By- The People’s Patriotic Party, president Zvaringeni Samuel Chasi wants President Emerson Mnangagwa to be arrested by the International Criminal Court (ICC) over a series of human abuse cases.

Chasi wrote to ICCC asking them to arrest Mnangagwa next week in New York when he is attending the 77 UN session.

The International Criminal Court (ICC) investigates and, where warranted, tries individuals charged with the gravest crimes of concern to the international community: genocide, war crimes, crimes against humanity and the crime of aggression. As a court of last resort, it seeks to complement, not replace, national Courts. Governed by an international treaty called the Rome Statute, the ICC is the world’s first permanent international criminal court. 

In a letter seen by this publication, People’s Patriotic Party, president said Mnangagwa should be arrested next week in New York.

Mnangagwa is attending the 77th session of the United Nations General Assembly in New York on 13 September.

Below is the letter addressed to Mnangagwa copied to the UN, African Union, SADC, Diplomatic Missions, ICC, Parliament of Zimbabwe and Political Parties:

Dear Sir

RE: OPEN LETTER TO PRESIDENT EMMERSON DAMBUDZO MNANGAGWA-ZIMBABWE

Mr. President Sir; we Appeal to the International Criminal Court (ICC) to officially either serve you Summons or issue Warrant of Arrest or Proceed to Apprehend, Interrogate and Prosecute you on Applicable Legal Criteria on 13 September during 77th Session UN General Assembly in New York on charges from Coup De Tat, Mass Genocide, Torture, Abductions, Rape, with counts backdated from 1983 to Date with Redundant Commissions of Inquiry whereas Gross Violations of Human Rights including Failure to Uphold the Rule of Law and defeat to the Course of Justice has been cited.

Mr. President Sir, we Declare a Freedom Charter in Zimbabwe comparable to the one Adopted on 26 June 1955 by South Africa. Your Resignation will not be a Waiver for your Crimes but Honor to Founding Fathers and Heroes whose Legacy you have massacred. We call upon your Impeachment by Parliament or Recall by Zanu -PF. Mr. President Sir, you have Gross Incapacitation and Incompetence since 2017 with Empty Hollow Speeches, Looting and Media Coverage of Cartel Deals worth Trillions of USD with Zero Proceeds to the State Treasury. There is no Second Republic but Rise of the 5th Chimurenga -Economic Independence with what you call “Born Frees” now Declared Comrades of their Generation. 

Please Recall your Zanu-PF Ambassador in South Africa and seek Guidance from those who commenced the Diplomatic Relations. Clearly as Head of State you failed to Dialogue with your Counterpart in South Africa or Address on Xenophobic Attacks/Permit Issues on Zimbabweans and yet you want to manipulate elections with State of Emergency. On 26 August 2022 an Open Letter to the Republic of South Africa was mailed and acknowledged with emphasis not to Exterminate ZIMBABWEANS using Colonial and Apartheid Tactics and in Review Order to Maintain Diplomatic Relations and Promote Peace.

We are Privileged by South African Government to Extend ZEP Permits to June 2023 with hopes for a New Zimbabwe Government then and sustain the Decision for All Healthcare to be Billed to Zimbabwe. We Request a Voluntary Repatriation Exercise Commences (200 Buses) + Free Duty to All Returning Residents + Allowances. Normal Permits/ Visas should be processed as per norm. Refugee/Political Asylums should be Granted to Zimbabweans Remaining in South Africa including Such Passports in terms of Refugee Act 1998,1951 UN Convention on Refugees Act,1969 OAU Convention,1967 Protocol,1993 Basic Agreement Between the Government of South Africa and UNHCR including the Immigration Act of South Africa.

Mr. President; Sir, Parliament should be Dissolved and Senate Abolished respectively as they serve a Ceremonial Role With POLAD now Policy Makers. Electoral Reforms for 2023 Elections should go through a Referendum and Public Consultations done. SADC Polling Stations are a must including Diaspora Vote/Registration. No Political Dialogue or GNU is Acceptable 2023.Securocrats are to Defend the Constitution of Zimbabwe and Ensure a Peaceful Transition and Transfer of Power. 

We call upon your Government to Release all Political and Immigration Prisoners with Immediate Effect. This country will never die but the young people shall save it!!!

Yours Sincerely Zvaringeni Samuel Chasi

President & Commander in Chief People’s Patriotic Party Zimbabwe

By James Gwati- The leader of the opposition CCC, Nelson Chamisa, has reached out to the new Kenyan President, William Ruto, with his congratulatory messages.

Chamisa sent his gratulatory message to Ruto Monday after Kenya’s Supreme court had thrown away the opposition leader Raila Odinga’s petition challenging Ruto’s election.

Chamisa posted on twetter:

I congratulate President Elect H.E Dr 

@WilliamsRuto

 on being declared 5th President of the Republic of #Kenya. Saluting all Kenyans for upholding peace.I applaud Kenya’s institutions for shepherding the electoral process and wish the new administration the best.#GodBlessKenya

By BBC- Liz Truss will be the new UK prime minister after defeating Rishi Sunak in the Tory leadership contest.
It was a closer result than many pundits expected, with Truss taking 57% of valid votes cast.
Speaking at a conference centre in Westminster, she thanked Sunak for a “hard-fought campaign” and pledged to deliver a “bold plan”.
Truss will become prime minister on Tuesday after travelling to meet the Queen at Balmoral in Scotland.
The current foreign secretary is under immediate pressure to announce a plan to tackle soaring energy costs.
She is understood to be considering a freeze on energy bills, with an announcement potentially scheduled for Thursday.
Labour’s Keir Starmer has congratulated her but says the country is facing a “Tory cost of living crisis”.
-BBC

By- The People’s Patriotic Party, president Zvaringeni Samuel Chasi has written to the International Criminal Court (ICC) asking them to arrest President Emmerson Mnangagwa over a series of human abuse cases, including rape, torture, and abductions.

The International Criminal Court (ICC) investigates and, where warranted, tries individuals charged with the gravest crimes of concern to the international community: genocide, war crimes, crimes against humanity and the crime of aggression. As a court of last resort, it seeks to complement, not replace, national Courts. Governed by an international treaty called the Rome Statute, the ICC is the world’s first permanent international criminal court. 

In a letter seen by this publication, People’s Patriotic Party, president Zvaringeni Samuel Chasi said Mnangagwa should be arrested next week in New York.

Mnangagwa is attending the 77th session of the United Nations General Assembly in New York on 13 September.

