By A Correspondent- The Government has announced new measures to promote the domestic use of the Zimbabwe dollar as economic analysts predict the “second death” of the local currency in the near future.

In a public advisory note issued on Friday, 04 February 2022, Finance and Economic Development Minister Mthuli Ncube said that all duties and taxes on the importation of designated motor vehicles are now payable in Zimbabwe dollars again up to a limit of 50% of duties and taxes payable. 

Below is Ncube’s statement:

PUBLIC ADVISORY NOTE ON MEASURES BEING INSTITUTED BY GOVERNMENT TO ENHANCE THE DOMESTIC USE OF THE ZIMBABWE DOLLAR

BACKGROUND

1. Government, through various agencies is presently seized with instituting various measures to enhance the formal use of the domestic currency.

2. These measures are also aimed at stemming illegal trade in foreign currency and its associated twin; that of parallel market benchmarking or indexation of prices of goods and services at parallel market exchange rates.

3. The continuation of these practices, which have been identified as significant contributors to price instability in the economy and are imposing downside risks to macro-economic stability, and the erosion of domestic and international competitiveness.

4. Over the past 40 months, the government has instituted numerous initiatives to bring macro-economic stability. These include fiscal consolidation which has resulted in balanced budget performance and the elimination of destabilising fiscal deficits despite major economic shocks such as the 2019-20 droughts, cyclone Idai and the ongoing threat of the COVID-19 pandemic.

5. Furthermore, the restoration of domestic and export competitiveness through the reintroduction of the Zimbabwe dollar, has seen rapid gains being made in stabilising the current account, which has also been boosted by increased international remittances, enhanced export performance and notable import substitution effects.

6. Consistent implementation of the monetary targeting framework by the Reserve Bank of Zimbabwe as well as close policy coordination between fiscal and monetary authorities have been key policy milestones towards achieving price stability.

7. These developments have also seen the rapid growth of privately-held foreign currency reserves from levels of around US$300 million in 2018, to over US$2 billion currently held in Zimbabwean banks. Official reserves have also increased from less than US$100 million to over US$1.2 billion currently, which includes, the US$960 million equivalent in SDRS recently availed by the IMF to Zimbabwe.

8. In the intervening period, the government has also improved access to foreign currency by all bona fide businesses and individuals through the auction system.

9. Whilst the foreign currency auction system has provided a platform for the continuous and sustainable use of local currency by individuals and corporations it is now imperative to expand the areas in which the Zimbabwe Dollar should be used in the economy and further provide incentives for its use.

10. In this regard, the public is advised that the following measures now apply with immediate effect:

a. All mining royalties are now payable in Zimbabwe Dollars up to a limit of 50% of royalties due.

b. All duties and taxes on the importation of designated motor vehicles are now payable in Zimbabwe dollars again up to a limit of 50% of duties and taxes payable.

C. All domestic taxes due from exporters on their export receipts are now payable in both foreign and local currency in direct proportion to the approved export retention levels. As an example, an exporter who receives foreign currency of say USD1 000.00 at a 40% surrender ratio (60% retention) will pay taxes on the 40% in Zimbabwe dollars and the 60% in foreign currency.

These measures reflect Government’s commitment to promote the wider use of the Zimbabwe Dollar and to continuously strengthen the economy so as to build long-lasting macro-economic stability.

This advisory note was issued in the public interest.

B y A Correspondent- The ongoing biometric voter registration (BVR) blitz has been marred by apathy with several potential registrants claiming that they are being turned away due to lack of documentation.

The Zimbabwe Electoral Commission (Zec) has set up 2 700 registration centres under the current blitz running from last week until February 28, and April 10 to 30.

Zec chief elections officer Utoile Silaigwana told NewsDay that the low turnout was disturbing.

“In terms of the turn out, it was not that fruitful, but moving forward, we hope people will start turning up to register to vote. It’s just that I do not have the figures with me right now, but all I know is there was very low turnout on the first day,” he said.

“We are trying to encourage people to go and register to vote because decentralised centres have been put in place for them to register to vote.”

A survey by NewsDay revealed that several voter registration centres in the country were deserted, while potential voters, mostly the youth, claimed that they were being turned away over lack of documents such as a national identity card or valid passport and proof of residence.

The voter registration blitz was initially scheduled for December last year, but was postponed following concerns that the majority of potential voters did not have identity documents.

Election Resource Centre legal and advocacy officer Takunda Tsunga said: “There was insufficient information provided on the location of the mobile BVR kits and the blitz itself.

“There has been increasing apathy brought about by disputed 2018 elections and the resultant lack of implementation of electoral reforms necessary to build public confidence in electoral processes which will increase participation.

“The failure to implement reforms is impacting participation levels.”

Zimbabwe Election Support Network programmes director Ellen Dingani said they were planning to deploy observers to check for consistency in the application of voter registration procedures, the opening and closing times, turnout of potential registrants, voter education and any challenges that citizens were facing.

Regions such as Matabeleland reportedly have the least number of registered voters and might lose some constituencies in the forthcoming delimitation exercise.

By A Correspondent- A legal expert yesterday questioned the recall of embattled MDC-T leader Thokozani Khupe through a letter delivered by a postal courier service provider, saying the method used was unprecedented and seemed to favour one political party faction over another.

Parliamentary recalls are often announced by the Speaker of the National Assembly Jacob Mudenda or by the Senate president Mabel Chinomona when Parliament is in session.

Khupe (Proportional Representation Senator) told journalists that she received the letter of her recall from Parliament alongside her long-time ally Nomvula Mguni (PR) on January 26.

She said she had written to the United Nations protesting her alleged victimisation by the Executive and Legislature.

Khupe was suspended by MDC-T leader Douglas Mwonzora last month before she, in turn, announced that the latter had fired himself from the party after claiming leadership of the MDC Alliance.

Section 129(1)(k) of the Constitution, which talks about recalls of MPs, stipulates that: “The seat of a Member of Parliament becomes vacant if the member (MP) has ceased to belong to a political party of which he or she was a member when elected to Parliament and the political party concerned, by written notice to the Speaker or the Senate president, as the case may be, had declared that member has ceased to belong to it.”

Clerk of Parliament Kennedy Chokuda yesterday declined to comment on Khupe’s issue.

“I was not at her Press conference and I have no comment,” Chokuda curtly said.

Legal expert Jeremiah Bamu said Parliament seemed to be giving one faction power over the other.

“These are clearly two factions of the same party that are fighting over the recall provisions of the Constitution.  Parliament should not interest itself in what happens in political parties. It is not there to give one faction of a party leverage over the other. But regrettably, this is what Parliament seems to be doing,” he said.

“Parliament seems to be furthering the interests of one faction of a political party over the other as opposed to accepting notices from the political party itself. What Parliament ought to say is that unless there is adjudication by the courts as to which one is the legitimate political party, their hands will be tied and therefore cannot accept notice of recall from either of the factions.

“When Parliament resumes sitting, Khupe should attend, but she must first seek to have the communication that she received from the Speaker of the National Assembly (Mudenda) set aside by the  courts on the basis that the Speaker received  notification from a faction of a political party.”

Bamu said the MDC-T had split into two, so one faction could not recall the other faction.

Khupe said her recall was unprocedural.

“My understanding of parliamentary operations is that the Speaker derives his powers from the mace when he is sitting on his chair in the National Assembly and in the presence of sitting MPs because the mace is the symbol of authority of the House, and the Speaker. Without the mace, the House cannot sit and pass laws,” Khupe said.

By A Correspondent- Zanu-PF candidate for the Chitungwiza St Mary’s Parliamentary seat, Nobert Jinkika had to kneel before voters last weekend as he begged for their support during the forthcoming March 26 by-elections.

Jinjika’s is up against main rival Unganai Tarusenga of Citizens Coalition for Change (CCC) candidate and other candidates from different political parties in a race to reclaim the seat which has been in the hands of opposition 2018.

“The reason why we are here is to liberate St Mary’s; we cannot continue to survive under the slavery of the opposition when we live in a liberated Zimbabwe.

“I am kneeling down as I beg for your support to vote for the ruling Zanu-PF party on March 26,” he begged the supporters.

Tarusenga was among more than 40 MDC Alliance MPs that were recalled in 2019 by the Mwonzora led MDC-T.

Jinjika claimed that his proximity to President Emmerson Mnangagwa will ensure that all problems affecting the people of Chitungwiza are addressed.

“We have no representatives that can directly address the needs of the people; the opposition does not have a direct link to the President,” he said.

By A Correspondent- The High Court yesterday dismissed Citizens Coalition for Change deputy chairperson Job Sikhala’s application for removal from remand in a case where he is accused of public incitement.

Sikhala faces charges of incitement to cause public  violence.

In his application, Sikhala had accused magistrate Lazini Ncube of grossly erring by placing him on remand.

But High Court judge Justice David Mangota said Sikhala had a case to answer

“He was properly placed on remand. He should wait for his trial as a result of which he would raise the defence which he sought to rely upon when he challenged his placement on remand. His application for review is dismissed with costs,” Justice Mangota ruled.

“In ruling as I did, I remained persuaded by the need on my part as well as on that of the parties to have the matter decided more on the merits than on a technicality.”

By A Correspondent- An 18 year old Mutoko girl who tried to fix her step father by framing a rape charge was embarrassed  at Mutoko magistrates courts yesterday  after she was convicted of supplying  false information.

Ruvarashe Mashingaidze pleaded guilty to the charge and was lucky to be warned and cautioned  by magistrate Rumbidzai Mhandu.

Prosecutor Richard Mbambe told the court that on 8 September last year Mashingaidze went to a police station in Mutoko and filed a false rape case against  her stepfather Achorford Karimupfumbi.

On February 1 this year Mashingaidze  was summoned at Murewa regional court upon being interviewed by prosecutors she revealed that she wanted to fix Karimupfumbi.

Mashingaidze  was arrested for supplying  false information to the public authority.-newsday

By A Correspondent- Teachers unions yesterday threatened to conduct an online demonstration when schools open on February 7 citing incapacitation. Schools are set to open next Monday for the first term.

In a statement, the Federation of Zimbabwe Educators Union said: “This protest will take place online and for teachers, it will be physical in the aspect of not attending their workstations due to Incapacitation.”

