“Scientists Not Politicians Must Lead Vaccination Program”: Pressure Group

By A Correspondent- A pressure group, the Citizens COVID-19 Monitoring Mechanism, has warned the government against partisan distribution of the vaccine for the coronavirus, whose vaccination programme will start this week.

This follows the arrival of 200 000 doses of a COVID-19 vaccine donated by China, which were received yesterday morning by the government and will undergo a 48hour verification exercise.

Spokesperson for the Citizens COVID-19 Mechanism, Effie Ncube told Southern Eye that the vaccination programme for the global respiratory disease should be led by
scientists not by politicians.

He said his concerns arose from the fact that in the past, humanitarian aid and food handouts ended up benefiting Zanu-PF supporters. “The most important thing is to get the vaccine to the people. Proper logistics must be put in place, as well as storage facilities,” Ncube said.

“The government must also ensure that everyone gets the vaccine without consideration as to the political affiliation that they belong to.

“What we have seen in the past is that the government has been distributing other humanitarian aid such as farming inputs and food handouts to Zanu-PF supporters only.

“They are the ones that have been benefiting from different programmes at the expense of other citizens,” he said.

Government plans to inoculate approximately 10 million citizens to achieve herd immunity.

Frontline workers, the elderly, and those with underlying health conditions would get preferential treatment when the inoculation exercise begins.

Government has also procured another 600 000 doses of the same vaccine, but the second lot is expected into the country early next month.

Bulawayo Man Found Dead In A Suspected Hit And Run Accident

A Bulawayo man was found dead in Nkulumane suburb and police suspect that his life was claimed in a hit and run accident.

The man has not yet been identified.

Bulawayo provincial spokesperson Inspector Abednico Ncube said they suspect that the accident happened over night as the body was discovered in the morning on Thursday.

“Police received a report of a hit and run of an unknown pedestrian who was hit by an unknown motor vehicle along Rangemore road near the Housing Office in Nkulumane and the man died on the spot,” said Insp Ncube. Insp Ncube said the deceased was believed to be between 25 – 35 years old.

At the time of his death, he was wearing a black jacket, a blue shirt, black trousers, black jersey and had no particulars on him. The body was taken to United Bulawayo Hospital (UBH) for post mortem.

“We are appealing to members of the public or relatives for information that may assist in identifying the body of the deceased to report to Nkulumane Traffic, UBH or any nearest police station where they will be assisted on body identification,” said Insp Ncube.

He urged motorists to follow lawful procedures following an accident. “We also appeal to motorists to respect life; once you are involved in an accident whether someone died or not, stop and give assistance than to run away,” he said.

On January 19 at around 1130PM another person was killed in another hit and run accident opposite Latter Day Saints Church along Matopos Road, Famona.Upon realising that the victim was dead, the unidentified driver dragged his victim a few metres away from the suspected point of impact and left the body face down.

The deceased sustained head injuries and multiple fractures on both legs.

On January 14, a male adult was hit by a car along Hyde Park Road near Maraa turnoff in Pumula East while crossing the road.The accident victim sustained head injuries and was ferried to Mpilo by an ambulance where he died upon admission.

According to police, the body was not claimed. Police are on record urging members of the public to avoid travelling at night or at least wear reflective clothing when doing so and to always carry identification particulars with them for easy identification.

-State Media

PTUZ Urges Govt To Consult Before Opening Schools

By A Correspondent- The Progressive Teachers’ Union of Zimbabwe (PTUZ) has urged government to consult teachers and parents among other key stakeholders before reopening schools for the 2021 calendar year.

PTUZ president Takavafira Zhou told NewsDay that a raft of reforms were required to ensure teachers and learners’ safety when schools reopen for the first term.

Zhou’s remarks came after Information secretary Ndavaningi Mangwana tweeted last Friday that Cabinet on Tuesday resolved to defer the reopening of schools by two weeks.

Schools closed on December 18, 2020 after briefly opening, save for examination classes which continued in January.

“A considerable number of people, academics, government officials and parents want schools to be unconditionally opened soon. As teachers, while we are ready to open schools anytime, we are worried that there was virtually no preparation to open schools except enrolment and collection of exorbitant fees for Form One classes. Failure to plan is planning to fail as evidenced by the disastrous Grade Seven results for 2020,” Zhou said.

It is our humble submission that a myriad of measures must be put in place before schools can open. Fundamentally, opening of schools must be a product of government engagement with stakeholders, particularly teachers and parents. There was need to collectively agree on a sound roadmap that has support of teachers as implementers of reforms in schools.”

The PTUZ called on government to address the issue of exorbitant fees demanded by schools for Form One enrolment.

Zhou said it would be foolhardy for the government to expect teachers to troop back to schools when they could not afford to send their own children to school.

“A teacher, who earns between $14 000 and $18 000 cannot be expected to pay US$200 fees and US$600 for school uniforms. It is impossible,” he said.

“Teachers and pupils must be tested for COVID-19 before congregating in schools. Above all, after such testing the government can also execute COVID-19 vaccines on teachers and pupils and, therefore, minimise the spread of the pandemic when schools finally open.”

He said it was imperative to put in place a taskforce comprising teachers’ unions, education and health officials to carry out COVID-19 assessments at schools to check on their level of preparedness.

Video Of President Biden Getting Vaccinated On LIVE Camera, When Are Mnangagwa, Chiwenga Coming Out?

Every living President should have a live shot at the same time on that television set, a CNBC channel presenter announces in the footage below as President Joseph Biden gets the vaccine in December

VIDEO LOADING BELOW

Vaccination Programme to Start This Week

President Mnangagwa says vaccination of citizens will start this week following the arrival of 200 000 vaccines from China this morning.

In a tweet, the President said: “The first batch of vaccines for Zimbabwe has been successfully delivered. We start vaccinating Zimbabweans this week!

“The faster our country is protected against this virus; the faster Zimbabwe’s economy can flourish. God bless you all, God bless Zimbabwe!”
The vaccines were donated by China and will cover 100 000 people, with each one expected to receive two.

Zimbabwe has also purchased 600 000 jabs from China that are expected to be delivered in March while more will be purchased from Russia. The country has set aside US$100 million for Covid-19 vaccines to ensure everyone in need of the jab gets it.

Zimbabwe can also get over three million doses of vaccines at a cost of US$25 million from the 270 million jabs available to the African continent.

The vaccines will cover 15 percent of Zimbabwe’s population, but the country has to inform the Afreximbank if it wants the vaccines, otherwise they will be reallocated.

The vaccines are being sourced by the Africa Vaccine Acquisition Task Force set up by immediate-past African Union chairman and South African President Cyril Ramaphosa.

They will complement the vaccines secured via Covax, the globally-pooled vaccine procurement and distribution effort, which has clinched agreements to secure two billion doses.

Every African country has an allocation based on its population size and Zimbabwe’s share is about three million. It is expected that Zimbabwe will pay the almost US$25 million through drawing down from a facility at Afreximbank, payable over five years.

The Herald understands shipments of the vaccines will begin in March and all of them will be delivered this year, with 50 million vaccine doses supplied between April and June.

The vaccines being secured are the same as those being used in Europe and America such as Pfizer and AstraZeneca and Johnson & Johnson.

-State Media

Police Shoot Village Head

By Own Correspondent- Matembudze Village head Marxwell Matembudze was shot dead by the police at his home in Ward 23, Chief Nyakunuwa area in Zaka after he resisted arrest.

Matembudze was among five suspected robbers who raided Lundi business centre on February 11 and robbed two businessmen, Chivi South Zanu-PF parliamentary candidate Munyaradzi Zizhou and Arnold Ncube.

The robbers got away with close to US$20 000 and cell phones.

Masvingo Provincial Police Spokesperson Inspector Kudakwashe Dhewa confirmed the incident and said it was unfortunate that one of the suspects in the Lundi robbery had resisted lawful police intentions to arrest him.

“One suspect was shot and died after he tried to attack the police who had gone to arrest him. A number of electrical gadgets including cell phones, laptops and television sets were recovered at his home,” said Dhewa.

Police sources said on February 11, at 05:00hrs in the morning, police manning a roadblock at 167 km peg along Masvingo-Beitbridge Road stopped a truck for regular search.

“The driver of the truck disembarked from the truck for the police to search but four unidentified males jumped out and ran away. The police gave chase and one of them dropped a satchel which was then picked up by the police,” said the source

On searching the bag, the police found a lockdown travel exemption letter which bore the deceased’s name among other documents that indicated he was part of a mining syndicate.

On February 13 the police established that Matembudze was from Zaka and investigations led them to his home around 21:00 hrs.

“They knocked and identified themselves, then the deceased’s aunt identified as Chiedza Matembudze came out and talked to the police during which Matembudze is said to have came out and charged towards the police. They fired some warning shots but he continued and this prompted the police to shoot him.

He was taken to Msiso Mission Hospital where he was pronounced dead upon arrival.

A number of people in his area are celebrating his death as he is said to have been very troublesome and his subjects feared him.

“He was a bully even during his childhood. He was not a registered village head but he fought with his relatives over the village leadership until the registered village head gave up and left him to do as he pleased,” said one villager

Another one said the deceased was a known criminal and thief who used to tell people that he was a thief but a sophisticated one who never stole from local villagers as they did not have anything he prized.

Matembudze died barely a week after his first wife had tried to commit suicide by taking an unknown pesticide.

“He had accused his wife of killing his love child and the wife threatened to kill herself. Instead of restraining her, he gave her some rat poison to kill herself. She was then taken to Msiso Hospital where she later recovered and brought back home.-tellzim

January Disease Claims Over 1k Cattle In Mash West

By A Correspondent- Over 1 000 cattle died last month from Theileriosis also known as the January disease in Mashonaland West province.

Theileriosis is a disease caused by a blood-borne parasite called Theileria, and the disease only affects cattle and is primarily transmitted by ticks.

Chief director of livestock in the Division of Veterinary Services, Josphat Nyika, said three districts in the province have borne the brunt of the outbreak.

Said Nyika:

The disease has mainly affected areas like Zvimba, Chegutu and Mhondoro Ngezi. This is due to that the local manufacturing industry has not been venturing into animal vaccine production. As a result, most vaccines were imported.

However, efforts are currently underway to develop a vaccine for the January disease locally, with the first vaccine trial results expected by the end of this month.

Nyika added that outbreaks of Theileriosis were also being experienced in Manicaland, Midlands and Masvingo provinces.

Meanwhile, Lands, Agriculture, Fisheries, Water and Rural Settlement director Jairus Machakwa has urged farmers to dip their cattle three times in two weeks since dipping is the most effective tick control method.

More: NewsDay

Muzarabani Duo Defies ED, Gathers 60 Village Heads For A Campaign Rally

Emmerson Mnangagwa

By A Correspondent- Muzarabani South legislator Tapera Saizi and traditional leader Chief Chiweshe Mukore-kore (Matthew Minyonga) on Sunday defied lockdown by conducting a Zanu-PF meeting with over 60 village heads.

It is alleged that over 60 village heads converged at Chitemamuswe Primary in Muzarabani for a meeting called by the duo.

Chief Chiweshe was allegedly persuading the heads to support sitting legislator Saizi in the next election, who is alleged to be his favorite candidate.

The agenda of the meeting was kept a secret till the meeting day.

The Chief  urged village heads to take control of Pfumvudza program contradicting with the policy  document.

“Madhumeni nemaCouncilors who are spearheading the program are corrupt saka imi masabhuku take over,” Chief Chiweshe said.

When contacted by this publication Chief Chiweshe confirmed that they had a meeting.

“Hongu ndakaita musangano nemasabhuku angu ese emuchiweshe nepamusana pevashandi vehurumende varikuba ma inputs epfumvudza”

Saizi together with his counterpart, Chief Chiweshe  accused government officials of being corrupt.

The government is providing transport for the inputs and no one should be made to pay,” Saizi purpoted.

Saizi also said ‘they’ are working on modalities when someone asked if the government was paying to ward level.

People who spoke on anonymity alleged that the Chief and the Member of Parliament (MP) are causing unnecessary confusion in the district on most government programs and wondered why a Chief would want to poke his nose into government programs.

“He is the most corrupt chief ever and we wonder why only him of the four chiefs is always attacking government programs,”fumed one resident.

Another resident said,”At one time the same Chief took 32 bags of Ammonium Nitrate (AN) to his residents and stopped distribution accusing a councilor of wanting to steal.”

It is alleged that he was ordered by high authorities to retain the fertilizer after it was established that he wanted to use it for personal use.

Asked to comment one of the village heads said,”Varume ava havazive, worse the MP is using Chief to cling on to but haa zvasara ipapo pataitira musangano.”

Contacted for comment, Chief Chiweshe could not deny the charges as he said that the agenda of the meeting was to urge villagers to work hand-in-glove with the sitting leaders.

“Favor is everywhere, even you the wife you chose is the one that you love,” Chief Chiweshe said to the reporter.

MP Saizi was not picking up calls until the time of publication.

-Byo24

Chamisa Remembers Tsvangirai The Champion Of Freedom, Great Mentor

Tinashe Sambiri|MDC MDC Alliance leader, President Nelson Chamisa has described the late MDC founding President Dr Morgan Tsvangirai as a champion of freedom.

President Chamisa also described Dr Tsvangirai as a great mentor.

Read President Chamisa’s statement below:

Today is MORGAN TSVANGIRAI DAY:

CELEBRATING A LEGACY OF LOVE..We lost a peacemaker, doyen of democracy and freedom champion.

My father, mentor and a friend, I salute u for the free leadership mentorship and tutorship. You taught me love, forgiveness, humility, principle, consistency and loyalty. I and we ( all your true mentees) will never be purchased to compromise the PROMISE. The project promise is intact, uncompromisable and underailable.

We will WIN Zimbabwe for change! We are holding tight..Chinhu takabata!! Rest in Power Mdara!

Godisinit
chinhu takabata
machinja ese achapuhwa korona!
Kunagumo kune nyaya
Vamira pamuganhu kuti NDI!

Advocate Nelson Chamisa

President Chamisa

“Every Life Lost Is A Big Loss To Us”: Mnangagwa

President Emmerson Mnangagwa on Tuesday extended the coronavirus lockdown by another two weeks.

Below is the President’s statement in full:

Fellow Zimbabweans, I wish to update you on the current state of the National Covid-19 pandemic as we revisit the lockdown that we introduced at the beginning of the year and hence map a way forward.

Since the implementation of the current lockdown which ends midnight today, we have witnessed a marked decrease in the number of Covid-19 infections and deaths.

I thank you all, most sincerely, for observing the fundamental lockdown measures.

As I address you, our Nation this morning received its first consignment of vaccines from the People’s Republic of China. Let me again thank the Chinese Government for this gesture of great humanity.

We will forever remain grateful to the Chinese Government and People for standing with us. I am also happy that the Second consignment of vaccines procured from the People’s Republic of China will be received in a few weeks’ time.

As already indicated, vaccines from other countries namely Russia, India and the United Kingdom, are also on the way.

That should see our pace of vaccinating willing Zimbabweans increase in tempo thus drawing us nearer the goal of achieving herd immunity.

The ultimate goal is a return to our normal lives so our children can go back to school, and that we all resume our collective effort towards recovery and growing our Economy for the realisation of Vision 2030.

Therefore the vaccine roll-out programme will be announced by the Minister of Health and Child Care.

Fellow Zimbabweans,

The following are the current measures:

  • staying at home thereby limiting community transmission,
  • the correct wearing of face masks, and the use of sanitisers,
  • keeping physical distancing in all places and in public transport such as on ZUPCO buses,
  • decongesting government offices to 10%, as was being strictly observed,
  • restriction on informal sector activities which pose a challenge on social distancing,
  • enforcement of the curfew, closure of bars, beer halls and restaurants.

While the National lockdown goals are now within sight, the numbers of active cases and deaths however are still very high.

These need to come down further. Every life lost is a big loss to us I, therefore, extend the National Lockdown by a further two weeks.

The extension will allow the number of active cases and those still in incubation to recede.

This extension should cause a great reduction in the pool of infected people, enable Health Personnel to investigate and, monitor the presence and circulation of new variants.