Below is the letter addressed to Mnangagwa copied to the UN, African Union, SADC, Diplomatic Missions, ICC, Parliament of Zimbabwe and Political Parties:

Dear Sir

RE: OPEN LETTER TO PRESIDENT EMMERSON DAMBUDZO MNANGAGWA-ZIMBABWE

Mr. President Sir; we Appeal to the International Criminal Court (ICC) to officially either serve you Summons or issue Warrant of Arrest or Proceed to Apprehend, Interrogate and Prosecute you on Applicable Legal Criteria on 13 September during 77th Session UN General Assembly in New York on charges from Coup De Tat, Mass Genocide, Torture, Abductions, Rape, with counts backdated from 1983 to Date with Redundant Commissions of Inquiry whereas Gross Violations of Human Rights including Failure to Uphold the Rule of Law and defeat to the Course of Justice has been cited.

Mr. President Sir, we Declare a Freedom Charter in Zimbabwe comparable to the one Adopted on 26 June 1955 by South Africa. Your Resignation will not be a Waiver for your Crimes but Honor to Founding Fathers and Heroes whose Legacy you have massacred. We call upon your Impeachment by Parliament or Recall by Zanu -PF. Mr. President Sir, you have Gross Incapacitation and Incompetence since 2017 with Empty Hollow Speeches, Looting and Media Coverage of Cartel Deals worth Trillions of USD with Zero Proceeds to the State Treasury. There is no Second Republic but Rise of the 5th Chimurenga -Economic Independence with what you call “Born Frees” now Declared Comrades of their Generation. 

Please Recall your Zanu-PF Ambassador in South Africa and seek Guidance from those who commenced the Diplomatic Relations. Clearly as Head of State you failed to Dialogue with your Counterpart in South Africa or Address on Xenophobic Attacks/Permit Issues on Zimbabweans and yet you want to manipulate elections with State of Emergency. On 26 August 2022 an Open Letter to the Republic of South Africa was mailed and acknowledged with emphasis not to Exterminate ZIMBABWEANS using Colonial and Apartheid Tactics and in Review Order to Maintain Diplomatic Relations and Promote Peace.

We are Privileged by South African Government to Extend ZEP Permits to June 2023 with hopes for a New Zimbabwe Government then and sustain the Decision for All Healthcare to be Billed to Zimbabwe. We Request a Voluntary Repatriation Exercise Commences (200 Buses) + Free Duty to All Returning Residents + Allowances. Normal Permits/ Visas should be processed as per norm. Refugee/Political Asylums should be Granted to Zimbabweans Remaining in South Africa including Such Passports in terms of Refugee Act 1998,1951 UN Convention on Refugees Act,1969 OAU Convention,1967 Protocol,1993 Basic Agreement Between the Government of South Africa and UNHCR including the Immigration Act of South Africa.

Mr. President; Sir, Parliament should be Dissolved and Senate Abolished respectively as they serve a Ceremonial Role With POLAD now Policy Makers. Electoral Reforms for 2023 Elections should go through a Referendum and Public Consultations done. SADC Polling Stations are a must including Diaspora Vote/Registration. No Political Dialogue or GNU is Acceptable 2023.Securocrats are to Defend the Constitution of Zimbabwe and Ensure a Peaceful Transition and Transfer of Power. 

We call upon your Government to Release all Political and Immigration Prisoners with Immediate Effect. This country will never die but the young people shall save it!!!

Yours Sincerely Zvaringeni Samuel Chasi

President & Commander in Chief People’s Patriotic Party Zimbabwe

By James Gwati- The opposition CCC leader, Nelson Chamisa has congratulated the new Kenyan President, William Ruto.

Chamisa sent his gratulatory message to Ruto Monday after Kenya’s Supreme court had thrown away the opposition leader Raila Odinga’s petition challenging Ruto’s election.

Chamisa posted on twetter:

I congratulate President Elect H.E Dr 

@WilliamsRuto

 on being declared 5th President of the Republic of #Kenya. Saluting all Kenyans for upholding peace.I applaud Kenya’s institutions for shepherding the electoral process and wish the new administration the best.#GodBlessKenya

By James Gwati- The Supreme Court in Kenya has dismissed a petition by Kenya’s former Prime Minister, Raila Odinga, challenging William Ruto’s election in the August 9th presidential election. 

In a statement, Odinga, in response to the judgment, the former PM said he vehemently disagreed with the court’s opinion. 

Reads the statement:

We have taken note of the decision of the Supreme Court on the Presidential election held on August 9th, 2022. We have always stood for the rule of law and the constitution. In this regard, we respect the opinion of the court although we vehemently disagree with their decision today. 

Our lawyers proffered irrefutable evidence and the facts were on our side, unfortunately, the judges saw it otherwise. We find it incredible that the judges found against us on all nine (9) grounds and occasion resulted to unduly exaggerated language to refute our claims. 

This judgement is by no means the end of our movement, in fact it inspires us to redouble our efforts to transform this country into a prosperous democracy where each and every Kenyan can find their full belonging. We thank our supporters and Kenyans across the country for standing with us. We will be communicating in the near future on our plans to continue our struggle for transparency, accountability and democracy.

God bless you and God bless Kenya!

Tinashe Sambiri|CCC leader President Nelson Chamisa says the citizens’ struggle is unstoppable.

In a statement posted on Twitter at the weekend, President Chamisa said Mr Emmerson Mnangagwa’s Zanu PF cannot stop the wave of change.

Said President Chamisa:
“It’s a Citizens’ struggle, a Citizens’ project, a Citizens’ fight.

The Citizens shall govern… Nomakanjani!#Fakapressure #RegisterToVoteZW.”

CCC also commended thousands of Bulilima residents who supported the people’s struggle during the weekend by-elections.

“APPRECIATION post for the brave citizens of Bulilima who defies the odds in the face of ZEC manipulation, Zanu PF violence, intimidation, banning of gatherings, victimization for supporting change & general political tension.

No wonder @ZANUPF_Official is mad! #FakaPressure.”

By BBC- Liz Truss will be the new UK prime minister after defeating Rishi Sunak in the Tory leadership contest.
It was a closer result than many pundits expected, with Truss taking 57% of valid votes cast.
Speaking at a conference centre in Westminster, she thanked Sunak for a “hard-fought campaign” and pledged to deliver a “bold plan”.
Truss will become prime minister on Tuesday after travelling to meet the Queen at Balmoral in Scotland.
The current foreign secretary is under immediate pressure to announce a plan to tackle soaring energy costs.
She is understood to be considering a freeze on energy bills, with an announcement potentially scheduled for Thursday.
Labour’s Keir Starmer has congratulated her but says the country is facing a “Tory cost of living crisis”.
-BBC

Tinashe Sambiri|President Nelson Chamisa’s Citizens Coalition for Change (CCC), has appealed to millions of Zimbabweans in South Africa to return home for the purpose of registering to vote.

