May 6 COVID-19 Update
Mavaza On 2023 Zim Elections Rigged Without Casting A Ballot Paper
By Dr Masimba Mavaza | I read Hosiah Mviringi’s article published online where he explained why Zimbabwe needs to press on with PVO Amendment Bill. He made everlasting sense when drew examples of a visitor who dictates what to eat. In many African settings such interference will be an outright insult.
ZIMBABWE has always been accused of failing to run a free a fair election. But this accusation is made by the accusers who themselves are rigging the very Zimbabwean elections before a single ballot paper is is cast.
Mviringi’s submissions where echoed by the ZANU PF’s Secretary for information Ambassador Honourable Mutsvangwa who was quiet emotional on the issue.
All this came as a result of direct attacks on Zimbabwe by Lord J Oates and Baroness Kate Hoey.
It makes more sense if we are to understand the two Lords who sit in England’s house of Lords which could have been house of senate if it was Zimbabwe’s setting. For the Benefit of doubt and those who do not know her Kate Hoey is born Catharine Letitia Hoey, Baroness Hoey she was born on the 21st of June 1946. She is better known as Kate Hoey, she is a Northern Irish politician and life peer who served as Parliamentary Under-Secretary for Home Affairs from 1998 to 1999 and Minister for Sport from 1999 to 2001. A former member of the Labour Party, she was Member of Parliament (MP) for Vauxhall from 1989 to 2019.
The Right Honourable. Kate was an acting Chair of the Northern Ireland Affairs Select Committee
There is no significant role she played while she was the MP. Kate is well known for he delinquency where she entered Zimbabwe unlawfully breaking the Zimbabwean immigration Laws. She has a strong passion to destabilise Zimbabwe and she has a self serving satanic attitude towards Zimbabwe where she contemptuously and disrespectfully pays no regards to Zimbabwe. In her eyes she sees herself as the game changer for Zimbabwe. She believes she can do as she pleases in Zimbabwe. She has a constituency to serve but she ignores all that and spends her energy on vilifying Zimbabwe. She was quoted recently at a CCC fundraising function promising to go to the house of Lords and persuade the respected house to deport all Zimbabweans in the UK who exercise their democratic right and support ZANU PF. In that meeting Kate Hoey supported by Thief Ndiweni and few other Zimbabweans vowed to lead a fund raising drive for CCC and in all possible ways effect a regime change where Chaimisa will be made the president of Zimbabwe. God forbids.
In the House of Lords Kate Hoey is supported by a colleague who grew up as a thief who stole his father’s credit card for his own use. This is Lord Jonny Oates.
Jonathan Oates, Baron Oates was born on the 28th December 1969. He is a British Liberal Democrat politician and member of the House of Lords. A past Chief of Staff to the former Deputy Prime Minister of the United Kingdom, Nick Clegg, he was previously the Director of Policy and Communications at the Liberal Democrats. Jonny Oates is a former Liberal Democrat councillor in Kingston-upon-Thames, representing Grove Ward
Prior to this he worked in various communications roles in the public and private sector, including as Policy and Communications Adviser to the Chairman of the Youth Justice Board and a Director at Bell Pottinger. From 1999-2001 he lived in South Africa working for the Westminster Foundation for Democracy on a project to support political parties previously excluded from the political process under apartheid. He has also worked in Zimbabwe, teaching in a rural secondary school.
He was nominated for a life peerage in August 2015.
These two politicians have grown a liking of the Zimbabwe opposition and they always move motions to sanction Zimbabwe and at every opening of their mouths they spit venom against Zimbabwe. The Western world has been shown Zimbabwe through the tainted picture from Oates and Hoey.
Zanu PF spokesman, Christopher Mutsvangwa,was horrified by the negative comments,and he launched a stinging attack on the two British Lords describing them as “political toddlers suffering from a colonial hangover.”
This comes after the MPs criticised President Emmerson Mnangagwa’s administration and accused Zanu PF of killing the MDC. It is the same MPs who have publicly sought funds for CCC. Zimbabweans all over the world did not like the attitude of the two British honorables.
Addressing journalists in Harare the raging Mutsvangwa tore British Lord Jonathan Oates to shreds after he led the the anti-Mnangagwa debate in the House of Lords.
Oates also dismissed opposition MDC-T as a Zanu PF puppet party. The narrative Oates was fronting is exactly the narrative CCC is saying to the people. This becomes clear that Oates is literally representing Zimbabwe opposition. Zimbabwe has noticed a
a persistent effort on the part of the British to continue to involve themselves in Zimbabwean politics as if London still is the imperial master of Harare.
Zimbabweans are the believers of democracy who have watched the recent deterioration of U.S. elections and liberal democracy with growing alarm. They have watched the UK politicians leaving outside their own laws. Specifically, Zimbabweans have watched with deep concern as UK’s legislatures across the country have in recent years proposed or implemented what we consider radical and vindictive laws against Zimbabwe in response to unproven and intentionally destructive allegations of a stolen election. Collectively, these initiatives are transforming Zimbabwe into political systems that no longer meet the minimum conditions for free and fair elections. Hence, our entire democracy is now at risk because of the repressive attitude Zimbabwe faces.
When democracy breaks down, it typically takes many years, often decades, to reverse the downward spiral. In the process, violence and corruption typically flourish, and talent and wealth flee to more stable countries, undermining national prosperity. It is not just our venerated institutions and norms that are at risk—it is our future national standing, strength, and ability to compete globally. The British condemn Zimbabwe to ungovernable state oppress the nation to rebellion against each other and then accuse the leaders for failing to govern.
Attacking Zimbabwe’s electoral laws and demanding unreasonable changes in large key electoral battleground are dangerously politicizing the process of electoral administration, with Opposition controlled legislatures giving themselves the power to challenge electoral outcomes on unproven allegations should ZANU PF win more votes. They are seeking to restrict access to the ballot, the most basic principle underlying the right of all adult Zimbabwean citizens to participate in our democracy. By declaring Zimbabwe a autocratic nation They are also putting in place a belief meant to intimidate and scare away poll workers and nonpartisan administrators. The Western countries and legislatures have advanced initiatives that curtail voting methods and condemn Zimbabwean electoral system as archaic biased and draconian. Opposition lawmakers have openly talked about ensuring the “purity” and “quality” of the vote, echoing arguments widely used across Europe as reasons for always disputing the elections even before voting commences.
The interference in Zimbabwean affairs by the Western powers
supporting the vitriol against Zimbabwe has left Zimbabwe demanding the urgency of “electoral integrity” and the need to ensure that elections are secure and free of fraud.
Electoral Fraud in Zimbabwe is fixed in the British parliament by shameless in legislators like Kate Hoey and Jonny come late Oates. But by multiple expert judgments, the Zimbabwean election is extremely secure and free of fraud. The reason that voters have concerns is because the opposition parties with the help of UK officials, led by Hoey and Oates have manufactured false claims of fraud, claims that have been repeatedly rejected by courts of law, as mere speculation.
In future elections, these laws politicizing the administration of elections could enable these Western controlled puppets or partisan election officials to do what they failed to do all along, to reverse the outcome of a free and fair election. Further, these interference could entrench extended minority rule, violating the basic and longstanding democratic principle that parties that get the most votes should win elections. The interference of these Western powers will end up forcing another Government of National Unity.
Democracy rests on certain elemental institutional and normative conditions. Elections must be neutrally and fairly administered. They must be free of manipulation. Every citizen who is qualified must have an equal right to vote, unhindered by obstruction. And when they lose elections, political parties and their candidates and supporters must be willing to accept defeat and acknowledge the legitimacy of the outcome. The refusal of opposition to accept the outcome of the election, violate these principles. More profoundly, these actions call into question whether Zimbabwe will remain a democracy.
It is very difficult to continue playing fair when the referee is biased and playing rough.
“As lovers of democracy, we condemn these actions in the strongest possible terms as a betrayal of our precious democratic heritage and our independence. Zimbabwe will never be a colony again. Never ever. Enough blood was spilled and Zimbabwe’s future must never be discussed in a parliament of Britain as if we still are a province of the United Kingdom.
The most effective remedy for these anti-democratic actions at the international level is a strong action to protect equal access of all citizens to the ballot and to guarantee free and fair elections by punishing those who bad mouth their country. Hence we urge the parliament to fast track the PVO act. Patriotic bill must be law as soon as yesterday.
It will ultimately take ourselves to put an end to foreign led voter suppression by misinformation so we must once again ensure that Zimbabwean citizens do not depend on foreign parliamentary debates to be dominant in their state legislature, and that votes are cast and counted equally, regardless of which party is backed by Kate Hoey or J Oates. This is widely recognized as a fundamental principle of electoral integrity in democracies around the world.
PVO is essential but alone is not enough. True patriotism and integrity demands a comprehensive set of national standards that ensure the sanctity and independence of a country and its administration, guarantee that all voters can freely exercise their right to vote without foreign intervention. We must prevent partisan gerrymandering from giving opposition parties an unfair advantage in the process by starving the citizens to rebellion or to protest vote. Zimbabwe must regulate ethics and money in politics and must confiscate all donated funds from abroad.
The blood of our fathers and mothers our brothers and sisters must never be washed with money or donations.
This we reject with contempt. It is against the norms of the UN where Britain is the founding member.
“One would have thought that with all that colonial disengagement that Britain has finally understood that nations are sovereign. Alas that is not being found in British politics as to their engagements in Zimbabwe. A certain John Oates, born in 1969, was a fledgling toddler when we fought the liberation. He comes in here under the guise of being a teacher when actually he was an intelligence officer,” Cde Chris Mutsvangwa said
In Africa, courtesy is a human right, everyone deserves to be granted respect in the highest possible form, especially when they are in their own home. The British Lords have refused to adhere to the basic principles of freedom.
It is always far better for major democracy reforms to be bipartisan, to give change the broadest possible legitimacy. However, in the current hyper-polarized political context such broad bipartisan support is sadly lacking. The British government has had numerous opportunities to repudiate Hoey and his “Stop the Steal” and Regime change crusade, which is leading to total disrespect of our democratic system. Each time, they have sidestepped the truth and enabled the lie to spread. They have demonised Zimbabwe and Kate Hoey had even entered into Zimbabwe illegally broken all immigration laws of Zimbabwe and boasted about it.
We urge members of Zimbabwean Parliament to do whatever is necessary—including suspending the filibuster—in order to pass PVO amendment bill that guarantee the dignity of all Zimbabweans and prevent people from manipulating the rules in order to manufacture the result they want. Our democracy is fundamentally at stake. History will judge what we do at this moment.
The utterances of Hoey and Oates shows us that we need to guard the gains of our independence jealously.
National sovereignty has been a long-standing tenet of international law, enshrined in the United Nations Charter
Interventionism has played a major role in the foreign policies of Western powers, particularly during and after the Victorian era. The New Imperialism era saw numerous interventions by Western nations in the Global South, including the Banana Wars. Modern interventionism grew out of Cold War policies, where the United States and the Soviet Union intervened in nations around the world to counter any influence held there by the other nation.Historians have noted that interventionism has always been a contentious political issue among public opinion of countries which engaged in interventions.
WATCH LIVE: CCC Wins 5 Out Of 6 Wards So Far
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BREAKING: CCC Wins Bi Elections Despite Violence Attacks
Below are some of the results from the just ended Bi elections where Nelson Chamisa’s CCC party has won all seats despite violence unleashed against its members.
Results 7 May By-election results update):
1. CCC wins Chikakanga Dangamvura Ward 16
2. CCC Wins Zengeza West Ward 7
3. CCC Wins Makoni Central Ward 5
4. CCC Wins Kariba Ward 4
5. CCC Wins Mutasa South Ward 14
6. ZANU PF wins Mt Darwin South Ward 40
Results 7 May By-election results update):
1. CCC wins Chikakanga Dangamvura Ward 16
2. CCC Wins Zengeza West Ward 7
Live updates:
CCC Wins Chikanga Ward 16
7 May By-election results update):
1. CCC wins Chikakanga Dangamvura Ward 16
2. CCC Wins Zengeza West Ward 7
3. CCC Wins Makoni Central Ward 5
4. CCC Wins Kariba Ward 4
5. ZANU PF wins Mt Darwin South Ward 40
WATCH LIVE: Linda Masarira On ZimEye Spaces
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Kaitano Tembo To Join Amazulu ?
Zimbabwean coach Kaitano Tembo is reportedly one of the candidates being considered by DStv Premiership side AmaZulu for the vacant head coach post.
The former Warriors defender parted ways with Pretoria-based side SuperSport United last month.
AmaZulu on the other hand, sacked Benni McCarthy in March.
South African publication iDiski Times, claims that Usuthu are considering Tembo, Steve Komphela, Stuart Baxter, and Brandon Truter, who currently holding the position on an interim basis.
Ironically, McCarthy is the favourite to replace Tembo at SuperSport United next season.- Soccer24 Zimbabwe
Arsenal Extend Arteta Contract
Arsenal have extended the contract of coach Mikel Arteta with three years.
The club announced the news on Friday morning.
“I’m excited, grateful and really, really happy today,” Mikel said after signing the extension, which runs until the end of season 2024/25.
“When I spoke to Josh he could see the club at the same point and he wanted to take the club the way I wanted to do it. So everything that he’s said, and that Stan has said when I’ve been together with both of them, they’ve always delivered.
“We want to take the club to the next level and to compete really with the top teams. In order to do that, we have to be playing in the Champions League. We have to be able to evolve the team, improve our players, improve all departments, generate even more connection with our fans, improve the atmosphere at the Emirates, be able to recruit top, top talent and the best people for this club to drive this project to that level.”
Arteta has been with the club since 2019 when he took over the reins following the sacking of Unai Emery.- Soccer24 Zimbabwe
President Chamisa To Rescue Matabeleland South Region From Perennial Poverty
Tinashe Sambiri| Citizens’ Coalition For Change leader President Nelson Chamisa has bemoaned the lack of development in Matabeleland South Province.
Addressing thousands of CCC supporters at Madlambuzi Business Centre in Bulilima West on Friday, President Chamisa spoke of the need for speedy implementation of projects that suit the region.
Matabeleland South Province has been abandoned by the Zanu PF regime for years.
“Bulilima falls under agro-ecological natural regions 4 and 5 which are regions of low agricultural potential due to shortage of moisture to facilitate agricultural production.
A CCC govt will develop such communities through the Development and Urbanisation of Rural Areas(DURA).
Bulilima is one of the most underdeveloped communities in Zimbabwe.
The road and communication network is very poor thereby depriving locals of business opportunities,” said President Chamisa.
President Chamisa Bemoans Lack Of Development In Mat South
Tinashe Sambiri| Citizens’ Coalition For Change leader President Nelson Chamisa has bemoaned the lack of development in Matabeleland South Province.
Addressing thousands of CCC supporters at Madlambuzi Business Centre in Bulilima West on Friday, President Chamisa spoke of the need for speedy implementation of projects that suit the region.
Matabeleland South Province has been abandoned by the Zanu PF regime for years.
“Bulilima falls under agro-ecological natural regions 4 and 5 which are regions of low agricultural potential due to shortage of moisture to facilitate agricultural production.
A CCC govt will develop such communities through the Development and Urbanisation of Rural Areas(DURA).
Bulilima is one of the most underdeveloped communities in Zimbabwe.
The road and communication network is very poor thereby depriving locals of business opportunities,” said President Chamisa.
Dangers Of Air Pollution To Human Body
Almost the entire global population (99%) breathes air that exceeds WHO air quality limits, and threatens their health.
A record number of over 6000 cities in 117 countries are now monitoring air quality, but the people living in them are still breathing unhealthy levels of fine particulate matter and nitrogen dioxide, with people in low and middle-income countries suffering the highest exposures.
The findings have prompted the World Health Organization to highlight the importance of curbing fossil fuel use and taking other tangible steps to reduce air pollution levels.
Released in the lead-up to World Health Day, which this year celebrates the theme Our planet, our health, the 2022 update of the World Health Organization’s air quality database introduces, for the first time, ground measurements of annual mean concentrations of nitrogen dioxide (NO2), a common urban pollutant and precursor of particulate matter and ozone. It also includes measurements of particulate matter with diameters equal or smaller than 10 μm (PM10) or 2.5 μm (PM2.5). Both groups of pollutants originate mainly from human activities related to fossil fuel combustion.
The new air quality database is the most extensive yet in its coverage of air pollution exposure on the ground.
Some 2,000 more cities/human settlements are now recording ground monitoring data for particulate matter – PM10 and/or PM2.5 – than the last update. This marks an almost 6-fold rise in reporting since the database was launched in 2011.
Meanwhile, the evidence base for the damage air pollution does to the human body has been growing rapidly and points to significant harm caused by even low levels of many air pollutants.
Particulate matter, especially PM2.5, is capable of penetrating deep into the lungs and entering the bloodstream, causing cardiovascular, cerebrovascular (stroke) and respiratory impacts.
There is emerging evidence that particulate matter impacts other organs and causes other diseases as well.
NO2 is associated with respiratory diseases, particularly asthma, leading to respiratory symptoms (such as coughing, wheezing or difficulty breathing), hospital admissions and visits to emergency rooms.
WHO last year revised its Air Quality Guidelines, making them more stringent in an effort to help countries better evaluate the healthiness of their own air.
“Current energy concerns highlight the importance of speeding up the transition to cleaner, healthier energy systems,” said Dr Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, WHO Director-General. “High fossil fuel prices, energy security, and the urgency of addressing the twin health challenges of air pollution and climate change, underscore the pressing need to move faster towards a world that is much less dependent on fossil fuels.”
Steps governments can take to improve air quality and health
A number of governments are taking steps to improve air quality, but WHO is calling for a rapid intensification of actions to:
adopt or revise and implement national air quality standards according to the latest.
WHO Air Quality Guidelines;
monitor air quality and identify sources of air pollution;
support the transition to exclusive use of clean household energy for cooking, heating and lighting;
build safe and affordable public transport systems and pedestrian- and cycle-friendly networks;
implement stricter vehicle emissions and efficiency standards; and enforce mandatory inspection and maintenance for vehicles;
invest in energy-efficient housing and power generation;
improve industry and municipal waste management;
reduce agricultural waste incineration, forest fires and certain agro-forestry activities (e.g. charcoal production); and
include air pollution in curricula for health professionals and providing tools for the health sector to engage.