The union said the demonstration would be taken to the doors of their “oppressors masquerading as their employers”, who have all along been ignoring their worsening situation and working conditions.

“This protest is not an action against education, but a direct pledge and point of action to bring back sanity. We encourage people to go online showing messages of dissatisfaction and demands of change by tagging the responsible authorities so that the message reaches their ears.”

Progressive Teachers Union of Zimbabwe president Takavafira Zhou said: “It is dangerous to underestimate the power of hungry and angry teachers. Government insensitivity to the plight of starving teachers and loss of touch with reality in schools is shocking and buffling.”

On Tuesday, Primary and Secondary Education ministry spokesperson Taungana Ndoro said government was unfazed by the teachers’ threats, adding that it was now the norm whenever physical classes resume.

Teachers are demanding a minimum salary equivalent to US$540 which they were getting in 2018.-newsday

By A Correspondent- A-Budiriro man has been arraigned before the courts facing fraud allegations of up to US$20 000 over a botched residential stand deal.

The accused, Godwin Matombo today appeared before Harare magistrate Yeukai Dzuda.  The State opposed bail due to overwhelming evidence presented by investigating police officers on the case.

It is alleged that sometime in January 2020, Matombo and his accomplice, Abigail Mutimutema who is still at large and was employed at Tussle Hill Property placed an advert on her Facebook account advertising residential stands which were for sale in Greendale, Harare.

The complainant in the matter saw the advert and developed interest to purchase the stands, and contacted Mutimutema who confirmed that they were available and cost US$45 000 each.

On the same date, the complainant went to survey the stands in the company of the accused, and chose stand number 804 Greendale, Harare which measured 2600 square metres.

The complainant was informed that the stand belonged to the accused, Matombo.

The complainant negotiated with Mutimutema for a price reduction for the stand, and they agreed on US$32 000 as the final price.

On January 24, 2020,  the complainant made a deposit of US$20 000 for the stand to the accused persons at Mutimutema’s office where she was told that she would be furnished with an offer letter within a week while the balance of US$12 000-00 would be paid within six  months after receipt of the offer letter.

The offer letter was never delivered, and the complainant then requested for a refund from the pair, who failed to do so.

The matter was reported to the police and the total value prejudiced was US$20 000, and nothing was recovered.-newsday

By A Correspondent- Justice minister Ziyambi Ziyambi has refused to gazette a Bill meant to strip the Law Society of Zimbabwe (LSZ) of regulatory powers as sought by a Harare lawyer.

Joshua Chirambwe had approached the High Court seeking an order curtailing the operations of the LSZ. Chirambwe is challenging what he called the LSZ’s dual role of being a regulator and demanding membership fees from its members.

He sought a declaratory relief setting aside sections 58, 64 and 65(1) to (5) of the Legal Practitioners Act as invalid and in violation of the Constitution.

In his application, Chirambwe wanted Ziyambi to repeal the Legal Practitioners Act (Chapter 27:07) and enact in its place a law providing for a regulator of legal practice separate from the lawyers’ association.

In his opposing affidavit, Ziyambi said he had no constitutional obligation to introduce the Bill.

“I have no constitutional obligation to introduce a Bill as is sought by the applicant and consequently this honourable court cannot, therefore, grant the order sought in circumstances where no duty exists or is imposed on me,” Ziyambi said.

“As a member of the Cabinet of Zimbabwe, it is the responsibility of such a Cabinet to initiate and prepare, if it so wishes, a Bill of the nature sought by the applicant. In the event that the Cabinet does not initiate and prepare such a Bill, it is the Cabinet which will resolve that I present the same in Parliament as part of the normal duties of my portfolio in Cabinet, and in terms of the assignment of the administration of the Act in question upon me by the President.”

But Ziyambi said Chirambwe’s argument that there was conflict of interest in LSZ carrying out both regulatory functions and member representation has some merit.

He said: “I find that applicant’s cause of action is essentially that there is a conflict of interest in second respondent carrying out both regulatory function and the functions of member representation which are akin to those of a trade union. I take the view that there is some merit in such a cause of action and in the averments applicant sets out in this regard in his paragraphs.”

Chirambwe cited Ziyambi, LSZ and Attorney-General Prince Machaya as the first to third respondent.

By A Correspondent- Zimbabweans students in neighbouring South Africa have suffered a major blow after Pretoria withdrew a waiver allowing them to apply for permanent residence permits.

Foreign students studying in areas of critical skills could apply for permanent residence before attaining five years post-qualification experience, or without submitting testimonials from employers.

But South African Home Affairs minister Aaron Motsoaledi in a latest circular withdrew the blanket waiver which was granted on April 21, 2016.

In a January 31 Immigration Directive No 2 of 2022, Motsoaledi said students who wished to apply for permanent residence permits, had to comply with the country’s immigration laws.

“By virtue of the power vested in me by section 31(2) of the Immigration Act, 2002, Act No 13 of 2002, I hereby withdraw the blanket waiver which was granted  on April 21, 2016, which waiver allowed foreign graduates at South African tertiary institution that studied towards degrees in the area of critical skills, to apply for a permanent residence permit without the need of first acquiring five years post-qualification experience or the need to submit testimonials from employees,”  the directive read.

This came after Pretoria stopped renewing the Zimbabwean Special Permits (ZEPs) that expired in December last year, and opted to give the permit holders a year to move to other visa regimes or face deportation.

ZEP was introduced in 2009 by then Home Affairs minister Nkosazana Dlamini-Zuma, as a temporary solution to a growing refugee crisis related to Zimbabwe. There are an estimated 180 000 ZEP holders in South Africa.

In December, ZEP holders field urgent court applications to overturn the decision taken by Motsoaledi not to renew their permits. The High Court in Pretoria struck their applications off the roll of urgent matters.

Zimbabwe’s ambassador to South Africa David Hamadziripi yesterday said he would consult staff to assess the impact of Motsoaledi’s latest directive targeting foreign students.

“I have just seen the minister’s directive and it is, obviously, going to affect a lot of Zimbabweans based in South Africa.

“However, I haven’t had the opportunity to meet with my staff to assess the impact of the said directive. We will be convening a meeting with my colleagues so that we come up with an informed opinion on the latest development,” Hamadziripi said.

South African nationals are lobbying for Zimbabwean immigrants to leave that country as they accuse them of stealing their jobs. South Africa has also tightened border control measures to stop illegal immigrants from entering that country.

Analysts said the neighbouring country was putting in place stringent immigration measures to deal with internal political problems ahead of its 2024 elections.

A member of the Parliamentary Portfolio Committee on Higher and Tertiary Education, Daniel Molokela (Citizens Coalition for  Change) said: “We must not be surprised by such measures that are being put in place to stop African immigrants into South Africa. We must actually brace for more measures of the same nature.

“We have in the past years witnessed thousands of Zimbabweans relocating to South Africa and that has created a political crisis for the neighbouring country. The measures are being put in place by the ruling African National Congress (ANC) to solve the crisis ahead of the country’s upcoming polls.”

Some political parties such as ActionSA and the Patriotic Alliance performed well in SA’s November 2021 municipal elections after riding on the anti-immigrant sentiment.

In January, there were reports of xenophobic attacks against Zimbabwean immigrants in areas such as Diepkloof, Rosebank and Turfontein.

Molokela said the influx of immigrants, especially from Zimbabwe “is a reminder to Sadc that the Zimbabwean crisis should be resolved with urgency”.

Political analyst Eiffe Ncube said the new measures against fellow countrymen in South Africa had serious negative effects on the local economy as they contributed significantly through diaspora remittances.

“Every employment policy that is implemented in South Africa, United Kingdom or any other country where Zimbabweans are based will affect our economy because the country is benefiting much from diaspora remittance,” Ncube said.

“The immigration crisis in South Africa is centred on the elections that are due in the country. The ruling party is reacting to the extreme political groupings that have become very sensitive to the continued rise of immigrants in the country. ANC is adopting populist political policies to deal with its rivals and secure victory in the upcoming elections.”

Zimbabweans in South Africa are estimated to be around three million.-newsday

By A Correspondent- Vice President Constantino Chiwenga is divorced from former model Mary Mubaiwa, the High Court has declared.

Justice Owen Tagu made the ruling on Thursday after Chiwenga, on November 24 last year, applied for an order declaring the customary union to have terminated.

Lawyers for the former couple made arguments before the judge last week and judgement was reserved.

Justice Tagu has found in favour of Chiwenga, ruling that the union was terminated when Chiwenga sent his emissary, Zimbabwe’s ambassador to Tanzania, Rtd Major General Anselem Sanyatwe, with US$100 as a token of divorce on November 24, 2019.

Mubaiwa, through her lawyer Beatrice Mtetwa, told the court that she had rejected the token, known in Shona culture as ‘gupuro’, because the United States dollar was not the country’s legal tender.

Justice Tagu said despite Mubaiwa’s arguments, she also accepted that their marriage had met its “demise.” The reason for the collapse of the marriage, which Mubaiwa blamed on Chiwenga, is “irrelevant”, the judge said.

“The application is allowed with costs,” Tagu ruled. “It is declared that by the time proceedings in HC 9837/19 were instituted, the customary union between the parties had ceased to subsist.

“The ancillary issues relating to custody, maintenance and property rights of the parties are stood down for determination at trial, which shall be set down by the defendant as and when she is able to prosecute the matter.”

Chiwenga, through his lawyer Advocate Lewis Uriri, told the High Court that it was taking too long for the divorce hearing to go to trial because of Mubaiwa’s poor health. He asked the court to leave other matters like division of assets and child custody for when Mubaiwa’s health has improved, and to make a determination on the narrow point of whether their marriage was terminated.

Mubaiwa opposed the application, arguing that determining the matter separately this would adversely affect her rights and those of their three children.

The judge said that the trial had not started because of Mubaiwa’s poor health “is public knowledge” and it is “not clear when the trial will take place” and any delays “would inevitably result in prejudice to Chiwenga.”

Justice Tagu added: “Since it is not necessary to prove which spouse was at fault in causing the break-up of the union, there is no link between distribution of the assets and dissolution of the union. Mubaiwa has not provided a reason for arguing that the issues should not be separated.

