key reforms.
Mahere further accused Zanu PF leaders Emmerson Mnangagwa and Constantino Chiwenga of encouraging party supporters to kill CCC members.
Political analysts have urged CCC to exert pressure on the ZEC to implement reforms before polls.
Chiredzi Town Council sold residential stands on wetlands since 2013
We are aware of the fact that there is corruption in the allocation of stands by the local authority.
But as CCC we don’t associate ourselves with such activities. The main actor being Francis Moyo who is well known for land grabbing and some dubious actitivies in Chiredzi District.
Last week there was an article which circulated around the about the land scams orchestrated by Zanu pf and MDC Alliance councilors.
The public must be informed that as CCC we don’t have any of our Councillors who is involved.
We don’t tolerate corruption in our party.We have a running system to make sure our deployees are not involved in corruption actitivies.Our party is citizen centered, we listen to the citizens and we protect the citizen’s interests.
We call upon ZACC to investigate the Chiredzi Town Council scandal.
Kusvikira rinhi tichitendera mbavha kutibira? 43yrs of stealing tovapa dzimwe 5yrs to make it 48yrs are sure? Changamuka mwana weZimbabwe. Zanu yaba zvakwana. pic.twitter.com/1udRZhg4Lq
N’Golo Kante is reportedly close to sign a new contract with Chelsea.
The midfielder’s deal at Stamford Bridge is set to expire at the end of the campaign.
Contract talks started last year but were put on hold following the change of ownership that saw Todd Boehly taking over the club.
The London side also made offers which the player rejected.
After recently resuming the negotiations and made new offers, the Blues are now confident an agreement will be reached soon.
According to the Telegraph, the France World Cup winner is thought to be settled in London and looks to be willing to stay at the club, where he has won every available trophy other than the League Cup.
The latest development comes at the time Kante is nearing a return to action after recovering from a hamstring injury.
The injury has ruled him out of action for four months and prevented the star from featuring for head coach Graham Potter.- Soccer24 Zimbabwe
Jordan Zemura has joined the chorus, calling for the Sports and Recreation Commission (SRC) and ZIFA to iron out their issues and bring the country back to international football.
Zimbabwe is in isolation as a result of a ban imposed by FIFA due to ‘third party interference’ after the SRC suspended the Felton Kamambo-led ZIFA board.
The Gerald Mlotshwa-led SRC wielded the axe on the Kamambo-led adminstration for several violations, chief among them failure to account for public funds.
It’s now almost a year since the ban was ratified by FIFA Congress, while the country has missed several international games that include the 2023 Afcon.
The Warriors could also miss the upcoming 2026 World Cup qualifiers if the ban is not removed.
Zemura, who made his international debut almost three years ago in the 2021 Afcon Qualifiers against Algeria, has described the FIFA ban situation as very sad.
“It’s truly sad, that we haven’t come to a resolution as a country,” the Bournemouth defender siad, as cited by The Herald.
“My fellow international players have made comments about the ongoing situation (in Zimbabwe), and I just second that and voice the same pain not being able to represent your country is just unbelievably painful. I hope we can come to fix the issue sooner rather than later.
“The 2026 World Cup will be here soon and I’ll be devastated not to be given the chance to attempt to qualify.”
The 2026 World Cup qualifying campaign is scheduled to start this year, soon after the 2023 Afcon Qualifiers end.- Soccer24 Zimbabwe
TWO minor children died while 13 others were injured when a vehicle they were traveling in as a family was involved in an accident in Mabale, Hwange.
The accident, involving a South African registered vehicle, happened on Sunday morning along the Cross Mabale-Gwayi Mine road.
The driver Tobias Ncube was driving his South Africa-based brother’s vehicle and had been sent to buy sugar from Cross Mabale shops when he loaded family members on a joy ride.
Ncube’s unnamed brother had just arrived and was resting at home when he took the vehicle and drove to Mabale shops.
The road was slippery as it was raining.
Police spokesperson for Matabeleland North Inspector Glory Banda confirmed the accident.