WHO’s Air Quality Guidelines
The evidence base for the harm caused by air pollution has been growing rapidly and points to significant harm caused by even low levels of many air pollutants. Last year, the WHO responded by revising its Air Quality Guidelines to reflect the evidence, making them more stringent, especially for PM and NO2, a move strongly supported by the health community, medical associations and patient organizations.
The 2022 database aims to monitor the state of the world’s air and feeds into progress tracking of the Sustainable Development Goals.
Source: WHO
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Chilonga Bridge Tragedy: NetOne Employee “Lover” Buried
MASVINGO – Loice Maradze (40), the woman who died in the company of a NetOne technician when the mobile company’s vehicle was swept off Chilonga River Bridge in Chiredzi was buried in Masvingo yesterday.
Maradze was buried at Lawn Cemetery.
Although Police would not say why Maradze was in the NetOne vehicle, mourners who spoke at the funeral said she had a well-known love affair with Samson Zvarimwa, the NetOne technician who died together with her.
Maradze’s relatives collected her body from Chiredzi District Hospital after clearing with the Police on Wednesday.
The body was brought to her uncle’s place in Majange and it was taken back to Nyaradzo mortuary in Masvingo where it laid in state before burial yesterday.
Maradze stayed with her three children in Runyararo West.
Maradze’s friend Abigail Moyo, who spoke at the graveside said Maradze informed her that she was going to Chiredzi and Moyo is the only person who knew her whereabouts. Zvarimwa and Maradze who was a money changer at Pick n’ Pay are understood to have left Masvingo on Friday afternoon. Zvarima was on a mission to deliver diesel at NetOne mobile base stations in Chilonga and other parts of Chiredzi.
They safely arrived in Chilonga after using a longer route but disaster struck at 9am on Saturday when they used a shorter route and tried to drive across the flooded Runde River Bridge.
Their car, a Land rover was swept off the bridge and efforts to retrieve the vehicle were futile until Monday when a speed boat and the small number of people from the community used a rope to pull the vehicle out of the water.
Maradze and Zvarimwa were found trapped inside the vehicle and the latter was buried in Zaka on Wednesday.
Moyo said she was shocked to receive a message of Maradze’s death on Monday morning. Moyo could not finish her speech at the graveside as she broke into tears.
“When Loice went to Chiredzi she bid me farewell. It never crossed my mind that this was the last time that I was talking to her. I was shocked by the news of her death which reached me on Monday,” said Moyo before she broke into tears.
The deceased’s relatives also expressed shock at the Maradze’s death.
Maradze’s aunt, Tambudzai Maradze told mourners that it would be difficult for her to get over her niece’s death.
“I’m in a state of shock. I pray to God to help me get over this,” she said.
Maradze is survived by three children; two girls and boy.
The poorly built Chilonga Bridge has so far this year claimed more than 10 lives including several Government officials and a cop who was a member of the Police Sub Aqua. – Masvingo Mirror
Pictures: President Chamisa Rally In Matabeleland South
BREAKING: Job Sikhala, Blessed Mhlanga Arrested
By A Correspondent | Zengeza MP Job Sikhala together with Newsday journo Blessed Mhlanga were arrested on Saturday morning during a function.
The development was captured on camera and exposed in action. More follows.
ZESN SITUATIONAL STATEMENT ON THE MAY 7 2022 BY-ELECTION OBSERVATIONS
07-May-2022– The Zimbabwe Election Support Network has deployed 8 static observers in Chitungwiza Ward 7, Mutare Ward 14 & 16, Rusape Ward 5, Pfura Ward 40, Kariba Ward 3, 4 & 8 as well as observers at the Ward Collation Centres in the local authority by-election. The by-election is being held in accordance with Section 121 A of the Electoral Act (Chapter 2:13) following the death of the incumbent Pfura Ward 40 Councillor Doniah Jeke and the recalls of Mutare Mayor Blessing Tandi of Ward 14; Chitungwiza Mayor Lovemore Maiko of Ward 7; Kariba Mayor George Masendu of Ward 4; Councillors Farai Magevha of Ward 3 and Pedzisai Munhuweyi of Ward 8 and Mutare Ward 16 Councillor Sekai Catherine Mukodza; who were elected under the MDC Alliance Party were recalled from their respective local authorities and are contesting in the by-election under the Citizens Coalition for Change (CCC) Party.
Nomination Court
The Nomination Court sat on Wednesday 16 March 2022 to receive nominations of prospective candidates to fill the local authority seat vacancies in Rusape Town Council and Mutare Municipality Ward 14. Three candidates, Brighton Manhuhwa of ZANU-PF, Munyaradzi Nyampigoti of the MDC Alliance and Lyton Sithole of the CCC were duly nominated for election as councillors for Rusape Ward 5 at the close of sitting of the Nomination Court. Patrick Masenyama of the CCC, Jonah Wellington Moyo of ZANU-PF and Njabulo Nyathi of the MDC Alliance were dully nominated for election as councillors for Mutare Ward 14. The Nomination Court sat on Thursday 2022 to receive nominations for Ward 7 Chitungwiza, Ward 16 Mutare at the respective Town Clerk Offices and at Pfura Rural District Council Chief Executive Offices for Ward 40 nominations. At the close of the sitting, Lovemore Maiko of the CCC, Charamba Mlambo of the ZANU-PF and Bothwell Patsika of the MDC Alliance had been duly nominated as candidates for Chitungwiza Ward 7. Tsverukai Madzokere (Female) of the MDC Alliance, Sekai Catherine Mukodza (Female) of the CCC and Webster Mudzimwa of ZANU-PF were duly nominated for Ward 16 Mutare. Candidates that were duly nominated as candidates for Pfura RDC are Gift Madziva of the ZANU-PF and Tobias Samuel of the CCC.
Political environment
As of midday, the political environment in the respective Wards has been reported to be peaceful. No incidents had been observed and reported during the polling process so far.
Displaying of the voters’ roll
ZESN observers reported that the voters’ rolls are displayed outside the polling stations to allow voters to check their names before polling day.
Set up and opening of polling stations
The eight polling stations were opened on time and all the essential polling materials such as ballot boxes, ballot papers, indelible finger markers, voters’ roll, the ZEC official stamp, were available at all polling stations observed.
Polling officials
Each of the polling stations was manned by an average of six polling officers at the time of opening. At five of the eight polling stations observed, the Presiding officers were reported to be female.
Voting process and procedures
At both polling stations, ZESN observers reported that voting is proceeding well, with all polling procedures being duly followed in accordance with the law.
Party agents
All contesting parties; ZANU-PF, CCC and the MDC Alliance deployed their party agents to track the polling process at all the polling stations where their candidates are contesting in the by-election.
Assisted voters
A few voters had been assisted to vote on account of illiteracy and visual impairment as of midday. For instance, about three voters had been assisted to vote at Nyanhewe Primary School Polling Station in Kariba Ward 3 by 11:00 hours and about eight had been assisted at Tangenhamo Primary School in Chitungwiza Ward 7 around the same time.
Turned away and redirected voters
Some people were turned away either because their names were not on the voters’ roll or they could not produce valid identification documents. As of 11:00 hours, about 11 people had been turned away at Nyanhewe Primary School polling station for presenting driver’s licence instead of an acceptable Identification Document (ID) card, showing up at the wrong polling station and others were not in the voter’s roll. At Rujeko Primary (Ward 5) polling station in Rusape, 12 people were turned away for the same reasons.
Voter turnout
ZESN observers have reported that around 11:00 hours, most of the voters who were turning up to vote were males.
Conclusion
Voting continues until 1900 hours in the evening. ZESN will continue to observe and issue updates and an end of day statement as well as a report of the by-election with its recommendations.
Prosecutor’s Bid To Push Katsimberis’ Trial Without Lawyer Flops
Prosecutor Michael Reza’s bid to push for land developer George Katsimberis’ trial without his lead lawyer Tawanda Kanengoni failed yesterday after Harare regional magistrate Vongai Guwuriro ruled against his application for trial continuation.
Through his lawyer Charles Warara, Katsimberis had sought postponement of trial owing to the unavailability of his lead counsel Kanengoni who had attended to an emergency at his home.
However, Reza objected to the postponement of trial insisting that trial should continue with cross examination of Pokugara Properties ex-Managing director Michael John Van Blerk but Warara said he was not prepared to cross examine as he was not privy to Van Blerk’s testimony.
“Your worship I think it’s totally absurd for the State Counsel to ask me to conduct the defence for the accused neither can the court conduct the defence for the accused. This is a decision that the accused has made that Mr Kanengoni will conduct the cross examination. He is the one who has prepared for that cross examination. I have not prepared for that cross examination, Mr Kanengoni is doing that, in fact it is totally inappropriate and irregular to request that the defence change legal practitioners for purposes of a trial.
The rules require that the legal practitioner chosen by the accused if available must continue with cross examination because he knows where he left and what he intended to achieve. I was not the one responsible for cross examining and I did know either that Mr Kanengoni is not available until the morning. For the State to say I am prepared when I am not… the reason I am here is I am assisting Mr Kanengoni with the trial where I have to come in and assist in terms of the processes, I will advise but that is not to say I am conducting the cross examination, so for the State to demand that I conduct the cross examination is wrong,” said Warara
Guwuriro stood the matter down in order to make a ruling and after a lengthy delay she returned granting postponement of trial to 18 May 2022.
Katsimberis is embroiled in a legal battle with controversial businessman Kenneth Raydon Sharpe following a botched joint venture agreement
Katsimberis is facing fraud charges in which he is accused of furnishing Pokugara Properties with unapproved architectural plans despite confirmation from the City of Harare that the plans were authentic.
Trial has since commenced with Sharpe’s aide Michael John Van Blerk set to be cross examined after testifying. This is not the first time that Reza has sought continuation of trial in the absence of Katsimberis’ lawyer despite glaring evidence that they will be engaged.
Journalists Detained
Cop Sells Mbanje Inside Police Camp
By A Correspondent- A police constable stationed in Headlands was arrested for allegedly selling mbanje/marijuana from his residence at a police camp.
Shingirai Enock Tapatapa (29) and his alleged accomplice, Taurai Maruwa (27) appeared before a Rusape magistrate for unlawfully possessing or using dangerous drugs.
Tapatapa and Maruwa were remanded in custody to 9 May when they appeared before Rusape magistrate, Lucy-Anne Ndiraya.
They are facing charges of contravening Section 157 of the Criminal (Codification and Reform) Act, Chapter 9:23.
The matter came to light after Maruwa was arrested for assault on 28 April. Prosecutor, Tawanda Karikoga, said:
The suspect was searched by the arresting police officers and he was found in possession of a small black bag containing 19 sachets of loose dagga.
During interviews, he indicated that he was given the dagga by Constable Tapatapa to sell on his behalf.
He also revealed that the cop had packed the dagga. The suspect further revealed that the police officer was also in possession of some dagga packed in a black plastic bag in his room.
Karikoga said that the police officer was arrested the following day when he reported for work.
He told the court that Constable Tapatapa was summoned to the Officer-In-Charge’s office where he was informed of the allegations against him. Said Karikoga:
Assistant Inspector Kasange, Sergeant Chikwature and Constable Govha escorted him to his room where a search was to be conducted.
On arrival at the doorstep, Tapatapa told the three police officers that he was missing the keys to his room.
He was searched and a sachet of dagga was found in his pair of trousers’ right pocket. The key to his room was also found in the same pocket.
A search was conducted and a black plastic bag containing loose dagga was recovered from Tapatapa’s blankets.
The recovered dagga was taken to Rusape Post Office where it weighed 920 grammes. It will be produced in court as an exhibit.-manicapost
Cornered Gokomere High School Releases Pupils’ Results
By A Correspondent- Authorities at Gokomere High School in Masvingo Province have agreed to release Ordinary Level examination results for 23 juveniles which they had been withholding since April this year when they were released by ZIMSEC.
According to the Zimbabwe Lawyers for Human Rights (ZLHR), the school was trying to force the learners to pay US$25 each for damage purportedly caused to the school property during a protest at the institution.
The authorities at the school argued that the juveniles have a criminal case pending at Masvingo Magistrates Court and that each of them must pay US$25 for damage caused to school property during a protest allegedly staged in November 2021 against maladministration
The former Gokomere High School pupils completed their Ordinary Level studies early this year.
They are currently on trial before Masvingo Magistrate Farai Gwitima answering charges of committing public violence as defined in Section 36(1) of the Criminal Law (Codification and Reform) Act.
ZLHR lawyer, Martin Mureri, wrote a letter to Gokomere High School Headmaster Acquanos Mazhunga protesting against the school authorities’ decision to withhold the results. The ZLHR case alert reads:
In his letter, Mureri argued that the students who were not indebted to Gokomere High School and some who wanted to proceed to enrol for Advanced Level studies were being prejudiced by the withholding of their examination results.
The human rights lawyer reminded Mazhunga that if the school authorities had issues regarding any outstanding payments owed by the students, they should approach their parents or guardians.
Mureri had given Mazhunga 48 hours to release the withheld examination results, failure of which he would institute legal proceedings against Gokomere High School.
In response to Mureri’s letter and within 24 hours, Mazhunga responded by telling the human rights lawyer to advise the juveniles to visit Gokomere High School and “collect their results without causing unnecessary unrest”.
As rightly advised by Mureri, Mazhunga said he would engage the students’ parents and guardians for payment of US$25 each for the purported damage to the school property.
“Elective Congress On Course”: Mwonzora
By A Correspondent- MDC-T leader Douglas Mwonzora has reiterated that his party will hold its elective congress in June this year.
Speaking at a press conference in Harare on Friday, 6 May, Mwonzora said the MDC-T constitution requires that they hold an ordinary congress after every five years. He said:
We are going to congress. We as the MDC-T are a party that is well established and has well-established systems including the system of leadership determination.
We have a constitution and this constitution says after every five years we must go to an ordinary congress for purposes among other things to elect our leadership, to design or review policy and constitutional issues meant to strengthen our institution.
We have said as the standing committee that the leadership of the party must be democratically elected at every level so we are going to have smaller congresses.
We as the MDC have a policy that you can only be a candidate if you receive a valid nomination.
The congress is set to take place just a few months after the MDC-T failed to get a single council and parliamentary seat in the 26 March by-elections.-Newsday
Zanu PF Pushes For Own Party Stalwarts In Civil Service Recruitment
THE Zanu-PF youth league has resolved to lobby the public service to only recruit party card-carrying members and graduates of the infamous Border Gezi programme as part of measures to counter demonstrations by disgruntled civil servants.
The call comes in the face of growing discontent in the civil service over poor salaries and working conditions, with teachers and nurses calling for a national shutdown on Monday to register their concerns.
The ruling party youths came short of labelling the striking civil servants unpatriotic.
“That the party enjoins the government to prioritise the employment of patriotic youths in order to curb the issues of industrial action by retrogressive members of the public service,” Zanu-PF youth secretary for legal affairs Phinias Makombe said as he presented the resolutions of their national youth conference held in Harare.
The ruling party youths also called for the resuscitation of the controversial National Youth Service (NYS) programme, and ensure only graduates of the abandoned programme are considered for employment in the civil service.
The NYS programme, launched by the late Youth minister Border Gezi in 2001, was introduced with the aim of drilling revolutionary and patriotic ideologies into the country’s young citizens.
But Zanu-PF was later accused of turning the graduates into a paramilitary militia used to harass political opponents.
The programme came under a barrage of attacks with some questioning why children of top government people never enrolled for the programme, while others condemned it as a Zanu-PF initiative to brainwash youths.
“To urge the government to accelerate restitution of compulsory national youth service and make a pre-qualification for enrolment into tertiary education and abortion for employment onto the public sector, with the purpose of inculcating values of patriotism, nationhood, voluntarisn, national ethos and discipline,” the youths declared.
The NYS proposal comes when Zanu-PF is accused of trying to silence dissent by railroading controversial laws such as the Private Voluntary Organisations Amendment Bill and the Patriotic Act.
“That the party should advocate for the enactment of the Patriotic Act,” Makombe added.
The youths also resolved that President Emmerson Mnangagwa be endorsed as the sole Zanu-PF presidential candidate for the 2023 general elections outside a party elective congress.
Mnangagwa, buoyed by the endorsement, told his supporters that Zanu-PF was unstoppable, and would cruise to victory in the 2023 general elections.
“You are the vanguard of the party. You are the eyes and ears of the party, stay vigilant…our party should remain safe in your hands. Go and tell people that Zanu-PF is unstoppable and we are going to win the elections,” Mnangagwa said.
Meanwhile, a new youth league executive was elected at the conference.
Masvingo youth chairperson and Gutu West MP John Paradza is the new deputy youth secretary with Tendai Chiwetu as secretary for administration, Tsungai Makumbe (political commissar) and Garikai Zonde (secretary for finance) were among others elected to the youth executive.
Mnangagwa, as party leader, has the prerogative to handpick the youth secretary to replace Tendai Chirau who had acted in that capacity since November 2017.
POLAD Pushes For Currency Crisis Indaba
By A Correspondent- Chairperson of the Political Actors Dialogue (Polad)’s economic thematic committee Trust Chikohora has called for an urgent currency crisis meeting before the economy implodes.
Chikohora, who is also the leader of the Coalition for Democrats (CODE), said the currency crisis seen in a free-falling Zimbabwe dollar, sparking price hikes could not be ignored any longer.
“As Polad we are calling for a currency indaba where we will have the Head of State, relevant government ministries, the Reserve Bank of Zimbabwe, captains of industry and labour among others because the urgency of this issue (currency crisis) now needs to be dealt with at that level,” Chikohora said.
President Emmerson Mnangagwa has cited sabotage over the economic turmoil, blaming businesses for working with unnamed foreign nations to destabilise the country and cause regime change.
Inflation recently raced to 96.4% amid fears of a return to the 2008 hyper-inflation period. However, the government has said it is putting in place measures to arrest inflation and stop the crisis.
But Chikohora said inflation was inevitable if there was no urgent solution to the currency crisis.
“We need to find an urgent solution on what needs to be done to stabilise the exchange rate for the benefit of the nation. That is why we are proposing this currency indaba which will be no holds-barred. We need to get to the bottom of the matter so that we can stabilise the economy together,” he said.
The Zimbabwe dollar was re-introduced in 2019 after a year of dollarisation.
“”This is a very urgent matter which needs proper resolution. This will erode the economic growth the country had projected to experience. This threatens to take us back to hyperinflation,” he
said.