“The issue of (child) custody does not present any court with insurmountable difficulty as the best interests of the children are the paramount consideration. No cogent basis has been given for opposing the relief sought. In fact Chiwenga would suffer prejudice if the determination of the status of the customary union was held back simply to suit Mubaiwa’s convenience.”

Chiwenga entered a customary union with Mubaiwa in 2012 after he divorced his wife, Jocelyn, and she left her footballer husband Shingi Kawondera.

Meanwhile, a Harare magistrate is expected to deliver judgement on Friday in Mubaiwa’s trial in which she was accused of fraudulently trying to upgrade the customary union to a civil marriage without Chiwenga’s knowledge.

Chiwenga testified as a witness after controversially asking the court to clear the public gallery.-newsday

By-The High Court has ruled that Marry Chiwenga is no longer married to Vice President Constantino Chiwenga.

According to the judgement seen by state media, the marriage between President unregistered customary union between Chiwenga and Mary Mubaiwa ceased to exist more than two years ago when she was given a US$100 divorce token.

However, ancillary matters, which include the financial affairs of maintenance and property division and the custody of children have to still be settled in civil suits which can only be heard when Mubaiwa is able to pursue these.
The marriage between the two was the unregistered customary law union, which was terminated on November 24, 2019 after Mubaiwa was given “gupuro”, a divorce token in the Shona culture, and that was adequate to end the union under customary law and custom.

The ruling yesterday that the marriage ceased to exist at that moment came after Vice President Chiwenga, through his lawyer Advocate Lewis Uriri instructed by Mr Wilson Manase of Manase and Manase, filed an urgent chamber application for an order terminating the customary union between him and Mubaiwa.
Justice Owen Tagu granted the order, but said he confined himself only to the declaration sought in the chamber application, ruling that other ancillary issues ventilated in the main civil case would be decided at the main hearing which is to be heard when Mubaiwa is able to pursue these civil matters.
During the hearing, the judge was confronted with competing arguments, one being for the grant of a declaratory order that the customary union ended on November 24, 2019 and another opposing the relief sought.
Vice President Chiwenga, through his lawyers, argued he gave Mubaiwa a divorce token, thereby terminating the union between them in terms of the African law and custom.

On the other hand, Mubaiwa said the gupuro was given to her in United States currency which she refused to accept as that currency could no longer be lawfully transacted in Zimbabwe.
However, Mubaiwa could not say that the customary union had not ended. On the contrary, she accepted that it had terminated, but blamed her ex-husband for its demise.
After a careful analysis of the submission by both parties’ counsel, Justice Tagu said it was no longer a live issue whether the customary union had ended and Mubaiwa in her own pleadings attested to this. Both parties agree that the union had ended or came to a demise.
Justice Tagu said that Mubaiwa’s concern was one of prejudice that she perceived would accrue to her if the termination of the union was dealt with separately from the ancillary issues.
“She failed to disprove that the union had ended,” said the judge when he declared that “the customary union between the parties had ceased to subsist”.
The ancillary issues relating to custody, maintenance and the property rights of the parties had been stood down for determination at the civil hearings, which would be set down by Mubaiwa as and when she is able to pursue the matter.

On the maintenance issue for either Mubaiwa or children, the court ruled that the considerations were well established in the country’s laws while the issue of custody cannot present the court with an insurmountable difficulty, as the best interests of the children were of paramount consideration.
In the end, the judge found no cogent reasons were given for opposing the order sought.
In fact, the judge, noted that Vice President Chiwenga would suffer prejudice if the determination of the status of the customary union was held back simply to suit Mubaiwa’s convenience.
Justice Tagu also noted that the civil hearings have not started at Mubaiwa’s instance and it was not clear when they occur, ruling the delay would prejudice Vice President Chiwenga.
To this end, the judge saw nothing that could prevent him from granting the order sought.
Mubaiwa, who was being represented by Ms Beatrice Mtetwa, had opposed the application insisting that her customary marriage was terminated and denied she was given the divorce token.
Mr Manase welcomed the court’s ruling saying no marriage existed between the parties as from November 2019 and that this allowed Ms Mubaiwa to pursue the ancillary matters in her own time without using her health as an excuse.

By- The Zimbabwe Electoral Commission (ZEC) said that it is targeting to register at least a million new voters ahead of the 2023 general elections.

Speaking on ZBC News and Current Affairs Online programme, Inside Out, ZEC spokesperson, Joice Leticia Kazembe, said those who turned 18 after the last election should take advantage of the ongoing mobile biometric voter registration blitz and register to vote. Said Kazembe:

Of particular interest to us are the youths the ones that have turned 18 and have not had a chance to register since the number has been growing since the last election.

Even the adults that have not registered should take the opportunity and register because our target is to register one million new voters.

… We have set up an electoral code of conduct that will guide candidates on how they should behave and anyone who is aggrieved can approach the commission and those found wanting will be called in and questioned.

If there are any complaints against one person then action will be taken.

ZEC recently said it will set up more than 2 700 mobile voter registration centres across the country during the first phase of the mobile Biometric Voter Registration (BVR) exercise ahead of the 2023 general elections.

The first phase of the mobile Biometric Voter Registration will run from 1 February to 28 February, while the second phase will be conducted between 10 April and 30 April.

More: ZBC News

By-The Zimbabwe School Examination Council (ZIMSEC) is set to announce the Grade 7 results for 2021 today.

The announcement was made to the state media on Thursday by the Minister of Primary and Secondary Education, Evelyn Ndlovu.

She said:

A statement is due on the status of the 2021 Grade 7 results. I am quite sure that you will hear the Grade 7 results announcement today, and after the statement, we will then give the official opening dates for the Form Ones ourselves.

Last week ZIMSEC spokesperson Nicky Dlamini said the Grade 7 results will be out soon.

More: The Manica Post

By- Watch pictures of Zanu PF youths putting ED Pfeee number plates on cars.

THANK YOU BELOVED! Having true friends who genuinely wish you well is so fulfilling and such a beautiful feeling. Having pillars who stand with you in prayer is such a treasure.

I’m so humbled by your warm and encouraging messages from across Zimbabwe, Africa and the world. I’m now more ready, older and stronger. Energized, thrilled and fired up!

The GREATEST GIFT you can give the nation is registering to vote. #Godisinit

Advocate Nelson Chamisa

Citizens Coalition For Change President

Tinashe Sambiri|Team Pachedu has exposed Zanu PF’s rigging tactics in the rural areas.

According to Team Pachedu, Zanu PF steals elections through assisted voters and stuffing of ballots.

The pressure group argues that massive voter registration will stop the regime from rigging elections.

“Zanupf’s steals Elections via assisted voters and stuffing ballot papers in rural areas with no agents. We know it, ZanuPF can be beaten with a huge turnout, polling agents deployment and a clean voters roll.

Your vote matters, go register & refuse to play into their tactics

Remember this well; Zanu PF does not have the expertise to rig and never fall for that ever! Go register to vote and see how your vote will make the difference in our nation.

Let us know if you need assistance in locating the nearest registration centre,” Team Pachedu said in a statement.

By- Watch pictures of Zanu PF youths putting ED Pfeee number plates on cars.

By-Outspoken Norton member of parliament Temba Mliswa, said the Zanu PF 2023 elections fundraising committee chairman Philip Chiyangwa, was in the habit of deliberately spreading the Human Immune Virus (HIV) to young girls.

Mliswa said this in an audio clip criticising Chiyangwa that went viral early this week.

Mliswa posted on social media saying his only intention was to tell Chiyangwa to stop his habit.

Here is Mliswa’s post:
I have been busy at the farm & returned to the news of a leaked voice note. It should be understood that the audio was between myself & Chiyangwa. It was never meant for the public & it’s being leaked is clearly aimed at tarnishing me after the interview I had with Lance Guma.
About what I said relating to HIV, the point remains that I said it to Chiyangwa telling him to stop the habit of deliberately spreading it to young girls. It was never meant to stigmatise those who are positive. I have nothing against positive people.

My mother was a nurse for many years & conscientised us about the virus. Today I actually have a foundation that assists positive people & I have relatives who have died of it. I understand that there is nothing to shame people about it.
He accused Chiyangwa of leaking the audio as a strategy to have him criticised by members of the public.

By- A delegation of Citizens Coalition for Change (CCC) led by Secretary-General Chalton Hwende yesterday (February 1) failed to solve the Masvingo Urban ward 4 by-election candidate impasse after conducting a meeting.

The team which comprised of Secretary for Local Government Jacob Mafume, Secretary for Rural Mobilisation and Strategy Happymore ‘Bvondo’ Chidziva, local leadership including provincial chairperson Misheck Marava, provincial secretary for elections Godfrey Madzikanda among others was on a mission to allegedly force Thokozile Muchuchuti to withdraw her candidature from ZEC after the party fielded two candidates in the same ward.

The team reportedly met at former ward five and by-election candidate Daniel Mberikunashe’s place at around 1600hours and the meeting ended around 1800hours.
Sources who spoke to TellZim News said the leadership tried to convince Muchuchuti to step down paving way for their favourite Aleck Tabe but she refused to be cowed down saying she could not step down for the second time.
“We thought they have come to do primaries and ask the loser to withdraw but instead, they simply wanted to force Muchuchuti to withdraw. They are just doing it because she is a woman and are not considering that she is the sole female candidate in the four wards up for by-elections in the constituency,” said the source.
In 2018 she won primary elections ahead of the preferred candidate Godfrey Kurauone who went on to take the ward after it was declared to be a reserve for the youth.
This time around she had an upper hand but Tabe was handpicked to contest against her and they refused to do primary elections fearing Muchuchuti’s popularity in the ward.
“Most of the top leadership preferred Tabe and wanted Muchuchuti to step down but they failed and will now present reports to the national leadership which will make a decision on the matter,” said a source.
Another source said Muchuchuti is being backed by Vice President Lynette Karenyi-Kore and former provincial chairperson James Gumbi, current provincial spokesperson Dereck Charamba and majority of the provincial main wing, women and some youths.
On the other hand Aleck Tabe has the blessing of SG Hwende, Happymore ‘Bvondo’ Chidziva, Cecelia Chimbiri and former ward four councillor Godfrey Kurauone.
“Muchuchuti has the support of vice president Kore and Gumbi among others. Gumbi has the financial muscle and is the one financing her campaign. On the other hand, Tabe has Hwende, Chimbiri, Bvondo and Kurauone in his corner that is why he is also defiant,” said the source.
Other sources said they asked her to step down promising her the provincial chairlady post.
Marava and Charamba could not be reached for comments as their mobile phones were not getting through.
Hwende was also not picking up his phone and did not respond to WhatsApp messages.
Muchuchuti however vowed not to withdraw her candidature saying she had endured enough since 2018 and the electorate and her campaign team are urging her not to succumb to the pressure.
“They promised me the provincial chairlady post because there is no one on that post. Also they said at next elections they will appoint me number one provincial councillor.
“I refused to step down because my campaign team has asked me not to withdraw. The electorate needs me so I cannot betray their trust. We have already made flyers, so we are going ahead as planned,” said Muchuchuti.
A number of ward four people who spoke to TellZim News vowed to continue supporting her saying they do not know why the top leadership is anti-women.
“Why are they always asking her to step down when she wins the primaries? They should give those powerful posts they are promising her to the people she defeated. We want her to be our councillor and nothing else,” said one of the residents.
Kurauone is the one influencing the national leadership to support Tabe and last time they also promised her the same but nothing materialised,” said one resident.
The fiasco started on January 26 when the national leadership signed both candidates’ papers for nomination and both sailed through.
It is alleged that some people aligned to Tabe attacked Muchuchuti and took her handbag which contained papers for nomination, and she is reported to have sustained some injuries.

