Tinashe Sambiri|CCC leader President Nelson Chamisa has stressed the importance of the diaspora vote.

Commenting on the elections in Kenya, President Chamisa said Zimbabweans in the diaspora should be allowed to vote.

The right to vote is fundamental, according to the CCC leader.

“GIVING CITIZENS A VOICE….The right to vote is so fundamental.

Zimbabweans in the diaspora must be allowed to vote
@ZECzim
. It’s doable. Well done Kenya and
@IEBCKenya
for enabling the Diaspora vote.

#RegisterToVoteZW,” President Chamisa wrote on Twitter.

Tinashe Sambiri|The Zanu PF leader Mr Emmerson Mnangagwa is inciting public unrest by tormenting CCC activists.

This was said by CCC Youth Assembly spokesperson Stephen Sarkozy Chuma on Tuesday.

Chuma challenged Mr Mnangagwa to release Hon Job Sikhala, Hon Godfrey Sithole and CCC Nyatsime activists.

The CCC youth leader described the prolonged detention of Wiwa and party activists as unacceptable.

“The continued incarceration of our members is totally unacceptable!

By denying our cdes their freedom, Emmerson Mnangagwa is inciting public restlessness. It will not end well!

FreeJobSikhala

GodfreySithole

FreeNyatsime13,” Chuma posted on Twitter.

Tinashe Sambiri| President Nelson Chamisa’s CCC party has donated cement for the construction of a clinic in Chipinge.

According to CCC Diaspora Affairs Minister, Clifford Hlatywayo, the party is determined to upgrade the health system in the country.

Hlatywayo wrote on Twitter :
“Citizens First!
Yes, we are honoring our heroes who fought for all to get basic social services including healthcare.

Donating cement for the construction of a community clinic at Machona Village in Chipinge South.

Yes, we the ordinary &we are going to build our clinic together. https://t.co/57HAlAbakL

By A Correspondent| War veterans in Mazowe district have issued a strong warning to Zanu PF members who are fanning factionalism in the district.

This came out during the district Heroes Day commemorations held at Nzvimbo Growth point on Monday.

Speaking at the event, Mazowe district war veterans chairman Ephanos Mudzimunyi said as custodians of the party, they will not tolerate those causing divisions.

“We fought for the liberation of the country and are custodians of the party. We want the party to be united and those who are causing divisions will not be tolerated,” Mudzimunyi said.

The divisions are a mirror reflection of the broader provincial factional fights in which two heavyweights, Mazowe DCC chairman Tafadzwa Musarara and current Mashonaland Central provincial chairman Kazembe Kazembe are tussling for control of the province.

Kazembe controversially won the provincial election of December last year punctuated by allegations of rigging, violence and several other abnormalities.

His controversial victory left the province fractured and recently, his camp tried to suspend Musarara although the overtures were thwarted by the leadership of the party.

Mudzimunyi said war veterans stood with Musarara and will not allow anyone to disrupt the party.

“We stand with Cde Musarara here and anyone who want to disturb that will pay. We will do to them what we did to (the late former president Robert) Mugabe,” he said amid wild acclamation from the audience.

Musarara, in a subsequent interview, said he was focusing on ensuing the party and its presidential candidate, President Emmerson Mnangagwa, obtain 100 000 votes in the 2023 general election.

“The party is very strong here. This is the first lady’s district and we are working hard mobilising people and ensuring that the party and the president win resoundingly,” he said.

“The district presently has 80 000 voters and we want to increased that to at least 100 000 by next year. That way, we will have contributed decently to the five million votes which the party wants to mobilise for the president at next year’s election.”

On divisions, he said: “We are not really focusing on who is fighting who. All we want is to ensure the party wins and that we reclaim the one seat currently occupied by the opposition. The people of Mazowe had a strong attachment to the party, not only from the liberation war perspective, but also from a developmental perspective. For instance, last year, we managed to fill the Nzvimbo GMB depot with maize for the first time in 15 years.”

“We have a very rich geographical endowment in terms of the soils, the rainfall pattern and we are a food basket for other districts in the country. We have been in touch with the people on the ground trying to implement the party’s manifesto of 2018. We have managed to improve roads, schools and clinics,” he said.

Musarara also sponsored the participation at the event of man-of-the-moment, Sungura artist Mark Ngwazi, who kept thousands of fans spellbound with his scintillating performances.

Ngwazi, who also hails from the district, was supported by several other artists, including popular rhumba musician Juntal.

“We thought it was wise to bring the artist closer to his fans and it’s a great idea. It is also meant to empower the artists because they are performing here for a fee,” Musarara said.

Popular socialite Jackie Ngarande has threatened to commit suicide saying he has been in an abusive and toxic situation for the past one year.

Posting on Twitter, Ngarande said she feels like committing suicide as she has tried her best.

WATCH VIDEO OF JACKIE NGARANDE THREATENING TO KILL HERSELF

RECENT political violence that rocked the ruling Zanu PF party elections to choose Masvingo provincial youth chairperson has unsettled the party’s youth league boss John Paradza.

The post was left vacant after Paradza was elected into the national executive as Zanu PF deputy secretary for youth affairs.

Elections, held at Masvingo Polytechnic a fortnight ago to choose his successor, had to be suspended after youths exchanged blows in front of the provincial leadership.

“The most important thing as youths is to be disciplined. Our President Emmerson Mnangagwa has already said that we should be disciplined and be united. I condemn the violence in the strongest terms. I don’t want that. If you (contestants) fail to control your supporters, then how are you going to lead the province?” Paradza said during an interview with NewsDay on the sidelines of the Heroes Day celebrations at the National Heroes Acre in the capital on Monday.

Paradza also said he was not rooting for anyone for the vacant post.

