By A Correspondent- Netizens have expressed shock at the recently announced new data tarrifs by NetOne where using the government’s official exchange rate (USD1:Z124.0189), the mobile operator’s new data tarrifs now cost:
10GB = $131
25GB = $328
50GB = $656
80GB = $798
We pulish below recations to the announcement:
We note with concern the increase in COVID-19 infections in schools, particularly 13 cases from Masvingo province, two from Matabeleland North, and one from Manicaland.
We note that these worrying developments are taking place barely two weeks after schools reopened.
We continue to highlight the need to prioritise the safety of learners, teachers and support staff by minimising the risk of exposure to COVID-19.
We urge strengthening of COVID-19 surveillance in schools and tertiary institutions.
We also urge strict adherence to COVID-19 guidelines and protocols in educational institutions, which includes regular fumigation of school premises and buses which ferry pupils and staff.
We call upon government to improve the provision of water and sanitation infrastructure and services to schools across the country.
We call upon government to ensure effective provision of masks and other personal protective equipment to schools and the education sector as a whole.
by Women’s Coalition of Zimbabwe
By A Correspondent- Zimbabwe’s education system, a source of pride for citizens and envy of many across the continent under the late former President Robert Mugabe, is now on a downward spiral seeking urgent intervention.
The drastic drop in the quality of education is mirrored in the state of the economy and a deterioration of the standards of living for the majority of Zimbabweans.
This has resulted in a massive exportation of high quality human capital to other countries across the globe.
Education experts are also accusing President Emmerson Mnangagwa’s administration of ignoring the critical sector, destroying a legacy built over decades including during the colonial era.
Decades of economic downturn, maladministration, corruption, neglect and poor funding has seen Zimbabwe’s education sector once considered the best in Africa facing a dramatic decline in standards over the years.
The situation, coupled with serious brain drain, poor remuneration for teachers, perennial job action, obsolete infrastructure and equipment as well as the ravages of the Covid-19 pandemic has left the sector on the throes of death.
Speaking in various interviews, academics and experts painted a gloomy picture of Zimbabwe’s education system calling on the government to take urgent action against the rot.
They noted that Zimbabwe’s future generations risk a bleak future where their qualifications – academic and vocational – will never be recognised across the world.
Former education minister during the Government of National Unity (GNU), David Coltart said although the sector remained one of the best in Africa, it faced a difficult future after years of decline.
He called for a radical mind shift to restore the sector.
“Mnangagwa has appointed a succession of ministers who, quite frankly, have little interest in education. It is clear that it is not a priority of his government.
“Overall, we have seen a dramatic decline in the education sector since the advent of the Mnangagwa government. Robert Mugabe was a teacher himself and he understood the importance of education,” Coltart said.
Mugabe, Coltart said, did what he could to ensure that the education system was adequately funded.
“Mnangagwa, in my view, does not have the same appreciation for education or the understanding that Mugabe had,” he added.
Coltart said there is no doubt that the education system has been seriously undermined in the last 15 to 20 years by strikes coupled by a mass exodus of teachers during the period 2007-2009.
Many teachers went to South Africa and never came back which decimated the education system that had for decades been touted as the best on the continent.
Approximately, 20 000 teachers deserted the profession for other jobs during the period.
The former minister said teachers were paid starvation wages that have triggered job action and lower output.
Coltart, however, criticised Mugabe for focusing mainly on academic education.
“The colonialists had a very good system of vocational, practical education that Mugabe did not and that was undermined in the 1980s heavily criticised by educationists at the time. In fact, that was the focus of the Nziramasanga Report published in 1999 which established that there was a serious imbalance,” he said.
The Nziramasanga, in part, recommended the promotion of practical skills in primary school, introduction of vocational education at that stage followed by same training in secondary schools.
This, according to the report, would lead to a range of qualifications in different occupation areas – professional, academic, practical and technical.
Coltart said the sector also lacked investment, progressively and in real terms, in the 1990s and 2000s, when Zimbabwe ceased getting international aid making the situation dire.
Education deteriorated rapidly in 2005 through to 2008 as teachers’ salaries declined leading to a mass exodus of teachers.
He said he took over an education system in 2009 during the GNU with 8 000 government schools closed while more than 100 000 teachers were on strike.
“The public examinations which were written in November 2008 were not even marked and the textbook-pupil ratio was atrocious, down to 15 pupils to one textbook at best.
“In many schools the only textbook was the one that the teacher had and during my tenure in 2009 through to 2013, we managed to stabilise the education sector,” Coltart said.
“We got 15 000 teachers back to service through an amnesty, and we got the textbook pupil ratio down to one to one and started working on the recommendations by the Nziramasanga Report.”
Coltart also accused Zanu-PF of frustrating these efforts during the GNU and the curriculum issue was not adequately addressed adding that the teaching system has a heavily demotivated staff attracting those who would have failed to get into other disciplines.
He added that the government needed to change its attitude towards education, improve teacher training facilities while raising education requirements for people to become teachers.
“There is a need for a variety of incentives once people have trained as teachers. The status of the teaching profession needs to be raised so that we attract the best brains into the teaching profession,” he said.
Coltart said it was also fortunate that Zimbabwe’s education system remained very good in terms of the actual standards arguing that pupils who get to Advanced Level have a chance of making it outside Zimbabwe.
Tswane University of Technology department of public management’s Professor Ricky Mukonza said the education standards reflected a decline in social life in Zimbabwe.
He said chief among the reasons for the decline was lack of resources.
“For example, I would pick an investment area in the ICT component of that sector. Investment in modern equipment and technologies that will allow pupils to learn from relevant technologies.
“So indeed, the quality of education in Zimbabwe has gone down. That is a cause for concern because the education sector is quite critical for the economy. That sector is critical for human development and Zimbabwean society. Something needs to be done to ensure that it returns to its former glory,” Mukonza said.
The Pretoria-based academic said the decline in education standards was not isolated as it indicates a general decline in standard of life in Zimbabwe.
“What we are seeing is the microcosm of the macrocosm, in the sense that it is a reflection of the decline in Zimbabwean society in general.
“If things are not good in the economy, there is no way that an investment can be made in such a sector. This appears to me as misplaced priorities on the part of the government,” he said.
Mukonza acknowledged the impact of the Covid-19 pandemic to education adding that the government had failed to invest in technology investment in primary and secondary schools affecting the transition into online learning.
He however, argued that while Mugabe’s legacy was under threat, the decline did not start under the current administration.
“It started under Mugabe because we could see that post-2000 and the standard of education kept going down after Mugabe left, and sadly, the so-called new dawn has not done anything to ensure that the situation improves.
“I would say one of the key challenges is lack of funding and investment in the education sector.”
Another former cabinet minister and renowned academic and one of the architects of the education revolution, Fay Chung concurred that Zimbabwe educational quality had deteriorated for most schools over the past 20 years.
She, however, said despite the deterioration, some schools have managed to retain high standards.
“This means wealthier Zimbabweans have managed to maintain the quality of education for their children in trust schools.
“However, more than 70% of Zimbabweans are poor and these include the teachers. They are not managing very well. An economic development solution is essential rather than demanding payment in US dollars,” Chung said.
“With subdued production and failing exports Zimbabwe does not have enough US dollars to pay the large civil service, including the teachers.”
She also argued that the colonial education system was good for 4% of the population leading to questions on how Zimbabwe can cater for the majority.
By A Correspondent- Even though he has grown to be loved by many people from across the country for his unique healing, Bulawayo cleric Madzibaba Emmanuel Mutumwa decided to skip pomp and fanfare when he observed his 30th birthday on Saturday last week.
The leader of the Johanne Masowe eChishanu Apostolic Church celebrated his birthday with an explosive healing and deliverance service which saw an outpouring of testimonies, signs and wonders punctuating his shrine in Bulawayo’s Selbourne Park suburb.
Those who were being delivered started manifesting and vomiting.
For a man who started from a very humble and poor beginning, it should not surprise anyone that his 30th birthday was supposed to be celebrated amid extravagance.
However, instead of throwing a lavish party and celebrating it with family and friends, Madzibaba Mutumwa decided to extend his love and affection to the sick by blessing and healing them.
Also, instead of donning the latest designer suit as it has become a norm with some prominent figures when celebrating their birthdays, Madzibaba Mutumwa was clad in white robes.
The colourful event was also graced by thousands, among them pastors from different local churches and neighbouring countries such as South Africa and Botswana.
Former war veterans’ leader and Zanu-PF Bulawayo province chairman Jabulani Sibanda, Zanu-PF members Elifasi Mashaba and Ernest Shora also attended the event.
Madzibaba Mutumwa made a grand entry at the shrine at around 1.30 pm appearing in a new white Mercedes Benz branded: “Happy Birthday Great Prophet, Bishop Mutumwa a very humble man of God.
You redeemed so many souls by healing the sick and giving to the poor and preaching the word of God”.
When he arrived, there was a near stampede as congregants and those who were sick jostled to greet him and touch his garment in the belief that they would be healed.
Some even got trampled as they tried to get closer to him. The sick believed that by just touching his garment they would be healed and invite good fortune and prosperity.
“I have been healed, praise God,” shouted one of the female congregants who claimed she had been healed of cancer.
Another congregant also remarked: “We will be blessed, and our prayers will be answered by just touching his garment.
We should be grateful to the Prophet, who has taught us, led us, and made a significant change that we call a transformation from darkness into a new era of light.”
Madzibaba Mutumwa started the service with a thanksgiving prayer which was led by some senior members of his church.
Delivering his special birthday message, the man of God stated: “Birthdays are a time to reflect on the memories of yesterday, the joys of today and the dreams of tomorrow. But for me my birthday is a time to heal and bless the sick and to deliver those who need to be delivered. I want to thank you for gracing this occasion.”
He went on to lead the mass prayer that saw many sick people being healed.
Many people with conditions ranging from disability, terminal illnesses, blindness, to marital problems, among others, claimed to have been assisted.
Those who received healing testified during the service whose highlight was the cutting of the birthday cake by the prophet who was flanked by his father and mother, among others.
The man-of-cloth also received praise and presents from the pastors, members of his church and guests who attended the ceremony.
Speaking on the sidelines of the event, Madzibaba Mutumwa said he was happy to celebrate his birthday in a different way for the first time in his life.
He said he decided to forego extravagance as a humble reminder of how privileged his life was.
“I am grateful to my followers and that’s why I decided to spend this special day of my life with them, blessing them and healing the sick and preaching the word of God,” said Madzibaba Mutumwa.
Thirty- three year old Zimbabwe entrepreneur Prosper Makumbe is a man on a mission.
A mission to make Ngomakurira Hills in Domboshava one of the best go to places for tourists and the Harare metropolitan population.
“We have recently acquired a piece of land and we have build and still in the process of building more poultry houses in Zimbabwe.
“With the vast knowledge i have acquired over the years, we plan to put an upscale restaurant in domboshava, with a beautiful Chef’s garden just next to Ngomakurira Hills, which is a site managed by the National Museums and Monuments of Zimbabwe,” he said.
Makumbe is the head of Makumbe Enterprise which is registered in three countries- Zimbabwe, Rwanda and South Africa.
A well traveled entrepreneur who has vast experience in agriculture, tourism and hospitality, Makumbe was based in South Africa for many years rising through the ranks to be one of the leading names in South African hospitality.
His sojourn took him to Rwanda where he was one of the directors at a leading hotel before tracing his steps to Zimbabwe to put into practice the knowledge he acquired over the years.
“Zimbabwe is home. We go out to gain knowledge so that we can improve our country,” he said.
Ngomakurira is known to many Harare residents as an area of intense beauty and great spiritual significance.
Only thirty minutes by car from the capital, many visitors and tourists walk there amongst these beautiful massive granite outcrops interspersed with indigenous Miombo forest.
On the side of the massive orange-coloured vertical rock face of the main mountain, a giant batholith, there is some well-preserved San rock art.
Some say that Ngomakurira deserves the status of world heritage site for the combination of great natural beauty and cultural significance it offers.
By A Correspondent- There was drama in Bulawayo’s Gwabalanda suburb when the burial of a 12-year-old girl was temporarily halted on Thursday after the United Bulawayo Hospitals (UBH) said the burial could not go ahead without a second post-mortem.
Kwanele Ndlovu is said to have died suddenly after complaining of stomach pains that were thought not to be serious.
The entombment of the Grade 7 pupil was supposed to have taken place in the morning but was stopped after a staffer from UBH called and said the correct procedure of having two post-mortems from two different doctors had not been done.
The parents of Kwanele had to go to UBH with the police from Luveve police station to sign papers for the burial to go ahead.
Kwanele was then buried in the afternoon at 2pm after body viewing was done at Falakhe Funeral Parlour at 1pm.
Mourners expressed shock at the passing of Kwanele.
“It’s so painful to bury your child and Kwanele was such a brilliant kid.
Last Saturday I saw her at church and she just looked healthy and live, this has caused so much pain to everyone close to her especially her classmates who were crying at the service at Gwabalanda before the complications arose that the funeral had to be on pause till the post-mortem issue was finalised,” said George Moyo, a pastor.
Kwanele’s headmistress, speaking on condition of anonymity, described her as a bright pupil.
“Kwanele was such a bright pupil and was the chosen head girl for this year and this is really painful to us because we had hoped for a bright future ahead of her,” she said.
Her parents were too emotional to comment.
Attempts to get a comment from UBH were abortive as the acting chief executive officer Dr Narcisius Dzvanga was unreachable.
By The late former President Robert Mugabe could be turning in his grave with properties running into several millions of United States dollars from two of his farms going under the hammer as the business empire folds, the Zimbabwe Independent reported.
According to a notice, Harare-based auctioneers, Ruby Auctioneers, will tomorrow and on Monday auction farm equipment and vehicles at Mugabe’s two – Gushungo Holdings (Highfield Farm) in Norton and Gushungo Dairy Farm in Mazowe.
A source close to the late leader’s family yesterday confirmed that Mugabe’s wife, Grace, instituted the auction as she looks at down-scaling operations.
Zimbabwe on Monday celebrates Mugabe’s life through the National Youth Day, which also coincides with the auctioning of the late leader’s assets.
Mugabe was born on February 21, 1924 and died in September 2019 after being removed from office via a military coup that propelled Emmerson Mnangagwa into the presidency.
Reacting to the development, a Mugabe sympathisers yesterday said this reflected badly on Mnangagwa’s administration
which is failing to protect the former leader’s estate.
“The treatment of the former President (Mugabe) continues to have a sour taste in the mouth.
Inability to respect a founding father notwithstanding any mistakes does little to build and reconcile a nation.
It’s absolutely essential that former leaders and current ones are treated with respect and decorum so that they gracefully exit office without fear of ill-treatment.”
The ardent follower said celebrating Mugabe’s birthday on Monday should also be a period of self-introspection for the current leadership.
“We celebrate his birthday on the 21st, a date agreed to by all and hopefully it’s a reflection time.
We can do better as a nation and unite our people for greater prosperity than perpetuate feuds and inability to forgive,” the sympathiser said.
In an interview yesterday, independent researcher and political analyst Effie Ncube said the development needs to be assessed principally on the reasons the former first family was disposing of the property.
“If the property being disposed of was acquired above board without any criminality then there is no problem with that except if they are disposing of that property because they are having problems financially or maybe because the Mnangagwa regime is not taking care of them.
“That will be a problem because every new government has a responsibility to accord dignity to those who have governed the country in the past regardless of the political differences they might have or which they continue to have now,” Ncube said.
“There is some dignity that goes with the office of the president, the dignity that goes with the office of the first lady regardless of how much we might disagree with them.
The empathy, the due respect and compassion has to go with those offices unless there is a clear cut case of criminality.”
