By Wilbert Mukori- There have been many golden opportunities to end the Zanu PF dictatorship in the last 41 years; the only reason the regime is still in office and lording over us is because the nation has had the great misfortune of having corrupt and breathtakingly incompetent opposition who Mugabe and now Mnangagwa has found easy to trick.
Let’s face it, Zanu PF thugs have run rings round the opposition; instead of the opposition ending the Zanu PF dictatorship, they are the ones keeping Zanu PF in power and frustrating the fight for free, fair and credible elections.
“We the citizens will fight Zanu PF together with Chamisa. For your own info Zanu PF is nothing in 2023 we will vote Zanu PF out and nothing will happen Zanu PF will just hand over power if it refuses we do not care we will put in power the person that won the elections. We are ready this time around we will defend our vote and we do not care with Charamba and ED hallucinations. 2023 Amadlaaaaaa ngawethu uuuu.” Argued Abednico Mweembe Mweembe, a well-known ardent Chamisa chete, chete supporter.
Mweembe Mweembe, is but a representative sample of the hundreds of thousands of the atypical MDC members out there; all naïve and gullible idiots whose brain has all but ossified into fatty tissue. Their minds are now impermeable to reason, truth or reality.
Nelson Chamisa and his MDC friends have been on the national political stage for 21 years, 5 of which in the GNU, and yet have failed to bring about even one democratic change. They had many opportunities to bring about change especially during the 2008 to 2013 GNU when they wasted the five years with their snouts in the feeding trough and forgot about implementing the reforms.
Like it or not Chamisa and company have proven beyond all reasonable doubt that they are corrupt and breathtakingly incompetent. This must all be obvious to all by now but not to the likes of Mweembe Mweembe; one must spell it all out again and in detail.
In March 2008 Zimbabweans went out in droves and voted for Morgan Tsvangirai and his MDC friends – I would argue out of desperation, the nation would have voted for a donkey just to rid themselves of Robert Mugabe and his dictatorship. Tsvangirai garnered 73% of the vote, by Mugabe’s own Freudian slip.
Mnangagwa and his Joint Operations Command (JOC) cronies ordered ZEC to stop announcing the results and after six weeks of cooking up the results; Tsvangirai’s 73% had been whittled down to 47%, just enough to force a run-off.
We will not bother ask Mweembe Mweembe why he and his friends did not “put Tsvangirai in power the person that won the March 2008 elections?” We know this the usual MDC grandstanding and posturing, and we should just continue with the narrative.
The 2008 run-off was all about Zanu PF punishing the people of Zimbabwe for daring to reject Mugabe and the party in the March vote. The party launched military style Operation “Mavhotera papi” (Whom did you vote for!) deploying the war veterans and green bombers to destroy property, harass, beat, and rape whilst the heavy-duty stuff of abducting and killing was left to the Army, Police, CIO and Prison Service personal as directed by Mnangagwa and JOC.
“What was achieved by the bullet cannot be undone by the ballot!” thundered Robert Mugabe as befitting Operation Mavhotera papi commander-in-chief!
Not even SADC leaders, who had in the past endorsed Zanu PF’s rigged elections, would recognise Mugabe and Zanu PF as the legitimate government after the blatant cheating and wanton violence of the 2008 elections. SADC leaders forced Mugabe to agree on the need to implement a raft of democratic reforms to ensure future elections are free, fair and credible.
The primary purpose of the 2008 to 2013 GNU was to implement the democratic reforms to stop a repeat of the blatant cheating and wanton violence of the 2008 elections. And it was left to Morgan Tsvangirai and his MDC friends to implement the reforms.
Robert Mugabe, the cunning dictator had no trouble conning the MDC simpleton into believing MDC leaders were now fully fledged members of the Zimbabwe ruling elite therefore entitled to all the trappings of high office. With their snouts in the feeding trough 110 MPs, 45 senators, 20 ministers, 2 Deputy Prime Ministers and Prime Minister Tsvangirai himself, all forgot about implementing the reforms for the next five, FIVE, years!
As for Abednico Mweembe Mweembe and the rest of MDC wildebeest herd have never understood what the GNU was about, even now with the benefit of hindsight and the multitude of articles, etc. explaining the GNU was about implementing reforms to guarantee free, fair and credible elections.
When SADC leaders realised that no reforms were implemented, they wanted the 2013 elections to be postponed to allow reforms to be implemented BEFORE elections. “If you take part in next month’s elections, you will lose; the elections are done!” they told Tsvangirai and company to their faces. The warning was plain and blunt!
As we all know, MDC leaders not only participated in the 2013 elections which Zanu PF blatantly rigged but went on to repeat the same foolishness in 2018 with the same result. And right now, Chamisa and company are gearing to contest the 2023 elections knowing fully well that with no reforms Zanu PF will blatantly rig the elections as before.
As long as Zanu PF retains its carte blanche powers to rig election, to overhaul a 73% opposition victory if need be, Mnangagwa knows he will never ever lose an election. The very fact that the opposition, even with all the evidence of Zanu PF’s limitless powers to rig elections, still believe Zimbabwean elections are the normal A vs B equal contest is a measure of just how gullible and easy to trick, “facilius fallere”, MDC leaders are.
Even after 41 years of rigged elections Chamisa is still banking on his solid plan of Winning In Rigged Election (WIRE) strategies. The very idea of accepting that Zanu PF should be allowed any power to rig elections is irrational; why bother coming up with the rules on elections or anything at all if Zanu PF is allowed to disregard the rules with no consequences.
Of course, it is foolish that WIRE strategies should be used as an excuse failing to implement the reforms and worse still for participating in flawed elections.
Chamisa and his all the opposition opportunists have participated in Zimbabwe’s flawed elections because Zanu PF has offered a few gravy train seats to entice them to participate. Mnangagwa has since added very generous POLAD perks to all those who participated in the 2018 presidential rat race and publicly indorsed his legitimacy.
Political legitimacy must be based on winning the majority votes in a free, fair and credible election process and not on the number of opposition opportunists bribed to participate in the flawed and illegal process. The challenge is to expose the grandstanding of the opposition opportunists whose continued participation in flawed and illegal elections is giving vote rigging Zanu PF some modicum of political legitimacy.
“In 2023 we will vote Zanu PF out and put winner into power!” This is just cheat talk, Tsvangirai won 73% in March 2008, who stopped you putting him into power? Without implement the reforms to take away Zanu PF’s excessive dictatorial powers, the same will happen again in 2023.
Zimbabwe Lawyers for Human Rights (ZLHR) has asked authorities at Fatima High School in Lupane in Matabeleland North province to release examination results for two students, which they are withholding as a way to induce payment of outstanding school fees.
School authorities had been withholding Ordinary and Advanced Level examination results for Wellington Nyoni, who wrote his examinations in 2015 and 2017 respectively and Ordinary Level examination results for Sithembinkosi Ndlovu, who sat for her examination in 2016 claiming that the students’ parent Fransisca Ncube and guardian Lochi Stephen Ndlovu, who are liberation war veterans had not paid up school fees and yet all along the children’s school fees was being paid by government.
Upon being engaged by Prisca Dube of ZLHR, Fatima High School Headmaster only identified as B Moyo advised the human rights lawyer that he was not aware of the matters and requested that both Nyoni and Ndlovu should report at the school and see him personally to have the issues resolved.
Over the years, ZLHR has resorted to using litigation in order to compel several school authorities to release examination results which they would have withheld in order to induce parents and guardians to pay outstanding schools and thereby impede the progress of students to pursue their educations desires.
In 2018, the then High Court Judge Justice Nicholas Mathonsi declared as unconstitutional the practice by some school authorities of withholding examination results for students as a way to induce payment of outstanding school fees.
Justice Mathonsi ruled that the refusal by authorities at Ihlathi High School in Bulawayo to release Ordinary Level examination results of a student over non-payment of school fees is unlawful and unconstitutional as infringes on the student’s constitutional rights enshrined in section 75 and section 81 of the Constitution.
By A Correspondent-Zanu PF President, Emmerson Mnangagwa has come face to face with the MDC-Alliance President Nelson Chamisa, who is also here for the inauguration of President-elect Hakainde Hichilema’s swearing-in ceremony.
Hichilema takes the oath of office today in front of several regional opposition leaders he did invite for the event.
Mnangagwa and Chamisa arrived yesterday for the event.
Chamisa’s invitation to Hichilema’s swearing-in ceremony is the first in post-colonial Southern Africa, where an opposition party leader attends the inauguration of a head of state.
By A Correspondent- Zambia’s incoming president Hakainde Hichilema sent dozens of invitations to foreign leaders for his today’s inauguration and broke the old tradition by inviting opposition leaders from Zimbabwe, Tanzania, and Botswana – among other African countries – to come along.
Hichilema was a perennial opposition challenger since his first run for president in 2006, and he forged alliances with several opposition parties in the region, including Zimbabwe’s Movement for Democratic Change (MDC), which said it was inspired by his landslide victory at the sixth time of asking.
MDC leader Nelson Chamisa was set to arrive in the Zambian capital Lusaka shortly after midday on Monday. Botswana’s president Mokgweetsi Masisi, meanwhile, gave a lift on his presidential jet to opposition rival, Dumelang Saleshando.
The United Party for National Development (UPND) on Monday said its decision to invite incumbent leaders and the opposition “is sending a very strong message not just in Zambia but across Africa that we must do away with the politics of division based on opposing views.”
Writing on Twitter last Saturday, UPND spokesman Joseph Kalimbwe said: “My support for the struggles of friends and comrades across our continent [Zimbabwe, Namibia, Tanzania – Africa] is unwavering – it will not stop. They chose the hard path of supporting our UPND struggles when others refused to associate with us in the opposition.”
Gift Ostallos Siziba, the secretary general of the MDC Youth Assembly, travelled to Zambia at the weekend at the invitation of the UPND.
Zimbabwe’s ruling Zanu PF party has been touchy over the MDC’s close relations with the UPND. President Mnangagwa said last week that “if anyone dreams of what happened in Zambia crossing over here, they must wake up and brew beer, ancestral spirits have deserted you.”
Chamisa said Hichilema’s victory had reignited their determination to remove Zanu PF from power.
“It started in Malawi and swept into Zambia and now we can smell the sweet scent here in Zimbabwe. It is coming,” Chamisa said. AFP
By A Correspondent- The Zimbabwe Tourism Authority (ZTA) has retired its chief executive, Karikoga Kaseke.
In a statement, Monday ZTA board said Kaseke had been retired on medical grounds. Below is the ZTA statement on Kaseke’s retirement. The Board of Directors of the Zimbabwe Tourism Authority wishes to advise the tourism industry and all stakeholders that Dr Karikoga Kaseke has been retired from the post of Chief Executive of the Zimbabwe Tourism Authority after a long period of indisposition. Dr Kaseke fell ill in November 2018 and has not been well since then. His retirement followed the recommendations of a medical Board and is effective 01 July 2021. Dr Kaseke served the organization as its Chief Executive from June 2005 up until his retirement. The Board and indeed everyone had hoped for his recovery and we continue to pray for the restoration of his health. Dr KK, as he is affectionately known, will be sadly missed in the Zimbabwe Tourism Authority in particular and the tourism industry as a whole, both locally and beyond our borders. Allow me to thank the Kaseke family, industry, and all our stakeholders for the support and cooperation given to the Zimbabwe Tourism Authority and Dr KK during these past two years. We would like to kindly request you to continue with your support and cooperation as we recruit a new Chief Executive for the organization.
Hanzi ne boys ririkumusha kwedu, chopper yanga ina ED yaita crash kwaChingwere but ED vabuda vakarakurwa nechimwe. But masoja vange varipo vakatya kuti vatore mapikicha.
EcoCash, Zimbabwe’s largest mobile money platform, will adjust its transactional charges by an average 10 percent next month after obtaining the greenlight from regulatory authorities.
The company, which last reviewed its charges at the beginning of the year – January – will marginally increase its charges effective September 19, 2021.
According to a price schedule published on the company’s website and social media pages at the weekend, EcoCash subscribers will soon be paying an extra $1.37 when sending $100 to a registered user, up from the previous charge $8.01.
Consumers buying ZESA electricity tokens using EcoCash, or paying for goods valued at $100, will pay an additional $1.24 and $1.20, up from $7.76 and $7.71 respectively from September 19 onwards.
The schedule reveals that there will, however, be no additional changes on all transactions above $3 000, with users continuing to pay 1.91 percent for sending money and 1.85 percent for making bill and merchant payments. But subscribers will now be required to part with $18.37 more when transferring amounts between $2 000 and $2 499.00.
Transactions above $500, as in previous tariffs reviews, will continue to attract the statutory two percent Intermediated Money Transfer Tax.
There was no immediate comment from the company on the price adjustment, coming at a time the prices of goods and services in the country have more than doubled in the nine months since EcoCash’s last tariff review.
The EcoCash tariff schedule made no reference to the $5 000 daily transaction limit imposed on mobile money transactions in May 2020.
Although the monetary authorities last year promised to review the EcoCash weekly limit of $35 000 “continuously, in line with the requirements and convenience of the transacting public”, there has so far not been any changes made to the transaction limits.- The Herald
By A Correspondent- Zanu PF has directed several internet services providers to give the party free internet services during its October conference.
Zanu PF is this year because of the Covid-19 pandemic. It will hold its annual conference online, with a small number of people gathering at Bindura University of Science Education (BUSE) in Mashonaland province.
Provincial delegates will virtually attend the meeting from different centres where large television screens will be mounted.
Matebeleland North minister of State for Provincial Affairs and Devolution Richard Moyo, sold the ruling party’s plot out when he summoned representatives of mobile network services providers in Bulawayo to attend the province’s conference preparatory meeting last week.
The meeting was held on Friday at the party’s Lupane offices.
“On the 11th of August 2021, Minister Moyo wrote a letter to our organization inviting us to a Zanu PF congress planning meeting at the party’s offices in Lupane. The meeting was held on Friday,” a source who attended the meeting said.
Moyo is also Zanu PF ‘s Matebeleland North provincial chairperson.
According to Moyo’s letter some of the mobile network service providers who were invited to Friday meeting include TelOne, NetOne, Telecel, Transmedia and Econet.
Representatives of state broadcaster ZBC, Ministry of Information, Broadcasting and Publicity and Lupane State University also attended the meeting.
“Of all the invited companies, only Econet did not attend. During the meeting, the party requested free services for the event. Each and every company was assigned a role to play in the installation of high powered internet services at the congress‘s provincial venue,” another source said
A SENIOR player at Highlanders says the situation at the Bulawayo-based football club is now dire amid revelations that a number of players are considering leaving over unpaid salaries.
The Highlanders players last received their salaries in May and two days ago, veteran goalkeeper Ariel Sibanda announced he was quitting the club on Facebook.
Sibanda yesterday refused to shed light on his earlier announcement.
However, another senior player, who chose to remain anonymous said the club leadership was not being honest to them.
“The problem with the situation at Highlanders is that those people (management) are not being honest, they don’t communicate and they don’t even check on us. You can imagine how players feel. Three months without a salary is a long time. We have been patient hoping that maybe they will change, but they have just gone quiet on us. Maybe they are comfortable with the way things are,” the senior player said.
He said the executive has been misrepresenting facts to the media.
“What pains most is that there is no communication. You would rather have someone communicating and telling you lies, at least you would think they care. But there has been no message, no phone call in three months. They have just been quiet. And then they give the wrong impression to the media. Someone will today say we have raised so much and the next day someone else denies. The way the situation has been handled is way out of line. Imagine how we have been surviving in the last there months,” he said.
“If I wake up tomorrow and say I am quitting, I will be victimised. We have sacrificed for Highlanders. We could have been at Chicken Inn or FC Platinum, but we chose Highlanders. As players, we have tried our best, but are they taking care of us?”
Highlanders players embarked on an industrial action over unpaid salaries in May and following the Footballers’ Union of Zimbabwe intervention, they received their salaries plus US$70 on top, with the club promising to pay the foreign currency quota later.
Sources say they were each paid the US$70 last week.
Last month after the Chibuku Super Cup was suspended, they staged a sit-in at the club offices for June salaries and demanded to meet chairman Johnfat Sibanda, without success.
Most clubs have been struggling to survive without sponsors as most rely on gate-takings.
Highlanders lost their NetOne sponsorship deal last year and have been depending on well-wishers and have appealed to the corporate world, members and supporters to come to the club’s rescue.- NewsDay
French Ligue 1 side Lyon has reached an agreement to sign Xherdan Shaqiri from Liverpool.
Les Gones will pay a transfer fee of £9.5m ($13m) once the midfielder passes his medical on Monday morning.
The club confirmed the news in a statement: “Olympique Lyonnais is pleased to have finally reached an agreement in principle with Liverpool for the transfer of the Swiss international midfielder, Xherdan Shaqiri, who was a key figure for his country at this summer’s European Championship.
“Shaqiri, who is encouraged by the OL project, will arrive in Lyon tonight where he will be welcomed by Juninho. The finalisation of the transfer remains conditional on the result of the medical examination that the player will pass this Monday morning and the finalisation of the last administrative formalities.”
Shaqiri joined the Reds in 2018 and went on to appear 45 times for the club. He will link up with Zimbabwean striker Tinotenda Kadewere who is in the books of Lyon.- Soccer24 Zimbabwe
Tinashe Sambiri|Zimbabwe Election Advocacy Trust has challenged government to fund voting processes in the country.
The trust also accused government of deliberately cutting funding to key institutions that run elections.
See statement below: Zimbabwe Election Advocacy Trust would like to express its displeasure at Finance Minister Prof Mtuli Ncube for deliberately paralyzing state institutions by inadequately funding them.
As an election watchdog, we would also want to take a swipe at the National Assembly for its sterile and inept attitude.
The National Assembly plays a key role in both formulation and passing of the budget.By approving an inadequate budget it proved to be careless and useless.
As elections draw close, it is imperative for the treasury to avail funds to critical institutions like Zimbabwe Electoral Commission and the Registrar General’s Office so that they smoothly run and implement their operations.
Elections are the lifeblood of any democracy and underfunding them is akin to denying citizens of their fundamental rights.
ZEAT calls upon the treasury to release funds for by elections in both national and local authority.
There are over 100 vacancies that emanated from either recalls and deaths and these need to be replaced through by elections.
This negligence by the treasury is unconstitutional and morally bankrupt.
ZEAT has of late seen the government purchasing vehicles and financing less important institutions and this amounts to misplaced priorities are mischief.
We call the ministry of finance to order and abide and uphold the constitution.
By A Correspondent- A Mberengwa man has been arrested for killing his elder brother over a witchcraft dispute.
Midlands Provincial police spokesperson Emmanuel Mahoko said the gruesome offence was committed by Ndabazawo Msipa last Friday.
It is said the now deceased Takaruvinga Gumbo (60), armed with an axe and stick, proceeded to Msipa homestead and accused him of bewitching him.
A heated confrontation then ensued, resulting in Gumbo attempting to wield the axe on his younger brother.