“The first party, Tobias Ncube was driving a South African registered Land Rover Freelander along Gwayi Mine-Mabale road with 15 passengers on board. Two were adults and the rest were juveniles all from the same family.
“He had been sent to buy sugar and decided to take the car and loaded the family members. On approaching the 4km peg along the road he hit a pothole and lost control of the vehicle which hit a tree and overturned landing on its roof,” said Insp Banda.
He said all passengers were thrown out of the vehicle and one child died on the spot while another died on admission to hospital.
The other 13 including the driver were injured.
Those who were critically injured were rushed to St Patrick’s Hospital in Hwange, while others were taken to Lupote Clinic where they were treated and discharged.
Councilor for Hwange Rural District Council ward 17 Joseph Bonda rushed to the scene soon after the accident and carried those who were critically injured to St Patricks’ Hospital in Hwange.
Zanu-PF District Development Coordinator Secretary for Transport and Welfare Cde Sikhathele Moyo who stays in the area, and other villagers rushed to the hospital to assist the family with medical supplies.
“It’s so sad because these are all members of the same family that have been thrown into serious need as they had no money and we had to run around to mobilise some money for medicines. We are looking for donations so they get treatment and so far we got drip for those in hospital,” she said.
A ZANU-PF returnee Siyani Sibanda who was recently welcomed back to the revolutionary party and died on Saturday after being hit by a vehicle at Cross Dete, has been awarded a State assisted burial.
Sibanda had just disembarked from a car on his way from a party event where a programme for returnees was launched in Cross Dete when the accident occurred.
His lifeless body was found on the side of the road.
Police confirmed his death labeling it as a hit and run incident.
In a statement, Zanu-PF National Political Commissar Cde Mike Bimha said Sibanda “Has been granted state assisted funeral and will be buried at his homestead in Cross Dete on Wednesday 15 February 2023 hence headquarters members should depart early Tuesday.”
Sibanda was buried this morning in Cross Dete.
The party’s Matabeleland North provincial chairperson Cde Richard Moyo was supposed to be the chief mourner and was represented by acting Hwange District Development Coordinator Mrs Shamiso Masocha.
The State assisted with transport to carry mourners from as far as Victoria Falls for the burial, coffin, tents, fuel, food for mourners and money.
The revolutionary party has since formalized and assimilated returnees in the spirit of leaving no-one and no place behind.
By Dorrothy Moyo | ZANU PF President Emmerson Mnangagwa has announced saying he did not obtain employment at all after leaving school in the 1970s, contrary to reports that say he worked in a law firm.
Mnangagwa said he went straight to the war front, as conjoined by reports from established war veterans who reveal that although he did join the war effort in 1977, he did not fight at all, but was imposed by the late President Robert Mugabe. The below 2nd video, has senior War Veteran, Karen Kazingizi indicating that he was responsible for causing divisions in the party, creating factions that continue in splits that never end. VIDEO
Emmerson Mnangagwa says he didn't at all work in a law firm in the 70s, just as he adds that as soon as he left school he joined the war, during a time he however also doesn't deny statements by fellow war veterans that he did not fight at all during the liberation struggle. pic.twitter.com/aLRh46JYn5
In the below confession, Mnangagwa is actually indicating that he has neither work nor war experience.
Emmerson Mnangagwa says he didn't at all work in a law firm in the 70s, just as he adds that as soon as he left school he joined the war, during a time he however also doesn't deny statements by fellow war veterans that he did not fight at all during the liberation struggle. pic.twitter.com/aLRh46JYn5
HARARE – BancABC Zimbabwe managing director Lance Mambondiani has been sent on forced leave pending investigations into alleged malpractices.
Lance Mambondiani
Mambondiani, who joined the banking group in 2019, is reported to have fallen out with the board over a protracted period on issues relating to misgovernance and fraudulent practices, according to impeccable sources.
This will be the second time that Mambondiani leaves a bank CEO post unceremoniously after his exit from Steward Bank in 2019.