He added that if Grace was being victimised on account of political differences that would reflect badly on Mnangagwa’s government.
“If the former first lady is disposing of the property because she wants to retire into private life and she thinks that the excess property is not fitting to the kind of life she will be living then there isn’t any problem.
“If she is getting rid of the property because she wants to retire into something more decent or to get some income and get a decent life in retirement again it becomes problematic because the government has a responsibility to take care of the former first family regardless of the political differences,” he added.
“It’s not about personal differences but what the law requires in terms of how they should be treated.
In the case that they could not sustain the business after leaving, which is always the case with many former leaders on the continent, then that also brings a lot of questions on the former leaders,” he said.
Political commentator Rashwheat Mukundu said the auction signalled the end of the Mugabe legacy as the family retreats from both its business and political interests.
“This attests to views that business ventures of the politically connected are anchored on political patronage and cannot survive on their own,” he said.
Properties to be auctioned on site in Norton include three Nissan NP 200 pickups, a Mazda BT50, a Toyota Hilux, seven Bluewater pumps on wheels and a John Deere combine harvester to maize head.
The properties also include combine harvesters, motorised boom-spray, tractor mower side cutters, spreaders and reversible three-dish ploughs.
Property going under the hammer at Gushungo Dairy Farm include an Isuzu five-tonne refrigerated, combine harvester maize head, boom spray, Scania horse, 30 tonne trailer, two Honda Fit sedans, water bowsers, a minibus, six lawn mowers and two tractors.
Government in 2020 gazetted a law known as the Presidential Pension and Retirement Benefits (Services and Facilities for Spouses of Former Presidents) Notice stipulating benefits the spouse of a former President is entitled to in case of retirement or death of the President.
By A Correspondent| Zanu PF youths have confronted the Minister of Information and Communication Technology Jenfran Muswere over the move by state run mobile network operator NetOne to hike data prices.
Posting on Twitter, Zanu PF Deputy Secretary for Youth League Tendai Chirau said they hope NetOne will reverse the obscene prices which took effect from today.
“The youth league is currently engaging the Ministry of ICT led by youthful @HonJMuswereJnr on the recent increase of data prices by @NetOneCellular.The prices are out of reach of many, it’s our hope that there will be a reversal,” said Chirau.
Netone hiked its data prices with the cheapest One-Fi package which is 10 gigabytes going for ZWL$16250 while the most expensive which is 80 gigabytes now costing ZWL$99000.
By A Correspondent- Three Bulawayo prisons officers are in the dock for helping a dangerous prisoner serving 53 years in jail for armed robbery escape from a maximum-security prison in broad daylight.
Talent Bhekinhlanhla Ndlovu (21), Tatenda Madzivadondo (28) and Musawenkosi Sibanda (32) from Khami Prison Camp in Bulawayo appeared in court on Tuesday for aiding and abetting Jabson Shonhe to pull off a daring prison break which is straight out of a Hollywood script.
They are charged with assisting a prisoner escape from custody as defined in Section 185 (2) as read with section 198 (D) of the Criminal Law (Codification and Reform Act) Chapter 9:23.
They are also accused of criminal abuse of office as defined in section 174 of the Criminal (Codification and Reform Act) Chapter 9:23.
The three allegedly gave Shonhe, a class D prisoner, a cellphone to plan his escape and to arrange a getaway car with his friends.
It was not stated what motivated them to assist Shonhe.
The court heard that on February 19, 2022, around 11am, the accused officers unlawfully opened the gate for Shonhe and Ndlovu gave him a mobile phone to call his friends who had arranged a getaway vehicle.
Madzivadondo, the guard in charge of opening and locking up the gates for inmates and prison officers, opened the gate for Shonhe to walk away from the prison.
He was the only officer deployed at the gate on the said day.
Sibanda is said to have walked Shonhe out of the prison. Earlier he had been seen moving around the prison complex with Shonhe.
The three officers were denied bail and remanded in custody to 28 February by Western Commonage Court magistrate Shepherd Munjanja after the State argued that they were a flight risk since they were facing a capital offence which could see them imprisoned for a long time.
The State also argued that the three accused persons could interfere with witnesses if they were granted bail since they stay in the same neighbourhood.
The other reasons for opposing bail were that investigations were not yet complete and evidence linking the accused to the crime was overwhelming.-BMetro
By A Correspondent- A man from Beitbridge who came home unexpectedly got the shock of his life after he caught his wife dishing out sex to another man in their matrimonial bedroom.
Edmore Mapfumo from Bhalanganani village, Tsetana area under Chief Matibe in Beitbridge East couldn’t believe his eyes when he busted his wife Linda Mbedzi between the sheets with her alleged lover, Maludzo Sibanda.
The incident happened a fortnight ago.
Before Mapfumo threw a flurry of punches at him, Sibanda, who is a farmer, reportedly bolted out of the house stark naked, leaving behind his clothes and motorcycle.
According to a source from the area who spoke to B-Metro, Mapfumo later took Sibanda’s clothes and motorcycle and surrendered them at Chasvingo Police Station.
The source said the illicit affair had been going on for some time and on the day Mapfumo busted them he worked on a tip-off.
“On the day Mapfumo caught his wife indulging in sex with Maludzo Sibanda he came home unannounced.
This was after he had been tipped by some villagers that during his absence Sibanda was always visiting his homestead at odd hours.
After he caught them, Sibanda bolted out of the house stark naked leaving behind his clothes and motorcycle.
“Mapfumo later took the property to Chasvingo Police Station where he used it as an exhibit that he had caught Sibanda in the act with his wife in his matrimonial bedroom,” said the source who asked not to be named.
A heartbroken Mapfumo who was apparently not ready to walk away from his cheating wife, approached Headman Tsetana where he hoped his adversary would face justice for disrespecting him.
Appearing before Headman Tsetana’s traditional court, Sibanda didn’t dispute the allegations that he was having an affair with Mapfumo’s wife.
Headman Tsetana subsequently fined Sibanda two beasts and he also ordered him to pay R4 100 being expenses incurred by Mapfumo while suing him.
Although all the parties involved in the love triangle were unavailable at the time of writing the story, Headman Tsetana confirmed the incident saying Sibanda is yet to pay the fine.
“It’s true and when the parties came before my traditional court Sibanda didn’t dispute the accusations that he was caught bedding Mapfumo’s wife.
Following his admission, I ordered him to pay two beasts and R4 100 being the money Mapfumo claimed he incurred while suing Sibanda,” said Headman Tsetana.-BMetro
By A Correspondent- The Zimbabwe National Statistics Agency (ZIMSTAT), a corporate body that was established through the Census and Statistics Act of 2007, has announced that the country’s month-on-month inflation rate rose in February 2022. In January, Zimbabwe’s yearly and monthly rates of inflation had marginally declined.
We present an update by ZIMSTAT:
The month-on-month inflation rate in February 2022 was 7.0 percent gaining 1.7 percentage points on the January 2022 rate of 5.3 percent.
The year-on-year inflation rate (annual percentage change) for the month of February 2022 as measured by the all items Consumer Price Index (CPI) stood at 66.1 percent.
The CPI for the month ending February 2022 stood at 4 483.06 compared to 4 189.97 in January 2022 and 2 698.89 in February 2021.
Consumer Price Index— February 2022 The month-on-month inflation rate in February 2022 was 7.0 percent gaining 1.7 percentage points on the January 2022 rate of 5.3 percent.
The year-on-year inflation rate (annual percentage change) for the month of February 2022 as measured by the all-items Consumer Price Index CPI stood at 66.1 percent.
The CPI for the month ending February 2022 stood at 4,483.06 compared to 4,189.97 in January 2022 and 2,698.89 in February 2021. Blended Consumer Price Index— February 2022 The month-on-month inflation rate in February 2022 was 3.1 percent increasing by 0.4 percentage points on the January 2021 rate of 2.7 percent.
The year-on-year inflation rate (annual percentage change) for the month of February 2022 as measured by all items blended Consumer Price Index CPI stood at 27.8 percent.
The blended CPI for the month ending February 2022 stood at 142.28 compared to 138.02 in January 2022 and 111.30 in February 2021.
• The Food Poverty Line FPL for one person in February 2022 was $6 660.00
• The Total Consumption Poverty Line TCPL for one person stood at $9 144.00 in February 2022.
By A Correspondent- The Zimbabwe Embassy in Berlin has registered 256 citizens in Ukraine, with the Harare advising other nationals to leave that country if it is safe to do.
The latest development comes after several Zimbabweans had been left stranded by the war, which erupted early Thursday.
Government spokesperson Nick Mangwana posted on Twitter: We have advised our citizens to travel to any third country if it is safe to do so. -Representations were made to different embassies to allow safe passage of our nationals.
Russia invaded Ukraine in the early hours of Thursday following weeks of fruitless diplomatic efforts by Western leaders to avert war and realised their worst fears about Russian President Vladimir Putin’s ambitions.
Putin wants Ukraine to renounce its intentions to join Nato.
By A Correspondent- The Zimbabwe Embassy in Berlin has registered 256 citizens in Ukraine, with the Harare advising other nationals to leave that country if it is safe to do.
The latest development comes after several Zimbabweans had been left stranded by the war, which erupted early Thursday.
Government spokesperson Nick Mangwana posted on Twitter: We have advised our citizens to travel to any third country if it is safe to do so. -Representations were made to different embassies to allow safe passage of our nationals.
Russia invaded Ukraine in the early hours of Thursday following weeks of fruitless diplomatic efforts by Western leaders to avert war and realised their worst fears about Russian President Vladimir Putin’s ambitions.
Putin wants Ukraine to renounce its intentions to join Nato.
By A Correspondent| State run mobile network operator Netone has hiked its data prices with the cheapest One-Fi package which is 10 gigabytes going for ZWL$16250 while the most expensive which is 80 gigabytes now costing ZWL$99000.
Using the official exchange rate of ZWL$125/US$1, 10 gigabytes now costs US$130 while using the parallel market exchange rate of ZWL$230/US$1, the same package costs US$70.
The 25 gigabytes package will cost US$325 using official exchange rate and US$170 using parallel exchange rate.
When the One-Fi package was launched a few years back, the 10 gig was selling for between US$10 and US$15 while 25 gig was going for US$25.
Below are the new packages from NetOne
By A Correspondent-The police have confirmed an accident that happened along Nyanga-Rwenya road on Thursday morning.
In a statement, ZRP said the fatal road traffic accident occurred at the 36 km peg along Nyanga-Rwenya Rd, Nyanga, at about 0523 hours.
“A motorist, who was driving an Isuzu 850 lorry, with five passengers on board, lost control of the vehicle and sideswiped a stationary Toyota Hiace vehicle. The truck overturned once and landed on its roof in a ditch. The driver of the lorry and three passengers died on the spot. Bodies of the victims were referred to Nyanga District Hospital for post-mortem, and names will be announced after their next of kin have been advised,” said ZRP.
Thursday morning, the Office of the President and Cabinet (OPC) said four members of the OPC who were part of an Office Team delivering goods for the less privileged in Ruwangwe Community under the First Lady’s Auxillia Mnangagwa’s Community Assistance and Empowerment Programme.
By A Correspondent- First lady Auxillia Mnangagwa has sent condolences messages to families of her four aides who died in a car accident in Nyanga Thursday.
Below is Auxillia’s message:
The tragic accident which claimed the lives of my four staff members is a big loss to my office and the nation as a whole.
The staff members whose commitment to duty was exceptional were part of a dedicated team which played a pivotal role in assisting my office to realise its goals.
As a mother, I am deeply saddened by the untimely death of my children.
I would like to express my deepest condolences to the bereaved families. I pray that they will find comfort in the knowledge that their loved ones passed away while serving the nation.
May their souls rest in eternal peace.
By-Gospel musician Trymore Bande has been arrested for stealing a car.
Bande appeared in court on Thursday on allegations of vanishing with a Mercedes Benz from a car sale after misrepresenting to the seller that he wanted to buy the car.
Bande appeared at the Harare Magistrates Court charged with car theft.
He allegedly stole the US$2 500 car from Moffat Dzidzai, of Chitungwiza.
Bande was not asked to plead to the charges.
By A Correspondent- A Zanu PF aspiring MP for Mrewa South Nyasha Musoka’s wife at the weekend attended a campaign rally in yellow.
Yellow is was a colour adopted by Nelson Chamisa’s Citizens Coalition for Change CCC party.
The pictures were posted by Zanu PF’ propaganda social media platforms managers.
“Meet your Murehwa South incoming MP‼️
Murehwa South ZANU PF Candidate Cde Nyasha Musoka and his wife,” Zanu PF posted.
Tinashe Sambiri|Citizens Coalition For Change leader President Nelson Chamisa says the country’s national broadcaster, ZBC is now serving Zanu PF interests instead of safeguarding the fundamental ethics that guide news reporting.
On Sunday ZBC claimed President Chamisa incited citizens to use violence to topple Mr Mnangagwa’s administration.
Interestingly the anchoring ZBC news reporter on the said day is a declared Zanu PF activist.
The regime is afraid of President Chamisa’s popularity.
“ZBC is a national shame! So pathetic,” President Chamisa commented on Twitter.
He was responding to Hopewell Chin’ono’s tweet below:
“
REPORTING LIES!
The Zimbabwean public broadcaster @ZBCNewsonline LIED that @nelsonchamisa told his supporters to use violence for him to get into power.
Not surprisingly, the reporter stood on a ZANUPF primary election ticket in 2018.”
Fifa have suspended Zifa from all international football activities with immediate effect, citing flagrant violation of its Statutes, particularly Article 14 (Paragraph 1i) and Article 16 (Paragraph 1) after the Sports and Recreation Commission (SRC) suspended the Zifa executive committee late last year.
In her letter confirming the suspension, Fifa secretary-general Fatma Samoura said the suspension will remain in force until the Felton Kamambo-led board is allowed to return to office without any conditions and that the SRC should immediately repeal a number of decisions it had taken against Zifa and its officials.
“Therefore, on the basis of Article 14 (paragraphs 1i and 3) of the Fifa Statutes — as well as Article 16 (Paragraph 1), under which the Fifa Council may, without a vote of the Congress, temporarily suspend with immediate effect a member association that seriously violates its obligations — the Fifa Council decided to suspend Zifa with immediate effect due to flagrant violations of the Fifa Statutes.
Furthermore, and without prejudice to the ongoing investigations into the allegations of sexual harassment and bribery, the Fifa Council decided that the lifting of the suspension be subject to the following conditions:
λ The repeal of the SRC decision of 26 November 2020 suspending the Zifa General Secretary
λ The repeal of the SRC decision of 16 November 2021 suspending the Zifa Board.
The repeal of the SRC decision of 17 December 2021 setting up the restructuring committee.
λ Fifa’s receipt of confirmation from Zifa and its management, led by President Felton Kamambo and General Secretary Joseph Mamutse, that Zifa and its premises are once more under their full and unconditional control.
λ The withdrawal of the SRC’s legal complaint against the Zifa President, three other Zifa Board members and the General Secretary regarding alleged misuse of the Zifa letterheads.
Consequently, and in accordance with Article 13 of the Fifa Statutes, Zifa loses all its membership rights as of 24 February 2022 until further notice.
Zifa representatives and club teams are therefore, no longer entitled to take part in international competitions until the suspension is lifted.
This also means that neither the Zifa nor any of its members or officials may benefit from any development programmes, courses or training from Fifa and/or Caf,” wrote the Fifa secretary-general.
She said while Zifa remained suspended, in line with its zero tolerance policy towards corruption, sexual abuse and any other unethical conduct, Fifa remained fully committed to co-operating with any ongoing investigations.