However, the older Gumbo came second best as he was overpowered by Msipa, who allegedly seized the axe and hacked him, resulting in his instant death.
“Msipa overpowered, disarmed and assaulted the brother (Gumbo) using the same weapons Takaruvinga had wanted to use. Msipa has since been arrested and investigations are currently underway,” Mahoko said.
In another incident, a man from Zvishavane Amon Mapingire (34) was beaten to death by workers at a milling plant following an attempted break in.
“Amon Mapingire on 16 August 2021 at about 03:00hrs accompanied by yet other unknown men broke into a milling plant complex in Zvishavane allegedly with an intention to steal. They were disturbed in the act and fled. Employees of the company persued the intruders and caught up with Mapingire and took turns to assault him indiscriminately all over the body. The company management later took him to the police where he died on the way,” Mahoko said.
Following these incidences, police are urging people not to take the law into their own hands.
Hanzi ne boys ririkumusha kwedu, chopper yanga ina ED yaita crash kwaChingwere but ED vabuda vakarakurwa nechimwe. But masoja vange varipo vakatya kuti vatore mapikicha.
Director for Bulawayo City Health Services Dr Edwin Sibanda has advised members of the public to ensure that they have not contracted Covid-19 before getting the vaccine.
Dr Sibanda made these remarks on “Surviving Covid-19 “, an Asakhe online show, where he was giving a general update on the vaccination program being undertaken in the city.
He said getting vaccinated when you are not feeling well makes it difficult to tell whether the vaccine is responsible for the health condition or not.
He explained that in the case where someone gets sick after getting vaccinated, health experts write a report explaining what would have caused the reaction.
He said this is the protocol with all vaccination programs done in the country.
Dr Sibanda further advised that those who would have contracted the virus should wait for 30 days after recovery before getting the vaccine.
Dr Sibanda noted that the response from the people for the vaccine has improved as more people are now turning up for the dose.
He said health workers are now overwhelmed with work as they get up to at least 500 people needing the vaccine per day.
According to the latest Ministry of Health and Child Care Covid-19 report, 2 312 417 people have received their first dose while 1 460 162 have been fully vaccinated.
Other things to consider By World Health Organisation (WHO): The COVID-19 vaccines are safe for most people 18 years and older, including those with pre-existing conditions of any kind, including auto-immune disorders. These conditions include hypertension, diabetes, asthma, pulmonary, liver and kidney disease, as well as chronic infections that are stable and controlled.
If you are pregnant and you are already breastfeeding, you should continue after vaccination.- CITE
POLICE in Marondera have launched a manhunt for a man who allegedly raped a 15-year-old girl he had lured with the promise of a job.
Lincoln Ngonidzashe (21) of Finvara Farm, in rural Marondera, is on the police wanted list after allegedly raping the juvenile after claiming that he could secure her a job as a housemaid in Harare.
Mashonaland East provincial police spokesperson Simon Chazovachii confirmed the case. “Police is currently looking for the suspect in connection with rape allegations. The suspect is still at large.
We are appealing to anyone who might have information that may lead to the arrest of the suspect to alert the nearest police station,” he said.
According to police, on August 10, the suspect went to the girl’s house and told her mother that he had relatives who needed a housemaid in Harare.
On the same day, at around 630pm, the suspect then took the girl to his house on the pretext that they were to travel early the next day. He, however, raped her once during the night.
The girl then told her mother the following day about the rape and she filed a police report. Police attended the scene, but failed to locate the suspect.
The girl was taken to Marondera Provincial Hospital for medical examination. -Newsday
A Harare man, who forged the signature of Lands and Agriculture minister Anxious Masuka on a fake offer letter and duped an unsuspecting farm seeker of US$2 000, was slapped with a two-year jail term yesterday.
Bright Murandamaoko (45) pleaded guilty when he appeared before Harare magistrate Judith Taruvinga.
The State proved that sometime in June this year, the complainant, Rudolf Jingo, was introduced to Murandamaoko by a neighbour, Ernest Muchenya.
Murandamaoko lied to Jingo that he was an official from the Lands ministry and that he could facilitate the allocation of a piece of land for his brother Epthon Jingo for a fee.
The complainant applied for land on behalf of his brother and Murandamaoko demanded US$2 000 which Jingo paid in instalments of US$500.
Murandamaoko originated a document with a fake government logo and forged Masuka’s signature. On August 19, upon receipt of the fake offer letter, Jingo approached National Land Inspectorate offices for verification.
A trap was set after Murandamaoko called Jingo to demand a balance of US$500. When the police arrested Murandamaoko, they recovered date stamps, for Mashonaland East, Mashonaland Central and Mashonaland West provinces.
Also recovered were two date stamps for the Lands, Agriculture and Rural Resettlement ministry headquarters. Of the US$1 500, US$1 260 was recovered. -Newsday
Tinashe Sambiri|MDC Alliance leader President Nelson Chamisa has challenged SADC to stop the rigging of elections in the region.
Speaking during a discussion programme on SABC on Sunday, President Chamisa expressed concern at the failure by SADC to resolve disputes emanating from electoral fraud.
According to President Chamisa, State institutions are expected to play a neutral role in electoral processes.
“The Zambian election has reminded us that institutions matter.
Democracy is not about individuals but recognising and acknowledging the choice of citizens.
The key is institutions accepting and supporting those choices.
If they work, good. If they don’t, the people will say no, let’s give others a chance,” said President Chamisa.
He added:” Our duty is to work towards uniting the continent. We salute the pioneers of the liberation struggle across the continent.
Our task is to fulfil the promises and objective of the struggle for freedom from colonial rule.
The bullet should not suppress the ballot.We are proud of what happened in Zambia. We view the victory as a major breakthrough for democracy.”
Tinashe Sambiri|MDC Alliance leader President Nelson Chamisa has challenged SADC to stop the rigging of elections in the region.
Speaking during a discussion programme on SABC on Sunday, President Chamisa expressed concern at the failure by SADC to resolve disputes emanating from electoral fraud.
According to President Chamisa, State institutions are expected to play a neutral role in electoral processes.
“The Zambian election has reminded us that institutions matter.
Democracy is not about individuals but recognising and acknowledging the choice of citizens.
The key is institutions accepting and supporting those choices.
If they work, good. If they don’t, the people will say no, let’s give others a chance,” said President Chamisa.
He added:” Our duty is to work towards uniting the continent. We salute the pioneers of the liberation struggle across the continent.
Our task is to fulfil the promises and objective of the struggle for freedom from colonial rule.
The bullet should not suppress the ballot.We are proud of what happened in Zambia. We view the victory as a major breakthrough for democracy.”
Tinashe Sambiri|MDC Alliance Youth Assembly official, Arnold Batirai-Dube has blasted the Zanu PF leader Emmerson Mnangagwa for speaking as if Zimbabwe is his personal property.
Speaking in Mutare last week, Mr Mnangagwa said those who dream of removing him from power through elections should wake up and brew beer to cleanse themselves.
Batirai-Dube, who is also a Councillor in Bulawayo has described Mnangagwa as a desperate man seeking to discourage young people from voting.
“Mr Mnangagwa needs to be reminded bluntly that he does not own Zimbabwe.
His remarks are meant to discourage citizens from voting in numbers.
Mr Mnangagwa cannot personalize State institutions at will.While he can take full of control of his wife Auxillia, he cannot dream of ruling Zimbabwe forever.
Our message to Mr Mnangagwa is clear, he does not possess the country’s title deeds,” said Batirai-Dube.
“Mr Mnangagwa cannot stop the people’s struggle.The man’s dearth of wisdom is shocking,” added Batirai-Dube.
Tinashe Sambiri|The MDC Alliance Namibia’s Diaspora Rural Mobilization Initiative will focus on Zanu PF strongholds.
The mobilization initiative will stretch to Uzumba, Maramba and Pfungwe areas respectively.
Read statement below:
Mdc Alliance Namibia District successfully launched its Diaspora Rural Mobilisation initiative- twinned Uzumba, Maramba and Pfungwe ahead of 2023 elections!
22 August 2021
Yesterday, social democrats in Namibia converged in Windhoek, to deliberate on the way forward ahead of 2023 elections.
The Mdc Alliance Namibia led by the dynamic and religious leader President Advocate Nelson Chamisa gathered to embrace the #CitizensConvergenceForChange.
The pragmatic Secretary General Hon Charlton Hwende addressed the elated crowd at Katutura Youth Centre. He emphasised the need to employ participatory democracy as the panacea to socio-economic transformation.
Hon Hwende reiterated that although, social media cannot be underestimated, the leadership must be able to bring real figures of registered voters for 2023.
The District jubilated and gyrated hysterically in uncontrollable gusto appreciating the colourful gesture from our diligent Secretary General who could not stammer when responding to the burning questions from the membership.
Hon Charlton Hwende addressed change seekers and encouraged each of us to actively take part in the national democratic revolution through mobilising and recruiting only ten (10) close family members who will register and vote for change in Zimbabwe. The leadership made it clear that it is the duty of the diasporas to monitor and remind their relatives to play the self-emancipation role.
It was great to hear from the energetic Secretary General that the diaspora has a very fundamental role to play.
It did not appear difficult for the open-minded and objective Secretary General to admit that family members listen to each other more than what they do when politicians approach them. The political idea immediately became the darling of social democrats in Namibia.
Moreover, inspired by the enticing revolutionary message from Mambo Hwende, Mdc Alliance Namibia members under the impressive leadership of Elisha Chambara who chairs the district swiftly adopted Uzumba, Maramba and Pfungwe as their partner/twin towards 2023 harmonised elections.
We pledged to work towards a Presidential Fund to turn the tables in the supposed Zanupf stronghold. The District targets R900 000 for the remaining 18 months before elections in Zimbabwe.
Social democrats committed and dedicated themselves to contributing R50 per month until 2023. The District realised its potential to recruit at least 1000 members who will assist them to achieve their objective to avert rigging in this constituency.
The donated loot will finance our election agents in 2023; buy food for our polling agents; make banners; fliers,sponsor projects and other things that can motivate and convince our people in Uzumba, Maramba and Pfungwe to realise our full potential to put the economy on sounder footing.
Social democrats in Namibia who subscribe to the #ReformAgenda are confident that Zanupf looters’ claimed influence in this area has come an abrupt end. Rundu Branch Spokesperson Robson Ruhanya added that all external assemblies in the diaspora should also locate their election twins especially in worst performing provinces such as Masvingo: Chiredzi, Zaka East, Mwenezi etc.
The diaspora must present their financial and material support to these constituencies. I urge the Mdc Alliance USA , Australia, Germany, United Kingdom, South Africa, Zambia , Botswana only to mention but a few to smell the coffee and commence to identify their partners to twin.
Furthermore, the ardent Mdc Alliance Namibia Rundu Branch Secretary General, Simbarashe Ndoda echoed that our party leadership in Uzumba, Maramba and Pfungwe should be more visible on the ground. He stressed that the party should religiously consider leaders who come from the branches to represent them as election candidates to ensure openness and transparency in the democratic establishment . It was fascinating to hear the call for unity and strength of purpose in our leaders. The membership grinned from ear to ear when the articulate Hwende Mambo made it categorically clear that Zanupf has employed its ghost accounts on Facebook to generate confusion. Members resolved to adopt a pro-active approach by also setting agendas than to be easily swayed by Zanupf and their surrogates.
In a nutshell, Mdc Alliance Namibia District salutes the Secretary General, Hon Charlton Hwende for the solidarity and courtesy visit. The Mdc Alliance Namibia Rundu Branch WA Secretary General , Tarisai Nhira stressed the dire need for the organic International Secretary General and other leaders to visit branches in Namibia as part of mobilisation, recruitment and radicalisation of the base.
Tinashe Sambiri| MDC Alliance vice president Professor Welshman Ncube has said he will never abandon the people’s struggle.
According to Professor Ncube, the Zanu PF regime is desperate to dismantle the popular movement.
“The agents of the regime deployed everywhere including among us are on a roll with FAKE & UTTERLY FALSE stories & Facebook & Twitter accounts. ” I am going nowhere. I stand with Nelson Chamisa, Tendai Biti and Lynette Kore in the fight 4 the people. The MDC Alliance is my home,” Professor Ncube wrote on Twitter.
The agents of the regime deployed everywhere including among us are on a roll with FAKE & UTTERLY FALSE stories & Facebook & Twitter accounts. I am going nowhere. I stand with Nelson Chamisa, Tendai Biti and Lynette Kore in the fight 4 the people. The MDC Alliance is my home.
Last week Zanu PF agents claimed Professor Ncube was no longer part of the MDC Alliance.
MDC Alliance Secretary General Hon Charlton Hwende also took a swipe at Zanu PF moles for seeking to disrupt the people’s struggle.
Below is Hon Hwende’s statement:
Constructive criticism makes us better leaders. I always read everycriticism and insult directed at me as a person and the Office of the Secretary General which I lead.
I also don’t respond because I understand the frustration but of late some stories being peddled on Twitter are outright lies created to cause disunity, suspicion and division.
A case in point is the story that VP Welshman Ncube has left the MDC Alliance. The VP is busy on the ground directing and supervising party programs. I speak to him daily because he is my immediate supervisor as he is charged with supervising Party Administration.
Another one is the lie that some people want to expel the Youth Secretary Cde Gift Ostallos Siziba . We are busy recruiting and registering people to vote and such stories help in promoting apathy which benefits Zanupf.
We are a United team focused on removing Zanupf and it’s corrupt leadership. My appeal to the people is that if you have any suggestion or strategy to help the party and the struggle please inbox me or call me on my number 0777772275.
By A Correspondent-Zanu PF President, Emmerson Mnangagwa has trailed the MDC-Alliance President Nelson Chamisa, who arrived in Zambia this evening for the inauguration of President-elect Hakainde Hichilema’s swearing-in ceremony.
Hichilema will take an oath of office tomorrow in front of several regional opposition leaders he did invite for the event.
President Mnangagwa arrived in Zambia after Chamisa had already touched down.
Chamisa’s invitation to Hichilema’s swearing-in ceremony is the first in post-colonial Southern Africa, where an opposition party leader attends the inauguration of a head of state.
By A Correspondent- A Zimbabwean man based in the United Kingdom has been jailed for raping several young girls.
Simba Masvaure (44), sentenced to 15 years in prison for the rape offences.
In a Facebook post Northampton police said Masvaure abused children for 12 years.
“A man who sexually abused several children in Northampton over 12 years has been jailed for his crimes,” the police said.
The officer who led the investigation Detective Constable Kirstie Brooks, of Northampton-shire Police’s Child Protection Team, said it was pleasing to see Masvaure behind bars where he belongs.
“His offending was nothing short of evil as he abused and manipulated his victims for years, causing them to live in fear and stealing the innocence of childhood from them forever.
“Even when confronted with the evidence of his crimes, he refused to admit what he had done and instead put his victims through the further agony of a 10-day trial, but happily the jury saw through his repeated lies and rightly convicted him.
“Throughout this complicated investigation and court case, his victims have shown fortitude and strength beyond their years. Their bravery and courage in speaking out and giving evidence is boundless and I hope this sentence provides them with some closure and a sense of justice,” Brooks said.
By A Correspondent- Zanu PF 2023 Elections Fundraising committee chairman Phillip Chiyangwa has caused the arrest of over 20 people for invading his Sinoia Citrus Estates near Chinhoyi town.
The alleged invaders have since appeared before magistrate Melody Rwizi facing charges of contravening Section 3(i)(4) of the Gazetted Land (Consequential Provisions) Act chapter 20:28 of 2006, which pertains to “occupation of gazetted land without lawful authority”.
The presiding magistrate, however, referred the defective docket back to police on Thursday so amendments could be made.
Rwizi instructed police to amend paragraph two of the state outline, which states that Chiyangwa is the complainant when, in actual fact, the complainant should be the ministry of Agriculture, Lands and Rural Resettlement mandated with powers to parcel out land.
The magistrate also noted on the return docket: “May you also record a witness statement from Maxwell Muwondori as he is a witness in the matter in his capacity as district lands officer. Phillip Chiyangwa is an informant and not complainant.”
The state case, led by Review Nikisi is that on 18 June 2004, Subdivision 1 of Sinoia Citrus Estates located in Makonde district was gazetted by government under Order 117 of the Government Gazette.
After gazetting of the farm, Chiyangwa was allocated the land and issued with an offer letter, before taking occupation of the said property
By A Correspondent- Opposition MDC-Alliance President Nelson Chamisa has arrived in Lusaka, Zambia, ahead of President-elect, Hakainde Hichilema’s inauguration tomorrow.
Posting on his Twitter handle Monday evening, Chamisa said what happened in Zambia would happen back home in 2023.
“Lusaka here we come!Thank you Zambia… A New Dawn!!”.
By A Correspondent- Zanu-PF secretary for youth in Nyama district in Guruve, ward one Fladdy Mutinha has clashed with Chief Chipuriro who is reportedly invading villagers’ properties.
Speaking to a local publication he said,” Chief Chipuriro is targeting Zanu-PF youths and our properties are being taken without concrete evidence.”
He added that last week the chief advanced to their Penrose farms.
Village head Wellington Chiparanyanga confirmed that the terror continues for tobbaco farmers as the chief demands properties or money for cutting trees.
Contacted for comment Chief Chipuriro’s spokesperson one Chiunda denied the allegations that the chief is evading people’s properties.
“Those are mere lies nothing like that is happening here people enjoy talking baseless stories what the chief only does is to summon people to the village court and they are asked to pay according to their crimes,” Chiunda said
“On the issue of cutting down trees the chief only delegated that people are only allowed to cut down trees in their farms to avoid excessive cutting down of trees around the area”.
By A Correspondent- The Zimbabwe Tourism Authority (ZTA) has retired its chief executive, Karikoga Kaseke.
In a statement, Monday ZTA board said Kaseke had been retired on medical grounds.
Below is the ZTA statement on Kaseke’s retirement.
The Board of Directors of the Zimbabwe Tourism Authority wishes to advise the tourism industry and all stakeholders that Dr Karikoga Kaseke has been retired from the post of Chief Executive of the Zimbabwe Tourism Authority after a long period of indisposition. Dr Kaseke fell ill in November 2018 and has not been well since then. His retirement followed the recommendations of a medical Board and is effective 01 July 2021. Dr Kaseke served the organization as its Chief Executive from June 2005 up until his retirement. The Board and indeed everyone had hoped for his recovery and we continue to pray for the restoration of his health. Dr KK, as he is affectionately known, will be sadly missed in the Zimbabwe Tourism Authority in particular and the tourism industry as a whole, both locally and beyond our borders. Allow me to thank the Kaseke family, industry, and all our stakeholders for the support and cooperation given to the Zimbabwe Tourism Authority and Dr KK during these past two years. We would like to kindly request you to continue with your support and cooperation as we recruit a new Chief Executive for the organization.
Fellow citizens, Tomorrow the President-elect Mr Hakainde Hichilema will be sworn in as our seventh Republican President.
This is a momentous occasion for our country, and we all must be proud for letting the torch of our democracy to shine for the world to see.