“I am not backing anyone in the elections that are set to replace me. I don’t have any interest in the elections. I am now in the national executive, but I have said to all the candidates that ‘if you are the best candidate, you are going to win’. I want the best candidate to win,” he said.

Meanwhile, Zanu PF Mashonaland East province has rolled out what it calls “mop-up campaigns” in a bid to grab all 23 seats in the 2023 elections.

Zanu PF boasts 21 out of 23 constituencies in Mashonaland East after losing Goromonzi South and Marondera Central to the opposition in the last election.

Addressing scores of party supporters at Gumbonzvanda in Hwedza South constituency at the weekend, provincial chairperson Daniel Garwe said they were eyeing massive votes from Hwedza, Uzumba, Maramba, Pfungwe (UMP) and Goromonzi districts.

“Out of 79 000 people who have registered to vote in Hwedza, at least 80% (of the votes) must go to President Emmerson Mnangagwa,” Garwe said.

“There is a huge population in Goromonzi and UMP and we should put an eagle eye on these districts by stressing vigorous mop-up campaigns to increase the President’s votes.”

The province recently appointed a high-powered delegation led by politburo member David Parirenyatwa that is moving in districts mobilising people to register to vote.

The team is also assisting its members to obtain identity documents which are needed for voter registration and voting.

Zanu PF says it plans to mobilise five million votes, while Citizens Coalition for Change is eyeing six million.
-Newsday

By A Correspondent- Soldiers who shot and killed innocent civilians on 1 August  2018 have not been prosecuted, four years on, with growing calls for justice falling on deaf ears.

Despite appointing former South African president Kgalema Motlanthe to chair a commission of inquiry and make recommendations after the shootings which claimed six lives and left dozens others injured, President Emmerson Mnangagwa has ignored the voice of reason, including calls for justice by the victims and their families.

This, observers said, was indicative of impunity where state security can kill innocent civilians without repercussion.

It is reminiscent of the 1980s Gukurahundi genocide in Matabeleland and the Midlands where the 5th Brigade brutally killed civilians. Nearly 40 years after 20 000 civilians were killed, there is still no justice.

The government has neither apologised for Gukurahundi nor atoned for the 1 August shootings.

So far, only one victim, with the assistance of the Zimbabwe Lawyers for Human Rights, sued Defence minister Oppah Muchinguri and her Home Affairs counterpart Kazembe Kazembe and won his case. He is set to receive ZW$3 million in compensation.

Zakeo Mutimutema suffered injuries when soldiers shot him during the post-election protest in the capital.

He is among dozens shot on 1 August 2018 when protesters stormed the streets to demand the release of the presidential vote.

Six civilians were shot dead in central Harare when soldiers opened fire indiscriminately. According to autopsy reports, victims were shot in the back while fleeing the marauding soldiers.

Despite spending taxpayers’ money on instituting the commission of inquiry, the government has conveniently chosen to ignore the recommendations, which include the compensation of victims and bringing to book the murderous soldiers.

Four years on, families are still seeking justice while the victims live with the haunting memories of the shootings.

Loveday Munesi, a victim, still has a bullet lodged in one of his buttocks, after failing to secure funding for surgery in India.

Political analyst Rashweat Mukundu said Mnangagwa’s failure to bring to book the culprits, most of them still serving members of the military, is an indication that more atrocities against civilians could be committed in future and justice will never be served.

“The Motlanthe commission of inquiry into the shootings report has recommendations that have been thrown into the dustbin by Mnangagwa,” Mukundu said.

“The issue is forgotten and there seems to be no intention to address this matter,” he added.

He said those implicated, including senior military officers who dispatched soldiers onto the streets to shoot unarmed civilians, were still in the army while some have been deployed to key government institutions.

One of them, the then commander of the Presidential Guard, Anselem Sanyatwe, who also testified before the Motlanthe commission, is now Zimbabwe’s ambassador to Tanzania.

“The message is the same: abuses can be repeated. There is no justice for the victims and it was a way of silencing critics by way of pretending to act, but the true character of government is coming out on the matter,” Mukundu.

Added Mukundu: “It is not a surprise because the current government is hugely militarised and will not turn against themselves because they are in government and are the ones who are in power.”

Crisis in Zimbabwe Coalition director Blessing Vava said there was growing concern over the government’s reluctance to act on the recommendations.

“The Coalition has held a series of interviews with relatives of the victims of the August 1, 2018 shootings and concern is high over non-implementation of the recommendations of the Motlanthe commission of inquiry,” Vava said.

Vava said ensuring justice and bringing closure to the events of 1 August 2018 is critical for national healing and reconciliation.

 “We implore President Emmerson Mnangagwa to own up to his pledge of a new dispensation and ensure the implementation of the recommendations.”

-newshawks

By A Correspondent- Bulawayo City Council Ward 26 councillor Mpumelelo Moyo is offering rewards to citizens who will mobilise the most youths to register as voters ahead of the 2023 general elections.

Twenty (20) “lucky” youths will be given an opportunity to obtain a driver’s licence free of charge if they register to vote.

There are also three deep freezers up for grabs for three people who will mobilise the highest number of youths to register.

Moyo said the campaign will run from 1 to 31 August and is being coordinated by a team of 50 people who are mobilising eligible residents to register to vote. He said:

We are driving Zimbabwe into the future by focusing on the youth whose participation in the voter registration process is low. I need all street champions to Champion this programme.

We secured 3 deep freezers for the 3 champions who will mobilise the most youths to register. We are starting from 1 August to 31 August.

At the end of the program, we will conduct a draw to select the first 20 lucky youths whom we will assist to attain class 4 driver’s licences.