By-Citizen Coalition for Change (CCC) councillor for Ward 7 in Masvingo, Richard Musekiwa has been arrested for convening a meeting at his house in Rujeko on February 18, 2023. He appeared before Masvingo Magistrate Rethagtcetsi Silaigwana, facing charges of contravening the maintenance of peace and order act by convening a meeting without the authority from the regulating authorities. He was ordered to pay ZWL$20 000 bail and ordered to stay at his physical address. There are allegations that there was violence after the meeting that left Ruth Mapiye, a party member seriously injured. Musekiwa is being represented by Collen Maboke of Maboke and Ruvengo Legal Practitioners. The State says on February 18, 2023 at 6 pm, Musekiwa held a party meeting at his house whose invitation was made through a CCC Ward 7 WhatsApp group. Magistrate Silaigwana postponed the matter to March 2, 2023. Godknows Mugondo appeared for the state. -Masvingo Mirror
Today, after our stakeholder engagements with various Elections experts we passed through Highfields to pay our respect to mdara Murayi the father to our Mp. The Presidency is consulting with various players to ensure that we do everything possible to win our country for change. pic.twitter.com/Jylq7pA0P4
Today, after our stakeholder engagements with various Elections experts we passed through Highfields to pay our respect to mdara Murayi the father to our Mp. The Presidency is consulting with various players to ensure that we do everything possible to win our country for change. pic.twitter.com/Jylq7pA0P4
By- The children of the late former President Robert yesterday failed to appear in court in a case where they are seeking to stop the exhumation of their father’s remains.
Bona Mutsahuni-Mugabe (executrix of the estate of late Robert Mugabe), Tinotenda Robert Jnr Mugabe and Bellarmine Chatunga Mugabe were called thrice each without response. Chinhoyi provincial magistrate Tinashe Ndokera ruled that the trio should have been in court to back up documentary evidence provided by the appellant lawyer, Pardon Nhokwara. This prompted their lawyer Takunda Gombiro to make an application arguing that since it’s a civil case, documentary evidence was sufficient. Nhokwara had argued that documentary evidence alone was not enough as he wanted the family to clarify some of the issues. “The trio should have been in court since documentary evidence alone is not sufficient. There are issues we want them to clarify,” argued Nhokwara. Ndokera postponed the case to March 7, 2023 for hearing. If Mugabe’s children fail to appear in court on March 7, a default judgment will be entered. Chief Zvimba, born Johannes Jenami, who wanted Mugabe’s remains to be exhumed from his Zvimba homestead and reburied at the National Heroes Acre in Harare, died last year. Jenami’s death followed the passing on in September 2021 of Chief Beperere, who was also pushing for the exhumation of the late Mugabe’s remains arguing that the family had erred in laying him to rest in the courtyard. The Mugabes are contesting the magistrates court’s decision to exhume and rebury the late strongman’s remains. -Newsday
By- Two police details were bashed by a taxi driver and vendors in Harare.
Prosecutor Mr Pardon Dziva alleged that on Monday at around 1 am, Sergeant Manjeya and Constable Mapuranga received an indecent assault report from officer Lavinia Hickey.
Two police officers attended the scene at Sports Dinner and arrested the culprit.
When the officers wanted to take him to the police station, Mafuta started mobilising some vendors who demanded the release of the culprit, who had been arrested for indecent assault. Mafuta, in the company of some vendors who are still at large, started attacking the two police officers with bare hands and stones all over their whole bodies. The arrested person took advantage of the chaos and fled from the scene whilst in handcuffs. He is still at large. Sensing danger, Constable Mapuranga fled from the scene leaving his colleague Sergeant Manjeya who was armed with a firearm. The court heard that Mafuta threw a stone at Sergeant Manjeya and later got hold of his rifle. He wrestled with him trying to disarm him but failed. The mob only dispersed after Sergeant Manjeya fired a warning shot in the air. Constable Mapuranga called for reinforcement leading to Mafuta’s arrest.
Jordan Zemura has joined the chorus, calling for the Sports and Recreation Commission (SRC) and ZIFA to iron out their issues and bring the country back to international football.