Fellow Zimbabweans,

The new measures will operate as follows:

  • Hours of business will be 0800 HRS to 1700 HRS
  • Curfew is from 2000 HRS to 0530 HRS,
  • No inter-city and inter-provincial commuting,
  • Funeral gatherings to remain pegged at 30 people, with all social gatherings remaining banned,
  • All burials are to be handled according to WHO regulations,
  • Essential services to remain functional,
  • Government manning levels to increase from 10% to 25%
  • The Ministry of Health and Child Care will increase testing. All private companies seeking resumption of operations should test their employees in compliance with WHO protocols,
  • Judiciary will open for only urgent cases to be heard. No one is allowed in the gallery. All who attend court will be tested,
  • Schools will remain closed for the duration of the extension,
  • Our markets shall remain open but observing social distancing and
  • Those in the informal sector may only open once they have satisfied WHO protocols.

Let me take this opportunity to remind you to remain vigilant, focused and to continue to adhere to all the lockdown measures.

The health of our nation depends on us all

I thank you

Include journalists in the COVID-19 priority vaccination rollout, MISA Tells Zim Govt

By A Correspondent| MISA Zimbabwe calls upon the government to prioritise and also include journalists among the first priority groups listed for the COVID-19 vaccination rollout programme.

Our request is informed by the fact that the media was declared an essential service in terms of Zimbabwe’s COVID-19 regulations.

Journalists, together with other essential priority groups, are frontline workers that need to be prioritised as well given the critical role they play in keeping the nation informed on developments and measures the government is taking to contain the COVID-19 pandemic.

In any case, the media, by virtue of its fundamental and normative role of informing and educating, is key to the coverage of the immunisation rollout.

The media can, therefore, not be left out for later consideration as journalists will be reporting from the frontline as the country rolls out immunisation of the essential groups identified to receive the first jabs.

The government can work closely with the Zimbabwe Media Commission, media houses and media representative organisations on how best to implement the immunisation for journalists as they are a critical component of the sectors and groups that have been declared essential services.

Journalists are frontline workers that risk their lives as they collect and disseminate information hence the need to prioritise their health and safety.

Lessons can be drawn from Zambia, which through its Ministry of Health, recently announced that journalists would be among the first recipients of the COVID-19 vaccines when they arrive in that country.

Chidziva Says Greedy, Selfish Leaders Have Destroyed MDC

Happymore Chidziva

By A Correspondent- MDC Alliance secretary for rural strategies Happymore Chidziva has blamed greedy and selfish leaders for the sharp divisions within the opposition movement.

Chidziva, a former youth leader, posted the remarks on his Facebook page during commemorations of the party’s late founder Morgan Tsvangirai’s life, who died on 14 February 2018.

Since its formation in 1999, the MDC has experienced several splits, the latest being in 2018 when Thokozani Khupe took control of the MDC-T while Nelson Chamisa became the leader of the MDC Alliance.

Chidziva said Tsvangirai’s wish was for the party to survive from one generation to another. He wrote:

His last words to me as the then commander of the MDC youth assembly were that the movement is not one generational movement and that it must survive from generation to generation.

This can only be possible if we deal with issues like greed, selfishness and ego in the leaders of the party.

The party is not a centre of elite power struggles, No! It is a people’s project and all generations should be allowed their stake.

Chidziva warned those who “have tried to digress and detract the democratic project” saying history will judge them harshly.

In response to Chidziva’s remarks, MDC-T spokesperson Witness Dube said it was not in his party’s DNA to attack fellow opposition movements.

Two People Drown In Disused Pits

Two more people have drowned in disused pits in Bulawayo’s Pelandaba West suburb within a week with authorities urging members of the public to keep away from the water bodies.

Shane Ngona (20) from Pumula North drowned while taking a bath with Nqobizitha Mhlanga (18) from the same suburb also drowning while attempting to rescue his friend.

The incident occurred just five days after Keith Ncube (15) drowned in the pool of death.

The pits are scattered all over Bulawayo with some of them in Luveve, Nkulumane, Cowdray Park and Entumbane.
They are mainly caused by sand poachers who after, extracting sand, leave them uncovered.

Bulawayo police spokesperson Inspector Abednico Ncube confirmed the two drowning incidents yesterday.

“Police in Bulawayo are handling two cases of sudden death by drowning which occurred on Saturday at about 7PM.

The two victims from Pumula North are said to have left their home to go and bath at Pelandaba West Emagodini area. Shane is said to have dived into the water and drowned and his brother who had followed them up started to search for him leading to Nqobizitha also drowning in the process,” said Insp Ncube.

He said a report was made to the police who dispatched a sub aqua unit from Zimbabwe Republic Police Fair Bridge who searched and retrieved their bodies.

“The deceased bodies were positively identified by their parents and police inspected them and observed that they did not have any injuries. The bodies were taken to the United Bulawayo Hospitals (UBH) for postmortem but no foul play is suspected,” he said.

“Police would like to urge members of the public, especially those who cannot swim to desist from playing in water bodies as they risk drowning.”

Bulawayo Deputy Mayor councillor Mlandu Ncube said it was worrying that lives continue to be lost unnecessarily.

“It’s sad that we are losing lives in such a manner especially as we are battling with the Covid-19 pandemic. But we hope that these were the last deaths to be reported in the city.

As council it is within our budgets to put perimeter fences around those areas and we also planning to try and cover those pits but this is work in progress as we are resource-constrained.

We also want to encourage residents to exercise caution during this rainy season and avoid playing near water bodies. We also want to pass our condolence messages to the families who have lost their loved ones,” Cllr Ncube.

-State Media

Mwonzora Has No Moral Compass To Speak About Dr Tsvangirai Legacy

Tinashe Sambiri|Team Pachedu has accused Mr Douglas Mwonzora of pretending to adore the late MDC founding President and icon of democracy Morgan Tsvangirai yet he betrayed the former Prime Minister when he was alive.

Team Pachedu is a coalition of Zimbabwean citizens.

According to Team Pachedu, Mwonzora has no moral compass to speak about President Tsvangirai’s legacy:

“Mwonzora was already a rebel before Tsvangirai died, going against National Council resolutions.

He was against MDC-Alliance, and wanted MDC-T to field all positions in the 2018 elections.

Mwonzora has no moral compass to lecture us about Tsvangirai’s legacy.”

MDC Alliance official, Antony Taruvinga wrote:

Dear Douglas Mwonzora, its not possible to separate Pres. Adv. Nelson Chamisa from Dr. Morgan Tsvangirai.

History speaks louder for the two gentlemen.

Everyone knows about that shared history. That history was made when you were not part of the MDC, you were actually opposing the MDC. That said, Zanu pf can assist you in illegally taking over the Harvest House, the MPs and the Councils but can not assist you in taking over the people. The people shall eventually speak. Your enjoyment won’t go beyond 2023…

Douglas Mwonzora

Former Police Boss Dies

ZIMBABWE Republic Police (ZRP) former Deputy Commissioner Moses Griffiths Mpofu has died.
He was 66.

Mpofu died on Friday at the United Bulawayo Hospitals after a long illness.

National police spokesperson Assistant Commissioner Paul Nyathi confirmed Mpofu’s death describing him as an astute cop. Asst Comm Nyathi said Mpofu served in the police force between 1981 and 2003, having been part of the Zapu intelligence wing during the liberation struggle.

“On attainment of the country’s independence the late ex-Deputy Commissioner Mpofu joined the police service in 1981 as a patrol officer and was posted at Mphoengs after training. He served at various stations across the country including Mayobodo, Fort Rixon, Esigodini, Gwanda, Bulawayo Central and Harare province.

He was an astute and disciplined officer who excelled in his career and rose through the ranks to the rank of Deputy Commissioner in 1999 a rank which he held until his retirement in December in 2003,” he said.

Asst Comm Nyathi said the retired top cop had joined the liberation struggle in 1975.

“A veteran of the liberation struggle of Zimbabwe, he crossed the border to Zambia under Zimbabwe People’s Republic Army (ZIPRA) banner in 1975 and received military training at Mwembeshi in Zambia and later Mgagao and Morogoro in Tanzania. His Chimurenga nom de guerre Matswata Witness Mhlanga,” said Asst Comm Nyathi.

“After training, the late veteran was deployed in Zambia under the Zapu intelligence wing, National Security Order, a counter-intelligence agency against Rhodesian forces. The late Deputy Commissioner Mpofu underwent several police command related courses between 1978 and 1979 at the Novocherkassk Advanced Police Academy under the United Soviet Social Republic (USSR).”- Chronicle

ZRP

Three Drown In Separate Incidents

THREE people including an artisanal miner drowned in separate incidences in the Midlands Province

One of the three deceased persons drowned while fishing in a dam in Kwekwe while the other one drowned while swimming in a dam in Mberengwa.

The third one, an artisanal miner drowned after a pit he was working in was filled with water at a mine in Shurugwi.

Midlands provincial police spokesperson Inspector Emmanuel Mahoko confirmed the three drowning incidents.

“Three separate drowning incidents have claimed a total of three lives in Kwekwe, Shurugwi and Mberengwa areas under the Midlands on February 9 and February 10,” he said.

Insp Mahoko said Godknows Gwanda (27) of Village 4, Moyo ranch in Kwekwe drowned while fishing in Mbembeswani Dam in Kwekwe.

“He is suspected to have slipped from the inflated tyre and drowned,” he said.- Chronicle

drowning

Stray Hippo Kills Gwanda Man

A stray Hippo attacked and killed a 37-year-old man from Lushongwe Village in Gwanda district yesterday, the Chronicle reports.

The hippo, which is suspected to be one of the hippos that are staying at the Garanyemba Dam attacked the now deceased Nicholas Ndlovu at around 9 PM as he was walking towards a nearby mine where he worked.

After he was attacked he was taken to Gwanda hospital where he was reportedly pronounced dead on arrival.

Meanwhile, residents and villagers of Beitbridge are being terrorized by elephants that are destroying their crops and threatening to wipe out their bumper harvest while in other parts of Beitbridge lions are killing villagers’ livestock.
-Chronicle

Hippo

Lockdown Extension:Schools To Remain Closed

Mr Emmerson Mnangagwa made the following announcements:

Businesses to operate from 8 am to 5 pm
Curfew to start from 8 pm to 5.30 am
No intercity travel
Schools to remain closed
30 Funerals attendees per funeral
Essential service to remain functional.
Govt function moves to 25%
Social gatherings remain prohibited.

Mr Mnangagwa

CMED Wins Us$2,7 Million Court Battle

A private fuel supplier, First Oil, has been ordered to refund CMED US$2,7 million it received from the State-run transport entity for the supply of three million litres of diesel in a botched fuel deal, in which the High Court found both companies to have breached their own agreement.

The money would be paid at the current bank rate plus interest at the prescribed rate.

The two companies have been slugging it out in court since 2014, arguing over the return of the money paid to First Oil, which reneged on its promise to supply the commodity until full payment of the agreed purchase price and duty fees amounting to US$720 000 was made.

The deal led to First Oil company being charged with fraud for unlawfully and with intent to defraud, misrepresented to CMED that they had capacity to supply three million litres of diesel. During the hearing, both companies were accusing each other of breaching the contract.

CMED had argued that it was entitled to specific performance as a right arguing that First Oil could not expect it to have paid the US$720 000 for import duties when the product was not delivered at all.

It was argued that the obligation was not to the amount of the duties and levies to First Oil, but directly to Zimra.

First Oil sought to argue that the release of funds to it without a signed agreement brought about by the breach of the agreement. The agreement was signed after CMED deposited the US$2,7 million into First Oil’s ZB Bank account.

It also argued that CMED breached the agreement as it did not pay the full purchase price by failing to pay the import duty that was due to Zimra.

However, in a recent judgment, Justice Owen Tagu found that both parties breached their own agreement, but would not allow First Oil to unjustly enrich itself.

It was the court’s finding that the specific performance sought by CMED could not stand as the State-run entity did not fully comply with the terms of the agreement.

On the part of First Oil, the judge ruled that it would be unjustly enriched because it received the money, but did not supply the fuel to CMED.

Justice Tagu criticised First Oil ,saying it could not claim that the agreement was unenforceable because it signed the agreement with eyes wide open, well after the amount of US$2,7 million had been deposited into its account.

“By signing the defendant (First Oil) rectified the contract, hence the agreement is valid and binding,” he said.

“If the defendant’s position is correct that the signed agreement is unenforceable because the plaintiff (CMED) paid before the agreement was signed, then in my view it follows that the defendant has no right to hold onto the US$2,7 million because doing so would unjustly enrich the company.

“Equally, the defendant would has also breached the contract by signing the agreement when the money had already been deposited into its account. It should have refused to sign the agreement.”

CMED was also seeking to recoup US$1 276 611,84 damages for cost of finance and loss of business stemming from the scam at the State-run transport entity two years ago involving First Oil directors. -Herald

Zimbabwe: As We Inject People, We’ll Be Experimenting To See If the Chinese Vaccine Works, Cause No-one Can Vouch That It Works

By A Correspondent | Zimbabwe’s most senior government official responsible for vaccines has joined the country’s COVID Taskforce Head Oppah Muchinguri in throwing doubts on the Chinese Vaccine, Sinopharm.

The development is somewhat a revelation that among the national leadership no one trusts the Chinese Sinopharm vaccine ‘because it has not undergone clinical trials to prove its efficacy with the South African strain of COVID-19.’

The opinion flies against what the Chinese media has published which states the opposite.

Speaking just after the arrival of the first 200,000 vaccines, the National Vaccine Program Head, Dr Robert Madyirandima said injections will be experimental.

He said, “As we inject people, we’ll be experimenting, looking for evidence, to see if the #Sinopharm vaccine works… Because when they made it they didn’t do any clinical tests on the SA variant, so at present there’s no one who trusts it.”

His statement conjoins that of the Defence Minister, Oppah Muchinguri who on the sidelines of the funeral of the late Manicaland Minister Ellen Gwaradzimba told ZimEye’s Simba Chikanza that she will never take the vaccine, saying she will only trust locally produced jabs. RECORDINGS BELOW (PACHEDU)

Govt Bans Land Sales To Private Developers | WILL IT WORK?

Local authorities in the Midlands Province have been directed to stop allocating land to private developers while a recommendation has been made to demolish over 100 illegal settlements that exist in cities and growth points across the province.

Larry Mavima

Addressing local authority officials from across the province at a meeting in Gweru recently, Midlands Provincial Affairs and Devolution Minister Larry Mavima ordered that about 25 home-seekers who were settled on wetlands be allocated alternative land by the responsible private developer by June this year.

“As you may be aware, this is a follow-up meeting to the recent State of the Nation Address by His Excellency President ED Mnangagwa on the unlawful and irregular settlements across the country and the subsequent meeting by Vice President Dr CDG Chiwenga on 5 February 2021,” he said.

“Pursuant to the direction given to provinces during the February 5 meeting in Harare, a provincial multi-sectorial team carried a comprehensive process of identifying and quantifying the extent of the problem of irregular and unlawful urban settlements across the province.

“The exercise confirmed that there are 100 urban dysfunctional settlements at outpoints, towns and cities in the Midlands province. Of these 25 are on wetlands.”

Minister Mavima said the illegal settlements were the major causes of flash flooding that hit Gweru city last month, and Government was working on correcting the issue and bringing to book some private developers who illegally parcelled out stands on undeveloped areas.

He said local authorities were now banned from allocating undeveloped pieces of land to protect desperate home-seekers from being swindled by land barons.

“I would like to underscore that the era of parallel developments in housing is gone. With immediate effect, no local authority shall allocate housing stands nor allow any housing development on unserviced land.

“For the benefit of people, any councillor, local authority official or private developer who may dare to do that shall be arrested and prosecuted for violation of the law,” he said.

Minister Mavima said in line with Government’s thrust to achieve an upper middle class economy by 2030, all illegal structures in the province should be removed while local authorities have been tasked to improve infrastructure.

District Development Coordinators and rural district council chief executives have been tasked with spearheading the removal of illegal structures identified across the province.

Minister Mavima said the performance of DDCs and RDC bosses this year shall be primarily determined by their capacity to drive the critical assignments.