This will also make them employable and generate income for themselves. We have put in place a Kombi to ferry them, all those that are ready can be transported to ZEC offices at Famona at any time convenient to them

By Dr Takavafira Zhou| In an attempt to silence teachers’ call for the restoration of purchasing power parity of their salaries to US$540 a masquarade Teachers for Economic Development (ED) has emerged with the intention to divert teachers from crucial labour issues into some warped and imagined economic development in a country that is in recession due to neo-liberal policies pursued by gvt. Worse still this masquarade has solicited for Ministry of Primary and Secondary Education’s assistance in order to launch its provincial and national structures and granted permission on 25 July 2022. Teachers must smell a rate, and to be forewarned is to be forearmed.

Venceremos

Dr Takavafira M. Zhou, Ptuz President

Tinashe Sambiri|CCC leader President Nelson Chamisa believes the elections in Kenya are being conducted in a peaceful and democratic way.

According to President Chamisa, Zimbabwe and Kenya have a lengthy history of cooperation.

Outgoing President Uhuru Kenyatta, having served the constitutionally limited two terms, is backing one-time foe Raila Odinga, 77, to succeed him.

His decision followed clashes with Deputy President William Ruto, 55, who had expected to be endorsed.

More than 22 million Kenyans have registered to vote.

On Tuesday President Chamisa said in a statement:
“KENYA and ZIMBABWE have a long history of cooperation in various facets for the growth & development of our Peoples. As Kenyans go to the polls,we wish our Cdes & Kenyans in general,a peaceful democratic transition. Be assured Zimbabweans are with you now & beyond.

ELECTIONS IN KENYA…Kenya is in labour…

Lots of key lessons and take aways from the Elections body and the Players in Politics in Kenya.Elections must be credible & peaceful.

It’s the destiny of a nation – a vital turning point for any nation.#KenyaDecides2022.”

Thusanani Oryx

Chivi – Turmoil has ruined Chivi North’s Ruminya Secondary as Senior Zanu PF leaders are reportedly interfering in the running of the school with head identified as Kwanisai running for dear life.

A local teacher who is reportedly a local person is linked to senior politicians.

“The teacher has been in the administration for quite a long time.
“The teacher is using his connection to undermine the head” fumed villagers.

Parents with children at the school said if the teacher identified as JB wants the post, he must read.

This has noted been the only case of teachers being victimised by Zanu PF bigwigs.

Schools are not devwloping because of harassment.

Some learners have been left without teachers because of Zanu PF thugs.

Apart from Chivi district, Gutu district also tops in political victimisation of teachers.
In the end, parents and children suffer not politicians.

Ruminya Sec School Head flees for his life after Acting Deputy chases him with an axe:: In a bizzare incident that has sent tongues waging in the Mukotosi area of Headman Madamombe in Chief Chivi, a School Head at Ruminya High School Mr Tsikisayi Kwanisayi had to flee for his life after an irate Acting Deputy known as JB chased him with an axe baying for his blood in the early hours of Wednesday 3 August 2022 accusing him of removing him from the office as a dog It was only an alert husband of a female teacher by the name Tagwirei who came to the rescue of a visibly shaken Kwanisai who got hold of the axe from Mr JB otherwise the Head would be history by now. What incensed JB is that the school head announced to the staff members and at School Assembly that he has reshuffled his school administration since JB is not degreed and rather incompetent while the school boasts of many graduates. This did not go down well with JB hence the outburst and altercation with the Head. It is alleged JB sought the support of Headman Madamombe and Councellor God. Huruba to be reinstated as Acting Deputy Head. Councellor Huruba is said to have intervened by phoning Chivi DSi who summoned Kwanisayi for a hearing on Thursday 4 August 2022 and instructed the Head to reinstate JB into office but teachers at the are crying foul and claim the school is now in shambles

A 31-year-old man was found dead after he reportedly went missing on July 21 the day he left for the grazing lands searching for cattle.
The man’s body, which was in an advanced stage of decomposition, was taken to Inyathi District Hospital for post-mortem.

Police believe that the man could have been murdered by unknown assailants.

National police spokesperson Assistant Commissioner Paul Nyathi confirmed the incident.

“The ZRP is investigating circumstances that led to the death of a man aged 31 whose body was found lying on the ground in a bush area at Riverside Farm, Inyathi, on August 7, 2022. The victim, who was employed as a herd boy, reportedly went missing on July 21, 2022 after he went to the grazing lands to look for cattle.

The body, which was in an advanced state of decomposition, was taken to Inyathi District Hospital for post-mortem, he said.

Meanwhile, police in Mvurwi are investigating a murder case in which a body of an unknown male adult was found lying on the banks of a stream near Chiote Dam on August 8, 2022.

Police are also investigating a hit and run road traffic accident that occurred along Leopold Takawira Street, opposite Maxi Garage in Bulawayo, on August 7, 2022, at around 7.30pm, where a 59-year-old man was hit by an unknown motorist who was driving a Honda Fit vehicle.

The incident comes after the police intensified investigations into a case in which an 11-year-old girl who went missing last month in Mt Darwin after she was sent to collect US$10 and US$3 owed to her mother by two women in the area has been found dead and buried on the banks of Mutondwe River.

Police recovered a blood-stained axe handle about 60 metres from the shallow grave Mun’ando Village.

“The ZRP is still investigating circumstances surrounding the death of a female juvenile aged 11 who was found buried on the banks of Mutondwe River in Munhondo Village, Mt Darwin, on August 5, 2022.

“The victim, who resided in Mun’ando Village, reportedly went missing on July 18, 2022 after she was sent to the neighbouring Village by her mother to collect US$10 and US$3 cash owed to her mother by two women, aged 37 and 31. The Police recovered a blood-stained axe handle about 60 metres from the shallow grave,” Asst Comm Nyathi said.

In Bulawayo police are also investigating circumstances surrounding a suspected murder case in which the body of an unknown male adult was found floating in the Phekiwe River, near Mbundane suburb and Nkulumane 10, last Friday.

