25 November 2022

STATEMENT: As International Cross-Border Traders Association, We distance ourselves from the “so-called” Cross-Borders For ED(Emmerson Mnangagwa). We represent everyone, not a sect of a political party. We’re fighting bad policies by the Zimbabwean government that hinders our operations as cross-border traders.

Those calling themselves Cross-Border Traders for ED are bogus Traders, gold diggers, money mongers, and government resource vampires.
They are just a few individuals masquerading as Cross-Border Traders with an aim to siphon government coffers. They don’t even have structure and membership.

We remain resolute to serve the people of Zimbabwe without being partisan.

Be careful of those musketeers moving around the country making briefcase associations in all sectors prefixing “4ED.”

ICTA Official Statement

Tinashe Sambiri|CCC vice president Hon Tendai Biti has described Mr Emmerson Mnangagwa’s State of the Nation Address as empty and void of logic.

Hon Biti accused the Zanu PF leader of destroying the principles and components of nationalism.

Zimbabwe has been reduced to a mere teapot – shaped country without unity, love and freedom, according to Hon Biti.

“Our Change Champion, Hon #BitiTendai has responded to the State of the Nation Address (SONA) by Mr Mnangagwa.

He says it is out of touch with the current situation in Zimbabwe,” CCC said in a brief statement on Thursday.

Watch : Biti rubbishes Mnangagwa SONA:

Tinashe Sambiri|CCC youth leader Stephen Sarkozy Chuma has said the Zanu PF leader Mr Emmerson Mnangagwa does not have the capacity to turn things around.

According to Chuma, Mnangagwa is part of the Zanu PF excess baggage that will be offloaded in 2023.

The fearless CCC youth leader challenged Mr Mnangagwa to end political violence.

“ZANU PF has already crossed the Rubicon in every facet of our lives. We can’t allow them to continue violence in countryside. This is time for a citizens response. It’s time to fight back! Let’s stop this madness! Resist, resist and more resistance.

We are not apologetic in supporting @nelsonchamisa’s Presidential bid in 2023. An 80 year old who was part of the plunder for the last 42yrs has no solutions to our challenges as a digital generation. Go for swagger, Vote for Change, Vote the New! Ngaapinde,” Chuma said in a statement on Thursday.

Tinashe Sambiri|CCC youth leader Stephen Sarkozy Chuma has said the Zanu PF leader Mr Emmerson Mnangagwa does not have the capacity to turn things around.

According to Chuma, Mnangagwa is part of the Zanu PF excess baggage that will be offloaded in 2023.

The fearless CCC youth leader challenged Mr Mnangagwa to end political violence.

“ZANU PF has already crossed the Rubicon in every facet of our lives. We can’t allow them to continue violence in countryside. This is time for a citizens response. It’s time to fight back! Let’s stop this madness! Resist, resist and more resistance.

We are not apologetic in supporting @nelsonchamisa’s Presidential bid in 2023. An 80 year old who was part of the plunder for the last 42yrs has no solutions to our challenges as a digital generation. Go for swagger, Vote for Change, Vote the New! Ngaapinde,” Chuma said in a statement on Thursday.

By A Correspondent- A Zhombe-based s_əx worker is recovering in hospital after she was bitten by a snake while she was being intimate with a ‘client’ in a bush.

The unfortunate incident occurred at Joel Shopping Centre when the s_əx worker had taken her client to a nearby bush for a quickie.

The lady, whose name could not be ascertained, is admitted at Zhombe Mission Hospital where she is said to be in a stable condition.

Chief Weight Ndabezinhle Gwesela confirmed the incident.

“It is true there was a woman who was bitten by a snake while having s_əx with her boyfriend in the bush. I heard the reports and I am told she is now recovering at the hospital,” said Chief Gwesela.

This comes amid reports of an increase in girls turning to s_əx work in the area amid climate change-induced hunger.

Chief Gwesela recently said financial difficulties in the wake of poor harvests over the last farming season, have resulted in many girls in Zhombe resorting to s_əx work and early marriages.

Chief Gwesela said cases of child marriages and s_əx work are on the increase in Zhombe as girls resort to immorality to escape hunger that has hit the area.

What is worrying is these girls will be working for as little as a dollar or even a plate of sadza. It is happening as people are facing hunger. So, they will be trying to make quick money thereby risking their lives,” said Chief Gwesela.

“The situation is bad in Zhombe and it has pushed many girls into pr0stituti0n and early marriages. The situation is forcing girls to turn to immorality. As you are aware this is a gold-rich area and the illegal gold panners are now taking advantage to lure the young girls with money,” said Chief Gwesela.

Ward 10 Junior Councillor Sithembinkosi Ncube said child pr0stituti0n was rife in her ward.

“We have Joel Growth Point in our ward where child pr0stituti0n is rife.

 “Some of the girls were expelled from school for untoward behaviour and they turn to s_əx work.

 “Girls from the ward have become wild as they are lured with money by illegal gold miners,” she said.

Cllr Ncube said boys were also dropping out of school to venture into illegal gold mining activities.

The Government has however started distribution of food relief across the country that is expected to ensure no Zimbabwean starves until the next harvest season.

— BMetro

The Zimbabwe Parks and Wildlife Authority (ZimParks) has reported three incidents of human-wildlife conflict where a Chiredzi man was trampled to death by an elephant while two others were injured by crocodiles in Mwenezi.

Posting on Twitter, ZimParks spokesperson Tinashe Farawo said;

“It is with great sadness that a man was trampled to death by an elephant in Chiredzi, while 2 other people were seriously injured by crocodiles in 2 separate incidences along Save & Mwenezi rivers.”

Human-wildlife conflict has become rampant in the country, a situation that forced cabinet to put up a relief fund for those affected by the problem caused by incessant droughts that forces humans and animals to scramble for food.

Human wildlife conflicts are also caused by vandalism of perimeter fence on most game parks by communities which results in wild animals straying into villages.

Zimbabwean businessman Frank Buyanga Sadiqi, who was recently arrested in South Africa for potential extradition to Zimbabwe, has reportedly been attacked in a Johannesburg remand prison by other inmates and is seeking a transfer to another prison.
Buyanga (43) was arrested on allegations of kidnapping his son in Harare in 2020, and on charges of contempt of court in Zimbabwe.

He was remanded in custody to today or Tuesday next week to allow South African authorities to verify his identity documents after it was found Buyanga’s South African identity documents show he was born in Zimbabwe, yet his Zimbabwean passport says he was born in the United Kingdom.