“I expect baldness and effective leadership as you execute this task. I emphasise that this task is non-negotiable and must be achieved across the province,” he said. -Herald

The People’s Project Still Intact- President Chamisa

Tinashe Sambiri|MDC MDC Alliance leader, President Nelson Chamisa has described the late MDC founding President Dr Morgan Tsvangirai as a champion of freedom.

President Chamisa also described Dr Tsvangirai as a great mentor.

Read President Chamisa’s statement below:

Today is MORGAN TSVANGIRAI DAY:

CELEBRATING A LEGACY OF LOVE..We lost a peacemaker, doyen of democracy and freedom champion.

My father, mentor and a friend, I salute u for the free leadership mentorship and tutorship. You taught me love, forgiveness, humility, principle, consistency and loyalty. I and we ( all your true mentees) will never be purchased to compromise the PROMISE. The project promise is intact, uncompromisable and underailable.

We will WIN Zimbabwe for change! We are holding tight..Chinhu takabata!! Rest in Power Mdara!

Godisinit
chinhu takabata
machinja ese achapuhwa korona!
Kunagumo kune nyaya
Vamira pamuganhu kuti NDI!

Advocate Nelson Chamisa

President Chamisa

VIDEO: Zimbabwe Says “No-one Can Say China’s #Sinopharm Vaccine Works Against SA Variant”

By A Correspondent | Zimbabwe’s most senior government official responsible for vaccines has joined the country’s COVID Taskforce Head Oppah Muchinguri in throwing doubts on the Chinese Vaccine, Sinopharm.

The development is an announcement that that among the national leadership no one relies on the Chinese Sinopharm vaccine ‘because it has not undergone clinical trials to prove its efficacy with the South African strain of COVID-19.’

The opinion flies against what the Chinese media has published which states the opposite.

Speaking just after the arrival of the first 200,000 vaccines, the National Vaccine Program Head, Dr Robert Madyirandima spoke of the upcoming clinical trials, which will take over a week before the vaccines are rolled out.

He said, “As we inject people, we’ll be experimenting, looking for evidence, to see if the #Sinopharm vaccine works… Because when they made it they didn’t do any clinical tests on the SA variant, so at present there’s no one who trusts it.”

His statement conjoins that of the Defence Minister, Oppah Muchinguri who on the sidelines of the funeral of the late Manicaland Minister Ellen Gwaradzimba told ZimEye’s Simba Chikanza that she will never take the vaccine, saying she will only trust locally produced jabs. RECORDINGS BELOW (PACHEDU)

“President Tsvangirai Was A Great Mentor”

Tinashe Sambiri|MDC MDC Alliance leader, President Nelson Chamisa has described the late MDC founding President Dr Morgan Tsvangirai as a champion of freedom.

President Chamisa also described Dr Tsvangirai as a great mentor.

Read President Chamisa’s statement below:

Today is MORGAN TSVANGIRAI DAY:

CELEBRATING A LEGACY OF LOVE..We lost a peacemaker, doyen of democracy and freedom champion.

My father, mentor and a friend, I salute u for the free leadership mentorship and tutorship. You taught me love, forgiveness, humility, principle, consistency and loyalty. I and we ( all your true mentees) will never be purchased to compromise the PROMISE. The project promise is intact, uncompromisable and underailable.

We will WIN Zimbabwe for change! We are holding tight..Chinhu takabata!! Rest in Power Mdara!

Godisinit
chinhu takabata
machinja ese achapuhwa korona!
Kunagumo kune nyaya
Vamira pamuganhu kuti NDI!

Advocate Nelson Chamisa

“Mwonzora Betrayed President Tsvangirai When He Was Alive”

Tinashe Sambiri|Team Pachedu has accused Mr Douglas Mwonzora of pretending to adore the late MDC founding President and icon of democracy Morgan Tsvangirai yet he betrayed the former Prime Minister when he was alive.

Team Pachedu is a coalition of Zimbabwean citizens.

According to Team Pachedu, Mwonzora has no moral compass to speak about President Tsvangirai’s legacy:

“Mwonzora was already a rebel before Tsvangirai died, going against National Council resolutions.

He was against MDC-Alliance, and wanted MDC-T to field all positions in the 2018 elections.

Mwonzora has no moral compass to lecture us about Tsvangirai’s legacy.”

MDC Alliance official, Antony Taruvinga wrote:

Dear Douglas Mwonzora, its not possible to separate Pres. Adv. Nelson Chamisa from Dr. Morgan Tsvangirai.

History speaks louder for the two gentlemen.

Everyone knows about that shared history. That history was made when you were not part of the MDC, you were actually opposing the MDC. That said, Zanu pf can assist you in illegally taking over the Harvest House, the MPs and the Councils but can not assist you in taking over the people. The people shall eventually speak. Your enjoyment won’t go beyond 2023…

Douglas Mwonzora

How To Combat High Blood Pressure

15 natural ways to lower your blood pressure

Medically reviewed by Atli Arnarson Ph.D. — Written by Kerri-Ann Jennings, MS, RD —

High blood pressure is a dangerous condition that can damage your heart. It affects one in three people in the US and 1 billion people worldwide (1, 2).

If left uncontrolled, high blood pressure raises your risk of heart disease and stroke.

But there’s good news. There are a number of things you can do to lower your blood pressure naturally, even without medication.

Here are 15 natural ways to combat high blood pressure.

  1. Walk and exercise regularly
    Regular exercise can help lower your blood pressure.
    Exercise is one of the best things you can do to lower high blood pressure.

Regular exercise helps make your heart stronger and more efficient at pumping blood, which lowers the pressure in your arteries.

In fact, 150 minutes of moderate exercise, such as walking, or 75 minutes of vigorous exercise, such as running, per week, can help lower blood pressure and improve your heart health (3, 4).

What’s more, doing even more exercise than this reduces your blood pressure even further, according to the National Walkers’ Health Study (5).

Bottom line: Walking just 30 minutes a day can help lower your blood pressure. More exercise helps reduce it even further.

  1. Reduce your sodium intake
    Salt intake is high around the world. In large part, this is due to processed and prepared foods.

For this reason, many public health efforts are aimed at lowering salt in the food industry (6).

Many studies have linked high salt intake with high blood pressure and heart events, including stroke (7, 8).

However, more recent research indicates that the relationship between sodium and high blood pressure is less clear (9, 10).

One reason for this may be genetic differences in how people process sodium. About half of people with high blood pressure and a quarter of people with normal levels seem to have a sensitivity to salt (11).

If you already have high blood pressure, it’s worth cutting back your sodium intake to see if it makes a difference. Swap out processed foods with fresh ones and try seasoning with herbs and spices rather than salt.

Bottom line: Most guidelines for lowering blood pressure recommend reducing sodium intake. However, that recommendation might make the most sense for people who are salt-sensitive.

  1. Drink less alcohol
    Drinking alcohol can raise blood pressure. In fact, alcohol is linked to 16% of high blood pressure cases around the world (12).

While some research has suggested that low-to-moderate amounts of alcohol may protect the heart, those benefits may be offset by adverse effects (12).

In the U.S., moderate alcohol consumption is defined as no more than one drink a day for women and two for men. If you drink more than that, cut back.

Bottom line: Drinking alcohol in any quantity may raise your blood pressure. Limit your drinking in line with the recommendations.

  1. Eat more potassium-rich foods
    Potassium is an important mineral.

It helps your body get rid of sodium and eases pressure on your blood vessels.

Modern diets have increased most people’s sodium intake while decreasing potassium intake (13).

To get a better balance of potassium to sodium in your diet, focus on eating fewer processed foods and more fresh, whole foods.

Foods that are particularly high in potassium include:

vegetables, especially leafy greens, tomatoes, potatoes, and sweet potatoes
fruit, including melons, bananas, avocados, oranges, and apricots
dairy, such as milk and yogurt
tuna and salmon
nuts and seeds
beans
Bottom line: Eating fresh fruits and vegetables, which are rich in potassium, can help lower blood pressure.

  1. Cut back on caffeine
    If you’ve ever downed a cup of coffee before you’ve had your blood pressure taken, you’ll know that caffeine causes an instant boost.

However, there’s not a lot of evidence to suggest that drinking caffeine regularly can cause a lasting increase (14).

In fact, people who drink caffeinated coffee and tea tend to have a lower risk of heart disease, including high blood pressure, than those who don’t drink it (15, 16, 17, 18).

Caffeine may have a stronger effect on people who don’t consume it regularly (19).

If you suspect you’re caffeine-sensitive, cut back to see if it lowers your blood pressure (20).

Bottom line: Caffeine can cause a short-term spike in blood pressure, although for many people, it does not cause a lasting increase.

  1. Learn to manage stress
    Listening to soothing music may help lower stress.
    Stress is a key driver of high blood pressure.

When you’re chronically stressed, your body is in a constant fight-or-flight mode. On a physical level, that means a faster heart rate and constricted blood vessels.

When you experience stress, you might also be more likely to engage in other behaviors, such as drinking alcohol or eating unhealthful food that can adversely affect blood pressure.

Several studies have explored how reducing stress can help lower blood pressure. Here are two evidence-based tips to try:

Listen to soothing music: Calming music can help relax your nervous system. Research has shown it’s an effective complement to other blood pressure therapies (21, 22).
Work less: Working a lot, and stressful work situations, in general, are linked to high blood pressure (23, 24).
Bottom line: Chronic stress can contribute to high blood pressure. Finding ways to manage stress can help.

  1. Eat dark chocolate or cocoa
    Here’s a piece of advice you can really get behind.

While eating massive amounts of dark chocolate probably won’t help your heart, small amounts may.

That’s because dark chocolate and cocoa powder are rich in flavonoids, which are plant compounds that cause blood vessels to dilate (25).

A review of studies found that flavonoid-rich cocoa improved several markers of heart health over the short term, including lowering blood pressure (25).

For the strongest effects, use non-alkalized cocoa powder, which is especially high in flavonoids and has no added sugars.

Bottom line: Dark chocolate and cocoa powder contain plant compounds that help relax blood vessels, lowering blood pressure.

  1. Lose weight
    In people with overweight, losing weight can make a big difference to heart health.

According to a 2016 study, losing 5% of your body mass could significantly lower high blood pressure (26).

In previous studies, losing 17.64 pounds (8 kilograms) was linked to lowering systolic blood pressure by 8.5 mm Hg and diastolic blood pressure by 6.5 mm Hg (27).

To put that in perspective, a healthy reading should be less than 120/80 mm Hg (4).

The effect is even greater when weight loss is paired with exercise (27).

Losing weight can help your blood vessels do a better job of expanding and contracting, making it easier for the left ventricle of the heart to pump blood.

Bottom line: Losing weight can significantly lower high blood pressure. This effect is even more significant when you exercise.

  1. Quit smoking
    Among the many reasons to quit smoking is that the habit is a strong risk factor for heart disease.

Every puff of cigarette smoke causes a slight, temporary increase in blood pressure. The chemicals in tobacco are also known to damage blood vessels.

Surprisingly, studies haven’t found a conclusive link between smoking and high blood pressure. Perhaps this is because smokers develop a tolerance over time (28).

Still, since both smoking and high blood pressure raise the risk of heart disease, quitting smoking can help lessen that risk.

Bottom line: There’s conflicting research about smoking and high blood pressure, but what is clear is that both increase the risk of heart disease.

  1. Cut added sugar and refined carbs
    There’s a growing body of research showing a link between added sugar and high blood pressure (29, 30, 31).

In the Framingham Women’s Health Study, women who drank even one soda per day had higher levels than those who drank less than one soda per day (32).

Another study found that having one less sugar-sweetened beverage per day was linked to lower blood pressure (33).

And it’s not just sugar — all refined carbs, such as the kind found in white flour — convert rapidly to sugar in your bloodstream and may cause problems.

Some studies have shown that low carb diets may also help reduce blood pressure.

One study on people undergoing statin therapy found that those who went on a 6-week, carb-restricted diet saw a greater improvement in blood pressure and other heart disease markers than people who did not restrict carbs (34).

Bottom line: Refined carbs, especially sugar, may raise blood pressure. Some studies have shown that low carb diets may help reduce your levels.

  1. Eat berries
    Berries are full of more than just juicy flavor.

They’re also packed with polyphenols, natural plant compounds that are good for your heart.

Polyphenols can reduce the risk of stroke, heart conditions, and diabetes, as well as improving blood pressure, insulin resistance, and systemic inflammation (34).

One study assigned people with high blood pressure to a low-polyphenol diet or a high-polyphenol diet containing berries, chocolate, fruits, and vegetables (35).

Those consuming berries and polyphenol-rich foods experienced improved markers of heart disease risk.

Bottom line: Berries are rich in polyphenols, which can help lower blood pressure and the overall risk of heart disease.

Source: Medical News Today

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Health

Zumbani Extinction Fears

zumbani

By A Correspondent- Vegetation conservationist and director of Isandla Esihle/Ruoko Rwakanaka Trust, Never Bonde has expressed fears that due to high demand as a result of the outbreak of COVID-19, the Lippia Javanica/zumbani/umsuzwani plant could soon be extinct.

The herb has become one of the most sought after in the country having been traditionally used in fighting colds and other flu-like symptoms.

Bonde, who is also the national tree ambassador, yesterday said the manner in which the zumbani/umsuzwani tree is being recklessly harvested will result in its extinction.

“This shrub has been useful since time immemorial in our African traditional medicine base, but now everyone is hunting for it and is harvesting it as if it’s a new thing because of the coronavirus. People are now abusing the herb and it will soon be extinct,” Bonde said.

“The way people harvest the tree shows that even in their use of it, they do not use the right measurements. This might have side effects for them. People should learn to consult traditional healers on the use of the herb as excessive use might be dangerous for them.”

Bonde said the massive use of the zumbani/umsuzwani plant during the COVID-19 era proves that traditional remedies must be taken seriously and cherished.

He said the Environment Management Agency and the Zimbabwe Parks and Wildlife management Authority must control the proper harvesting of the zumbani/umsuzwani plant.

Source – newsday

Former Top Cop Dies

By A Correspondent- ZRP has announced that former Deputy Commissioner-General Moses Mpofu has died. The news of Mpofu’s death was announced by ZRP in a statement that stated that he died after a long illness. and he is being mourned in Mahatshula in Bulawayo. 15 FEBRUARY 2021

DEATH OF EX- DEPUTY COMMISSIONER MOSES GRIFFITHS MPOFU.

The Zimbabwe Republic Police announces the death of ex-Deputy Commissioner Moses Griffiths Mpofu (66), who passed away on 12th February 2021 at United Bulawayo Hospital, Bulawayo after a long illness.

The late ex-Deputy Commissioner Mpofu went to Nsezi Primary, Tsholotsho and completed his secondary education at Thegwani High School in 1974.

A veteran of the liberation struggle for Zimbabwe, he crossed the border to Zambia under the ZIPRA banner in 1975 and received military training at Mwembeshi, Zambia, and later Mgagao and Morogoro in Tanzania. His Chimurenga nom de guerre Mlatswata Witness Mhlanga.

After training, the late war veteran was deployed in Zambia under the ZAPU intelligence wing, National Security Order, a counter agency against Rhodesian forces.

The late Deputy Commissioner Mpofu underwent several police command related courses between 1978 and 1979 at Novocherkassk Advanced Police Academy under the United Soviet Social Republic (USSR).

On attainment of the count-y’s independence, the late ex-Deputy Commissioner Mpofu joined the Police Service in 1981 as a patrol officer and was posted to ZRP Mphoengs after training.

He served at various stations across the country including Mayobodo, Fort Rixon, Esigodini, Gwanda, Bulawayo Central and Harare Province

He was an astute and disciplined police officer who excelled in his career and rose through the ranks to the rank of Deputy Commissioner in 1999 a rank which he held until his retirement in December 2003.

Mourners are gathered at number 130 Mahatshula, Bulawayo and burial arrangements will be announced in due course.

(NYATHI.P) Assistant Commissioner Senior Staff Officer

[Press, Public and Int. Relations]

“Extending Lockdown Is Ridiculous”: Tendai Biti

Covid 19

By A Correspondent- MDC Alliance Vice President Tendai Biti has said the government should not have extended the national lockdown without announcing safety nets to help the country’s vulnerable groups.