The United States dollar is trading at about $400 on the parallel market against $160 at the RBZ auction system.-newsday
Owl Unmasked
By A Correspondent- An owl is viewed as a creature of witchcraft in Zimbabwe and when a family in Kuruwa Village in Gokwe South under Chief Nemangwe woke up, close to midnight, to find the nocturnal bird trapped in their bedroom, their belief that their poverty was a result of supernatural beings was confirmed.
The family is very poor despite their hard work and what was a big problem for First Mutsvakiwa is that his daughters were not getting married and those married were being divorced.
The man worked hard in his fields and harvested enough for the family but he could not understand the poverty in his house and his disappearing wealth.
He approached a Prophet called Tavengwa Masuku, a friend and a neighbour to him and disclosed his problems to him.
They engaged in prayers and one day Prophet Masuku visited him in his house. After prayers, he produced a piece of red wool, made a knot and hung it up the window of their spare room where one of their daughters slept.
The wool was a tool to trap the owl.
He narrated to him that there was an owl that visited, stayed with them for some days and left which caused all their problems. It also took away their wealth and is a spiritual husband to his daughters which made them not to get married or be divorced.
A few days after, the girl woke up from a deep sleep after hearing a sound that broke the silence in the house. She saw an owl flying toward her and immediately covered herself with a blanket.
It came back for the second time and failed again. As it escaped, it hit the wall and fell on a suitcase opposite the bed.
Shivering with fear, she cried her lungs out and her father and mother came to her rescue.
They were very surprised to see the owl lying on top of the suitcase.
“We were awakened by the screams we heard from our daughter’s room and we ran there to see what was taking place. We found her shivering in the blankets and saw an owl lying on top of a suitcase just opposite her bed,” said First Mutsvakiwa.
“We comforted her and asked her what happened and she then narrated everything that took place. I then called Prophet Tavengwa who came and burnt the owl,” he added.
Tavengwa Masuku (28) is one of the prophets who work under Bishop Shoemaker Masuku who founded Rudo Rwevatendi Apostolic Church in 2008 in Gokwe. He started prophesying when he was 18 years old and has performed miracles in many villages of Gokwe including Kuruwa Village where he is located.
Sad- Zim Student Kills Self After S.A Study Permit Expires
By A Correspondent- A Zimbabwean PhD candidate, who could not register for the academic year at the University of the Witwatersrand because his study permit had expired, killed himself last weekend, the university has said.
Wits said Philip Chuma – described as a dedicated PhD student at the School of Education for the last five years – could not register for the 2022 academic year.
Chuma’s study permit expired at the end of January 2022, and he was in regular contact with the Department of Home Affairs to process his documentation.
Wits spokesperson Shirona Patel told News24 the university was saddened by his death.
“By law, the university cannot register students from other countries without a valid study permit. There have been no policy changes relating to international students in recent years, and the university has successfully registered 2 020 international students in 2022.
“Through its international office, the university provides dedicated support to international students, and whilst we do our best to facilitate interaction between students, staff, and Home Affairs, we cannot influence the outcomes of government departments,” she said.
According to department spokesperson Siya Qoza, they would need the passport or ID number to respond accurately to Chuma’s situation.
Patel said Chuma was doing his PhD on the transition of newly qualified teachers into their first teaching position in Zimbabwean schools.
“He had recently completed his data analysis chapters and was busy working on interpreting his findings. He presented parts of his work at two international conferences recently and was meant to submit his PhD work for examination later this year,” she added.
The university said it was assisting in the repatriation of Chuma’s body to Zimbabwe.
Just In- Newsday Journalist Arrested In Chitungwiza
CCC Raises Alarm Over Council By-election
By- Citizens Coalition for Change said they have uncovered a rigging plot by Zanu PF in today’s local council by-election in Chitungwiza.
Posting on twitter Friday evening, CCC, said they would not allow Zanu PF to steal people’s will.
“We have uncovered a plot by ZANU PF operatives to rig tomorrow’s Chitungwiza Ward 7 by election. We have put in place a foolproof mechanism to detect, expose and thwart any rigging shenanigans. We shall defend our votes. We are more than ready for tomorrow,” posted CCC.
https://twitter.com/CCCHarare/status/1522640993312518145
Chirau Booted Out
By- A new Zanu PF National Youth League Executive was elected into office at the 7th National Youth Conference Thursday.
The new executive will be presented to the ruling party’s First Secretary, President Emmerson Mnangagwa as the conference comes to its final stages.
The party’s National Political Commissar, Mike Bimha announced the results Thursday night.
The List of Winners:
- i). John Paradza (Masvingo Provincial Youth chairman) – Deputy Secretary for Youth Affairs. Takes over from Tendai Chirau, who has been at the helm in an acting capacity.
- ii). Tendai Chiwetu – Secretary for Administration
- iii). Danmore Mambondiani -deputy Secretary for Administration
- iv). Tsungai Makumbe (Mashonaland Central) – Political Commissar,
- v). Taurai Kandishaya – Deputy Political Commissar,
- vi). Garikai Zonde – Secretary for Finance post,
- vii). Valeria Makonza – Secretary for External Affairs,
- viii). Innocent Dube – Transport and Social Welfare ,
- ix). Phillippa Mukono – Information and Publicity,
- x). Margaret Nyerere – Secretary for Indigenisation and Economic Empowerment,
- xi). Munashe Mututsa – Secretary for Information, Communication and Technology,
- xii). Admire Ndlovu – Secretary for Economic Affairs,
- xiii). Luckmore Gapa – Secretary for Health and Child Care,
- xiv). Nalede Maunganidze – Secretary for Gender,
- xv). Nomatter Topotsa – Secretary for Lands portfolio,
- xvi). Future Mhlanga – Secretary for Disabled,
- xvii). Batsirai Matiza – Secretary for Environment,
- xviii). Tubelihle Ncube – Secretary for Security,
- xix). Munashe Mabika – Secretary for Business Liaison.
PICTURE- The Long Wait For ZUPCO Buses
ED “Oils” State Machinery Over Planned Protests
By A Correspondent- Zimbabwe’s service chiefs have placed a well-oiled state machinery on high alert, ready to viciously thwart any protests following indications of an impending uprising.
Multiple official and security sources told NewZimbabwe.com Friday that the country’s defence forces have been preparing for an eventual outbreak of civil disobedience for the past two months as discontentment over a worsening economic crisis engulfed the country.
The sources said intelligence agencies have been presenting adverse reports to President Emmerson Mnangagwa, showing that in general, the economic crisiswas providing fertile grounds for mass protests.
The crisis is unelined by an astromic cost of living, runaway inflation, skyrocketing fuel prices and erosion of the value of the Zimbabwean dollar which reached levels only surpassed by the 2008 hyperinflationry era.
An informed source said: “The entire security sector is on high alert. They know that there is a realistic likelihood of an uprising and every effort is being made to thwart it.”
“The president himself consistently been given security situation reports indicating the ground is fertile for an upheaval and that is why he is frequently talking about economic saboteurs. Its a delicate situation,” the source said.
Another source said it was not by coincidece that Mnangagwa’s recent speeches have been threat ladden.
In one such speech, at an event for youths on the even of independence commemorations, Mnangagwa said: “If you protest, we will arrest you. Make money.”
As if to confirm the state’s fears, civil society organisations, university students, teachers and nurses have called for a national shutdown next Monday to protest against the rocketing cost of living.
In the private sector, there is also growing discontent with workers and their employers engaged in wage disputes, forcing some companies to pay a percentage of the wages in United States dollars.
Crisis in Zimbabwe Coalition (CiZC) announced that there is going to be a transport march following the transport crisis that has seen commuters waiting for transport for more than three hours.
The organisation’s spokesman Obert Masaraure said: “The Crisis in Zimbabwe Coalition stands firmly behind calls for a public protest against failure by the government to come up with a proper public transportation system. On Friday, May 6, 2022 aggrieved Zimbabweans will march against the continued shortage of public transport especially in urban areas.”
“This trend has resulted in commuters being charged exorbitant fares as some unregistered private players capitalize on the desperation among commuters while a lot of productive time is being wasted in long queues.”
“We note with concern the failure by the government to resuscitate the Zimbabwe United Passenger Company (ZUPCO) and provide an efficient and reliable public transport system.”
Government spokesman Nick Mangwana virtually confirmed in a Twitter post that a well oiled state machinery was on standby to deal with protesters.
“You want to be unproductive? That is your baby. You want to try to stop someone from going where they want to go or do what they want to do or fend for their family? The law will do its power to stop you!” Mangwana said.
Meanwhile, South African opposition leader Mmusi Maimane also endorsed the shutdown and challenged President Emmerson Mnangagwa to let people demonstrate freely.
“The world will be watching when Zimbabwe happens. There is no room for suppression of the rights of the people including the right to protest.”
There should be no obstruction of the people, ED Mnangangwa there should be no arrests and intimidation of activists. South Africa has paid a heavy price for the oppression in Zimbabwe. We will not ignore brutality and oppression. We cannot support dictatorship anymore. It is costing us dearly, costing the whole of SADC,” Maimane said
Judges’ Conduct Irks ED
By A Correspondent- President Emmerson Mnangagwa yesterday expressed anger over the conduct of some judges after three of them were dismissed from work while another is under investigation for misconduct.
Mnangagwa, who was officially opening the country’s first Commercial Court, said the judges must behave.
“We want members of the public, including those in rural areas, to use this electronic system that is paperless. I am deeply enraged by the conduct of some judges. Within a period of three years, three judges have been dismissed and another judge is under investigation,” Mnangagwa said.
“All the judges must familiarise themselves with this electronic system to expedite the backlog.”
In April, Mnangagwa fired Justice Thompson James Mabhikwa after his nudes went viral.
In June 2021, Justice Erica Ndewere was fired for “gross incompetence”.
He also castigated corrupt court officials saying dockets and other documents were disappearing from the registry because of a lack of an electronic system which is now in place.
Mnangagwa said the commercial courts will bring confidence in investors as commercial disputes will be resolved fairly, and timeously.
Reserve Bank of Zimbabwe governor John Mangundya said: “The commercial courts will help in punishing errant businesses that are in the business of floating monetary policies.”
Chief Justice Luke Malaba said: “The commercial court has been equipped with state of the art furniture and other gadgets that were not going to be successful without them.
“This will help in paper damages as we use a paperless system. Documents at times are missing due to corruption or other ways but the electronic system will help in the good management of justice.”-newsday
Mabvuku Suddenly Gets State Of The Art Garbage Trucks Better Than Harare
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Fuel Prices Up Again
By-The Zimbabwe Energy Regulatory Authority (ZERA) has announced new fuel prices.
The price of diesel has not changed in US dollars (US$1.71) but ZERA increased the price in Zimbabwe dollars from ZWL$264.77 to ZWL$283.87 per litre.
The price of petrol has been increased to US$1.64 and ZWL$271.85 per litre from US$1.63 and ZWL$252.40 per litre, respectively. ZERA said:
The public and operators are advised that the blending ratio is now at E10. Operators may sell the petroleum products below the prescribed prices depending on their trading advantages and should display prices in a prominent place as provided for by the fuel pricing regulations.
Chamisa Uncovers Chi-Town Election Rigging Plot
By- Citizens Coalition for Change said they have uncovered a rigging plot by Zanu PF in today’s local council by-election in Chitungwiza.
Posting on tweeter Friday evening, CCC, said they would not allow Zanu PF to steal people’s will.
“We have uncovered a plot by ZANU PF operatives to rig tomorrow’s Chitungwiza Ward 7 by election. We have put in place a foolproof mechanism to detect, expose and thwart any rigging shenanigans. We shall defend our votes. We are more than ready for tomorrow,” posted CCC.
https://twitter.com/CCCHarare/status/1522640993312518145
Chamisa Moved To Hold Elective Congress
By-The Nelson Chamisa led Citizens Coalition for Change (CCC) has announced that it would soon be embarking on new processes to elect its national leaders, ahead of the 2023 national elections.
This follows recent reports that the party, formed in January this year ahead of the March 26 by-elections, was a one-man show for Nelson Chamisa.
There are also increased calls for the new political outfit to hold an elective congress.
Exiled former ministers Professor Jonathan Moyo and Walter Mzembi led the charge last week calling for Chamisa to hold a special congress to launch the party constitution, build structures, elect leadership and come up with an election manifesto.
Since its formation early this year, the party has insisted that all party members will hold interim positions while it consults citizens.
Political observers, however, raised concerns that the stance would diminish the CCC’s image as a vanguard of democracy.
In an interview yesterday, CCC spokesperson Fadzayi Mahere said: “The CCC is consulting citizen assemblies throughout all provinces where structures are being built to ensure every street, village and farm is part of a branch.
“These are the same citizens in urban and rural areas who were consulted and who pushed for the creation of a brand new political party,” Mahere said, adding that the party was introducing a new political doctrine.
“We urge the citizens not to expect old ways from these new wineskins. We commit to doing things differently. Expect the new.”
The CCC, she added, was a citizens’ project that carried new values, a new political culture, a new thinking, and a new way of community organisation.
“The people are being consulted so that we don’t impose our own ideas on them. Rather, the citizens must own their movement,” she said.
The CCC, according to Mahere, would roll out all other mechanisms at the appropriate time while calling party supporters to trust the process. She said party leaders would be selected by a democratic process led by the citizens while details around this would be unveiled at the appropriate time.
“President Chamisa has been anything but silent. He has addressed citizen assemblies, small group meetings, village meetings, and a host of other community and special interest groups,” Mahere said.
“The clear message has been that CCC is a movement that puts the citizens at the centre of all decision-making and all matters of governance, leadership selection, budgetary priorities, and policy-making.”
Mahere said the movement was seeking to complete the unfinished business of the liberation struggle.
“It is a party that champions prosperity, opportunity and protection for all Zimbabweans regardless of their location or status in society.
“We are all equal as citizens of our country. We advocate for a Zimbabwe where every person is accorded their inalienable rights irrespective of race, colour, creed, age, sex, religious affiliation, national origin or disability,” she added.
Mahere said Chamisa has made it clear that the party’s mission was to drive a new national consensus, a new conversation, a new convergence, a post-liberation consensus and a democratisation consensus.
The CCC garnered 19 out of 28 seats in the March 26 by-elections.
-Zimbabwe Independent
Mnangagwa Dying Today Who Takes Over?
PICTURE: Waiting Forever For Zupco On Saturday Morning
Govt Pleads With Uni Students To Stop Monday ShutDowm Demo | VIDEO
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By Takudzwah Mukono | As the students of Zimbabwe we have committed ourselves in protecting our right to education and in our call we are very explicit no to the commodification of education, no to fees hikes. In responding to a direct threat to our right to education through unreasonable fees being charged
by tertiary institutions we have called for a National Shutdown of all Tertiary Institutions in
Zimbabwe until the crisis is addressed. The shutdown will start on the 9th of May 2022.
- Failed Dialogue. ZINASU tried and exhausted all the available channels to engage institutions and
the Central Government. All these efforts were futile nobody took heed of our frank concerns. The shutting down of all institutions is coming in as a result of cold responses we received from the Tertiary Institutions and the Central Government. - Increase in Students Dropouts and Deferences. These fees hikes have forced many to leave tertiary
institutions. In April 2022 more than 400 students were forced to defer by Midlands State University,
and this is disheartening. - Almost three quarters of the students we are either children or are being looked after by civil
servants who are earning meaningless wages. These exorbitant fees have become a nightmare and
are not affordable. Teachers, nurses, soldiers, police forces and pensioners e.t.c cannot afford to pay
$80 000 per semester. The fees being charged are beyond our means. - The resolve to be the vanguard of our right to education. The Constitution of Zimbabwe is
unambiguous and very clear when it comes to the right to quality and affordable education.
Exorbitant fees being charged have already threatened the constitution and declared war on our
right to education. It is our collective responsibility as the students of Zimbabwe to ensure we defend
this fundamental right. - Affordable and Quality Education for all Zimbabweans. The current administration in 2018 promised free education and quality education, but what we have is the opposite. The 9th of May 2022 shutdown is a reminder to the ruling formation to live by its promises and commitments. The
government must deliver and the time to deliver is now. - Abolishment of the fixed registration dates system. We are calling for all the tertiary institutions to totally do away with the system of imposing a registration time frame for the students. This system of fixed registration dates has been weaponized by tertiary institutions to defranchise
vulnerable students from accessing education. - Establishment of an effective bargaining table amongst the Students, Tertiary Institutions and the Central Government. The existing means of communication amongst the three are vague and
bogus. We call for a revision of these channels and the involvement of students unions is very
crucial going forward. - Respect for students academic freedoms.It is the culture of the govt to suppress genuine concerns from the students by using excessive force. An ethical and upright parent can not dish
out venom when what the children are asking for is water. We are only asking for quality and
affordable education police brutality doesn’t clear this crisis. - We are calling for a total closure of all tertiary institutions on the 9th May until all these issues
which have been articulated in this blueprint are resolved. We are declaring zero business on all campuses across the country. Till the govt addresses these pertinent issues amicably we can then return to normalcy, failure to do so imply that all the tertiary institutions will be on a perennial state of closure. As ZINASU we are great full to those who have given us solidarity. We equally at this juncture call all the progressive forces across the social and political divide to support us on the 9th of May 2022 going forward in our call to have access to quality and affordable education.
These progressive forces includes, Citizens, Political Formations, Labor Movements, Churches and all Religious Groups
within and outside the Zimbabwe.
The Struggle Continue Unabated
Takudzwah Raynolds Mukono (Research Secretary)
Mbanje At ZITF Exhibition
By- Buyers and people attending the Zimbabwe International Trade Fair (ZITF) in Bulawayo flocked the SOUTH Africa’s visual cannabis magazine, Seven Leaf stand to see Mbanje which the company was showcasing.
.
Industrial hemp is a botanical class of cannabis sativa cultivars grown specifically for industrial or medicinal use.
It can be used to make a wide range of products. Along with bamboo, hemp is among the fastest growing plants on Earth.
Nomsa, a representative of the magazine said hemp is beneficial medicinally, nutritionally and as an ingredient for textile products.
“Industrial hemp is important therapeutically since it contains a compound called cannabidiol (CBD) and hemp seeds are high in protein. Farmers can also use hemp as a cover crop, reducing the need for herbicides and also adding diversity to crop rotations.
“Besides the obvious, hemp is also used to make textiles, building material, livestock bedding, paper products, bioplastics and milk. The general misconception with cannabis is that it makes one high but since hemp seeds contain less than three percent tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), this means that it is non-psychoactive, she said.