Last week, the Zimbabwean National Prosecuting Authority applied to the High Court in Harare challenging the cancellation of a warrant of arrest for Buyanga, which had been issued by Harare magistrate, Mrs Judith Taruvinga.

He has since appeared before the Randburg Magistrates Court and was remanded in custody for his bail hearing.

Last Monday, Buyanga had his warrant of arrest cancelled at the Harare Magistrates Court after Mrs Taruvinga said she had erroneously issued the warrant of arrest. But Prosecutor-General Mr Nelson Mutsonziwa immediately applied to the High Court challenging the cancellation and cited Mrs Taruvinga and Buyanga as the first and second respondents.

He wanted the High Court to set aside Mrs Taruvinga’s judgment, arguing that the warrant was cancelled without following due processes.

“The court presided over a matter in which it lacked jurisdiction to cancel a warrant of arrest after it had been executed by law enforcement authorities of the Republic of South Africa under an extradition request made to it by the Republic of Zimbabwe.

“There was a gross irregularity in the proceedings or the decision of the court, in that the court perpetuated contempt of court by (Buyanga) by granting his legal practitioner audience in circumstances where the High Court, Supreme Court and Constitutional Court of Zimbabwe, had previously found him to have dirty hands and consequently denied him an audience,” said Mr Mutsonziwa in the application.

Last week, South African lawyer representing Buyanga, Mr Laurence Hodes, called for a speedy bail hearing for his client.

South African media outlet News 24 reported that Mr Hodes told the Randburg Magistrates Court that the warrant executed by Interpol and used for arresting Buyanga on November 10, had been cancelled in Zimbabwe. Mr Hodes claimed he handed over the documents, including Buyanga’s passport, to the South African National Prosecuting Authority. He said Buyanga owns a property in South Africa, adding the defence had attached his visa permits to their affidavit, which would help show that he is not a flight risk and was entitled to bail.-state media

Emmerson Mnangagwa has left for Niamey, Niger, where he is set to join other Heads of State and Government today at the Session of the African Union (AU) Summit on Industrialisation and Economic Diversification.

The summit runs under the theme, “Industrialising Africa: Renewed commitment towards an inclusive and sustainable industrialisation and economic diversification”, and is expected to unlock the evolution of a vibrant Pan-African enterprise and capital base.

It is part of the Africa Industrialisation Week (AIW – 20-25 November 2022), annual commemorative activities aimed at highlighting Africa’s renewed determination and commitment to industrialisation.

Transforming the region’s economy through industrialisation is one of the central pillars towards attaining the continent’s growth and development goals as articulated in the African Agenda 2063 and the global 2030 agenda on Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

Mnangagwa is among regional leaders invited by Niger President, Mohamed Bazoum to participate at the high-level indaba.

He is expected to share Zimbabwe’s industrialisation experience at the regional stage, whose audience includes AU Commission executives and representatives of its key organs, ministers responsible for industry and trade, mining, development partner agencies, manufacturing and commerce leaders, civic society and investment financiers, among other relevant stakeholders.

Industry and Commerce Minister, Dr Sekai Nzenza, who arrived in Niamey earlier in the week and was part of the Extraordinary Session of the Executive Council of the AU on Wednesday, said Zimbabwe’s participation in the summit was strategic as it is pursuing a comprehensive industrialisation drive anchored on revitalising value chains.

Through Mnangagwa’s leadership, she said, Zimbabwe was driving a private sector-led growth while positioning the country to tap into vast trade opportunities under the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA).

“There are lessons to be learnt from the Zimbabwe National Industrial Development Policy, which provides the foundation for the structural transformation of industry and commerce.

“Under President Mnangagwa, Zimbabwe is experiencing a growth trajectory in production, productivity and industrial capacity utilisation through targeted sector specific strategies,” said Dr Nzenza.

As one of the pioneer AfCFTA Agreement signatories, Zimbabwe has anchored its industrialisation policy in readiness to tap into wider business opportunities in a regionally integrated economic sphere and what remains is scaling up private sector awareness and buy-in, said Dr Nzenza.

Given the collective responsibility between governments, development finance institutions, regional and international bodies in economic development, Dr Nzenza said the summit should help unlock value chain financing as a critical enabler for robust regional transformation.

“Africa’s story of industrialisation lies in value addition. We cannot aspire for resilient and sustainable industries for as long as we continue to export raw commodities,” she said.

Zimbabwe has also called upon the AU Secretariat to consider undertaking value chain mapping for Africa in order for regional countries to tap into each other’s strengths as they industrialise and trade.

As part of efforts to buttress regional industrialisation collaboration efforts, Zimbabwe and Zambia have since embarked on a joint project to establish a Common Agro-Industrial Park, based on comparative advantages in the agricultural sector as a starting point for strengthening cooperation.

The project will be the first of its kind in Southern Africa and hopes are high that the model will be replicated with more African countries as the region explores opportunities under the AfCFTA.

In view of the key and strategic interdependences between industrialisation and the AfCFTA success, the AU has said this week’s summit seeks to rally desired political momentum, resources, partnerships and alliances towards a unique Africa-industrialisation drive.

The summit outcomes are expected to unleash an inclusive and sustainable industrialisation pathway that carries along with the participation of all economic agents, including SMEs, youth, and women in the generation of national wealth and creation of jobs, as well as expansion of entrepreneurship opportunities. -state media

A 21-year old woman from Mahatshula North suburb in Bulawayo has appeared in court facing charges of dumping her six-month-old baby at her late boyfriend’s mother’s place amid allegations that the latter was refusing to maintain the child.
It is reported that Silondokuhle Tshuma, after abandoning her child at her “mother-in-law” Khawulani Mdlongwa’s house in Cowdray Park suburb, the latter ordered her 18-year-old son to take the child and dump her by the roadside.

For their uncouth conduct Mdlongwa and Tshuma appeared before Western Commonage magistrate Shepherd Mjanja facing a charge of exposing an infant.

They both pleaded guilty to the charge. Tshuma was sentenced to 10 months in prison and five months of her jail package were suspended for three years on condition of good behaviour.

The remaining five months were suspended on condition that she completes 175 hours of community service.

Mdlongwa was also spared jail agony when she was sentenced to 12 months in prison and six months of the sentence were suspended for three years on condition of good behaviour.

The remaining six months were suspended on condition that she also completes 210 hours of unpaid labour.

The court heard that on 6 November 2022 and at around 2pm, Tshuma went to Mdlongwa’s place and left her child on the sofa and went out.