Using Microblogging site Twitter Biti called the move by the government to extend the lockdown by 2 weeks without any social safety nets ridiculous:

The extension of the lockdown in the absence of social safety nets & a stimulus for business is pointless harsh & ridiculous. Regime needs to test &t o have a roll out plan for vaccines It does not. Lock down decisions should be made on science & science alone not authoritarian whim.

The government through President Mnangagwa extended the lockdown for 2 more weeks and said the move was meant to allow the high number of active cases to recede. However, the government did not announce any social safety nets for the general populace that will be affected by the lockdown extension.

Meanwhile, several government officials witnessed the delivery of 200 000 doses of COVID-19 vaccines from China this morning, Minister of Health Constantino Chiwenga said the vaccines brought hope that things will eventually go back to normal.

Female Fraudster Jailed

By A Correspondent- An unrepentant Bindura fraudster Mary Matseka (35) has been sentenced to 7 years in jail by a Bindura magistrate for five counts of fraud.

Matseka who was previously convicted and released on presidential amnesty pleaded guilty to all the charges before magistrate Tendai  Chifamba.

Prosecutor Sheilla Kudzai Maribha told the court that in June last year the first complainant Morestead Ruwaze, who is a headmaster at Zengeza Main Primary School was introduced to Matseka by his family friends Edmore Shonhiwa and Winkson Bheulani. 

Matseka misrepresented herself to have a relative who worked at Karanda Hospital and was in a position to enroll the complainant’s daughter, Mitchell Ruwaze to train as a Nurse. 

Matseka told the complainant that the first thing is to pay administration fees amounting to US$500, which the complainant did through Tairevei Chabayanzara and Mitchell Ruwaze. 

Matseka confirmed to have received the full amount but later demanded another US$150, which the complainant complied. 

The complainant kept on enquiring from the now convict regarding the progress and she started giving various excuses. 

Using the same strategy, Matsake misrepresented herself to Edmore Shonhiwa (47) of Chipadze, Bindura from whom she prejudiced an amount of US$314. 

In two other counts, Matsake prejudiced her landlady Tairevei Chabayanzara (47), of Plot 1, Chiwaridza farm in Bindura. 

In the last count, on November 30 last year, Matsake misrepresented herself to Ripisai Wilbert Manyati (65) of Gleckwood Avenue, Bindura and told him that she was employed by GOAL International and was in capacity to employ workers for the company after paying administration fees of US$350 per person. 

The complainant acted upon the misrepresentation and asked if she could make a plan for Priviledge and Blessmore Manyati, as well as Tawanda Huchu and Prince Mukungurutse. 

From last year December 23 to January 7, Ripisai paid a total amount of US$1 300 in three instalments and Matsake signed the payment vouchers. 

Ripisai kept on enquiring on the progress and Matsake kept on giving false statements up to the time of her arrest last Thursday.

VP Mohadi Caught With Married Woman, Assaulted.

HARARE – Vice President Kembo Mohadi was on Sunday left shaken and bleeding after a raucous showdown with a man accusing him of enjoying secret trysts with his wife, online news site ZimLive reported on Monday.

Following the confrontation, an unidentified woman who was with Mohadi inside his Harare home got so angry at the discovery that he was seeing another woman she hit the vice president with an object, possibly a shoe, which caused him to bleed from the head, sources said.

Jacob Mumpande, whose wife Abbigal Mumpande, nee Muleya, works at Mohadi’s office as a junior security officer stormed the 71-year-old’s Milcox Road residence in Glen Lorne after learning of the affair.

Mumpande had obtained recordings of phone calls of the vice president – whose second wife left him in 2019 – talking to Abbigal and expressing his undying love for her. He also allegedly sent her nudes.

“Ngithe ngikutshele ukuthi ngiyakuthanda, angisoze ngafa ngabuyela emuva (I called to say I love you, and I’ll never change my mind),” Mohadi, speaking in isiNdebele, said in one of the recorded phone calls sent to this reporter anonymously.

Mohadi also referred to her as “my wife” in another recording and commented that she looked beautiful at work. “I loved you more,” he said.

And betraying his knowledge that she is married, he told her how he had called her late at night then quickly hung-up, realising she might be with her husband.

Mumpande, accompanied by his wife, arrived at the Mohadi residence at about 4.30PM on Sunday and was allowed inside after the vice president was consulted.

A furious Mumpande, who was described as “heartbroken” and “upset”, accused Mohadi of romping with his wife without protection during a shouting match lasting an hour, ZimLive sources claimed.

“The vice president just kept apologising,” a source briefed on the incident said.

“They left after an hour. Abbigal was in tears.”

Mumpande told Mohadi that his wife would no longer work for him, the source said. Reverend Paul Damasane, the permanent secretary in Mohadi’s office, was instructed by Mohadi to process her transfer as early as Monday.

The source reportedly added: “When Mohadi came out of the house, he had a small amount of blood on his forehead, and his hands were slightly swollen. It was clear it became quite physical in there with the woman he was with before Mumpande arrived.”

Mohadi was driven out of his residence following the hubbub, returning after two hours.

Damasane said on Monday morning: “I just met the vice president in his office for our daily morning brief and what you are asking me did not come up at all.”

Mumpande declined requests for an interview. Abbigal denied having an affair with Mohadi. When confronted with the leaked recordings of their phone calls, she declined to answer further questions.

Mumpande and Abbigal – both from Binga – were married in 2014 after dating for more than a year. They have two children.

Abbigal joined the Central Intelligence Organisation as a junior officer in 2019 and was deployed to Mohadi’s office at Munhumutapa Building.

The moral authority of President Emerson Mnangagwa and his two deputies Constantino Chiwenga and Mohadi has long been questioned.

Mnangagwa reportedly has over 18 children with different women while Chiwenga divorced his wife, Jocelyn Mauchaza, to marry model Marry Mubaiwa who hurriedly divorced footballer Shingi Kawondera.

Chiwenga has filed for divorce from Marry and banished her from seeing their three children after getting her arrested.

Mohadi divorced Tambudzani Muleya, his wife of 25 years, in 2017. Two years later, she accused Mohadi of storming their former matrimonial home and threatening her with an axe as they rowed over property.

The vice president soon moved in with Juliet Mutavhatsindi after paying lobola for her. Mutavhatsindi, however, has since left Mohadi. A source claimed she returned from a foreign trip unexpectedly and found him with another woman, causing the break-up. – ZimLive

Wide Econet Data Network Keeps Businesses, Communities Going Under Lockdown

By A Correspondent| The COVID-19 pandemic and the subsequent national lockdowns have underlined the importance of reliable data services in keeping people, communities, businesses and the nation at large connected, and in ensuring essential commercial and public services continue unhindered.

Authorities have had to impose lockdowns to arrest the spread of the deadly coronavirus, with recorded cumulative cases in Zimbabwe reported to be 35 172, with 30 601 recoveries and 1 400 deaths as of February 14, 2021.

Econet Wireless Zimbabwe, the country’s largest mobile network operator, has over the past two decades invested billions of dollars in network coverage and new technology infrastructure, including LTE or 4G, positioning it to offer faster and more reliable mobile data services across the country.

According to the latest official sector performance report, released by industry regulator POTRAZ at the end of last year, mobile Internet and data traffic grew by 43% across the country, from 10.407TB recorded in the second quarter, to 14.878TB in the third quarter of 2020.

The report says Econet’s share of the Internet and data traffic market surged to nearly 70% in the same period.
The company’s leadership in mobile broadband has been confirmed by customers across the country, who have come to rely on Econet’s data amid the prolonged lockdowns.

Patience Mudzingwa, a teacher in Bulawayo this week said connecting to Econet’s mobile Internet data has helped her track her students’ academic progress and generally stay in touch.

“I conduct online lessons with my students, and Econet data has given me an opportunity to access fast, reliable and convenient Internet access,” she said.

Mudzingwa added that in addition to earning an extra income, she is also getting satisfaction from the fact that her students are progressing with their education without getting exposed to the risk of contracting the coronavirus.

Nothando Phiri, a Midlands State University student, said she was depending on Econet data to conduct her research and to connect with friends and family.

“I am in my final year at University and we are not on campus due to the lockdown restrictions. But I’m working online, doing my research, so that I can submit my dissertation on time,” she said.

“I generally buy Econet private Wi-Fi bundles to conduct my research as they give me fast and reliable connectivity,” Phiri said.

Econet offers a variety of popular discounted data bundle packages, customized to users of different demographic groups and customer profiles. These range from fairly large Private Wifi bundles, valid for a month and suitable for the needs of professionals and college students, to much smaller daily and weekly bundles, ideal for social messaging and random data usage.

The company’s data packages have recently increased in importance due to restrictions imposed by COVID-19 pandemic and the need for businesses, public enterprises, schools and individuals to continue operating and to stay connected during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Entrepreneur Cecilia Gurura from Mutare said she had continued to generate sells through digital means, courtesy of Econet.
“Econet is helping us the self-employed by linking us to various markets across the world. For instance, I purchase products from China through the Internet, and sell the clothes and electric gadgets to my customers on social media groups,” she said.

“This has helped me to reduce my operational costs as I don’t have to pay rent and other overheads. I simply buy affordable data bundles from Econet, and I am in business! This might sound simple, but it is a big deal for me and it has changed my life for the better,” said Gurura.

Businessman and realtor Loverage Munemo from Harare, said national lockdowns highlighted the need for reliable internet connectivity, to drive viable businesses.

“I own a real estate company and things have been a bit tough when connecting with customers because of the lockdown.

However, I have come to rely on Econet data to connect me with most of my customers who live abroad,” he said.

“Most of my work also involves online advertising campaigns and I can safely say I have managed to do just that as a result of reliable and quality internet services that I get from Econet,” Munemo said.

An Econet spokesman acknowledged the company’s role in helping people stay connected and in supporting businesses to carry on trading during the coronavirus pandemic.

“We are proud to play our part in driving digital transformation across our country and in helping people, communities and businesses stay connected and be able to do business in these trying times,” the spokesman said.

“We are also aware that in a few areas where demand has exceeded supply, some of our customers may now be experiencing intermittent connectivity issues during peak periods. But we are working flat out with our vendors and partners to optimize the network in such areas,” said the spokesman.

“Our past investment in resilient network infrastructure has positioned us to be the digital connectivity partner of choice. But we continue to engage and work with the relevant stakeholders to get the necessary forex required for us to carry on investing in improving our network coverage, availability and quality,” the spokesman said.

Econet Wireless, which is listed on the Zimbabwe Stock Exchange and boasts nearly 12 million connected customers, has in the recent past also stepped up the automation of its businesses processes and customer support channels.

The company now offers a variety of selfcare platforms that allow its subscribers to obtain customer support services – such as PIN resets, data bundle purchases and airtime top-up support issues – from the comfort of their homes.

Mutare Lawyer In Soup Over Domestic Violence

court gavel

By A Correspondent- A prominent Mutare lawyer last Friday appeared before a local magistrate facing a charge of assaulting his 65-year-old mother.

Edward Lloyd Mvere (39) was granted $6 000 bail by magistrate Nyasha Kuture. The matter was remanded to April 1 for trial.

Prosecutor, Tiriwamambo Kangai said allegations were that on February 3, 2021 Mvere failed to respect a peace order in favour of his mother Voronica Mvere which prohibited the lawyer from insulting, assaulting, threatening and disturbing her peace.

On February 3, the lawyer allegedly shouted at his mother demanding that she hands over a child who was in her custody, leading her to make a police report.-newsday

MDC Alliance’s 2021 Programme f Action To Be Revealed Soon

By A Correspondent- The MDC Alliance will soon announce announce the 2021 Programme of Action as the nation grapples with escalating economic woes.

The MDC Alliance also bemoaned the worsening governance crisis in the country.

Read communique below:

COMMUNIQUE ON 12/02/2021 NATIONAL EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE MEETING

On the 12th of February 2021, the National Executive Committee of the MDC Alliance met in accordance with the party’s constitution. The meeting was conducted virtually in line with Covid19 protocols.

The Executive received the report of the National Standing Committee and the following matters were deliberated upon:

  1. Elite State Capture: The Executive expressed its concern over the prevalence of cartels in the national economy and the correlation between these and rising cases of corruption that are prejudicing the fiscus of over US$3 billion annually. We call for the establishment of an independent inquiry into the allegations of Elite State Capture against top political elites and Zanu PF factions with a view to ensuring accountability and the creation of a shared, inclusive economy.
  2. Agricultural Season: The Executive considered the mounting challenges with the agricultural season — in particular, the impact of increased rains and flooding, the lack of adequate funding as well as the absence of preparation models that could mean the good rains go to waste. We urge the adoption of the party’s SMART Agriculture blueprint to move the nation from basic subsistence farming, improve productivity and attain a food surplus.
  3. COVID-19 Response: The Executive urged the State to adopt the party’s alternative Covidl9 Response Plan that was recently enunciated by President Nelson Chamisa. In particular, there is need to take into account the livelihoods crisis and mass poverty afflicting most Zimbabweans who rely on the informal economy for survival as well as the prospect of evidence-based zonal lockdowns. We further recommend that the Government publishes its vaccination roll-out plan to ensure transparency and a science-based approach to the planned inoculation.
  4. Governance Crisis: The Executive deliberated on the increased levels of repression, the regression of democracy, authoritarian consolidation and persecution of members of the party, journalists and dissenting voices. The party condemns the closure of democratic space, human rights abuses, wanton arrests and demands the immediate release of student leader, Alan Moyo.
  5. 3rd Memorial Anniversary of Morgan Tsvangirai: The Executive acknowledged the 3rd anniversary of Morgan Tsvangirai’s passing. The Executive remembered the role he played in the fight for democracy, his inspiration to the next generation and his historical contribution to a better Zimbabwe. The party takes note of the existing threats to his vision to build an uncompromised, credible and viable alternative government. The party resolved to defend and be the guardians of his legacy and to fulfil his aspiration to win Zimbabwe for change.
  6. Agenda 2021′ Program of Action: The Executive noted the continued attempts by Zanu PF to supplant the MDC Alliance as the credible democratic alternative to their current misrule and the attempts to reconstitute an opposition that is captured, loyal to ZANU PF and a de facto extension of ZANU PF. The MDC Alliance remains committed to the need to push for a political and economic reforms roadmap that is time bound. The Executive resolved to continue to champion the cause of the Zimbabwean people, be the legitimate voice of the suffering masses and form a broad front to return the country to legitimacy and democracy. The party’sAgenda 2021′ program of action will be announced in due course.

B. Continental and Global Matters

  1. Uganda: The Executive deliberated upon the election outcome in Uganda and expressed concern over rising human rights abuses and state-sponsored violence perpetrated against members of the opposition. We call upon regional bodies to reject the outcomes of rigged elections and act in conformity with established African Union standards for elections. We urge the courts in Uganda to act fairly and impartially in their determination of the election petition.
  2. Ghana: The Executive took note of the electoral dispute in Ghana. We call upon state institutions to be professional and fair in resolving the outstanding issues.
  3. United States: The Executive acknowledged the election outcome in the United States and underlined the importance of predictable processes and strong institutions in ensuring a legitimate transfer of power.

Fadzayi Mahere National Spokesperson

Advocate Mahere

Hurungwe Children’s Home Closed

Mary Mliswa Chikoka

By A Correspondent- Hurungwe Children’s Home in Karoi was on Friday shut down and deregistered over allegations of abuse of children and mismanagement of donations by the staff.

The home, operating under Karoi Town Council, has been taking care of at least 80 vulnerable children drawn from Hurungwe District, who are now being moved to other homes.

The management at the home came under fire recently from Karoi residents accusing them of conniving with outsiders to vandalise and steal equipment including an electric borehole pumping system that was donated by Zesa’s distribution arm, ZETDC.

Provincial Social Development officer Mrs Agnes Mutowo said her department had shut the home and was moving the children.

Mashonaland West Minister of State for Provincial Affairs and Devolution Mary Mliswa-Chikoka, who concurred with the Social Development Department’s decision to shut down the home, said the move was aimed at protecting the children.

“Social Development had to temporarily shut down and deregister the home because of abuse of children and mismanagement of donations. There was been a lot of alleged corruption by the administrator, Mr (Arista) Kandengwa and one Mrs Kupara,” she said. 