-TellZimNews

By- 10 people were swept away by the hail storm that hit several parts of the country.

Tropical Depression Ana hit Zimbabwe and destroyed homes, crops, schools, and other critical infrastructure.

In Mukumbura, 10 people were swept away with the Government yet to ascertain whether they are Zimbabweans or Mozambicans.
Giving an update on rainfall-related emergencies during the National Civil Protection Committee in Harare yesterday, Department of Civil Protection director, Mr Nathan Nkomo, warned people against crossing flooded rivers.

“As for tropical depression Ana, in a way our preparations have reduced or minimised the damages to property, loss of lives except for the 10 people who drowned in Mukumbura River.
“We are yet to ascertain whether they are Zimbabweans or Mozambicans because Mukumbura River is still flooded and all the bodies were deposited on the Mozambican side,” he said.
Mr Nkomo said they have been advising people along borders not to cross flooded rivers, but the 10 people who lost their lives, could have been part of illegal syndicates that always come up with ways and means of crossing rivers using undesignated places.
“The reason why most of the people do that is because they bring in some illicit brews from Mozambique so they will never use the designated crossing points.

“There is also a need to intensify our surveillance along the border to ensure that we don’t experience that kind of behaviour along our borders,” he said.
Mr Nkomo added that due to the Tropical Depression Ana, in Chimanimani roads and bridges were swept away.
“In Nyanga houses were razed to the ground, but it was Mutasa that bore the greatest brunt. However, partners especially the United Nations High Commission for Refugees, have given some family tents which are being mounted not only in Nyanga, but also in Mbire and Muzarabani.
“As for the refugee housing units, we will also use them to accommodate our teachers in Muzarabani whose houses had their roofs blown off by the strong winds which accompanied Depression Ana,” he said.
Muchira Bridge in Chimanimani’s Ward 22, which connects with Ward 21, was extensively damaged, while 19 houses in Nyanga were damaged due to heavy rains.
Mr Nkomo said the focus now is on Cyclone Batsirai, a name coined by Zimbabwe.

“We have not dismantled our preparations on the ground. All the committees are active because a specific area has not yet been mentioned on how this Cyclone Batsirai is going to affect Zimbabwe.
“We have activated all the 10 provinces so that they gear themselves for any eventuality just in case it visits Zimbabwe,” he said.
The Meteorological Services Department (MSD) head of public weather services, Mr James Ngoma Junior, said they are currently monitoring Cyclone Batsirai which is more intense than tropical storm Ana.
“An intense cyclone is almost like that of Cyclone Idai where wind speeds can go above 160km an hour. Right now it is expected to make landfall over Madagascar about 1 200 kilometres away from Zimbabwe.
“As the name Batsirai suggests, Zimbabwe is supposed to also offer help to our neighbouring countries including Madagascar. When Idai struck, other countries came in and assisted Zimbabwe in different ways. So this call is a call for help for us as a nation to come up and help other countries,” he said.

-Herald

By-The ZPRA Veterans Association has called for security sector reforms so that the country’s security services will not be used by political parties to perpetuate politically-motivated violence in the country.

Zimbabwe is set to hold by-elections on 26 March this year and general elections in 2023. The country has a history of violence during elections.

The appeal from the ex-ZPRA fighters also comes after unknown people bombed a Gukurahundi memorial plaque at Bhalagwe Concentration Camp on 4 January 2022.

The memorial plaque was the third to be vandalised on the same site where two others were previously defaced.

Speaking in an interview with CITE, ZPRA Veterans Association spokesperson, Buster Magwizi, said security sector reform is imperative. He said:

These reforms will change the status quo in the mindset of the security systems, that no one should use violence in Zimbabwe.

We are dismayed and perplexed at the same time at the callous bombing that took place at Bhalagwe where a plaque that had been placed at the mass graves as a result of the Gukurahundi.

Those who bombed the plaque are just showing signs of violence, they are propagating violence, they want to perpetuate violence. We don’t want violence in Zimbabwe, we abhor violence.

All those who are doing that must realise that they are jeopardising the security sector of this country, they are destabilising the security of this country.

… The use of the military, use of the security system, use of the national military, use of the national security system in the use of violence should not be entertained.

Magwizi urged war veterans to desist from victimising the “very same people” they liberated.

More: CITE

By- Reports coming from Bulawayo said that the police in the second capital had summoned several CCC leaders regarding the party’s official by-election campaign launch in the city, which was set for this Thursday.

The launch has since been postponed due to logistical challenges.

The party’s organising secretary and chairperson for Bulawayo province Hellen Mpofu and James Sithole, respectively, were on Wednesday summoned by the police and grilled over the launch.

Speaking in an interview with NewZimbabwe.com, Mpofu said she was summoned to Southampton police headquarters, where officers from the Law and Order Section as well as Police Internal Security Intelligence (PISI) interrogated her. She said:

The police officers subjected me to a barrage of questions including why Chamisa was coming to Bulawayo.

But I openly told the officers that there was nothing sinister or unlawful about the launch since ZANU PF has held recent similar functions in the city without any problems.

I even asked the officers that is CCC now banned in the country because all the parties, including (Douglas) Mwonzora’s party, have been holding meetings without any challenges.

As I speak, I hear Mwonzora’s party will be holding a meeting in the city this week and the police have not said anything.

The party’s Bulawayo province spokesperson Swithern Chirowodza confirmed the developments, adding that the police has warned the party that they will not allow a car rally in Nkulumane.

More: NewZimbabwe.com

By- Bodies of three minors aged between 9 and 13 were found floating in a dam in Mutoko on Sunday.

Police in Mutoko said they had since launched an investigation into the suspected drowning incident that occurred at a dam in Gadzai village near All Souls Mission.
Provincial police spokesperson Inspector Simon Chazovachi said the deceased Hazzel Chinomwe (9), Lucia Yekeye (10) and Audrey Useni (13) went missing on January 30.
According to police, the girls went missing Sunday morning.
At around 10 pm the same day, a search team proceeded to a dam near All Souls Mission where they found their floating bodies.
“Police officers attended the scene where they discovered no injuries on the bodies of Audrey and Hazzel while that of Lucia was bleeding through the genitals.
“The bodies were ferried to All Souls Mission where they were certified dead by the hospital doctor. They are now awaiting post-mortem in the same hospital’s mortuary,” he said.

• Newsday

By-A 34-year-old self-styled Murehwa prophet has been arrested on allegations of stealing a Toyota Belta worth US$4 000, belonging to a client during a cleansing ceremony on a mountain in Mutoko.

Police arrested Micah Chiremba of Chirova Village, Chief Murape, Chinamhora in Murehwa after they had mounted a roadblock along the Harare-Nyamapanda Highway on Tuesday.

Investigations revealed that Chiremba met the victim, a woman at Mutoko Business Centre, after making some arrangements for spiritual deliverance.

The two then drove to Mutemwa Mountain for some prayer sessions where Chiremba later covered the woman with a black and white cloth before ordering her to pray for herself.
He then took advantage of the situation to steal the car keys and a wallet before driving off unnoticed.
Chiremba ferried some passengers, including a police officer in plain clothes at the business centre and drove towards Harare.
The police officer noticed Chiremba’s bad driving and notified detectives from Murehwa who then mounted a roadblock leading to his arrest.

Criminal Investigation Department (CID) spokesperson Detective Inspector Portia Chinho confirmed the arrest.
“On February 1, 2022, the accused person, a self-styled prophet met the complainant at Mutoko Business Centre in fulfilment to their prior arrangements for a spiritual deliverance ceremony. The two, using complainant’s vehicle drove to Mutemwa Mountain and upon arrival, the complainant parked at the foot of the mountain and the two proceeded to the top of the mountain for the prayer sessions.
“The accused person ordered the complainant to remove her shoes and leave her belongings outside the shrine in line with dictates of the shrine. The accused person went on to perform the allegedly spiritual deliverance before covering the complainant with a black and white cloth and ordered the complainant to pray for herself,” she said.
She said while the victim was praying, the accused person sneaked away, searched the complainant’s handbag and stole car keys, a cellphone and a wallet with personal documents.
He proceeded to the parked vehicle and drove off towards Harare.
“Along the way, the accused person picked passengers at Mutoko Business Centre. His driving conduct was bad and this prompted one of the passengers who happened to be a police officer to become suspicious.

“She alerted detectives from CID Murewa who mounted a roadblock and intercepted the vehicle. The accused was arrested and the vehicle recovered. The accused person is set to appear at Murewa Magistrates Court on 03 February 2022,” Detective Insp Chinho said.
She urged members of the public to be wary of criminals who masquerade as self-styled prophets and duping unsuspecting victims of their properties and hard earned cash.

By A Correspondent- CCC President Nelson Chamisa has thanked citizens for sending him birthday wishes.

Chamisa turned 44 Wednesday, and he received thousands of birthday wish messages from all over the world.

In his response to the messages, the youthful opposition leaders said he was humbled and ready to deliver a new Zimbabwe on his Twitter account.