Mdlongwa tried to follow her but she had already gone.

Mdlongwa then ordered her 18-year-old son to take the child and place her by the roadside.

The boy followed his mother’s instructions when he took the child and went outside the yard and placed it by the roadside near Mandaba Sibanda’s house.

It is reported that at around 3pm, Sibanda was informed by her son that there was a baby which had been dumped outside their house.

When Sibanda went outside to check, she found the baby wrapped in a white towel and she had bruises on her left eye.

Sibanda took the baby and advised her neighbours who instructed her to take the child to the residents chairperson who then directed her to take the child to the police.

After the child had been handed over to the police, Mdlongwa handed herself to the police leading to her arrest.

She later implicated Tshuma also leading to her arrest. —B Metro

Tinashe Sambiri|
CCC change champion Richard Pamire is spearheading a massive voter registration campaign in Kuwadzana East, Harare.

On Monday Pamire took 22 new voters to ZEC for registration.

Pamire is determined to contribute immensely to the citizens victory .

“We took 22 young people to ZEC for voter registration.

We are following President Nelson Chamisa’s six million votes initiative.

We are heeding President Chamisa’s call for masisive voter registration and recruitment,” said Pamire

Citizens Coalition for Change(CCC) Namibia joins the world in solidarity with the fearless, organic, and pragmatic Zengeza West Mp, Job Saro Wiwa Sikhala.

As a district, we demand the immediate release of Job Sikhala because he is innocent. Demanding justice for Moreblessing Ali and her family is not a crime.
#JusticeForMoreblessingAli

FreeWiwa

Let’s flood Rotten Row courts in solidarity with our radical leader who is ever ready to confront Satanism.

Residents in Namibia who subscribe to the democratic alternative led by President Chamisa demand the immediate release of all political prisoners. No selective application of the law!

Justice for Wiwa and all prisoners of conscience. In short Ed and his politically inept ZANU-PF must go now because they have failed us as a people.

Tinashe Sambiri|Zanu PF hooligans bashed CCC activist Jervas Makumbe in Gutu- Mupandawana town last night.

Zanu PF youths Joseph Mudziwapasi and Josphat Sarukore are leading the terror campaign in Gutu.

CCC members have been abducted, bashed and tortured by known Zanu PF activists in the area but no one has been arrested.

In a statement Zimbabwe Human Rights Monitors Platform said :

“CCC activist Jervas Makumbe is reported to have been attacked by Zanu Pf youths last night at Chomusikai Shops, Munhende.”

Tinashe Sambiri|Zanu PF hooligans bashed CCC activist Jervas Makumbe in Gutu- Mupandawana town last night.

Zanu PF youths Joseph Mudziwapasi and Josphat Sarukore are leading the terror campaign in Gutu.

CCC members have been abducted, bashed and tortured by known Zanu PF activists in the area but no one has been arrested.

In a statement Zimbabwe Human Rights Monitors Platform said :

“CCC activist Jervas Makumbe is reported to have been attacked by Zanu Pf youths last night at Chomusikai Shops, Munhende.”

Chitungwiza Residents and Rate Payers Association (CHIRRA) is concerned by the duping of hundreds of homeseekers by Chitungwiza municipality.

Residents paid for stands more than a decade ago with some paying in installments in anticipation of them being allocated their stands in Nyatsime area up to now nothing has been done leaving them stranded as town officials always come with endless excuses.

The high levels of corruption in the town has reached another level noone is coming forwad to account for the stands being from the council or local government.

We have seen council officials parcelling out land to barons at the expense of the paid up land owners .

CHIRRA demand an emergency and progressive allocation of land to its rightful owners.The ministry and central goverment officials must take this matter with urgency it deserves.

Citizens Coalition for Change(CCC) Namibia joins the world in solidarity with the fearless, organic, and pragmatic Zengeza West Mp, Job Saro Wiwa Sikhala.

As a district, we demand the immediate release of Job Sikhala because he is innocent. Demanding justice for Moreblessing Ali and her family is not a crime.
#JusticeForMoreblessingAli

FreeWiwa

Let’s flood Rotten Row courts in solidarity with our radical leader who is ever ready to confront Satanism.

Residents in Namibia who subscribe to the democratic alternative led by President Chamisa demand the immediate release of all political prisoners. No selective application of the law!

Justice for Wiwa and all prisoners of conscience. In short Ed and his politically inept ZANU-PF must go now because they have failed us as a people.

Newsday reporters were barred from covering President Emmerson Mnangagwa’s State of Nation Address (Sona) held at the new Parliament building in Mt Hampden yesterday.

In what now appears to be a growing trend, two NewsDay reporters Harriet Chikandiwa and Shepherd Tozvireva’s names were mysteriously removed from a list of journalists accredited to Parliament who were supposed to cover Sona.

The ban comes after six Alpha Media Holdings journalists were recently kicked out of State House where they had gone to witness the swearing in of a three-member tribunal to determine Zimbabwe Anti-Corruption Commission spokesperson John Makamure’s fitness to hold office.

Last month, the ruling Zanu PF refused to accredit NewsDay journalists to cover the party’s elective congress, accusing the paper’s journalists of being “fiction writers”.

No explanation was given as to why the journalists were banned from covering the Sona.

Zimbabwe National Editors Forum national co-ordinator Njabulo Ncube said the decision to bar NewsDay from Sona was disturbing.

“It is another affront to the practice of journalism in the country at a time our minister (Monica Mutsvangwa) has indicated that the new dispensation does not discriminate against private media personnel. Be that as it may, we shall seek an audience with Parliament and our minister to understand why NewsDay is being treated unfairly,” Ncube said.

Zimbabwe Union of Journalists secretary-general Perfect Hlongwane said: “We have said that barring journalists from covering events is a violation of their freedoms as granted by the Constitution of the country and President Mnangagwa’s position and on Press freedom.

-Newsday

State Media/AAP- After deploying soldiers to change election 2018 election results, and shooting dead a total 25 alleged protesters to date, Emmerson Mnangagwa yesterday called for political tolerance among politicians aspiring to contest in the 2023 harmonised elections.

Mnangagwa also said parliamentarians should swiftly attend to some bills that will be brought before Parliament such as the Electoral (Amendment) Bill which will govern the conduct of 2023 harmonised elections.

Mnangagwa said this while delivering the State of the Nation Address and officially opening the fifth session of the Ninth Parliament of Zimbabwe at the New Parliament Building in Mt Hampden, Mashonaland West province.

Mnangagwa said politicians should lead in promoting peace ahead of the general elections.