We must all be happy that even after a highly contested election on August 12, it is the Zambian people who won; it is peace and unity that triumphed.I’m personally proud that our transfer of power has been smooth; adding to our enduring legacy as a democratic country, which started with our founding president, Dr Kenneth Kaunda, in 1991.
Zambia, tomorrow you welcome your new President and open a new chapter for the country, and my prayer is that this new chapter will be filled with hope and fulfill the aspirations of all citizens, building on the foundation we laid.
Tomorrow I leave office with a sense of pride – proud of the many achievements that my government scored in the past 10 years under the leadership of our President Michael Sata, and when I took over the reigns. Most of these achievements are cast in concrete and cannot be erased now or in the near future.
Posterity will look at the infrastructure we have built across the country with gratitude. That is a legacy we leave with you
Today I look back at our 10 years in office with satisfaction, our failures notwithstanding.
Yes, there are things we could have done better, but I’m happy that in many aspects, we leave behind a better country.And my heart is filled with a deep sense of gratitude to the Zambian people who entrusted us with the huge and honourable responsibility to administer the affairs of this country.
I took this as a God-given mandate and He be the best and fairest judge.My fellow citizens, thank you and God bless our great nation.
By A Correspondent- The International Air Transport Association (IATA) has reported that Zimbabwe owes US$$142 million to international airlines from ticket sales, cargo space and other activities.
News24 cites IATA as saying about $963 million (R14.6 billion) in airline funds, including Zimbabwe’s US$142 debt, are being blocked from repatriation in nearly 20 countries.
Other countries that owe substantial amounts were Bangladesh ($146.1 million), Lebanon ($175.5 million) and Nigeria ($143.8 million).
IATA noted that these countries’ debt alone accounts for more than 60 per cent of the total amount owed adding that there have been recent positive progress in reducing blocked funds in Bangladesh and Zimbabwe.
In Zimbabwe, the introduction of the foreign currency auction system where economic players can bid for foreign currency has also helped in making foreign payments as well as to repatriate funds. According to IATA director general Willie Walsh:
Governments are preventing nearly $1 billion of airline revenues from being repatriated.
Airlines will not be able to provide reliable connectivity if they cannot rely on local revenues to support operations. That is why it is critical for all governments to prioritise ensuring that funds can be repatriated efficiently. Now is not the time to score an ‘own goal’ by putting vital air connectivity at risk.
We encourage governments to work with industry to resolve the issues that are preventing airlines from repatriating funds. This will enable aviation to provide the connectivity needed to sustain jobs and energise economies as they recover from Covid-19.
Commenting on the report, MDC Alliance Treasurer-General, David Coltart, said these reports make it difficult to believe claims by Finance and Economic Development Minister, Professor Mthuli Ncube that Zimbabwe has been registering a surplus since 2018. Said the former Education minister:
This is yet another reason why Mthuli Ncube and the likes of Eddie Cross’ claims – that we have a surplus, inflation is coming down, the economy is on the up etc – are pure fiction. According to this report #Zimbabwe owes foreign airlines, principally @flysaa, US$142 million.
Some suggested the alleged surplus could be in Zimbabwe dollars which means the Southern African country could not pay IATA hence progress after the introduction of the forex auction system.
By A Corespondent-Outspoken Norton member of Parliament, Temba Mliswa said the new Zambian President should be commended for inviting Nelson Chamisa of the MDC-Alliance to attend his Tuesday’s inauguration.
Hakainde Hichilema has invited Chamisa to be part of the delegates attending his swearing-in on Tuesday.
” Commendable move that the winning candidate in Zambia,
, has invited both seating Presidents& main opposition leaders to the inauguration. It plants the right seeds for tolerance& togetherness. Should be good for
Tinashe Sambiri|MDC Alliance Youth Assembly official, Arnold Batirai-Dube has blasted the Zanu PF leader Emmerson Mnangagwa for speaking as if Zimbabwe is his personal property.
Speaking in Mutare last week, Mr Mnangagwa said those who dream of removing him from power through elections should wake up and brew beer to cleanse themselves.
Batirai-Dube, who is also a Councillor in Bulawayo has described Mnangagwa as a desperate man seeking to discourage young people from voting.
“Mr Mnangagwa needs to be reminded bluntly that he does not own Zimbabwe.
His remarks are meant to discourage citizens from voting in numbers.
Mr Mnangagwa cannot personalize State institutions at will.While he can take full of control of his wife Auxillia, he cannot dream of ruling Zimbabwe forever.
Our message to Mr Mnangagwa is clear, he does not possess the country’s title deeds,” said Batirai-Dube.
“Mr Mnangagwa cannot stop the people’s struggle.The man’s dearth of wisdom is shocking,” added Batirai-Dube.
Ethiopia national team coach Wubetu Abate has called twenty-eight players to the camp ahead of the World Cup qualifier against Zimbabwe.
The East Africans will host the the Warriors at the Bahir Dar Stadium, Bahir Dar on Monday 6 September 2021.
The squad is dominated by local players and includes Abubeker Nassir who netted 29 goals for Ethiopia Bunna FC last term and Fasil Kenema’s Mujib Kassim with 20 goals and Getaneh Kebede of Kedus St George.
The 2021/22 DStv Premiership season began this past weekend with a host of matches across the Limpopo- here is how Zimbabwean players fared for their respective sides.
Willard Katsande and Tapuwa Kapini started for newly-promoted Sekhukhune United, in their 0-1 loss to Chippa United, while Charlton Mashumba came off the bench.
For Babina Noko, Blessing Sarupinda and Talent Chawapiwa were not in the matchday squad.
Khama Billiat started for Kaizer Chiefs in their 0-0 draw with TS Galaxy while Divine Lunga was not in the Mamelodi Sundowns matchday squad for the defending champions’ 1-0 win over AmaZulu.
Knox Mutizwa came off the bench for Golden Arrows, in their 2-1 victory over Maritzburg United in the KZN derby.
Washington Arubi was in goal for Marumo Gallants in their 0-2 loss to Elvis Chipezeze’s Baroka in the Limpopo derby.
Chipezeze was an unused substitute though.
Onismor Bhasera started for SuperSport United in their goalless draw with Cape Town City, and played the entire game but Kuda Mahachi and George Chigova were on the bench for Kaitano Tembo’s side.
For Cape Town City, young Douglas Mapfumo started and had a decent derby for the Erik Tinkler-coached side.- Soccer24 Zimbabwe
Tinashe Sambiri|MDC Alliance leader President Nelson Chamisa has challenged SADC to stop the rigging of elections in the region.
Speaking during a discussion programme on SABC on Sunday, President Chamisa expressed concern at the failure by SADC to resolve disputes emanating from electoral fraud.
According to President Chamisa, State institutions are expected to play a neutral role in electoral processes.
“The Zambian election has reminded us that institutions matter.
Democracy is not about individuals but recognising and acknowledging the choice of citizens.
The key is institutions accepting and supporting those choices.
If they work, good. If they don’t, the people will say no, let’s give others a chance,” said President Chamisa.
He added:” Our duty is to work towards uniting the continent. We salute the pioneers of the liberation struggle across the continent.
Our task is to fulfil the promises and objective of the struggle for freedom from colonial rule.
The bullet should not suppress the ballot.We are proud of what happened in Zambia. We view the victory as a major breakthrough for democracy.”
By A Correspondent- President Emmerson Mnangagwa has created three new chieftainships in Chiredzi after upgrading some sub-chiefs in a move tailored to improve the administration of local governance issues in the area.
This follows a proclamation he made on 26 June 2021, upgrading three headmen from Chiredzi South, namely Chilonga, Gezani and Mpapa to the position of substantive chiefs.
The development was announced by Chiredzi District Development Coordinator Lovemore Chisema during the ceremonial burial of the late Chief Tshovani at Chizvirizvi Resettlement area in Chiredzi two weeks ago.
Speaking to Masvingo Mirror, Chisema said the three headmen were upgraded because they submitted their application to Local governance petitioning that they were once chiefs before the Colonial era so their chieftainship was resuscitated.
Said Chisema:
I am pleased to inform you that the President, Cde ED Mnangagwa has in terms of Section 3 (1) subsection 2(a) of Traditional Headman Act Chapter 29(12) approved the establishment of Chilonga, Gezani and Mupapa chieftainships with effect from 26 June 2021.
Chiredzi had four chiefs before this latest development after Mnangagwa resuscitated the Neromwe chieftainship in 2018. Other chiefs are Sengwe, Tshovani and Gudo.
The elevation of the four headmen to chief will have financial constraints on the State purse as the new chiefs’ conditions of work include having vehicles and allowances.
ZANU PF has been accused of using chiefs as “vote banks” in national elections and this happens with just 24 months left to go to the next general elections in 2023.
By A Correspondent- A man from Ntabazinduna reportedly assaulted his three-year-old daughter to death for wetting herself last year in April.
The man reportedly dug a grave inside one of the huts in his homestead and buried her.
The incident was only discovered more than a year later and police have exhumed the remains of the child for postmortem.
Matabeleland North provincial police spokesperson Inspector Glory Banda confirmed the incident.
Happiness Ncube, 27, has been arrested for the murder of the child and another man, Ndaba Dube aged 52 has also been nabbed for his role in the concealment of the crime.
“Police in Mbembesi have arrested two men linked to the murder of three-year-old Sheamy Khanyisile Sibanda sometime in April last year. This was after a report of suspected murder was received from the informant, Ntombizandile Sibanda (mother to the child) to the effect that Ncube, the stepfather, fatally assaulted her,” he said.
Circumstances leading to the incident are that sometime in April 2020, Sibanda who was staying with Ncube at Ntabazinduna New Stands was preparing breakfast outside the house while the child was seated inside.
The three-year-old girl reportedly wet herself and this did not go down well with Ncube who took a rubber sandal and began to assault her several times on her head.
Sibanda rushed in and restrained her husband from further assaulting the deceased.
It is reported that the following day, she noticed that her daughter was showing signs of pain but did not bother to take her to the clinic.
The next day at around 7am, she noticed that her daughter was having difficulties in breathing and she decided to prepare porridge for her before taking her to the clinic.
However, when Ncube got into the hut, he found her dead and he called out to his wife who hurried inside.
Ncube told his wife not to reveal the matter to anyone before leaving for Fort Rixon after locking the body inside the hut.
While there, they informed a relative, Dube who together with Ncube went back to Ntabazinduna leaving Sibanda behind.
They returned to Fort Rixon on the same day in the evening before Sibanda quizzed them on how they had handled the matter to which she was told that they had buried the body inside “maTshuma’s hut”, Sunday News reports.
After a year Sibanda who could no longer hold on to the secret, sent an audio via WhatsApp to her father, Kenny Sibanda stating what had transpired.
Her father advised her to make a police report leading to Ncube and Dube’s arrest on 15 August 2021
Tinashe Sambiri|MDC Alliance leader President Nelson Chamisa has challenged SADC to stop the rigging of elections in the region.
Speaking during a discussion programme on SABC on Sunday, President Chamisa expressed concern at the failure by SADC to resolve disputes emanating from electoral fraud.
According to President Chamisa, State institutions are expected to play a neutral role in electoral processes.
“The Zambian election has reminded us that institutions matter.
Democracy is not about individuals but recognising and acknowledging the choice of citizens.
The key is institutions accepting and supporting those choices.
If they work, good. If they don’t, the people will say no, let’s give others a chance,” said President Chamisa.
He added:” Our duty is to work towards uniting the continent. We salute the pioneers of the liberation struggle across the continent.
Our task is to fulfil the promises and objective of the struggle for freedom from colonial rule.
The bullet should not suppress the ballot.We are proud of what happened in Zambia. We view the victory as a major breakthrough for democracy.”
Controversial Masvingo cleric Isaac Makomichi has reportedly threatened to take his own life after he was denied access to have one-on -one session with five of Gumbura’s widows.
According to sources, a Gumbura relative called Makomichi and told him not to interfere with family affairs.
The cleric reportedly said he would to kill himself if he was not allowed to ” assist the widows.”
The preacher last week said Gumbura’s widows must come to him to collect what he calls “love potion “,
He gave his mobile number +263777469342 to the public saying people should help him to get in touch with Gumbura’s widows.
Makomichi is known for distributing love potions and business charms though some pastors accuse him of using secret powers.
“Murume uyu ane simba hatirambi asi haasi muporofita, takanzwa vakawanda vaakabatsira asi maonero angu ngaabude pachena kuti in’anga uye kuti simba rake rinobva kupi,” said one senior pastor.
“I will do my best to have a one -on- one with these ladies, they need help, I never said I want to die because of those widows.
I only want to give them love potions for free and the love herb is now on promotion” Makomichi said.
By A Correspondent- A 44 year old Zimbabwean man, Simba Masvaure, who has se_xually abused a number of children for years in Northampton, UK has been sentenced to 15 years in prison.
In a Facebook post Northampton police said Masvaure abused children for 12 years.
“A man who se_xually abused a number of children in Northampton over a period of 12 years has been jailed for his crimes,” the police said.
“Simba Masvaure, aged 44, was convicted of 11 se_xual offenses on June 11 following a trial at Northampton Crown Court, where on Friday, August 13, he was sentenced to 15 years in custody, plus a two-year extended license on release, for se_xual assault by penetration, attempted rap_e and se_xual activity with a child. The judge also made Masvaure, of Kingsfold, Bradville, Milton Keynes, subject to an indefinite se_xual harm prevention order designed to prevent further offending, and a restraining order to prevent him from contacting his victims,” Northampton police added.
The officer who led the investigation Detective Constable Kirstie Brooks, of Northampton-shire Police’s Child Protection Team, said it was pleasing to see Masvaure behind bars where he belongs.
“His offending was nothing short of evil as he abused and manipulated his victims for years, causing them to live in fear and stealing the innocence of childhood from them forever.
“Even when confronted with the evidence of his crimes, he refused to admit what he had done and instead put his victims through the further agony of a 10-day trial, but happily the jury saw through his repeated lies and rightly convicted him.
“Throughout this incredibly difficult investigation and court case, his victims have shown fortitude and strength beyond their years. Their bravery and courage in speaking out and giving evidence is boundless and I hope this sentence provides them with some closure and a sense of justice,” Brooks said.
By A Correspondent- Zanu-PF secretary for youth in Nyama district in Guruve, ward one Fladdy Mutinha has clashed with Chief Chipuriro who is reportedly invading villagers’ properties.
Speaking to a local publication he said:
“Chief Chipuriro is targeting Zanu-PF youths and our properties are being taken without concrete evidence.”
He added that last week the chief advanced to their Penrose farms.
Village head Wellington Chiparanyanga confirmed that the terror continues for tobbaco farmers as the chief demands properties or money for cutting trees.
Contacted for comment Chief Chipuriro’s spokesperson one Chiunda denied the allegations that the chief is evading people’s properties.
“Those are mere lies nothing like that is happening here people enjoy talking baseless stories what the chief only does is to summon people to the village court and they are asked to pay according to their crimes,” Chiunda said
“On the issue of cutting down trees the chief only delegated that people are only allowed to cut down trees in their farms to avoid excessive cutting down of trees around the area”.
By A Correspondent- Twenty-eight people have been arrested for invading businessman and Zanu-PF politician, Phillip Chiyangwa’s Sinoia Citrus Estates near Chinhoyi town.
The alleged invaders have since appeared before magistrate Melody Rwizi facing charges of contravening Section 3(i)(4) of the Gazetted Land (Consequential Provisions) Act chapter 20:28 of 2006, which pertains to “occupation of gazetted land without lawful authority”.
The presiding magistrate, however, referred the defective docket back to police on Thursday so amendments could be made.
Rwizi instructed police to amend paragraph two of the state outline, which states that Chiyangwa is the complainant when, in actual fact, the complainant should be the ministry of Agriculture, Lands and Rural Resettlement mandated with powers to parcel out land.
The magistrate also noted on the return docket: “May you also record a witness statement from Maxwell Muwondori as he is a witness in the matter in his capacity as district lands officer. Phillip Chiyangwa is an informant and not complainant.”
The state case, led by Review Nikisi is that on 18 June 2004, Subdivision 1 of Sinoia Citrus Estates located in Makonde district was gazetted by government under Order 117 of the Government Gazette.
After gazetting of the farm, Chiyangwa was allocated the land and issued with an offer letter, before taking occupation of the said property.
On a date unknown to the prosecutor, but during the period extending 2020 to date, the 28 accused persons occupied the farm without any offer letter, permit or authority from the responsible minister.
The alleged invaders, the state argues, disturbed Chiyangwa’s farming activities prompting him to lodge a police report that led to their arrest, last week.
The accused persons are listed as follows: Life Matukanzvimbo (22), Patson Chimushamhu (26), Jaison Karuvira (20), Watson Takaedza (40), Danmore Mateyaungwa (27), Innocent Dave (35), and Shingirirai Machipisa (32), Joseph Menyuka (43), Knight Madanyika (49), Clever Phiri (58), and Edwin Maunganidze (56).
By A Correspondent- Three unemployed Harare men on Saturday appeared before Harare magistrate Judith Taruvinga facing allegations of stealing passport forms.
Simon Matsika (37), Bisset Chikura (39) and Antony Mubweza (49) were remanded on $5 000 bail each.
They were all represented by Tapson Dzvetero.
The complainant is the State represented by Tarisai Chitanhi, who is employed by the Registrar-General’s Office as a cashier supervisor.
Allegations are that on July 1, the Registrar-General’s Office received 10 boxes with a total of 20 000 passport application forms from Fidelity Printers and Refiners (Private) Limited with serial numbers ranging from 4159001 to 4179000.
However, a total of 90 passport application forms with serial numbers 417001 to 4175090 were stolen by one of the employees in the Registrar-General’s Office passport section.
The State alleges that one of the stolen passport application formswas submitted for processing in the name of Paul Mutatobi.
Detectives then carried out investigations, which resulted in the arrest of Mubweza, who in turn implicated Chikura. Chikura then led detectives to Matsika.
Matsika confessed that the forms had been stolen by an unnamed employee at the Registrar-General’s Office.
By A Correspondent- Zimbabwe Tourism Authority CEO Karikoga Kaseke has been “retired” from the position after suffering a stroke in November 2018 which left him unable to go to work.
Kaseke, 59, had reportedly refused to resign prompting the ZTA board to remove him.
In a statement on Monday, acting ZTA board chairperson Precious Sibiya said:
“The board of directors of the Zimbabwe Tourism Authority wishes to advise the tourism industry and all stakeholders that Dr Karikoga Kaseke has been retired from the post of chief executive officer of the Zimbabwe Tourism Authority after a long period of indisposition.
“Dr Kaseke fell ill in November 2018 and has not been well since then. His retirement followed the recommendations of a medical board and is effective July 1, 2021.”
Sibiya said the process of appointing a new CEO for the ZTA would begin immediately.
Two notorious Melfort land barons arrested for swindling people of their cash by illegally selling council land today appeared before Goromonzi magistrate Shelly Zvenyika.
Rodgers Pote, 40, and Arther Chidenhe, 28, were remanded out of custody after magistrate Zvenyika ordered them to deposit $20 000 bail.