“Finally, notwithstanding this suspension imposed on Zifa and in line with Fifa zero-tolerance policy towards corruption, sexual abuse and any other unethical conduct, Fifa reiterates its commitment to co-operating with any ongoing investigations regarding alleged sexual harassment and bribery by Zifa officials.
Fifa will therefore remain at the disposal of the national authorities and plaintiffs with respect to the above during the suspension period,” wrote Fatma. -Herald
A man from Beitbridge who came home unexpectedly got the shock of his life after he caught his wife dishing out sex to another man in their matrimonial bedroom.
Edmore Mapfumo from Bhalanganani village, Tsetana area under Chief Matibe in Beitbridge East couldn’t believe his eyes when he busted his wife Linda Mbedzi between the sheets with her alleged lover, Maludzo Sibanda.
The incident happened a fortnight ago.
Before Mapfumo threw a flurry of punches at him, Sibanda, who is a farmer, reportedly bolted out of the house stark naked, leaving behind his clothes and motorcycle.
According to a source from the area who spoke to B-Metro, Mapfumo later took Sibanda’s clothes and motorcycle and surrendered them at Chasvingo Police Station.
The source said the illicit affair had been going on for some time and on the day Mapfumo busted them he worked on a tip-off.
“On the day Mapfumo caught his wife indulging in sex with Maludzo Sibanda he came home unannounced.
This was after he had been tipped by some villagers that during his absence Sibanda was always visiting his homestead at odd hours.
After he caught them, Sibanda bolted out of the house stark naked leaving behind his clothes and motorcycle.
“Mapfumo later took the property to Chasvingo Police Station where he used it as an exhibit that he had caught Sibanda in the act with his wife in his matrimonial bedroom,” said the source who asked not to be named.
A heartbroken Mapfumo who was apparently not ready to walk away from his cheating wife, approached Headman Tsetana where he hoped his adversary would face justice for disrespecting him.
Appearing before Headman Tsetana’s traditional court, Sibanda didn’t dispute the allegations that he was having an affair with Mapfumo’s wife.
Headman Tsetana subsequently fined Sibanda two beasts and he also ordered him to pay R4 100 being expenses incurred by Mapfumo while suing him.
Although all the parties involved in the love triangle were unavailable at the time of writing the story, Headman Tsetana confirmed the incident saying Sibanda is yet to pay the fine.
“It’s true and when the parties came before my traditional court Sibanda didn’t dispute the accusations that he was caught bedding Mapfumo’s wife.
Following his admission, I ordered him to pay two beasts and R4 100 being the money Mapfumo claimed he incurred while suing Sibanda,” said Headman Tsetana. -B Metro
Tinashe Sambiri|Prolific and creative contemporary artist Cucsman believes President Nelson Chamisa’s Citizens’ Coalition For Change is unstoppable.
In the video footage below, Cucsman mocks Zanu PF apparatchiks for wasting time attempting to arrest change.
“No body can stop Nero” is Cucsman’s message in the footage.
Zanu PF bigwigs, including Mr Mnangagwa, are losing sleep over President Chamisa’s rising popularity.
Tinashe Sambiri|
Four staffers from the Office of the President and Cabinet have died in an accident in Manicaland Province.
According to a statement released by Mr Emmerson Mnangagwa’s office, the accident occurred at a blackspot along Nyanga-Ruwangwe Road on Thursday morning.
The staffers were on their way to an event where Mrs Auxillia Mnangagwa was due to handover donations to 20 households in Ruwangwe.
Mrs Mnangagwa is still in Manicaland Province.
Teachers marking the ‘O’ Level Shona Paper 2 at Masvingo Teachers College were up in arms with their employer ZIMSEC on Monday this week accusing the exanimation board of being inconsiderate after it delayed paying markers until one of them who was a high Blood Pressure patient died while complaining of late payment of their allowances.
The teachers coming from schools across the country refused to mark the papers and gathered in a tent singing, and chanting slogans.
Mutsa Chibvure who came from Mutare died while on duty and the teachers are alleging that ZIMSEC never made any contribution to cover for the funeral but instead the markers had to contribute to cover for the funeral of one of their own.- credit: Masvingo Mirror
Keep yourself and others safe: Do it all!
Protect yourself and those around you:
Get vaccinated as soon as it’s your turn and follow local guidance on vaccination.
Keep physical distance of at least 1 metre from others, even if they don’t appear to be sick. Avoid crowds and close contact.
Wear a properly fitted mask when physical distancing is not possible and in poorly ventilated settings.
Clean your hands frequently with alcohol-based hand rub or soap and water.
Cover your mouth and nose with a bent elbow or tissue when you cough or sneeze. Dispose of used tissues immediately and clean hands regularly.
If you develop symptoms or test positive for COVID-19, self-isolate until you recover.
Wear a mask properly
To properly wear your mask:
Make sure your mask covers your nose, mouth and chin.
Clean your hands before you put your mask on, before and after you take it off, and after you touch it at any time.
When you take off your mask, store it in a clean plastic bag, and every day either wash it if it’s a fabric mask or dispose of it in a trash bin if it’s a medical mask.
Don’t use masks with valves.
More about masks:
When and how to wear masks
Questions and answers about children and masks
Guidance for decision makers and health workers.
Make your environment safer
The risks of getting COVID-19 are higher in crowded and inadequately ventilated spaces where infected people spend long periods of time together in close proximity.
Outbreaks have been reported in places where people have gather, often in crowded indoor settings and where they talk loudly, shout, breathe heavily or sing such as restaurants, choir practices, fitness classes, nightclubs, offices and places of worship.
To make your environment as safe as possible:
Avoid the 3Cs: spaces that are closed, crowded or involve close contact.
Meet people outside. Outdoor gatherings are safer than indoor ones, particularly if indoor spaces are small and without outdoor air coming in.
If you can’t avoid crowded or indoor settings, take these precautions:
Open a window to increase the amount of natural ventilation when indoors.
Source: World Health Organization
Inserted by Zimbabwe Online Health Centre
Facebook page :Zimbabwe Online Health Centre
email :[email protected]
Twitter :zimonlinehealthcentre
@zimonlinehealt1
YouTube: zimbabwe online health centre
Instagram: Zimonlinehealth
Website:www.zimonlinehealthcentre.co.zw
The Zimbabwe Republic Police (ZRP) reportedly turned down a donation of vehicles and bicycles by Norton legislator Temba Mliswa (Independent) that was meant to help the force fight crime in the town.
The donation included a BMW 323i, a Toyota pick-up, plus 15 bicycles and batons.
Open Council reported sources as saying that ZRP refused the donations despite initially receiving them at a handover ceremony attended by Mashonaland West State Minister Mary Mliswa-Chikoka, who is Mliswa’s sister. Said the source:
The donations were handed over to Norton Police last year but they had been parked all the time.
The reason is that ZRP seniors in Harare were not receptive to the donation due to the politics around Mliswa and how he has constantly accused the Commissioner-General Matanga of being corrupt.
The two vehicles were reportedly returned to Mliswa late last year after spending months parked at Norton Police station.
Reports indicate that early this week, Norton Police Officer-In-Charge Zhanda informed Mliswa’s office to write withdrawal letters for the remaining bicycles and batons.
Norton residents roundly criticised the move, describing it as cheap politicking and playing with people’s lives. Shibba Kamudyariwa, a resident, said:
“We have had many cases of people attacked with machetes nemakorokoza (illegal gold miners) here because the police are not able to patrol in the evening due to their lack of transport and equipment.
Now they get vehicles from the MP and they refuse them over politics.
Do they want people to die?”- Open Council
By A Correspondent- First lady Auxillia Mnangagwa has sent condolences messages to families of her four aides who died in a car accident in Nyanga Thursday.
Below is Auxillia’s message:
The tragic accident which claimed the lives of my four staff members is a big loss to my office and the nation as a whole.
The staff members whose commitment to duty was exceptional were part of a dedicated team which played a pivotal role in assisting my office to realise its goals.
As a mother, I am deeply saddened by the untimely death of my children.
I would like to express my deepest condolences to the bereaved families. I pray that they will find comfort in the knowledge that their loved ones passed away while serving the nation.
May their souls rest in eternal peace.
By-Villagers in Murewa, Mashonaland East province, are living in fear after a rabid hyena killed one person, attacked two others and invaded a local boarding school on two occasions.
The dismembered body of Searchmore Chauke (38) of Chaza village, under Chief Mangwende, was discovered three days after he failed to return from herding cattle.
Provincial police spokesperson Inspector Simon Chazovachi confirmed the incident Wednesday. Chazovachi said:
A hyena has attacked three people in Murewa before invading a school within a short space of time. A male adult died and we suspect that he was mauled by the wild animal. We have since notified the Zimbabwe Parks and Wildlife Management Authority. We are urging members of the community to be on high alert of hyenas in this area.
It was reported that on the afternoon of February 20, Tapera Matongo discovered Chauke’s body about 600m from Nyahuni Adventist Mission School and alerted police in Macheke.
Police attended the scene and discovered that his body, which had a missing palm and toes, was partially submerged in a swamp.
A search was conducted around the scene leading to the discovery of a jaw, fragments of a skull and some tattered clothes belonging to the deceased.
The police also discovered bite marks on trees at the scene and on the clothes.
The hyena invaded Nyahuni Adventist Mission School on two occasions but was chased away by students.
On February 18, two villagers Clifford Biti and Jacob Mutoko, from Nehumba village, close to Nyahuni Mission, were attacked by the hyena, seriously injuring them.
More: NewsDay
By A Correspondent- Twitter has suspended George Charamba’s account.
Twitter has, however, not explained the reasons for the suspension of President Emmerson Mnangagwa’s spokesperson’s account.
Zimbabweans have celebrated this development, saying that Charamba used his Twitter account to intimidate citizens.
By- Citizens Coalition for Change (CCC) Vice President Welshman Ncube has responded to reports that he snubbed the party’s by-election campaign launch at Highfields on Sunday.
CCC leader Nelson Chamisa addressed the rally attended by thousands of cheering party supporters.
Reports circulating on social media claimed that Ncube snubbed the rally.
In an interview, Ncube said the reports were aimed at driving a wedge between him and the CCC leadership.
“I never gave a single interview to anyone on any subject. This is the work of some people with intent to cause disharmony between me and my party,” Ncube said.
CCC presidential spokesperson Nkululko Sibanda also rubbished the reports.
“It’s beer talk that you need not even listen to,” Sibanda said.
Chamisa also unveiled the CCC at the rally after the rebranding of the MDC Alliance.
-Newsday
By- Two pupils were killed by crocodiles in Save River in Chipinge.
The crocodiles have also killed donkeys and dogs in the same area.
Both Chipinge Rural District Council Ward 20 and Ward 22 councillors, Cllrs Charles Mugidho and Evelyn Mhuru, confirmed the incidents which occurred in their respective wards.
Cllr Mugidho said the incident in his ward occurred on Sunday.
“I can confirm that a boy in Form Two at Masimbe Secondary School was killed by a crocodile in Muchayana Village along Save River. The now late Edmore Chidhumo was killed while coming from a fishing expedition together with two other boys,” he said.
Cllr Mugidho said the reptile, which had been tormenting the Chido area in Muchayana Village as it killed donkeys and dogs, attacked the boy around 4pm.
“The other two boys who were in Chidhumo’s company rushed to alert other villagers who were in their fields. They promptly conducted a search and the boy’s body was discovered, with the right leg severed,” said Cllr Mugidho
In the other incident, Cllr Mhuru said a Grade Five learner at Gumira Primary met his fate yesterday.
“Wayne Chirare of Mapangana Village who was in Grade Five was killed by a crocodile yesterday. The boy was herding cattle and attempted to drive the herd after it had crossed the river when the incident occurred,” she said.
Chipinge District police spokesperson Assistant Inspector Jowert Kamera could not be reached for a comment. Manica Post
By A Correspondent- Five Waterfalls family members have been killed in a cooking gas explosion.
The sad incident was announced by the police on their tweeter account Thursday.
“The ZRP confirms the death of five family members in a gas explosion at number 15484 Eyestone Farm, Waterfalls on 23/02/22 at 2030 hours. More details to follow”, said the police.
The ZRP confirms the death of five family members in a gas explosion at number 15484 Eyestone Farm, Waterfalls on 23/02/22 at 2030 hours. More details to follow.
— Zimbabwe Republic Police (@PoliceZimbabwe) February 24, 2022
By- First lady Auxillia Mnangagwa has escaped death after four of her advance team members died in an accident in Nyanga on Thursday
The four died on the spot.
In a statement, Chief Secretary to the President and cabinet, Dr Misheck Sibanda, said the accident occurred early morning today while the staffers were on their way to an event where the first lady Auxillia Mnangagwa was due to handover donations to 20 households in Ruwangwe today.
Below is the press statement from the OPC:
The Office of the President and Cabinet regrets to announce the death of four of its Staff Members from a road accident which occurred early this morning at a black spot near Regina Coeli Mission along the Nyanga-Ruwangwe Road. The deceased were part of an Office Team delivering goods for the less privileged in Ruwangwe Community under the First Lady’s Community Assistance and Empowerment Programme when a State Residences truck overturned. The four died on the accident scene, with another two officers who have since been evacuated to Regina Coeli Mission Hospital, sustaining serious injuries. The Office will, in due course, provide more details on this tragic accident which is already being investigated by the Zimbabwe Republic Police.
The First Lady who was scheduled to interact with about 20 households in Ruwangwe today, was still in Nyanga Town at the time of the accident. The Office wishes to express its deepest, heartfelt condolences to families of the deceased who are being reached over the incident. In the same vein, the Office wishes the two injured Officers speedy recovery. Measures are underway to ensure the injured Officers secure best care.
VIDEO LOADING BELOW
By- Gospel artiste Sabastian Magacha has recounted what he claims to be a chilling date with “Satanists” which sounds like work of fiction.
The 37-year-old claims he was almost lured into their web of darkness. Although Magacha claims he eventually won the spiritual battle, he is still haunted by the encounter.
On National Youth Day, Magacha narrated his ordeal at the hands of “Satanists,” who, he claims, wanted to lure him into bed, and harvest his sperm, for ritual purposes.
The multiple award-winning artist said he had an encounter with the Devil’s messenger, when his career was still in its infancy.
“I met a woman who wanted to lure me into bed so that she could harvest my sperms for ritual purposes,” he revealed.
“The incident occurred when I was around 18 or 20 years after a performance in Meyrick Park (Mabelreign) at a church function, where she made a declaration that she was going to win my heart.
“She approached me after the performance, when I was about to leave, and bluntly told me that she loved me.”
The prince of praise and worship said he almost gave into the woman’s advances since she was good looking.
“Since I had no transport, and cellphone then, she gave me a free ride back home and dropped me before planting a kiss on my cheek, as she drove away,” he claims.
“The same woman came back the following day and drove me to Meikles Hotel where she attempted to lure me with money, so that I could buy clothes, but I turned down her offer.
“She kept nagging me but I told her that I was not comfortable with her advances as she was pestering me to visit her at her Borrowdale home.
“We then cut communication for some weeks, since I was not comfortable with the pressure, she was giving me.”
The singer says the woman did not stop.
“After some weeks, without any communication with her, I received a ticket and shopping voucher to do some shopping in South Africa,” he claims.
“Then, I had a cellphone and I was now reachable, which made my communication easier.
“I left for South Africa unaware who had sent me the voucher, only to learn after my return that it was the same woman I was avoiding.”
Finally, he gave in. “When I visited her house in Borrowdale, I was shocked by her antics as she wanted to be intimate with me.
“She even kissed me and I was almost melting. I accidentally trampled on a clay pot which broke into pieces and a big snake came out.
“I rushed outside the house, scaled the pre-cast security wall and took to my heels heading into town.” H Metro
By- First lady Auxillia Mnangagwa’s aides have died on the spot in an accident in Nyanga.