“Political players, seeking the people’s mandate during the upcoming 2023 harmonised elections, must maintain and consolidate the peace, unity, harmony and love that we have built under the Second Republic. Violent confrontations have never been part of our culture,” said
Mnangagwa.

He said the Electoral (Amendment) Bill, which spells out new provisions for holding the 2023 Harmonised Elections, should be speedily concluded.

Mnangagwa said Parliament is expected to accelerate the completion of matters on the legislative agenda in line with the expectations of the electorate.

He said Government has created an enabling environment for Parliament to execute its mandate through separating the Office of the Attorney-General from the Ministry of Justice, Legal and Parliamentary Affairs.

“This should see this office fully discharging its mandate more efficiently and effectively. In the financial services sector, the Insurance Bill seeks to replace the Insurance Act to address regulatory gaps and weaknesses. The new Session must expedite passage of the Labour Amendment Bill,” he said.

“Cabinet recently passed the Public Procurement and Disposal of Public Assets (Compliance, Monitoring and Evaluation) Regulations, 2022 as well as the Amendments to the Public Procurement and Disposal of Public Assets (General) (Amendment) Regulations, 2018 which, among other provisions, will require all procuring agencies to establish the market value of goods for ease of evaluation of quotations.”

Mnangagwa said Parliament should expedite devolution of power proposed legislation.

“The Fifth Session must speedily consider legislation towards alignment of the devolution and decentralization programme of the Second Republic, through amendments of the Provincial Councils and Administration Act; the Rural District Council’s Act; as well as the Regional, Town and Country Planning Act,” said the President.

He said the Disaster Risk Management Bill will promote the involvement of all citizens in effective disaster preparedness, mitigation, response and recovery measures.

Mnangagwa said in line with the Agriculture Food Systems and Transformation Strategy, amendments to the Plant Breeders Act; the Animal Health Act; the Water Act; the ZINWA Act; the Land Commission Act; and the Bees Act will be tabled.

“Equally, the Fisheries and Aquaculture Bill; the Agricultural Resources Conservation Bill; and the Agricultural Education Bill will enhance the attainment of food and nutrition security. In addition, the Sugar Act is being reviewed in order to classify sugarcane as a strategic crop,” said Mnangagwa.

He said the Mines and Minerals Amendment Bill now awaits gazetting and will ensure farming and mining activities are accorded due recognition in the resolution of disputes.

Mnangagwa said the Bill will also strengthen environmental protection.

“Government shall be seeking Parliamentary ratification of various Memoranda of Understanding regarding partnerships to promote ICT infrastructure and skills development. Through the Electronic Transactions and Electronic Commerce Bill, Government seeks to establish a legal framework that facilitates fair, accessible, responsible and sustainable online transacting, including the recognition of digital signatures,” said Mnangagwa.

He said the Criminal Law (Codification and Reform) (Amendment) Bill, 2022; the Public Interest Disclosure (Protection of Whistle Blowers) Bill, 2022; the Electoral (Amendment) Bill, 2022; the Witness Protection Bill; the Zimbabwe Human Rights (Amendment) Bill; and the Legal Aid (Amendment) Bill must all be tabled during the fifth session of Parliament.

Mnangagwa said outstanding Bills from the Fourth Session of the Ninth Parliament must be expedited.

“These include the Child Justice Bill, the Judicial Laws (Amendment) Bill, and the Prisons and Correctional Service (Amendment) Bill,” said Mnangagwa.- state media

A-RUWA man who impersonated a police officer and robbed her of US$98 000 in a botched Ponzi scheme was today arraigned before Harare magistrate Dennis Mangosi to answer to the charges.

The suspect, Shephard Chibaya (34) was remanded in custody until November 24.

It is alleged that he committed the offence sometime in February 2019, after he engaged the complainant Mary Norah Chiweshe to join his Ponzi scheme called Beven Capital and invest money.

During the same month, Chiweshe injected US$150 000 into the scheme after she was informed that she will get 50% interest after six weeks.

The interest she was supposed to earn accumulated to US$300 000. When she decided to withdraw the money, she could not locate Beven Capital Investments offices after they were closed during the COVID-19 period.

She got in touch with Chibaya but he was evasive.

After some days, the accused told the complainant that he had engaged the boss, and was told that all the scheme’s money was held at the Zimbabwe Revenue Authority (Zimra) offices due to lack of payment of taxes.

Chibaya said US$58 000 was needed to get Zimra to release the funds. Chiweshe then gave Chibaya the money.

After some days, Chibaya told Chiweshe that Zimra had released the money, but added that he had been intercepted by police detectives who seized US$200 000 and they needed US$13 000 to release it.

The complainant gave the accused the US$13 000 anticipating that he would come with the US$200 000 from the police detectives.

Later, Chibaya told Chiweshe that he had been arrested and needed US$1800 to pay a police officer for his release.

Chiweshe agreed to pay and was instructed to give the money to a taxi driver, one Innocent Kavhura.

The following day, Chibaya then told Chiweshe that he was at the Harare magistrates’ court and was in need of US$3800 to top up his legal fees.

Chiweshe went to the court and gave him US$3200 and her Samsung S20 phone to top up.

Chibaya later texted her pretending to be a police officer, and indicating that he (Chibaya) had suffered brain shock whilst in police cells and had been admitted under police guard at Parirenyatwa Hospital. He also said no visits were permitted.

After three week, Chibaya, still impersonating a police officer texted Chiweshe advising her that he (Chibaya) had passed away. Chibaya identified himself as Inspector Kufakunesu Mushayi.

He even vowed to assist the complainant to get her money back from Ben Capital if she gave him US$27 000.

The complainant gave the alleged police officer the money in batches through the taxi driver (Kavhura).

As she made numerous follow ups to get her money back, Chibaya kept requesting more money pretending to be Inspector Mushayi.

Sensing that she was being swindled, Chiweshe then made a police report leading to the arrest of Chibaya.

No money was recovered.-Newsday

The Met Services Department has warned of increased risk of floods in river basins, wetlands and low-lying areas such as Muzarabani and Mbire in Mashonaland Central with the Department of Civil Protection on standby to render emergency assistance.
The Met Department’s Head of Forecasting, Mr James Ngoma, said there was an increased risk of floods in the above areas and the department would continue updating its information.

“We will keep informing the nation as the days draw near. Those areas we have mentioned are all dependent on the amount of rains that would be received prior,” he said.

Flash floods are an annual event and some areas have frequently seen flooding.