In a statement, CCC deputy spokesperson, Gift Ostallos Siziba, bemoaned the harassment of Zimbabweans in South Africa.

Read Siziba’s statement:

Someone sent us this flyer he picked next to his house this morning.

It’s a flyer from Change Champions in Alex park, South Africa.

Given the circumstances facing our people in South Africa- the solution is for us to come back home and fix our country.

Diaspora is such a powerful force.

More than 2 million Zimbabweans are in South Africa because of the economic and political situation in our country.

They’re treated like second class citizens.

The solution is resolving the governance crisis in our own country by voting the Mnangagwa regime out!

Thank you Citizens in Alex for spreading the word.

RegisterToVoteZW

By- Prison officials Sunday invited the family of Citizens Coalition for Change (CCC) legislator Job Sikhala at Chikurubi Maximum Security Prison, asking for urgent help over suspected poisoning in his prison cell.

Sikhala, who has been arrested on several occasions, was said to be vomiting and the prison officials summoned the legislator’s family to bring a private doctor for urgent treatment.
The Zengeza West legislator’s aide Frederick Masarirevhu told NewsDay that Sikhala’s wife was called by prison officials over a suspected case of poisoning.
“It’s true, Sikhala is not okay. I spoke with his wife and she informed me that the legislator has been vomiting and we are in touch with doctors for urgent assistance.
“Mrs Sikhala is currently on her way to Chikurubi Maximum Prison and a team of doctors is expected to follow. This is surprising considering that I had an hour-long conversation with him on Saturday. From what I hear, he is not in good shape and we wait to hear the exact condition from the medical team,” Masarirevhu said.
Sikhala’s lawyer Beatrice Mtetwa confirmed the incident, but said she was out of the country.
No further information was made available at the time of going to print.
“That is what I have been told, but I have not seen him because I am out of the country,” Mtetwa said.

NewsDay contacted the ZPCS officials who failed to respond by the time of going to print.
Sikhala, who is the CCC vice-national chairperson, human rights lawyer and legislator, was arrested on June 14 after violence broke out in Nyatsime, Chitungwiza, during the funeral wake of Moreblessing Ali, a CCC activist who was killed by a suspected Zanu PF activist, Pius Mukandi Jamba.
Sikhala is in prison for allegedly inciting unrest and defeating the course of justice.
The State alleges that he posted a video on social media that was intended at misleading the police who were investigating the death of Ali.
He was arrested alongside Godfrey Sithole, a CCC MP for Chitungwiza North and 13 party activists.
The charge of obstructing the course of justice were levelled against him when he was already in remand prison.
He has applied for bail five times without success.
-NewsDay

By- Zanu PF lost the Bulilima by-elections to the Nelson Chamisa-led Citizens’ Coalition for Change (CCC).

CCC grabbed two out of three wards in by-elections held on Saturday.

The three wards were under Zanu PF.

Bulilima RDC wards 1, 14 and 16 fell vacant following the resignation of two Zanu PF councillors, Tonny Mlotshwa and Ntungamili Dube and the death of Delani Mabhena, also of Zanu PF.

Results released by the Zimbabwe Electoral Commission (ZEC), CCC won wards 1 and 16, with Zanu PF taking Ward 14 of Bulilima District Council (RDC).

Below are the results announced by ZEC:

Ward 16

• Moyo Jane (ZANU PF) – 118
• Moyo Makhadi (CCC) – 131
• Ncube Hitman (ZAPU) -34

WARD 1

• Moyo Dalton (PPP) – 12
• Moyo Ephraim (CCC) – 385
• Ndlovu Kossam Phapha (ZANU PF) – 315
• Nyoni Lindiwe (CGC) – 7

WARD 14

• Dube Experience (ZANU PF) – 459
• Moyo Ephraim (CCC) – 332
• Moyo Linos (ZAPU) – 18

According to ZEC, in Ward 16, there were 3 spoilt ballots and the percentage poll was 50.35%.

In War 1, there were 14 spoilt ballot papers while the percentage poll was 50.80.

In Ward 14, 5 spoilt ballot papers were recorded while the percentage poll was 53.24%.

By- Former deputy Prime minister Thokhozani Khupe has been credited for the CCC Bulilima by-elections weekend victory.

CCC won two of the three wards that previously belonged to Zanu PF.

 Khupe has been conducting grassroots campaigns in these wards.

 When she joined CCC, she was initially viewed with suspicion, but party supporters have warmed up to her.

Bulilima RDC wards 1, 14 and 16 fell vacant following the resignation of two Zanu PF councillors, Tonny Mlotshwa and Ntungamili Dube and the death of Delani Mabhena, also of Zanu PF.

Results released by the Zimbabwe Electoral Commission (ZEC), CCC won wards 1 and 16, with Zanu PF taking Ward 14 of Bulilima District Council (RDC).

Below are the results announced by ZEC:

Ward 16

• Moyo Jane (ZANU PF) – 118
• Moyo Makhadi (CCC) – 131
• Ncube Hitman (ZAPU) -34

WARD 1

• Moyo Dalton (PPP) – 12
• Moyo Ephraim (CCC) – 385
• Ndlovu Kossam Phapha (ZANU PF) – 315
• Nyoni Lindiwe (CGC) – 7

WARD 14

• Dube Experience (ZANU PF) – 459
• Moyo Ephraim (CCC) – 332
• Moyo Linos (ZAPU) – 18

According to ZEC, in Ward 16, there were 3 spoilt ballots and the percentage poll was 50.35%.

In War 1, there were 14 spoilt ballot papers while the percentage poll was 50.80.

In Ward 14, 5 spoilt ballot papers were recorded while the percentage poll was 53.24%.

By- The Economic Freedom Fighters leader, Julius Malema, has told party members to avoid becoming part of the narrative that Zimbabwean nationals are stealing jobs from South Africans.

Speaking at an EFF provincial conference in Klerksdorp, North West, on Sunday, Malema said EFF members should focus on the land issue and occupy strategic economic positions instead of yearning to be employed by white people. Said Malema:
Today, you are fighting with Zimbabweans. You are all fighting to be negros. You are fighting to work for a white man.
You are not fighting for the land. All of you to join forces together against Zimbabweans. What’s wrong? No, they are taking our jobs. Why? Because you want to be workers.
You don’t want to be the owners of strategic sectors of the economy. All you are fighting for is jobs. Who is going to give you these jobs? It’s a white man.
You are all fighting to work for a white man and you are proud of fighting to work for a white man. Why should you fight people for jobs?
We should fight people for the land and that we want our land because, with our land, we will not be workers.
We will be the owners of the land and we will produce for ourselves and for all.
Malema’s speech comes after Home Affairs Minister Aaron Motsoaledi granted Zimbabwe Exemption Permit (ZEP) another six months to regularise their stay in South Africa.
Meanwhile, Operation Dudula, an anti-immigrant group in South Africa, said the extension of ZEPs is an insult to South Africans.
Operation Dudula’s Kwena Molekwa said they can’t continue to feel sorry for Zimbabweans considering that almost half of South Africans are unemployed.