In a statement, Chief Secretary to the President and cabinet, Dr Misheck Sibanda, said the accident occurred early morning today while the staffers were on their way to an event where the first lady Auxillia Mnangagwa was due to handover donations to 20 households in Ruwangwe today.
Below is the press statement from the OPC:
The Office of the President and Cabinet regrets to announce the death of four of its Staff Members from a road accident which occurred early this morning at a black spot near Regina Coeli Mission along the Nyanga-Ruwangwe Road. The deceased were part of an Office Team delivering goods for the less privileged in Ruwangwe Community under the First Lady’s Community Assistance and Empowerment Programme when a State Residences truck overturned. The four died on the accident scene, with another two officers who have since been evacuated to Regina Coeli Mission Hospital, sustaining serious injuries. The Office will, in due course, provide more details on this tragic accident which is already being investigated by the Zimbabwe Republic Police.
The First Lady who was scheduled to interact with about 20 households in Ruwangwe today, was still in Nyanga Town at the time of the accident. The Office wishes to express its deepest, heartfelt condolences to families of the deceased who are being reached over the incident. In the same vein, the Office wishes the two injured Officers speedy recovery. Measures are underway to ensure the injured Officers secure best care.
Mighty Warriors have failed to qualify for the 2022 Awcon after losing to Botswana on away goal rule in the final qualifying round tie.
Sithethelelwe Sibanda’s girls won the second leg 2-0 played at Francistown Stadium on Wednesday, but the victory was not enough to see them through to the finals.
Zimbabwe had lost 3-1 in the first leg and needed a victory with a three-goal margin to win the fixture.
The national women’s team went to the break tied at 0-0 but managed to turn up the heat in the second period.
Emmaculate Msipa headed home Rudo Neshamba’s cross to open the scoring in the 66th minute. Priviledge Mupeti followed up four minutes later and doubled the lead off Marjory Nyaumwe’s delivery.
The strikes levelled the tie on 3-3 but Zimbabwe bowed out for conceding more goals at home.
Botswana will now join other twelve countries that will feature at the 2022 Awcon tournament in Morocco in July.- Soccer24 Zimbabwe
SENEGAL: Papa Bouba Diop (January 28, 1978 – November 29, 2020) was a Senegalese football hero. His preferred position was defensive midfield but he could also play as a centre back, where he previously played at Lens. Diop was considered a strong and aggressive player. His playing style and ability drew comparisons to Patrick Vieira.
Diop spent much of his career in England. He played for Fulham and Portsmouth in the Premier League and won the FA Cup with the latter club in 2008. He also played top-flight football in Switzerland for Neuchâtel Xamax and Grasshopper, in France for Lens and in Greece for AEK Athens.
Diop’s second of a total of 11 international goals for Senegal came in a 1–0 victory over then-world champions France in the opening match of the 2002 FIFA World Cup, in Senegal’s first match at the FIFA World Cup. He also played at four Africa Cup of Nations tournaments, finishing as runners-up in 2002.
Diop’s body was flown back on December 4, from Lens in northern France, where he died after a long illness. He was buried at a private ceremony at his birthplace near Dakar on December 5, 2020.
Senegal’s President Macky Sall led tributes to him, saying the nation’s loss was “immense”.
Several of his former teammates, some overcome with emotion, attended the ceremony.
They wore the shirts of the national team bearing his name, and his number, 19.
Striker El Hadji Diouf said Diop had been a model team-mate, while Henri Camara said he had lost his “twin brother”.
President Sall said that Diop’s goal against France meant Senegal would go down in the annals of global football.
After beating France, Senegal reached the quarter-finals. No African team has gone further.
President Macky Sall announced that a museum at a 50,000-seater stadium being built outside the capital, Dakar, would be named after Diop, who was also given a posthumous national award, the Knight of the National Order of Merit.
The highlight of his club career was winning the 2008 FA Cup with Portsmouth. His Portsmouth manager Harry Redknapp told the BBC he was “very lucky to have managed such a fantastic boy – he was special”.
“They called him the Wardrobe, he was so big you couldn’t move him,” he said.
Diop died aged 42.
Credit: BBC & Wikipedia
Keep yourself and others safe: Do it all!
Protect yourself and those around you:
Get vaccinated as soon as it’s your turn and follow local guidance on vaccination.
Keep physical distance of at least 1 metre from others, even if they don’t appear to be sick. Avoid crowds and close contact.
Wear a properly fitted mask when physical distancing is not possible and in poorly ventilated settings.
Clean your hands frequently with alcohol-based hand rub or soap and water.
Cover your mouth and nose with a bent elbow or tissue when you cough or sneeze. Dispose of used tissues immediately and clean hands regularly.
If you develop symptoms or test positive for COVID-19, self-isolate until you recover.
Wear a mask properly
To properly wear your mask:
Make sure your mask covers your nose, mouth and chin.
Clean your hands before you put your mask on, before and after you take it off, and after you touch it at any time.
When you take off your mask, store it in a clean plastic bag, and every day either wash it if it’s a fabric mask or dispose of it in a trash bin if it’s a medical mask.
Don’t use masks with valves.
More about masks:
When and how to wear masks
Questions and answers about children and masks
Guidance for decision makers and health workers.
Make your environment safer
The risks of getting COVID-19 are higher in crowded and inadequately ventilated spaces where infected people spend long periods of time together in close proximity.
Outbreaks have been reported in places where people have gather, often in crowded indoor settings and where they talk loudly, shout, breathe heavily or sing such as restaurants, choir practices, fitness classes, nightclubs, offices and places of worship.
To make your environment as safe as possible:
Avoid the 3Cs: spaces that are closed, crowded or involve close contact.
Meet people outside. Outdoor gatherings are safer than indoor ones, particularly if indoor spaces are small and without outdoor air coming in.
If you can’t avoid crowded or indoor settings, take these precautions:
Open a window to increase the amount of natural ventilation when indoors.
Source: World Health Organization
Inserted by Zimbabwe Online Health Centre
Facebook page :Zimbabwe Online Health Centre
email :[email protected]
Twitter :zimonlinehealthcentre
@zimonlinehealt1
YouTube: zimbabwe online health centre
Instagram: Zimonlinehealth
Website:www.zimonlinehealthcentre.co.zw
Teachers marking the ‘O’ Level Shona Paper 2 at Masvingo Teachers College were up in arms with their employer ZIMSEC on Monday this week accusing the exanimation board of being inconsiderate after it delayed paying markers until one of them who was a high Blood Pressure patient died while complaining of late payment of their allowances.
The teachers coming from schools across the country refused to mark the papers and gathered in a tent singing, and chanting slogans.
Mutsa Chibvure who came from Mutare died while on duty and the teachers are alleging that ZIMSEC never made any contribution to cover for the funeral but instead the markers had to contribute to cover for the funeral of one of their own.- credit: Masvingo Mirror
The government reiterated on Thursday that it will not dollarise the economy, brushing off demands from various sectors for it to do so in the face of the weakening local currency.
Zimbabwe re-introduced its own currency in 2019 after a decade-long hiatus and put in place a five-year de-dollarisation roadmap, detailing how the economy would transition over the period.
The roadmap, among other things, permits the continued use of the US dollar and other foreign currencies over the transitional period.
But, because of the US dollar dominance and preference in the local market, there is resistance to the Zimbabwe dollar, while pricing based on parallel market exchange rates have led to sharp increases in the cost of goods and services pegged in local currency.
This has led to calls for full dollarisation.
But Finance and Economic Development Minister Mthuli Ncube told parliament that government was still pursuing de-dollarisation.
“I want to be clear, we are not US dollarising. We will not US dollarise. US dollarisation is a very bad idea. The reason why our industry is performing well, the (capacity) utilisation is up there…is because we have a domestic currency,” he said.
“It has made our economy competitive; we cannot use the US dollar as a sole currency. That will be a very bad idea indeed,” he said.
Ncube expressed confidence that monetary policies announced recently will help promote the use of the local currency.
The measures includes paying more taxes in local currency by mining companies which previously settled the bills in foreign currency.
Ncube said the Financial Intelligence Unit would hire more staff to enforce compliance of the monetary measures.
“Now, coming to those who are breaking laws and not pricing their goods at the auction rate, we have a Financial Intelligence Unit. If they are stretched, we are supporting them in hiring more personnel so that they can get to those rural areas where the Hon. Member mentioned to enforce the law in terms of compliance,” he said.
“You will see in the last few weeks, a few people and a few companies being mentioned in the media that have been fined for using the black market rate in the pricing of their goods.
“This is hurting our ordinary citizens. As Government, we are aware of this,” said Ncube.
New Ziana
26 MARCH BY ELECTIONS
CCC ready to retain all in Masvingo Urban Council By elections
By Timoth Muswere
Following the record breaking launch in Harare on Sunday in Highfields, Citizens are now eager to finish off Zanu PF come 26 March.
Coming to the ancient city where a strong council is in a making the obvious is CCC candidates will resoundingly hammer the crippling Zanu PF and the failed Zanu PF lite MDC whatever!! By- elections will be held in ward 7,5,4 and 3 where President Chamisa’s councillors were unfairly recalled.
WARD 7
In ward 7 recalled councillor Richard Musekiwa will square off with Zanu PF and MDC A candidates. Residents are clear on supporting the soft spoken Richard Musekiwa to finish the mandate he was given in 2018. Musekiwa has been received well due to his discipline and listening character. His composure and focus on the duty is what the residents need.
WARD 5
In ward 5 the mature God fearing and recalled councillor Daniel Mberikunashe will square off with little known Wanzai whose relationshp with wise waters is inseparable. The consistant hardworking Mberikunashe will resoundingly sail though.His splendid job in council was unquestionable during his tenure before recall.His advisory role in the community has always shaped many households.
WARD 4
In ward 4 the CCC ‘s sole and endorsed popular candidate aleck thabe enjoys the huge support from the poor ghetto youths whose backgrounds and present day life are the same with the ‘moneychanger’ Alec Tabe who is well versed with the day to day hardships of the life in the ghetto. Aleck thabe ,a humble and social man whose character attracts even the elderly in the community will protect the seat that which the persecuted Kurauone had bagged in and did good to represent the residents.
WARD 3
The intresting game would be in ward 3 where the youthful councillor Roki has given Zanu PF and the rich bhucho sleepless nights. Roki Kamuzonda a natural darling of the residents across all political, social and religious communities is expectin g a resounding victory. Humble and poor as he is Rocky has earned much love from the residents due to his extended hand and works in uplifting the fellow underpriveledged people well before aspiration. Rock is a tough talking guy whose and bravery and offensive approach would be a joker to the noise making Manyanga in council. Rocky is never a backbench seater or a let it go man when it comes to represent the people.
Victory is certain
Simuka Zimbabwe Simuko
Simuka Masvingo Simuka
26 March tose dzvamu kunovhota
CCC MASVINGO PROVINCIAL YOUTH
SPOKESPERSON
TIMOTH MUSWERE
Tinashe Sambiri|
Four staffers from the Office of the President and Cabinet have died in an accident in Manicaland Province.
According to a statement released by Mr Emmerson Mnangagwa’s office, the accident occurred at a blackspot along Nyanga-Ruwangwe Road on Thursday morning.
The staffers were on their way to an event where Mrs Auxillia Mnangagwa was due to handover donations to 20 households in Ruwangwe.
Mrs Mnangagwa is still in Manicaland Province.
Tinashe Sambiri|Prolific and creative contemporary artist Cucsman believes President Nelson Chamisa’s Citizens’ Coalition For Change is unstoppable.
In the video footage below, Cucsman mocks Zanu PF apparatchiks for wasting time attempting to arrest change.
“No body can stop Nero” is Cucsman’s message in the footage.
Zanu PF bigwigs, including Mr Mnangagwa, are losing sleep over President Chamisa’s rising popularity.
Rooster wakes me wondering
probing what defeats me.
Is it the King Crocodile image
that stares back at me
when I look in the cracked mirror?
Is it my frame, so weak and hapless
like the proverbial Oliver Twist step?
Is it the palace Demoness that encircles me
with her contagious greedness?
Is it the thorn harvest that haunts the State relentlessly
every day and every night?
Is it the ballot fever
Or the bullet fear?
Is it the tear marks on my cheeks
the wooden trophies of my past agony?
Is it our time wasted to nothing by aqua reptile
not even attempting to benefit humanity?
It is how we’ve failed ourselves
By suffocating in the Crocodile’s armpits!
It’s how we’ve allowed them to define me
Through their harlots petticoats!
The scarffed have killed God
For greed of wine and gold!
By Collen Kajokoto
* The author is a Zimbabwe persecuted poet and human rights defender. He writes from an undisclosed location
Tinashe Sambiri|The panicky Zanu PF regime defaced and soiled Citizens’ Coalition For Change posters in ward 5, Kwekwe on Wednesday.
According to CCC Youth Assembly spokesperson Stephen Sarkozy Chuma, known Zanu PF activists moved around the ward destroying posters belonging to Melody Chingarande( CCC candidate for ward 5).
Stephen Sarkozy Chuma ?? (@chumasteve) Tweeted:
“In ward 5, Kwekwe, ZANU have continued with their devil energy using ladders to climb tall buildings and soiling @CCCZimbabwe candidate, Melody Chingarande’s posters with watery cement.
Citizens shall lead.
” https://t.co/4BosG1DJNd https://twitter.com/chumasteve/status/1496750295900213251?s=20&t=AORq9OQgR6AD4ASwXPPqng
Tinashe Sambiri|Citizens Coalition For Change leader President Nelson Chamisa says the country’s national broadcaster, ZBC is now serving Zanu PF interests instead of safeguarding the fundamental ethics that guide news reporting.
On Sunday ZBC claimed President Chamisa incited citizens to use violence to topple Mr Mnangagwa’s administration.
Interestingly the anchoring ZBC news reporter on the said day is a declared Zanu PF activist.
The regime is afraid of President Chamisa’s popularity.
“ZBC is a national shame! So pathetic,” President Chamisa commented on Twitter.
He was responding to Hopewell Chin’ono’s tweet below:
“
REPORTING LIES!
The Zimbabwean public broadcaster @ZBCNewsonline LIED that @nelsonchamisa told his supporters to use violence for him to get into power.
Not surprisingly, the reporter stood on a ZANUPF primary election ticket in 2018.”
Four staffers from the Office of the President and Cabinet have died in an accident which occurred at a blackspot along Nyanga-Ruwangwe Road.
According to Chief Secretary Dr Misheck Sibanda, the accident occurred early morning today while the staffers were on their way to an event where the first lady Auxillia Mnangagwa was due to handover donations to 20 households in Ruwangwe today.
Below is the press statement from the OPC:
The Office of the President and Cabinet regrets to announce the death of four of its Staff Members from a road accident which occurred early this morning at a black spot near Regina Coeli Mission along the Nyanga-Ruwangwe Road. The deceased were part of an Office Team delivering goods for the less privileged in Ruwangwe Community under the First Lady’s Community Assistance and Empowerment Programme when a State Residences truck overturned. The four died on the accident scene, with another two officers who have since been evacuated to Regina Coeli Mission Hospital, sustaining serious injuries. The Office will, in due course, provide more details on this tragic accident which is already being investigated by the Zimbabwe Republic Police.
The First Lady who was scheduled to interact with about 20 households in Ruwangwe today, was still in Nyanga Town at the time of the accident. The Office wishes to express its deepest, heartfelt condolences to families of the deceased who are being reached over the incident. In the same vein, the Office wishes the two injured Officers speedy recovery. Measures are underway to ensure the injured Officers secure best care.
Russian President Vladimir Putin has warned other world leaders against interfering with the hostile position on Ukraine.