For example Muzarabani is a known flood plain and the villagers there have become accustomed to it.

Recently, the Department of Civil Protection chief director Mr Nathan Nkomo said adequate funds to deal with disasters such as flash floods that are associated with the rainy season have been set aside.

Mr Nkomo said a plan was in place to ensure everyone’s safety during this rainy season.

“For Zimbabwe, like any other country in the SADC region, Africa and in the whole world, this is the time when we always prepare for the rainfall season. The rainfall season comes with a lot of challenges, but more importantly, it also comes with a lot of hope because most of our agriculture is rain-fed so we welcome the rainfall season in Zimbabwe.”

“However, in terms of preparedness, we have done our level best. Remember we are preparing to handle natural hazards in the form of flash floods and ultimately, when we get into the cyclone season, mostly from January to March, we will escalate our level of preparedness,” he said.

Local authorities are also urged to clear storm drains to minimise flooding in urban areas.

Last week, 78 families were left homeless after their houses were damaged and flooded by heavy rains in Kadoma. Five schools, including Jameson High School, and some shops were also affected by flash floods. In October, Beitbridge’s Dulivhadzimu suburb was affected by flash floods. This urban flooding was largely due to blocked or damaged drains.

Flooded rivers could also cause danger to life while sudden flooding could lead to difficult driving conditions, clogging of water drains and chances that some communities become cut off by flooded roads and rivers.

Zimbabwe has increasingly seen more severe floods in recent decades.

Tropical Cyclone Idai, the worst in more than 50 years to reach Zimbabwe, brought heavy rainfall and strong winds to Malawi, Mozambique and Zimbabwe between March 5 and 19 in 2019, causing severe flooding which led to loss of lives, destruction of infrastructure, disruption of livelihoods and destruction of crops.

It is estimated that close to 780 000ha of crops in the three countries were destroyed by the cyclone, with the majority of this damage being in Mozambique. Dams and wells were also damaged, and livestock was washed away. SADC launched a US$323 million appeal to support the disaster response and recovery efforts related to the impact of Tropical Cyclone Idai.- state media

A couples’ marriage is on the rocks as the wife yesterday approached the courts seeking a protection order against her husband who is assaulting her for refusing to go to the same church as him.

The couple, Eustina Muderedzwa and Garikayi Musikazwi, used to worship together at African Apostolic Church before the husband decided to move to the Johane Marange apostolic church.

Magistrate Ms Tamara Chibindi of Harare Civil Court granted the desired order to Ms Muderedzwa and ordered Musikanzwi not to assault, insult or threaten her.

Ms Muderedzwa told the court how she was being abused by her husband for differing with him about religion.

“He left Mwazha church in 2017 where we have been members for many years and we wedded there,” she said. “He has been forcing me and the children to join him at Marange, but we refused and now he is threatening to evict me from our rural homestead and our other house in Whitecliff.”

Ms Muderedzwa said she knows no peace and is always being insulted by her husband.

“It has been three years since he last visited us at our rural home, but he recently came and assaulted me with a rope, saying that I am not a submissive wife and I should leave the house,” she said.

Musikazwi denied the allegations arguing that he has never assaulted his wife of 23 years because he loves her very much.

“I never assaulted her she is lying, in fact she was the one who was trying to pull my private organ and accidentally fell where the kitchen was,” he said. “I love my wife and we have five children together. I only want her to listen to me as her husband and join me at my new church.”

Musikazwi said his wife was badly influencing their children to be defiant towards him and married off their 12 year old daughter without his consent. Ms Muderedzwa said the child was at home and only ran away when Musikazwi came because he always assaulted the children for refusing to go with him to his church.-state media

Tinashe Sambiri|CCC leader President Nelson Chamisa has described the 14 Nyatsime activists as true citizens’ heroes.

President Chamisa visited the activists on Monday.

The 14 spent a total of 153 days in prison after being arrested for exposing Zanu PF banditry.

“With the #Nyatsime14. God is faithful all the time.

These Citizens’ heroes have moving and touching stories about their Chikurubi maximum prison experience, after being denied bail. They spent 153 in jail. A New Great Zimbabwe is loading,” President Chamisa wrote on his official Facebook page.

“Today( Monday), the CCiC, Advocate Nelson Chamisa met the 14 members of the #Nyatsime17 who were recently released on bail. They’re facing various trumped up charges.

There were released after spending 153 days in jail without trial. They’re innocent,” CCC said in a statement.

Citizens Coalition for Change(CCC) Namibia joins the world in solidarity with the fearless, organic, and pragmatic Zengeza West Mp, Job Saro Wiwa Sikhala.

As a district, we demand the immediate release of Job Sikhala because he is innocent.

Demanding justice for Moreblessing Ali and her family is not a crime. #JusticeForMoreblessingAli

FreeWiwa

Let’s flood Rotten Row courts in solidarity with our radical leader who is ever ready to confront Satanism.

Residents in Namibia who subscribe to the democratic alternative led by President Chamisa demand the immediate release of all political prisoners. No selective application of the law!

Justice for Wiwa and all prisoners of conscience.

In short Ed and his politically inept ZANU-PF must go now because they have failed us as a people.

CITIZENS’ BUDGET EXPECTATIONS

As Finance Minister Mthuli Ncube prepares to present the country’s 2023 National Budget on Thursday, we call for a PRO-POOR budget.

What are the key issues that citizens expect to see addressed?

TAX REFORM FOR WORKERS:

Govt must reduce the tax burden on workers & civil servants. The tax-free threshold must be increased in line with the rising cost of living to cushion citizens, 49% of whom live in extreme poverty.

Consumer basket currently exceeds $300,000.

TAX REFORM FOR BUSINESS:

The 4% tax on transactions in foreign currency must be removed as it increases the cost of doing business & the cost of goods. .

The economy has effectively dollarized so there’s no rational justification for retaining this punitive tax.

Equally, the 2% tax on Zim Dollar transactions should be scrapped.

It was introduced as an austerity measure so it cannot be retained long term.

SOCIAL SERVICES:

The budget must allocate adequate funding for social services especially health & education to foster a strong economic base.

15% must go to Health in line with the Abuja Declaration.

20% must go to Education in line with the Dakar Declaration.

A MARKET-LED ECONOMY:

We call for a budget that reinforces a market-led economy.

The last 4 budgets have wrongly focused on distortions & command economics (eg Command Agriculture) which destabilized the economy & caused exchange rate spirals.

MARKET-LED FINANCING OF AGRICULTURE:

We call for market-led financing of agriculture not any form of command agriculture.