“The abuse had gone to the extent of children being asked to use traditional snuff (Bute).”

She castigated Karoi Town Council for failing to monitor the home.

“As the Minister of State, I agreed with Social Development Department to have the children moved from the home to other homes in the province,” she said. 

“We entrusted Karoi Town Council with the lives of the children but they were sleeping on the duty.”

The issue of child abuse was reported to the police.

The officer commanding Hurungwe District, Chief Superintendent Helena Mahonde, referred all the questions to national police spokesperson, Assistant Commissioner Paul Nyathi who could not be contacted for comment yesterday, but sources from Karoi Urban Police Station confirmed receiving abuse reports five months ago. 

“The matter was reported and was handled administratively by gathering information and making recommendations,” said a source. “The district commanding officer then shared the recommendations with the home’s interim board chairperson Councillor Abel Matsika.” 

Clr Matsika, who is also the council’s chairperson, confirmed receiving the recommendations but said the decision to shut down the home was harsh considering the number of children housed there. 

“The council conducted its own investigations on the snuff issue about five months ago and it suspended the accused persons,” he said.

“We have been running the home from the Government’s monthly grants and donations and the decision to close it was harsh.” 

Clr Matsika said the decision to close the home was not communicated to the council but Mrs Mutowo said they followed proper procedure in the temporary closure of the home. 

One of the accused, Mr Kadengwa, denied the allegations saying they were fabricated and exonerated the staff at the home from the accusations while his other co-accused Kupara could not be contacted for her side of the story.-statemedia

“ED Has Weaponised ZACC To Attack Political Opponents”

ZACC

By A Correspondent-|MDC Alliance national spokesperson, Advocate Fadzayi Mahere has accused Emmerson Mnangagwa of using the Zimbabwe Anti- Corruption Commission as weapon to attack political rivals.

Advocate Mahere also described the moribund National Prosecuting Authority as useless and captured…

“Zimbabwe is not poor, It’s poorly managed. Corruption that has brought Zimbabwe to it’s knees.Zanu PF bigwigs are busy looting national resources.

As we speak right now, Zimbabwe is losing millions of dollars through illicit gold deals that are being facilitated by Zanu PF bigwigs.

It is the rampant theft of national resources that has impoverished the nation,” argued Advocate Mahere.

Emmerson Mnangagwa

“Losing Morgan Tsvangirai Is Still A Bitter Pill To Swallow”: MDC Alliance Masvingo

Morgan Tsvangirai

Dr Morgan Richard Tsvangirai Our Hero…

14 February 2018- the day we lost our Icon- the founding President of the Movement for Democratic Change, Dr Morgan Richard Tsvangirai…

It was and it is still a bitter pill to swallow. The entire nation was plunged into mourning when the doyen of democracy died.

We will always remember his
favourite song Terera Mirairo ya baba Musazotukane.

Dr Tsvangirai left a legacy of Love.President Tsvangirai was a humble figure.

President Tsvangirai was our Moses and he left us in the hands of President Nelson Chamisa our Joshua to lead us to Canaan .

President Chamisa will definitely take us to State House.

Rest in Peace our Pillar of strength makarwa kurwa kwakanaka

Happy Valentine’s Day to all my friends in struggle stay safe COVID-19 is real, mask up …

MDC Alliance Masvingo Province
Deputy spokesperson
Lee ”Grenade” Mahachi

Right Honourable Morgan Richard Tsvangirai

Zanu PF MP, Chief At It Again, Show ED The Middle Finger

Emmerson Mnangagwa

By A Correspondent- Muzarabani South legislator Tapera Saizi and traditional leader Chief Chiweshe Mukore-kore (Matthew Minyonga) on Sunday defied lockdown by conducting a Zanu-PF meeting with over 60 village heads.

It is alleged that over 60 village heads converged at Chitemamuswe Primary in Muzarabani for a meeting called by the duo.

Chief Chiweshe was allegedly persuading the heads to support sitting legislator Saizi in the next election, who is alleged to be his favorite candidate.

The agenda of the meeting was kept a secret till the meeting day.

The Chief  urged village heads to take control of Pfumvudza program contradicting with the policy  document.

“Madhumeni nemaCouncilors who are spearheading the program are corrupt saka imi masabhuku take over,” Chief Chiweshe said.

When contacted by this publication Chief Chiweshe confirmed that they had a meeting.

“Hongu ndakaita musangano nemasabhuku angu ese emuchiweshe nepamusana pevashandi vehurumende varikuba ma inputs epfumvudza”

Saizi together with his counterpart, Chief Chiweshe  accused government officials of being corrupt.

The government is providing transport for the inputs and no one should be made to pay,” Saizi purpoted.

Saizi also said ‘they’ are working on modalities when someone asked if the government was paying to ward level.

People who spoke on anonymity alleged that the Chief and the Member of Parliament (MP) are causing unnecessary confusion in the district on most government programs and wondered why a Chief would want to poke his nose into government programs.

“He is the most corrupt chief ever and we wonder why only him of the four chiefs is always attacking government programs,”fumed one resident.

Another resident said,”At one time the same Chief took 32 bags of Ammonium Nitrate (AN) to his residents and stopped distribution accusing a councilor of wanting to steal.”

It is alleged that he was ordered by high authorities to retain the fertilizer after it was established that he wanted to use it for personal use.

Asked to comment one of the village heads said,”Varume ava havazive, worse the MP is using Chief to cling on to but haa zvasara ipapo pataitira musangano.”

Contacted for comment, Chief Chiweshe could not deny the charges as he said that the agenda of the meeting was to urge villagers to work hand-in-glove with the sitting leaders.

“Favor is everywhere, even you the wife you chose is the one that you love,” Chief Chiweshe said to the reporter.

MP Saizi was not picking up calls until the time of publication.

-Byo24

Covid-19 Vaccine Good News. “Zim Can Now Hold Elections?”

By Leornad Koni- This epitome of throwing the baby out with the bath water should not be tolerated.

Where on earth have you heard of a President saying that, “this is the official opposition party” referring to MDC-T, an opposition political party which they have created and imposed on people, yet we have over 20 opposition political parties in Zimbabwe.

I think it was a slip of a tongue. He actually wanted to say that MDC-T has become their newly born baby project which they were going to partner and work very hard to decimate, finish the unrepentant and unfashionable MDC-Alliance which lacks patriotism.

Which criteria or method has been used to come up with such a conclusion?

Mr President must be reminded that as soon as people are vaccinated of Covid19, they should be allowed to campaign and go for elections to choose the leaders of their choice and that is when the people will know exactly which opposition party is worth talking about not this obedient son opposition political party being forced on people.

Thokozani Khupe MDC-T led contested in harmonised elections in 2018 and got 45 000 votes in presidential election against MDC Alliance Nelson Chamisa which got around
2.6 million.

Douglas Mwonzora later had an elective congress which was marred with vote rigging and now claims to be the biggest opposition political party in Zimbabwe.

When was he tested to prove that he commands a lit of people more than MDC-Alliance?

I think Mr Douglas Mwonzora is being overrated by the ruling party. This is an assault to democracy and must not be given any space to breath. This is a serious toxic bubble which must pierced.

It is known that MDC-T is largely a creation and puppet of the regime. This is evidenced by the coverage they are having on nearly all government mouthpieces and state owned media like The Herald, Chronicle and ZTV.

People now want elections in order to stop this infatuation relationship and  marriage of MDC-T and Zanu PF.

The path which Douglas Mwonzora has taken will definitely give him temporary power and satisfaction but the Abel Muzorewa tag will continue haunting him throughout his life and the next generation will not pardon him. Ian Douglas Smith did the same by praising Bishop Abel Muzorewa and history is repeating itself.

Already Douglas Mwonzora and his team have been used and are still going to be used to split some votes come 2023 elections but the good part of it is the timeously way the plan has been exposed. The ball is now in the half of the MDC-Alliance opponets and they have the opportunity to counter attack the plan to their own advantage.

Surprisingly MDC -T is not even talking of the release of detained Alan Moyo  who is now clocking 70 days in the prison. How will this party manage or going to stand for the young generation?

The people are now aware of the political urchins and shenanigans meant to derail the people’s struggle which the late doyen of democracy Morgan Richard Tsvangirayi left.

Schools Opening Dates Announcement Imminent

By A Correspondent- The government is next week expected to announce the date for the reopening of schools for the 2021 first term.

Information, Publicity and Broadcasting Services Permanent Secretary Ndavaningi Mangwana said that cabinet deliberated on the issue and resolved to postpone the reopening of schools by two weeks.

In a post on Twitter last Friday following the holding of the first Cabinet meeting in 2021 on Tuesday, Mangwana said the position to defer schools’ reopening will be revisited after two weeks.

He said:

Many are asking about the opening of schools. In its first meeting of 2021, Cabinet resolved that schools remain closed for another two weeks. This position will be reviewed at the end of two weeks.

Schools were closed on 18 December after briefly opening in September last year to prepare pupils for public examinations.

However, several schools across the country reported hundreds of coronavirus cases and the Government indefinitely shelved the reopening, which had been set on 4 January.

Meanwhile, Zimbabwe Teachers Association (ZIMTA) chief executive officer Dr Sifiso Ndlovu told State media that it was no longer sustainable to keep the schools closed.

Govt Pledges To Bail Out Udcorp Beneficiaries

By A Correspondent- The government has pledged to assist Urban Development Corporation (Udcorp) beneficiaries that paid for residential stands four years ago in Chitungwiza that were not delivered.

The stands in question were in the Seke district. National Housing and Social Amenities minister Daniel Garwe told delegates during a tour last Friday of proposed stands in the Nyatsime area that the government is now prepared to ensure those that were duped after paying money for stands to Udcorp will be given alternative accommodation.

“We are aware that the youths were given land to construct houses through Udcorp and they paid a certain amount for development purposes. However, the money was converted to other uses by fraudsters during that era. As the government, we therefore cannot ignore how the youths were duped,” Garwe said.

“We are now engaging banks and other private companies who will develop this area and ensure that the youths get accommodation. These companies will construct flats for the benefit of a number of people,” he said.

A total of 1 400 youths from Harare and Mashonaland East provinces were allocated a farm in Nyatsime area in 2016 under Udcorp, which was a brainchild of former Local Government minister, Saviour Kasukuwere.

The beneficiaries were made to pay US$200 each for developing the land, but stands were never delivered.

Speaking during the same tour, the Zanu-PF Mashonaland East youth league chairman Kelvin Mutsvairo hailed the government for the intervention saying that they guarded the land from possible invasion by land barons.

“The youths were shown this land and they paid their money for it, but they never got the stands. We had to guard it from possible invasion by land barons and we are happy that the government has remembered us. We have a list of all those who are set to benefit from this housing programme and we pray that the deal will be implemented anytime soon,” he said.

Meanwhile, the Seke district leadership is accusing officials from the Chitungwiza Municipality of invading land across Nyatsime River and for disregarding the boundaries between the two districts.-newsday

MDC Alliance Masvingo Tribute To Right Honourable Morgan Richard Tsvangirai

Dr Morgan Richard Tsvangirai Our Hero…

14 February 2018- the day we lost our Icon- the founding President of the Movement for Democratic Change, Dr Morgan Richard Tsvangirai…

It was and it is still a bitter pill to swallow. The entire nation was plunged into mourning when the doyen of democracy died.

We will always remember his
favourite song Terera Mirairo ya baba Musazotukane.

Dr Tsvangirai left a legacy of Love.President Tsvangirai was a humble figure.

President Tsvangirai was our Moses and he left us in the hands of President Nelson Chamisa our Joshua to lead us to Canaan .

President Chamisa will definitely take us to State House.

Rest in Peace our Pillar of strength makarwa kurwa kwakanaka

Happy Valentine’s Day to all my friends in struggle stay safe COVID-19 is real, mask up …

MDC Alliance Masvingo Province
Deputy spokesperson
Lee ”Grenade” Mahachi

BREAKING: Mnangagwa Extends Lockdown By 2 Weeks

By A Correspondent | The ZANU PF leader, Mr Emmerson Mnangagwa has extended the COVID-19 Lockdown by a further 2 weeks.

His statement is expected to build on the strong foundation laid by the arrival of Sinovac vaccines earlier this morning, the ministry of Information said in a statement.

  • REFRESH THIS PAGE TO WATCH THE LIVE BROADCAST

Dr Morgan Richard Tsvangirai Our Hero

14 February 2018- the day we lost our Icon- the founding President of the Movement for Democratic Change, Dr Morgan Richard Tsvangirai…

It was and it is still a bitter pill to swallow. The entire nation was plunged into mourning when the doyen of democracy died.

We will always remember his
favourite song Terera Mirairo ya baba Musazotukane.

Dr Tsvangirai left a legacy of Love.President Tsvangirai was a humble figure.

President Tsvangirai was our Moses and he left us in the hands of President Nelson Chamisa our Joshua to lead us to Canaan .

President Chamisa will definitely take us to State House.

Rest in Peace our Pillar of strength makarwa kurwa kwakanaka

Happy Valentine’s Day to all my friends in struggle stay safe COVID-19 is real, mask up …

MDC Alliance Masvingo Province
Deputy spokesperson
Lee ”Grenade” Mahachi

Mapeza Speaks On FC Platinum Loss

FC Platinum coach Norman Mapeza has rued how his team miss some good chances in their 1-0 defeat to ASC Jaraaf of Senegal in the first leg of the CAF Confederation Cup, group stage play-offs played on Sunday in Harare.

The Platinum Boys failed to score in the game despite holding an edge in ball possession.

Silas Songani had a penalty saved in the first half while Donald Teguru, Innocent Muchaneka and Nomore Chinyerere also fluffed some glorious opportunities.

Gift Bello had his shot hit the post in the later stages of the match.

Speaking after the game, Mapeza said: “We had several chances but we missed them.

“I’m sure if were playing regular football, those missed chances could have been scored, maybe one or two goals.

“But the players worked hard at the end of the day.”

FC Platinum will now travel to Senegal for the second leg next weekend.- Soccer 24 Zimbabwe

Norman Mapeza

It’s Not Over Yet- Salah

Liverpool star Mohamed Salah insists they haven’t given up on winning the Premier League title despite losing their last three games and they will fight till the very end.

Yesterday’s dramatic 1-3 defeat to Leicester City meant that the defending champions have lost three league games in a row for the first time since 2014.

Jurgen Klopp’s men now trail leaders Manchester City by 13 points, with Pep Guardiola’s charges also having a game in hand but Salah insists it’s not yet over.

“It’s been a tough period for many reasons. We are champions and we will fight like champions, until the very end. We will not allow this season to be defined by the recent results we’ve had. That is my promise to all of you<” wrote the Egyptian on microblogging site Twitter.- Soccer 24 Zimbabwe

Mohammed Salah

People’s Project Is Intact- President Chamisa

Tinashe Sambiri|MDC MDC Alliance leader, President Nelson Chamisa has described the late MDC founding President Dr Morgan Tsvangirai as a champion of freedom.

President Chamisa also described Dr Tsvangirai as a great mentor.

Read President Chamisa’s statement below:

Today is MORGAN TSVANGIRAI DAY:

CELEBRATING A LEGACY OF LOVE..We lost a peacemaker, doyen of democracy and freedom champion.

My father, mentor and a friend, I salute u for the free leadership mentorship and tutorship. You taught me love, forgiveness, humility, principle, consistency and loyalty. I and we ( all your true mentees) will never be purchased to compromise the PROMISE. The project promise is intact, uncompromisable and underailable.

We will WIN Zimbabwe for change! We are holding tight..Chinhu takabata!! Rest in Power Mdara!

Godisinit
chinhu takabata
machinja ese achapuhwa korona!
Kunagumo kune nyaya
Vamira pamuganhu kuti NDI!

Advocate Nelson Chamisa

President Chamisa

Musona, Billiat Likely To Miss Warriors Clash With Botswana

Warriors team manager Welington Mpandare has given an update on the progress made by captain Knowledge Musona and Khama Billiat in their quest to recover from injuries ahead of next month’s games.

Musona and Billiat are nursing ankle and leg injuries respectively, making their availability for next month’s decisive AFCON qualifiers against Botswana and Zambia in doubt but Mpandare says they have both started light training and there is hope of them recovering in time for the two games.