Russian forces on Thursday unleashed an attack of Ukraine on the orders of Putin, who announced a “special military operation” at dawn, amid warnings from world leaders that it could spark the biggest war in Europe since 1945.
Within minutes of Putin’s short televised address, at about 5 am Ukrainian time, explosions were heard near major Ukrainian cities, including the capital Kyiv, The Guardian UK reports.
In a bid to justify the attack, Putin claimed “A hostile anti-Russia is being created on our historic lands.”
“We have taken the decision to conduct a special military operation,” he said, in what amounted to a declaration of war. He claimed it was for the “demilitarisation and denazification” of Ukraine, echoing a theme of Kremlin propaganda, the false claim that the Kyiv government is controlled by the far right.
“We do not intend to occupy Ukraine,” he said, and he had a chilling warning for other nations.
“To anyone who would consider interfering from the outside: if you do, you will face consequences greater than any you have faced in history. All relevant decisions have been taken. I hope you hear me,” he said.
As Putin was speaking and the first detonations were being reported, the UN security council was holding an emergency session, chaired by Russia itself, which holds the rotating presidency.
It was begun by the UN secretary general, António Guterres, who made a direct appeal: “President Putin – stop your troops from attacking Ukraine. Give peace a chance. Too many people have already died.”
Joe Biden issued a written statement saying: “The prayers of the entire world are with the people of Ukraine tonight as they suffer an unprovoked and unjustified attack by Russian military forces.
“President Putin has chosen a premeditated war that will bring a catastrophic loss of life and human suffering,” Biden said.
“Russia alone is responsible for the death and destruction this attack will bring, and the United States and its allies and partners will respond in a united and decisive way. The world will hold Russia accountable.”
Other world leaders also condemned the invasion. “I am appalled by the horrific events in Ukraine and I have spoken to President Zelenskyy to discuss next steps. President Putin has chosen a path of bloodshed and destruction by launching this unprovoked attack on Ukraine. The UK and our allies will respond decisively,” said Boris Johnson.
“We will hold the Kremlin accountable,” wrote Ursula von der Leyen, the head of the EU Commission, which had announced new sanctions against Moscow just hours before the attack.
-Sahara Reporters
By A Correspondent- The Ukrainian military claimed on Thursday to have downed five Russian planes and a helicopter in the east of the country near a rebel-held enclave. The army general staff said:
According to the Joint Forces Command, today, February 24, in the area of the Joint Forces operation, five planes and a helicopter of the aggressors were shot down.
Meanwhile, Russia says it has destroyed Ukraine’s air bases and air defences.
Russian President Vladimir Putin announced a military operation in Ukraine on Thursday 24 February 2022 with explosions heard soon after in the capital and other parts of the country, prompting outrage from Joe Biden who warned of a “catastrophic loss of life”.
The attack was widely criticised by some World leaders including United States president Joe Biden, United Kingdom Prime Minister Boris Johnson and other NATO members who promised to retaliate, decisively.
Four staffers from the Office of the President and Cabinet have died in an accident which occurred at a blackspot along Nyanga-Ruwangwe Road.
According to Chief Secretary Dr Misheck Sibanda, the accident occurred early morning today while the staffers were on their way to an event where the first lady Auxillia Mnangagwa was due to handover donations to 20 households in Ruwangwe today.
Below is the press statement from the OPC:
By A Correspondent- The Zimbabwe Republic Police (ZRP) has deployed a team of heavily armed riot police officers at the Midlands State University (MSU) to keep a close eye on disgruntled examiners marking Zimbabwe Schools Examination Council (ZIMSEC) Ordinary Level scripts after they protested over allowances earlier this week.
One examiner has since been arrested and seven have been chased away.
Sources said the cops, with AK47 rifles, batons and tear smoke equipment, have set up a 24hr camp on the premises and often make periodic bursts into the marking rooms to threaten the examiners, whom they refer to as sellouts.
The Progressive Teachers Union of Zimbabwe (PTUZ), Amalgamated Rural Teachers Union of Zimbabwe (ARTUZ) and sources within the university confirmed the development.
PTUZ president Takavafira Zhou said the move could, however, backfire as examiners may decide to sabotage ZIMSEC because of the manner in which they have been treated. He told NewZimbabwe.com:
Anti-riot officers are now camped there, they are forcing examiners to work and that will definitely impact the quality of results.
Examiners are obviously under a lot of stress and having officers to fear will further compound their problems.
The examiners, some of them elderly, were Tuesday reportedly rounded up after deciding to join striking teachers in the middle of their marking schedule.
They cited incapacitation and failure by ZIMSEC to pay them allowances meant for their upkeep in Gweru.
Seven of the examiners are said to have been dismissed after being identified as ring leaders.
According to a source privy to developments, the examiners were even denied meal tickets as a form of punishment for their behaviour.
ZIMSEC promised examiners a US$25 daily allowance for those staying off-campus and US$12 for those on campus but instead paid ZW$9 000 upon arrival to sustain them for 26 to 28 days.
The amount paid translated to about US$2.50 per day.
ZIMSEC spokesperson Nicholette Dlamini said “there are no strikes that have been reported, everyone is at work. I am not aware of anyone who has stopped marking. We have sufficient markers at all our centres and they are currently marking.
A family of five was killed in a gas explosion on Wednesday night, police said.
Police and the fire brigade were called to the house at Eyestone Farm in Waterfalls at around 8.30PM after reports of a fire.
Emergency services arrived to find the two-roomed cottage engulfed in flames.
“It’s unfortunate that the gas cylinder which exploded was positioned next to the door, which cut out the family’s escape route,” police spokesman Assistant Commissioner Paul Nyathi said.
Tank was near entrance, couldn’t escape.
The victims have been named as Kudzai Gozvora, 35, his wife Shupikai Makwara, 30, and their children Valentine, 10, Monalisa, 7, and Massive who was one-year-old.
Many households have been forced to use gas for cooking owing to high electricity tariffs or erratic power supply.
-Zimlive
The Government wishes to assure its citizens that it is seized with the developments in Ukraine. Our Embassy in Germany is already in touch with most of our students in Ukraine and is currently working towards assisting its nationals based in that country.
Those who havent contacted the Embassy are urged to do so on the number: +4903023255676 or on email: [email protected].
Kwekwe, which is deemed by many to be President Emmerson Mnangagwa’s turf is on the verge of takeover by opposition CCC leader Nelson Chamisa who will this weekend take his charges and seek to grab the gold rich town into his newly formed outfit.
Mnangagwa will also be in the midlands town for his party’s campaign rally and it could be yet another battle for numbers and optics after the two fetes.
Buoyed by the bumper crowd he registered at the launch of the party’s by elections campaign last Sunday, Chamisa hopes to take his political crusade to the mining city.
The venue of Chamisa’s rally is a spitting distance from the venue of Mnangagwa’s own rally Mbizo Stadium. Mnangagwa’s rally is set for Saturday.
“The people’s President, Nelson Chamisa, will be launching a CCC campaign in Gokwe on Saturday, and Kwekwe Central on Sunday,” CCC Midlands Provincial spokesperson Takavafira Zhou said in an interview.
Zhou said the two Midlands rallies for Chamisa are expected to draw bumper crowds.
“The people’s power will be demonstrated as thousands of supporters are expected to attend these rallies. The most important aspect of a political party is grassroots support and the by-elections will separate the real advocates of change and sustainable development from pretenders. The CCC wave blowing across Zimbabwe will fire yellow warning shots from which it will spring to success in by-elections and 2023 elections. No amount of force and brutality can stop an idea whose time is up,” said Zhou.
Mnangagwa’s spokesperson George Charamba promised fireworks.
“We are going to be in Kwekwe this weekend. Let’s show them we rule the urban roost,” Charamba said on his Twitter handle.
Gold prices jumped more than 2% on Thursday to their highest in over a year and palladium extended a rally as Russia launched an all-out invasion of Ukraine after President Vladimir Putin authorised what he called a special military operation.
Spot gold climbed 1.8% to $1,941.50 per ounce by 0841 GMT, after hitting the highest since January 2021 at $1,948.77. U.S. gold futures jumped 1.7% to $1,943.20.
Russian missiles rained down on Ukrainian cities. Ukraine reported columns of troops pouring across its borders into the eastern Chernihiv, Kharkiv and Luhansk regions, and landing by sea at the cities of Odessa and Mariupol in the south.
“Gold is a safe-haven asset along with the U.S. dollar, and this is its day. We could inevitably see new all-time highs in gold,” Jeffrey Halley, a senior market analyst at OANDA, said.
Prices could continue rallying towards a resistance at $1,960 an ounce and test $2,000 in the next few sessions, Halley added.
Gold has risen about 8% in February so far as the Russia-Ukraine crisis walloped risk appetite. The metal is headed for its best monthly performance since July 2020.
“The market is very volatile and gold is clearly the primary trade on this dynamic at the moment… as long as sanctions keep getting slapped on Russian institutions and individuals, it is going to be ideal for gold,” IG Markets analyst Kyle Rodda said.
APOSTLE CHIWENGA OFFICIALLY JOINS MWONZORA IN CANCELLING 2023 ELECTIONS.
PREACHER WHO ONCE SAID CHAMISA WILL BE PRESIDENT IN 2018, WHEN IT WAS CONVENIENT, NOW CONFIRMS INVESTIGATIONS BY ZIMEYE THAT HE IS A MNANGAGWA AGENT SIMPLY SPOILING THE ELECTORATE USING TACTFUL AND BOMBASTIC SCRIPTURAL TEXTS.
Talent Chiwenga in this video says:
“I want to advise those who call themselves opposition parties … It is a waste of time to do elections I am suggesting that instead of doing elections, why can’t we use election money build roads and also to work towards making sure, one – that Zim elections aren’t run by ZANU PF because as long as we have people like the people that we have right now in the judiciary and even in Zimbabwe electoral commission as directors or generals, we are going nowhere.
“As long as we have election agents from other political parties being deprived of election statistics and information from the polling centres which formation is given ZANU PF polling agents we are not going anywhere.
“So, to Zimbabweans my advice to you is if you are doing a small business; to those who are still waiting for some companies try as much as you can to start a business of your own which you’re going to work on your own, and to do on your own, be an entrepreneur by a small business owner. Seeking employment in Zimbabwe, uou are slowly committing your career suicide, you are hanging on a falling tree, one day Chiwenga will find you fallen. You must look for your own business to do it.
“So those who are hoping that we are going to have a good election and probably some miracle will happen and we will have a credible election, which is going to be credible, free and fair, with an acceptable election result you are wasting your time. My suggestion to both the President of Zimbabwe and political parties, is to forget about elections in the meantime maybe for another 5 years and deal with other problems that we can actually solve, election in Zimbabwe is always going to be contested because the manner in which these section what institutions like Zimbabwe Electoral Commission and the Anti-Corruption Commission, the way they are constituted, and the way they are appointed and the way they run those companies or those organisations I can tell you it is a waste of money. I don’t have a problem with us wasting time, we have been wasting time for years now. I am much more concerned about wasting money which we don’t have.
“I am advising you the people of Zimbabwe that why don’t we we do away with this thing of voting, in 2023 if ZANU people say we will just go vote if MDC people say we will just go and vote, if these things I’m talking about have not changed, it is better not to vote, people must do a voter protest, a voter protest, that’s what I’m suggesting. Normal thinking Zimbabweans, cannot vote; when we have Zimbabwe Electoral Commission employees that are coming from the military the same military which was responsible for the unconstitutional removal of President Mugabe and the same military which is guilty of murdering Zimbabweans it is a waste of time; our state right now is not run the proper way the balance of power is tilted towards the military and because of that elections are a cosmetic way for authenticating a militarized system, so I am advising you if you want to go ahead and vote thinking that anything will change, I will be alive if they have not killed me, if they have killed me you will remain to see for yourselves and testify among yourselves that Chiwenga told you, but the truth is elections in our country are a waste of time. Doing elections in Zimbabwe is like pulling a woman to you who is not your wife. You are wasting time.”
By A Correspondent- The State yesterday said an ex-American soldier, who was nabbed at Robert Gabriel Mugabe International Airport intending to board a flight to Victoria Falls with a loaded pistol, should be jailed for 20 years.
Retired first class sergeant Ronald Leon Johnson faces two counts of carrying a firearm and ammunition in Zimbabwe without a firearm certificate in terms of the Firearms Act and violating the Civil Aviation (Security) Regulations Act.
Johnson appeared before magistrate Stanford Mambanje and pleaded guilty to the charges in mitigation.
He was represented by Thomas Nyakunika.
The State said Johnson had refused to give up his iPhone password to verify the people he was communicating with in Zimbabwe.
Prosecutor Wisper Mabhaudhi also told Mambanje that Johnson’s visit was suspicious, having served in various hotspots in his 25 years of service in the United States army.
“He has been sent on missions in different countries around the world. He went to South Korea from 1986 to 1987, in Iraq during the Gulf War in 1991. He was at one time based in Germany from 1992 to 1994. He also served in Saudi Arabia in 2004. He served in a peacekeeping mission in Sudan. In summary, he is a military man with experience in hotspots throughout the world,” Mabhaudhi said.
“The accused had an iPhone which was functioning. The police wanted to have access to it, but the accused person refused with the password, indicating that he has a business contract with the United States government, which information he wanted to protect.”
Nyakunika told the court that his client did not know that carrying a gun in Zimbabwe was illegal.
“He is a holder of a valid firearm licence. The firearm was issued on March 5, 2017 and will expire on March 5, 2022. That permit enables the accused to move around in America. He passed through several airports,” he said.
Mambanje postponed the matter to today for sentence.
Allegations are that on February 5, Johnson entered Zimbabwe and was issued with a 30-holiday visa expiring on March 5, 2022.
He was later caught at the Robert Gabriel Mugabe International Airport with a loaded pistol intending to board fastjet Airline Flight Number 6J1WRA to Victoria Falls.-Newsday
By A Correspondent- While calls for dollarisation seem to be falling on deaf ears, an economics expert has predicted that government will give in to pressure and officially re-introduce the US dollar.
Great Zimbabwe University (GZU) lecturer Regret Sunge told journalists at a Wednesday press club discussion the high demand for foreign currency ahead of general elections next year will force government to consider its stance against bringing back the American dollar.
The event was organised by the Zimbabwe Union of Journalists (ZUJ).
Sunge said government will re-introduce the greenback so as to endear itself with the electorate, already reeling from challenges caused by the local currency.
“The economy is ready to re-dollarise and the pressure is actually mounting. This is 2022, next year we are heading into elections and by nature elections give pressure to the government,” said Sunge.
“If people are saying we need to be paid in US dollars, a government who would pay its workers in hard currency shortly before elections will be considered to be a government of the people.”
His sentiments come at a time when there is growing pressure from private and government employees to be paid in hard currency due to high inflation rate.
Zimbabwe dollarised between 2009 and 2013 with the country witnessing a stable inflation rate and significant economic growth, however a decision by finance minister Mthuli Ncube to reintroduce the Zimbabwe dollar has seen the country slowly getting back to 2008 high inflation levels.
Ncube and Zanu-PF have been quoted countless times reiterating that the US dollar will no longer be the main currency in use in the country.
Sunge however stressed that the country needed its own, strong currency. He dismissed the current currency, indicating that it had failed.
He added: “When we started the process of de-dollarisation, the rate of inflation began to spike and by 2020 we were at around 588% annual inflation.
“Initially, the economy adopted de-dollarisation and there were assurances we would really de-dollarise and the argument was that no economy can actually prosper without its own currency which we as economists will also agree to but we have been seeing developments now the economy responding negatively, the inflation starting to rise, GDP per capita is falling and our value of our local currency starting to decline.”