Zimbabwe is in isolation as a result of a ban imposed by FIFA due to ‘third party interference’ after the SRC suspended the Felton Kamambo-led ZIFA board.
The Gerald Mlotshwa-led SRC wielded the axe on the Kamambo-led adminstration for several violations, chief among them failure to account for public funds.
It’s now almost a year since the ban was ratified by FIFA Congress, while the country has missed several international games that include the 2023 Afcon.
The Warriors could also miss the upcoming 2026 World Cup qualifiers if the ban is not removed.
Zemura, who made his international debut almost three years ago in the 2021 Afcon Qualifiers against Algeria, has described the FIFA ban situation as very sad.
“It’s truly sad, that we haven’t come to a resolution as a country,” the Bournemouth defender siad, as cited by The Herald.
“My fellow international players have made comments about the ongoing situation (in Zimbabwe), and I just second that and voice the same pain not being able to represent your country is just unbelievably painful. I hope we can come to fix the issue sooner rather than later.
“The 2026 World Cup will be here soon and I’ll be devastated not to be given the chance to attempt to qualify.”
The 2026 World Cup qualifying campaign is scheduled to start this year, soon after the 2023 Afcon Qualifiers end.- Soccer24 Zimbabwe
N’Golo Kante is reportedly close to sign a new contract with Chelsea.
The midfielder’s deal at Stamford Bridge is set to expire at the end of the campaign.
Contract talks started last year but were put on hold following the change of ownership that saw Todd Boehly taking over the club.
The London side also made offers which the player rejected.
After recently resuming the negotiations and made new offers, the Blues are now confident an agreement will be reached soon.
According to the Telegraph, the France World Cup winner is thought to be settled in London and looks to be willing to stay at the club, where he has won every available trophy other than the League Cup.
The latest development comes at the time Kante is nearing a return to action after recovering from a hamstring injury.
The injury has ruled him out of action for four months and prevented the star from featuring for head coach Graham Potter.- Soccer24 Zimbabwe
Almost all people affected by emergencies will experience psychological distress, which for most people will improve over time.
Among people who have experienced war or other conflict in the previous 10 years, one in five (22%) will have depression, anxiety, post-traumatic stress disorder, bipolar disorder or schizophrenia. People with severe mental disorders are especially vulnerable during emergencies and need access to mental health care and other basic needs. International guidelines recommend services at a number of levels ̶ from basic services to clinical care ̶ and indicate that mental health care needs to be made available immediately for specific, urgent mental health problems as part of the health response. Despite their tragic nature and adverse effects on mental health, emergencies have shown to be opportunities to build sustainable mental health systems for all people in need. Types of problems There are various types of social and mental health problems in any large emergency.
Social problems:
pre-existing: e.g. poverty and discrimination of marginalized groups; emergency-induced: e.g. family separation, lack of safety, loss of livelihoods, disrupted social networks, and low trust and resources; and humanitarian response-induced: e.g. overcrowding, lack of privacy, and undermining of community or traditional support. Mental health problems:
pre-existing: e.g. mental disorders such as depression, schizophrenia or harmful use of alcohol; emergency-induced: e.g. grief, acute stress reactions, harmful use of alcohol and drugs, and depression and anxiety, including post-traumatic stress disorder; and humanitarian response-induced: e.g. anxiety due to a lack of information about food distribution or about how to obtain basic services. Prevalence Most people affected by emergencies will experience distress (e.g. feelings of anxiety and sadness, hopelessness, difficulty sleeping, fatigue, irritability or anger and/or aches and pains).
This is normal and will for most people improve over time. However, the prevalence of common mental disorders such as depression and anxiety is expected to more than double in a humanitarian crisis.
The burden of mental disorders among conflict-affected populations is extremely high: WHO’s review of 129 studies in 39 countries showed that among people who have experienced war or other conflict in the previous 10 years, one in five people (22%) will have depression, anxiety, post-traumatic stress disorder, bipolar disorder or schizophrenia (1).