“THANK YOU.Having true friends who genuinely wish you well is so fulfilling &such a beautiful feeling.Having pillars who stand with you in prayers is such a treasure.I’m so humbled by your warm messages from across Zimbabwe,Africa &the world.I’m ready, older & stronger.#Godisinit

By A Correspondent- Secretary for Provincial Affairs and Devolution for Harare Metropolitan Province Tafadzwa Muguti has given unregistered and unlicensed schools and colleges in Harare province until the end of March this year to regularise their operations.

It has emerged that 448 private schools in Harare with a combined enrollment of 22 569 pupils were not registered with the Ministry of Primary and Secondary Education, the Zimbabwe Revenue Authority (ZIMRA) and local authorities.

Muguti directed the schools and colleges to take advantage of the grace period and regularise with the Ministry, ZIMRA and all local authorities. He said:

The office of the Minister of State for Provincial Affairs and Devolution for Harare Metropolitan Province in collaboration with the Ministry of Primary and Secondary Education, Zimbabwe Revenue Authority and local authorities launched a blitz across the province to expose schools and colleges operating without Government licenses, ZIMRA registration and local authority permits.

While the initial list comprised 400 illegal schools and colleges, the blitz managed to identify 448 schools and colleges that did not comply with any Government or local authority requirement.

To date, a total of 320 schools have been shut down due to non-compliance, whilst 273 owners of these illegal institutions have since been arrested and appearing before the courts.

Among other requirements, the schools have to be on premises that are safe and not a health risk and have to follow the national core syllabus although can add other subjects.

By A Correspondent- A sex starved Guruve man is in trouble after he tripped down his neighbour, removed her skirt and failed to remove her panties at their gardens in Mudhindo.

The matter came to light at Guruve magistrates courts yesterday where Linoce Fovhoro pleaded not guilty to indecent assault before magistrate Rumbidzai Mugwagwa.

Prosecutor Albert Charewa alleges on 25 October last year Fivhoro met Lynet Chikanga at their gardens in Mudhindo.

Fovhoro had a misunderstanding with  Chikanga over boundary issues.

Fovhoro suddenly jumped into Chikanga’s field tipped her down, pulled down her skirt before attempting to remove her panties.

Chikanga screamed for help and Fovhoro managed to escape.

A police report was filed at Mudhindo police base leading to the arrest of Fovhoro.

By A Correspondent- Police in Bulawayo said that they have noted a 75 per cent reduction in crimes associated with unregistered motor vehicles and those without number plates such as armed robbery, rape and kidnapping in the past two weeks.

On 15 January, the Zimbabwe Republic Police (ZRP) launched an operation to remove from the country’s roads all unregistered motor vehicles and those without number plates.

Police said some of the vehicles were being used as getaway cars in the commission of dangerous crimes.

ZRP spokesperson in Bulawayo Metropolitan Province, Inspector Abednico Ncube, said:

On average we were receiving four cases of robberies involving unregistered motor vehicles per week. But now we receive just one. During this operation, we almost realised a 75 per cent reduction of similar crimes.

We have seen a reduction of cases involving such vehicles in offences like robberies and rape over the period of this operation.

Inspector Ncube implored the public to desist from boarding unregistered cars and those without number plates as this exposes them to rape, robbery and kidnapping. He said:

Of course, we have received a case of robbery and rape where a woman boarded a motor vehicle going to Southwold, and on the way, she was raped. But generally, the cases have been reduced.

Despite the fact that we have an operation, our members of the public are still supporting these vehicles.

So, we are urging them to cooperate with the police and only use licensed public service vehicles and not pirate taxis.

The ZRP said that 24 355 arrests have been made since the operation started on 15 January.

By- 10 people were swept away by the hail storm that hit several parts of the country.

Tropical Depression Ana hit Zimbabwe and destroyed homes, crops, schools, and other critical infrastructure.

In Mukumbura, 10 people were swept away with the Government yet to ascertain whether they are Zimbabweans or Mozambicans.
Giving an update on rainfall-related emergencies during the National Civil Protection Committee in Harare yesterday, Department of Civil Protection director, Mr Nathan Nkomo, warned people against crossing flooded rivers.

“As for tropical depression Ana, in a way our preparations have reduced or minimised the damages to property, loss of lives except for the 10 people who drowned in Mukumbura River.
“We are yet to ascertain whether they are Zimbabweans or Mozambicans because Mukumbura River is still flooded and all the bodies were deposited on the Mozambican side,” he said.
Mr Nkomo said they have been advising people along borders not to cross flooded rivers, but the 10 people who lost their lives, could have been part of illegal syndicates that always come up with ways and means of crossing rivers using undesignated places.
“The reason why most of the people do that is because they bring in some illicit brews from Mozambique so they will never use the designated crossing points.

“There is also a need to intensify our surveillance along the border to ensure that we don’t experience that kind of behaviour along our borders,” he said.
Mr Nkomo added that due to the Tropical Depression Ana, in Chimanimani roads and bridges were swept away.
“In Nyanga houses were razed to the ground, but it was Mutasa that bore the greatest brunt. However, partners especially the United Nations High Commission for Refugees, have given some family tents which are being mounted not only in Nyanga, but also in Mbire and Muzarabani.
“As for the refugee housing units, we will also use them to accommodate our teachers in Muzarabani whose houses had their roofs blown off by the strong winds which accompanied Depression Ana,” he said.
Muchira Bridge in Chimanimani’s Ward 22, which connects with Ward 21, was extensively damaged, while 19 houses in Nyanga were damaged due to heavy rains.
Mr Nkomo said the focus now is on Cyclone Batsirai, a name coined by Zimbabwe.

“We have not dismantled our preparations on the ground. All the committees are active because a specific area has not yet been mentioned on how this Cyclone Batsirai is going to affect Zimbabwe.
“We have activated all the 10 provinces so that they gear themselves for any eventuality just in case it visits Zimbabwe,” he said.
The Meteorological Services Department (MSD) head of public weather services, Mr James Ngoma Junior, said they are currently monitoring Cyclone Batsirai which is more intense than tropical storm Ana.
“An intense cyclone is almost like that of Cyclone Idai where wind speeds can go above 160km an hour. Right now it is expected to make landfall over Madagascar about 1 200 kilometres away from Zimbabwe.
“As the name Batsirai suggests, Zimbabwe is supposed to also offer help to our neighbouring countries including Madagascar. When Idai struck, other countries came in and assisted Zimbabwe in different ways. So this call is a call for help for us as a nation to come up and help other countries,” he said.

-Herald

By A Correspondent- Former MDC-T deputy president Thokozani Khupe has accused the Government of discrimination after the opposition party was granted the whole $150 million dollars under the Political Parties Finance Act.

Khupe, who was suspended by MDC-T president Douglas Mwonzora before she was eventually expelled from the party and recalled from Parliament, said she has have been discriminated against because of her gender as she is the rigtful beneficiary of the money.

Khupe announced a split of the party on 21 January and subsequently wrote to National Assembly Speaker, Jacob Mudenda, and Justice Minister Ziyambi Ziyambi saying she was the leader of MDC-T hence her faction was eligible to receive funds from Treasury.

Addressing a press conference in Harare on Wednesday, Khupe claimed she is the bona fide leader of the judicially reconstructed party and criticised Mudenda for accepting her recall from Parliament. She said:

I am the leader of the opposition in Parliament. I pleaded with the Minister of Justice (Legal and Parliamentary Affairs) Hon Ziyambi Ziyambi to treat both formations in an equal manner (regarding funds).

Giving money to Mwonzora is unjustified inequality and unfair practice. I have been discriminated against because I am a woman. I am being victimised and cannot breathe.

She said Mwonzora cannot recall her and receive money from Government as he is now the leader of the MDC Alliance.

However, Mwonzora said Khupe was poorly-advised and has “anger management issues”. He said:

Dr Khupe does not know what she is saying. She has anger management issues. Funds for political parties are not disbursed based on the disgruntlement of individuals.

The MDC-Alliance I am leading is not a political party so it is incapable of having a president.

The president of the MDC-T is the leader of the MDC Alliance as was Morgan Tsvangirai, Chamisa, Khupe and now myself.

She does not seem to know she was in Parliament under the MDC-Alliance banner of 2018 after she took over from Thabitha Khumalo. She absolutely has no case. She will not get anything.

The High Court in Bulawayo is today set to hear an application by Khupe challenging Mwonzora’s eligibility to receive the funds.

By A Correspondent- CCC President Nelson Chamisa has thanked citizens for sending him birthday wishes.

Chamisa turned 44 Wednesday, and he received thousands of birthday wish messages from all over the world.

In his response to the messages, the youthful opposition leaders said he was humbled and ready to deliver a new Zimbabwe on his Twitter account.

“THANK YOU.Having true friends who genuinely wish you well is so fulfilling &such a beautiful feeling.Having pillars who stand with you in prayers is such a treasure.I’m so humbled by your warm messages from across Zimbabwe,Africa &the world.I’m ready, older & stronger.#Godisinit

By-Former MDC-T Deputy Prime Minister Thokozani Khupe said she would challenge the decision of MDC-T leader Douglas Mwonzora to recall her from Parliament.

Mwonzora, Wednesday recalled Khupe from Parliament.

Khupe revealed the development while addressing a press conference this Wednesday. She said Senator Mwonzora wrote to Speaker of Parliament Advocate Jacob Mudenda on the 24th of January 2022 notifying him of his intention to recall Khupe. She said she also sent a letter to Mudenda but he ignored the letter. Pindula News presents Khipe’s full statement below:
On the 21st of January 2022, a Split of the Movement for Democratic Change-Tsvangirai occurred. This was as a result of constitutional transgressions. Douglas Mwonzora has for times without number, violated the constitution of the party whereas Article 9.1.2 (a) enjoins the President to uphold and defend the party constitution. It, therefore, follows that the President cannot be at the centre of constitutional transgressions. At the same time, Douglas Mwonzora declared that he was now the leader of MDC Alliance party. This is evidence that we now have two parties, MDC T and the MDC Alliance hence the split.
It was in this vein that l then wrote letters to the Speaker of Parliament and the Minister of Justice on the 24th of January 2022 informing both institutions that the MDC-T party had split into two formations, one led by Dr Thokozani Khupe who is also Leader of the Opposition in the National Assembly and the other led by Douglas Mwonzora, Leader of the Opposition in the Senate and President of the MDC Alliance party. I appealed to the Speaker of the National Assembly and the Ministry of Justice, Legal and Parliamentary Affairs to treat both formations equally and exercise impartiality.
However, to my surprise on the 26th of January 2022, I received a letter from the Speaker of Parliament through a courier, FedEx which was delivered to my house in Bulawayo together with my colleague Nomvula Mguni to the effect that we had been recalled and we were no longer Members of Parliament. I have never heard in the history of Parliament a member being recalled through a letter sent to their home by FedEx at a time when Parliament is not in session.