The body, which was in its advanced stages of decomposition, had a striped grey track bottom.

Similarly, on the same day again a body of an unknown man was found lying in a bush area near Siyaso 2 industrial site, Beitbridge.

“The body was facing upwards with mucus oozing from the nose. Anyone with information to contact any nearest police station,” Asst Comm Nyathi said.

Murder cases have been on the increase countrywide prompting police to conduct awareness campaigns countrywide.

Asst Comm Nyathi said police in Epworth is investigating a case of murder in which Wirimai Bvunzanyika (40) died last Saturday after he was attacked by unknown assailants on July 28 along a footpath near Muguta Shops.

“Police in Mphoengs is also investigating a case of murder which occurred on July 31, 2022, at Gossan Mine. The victim, Khaliphile Ndlovu aged 37 died after he was hit with stones on the head by his brother Coster Ndlovu aged 23 as well as his friend Jonathan Moyo aged 24 following an argument over sharing of gold proceeds,” he said.

In a related case, Isaac Chikoti is wanted by Police in Marondera in connection with a case of murder that occurred last Saturday at Mafuro Farm, Igava where the suspect struck his wife, Emily Nyasha Mulakala (28) with a hoe after accusing her of infidelity.

Police have also arrested Nomore Makwinja (51) and Diana Makwinja (62) in Budiriro suburb, Harare in connection with murdering Diana Makwinja (16).

The father and aunt severely assaulted the minor while trying to discipline her for drug abuse activities and immoral behaviour.

Police in Harare are investigating a case of murder in which the body of an unidentified male adult was found with cuts on the back and legs along a footpath at a dumpsite near a church in Unit A Extension, Seke Chitungwiza.

Gutu Police is investigating another murder case in which Simbarashe Kufakunesu (51) died on July 30, 2022 after he was struck with a brick on the head and chest by his wife, Mirika Joni (50) at Mawarire Village.

The victim had chased away beer patrons at the homestead where the couple was operating a shebeen and this did not go well with the suspect.-Herald

President Emmerson Mnangagwa has officially recognised late pioneering nationalists Ndabaningi Sithole and James Chikerema as part of the country’s standout heroes despite regurgitating his predecessor’s views the two sold out during the struggle for independence.

Sithole and Chikerema were both allies-turned-enemies of late former State leader Robert Mugabe who adamantly denied them the honour over grudges stemming from the liberation war period.

Mnangagwa made the pronouncement while leading the main celebrations of the country’s 42nd Heroes Day Commemorations at the National Shine, Harare.

Sithole, a founding Zanu President, was in 1975 ousted by former allies in place of Mugabe.

He died in 2000 aged 80 after enduring a frustrating political career that involved relentless persecution by the then State leader.

On his part, Chikerema, uncle and Mugabe contemporary, was a fierce fire-brand in his heyday.

The two had frequent run-ins dating back to their boyhood extending into pre and post-independence when both waged the liberation struggle from their different stations.

Chikerema succumbed to cancer in a US hospital March 2006 aged 81.

Mugabe took his grudges with the two right to their graves through hero status denial.

In attempts to undo his predecessor’s perceived transgressions, Mnangagwa has moved to confer the honour on Sithole and Chikerema.

“As the Second Republic, we are committed to giving a wholistic account of our country’s long war of liberation.

“We are therefore rising to the occasion and recognising other heroes and heroines such as the late Reverend Ndabaningi Sithole and the late Cde James Chikerema for their historical contributions, despite their areas of weaknesses, with regards to the observance of the correct line of the Revolution.

“For that reason, we now honour them among the list of our national heroes and heroines.

“We forever remain indebted to all the heroes and heroines of our great country for the freedom, democracy and independence we enjoy to this day. Their sacrifices will never die.”

Mnangagwa said his government also honours citizens who have excelled in other facets of life and not just in the liberation struggle.

Said the State leader, “The nation may recall that, in 2021, my Government established the following honours; the Robert Gabriel Mugabe Commendation Award; the Joshua Mqabuko Nyongolo Nkomo Commendation Award; and the Herbert Wiltshire Pfumaindini Chitepo Commendation Award in recognition of the sacrifices and outstanding feats achieved by the country’s founding fathers.

“We shall, thus, recognise and honour heroism beyond the war of liberation and defence sector. Milestones in science, technology and innovation; the accelerated development and growth of our economy as well as the growth of ‘Made in Zimbabwe’ goods and services are applauded and celebrated. So too are initiatives around cultural preservation and other heroic efforts by our people, both at home and abroad, that raise the Zimbabwe National Flag high.

“Befittingly, therefore, I shall confer the medals to four outstanding individuals.”- ZimLive

President Emmerson Mnangagwa said Western powers cannot teach democracy to Zimbabweans because they oppressed the country and denied its citizens the right to self-determination for decades.

In his address to the nation at the 42nd Heroes Day Commemorations held at the National Heroes Acre on Monday, Mnangagwa said Zimbabwe attained democracy through a protracted armed struggle. He said:

In line with my administration’s commitment to upholding the democracy bequeathed to us by our fallen heroes and heroines, Zimbabwe is unrelenting in its pursuit to entrench constitutionalism, the rule of law, and good governance and respect for human rights.

We cannot be taught democracy by those who denied us democracy. The heroes we honour fought for democracy and the equal access to justice we are enjoying as a country.

Let us, therefore, individually and collectively, protect it from all forms of abuse and desecration, more so, by those who never came to our help during the brutal oppressive years under white settler colonial regime.

Albeit as a peace-loving nation, Zimbabwe is a friend to all and an enemy to none.

The United States, Britain and their allies imposed sanctions on Zimbabwe at the turn of the Millenium citing the breakdown of the rule of law and violation of human rights.