By- The Nelson Chamisa-led Citizens’ Coalition for Change (CCC) has won two out of three wards in by-elections held in Bulilima on Saturday.

The three wards were under Zanu PF.

Bulilima RDC wards 1, 14 and 16 fell vacant following the resignation of two Zanu PF councillors, Tonny Mlotshwa and Ntungamili Dube and the death of Delani Mabhena, also of Zanu PF.

Results released by the Zimbabwe Electoral Commission (ZEC), CCC won wards 1 and 16, with Zanu PF taking Ward 14 of Bulilima District Council (RDC).

Below are the results announced by ZEC:

Ward 16

• Moyo Jane (ZANU PF) – 118
• Moyo Makhadi (CCC) – 131
• Ncube Hitman (ZAPU) -34

WARD 1

• Moyo Dalton (PPP) – 12
• Moyo Ephraim (CCC) – 385
• Ndlovu Kossam Phapha (ZANU PF) – 315
• Nyoni Lindiwe (CGC) – 7

WARD 14

• Dube Experience (ZANU PF) – 459
• Moyo Ephraim (CCC) – 332
• Moyo Linos (ZAPU) – 18

According to ZEC, in Ward 16, there were 3 spoilt ballots and the percentage poll was 50.35%.

In War 1, there were 14 spoilt ballot papers while the percentage poll was 50.80.

In Ward 14, 5 spoilt ballot papers were recorded while the percentage poll was 53.24%.

Tinashe Sambiri|The Citizens’ Coalition for Change (CCC) overcame Zanu PF in by-elections held at the weekend.

CCC won two out of the three by-elections held in Bulilima.

CCC leader President Nelson Chamisa described the weekend results as encouraging.

“THANK YOU BULILIMA…

A BIG WIN against all odds, CCC won 2/3 of the wards previously held by Zpf in yesterday’s by-elections. We nearly took all wards.

What a great fight Champions!! We’re a CITIZENS MOVEMENT.

Thanks to our ground forces,the Change Champions.

Kudos to diaspora for the support.All glory be to God! #Godisinit #WinBig #FakaPressure
#Ngaapindehakemukomana #kangenesibiliujaha

nganjilemulombe

Nganginembisana,” said President Chamisa in a statement on Twitter.

Tinashe Sambiri|The Citizens’ Coalition for Change (CCC) overcame Zanu PF in by-elections held at the weekend.

CCC won two out of the three by-elections held in Bulilima.

CCC leader President Nelson Chamisa described the weekend results as encouraging.

“THANK YOU BULILIMA…

A BIG WIN against all odds, CCC won 2/3 of the wards previously held by Zpf in yesterday’s by-elections. We nearly took all wards.

What a great fight Champions!! We’re a CITIZENS MOVEMENT.

Thanks to our ground forces,the Change Champions.

Kudos to diaspora for the support.All glory be to God! #Godisinit #WinBig #FakaPressure
#Ngaapindehakemukomana #kangenesibiliujaha

nganjilemulombe

Nganginembisana,” said President Chamisa in a statement on Twitter.

Tinashe Sambiri|The Citizens’ Coalition for Change (CCC) overcame Zanu PF in by-elections held at the weekend.

CCC won two out of the three by-elections held in Bulilima.

CCC leader President Nelson Chamisa described the weekend results as encouraging.

“THANK YOU BULILIMA…

A BIG WIN against all odds, CCC won 2/3 of the wards previously held by Zpf in yesterday’s by-elections. We nearly took all wards.

What a great fight Champions!! We’re a CITIZENS MOVEMENT.

Thanks to our ground forces,the Change Champions.

Kudos to diaspora for the support.All glory be to God! #Godisinit #WinBig #FakaPressure
#Ngaapindehakemukomana #kangenesibiliujaha

nganjilemulombe

Nganginembisana,” said President Chamisa in a statement on Twitter.

By Farai D Hove | The incarcerated Zengeza West MP Job Sikhala has fallen seriously ill in prison.

Sikhala is “currently vomiting, and struggling to walk,” his wife told ZimEye.

She added saying,

“I Am at Chikurubi”

The MP’s lawyer Beatrice Mtetwa was at the time of writing to facilitate for the MP’s hospitalisation. MORE TO FOLLOW

By A Correspondent- The Government is set to recruit 2 988 headmasters and deputies to fill primary and secondary school vacancies in a massive recruitment drive set to improve pass rates and maintenance of infrastructure at educational institutions across the country.

The recruitment of heads and deputies began on 30 August, with prospective candidates set to have handed in their applications by 21 September.

According to a memorandum from the Ministry of Primary and Secondary Education seen by Sunday News, Government is seeking to employ a total of 1 318 primary school heads, with Bulawayo (8), Harare (5), Manicaland (247), Mashonaland Central (154), Mashonaland East (171), Mashonaland West (125), Masvingo (109), Matabeleland North (210), Matabeleland South (160) and Midlands (129) all set to get appointees for the vacant posts.

For secondary schools, a total of 532 school heads are set to be appointed, with Bulawayo (7), Harare (17), Manicaland (27), Mashonaland Central (5), Mashonaland East (16), Mashonaland West (23), Masvingo (10), Matabeleland North (33), Matabeleland South (12) and Midlands (23) all set to get new appointees.

Across the country, 965 deputy primary school heads are set to fill vacant positions, while 173 secondary deputy school heads will also get appointed.

In Bulawayo, in addition to the eight primary school heads that are set to be appointed, 23 deputy primary school heads, two secondary school heads and seven deputy heads are also set to get new briefs. The primary schools without school heads in Bulawayo are St Bernard’s, Waterford, Helemu, Lozikeyi, Hope Fountain, Inkanyezi and Mhlali. Deputy school heads will be appointed for St Peters, Khami Prison, Hope, Mazwi, Mbuyazwe, Thembisa, Babambeni, Dumezweni, Robert Sinyoka, Henry Low, Kumalo, Fairbridge, Mthombothemba, Kensington, Lochview, Mgiqika, Nketa, King George VI, Sigombe, Mafela, Sibantubanye, Mgoqo and Gampu primary schools.

Tennyson Hlabangana and Maranatha are the two secondary schools in Bulawayo that are set to get substantive heads while Pumula South Secondary, Pumula High, Amhlophe High, Masotsha High, Founders, Emakhandeni and Gifford High School are all set to get deputy heads.