In 2018, the Government gazetted Statutory Instrument 218 of 2020 [CAP. 18:24 Agriculture Marketing Authority (Industrial Hemp) Regulations, 2020 that regularised the growing, processing and supply of industrial hemp (cannabis) by farmers in Zimbabwe for industrial purposes.
-Chronicle
Seh Calaz, HolyTen, Coming To Norton Today
By Showbiz Reporter | Seh Calaz, Holy Ten, and a host other musicians are today clashing with the Norton based Mbeu in a sports gala at Ngoni Stadium.
The function, organised by local MP Temba Mliswa is set to draw thousands of revelers, from 8am all the way to 6pm. Poster details are below:
Chirau Kicked Out Of Zanu PF Youth Leadership
By- A new Zanu PF National Youth League Executive was elected into office at the 7th National Youth Conference Thursday.
The new executive will be presented to the ruling party’s First Secretary, President Emmerson Mnangagwa as the conference comes to its final stages.
The party’s National Political Commissar, Mike Bimha announced the results Thursday night.
The List of Winners:
- i). John Paradza (Masvingo Provincial Youth chairman) – Deputy Secretary for Youth Affairs. Takes over from Tendai Chirau, who has been at the helm in an acting capacity.
- ii). Tendai Chiwetu – Secretary for Administration
- iii). Danmore Mambondiani -deputy Secretary for Administration
- iv). Tsungai Makumbe (Mashonaland Central) – Political Commissar,
- v). Taurai Kandishaya – Deputy Political Commissar,
- vi). Garikai Zonde – Secretary for Finance post,
- vii). Valeria Makonza – Secretary for External Affairs,
- viii). Innocent Dube – Transport and Social Welfare ,
- ix). Phillippa Mukono – Information and Publicity,
- x). Margaret Nyerere – Secretary for Indigenisation and Economic Empowerment,
- xi). Munashe Mututsa – Secretary for Information, Communication and Technology,
- xii). Admire Ndlovu – Secretary for Economic Affairs,
- xiii). Luckmore Gapa – Secretary for Health and Child Care,
- xiv). Nalede Maunganidze – Secretary for Gender,
- xv). Nomatter Topotsa – Secretary for Lands portfolio,
- xvi). Future Mhlanga – Secretary for Disabled,
- xvii). Batsirai Matiza – Secretary for Environment,
- xviii). Tubelihle Ncube – Secretary for Security,
- xix). Munashe Mabika – Secretary for Business Liaison.
WATCH: Masvingo Develops State Of The Art Shopping Mall
The city of Masvingo is developing among other things, a state of the art shopping mall.
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Chitungwiza TV Explosion Victim Seeks Help | VIDEO
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Chitungwiza TV explosion injury boy (13) seeks financial help. He is currently receiving treatment at Mpilo Hospital’s Operations Of Hope program, led by Jennifer Mora. Well wishers can donate to Ratidzo Muchairi +263 78 503 9928.
Veteran Trade Unionist Speaks On National Shutdown
The former President of the Zimbabwe Congress of Trade Unions (ZCTU), Peter Mutasa has urged Zimbabweans to stay home on the 9th of May in solidarity with the shutdown planned to express frustration over the poor salaries and state of affairs in general.
The Zimbabwean economy has been going South for the past two years with authorities blaming the trend on a number of issues including COVID-19, sanctions, corruption, and the “country’s enemies” who have allegedly been sabotaging the economy.
University Students, led by ZINASU, nurses and teachers have announced that they will be participating in the shutdown.
Students say they can no longer afford fees after recent hikes while workers are protesting against poor salaries and working conditions. In a Twitter post, Mutasa said workers must stay home on Monday next week. He said:
To all Workers of Zimbabwe Are you happy with the slave wages? Remember #ShutdownZimbabwe 9 May 2022 Stay at Home to avoid walking back home Drivers are staying away too.
Citizens want the government to:
- Bring back kombis
- End currency crisis
- Reduce the cost of living
- Reduce tertiary fees
- Capacitate hospitals
- Increase salaries and pensions
The government has since pleaded with students not to participate in the protests saying fee hikes were necessary considering the soaring inflation.
Information secretary, Nick Mangwana recently said the government was seized with challenges affecting the general populace.
He promised a solution to transport challenges that worsened in recent weeks amid reports that the owners of ZUPCO-affiliated commuter omnibuses (Kombis) were withdrawing their vehicles over delays in payment of what’s due to them.
The government has been at loggerheads with its workers since 2019 over salaries with employees saying they were now incapacitated to report for work.
Previously, the government responded to shutdowns and protests by shutting down the internet and deploying security officers who terrorised citizens in their homes.-Pindula News
“Mnangagwa We Are Watching You”
Tinashe Sambiri|The Zanu PF leader Emmerson Mnangagwa is losing sleep over the national shutdown announced by pressure groups.
ZINASU and ARTUZ have called for the shutdown due to the worsening economic crisis.
“ARTUZ Teachers Union and ZINASU Students Union are shutting down schools and universities on 9 May.
Citizens have been patient with the Government for the past four years, but enough is enough! Let’s stay home on 9 May,” ARTUZ and ZINASU said in joint statement.
The statement below is also circulating on social media:
- STAY AWAY ALERT 9 MAY 2022
CITIZEN DEMANDS:
- Bring back kombis
- End currency crisis
- Reduce cost of living
- Reduce tertiary fees
- Capacitate hospitals
- Increase salaries and pensions
Further action will be taken if GVT does not act.
ShutdownZimbabwe
Commenting on the shutdown, South African politician Mmusi Maimane said :
“The world will be watching when #ShutDownZimbabwe happens. There is no room for suppression of the rights of the people, including the right to protest. There should be no obstruction of the people .”
Mnangagwa Threatens “Detractors”
Emmerson Mnangagwa speaking at his party’s National Congress yesterday appealed to the youth to expose businesses “sabotaging the economy” saying the prevailing economic crisis was being engineered to topple him.
Speaking at the Zanu PF youth league conference in Harare, Mnangagwa said businesspeople were working with foreign powers to fan instability through unjustified price hikes.
“We are aware that there are people who are working with detractors to bring about regime change through the manipulation of our exchange rate and unjustified price hikes,” Mnangagwa said.
“My government is seized with this matter and perpetrators will soon be brought to book. I exhort the youth of our country to be vigilant and help expose all the deviant malcontents and counter-revolutionaries.”
Last year, government caused the arrest of several top company executives on allegations of manipulating the exchange rate.
Zimbabwe is in the grip of a spiralling inflation which has seen prices of basic foodstuffs, school fees and other social services skyrocketing, while salaries and disposable incomes remain stagnant.
Civil servants, including teachers and nurses, are planning a national shutdown next Monday in protest over economic hardships and transport crisis.
In the face of calls by teachers and nurses to down tools over poor salaries, Mnangagwa told thousands of youths that they should create their own jobs instead of aspiring to be teachers or nurses.
“Growing up we aspired to be teachers and nurses, that must change, The days for you to line up and seek jobs are fading … I thus expect to see the emergence of a crop of young versatile entrepreneurs who will help leapfrog our economic growth and emerge as the country’s millionaires,” Mnangagwa said.
The Mnangagwa regime has been accused of taking the lustre out of the teaching profession through underpaying teachers and nurses to a point they have become a laughing stock in communities.
Mnangagwa said the youths had a key role to play in rebuilding the economy.
“I further challenge you to learn from our liberation struggle and be rest assured that under the second republic no one will be left behind. We should build our own country,” he said.
Some of the regional former liberation parties attending the conference include the ruling parties of South Africa, Mozambique and Namibia.
Yesterday’s event was attended by Vice-President Constantino Chiwenga, Zanu PF secretary for administration Obert Mpofu, Zanu PF vice-president Kembo Mohadi, and Zanu PF chairperson Oppah Muchinguri, who is presiding over the conference.
-Newsday
Mufaro Chitakure Graduates Graduates with Actuarial Science Degree In US
The Zimbabwe born, Mufaro Chitakure, is graduating as a top scholar at the prestigious University Of Texas San Antonio.
The lad, who is graduating with an Acturial Science Degree, has been praised as a high flyer in the following piece written by Kelly Holguin and Courtney Clevenger:
Mufaro Chitakure seeks out solutions. It’s why the UTSA Honors College and Top Scholar student chose to major in actuarial science, a degree offered in the UTSA Carlos Alvarez College of Business that uses mathematical and statistical models to solve problems in insurance and finance.
His will to influence change also inspired him to join several student organizations at UTSA that address issues for students of color. In May, he will receive his Bachelor of Business Administration in actuarial science, and through his service at UTSA, will have provided future Roadrunners with more opportunities, better resources and bolder futures.
Born in Harare, Zimbabwe, Chitakure immigrated to San Antonio with his family as a child. He was familiar with UTSA because his older brother attended, but the Top Scholar program was new to him. He was invited to apply to the prestigious merit scholar program because of his high academic achievement and record of service, which included ranking second in his graduating class at East Central High School, being named an AP Scholar, and serving as president of the school’s Future Business Leaders of America chapter.
“It’s easy to want to have an impact as a student because you’re surrounded by other people who are trying to have an impact.”
When he attended Top Scholar orientation events on campus and met the talented and passionate community of Roadrunners, his interest in attending UTSA deepened.
“I knew that as a freshman, being surrounded by upper classmen who are doing all these great things would inspire me to want to do more,” said Chitakure. “Through the program and through my peers, I’ve managed to solidify what I care about and what I’m involved in.”
Chitakure’s heart for giving was evident the moment he got to UTSA in 2018. He joined his fellow Roadrunners to connect with many community programs on and off-campus including Good Samaritan, Adopt-A-Spot, the San Antonio Food Bank, Pride SA, the San Antonio Children’s Hospital and RAICES.
Being part of the Honors College community, coupled with the experiential curriculum in the Alvarez College of Business, helped him fine-tune his service.
Chitakure became a member of the President’s Student Advisory Council, an elite group of undergraduate thought leaders who provide the university president with diverse insights into the student experience at UTSA.
He used this opportunity to advocate for the concerns of students of color. Through this membership, he was able to strengthen the Multicultural Advisory Council, an organization he helped found which provides funds for identity-based student organizations. He also helped facilitate implicit bias training for three major student organizations at UTSA.
In Spring 2021, Chitakure joined the UTSA Public Safety Committee to improve student and police relations on campus.
For his outstanding service to the Roadrunner community, Chitakure won the 2021 University Life Golden Feather Award. Reflecting on working closely with UTSA President Taylor Eighmy during his time on the President’s Student Advisory Council, and how the ideas he advocated were heard and acted upon, Chitakure realizes that his efforts to make the university a more welcoming, inclusive and safe space for students will make UTSA a better place for all future Roadrunners.
“Seeing that UTSA is not stuck in its ways, that there’s room for listening and reacting and being proactive about what students want. I think that’s what makes me really proud about being a Roadrunner,” he said. “I feel like I can be a part of that forward movement, and once I become an alumnus, I can look back and be proud of what the university has added for future generations.”
Through opportunities at UTSA, Chitakure said he made lasting changes for future students and a huge impact on his future career. He gained confidence in his choice of major, positioning himself as a competitive candidate after graduation.
“During my involvement in the Honors College, I was able to meet actuaries that helped me learn more about the career and that further solidified my decision to major in actuarial science,” he said. “This is a major that offers challenging analytical work with practical applications for complex calculus and statistics skills.”
These connections enhanced his workforce development opportunities as well.
Last summer, Chitakure served as an actuarial analyst intern at USAA—an opportunity made available to him as a result of UTSA’s Classroom to Career Initiative, which enables students to participate in experiential learning opportunities, including internships, to gain the hard and soft skills in demand by employers. These programs are particularly important in linking classroom success to life after graduation for historically underserved populations.
After he crosses the stage this month at UTSA Commencement, Chitakure will begin a full-time position at USAA as an actuarial analyst III. He aspires to become a manager and address challenges in the workplace, making it better for his employees.
“It’s easy to want to have an impact as a student because you’re surrounded by other people who are trying to have an impact. It takes someone who’s bold to carry it out past college when you’re alone and within an industry,” said Chitakure. “If you’re able to maintain the ideology of wanting to have some social impact and make the work you do positively affect society. I think that’s a bold future.”
— Kelly Holguin and Courtney Clevenger
National Shutdown Calls Gather Momentum
The former President of the Zimbabwe Congress of Trade Unions (ZCTU), Peter Mutasa has urged Zimbabweans to stay home on the 9th of May in solidarity with the shutdown planned to express frustration over the poor salaries and state of affairs in general.
The Zimbabwean economy has been going South for the past two years with authorities blaming the trend on a number of issues including COVID-19, sanctions, corruption, and the “country’s enemies” who have allegedly been sabotaging the economy.
University Students, led by ZINASU, nurses and teachers have announced that they will be participating in the shutdown.
Students say they can no longer afford fees after recent hikes while workers are protesting against poor salaries and working conditions. In a Twitter post, Mutasa said workers must stay home on Monday next week. He said:
To all Workers of Zimbabwe Are you happy with the slave wages? Remember #ShutdownZimbabwe 9 May 2022 Stay at Home to avoid walking back home Drivers are staying away too.
Citizens want the government to:
- Bring back kombis
- End currency crisis
- Reduce the cost of living
- Reduce tertiary fees
- Capacitate hospitals
- Increase salaries and pensions
The government has since pleaded with students not to participate in the protests saying fee hikes were necessary considering the soaring inflation.
Information secretary, Nick Mangwana recently said the government was seized with challenges affecting the general populace.
He promised a solution to transport challenges that worsened in recent weeks amid reports that the owners of ZUPCO-affiliated commuter omnibuses (Kombis) were withdrawing their vehicles over delays in payment of what’s due to them.
The government has been at loggerheads with its workers since 2019 over salaries with employees saying they were now incapacitated to report for work.
Previously, the government responded to shutdowns and protests by shutting down the internet and deploying security officers who terrorised citizens in their homes.-Pindula News
Zanu PF Hooligans Cause Chaos At Gold Mine
Zanu-PF youths and Sabi Vlei Mine officials have clashed over gold claims with the latter accusing the ruling party activists of encroaching onto their land.
Sabi Vlei, owned by Aldrine Wiggle, is in Zvishavane.
NewsDay gathered that Takudzwa Nyemba, Kuziva Mukono and Isheunesu Jakata, who operate under the name Sabi Gold Mine Youth Association (SGMYA), have allegedly been encroaching onto Sabi Vlei claims.
On March 28, Wiggle’s son Jordan and one Bolinja, reportedly clashed with the Zanu-PF activists resulting in the former allegedly using an excavator to close three shafts which the youths claim to control.
Nyemba accused Wiggle of being the “aggressor” when contacted for comment.
“He (Wiggle) wants to reap where he did not sow,” he said.
However, Jordan accused the ruling party youths of breaching the terms of their mining agreement.
“You will need to contact the Sabi Gold Mine office who gave the youth space to work. They (youths) were in breach of their agreements,” Jordan said.
Sabi Gold Mine manager Clive Ziwodziwa had not responded to questions sent to him at the time of going to print.
Zanu-PF provincial chairperson Larry Mavhima could not be reached for comment.
The ruling party has in recent years been doling out mining claims and land to youths ahead of the 2023 general elections.
-Newsday
President Chamisa Confronts Mnangagwa Over ZUPCO Monopoly
Tinashe Sambiri| Citizens’ Coalition For Change leader President Nelson Chamisa says the transport crisis in the country is a sign of total collapse.
President Chamisa was commenting pictures of the current transport woes in Zimbabwe.
The problems emanate from the ZUPCO monopoly.
“A CHRONICLE OF FAILURE! A HERALD OF A TOTAL COLLAPSE,” President Chamisa wrote on Twitter.
See below Citizens Coalition For Change’s list of measures that can be implemented to end the transport crisis…
End the ZUPCO monopoly
▪️Allow private players
▪️Introduce set timetables
▪️Refurbish bus stops
▪️Stop harassing transporters
▪️Maintain road networks
▪️Modernize the rail network
▪️Consult citizens
Maringwa Lands Top CAF Post
Football Union of Zimbabwe president Desmond Maringwa has been appointed to the Confederation of African Football (CAF) Organising Committee for interclub competitions and Management of Club Licensing System.
The former Dynamos midfielder will be in the committee for a two-year period, starting this year until 2024.- Soccer24 Zimbabwe
Mnangagwa Wary Of Being Removed From Power
Emmerson Mnangagwa speaking at his party’s National Congress yesterday appealed to the youth to expose businesses “sabotaging the economy” saying the prevailing economic crisis was being engineered to topple him.
Speaking at the Zanu PF youth league conference in Harare, Mnangagwa said businesspeople were working with foreign powers to fan instability through unjustified price hikes.
“We are aware that there are people who are working with detractors to bring about regime change through the manipulation of our exchange rate and unjustified price hikes,” Mnangagwa said.
“My government is seized with this matter and perpetrators will soon be brought to book. I exhort the youth of our country to be vigilant and help expose all the deviant malcontents and counter-revolutionaries.”
Last year, government caused the arrest of several top company executives on allegations of manipulating the exchange rate.
Zimbabwe is in the grip of a spiralling inflation which has seen prices of basic foodstuffs, school fees and other social services skyrocketing, while salaries and disposable incomes remain stagnant.
Civil servants, including teachers and nurses, are planning a national shutdown next Monday in protest over economic hardships and transport crisis.
In the face of calls by teachers and nurses to down tools over poor salaries, Mnangagwa told thousands of youths that they should create their own jobs instead of aspiring to be teachers or nurses.
“Growing up we aspired to be teachers and nurses, that must change, The days for you to line up and seek jobs are fading … I thus expect to see the emergence of a crop of young versatile entrepreneurs who will help leapfrog our economic growth and emerge as the country’s millionaires,” Mnangagwa said.
The Mnangagwa regime has been accused of taking the lustre out of the teaching profession through underpaying teachers and nurses to a point they have become a laughing stock in communities.
Mnangagwa said the youths had a key role to play in rebuilding the economy.
“I further challenge you to learn from our liberation struggle and be rest assured that under the second republic no one will be left behind. We should build our own country,” he said.
Some of the regional former liberation parties attending the conference include the ruling parties of South Africa, Mozambique and Namibia.
Yesterday’s event was attended by Vice-President Constantino Chiwenga, Zanu PF secretary for administration Obert Mpofu, Zanu PF vice-president Kembo Mohadi, and Zanu PF chairperson Oppah Muchinguri, who is presiding over the conference.