However, the ZANU PF-led government insists the Western countries imposed sanctions to punish Zimbabweans for repossessing land from white farmers and redistributing it to the landless black majority.

• NewsDay

President Emmerson Mnangagwa has officially recognised late pioneering nationalists Ndabaningi Sithole and James Chikerema as part of the country’s standout heroes despite regurgitating his predecessor’s views the two sold out during the struggle for independence.

Sithole and Chikerema were both allies-turned-enemies of late former State leader Robert Mugabe who adamantly denied them the honour over grudges stemming from the liberation war period.

Mnangagwa made the pronouncement while leading the main celebrations of the country’s 42nd Heroes Day Commemorations at the National Shine, Harare.

Sithole, a founding Zanu President, was in 1975 ousted by former allies in place of Mugabe.

He died in 2000 aged 80 after enduring a frustrating political career that involved relentless persecution by the then State leader.

On his part, Chikerema, uncle and Mugabe contemporary, was a fierce fire-brand in his heyday.

The two had frequent run-ins dating back to their boyhood extending into pre and post-independence when both waged the liberation struggle from their different stations.

Chikerema succumbed to cancer in a US hospital March 2006 aged 81.

Mugabe took his grudges with the two right to their graves through hero status denial.

In attempts to undo his predecessor’s perceived transgressions, Mnangagwa has moved to confer the honour on Sithole and Chikerema.

“As the Second Republic, we are committed to giving a wholistic account of our country’s long war of liberation.

“We are therefore rising to the occasion and recognising other heroes and heroines such as the late Reverend Ndabaningi Sithole and the late Cde James Chikerema for their historical contributions, despite their areas of weaknesses, with regards to the observance of the correct line of the Revolution.

“For that reason, we now honour them among the list of our national heroes and heroines.

“We forever remain indebted to all the heroes and heroines of our great country for the freedom, democracy and independence we enjoy to this day. Their sacrifices will never die.”

Mnangagwa said his government also honours citizens who have excelled in other facets of life and not just in the liberation struggle.

Said the State leader, “The nation may recall that, in 2021, my Government established the following honours; the Robert Gabriel Mugabe Commendation Award; the Joshua Mqabuko Nyongolo Nkomo Commendation Award; and the Herbert Wiltshire Pfumaindini Chitepo Commendation Award in recognition of the sacrifices and outstanding feats achieved by the country’s founding fathers.

“We shall, thus, recognise and honour heroism beyond the war of liberation and defence sector. Milestones in science, technology and innovation; the accelerated development and growth of our economy as well as the growth of ‘Made in Zimbabwe’ goods and services are applauded and celebrated. So too are initiatives around cultural preservation and other heroic efforts by our people, both at home and abroad, that raise the Zimbabwe National Flag high.

“Befittingly, therefore, I shall confer the medals to four outstanding individuals.”- ZimLive

HARARE Mayor, Jacob Mafume Monday called for the recognition of the late former Prime Minister Morgan Tsvangirai as a national hero for his unequivocal role in opening up democratic space in the country.

Tsvangirai, who was founder of opposition Movement for Democratic Change (MDC), served as Prime Minister in the Government of National Unity (GNU), a political compromise he struck with later former strongman, Robert Mugabe.

The opposition stalwart passed away on February 14, 2018 after battling colon cancer.

Mafume, a Citizens Coalition for Change (CCC) councillor for Mt Pleasant Ward 17, said Heroes Day commemorations were hollow without mentioning Tsvangirai’s name on the list of heroes.

“The journey of human rights is not a picture event, it is a continuous process. We are part of that process to make sure our country understands that there is strength in diversity,” he said.

“There are some heroes who are yet to be recognised, like Morgan Tsvangirai. They need formal status, heroes who did a lot for the democratisation of this country, heroes who did a lot to accept that we can belong to different parties, but still be one nation.”

“We have no quarrel with the sacrifices by (Josiah) Tongogara. Neither do we have quarrel with sacrifices by Herbert Chitepo, (Ndabaningi) Sithole and the many other young people who sacrificed their lives for our independence and liberation.

“If they respect us, we respect them. If they honour us, we honour them, and that is how a nation should be,” Mafume said.

-NewZimbabwe

Tinashe Sambiri|CCC’s immediate task is to finish the unfinished objectives of the liberation struggle.

This was said by CCC deputy spokesperson Gift Ostallos Siziba in a statement on Monday.

Read full statement :

We join all Zimbabweans in honouring, remembering & celebrating the women & men who with courage & determination fought for the liberation of our country. Our task is to fulfil the aspirations of our Heroes and Heroines which were to see a genuinely free, developmental, democratic & rule of law based Zimbabwe that provides opportunities for all regardless of one’s social status.

Let us finish the unfinished business of the liberation struggle.

CCC spokesperson Fadzayi Mahere wrote on Facebook:

“We honour the heroes that fought to liberate us. We must ensure their sacrifice was not in vain by completing the struggle for a better Zimbabwe. Their guiding values of universal suffrage, dignity for all & freedom should inspire us to win Zimbabwe for change in 2023.”