Parliament will be resuming in a fortnight and you shudder to think why the Speaker of Parliament was in such a hurry to recall me by a letter he wrote whilst sitting in his office and sending it through FedEx. That is unprocedural. My understanding of Parliamentary operations, is that the Speaker derives his powers from the mace when he is sitting on his chair in the House of Assembly and in the presence of seating Members of Parliament because the mace is the symbol of authority of the House and the Speaker. Without the mace, the House cannot sit and pass laws.

On the 24th of January 2022, the Speaker of Parliament received two letters, one from my party and another from Mwonzora’s party. He then decided to ignore my party’s letter and took immediate action on Mwonzora’s party letter of which he subsequently wrote recall letters to us. My letter was reconciliatory because I was pleading with the Speaker of Parliament to exercise impartiality and treat the two parties fairly whereas Mwonzora’s letter was vindictive because he was asking the Speaker of Parliament to recall Nomvula Mguni and myself. Douglas Mwonzora is now President of MDC-Alliance party whereas Honourable Mguni and myself are members of the MDC-T party. It boggles the mind how a leader of another political party can recall members of another party. For example, MDC-T party cannot recall members of PDP neither can they recall members of ZANU-PF.

To make matters worse the Speaker of Parliament in the recall letters he said, I quote, “I must advise that on the 24th of January 2022, I received a notice of recall in terms of section 129 (1) (k) of the Constitution. Accordingly, I must advise that by virtue of Section 129 (1) (k) of the constitution you have seized to be a member of the National Assembly.” My question is which party because the Speaker did not mention the name of the party which gave him those notices.
Previously there are members of Parliament who were recalled because they were accused of being members of MDC-Alliance party. On the country Mwonzora made a public announcement to the effect that he has now formed a new party that is contesting the upcoming by-elections in March under the MDC Alliance banner, whereas this is the reason why other MPs were recalled, it was precisely because they belonged to the MDC Alliance and not MDC-T. Hence the reason why he has expelled himself from the party in terms of the MDC-T constitution, Article 5.10 (a).

Therefore, Douglas Mwonzora has no locus standi of recalling a member of the MDC-T because he is now a member and the leader of the MDC- Alliance. This clearly demonstrates the bias, impartiality and inconsistence by the Speaker of Parliament.
Splits in the Movement for Democratic Change are not a new phenomena. The first split happened in 2005 between the late Gibson Sibanda, Deputy President and the late Morgan Tsvangirai, the President.
Parliament recognized and respected both formations and accepted the status quo. Both formations were allowed to co-exist and they co-existed until the end of their term of office in 2008.
This is where my issue of victimization and discrimination is derived from.
Two men split in 2005 and they were allowed to co-exist by this same institution.
A woman and a man have split in 2022 that is Thokozani Khupe and Douglas Mwonzora. The Speaker of Parliament then decides to favour Douglas Mwonzora over me without even considering calling both parties to the table for a discussion. Truly speaking this is glaring evidence of inequality, discrimination and victimisation.

There is no provision in the Standing Rules and Orders where the Speaker of Parliament is supposed to supervise political parties and adjudicate when they have a dispute.
The Speaker of Parliament in this instance received two letters on the same day and almost at the same time, but alas he decided on which formation was legitimate, l wonder where he got those powers from.
The Speaker of Parliament knew very well that Mwonzora had declared that he was now leader of the MDC Alliance party and that he was going to participate in the by-elections under the MDC Alliance party. There is evidence for all to see because his candidates for the March 26 2022 by-elections have registered under MDC Alliance. This is the same party whose MPs were recalled from Parliament because they had seized to be members of the MDC-T.
The Speaker of Parliament in his wisdom disregarded that and decided to take sides with another man. As a woman, I strongly feel victimised and discriminated against at the highest level.

As if that was not enough, the Minister of Justice equally decided that the Political Parties Grant will go to Mwonzora. Again, l wonder where the Minister of Justice derives his powers from to decide on which formation is legitimate as l also wrote a letter to him advising him on the new developments in the party and pleaded with him to treat both formations in a fair and just manner.
In 2014, the MDC-T split again and this time it was between the late Morgan Tsvangirai, President and Tendai Biti, the Secretary-General. Political Parties funds were split between the two formations.
In 2022, the same MDC-T party has split between Thokozani Khupe, Deputy President and Douglas Mwonzora, President but the sad reality is that the Minister of Justice wants to give the full amount to Mwonzora and one shudders to think why.
When it was Morgan Tsvangirai and Tendai Biti the money was divided into two but this time around because it is Thokozani Khupe, a woman and Mwonzora, a man, the Minister of Justice wants the full amount to go to Mwonzora. Surely what can one call this other than seeing it as an unjustified inequality and an unfair practice.
In these two instances l have been discriminated against because I am a Woman.
It is very clear that when it comes to my case, there is selective application of rules and regulations. When it was Morgan Tsvangirai and Gibson Sibanda they were both respected and treated with impartiality. Again when it was Tendai Biti and Morgan Tsvangirai they were respected and treated with impartiality.
This time around it is Thokozani Khupe and Douglas Mwonzora and both the Speaker of Parliament and the Minister of Justice have decided to side with another man, Mwonzora for no apparent reason.
In my view, these institutions, namely the Executive and the Legislature are not exercising impartiality and colluding against me with regards to this matter.
As women in the political arena in this country we have been victimised and discriminated against for times without number and time has come for women to rise and say this far and no further. Our voices are being silenced and we are being disempowered.
I met with Women’s Organisations to tell them our story of victimisation and discrimination just because of our gender. I am being suffocated and I Can’t Breathe.
At the same time, l have written to the United Nations Secretary-General H.E. Antonio Guterres, the UN Women Executive Director Dr. Sima Sami Bahous, the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights H.E Michelle Bachelet, the Inter-Parliamentary Union President Honourable Duarte Pacheco, the Pan-African Parliament and Madam Bineta Diop, Special Envoy of the Chairperson of the African Union Commission on Women, Peace and Security so that they see the amount of victimisation and discrimination against women by the Executive and the Legislature.
I am therefore calling upon the Executive to Stop discrimination against women. By the same token, l am calling upon the legislature to Stop discrimination against women. I am saying this with a heart which is bleeding because I am a victim of discrimination by these pillars of the State. Women and men must be treated with dignity, respect and equality because we are all equal in the eyes of the Lord, therefore we must all be equal in the eyes of the Law.
I would like to conclude by calling on Women’s organizations and women at large to rise and fight with me this deadly Pandemic called Victimization and Discrimination against women in politics. l am going to fight to the finish. I will fight discrimination against women with the last drop of my tears. I will fight discrimination against women with the last drop of my sweat. I will fight discrimination against women with the last drop of my blood, not just for myself but for young women who should not be intimidated but should be inspired to commit without shame in the politics of this country and help shape their destinies.
I rest my case.
Dr Thokozani Khupe
2 February 2022

By-MDC-T leader Douglas Mwonzora has left his former Deputy Prime Minister Thokozani Khupe crying after he recalled him from Parliament.

Khupe revealed the development while addressing a press conference this Wednesday. She said Senator Mwonzora wrote to Speaker of Parliament Advocate Jacob Mudenda on the 24th of January 2022 notifying him of his intention to recall Khupe. She said she also sent a letter to Mudenda but he ignored the letter. Pindula News presents Khipe’s full statement below:
On the 21st of January 2022, a Split of the Movement for Democratic Change-Tsvangirai occurred. This was as a result of constitutional transgressions. Douglas Mwonzora has for times without number, violated the constitution of the party whereas Article 9.1.2 (a) enjoins the President to uphold and defend the party constitution. It, therefore, follows that the President cannot be at the centre of constitutional transgressions. At the same time, Douglas Mwonzora declared that he was now the leader of MDC Alliance party. This is evidence that we now have two parties, MDC T and the MDC Alliance hence the split.
It was in this vein that l then wrote letters to the Speaker of Parliament and the Minister of Justice on the 24th of January 2022 informing both institutions that the MDC-T party had split into two formations, one led by Dr Thokozani Khupe who is also Leader of the Opposition in the National Assembly and the other led by Douglas Mwonzora, Leader of the Opposition in the Senate and President of the MDC Alliance party. I appealed to the Speaker of the National Assembly and the Ministry of Justice, Legal and Parliamentary Affairs to treat both formations equally and exercise impartiality.
However, to my surprise on the 26th of January 2022, I received a letter from the Speaker of Parliament through a courier, FedEx which was delivered to my house in Bulawayo together with my colleague Nomvula Mguni to the effect that we had been recalled and we were no longer Members of Parliament. I have never heard in the history of Parliament a member being recalled through a letter sent to their home by FedEx at a time when Parliament is not in session.

Parliament will be resuming in a fortnight and you shudder to think why the Speaker of Parliament was in such a hurry to recall me by a letter he wrote whilst sitting in his office and sending it through FedEx. That is unprocedural. My understanding of Parliamentary operations, is that the Speaker derives his powers from the mace when he is sitting on his chair in the House of Assembly and in the presence of seating Members of Parliament because the mace is the symbol of authority of the House and the Speaker. Without the mace, the House cannot sit and pass laws.

On the 24th of January 2022, the Speaker of Parliament received two letters, one from my party and another from Mwonzora’s party. He then decided to ignore my party’s letter and took immediate action on Mwonzora’s party letter of which he subsequently wrote recall letters to us. My letter was reconciliatory because I was pleading with the Speaker of Parliament to exercise impartiality and treat the two parties fairly whereas Mwonzora’s letter was vindictive because he was asking the Speaker of Parliament to recall Nomvula Mguni and myself. Douglas Mwonzora is now President of MDC-Alliance party whereas Honourable Mguni and myself are members of the MDC-T party. It boggles the mind how a leader of another political party can recall members of another party. For example, MDC-T party cannot recall members of PDP neither can they recall members of ZANU-PF.