Grains such as maize, wheat & cotton must be added to the commodity exchange & funded through value-chain financing models/warehouse receipts.

Command agriculture (by whatever name called) has failed to increase productivity or guarantee food security.

We still import to meet our food requirements. The World Bank reports that Zim has performed dismally in agricultural productivity compared to other SADC countries.

BUDGET MUST BE IN USD:

Govt must budget in US dollar terms to eliminate the need for a supplementary budget as experienced with the current budget.

Govt cannot ignore the fact that the economy has effectively dollarised. 70% of transactions in business, loans, fuel, passports & many Govt levies are now in USD.

It therefore defeats logic to do a budget in ZWL, a currency that is out of touch with the economic realities.

We further call for the timely & full disbursement of funds to Govt depts to ensure their smooth operation.

(C) Citizens’ Coalition for Change

By Dr Masimba Mavaza | City Councillors,the Members of Parliament board members, financial advisers, and other professionals are bound by a principle called “fiduciary duty,” in which they are required to act in the best interests of the people they swore to serve or institutions they are serving.

It the honest hope of every Zimbabwean that elected government representatives would be bound by a similar principle–that they would put the country’s interests firsts, even if those interests conflicted with their personal desire to gain more power or get re-elected. When it comes to the opposition councillors and Members of Parliament
this principle–if it ever existed–has been thrown out the window. The political actors in the City council and parliament act for their own political gain. They oppose any development so that there will be no progress or development so that the wreath of the people be turned against the ruling party. This is pure sabotage and it is more visible towards elections. Basically there are three types of sabotage which are destruction, inaction, wastage which is meant to tickle the anger of people into rebellion. This a total abuse of the people and the people must see beyond such daylight witchcraft being practiced by the opposition councils.

These opposition officials are doing everything they can to ensure that the economy remains a mess when it comes time for the 2023 election. Their hope here, is that Zimbabweans will vote with their wallets in 2023 and, in so doing, vote more Ruling party councillors and Members of Parliament out of office.

Now, there’s no question that voters do vote with their wallets: The deteriorating state of infrastructure and economy in 2008 helped MDC get elected into the GNU. And there’s nothing wrong with stumping for policies that you honestly believe will help the country over the long term, even if you think they will cause some short-term pain. But there’s a big difference between that and intentionally doing things that will sabotage the economy over the next 12 months just to influence the next election.This is actually what some Republicans are doing, Zimbabweans of all parties should be outraged. The first loyalty of any elected representative should be acting in the best interests of the country., and advocating policies that you know will hurt the country–or stonewalling ones that will help it–is a gross dereliction of professional and civic responsibility.

Zimbabwe is a soccer loving nation and the population loves soccer with a passion.
While soccer is popular in virtually every country on the planet, some countries are most fervent about it than others.
When most people think about countries crazy about soccer, Zimbabwe is always near the top of the list. Despite the fact that our men’s national team is consistently ranked in the fifties Zimbabweans can not be separated from Soccer.
Now the political situation has rewarded the opposition with the running of our towns. The CCC led councils have failed to promote football and have dismally failed to maintain the stadiums. The council especially the Harare council have neglected the Rufaro stadium. The stadium which is the symbol of Zimbabwean love of football has been allowed to deteriorate and now it resembles the dog’s breakfast.
An unrelenting opposition vociferously attacked Elder Kudakwashe Tagwirei over the rehabilitation of Rufaro stadium leading to Tagwirei withdrawing the offer to develop the stadium.
The opposition, including the independent councillors resorted to provocative sloganeering, calling Kuda Tagwirei who has offered to renovate the stadium and put it to the FIFA standard a ” (thief) instead of embracing his patriotic move.The CCC is playing politics with development. This is where someone acts for personal or political gain at the demise of set principles. This is being practiced by the opposition councillors in Harare. They are too concerned about the benefits they will get out of their action or inaction, and their deeds will be aimed at promoting their beneficial motivation. Playing politics by the CCC COUNCILLORS in many ways has affected economic growth and sway development priorities. This in itself has limited growth. The slow pace of growth is now used by the opposition as proof of inefficiency on the part of ZANU PF.  Playing politics has swayed priorities. The city fathers who are mostly CCC opposition have put their cronies in key position of Council so they can facilitate their masters (politicians’) agendas.If someone intends to benefit by playing politics, you will expect the end result of any change to be bad. There are often political factors involved in why our councils remain poor, and one of those is bad governance by the opposition in our Towns. Councillors need to do lots of things to encourage development – they need to build and maintain infrastructure, and raise and spend finance wisely, on the right projects. When councils are inept at managing infrastructure, development is impossible. Nobody wants to build a factory in a city where the land is owned by scrupulous councillors or the power could go out at any time. They also need to set up their byelaws and business practices in a way that encourages investment and initiative, that protect businesses and individuals legally, and that honour property rights, contracts and copyrights. But the way the council is doing, Harare has lost a golden opportunity to develop football and sports in Zimbabwe. Tycoon Kudakwashe Tagwirei through his company Sakunda Holdings wanted to develop Rufaro Stadium for the benefit of football but the Harare City Council refused, Mayor Jacob Mafume who has no clue of what he is doing led his councillors to throw away the golden opportunity presented to them by Tagwirei.
The company on Tuesday announced that it had withdrawn its offer to renovate the stadium over what it said was lack of political will to implement the project by the City of Harare. Their complaint is correct.

It is not far fetched that the City fathers wanted to act corruptly and Tagwirei saw through their evil thoughts. If you have ever lived in a where corruption is rife, you will know how frustrating, dis-heartening and fundamentally dis-empowering corruption can be. Red tape being created by the CCC is where real endemic corruption happens – a slowing and over-complicating of simple processes, from starting businesses, buying or selling property, to the law courts, all require ridiculous amounts of paperwork, interviews, visits to ministry offices. It is surprising how long does it take to clinch a deal with the city council. Every procedure is an opportunity to extract a bribe. The slower the standard processes, the greater the temptation to pay ‘speed money’.’

Imagine having to bribe your telephone company and all your utility companies, paying an aside for your driver’s license and to pass your exams. Imagine having to bribe the post office every time you bought something by mail order, bribing the bank clerk to let you take money out of your own account, paying your doctor to give you a prescription, and then the chemist to give it to you. That’s the reality of endemic corruption, the abuse of power at every level. It takes strong leadership to fight it, but it can be done. Even simple trading with council is heavily resisted. whosoever commands the trade of the world commands the riches of the world and hence the world itself.’
The city Councils are the local government. Local government bears the greatest part of the responsibility for care and conservation of our historic environment, largely because of its importance to the planning system. Rufaro stadium has its importance and has occupied its historical seat in the historical arena. It is this important stadium which the CCC council are refusing to maintain and bring it to standard. But our football legacy and heritage is in the hands of the proud but useless party CCC.