Pote and Chidenhe were arrested at the instigation of Zanu PF secretary for administration Obert Mpofu.
“The party during the meeting was informed that the developers for Melfort area were Rodgers Pote, Arthur Chideme and Life Machingura of Vintage Property and East Winds Association fraudulently acquired a development permit and this position was affirmed by the court on 24 December 2020.
“This nullified all the activities which were done under this developer. Meanwhile, the party supports the on-going regularisation programme of residential stands across the nation to mitigate housing shortages and is being undertaken by the ministry of housing,” Mpofu said recently.
Police sources confirmed that they are also looking for Zanu PF Mashonaland East chairperson Kelvin Mutsvairo and his political commissar Lincoln Matare who also abused their positions to illegally parcel land to desperate home seekers.
This comes after hundreds of residents of Diamond Park in Melfort were recently left stranded after the government demolished their houses.
Ironically, the residents in Melfort are linked to the ruling party as the project was being run by Zanu PF youths who were dropping names of senior party members to swindle people’s money.
This also comes as the outgoing youth leaders are trying to mudsling the late former Transport minister Biggie Matiza’s son, Batsirai, who is being pushed by the ruling party’s grassroots supporters to contest for the provincial youth chairperson position.
Some of the senior leaders in the province have been rattled by the coming in of Batsirai who has embarked on developmental projects which are set to empower many youths in the province.
Tinashe Sambiri|The MDC Alliance Namibia’s Diaspora Rural Mobilization Initiative will focus on Zanu PF strongholds.
The mobilization initiative will stretch to Uzumba, Maramba and Pfungwe areas respectively.
Read statement below:
Mdc Alliance Namibia District successfully launched its Diaspora Rural Mobilisation initiative- twinned Uzumba, Maramba and Pfungwe ahead of 2023 elections!
22 August 2021
Yesterday, social democrats in Namibia converged in Windhoek, to deliberate on the way forward ahead of 2023 elections.
The Mdc Alliance Namibia led by the dynamic and religious leader President Advocate Nelson Chamisa gathered to embrace the #CitizensConvergenceForChange.
The pragmatic Secretary General Hon Charlton Hwende addressed the elated crowd at Katutura Youth Centre. He emphasised the need to employ participatory democracy as the panacea to socio-economic transformation.
Hon Hwende reiterated that although, social media cannot be underestimated, the leadership must be able to bring real figures of registered voters for 2023.
The District jubilated and gyrated hysterically in uncontrollable gusto appreciating the colourful gesture from our diligent Secretary General who could not stammer when responding to the burning questions from the membership.
Hon Charlton Hwende addressed change seekers and encouraged each of us to actively take part in the national democratic revolution through mobilising and recruiting only ten (10) close family members who will register and vote for change in Zimbabwe. The leadership made it clear that it is the duty of the diasporas to monitor and remind their relatives to play the self-emancipation role.
It was great to hear from the energetic Secretary General that the diaspora has a very fundamental role to play.
It did not appear difficult for the open-minded and objective Secretary General to admit that family members listen to each other more than what they do when politicians approach them. The political idea immediately became the darling of social democrats in Namibia.
Moreover, inspired by the enticing revolutionary message from Mambo Hwende, Mdc Alliance Namibia members under the impressive leadership of Elisha Chambara who chairs the district swiftly adopted Uzumba, Maramba and Pfungwe as their partner/twin towards 2023 harmonised elections.
We pledged to work towards a Presidential Fund to turn the tables in the supposed Zanupf stronghold. The District targets R900 000 for the remaining 18 months before elections in Zimbabwe.
Social democrats committed and dedicated themselves to contributing R50 per month until 2023. The District realised its potential to recruit at least 1000 members who will assist them to achieve their objective to avert rigging in this constituency.
The donated loot will finance our election agents in 2023; buy food for our polling agents; make banners; fliers,sponsor projects and other things that can motivate and convince our people in Uzumba, Maramba and Pfungwe to realise our full potential to put the economy on sounder footing.
Social democrats in Namibia who subscribe to the #ReformAgenda are confident that Zanupf looters’ claimed influence in this area has come an abrupt end. Rundu Branch Spokesperson Robson Ruhanya added that all external assemblies in the diaspora should also locate their election twins especially in worst performing provinces such as Masvingo: Chiredzi, Zaka East, Mwenezi etc.
The diaspora must present their financial and material support to these constituencies. I urge the Mdc Alliance USA , Australia, Germany, United Kingdom, South Africa, Zambia , Botswana only to mention but a few to smell the coffee and commence to identify their partners to twin.
Furthermore, the ardent Mdc Alliance Namibia Rundu Branch Secretary General, Simbarashe Ndoda echoed that our party leadership in Uzumba, Maramba and Pfungwe should be more visible on the ground. He stressed that the party should religiously consider leaders who come from the branches to represent them as election candidates to ensure openness and transparency in the democratic establishment . It was fascinating to hear the call for unity and strength of purpose in our leaders. The membership grinned from ear to ear when the articulate Hwende Mambo made it categorically clear that Zanupf has employed its ghost accounts on Facebook to generate confusion. Members resolved to adopt a pro-active approach by also setting agendas than to be easily swayed by Zanupf and their surrogates.
In a nutshell, Mdc Alliance Namibia District salutes the Secretary General, Hon Charlton Hwende for the solidarity and courtesy visit. The Mdc Alliance Namibia Rundu Branch WA Secretary General , Tarisai Nhira stressed the dire need for the organic International Secretary General and other leaders to visit branches in Namibia as part of mobilisation, recruitment and radicalisation of the base.
By Kennedy Mupomba | The recent death of a 14-year-old child In Zimbabwe while giving birth has been a topical matter globally. Quite rightfully, the world was shocked and horrified by the child’s death and several platforms lambasted the parents, the church practice and the police. Glaringly, it took the Minister of Public Service, Labour and Social Welfare a long time to publicly condemn the religious practice.
It is from my professional opinion as a social worker in the UK that I critique social work practice in Zimbabwe towards safeguarding children. I conclude this paper by arguing that the laws, policies and the social work practice is not fit for purpose and need urgent revamp.
The Ministry of Public Service, Labour and Social Welfare lauds it self as ‘promoting rights of children through the provision of social protection services for vulnerable and disadvantaged groups’. The Government of Zimbabwe enacted the Social Workers Act 27:21 in 2001 and adopted a contextual definition of social work. Section 4 (2) of the Act defines social work as a:
‘profession that promotes the welfare of human beings and the betterment of human society through the development and systematic application of scientific knowledge of human and societal activities and social services. Professional social workers aim to satisfy the needs and aspirations of individuals and groups at national and international level, while constantly bearing in mind the need for promoting social policy. Their techniques include psychotherapeutic case-work, social-dynamic group-work and planned community intervention’.
Further, the Act defines a social worker as:
‘a person who as his or her profession, assesses, diagnoses, treats and evaluates individual, interpersonal or societal problems through the use of social work knowledge, skills, psychotherapeutic case work, socio-dynamic group work, planned community interventions and strategies to assist individuals, families, groups of persons, organisations and communities to achieve optimum psychosocial and social functioning’.
I am indebted to Jacob Rugare Mugumbate and Phillip Manyanye Bohwasi who provided through their ‘Historical development of social services and social work in Zimbabwe’, a 2021 publication insight into the subject matter of this paper. They argued that social services and social work developed through five stages in the following order: customary indigenous phase, missionary phase (1500 to 1890), colonial phase (1890-1980), Independence phase (from 1980 to 2002) and indigenous-developmental phase (2002 to present day).
Without getting bogged into the theories they cited, it is perhaps best to highlight their view that ‘in the beginning, social services were governed by indigenous customs and they were offered in the community’ and pertinently ‘this ensured that everyone (my emphasis) had access to forms of helping’. They concluded that ‘it is safe to say that Zimbabwean social work is going back where it started, and where it should be’. It is important to point out that in the first customary phase, social services were provided according to custom and were indigenous with no foreign influence. Described as vabatsiri (helpers) the ‘social worker’, he /she would immerse himself/herself in the presenting problem and work largely as a community worker and by living with the people, he/she understood problems better.
Globally, there is a clarion call as did the authors rightfully point out for social workers to continuously update their knowledge and skills and to contribute to the production as well as dissemination of literature (Continuous Professional Development). They also suggested that it would ‘be important to have at least 75% local content in terms of the literature used by students, lecturers, practitioners, clients and researchers’. They concluded that it is time that ‘Zimbabwe leads in the expansion and strengthening of social work in Africa’. In short, the authors are arguing that Zimbabwe’ social services and social workers are doing very well. Further they are arguing that practitioners should partially close their eyes and ears to the developments in social work knowledge worldwide and rely on its 75% local content. I strongly disagree with such thoughts as explored below.
It is currently confusing as to who really died, the bottom line though is that it was a teenager who died while giving birth. It is not news to any Zimbabwean that the well -being of teenagers has largely been neglected before and after independence. Stories of street kids, of children abusing drugs and substances are very common in the media. In his thesis, Dr Ian Ndlovu also provided insight into the plight of teenagers with no effective social service support. Allegations have been made in the past of the government rounding up children from the streets and despatching them away from the sight of foreign dignitaries.
It is interesting to note that the definition of social work clearly state that vulnerable persons should be ‘helped’, yet the issues of child marriages within and outside churches has dragged on from the pre-independence era. This suggest to me that social services and social workers have been inept in safeguarding these children. So, for the authors to suggest that Zimbabwe should take lead and be emulated in Africa is rather, in my view laughable and mind stretching to the extreme. At most, social services merely reacts when a hue and cry emerge from the social media. For example, social workers rushed to pick up children in Mashonaland West from a woman who alleged she was after looking them as they were orphans. Is this not the ‘vabatsi’ of the olden days ‘helping’ out? In any event, when citizens take it upon themselves to support children, this suggests in my professional opinion that social services and the vabatsiri are tottering.
Turning to the issue that practice should be influenced by 75% of indigenous research, I will not however be drawn to engage in the debate about the 75% indigenous content policy in all sectors of Zimbabwe. Positively, the new government has since sought to distance itself from that failed idea. The idea of restricting practice to local research seem ill thought as outlined below.
The deceased was a teenager and considerable research has shown that young people are impacted by the different relationships they form away from home such as at school and parents and carers have little influence over these contexts. There has therefore arisen worldwide, contextual safeguarding in which for example, social services, social workers, child protection systems and wider safeguarding partnerships engage with persons and sectors who have influence over/within extra-familial contexts. For, example, it is perhaps common in Zimbabwe for some lodges to turn a blind eye to children who are brought onto their properties for sexual purposes.
Within the UK and particularly in London, services such taxis and hotels are involved in policies to stop children being sexually exploited. As I will point out further below, it seems there is a disjoined approach by policy makers towards ending child marriages.
While I am not suggesting that UK social services and social workers are on top of the game with regard to contextual safeguarding, we do learn from research from other countries to improve our practice. So, it is my professional opinion, regrettable for any academic to say Zimbabwean social workers should open their eyes and hear up to 25% of non-indigenous research and cling to ideas that have failed to protect children. While the authors do not give insight into how 25% will be measured, it is in my professional opinion laughable that by constraining its practice to 75% local research content, Zimbabwe will take lead in ‘the expansion and strengthening of social work in Africa’.
There are several institutions providing social work education and while it is commendable that many students are seeking to lean and gain knowledge towards supporting families, questions have to raised about the impact of them relying on the Zimbabwe’s 75% local knowledge. It is no secret that many social workers seek to practice abroad and the UK is one of the desired destinations. I have been involved in interviewing candidates from Zimbabwe who have several years of experience and strikingly those that failed struggled to articulate on the tools they use in finding the wishes, views and feelings of children. Obviously, they do use direct work tools when working with children but is it because they are not exposed to other worldwide direct work tools? Recent research has also shown that foreign social workers including Zimbabweans, often struggle with Uk practice. While they could several reasons for this, for the authors to suggest limiting practitioners’ knowledge to local research, is without merit.
I now turn to the issue of policy regarding child marriages. The Minister of Justice, Ziyambi Ziyambi recently said that:
‘what we want to do…is not only about criminalising but also engaging our communities so that our communities will appreciate that certain practices are now outdated which is why the Ministry of Woman’s Affairs is saying that they are going to do (my emphasis).
While this is commendable, it also raises questions about why this has not been happening and glaringly the very ministry in charge of safeguarding children has not publicly to my knowledge given a statement regarding how it will end child marriages. There seem to be no contextual safeguarding.
As an update of police investigations, the alleged deceased’s husband was brought before the Mutare magistrates courts. I read with interest that the prosecutors have preferred murder and having sexual intercourse with a minor charges against the man. As the matter is before the courts, I will not dwell on the charge of murder and I wish my former learned friends, good luck in proving their case. However, policy makers need to craft more legislation that strike at the very heart of this outdated behaviour of child marriages as the current legislation is not working.
In conclusion, the issue of child marriages within and outside churches has been ongoing for decades and the current laws, policies and social work practice are not fit for purpose and need urgent restructuring.
Kennedy Mupomba is a practicing social work in England and holds bachelor degrees in Applied Community Studies, Law and masters degrees in Social Policy and Social Work. He is reachable at [email protected].
Tinashe Sambiri|MDC Alliance Youth Assembly official, Arnold Batirai-Dube has blasted the Zanu PF leader Emmerson Mnangagwa for speaking as if Zimbabwe is his personal property.
Speaking in Mutare last week, Mr Mnangagwa said those who dream of removing him from power through elections should wake up and brew beer to cleanse themselves.
Batirai-Dube, who is also a Councillor in Bulawayo has described Mnangagwa as a desperate man seeking to discourage young people from voting.
“Mr Mnangagwa needs to be reminded bluntly that he does not own Zimbabwe.
His remarks are meant to discourage citizens from voting in numbers.
Mr Mnangagwa cannot personalize State institutions at will.While he can take full of control of his wife Auxillia, he cannot dream of ruling Zimbabwe forever.
Our message to Mr Mnangagwa is clear, he does not possess the country’s title deeds,” said Batirai-Dube.
“Mr Mnangagwa cannot stop the people’s struggle.The man’s dearth of wisdom is shocking,” added Batirai-Dube.
Zimbabwe Election Advocacy Trust would like to express its displeasure at Finance Minister Prof Mthuli Ncube for deliberately paralyzing state institutions by inadequately funding them.
As an election watchdog, we would also want to take a swipe at the National Assembly for its sterile and inept attitude.
The National Assembly plays a key role in both formulation and passing of the budget.By approving an inadequate budget it proved to be careless and useless.
As elections draw close, it is imperative for the treasury to avail funds to critical institutions like Zimbabwe Electoral Commission and the Registrar General’s Office so that they smoothly run and implement their operations.
Elections are the lifeblood of any fanctional democracy and underfunding them is akin to denying citizens of their fundamental rights.
ZEAT calls upon the treasury to release funds for by elections in both national and local authority.
There are over 100 vacancies that emanated from either recalls and deaths and these need to be replaced through by elections.
This negligence by the treasury is unconstitutional and morally bankrupt.
ZEAT has of late seen the government purchasing vehicles and financing less important institutions and this amounts to misplaced priorities are mischief.
We call the ministry of finance to order and abide and uphold the constitution.
Tinashe Sambiri|The MDC Alliance Namibia’s Diaspora Rural Mobilization Initiative will focus on Zanu PF strongholds.
The mobilization initiative will stretch to Uzumba, Maramba and Pfungwe areas respectively.
Read statement below:
Mdc Alliance Namibia District successfully launched its Diaspora Rural Mobilisation initiative- twinned Uzumba, Maramba and Pfungwe ahead of 2023 elections!
22 August 2021
Yesterday, social democrats in Namibia converged in Windhoek, to deliberate on the way forward ahead of 2023 elections.
The Mdc Alliance Namibia led by the dynamic and religious leader President Advocate Nelson Chamisa gathered to embrace the #CitizensConvergenceForChange.
The pragmatic Secretary General Hon Charlton Hwende addressed the elated crowd at Katutura Youth Centre. He emphasised the need to employ participatory democracy as the panacea to socio-economic transformation.
Hon Hwende reiterated that although, social media cannot be underestimated, the leadership must be able to bring real figures of registered voters for 2023.
The District jubilated and gyrated hysterically in uncontrollable gusto appreciating the colourful gesture from our diligent Secretary General who could not stammer when responding to the burning questions from the membership.
Hon Charlton Hwende addressed change seekers and encouraged each of us to actively take part in the national democratic revolution through mobilising and recruiting only ten (10) close family members who will register and vote for change in Zimbabwe. The leadership made it clear that it is the duty of the diasporas to monitor and remind their relatives to play the self-emancipation role.
It was great to hear from the energetic Secretary General that the diaspora has a very fundamental role to play.
It did not appear difficult for the open-minded and objective Secretary General to admit that family members listen to each other more than what they do when politicians approach them. The political idea immediately became the darling of social democrats in Namibia.
Moreover, inspired by the enticing revolutionary message from Mambo Hwende, Mdc Alliance Namibia members under the impressive leadership of Elisha Chambara who chairs the district swiftly adopted Uzumba, Maramba and Pfungwe as their partner/twin towards 2023 harmonised elections.
We pledged to work towards a Presidential Fund to turn the tables in the supposed Zanupf stronghold. The District targets R900 000 for the remaining 18 months before elections in Zimbabwe.
Social democrats committed and dedicated themselves to contributing R50 per month until 2023. The District realised its potential to recruit at least 1000 members who will assist them to achieve their objective to avert rigging in this constituency.
The donated loot will finance our election agents in 2023; buy food for our polling agents; make banners; fliers,sponsor projects and other things that can motivate and convince our people in Uzumba, Maramba and Pfungwe to realise our full potential to put the economy on sounder footing.
Social democrats in Namibia who subscribe to the #ReformAgenda are confident that Zanupf looters’ claimed influence in this area has come an abrupt end. Rundu Branch Spokesperson Robson Ruhanya added that all external assemblies in the diaspora should also locate their election twins especially in worst performing provinces such as Masvingo: Chiredzi, Zaka East, Mwenezi etc.
The diaspora must present their financial and material support to these constituencies. I urge the Mdc Alliance USA , Australia, Germany, United Kingdom, South Africa, Zambia , Botswana only to mention but a few to smell the coffee and commence to identify their partners to twin.
Furthermore, the ardent Mdc Alliance Namibia Rundu Branch Secretary General, Simbarashe Ndoda echoed that our party leadership in Uzumba, Maramba and Pfungwe should be more visible on the ground. He stressed that the party should religiously consider leaders who come from the branches to represent them as election candidates to ensure openness and transparency in the democratic establishment . It was fascinating to hear the call for unity and strength of purpose in our leaders. The membership grinned from ear to ear when the articulate Hwende Mambo made it categorically clear that Zanupf has employed its ghost accounts on Facebook to generate confusion. Members resolved to adopt a pro-active approach by also setting agendas than to be easily swayed by Zanupf and their surrogates.