“Khama is three or so weeks away from regaining full fitness but he is back in the gym while Knowledge has started some light training and its pointing to the right direction for their respective clubs and the Warriors at large,” Mpandare told the Daily News.

“Its good for the coaches to have their full compliment of players available for such crucial moments and we will continue to monitor their progress,” he added.

Zimbabwe travel to Botswana and then host Zambia during the next international break which starts on March 22.- Soccer 24 Zimbabwe

Khama Billiat

Zanu PF Threatens Chamisa With ‘Last Chance’ Warning As POLAD Loses More Relevance

Zanu PF says the MDC is now operating from “the last chance saloon” to work with the former liberation movement and other political parties in the interests of the country and its long-suffering citizens.

Speaking to the Daily News On Sunday yesterday, the influential Zanu PF secretary for administration, Obert Mpofu, also warned opposition leaders Douglas Mwonzora and Nelson Chamisa that they risked suffering political oblivion if they did not join the Political Actors Dialogue (Polad) soon.

Polad is a platform where some of the candidates who contested and lost the 2018 presidential poll to President Emmerson Mnangagwa confer with the Zanu PF leader on national issues.

All this comes as the push for inclusive national dialogue is gathering steam, with the church once again taking a prominent role in the initiative to have the country’s current “Big Three” of local politics — Mnangagwa, Mwonzora and Chamisa — meet at the negotiating table.

And while the three men have all signalled their willingness to engage in national talks, they are yet to find convergence on both the modalities of achieving this and the scope of the dialogue.

“Those politicians in the opposition who think they are entitled to preferential treatment and are immune from the processes which are endorsed by many other political players in Zimbabwe run the risk of isolation.

“The Polad framework simply enunciates a common national vision which is detached from partisan egos and inter-party smear campaigns.

“If they are sincere on dialogue, they must join others in Polad,” Mpofu thundered in the interview with the Daily News On Sunday.

He also said the MDC Alliance was, as things stand, already behind other political parties which chose to join Polad when it was established soon after the 2018 elections — and hence, it “will have some huge catch up to do” if it decided to join the platform now.

In addition, he said, Zanu PF saw “no reason whatsoever” for the formation of another inclusive government with the opposition, given that the ruling party had won the mandate to govern the country alone from the people in 2018.

“Zanu PF is ready for the 2023 elections. We are counting on our electoral mandate renewal to continue our work towards Vision 2030.

“We are not swayed by opinions of certain churches and CSOs. They are entitled to their wishes.

“Otherwise, we will not compromise the constitution by foregoing the election to satisfy a few reactionary elements in our political space,” Mpofu further told the Daily News On Sunday — in reference to some calls to suspend polls for seven years, to allow the nation to heal following decades of election-related conflicts.

This comes as Mwonzora has pledged to pursue what he has called the “politics of rational disputation”, which involves dialogue with Mnangagwa, other political leaders and key stakeholders in the country.

As the momentum to have the broad-based dialogue continues to gather speed, Mnangagwa further appeared to give this push a significant boost on Friday when he praised the MDC for its change of attitude towards the government — in the latest remarks by the country’s leaders suggesting a welcome and progressive mellowing of local politics.

Speaking at this year’s first meeting of Polad, Mnangagwa also reiterated his readiness to engage with all opposition forces — emphasising, however, that this would happen under the auspices of the Polad platform.

“On political developments that have occurred since our last meeting, the government is encouraged by the patriotic stance towards constructive dialogue taken by the MDC … as the official opposition.

“We remain ready to engage with all political parties through the multi-party Polad forum for the good of the country,” he said during the virtual meeting.

“The reforms that we have collectively implemented cannot be ignored. These have undoubtedly brought new socio-economic opportunities and new political realities.

“Some people may differ with our approach, which is justifiable and permissible in any democracy. However, such differing opinions should never be divisive or be against the national interest.

“Neither should these seek to sabotage or make a nullity of the collective will of the majority,” Mnangagwa said further.

“As individuals, groupings or organisations, the over-arching interest of the people of Zimbabwe must supersede sectional or personal interests.

“This spirit must cut across all sectors and more importantly in our grassroots population. For it is at that level that a strong, firm, resilient and sustainable national foundation should be anchored,” he added.

This also came as Mwonzora and the MDC indicated that they were amenable to joining Polad — as long as the platform was broadened to include other key stakeholders such as the church and civil society organisations.

“As a party, we have not yet considered our way forward regarding Polad.

“But in the context of our call for inclusive dialogue, we would not have a problem to being a part — to the extent that Polad can have that level of legitimacy whereby its process is owned by the people through being broadened to include all stakeholders.

“As it is presently constituted, we feel it does not have the legitimacy that is necessary. But since we have not met, this position cannot be definitive.

“In any case, President Mwonzora was not a presidential candidate in 2018. So, that means, as it is presently constituted, he does not qualify to be a member,” MDC spokesperson Witness Dube told the Daily News On Sunday’s sister paper, the Daily News on Friday.

On the other hand, Chamisa has consistently dismissed Polad — insisting that any talks should be between him and Mnangagwa only.

However, his deputy Tendai Biti and top ally Jameson Timba have stated recently that the MDC Alliance is still keen to have talks with Mnangagwa, without conditions.

This comes after churches recently presented a draft national dialogue framework to Mnangagwa, opposition leaders and other key stakeholders, as pressure mounts on politicians to work together in the interests of the country.

On Wednesday, the secretary general of the Zimbabwe Heads of Christian Denominations (ZHOCD), Kenneth Mtata, confirmed to the Daily News that they had dispatched the dialogue proposals to all relevant stakeholders on February 2.

At the same time, it has emerged that the ZHOCD has also approached the European Union and the United States of America to garner their support for the crucial talks initiative.

“The proposal is being shared with the diplomatic community, the business sector and civil society for their consideration because this is a conversation that the whole nation must have consideration regarding how we find consensus and lasting solutions to the challenges we are facing,” Mtata told the Daily News.

The ZHOCD is made up of the Zimbabwe Council of Churches, Zimbabwe Catholics Bishops Conference, the Evangelical Fellowship of Zimbabwe and the Union of the Development of Apostolic Churches in Zimbabwe — with these bodies believed to represent about 80 percent of the country’s Christians.

“Our member churches are also currently studying the national consensus proposal that was presented to His Excellency President Mnangagwa and to the opposition.

“This proposal seeks to find ways in which the nation can find convergence and consensus around five key issues.

“The first one of these is the issue around the humanitarian challenges we are faced with, not only as a result of the drought and cyclones we have had, but also the challenges we are witnessing in health and education even before the onset of Covid-19,” Mtata said.

“The proposal also looks at how we can find a meaningful closure around the hates and violations of the past.

“The proposal also looks at a mutually acceptable agenda for constitutional implementation and reforms. The fourth issue looks at establishing a new social contract towards an inclusive national economy, so that we embrace a new national recovery agenda in which there is broad participation.

“Lastly, this proposal looks at how we can establish international re-engagements in which there is broad participation which is supported by all key stakeholders,” Mtata further told the Daily News.

Daily News

Emmerson Mnangagwa Using Anti-Corruption Commission As A Weapon To Attack Political Rivals – Advocate Mahere

Tinashe Sambiri|MDC Alliance national spokesperson, Advocate Fadzayi Mahere has accused Emmerson Mnangagwa of using the Zimbabwe Anti- Corruption Commission as weapon to attack political rivals.

Advocate Mahere also described the moribund National Prosecuting Authority as useless and captured…

“Zimbabwe is not poor, It’s poorly managed. Corruption that has brought Zimbabwe to it’s knees.Zanu PF bigwigs are busy looting national resources.

As we speak right now, Zimbabwe is losing millions of dollars through illicit gold deals that are being facilitated by Zanu PF bigwigs.

It is the rampant theft of national resources that has impoverished the nation,” argued Advocate Mahere.

Emmerson Mnangagwa

MDC Alliance To Announce 2021 Programme Of Action

Tinashe Sambiri|The MDC Alliance will soon announce announce the 2021 Programme of Action as the nation grapples with escalating economic woes.

The MDC Alliance also bemoaned the worsening governance crisis in the country.

Read communique below:

COMMUNIQUE ON 12/02/2021 NATIONAL EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE MEETING

On the 12th of February 2021, the National Executive Committee of the MDC Alliance met in accordance with the party’s constitution. The meeting was conducted virtually in line with Covid19 protocols.

The Executive received the report of the National Standing Committee and the following matters were deliberated upon:

  1. Elite State Capture: The Executive expressed its concern over the prevalence of cartels in the national economy and the correlation between these and rising cases of corruption that are prejudicing the fiscus of over US$3 billion annually. We call for the establishment of an independent inquiry into the allegations of Elite State Capture against top political elites and Zanu PF factions with a view to ensuring accountability and the creation of a shared, inclusive economy.
  2. Agricultural Season: The Executive considered the mounting challenges with the agricultural season — in particular, the impact of increased rains and flooding, the lack of adequate funding as well as the absence of preparation models that could mean the good rains go to waste. We urge the adoption of the party’s SMART Agriculture blueprint to move the nation from basic subsistence farming, improve productivity and attain a food surplus.
  3. COVID-19 Response: The Executive urged the State to adopt the party’s alternative Covidl9 Response Plan that was recently enunciated by President Nelson Chamisa. In particular, there is need to take into account the livelihoods crisis and mass poverty afflicting most Zimbabweans who rely on the informal economy for survival as well as the prospect of evidence-based zonal lockdowns. We further recommend that the Government publishes its vaccination roll-out plan to ensure transparency and a science-based approach to the planned inoculation.
  4. Governance Crisis: The Executive deliberated on the increased levels of repression, the regression of democracy, authoritarian consolidation and persecution of members of the party, journalists and dissenting voices. The party condemns the closure of democratic space, human rights abuses, wanton arrests and demands the immediate release of student leader, Alan Moyo.
  5. 3rd Memorial Anniversary of Morgan Tsvangirai: The Executive acknowledged the 3rd anniversary of Morgan Tsvangirai’s passing. The Executive remembered the role he played in the fight for democracy, his inspiration to the next generation and his historical contribution to a better Zimbabwe. The party takes note of the existing threats to his vision to build an uncompromised, credible and viable alternative government. The party resolved to defend and be the guardians of his legacy and to fulfil his aspiration to win Zimbabwe for change.
  6. Agenda 2021′ Program of Action: The Executive noted the continued attempts by Zanu PF to supplant the MDC Alliance as the credible democratic alternative to their current misrule and the attempts to reconstitute an opposition that is captured, loyal to ZANU PF and a de facto extension of ZANU PF. The MDC Alliance remains committed to the need to push for a political and economic reforms roadmap that is time bound. The Executive resolved to continue to champion the cause of the Zimbabwean people, be the legitimate voice of the suffering masses and form a broad front to return the country to legitimacy and democracy. The party’sAgenda 2021′ program of action will be announced in due course.

B. Continental and Global Matters

  1. Uganda: The Executive deliberated upon the election outcome in Uganda and expressed concern over rising human rights abuses and state-sponsored violence perpetrated against members of the opposition. We call upon regional bodies to reject the outcomes of rigged elections and act in conformity with established African Union standards for elections. We urge the courts in Uganda to act fairly and impartially in their determination of the election petition.
  2. Ghana: The Executive took note of the electoral dispute in Ghana. We call upon state institutions to be professional and fair in resolving the outstanding issues.
  3. United States: The Executive acknowledged the election outcome in the United States and underlined the importance of predictable processes and strong institutions in ensuring a legitimate transfer of power.

Fadzayi Mahere National Spokesperson

Advocate Mahere

“Emmerson Mnangagwa Running A Dangerous Securocratic State”

Tinashe Sambiri|Zanu PF leader Emmerson Mnangagwa is running a dangerous securocratic State, prominent political analyst, Dr Ibbo Mandaza has said.

Citizens are no longer safe in their own country as Mnangagwa is using secret agents to eliminate dissenting voices.

Below is a statement compiled by the MDC Alliance on Dr Mandaza’s article:

Prominent academic and political analyst Ibbo Mandaza says the reason why President Emmerson Mnangagwa went for two months without holding cabinet meetings is that Zimbabwe is now practically a securocratic state run by security structures.

Mnangagwa has a security background.

A securocratic state, run through police, intelligence and military structures, is dangerous as it is undemocratic, unaccountable and violent, as well as usually corrupt and incompetent.

Emmerson Mnangagwa

How To Lower Your Blood Pressure…

15 natural ways to lower your blood pressure

Medically reviewed by Atli Arnarson Ph.D. — Written by Kerri-Ann Jennings, MS, RD —

High blood pressure is a dangerous condition that can damage your heart. It affects one in three people in the US and 1 billion people worldwide (1, 2).

If left uncontrolled, high blood pressure raises your risk of heart disease and stroke.

But there’s good news. There are a number of things you can do to lower your blood pressure naturally, even without medication.

Here are 15 natural ways to combat high blood pressure.

  1. Walk and exercise regularly
    Regular exercise can help lower your blood pressure.
    Exercise is one of the best things you can do to lower high blood pressure.

Regular exercise helps make your heart stronger and more efficient at pumping blood, which lowers the pressure in your arteries.

In fact, 150 minutes of moderate exercise, such as walking, or 75 minutes of vigorous exercise, such as running, per week, can help lower blood pressure and improve your heart health (3, 4).

What’s more, doing even more exercise than this reduces your blood pressure even further, according to the National Walkers’ Health Study (5).

Bottom line: Walking just 30 minutes a day can help lower your blood pressure. More exercise helps reduce it even further.

  1. Reduce your sodium intake
    Salt intake is high around the world. In large part, this is due to processed and prepared foods.

For this reason, many public health efforts are aimed at lowering salt in the food industry (6).

Many studies have linked high salt intake with high blood pressure and heart events, including stroke (7, 8).

However, more recent research indicates that the relationship between sodium and high blood pressure is less clear (9, 10).

One reason for this may be genetic differences in how people process sodium. About half of people with high blood pressure and a quarter of people with normal levels seem to have a sensitivity to salt (11).

If you already have high blood pressure, it’s worth cutting back your sodium intake to see if it makes a difference. Swap out processed foods with fresh ones and try seasoning with herbs and spices rather than salt.

Bottom line: Most guidelines for lowering blood pressure recommend reducing sodium intake. However, that recommendation might make the most sense for people who are salt-sensitive.

  1. Drink less alcohol
    Drinking alcohol can raise blood pressure. In fact, alcohol is linked to 16% of high blood pressure cases around the world (12).

While some research has suggested that low-to-moderate amounts of alcohol may protect the heart, those benefits may be offset by adverse effects (12).

In the U.S., moderate alcohol consumption is defined as no more than one drink a day for women and two for men. If you drink more than that, cut back.

Bottom line: Drinking alcohol in any quantity may raise your blood pressure. Limit your drinking in line with the recommendations.

  1. Eat more potassium-rich foods
    Potassium is an important mineral.

It helps your body get rid of sodium and eases pressure on your blood vessels.

Modern diets have increased most people’s sodium intake while decreasing potassium intake (13).

To get a better balance of potassium to sodium in your diet, focus on eating fewer processed foods and more fresh, whole foods.

Foods that are particularly high in potassium include:

vegetables, especially leafy greens, tomatoes, potatoes, and sweet potatoes
fruit, including melons, bananas, avocados, oranges, and apricots
dairy, such as milk and yogurt
tuna and salmon
nuts and seeds
beans
Bottom line: Eating fresh fruits and vegetables, which are rich in potassium, can help lower blood pressure.

  1. Cut back on caffeine
    If you’ve ever downed a cup of coffee before you’ve had your blood pressure taken, you’ll know that caffeine causes an instant boost.

However, there’s not a lot of evidence to suggest that drinking caffeine regularly can cause a lasting increase (14).

In fact, people who drink caffeinated coffee and tea tend to have a lower risk of heart disease, including high blood pressure, than those who don’t drink it (15, 16, 17, 18).

Caffeine may have a stronger effect on people who don’t consume it regularly (19).

If you suspect you’re caffeine-sensitive, cut back to see if it lowers your blood pressure (20).

Bottom line: Caffeine can cause a short-term spike in blood pressure, although for many people, it does not cause a lasting increase.