In a letter to Mafume, Sakunda Holdings Chief Operating Officer Charles Chitambo said the move was also necessitated by “untruthful and malicious (reports) that Sakunda intends to purchase Rufaro Stadium”.
“Following our numerous unsuccessful requests to present to your office our final feasibility to study report and proposed designs for the refurbishment of Rufaro Stadium, we write to express our gravest misgivings on the unfortunate events and communications emanating from your (HCC) office.
“We are shocked and disturbed by untruthful and malicious (reports) that Sakunda intends to purchase Rufaro Stadium, which is a public asset. Nothing could be further from the truth, and we believe you know that.

“The unfounded allegations are grounded on malice and a coordinated attempt to curtail our efforts to contribute to the revival and modernisation of public infrastructure,” reads part of the statement,” read the letter.”
It has become CCC culture of accusing people in order to scuttle progress.

It is the same council and the same mayor who threw spammers in the Pomona project with the aim of scuttling development CCC is again responsible for scuttling revamp of Rufaro stadium. When Sakunda wants to do a major facelift they play politics. People must vote wisely.

Zimbabwe is all suffering because people voted without thinking Harare is derelict because people vote stone throwers into Council and not technocrats ED is an infrastructure person and Harare will become a construction zone if we vote ZANU-PF. council started a crusade of demonising the CEO of Pomona project Dilish Nguwaya and left his character bruised. But because Nguwaya believed in his project and it’s benefit to the people the government had to accept the project. As we read this article Pomona project is taking shape. This is the very project which was demonised and tainted by the council and some Members of Parliament.

Sacrifice takes people through a rough journey. The minister of local government Honourable July Moyo for his vision and belief in Pomona project he was bundled together with Nguwaya and dragged in the mud and dirty in the public eye. It was that sacrifice the people now see the work Pomona is doing.
Now Tagwirei is being tied to the end of the rope and being flogged all because he was advocating for the renovation of the Rufaro stadium. We have saboteurs among us. They are dressed in yellow.

The council indeed lacks the political will to overcome inequality hindering sustainable development for all in Harare. This should be a reason to vote them out come 2023. Inequality is a universal challenge faced by least-developed, middle-income and developed countries alike, but which can be overcome by political will at personal, local government and national levels.

Lack of a political will within and among CCC councillors pose an immense challenge to national development efforts.
Large disparities in income, wealth, power and opportunity plague our work for progress, both internationally and nationally, so do also large gaps in access to education, healthcare, water, sanitation, food, energy, and social protection all this which can be changed by the local government.

For us to uphold the basic promise of the ZANU PF agenda to leave no one behind –we must reach those furthest behind first, and remove the councillors who are motivated by party politics not national interest.

Lack of patriotism harms economic growth and poverty reduction. It undermines social cohesion and undermines people’s sense of fulfillment and self-esteem. Partisan politics worsens the quality of relations in the public and political spheres. It stymies potential in human beings. And it wastes a lot of talent.
We need to vote these people out this 2023.

Yet, there is nothing inevitable about growing sabotage by the CCC.

Development is strongly affected by policymaking, by public office and by pressure from leaders.

“Where the political will exists, much can be done to address it.

We as Zimbabweans must take a concrete step to contain or reduce inaction by councillors and their Mayor, including debt restructuring and prudent fiscal stimulus, made easier today not least by your vote for a bright future.

Let us recognize that inaction is not just a statistic or a value-free measure of economic activity,” as political partisan and inequality are increasingly harmful, sowing the seeds of division, pushing societies towards polarization and fracture. Given the numerous ways in which a local authority influences general behaviour towards our heritage assets it is of obvious importance that it adheres to principles of best practice in the conservation of its own properties and sets the standard in integrating that conservation into sustainable development in the management of its own estate.

Rufaro stadium has been left rotting for a long time. It is high time it is uplifted. Stop playing politics. Develop the infrastructures.

[email protected]

CITIZENS Coalition for Change (CCC) leader Nelson Chamisa has claimed that the 14 Nyatsime party supporters accused of inciting violence are victims of political persecution.

The 14 were released last week on bail after spending five months in remand prison.

Their co-accused Job Sikhala remains in detention, while fellow legislator Godfrey Sithole is also out on bail.

Speaking soon after meeting the Nyatsime 14 on Monday in Malbereign, Harare, Chamisa said the activists were courageous.

“Jail isn’t any easy experience, but we can see that they are courageous and determined. They are all being victimised. They did not commit any offence,” Chamisa said.

“They are innocent and we maintain that point. The law defends that point that they are innocent until proven guilty. It’s just an allegation and we still insist that they are innocent.

“We thank them for continuing to be strong and promise them that a new great Zimbabwe is coming. This is why our colleagues in Zanu-PF are panicking.”

Sikhala has been denied bail countless times with the State accusing him of being a repeat offender.

One of the Nyatsime 14, Misheck Guzha told NewsDay that they were exposed to poor living conditions in prison.

“My experience in prison was very tough. I ate poorly cooked food. We were crowded and the toilet flushing system was not working. We were 40 in a cell that is expected to accommodate 20 inmates. You could hardly walk to the toilet at night. That was terrible,” Guzha said.

Guzha lamented that his shelter was destroyed during violent clashes in June, resulting in his arrest.

The violence occurred at the funeral wake of murdered opposition activist Moreblessing Ali.

“My family was happy when I was given bail, but those from the rival party (Zanu-PF) are threatening people who are coming to welcome me. However, I have no shelter over my head after my house was set on fire. Nothing was salvaged,” Guzha said.

Another accused person Chauya Shopa said: “Life in prison is not easy, but when you get in, you feel hardened. I no longer fear anything.”

They were freed on $50 000 bail each by the High Court on November 15 after spending five months in remand prison.

They were being represented by advocate Thabani Mpofu who was being instructed by Noble Chinhanu of the Zimbabwe Human Rights NGO Forum.

High Court judge Justice Munamato Mutevedzi ordered the Nyatsime 14 to report twice a week at their nearest police station, not to interfere with State witnesses and to reside at their given addresses.