In a nutshell, Mdc Alliance Namibia District salutes the Secretary General, Hon Charlton Hwende for the solidarity and courtesy visit. The Mdc Alliance Namibia Rundu Branch WA Secretary General , Tarisai Nhira stressed the dire need for the organic International Secretary General and other leaders to visit branches in Namibia as part of mobilisation, recruitment and radicalisation of the base.
By Dr Masimba Mavaza | Zimbabwe took a step in the good direction when a man who was responsible for the death of a fourteen year old girl who died while giving birth, was arrested. The story was so shocking and upsetting to say the least.
Many churches are in the business of abusing the name of Christ as a tool to quench their canal cravings. Historically churches have been known to be greatest abusers of the girls.
It is an abuse of a position of trust for a person over the age of 18 years a).to engage in sexual activity with a person under the age of 16.
‘Position of trust’ is a legal term that refers to certain roles and settings where an adult has regular and direct contact with children. Examples of positions of trust include: pastors, teachers. care workers and those spiritual leaders.
Commonly, pastors are understood to be spiritual overseers. Most pastors derive their positions from depending on the image, faith, or charisma of your own pastor.
There are some narcissistic men who lead a church or ministry and use the flock for their own gratification. Often, this will manifest in sexual relations with church attenders. This behavior by some destroys many decent images of healthy pastors and other church/ministry leaders.
Pastors can be roughly grouped in three categories:
1. Divinely called and faithful servants of God.
2. Divinely called servants, presently tempted, and struggling with personal sin. They deal with their own weaknesses but do not use others for their gratification.
3. Intentional usurpers of the pulpit and the congregation for the purposes of their own enjoyment and control.

This third category of pastor are those who most represent pastoral misconduct. In recent days, with the advent of the social media brave victims share their stories of pastors who practice abuse and mayhem. It will be impossible to ignore this third category of pastor with the growing body of reports of pastoral misconduct on the news and social media. To clearly understand the problem of sexual abuse by pastors, we must accept that some men seek the pulpit with the intention to serve themselves and not to serve God.
The church has always been a gathering of people seeking knowledge, community, promotion of faith and comfort in this difficult world.
To these “wolves in sheep’s clothing” the church represents an easy source of power, attention, adulation, financial gain, and sometimes sexual gratification.
Every New Testament book contains instruction about false prophets, false teachers, and the “one who enters the sheep pen not at the gate”.
Many girls may be emotionally triggered, but very few groups can provide the opportunity to recognize the pain, grieve the losses that come with abuse, and provide balm and recovery to the human wounds that left many susceptible to being abused. If these religious holy abusers go unchecked, they may truly unlock an emotional mess they cannot handle.
Zimbabwe is looking for victim’s advocates who will,seeing the list of grooming tactics used by these pastors who commit this type of abuse just fuel fire to find every offender and remove them from the pulpit – and lock them up when they have broken the laws of the land.The Church of Jesus Christ is better off if every victim is helped to recover and every offender is forced to deal with their crime.
We have seen many people from Bishops,Teachers,healthcare professionals and other individuals in a position of trust increasingly being prosecuted for sexual offences. This is a welcome position taken by the government since the story of the fourteen year old girl struck our hearts and floods of pain and revulsion gushed out of our hearts drowning the police into action.
A story which leapt out at me concerns a man of themApostolic faith church who impregnated a fourteen year old girl who died giving birth. The outrage reaches high in the skies and Commissioner General Matanga pushed his force to action. The man who was about to get another 9 year old as a replacement was arrested and arraigned to court facing offences involving culpable HOMICIDE. It remains to be seen if it is not another catch and release.
But the clear thing which comes out of this case is another diabolical and satanic expression called ‘religious grooming’. This expression, as far as I know, has no place in law but the fact of its use in a quasi-legal setting may be of importance for the future. The pre-sexual religious grooming included calling small girls as young as one day “Madzimai”. This makes girl child to grow up realising that she is a woman and not a child any more.
The church terrifies the congregation into cutting themselves off from any influences that might challenge the power of the religious leader under whose authority they have placed themselves.
This becomes fertile grounds for grooming children.
Grooming is when someone builds a relationship, trust and emotional connection with a child or young person so they can manipulate, exploit and abuse them. Children and young people who are groomed end up taken up by men ten times older than their fathers as wives. Every men in these churches is born a groomer.
Grooming can happen in churches as it is done in the Mapositori areas and spaces. It involves the offender building a relationship with a child, and sometimes with their wider family, gaining their trust and a position of power over the child, in preparation for abuse.
The process of grooming can take place in a matter of minutes, over one conversation, or over long periods of time, in some cases, years.
Sexual grooming refers to grooming where the offender aims to sexually abuse the child.
This is the time as humanity
to search our souls to see if we are not guilty of any of these behaviours.
People from these churches have come out with painful stories of victims of authoritarian abuse and assault. Their stories are hard to hear because many victims have been abused so badly.
It is painful to listen to every testimony from the vulnerable innocent children. Many waffle between anger, sadness for the victims, disgust, disbelief, and back to anger. And We hear all these types of stories we can just imagine what it is like for a person hearing these testimonies for the first time.
“Grooming” is what someone does if they want to be able to control another person in the future.
Grooming is an intentional behavior someone uses to manipulate another person over an extended period. The purpose is to wear away any defenses the victim has against being manipulated which then allows the abuser to control the victim’s behavior moving forward. Grooming behavior was first identified and characterized when studying sociopathic adults who sexually abused children. Grooming behavior is now recognized within other abusive relationship settings.
How does grooming work? Grooming involves creating and/or exploiting an imbalance of power between the abuser and the victim. In the context of adult abusers molesting children, there is a universal acceptance that adults are in a position of authority over children. Abusers, using grooming tactics, will misuse their position of authority in various ways to ensure that the victim’s defenses are lowered, and that the victim tolerates the initial manipulation. After establishing control of the victim, the abuser then repeats the cycles of abuse with greater intensity.
Wherever there is a defined imbalance of power or a drive to create an imbalance of power in a relationship, there is potential for this type of abuse to occur.
These wolves in sheep’s clothing, who abuse others within the vulnerable church environment, more likely than not have one of these diagnosable personality disorders: Narcissistic Personality Disorder, Anti-Social Personality Disorder or Borderline Personality Disorder.
The idea of pulpits being occupied by narcissists or other dark personalities may seem completely unbelievable.
Within the Apostolic white gowned clergy… there appears to be much higher levels of the most destructive expressions of narcissism than in the general population. The problem is real, and it seems that ministry attracts narcissists for the same reasons that elementary schools and playgrounds attract pedophiles: these institutions provide access to victims. And the victims are so gullible as to believe the words of God delivered by these self proclaimed prophets.
However, even if a person does not have one of the dark disorders, their grooming behavior is evil. Churches must not tolerate it. The government must look into the runnings of these churches.
Sexual abuse seems to differ from other forms of abuse in that it is never an inadequacy or excess of what could be considered normal behaviour. It is very clearly deviant, deliberate and often pre-meditated behaviour. As with most forms of abuse, sexual abuse is usually by an adult or older child known to the child. There is often a period of ‘grooming’ in which the abuser draws close to the child, subsequently involving her/him in progressively more direct sexual behaviour. Such involvement is always kept secret, often through threats that leave the child trapped and confused.
In these apostolic churches congregants are taught not to dispute the word of the prophets. So the prophets yield a lot of power and respect.
The church worship programs are arranged in a manner which gives the old men in the church a vantage position.
The old men who have senior positions in churches take the front roles. They sit as per their spiritual ranks with the small boys right at the back.
The old men I front will be facing women whose sitting positions give the small girls front row Then the unmarried but a bit older are given the back Tawa. In this way the prophets scan through the girls and select those they want to marry. They will then convince the parents of the small girls that God has spoken to them and has shown them which girls to take for wives.
The congregants are taught that God’s word can not be challenged. With great fear of the unspecified spiritual reprisals the parents will give their children to the prophets as wives. Most children will be as young as ten years old.
Most children are married off before they reach puberty.
One researcher on abuse of children by churches commented
“I have been involved in dealing with a number of cases involving sexual predation and exploitation by church leaders – in all kinds of churches (including “organic” or “simple” churches which naively think they are immune from this kind of abuse. “
If you learn of such behavior, don’t be naive just because it involves someone who is charming, gifted and personable (in fact, sexual predators in leadership are almost always the most charming, gifted and personable people you will ever know – which is how they get away with it).
Most of all, don’t hesitate to confront and expose such predators (of course, while protecting the victims and their identity).
You may be saving those who otherwise would be their next victims.
Never forget, silence is deadly – they thrive on it.
The churches have become predators and they have let God down.
God in his heavens will not smile at the abuse of the little children. In the Apostolic white gowned churches, women appear to be the majority of members in the Church. This is so, despite the fact that it accommodates and promotes polygamy. Johanne Marange as the founder of this religious movement, had thirteen wives. The church has been promoting polygamy, and polygamous marriage, in line with traditional African as well as ancient Jewish cultural traditions. For support and legitimation of polygamous marriage, the church draws on Biblical examples of the Israelite progenitors of Abraham, Isaac, Jacob, David and Solomon, who are regarded as exemplary forebears of faith in God. Polygamy among the White gowned apostolic groups, simply fills the gap of the numerical difference of the women to men ratio, and that this is why it is encouraged. Furthermore, while marriage within the apostolic group is encouraged, marriages with non-members is discouraged. This, though, primarily applies to women. Men are allowed to marry women who do not belong to the Johann Marange group, provided the women are prepared to become a member of the group. This practice obviously disadvantages women more than men. Preventing women to marry outside the church, can be seen as a social impediment that exposes women to polygamy, especially since it appears that the number of women to men ratio exceeds that of men to women.
.The most painful thing of it all is the forceable marriage with a ten year old.
This grooming must be stopped. Calling small girls Madzimai is one of the grooming tactics and it must be banned. Children must be allowed to enjoy their childhood. They must not be made to believe that they are born to be married.
By A Correspondent- A 23 year old Victoria Falls man has gone missing and residents have formed a search party to look for him in the forests amid fears he could have been devoured by wild animals.
Nkosikhona Nyoni went missing on Thursday and residents started searching for him on Saturday after clothes, cellphone and face mask were picked on the edge of Chamabondo National Park near Masuwe River bridge.
No further details have been given about Nyoni. A police report of missing person was filed. Police spokesperson for Matabeleland North Inspector Glory Banda could not readily comment on the issue but police sources closer to the case said a report had been made and a search was ongoing.
Ward 11 councillor Edmore Zhou mobilized residents to go for a search.
“It is our duty to protect each other and we gathered residents to search for him and we will continue with the search until something positive comes out,” he said.
A senior resident, Jonson Ndlovu said: “He has been missing for three days and on Friday a council vehicle went around the whole town announcing that someone was missing. We thank Councillor Zhou who mobilized residents to form search party and we went into the bush today. We couldn’t locate him or find any leads so we will be continuing again tomorrow. We are grateful to residents who participated in the search and wish we continue like that.”
He said locals know each other while the coming in of strangers compromises security.
Over the years, a number of people have gone missing in Victoria Falls and found eaten or killed by wild animals.
On Thursday ZimParks rangers shot down a problem elephant that had been terrorizing residents destroying gardens and water taps
By A Correspondent- Social activist Marshall Shonhai has exposed the real reason why mai Titi whose real name is Felistas Murata visited two Bus Stop comedians Samantha Kureya and Sharon Maggie Chideu abducted and beaten by state security agents when they were hospitalised.
In a video that went viral, Mai Titi is heard pleading with the duo to stop making skits that have anything to do with the current administration but concentrate on being non political comedians.
Kureya was reported missing in August 2019 before she was found dumped a day later after being abducted and beaten by masked gunmen in the capital Harare.
Known by her stage name “Gonyeti”, Kureya has been critical of the police and government in her skits.
She was taken from her home, beaten and forced to drink sewage before being dumped, her colleague says.
We post below, Shonhai’s claims and analysis:
Marshall Shonhai
Posted Marshall Shonhai on his facebook page :
Better kuSuffer tichiita twumari twedu twatinoita twuya twuya. Tichiita maMC hedu tichisekesa vanhu kumuchato. We are not politicians, we are comedians, we are there to share humour” 23/08/19 Nhasi tiri papi? #BataiMazwi
watch Mai Titi shedding her “crocodile tears” below……
By Dr Masimba Mavaza | The enduring popularity of ZANU PF amid the pandemic does thus point to at least one secret of its success: the party’s ability to invest in the people. Rarely has a political party wielded so much power, for so long, with so much consistency and accountability.
One of the most respected academicians and a great patriot who saw Zimbabwe as a country not a political divide, Dr Dzapasi Tizora wrote in his book “ ZANU PF has continued to win elections because it is not only a political party but it is Zimbabwe’s history in itself.” Dr Tizora continued “One can not talk of Zimbabwean independence without talking about ZANU PF. It is part of the history and it carry’s with it the whole hope of the whole nation. There is no legacy to talk about without talking about ZANU PF.”
Dr Tizora had done so much for Zimbabwe and had so much to offer unfortunately those who disliked him did their best to put him down. The president was fed with lies and Dr Tizora was thrown in the political dust bin. But to those who read what he wrote will see the wisdom bestowed in this academician. He was not prepared to dance in the mud with some political pigs who enjoyed splashing mud at him. Of all the politicians surrounding the president there will be no such brains like Mhofu Dzapasi.
Taking up from his writings Tizora drew lines on the world’s political parties. So let’s follow his thought.
The Western world has not entirely liked any revolutionary party. I am more qualified about my own country and my own party ZANU PF. ZANU PF has won all elections since fair elections started in Zimbabwe. It has continued to win without interruption. ZANU PF has faced fierce opposition from the opposition and from the masters of regime change.
What has irked and provoked the wrath of the West about the historical success of the revolutionary party.
ZANU PF has been holding on to popularity for forty one years now. The most reason to this success despite the enemies was that ZANU PF has invested in people so it people and people are ZANU PF.
The people of Zimbabwe have moved step by step with ZANU PF such that where things get tough people do understand. The party has its own way of doing things which are peculiar to it and it’s people. It has tried and tested policies and any foreign motivated policies introduced by the foreign funded opposition do not appeal to ZANU PF.
It is not only ZANU PF which has won so much that winning becomes its name. America has accused ZANU PF for clinging to power because it has been the only party in government since 1980 making it 41 years in control. Unfortunately for America democracy does not mean changing political parties like panties. People have a right to be led by the party which has the majority. So majority is not determined by how much the party has been liked by its people.
Statistics on “History of U.S. presidential elections 1789-2020 shows that political parties can be voted in power for as long as they perform.
The United Kingdom the prime minister Margaret Thatcher gained power in 1979 and began 18 years of Conservative government. Her successes in Falkland Islands in 1982 and the government’s strong opposition to trade unions helped lead the Conservative Party to another three terms in government. Thatcher initially pursued monetarist policies and went on to privatise many of Britain’s nationalised companies such as British Telecom, British Gas Corporation, British Airways and British Steel Corporation. She kept the National Health Service.
Modern Britain.
Thatcher’s successor, John Major replaced the Poll Tax with the Council Tax and oversaw successful British involvement in the Gulf War. Despite a recession, Major led the Conservatives to a surprise victory in 1992. The events of Black Wednesday in 1992, party disunity over the European Union and several scandals involving Conservative politicians led to Labour under Tony Blair winning a landslide election victory in 1997.
Ironically the Conservative Party (also known as Tories) is the oldest political party in the United Kingdom and arguably the world.The current party was first organised in the 1830s and the name “Conservative” was officially adopted, but the party is still often referred to as the Tory party.
The Tory party once held on to power for over twenty nine years. It is hypocrisy for the West to accuse ZANU PF for democratically winning the elections. The Conservative Party was strengthened in 1886 when it allied with the Liberal Unionists, a faction of the Liberal Party that opposed the policy of Home Rule in Ireland put forward by the Liberal leader William Ewart Gladstone. Thus reinforced, the Conservatives held office for all but 3 of the next 20 years, first under the leadership of Lord Salisbury and then under Arthur Balfour. A split over tariff policy caused them to lose the election of 1906 in a disastrous landslide, and they did not regain power until they joined a wartime coalition with the Liberals in May 1915. In the election of 1918, most of the candidates elected to support the coalition were Conservatives.
Like ZANU PF, the Conservative party is Britain’s oldest and most successful political party. It has been the party of the land but also the party of the city; the party of little England and the party of empire; the party of protectionism and the party of the free market; the nasty party and the party of gay marriage; the party of Europe and the party of Brexit.
The list of its many mutations is a long one. IT IS the party which is currently in power. The question is why should we as Zimbabwe be told when to leave office.
It is a fact that ZANU PF is the most loved party and the most popular party and the party of people. As Tizora said ZANU PF is the legacy and has the legacy. It brought freedom and it is freedom. It has the people at heart and it is people and people are ZANU PF.
So in the UK in the 101 years since democracy was conceded the Conservatives have governed either alone or in coalition for two-thirds of them. To do that they have always had to draw much of their support from working-class voters.
Opponents have often wondered why ZANU PF has been so successful, in marked contrast to many other parties of the centre-right. How has this party of property and privilege won so many elections. Part of the answer lies in the ability of the party to reinvent itself, not to allow itself to get stuck in a ditch, always to be pragmatic and flexible. This has meant giving priority to statecraft and the pursuit of power rather than to ideology.
When taken in the refreshing waters of office any pill can be swallowed.
In July 2018, Zimbabwe’s newly elected President MNANGAGWA welcomed “a new dawn.” ZANU PF had secured its largest parliamentary majority since 2008 Almost 30 new seats had swung the ZANU PF way, including many in the urban constituencies.
In all the excitement, it was easy to forget that this was the Party’s eighth election win in a row—its first such sequence in the new dispensation MNANGAGWA simply did what the party always do: win elections. ZANU PF has a record of victory that has earned it the moniker of “the most successful political party in the world.”*
The main opposition, meanwhile, spends most of its time as just that: the opposition. Since the formation of the MDC in 1999 a source of existential anxiety for ZANU PF at the time only in the social media has MDC won elections.
Such single-party dominance might well alarm the citizenry of a proud, democracy.
It is often said that ZANU PF simply “know how to win elections.” As the opposition plan to protest ZANU PF is fulfilling its promises. Zimbabwe has seen a lot of development more than what was seen in the forty years. The new dispensation has made it difficult to lose. Come 2023. ED will win for the party. The trick is that we have invested in people and people trust their party. Rarely has a political party wielded so much power, for so long, with so much accountability.
Come 2023ZANU PF will win resoundingly and as usual MDC will cry foul.
ZANU PF is focused and the focus is for the best interest of the people.
Yes 2023 ED Will do what he knows best. Winning elections.
MASVINGO – Chief Mpakwa of Bikita (born Clemence Mpakwa) who is believed to be in his late fifties faces a lawsuit for adultery after it emerged that the woman who appeared in compromising positions with in pictures that went viral on social media on Wednesday is married. Investigations by The Mirror have established that the woman is Sekai Munzvovaniswa who stays with her husband (name supplied) in Duma Suburb at Nyika Growth Point in Bikita, a stone-throw away from Retired Army General Engelbert Rugeje’s house.