THE PRESIDENT OF THE REPUBLIC OF ZIMBABWE

HIS EXCELLENCY, CDE E. D. MNANGAGWA

AT THE 42nd HEROES DAY COMMEMORATIONS

8 AUGUST, 2022

Director of Ceremonies and Minister of Home Affairs and Cultural Heritage, Hon. K. Kazembe;

The First Lady, Amai A. Mnangagwa;

Vice President and Minister of Health and Child Care, and Second Secretary of ZANU PF, Hon.
Gen. (Rtd) Dr. C. G. D. N. Chiwenga and Amai Chiwenga;

Vice President and Second Secretary of ZANU PF, Col.(Rtd.) Cde K. C. D. Mohadi;

National Chairman of ZANU PF and Minister of
Defence and War Veterans Affairs, Hon.
O. C. Z. Muchinguri-Kashiri;

Speaker of the National Assembly, Advocate J. F.N. Mudenda;

President of the Senate, Amai M. M. Chinomona;

The Chief Justice, Hon. L. Malaba;

Members of the Politburo and Central Committee;

Leaders of other Political Parties;

Honourable Ministers;
Families of Heroes and Heroines of the Liberation Struggle;

Service Chiefs;

War Veterans, War Collaborators, Ex-Detainees and Restrictees;

Chief Secretary to the President and Cabinet, Dr.
M. J. M. Sibanda

Chairperson of the Public Service Commission, Dr.
V. Hungwe;
Mayor of Harare, His Worship, Cllr. J. Mafume;

Senior Government Officials;

Your Excellencies, Members of the Diplomatic Corps;

Our esteemed Traditional Leaders;

Fellow Zimbabweans in the Diaspora;

Ladies and Gentlemen;

Comrades and Friends.

It is my singular honour and privilege to be addressing you all, at this Forty-Second commemorations of our National Heroes Day. This day reminds us that we are not an ordinary people; neither are we an ordinary nation. Our collective ancestry has engrained in us, the resilient and warrior spirit of our forebears, who were ingenious innovators, builders, explorers, enterprising traders and yes, gallant fighters.

Equally, ours is a nation born out of the sweat and blood of our forbearers, which generation after generation continues to flow beneath our sacred land. From under our feet that blood shall forever water and replenish our resolve to take on any enemy and challenge now and in the future. As we converge at this sacred National Shrine, we therefore stand emboldened by the spirit of our heroes to bravely face, head-on, those who seek to do harm to our people and beloved motherland, Zimbabwe.
Our history is one of deep seated patriotism, perseverance and ultimately victory. We never give up; we never surrender.
Zimbabwe has come a long way as a nation born out of a protracted armed liberation struggle, and we have scored victory upon victory since the attainment of our hard won Independence in 1980. Today, we stand tall among the liberated and independent peoples of the world, as masters of our own destiny.

We are marching on and consolidating our unity, peace and freedom in fulfilment of the collective aspirations and vision of our heroes and heroines. Yester-year gallant men and women selflessly chose to join the liberation struggle against the oppressive colonial white settler regime. Forty two years after the raising of our sacred National Flag, we remain motivated to ultimately transform Zimbabwe into a modern, industrialised and prosperous society.
From Plumtree to Mutare, from Zambezi to Limpopo, let us all draw from that rich liberation war heritage and harness our collective energy and skills for a higher quality of life for our people, right from the community level. This is what our heroes envisioned; this is what we are achieving, brick by brick, stone upon stone.

As the Second Republic, we are committed to giving a wholistic account of our country’s long war of liberation. We are therefore rising to the occasion and recognising other heroes and heroines such as the late Reverend Ndabaningi Sithole and the late Cde James Chikerema for their historical contributions, despite their areas of weaknesses, with regards to the observance of the correct line of the Revolution. For that reason, we now honour them among the list of our national heroes and heroines. We forever remain indebted to all the heroes and heroines of our great country for the freedom, democracy and independence we enjoy to this day. Their sacrifices will never die. Tinovatenda, Siyababonga.

Fellow Zimbabweans;
Our resolute efforts and evident success in fighting the COVID-19 scourge, have allowed us once again to gather and celebrate national events across the length and breadth of our nation. While we remain vigilant, I urge us to direct our focus on accelerating the implementation of economic development programmes and projects as we march towards Vision 2030.

In spite of the various shocks, our economy has transitioned from recovery to a phase of growth, with 4.6% projected economic growth for 2022. This trajectory is anchored by the mining, manufacturing, construction and tourism sectors. The onus rests with every individual and corporate to protect our economy from saboteurs and currency manipulators.

The people of our great country shall forever be one with their land. The Second Republic which I lead will forever honour the heroes and heroines of this great country.
Present day detractors and looters, in whatever guise, will never ever steal or separate us from our God given land. The Land Reform is irreversible.

The broad array of programmes by my Government to enhance production and productivity in the agriculture sector is seeing the emergence of new categories of heroes and heroines in this sphere. The
Pfumvudza/Intwasa Programme will not stop and remains ongoing with the number of beneficiaries increasing from 1.8 million to 3 million households.

Inspired by the resilient spirit of yester-year heroes, let us continually strive to produce all the food we eat to guarantee our dignity as an independent people. No Zimbabwean should be subjected to abuse and ridicule by subversive NGOs on the pretext of food aid.

The policy of taking development and services to the people shall remain the hallmark of my Administration. Sector by sector, ward by ward, district by district the Second Republic is implementing policies that are lifting our people out of poverty and into prosperity.

Fellow Countrymen and Women;
The country is on course to realise the target of a US$12 billion sector by 2023. Mining houses have been directed to always ensure that our communities benefit from the exploitation of mineral resources in their vicinity. After all, the heroes and heroines we are remembering today fought for the land as well as that which is under it.

The unprecedented rate of expansion of the mining sector, together with increased capacity utilisation in the manufacturing sector, increasing urbanisation and the modernisation of our rural areas has resulted in the growing demand for energy.
In line with these new realities, my Government is determined to broaden the country’s energy generation and distribution mix. As we do so, no one and no place will be left behind in our integrated development agenda.

The rehabilitation and construction of key national infrastructure which are critical in facilitating trade and the delivery of quality services across the country’s Provinces and Districts is showing visible progress.

I commend our local companies for their commitment to realise targets outlined in the National Development Strategy. They have certainly become present day heroes in their own right and a reflection of the development that can be achieved by a people who are united and focused.