According to WHO’s review, the estimated prevalence of mental disorders among conflict- affected populations at any specific point in time (point prevalence) is 13% for mild forms of depression, anxiety, and post-traumatic stress disorder and 4% for moderate forms of these disorders. The estimated point prevalence for severe disorders (i.e. schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, severe depression, severe anxiety, and severe post-traumatic stress disorder) is 5%. It is estimated that one in 11 people (9%) living in a setting that has been exposed to conflict in the previous 10 years will have a moderate or severe mental disorder.
In conflict-affected settings, depression and anxiety increase with age. Depression is more common in women than in men.
People with severe mental disorders can be especially vulnerable during and after emergencies and they need access to basic needs and clinical care. A review published in 2014 of the health information system from 90 refugee camps across 15 low- and middle-income countries found that 41% of health-care visits for mental, neurological and substance use disorders were for epilepsy/seizures, 23% for psychotic disorders, and 13% for moderate and severe forms of depression, anxiety or post-traumatic stress disorder.
Effective emergency response WHO-endorsed interagency mental health and psychosocial support guidelines for an effective response to emergencies recommend services at a number of levels – from basic services to clinical care. Clinical care for mental health should be provided by or under the supervision of mental health specialists such as psychiatric nurses, psychologists or psychiatrists.
Community self-help and social support should be strengthened, for example by creating or re-establishing community groups in which members solve problems collaboratively and engage in activities such as emergency relief or learning new skills, while ensuring the involvement of people who are vulnerable and marginalized, including people with mental disorders.
Psychological first aid offers first-line emotional and practical support to people experiencing acute distress due to a recent event and should be made available by field workers, including health staff, teachers or trained volunteers.
Basic clinical mental health care covering priority conditions (e.g. depression, psychotic disorders, epilepsy, alcohol and substance abuse) should be provided at every health-care facility by trained and supervised general health staff.
Psychological interventions (e.g. problem-solving interventions, group interpersonal therapy, interventions based on the principles of cognitive-behavioural therapy) for people impaired by prolonged distress should be offered by specialists or by trained and supervised community workers in the health and social sector.
Protecting and promoting the rights of people with severe mental health conditions and psychosocial disabilities is especially critical in humanitarian emergencies. This includes visiting, monitoring and supporting people at psychiatric facilities and residential homes.
Links and referral mechanisms need to be established between mental health specialists, general health-care providers, community-based support and other services (e.g. schools, social services and emergency relief services such as those providing food, water and housing/shelter).
Looking forward: emergencies can build better mental health systems Mental health is crucial to the overall social and economic recovery of individuals, societies, and countries after emergencies.
Global progress on mental health reform will happen more quickly if, during every crisis, efforts are initiated to convert the short-term increase in attention to mental health issues combined with a surge of aid, into momentum for long-term service development. Many countries have capitalized on emergency situations to build better mental health systems after crises.
In the Syrian Arab Republic, despite — or perhaps because of — the challenges presented by the ongoing conflict, mental health services and psychosocial support are becoming more widely available than ever before. Mental health and psychosocial support is now offered in primary and secondary health and social care facilities, through community and women’s centres and through school-based programmes, in more than 12 Syrian cities located in goverynorates severely affected by the conflict. This contrasts with the situation before the conflict, when mental health care was mainly provided in mental hospitals in Aleppo and Damascus.
In Sri Lanka, during the immediate aftermath of the 2004 tsunami, mental health was a key priority. This led to a mental health system reform, supported by WHO, which addressed the shortage of human resources for mental health such as different cadres of dedicated mental health staff. As a result, 20 of the country’s 27 districts now have mental health services infrastructure, compared with only 10 before the tsunami.
When Typhoon Haiyan devastated the Philippines in 2013, there were only two facilities that provided basic mental health services and the number of people able to provide support was insufficient to meet the need. A major scale up of government mental health services was supported by WHO and partners. As a result, 100% of the Philippines general health facilities in the affected region now have staff who are trained in the management of mental disorders.