  1. Learn to manage stress
    Listening to soothing music may help lower stress.
    Stress is a key driver of high blood pressure.

When you’re chronically stressed, your body is in a constant fight-or-flight mode. On a physical level, that means a faster heart rate and constricted blood vessels.

When you experience stress, you might also be more likely to engage in other behaviors, such as drinking alcohol or eating unhealthful food that can adversely affect blood pressure.

Several studies have explored how reducing stress can help lower blood pressure. Here are two evidence-based tips to try:

Listen to soothing music: Calming music can help relax your nervous system. Research has shown it’s an effective complement to other blood pressure therapies (21, 22).
Work less: Working a lot, and stressful work situations, in general, are linked to high blood pressure (23, 24).
Bottom line: Chronic stress can contribute to high blood pressure. Finding ways to manage stress can help.

  1. Eat dark chocolate or cocoa
    Here’s a piece of advice you can really get behind.

While eating massive amounts of dark chocolate probably won’t help your heart, small amounts may.

That’s because dark chocolate and cocoa powder are rich in flavonoids, which are plant compounds that cause blood vessels to dilate (25).

A review of studies found that flavonoid-rich cocoa improved several markers of heart health over the short term, including lowering blood pressure (25).

For the strongest effects, use non-alkalized cocoa powder, which is especially high in flavonoids and has no added sugars.

Bottom line: Dark chocolate and cocoa powder contain plant compounds that help relax blood vessels, lowering blood pressure.

  1. Lose weight
    In people with overweight, losing weight can make a big difference to heart health.

According to a 2016 study, losing 5% of your body mass could significantly lower high blood pressure (26).

In previous studies, losing 17.64 pounds (8 kilograms) was linked to lowering systolic blood pressure by 8.5 mm Hg and diastolic blood pressure by 6.5 mm Hg (27).

To put that in perspective, a healthy reading should be less than 120/80 mm Hg (4).

The effect is even greater when weight loss is paired with exercise (27).

Losing weight can help your blood vessels do a better job of expanding and contracting, making it easier for the left ventricle of the heart to pump blood.

Bottom line: Losing weight can significantly lower high blood pressure. This effect is even more significant when you exercise.

  1. Quit smoking
    Among the many reasons to quit smoking is that the habit is a strong risk factor for heart disease.

Every puff of cigarette smoke causes a slight, temporary increase in blood pressure. The chemicals in tobacco are also known to damage blood vessels.

Surprisingly, studies haven’t found a conclusive link between smoking and high blood pressure. Perhaps this is because smokers develop a tolerance over time (28).

Still, since both smoking and high blood pressure raise the risk of heart disease, quitting smoking can help lessen that risk.

Bottom line: There’s conflicting research about smoking and high blood pressure, but what is clear is that both increase the risk of heart disease.

  1. Cut added sugar and refined carbs
    There’s a growing body of research showing a link between added sugar and high blood pressure (29, 30, 31).

In the Framingham Women’s Health Study, women who drank even one soda per day had higher levels than those who drank less than one soda per day (32).

Another study found that having one less sugar-sweetened beverage per day was linked to lower blood pressure (33).

And it’s not just sugar — all refined carbs, such as the kind found in white flour — convert rapidly to sugar in your bloodstream and may cause problems.

Some studies have shown that low carb diets may also help reduce blood pressure.

One study on people undergoing statin therapy found that those who went on a 6-week, carb-restricted diet saw a greater improvement in blood pressure and other heart disease markers than people who did not restrict carbs (34).

Bottom line: Refined carbs, especially sugar, may raise blood pressure. Some studies have shown that low carb diets may help reduce your levels.

  1. Eat berries
    Berries are full of more than just juicy flavor.

They’re also packed with polyphenols, natural plant compounds that are good for your heart.

Polyphenols can reduce the risk of stroke, heart conditions, and diabetes, as well as improving blood pressure, insulin resistance, and systemic inflammation (34).

One study assigned people with high blood pressure to a low-polyphenol diet or a high-polyphenol diet containing berries, chocolate, fruits, and vegetables (35).

Those consuming berries and polyphenol-rich foods experienced improved markers of heart disease risk.

Bottom line: Berries are rich in polyphenols, which can help lower blood pressure and the overall risk of heart disease.

Source: Medical News Today

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Health

MDC Alliance Bemoans Worsening Governance Crisis In Zimbabwe…

Tinashe Sambiri|The MDC Alliance will soon announce announce the 2021 Programme of Action as the nation grapples with escalating economic woes.

The MDC Alliance also bemoaned the worsening governance crisis in the country.

Read communique below:

COMMUNIQUE ON 12/02/2021 NATIONAL EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE MEETING

On the 12th of February 2021, the National Executive Committee of the MDC Alliance met in accordance with the party’s constitution. The meeting was conducted virtually in line with Covid19 protocols.

The Executive received the report of the National Standing Committee and the following matters were deliberated upon:

  1. Elite State Capture: The Executive expressed its concern over the prevalence of cartels in the national economy and the correlation between these and rising cases of corruption that are prejudicing the fiscus of over US$3 billion annually. We call for the establishment of an independent inquiry into the allegations of Elite State Capture against top political elites and Zanu PF factions with a view to ensuring accountability and the creation of a shared, inclusive economy.
  2. Agricultural Season: The Executive considered the mounting challenges with the agricultural season — in particular, the impact of increased rains and flooding, the lack of adequate funding as well as the absence of preparation models that could mean the good rains go to waste. We urge the adoption of the party’s SMART Agriculture blueprint to move the nation from basic subsistence farming, improve productivity and attain a food surplus.
  3. COVID-19 Response: The Executive urged the State to adopt the party’s alternative Covidl9 Response Plan that was recently enunciated by President Nelson Chamisa. In particular, there is need to take into account the livelihoods crisis and mass poverty afflicting most Zimbabweans who rely on the informal economy for survival as well as the prospect of evidence-based zonal lockdowns. We further recommend that the Government publishes its vaccination roll-out plan to ensure transparency and a science-based approach to the planned inoculation.
  4. Governance Crisis: The Executive deliberated on the increased levels of repression, the regression of democracy, authoritarian consolidation and persecution of members of the party, journalists and dissenting voices. The party condemns the closure of democratic space, human rights abuses, wanton arrests and demands the immediate release of student leader, Alan Moyo.
  5. 3rd Memorial Anniversary of Morgan Tsvangirai: The Executive acknowledged the 3rd anniversary of Morgan Tsvangirai’s passing. The Executive remembered the role he played in the fight for democracy, his inspiration to the next generation and his historical contribution to a better Zimbabwe. The party takes note of the existing threats to his vision to build an uncompromised, credible and viable alternative government. The party resolved to defend and be the guardians of his legacy and to fulfil his aspiration to win Zimbabwe for change.
  6. Agenda 2021′ Program of Action: The Executive noted the continued attempts by Zanu PF to supplant the MDC Alliance as the credible democratic alternative to their current misrule and the attempts to reconstitute an opposition that is captured, loyal to ZANU PF and a de facto extension of ZANU PF. The MDC Alliance remains committed to the need to push for a political and economic reforms roadmap that is time bound. The Executive resolved to continue to champion the cause of the Zimbabwean people, be the legitimate voice of the suffering masses and form a broad front to return the country to legitimacy and democracy. The party’sAgenda 2021′ program of action will be announced in due course.

B. Continental and Global Matters

  1. Uganda: The Executive deliberated upon the election outcome in Uganda and expressed concern over rising human rights abuses and state-sponsored violence perpetrated against members of the opposition. We call upon regional bodies to reject the outcomes of rigged elections and act in conformity with established African Union standards for elections. We urge the courts in Uganda to act fairly and impartially in their determination of the election petition.
  2. Ghana: The Executive took note of the electoral dispute in Ghana. We call upon state institutions to be professional and fair in resolving the outstanding issues.
  3. United States: The Executive acknowledged the election outcome in the United States and underlined the importance of predictable processes and strong institutions in ensuring a legitimate transfer of power.

Fadzayi Mahere National Spokesperson

Fadzayi Mahere

Teachers Reject Government “Fraudulent” Savings Scheme

Tinashe Sambiri|Teachers have flatly rejected a savings scheme for civil servants supposedly meant to enable government workers to get loans.

However, Progressive Teachers Union of Zimbabwe has said the scheme will further plunge teachers into financial woes.

PTUZ president Takavafira Zhou, quoted by NewsDay dismissed the scheme:

“The government has been silent on monthly contributions from willing teachers at 2,5% of gross salary for three months, after which a member wishing to access loans must submit an application through the Primary and Secondary Education ministry. Above all, the submission of applications is no guarantee of getting a loan.

To make matters worse, the duration of repayment of the loan is not clear, except that the loan would attract an interest of between 10 and 15% per annum depending on how much one would have borrowed.

It is sad that instead of paying teachers a living wage or restoring their purchasing power in parity to pre-October 2018 levels, the government is busy planning to further impoverish teachers through indebtedness.”

Dr Takavafira Zhou

“Here Is Someone Who Took The SinoPharm Vaccine”

Vaccines arrive in Harare
https://twitter.com/helloitswill44/status/1348202108101619712?s=20
https://twitter.com/helloitswill44/status/1348202111209590784?s=20
https://twitter.com/helloitswill44/status/1348202111209590784?s=20
https://twitter.com/DalamarBlog/status/1358721007230607363?s=20
https://twitter.com/helloitswill44/status/1348202113352929284?s=20
https://twitter.com/DalamarBlog/status/1358721007230607363?s=20

MDC Alliance Masvingo Special Tribute To President Morgan Richard Tsvangirai

Dr Morgan Richard Tsvangirai Our Hero…

14 February 2018- the day we lost our Icon- the founding President of the Movement for Democratic Change, Dr Morgan Richard Tsvangirai…

It was and it is still a bitter pill to swallow. The entire nation was plunged into mourning when the doyen of democracy died.

We will always remember his
favourite song Terera Mirairo ya baba Musazotukane.

Dr Tsvangirai left a legacy of Love.President Tsvangirai was a humble figure.

President Tsvangirai was our Moses and he left us in the hands of President Nelson Chamisa our Joshua to lead us to Canaan .

President Chamisa will definitely take us to State House.

Rest in Peace our Pillar of strength makarwa kurwa kwakanaka

Happy Valentine’s Day to all my friends in struggle stay safe COVID-19 is real, mask up …

MDC Alliance Masvingo Province
Deputy spokesperson
Lee ”Grenade” Mahachi

Right Honourable Morgan Richard Tsvangirai

Team Pachedu “Undresses” Mwonzora …

Tinashe Sambiri|Team Pachedu has accused Mr Douglas Mwonzora of pretending to adore the late MDC founding President and icon of democracy Morgan Tsvangirai yet he betrayed the former Prime Minister when he was alive.

Team Pachedu is a coalition of Zimbabwean citizens.

According to Team Pachedu, Mwonzora has no moral compass to speak about President Tsvangirai’s legacy:

“Mwonzora was already a rebel before Tsvangirai died, going against National Council resolutions.

He was against MDC-Alliance, and wanted MDC-T to field all positions in the 2018 elections.

Mwonzora has no moral compass to lecture us about Tsvangirai’s legacy.”

MDC Alliance official, Antony Taruvinga wrote:

Dear Douglas Mwonzora, its not possible to separate Pres. Adv. Nelson Chamisa from Dr. Morgan Tsvangirai.

History speaks louder for the two gentlemen.

Everyone knows about that shared history. That history was made when you were not part of the MDC, you were actually opposing the MDC. That said, Zanu pf can assist you in illegally taking over the Harvest House, the MPs and the Councils but can not assist you in taking over the people. The people shall eventually speak. Your enjoyment won’t go beyond 2023…

Douglas Mwonzora

Juzi!

By Tichakunda Mhiko| Kae Chap’s saucy hit single ‘Juzi’ released this past Wednesday has been trending on the corridors of social media earning him the praise of local celebrities and social media users. 

Juzi is a break up song laced with powerful lyrics that graphically depict the agonizing pain one endures after losing their beloved partner. 

Afro pop sensation Jah Prayzah describing Juzi said: “What a masterpiece.”

Zim Hip hop prodigy Asaph  also took to Twitter showering praises to Kae Chap’s hit single Juzi describing the gem as a trendsetter changing the music industry. 

“I really hope you all are paying attention to the shift thats happening new urban genres are taking over and new stars are being given a chance to shine we want the more,” wrote ecstatic Asaph. 

In the song Kae Chaps pleads with his ex lover to come to collect her jacket which evokes better day memories which are now painful to reminisce now that they are longer together.

Social media user @dvora_1  said the song took her back in memory lane over a heart wrecking break up she wants to forget.

“That Juzi song has got me going back to times I so much want to forget,” she said. 

The budding artiste Kae Chaps in Juzi sings “I’m broke from all the dreams you were selling me urimboko yemunhu (you a bad person) felt I should tell you this, although we not enemies.”

To express how conflicted he is with his ex lover.  

Unbridled socialite Shadaya couldn’t resist not to comment on the traction Juzi was getting on social media however, argued that the song resonated with ‘weak’ sentimental men.

“Most Zim guys can relate to this song Juzi because they are simps. I’m shocked at the comments, many men being emotional about the song. 

“Then again, even me had I heard the song back in my simp days, I’d be emotional about the song as well,” he said. 

LEAD  opposition president Linda Masarira found herself entangled in Juzi and the emotions evoked by the song that she actually assumed that Kae Chaps was inspired by a bad break up to pen the tantalizing single. 

“@Kae Chaps has a dope voice. The track Juzi so much emotion hope he ain’t going through some kind of relationship trauma in real life,”she said. 

Chief Chiweshe, Muzarabani MP Show ED The Middle Finger

By A Correspondent- Muzarabani South legislator Tapera Saizi and traditional leader Chief Chiweshe Mukore-kore (Matthew Minyonga) on Sunday defied lockdown by conducting a Zanu-PF meeting with over 60 village heads.

It is alleged that over 60 village heads converged at Chitemamuswe Primary in Muzarabani for a meeting called by the duo.

Chief Chiweshe was allegedly persuading the heads to support sitting legislator Saizi in the next election, who is alleged to be his favorite candidate.

The agenda of the meeting was kept a secret till the meeting day.

The Chief  urged village heads to take control of Pfumvudza program contradicting with the policy  document.

“Madhumeni nemaCouncilors who are spearheading the program are corrupt saka imi masabhuku take over,” Chief Chiweshe said.

When contacted by this publication Chief Chiweshe confirmed that they had a meeting.

“Hongu ndakaita musangano nemasabhuku angu ese emuchiweshe nepamusana pevashandi vehurumende varikuba ma inputs epfumvudza”

Saizi together with his counterpart, Chief Chiweshe  accused government officials of being corrupt.

The government is providing transport for the inputs and no one should be made to pay,” Saizi purpoted.

Saizi also said ‘they’ are working on modalities when someone asked if the government was paying to ward level.

People who spoke on anonymity alleged that the Chief and the Member of Parliament (MP) are causing unnecessary confusion in the district on most government programs and wondered why a Chief would want to poke his nose into government programs.

“He is the most corrupt chief ever and we wonder why only him of the four chiefs is always attacking government programs,”fumed one resident.

Another resident said,”At one time the same Chief took 32 bags of Ammonium Nitrate (AN) to his residents and stopped distribution accusing a councilor of wanting to steal.”

It is alleged that he was ordered by high authorities to retain the fertilizer after it was established that he wanted to use it for personal use.

Asked to comment one of the village heads said,”Varume ava havazive, worse the MP is using Chief to cling on to but haa zvasara ipapo pataitira musangano.”

Contacted for comment, Chief Chiweshe could not deny the charges as he said that the agenda of the meeting was to urge villagers to work hand-in-glove with the sitting leaders.

“Favor is everywhere, even you the wife you chose is the one that you love,” Chief Chiweshe said to the reporter.

MP Saizi was not picking up calls until the time of publication.

-Byo24

Chipinge Man Shocked As Wife’s Two Boyfriends Fight Right In His Bedroom

CHIPINGE – A Chipinge man was recently shocked to find his wife’s two boyfriends in a vicious fight in his bedroom after they clashed on their visit to see the woman.