Primary and Secondary Education communications and advocacy director Mr Taungana Ndoro said the Government was embarking on the recruitment drive after realisation that there were many vacancies in those positions across the country. He also said the appointment of new school custodians would improve standards of learning and consequently pass rates as pupils geared for examinations across the country.

“The significance of these appointments is that there are a lot of headmasters or deputies that are currently in their roles on an acting capacity because in most cases, the incumbents would have moved elsewhere, retired or promoted. So, by appointing substantive heads, we are making sure that there is binding responding that comes with the role because once appointed, a head becomes the custodian of whatever institution that they lead.

As we approach a crucial part of the education calendar, we intend to make sure that pass rates go up as well is make sure that school infrastructure are well maintained which is the responsibility of those in positions of leadership,” he said.

Mr Ndoro said as the third term beckoned, the Government was also assessing possible teaching vacancies that needed to be filled.

“We are yet to see where we are in terms of vacancies for teachers. A lot of the headmasters and deputies are also teaching heads so they will also assume duties in the classroom while running the school. Afterwards we will then assess to see where we stand in terms of vacancies and then we shall see what the Public Service Commission allows to do to remedy those vacancies should they be any,” he said.

By A Correspondent- A 56 year old Mvurwi man is in trouble after he allegedly murdered his neigbour while accusing him of neglecting his sick mother.

Macdonald Kadenhe of Pembi falls farm, Mvurwi was dragged to Guruve magistrates courts on Wednesday facing a murder charge.

He

 was not asked to plead to the charge by magistrate  Rumbidzai Mugwagwa and was remanded incustody to September 12.

The state led by Albert Charewa alleges on August 26 the suspect visted at the now deceased Tichaona Charamuka’s house around midnight.

The two were discussing  about Charamuka’s failure to take care of his sick mother.

The discussion  flared into a misunderstanding and  Kadenhe started assaulting  the deceased with open hands while smashing his head on the floor several times.

The head cracked and  he bled profusely until he lost consciousness.

Zaire Charamuka brother to the deceased was awakened  by the commotion  and found his brother in a pool of blood.

He rushed him to the hospital where he was certified dead.

By A Correspondent- Multitudes of Zimbabweans engaged as domestic workers, or doing other menial jobs, remain in a quandary over their future as immigrants in South Africa after it emerged they were unsure of what exemption they could seek from the Department of Home Affairs.

Most Zimbabweans who were due for deportation at the expiry of their residence permits, commonly known as Zimbabwean Exemption Permit (ZEP), in December 2022 were given a six-month grace period to regularise their stay following a Cabinet directive freezing deportations.

 In a statement Friday, South Africa Home Affairs Minister, Aaron Motsoaledi, said the Departmental Advisory Committee (DAC) decided to extend an olive branch to affected neighbours, noting that only a few had submitted applications to renew their permits.

“With the powers bestowed upon me in terms of section 31(2)(b), read with section 31(2)(d) of the Immigration Act, decided to extend the Zimbabwean exemptions granted to Zimbabwean nationals for a further period of six (6) months in order to allow the holders thereof to apply for one or other visas provided for in the Immigration Act that they may qualify for, hereby direct that this decision should be implemented as follows, during the further six months’ period, from 31 December 2022, ending on 30 June 2023,” Motsoaledi said.

“No holder of the exemption may be arrested, ordered to depart or be detained for purposes of deportation or deported in terms of the section 34 of the Immigration Act for any reason related to him or her not having any valid exemption certificate (i.e permit label/ sticker) in his or her passport,” the minister said.

But, Zimbabwe Community in South Africa chairman, Ngqabutho Mabhena told NewZimbabwe.com that while his organisation welcomed the moratorium on arrests and deportations of immigrants, most affected individuals, particularly unskilled labourers, did not know how to apply for exemption.

“We welcome the extension of the grace period by the Minister of Home Affairs from 31st of December 2022 to 30th of June 2023,” said Mabhena.

“This brings a sigh of relief to holders of ZEP as the majority of them had not applied to move to other VISAs. The reason for them not to apply is because of confusion in terms of the requirements.

“Most people that are ZEP holders are people of low skill, and according to the Immigration Act, such individuals will not qualify. Even if people are asked to apply for a waiver, others are not sure what it is they should ask the Department to waiver.”

Mabhena said his organisation would take opportunity of the deportation freeze to engage South African government authorities.

“So, we believe with this extended grace period, we will be able to engage the Department of Home Affairs so it gives clarity to say ‘if a person ia of low skills working as a domestic worker or a driver in the construction industry, what assistance can they get and what are the requirements that need waiver for them to qualify for a general working VISA,” Mabhena added.

Zanu-PF SA chapter spokesperson, Kennedy Mapesa Mandaza concurred with Mabhena, adding the reprieve had eased tensions amid fears of xenophobic attacks.

“It is a decision that has brought relief to many of our people who were being faced by the possibility of deportation at the end of the year,” said Mandaza.

It has eased the tension and frustrations that we’re simmering among Zimbabweans both in South Africa and Zimbabwe. The reprieve will give the majority of the Zimbabweans to continue to seek regular permits that are provided under the South African Immigration laws.

“More importantly it gives our people ample time to repatriate their property to Zimbabwe without a lot of hustles especially now that those who may not get the permits may do so after the busy festive season.

“During this period we urge our two governments to continue to engage and find lasting solutions on the issue of Zimbabwean migrants so that we have a resolution that accommodates the concerns of the migrants.”

By A Correspondent- Operation Dudula, an anti-immigrant group in South Africa, said the extension of Zimbabwean Exemption Permits (ZEPs) is an insult to South Africans.

On 02 September 2022, South Africa’s Home Affairs Minister, Aaron Motsoaledi announced the extension of the application period to 30 June 2023.

Motsoaledi, however, warned that there will be no further extensions.

Operation Dudula’s Kwena Molekwa said the South African government has betrayed its people by extending the deadline. Said Molekwa:

But what is heartbreaking is the continuous betrayal of the ANC government toward the South African people because prioritising South Africans in South Africa seems like a wild concept…labour laws of this country have been undermined under this ZEP that is being placed illegally.

Molekwa said they can’t continue to feel sorry for Zimbabweans considering that almost half of South Africans are unemployed. Said Molekwa:

Yes, we did sympathise with the Zimbabwean people but we can no longer continue looking at the unemployment of South Africans, looking at 46% of South Africans that are on grants.

On Saturday, Motsoaledi revealed that to date, the Department of Home Affairs (DHA) has received 9 000 visa waivers and 4 000 applications. | EWN

By A Correspondent- Companies and banks failing to timeously remit tax will be penalised, Finance minister Mthuli Ncube has warned.