Mental health should also be a component of national disaster preparedness plans. WHO and the Pan-American Health Organization are supporting countries in the Caribbean sub-region of the Americas so that they will be able to provide adequate mental health and psychosocial support to people in need following hurricanes and other natural disasters.
In many humanitarian and conflict settings, access to quality, affordable mental health care is limited. This access can be further diminished due to public health emergencies such as COVID-19, which tend to disrupt services and increase needs further.
WHO response WHO is the lead agency in providing technical advice on mental health in emergency situations. In 2022 WHO is operational on mental health in a range of countries and territories affected by large-scale emergencies such as Afghanistan, Bangladesh, Ethiopia, Iraq, Jordan, Lebanon, Libya, Nigeria, South Sudan, the Syrian Arab Republic, Turkey, Ukraine, the West Bank and Gaza Strip and Yemen.
The Zimbabwe Electoral Commission is deeply reluctant to act on reforms, it has emerged.
Speaking at a media briefing in Harare on Wednesday, CCC spokesperson Fadzayi Mahere accused Zanu PF of dragging feet in terms of setting up key reforms.
Political analysts have urged CCC to exert pressure on the ZEC to implement reforms before polls.
Kusvikira rinhi tichitendera mbavha kutibira? 43yrs of stealing tovapa dzimwe 5yrs to make it 48yrs are sure? Changamuka mwana weZimbabwe. Zanu yaba zvakwana. pic.twitter.com/1udRZhg4Lq
Kusvikira rinhi tichitendera mbavha kutibira? 43yrs of stealing tovapa dzimwe 5yrs to make it 48yrs are sure? Changamuka mwana weZimbabwe. Zanu yaba zvakwana. pic.twitter.com/1udRZhg4Lq
Gold is leading economic booster of major towns and growth points in Zimbabwe .
You have to understand how the economy of gold works .
Gold itself is currency that can be exchanged many times before reaching the reserve bank . You have to pick what meets your personality inorder to cut your piece in this larger cake of natural resource tactfully inorder to save resources and avoid risks.
These opportunities range from setting up a hardware in growth points , setting up a food out in growth points and as close as possible to the mines as possible, construction company, retail shop , clothing shops in growth points and many more .In this post we will cover direct opportunities right inside the mine .
1 Transport and logistics You buy a truck or tractor to service surrounding mines for a fee depending on local prices.
Consider the following when buying a tractor or truck
1 cheap: in order to compete well you should cut the cost of buying a tractor or truck preferably old model with parts available in the country. 2 reliable: get something that would be accessible easily; with less breakdowns, a good driver who can put up in the Bush with a functioning fone .
3 Affordable your pricing is should be reasonable or inline with local prices for innovators try pay “pay per view model ” . Charging per kilometre .
Budget between 6000usd and 10 000usd . Return on investment around 6months. Supply of raw materials by loan.
You sell directly to miners explosives, diesel and compressor by loan Explosives: help them to get a licence to store and use explosives then buy and sell to them at profit inside the licensed mine only .
Diesel supply diesel to miners at loan or agreed fee payment after milling.
Compressor hire : buy a compressor loan for shares and cash payments.
For the above three Budget starts from 2000usd upwards . Cyanide plant building: Budget 5000usd upwards this cannot be covered in one post .
Selling safety clothing: one of major high income with less capital is selling safety clothing to miners for cash regardless of how many outlets have been opened .
Diesel powered windlass: this is a Chinese version of headgear but cannot be classified as one can move a tonne of ore at once versus 0;1tonne for traditional human powered windlass. Mine compliance assistance : some people struggle to maintain and meet mining standards they could need financing. Budget open .
NB there are investments as low as 500usd but difficult to maintain and risky recommended for those already familiar with the industry.
Chiredzi Town Council sold residential stands on wetlands since 2013
We are aware of the fact that there is corruption in the allocation of stands by the local authority.
But as CCC we don’t associate ourselves with such activities. The main actor being Francis Moyo who is well known for land grabbing and some dubious actitivies in Chiredzi District.