-Newsday
Mwenezi Community Totally Neglected For 42 Years
MWENEZI – VIEWING IT FROM THE BIG MIRROR
BY C.R. INGWANI -HLONGWANI.
Approximately 115km South West of the Provincial ancient town of Masvingo lies Mwenezi district, a mopani infested desolate land where edible mopani worms report brisk business at various points during the harvesting period.
Rutenga, the hub of all business activities along Masvingo – Beitbridge highway has all the potential to take it to a dream town of this idle district. The busiest road on Zimbabwean soil, Chirundu- BB tarmac dissects the district on the eastern side making it an adjunct to all business prospects that may arise given the opportunity of their materialization.
Like all other low lying areas such as Dande,Mavhuradonha, Muzarabani , Mwenezi is embedded in the south east Lowveld under Agricultural region 5 where crop farming is only practised on subsistence basis as opposed to commercial purposes.
Generally soils are poor, salty and seasons are marred by erratic rain patterns, no wonder why mopani shrubs are a dominant forest in the district. Ideally, the region suits animal farming ( ranching) and beasts in the region are of high quality because of these favourable climatic conditions.
It is the rate at which development progression is taking its course which worries most and a cause for concern to all who have the district at heart. I’m among those whose hearts are bleeding profusely taking into cognizance that Mwenezi district is one of the most disadvantaged districts on the land .
We have heard of political bigwigs who have influence to transform the places they hail from but our own Mwenezi appears to be just res nullius, something which has no owner to take care of.
The people we have been thrusting to the helm of our district to champion our cause since 1980 have dismally failed us and precisely these guys are charlatans who deserve to be called demagogues, soapbox orators or tub- thumpers who tremple on people who brought fame to them. Its like chopping off the hand that feeds you. We have people in Mwenezi who are not daring. The ones we elevate as our shepherds when they go up there tend to take tranquilizers in large doses and forget about us. They have failed to bring development to the place where their umbilical cords lie.
They have since alligned themselves to the rhetoric,” If the mountain can’t go to Mahomet,then Mahomet must go to the mountain”. The issue of representing people in societal grievances needs typical white ribboners or teetotallers who are sober minded all the time.
Without beating about the bush let me just drive you home and point out something I feel was a big let down by our representatives in Parliament. Mwenezi district partly borders with Mberengwa just near Matibi/ Ngungumbane.
The road from Zvishavane to Neshuro is nicely tarred from the asbestos town to somewhere near Ngezi river at Buchwa Mine but as it tries to pop into Mwenezi it suddenly dies off exposing the red- iron containing soils which makes every transporter hesitant to ply that route.
Why the road remaining gravel such a short distance from Buchwa to Turn-P? This remains a million dollar question and only brings to light the shortcomings of our people who represent us at the August House.
Well, maybe I have gone too far and what I need to abide by is the adage,” Let sleeping dogs lie”. When sleeping dogs have been accorded freedom to lie, another business emanates somewhere.
Of interest,it has come to my realization that individuals who grow up in impoverished environments mostly our African brothers if by chance they manoeuvre life meanders and rise up the ladder and get established somewhere, noone bothers to come back home to invest as part of community development.
Instead, they go to foreign land and help to develop such places. Yes we go out there in search of Greener pastures but our own places of origin can also turn green if we all develop zeal to improve them. Last but not least, I think tribal shunning is very rampant across our beloved Mwenezi of which people denounce their own tribe trying to force allegiance to other tribes. Persuasively I urge you brothers and sisters to desist from this practice and be proud of our tribes wherever we go.
Research has shown that Mlilo, Sithole,Sigauke,Mlambo,Dhliwayo,Mhlanga, Hlongwani and Chauke are all Soshangana olive branches. These people ooze blood from the same vein with the same genetic material and have the same tag pasted on them” Shangani Tribe”.
Interestingly, of the aforementioned people only Hlongwani and Chauke remain boastful of being Shangani and are currently the cog of the tribe. Tribe denouncing starts with somebody writing “Hlongwane” only to evade being called Shangani kkkkkkk.
It has taken so long to bring this individual thinking for other members to digest and capture few nuggets and constructively criticize as adults. Democracy, an anchorstone of all development. The view of the wonderful Mwenezi has come to rest, the eagle has landed.
Let’s love our place,our tribes and above all let’s take our district a stride up and make it the guiding star of other districts.
Let it appear boldly on the map of development.
About Air Quality
Almost the entire global population (99%) breathes air that exceeds WHO air quality limits, and threatens their health.
A record number of over 6000 cities in 117 countries are now monitoring air quality, but the people living in them are still breathing unhealthy levels of fine particulate matter and nitrogen dioxide, with people in low and middle-income countries suffering the highest exposures.
The findings have prompted the World Health Organization to highlight the importance of curbing fossil fuel use and taking other tangible steps to reduce air pollution levels.
Released in the lead-up to World Health Day, which this year celebrates the theme Our planet, our health, the 2022 update of the World Health Organization’s air quality database introduces, for the first time, ground measurements of annual mean concentrations of nitrogen dioxide (NO2), a common urban pollutant and precursor of particulate matter and ozone. It also includes measurements of particulate matter with diameters equal or smaller than 10 μm (PM10) or 2.5 μm (PM2.5). Both groups of pollutants originate mainly from human activities related to fossil fuel combustion.
The new air quality database is the most extensive yet in its coverage of air pollution exposure on the ground.
Some 2,000 more cities/human settlements are now recording ground monitoring data for particulate matter – PM10 and/or PM2.5 – than the last update. This marks an almost 6-fold rise in reporting since the database was launched in 2011.
Meanwhile, the evidence base for the damage air pollution does to the human body has been growing rapidly and points to significant harm caused by even low levels of many air pollutants.
Particulate matter, especially PM2.5, is capable of penetrating deep into the lungs and entering the bloodstream, causing cardiovascular, cerebrovascular (stroke) and respiratory impacts.
There is emerging evidence that particulate matter impacts other organs and causes other diseases as well.
NO2 is associated with respiratory diseases, particularly asthma, leading to respiratory symptoms (such as coughing, wheezing or difficulty breathing), hospital admissions and visits to emergency rooms
WHO last year revised its Air Quality Guidelines, making them more stringent in an effort to help countries better evaluate the healthiness of their own air.
“Current energy concerns highlight the importance of speeding up the transition to cleaner, healthier energy systems,” said Dr Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, WHO Director-General. “High fossil fuel prices, energy security, and the urgency of addressing the twin health challenges of air pollution and climate change, underscore the pressing need to move faster towards a world that is much less dependent on fossil fuels.”
Steps governments can take to improve air quality and health
A number of governments are taking steps to improve air quality, but WHO is calling for a rapid intensification of actions to:
adopt or revise and implement national air quality standards according to the latest
WHO Air Quality Guidelines;
monitor air quality and identify sources of air pollution;
support the transition to exclusive use of clean household energy for cooking, heating and lighting;
build safe and affordable public transport systems and pedestrian- and cycle-friendly networks;
implement stricter vehicle emissions and efficiency standards; and enforce mandatory inspection and maintenance for vehicles;
invest in energy-efficient housing and power generation;
improve industry and municipal waste management;
reduce agricultural waste incineration, forest fires and certain agro-forestry activities (e.g. charcoal production); and
include air pollution in curricula for health professionals and providing tools for the health sector to engage.
WHO’s Air Quality Guidelines
The evidence base for the harm caused by air pollution has been growing rapidly and points to significant harm caused by even low levels of many air pollutants. Last year, the WHO responded by revising its Air Quality Guidelines to reflect the evidence, making them more stringent, especially for PM and NO2, a move strongly supported by the health community, medical associations and patient organizations.
The 2022 database aims to monitor the state of the world’s air and feeds into progress tracking of the Sustainable Development Goals.
Source: WHO
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I Was Paid To Assault Traditional Leader, Claims Former MDC Stalwart
Former Deputy Youth and Indigenisation Minister, Tongai Matutu, has alleged that he was paid US$75 000 by the United States of America Embassy in 2010 to assault Chief Serima in 2010.
He said the embassy wanted him to get arrested so that they would use his arrest to push the idea that there were gross human rights violations in Zimbabwe.
Matutu was a member of the opposition Movement for Democratic Change led by the late former Prime MinisterMorgan Tsvangirai.
Writing on Twitter on Thursday, Matutu said:
In 2010, l was paid US $75k to assault Chief Serima at Matizha Business Center. I got arrested and fined $100.
This was just something carefully planned by the US Embassy so that they will use my arrest as persecution of opposition activists to justify the renewal of sanctions.
Matutu was alleged to have slapped and punched Chief Serima at the Matizha Business Center in September 2010.
Masvingo Magistrate Oliver Mudzongachiso found Matutu guilty of assaulting Masvingo Chief Serima, also known as Vengesai Rushwaya.
He was ordered to pay a fine of US$100.
Matutu, who appealed the judgement, told the media then that the charges against him were politically motivated.
Matutu, a former Masvingo Urban MP, is now a member of the ruling ZANU PF after leaving MDC Alliance then led by Nelson Chamisa following his disqualification from contesting the provincial chairmanship post ahead of the 2019 Gweru Congress.- Pindula News
Full Text: ZRP Statement On Operation Respect Other Road Users
POLICE UPDATE ON OPERATION RESPECT OTHER ROAD USERS
The Zimbabwe Republic Police appreciates and applauds the public for the cooperation rendered during the ongoing operation “Respect other road users,” which is aimed at bringing order to chaos on the roads caused by vehicles which have no registration plates, those driven against the flow of traffic, going through red robots, one-way and other misdemeanors on the roads.
The Police reiterates that, all vehicles whether Government-owned, individual owned, company or institution and political party owned should display registration plates while moving on the roads and in public places.
Any vehicle not displaying registration plates in clear contravention of the Vehicle Registration and Licensing Act, Chapter 13:14 will be impounded by the Police with owners facing the due process of the law. No negotiations, pleas or excuses will be entertained by Police officers on the ground or at Command level. Motorists are therefore expected to lead by example and comply in order to promote road safety and the maintenance of law and order in the country. Meanwhile since the start of the operation, a total of 7362 vehicles have beer accounted for by the Police for various traffic offences.
The Police reminds the public that family and private-owned vehicles should not be used to engage in pirating activities to ensure smooth flow of traffic on the country’s roads .
On the other hand, Public Service Vehicles (PSV) operators should ensure they operate in terms of the country’s laws.
Above all, drivers should strive to avoid causing congestion on the roads, especially in urban set up or risk having their vehicles impounded by the Police.
Zanu PF Chitungwiza Election Rigging Plot Exposed
By- Citizens Coalition for Change said they have uncovered a tomorrow Chitungwiza by-election rigging plan by Zanu PF.
Posting on tweeter Friday, CCC, said they would not allow Zanu PF to steal people’s will.
“We have uncovered a plot by ZANU PF operatives to rig tomorrow’s Chitungwiza Ward 7 by election. We have put in place a foolproof mechanism to detect, expose and thwart any rigging shenanigans. We shall defend our votes. We are more than ready for tomorrow,” posted CCC.
We have uncovered a plot by ZANU PF operatives to rig tomorrow's Chitungwiza Ward 7 by election. We have put in place a foolproof mechanism to detect, expose and thwart any rigging shenanigans. We shall defend our votes. We are more than ready for tomorrow. pic.twitter.com/FQCNDQALdZ
— CCC Harare Province (@CCCHarare) May 6, 2022
Zanu PF Panics As Chamisa Invades Mat South
By- Zanu PF leadership is said to be panicking the invasion by CCC leader Nelson Chamisa in Matabeleland region for his weekend rallies
Chamisa on Friday announced that he was in Bulilima.
He will also be in Gwanda where he will address his supporters
CCC tweeted this week:
The Yellow Movement is in Gwanda this Saturday. Come let’s celebrate together #GwandaCelebrationRally #VictoryRally Phelandaba Stadium 10am-5pm
Abraham’s Faith
Sabbath School Summary
By Elder Dr Masimba Mavaza
The Roots of Abraham
Lesson 6
By faith Abraham obeyed when he was called to go out to the place which he would receive as an inheritance. And he went out, not knowing where he was going” (Hebrews 11:8, NKJV).
Introduction
We have now reached the center of the book of Genesis. This central section (Genesis 12-22) will cover the journey of Abraham, from God’s first call, lekh lekha, “Go!” (Gen. 12:1), which leads Abraham to leave his past, to God’s second call, lekh lekha, “Go!” (Gen. 22:2), which leads Abraham to leave his future (as it would exist in his son). As a result, Abraham always is on the move, always a migrant, which is why he also is called a “stranger” (Gen. 17:8).
In his journeying, Abraham is suspended in the void—without his past, which he has lost, and without his future, which he does not see. Between these two calls, which frame Abraham’s journey of faith, Abraham hears God’s voice, which reassures him: “ ‘Do not be afraid’ ” (Gen. 15:1, NKJV). These words of God mark the three sections of Abraham’s journey, which will be studied in weeks 6, 7, and 8.
Abraham exemplifies faith (Gen. 15:6) and is remembered in the Hebrew Scriptures as the man of faith (Neh. 9:7, 8). In the New Testament, Abraham is one of the most mentioned figures from the Old Testament, and this week we will start to see why.
SABBATH: Although Abraham is best known as the “man of faith”, he can easily be referred to as a “migrant” or a “stranger” (Gen. 17:8). He was always on the move. His life dangled between the past he lost & the future he couldn’t foresee. But God bid him; “Do not be afraid” (Gen. 15:1). His story forms the central part of Genesis (Gen. 12-22). God’s call was “Go” & he gently obeyed (Gen. 12:1).
SUNDAY: Abraham was the next to hear God’s voice after Noah (Gen. 9:15-17; 12:1-9). God’s promise that another global flood wouldn’t occur was followed by a promise to bless all nations by the seed of Abraham. God’s call “Go” occurs 7 times & starts from Babylonia (see Gen. 11:31; Isa. 13:19, 48:20, Rev. 18:4, Gen. 22:18, 26:4, 28:14, Acts 3:25). We’re also called to “go” out of Babylon; get rid of past sins.
MONDAY: By faith, Abraham left Ur but by self-volition Abraham left Canaan (Gen. 12:10-20). Famine led Abraham to leave the Promised Land for Egypt. Ancient writs, the Merikare (2060-1700 b.c.), reveal that people from Canaan often left for Egypt for food & water. Egypt was known for temptations (Num. 14:3, Jer. 2:18). It was a symbol of self-trust. Abraham in Egypt lied but God forgave him (PP, p. 130).
TUESDAY: God calls backsliders to return. Abraham saw his journey to Egypt as an unfortunate detour (Gen. 13:1-18). He came back to Bethel where he was before in the Promised Land to start with God again. His repentance & how he handles family issues tells us that he’s a man of peace & generosity. Lot was greedy & Abraham faithful (Gen. 6:2). God Himself chose a land for Abraham (Gen. 13:14-17).
WEDNESDAY: The Battle of the Vale of Siddim is the first war in the Bible & it was a big one. Nine kings were involved; 4 armies from Mesopotamia & Persia against 5 Canaanite armies (including the kings of Sodom & Gomorrah). This war occurs right after God’s gift of the Promised Land to Abram (Gen. 14:1-17). The kings fought over the land but he was the true owner. He fought only for Lot (PP, p. 135).
THURSDAY: After victory in saving Lot, Abram gave tithe to the Priest, Melchizedek, from Salem (means “peace”). Thanked by Canaanites kings, Abram thanked God, Giver of victory. “izedek” in Melchizedek meant “justice”, a contrast to the king of Sodom, Bera (“in evil”) & Gomorrah, Birsha (in wickedness). The priest blessed Abram (Gen. 14:2, 18-24, 28:22; Heb. 7:2-6, Deut. 7:13, 14:23, 2 Chron. 31:5).
FRIDAY: Christ’s church is to be a hub of blessings & its members are to be blessed as they bless others. God’s plan to choose a peculiar people was not only that He might adopt them but to use them as a channel of blessings to all nations. Thus, Abram was not simply the special friend of God but His medium of blessing. We’re the light & salt of the world. Let your light shine & sweeten lives!
——Ellen G. White, “Abraham in Canaan,” pp. 134–136, in Patriarchs and Prophets & Reflecting Christ, p. 205.
Keywords
PP- Patriarchs and Prophets
Abram- Later referred to as Abraham. God changed His name to mean “father of all nations.” He’s popularly called the “father of faith.” He made mistakes but God didn’t forsake him, just like any sinner. God’s grace is stronger than sin.
Babylonia- It refers to our bitter past & past sins. God calls us to “come out of Babylon”. We’re to “Go” and make disciples of all nations.
Egypt- It stands for atheism, human trusting in humans rather than in God, and temptation (2 Kings 18:21; Isa. 36:6, 9). Egypt often had abundant food & water in contrast to other lands of famine.
Merikare- text composed during the period of the Middle Kingdom (2060–1700 b.c.).
Promised Land- Canaan.
Melchizedek- A priest of “God Most High.” He was a reprensatitve of God and not Christ. He served “bread and wine,” an association that often implies the use of fresh-pressed grape juice (Deut. 7:13, 2 Chron. 31:5).
Captions
SUNDAY- Abram’s Departure
MONDAY- The Temptation of Egypt
TUESDAY- Abram and Lot
WEDNESDAY- The Babel Coalition
THURSDAY- The Tithe of Melchizedek
Discussion Questions
? In light of the blessing of Abram, “ ‘I will bless you . . . and you shall be a blessing’ ” (Gen. 12:2, NKJV), what does it mean to be blessed? How can we, as people who serve the same God as did Abram, be a blessing to others?
? What was wrong in Abram’s half lie regarding his sister-wife? What is worse: lying or saying some truth while still, at the same time, technically lying?
? Read again Genesis 14:21–23, Abram’s response to the offer of the king of Sodom. Why did he respond as he did, and what important lesson can we take from this story? Would not Abram have been justified had he decided to take what the king had offered him?
CCC Considering To Hold Elective Congress
By-The Nelson Chamisa led Citizens Coalition for Change (CCC) has announced that it would soon be embarking on new processes to elect its national leaders, ahead of the 2023 national elections.
This follows recent reports that the party, formed in January this year ahead of the March 26 by-elections, was a one-man show for Nelson Chamisa.
There are also increased calls for the new political outfit to hold an elective congress.