The pictures supposedly taken from Mpakwa’s car went viral four days ago sending social media into a frenzy with readers questioning local traditional leaders’ role as custodians of culture and the rampant abuse of power and cars provided to them by Government at the tax payers’ expense.
The Mirror also established that Munzvovaniswa goes to the same Johanne Masowe Church with Chief Mpakwa who is its local leader and a popular prophet in the Growth Point, reliable sources told The Mirror. At Church Chief Mpakwa is called by the name Madzibaba Clemence.
The husband declined to give a comment to the Mirror. Sources however, said he is so shattered he is making maneuvers to deal with the chief.
Munzvovaniswa and her husband are still staying together in spite of the storm.
Chief Mpakwa’s mobile remained unreachable since the pictures went public. A Mirror crew that pitched up at his rural home, 4km from Nyika was told by the wife that he was away in Chiredzi.
She declined to comment on the purpose of the trip.
“He is a chief; I wouldn’t know what his business is in in Chiredzi. I also don’t know when he is coming back, it is therefore not wise for you to wait for him,” said the woman who treated The Mirror crew with suspicion.
The Mirror sought a comment from Chief Chitanga (Feleni Chauke), the Masvingo Provincial Chiefs Council Chairman of the Chitanga Village in Mwenezi who fumed against Mpakwa’s alleged adulterous affair. He accused Mpakwa of abusing the title and wearing the badge of a chief when he was only a headman.
By A Correspondent- Limpopo police have opened a case of murder after the discovery of two bodies in a house that was set on fire in NwaXinyamani Village.
Police spokesperson Brigadier Motlafela Mojapelo said the incident occurred on Friday at about 12:20.
“It is alleged that the deceased female, identified as Thoko Rikhotso, 41, was at her parents’ homestead when her boyfriend, known only as Emmanuel from Waterval Location, arrived.
“The two were allegedly seen entering the house, and after a few minutes, a sound similar to that of a gun was reportedly heard, and smoke was seen coming out of the house,” Mojapelo added.
Members of the public went to assist but the fire was burning out of control.
According to the police, both of the deceased were burnt beyond recognition.
The motive for the incident is not known yet. However, the police said they were following up on information that suggested domestic violence might have been involved.
Mojapelo said a post-mortem would be conducted to determine the cause of death.
Limpopo police commissioner Lieutenant-General Thembi Hadebe said he had learnt with shock about the incident and ordered a full probe into the circumstances that led to the incident.
Hadebe added the province was currently experiencing sporadic incidents of violent deaths in which women were the primary victims.
“Just three days back, the partially burnt body of a still-to-be-identified woman in her twenties was found on the outskirts of Polokwane in the Westenburg policing area with her [limbs] tied.
“This should be concerning to all law-abiding citizens of this province. We urge everyone to resort to legal means, including making use of available platforms when confronted with domestic or relationship challenges.”
By A Correspondent- Three children died after they consumed rat poison in Bolata village in QwaQwa, Free State.
According to provincial police spokesperson Brigadier Motantsi Makhele, the children’s mother told police she went to a nearby tuckshop and left the children, aged 4 to 16, in the care of their older sister.
“She further alleged that on her arrival, she found Nolwazi Selepe, aged 4, and Tebello Selepe, aged 11, already dead, and the eldest child, Katleho Selepe, was still alive but in pain and passed on when [emergency] personnel arrived,” Makhele added.
He said emergency services officials alerted the police.
The poison wasn’t found in the main room where the deceased were lying, but traces thereof were found in the outside room, occupied by the eldest son, Makhele said.
The Evangelical Lutheran Church in Zimbabwe (ELCZ), which is almost 118 years old (having celebrated its centenary in 2003), has remained a key player in spiritual and development work in the country.
Administratively, the Church is divided into three Dioceses. The Eastern Diocese, led by Bishop Rt Rev Vushebwashe Mhaka, geographically, covers Masvingo province stretching to Chiredzi and Malipati; Manicaland; Harare; Mashonaland Central and West and parts of the Midlands. The Central Diocese under Bishop Rt Rev Kenneth Sibanda (who is also the Presiding Bishop), covers mostly the Midlands and parts of Mwenezi in Masvingo province. It hosts most of the mission schools and hospitals as well as training centres which are Masase, Chegato, Msume, Mnene and Masvingo Mbuya Nehanda, all in Mberengwa and the Vashandiri Training Centre in Gweru. The Western Diocese, led by Bishop Rt Rev M.M. Dube, covers Matebeleland South and North as well as Bulawayo where Manama mission school and hospital are located (Matebeleland South) and the famous Njube Training Centre in Bulawayo.
The work of the ELCZ is hinged on its voluntary arms that are found in each congregation. These are Vashandiri (Women Fellowship); Zvapupu (Men’s Fellowship) (meaning The Witnesses) and the Luther League (Youths). However, evidence shows that it is the Vashandiri which has remained the pillar of the Church.
The Eastern Diocese Vashandiri led by Mrs Regai Mratu of the Mabvuku Congregation, Harare East Parish, presided over a successful 2021 Revival meeting which was held virtually (due to COVID-19 challenges) from 16 to 21 August 2021. A unique but successful methodology indeed!
TheHistoryofVashandiri
It is important to refresh our minds regarding the history of the Vashandiri , as a voluntary movement in the Lutheran Church in Zimbabwe. Söderström et_al , (2003), trace the history of Vashandiri to the 1930s (or even before), being associated with the early female missionaries, Miss Ida Granquist, Miss Ingegärd Ehn and Mrs Elisabeth Bernander. These women arranged Bible Knowledge sessions as well as practical lessons for issues such as cookery, child care, sewing, helping the sick and the needy, visiting non-Christians and other spiritual and social tasks for the women in the Church.
It is noted that Mrs Ester Ngwenya, wife of an Evangelist, Peter Ngwenya, became the pioneer leader of Vashandiri . The Vashandiri idea is reported to have originated from both Zululand and Zimbabwe. Mrs Bernander had met the Lutheran Prayer Women in Zululand and the Ruwadzano (The Peace Fellowship) in the Methodist churches in Zimbabwe (Söderström, etal , 2003:52). The Vashandiri concept was developed during very sensitive moments, hence the initially adopted name of The Mothers’ Union was withdrawn as it was thought to be associated with trade unionism. Thus, the name Vashandiri was formally adopted in 1937.
A Mushandiri was supposed to undergo some probation period (currently two years) before one could be a full member of the arm. One would commit herself to be a good Christian, wife and mother if she wanted to be accepted into the Vashandiri .
By 1962, the Vashandiri had become the pillar of the Church, hence the need to have a full time Secretary to coordinate the work of this arm, thus Mrs Anna Söderström occupied this position until 1971.
VisibilityofVashandiri
The Vashandiri are visible in the ELCZ because of their unique uniform, a grey skirt and purple top with grey belt and collar as well as a hat inscribed with ELCZ logo. The Vashandiri regard the colour of their uniform, loosely as “ Gatawa ” (Shona name for purple). Purple is a combination of red and blue while grey is a combination of black and white. These colours have their symbolic meanings to the Church. Blue represents everlasting life; red is for the blood of Jesus; black shows that we were formerly deep into sin while white symbolises cleanliness from sin.
It is a requirement for Mushandiri to be always in her Church uniform when fulfilling Church tasks including weddings, funerals and Church services.
The social and political challenges of the 1970s did not allow the Church to grow in terms of its membership. Yet, the Vashandiri component grew from about 2000 in 1970, 3000 in 1976 and 5000 by 2003 (Söderström et al , 2003: 54). These numbers could have been conservatively picked by the above authors as they could be lower than the reality. While current statistics could not be accessed for this piece, my experience in the ecumenical movement, where I work, shows that indeed, the numbers have grown steadily in the ELCZ and also in churches under the Zimbabwe Council of Churches (ZCC), an ecumenical body made up of thirty Protestant Churches.
ELCZVashandiriintheEcumenicalChurch
The ELCZ fellowship arrangement is similar to that of the ZCC where the Women Local Ecumenical Fellowship (WLEFs) or MubatanidzwaWeMadzimai ( Umanyano ) is the backbone of the ecumenical work in Zimbabwe. The WLEFs bring together all the women from the ZCC member churches in a given locality. In the different member churches, the women fellowships are known by different names such as Mothers’ Unions, Vashandiri , and others.
Like other ZCC member churches, the ELCZ Eastern Diocese has continued to be visible and active in ZCC’s women fellowships. The current, Eastern Diocese Vashandiri Chairlady, Mrs Mratu is in the leadership of the ZCC women fellowship in Mabvuku-Tafara. In the ZCC, the women fellowships are responsible for coordination, organisation and mobilisation at local level for local urgency on critical processes.
In the same manner, the ELCZ Eastern Diocese Vashandiri has been instrumental in the implementation of various projects such as farming, education, sewing and entrepreneurship.
In terms of supporting education, the case of the Gurungweni Secondary School project, in Chikombedzi, remains the pride of the Vashandiri . The Vashandiri constructed 5 by 2 classroom blocks and furnished them as well as 2 semi-detached staff houses and they drilled a water borehole for the school. The school is yet to be officially opened.
TheConceptof “ Revival ” intheELCZ
The year 2020 was characterised by many challenges caused by COVID-19. Church gatherings were restricted as a way of preventing further spreading of the corona virus. Yet, the Church’s survival is hinged on gatherings (fellowships). Thus, the ELCZ was affected just like any other institution in Zimbabwe. The Church could not physically fulfill its annual routines such as annual Revival meetings. The challenges continued to rock the nation in 2021.
Innovatively, the ELCZ Eastern Diocese Vashandiri fulfilled this key process virtually. The online Revival meeting was consistently attended by about two hundred and fifty Vashandiri per each whatsapp platform created. Participants who are resident in different countries attended the meeting. I checked from my wife (Angela Zvipo Gumbo)’s phone and noted that some participants are resident in other ELCZ Dioceses, in Europe and in other African countries. My wife is an active and committed Mushandiri (together we have been members of the same Church since our days as Sunday school students at Mavorovondo Parish in Mberengwa in the early 1980s). Five whatsapp groups with approximately two hundred and fifty members each had been created. Thus, an estimated record number of around a thousand people participated.
For me, the hosting of a Revival meeting virtually, was an effective way of evangelising as the word timeously touched the hearts of more people than normally reached physically. The word went beyond the twenty four parishes that make up the Eastern Diocese.
Mrs Mratu had this to say, “We really needed to meet despite the pandemic that separated us physically from each other for more than a year. It is during such moments that we revive one another’s spirit especially in such times as these under COVID-19. The Vashandiri were particularly challenged by congregants to remain relevant, hence we decided to meet virtually…”
Britannica (2019: n.d.) has defined revivalism, generally, “as renewed religious fervour within a Christian group, Church, or community, but primarily a movement in some Protestant churches to revitalize the spiritual ardour of their members and to win new adherents”.
Clearly, Revival in the ELCZ context, is a moment for the congregants to meet, reflect on their Christian lives, renew their faith and together map their spiritual future. In the case of the Zimbabwean Church in general, in 2020/2021, such a moment, became a necessary and important calendar event as the congregants have not been meeting due to COVID-19 restrictions.
People’s faiths need to be “revived”, congregants need to engage and encourage each other, messengers of God need to reassure them that they are not supposed to fear as God is there to “fight” on their behalf.
As a Lutheran myself, I personally congratulate the Eastern Diocese Vashandiri leadership for successfully convening this year’s Revival meeting under very difficult conditions-but here we are, it worked!
The challenges faced, lessons learnt and recommendations shared by the leadership after the meeting, will surely inform the broader Ecumenical Church, that, congregants can still connect and fulfill their Christian obligations even in such difficult situations.
The main challenges noted included connectivity problems, high cost of communication data and some congregants did not have smart phones which are compatible. Moreover, according to Mrs Mratu, they could not fulfil some of the Revival routine sessions online such as exhibitions and music competitions.
However, opportunities also presented themselves: in relative terms, virtual meetings are cheaper; participants continue with their daily activities while attending the meeting and indeed, more people attended than could have been the case had the meeting been convened physically. Furthermore, congregants from other denominations had the opportunity to attend.
ExcellentSpeakers
The week-long meeting was graced by a team of great people in the Church. Bishop Mhaka and Amai were instrumental in shaping the whole process and content. They also presented on some key topics at the meeting. The Bishop’s powerful “singing voice” would be heard in between presentation sessions, motivating participants spiritually.
The presentations by the ELCZ Deans, S. Hove, M. Zano and T.V. Gambiza on various socio-spiritual topics, equipped the Vashandiri with critical and necessary knowledge that will be shared to all the congregants from the pulpit beyond the Revival moment.
I have already reflected on the presentation by Dean Hove on Women Empowerment and Development, where he touched on Sustainable Development Goals and the work of the Vashandiri . I was convinced that the Church is very rich in terms of human capital.
As I continue to reflect on the other presentations, I have also concluded that the organisers need to find ways of compiling them into a small booklet for sharing with the Ecumenical Church beyond the ELCZ. Mrs Mratu indicated that, indeed, her team has plans to compress all the presentations for sharing via various channels including radio, social media and others in translated languages to cater for every congregant in the Church.
The other presenters who are experts in their various capacities on development, gender, theology and administration also led different sessions. These are Rev E, Moyo, a gender specialist; Rev Mangena; Rev K. Gora (who spoke on ambassadorial role of a Christian); Mrs R. Hove; Rev N. Mazetese; Dr Chabaya; Rev Dr Kenneth Mtata; Rev P. Javedu; Rev J.S. Mashavira; Rev S. Maphosa; Rev S. Kanyekanye and the hosting Chair, Mrs Mratu and her team of Vashandiri leaders from the greater Eastern Diocese.
TheThemeExplained
The meeting ran under the theme (they call it Singwisingwi in the Lutheran circles) “ DonotbeafraidordiscouragedforthebattleisnotyoursbutGod’s …..” (2nd Chronicles 20:15-17.
The theme was excellently explained by Rev Mtata, who is a Lutheran Pastor and also the current General Secretary of the ZCC. With my wife, we had the opportunity to carefully and thoughtfully listen to Rev Mtata’s presentation. Thus, in this brief, I attempt to summarise the theological reflections done to elucidate the Revival Theme from my own understanding of the presentation.
Contextually, the audience was reminded of the fear and dismay that characterised Israel following the death of Moses, who had provided some unique form of leadership. Indeed, the Lord would quickly remind Joshua and the people to be strong for he was going to lead them in the fulfilment of the task ahead.
In Isaiah 43, the Lord promises restoration (a “Second Exodus”). The Lord had done it before through Moses, and the same is being promised in Isaiah 43 where God would restore his people from the Babylonian exile, thus, they were not supposed to fear.
The 2021 Revival meeting was directly hinged on 2nd Chronicles 20:15 as indicated above. Jehoshaphat is advised by God through Jahaziel that he should not fear and or discouraged for the “insurmountable” battle before him was going to be fought by God himself. The words pronounced by God remind of those made by Moses at the Red Sea (Exodus 14:13).
Rev Mtata explained that indeed, in the three cases of Joshua, Isaiah (43) and Jehoshaphat, the people had strong reasons to fear and be dismayed. The passing on of Moses at a critical moment created a potential leadership crisis that almost broke the faith of the Israelites. In Isaiah 43, the Babylonian exile had also created moments of fear and discouragement. Yet, the seemingly insurmountable battle before Jehoshaphat and his subjects presented fertile ground for fear and loss of faith.
This could be the case with the current situation in Zimbabwe socially, economically and even politically in 2021. Things may not be well for individual Mushandiri , Vashandiri collectively, the Church at large and nationally. Fear and loss of faith in institutions and even in God himself have engulfed the people. They may generally be feeling powerless to face the realities on the ground.
Thus, the Revival meeting came at the right time to strengthen the women in our Church and the rest of the citizens who would follow the meeting proceedings virtually. In a similar moment, Isaiah reminds the people that they were his; in Joshua, God was there for his people and in 2nd Chronicle, God reminds of his past efforts to free his people from bondage. The same promises and reminders can still apply to our situation today hence we should not fear or feel discouraged. The battle itself is God’s but only if we are faithful in him. Losing faith at such challenging moments is not a show of being a true Christian. Furthermore, submission to God is the only weapon to a war. The Revival meeting was an opportune time to encourage each other spiritually and morally in a situation of challenges.
Congratulations Eastern Diocese Vashandiri for a job well done!
References
Britannica, T. Editors of Encyclopaedia (2019, Revivalism, Encyclopaedia Britannica, https://www.britannica.com/topic/revivalism-Christianity.
Evangelical Lutheran Church in Zimbabwe, Eastern Diocese 2021 Vashandiri Presentations (with my own interpretations added).
Mratu, R, Evangelical Lutheran Church in Zimbabwe Eastern Diocese, Vashandiri Chairlady, Interview, 21 August 2021, Harare.
Söderström, H., Bergman, S., and Bergman, T., (2003), The History of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in Zimbabwe 1903-2003, Uppsala Stift, Uppsala.
A union representing teachers in Zimbabwe has highlighted another case in which one of its members allegedly received a pittance in terminal benefits.
According to the Progressive Teachers Union of Zimbabwe (PTUZ), the teacher received Z $57,242.72 in terminal benefits following 26 years of service. This amount translates to US$673 using the official exchange rate.
However, using the widely accessible parallel market, this amount translates to US$380 using the black market rate.
The case of the teacher’s terminal benefits was shared by the PTUZ on social media platforms. The union shared the teacher’s letter which is dated 30 June 2021. In the post, PTUZ tagged the Public Service Commission, Finance minister Mthuli Ncube and Raymond Majongwe, the secretary-general of the union.
Part of the letter advising the teacher of the terminal benefits after 26 years of service reads,
PAYMENTS OF TERMINAL BENEFITS
Please be advised that following the termination of your service on 5.12.19 from Education, you are entitled in terms of Pension Regulations 1992 as amended to the following benefits
Refund of Pension contributions paid…………………………………. 12,799.42 Add Interest 4% of 26 Complete Years Served (104%)…….…… 13,311.40 ……………………………………………………………………………….……….… 26,110.82
add gratuity………………………………………………………………….… 63,836.55 Total Benefits due…………………………………………………….… 89,947.37
less tax ………………………………………23,363.64 gvt debt ……………………………………… 934.01 32,704.65
Net Amount payable to you……………………………………………… 57,242.72
The above will be paid into your NMB account in July 2021.
F. Songore For: General Manager, Pensions Management
After noting the post from the Progressive Teachers Union of ZImbbawe, the Public Service Commission responded saying unions should not post official communications online. The PSC also insisted that it would not discuss such issues online.