Speaking on Saturday in an interview with the state media, Ncube said while there has been a significant rise in domestic remittances, the increase is not being reflected in Treasury inflows because companies are delaying giving the government its IMMT on time forcing the government to borrow in order to fund development projects.

He said:

These delays then force Government to borrow through instruments such as Treasury bills so that we can fund development projects currently underway.

The delay in remitting taxes to Treasury by money transfer companies forces the Government to borrow through such instruments as Treasury bills to fund development projects.

But the problem with remittances due to Treasury is not unique to money transfer companies alone. Even banks are guilty of this.

Treasury through the Zimbabwe Revenue Authority (ZIMRA) is currently owed about US$6 million by banks in Value Added Tax remittance

My Ministry will soon begin to penalise them if they hold onto funds due to Treasury for longer than necessary.

Proposed penalties will be twice what they should remit to Treasury if they delay.”

By A Correspondent- Citizens’ Coalition for Change (CCC) leader Nelson Chamisa has expressed gratitude to voters in Bulilima after the opposition party won two out of three wards under Bulilima Rural District Council in by-elections held on 3 September.

Bulilima RDC wards 1, 14 and 16, fell vacant following the resignation of two ZANU PF councillors, Tonny Mlotshwa and Ntungamili Dube and the death of Delani Mabhena, also of ZANU PF.

But CCC, formed in January this year, managed to snatch wards 1 and 16, while ZANU PF retained Ward 14.

Posting on Twitter this Sunday, Chamisa also thanked the party’s foot soldiers as well as Zimbabweans based in the diaspora for assisting the party to make electoral gains in rural Matabeleland. Wrote Chamisa:

THANK YOU BULILIMA… A BIG WIN against all odds, CCC won 2/3 of the wards previously held by ZANU PF in yesterday’s by-elections.

We’re a CITIZEN’S MOVEMENT. Thanks to our ground forces, the Change Champions. Kudos to the diaspora for the support. All glory be to God!

According to the Zimbabwe Electoral Commission (ZEC), voter turnout was slightly above 50 per cent in the three wards.

CCC’s Makhadi Moyo and Ephraim Moyo won wards 16 and 1 respectively, while ZANU PF’s Experience Dube won Ward 14

By A Correspondent- A South African-based 24-year-old Zimbabwean national reportedly committed suicide after hosting a party for members of the community in Thandanani, Verulam in KwaZulu-Natal.

The man, who has not been named, locked himself in a room after ordering his girlfriend to move out and then set the building on fire on Saturday.

A local South African publication reported that the deceased’s neighbours contacted private security, Reaction Unit South Africa (RUSA) at around 9:41 AM after the man’s wood and iron home burst into flames with him inside.

RUSA members were immediately dispatched and on arrival discovered the home completely burnt down.

The charred remains of the self-employed tiler were discovered in the debris.

RUSA spokesperson, Prem Balram, said the man’s girlfriend, who was drunk, said the deceased bought large quantities of meat and beer to host a braai on Friday afternoon.

He reportedly partied throughout the night with members of his community and his girlfriend.

Balram said that when the man returned home on Saturday morning he discovered his girlfriend in his bed. He added:

He informed her that he loved her and asked her to leave as he intended on ending his life.

He then forced her out of the residence and locked the door. The informal home thereafter burst into flames.

The deceased could be heard screaming for several minutes before the structure collapsed. The motive for the suicide was not immediately established.

By A Correspondent- Police in Bulawayo have launched an operation targetting public transporters operating from undesignated points in the city.

Police say that have impounded 21 buses, 45 commuter omnibuses and 15 private cars since then.

Zimbabwe Republic Police (ZRP) spokesperson in Bulawayo Province, Inspector Abednico Ncube, told journalists on Friday that the impounded vehicles were taken to Ross Camp Police Station while the drivers were arrested. He said:

Most of the vehicles we have impounded are not registered or have outstanding fees with the city council.

For them to be cleared, they will have to undergo inspection by the relevant authorities.

Insp Ncube urged members of the public and bus operators to desist from operating in undesignated areas.

He reiterated that the police shall continue with the operation until order is restored in the city.

In Bulawayo, long-distance bus crews pick up and drop passengers along Bulawayo–Harare Road, Leopold Takawira Extension opposite Centenary Park and along Bulawayo–Plumtree Road at Jonh Love Motor, among other undesignated points, thereby disrupting the smooth flow of traffic.

By A Correspondent- The Zimbabwe Electoral Commission (ZEC) has refused to say whether it will reduce its hefty nomination fees for aspiring candidates or not after the majority of opposition political parties expressed their disapproval.

A letter by ZEC in response to a challenge on the fees indicates a meeting will soon be called to consider grievances raised by three activists represented by the Zimbabwe Lawyers for Human Rights (ZLHR

Rusty Markham, an MDC Alliance MP, Egypt Dzinemunhezva, a former presidential candidate, and student leader Tapiwa Chiriga lodged a complaint with ZEC and gave it a 72-hour ultimatum to withdraw Statutory Instrument 144/2022 gazetted by government.

The letter, signed by ZEC deputy chairperson Rodney Kiwa, indicated that the elections management body will sit and consider the nomination fees. It reads:

Reference is made to the above subject matter and to your letter dated 23 August 2022 regarding the same.

The contents thereof have been noted. We shall revert to you once the matter has been deliberated upon by the full commission.

ZEC recently announced new nomination fees that will see all Presidential candidates parting with US$20 000, legislators US$1 000 and US$100 for councillors and senators.

In 2018, Presidential candidates paid US$1 000.

By A Correspondent- Five people are feared dead after a head-on collision involving two Honda Fit vehicles along the curve just after Mutare Teachers’ College in Mutare on Sunday morning.

John Mutakura, who was one of the first people to arrive at the accident scene told The Manica Post that five people died on the spot. He said:

The accident occurred around 5 AM. One of the vehicles was heading towards the city while the other was coming from the direction of Dangamvura.

We saw five people that were already dead when we got to the scene. It is a sorry sight. We had to cover the dead with blankets.

Many people have died in accidents on the same spot which is characterised by rugged terrain and is now considered a black spot.

Police in Manicaland Province could not comment on the accident, saying traffic cops have been deployed to attend the scene.

By- Zanu PF has lost two out of the three wards to the Nelson Chamisa-led Citizens’ Coalition for Change (CCC) in by-elections held in Bulilima on Saturday.

CCC grabbed two of the wards.

Bulilima RDC wards 1, 14 and 16 fell vacant following the resignation of two Zanu PF councillors, Tonny Mlotshwa and Ntungamili Dube and the death of Delani Mabhena, also of Zanu PF.

Results released by the Zimbabwe Electoral Commission (ZEC), CCC won wards 1 and 16, with Zanu PF taking Ward 14 of Bulilima District Council (RDC).