To make matters worse the Speaker of Parliament in the recall letters he said, I quote, “I must advise that on the 24th of January 2022, I received a notice of recall in terms of section 129 (1) (k) of the Constitution. Accordingly, I must advise that by virtue of Section 129 (1) (k) of the constitution you have seized to be a member of the National Assembly.” My question is which party because the Speaker did not mention the name of the party which gave him those notices.
Previously there are members of Parliament who were recalled because they were accused of being members of MDC-Alliance party. On the country Mwonzora made a public announcement to the effect that he has now formed a new party that is contesting the upcoming by-elections in March under the MDC Alliance banner, whereas this is the reason why other MPs were recalled, it was precisely because they belonged to the MDC Alliance and not MDC-T. Hence the reason why he has expelled himself from the party in terms of the MDC-T constitution, Article 5.10 (a).

Therefore, Douglas Mwonzora has no locus standi of recalling a member of the MDC-T because he is now a member and the leader of the MDC- Alliance. This clearly demonstrates the bias, impartiality and inconsistence by the Speaker of Parliament.
Splits in the Movement for Democratic Change are not a new phenomena. The first split happened in 2005 between the late Gibson Sibanda, Deputy President and the late Morgan Tsvangirai, the President.
Parliament recognized and respected both formations and accepted the status quo. Both formations were allowed to co-exist and they co-existed until the end of their term of office in 2008.
This is where my issue of victimization and discrimination is derived from.
Two men split in 2005 and they were allowed to co-exist by this same institution.
A woman and a man have split in 2022 that is Thokozani Khupe and Douglas Mwonzora. The Speaker of Parliament then decides to favour Douglas Mwonzora over me without even considering calling both parties to the table for a discussion. Truly speaking this is glaring evidence of inequality, discrimination and victimisation.

There is no provision in the Standing Rules and Orders where the Speaker of Parliament is supposed to supervise political parties and adjudicate when they have a dispute.
The Speaker of Parliament in this instance received two letters on the same day and almost at the same time, but alas he decided on which formation was legitimate, l wonder where he got those powers from.
The Speaker of Parliament knew very well that Mwonzora had declared that he was now leader of the MDC Alliance party and that he was going to participate in the by-elections under the MDC Alliance party. There is evidence for all to see because his candidates for the March 26 2022 by-elections have registered under MDC Alliance. This is the same party whose MPs were recalled from Parliament because they had seized to be members of the MDC-T.
The Speaker of Parliament in his wisdom disregarded that and decided to take sides with another man. As a woman, I strongly feel victimised and discriminated against at the highest level.

As if that was not enough, the Minister of Justice equally decided that the Political Parties Grant will go to Mwonzora. Again, l wonder where the Minister of Justice derives his powers from to decide on which formation is legitimate as l also wrote a letter to him advising him on the new developments in the party and pleaded with him to treat both formations in a fair and just manner.
In 2014, the MDC-T split again and this time it was between the late Morgan Tsvangirai, President and Tendai Biti, the Secretary-General. Political Parties funds were split between the two formations.
In 2022, the same MDC-T party has split between Thokozani Khupe, Deputy President and Douglas Mwonzora, President but the sad reality is that the Minister of Justice wants to give the full amount to Mwonzora and one shudders to think why.
When it was Morgan Tsvangirai and Tendai Biti the money was divided into two but this time around because it is Thokozani Khupe, a woman and Mwonzora, a man, the Minister of Justice wants the full amount to go to Mwonzora. Surely what can one call this other than seeing it as an unjustified inequality and an unfair practice.
In these two instances l have been discriminated against because I am a Woman.
It is very clear that when it comes to my case, there is selective application of rules and regulations. When it was Morgan Tsvangirai and Gibson Sibanda they were both respected and treated with impartiality. Again when it was Tendai Biti and Morgan Tsvangirai they were respected and treated with impartiality.
This time around it is Thokozani Khupe and Douglas Mwonzora and both the Speaker of Parliament and the Minister of Justice have decided to side with another man, Mwonzora for no apparent reason.
In my view, these institutions, namely the Executive and the Legislature are not exercising impartiality and colluding against me with regards to this matter.
As women in the political arena in this country we have been victimised and discriminated against for times without number and time has come for women to rise and say this far and no further. Our voices are being silenced and we are being disempowered.
I met with Women’s Organisations to tell them our story of victimisation and discrimination just because of our gender. I am being suffocated and I Can’t Breathe.
At the same time, l have written to the United Nations Secretary-General H.E. Antonio Guterres, the UN Women Executive Director Dr. Sima Sami Bahous, the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights H.E Michelle Bachelet, the Inter-Parliamentary Union President Honourable Duarte Pacheco, the Pan-African Parliament and Madam Bineta Diop, Special Envoy of the Chairperson of the African Union Commission on Women, Peace and Security so that they see the amount of victimisation and discrimination against women by the Executive and the Legislature.
I am therefore calling upon the Executive to Stop discrimination against women. By the same token, l am calling upon the legislature to Stop discrimination against women. I am saying this with a heart which is bleeding because I am a victim of discrimination by these pillars of the State. Women and men must be treated with dignity, respect and equality because we are all equal in the eyes of the Lord, therefore we must all be equal in the eyes of the Law.
I would like to conclude by calling on Women’s organizations and women at large to rise and fight with me this deadly Pandemic called Victimization and Discrimination against women in politics. l am going to fight to the finish. I will fight discrimination against women with the last drop of my tears. I will fight discrimination against women with the last drop of my sweat. I will fight discrimination against women with the last drop of my blood, not just for myself but for young women who should not be intimidated but should be inspired to commit without shame in the politics of this country and help shape their destinies.
I rest my case.
Dr Thokozani Khupe
2 February 2022

By- Zanu PF youth league has threatened violence ahead of the March 26 by-elections.

The party youths who endorsed the candidature of President Mnangagwa for the 2023 presidential elections Wednesday said they would do so as a way of defending the revolution.

The league said it was strategising and mobilising party structures to deliver victory for the party in the upcoming by-elections and, ultimately, 2023 harmonised elections.

They also said they would embark on a process to inculcate party values to the youth by working with the Chitepo School of Ideology.

“In the upcoming by-elections, we believe in protecting and defending the revolution. We will support our leader President Mnangagwa,” said Cde Yeukai Simbanegavi, the league’s spokesperson.

By A Correspondent- Zim Dancehall artiste Seh Calaz, real name Tawanda Mumanyi has endorsed CCC President Nelson Chamisa.

Calaz endorsed Chamisa through a tweet wishing the opposition leader a happy birthday.

Chamisa turned 44 years, Wednesday.

In his birthday wish message to Chamisa, Calaz claimed that the 44-year-old politician was the one tasked with bringing salvation to Zimbabwe.
He posted:
I would like to wish @nelsonchamjsa, Happy Birthday to the man with the task of securing a future for our generation and our children. May the Lord bless you with wisdom and patience and a long memory that will always remember how our generation suffered.#Shotreipapo.

By A Correspondent- A distinguished Zimbabwean specialist physician Dr Tapiwanashe Bwakura considered a “gentle giant in the field of medicine” has died.

His colleagues in the medical fraternity said Dr Bwakura died on Sunday morning (January 30) in South Africa where he was being treated for cancer.

Dr Bwakura was a renowned physician and teacher in the field of medicine for several years.

Southern Africa HIV and AIDS Information Dissemination Service (SAFAIDS) hailed Dr Bwakura for his immense contribution to the healthcare delivery system in Zimbabwe and Africa as a whole.

“A gallant physician, educator, gentleman and humanitarian has left us,” the regional NGO said in a statement.

“Dr Tapiwanashe Bwakura, our dear colleague, mentor, brother and friend…served on the SAfAIDS board of trustees for many years. He was a long-standing friend and ally of SAfAIDS.

“Dr Bwakura was a renowned physician and educator in the field of medicine. His clinical expertise, academic, research and specialist services contributed to improving the lives of a large populace in Zimbabwe and other parts of Africa. Above all, he was an authentic humanitarian – both in heart and practice.”

Dr Bwakura served as acting CEO of one of the country’s major referral centres – Sally Mugabe Central Hospital (formerly Harare Hospital) and as secretary-general of the Zimbabwe Medical Association (Zima).

The specialist physician also held a position in the National Physicians Association of Zimbabwe (NAPAZ) and was a member of the College of Surgeons of East, Central, & Southern Africa (COSECSA).

He was a foundational pillar at UZ Medical School where he trained numerous generations of medical students, residents and fellows.

Apart from training students, Dr Bwakura also cared for thousands of patients at his private surgery.

“His deep empathy, sincere care and attention for the well-being of his patients and their families, his students and mentees, extended to all with whom he interfaced professionally and socially,” SAfAIDS said.

“His kindness and generosity, keen intellect, hearty laughter and love for humour, sober engagement with his profession, dedication to family and warmth to friends and colleagues alike, are among the many rich attributes that weave the tapestry of his legacy.

“We will forever cherish his example of service and sacrifice.”

-Herald

D.O.B 3am 02-02-78.
@44 Wisdom, blessings and honor come from You,Oh God.And You reign over all. In Your hand is power and might;In Your hand it is to make great And to give strength to all.I thank You for this life. And praise Your glorious name.All Glory be to you!
Leadership is a precious gift and special assignment from you, Our God.

Fellow Citizens, Authority comes from above. So, help me pray for wisdom, humility and the grace to lead, serve and take care of the stewardship of all HIS business and creation on this earth.

May I fulfill my mission and faithfully answer to my calling, being a true example of love.May God’s purpose be my compass.

God willing, my cherished desire is to one day sing hymns and psalms, even have all night prayers at and from state house.

With God all things are possible. So help me God! Be blessed! @Godisinit

By- Zanu PF youth league has threatened violence ahead of the March 26 by-elections.

The party youths who endorsed the candidature of President Mnangagwa for the 2023 presidential elections Wednesday said they would do so as a way of defending the revolution.