Government is battling to avert a disaster as teachers and lecturers have gone on strike demanding US dollar wages while nurses have threatened to join over the same matter.
By A Correspondent- Lecturers at Great Zimbabwe University (GZU) have gone on strike over salaries which they said had been eroded by inflation.
This comes days after their University of Zimbabwe (UZ) colleagues also embarked on industrial action Monday.
The development also comes amid an ongoing teachers’ strike which started on 7 February when schools were reopened for the first term.
In a letter to the university’s vice-chancellor (VC) Rungano Zvobgo, lecturers said the value of their salaries, paid in the local currency, had been eroded by inflation and a worsening economy.
They notified Zvobgo that they will not be reporting for duty with immediate effect and will only do so once they get a salary increment commensurate with the prevailing prices of goods and services. The letter reads:
Subsequent to the majority decision of the members in attendance to General Meetings held on 12 February, 2022 at Great Zimbabwe University Moot Court, Hebert Chitepo School of Law and Chemberi Hall, Mashava Campus, respectively and the indicated position in the Special Works Council held on 17 December, 2021 at Herbert Chitepo School of Law, a position has been taken to serve notice of the employees’ incapacitation.
Suffice to highlight that despite, the constituencies’ willingness to render services to the employer and to report for normal duty, the applicable salary rates are not consonant with and severely inadequate to cater for the basic needs of the employees as reflected in the shift of the Poverty Datum line.
It is undeniable that, there has been a drastic increase in the cost of living, inclusive of utilities, service providers’ premiums (medical and funeral policies), rentals, data bundles against a stagnant salary.
It is against this background that, we notify that our members are not able to report for duty with immediate effect, until due address is made to the plight of our members.
GZU director of information, Anderson Chipatiso said the institution’s management will meet with representatives of the workers’ union to find a solution.
The university’s top management stands accused of parcelling out lucrative packages and posts to close relatives and disgruntled workers are considering petitioning President Emmerson Mnangagwa over the matter.
By A Correspondent-A high-octane battle for political supremacy between Zanu-PF leader, President Emmerson Mnangagwa and arch-rival Nelson Chamisa plays out in Kwekwe this weekend when they hold separate rallies in the city.
It is a stern test for Mnangagwa who calls the city his own turf.
Buoyed by the bumper crowd he registered at the launch of the party’s by elections campaign last Sunday, the Citizens Coalition for Change (CCC) leader Chamisa hopes to take his shellacking political crusade to the mining city where his rally is billed to take place at Mbizo Four Shopping Centre on Sunday.
The shopping centre is a spitting distance from the venue of Mnangagwa’s own rally Mbizo Stadium. Mnangagwa’s rally is set for Saturday.
“The people’s President, Nelson Chamisa, will be launching a CCC campaign in Gokwe on Saturday, and Kwekwe Central on Sunday,” CCC Midlands Provincial spokesperson Takavafira Zhou said in an interview.
Zhou said the two Midlands rallies for Chamisa are expected to draw bumper crowds.
“The people’s power will be demonstrated as thousands of supporters are expected to attend these rallies. The most important aspect of a political party is grassroots support and the by-elections will separate the real advocates of change and sustainable development from pretenders. The CCC wave blowing across Zimbabwe will fire yellow warning shots from which it will spring to success in by-elections and 2023 elections. No amount of force and brutality can stop an idea whose time is up,” said Zhou.
Mnangagwa’s spokesperson George Charamba promised fireworks.
“We are going to be in Kwekwe this weekend. Let’s show them we rule the urban roost,” Charamba said on his Twitter handle
By A Correspondent- Bulawayo magistrate, Marygold Ndlovu, is on Thursday expected to make a ruling on a case involving Kumalo Primary School headmistress, Stella Mhlanga, who is facing allegations of peddling pornographic material.
Mhlanga (59) is alleged to have accidentally shared a revealing picture of her private parts on her WhatsApp status.
Mhlanga, who is out of custody, is facing charges of contravening Section 26 of the Censorship and Entertainment Control Act Chapter 10:04 (Possession of prohibited articles). She pleaded not guilty.
In her defence outline, Mhlanga through her lawyer Byron Sengweni of Sengweni Legal Practice argued that she was never in possession of the alleged pornographic content.
She said that sometime in December 2019, she received a phone from her sister Sibusisiwe Moyo who is based in South Africa after her phone had been stolen by her housemaid. Part of her defence outline read:
Before handing the phone to the accused, the accused’s sister cleared the phone memory and when she received the phone there was absolutely nothing in it.
She will also deny ever posting pornographic images on her WhatsApp. The images were not posted via her phone but via some unknown device.
She will further state that upon receiving news that offensive material had been posted on her WhatsApp she was advised that she had been hacked and was also advised to restore her phone to factory settings.
When she restored the phone, she lost all the data in her phone but even before that she maintains that she did not have any offensive material.
She also argued that she was advised to stop using the phone in case the hackers attempt to hack it again.
At the close of the State case, Mhlanga’s lawyer filed an application for discharge arguing that the State had failed to prove a prima facie case against the accused and that the evidence was unreliable.
However, in response, the State submitted that a prima facie case had been proven.
The State argued that it had managed to show that the accused did have knowledge of the indecent pictures in her phone before and on the day she was arrested.
Allegations are that on 2 August 2021, a tip-off was received at Provincial Victim Friendly Unit to the effect that Mhlanga had posted pornographic material on her WhatsApp status.
She later deleted the picture but some of her contacts including teachers and parents with children at her school had already saved it and forwarded it to their friends.
Mhlanga later posted a new status apologising, saying someone had borrowed her phone. She said:
Good evening, sorry for what was posted on the status, someone had borrowed my phone. My sincere apologies people.
It’s not my character and I don’t post such in my status. Please delete.
Mhlanga was eventually arrested by the police who also seized her cell phone Samsung N910F Galaxy Note.
The cellphone was then referred to CID National Cyber Forensics Laboratory, Bulawayo for examination.
During the forensic examination, four pornographic images were retrieved from her phone and the nude pictures were also produced in court as an exhibit.-BMetro
By-The Botswana Police Service (BPS) said 9 men of Botswana and South African origin were killed on Wednesday, 23 February, after an exchange of gunfire with police officers in Gaborone.
In a statement, BPS spokesperson Assistant Commissioner Dipheko Motube said the shootout followed a cash-in-transit van robbery at the Main Mall in Gaborone during which P1 million was stolen.
Below is the statement:
Nine men aged between 20 and 35 of Botswana and South African origin died in an exchange of fire with members of the Botswana Police Service this morning (23/02/2022) at Phase 2 location in Gaborone.
This follows an incident in which 11 armed men attacked and robbed Security Systems Cash-in-transit motor vehicle of over P986 000-00 at the Main Mall this morning.
The robbers fled the scene and were, later on, followed and confronted by the Police and an exchange of fire ensued resulting in fatal injuries to some of the robbers.
The Police have, in the process arrested a 30-year-old Motswana woman who was in the company of the robbers.
Assistant Commissioner Motube added that four pistols and an AK-47 Assault Rifle were found in the possession of the robbers whilst an undisclosed amount of cash was recovered.
By- Citizens Coalition for Change Vice president and prominent lawyer has lost his application to have his trial on assault charges against Ms Tatiana Alishina set aside and a new trial to start before a different magistrate and with a new prosecutor.
Justice Tawanda Chitapi at the High Court in Harare dealt with what he described as a lengthy application to start the trial afresh after matters arose over postponements and availability of lawyers with arguments made that the magistrate had erred and even that the magistrate exhibited bias.
In the end, Justice Chitapi ruled that the trial must resume before Regional Magistrate Ms Vongai Muchuchuti-Guwuriro at the point proceedings were stayed to allow the High Court application, with no bar on Mr Michael Reza prosecuting.
Biti is free to use any legal representative of his choice, including Mr Alec Muchadehama who has been representing him through the trial so far and whose absence on other matters on one day last year triggered the row Justice Chitapi had to sort out.
The trial follows a complaint by Ms Alishina of a confrontation with Biti in and around Harare Magistrates’ Court complex after court proceedings in 2020.
During the trial there were applications for postponement and other applications, including one to have a point of law referred to the Constitutional Court. Some were granted but most were not.
On October 13 last year, the trial was supposed to resume, after being postponed for almost a week. When the court came into session a fill-in defence lawyer sought a postponement because Mr Muchadehama had been called to the office of the Master of the High Court over another matter he was handling.
After establishing that he should be free later in the morning Ms Muchuchuti-Guwuriro allowed a delay until 11.15am. When the lawyer was still missing she allowed the fill-in lawyer to contact Mr Muchadehama and the Master’s office several times.
It was established that while the original matter had ended well before the 11.15am trial restart time, Mr Muchadehama had stayed back for discussion on the Master’s fees.
Justicie Chitapi noted in passing that the Master of the High Court, was not a court and was not a judicial officer and so matters in his office could not be given priority over a matter in an actual court.
As a consequence of finding that Mr Muchadehama should be free, Ms Muchuchuti-Guwuriro said the trial had priority on that lawyer’s time and ordered the trial to restart.
The fill-in lawyer said he could not take part as he was unfamiliar with the case and would need a postponement to study the record, leaving Biti to defend himself. This is when Biti made his High Court application for a restart of the trial.
Justice Chitapi initially stayed the proceedings until the application could be thrashed out and decided in the High Court. Yesterday’s judgment basically found Ms Muchuchuti-Guwuriro had made an unbiased decision she was judicially authorised to make and so it stood.
Justice Chitapi dimissed the argument by Biti that Ms Muchuchuti-Guwuriro was biased, and dismissed his allegation that she had herself contacted someone at the Master’s office trying to track down Mr Muchadehama as there was no evidence of this and no affidavit from the named officer.
The judge said Mr Reza, as prosecutor and so the other counsel in the trial, had every right to try and track down his colleague. He agreed that the trial record sometimes showed intemperate remarks by Mr Reza but noted it also showed some of Biti’s statement were even more so. He found there was no collusion between magistrate and prosecutor in this matter.
The judge said higher courts were very reluctant to intervene in a matter properly before a lower court while the trial or suit were in progress. If every decision by a presiding officer that one party disagreed with could go to a higher court on review or appeal while the matter was still in progress then delays would be intolerable. In rare cases where someone’s rights could be seriously infringed otherwise, a higher court could intervene, but the judge stressed this was very rare.
Normally, these matters would come up in any application for review or appeal after the matter was concluded and usually any problems had by that stage self-corrected.
-State media
By Businesstech-The South African government has increased the price of beer.
Enoch Godongwana, the Finance minister, increased the excise duties on alcohol and tobacco products by between 4.5% and 6.5%.
Presenting his 2022 Budget Speech, minister Godongwana, Wednesday said that the following increase would take effect immediately:
Godongwana also confirmed that government is proposing to introduce a new tax on vaping products of at least R2.90 per millilitre from 1 January 2023.
A new tax will also be introduced on beer powders, the finance minister said. After three years of no changes, the health promotion levy will also be increased to 2.31 cents per gram of sugar, he said.
Prior to the budget speech, South African Breweries called on the government to reduce the excise tax rate in its national budget on Wednesday (23 February) or face further disinvestment and job losses.
In a media briefing on Monday, the group warned that South Africa was not currently an investment-enabling environment and that it could look at importing certain products which could be harmful to the local economy.
It said that smaller players in the alcohol industry will also benefit from a reduced excise tax after months of lockdown restrictions decimated businesses – with more than 30% of local craft breweries forced to close and over 150,000 jobs lost.
“Blanket tax rates that lack nuance – that do not, for instance, take into consideration the size of the business and the weight of the tax liability it must bear – require a serious review,” the group said.
“For the sake of our industry, and the thousands of small businesses that call it home, we welcome any call from the government to reassess how excise policies can help create a business-enabling environment.”
This echoes similar calls by the Beer Association of South Africa (BASA), which said that South Africa should introduce an excise tax sliding scale based on beverage type and alcohol strength similar to other countries.
-Businesstech
By- Bulawayo magistrate Marygold Ndlovu, is today is expected to make a ruling on a case involving Kumalo Primary School headmistress, Stella Mhlanga, facing peddling allegations of pornographic material.
Mhlanga (59) is alleged to have accidentally shared a revealing picture of her private parts on her WhatsApp status.
Mhlanga, who is out of custody, is facing charges of contravening Section 26 of the Censorship and Entertainment Control Act Chapter 10:04 (Possession of prohibited articles). She pleaded not guilty.
In her defence outline, Mhlanga through her lawyer Byron Sengweni of Sengweni Legal Practice argued that she was never in possession of the alleged pornographic content.
She said that sometime in December 2019, she received a phone from her sister Sibusisiwe Moyo who is based in South Africa after her phone had been stolen by her housemaid. Part of her defence outline read:
Before handing the phone to the accused, the accused’s sister cleared the phone memory and when she received the phone there was absolutely nothing in it.
She will also deny ever posting pornographic images on her WhatsApp. The images were not posted via her phone but via some unknown device.
She will further state that upon receiving news that offensive material had been posted on her WhatsApp she was advised that she had been hacked and was also advised to restore her phone to factory settings.
When she restored the phone, she lost all the data in her phone but even before that she maintains that she did not have any offensive material.
She also argued that she was advised to stop using the phone in case the hackers attempt to hack it again.
At the close of the State case, Mhlanga’s lawyer filed an application for discharge arguing that the State had failed to prove a prima facie case against the accused and that the evidence was unreliable.
However, in response, the State submitted that a prima facie case had been proven.
The State argued that it had managed to show that the accused did have knowledge of the indecent pictures in her phone before and on the day she was arrested.
Allegations are that on 2 August 2021, a tip-off was received at Provincial Victim Friendly Unit to the effect that Mhlanga had posted pornographic material on her WhatsApp status.
She later deleted the picture but some of her contacts including teachers and parents with children at her school had already saved it and forwarded it to their friends.
Mhlanga later posted a new status apologising, saying someone had borrowed her phone. She said:
Good evening, sorry for what was posted on the status, someone had borrowed my phone. My sincere apologies people.
It’s not my character and I don’t post such in my status. Please delete.
Mhlanga was eventually arrested by the police who also seized her cell phone Samsung N910F Galaxy Note.
The cellphone was then referred to CID National Cyber Forensics Laboratory, Bulawayo for examination.
During the forensic examination, four pornographic images were retrieved from her phone and the nude pictures were also produced in court as an exhibit.
By- Chief Saunyama of Nyanga is intimidating villagers seen wearing yellow.
It is said that Chief Saunyama in Nyanga has banned his subjects from putting on yellow, he is intimidating CCC members or potential members big time.
This is rural Nyanga iyo yepa Chikore and Nhanhombe River area, kusvika uko kunana Dumba Area. Lets spread this message.
This insane Chief is forcing those putting yellow to pay some goats and cash, hanzi yellow yakurewa kuti makuita support Chamisa.
He must be stopped.
The Zimbabwe Republic Police (ZRP) reportedly turned down a donation of vehicles and bicycles by Norton legislator Temba Mliswa (Independent) that was meant to help the force fight crime in the town.
The donation included a BMW 323i, a Toyota pick-up, plus 15 bicycles and batons.
Open Council reported sources as saying that ZRP refused the donations despite initially receiving them at a handover ceremony attended by Mashonaland West State Minister Mary Mliswa-Chikoka, who is Mliswa’s sister. Said the source:
The donations were handed over to Norton Police last year but they had been parked all the time.
The reason is that ZRP seniors in Harare were not receptive to the donation due to the politics around Mliswa and how he has constantly accused the Commissioner-General Matanga of being corrupt.
The two vehicles were reportedly returned to Mliswa late last year after spending months parked at Norton Police station.