Every Zimbabwean must have access to clean potable water and sanitation. Significant progress is being recorded in the construction of Gwayi-Shangani Dam, Chivhu Dam, Kunzvi and Tuli Manyange Dams, among others. The Presidential Borehole Drilling Scheme, is well under way and will see the drilling of one borehole per village. After all the war of liberation was fought and won in these villages.
Our people at the village level must thus, continue to be endeared to the national development policies as they look at the broad array of projects and programmes within their communities.

All those who sacrificed their lives so that you and I can build a better Zimbabwe, bequeathed to us the dignity of having decent shelter. The increasing urbanisation and ever changing demographics as reflected in the 2022 Population and Household Census, reinforce the urgency of this matter. Resource mobilisation to support various human settlement and housing development programmes are being scaled up.

Fellow Zimbabweans;
Guided by our developmental philosophy of “leaving noone and no place behind” as well as the Devolution Agenda, resources are being disbursed for projects across all Local Authorities. This further unlocks the development potential of our rural areas and creates decent employment and empowerment for our people where they live.

The private sector is commended for heeding my call on the need to take development to the people. This has seen new factories in the rural areas as we accelerate rural industrialisation.
The war of liberation was fought on an understanding of grievances and concerns of the masses. The Second Republic, therefore, attaches great importance to the values of, dialogue, responsiveness and inclusive stakeholder engagement. I, therefore, encourage our people to take advantage of platforms that have been created to facilitate feedback from citizens on the impact of programmes and projects designed to uplift their livelihoods.
The Second Republic is a Government of the people; by the people and for the people. We are committed to transparency and accountability to the people of our great motherland, Zimbabwe.
Fellow Compatriots;

My Government is determined to go beyond the provision of quality, affordable and accessible education for all. National defence is the most sacred noble duty and an expression of patriotism, which must be infused into our education system.

Equally, the principles of hard honest work, patriotism, sacrifice, serving and volunteerism must be cardinal aspects of our education curriculum, across all levels, informed by the vivid fact that ‘nyika inovakwa nevene vayo’.

On the side of education infrastructure, my Government has availed resources for the construction of 3 000 schools across the country.
Deliberate and greater priority will be given to underdeveloped districts such as parts of Tsholotsho, Binga, Kanyemba and Muzarabani, among others.

As a listening and responsive Administration, we will continue to explore new and innovative ways of improving the working conditions of our civil service. Various monetary and non-monetary measures are being intensified for the benefit of the patriotic public workers of our country. Additionally, robust training programmes are being rolled out to inculcate a new work culture that is grounded on our rich liberation and heritage based ideology, which is uniquely Zimbabwean.

Fellow Zimbabweans;
The Second Republic has put in place the requisite institutional, policy and legal frameworks to create opportunities for youth development, economic empowerment and job creation.

I, thus, applaud the youth who are availing themselves for the defence, modernisation and advancement of our great nation. Through the innovation ecosystem that my Government continues to create a new crop of trailblazing young heroes emerging in the science, technological and innovation space.
The invention and production of goods and services for our realities by these techno-preneurs are testimony that Zimbabwe will not be left behind in the ICT driven world of tomorrow.

The arts, creative and cultural industries as well as sport and recreation sectors are other arena where talented youths are excelling. Similarly, our country’s representatives at various sporting and non-sporting events are raising the Zimbabwean Flag high.

Meanwhile, I challenge our musicians, poets and other art and culture practitioners to sing songs, write poems and carve out artefacts of victory and hope, for indeed we are a victorious people and nation with a brighter future.
This renewed sense of patriotism, clarity of purpose and readiness to sacrifice for one’s country must continue to see more and more young people deploying themselves for the realisation of our national vision.

Fellow Zimbabweans, Ladies and Gentlemen; My Government has provided funding for the operationalisation of the Veterans Investment
Corporation. In addition, the registration of heroes and heroines’ dependents is currently underway to ensure that their welfare is catered for.

The restoration and preservation of the complete liberation war heritage, will be enhanced by the repatriation of the remains of the First
Chimurenga/Umvukela heroes, from foreign territories. Processes and negotiations to this end are progressing well.

In line with my Administration’s commitment to uphold the democracy bequeathed to us by our fallen heroes and heroines; Zimbabwe is unrelenting in its pursuit to entrench Constitutionalism, the rule of law, good governance and respect for human rights. The heroes we honour fought for the democracy and the equal access to justice we are enjoying as a country. Let us therefore, individually and collectively, protect it from all forms of abuse and desecration, more so by those who never came to our help during the brutal oppressive years under white settler colonial regime.
Albeit, as a peace loving nation, Zimbabwe, is a friend to all and an enemy to none.

Fellow Comrades and Friends;
The nation may recall that, in 2021, my Government established the following honours; the Robert Gabriel Mugabe Commendation Award; the Joshua Mqabuko Nyongolo Nkomo Commendation Award; and the Herbert Wiltshire Pfumaindini Chitepo Commendation Award in recognition of the sacrifices and outstanding feats achieved by the country’s founding fathers.

We shall, thus, recognise and honour heroism beyond the war of liberation and defence sector. Milestones in science, technology and innovation; the accelerated development and growth of our economy as well as the growth of “Made in Zimbabwe” goods and services are applauded and celebrated. So too are initiatives around cultural preservation and other heroic efforts by our people, both at home and abroad, that raise the Zimbabwe National Flag high.
Befittingly, therefore, I shall confer the medals to four outstanding individuals.
As I conclude, I once again call upon us all to honour our heroes and heroines by demonstrating unflinching patriotism and loyalty to our beloved motherland, Zimbabwe. Those we are paying homage to, fought for our independence knowing no tribe but bonded together by their love for Zimbabwe and desire to see our people free. Let us carry the baton as heroes and heroines of this period, right from within our communities. Every one of us are enjoined to play their part. There can be no spectators.