The PSC wrote,
On another note, PSC would encourage members with queries to approach the PSC or their unions, where they feel comfortable and such unions can easily engage PSC on behalf of their members than to post official,confidential, personnel letters on social media platforms
— Public Service Commission – Zimbabwe (@psczimbabwe) August 22, 2021
We publish below citizens’ reactions to the revelation…
This is not the matter. The matter at hand is that the money that is paid after all these years of service is too little. While the person was working you were not paying him/ her enough. Teacher salaries are too little. Improve them so that they get more pension funds.
— Young Teachers of Zimbabwe (@teachers_young) August 22, 2021
This is too little. Pensioners are suffering. Please reconsider the peanuts you are giving loyal civil servants as pensions. No wonder some would rather die in office.
The pension is disheartening to say the least. PSC should strive to give its members, salaries that will translate better as pensions. That's the elephant in the room. Salaries that are below the PDL
By A Correspondent- The Fathers Against Abuse organisation has claimed that a lot of men are being abused sexually in their marriages. According to the organisation, many men are suffering in silence as they fear ridicule from society if they speak out.
Speaking to local publication, B-Metro, Alois Nyamazana, the co-founder of the Fathers Against Abuse said cases of men being abused are not taken seriously by society. Thus most abused men tend to remain quiet to avoid the stigma and ridicule from society.
Highlighting some of the cases he has encountered, Nyamazana said:
“There is a case I came across whereby a woman was hyper sexually active and so her husband ended up being sexually abused because she would follow him to work just to have sex. He had no choice but to end up sharing his predicament.
“There are also some women who use sexual enhancement drugs and that ends up putting pressure on the men to deliver sexually.”
Nyamazana compared how society responds to cases of men being abused against ow it responds when women are abused,
“…in our patriarchal society, if a boy child is sexually abused, it’s just normalised. There is also just shame and stigma attached to the boy child and men who are sexually abused.
“Also, sexual abuse against men and boys is normally just described as aggravated assault by the law but if a girl or woman has been abused it’s called rape…If a man is raped instead of saying indecent assault why don’t we just say it’s rape because the terms used to describe men who have been raped lessens the weight of the case,” said Nyamazana.
The co-founder of Fathers Against Abuse called on Parliament to standardize all laws to ensure equitable justice for all victims of abuse, “What we also want is standardisation of the law and we are continuously working with Parliament to make sure the law is standardised,” added Nyamazana.
A processing officer at the Registrar General’s Office allegedly stole 90 passport application forms and handed them to three other men, who would sell them to unsuspecting people applying for the travelling documents.
Annah Mangena is alleged to have stolen the application forms and handed them to Simon Matsika, Chikura Bisset and Antony Mubweza, who would then sell them to passport applicants.
Matsika, who is a clerk at City of Harare and stationed in Kuwadzana, appeared at the Harare Magistrates Court jointly charged with Chikura and Mubweza on charges of receiving stolen property.
The three, who were being represented by Harare lawyer Mr Tapson Dzetero, were remanded to September 9 on $5 000 bail each.
Ms Tarisai Chitanhi, a supervisor, represented the RG’s office in the matter.
Prosecutor Mr Anesu Chirenje told the court that on July 1 this year, the RG’s department received 10 boxes containing 20 000 passport application forms from Fidelity Printers and Refiners.
Mangena is alleged to have stolen 90 of them.
It is alleged that one of the stolen passport application forms with serial number 4175014 was then picked after being submitted for processing while in the name of Paul Mutotobi.
By Leonard Koni- Douglas Mwonzora has been left with an egg on his face and done another proverbial sucker punch blow by being dumped and not even getting attention from the Zambian President elect Hikainde Hichilema. It’s clear that he is not attending the inauguration.
Nelson Chamisa’s political leadership is growing not only in Zimbabwe but across the Sadc region. It has been boosted by an invitation to attend Zambian President -elect Hakainde Hichilema.
Nelson Chamisa’s politics has become so organic entrenched in genuine political discourse with pure intentions and no hidden agendas.
According to President Emmerson Mnangagwa he recognised Mr Mwonzora as the official opposition leader in Zimbabwe but apparently not recognised regionally.
If you see a politician fighting for a political position more that fighting for people’s struggle then one does not deserve to be in position of power.
Douglas Mwonzora has been spending his energy and resources fighting another opposition through recalls instead of directing his energy to fighting corruption and pushing for the arrest of Henrieta Rushwaya who was caught red handed smuggling gold at Robert Mugabe International Airport.
There are Zanu PF supporters who are supporting Mwonzora and advertising him to the people as the best opposition leader than Nelson Chamisa.
On the other side the government is using #Covid19 to stop MDC-ALLIANCE leader from interacting by so doing they don’t know that they are indirectly marketing and selling him to the electorate.
In history Zanu PF has never liked any kind of opposition nor embraced one. Everybody knows that Zanu PF hates opposition with a passion. Mwonzora cannot be recognized beyond borders.
This is a lesson which must be learnt by people like Lovemore Madhuku and his crew who received Polad cars from President Emmerson Mnangagwa on the pretext that they are doing a service to the nation.
By A Correspondent| Government through the Ministry of Health and Child Care has revealed that COVID-19 jabs can be administered to people with underlying conditions like cancer, HIV, hypertension, diabetes and kidney problems.
Posting on Twitter, the health ministry said the COVID-19 vaccine helps to boost their immunity but insisted that they should continue taking their prescribed medication.
“COVID-19 vaccines may be administered to people with underlying conditions, like cancer, asthma, HIV, hypertension and diabetes, liver, and kidney problems and boost their immunity. They are encouraged to continue taking their medication as advised by their medical doctors,” government said.
By A Correspondent| Controversial Norton legislator Temba Mliswa has slammed Zanu PF’s move to capture popular musician and dancer Sandra Ndebele saying its pitiful and a show of low regard for Zimbabweans electoral mentality.
Posting on Twitter this morning, the motor-mouth legislator said the move is yet another dry cut and paste job by Zanu PF.
“Another dry, cut& paste job as @ZANUPF_Official has appointed Sandra Ndebele as their Bulawayo representative for Young Women in Economic Development. However, the abiding idea behind the move makes the whole thing pitiful. It’s a clear scramble for popularity& youth support,
“The move exhibits a low regard for the Zimbabwean electorate’s mentality. People can now see beyond these platitudinous actions which seek to harness and transfer popularity from a different sphere into the party’s community of politics,” said Mliswa.
He added that the strategy of using celebrities had lost steam with people now clearly knowing what they want which is answers to their everyday challenges.
“Beyond the few who are swayed by such dramas, people simply need answers to challenges in their lives. I was in Zambia two weeks before elections& the atmosphere on the ground was strange. They were very few posters of the then opposition @UPNDYouthLeague candidate, Hichilema,” added Mliswa.
By A Correspondent- Dominant mobile money service provider, EcoCash, has announced an upward review in transactional charges starting next month after obtaining the green light from regulatory authorities.
The company, which last reviewed its charges at the beginning of the year in January, said it will increase its charges effective September 19, 2021.
Tariffs for paying merchants
Transaction Value
Old tariff
New tariff
% Increase
$1.00 to $9.99
$0.89
$0.93
4.5%
$10.00 to $19.99
$1.45
$1.52
4.8%
$20.00 to $29.99
$2.06
$2.16
4.9%
$300.00 to $39.99
$3.17
$3.47
9.5%
$40.00 to $49.99
$4.19
$4.19
0.0%
$50.00 to $74.99
$5.69
$5.69
0.0%
$75.00 to $99.99
$7.53
$7.53
0.0%
$100.00 to $149.99
$7.61
$8.91
17.1%
$150.00 to $199.99
$9.21
$11.00
19.4%
$200.00 to $299.99
$10.41
$12.44
19.5%
$300.00 to $499.99
$10.86
$13.03
20.0%
$500.00 to $999.99
$33.79
$42.17
24.8%
$1 000.00 to $1 499.99
$49.41
$61.66
25.0%
$1 500.00 to $1 999.99
$70.72
$84.86
20.0%
$2 000.00 to $2 499.99
$87.30
$104.76
20.0%
$2 500.00 to $2 299.99
$103.43
$124.12
20.0%
$3 000.00 to $5 000.00
1.85%
1.85%
0.0%
These are just the EcoCash fees. From $300 onwards, consumers are taxed 2% of the transacted amount which adds to the overall cost of the transaction
Tariffs for sending money to other EcoCash users
Transaction Value
Old tariff
New tariff
% Increase
$1.00 to $9.99
$0.68
$0.72
5.9%
$10.00 to $19.99
$1.42
$1.49
4.9%
$20.00 to $29.99
$2.10
$2.20
4.8%
$300.00 to $39.99
$2.63
$2.88
9.5%
$40.00 to $49.99
$3.93
$3.93
0.0%
$50.00 to $74.99
$5.31
$5.31
0.0%
$75.00 to $99.99
$5.89
$5.89
15.0%
$100.00 to $149.99
$8.01
$9.38
17.1%
$150.00 to $199.99
$11.06
$13.22
19.5%
$200.00 to $299.99
$13.52
$16.16
19.5%
$300.00 to $499.99
$17.87
$21.44
20.0%
$500.00 to $999.99
$34.43
$42.96
24.8%
$1 000.00 to $1 499.99
$52.31
$65.29
24.8%
$1 500.00 to $1 999.99
$73.48
$88.18
20.0%
$2 000.00 to $2 499.99
$91.85
$110.22
20.0%
$2 500.00 to $2 299.99
$110.21
$132.25
20.0%
$3 000.00 to $5 000.00
1.91%
1.91%
0.0%
These are just the EcoCash fees. From $300 onwards, consumers are taxed 2% of the transacted amount which adds to the overall cost of the transaction
Tariffs for bill payments
Transaction Value
Old tariff
New tariff
% Increase
$1.00 to $9.99
$1.03
$1.08
4.9%
$10.00 to $19.99
$1.44
$1.51
4.9%
$20.00 to $29.99
$1.76
$1.85
5.1%
$300.00 to $39.99
$2.46
$2.69
9.3%
$40.00 to $49.99
$3.37
$3.37
0.0%
$50.00 to $74.99
$4.68
$4.68
0.0%
$75.00 to $99.99
$6.17
$6.17
0.0%
$100.00 to $149.99
$7.76
$9.00
16.0%
$150.00 to $199.99
$8.57
$10.25
19.6%
$200.00 to $299.99
$9.75
$11.65
19.5%
$300.00 to $499.99
$15.31
$18.37
20.0%
$500.00 to $999.99
$31.25
$39.00
24.8%
$1 000.00 to $1 499.99
$46.88
$58.50
24.8%
$1 500.00 to $1 999.99
$65.00
$78.00
20.0%
$2 000.00 to $2 499.99
$81.25
$97.50
20.0%
$2 500.00 to $2 299.99
$97.50
$117.00
20.0%
$3 000.00 to $5 000.00
1.85%
1.85%
0.0%
These are just the EcoCash fees. From $300 onwards, consumers are taxed 2% of the transacted amount which adds to the overall cost of the transaction.
There was no immediate comment from the company on the price adjustment. The increase comes at a time the prices of goods and services in the country have been escalating despite the stability in the official foreign currency exchange rate since the beginning of the year.
The EcoCash tariff schedule made no reference to the ZW$5 000 daily transaction limit imposed on mobile money transactions in May 2020.
Although the monetary authorities last year promised to review the EcoCash weekly limit of ZW$35 000 “continuously, in line with the requirements and convenience of the transacting public”, there has so far not been any changes made to the transaction limits.
By A Correspondent- As the daily number of new Covid-19 cases continues falling, the Government is considering reopening schools, especially as infections are concentrated in the 30 to 40 age group, so risks to school children are lower.
Schools closed on June 4 and were set to open for the second term on June 28. However, reopening was postponed because by then the third wave was continuing to gather steam.
The Government, through President Mnangagwa, is still to announce when schools will open but the Ministry of Primary and Secondary Education has been working to ensure that as soon as the go-ahead is given, it will be ready.
Community Working Group on Health director Mr Itai Rusike said in preparation for the reopening of schools, communities should follow guidelines and protocols on Covid-19 to lessen transmission.
“The situation in the schools should be certified safe by the Government with all the schools having met the required standards necessary to be deemed safe to reopen. Communities should continue to be encouraged to be vaccinated in order for us to achieve herd immunity in the shortest possible time,” he said.
Mr Rusike said despite the decrease in new infections, the nation should not lower its guard as it was not yet out of the woods.
The Ministry of Health and Child Care weekly Covid-19 report shows that there has been a decline in new infections this week.
“The proportion of (infections) children of school going age five to 19 years, mostly at the primary and secondary school, stood at 11,1 percent. The Government is considering opening schools if the current decline in the number of new cases continues,” read the report.
A total of 2 780 new confirmed cases and 147 deaths were reported from August 14 to 20.
“The 147 deaths reported in the last 7 days were from Harare 53, Bulawayo 28, Manicaland 17, Mashonaland West 11, Mashonaland Central 9, Midlands 8, Mashonaland East 6, Masvingo 6, Matabeleland North 5 and Matabeleland South 4.
Five provinces contributed to 66 percent of the cumulative cases: Harare 21,8, Mashonaland West 13,1, Mashonaland East 10,5, Bulawayo 10,3, and Manicaland 10,2, said the statement.
The weekly report also shows that trends have not changed much with men accounting for 56 percent of deaths.
“A total of 147 deaths were reported this week, the number of deaths decreased compared to 268 deaths reported during the previous week. Community deaths account for 31,2 percent of the Covid-19 related deaths, a slight increase from 31 percent reported the previous week,” read the report.
In the past week the country recorded zero imported cases. South Africa however accounts for 81,6 percent of all the imported cases that have been reported in Zimbabwe since the outbreak of Covid-19.
As of 20 August 2021, local cases constituted 98,5 percent of the total Covid-19 cases reported in the country. The number of countries contributing to the imported cases are 27, of which South Africa contributes 81,6 percent of the total cases. Matabeleland South accounts for the highest number 763 of imported cases.
Health expert Professor Solwayo Ngwenya said the community deaths were due to the fact that some people wait until it is too late to go to a clinic or hospital. So many of those at risk of dying at home are those with underlying conditions as the prevalent delta variant can worsen some conditions like hypertension and diabetes.
People tended to go to hospital after trying home remedies that were not working. Some are not aware that they have the virus especially those with underlying conditions like diabetes and hypertension because the delta variant can cause sugar levels to rise and then people die without knowing they are positive,” said Prof Ngwenya.
“Some have relatives that are asymptomatic and they still visit each other especially during funerals defying what we have been told by the Government. These community deaths are unfortunate and if we do not change, we will continue recording more of these.”
Confirming the rise in cases among younger people in the 30-to-40 age group, he said: “More and more young people are being infected. They were once strong and resistant; they were asymptomatic but now they are getting sicker and dying in other countries. This variant is affecting almost all ages, said Prof Ngwenya.
He said it was unfortunate that the variant is now infecting youngsters who usually do not adhere to Covid-19 health protocols thereby spreading the virus.
As the daily number of new Covid-19 cases continues falling, the Government is considering reopening schools, especially as infections are concentrated in the 30 to 40 age group, so risks to school children are lower.
Schools closed on June 4 and were set to open for the second term on June 28. However, reopening was postponed because by then the third wave was continuing to gather steam.
The Government, through President Mnangagwa, is still to announce when schools will open but the Ministry of Primary and Secondary Education has been working to ensure that as soon as the go-ahead is given, it will be ready.
Community Working Group on Health director Mr Itai Rusike said in preparation for the reopening of schools, communities should follow guidelines and protocols on Covid-19 to lessen transmission.
“The situation in the schools should be certified safe by the Government with all the schools having met the required standards necessary to be deemed safe to reopen. Communities should continue to be encouraged to be vaccinated in order for us to achieve herd immunity in the shortest possible time,” he said.
Mr Rusike said despite the decrease in new infections, the nation should not lower its guard as it was not yet out of the woods
The Ministry of Health and Child Care weekly Covid-19 report shows that there has been a decline in new infections this week.
By A Correspondent- Their se_x life was not like it used to be.
But mamfundisi did not have a problem with it as she believed they were old.
Little did she know her husband of 17 years did something about it behind her back.
And the muthi he took increased his se_x drive, but mamfundisi was tired of it. The 47-year-old from Ga-Makausu, Germiston told Daily Sun he even became aggressive as if he’s possessed.
However, she said she and her husband (57) have never been people who believe in izangoma, at least that’s what she believed.
She said her husband started slacking in the poking game two years ago. “I was okay with it because I believed we’re too old to be poking all the time. But hubby was not okay with it and told me he was thinking of visiting his sangoma brother. I refused because we’re Christians and don’t use muthi.”
Mamfundisi said her husband seemed like he was okay with it.
“In April last year, I noticed that my husband was demanding se_x all the time. The poking was good at first, but I got annoyed when he started making it an everyday thing.”
She said she asked him where all this energy was coming from, but he ignored her.
Mamfundisi was shocked when she found muthi in one of her husband’s old socks.
She said when she confronted him about it, he said this was the reason their bedroom had been spicy and she should stop complaining.
“I don’t know how SunReaders can help me, but I need this thing reversed. My punani is tired,” she said.
“I threw those little plastics away, but my husband is still a hungry poking pastor from hell. We need help,” she said.
However, the pastor said his wife should be grateful for the man he’s become. “A lot of ladies would be happy, but she doesn’t understand that I did this for us,” he said.
He said he grew up in a family of izangoma and even though he’s a pastor, he believes in the power of traditional healers.
The sister (49) of Mamfundisi said she called her a lot last year complaining about the poking, but she didn’t think it was this serious.
“I sometimes laughed at her and told her she needed to do her wifely duties. I don’t know what to say about this situation because at the end of day, it’s both their choice,” she said.
Daily Sun also spoke to the sangoma brother. He said his brother asked for help and he couldn’t say no.
“He told me his wife would have a problem with it, but he would talk to her. I didn’t know she hated the idea so much.”
He said he could reverse the effect of the muthi, but the pastor had to come to him, not the wife.
By A Correspondent- The president of Botswana, Mokgweetsi Eric Keabetswe Masisi, has invited Dumelang Saleshando, the leader of the Opposition in Botswana to accompany him to the inauguration of the Zambian President-Elect Hakainde Hichilema.
The inauguration is scheduled for this Tuesday. Pindula News presents a statement by the Botswana government on the matter.
REBUTTAL TO UFM NEWS CAPTIONED “ZAMBIAN PRESIDENT INVITES SALESHANDO TO HIS INAUGURATION”
GABORONE, 23rd August 2021: The Ministry of International Affairs and Cooperation wishes to refer to a recent post by the online UFM News circulating on social media platforms, entitled “Zambian President invites Saleshando”. The said post inaccurately states that His Excellency Mr. Hakainde S. Hichilema, President-Elect of the Republic of Zambia, extended an invitation to the Leader of the Opposition, Honourable Mr. Dumelang Saleshando to attend the President-Elect’s Inauguration Ceremony on 24th August 2021.