Below are the results announced by ZEC:

Ward 16

• Moyo Jane (ZANU PF) – 118
• Moyo Makhadi (CCC) – 131
• Ncube Hitman (ZAPU) -34

WARD 1

• Moyo Dalton (PPP) – 12
• Moyo Ephraim (CCC) – 385
• Ndlovu Kossam Phapha (ZANU PF) – 315
• Nyoni Lindiwe (CGC) – 7

WARD 14

• Dube Experience (ZANU PF) – 459
• Moyo Ephraim (CCC) – 332
• Moyo Linos (ZAPU) – 18

According to ZEC, in Ward 16, there were 3 spoilt ballots and the percentage poll was 50.35%.

In War 1, there were 14 spoilt ballot papers while the percentage poll was 50.80.

In Ward 14, 5 spoilt ballot papers were recorded while the percentage poll was 53.24%.

By-South Africa’s Home Affairs Minister Aaron Motsoaledi said his government would not extend the Zimbabwe Exemption Permit (ZEP) beyond 30 June 2023.

On Friday, Motsoaledi announced the extension of the validity of the ZEP Visa by another six months, from 31 December 2022 to 30 June 2023.

Speaking on SABC News this weekend, Motsoaledi said ZEP holders should take advantage of the extension of the deadline to regularise their stay in South Africa. He said:

There will never be any other extension. If anybody doesn’t want to take advantage of this extension, after 30 June 2023, then that is the end of the whole exemption permit.

Motsoaledi also revealed that to date, the Department of Home Affairs (DHA) has received 9 000 visa waivers and 4 000 applications.

DHA said the reason for the extension is due to the low number of applications received from Zimbabweans to regularise their stay in the country.

At least 178 000 Zimbabweans are holders of the permit and those who fail to get alternative visas will have to leave South Africa.

By- Former deputy Prime minister Thokhozani Khupe should be credited for the CCC Bulilima by-elections weekend victory.

CCC won two of the three wards that previously belonged to Zanu PF.

 Khupe has been conducting grassroots campaigns in these wards.

 When she joined CCC, she was initially viewed with suspicion, but party supporters have warmed up to her.

Bulilima RDC wards 1, 14 and 16 fell vacant following the resignation of two Zanu PF councillors, Tonny Mlotshwa and Ntungamili Dube and the death of Delani Mabhena, also of Zanu PF.

Results released by the Zimbabwe Electoral Commission (ZEC), CCC won wards 1 and 16, with Zanu PF taking Ward 14 of Bulilima District Council (RDC).

Below are the results announced by ZEC:

Ward 16

• Moyo Jane (ZANU PF) – 118
• Moyo Makhadi (CCC) – 131
• Ncube Hitman (ZAPU) -34

WARD 1

• Moyo Dalton (PPP) – 12
• Moyo Ephraim (CCC) – 385
• Ndlovu Kossam Phapha (ZANU PF) – 315
• Nyoni Lindiwe (CGC) – 7

WARD 14

• Dube Experience (ZANU PF) – 459
• Moyo Ephraim (CCC) – 332
• Moyo Linos (ZAPU) – 18

According to ZEC, in Ward 16, there were 3 spoilt ballots and the percentage poll was 50.35%.

In War 1, there were 14 spoilt ballot papers while the percentage poll was 50.80.

In Ward 14, 5 spoilt ballot papers were recorded while the percentage poll was 53.24%.

By- A senior member of the Zimbabwe Defence Forces, Colonel Leonard Matambo, has been arrested for smuggling 31 AK-47 assault rifles and 62 magazines.

Matambo smuggled the weapons into the country through the Beitbridge Border Post for a suspected coup plot.

He appeared before magistrate Stanford Mambanje last week and was remanded in custody to Tuesday for bail ruling.

Prosecutor Tafara Chirambira told the court that on an unknown date between 2019 and August this year, Matambo connived with Guguluthu Mabhena of Bulawayo to smuggle a consignment of 31 AK-47 rifles as well as 62 magazines from South Africa.

On August 29, Mabhena was allegedly found carrying the guns in his Toyota Hilux king-cab vehicle at Manica Transit Shed in Beitbridge.

Police investigations established that the firearms had been smuggled from South Africa.

On hearing that the firearms had been intercepted at the border post, Matambo allegedly wrote to the Zimbabwe Revenue Authority’s regional manager requesting that Mabhena, of Spartan Arms International, be allowed to clear the consignment pending submission of relevant clearance documents which he claimed were being processed by the Zimbabwe Defence Industries.

In opposing bail, police Inspector Victor Mukohwa told magistrate Mambanje that Matambo was likely to commit a similar offence and endanger the safety of the general public.

Mukohwa expressed fear that more firearms could have been smuggled using the same modus operandi; hence police required more time to investigate the matter while Matambo and his accomplice were in custody.

-NewsDay

By- The Nelson Chamisa-led Citizens’ Coalition for Change (CCC) has won two out of three wards in by-elections held in Bulilima on Saturday.

Zanu PF took the other ward.

Bulilima RDC wards 1, 14 and 16 fell vacant following the resignation of two Zanu PF councillors, Tonny Mlotshwa and Ntungamili Dube and the death of Delani Mabhena, also of Zanu PF.

Results released by the Zimbabwe Electoral Commission (ZEC), CCC won wards 1 and 16, with Zanu PF taking Ward 14 of Bulilima District Council (RDC).

Below are the results announced by ZEC:

Ward 16

• Moyo Jane (ZANU PF) – 118
• Moyo Makhadi (CCC) – 131
• Ncube Hitman (ZAPU) -34

WARD 1

• Moyo Dalton (PPP) – 12
• Moyo Ephraim (CCC) – 385
• Ndlovu Kossam Phapha (ZANU PF) – 315
• Nyoni Lindiwe (CGC) – 7

WARD 14

• Dube Experience (ZANU PF) – 459
• Moyo Ephraim (CCC) – 332
• Moyo Linos (ZAPU) – 18

According to ZEC, in Ward 16, there were 3 spoilt ballots and the percentage poll was 50.35%.

In War 1, there were 14 spoilt ballot papers while the percentage poll was 50.80.

In Ward 14, 5 spoilt ballot papers were recorded while the percentage poll was 53.24%.

By Staff Reporter- Staff at Zimbabwe Broadcasting Corporation (ZBC)’s Pockets Hill in Harare and Montrose Studios in Bulawayo are reportedly surviving on a daily diet comprising sadza, beans and cabbages, NewZimbabwe.com can reveal.

Sources said the trend has continued for over a year now.

Media personnel covering the ongoing Zimbabwe Agricultural Show (ZAS) in Harare, were denied allowances to buy lunch for themselves, and are surviving on a burger, 500ml of water and a fizzy drink, the whole day.