Last week there was an article which circulated around the about the land scams orchestrated by Zanu pf and MDC Alliance councilors.
The public must be informed that as CCC we don’t have any of our Councillors who is involved.
We don’t tolerate corruption in our party.We have a running system to make sure our deployees are not involved in corruption actitivies.Our party is citizen centered, we listen to the citizens and we protect the citizen’s interests.
We call upon ZACC to investigate the Chiredzi Town Council scandal.
By- The government has said that they record more than 1 800 people who die of an estimated 35 000 road accidents recorded in Zimbabwe yearly.
On Tuesday, Transport Minister Felix Mhona said this while addressing delegates at the inland Transport Committee Forum for Road Safety High-Level event in Geneva, Switzerland.
NewsDay quoted Mhona as saying:
According to available statistics in Zimbabwe, over 35 000 crashes occur annually, an average of at least five people are killed every day, and over 1 800 people die every year.
We are currently reviewing our policies and laws with a view to strengthening the Traffic Safety Council of Zimbabwe into a leading road traffic management agency with the powers to enforce road traffic safety management through coordination and robust regulation of the road traffic actors.
Mhona added that Zimbabwe was committed to cooperating under the United Nations system towards the adoption of international good practices and standards on road safety.
The Zimbabwe Electoral Commission is deeply reluctant to act on reforms, it has emerged.
Speaking at a media briefing in Harare on Wednesday, CCC spokesperson Fadzayi Mahere accused Zanu PF of dragging feet in terms of setting up key reforms.
Mahere further accused Zanu PF leaders Emmerson Mnangagwa and Constantino Chiwenga of encouraging party supporters to kill CCC members.
Political analysts have urged CCC to exert pressure on the ZEC to implement reforms before polls.
By A Correspondent| Ministry of Primary and Secondary Education has ordered schools in Harare not to open for lessons tomorrow as a precaution against tropical cyclone Freddy.
In a notice circulated on school WhatsApp groups, the Ministry said pupils should stay at home.
“MORNING ALL PLEASE BE ADVISED THAT THERE WILL BE NO SCHOOL TOMORROW AS PRECAUTION AGAINST CYCLONE FRED WHICH IS ANTICIPATED TO HIT THE COUNTRY TODAY OR TOMORROW. NO PUPIL AT ANY SCHOOL SHOULD COME TO SCHOOL TOMORROW, STAY AT HOME,” reads the notice.
According to a circular from Permanent Secretary Tumisang Thabela, other provinces where learning has been suspended includes Manicaland, Mashonaland East, Mashonaland Central, Masvingo and Matebeleland South.
Tropical Freddy is likely to hit Zimbabwe from the 24th to the 25th of February.
By A Correspondent| Local entrepreneur and philanthropist Clayton Musasiwa through his company Kwandisa Group has been silently feeding more than 1000 families as party of Social Corporate Responsibility.
The information which has been kept under wraps for decades is contained in the company’s 2022 Corporate Sustainability Report.
“For more than two decades, Kwandisa Group has been unwavering in our commitment to serve disadvantaged households in Mash Central and help under privilege families from the Bindura area by providing them with millie meal from its subsidiary Adult Milling Company. This programme feeds over a 1000 families per annum,” reads the report.
This comes at a time when social welfare minister Paul Mavhima has revealed that about 3.7 million Zimbabweans are facing acute shortage of food.
“3.7 million people have registered with the government for basic food assistance,” he said.
Musasiwa, a shrewd businessman who broke the jinx of poverty through hard work and perseverance believe in putting the vulnerable in the forefront of fighting poverty.
The Kwandisa Group has put measures to measures in place for the successful implement.
“Led by our group MD Mr Clayton Musasiwa, Kwandisa believes success will be amplified as we adopt and implement policies that prioritise the well-being of people in our community, our employees and their families. We also believe that sound, sustainable business practices are crucial to building trust and enhancing our reputation,” the report added.