The league said it was strategising and mobilising party structures to deliver victory for the party in the upcoming by-elections and, ultimately, 2023 harmonised elections.

They also said they would embark on a process to inculcate party values to the youth by working with the Chitepo School of Ideology.

“In the upcoming by-elections, we believe in protecting and defending the revolution. We will support our leader President Mnangagwa,” said Cde Yeukai Simbanegavi, the league’s spokesperson.

By-MDC-T leader Douglas Mwonzora has recalled former Deputy Prime Minister Thokozani Khupe from Parliament.

Khupe revealed the development while addressing a press conference this Wednesday. She said Senator Mwonzora wrote to Speaker of Parliament Advocate Jacob Mudenda on the 24th of January 2022 notifying him of his intention to recall Khupe. She said she also sent a letter to Mudenda but he ignored the letter. Pindula News presents Khipe’s full statement below:
On the 21st of January 2022, a Split of the Movement for Democratic Change-Tsvangirai occurred. This was as a result of constitutional transgressions. Douglas Mwonzora has for times without number, violated the constitution of the party whereas Article 9.1.2 (a) enjoins the President to uphold and defend the party constitution. It, therefore, follows that the President cannot be at the centre of constitutional transgressions. At the same time, Douglas Mwonzora declared that he was now the leader of MDC Alliance party. This is evidence that we now have two parties, MDC T and the MDC Alliance hence the split.
It was in this vein that l then wrote letters to the Speaker of Parliament and the Minister of Justice on the 24th of January 2022 informing both institutions that the MDC-T party had split into two formations, one led by Dr Thokozani Khupe who is also Leader of the Opposition in the National Assembly and the other led by Douglas Mwonzora, Leader of the Opposition in the Senate and President of the MDC Alliance party. I appealed to the Speaker of the National Assembly and the Ministry of Justice, Legal and Parliamentary Affairs to treat both formations equally and exercise impartiality.
However, to my surprise on the 26th of January 2022, I received a letter from the Speaker of Parliament through a courier, FedEx which was delivered to my house in Bulawayo together with my colleague Nomvula Mguni to the effect that we had been recalled and we were no longer Members of Parliament. I have never heard in the history of Parliament a member being recalled through a letter sent to their home by FedEx at a time when Parliament is not in session.

Parliament will be resuming in a fortnight and you shudder to think why the Speaker of Parliament was in such a hurry to recall me by a letter he wrote whilst sitting in his office and sending it through FedEx. That is unprocedural. My understanding of Parliamentary operations, is that the Speaker derives his powers from the mace when he is sitting on his chair in the House of Assembly and in the presence of seating Members of Parliament because the mace is the symbol of authority of the House and the Speaker. Without the mace, the House cannot sit and pass laws.

On the 24th of January 2022, the Speaker of Parliament received two letters, one from my party and another from Mwonzora’s party. He then decided to ignore my party’s letter and took immediate action on Mwonzora’s party letter of which he subsequently wrote recall letters to us. My letter was reconciliatory because I was pleading with the Speaker of Parliament to exercise impartiality and treat the two parties fairly whereas Mwonzora’s letter was vindictive because he was asking the Speaker of Parliament to recall Nomvula Mguni and myself. Douglas Mwonzora is now President of MDC-Alliance party whereas Honourable Mguni and myself are members of the MDC-T party. It boggles the mind how a leader of another political party can recall members of another party. For example, MDC-T party cannot recall members of PDP neither can they recall members of ZANU-PF.

To make matters worse the Speaker of Parliament in the recall letters he said, I quote, “I must advise that on the 24th of January 2022, I received a notice of recall in terms of section 129 (1) (k) of the Constitution. Accordingly, I must advise that by virtue of Section 129 (1) (k) of the constitution you have seized to be a member of the National Assembly.” My question is which party because the Speaker did not mention the name of the party which gave him those notices.
Previously there are members of Parliament who were recalled because they were accused of being members of MDC-Alliance party. On the country Mwonzora made a public announcement to the effect that he has now formed a new party that is contesting the upcoming by-elections in March under the MDC Alliance banner, whereas this is the reason why other MPs were recalled, it was precisely because they belonged to the MDC Alliance and not MDC-T. Hence the reason why he has expelled himself from the party in terms of the MDC-T constitution, Article 5.10 (a).

Therefore, Douglas Mwonzora has no locus standi of recalling a member of the MDC-T because he is now a member and the leader of the MDC- Alliance. This clearly demonstrates the bias, impartiality and inconsistence by the Speaker of Parliament.
Splits in the Movement for Democratic Change are not a new phenomena. The first split happened in 2005 between the late Gibson Sibanda, Deputy President and the late Morgan Tsvangirai, the President.
Parliament recognized and respected both formations and accepted the status quo. Both formations were allowed to co-exist and they co-existed until the end of their term of office in 2008.
This is where my issue of victimization and discrimination is derived from.
Two men split in 2005 and they were allowed to co-exist by this same institution.
A woman and a man have split in 2022 that is Thokozani Khupe and Douglas Mwonzora. The Speaker of Parliament then decides to favour Douglas Mwonzora over me without even considering calling both parties to the table for a discussion. Truly speaking this is glaring evidence of inequality, discrimination and victimisation.

There is no provision in the Standing Rules and Orders where the Speaker of Parliament is supposed to supervise political parties and adjudicate when they have a dispute.
The Speaker of Parliament in this instance received two letters on the same day and almost at the same time, but alas he decided on which formation was legitimate, l wonder where he got those powers from.
The Speaker of Parliament knew very well that Mwonzora had declared that he was now leader of the MDC Alliance party and that he was going to participate in the by-elections under the MDC Alliance party. There is evidence for all to see because his candidates for the March 26 2022 by-elections have registered under MDC Alliance. This is the same party whose MPs were recalled from Parliament because they had seized to be members of the MDC-T.
The Speaker of Parliament in his wisdom disregarded that and decided to take sides with another man. As a woman, I strongly feel victimised and discriminated against at the highest level.

As if that was not enough, the Minister of Justice equally decided that the Political Parties Grant will go to Mwonzora. Again, l wonder where the Minister of Justice derives his powers from to decide on which formation is legitimate as l also wrote a letter to him advising him on the new developments in the party and pleaded with him to treat both formations in a fair and just manner.
In 2014, the MDC-T split again and this time it was between the late Morgan Tsvangirai, President and Tendai Biti, the Secretary-General. Political Parties funds were split between the two formations.
In 2022, the same MDC-T party has split between Thokozani Khupe, Deputy President and Douglas Mwonzora, President but the sad reality is that the Minister of Justice wants to give the full amount to Mwonzora and one shudders to think why.
When it was Morgan Tsvangirai and Tendai Biti the money was divided into two but this time around because it is Thokozani Khupe, a woman and Mwonzora, a man, the Minister of Justice wants the full amount to go to Mwonzora. Surely what can one call this other than seeing it as an unjustified inequality and an unfair practice.
In these two instances l have been discriminated against because I am a Woman.
It is very clear that when it comes to my case, there is selective application of rules and regulations. When it was Morgan Tsvangirai and Gibson Sibanda they were both respected and treated with impartiality. Again when it was Tendai Biti and Morgan Tsvangirai they were respected and treated with impartiality.
This time around it is Thokozani Khupe and Douglas Mwonzora and both the Speaker of Parliament and the Minister of Justice have decided to side with another man, Mwonzora for no apparent reason.
In my view, these institutions, namely the Executive and the Legislature are not exercising impartiality and colluding against me with regards to this matter.
As women in the political arena in this country we have been victimised and discriminated against for times without number and time has come for women to rise and say this far and no further. Our voices are being silenced and we are being disempowered.
I met with Women’s Organisations to tell them our story of victimisation and discrimination just because of our gender. I am being suffocated and I Can’t Breathe.
At the same time, l have written to the United Nations Secretary-General H.E. Antonio Guterres, the UN Women Executive Director Dr. Sima Sami Bahous, the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights H.E Michelle Bachelet, the Inter-Parliamentary Union President Honourable Duarte Pacheco, the Pan-African Parliament and Madam Bineta Diop, Special Envoy of the Chairperson of the African Union Commission on Women, Peace and Security so that they see the amount of victimisation and discrimination against women by the Executive and the Legislature.
I am therefore calling upon the Executive to Stop discrimination against women. By the same token, l am calling upon the legislature to Stop discrimination against women. I am saying this with a heart which is bleeding because I am a victim of discrimination by these pillars of the State. Women and men must be treated with dignity, respect and equality because we are all equal in the eyes of the Lord, therefore we must all be equal in the eyes of the Law.
I would like to conclude by calling on Women’s organizations and women at large to rise and fight with me this deadly Pandemic called Victimization and Discrimination against women in politics. l am going to fight to the finish. I will fight discrimination against women with the last drop of my tears. I will fight discrimination against women with the last drop of my sweat. I will fight discrimination against women with the last drop of my blood, not just for myself but for young women who should not be intimidated but should be inspired to commit without shame in the politics of this country and help shape their destinies.
I rest my case.
Dr Thokozani Khupe
2 February 2022

By- Tourists and some residents have been trapped in the Mana Pools National Park after the recent heavy rains extensively damaged access bridges leading to the UNESCO World Heritage site.

Food and fresh water supplies have since been affected, The Mirror reports.

Heavy rains experienced last week saw the first bridge along the Harare-Chirundu Highway being damaged.

The damaged bridges are Rukomechi, Marongora and Chemitsi.

Hurungwe District Development officer Mr Andrew Tizora said some of the people trapped in the area were evacuated by boat on Tuesday, while helicopters were needed to access the area. He said:

The heavy rains led to the destruction of bridges in Mana Pools while some people were booked at the three camps in the area. The situation is so bad that we cannot even assess the extent of damage and the assistance required without the use of helicopters.

We got information this afternoon (yesterday) that some of the people were evacuated by boat through the Zambezi River. However, there are still some people who need to be removed from the area until the situation and infrastructure improves.

A District Civil Protection Committee is monitoring the situation to make recommendations on how best the affected area can be assisted.

Efforts are underway to restore access to Karibaand Gache Gache, which were cut off following rockfalls that covered the Charara-Makande Road at the Jonga Mountain.

Mana Pools National Park is home to diverse wildlife including lions, hippos, elephants, buffaloes and small game. 

More: The Mirror