Reports indicate that early this week, Norton Police Officer-In-Charge Zhanda informed Mliswa’s office to write withdrawal letters for the remaining bicycles and batons.
Norton residents roundly criticised the move, describing it as cheap politicking and playing with people’s lives. Shibba Kamudyariwa, a resident, said:
“We have had many cases of people attacked with machetes nemakorokoza (illegal gold miners) here because the police are not able to patrol in the evening due to their lack of transport and equipment.
Now they get vehicles from the MP and they refuse them over politics.
Do they want people to die?”- Open Council
By-President Emmerson Mnangagwa’s son-in-law and Sports and Recreation Commission (SRC) chairperson Gerald Mlotshwa snubbed the Youth, Sports, Arts, and Recreation Parliamentary Portfolio Committee.
Mlotshwa was scheduled to appear before the Parliamentary Committee Tuesday morning and answer questions on the country’s state of football, but he failed to show up.
The committee resolved to charge Mlotshwa with contempt of parliament if he fails to avail himself on Wednesday morning.
The committee is chaired by Chivi North MP Mathias Tongofa (ZANU PF) and other committee members include Zimbabwe Football Association (ZIFA) vice-president Gift Banda, ex-ZIFA vice-president Omega Sibanda, Oscar Gorerino, Tatenda Mavetera and Trevor Saruwaka.
Youth, Sports, Arts, and Recreation ministry permanent secretary Thokozile Chitepo attended the meeting, but the committee resolved to adjourn it to Wednesday due to the unavailability of the SRC officials.
Initially, it was said Mlotshwa was out of the country before Chitepo later suggested that he could be in Bulawayo.
Later on Tuesday, Mlotshwa said he could not attend the meeting because the invitation was at short notice. Said the SRC in a statement:
Correspondence dated Friday, February 18, 2022, was delivered to SRC at 1605 hours inviting the SRC chairman to appear before the Parliamentary Portfolio Committee on Youth, Sport, Arts and Recreation after the public holiday on Tuesday, February 22, 2022.
The invitation, not constituting a summons from Parliament, was at woefully short notice.
The Clerk of Parliament (Kennedy Chokuda) has acknowledged that the invite should not have been sent at such short notice. He received and accepted the chairman’s apologies.
He is out of Harare for the better part of the week, having left town on the morning of Friday, February 18.
He has been in communication with the Clerk of Parliament over the matter for a mutually agreed date when the SRC board is likely to appear before the committee.
The SRC has already, nonetheless, given its written submissions to the committee in lieu of, and anticipation of, its appearance.
Care must be taken by all concerned not to appear to be interfering or undermining those processes underway or pending before our courts and other investigatory authorities.
Meanwhile, Chitepo said the quarrel between SRC and ZIFA was also a matter of concern to Mnangagwa and his Cabinet.
On 16 November last year, SRC suspended the Felton Kamambo-led board over a litany of allegations, which they have denied.
By A Correspondent- Telecel Public Relations Manager Mrs Zitha Dube has died.
Mrs Dube collapsed and died at her home in Monaville yesterday.
The development was revealed by Telecel Director and IPRCZ Board member Christopher Ribatika who said:
Good Morning Colleagues.
It is with a heavy heart that i announce the passing on of Mrs Zitha Dube. Mrs Dube was Telecel Public Relations Manager and a member on the IPRCZ group.
She collapsed and died at her house in Monaville yesterday.
May her dearest soul rest in eternal peace.
Regards Christopher Ribatika IPRCZ Board Member, Telecel Director
Former Dynamos youth team player Donald Malajila, who died in Cape Town, South Africa this past weekend, was involved in some criminal activities in the Mother City which might have led to his death, it has emerged.
Malajila’s body was discovered on Monday after he had left home on Saturday.
Initially, it was believed that Malajila (29), was gunned down by criminals in a carjacking attempt but there are revelations suggest that he was in fact involved in some criminal activities.
Sources close to the Donald, who spoke to Soccer24 on condition of anonymity, claim that it was a known fact that he was involved in some theft cases since he moved to Cape Town from Durban last year.
A video which circulated on social media last night, shows Donald being beaten up after he was suspected to have stolen from an identified man.- Soccer24 Zimbabwe
The Zimbabwe Republic Police (ZRP) reportedly turned down a donation of vehicles and bicycles by Norton legislator Temba Mliswa (Independent) that was meant to help the force fight crime in the town.
The donation included a BMW 323i, a Toyota pick-up, plus 15 bicycles and batons.
Open Council reported sources as saying that ZRP refused the donations despite initially receiving them at a handover ceremony attended by Mashonaland West State Minister Mary Mliswa-Chikoka, who is Mliswa’s sister. Said the source:
The donations were handed over to Norton Police last year but they had been parked all the time.
The reason is that ZRP seniors in Harare were not receptive to the donation due to the politics around Mliswa and how he has constantly accused the Commissioner-General Matanga of being corrupt.
The two vehicles were reportedly returned to Mliswa late last year after spending months parked at Norton Police station.
Reports indicate that early this week, Norton Police Officer-In-Charge Zhanda informed Mliswa’s office to write withdrawal letters for the remaining bicycles and batons.
Norton residents roundly criticised the move, describing it as cheap politicking and playing with people’s lives. Shibba Kamudyariwa, a resident, said:
“We have had many cases of people attacked with machetes nemakorokoza (illegal gold miners) here because the police are not able to patrol in the evening due to their lack of transport and equipment.
Now they get vehicles from the MP and they refuse them over politics.
Do they want people to die?”- Open Council
MDC Alliance president Douglas Mwonzora has revealed that talks between President Emmerson Mnangagwa and his party to form a government of national unity (GNU) were at an advanced stage.
Mwonzora made the remarks at his weekend rally at Pelandaba Hall in Bulawayo, adding that he would not seek to be prime minister (PM) in the proposed GNU.
“I presented Mnangagwa with a letter with 21 points spelling out the kind of Zimbabwe that we want as a party. Very soon, there shall be talks of dialogue. I went back to meet him in January, as MDC-T. I am not involved in these talks so that I become PM, or that some of our MPs can become ministers, but we want to bring peace and prosperity to the country,” Mwonzora said.
“All conflicts that have bedevilled the country in the past have been resolved through dialogue like the talks that culminated in a GNU.”
Mwonzora told his supporters that he regretted the split between him and his former deputy, Thokozani Khupe, who has now declared herself the MDC-T leader.
MDC Alliance national chairperson Morgen Komichi said the last battle for the party after winning several court cases against the then MDC Alliance led by Nelson Chamisa would be to win the 2023 elections.
Bulawayo mayor Solomon Mguni and Nketa Emganwini MP Phelela Masuku, who is now the provincial chairperson of the party, as well as other MPs belonging to Mwonzora’s party attended the event.
The party fielded eight candidates for council seats who will contest in the March 26 by-elections.- NewsDay Zimbabwe
Tinashe Sambiri|Citizens Coalition For Change vice chairperson Hon Job Sikhala has declared that Mr Emmerson Mnangagwa’s Zanu PF party will be “buried” in the coming by-elections.
Sikhala affectionately known as Wiwa declared:
“
Be reassured ZANU PF will be heavily defeated on the 26th of March 2022, and in 2023 as well.
The defeat will be so heavy.”
Hon Sikhala also described one Mabhatiri as a true soldier of the people’s struggle.
“My Yellow Sunday Rally man of the day.
His name is Mabhatiri. He cycled all the way from Seke to Zimbabwe Grounds on his bicycle.
The man has been a fighter for democracy for years.
Lets give him likes for his display of commitment.
Keep going Mabhatiri .”
Tinashe Sambiri|Citizens Coalition For Change vice chairperson Hon Job Sikhala has declared that Mr Emmerson Mnangagwa’s Zanu PF party will be “buried” in the coming by-elections.
Sikhala affectionately known as Wiwa declared:
“
Be reassured ZANU PF will be heavily defeated on the 26th of March 2022, and in 2023 as well.
The defeat will be so heavy.”
Hon Sikhala also described one Mabhatiri as a true soldier of the people’s struggle.
“My Yellow Sunday Rally man of the day.
His name is Mabhatiri. He cycled all the way from Seke to Zimbabwe Grounds on his bicycle.
The man has been a fighter for democracy for years.
Lets give him likes for his display of commitment.
Keep going Mabhatiri .”
Tinashe Sambiri|Zanu PF chairperson Oppah Muchinguri-Kashiri has threatened the opposition with the gun.
The Zanu PF official stunned all and sundry after claiming her party will not concede defeat in the coming polls.
Muchinguri- Kashiri further claimed that the pen cannot change the current political scenario.
The Zanu PF chairperson accused the opposition of calling for sanctions on Harare.
Analysts Muchinguri-Kashiri’s utterances indicate Zanu PF has been shaken by President Nelson Chamisa’s rally.
She wrote on Twitter:
“Wapwere weZimbabwe wango ziwa the party to vote for. Zimbabwe yaka uya ngehondo saka haizo endaba ngeball point pen!!
The regime change agenda will not be tolerated. This is a threat to our sovereignty. Western sponsored imperialist backed CCC will never rule this country. Never!
Kuvotera wanhu wanoda masanctions kusafunga.”
Below is the interview of MDC leader Douglas Mwonzora over his moves to create a government of national unity with ZANU PF coupist Emerson Mnangagwa.
ZEC TREADING ON LOOSE GROUND AND FAULTY LINES: VETERANS ACTIVISTS ASSOCIATION (VAA)
18-02-2022
The Zimbabwe Electoral Commission is treading on loose ground by tampering with the National Voters Roll in a frantic bid to rig elections and perpetuate the Citizens’ suffering.
ZEC must not test a “flooded river with its bare foot” and neither must it try to jump across a river whose width it does not know.
The shambolic process or rather mutilation of the voters roll by ZEC is a great concern and a threat to the legitimacy, free fairness and credibility of future electoral processes.
The discrepancies noted are clearly intentional, systematic and a well orchestrated plan to disenfranchise thousands if not millions of voters in a clear and shameful act of grand electoral thuggery and thievery.
It is not a secret that ZEC is championing a shambolic voter registration and entry process. The whole voters’ roll is erroneous and a product of a military operation by securocrats seconded as ZEC Secretariat, and whose only resolve is to subvert the Citizens’ will at all cost.
With the manipulation of the voters’ roll, transferring of voters, obliteration of voters, unilaterally and illegally reconfiguring ward boundaries outside delimitation, the script for rigging is slowly but surely being written.
As Citizens, we demand to know who or what capacitated ZEC to make illegal, unconstitutional, unilateral changes and obliterations to the National voters roll without consulting the stakeholders as required by law.
Secondly, we demand to know why these changes were made to coincide with the By-elections?
Furthermore, we demand to know how these engineered “mistakes” by ZEC will be rectified in time for the affected not to be disenfranchised.
Thirdly,we demand to know what happened to all those who registered in 2021 considering ZEC chose to acknowledge only 2000+ new voters throwing under the bus tens of thousands of other registered voters.
Fourthly, we demand to know why ZEC pulled down its portal after the Citizens’ outcry. Is it an admission of its guiltiness or an attempt to keep the Citizens in the dark on ZEC’s incongruent management of electoral processes.
Fifthly, we demand to know how ZEC came up with the paltry 2000+ new voters yet tens of thousands had registered nationwide.
The Zimbabwe Electoral Commission must explain all these electoral irregularities and rectify them without inconviniencing and disenfranchising the electorate.
If ZEC insists on keeping on this war path, we will be left with no option as Citizens of this great nation to protect our national voters Roll, our National Electoral Processes and our future from marauding career politicians who focus on consolidating their power instead of focusing on future generations.
It’s high time the Citizens unite to defend the Nation and our future from career politicians. We will take legal recourse to protect our National Voters Roll and our National Election Processes to ensure free, fair and credible elections in future.
Thank you.
VAA:MUSIMBOTI
VAA:INSIKA
UKAPINDA:NENI NDAPINDAWO
By
Mandava Blessing
VAA National Spokesperson
0719891243
Keep yourself and others safe: Do it all!
Protect yourself and those around you:
Get vaccinated as soon as it’s your turn and follow local guidance on vaccination.
Keep physical distance of at least 1 metre from others, even if they don’t appear to be sick. Avoid crowds and close contact.
Wear a properly fitted mask when physical distancing is not possible and in poorly ventilated settings.
Clean your hands frequently with alcohol-based hand rub or soap and water.
Cover your mouth and nose with a bent elbow or tissue when you cough or sneeze. Dispose of used tissues immediately and clean hands regularly.
If you develop symptoms or test positive for COVID-19, self-isolate until you recover.
Wear a mask properly
To properly wear your mask:
Make sure your mask covers your nose, mouth and chin.
Clean your hands before you put your mask on, before and after you take it off, and after you touch it at any time.
When you take off your mask, store it in a clean plastic bag, and every day either wash it if it’s a fabric mask or dispose of it in a trash bin if it’s a medical mask.
Don’t use masks with valves.
More about masks:
When and how to wear masks
Questions and answers about children and masks
Guidance for decision makers and health workers.
Make your environment safer
The risks of getting COVID-19 are higher in crowded and inadequately ventilated spaces where infected people spend long periods of time together in close proximity.
Outbreaks have been reported in places where people have gather, often in crowded indoor settings and where they talk loudly, shout, breathe heavily or sing such as restaurants, choir practices, fitness classes, nightclubs, offices and places of worship.
To make your environment as safe as possible:
Avoid the 3Cs: spaces that are closed, crowded or involve close contact.
Meet people outside. Outdoor gatherings are safer than indoor ones, particularly if indoor spaces are small and without outdoor air coming in.
If you can’t avoid crowded or indoor settings, take these precautions:
Open a window to increase the amount of natural ventilation when indoors.
Source: World Health Organization
Inserted by Zimbabwe Online Health Centre
Facebook page :Zimbabwe Online Health Centre
email :[email protected]
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Tinashe Sambiri|Douglas Togarasei Mwonzora’s world is collapsing around him.
At the weekend he was ditched by a senior MDC T official- alongside 30 members of the party.
Wlbert Mutero the former MDC T district chairperson in Highfield East has officially joined CCC.
He joined the Yellow Revolution with 30 people.
Mutero said: “We have joined President Chamisa’s party because of it’s popularity and capacity to dislodge Zanu PF and bring total transformation in Zimbabwe.”
“l left Mwonzora’s party because of its proximity to Zanu PF. There are lot of conflicts in MDC T and they have no solid structures across Zimbabwe.”
By Businesstech-The government of South Africa has increased the price of beer.
Enoch Godongwana, the Finance minister, increased the excise duties on alcohol and tobacco products by between 4.5% and 6.5%.
Presenting his 2022 Budget Speech, minister Godongwana, Wednesday said that the following increase would take effect immediately:
Godongwana also confirmed that government is proposing to introduce a new tax on vaping products of at least R2.90 per millilitre from 1 January 2023.
A new tax will also be introduced on beer powders, the finance minister said. After three years of no changes, the health promotion levy will also be increased to 2.31 cents per gram of sugar, he said.
Prior to the budget speech, South African Breweries called on the government to reduce the excise tax rate in its national budget on Wednesday (23 February) or face further disinvestment and job losses.
In a media briefing on Monday, the group warned that South Africa was not currently an investment-enabling environment and that it could look at importing certain products which could be harmful to the local economy.
It said that smaller players in the alcohol industry will also benefit from a reduced excise tax after months of lockdown restrictions decimated businesses – with more than 30% of local craft breweries forced to close and over 150,000 jobs lost.
“Blanket tax rates that lack nuance – that do not, for instance, take into consideration the size of the business and the weight of the tax liability it must bear – require a serious review,” the group said.
“For the sake of our industry, and the thousands of small businesses that call it home, we welcome any call from the government to reassess how excise policies can help create a business-enabling environment.”