With no transport allowance and knockoff time falling way after Public Service Commission (PSC) buses have stopped ferrying commuters, some of the station’s big names at the annual event are being forced to walk into town to get alternative transport.

According to the journalists, ZBC chief executive officer (CEO) Adelaide Chikunguru was to blame.

A letter shared with newsrooms by one of the journalists paints a sad picture of the situation at the public broadcaster.

“When Chikunguru declared war against employees she really meant it and did not waste an opportunity to display her evil heart,” reads the letter.

“She has made it a policy that no one receives an allowance for the ZAS event and that food will be tranported from Pockets Hill to the Showground. The meal consists of a burger, a 500ml fizzy drink and 500ml of mineral water.

“Employees who are toiling in the sun are expected to have this for the whole day, that is 0800hrs-1630hrs; that is if you are lucky to get it because the meals are not even enough for everyone on the ground.”

Others who spoke to this publication on condition of anonymity said they could not afford to buy better meals for themselves as their salaries were very low.

“We are not paid enough to afford our own lunch,” said the journalist.

“We do not even understand how such a station could find itself in this situation where it fails to feed its own employees as was being done by past administrations.

“If our viewers and listeners knew how some of those they love so much are treated, they would not believe it.”

Poor administration at ZBC has resulted in a demotivated and poorly paid workforce whose quality of work has been evidently shoddy.

By A Correspondent- ZANU PF reportedly offered to transport its youths to the ongoing Zimbabwe Agricultural Show (ZAS) and reward them handsomely in return for them making rehearsed contributions at a public hearing by parliamentarians.

The Parliamentary Committee on Youth, Sports, Arts and Culture on Friday held a public hearing in Epworth, a largely informal settlement outside Harare, to discuss the reintroduction of the National Youth Service (NYS).

 A local publication reported a source as saying ZANU PF youths were promised food and free transport to the show if they submitted coached contributions during the meeting. Said a youth:

First, we were asked to regurgitate coached submissions at the public hearing, and thereafter go to the showgrounds.

A ZUPCO bus has been organised specifically for us, but if they do not give us transport to the show and the food they promised us, we will boycott the next ZANU PF event. They cannot take us for fools.

After the public hearings had adjourned, a ZUPCO bus was spotted ferrying the ZANU PF youths to the ZAS official opening ceremony.

Meanwhile, the majority of the youths that attended the public hearings in Epworth intermittently disrupted the proceedings.

-NewZim

By- A senior member of the Zimbabwe Defence Forces, Colonel Leonard Matambo, has been arrested for smuggling 31 AK-47 assault rifles and 62 magazines into the country through the Beitbridge Border Post for unknown purposes.

Matambo, who is being charged with smuggling and possession of dangerous weapons, yesterday appeared before magistrate Stanford Mambanje, who remanded him in custody to Tuesday for bail ruling.

Prosecutor Tafara Chirambira told the court that on an unknown date between 2019 and August this year, Matambo connived with Guguluthu Mabhena of Bulawayo to smuggle a consignment of 31 AK-47 rifles as well as 62 magazines from South Africa.

On August 29, Mabhena was allegedly found carrying the guns in his Toyota Hilux king-cab vehicle at Manica Transit Shed in Beitbridge.

Police investigations established that the firearms had been smuggled from South Africa.

On hearing that the firearms had been intercepted at the border post, Matambo allegedly wrote to the Zimbabwe Revenue Authority’s regional manager requesting that Mabhena, of Spartan Arms International, be allowed to clear the consignment pending submission of relevant clearance documents which he claimed were being processed by the Zimbabwe Defence Industries.

In opposing bail, police Inspector Victor Mukohwa told magistrate Mambanje that Matambo was likely to commit a similar offence and endanger the safety of the general public.

Mukohwa expressed fear that more firearms could have been smuggled using the same modus operandi, hence police required more time to investigate the matter while Matambo and his accomplice are in custody.

-NewsDay

By James Gwati- The opposition CCC is confident of winning the three Bulilima by-elections.

The by-elections are today, and the CCC has fielded very competent candidates.

CCC posted on Twitter Saturday expressing confidence:

There are 3 by-elections in Bulilima today in wards 1, 14 & 16. The vacancies arose after the resignation of 2 ZANU-PF councillors & the death of another.

Our candidates are:

1. Ephraim Moyo (Ward 1)
   2.Ephraim Moyo (Ward 14)
2. Makhadi Moyo (Ward 16)
   https://twitter.com/advocatemahere/status/1565946878390374400

By- Reprieve for Zimbabweans in South South Africa as the government extends the validity of the Zimbabwean Exemption Permit (ZEP) Visa by another six months to mid-2023.

According to a statement released by the Department of Home Affairs, the next expiry of ZEP permits is now 30 June 2023 instead of the original 31 December 2022. Reads the statement:

ZIMBABWEAN NATIONALS GRANTED EXEMPTIONS IN TERMS SECTION 13(2)(b) OF THE IMMIGRATION ACT 13 OF 2002

1. As previously communicated, the Department of Home Affairs (“DHA”) appointed the Departmental Advisory Committee (“DAC”) led by Dr Cassius Lubisi to assess the visa applications lodged by the affected Zimbabwean nationals. The DHA also appointed an outside legal firm to handle all court challenges relating to the decision not to extend the exemptions granted to the Zimbabwean nationals and related matters.

Progress report

2. The Minister of Home Affairs (“Minister”) received a progress report from Dr Cassius Lubisi. The report states that the DAC has met on several occasions in order to execute its mandate, and their last meeting was held for the whole day on the 1st of September 2022. The DAC recommended to the Minister that in view of the progress thus far, it will be prudent for the Minister to consider extending the period within which the affected Zimbabwean nationals will have an opportunity to apply for visas and/or waivers for a further six months.

3. The Minister has carefully considered the request and decided to extend the period by a further six months, that is, 31 December 2022 to 30 June 2023.

Another factor considered by the Minister is that few Zimbabwean nationals have thus far applied for visas and/or waivers. To this end, the Minister has issued another Directive annexed hereto marked “A”

4. The Minister is committed to affording the affected Zimbabwean nationals another opportunity to apply for one or other visas and/or waivers provided for in the Immigration Act.

5. The Directive containing the decision of the Minister will be communicated through diplomatic channels to the Zimbabwean Ambassador in South Africa.

6. The DHA calls upon all the affected Zimbabwean nationals to make use of this window of opportunity and not wait for the last moment to lodge their applications as is the case now. There will be no further extension granted by the Minister.

Media enquiries:

Siya Qoza-082 898 1657 (Spokesperson for the Minister of Home Affairs) David Hlabane-071 342 4284 (Media Manager for the Department of Home Affairs)