Exiled former ministers Professor Jonathan Moyo and Walter Mzembi led the charge last week calling for Chamisa to hold a special congress to launch the party constitution, build structures, elect leadership and come up with an election manifesto.
Since its formation early this year, the party has insisted that all party members will hold interim positions while it consults citizens.
Political observers, however, raised concerns that the stance would diminish the CCC’s image as a vanguard of democracy.
In an interview yesterday, CCC spokesperson Fadzayi Mahere said: “The CCC is consulting citizen assemblies throughout all provinces where structures are being built to ensure every street, village and farm is part of a branch.
“These are the same citizens in urban and rural areas who were consulted and who pushed for the creation of a brand new political party,” Mahere said, adding that the party was introducing a new political doctrine.
“We urge the citizens not to expect old ways from these new wineskins. We commit to doing things differently. Expect the new.”
The CCC, she added, was a citizens’ project that carried new values, a new political culture, a new thinking, and a new way of community organisation.
“The people are being consulted so that we don’t impose our own ideas on them. Rather, the citizens must own their movement,” she said.
The CCC, according to Mahere, would roll out all other mechanisms at the appropriate time while calling party supporters to trust the process. She said party leaders would be selected by a democratic process led by the citizens while details around this would be unveiled at the appropriate time.
“President Chamisa has been anything but silent. He has addressed citizen assemblies, small group meetings, village meetings, and a host of other community and special interest groups,” Mahere said.
“The clear message has been that CCC is a movement that puts the citizens at the centre of all decision-making and all matters of governance, leadership selection, budgetary priorities, and policy-making.”
Mahere said the movement was seeking to complete the unfinished business of the liberation struggle.
“It is a party that champions prosperity, opportunity and protection for all Zimbabweans regardless of their location or status in society.
“We are all equal as citizens of our country. We advocate for a Zimbabwe where every person is accorded their inalienable rights irrespective of race, colour, creed, age, sex, religious affiliation, national origin or disability,” she added.
Mahere said Chamisa has made it clear that the party’s mission was to drive a new national consensus, a new conversation, a new convergence, a post-liberation consensus and a democratisation consensus.
The CCC garnered 19 out of 28 seats in the March 26 by-elections.
-Zimbabwe Independent
Chamisa Speaks On Mnangagwa Made Transport Woes
By- CC President has been angered by the deteriorating transport situation in the country and said that it is caused by Emerson Mnangagwa’s poor governance.
Chamisa posted pictures of passengers being shoved into lories and said that the situation was degrading.
Posted Chamisa on Tweeter:
A CHRONICLE OF FAILURE! A HERALD OF A TOTAL COLLAPSE.
Commotion At ZITF Mbanje Exhibition Stand
By- Buyers and people attending the Zimbabwe International Trade Fair (ZITF) in Bulawayo flocked the SOUTH Africa’s visual cannabis magazine, Seven Leaf stand to see Mbanje which the company was showcasing.
.
Industrial hemp is a botanical class of cannabis sativa cultivars grown specifically for industrial or medicinal use.
It can be used to make a wide range of products. Along with bamboo, hemp is among the fastest growing plants on Earth.
Nomsa, a representative of the magazine said hemp is beneficial medicinally, nutritionally and as an ingredient for textile products.
“Industrial hemp is important therapeutically since it contains a compound called cannabidiol (CBD) and hemp seeds are high in protein. Farmers can also use hemp as a cover crop, reducing the need for herbicides and also adding diversity to crop rotations.
“Besides the obvious, hemp is also used to make textiles, building material, livestock bedding, paper products, bioplastics and milk. The general misconception with cannabis is that it makes one high but since hemp seeds contain less than three percent tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), this means that it is non-psychoactive, she said.
In 2018, the Government gazetted Statutory Instrument 218 of 2020 [CAP. 18:24 Agriculture Marketing Authority (Industrial Hemp) Regulations, 2020 that regularised the growing, processing and supply of industrial hemp (cannabis) by farmers in Zimbabwe for industrial purposes.
-Chronicle
Tendai Chirau Booted Out Of Zanu PF Youth Leadership
By- A new Zanu PF National Youth League Executive was elected into office at the 7th National Youth Conference Thursday.
The new executive will be presented to the ruling party’s First Secretary, President Emmerson Mnangagwa as the conference comes to its final stages.
The party’s National Political Commissar, Mike Bimha announced the results Thursday night.
The List of Winners:
- i). John Paradza (Masvingo Provincial Youth chairman) – Deputy Secretary for Youth Affairs. Takes over from Tendai Chirau, who has been at the helm in an acting capacity.
- ii). Tendai Chiwetu – Secretary for Administration
- iii). Danmore Mambondiani -deputy Secretary for Administration
- iv). Tsungai Makumbe (Mashonaland Central) – Political Commissar,
- v). Taurai Kandishaya – Deputy Political Commissar,
- vi). Garikai Zonde – Secretary for Finance post,
- vii). Valeria Makonza – Secretary for External Affairs,
- viii). Innocent Dube – Transport and Social Welfare ,
- ix). Phillippa Mukono – Information and Publicity,
- x). Margaret Nyerere – Secretary for Indigenisation and Economic Empowerment,
- xi). Munashe Mututsa – Secretary for Information, Communication and Technology,
- xii). Admire Ndlovu – Secretary for Economic Affairs,
- xiii). Luckmore Gapa – Secretary for Health and Child Care,
- xiv). Nalede Maunganidze – Secretary for Gender,
- xv). Nomatter Topotsa – Secretary for Lands portfolio,
- xvi). Future Mhlanga – Secretary for Disabled,
- xvii). Batsirai Matiza – Secretary for Environment,
- xviii). Tubelihle Ncube – Secretary for Security,
- xix). Munashe Mabika – Secretary for Business Liaison.
Chamisa Storms Bulilima
By- Citizens Coalition for Change leader, Nelson Chamisa, has announced his arrival in Bulilima ahead of his weekend rally in the Matabeleland region.
Chamisa announced this Friday on his social media platform.
Posted Chamisa:
I’m in BULILIMA in Matebeleland south just by the border with Botswana. #fakapressure
Augusto Returns To Chicken Inn
Chicken Inn have re-signed their former striker Clive Augusto.
Augusto was one of the players dismissed by Harare giants CAPS United for allegedly masterminding a strike that nearly resulted in the cancellation on their league match against Cranborne Bullets last Sunday.
He is back at the Gamecocks, the club at which he terrorised defenders and scored 14 goals before leaving for DStv Premiership side Maritzburg United, back in 2019.
He has signed a 2-year contract, as announced by the club on their Twitter page.
“For two years he will torment your souls.
Clive Augusto is back at Chicken Inn FC.
If you don’t know him you will,” reads the post.- Soccer24 Zimbabwe
CAF Post For Desmond Maringwa
Football Union of Zimbabwe president Desmond Maringwa has been appointed to the Confederation of African Football (CAF) Organising Committee for interclub competitions and Management of Club Licensing System.
The former Dynamos midfielder will be in the committee for a two-year period, starting this year until 2024.- Soccer24 Zimbabwe
Air Quality Guidelines
Almost the entire global population (99%) breathes air that exceeds WHO air quality limits, and threatens their health.
A record number of over 6000 cities in 117 countries are now monitoring air quality, but the people living in them are still breathing unhealthy levels of fine particulate matter and nitrogen dioxide, with people in low and middle-income countries suffering the highest exposures.
The findings have prompted the World Health Organization to highlight the importance of curbing fossil fuel use and taking other tangible steps to reduce air pollution levels.
Released in the lead-up to World Health Day, which this year celebrates the theme Our planet, our health, the 2022 update of the World Health Organization’s air quality database introduces, for the first time, ground measurements of annual mean concentrations of nitrogen dioxide (NO2), a common urban pollutant and precursor of particulate matter and ozone. It also includes measurements of particulate matter with diameters equal or smaller than 10 μm (PM10) or 2.5 μm (PM2.5). Both groups of pollutants originate mainly from human activities related to fossil fuel combustion.
The new air quality database is the most extensive yet in its coverage of air pollution exposure on the ground.
Some 2,000 more cities/human settlements are now recording ground monitoring data for particulate matter – PM10 and/or PM2.5 – than the last update. This marks an almost 6-fold rise in reporting since the database was launched in 2011.
Meanwhile, the evidence base for the damage air pollution does to the human body has been growing rapidly and points to significant harm caused by even low levels of many air pollutants.
Particulate matter, especially PM2.5, is capable of penetrating deep into the lungs and entering the bloodstream, causing cardiovascular, cerebrovascular (stroke) and respiratory impacts.
There is emerging evidence that particulate matter impacts other organs and causes other diseases as well.
NO2 is associated with respiratory diseases, particularly asthma, leading to respiratory symptoms (such as coughing, wheezing or difficulty breathing), hospital admissions and visits to emergency rooms
WHO last year revised its Air Quality Guidelines, making them more stringent in an effort to help countries better evaluate the healthiness of their own air.
“Current energy concerns highlight the importance of speeding up the transition to cleaner, healthier energy systems,” said Dr Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, WHO Director-General. “High fossil fuel prices, energy security, and the urgency of addressing the twin health challenges of air pollution and climate change, underscore the pressing need to move faster towards a world that is much less dependent on fossil fuels.”
Steps governments can take to improve air quality and health
A number of governments are taking steps to improve air quality, but WHO is calling for a rapid intensification of actions to:
adopt or revise and implement national air quality standards according to the latest
WHO Air Quality Guidelines;
monitor air quality and identify sources of air pollution;
support the transition to exclusive use of clean household energy for cooking, heating and lighting;
build safe and affordable public transport systems and pedestrian- and cycle-friendly networks;
implement stricter vehicle emissions and efficiency standards; and enforce mandatory inspection and maintenance for vehicles;
invest in energy-efficient housing and power generation;
improve industry and municipal waste management;
reduce agricultural waste incineration, forest fires and certain agro-forestry activities (e.g. charcoal production); and
include air pollution in curricula for health professionals and providing tools for the health sector to engage.
WHO’s Air Quality Guidelines
The evidence base for the harm caused by air pollution has been growing rapidly and points to significant harm caused by even low levels of many air pollutants. Last year, the WHO responded by revising its Air Quality Guidelines to reflect the evidence, making them more stringent, especially for PM and NO2, a move strongly supported by the health community, medical associations and patient organizations.
The 2022 database aims to monitor the state of the world’s air and feeds into progress tracking of the Sustainable Development Goals.
Source: WHO
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Mwenezi Community- A Case Of Total Negligence Under Zanu PF Misrule
MWENEZI – VIEWING IT FROM THE BIG MIRROR
BY C.R. INGWANI -HLONGWANI.
Approximately 115km South West of the Provincial ancient town of Masvingo lies Mwenezi district, a mopani infested desolate land where edible mopani worms report brisk business at various points during the harvesting period.
Rutenga, the hub of all business activities along Masvingo – Beitbridge highway has all the potential to take it to a dream town of this idle district. The busiest road on Zimbabwean soil, Chirundu- BB tarmac dissects the district on the eastern side making it an adjunct to all business prospects that may arise given the opportunity of their materialization.
Like all other low lying areas such as Dande,Mavhuradonha, Muzarabani , Mwenezi is embedded in the south east Lowveld under Agricultural region 5 where crop farming is only practised on subsistence basis as opposed to commercial purposes.
Generally soils are poor, salty and seasons are marred by erratic rain patterns, no wonder why mopani shrubs are a dominant forest in the district. Ideally, the region suits animal farming ( ranching) and beasts in the region are of high quality because of these favourable climatic conditions.
It is the rate at which development progression is taking its course which worries most and a cause for concern to all who have the district at heart. I’m among those whose hearts are bleeding profusely taking into cognizance that Mwenezi district is one of the most disadvantaged districts on the land .
We have heard of political bigwigs who have influence to transform the places they hail from but our own Mwenezi appears to be just res nullius, something which has no owner to take care of.
The people we have been thrusting to the helm of our district to champion our cause since 1980 have dismally failed us and precisely these guys are charlatans who deserve to be called demagogues, soapbox orators or tub- thumpers who tremple on people who brought fame to them. Its like chopping off the hand that feeds you. We have people in Mwenezi who are not daring. The ones we elevate as our shepherds when they go up there tend to take tranquilizers in large doses and forget about us. They have failed to bring development to the place where their umbilical cords lie.
They have since alligned themselves to the rhetoric,” If the mountain can’t go to Mahomet,then Mahomet must go to the mountain”. The issue of representing people in societal grievances needs typical white ribboners or teetotallers who are sober minded all the time.
Without beating about the bush let me just drive you home and point out something I feel was a big let down by our representatives in Parliament. Mwenezi district partly borders with Mberengwa just near Matibi/ Ngungumbane.
The road from Zvishavane to Neshuro is nicely tarred from the asbestos town to somewhere near Ngezi river at Buchwa Mine but as it tries to pop into Mwenezi it suddenly dies off exposing the red- iron containing soils which makes every transporter hesitant to ply that route.
Why the road remaining gravel such a short distance from Buchwa to Turn-P? This remains a million dollar question and only brings to light the shortcomings of our people who represent us at the August House.
Well, maybe I have gone too far and what I need to abide by is the adage,” Let sleeping dogs lie”. When sleeping dogs have been accorded freedom to lie, another business emanates somewhere.
Of interest,it has come to my realization that individuals who grow up in impoverished environments mostly our African brothers if by chance they manoeuvre life meanders and rise up the ladder and get established somewhere, noone bothers to come back home to invest as part of community development.
Instead, they go to foreign land and help to develop such places. Yes we go out there in search of Greener pastures but our own places of origin can also turn green if we all develop zeal to improve them. Last but not least, I think tribal shunning is very rampant across our beloved Mwenezi of which people denounce their own tribe trying to force allegiance to other tribes. Persuasively I urge you brothers and sisters to desist from this practice and be proud of our tribes wherever we go.
Research has shown that Mlilo, Sithole,Sigauke,Mlambo,Dhliwayo,Mhlanga, Hlongwani and Chauke are all Soshangana olive branches. These people ooze blood from the same vein with the same genetic material and have the same tag pasted on them” Shangani Tribe”.
Interestingly, of the aforementioned people only Hlongwani and Chauke remain boastful of being Shangani and are currently the cog of the tribe. Tribe denouncing starts with somebody writing “Hlongwane” only to evade being called Shangani kkkkkkk.
It has taken so long to bring this individual thinking for other members to digest and capture few nuggets and constructively criticize as adults. Democracy, an anchorstone of all development. The view of the wonderful Mwenezi has come to rest, the eagle has landed.
Let’s love our place,our tribes and above all let’s take our district a stride up and make it the guiding star of other districts.
Let it appear boldly on the map of development.
Shut Down Zimbabwe to Restore Our Dignity
By Tawanda Dzvokora | ZINASU, Zimbabwe National Student Union has called for a national shut down of the entire country of Zimbabwe on Monday the 9th of May. Speaking with Change Radio on Mambo Svosve’s current affairs program Padare, one of the organizers, Ashley Chifunyise said this is a peaceful way of telling the government to go, as they have failed the students . Chifunyise bemoaned unrealistic fees hikes in both tertiary institutions and secondary schools. He said education was now for the elite and the standards have gone to the dogs. He also cited deteriorating living conditions as one of the reasons why all citizens must join the shutdown on Monday. He termed this action- Operation restore dignity.
Speaking on the same program, Barbara Tanyanyiwa a veteran trade unionist urged all workers to join in the shut down saying Zanu Pf and Emerson Mnagagwa have reduced workers to beggars.
The call for the shutdown has been well received by all citizens. The police and army have been urged to heed the call too to stay at home.
Tawanda Dzvokora
Mnangagwa Sweats Over National Shutdown
Tinashe Sambiri|The Zanu PF leader Emmerson Mnangagwa is losing sleep over the national shutdown announced by pressure groups.
ZINASU and ARTUZ have called for the shutdown due to the worsening economic crisis.
“ARTUZ Teachers Union and ZINASU Students Union are shutting down schools and universities on 9 May.
Citizens have been patient with the Government for the past four years, but enough is enough! Let’s stay home on 9 May,” ARTUZ and ZINASU said in joint statement.
The statement below is also circulating on social media:
- STAY AWAY ALERT 9 MAY 2022
CITIZEN DEMANDS:
- Bring back kombis
- End currency crisis
- Reduce cost of living
- Reduce tertiary fees
- Capacitate hospitals
- Increase salaries and pensions
Further action will be taken if GVT does not act.
ShutdownZimbabwe
Commenting on the shutdown, South African politician Mmusi Maimane said :
“The world will be watching when #ShutDownZimbabwe happens. There is no room for suppression of the rights of the people, including the right to protest. There should be no obstruction of the people .”
WATCH: “Dira Rizare!,” Hopewell Chin’ono Gives Linda Masarira A Bath Tub
VIDEO LOADING BELOW…
Mnangagwa Has Failed – President Chamisa
Tinashe Sambiri| Citizens’ Coalition For Change leader President Nelson Chamisa says the transport crisis in the country is a sign of total collapse.
President Chamisa was commenting pictures of the current transport woes in Zimbabwe.
The problems emanate from the ZUPCO monopoly.
“A CHRONICLE OF FAILURE! A HERALD OF A TOTAL COLLAPSE,” President Chamisa wrote on Twitter.
See below Citizens Coalition For Change’s list of measures that can be implemented to end the transport crisis…
End the ZUPCO monopoly
▪️Allow private players
▪️Introduce set timetables
▪️Refurbish bus stops
▪️Stop harassing transporters
▪️Maintain road networks
▪️Modernize the rail network
▪️Consult citizens
Stay Away Call Gathers Ground
Internet activists joined by students and trade unions have called for a stay-at-home protest on May 9 over Zimbabwe’s deepening economic crisis.
Mobilising under the hashtag #ShutDownZimbabwe, the activists hope workers and students will heed their call to bring the country to a standstill.
A list of demands tabled by Pachedu, an election transparency advocacy group, includes calls to end ZUPCO’s public transport monopoly, a reduction to university fees, channelling funds to hospitals, raising salaries of public sector workers and pension pay-outs as well as stemming the devaluation of the local currency.
“On Monday, the task is very simple; stay home! Let your voice speak in a peaceful way. Further action will be taken if the government does not act,” Pachedu said.