The Ministry wishes to underscore that the post by UFM News is misleading. Accordingly, the Ministry wishes to categorically correct this inaccuracy by setting the record straight that His Excellency President Dr. Mokgweetsi Eric Keabetswe Masisi, has extended an invitation to the Leader of Opposition to accompany him to the inauguration of the Zambian President-Elect in the spirit of cordial relations that exist among political leadership of Botswana and inclusiveness. His Excellency the President has also invited Former President Mr. Festus Gontebanye Mogae.
Therefore, the post’s inaccuracy ignores the fundamental reality of His Excellency’s efforts to be all-inclusive. It instead, reinforces untruths that are polarizing.
Contact – Public Diplomacy, Research and Policy Analysis
By A Correspondent- A six year old girl was burnt to death in a deserted hut in Tsholotsho, Matabeleland North.
The incident happened in Bubude Line under Chief Gampu on Saturday
Matabeleland North Police Spokesperson Inspector Glory Banda confirmed the incident.
“We received a report about a child who died when a hut she was playing in caught fire,” he said.
Insp Banda said the minor was left with two friends when her guardian was going to the clinic for vaccination.
He said the children went to a deserted homestead and started playing there.
Insp Banda said the six-year-old got into the deserted hut with a box of matches leaving her friends playing, she lit the dry grass which was on the ground and the whole kitchen caught fire. She got trapped as she could not escape.
“When her friends saw this, they shouted for help but no one came to her rescue. The two friends ran back home to look for help and they found that her guardian was back. They then returned to save her but she was already dead,” he said.
He urged parents and guardians to monitor minors all the time.
By A Correspondent- Police in Harare at the weekend raided bars and arrested 60 people for public drinking.
Posting on their Twitter handle Sunday, ZRP said the raids would continue until the public complies with the Covid-19 regulations of not gathering at public places.
“60 people were arrested in Hre at several bars and nightclubs last night while contravening COVID-19 regulations. Bar and nightclub operators should lead by example. Let us all comply with measures put in place by the Government for the benefit of everyone’s health and security,” posted ZRP.
"Perhaps Mnangagwa's lesson as he faces Nelson Chamisa in Lusaka tomorrow is: power isn't the army, the CIO or police; it isn't at all Brutality, it's Reality" – @schikanzapic.twitter.com/y3qyDX1EVU
Emmerson Mnangagwa’s spokesman George Charamba has gone against clear state media footage that exposes how his boss planned and operationalised the 1 August 2018 brutality.
Charamba’s verbage, comes ahead of a Zambian parliamentary probe of Mnangagwa’s role as he worked together with outgoing President Edgar Lungu, to destroy evidence of his own brutalities since August 2018.
Mnangagwa’s proxy, Lungu was defeated in the just ended elections.
Writing on Twitter, Charamba accused journalist Hopewell Chin’ono of having sold out opposition “hideouts” and their operation methods after the 2018 harmonised elections.
“Both the doctors for human rights and Counselling Services Unit (CSU), as with many other regime change outfits, got funding from the US embassy, whether directly through USAid and its agencies, or indirectly and with support from many Western governments including the United Kingdom government, through accounts ran by some Nordic countries,” he said.
He added saying “in rare yet notable cases, funds would be routed through United Nations agencies.”
He also claimed all the reported cases of brutality were sponsored and dramatised to “overwhelm the nascent Second Republic”.
“The strategy was a simple one from a propaganda point of view: engage several make-up artists who manufacture horror images in brisk succession to a point where a narrative of gory brutality sticks, and with such rapidity that the police — then still under reconstruction in the wake of events of 2017 — would simply get overwhelmed and too paralysed to investigate any alleged case. ME
By A Correspondent- The late vice president Joshua Nkomo’s son, Sibangalizwe Nkomo, has exposed President Emmerson Mnangagwa’s lies on Gukurahundi.
Nkomo has said he is convinced that the government is not sincere about solving the Gukurahundi issue.
Below is Sibangalizwe’s statement.
Following the meeting between the Head of State Mr Emmerson Dambudzo Mnangagwa and Traditional Leaders on the 21st of August 2021, I am convinced more than ever that the Government of Zimbabwe is not sincere about solving the issue of Gukurahundl. This Is because I strongly feel the process is fundamentally flawed for the following reasons: Mr Mnangagwa Is said to have met with Matabeleland based Civic Society Organizations under the banner of the Matabeleland Collective. The public must know the exact identity of the so-called CSOs and what their interest is In Gukurahundi. There is also need to clarify where this group gets its mandate from. On the 7th of February 2020, the grouping of these CSOs split with those that have a track record of working with our people leaving the Matabeleland Collective. The government must then let the public know who exactly is Matabeleland Collective. Those who left, amongst many reasons cited state control of those negotiating with Mr Mnangagwa. As such, the Impartiality of these people is now heavily compromised. We cannot have a situation where the perpetrator has monologues with himself and then makes resolutions for the people. Our people must reject Matabeleland Collective with the contempt It deserves.
By A Correspondent- The late vice president Joshua Nkomo’s son, Sibangalizwe Nkomo, said people of Matabeleland would not recognize President Emmerson Mnangagwa’s Gukurahundi meeting he held at the weekend.
Nkomo has said Mnangagwa held the meeting with bogus people who are not victims of the 1980s’ genocide.
Below is Sibangalizwe’s statement.
Following the meeting between the Head of State Mr Emmerson Dambudzo Mnangagwa and Traditional Leaders on the 21st of August 2021, I am convinced more than ever that the Government of Zimbabwe is not sincere about solving the issue of Gukurahundl. This Is because I strongly feel the process is fundamentally flawed for the following reasons:
Mr Mnangagwa Is said to have met with Matabeleland based Civic Society Organizations under the banner of the Matabeleland Collective. The public must know the exact identity of the so-called CSOs and what their interest is In Gukurahundi. There is also need to clarify where this group gets its mandate from. On the 7th of February 2020, the grouping of these CSOs split with those that have a track record of working with our people leaving the Matabeleland Collective. The government must then let the public know who exactly is Matabeleland Collective. Those who left, amongst many reasons cited state control of those negotiating with Mr Mnangagwa. As such, the Impartiality of these people is now heavily compromised. We cannot have a situation where the perpetrator has monologues with himself and then makes resolutions for the people. Our people must reject Matabeleland Collective with the contempt It deserves.
By A Correspondent- Police in Harare at the weekend raided bars and arrested 60 people for public drinking.
Posting on their Twitter handle Sunday, ZRP said the raids would continue until the public complies with the Covid-19 regulations of not gathering at public places.
“60 people were arrested in Hre at several bars and nightclubs last night while contravening COVID-19 regulations. Bar and nightclub operators should lead by example. Let us all comply with measures put in place by the Government for the benefit of everyone’s health and security,” posted ZRP.
By A Correspondent-MDC-Alliance President Nelson Chamisa has been invited to attend the new Zambian President, Hakainde Hichilema’s swearing-in ceremony.
Hichilema will take an oath of office tomorrow, Tuesday.
Chamisa’s invitation to Hichilema’s swearing-in ceremony is the first in post-colonial Southern Africa, where an opposition party leader attends the inauguration of a head of state.
It should not be used just to score points but to build an alliance of Democratic progressives.
Join Simba Chikanza as he goes through some of the top and trending stories early morning Monday.
VIDEO LOADING BELOW….
https://youtu.be/hpjf_bJ_5S8
Meanwhile, the video below, is a LIVE clip of Zambia’s outgoing President Edgar Lungu revealing his view that the winner of the just ended elections Hakainde Hichilema will not go beyond 5 years in power. What is he standing on to confidently declare such? ZimEye investigates.
By A Correspondent-The Zimbabwe Republic Police has once again been exposed for failing to print the correct spelling for a Bulawayo based police station signpost.
This follows last week’s embarrassing spelling mistakes on their new cars, which President Emmerson Mnangagwa commissioned at Morris Depot.
Tinashe Sambiri|MDC Alliance leader President Nelson Chamisa has described the late founding leader of the Movement for Democratic Change, Dr Morgan Tsvangirai as a great companion.
According to President Chamisa, Dr Tsvangirai was a father to many people.
In a brief statement released on Saturday, President Chamisa implored citizens to register to vote.
“This great man( Dr Morgan Tsvangirai) was just more than a leader and father and to many.
To me, Dr MT was a great companion and confidant. I miss his naughty smile and our happy moments..
VP Welshman Ncube Busy On The Ground Spearheading Programmes, Hwende Exposes Zanu PF Lies…
Tinashe Sambiri| MDC Alliance vice president Professor Welshman Ncube has said he will never abandon the people’s struggle.
According to Professor Ncube, the Zanu PF regime is desperate to dismantle the popular movement.
“The agents of the regime deployed everywhere including among us are on a roll with FAKE & UTTERLY FALSE stories & Facebook & Twitter accounts. ” I am going nowhere. I stand with Nelson Chamisa, Tendai Biti and Lynette Kore in the fight 4 the people. The MDC Alliance is my home,” Professor Ncube wrote on Twitter.
The agents of the regime deployed everywhere including among us are on a roll with FAKE & UTTERLY FALSE stories & Facebook & Twitter accounts. I am going nowhere. I stand with Nelson Chamisa, Tendai Biti and Lynette Kore in the fight 4 the people. The MDC Alliance is my home.
Last week Zanu PF agents claimed Professor Ncube was no longer part of the MDC Alliance.
MDC Alliance Secretary General Hon Charlton Hwende also took a swipe at Zanu PF moles for seeking to disrupt the people’s struggle.
Below is Hon Hwende’s statement:
Constructive criticism makes us better leaders. I always read everycriticism and insult directed at me as a person and the Office of the Secretary General which I lead.
I also don’t respond because I understand the frustration but of late some stories being peddled on Twitter are outright lies created to cause disunity, suspicion and division.
A case in point is the story that VP Welshman Ncube has left the MDC Alliance. The VP is busy on the ground directing and supervising party programs. I speak to him daily because he is my immediate supervisor as he is charged with supervising Party Administration.
Another one is the lie that some people want to expel the Youth Secretary Cde Gift Ostallos Siziba . We are busy recruiting and registering people to vote and such stories help in promoting apathy which benefits Zanupf.
We are a United team focused on removing Zanupf and it’s corrupt leadership. My appeal to the people is that if you have any suggestion or strategy to help the party and the struggle please inbox me or call me on my number 0777772275.
In the video below, is a LIVE clip of Zambia’s outgoing President Edgar Lungu revealing his view that the winner of the just ended elections Hakainde Hichilema will not go beyond 5 years in power. What is he standing on to confidently declare such? ZimEye investigates.
This afternoon, 21st August, 2021, we held a meeting at our residence in Lusaka with some of the Ambassadors and High Commissioners from African countries, accredited to Zambia.
During our meeting, we emphasised that democracy is key for development in Africa and that before looking elsewhere for social, political and economic solutions, we must first look within our continent. And under this score, we stated that there is no need of our people to be shedding blood in order to have their desired leadership and that going forward, Zambia will begin to experience freedoms which will allow diplomats and even citizens to enjoy their rights.
We also stated to the Ambassadors that the African continent is capable of creating jobs, skills and business opportunities before looking to the outside world and that this will be one of our key thematic areas during our tenure of office.
On the bilateral and multilateral front, we stated that we will remain open and available because our central focus is economic growth not only for our Country but Africa as a whole.
We are confident that when a clear road map is set, Zambia will begin to witness less imports but more exports in the areas of human resource and other areas.
The Ambassadors and High Commissioners we met are from: Malawi, Tanzania, Botswana, South Africa, Congo, Namibia, Somalia, Rwanda, Zimbabwe, Egypt and Morocco.
This afternoon, 21st August, 2021, we held a meeting at our residence in Lusaka with some of the Ambassadors and High Commissioners from African countries, accredited to Zambia.
During our meeting, we emphasised that democracy is key for development in Africa and that before looking elsewhere for social, political and economic solutions, we must first look within our continent. And under this score, we stated that there is no need of our people to be shedding blood in order to have their desired leadership and that going forward, Zambia will begin to experience freedoms which will allow diplomats and even citizens to enjoy their rights.
We also stated to the Ambassadors that the African continent is capable of creating jobs, skills and business opportunities before looking to the outside world and that this will be one of our key thematic areas during our tenure of office.
On the bilateral and multilateral front, we stated that we will remain open and available because our central focus is economic growth not only for our Country but Africa as a whole.
We are confident that when a clear road map is set, Zambia will begin to witness less imports but more exports in the areas of human resource and other areas.
The Ambassadors and High Commissioners we met are from: Malawi, Tanzania, Botswana, South Africa, Congo, Namibia, Somalia, Rwanda, Zimbabwe, Egypt and Morocco.
State Media -Anti-sanctions activist Mr Gregory C Turner, who in 2015 was sentenced to 15 months in prison in the United States for lobbying for the unconditional removal of sanctions has died.
After his imprisonment, Mr Turner, an American citizen, relocated to Zimbabwe and remained a strident critic of the illegal and amoral sanctions that have over the last two decades bled the country of billions of dollars.
He passed away yesterday at St Anne’s Hospital in Harare due to Covid-19-related complications. He was 81.
In her condolence message, Minister of Information, Publicity and Broadcasting Services Monica Mutsvangwa said the death of Mr Turner is a painful loss to the people of Zimbabwe.
“Greg Turner loved Zimbabwe most dearly. He was vehemently opposed to the ZIDERA (Zimbabwe Democracy and Economic Recovery Act) sanctions against Zimbabwe. He viewed them as a bloat and assault at the core of existence and well-being of Zimbabwe, Africa and its Diaspora.
“He took his fight against ZIDERA right into the American Black Congressional ranks. He actually organised a delegation of Chicago-based Civil Rights luminaries to Zimbabwe in the early 1990s,” she said.
Because of his efforts in fighting for the removal of sanctions, Mr Turner , who hailed from Chicago, was found guilty by a federal jury of violating the International Emergency Economic Powers Act.
In addition his co-defendant, Prince Asiel Ben Israel, also of Chicago, who was sentenced to seven months in prison after pleading guilty to violating the Foreign Agents Registration Act.
“For his efforts he incurred the wrath of the American Federal Bureau of Investigation. They shadowed him in cahoots with G40 cohorts.
“They snooped on him leading to his arrest, trial and sentencing in an Illinois Federal Court for lobbying activities that broke the ZIDERA statute. He was subsequently incarcerated for two years.
“On release he relocated to Zimbabwe, where the Zanu-PF party and the Zimbabwe Government welcomed him with open arms.
Until his death Mr Turner tapped into his lifelong Pan-African activism and extensive continental reach to build bridges between Africa and its Diaspora.
Mr Turner, working with Information, Media and Broadcasting Services Minister Monica Mutsvangwa and her deputy Kindness Paradza, recently invited the Grammy Award winning musician, Robert “Kool” Bell to Zimbabwe to help market Victoria Falls as a tourist resort.
The invitation was also meant to promote young Zimbabwean music talent. He was also actively working with Ambassador Kwame Muzawazi of the Institute of African Knowledge and Museum of African Liberation.
He secured a section in the museum for the story of TransAtlantic slave trade and the 1960s civil rights movement. -Herald
At least 85 bales of cotton seed, weighing over 25 tonnes were on Saturday morning burnt in transit along the Chinhoyi-Chegutu Road.
The cotton had been ferried from a buying point in Rafingora and the truck was destined for a Cottco Zimbabwe ginnery in Chinhoyi. The bales were reduced to ashes, about a kilometre before reaching the ginnery at Christos Shops.
When The Herald visited the scene, Cottco personnel and touts were busy trying to salvage the bales as Chinhoyi Municipality fire tender failed to make it to the site.
The desperate efforts by the team failed to yield any positive results as the raging fire gutted the fully loaded trailer. Witnesses said the driver was alerted of the fire by other drivers before he pulled off the road.
“When he pulled off the road to investigate, he realised that the whole load was up in smoke. We helped him remove the tank and unhook the trailer from the horse,” said Archim James. The fire is suspected to have been caused by fumes from the exhaust pipe which is mounted facing the loaded trailer.
The driver of the truck, who was in shock and requested anonymity, said he had travelled at least 110 kilometres from Rafingora.
“I suspect the fire was caused by exhaust fumes. I was only alerted by fellow drivers who sensed danger,” said the driver.
Chinhoyi Municipality spokesperson, Mr Tichaona Mlauzi said the local council’s fire tender was out of service while plans were afoot for a brand new truck.
Efforts to get comments from Cottco public relations officer, Ms Victoria Mutomba, to ascertain the value of the burnt bales were futile yesterday although some officials at the scene said about 25 000 kilogrammes that were destroyed cost at least $2,1 million. Herald
England-based Zimbabwe Warriors prospect Macauley Bonne scored both goals for Ipswich Town in their entertaining 2-2 stalemate with MK Dons in League One on Saturday.
The 26-year old former Charlton Athletic striker has been impressive for Paul Cook’s charges since the 2021/22 season began, having rescued them with a last minute equaliser in the season-opener against Morecambe.
Bonne opened the scoring in the 16th minute, when he was found by a pass from Rekeem Harper and went past Dons goalkeeper Andrew Fisher, before blasting the ball into the roof of the net.
That brilliant effort was the difference between the two sides at the break.
Just before the hour-mark, MK Dons levelled matters through a well-taken Scott Twine free-kick, but the parity did not last long, as Bonne restored Ispwich’s advantage shortly after, to make it 2-1.
Matt O’Riley would make sure the points are shared, with an equaliser 15 minutes before the end.- Soccer24 Zimbabwe
MDC Alliance leader, Nelson Chamisa has been invited to attend the inauguration of Zambia’s elect president Hakainde Hichilema scheduled for Tuesday 24 August 2021.
Hichilema defeated President Edgar Chagwa Lungu in the 12 August presidential election that was his sixth attempt at landing the top post.
Zambian Information and Broadcasting Services ministry permanent secretary, Amos Malupenga, said the inauguration ceremony would be strictly by invitation because of the COVID-19 pandemic.
Hichilema’s United Party for National Development (UNDP) has close ties with the MDC Alliance and he has met Chamisa on several occasions before.
Joseph Kalimbwe, one of the key members in Hichilema’s campaign team said MDC Alliance was the only political party in the region that supported UNDP ahead of Zambia’s August 12 elections. He added that UNDP must never forget its allies when it attains power. He said:
My support for the struggles of friends and comrades across our continent (Zimbabwe, Namibia, Tanzania – Africa) is unwavering – it will never stop.
They chose the hard path of supporting our UNDP struggles when others refused to associate with us in the opposition.
Hichilema’s victory gave hope to other opposition parties on the continent that they can also topple the ruling parties in their respective countries.
President Emmerson Mnangagwa has, however, since poured cold water on such hopes saying whoever dreams of change happening in Zimbabwe should wake up and brew beer for cleansing.
Political analysts observe that the Zimbabwean political arena is different from others on the continent mainly because power-broking institutions including the military are not abiding by the constitution.
They say political reforms including revision of the voters’ roll, demilitarising the Zimbabwe Electoral Commission, and media reforms are essential for free and fair elections.- The Standard
At least 85 bales of cotton seed, weighing over 25 tonnes were on Saturday morning burnt in transit along the Chinhoyi-Chegutu Road.