“We intend for our CSR to provide our stakeholders with valuable information in a format that is easy to understand. Last year, we introduced an Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) Snapshot that shows various ESG metrics over the most recent three-year period, as well as the Sustainability Accounting Standards Board (SASB) disclosure metrics that we believe are most relevant to our industry and business model.
Investors indicated that they found the additional information to be useful, and we have updated the appendices to reflect the most recent data.”
“As you will see in this report, since last year we’ve made positive changes to reflect our dedication to improving the health and overall well-being of our employees, and we enhanced several initiatives to underscore our commitment to ESG issues.
“I want to thank our stakeholders for your continued interest in Kwandisa Group and for supporting our efforts as we endeavour to do what’s right for our stakeholders, our clients, our employees, and the thousands of communities in which we live and work,” added the report.
Kwandisa is a family owned business that started in the backyard in the 90s and has grown to become a diversified group with interests in various sectors including agriculture, retail and manufacturing.
MASVINGO–Citizen Coalition for Change (CCC) councillor for Ward 7 in Masvingo, Richard Musekiwa has been arrested for convening a meeting at his house in Rujeko on February 18, 2023.
He appeared before Masvingo Magistrate Rethagtcetsi Silaigwana facing charges of contravening the maintenance of peace and order act by convening a meeting without the authority from the regulating authorities.
He was ordered to pay ZWL$20 000 bail and ordered to stay at his physical address. There are allegations that there was violence after the meeting that left Ruth Mapiye, a party member seriously injured.
Musekiwa is being represented by Collen Maboke of Maboke and Ruvengo Legal Practitioners.
The State says on February 18, 2023 at 6 pm, Musekiwa held a party meeting at his house whose invitation was made through a CCC Ward 7 WhatsApp group.
Magistrate Silaigwana postponed the matter to March 2, 2023.
Harare- A massive sodomy scandal threatens the pristine image of one of Harare’s elite learning institutions, Heritage Infant School, located in the leafy suburb of Borrowdale in Harare.
The matter was unearthed following disciplinary action taken against two learners in a matter dating back to late 2022.
Sources privy to the case told this publication that school authorities were handling everything in secrecy to the extent that parents of the affected children had not been supplied adequate information.
The sexual abuse allegations stem from a 2022 incident which happened during the last school term when a Grade 4 pupil (name supplied) told his parents about the sexual abuse.
The parents took up the matter with the boarding master who escalated the issue to the school’s head matron identified as Ms Jiri.
“The ‘abused’ child said a lot of other children were involved as well. This term (2023), the boy that was accused apparently is no longer at the school. Surprisingly, the parents of the abused boy never got any communication or feedback about the issue,” said the source.
This publication learnt that the victim in this case was recently forced to become a day scholar by the school, a logistical nightmare for the parents.
“We would like to know what happened with this case and generally what is happening at this school as it seems this is not an isolated case,” added the source.
“We understand that these affected kids were made to write incident reports without parental supervision. Who does that to nine or ten-year-olds?”
This publication sought an interview with the school head identified as Mr B Mate last week, who said a comment on the vile issue would be provided by the board today (Wednesday), after its members had reportedly left the country for South Africa during the recent exit weekend.
Come Wednesday, Mate introduced this reporter to a male and a female who were said to be board members. However, the alleged board members refused to identify themselves adding that they were not allowed to provide such information to the media.
They went further, threatening legal action if the allegations were ever published.
“We protect our learners, we only provide the information to the Ministry of Primary and Secondary Education as well as and the parents of the learners. Unless you want to defame us, you can go ahead. Definitely we are going to respond to that if you publish the story,” said an official claiming to be a board member.
Efforts to get a comment from the Ministry of Primary and Secondary Education were fruitless.
Heritage School officials who declined to be named for fear of retribution said thorough investigations were required to get to the bottom of the issue.
“The school is just acting in a way that protects their image and elite status and are not considering the impact this has on pupils.
“We understand that the pupils have had to go through counselling at their own expense. The ministry (of primary and secondary education) needs to do something about cases such as these.”