By A Correspondent| Underfire former Harare City Municipality Human Capital Director Cainos Chingombe reportedly left  Council’s Rowan Martin Building In a huff a few hours after he controversially penned a letter  reinstating himself.

Chingombe faces a litany of corruption and sex related charges during his tenure with the Local Authority.

Last week through his lawyer, Professor Lovemore Madhuku, Chingombe wrote advising the Town Clerk of Harare City Council that he intended to be reinstated since he had been absolved by the Magistrates court of any wrong doing.

In another letter dated dated 22 November 2022 and addressed to Heads of the Human Capital Department, Chingombe unprocedurally penned and signed an illegal memorundum notifying them that he “had resumed his normal duties”.

However, the City Fathers through Acting Town clerk Engineer P Moyo advised him to desist from blantantly disregarding a council resolution passed  in October 2022 directing that a committee be set up to solve the protracted labour wrangle.

“The Council in its sitting on the 20th of October resolved to appoint a 3-member committee to negotiate with a new to find closure to the protracted labour dispute between Dr Chingombe and the City of Harare.
” The 3-member committee has since been appointed and all the matters have been referred to this committee. Your client requested for $30,000,000.00 and this  will be handled by the appointed committee,” wrote the acting Town Clerk on 15 November.

This Tuesday the defiant Dr Chingombe turned up but the local authority scuttled the move. This publication has it on good authority that he had to literally flee huffing and puffing after the Metropolitan Cops pounced on him.

The acting Town Clerk further served him with a letter instructing him not to report for duty.
” Please be advised that my letter to you dated 15 November 2022 still stands, as such you are ordered to stop reporting for duty with immediate effect pending the commencement and finalization of the negotiation process. You will be invited for the negotiations within the next three days.

“You purported resumption of duty is therefore a blatant violation of a council resolution of 20 October 2022 and the letter from local government local board dated 14 September 2022.You are therefore advised to immediately vacate the office,” advised the acting town clerk.

The corrupt ridden Chingombe is facing a slew of allegations that include abuse of office and sexual exploitation of female subordinates and student attachees.

Speaking to this publication, Town House employees described Chingombe as Power hungry.
“The embattled and power-hungry former Human Capital Director seems to love taking the law into his own hands and defying both the Directive of the Local Government Board and a similar Council resolution which ordered that he awaits negotiations over the protracted labour dispute,”said  the employee who identified himself as Mhofu.

Another senior worker  who declined to be named  for fear of victimization voiced the same sentiments.

“He has used his pocket which is corruptly fattened by his relative  Mberikunashe to capture known Councilors to try and undermine the Local Government Board resolution and Council resolution. This surely cannot be tolerated,”.

Chingombe turns 71 in a few months and he has been accused of using a fraudulently  birth certificate which reduced his age. For age cheating he was once  described “as a big shame for a person who bragges of being a Corporate governance champion”.

Efforts  to get a comment from Chingombe and Harare Mayor Jacob Mafume were fruitless.

…The Bill that could one day get politicians like Emmerson Mnangagwa’s top aides arrested for the manner they have traded off the nation’s assets to foreign entities, has been okayed.

The Patriotic Bill enhances the provisions of the Criminal Law Code in matters relating to the country’s sovereignty through the criminalisation of conduct that undermined Zimbabwe’s sovereignty, dignity, independence and national interests.

Recently Mnangagwa trampled on the nation’s sovereignty by obtaining from the Chinese government funding for Zimbabwe’s new parliament building; and since 2002, most abrupt changes to laws have ended up incriminating members of ZANU PF more than those from the opposition.

Amendments to the criminal code approved by Cabinet this week will impose stiffer penalties for those who campaign against the country through private correspondence with foreign governments and harm national interests.

Acting Minister of Information, Publicity and Broadcasting Services Dr Jenfan Muswere, standing in for Minister Monica Mutsvangwa, said Cabinet considered and approved the Criminal Law (Codification and Reform) Amendment Bill, 2022, presented by the Minister of Justice, Legal and Parliamentary Affairs Ziyambi Ziyambi in his capacity as chairman of the Cabinet committee on legislation.

The Bill enhanced the provisions of the Criminal Law Code in matters relating to the country’s sovereignty through the criminalisation of conduct that undermined Zimbabwe’s sovereignty, dignity, independence and national interests.

“The Bill also provides for a mandatory sentence in rape and murder cases. In addition, it expands the definition of ‘dangerous drugs’ and also amends the elements which form the crime of abuse of public office.”

The patriotism aspects had been mooted for some time after it emerged that some opposition elements were globetrotting around Western capitals calling for the imposition of illegal sanctions for their political gain.

In an interview last night, some analysts and legislators said the Bill was long overdue given that some opposition elements and members of civic society were engaging hostile countries speaking ill about Zimbabwe in furtherance of their political interests.

Mashonaland East Proportional Representative MP Tatenda Mavetera (Zanu PF) said the Bill was welcome, saying it was consistent with what other countries like the United States have done.

“It is a Bill that has been long overdue. Our leader, His Excellency President Mnangagwa has been clear that a country is built by its own people. How do you build your country when you speak bad about it? We are happy that Cabinet has approved the Bill and as legislators we will support it,” she said.

She said Zimbabweans ought to speak about developmental work the Second Republic is carrying out, particularly empowerment of women. The Bill drew on similar legislation in other jurisdictions such as the Logan Act in the United States of America.

Midlands Senator, Morgan Komichi (MDC-T) said as legislators they were ready to support the Bill.

“We will have to first go through it once it comes to Parliament. We are prepared to support it if it upholds the rights of the people as enshrined in the Constitution,” said Sen Komichi.

Political analyst Mr Honest Ziuchi said the Bill will revolutionalise the political landscape where some people meet hostile local embassies and speak ill about the country. “This is a progressive and requires everyone’s support. The Bill will instil patriotism which every citizen is duty bound to uphold,” said Mr Ziuchi.

Another analyst noted that the Bill is premised on the constitutional provision on the foreign policy of the country, which values the promotion and protection of the national interests of Zimbabwe.

“Clearly, it is and must be the duty of the State to engage other sovereign nations on issues pertaining to foreign relations, and not self-serving citizens,” he said.

Many Western countries led by Britain and the United States imposed illegal economic sanctions on Zimbabwe at the turn of the millennium at the instigation of leaders in opposition political parties and civic society.

The sanctions, which have been renewed annually, have damaged the country’s economy, although the country is now using its own growing resources, but development could be speeded up with the standard access to balance of payment support and affordable loans from international finance institutions. -state media/additional reporting