The Zimbabwe National Students Union (ZINASU) said in a statement: “To every citizen of Zimbabwe, every parent, worker, young and the old… the student fraternity is going to shut down every institution of higher and tertiary learning on Monday, May 9, 2022. Students are saying #FeesMustFall through a nationwide campus shutdown.”
The Amalgamated Rural Teachers’ Union of Zimbabwe (ARTUZ) said its members would join the stay-at-home protest.
“We demand state-funded education and a living wage for teachers. Teachers are parents. Schools will totally shutdown as we unite to #SaveOurEducation,” ARTUZ said.
The main opposition Citizens Coalition for Change has not publicly backed the protest, and the Zimbabwe Congress of Trade Unions has also not publicly endorsed the mass action.
In July 2020, state agents cracked down on organisers of planned anti-government protests – arresting dozens, abducting some and torturing others.
Mmusi Maimane, the former leader of South Africa’s main opposition Democratic Alliance, said on Thursday: “The world will be watching when #ShutDownZimbabwe happens. There is no room for suppression of the rights of the people, including the right to protest. There should be no obstruction of the people. There should be no arrests and intimidation of activists.”
Maimane said South Africa had “paid a heavy price for the oppression in Zimbabwe.”
“We will not ignore brutality and oppression. We cannot repeat the mistakes of 2002 and 2008. We cannot support dictatorship anymore. It is costing us dearly. Costing the whole of SADC,” he tweeted.
The hashtag #ShutDownZimbabwe was top of the Twitter trends on Thursday with the planned action gaining a groundswell of support.
President Emmerson Mnangagwa, who came to power following a 2017 military coup, faces growing criticism over his government’s failure to grow the economy. The country’s tanking currency has shrivelled incomes. He has also been criticised over a failing transport system, hospitals without medicines and rampant official corruption.
-Zimlive
President Chamisa Confronts Mnangagwa Over Total Collapse In Zim
Tinashe Sambiri| Citizens’ Coalition For Change leader President Nelson Chamisa says the transport crisis in the country is a sign of total collapse.
President Chamisa was commenting pictures of the current transport woes in Zimbabwe.
The problems emanate from the ZUPCO monopoly.
“A CHRONICLE OF FAILURE! A HERALD OF A TOTAL COLLAPSE,” President Chamisa wrote on Twitter.
See below Citizens Coalition For Change’s list of measures that can be implemented to end the transport crisis…
End the ZUPCO monopoly
▪️Allow private players
▪️Introduce set timetables
▪️Refurbish bus stops
▪️Stop harassing transporters
▪️Maintain road networks
▪️Modernize the rail network
▪️Consult citizens
Jahman Linda Masarira | VIDEO
Mliswa Barred From Sending His Two Children To Cheap Govt Schools
THE High Court has barred Norton MP Temba Mliswa (Independent) from sending his two children to cheap government schools, saying he could afford fees at private institutions.
Mliswa had challenged a 2016 ruling by the magistrates court directing him to pay $8 000 for maintenance plus fees at a private school for the children he sired with Cynthia Mugwira.
Mliswa and his estranged girlfriend have been in constant legal battles over the upkeep of their children.
The lawmaker appealed against the school fees order, claiming he could only afford to send his children to a government institution.
But High Court judges of appeal Justices Neville Wamambo and Emilia Muchawa said Mliswa did not give cogent reasons why his application should be granted.
“It was, however, clear to the same (lower) court that at the end of the day he can afford the fees at the named school,” the judges ruled.
“There was also an averment which appellant did not dispute that one of the minor children has special needs which were being met at Hellenics Primary School. The learned trial magistrate was cognisant that essentially he was guided by the best interests of the children,” they added.
It was also discovered that Mliswa had several potential sources of income, including two houses in South Africa, the Shumba Murena Family Trust, Saltlakes Holdings Private Limited, among
others.
Although the magistrate did not deal with all the evidence, it appeared Mliswa also recently purchased an expensive Toyota Land Cruiser vehicle.
“Appellant says the car belongs to a friend. He does not satisfactorily explain why he declared a friend’s car to the parliamentary asset declaration list. That fact points to him not being honest on his resources and sources of income,” the judges concurred, also adding that $8 000 was hardly enough to even take care of one child under the current economic situation.
-Newsday
Chamisa Angered By Transport Woes, Blasts Mnangagwa
By- CC President has been angered by the deteriorating transport situation in the country and said that it is caused by Emerson Mnangagwa’s poor governance.
Chamisa posted pictures of passengers being shoved into lories and said that the situation was degrading.
Posted Chamisa on Tweeter:
A CHRONICLE OF FAILURE! A HERALD OF A TOTAL COLLAPSE.
Police Officer ‘Refuses’ To Nail Mamombe
By- In a development that has exposed the state a police officer who was supposed to testify in a case in which Harare West legislator, Joana Mamombe and her two colleagues, exiled Netsai Marova and Cecilia Chimbiri, are accused of faking their abduction has failed or neglected to appear in court.
Venencia Muchenje was one of the Zimbabwe Republic Police (ZRP) officers who were manning the roadblock at Harare showgrounds on the day the trio was allegedly abducted in 2020.
Muchenje has since told the court that Mamombe and her friends were neither seen nor arrested at the roadblock on the day in question.
ZRP initially reported that the trio had been arrested for violating COVID-`19 regulations after organising and participating in a flash food demonstration in Warren Park. The statement was later withdrawn with police saying they didn’t know where the trio was.
Muchenje was expected to continue with her testimony, but has failed on two occasions with the duo’s lawyer, Alec Muchadehama, raising fears that the witness does not want to be cross-examined.
But prosecutor, Michael Reza, said Muchenje is not feeling well.
On Wednesday, Reza was forced to call Muchenje’s boss at Machipisa Police Station who promised to send his colleagues to Muchenje’s house.
The Court was forced to adjourn as the state made efforts to find Muchenje.
After the brief adjournment, Reza said the officers sent to her house did not see her.
The matter was postponed by Magistrate Faith Mushure to May 17 for trial continuation.
More: NewZimbabwe.com
Fire Razes Down Mbudzi Roundabout Shops
By-Fired has broken out at Mbudzi Roundabout leaving several shops destroyed with owners losing thousands of US dollars.
The last Friday morning fire, whose cause is suspected to be an electrical fault, is still under investigation.
To date, the entrepreneurs are still clearing the destroyed area.
One of the shop owners said: “I was informed that there was an electrical fault which occurred in the office which led to this disaster.
“I have lost several goods worth thousands and we are still counting the losses after the fire.”
Another shop-owner said: “I thank the other citizens who assisted, otherwise it could have been worse.
“We had left our money and everything but it’s now history.
“We are supposed to pay our rent, and some of our employees are expecting their monthly payments, I am in great pain,” he said.
The fire destroyed three blocks of sub-divided shops.
“No life was lost but several goods were reduced to ashes.
“The cause of the fire is still under investigation and we are still waiting for an official report from firemen,” said a manager at the complex. H Metro
#ShutDownZimbabwe, Govt Pleads With Organisers
By- The permanent secretary in the Higher and Tertiary ministry, Fanuel Tagwira, has begged university students to shun planned demonstrations over fee hikes saying a reduction of fees will cripple learning institutions.
Tagwira said the fee hikes have since been rendered a nonevent by soaring inflation to the extent that they only cover about 70 per cent of institutions’ expenses. He said:
If institutions decrease fees, the reality is that there will be no quality education to talk of. Already, since the fee hikes, there has been inflation and the fees they are paying now can only cover at least 70% of the institutions’ expenses.
Tagwira added that the government understands their plight but there needs to be a consideration of how the fees came to be.
Tagwira’s remarks come as ZINASU together with teachers and nurses has called for a national shutdown next Monday in a “fees must fall” protest and against the skyrocketing cost of living.
Teachers and nurses say they are failing to make ends meet, with their salaries having been battered by inflation while university students say new tuition fees are unaffordable.
Zimbabwe National Students Union (Zinasu) national spokesperson Lenon Mazuru said they wanted to register their discontent at the current state of affairs in the country by calling for a national shutdown. Mazuru said:
We are calling and inviting all other unions to support us on May 9. We need the government to address us and we need the crisis to end. This thing is way beyond ‘fees must fall’, hence everyone must take part. Every university, college, we are going to shut them down.
Tagwira says ZINASU has a political agenda.
The Amalgamated Rural Teachers Union of Zimbabwe (Artuz) and Zimbabwe Professional Nurses Union (ZPNU) pledged full support for the shutdown, and urged their members to withdraw their services on the day.
In the past, the government has responded to protests by shutting down social media platforms, and deploying troops.
Yesterday, Health Services Board (HSB) chairperson Paulinus Sikhosana said he was not aware that nurses were planning to join the protests.
More: NewsDay Zimbabwe
Police Statement On Operation Restore Other Road Users
POLICE UPDATE ON OPERATION RESPECT OTHER ROAD USERS
The Zimbabwe Republic Police appreciates and applauds the public for the cooperation rendered during the ongoing operation “Respect other road users,” which is aimed at bringing order to chaos on the roads caused by vehicles which have no registration plates, those driven against the flow of traffic, going through red robots, one-way and other misdemeanors on the roads.
The Police reiterates that, all vehicles whether Government-owned, individual owned, company or institution and political party owned should display registration plates while moving on the roads and in public places.
Any vehicle not displaying registration plates in clear contravention of the Vehicle Registration and Licensing Act, Chapter 13:14 will be impounded by the Police with owners facing the due process of the law. No negotiations, pleas or excuses will be entertained by Police officers on the ground or at Command level. Motorists are therefore expected to lead by example and comply in order to promote road safety and the maintenance of law and order in the country. Meanwhile since the start of the operation, a total of 7362 vehicles have beer accounted for by the Police for various traffic offences.
The Police reminds the public that family and private-owned vehicles should not be used to engage in pirating activities to ensure smooth flow of traffic on the country’s roads .
On the other hand, Public Service Vehicles (PSV) operators should ensure they operate in terms of the country’s laws.
Above all, drivers should strive to avoid causing congestion on the roads, especially in urban set up or risk having their vehicles impounded by the Police.-ZRP
#ShutDownZimbabwe, SA Monitors Mnangagwa’s Reaction
By- One Of South Africa’s opposition leaders Mmusi Maimane has challenged President Emerson Mnangagwa not to harass activists.
Maimane posted on Twitter supporting the #ShutDownZimbabwe initiative.
The world will be watching when #ShutDownZimbabwe happens. There is no room for suppression of the rights of the people, including the right to protest. There should be no obstruction of the people
Teachers and University students have declared next Monday a national schools shut-down day.
Tweeting Thursday, the Amalgamated Teachers Union of Zimbabwe and the Zimbabwe National Association of Students Unions said schools would from Monday be shut down until the government addresses their issues.
Tweeted ARTUZ and ZINASU:
ARTUZ Teachers Union and ZINASU Students Union are shutting down schools and universities on 9 May. Citizens have been patient with the Government for the past four years, but enough is enough! Let’s stay home on 9 May!
Government Defends Waning Zim Dollar
By A Correspondent- Finance deputy minister Clemence Chiduwa yesterday said the government had no plans to dump the free-falling Zimbabwe dollar, adding that authorities would instead ramp up surveillance and penalise businesses using the black-market rate.
Businesses are pricing goods and services in United States dollars while some are using the parallel market rate as the local currency continues on a free-fall amid rising inflation.
The local currency is trading at US$1 to $400 against $160 under the Reserve Bank of Zimbabwe (RBZ) controlled auction rate.
“We cannot run a country without the monetary policy Act. So, for us in terms of where we are going with regards to the use of the Zimbabwe dollar, we cannot run a country with a currency that is not ours,” Chiduwa said responding to questions in Parliament.
“Selling in foreign currency according to the dual system that we have at the moment is legal. We said in cases where a product is being sold in foreign currency there should be a display to show the equivalent in Zimbabwe dollars that is the position.”
President Emmerson Mnangagwa claimed that the economy was being sabotaged to incite Zimbabweans to stage protests aimed at his ouster.
Chiduwa added: “But now cases where the implied rate or the displayed rate is at variance with the auction rate this then becomes illegal. What is needed is for us to move a step forward and ensure that we apply the administrative penalty as laid out in the Finance Act.
“In terms of administrative penalties for those who are violating the auction rules we move around as a Financial Intelligence Unit to check for those who are violating the auction rules.”
Mukuru Strikes Deal With EPL Side
South Africa-based financial services platform has entered into a sponsorship deal with Crystal Palace.
The company, which was founded by Zimbabwean businessman Rob Burrell, will be the Eagles’ sleeve sponsor for the 2022/23 season.
The deal was confirmed by the club in a statement on Wednesday.
Andy Jury, CEO of Mukuru, said: “Soccer is the most supported sport on the African continent, uniting people globally, and our customers identified Crystal Palace as one of the teams they support.
“A team with several African players and an iconic coach with strong African heritage in Patrick Viera who our Mukuru customers look up to and resonate with.
“We are excited to be associated with Crystal Palace, a well-respected and prestigious Premier League team. The sponsorship places Mukuru on an international stage, further entrenching our global presence, operating in over 50 countries around the world.”
Barry Webber, Commercial Director of Crystal Palace, said: “This is a really exciting partnership for Crystal Palace, and we’re thrilled to welcome Mukuru on board.
“As a club, we are incredibly proud of our links with the African continent, which were encapsulated by midfielder Cheikhou Kouyate winning the African Cup of Nations earlier this year.”
Meanwhile, Mukuru joins Hollywood Bets (Brentford) and Visit Rwanda (Arsenal) as other African institutes that are sponsoring English Premier League.- Soccer24 Zimbabwe
Guardiola Speaks On Loss To Real Madrid
Manchester City boss Pep Guardiola admitted the semifinal defeat against Real Madrid in the Champions League was tough to take as this prolonged the long wait of his side for European glory.
City looked set to book their place in the final after Riyad Marez put them ahead in the 73rd minute.
But two quick-fire late goals from Rodrygo forced the tie into the extra-time with Karim Benzema later scoring the winner from the spot.
Madrid won the encounter 6-5 on aggregate and will play Liverpool in the final in Paris later this month.
“We were close but we were in trouble when they put balls into the box, with so many crosses,” said Guardiola. “I had defeats in the Champions League, at Barcelona and we could not reach the final, but there’s no doubt it’s hard for us.
“We can’t deny we were so close to the Champions League final. We didn’t play well in the first half but it’s normal in this competition.”
City will now shift their focus to the EPL for the home game with Newcastle on Sunday.- Soccer24 Zimbabwe
Latest COVID-19 Update
I Was Paid To Assault Chief Serima : Matutu
Former Deputy Youth and Indigenisation Minister, Tongai Matutu, has alleged that he was paid US$75 000 by the United States of America Embassy in 2010 to assault Chief Serima in 2010.
He said the embassy wanted him to get arrested so that they would use his arrest to push the idea that there were gross human rights violations in Zimbabwe.
Matutu was a member of the opposition Movement for Democratic Change led by the late former Prime MinisterMorgan Tsvangirai.
Writing on Twitter on Thursday, Matutu said:
In 2010, l was paid US $75k to assault Chief Serima at Matizha Business Center. I got arrested and fined $100.
This was just something carefully planned by the US Embassy so that they will use my arrest as persecution of opposition activists to justify the renewal of sanctions.
Matutu was alleged to have slapped and punched Chief Serima at the Matizha Business Center in September 2010.
Masvingo Magistrate Oliver Mudzongachiso found Matutu guilty of assaulting Masvingo Chief Serima, also known as Vengesai Rushwaya.
He was ordered to pay a fine of US$100.
Matutu, who appealed the judgement, told the media then that the charges against him were politically motivated.
Matutu, a former Masvingo Urban MP, is now a member of the ruling ZANU PF after leaving MDC Alliance then led by Nelson Chamisa following his disqualification from contesting the provincial chairmanship post ahead of the 2019 Gweru Congress.- Pindula News
Anti-Corruption Article: Mutsvangwa Feels The Heat
By Correspondent- ZANU PF spokesperson, Ambassador Christopher Mutsvangwa, has said he was misquoted by NewsDay Zimbabwe after the publication published an article purporting that Mutsvangwa had claimed that corruption was rampant in the government.
NewsDay quotes Mutsvangwa as saying there is serious corruption in government saying the foreign currency was mysteriously disappearing from the national purse. Mutsvangwa reportedly made the remarks during a press conference in the capital. He is quoted as saying:
We’ve doubled our export earnings in US dollars, yet our currency is weak, where has that ever happened? To fill up a house with kids, but you can’t account for any of them…
It’s a financial and economic anomaly that we are earning US dollars, yet we can’t find them in our purse. The more you put money in your purse, the more your purse gets empty of US dollars, something is wrong!
The publication also quoted the Chairperson of the African Parliamentarians Against Corruption Zimbabwe chapter, Temba Mliswa as saying President Emmerson Mnangagwa must be summoned before Parliament over the corruption allegations involving ministers and other top government officials. Mliswa is quoted as saying:
Parliament has power, and going through these reports you then ask why we pass the budget because there is bad governance and lack of implementation of recommendations by the AG. Basically, the President is presiding over a corrupt government.
NewsDay Zimbabwe says Mliswa was contributing to a discussion held in the capital on the 2020 AG (Auditor-General) reports facilitated by the Southern African Parliamentary Support Trust.
Meanwhile, Mutsvangwa said the private publication under the Alpha Media Holdings stable had misquoted him and sought to drag President Mnangagwa’s name into the mud. Mutsvangwa said:
Temba Mliswa and Newsday are cobbling together a fictitious reportage in Newsday that is nothing but a gross debasement of journalistic ethics. Two unrelated occasions are mischievously linked simply to cast slurs on our esteemed head of state.
Furthermore they egregiously drag in the name of President Mnangagwa into groundless accusations of corruption about the abuse of national foreign currency.
Mutsvangwa said the derivative market of the Zimbabwe Stock Exchange is the main culprit sponging forex hard earnings out of the Reserve Bank of Zimbabwe weekly auction.-herald
Yellow Revolution Spreads To Rural Bulilima
Tinashe Sambiri|The Citizens’ party will be in Bulilima West on Friday.
Citizens’ President Advocate Nelson Chamisa will address a rally at Madlambuzi Business Centre, Bulilima West.
Citizens Coalition For Change is determined to end Zanu PF dominance in rural areas.
“The Yellow movement is in Bulilima West at Madlambuzi Business Centre this Friday as we continue to mobilize the masses in all corners of Zimbabwe to ensure we attain our 6 million voter target in 2023! #RegisterToVoteZW #YellowRally,” CCC said in a statement.