Divisive elements which act contrary to the values and ethos of the liberation struggle and national interest have no place in our society. Nyika inotongwa, inovakwa nevene vayo/ ilizwe libuswa, liyakwa ngabanikazi balo.

Zimbabwe is a unitary and indivisible country. We are diverse but one people. No countries, institutions, person or group of persons, must be permitted to infuse toxic and alien agendas into our national culture and psyche`.

As we remember our gallant heroes; let us all re- commit to fortify and protect our beloved country, while building on the gains we have achieved in forty-two years of our hard won Independence.
Together in peace, love and unity, we shall surely develop, modernise and industrialise our Zimbabwe.

With these remarks, it gives me great honour and pleasure to wish all Zimbabweans at numerous venues around the country and in the Diaspora, a Happy FortySecond Heroes Day commemoration.

Long live our Unity, Peace and Freedom.
Long live Zimbabwe.

Ngiyalibonga lonke.
Ndinokutendai mose.
God bless you all.
God bless Zimbabwe.
I thank you.

Listed telecoms giant, Econet Wireless has bemoaned the obtaining tariffs for telecommunication companies saying they are below viable levels making cost of doing business high and compromising service delivery.

Econet Says: Our Charges Are Too Cheap

— ZimEye (@ZimEye) August 9, 2022

Businesses across sectors have generally lamented the challenging business environment characterised by currency volatility and inflationary pressures.

Econet highlighted it continued to record significant foreign currency losses due to the weakening exchange rate which deteriorated by 172 percent for the first quarter to May 31, 2022.

This comes at a time access to foreign currency also remains severely constrained creating further challenges in implementation of necessary network upgrades to assure the continued level of high quality service.

For telecoms – a capital intensive sector – adoption of a scientific and fact-based approach to setting tariffs, that takes into account the movements in the Telecommunications Price Index (TPI) would be a relief for the sector, according to Econet.

“This will allow the group to remain focused on delivering high quality digital services across the country by being able to invest sufficiently to absorb the increasing demand for its services,” said company secretary Charles Banda in a trading update for the first quarter to May 31, 2022.

This also comes as the group is looking at narrowing the digital divide in the country as the rural population has remained largely marginalised in terms of full access to digital services with less than 20 percent of devices in the country being LTE/4G capable.

Said Mr Banda: “The group, with the support of the authorities, would like to tackle this challenge to ensure that digital inclusivity is achieved across all sectors of our society.”

In their quest to enhance efficiency in service provision, Econet became the first mobile network operator to roll out 5G service in Harare towards the end of the last financial year.

In the quarter under review, 5G service was further rolled out in Bulawayo during the Zimbabwe International Trade Fair (ZITF 2022) and in Victoria Falls as well as in Chitungwiza, bringing the total number of 5G sites rolled out to 22. The business added 100 new 4G sites to improve network and speed of data connectivity.

Despite these efforts, persistent national grid power outages have affected network quality and reliability, thereby necessitating the business to increase efforts to augment power supply with solar power.

There has also been an increase in theft of diesel, batteries and solar panels due to mounting economic challenges forcing the telecoms giant to increase security at its sites to counter the effects of increased vandalism and theft.

During the first quarter, voice and data traffic grew by 6 percent and 18 percent respectively, over the previous quarter. This growth was achieved largely due to customer acquisition strategy.

The telecommunications sector was granted a tariff adjustment by the regulator of 61 percent in July 2022, another 61 percent with effect from 1 September 2022, and a further 61 percent with effect from 1 November 2022.

The tariff adjustments will cover voice, SMS, data and internet services and are determined in the local -State Media

The ZRP reports a fatal road traffic accident that occurred at the 33km peg along the Harare-Masvingo Road on 06/08/22 at around 1520 hours.

A motorist, who was driving a Nissan Note vehicle with five passengers on board towards Harare, collided head-on with a Scania rigid truck which had no passengers.

Five people, including the driver of the Nissan Note, died on the spot, while one passenger sustained severe injuries.

Names of the victims will be released in due course.- ZRP

Tinashe Sambiri|Prominent CCC member, Emmanuel Muzvondiwa, was attacked by a Zanu PF hooligan for wearing party regalia.

One Majuta pointed a gun at Muzvondiwa in Chirumanzu South on Friday.

Majuta threatened to kill Muzvondiwa. See CCC statement below:

“VIOLENCE ALERT: One of our members from Chirumanzu South, Emmanuel Muzvondiwa, was attacked by a Zanu PF thug named Majuta for wearing our regalia.

The thug had a gun, pointed it at our member as he ordered him to remove #CCC regalia.

The matter has been reported to the nearest police station. We condemn this gangsterism by Zanu PF”.

The ZRP reports a fatal road traffic accident that occurred at the 33km peg along the Harare-Masvingo Road on 06/08/22 at around 1520 hours.

A motorist, who was driving a Nissan Note vehicle with five passengers on board towards Harare, collided head-on with a Scania rigid truck which had no passengers.

Five people, including the driver of the Nissan Note, died on the spot, while one passenger sustained severe injuries.

Names of the victims will be released in due course.- ZRP

Tinashe Sambiri|Prominent CCC member, Emmanuel Muzvondiwa, was attacked by a Zanu PF hooligan for wearing party regalia.

One Majuta pointed a gun at Muzvondiwa in Chirumanzu South on Friday.

Majuta threatened to kill Muzvondiwa. See CCC statement below:

“VIOLENCE ALERT: One of our members from Chirumanzu South, Emmanuel Muzvondiwa, was attacked by a Zanu PF thug named Majuta for wearing our regalia.

The thug had a gun, pointed it at our member as he ordered him to remove #CCC regalia.

The matter has been reported to the nearest police station. We condemn this gangsterism by Zanu PF”.