This echoes similar calls by the Beer Association of South Africa (BASA), which said that South Africa should introduce an excise tax sliding scale based on beverage type and alcohol strength similar to other countries.
-Businesstech
Citizens Coalition for Change (CCC) vice-presidents Tendai Biti and Lynnette Karenyi-Kore’s latest bid for freedom at the Harare Magistrates Court has failed.
On Tuesday, Biti and Karenyi-Kore were further remanded by Harare magistrate Vongai Muchuchuti-Guwuriro in a case where they face a charge of violating COVID-19 regulations.
The duo is being charged alongside deputy secretary-general David Chimhini, secretary for mobilisation and women affairs Vongai Tome, deputy secretary for corporate affairs Lovemore Chinoputsa and Gladys Hlatywayo, who is the secretary for international affairs.
The CCC officials, through their lawyer Alec Muchadehama, filed an application for exception to the charges but Muchuchuti-Guwuriro dismissed it saying their application for review was not yet ready.
Allegations are that on 5 June 2020, the Zimbabwe Republic Police (ZRP) received a tip-off that the then MDC Alliance leaders were gathered outside Morgan Richard Tsvangirai House in Harare.
The gathering was allegedly in violation of Statutory Instrument 83 of 2020, which prohibited gatherings of more than 50 people.
The State further alleged that they were planning to stage an unsanctioned demonstration.
The police intervened and dispersed a gathering of opposition supporters at the corner of Nelson Mandela Avenue and Angwa Street, leading to the arrest of the accused.
By- Chief Saunyama of Nyanga is intimidating villagers seen wearing yellow.
It is said that Chief Saunyama in Nyanga has banned his subjects from putting on yellow, he is intimidating CCC members or potential members big time.
This is rural Nyanga iyo yepa Chikore and Nhanhombe River area, kusvika uko kunana Dumba Area. Lets spread this message.
This insane Chief is forcing those putting yellow to pay some goats and cash, hanzi yellow yakurewa kuti makuita support Chamisa.
He must be stopped.
By- One of Blanket Mine’s employees, Andrew Clydon Phiri, died Monday following an accident involving a Left-Hand Drive (LHD) loader at the mine’s underground haulages.
The Gwanda-based gold mine, announced the death of Phiri through its parent firm, Caledonia Mining Corporation.
“It is with regret that Caledonia Mining Corporation plc confirms that an accident took place on the morning of 21 February 2022 at the Blanket Mine in Zimbabwe as a result of which one Blanket employee, Andrew Clydon Phiri (aged 35), was killed.
“The accident involved a LHD loader in one of Blanket’s underground haulages.
“Further details cannot be released pending the outcome of an ongoing enquiry into this incident by the relevant authorities,” it said in a statement.
“Caledonia expresses its condolences to the family and colleagues of the deceased.”
-State media
By-President Emmerson Mnangagwa’s son-in-law and Sports and Recreation Commission (SRC) chairperson Gerald Mlotshwa snubbed the Youth, Sports, Arts, and Recreation Parliamentary Portfolio Committee.
Mlotshwa was scheduled to appear before the Parliamentary Committee Tuesday morning and answer questions on the country’s state of football, but he failed to show up.
The committee resolved to charge Mlotshwa with contempt of parliament if he fails to avail himself on Wednesday morning.
The committee is chaired by Chivi North MP Mathias Tongofa (ZANU PF) and other committee members include Zimbabwe Football Association (ZIFA) vice-president Gift Banda, ex-ZIFA vice-president Omega Sibanda, Oscar Gorerino, Tatenda Mavetera and Trevor Saruwaka.
Youth, Sports, Arts, and Recreation ministry permanent secretary Thokozile Chitepo attended the meeting, but the committee resolved to adjourn it to Wednesday due to the unavailability of the SRC officials.
Initially, it was said Mlotshwa was out of the country before Chitepo later suggested that he could be in Bulawayo.
Later on Tuesday, Mlotshwa said he could not attend the meeting because the invitation was at short notice. Said the SRC in a statement:
Correspondence dated Friday, February 18, 2022, was delivered to SRC at 1605 hours inviting the SRC chairman to appear before the Parliamentary Portfolio Committee on Youth, Sport, Arts and Recreation after the public holiday on Tuesday, February 22, 2022.
The invitation, not constituting a summons from Parliament, was at woefully short notice.
The Clerk of Parliament (Kennedy Chokuda) has acknowledged that the invite should not have been sent at such short notice. He received and accepted the chairman’s apologies.
He is out of Harare for the better part of the week, having left town on the morning of Friday, February 18.
He has been in communication with the Clerk of Parliament over the matter for a mutually agreed date when the SRC board is likely to appear before the committee.
The SRC has already, nonetheless, given its written submissions to the committee in lieu of, and anticipation of, its appearance.
Care must be taken by all concerned not to appear to be interfering or undermining those processes underway or pending before our courts and other investigatory authorities.
Meanwhile, Chitepo said the quarrel between SRC and ZIFA was also a matter of concern to Mnangagwa and his Cabinet.
On 16 November last year, SRC suspended the Felton Kamambo-led board over a litany of allegations, which they have denied.
By-A report claiming that Citizens for Coalition Change (CCC) president Nelson Chamisa incited people to use violence to get him into power during a rally in Harare on Sunday is false, CITE has established.
ON SUNDAY EVENING, a ZBC News report claimed Chamisa had incited his supporters to topple the Government during the CCC’s maiden rally at Zimbabwe Grounds, Highfields, Harare. ZBC reported:
While he might have changed the name from the MDC-Alliance to the Citizens Coalition for Change but for Nelson Chamisa old habits die hard and indeed a leopard can never change its spots.
The CCC leader surprised his supporters when he admitted that his party does not have an ideology except when he gets into power Western Countries will give him money.
Like violent student leader he is always been, Chamisa reminded men of violence, his supporters that unleashed on 1 August 2018 and January 2019 by calling on his supporters to topple the Government.
He also called on teachers to go on strike reminding many of the dark days of violent demos that destroyed the economy in early 2000.
Chamisa’s calls for teachers to go on strike confirms utterances by the opposition party masters in the House of Lords who revealed that they were indeed working with Zimbabwe teachers’ unions to destabilize the government.
This is not what Chamisa said according to CITE. On the issue of teachers’ strike and the Government’s threat to fire them, Chamisa was quoted as saying:
I know teachers are suffering, employees are suffering. Do you know that a teacher is not asking for much, teachers are only saying they want their salaries to be returned to the US$540 they used to get when Mugabe was still president.
Chamisa is not hunger, Chamisa is just a person. When people are hungry they have a legitimate reason to demand food.
When we are in power the first thing that we will address is to retain your salaries to what you used to get during Mugabe’s era.
We will review it going forward because teachers are the foundation of a nation, guardians of the destiny of any nation, the campus of civilization.
If there is no teacher there is are politicians, cooks, or builders. Teachers are supposed to be given respect.
On toppling the Government claims, Chamisa was actually referring to anomalies found on the voters’ roll. CITE quoted him as saying:
We commissioned experts to analyse the voters’ roll. I had been tipped off by some senior government officials that the document was being tampered with.
We have infiltrators in government departments — we have infiltrated all government departments.
We will not let ZEC get away with its manipulation. Starting with this by-election, if ZEC does not address these anomalies, it will not be well.
There will be instability in the country. On the issue of voter manipulation, do not panic. We have strategies.
The first strategy is to ensure that ZEC policies are compatible with the Constitution. If they don’t heed our demands, then we will take legal remedies.
But we know that the courts may not be able to deliver justice fairly. We have our own solution. We will go to the streets. We will protest against ZEC.
By- Award-winning South African hip hop artist Riky Rick, born Rikhado Muziwendlovu Makhado, has died.
Makhado (34), reportedly committed suicide at his estate home in the north of Johannesburg on Wednesday morning.
Sunday World reported several sources as saying Makhado hung himself with a rope after suffering from severe depression.
He was reportedly found by his management team at his house at about 8.30 am who then rushed him to a nearby hospital as he was still alive.
He however passed away en route to the hospital. The musician’s family later confirmed his death in a statement. It said:
The family of South African artist Riky Rick with profound sadness this afternoon confirmed his untimely passing.
Son, husband, father, brother and uncle, Riky ‘Ricky’ Makhado (34) sadly passed away in the early hours of this morning (23rd February) in Johannesburg.
Affectionately known as Riky Rick across the globe, he was deeply loved by his family, friends and the entire entertainment industry.
His love for family, friends and community is well known. Riky’s nurturing and development of young musical talent is well documented, and will forever be remembered.
He leaves behind his wife, two children, his mother and five siblings.
The Makhado family humbly request privacy as they go through this extremely difficult period of grieving.
The family has not appointed a spokesperson at this point and they ask that you please keep them in your prayers.
The family are also deeply thankful for and appreciates the countless messages of love and support received, These are felt deeply.
Details of the funeral and memorial will be confirmed at a later stage.
With much love and thanks, the Makhado family…
Riky Rick was the founder and owner of the record label Cotton Club Records. He was well known for fashion and setting trends.
He is known by several other names including Boss Zonke, Master Makhado and Minister of Energy and King Kotini.
By- Another Zimbabwean man, Prince Dube(31), was on Tuesday shot dead during an alleged shoot-out with members of the South African Police Service (SAPS) in Mmatswale township on the outskirts of Musina in Limpopo Province.
Limpopo police spokesperson Brigadier Motlafela Mojapelo confirmed Dube’s death, saying one of his accomplices was arrested. said Mojapelo:
The police received information about the believably dangerous suspect who, together with his companions, were allegedly terrorising the community around Musina with armed robberies and other serious crimes.
A dedicated team of the local members was assembled and conducted a snap search operation at the identified location.
A further probe led the members to the suspect’s alleged accomplices in the area, and on arrival the suspect allegedly started shooting at the members who returned fire, fatally wounding him.
He was identified as Prince Dube from Bulawayo, Zimbabwe.
Majapelo revealed that police recovered five illegal firearms, including two pistols, two .303 rifles and one pellet gun, during the operation.
Dube’s alleged accomplice is being charged for murder, attempted murder and possession of illegal firearms.
By A Correspondent- Citizens Coalition for Change President Nelson Chamisa and Zanu PF leader Emerson Mnangagwa are expected to address their party rallies in Kwekwe this weekend.
This was announced by a top Chamisa ally and aspiring Mbizo lawmaker. Settlement Chikwinya on his Facebook page.
Posted Chikwinya:
It’s going to be an exciting Weekend for Kwekwe Residents as @edmnangagwa will address a rally in Mbizo Stadium on 26 February while @nelsonchamisa addresses at Mbizo 4 Shopping Centre on 27/02
Kuzaba lit, ” he said.
Tinashe Sambiri|Citizens Coalition For Change vice chairperson Hon Job Sikhala has declared that Mr Emmerson Mnangagwa’s Zanu PF party will be “buried” in the coming by-elections.
Sikhala affectionately known as Wiwa declared:
“
Be reassured ZANU PF will be heavily defeated on the 26th of March 2022, and in 2023 as well.
The defeat will be so heavy.”
Hon Sikhala also described one Mabhatiri as a true soldier of the people’s struggle.
“My Yellow Sunday Rally man of the day.
His name is Mabhatiri. He cycled all the way from Seke to Zimbabwe Grounds on his bicycle.
The man has been a fighter for democracy for years.
Lets give him likes for his display of commitment.
Keep going Mabhatiri .”
ZEC TREADING ON LOOSE GROUND AND FAULTY LINES: VETERANS ACTIVISTS ASSOCIATION (VAA)
18-02-2022
The Zimbabwe Electoral Commission is treading on loose ground by tampering with the National Voters Roll in a frantic bid to rig elections and perpetuate the Citizens’ suffering.
ZEC must not test a “flooded river with its bare foot” and neither must it try to jump across a river whose width it does not know.
The shambolic process or rather mutilation of the voters roll by ZEC is a great concern and a threat to the legitimacy, free fairness and credibility of future electoral processes.
The discrepancies noted are clearly intentional, systematic and a well orchestrated plan to disenfranchise thousands if not millions of voters in a clear and shameful act of grand electoral thuggery and thievery.
It is not a secret that ZEC is championing a shambolic voter registration and entry process. The whole voters’ roll is erroneous and a product of a military operation by securocrats seconded as ZEC Secretariat, and whose only resolve is to subvert the Citizens’ will at all cost.
With the manipulation of the voters’ roll, transferring of voters, obliteration of voters, unilaterally and illegally reconfiguring ward boundaries outside delimitation, the script for rigging is slowly but surely being written.
As Citizens, we demand to know who or what capacitated ZEC to make illegal, unconstitutional, unilateral changes and obliterations to the National voters roll without consulting the stakeholders as required by law.
Secondly, we demand to know why these changes were made to coincide with the By-elections?
Furthermore, we demand to know how these engineered “mistakes” by ZEC will be rectified in time for the affected not to be disenfranchised.
Thirdly,we demand to know what happened to all those who registered in 2021 considering ZEC chose to acknowledge only 2000+ new voters throwing under the bus tens of thousands of other registered voters.
Fourthly, we demand to know why ZEC pulled down its portal after the Citizens’ outcry. Is it an admission of its guiltiness or an attempt to keep the Citizens in the dark on ZEC’s incongruent management of electoral processes.
Fifthly, we demand to know how ZEC came up with the paltry 2000+ new voters yet tens of thousands had registered nationwide.
The Zimbabwe Electoral Commission must explain all these electoral irregularities and rectify them without inconviniencing and disenfranchising the electorate.
If ZEC insists on keeping on this war path, we will be left with no option as Citizens of this great nation to protect our national voters Roll, our National Electoral Processes and our future from marauding career politicians who focus on consolidating their power instead of focusing on future generations.
It’s high time the Citizens unite to defend the Nation and our future from career politicians.
We will take legal recourse to protect our National Voters Roll and our National Election Processes to ensure free, fair and credible elections in future.
Thank you.
VAA:MUSIMBOTI
VAA:INSIKA
UKAPINDA:NENI NDAPINDAWO
By
Mandava Blessing
VAA National Spokesperson
0719891243
Zimbabwean youngster Tawanda Maswanhise is among the fifteen academy players that have signed new professional contracts.
The midfielder signed his first deal in June 2021 and has been offered a new contract after he continued to show promise in his development.
In announcing the news, the EPL club said: “Leicester City are delighted to confirm that 15 of its Academy players have signed professional contracts with the Football Club…
“Kasey McAteer, Sammy Braybrooke, Ben Nelson, Ben Grist, Wanya Marcal-Madivadua and Tawanda Maswanhise are among those to have signed deals.”
Maswanhise, who was born in England to Zimbabwean parents, has featured prominently in City’s U23s. He made an appearance in the senior team matchday squad when he sat out in the 2-1 victory over Manchester United in the English Premier League in May.
The 19-year-old trained with the senior squad in the pre-season, and he featured in a couple of friendlies.- Soccer24 Zimbabwe
Sports and Recreation Commission (SRC) chairman Gerald Mlotshwa was sheduled to appear before the Parliamentary Committee this morning and answer questions on the state of football in the country but he did not show up.
The commission suspended the Felton Kamambo-led Zifa board for incompetence last November, a situation which has has left Zimbabwean football at risk of a FIFA ban for government interference in the running of the game.
Mlotshwa, as well as an official from the Ministry of Sport, Arts and Recreation, were expected to appear before the committee but only the ministry’s Permanent Secretary Thoko Chitepo showed up.
Thoko told the committee that Mlotshwa is currently in Bulawayo.
In the absence of Kirsty Coventry, who is in China, Honourable Kazembe Kazembe is the acting Minister of Sports.- Soccer24 Zimbabwe