“This Friday, 6 May 2022, we will be hosting a #YellowRally in Bulilima West at Madlambuzi Business Centre.
We continue to mobilize the masses in all corners of Zimbabwe to ensure we attain our 6 million voter target in 2023,” CCC spokesperson Fadzayi Mahere said in a statement on Twitter.
I Slept With My Own Mum For Riches
The relationship between mother and son can be an unbreakable bond and the love between the two is incomparable, but it has its limits.
However, one man has crossed the line that separates a normal family from a taboo one as he opened up that for the past 14 years he has been sleeping with his mother and four sisters, a ritual practice that is required for him to get rich and to stay rich.
Gwanda businessman (name supplied) revealed to Madzibaba Emmanuel Mutumwa of Johane Masowe eChishanhu in Bulawayo’s Selborne Park suburb that lately his conscience has been eating him up for having incestuous relationships with his mother and sisters.
His Damascus moment came after he developed priapism, a persistent, often painful erection that lasts for more than four hours.
The man has had his erection for close to two months now.
Doctors failed to fix his disorder. He has been given medication but it has not helped.
He even went to South Africa for aspiration decompression, a procedure in which excess blood is drained from the penis using a small needle and syringe. As part of the procedure, his penis was flushed with a saline solution. This treatment often relieves pain, removes oxygen-poor blood and might stop the erection. This treatment is repeated until the erection ends.
It didn’t work for him.
The doctors told him that the only solution that could work was surgery but he chose not to go down that road as one of the possible side effects is a weak erection.
He came back home and sought divine intervention.
Last Wednesday, Madzibaba Mutumwa prayed for him and healed him.
“He came to me and told me about his problem. I prayed for him and managed to help him overcome his problem. I also told him to stop sleeping with his mother and sisters and he is aware that it means all the riches he acquired through his strange rituals will vanish. He is prepared for that.
“I also prophesied him and told him that his sisters are not yet married because the evil spirit that he had impressed was also their spiritual husband. He slept with them physically but it also slept with him in the realm of the spirit. He admitted that they always dream sleeping with other men. That is how a spiritual husband works,” said prophet Mutumwa.
In an interview, the man said he does not intentionally sleep with his mother and sisters — but a spirit puts him in a trance. He only becomes conscious after the deed is done.
“I don’t know what happens and my mother and sister tell me that they fall into a deep sleep and only wake up after. It’s like my body will have been taken over by a spirit. All I know is that when I wake up, I will be naked on top of my mother or one of my sisters. This has troubled me for years now,” he said on condition of anonymity.
The man said his troubles started after he visited an inyanga in Binga who gave him muthi to get rich quickly.
“I regret what I did and I advise people to avoid using muthi because it never ends well. This muthi has been making me sleep with my own mother and sisters and it has made me contemplate suicide many times.
“But I am grateful that prophet Mutumwa has saved my life and that of my mother and sisters by destroying the muthi. He came to my house in Gwanda and exorcised the demon,” said the man.
His mother and sisters refused to comment.– B Metro
MURDER: Step-Mum Chops Own Son To Pieces In SA
A monster stepmother from Zimbabwe’s Kezi area has been arrested in South Africa for killing her six-year-old son and chopping him to pieces.
Colonel Dimakatso Sello of South African Police Media confirmed the incident.
Senzeni Desire Ndebele is alleged to have murdered and dismembered her stepson to spite her husband for reasons not yet known.
he then put the body parts in a sack. It is not yet known when the boy was killed but Senzeni packed her bags on Thursday last week and fled with her other two children.
The body of the boy was discovered on Friday at Turffontein in the city of Johannesburg where she was staying.
Senzeni’s husband and father of the murdered boy, Newton Mntinsi said he had no clue on why his son was slain.
“I’m shocked by what my wife has done to me, we didn’t have any conflict with each other so that I may think she was revenging on my kid, everything was just okay between us,” he said.
Senzeni’s attempt to flee from justice was abortive as she was arrested at Sasol garage in Johannesburg on her way to Eastern Cape.
According to Mntinsi, they are still waiting for the post-mortem results to know when the kid was killed.- B Metro
They Want To Remove Me: Mnangagwa
Emmerson Mnangagwa speaking at his party’s National Congress yesterday appealed to the youth to expose businesses “sabotaging the economy” saying the prevailing economic crisis was being engineered to topple him.
Speaking at the Zanu PF youth league conference in Harare, Mnangagwa said businesspeople were working with foreign powers to fan instability through unjustified price hikes.
“We are aware that there are people who are working with detractors to bring about regime change through the manipulation of our exchange rate and unjustified price hikes,” Mnangagwa said.
“My government is seized with this matter and perpetrators will soon be brought to book. I exhort the youth of our country to be vigilant and help expose all the deviant malcontents and counter-revolutionaries.”
Last year, government caused the arrest of several top company executives on allegations of manipulating the exchange rate.
Zimbabwe is in the grip of a spiralling inflation which has seen prices of basic foodstuffs, school fees and other social services skyrocketing, while salaries and disposable incomes remain stagnant.
Civil servants, including teachers and nurses, are planning a national shutdown next Monday in protest over economic hardships and transport crisis.
In the face of calls by teachers and nurses to down tools over poor salaries, Mnangagwa told thousands of youths that they should create their own jobs instead of aspiring to be teachers or nurses.
“Growing up we aspired to be teachers and nurses, that must change, The days for you to line up and seek jobs are fading … I thus expect to see the emergence of a crop of young versatile entrepreneurs who will help leapfrog our economic growth and emerge as the country’s millionaires,” Mnangagwa said.
The Mnangagwa regime has been accused of taking the lustre out of the teaching profession through underpaying teachers and nurses to a point they have become a laughing stock in communities.
Mnangagwa said the youths had a key role to play in rebuilding the economy.
“I further challenge you to learn from our liberation struggle and be rest assured that under the second republic no one will be left behind. We should build our own country,” he said.
Some of the regional former liberation parties attending the conference include the ruling parties of South Africa, Mozambique and Namibia.
Yesterday’s event was attended by Vice-President Constantino Chiwenga, Zanu PF secretary for administration Obert Mpofu, Zanu PF vice-president Kembo Mohadi, and Zanu PF chairperson Oppah Muchinguri, who is presiding over the conference.-Newsday
President Chamisa Challenges ZUPCO Monopoly
Tinashe Sambiri|Thousands of commuters across the country are suffering as a direct result of the ZUPCO monopoly imposed by Mr Emmerson Mnangagwa’s administration.
ZUPCO is failing to cope with number of commuters in Harare and all the major cities in the country.
Citizens’ Coalition For Change has challenged the Zanu PF regime to end the ZUPCO monopoly as a matter of urgency.
Mr Mnangagwa and his ally Kuda Tagwirei are reportedly looting state cash through ZUPCO.
“The regime in Harare has admitted that it has failed the citizens by creating a transport crisis particularly in urban areas.
Currently, there’s an acute shortage of transport that has left tens of thousands commuters stranded.
Zimbabwe needs a smart 21st century transport system. Over the last 42 years, our public transport system has completely crushed like everything else in the country.
The ZUPCO monopoly must end! Private businesses must be allowed to operate,” CCC said in a statement.
Below is CCC’s list of recommendations set to eradicate transport woes :
FixPublicTransport
▪️End the ZUPCO monopoly
▪️Allow private players
▪️Introduce set timetables
▪️Refurbish bus stops
▪️Stop harassing transporters
▪️Maintain road networks
▪️Modernize the rail network
▪️Consult citizens
Man Infected With STI Fires Back By Stealing 19K
A 48-YEAR-ols man from Nkulumane suburb thought the best way to get revenge on his lover for infecting him with a sexually transmitted infection (STI) was to steal R19 000 from her.
Mkhululi Nzombani has been in love with Marry Nkiwane (60) for a couple of years. But their love affair was brought to a screeching halt after Mkhululi fiercely accused his sweetheart of infecting him with an STI.
After that, the court heard, Mkhululi hatched a plan on how to fix his sweetheart.
He visited his lover at her home and it happened that she left for the shops, leaving him alone in the room.
When Nkiwane returned, the court heard, Mkhululi had disappeared.
Upon checking her money, she discovered that he had stolen R19 000.
Nkiwane reported the matter to the police, leading to his arrest.
He appeared before Western Commonage Courts Magistrate Jeconia Prince Ncube facing a theft charge.
He pleaded not guilty to the charge. He was remanded out of custody to next week on Wednesday.- B Metro
Tribute To Seasoned Masvingo Teacher
MASVINGO – Tragedy befell a Masvingo family after their father whom they reported missing was found hanging from a tree two days later.
Nasiel Makasi (65), a former Geography teacher at Mucheke High who went missing on Thursday was found hanging in a hill near Masvingo’s water tanks on Sunday.
His death comes just a few months after he retired from teaching in December last year. The Mirror could not establish reasons for the suicide.
His lifeless body was discovered on Sunday morning by Saul Shumba, a security guard.
Mucheke High head, Vincent Maweni confirmed the death and described it as a great shock.
“We have lost a great teacher and family man. He retired from Mucheke in December 2021 after joining the institution in January, 1977. He joined the school from Gweru Teacher’s College,” said Maweni.
Masvingo Provincial Police Spokesperson Inspector Kudakwashe Dhewa also confirmed the incident.
The deceased’s wife, Esther Makasi (60) helped the Police in identifying the body.
Masvingo Mirror
High School Teacher Hangs Self
MASVINGO – Tragedy befell a Masvingo family after their father whom they reported missing was found hanging from a tree two days later.
Nasiel Makasi (65), a former Geography teacher at Mucheke High who went missing on Thursday was found hanging in a hill near Masvingo’s water tanks on Sunday.
His death comes just a few months after he retired from teaching in December last year. The Mirror could not establish reasons for the suicide.
His lifeless body was discovered on Sunday morning by Saul Shumba, a security guard.
Mucheke High head, Vincent Maweni confirmed the death and described it as a great shock.
“We have lost a great teacher and family man. He retired from Mucheke in December 2021 after joining the institution in January, 1977. He joined the school from Gweru Teacher’s College,” said Maweni.
Masvingo Provincial Police Spokesperson Inspector Kudakwashe Dhewa also confirmed the incident.
The deceased’s wife, Esther Makasi (60) helped the Police in identifying the body.
Masvingo Mirror
New Malaria Control Methods
As World Malaria Day approaches, more than 1 million children in Ghana, Kenya and Malawi have received one or more doses of the world’s first malaria vaccine, thanks to a pilot programme coordinated by WHO. The malaria vaccine pilots, first launched by the Government of Malawi in April 2019, have shown that the RTS,S/AS01 (RTS,S) vaccine is safe and feasible to deliver, and that it substantially reduces deadly severe malaria.
These findings paved the way for the historic October 2021 WHO recommendation for the expanded use of RTS,S among children living in settings with moderate to high malaria transmission. If widely deployed, WHO estimates that the vaccine could save the lives of an additional 40 000 to 80 000 African children each year.
More than US$ 155 million has been secured from Gavi, the Vaccine Alliance to support the introduction, procurement and delivery of the malaria vaccine for Gavi-eligible countries in sub-Saharan Africa.
WHO guidance is available to countries as they consider whether and how to adopt RTS,S as an additional tool to reduce child illness and deaths from malaria.
“As a malaria researcher in my early career, I dreamed of the day we would have an effective vaccine against this devastating disease,” said Dr Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, WHO Director-General. “This vaccine is not just a scientific breakthrough, it’s life-changing for families across Africa. It demonstrates the power of science and innovation for health. Even so, there is an urgent need to develop more and better tools to save lives and drive progress towards a malaria-free world.”
Prospects for new interventions
RTS,S is a first-generation vaccine that could be complemented in the future by other vaccines with similar or higher efficacy. WHO welcomes progress in the development of R21/Matrix-M and other malaria vaccine candidates in early clinical development. The successful completion of clinical trials for these vaccines will be important to assess their safety and efficacy profiles. WHO also welcomes the news from BioNTech, manufacturer of the Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 vaccine, that it aims to develop a malaria vaccine using mRNA technology.
In the field of vector control, a number of new tools and technologies have been submitted to WHO for evaluation. Should they demonstrate efficacy in controlling the disease, WHO will formulate new recommendations or amend existing ones to support their deployment. These include, for example, new types of insecticide-treated nets, spatial mosquito repellents, gene-drive approaches and sugar baits designed to attract and kill Anopheles mosquitoes.
There are also new medicines in the pipeline. WHO welcomes the recent approval by the Australian Therapeutic Goods Administration of dispersible tablets of single-dose tafenoquine for the prevention of P. vivax malaria among children. Tafenoquine has also been approved for use in adults by the US Federal Drug Administration and by drug regulatory bodies in other countries, including Brazil, Peru and Thailand. As a single dose, tafenoquine is expected to support patient adherence to treatment. The current standard of care requires a 7- or 14-day course of medication.
A number other antimalarial medicines with new modes of action are being developed for the treatment of uncomplicated and severe malaria. Ganaplacide-Lumefantrine, currently in a Phase II clinical trial, is the first non-artemisinin combination therapy and could be an asset in fight against emerging drug-resistant malaria in Africa.
In addition to drug resistance, WHO has reported other pressing threats in the fight against malaria, such as mosquito resistance to insecticides, an invasive malaria vector that thrives in urban and rural areas, and the emergence and spread of mutated P. falciparum parasites that are undermining the effectiveness of rapid diagnostic tests. Innovation in tools and strategies will be critical to contain these threats, together with a more strategic use of the tools that are available today.
More investment needed
According to the 2021 World malaria report, global progress in reducing malaria cases and deaths has slowed or stalled in recent years, particularly in countries hardest hit by the disease. The report notes the need for continued innovation in the research and development of new tools if the world is to achieve the 2030 targets of the WHO malaria strategy.
Funding for malaria-related research and development reached just over US$ 619 million in 2020. An average annual R&D investment of US$ 851 million will be needed in the period 2021–2030.
Making better use of the tools we have now
Reaching global malaria targets will also require innovations in the way that currently available tools are deployed. Through the “ High burden to high impact” approach, launched by WHO and the RBM Partnership to End Malaria in 2018, countries hardest hit by malaria have been collecting and analysing malaria data to better understand the geographical spread of the disease.
Instead of applying the same approach to malaria control everywhere, they are considering the potential impact of tailored packages of interventions informed by local data and the local disease setting.
These analyses will enable countries to use available funds in a more effective, efficient and equitable way.
Source : World Health Organization
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Real Madrid Overcome Manchester City
Real Madrid produced an astonishing late comeback against Manchester City to set up a Champions League final against Liverpool, as Karim Benzema’s extra-time penalty winner gave them an incredible 6-5 aggregate win over City.
The 13-time winners were trailing 5-3 on aggregate heading into the 90th minute at the Bernabeu after Riyad Mahrez had given City the lead (73).
But two goals in two minutes from substitute Rodrygo dramatically made it 2-1 (5-5 on aggregate) to Real in the 91st minute to send the tie to extra-time.
Real’s epic fightback was then complete in the fifth minute of extra-time as Benzema scored a penalty after being brought down by Ruben Dias.
Real Madrid made two changes from the first leg defeat as Casemiro returned in midfield with Rodrygo dropping out, while Nacho replaced David Alaba, who was only fit enough for the bench.
Man City also made two changes from the home win over Real as Kyle Walker returned from injury to replace John Stones while Joao Cancelo came back from suspension to take Oleksandr Zinchenko’s place.
City came close to forcing a penalty shootout but Fernandinho put a chance wide at the back post at the end of the first half of extra-time, as the Premier League leaders missed out on making it back-to-back Champions League finals.- SkySports
Mai TT Deserted By New US Hubby
By- The controversial topic “Mai Titi deserted by new husband,” has hit the sets once again. The Socialite Felistas Murata, who recently tied the knot with US-based husband Tinashe Maphosa, has since disputed claims that she had been deserted by her new husband.
The allegations come at a time when her supporters were reviewing the long list of husbands she has had before splitting up months later in the last 3 years alone.
Her new husband, the US based Tinashe Maphosa has returned to his base, after their lavish wedding.
The mother of two, however, said she was not in a hurry to join her husband.
“Tinashe has left the country and I am yet to join him since I need to monitor some of my projects to a satisfactory level,” said Mai TT.
She disclosed her busy schedule to H-Metro, she has a series of events lined up to keep her busy in Zimbabwe this winter.
“I am building a 15-roomed house and I want to see it finished and I have lined up events I organised, starting this weekend, until July.
“My visa is ready but I am not going to leave the country now.
“Ndiripo uye hapana ambondirambidza kana kundimisa kuenda America,” said Mai TT.
Some of her organised events include the Mother’s Day Super Hero Edition expected this Sunday at Swan Creek Gardens.
She is also expected to grace the Mother’s Day Brunch, powered by Star FM, on the same day.
On May 14, she is set to hold a business network forum at Wind Mill Farm.
The comedienne has been in the spotlight for months, during the build up to her wedding, which attracted top celebrities and influencers.
-H Metro
#ShutDownZimbabwe Spreads To SA
By- Monday next week’s schools’ national shutdown has spread to South Africa, with that country’s opposition leader Mmusi Maimane challenging President Emerson Mnangagwa not to harass activists.
Maimane posted on Twitter supporting the #ShutDownZimbabwe initiative.
The world will be watching when #ShutDownZimbabwe happens. There is no room for suppression of the rights of the people, including the right to protest. There should be no obstruction of the people
Teachers and University students have declared next Monday a national schools shut-down day.
Tweeting Thursday, the Amalgamated Teachers Union of Zimbabwe and the Zimbabwe National Association of Students Unions said schools would from Monday be shut down until the government addresses their issues.
Tweeted ARTUZ and ZINASU:
ARTUZ Teachers Union and ZINASU Students Union are shutting down schools and universities on 9 May. Citizens have been patient with the Government for the past four years, but enough is enough! Let’s stay home on 9 May!
Top Cop Issues Chamisa Aide Death Threats
By- CCC deputy chairman, Job Sikhala has said that his party’s candidate for Ward 7 council by-elections has received death threats from Chitungwiza police station.
Sikhala posted on Twitter Thursday:
Our Ward 7 Council by election candidate Lovemore Maiko is advising me that he hs just bn phoned by Officer Commanding Chitungwiza District C/S Muguti threatening him with death if ever he holds any campaign activities in his ward. He has bn told not 2 do anything or else dies