Robert Nyiseya of Maundwa under Chief Mutema confirmed the incident and said he had already sent away his wife Alice Raisi who was dating two different men working for companies contracted to maintain roads in the area.

Ward 9 councillor, Habit Magona also confirmed the incident to Chipinge Times and said it was disheartening that Raisi had left children who are less than 10 years old.

Sources said that Nyiseya spends most of his time away at work and only comes home during weekends. On the fateful day, he came home on a Saturday instead of the usual Friday night and heard rowdy noise coming from the direction of his bedroom.

He headed there and was shocked on opening the door to find two men fiercely throwing fists at each other and his wife trying to restrain them.

On seeing him at the door, one of the man bolted out knocking Nyiseya to the ground as he made it to safety.

Raisi told Chipinge Times that her husband had sent away but she blamed this on a prophet who she says told her husband that she was having an affair.

“My wife was bringing in different men into my bedroom and some would spent nights at my place,” said Nyiseya.

-Masvingo Mirror

“Chin’ono Ruffles Feathers In Zanu Pf”: Author

By A Correspondent- Author Kenneth Mufuka has said he is overwhelmed by messages from Zanu PF stalwarts who are reportedly afraid of Hopewell Chin’ono and his anti-corruption campaign. Mufuka quoted Dr Mavaza Masimba and his opinions about how influential media was responsible for Donald Trump not being voted America’s next president.

Mufuka then quoted Barack Obama and said: Former president Barack Obama had this sentence written somewhere in the White House:

“Don’t do stupid things?” Just in passing, Obama was exceptional in his mastery of the US press, which has gone rogue since the impeachment of Bill Clinton in 1994. It would be a brilliant idea before US ambassador Brian Nichols leaves Zimbabwe for journalists to invite him for a farewell party and ask him to address Obama’s mastery of the press.

The issue here, Dr Masimba, is that no modern government can survive for long with some understanding of the new developments in the media and how to handle the social media as well. Journalists have a nose for news.

In Masvingo, my friends have been warned that they should not do stupid things in my presence because the temptation to write them up is very great. The government of Zimbabwe employs earth-moving companies to bull-doze 500 houses in Budiriro township, destroying life-savings of the occupants. The occupants are Zimbabweans.

The season is the middle of the rainy season. Even the Philistines had better sense and compassion towards their fellows than the Zimbabwean government. Don’t do stupid things and blame them on Hopewell. If I was there, I would write up the Philistine government too. I have no brief from the imperialists and my heart is in Zimbabwe.

Everywhere one turns, one finds Philistines (called chefs) displaying their power with utter recklessness.

I am reading a police report that says 20 000 kombis have been impounded by police. The owners are trying to eke out a meagre living. They are citizens of Zimbabwe. Their investments are ruined. Why are you doing stupid things? Are you blaming Hopewell for writing you up?

Another report from Gokwe says the military is going from house-to-house beating up people ,who are not wearing masks. So, a 19-year-old soldier accuses my grandmother (oh, my mother of the Rain bird) of a crime, decides that punishment is five strokes of a sjambok (rhino hidewhip). Please, my brilliant students would have a feast on such a test. How many roles does the soldier play? He is an investigator, a prosecutor and a judge and God have mercy, he also takes all complaints against his decisions. Why are you doing stupid things?

There are two incidents where President Emmerson Mnangangwa was absolutely inspirational. “Fellow Zimbabweans…the time is now to say NO to demigods and people that are self-centred and only think of themselves and their families. Let us now bury our differences and rebuild a new prosperous Zimbabwe, a country that is tolerant to divergent views, a country that respects opinions of others, a country that does not isolate itself from the rest of the world, because one stubborn individual, who believes he is entitled
to rule this country until death.

“We want a country that gives every citizen the opportunity to prosper, to take care of their families, a country that encourages Zimbabweans to invest in their economy and contribute to the development of infrastructure for futuregenerations.” ( November 2017)

“VP Chiwenga Must Lead-From-The-Front Getting Inoculated With Chinese Vaccine”

VIDEO LOADING BELOW….

Prof Madhuku Says ED Adopted Mugabe’s Ruthless Legacy

By A Correspondent- National Constitutional Assembly (NCA) leader, Lovemore Madhuku, says President Emmerson Mnangagwa’s so-called new dispensation has adopted the late former President Robert Mugabe’s disregard for human rights.

Madhuku argued that under Mugabe, human rights were considered a preserve of the majority while the minority were routinely persecuted for being critical of the government and this has been perpetuated by the Mnangagwa administration.

Said Madhuku:

It is a real notion which Mnangagwa has carried on, which says that if the majority is quiet, then we will beat you (the minority) up, we will arrest you.

I think the government is mistaken there, and this is coming from President Robert Mugabe’s legacy, which says if the majority are not complaining (you are observing human rights). You are (only) three or four people complaining.

Mugabe was ousted from office by the military in a popular coup in November 2017 and died two years later in a Singapore hospital where he was undergoing treatment for prostate cancer.

Western powers imposed sanctions on Mugabe and his inner circle at the turn of the Millenium for egregious human rights abuses.

Meanwhile, several top officials in Mnangagwa’s government and controversial businessmen linked to the government have also been slapped with sanctions.

“Sanctions Have Not Stopped Zim From Borrowing”

An economic commentator, Tinashe Murapata, also known as Baba Nyenyedzi, said that Zimbabwe’s ballooning debt to the African Export-Import Bank, also referred to as Afreximbank, proves that sanctions have not stopped the country from tapping international capital.

In a Twitter thread, Murapata said economic mismanagement and corruption accelerated post-coup of November 2017 will push the Afreximbank and Chinese to demand that Harare reforms so that it can manage to repay the loans.

Read the thread below:

Zimbabwe – Afreximbank loans

On the 12th of Feb 2021, compelled by court order, the Ministry of Finance (MOF) gazetted loans taken by the Reserve Bank of Zimbabwe (RBZ) it guaranteed.

It is very clear why RBZ and the Government of Zimbabwe (GOZ) were secretive about these loans to the point of making its apologists deny the very existence of them.

For example, over the last 3yrs it has been pointed out that;

(a) RBZ is involved in quasi-fiscal activities
(b) GOZ treasury has no surplus

These two points are linked. RBZ comes directly under the Minister’s armpit. RBZ took over treasury responsibilities and its deficits.

RBZ losses are directly treasury’s losses and by law must be included in the consolidated revenues and expenditures. This never happened, so the right hand claimed it was clean when all the time the stolen goods were in the left hand.

The Gazette is revelatory in 3 distinct ways;

(i) Zim sanctions do not affect its ability to borrow and move money internationally

(ii) Interest on loans is more than 10% p.a

(iii) Zim is in a debt trap

RBZ total foreign debt is US$5bn as of Sept 2020. 80% of which was assumed post-coup of Nov 2017. OFAC would’ve seen and approved these transactions including anytime Zim made interest payments.

US$1.4bn from Afreximbank had GOZ guarantee. Meaning GOZ was a direct party to the transaction. At no point did OFAC raise a red flag. Or outright stop the transaction.

It is very clear that Zim sanctions don’t affect its ability to transact with the world. Nor it’s ability to borrow. There are many international lenders to Zim, apparently.

Chinamasa’s Lima plan of 2016 comprehensively addressed political and institutional reforms before tapping into international markets. Without reforms, immediately after a coup, GOZ started borrowing without any guide rails and none to stop profligacy.

It’s a hard lesson to Zim and to Afreximbank and other lenders (China included) why Zim desperately requires deep political and institutional reforms. It’s for creditors own good. Treasury claims of surplus were not entirely for Zimbabwean ears but for foreign lenders.

The first loan from Afreximbank was made on the 27th of Dec 2017. A 3yr loan that was due end of 2020. Was it paid off? All the evidence suggests otherwise.

Zim has ZERO reserves. The 2020 budget did not have a sinking fund. Afreximbank was aware that RBZ had zero reserves… Was the loan rolled over?

The loans suggest a bullet payment at the end of the loan tenure and were not amortized. If the loan was amortized RBZ monthly reports would show this.

The terms of loans are onerous. In Dec 2017, LIBOR was 2%. RBZ own laws emphatically prohibit loans above LIBOR plus 7% without RBZ express approval. This is the reason for institutional reforms. Currently, the regulator approves its own loan interest exemptions.

LIBOR 2%. Interest 6.5%. other fees 3.75%. Total yr1 interest is 12.25%. Above the RBZ own rules. This is a devastating revelation. Most Economists had assumed interest was less than 4%. What Afreximbank normally charges.

Zimbabwe is highly profitable for Afreximbank. In its September 2020 results, interest and similar income were US$700m. On average (10%pa) on the US$1.4bn, Zim pays $140m a year. This is 20% of Afreximbank interest income.

If Zimbabwe is paying 10% on its RBZ debt ( US$5bn) that equates to US$500m interest payments a year. This is 20% of 2020 GOZ budget expenditure. 25% of revenues. The debt has grown through interest capitalization and not necessarily new debt.

In theory. A debt trap is when Interest on loans is greater than GDP growth. This means interest payments become an albatross to any growth. Debt grows exponentially. RBZ loans interest of 10% when the economy is in a decline of -15% is a debt trap.

What does this mean for Zimbabwe? Minister Mthuli is simply preparing Zimbabweans for the inevitable debt assumption Bill. This will officially add US$5bn to the country’s foreign debt stock of US$9bn.

Ps. The farmers’ compensation of US$3.5bn is not yet official.

The good news is that Afreximbank and the Chinese creditors will now be at the forefront of calling for reforms.

The smuggling of gold and its quantum is NOT coincidental. It’s to avoid formal international channels where creditors have stop orders against Zim exports.

The bad news is that the ruling class can survive on extractive industry rent. Especially during a commodity boom. Political scientists have pointed out, the ruling elite will not reform themselves out of power. There is no credible reason why the ruling elite must reform.

Sanctions have not stopped Zim from tapping international capital. Economic mismanagement and corruption accelerated post-coup of Nov 2017. Reversing the gains of the GNU. ALL creditors want reforms. Commodity boom and corruption provides a way out for the ruling elite.

Killer Zivhu Says Top Govt Officials Should Be Vaccinated First To Test Efficacy

By Jane Mlambo| Controversial politician Killer Zivhu has suggested that the just delivered COVID-19 vaccine should be tested its efficacy on top government officials before being administered to the rest of the population as a way of giving confidence to citizens.

Posting on Twitter, Zivhu said after the vaccinated of top officials, it should take a month before it is rolled out to everyone else.

“Vaccine ,vaccine,vaccine inongotaurwa nezvayo kuti yasvika.Kuti vanhu vave ne confidence nayo madii kutanga leadership vanhu vose vachiona tomboita a month tichiona kushanda kwayo then the rest will follow,” Zivhu said.

Misihairabwi Mushonga Says Schools Should Be Safe Before Opening

By A Correspondent- A parliamentarian has called upon the government to ensure that schools are safe for learners before it announces the opening date for the 2021 first term.

Primary and Secondary Education Parliamentary Portfolio Committee chairperson Priscilla Misihairabwi-Mushonga said some schools in Bulawayo were not ready to reopen as they did not have basics such as water, which is critical in curbing the spread of the coronavirus.

Misihairabwi-Mushonga also pleaded with the government to ensure that teachers are motivated when schools reopen to avoid a situation whereby schools open without teachers.

She said:

Our assessment as a committee when we visited some of the schools is that they were not safe because they lacked basics such as water.

Lack of water at some schools in Bulawayo, Matabeleland North and South should be addressed urgently before schools open.

Bulawayo is an urban area but has a water crisis affecting some schools. There is no way schools can meet the minimum hygiene standards without water.

We can provide consumables such as sanitisers but pupils need to wash their hands regularly and after visiting the toilet.

You don’t want to take those kids to where supervision is not there, learning is not there.

The children are not going to play centres but schools and a school can only be a school when teachers perform their duties.

Meanwhile, a plane carrying the country’s first coronavirus vaccines, 200 000 doses donated by China, arrived in the capital Harare on Monday.

A further 600 000 doses from China are set to arrive in early March from China National Pharmaceutical Group (Sinopharm).

MSU Launches Mining Safety Campaign

By A Correspondent- The faculty of Engineering and Geosciences at the Midlands State University (MSU) has launched a mining safety campaign, whose primary objective is to ensure zero harm at the workplace, particularly amongst artisanal and small-scale miners.

The MSU in a statement yesterday said that the project will run under the theme ‘Safety Begins with Education’.

“The campaign was born out of the realisation that there has been an unprecedented increase in the number of deaths and serious injuries in the artisanal and small-scale mining sector in recent times,” read the MSU statement.

“The accidents have largely been a result of unsafe mining practices coupled with poor adherence to health and safety standards.”

Campaign chairperson, Tanyaradzwa Makotore, a third year metallurgical engineering student said zero harm could be achieved through educating miners on appropriate safety measures for accident prevention.

The campaign participants and partners will include students, the Young Miners Foundation, the AMOSA Safety Academy and the Ministry of Mines and Mining Development.

The campaign also comes at a time when there have been reports that around 65 artisanal miners have died since February last year in mine related accidents in the Midlands province alone.

Recently there were similar incidents of mine shaft accidents reported in other parts of the country.-newsday

“Its A Nightmare”

By Nomusa Garikai- Zanu PF’s ethos is that the party would rather destroy Zimbabwe, burn it down into ruins, than allow anyone else ruling the country! “Shaisano!” as one would say in Shona. 

40 years of Zanu PF gross mismanagement, rampant corruption and rank lawlessness have left the country a pariah state in economic ruins. 

“Highly secretive cartels linked to President Emmerson Mnangagwa and Vice President Constantino Chiwenga are reported to have taken over the operations of key state-owned companies, including private firms covering mining, agriculture and energy,” reported Bulawayo 24.

President Mnangagwa blames the country’s economic meltdown on “heinous sanctions”!

“Be that as it may, we cannot allow those heinous sanctions to hold us back. We have enough resources in our country; we have several nations of goodwill to partner. We must stay on course and focus on our efforts until we defeat these sanctions,” said Mnangagwa, addressing mourners at the burial of the late Douglas Nyikayaramba, Zimbabwe’s Ambassador to Mozambique.

“The situation is gradually improving and stabilising. Various indicators are pointing towards recovery and positive growth.

He went on to urge Zimbabweans “resist to be used as willing tools by those advancing myopic, narrow and alien agendas burnt to slow down and reverse our gains of Independence. We are a united, caring and peace loving people.”

This is really a nightmare!

  1. Sanctions have become a scapegoat for the economic meltdown to draw attention away from the real causes, gross mismanagement and corruption. The country’s late dictator, Robert Mugabe, admitted in 2016 to the country being “swindled out of US$15 billion in diamond revenue”. He never arrested even one swindler nor recover one swindled dollar. Mnangagwa promised “zero tolerance on corruption” when he took over three years ago. He has not arrested any swindler nor is he going to do so ever! How can he when he and his fellow Zanu PF ruling elite are the Godfathers of corruption. 

“The cartels impact Zimbabweans in multiple ways – entrenching their patrons’ hold on power, retarding democratisation, destroying service delivery for citizens and creating an uncompetitive business climate – which leaves Zimbabweans poorer, more severely under-served by their government and disempowered to hold the state to account,” as the Maverick Citizen’s damning report, ‘Cartel Power Dynamics in Zimbabwe’, aptly put it. 

Zimbabweans can see with their own eyes how the ruling elite have creamed off the nation’s wealth to become filthy rich whilst the majority sink into abject poverty and despair. Sanctions did not stop Mugabe build his sprawling US$2 billion Blue Roof mansion whilst the country’s referral like Parerenyatwa and Mpilo Hospitals had no equipment, staff and regularly ran out of something as basic as pain killers! 

  1. If the heinous sanctions are indeed the root cause of the economic meltdown and government has already identified “several nations of goodwill to partner”, then why 20 years since the sanctions were imposed are they still crippling the economy? 
  1. Unemployment has soared to 90%, basic services such as education and health care have been starved of funds for decades they have all but collapsed and 50% of our people are living in abject poverty. It is really infuriate to keep talking of economic “recovery and growth” when there are no such signs! 
  1. For 40 years Zanu PF has rigged elections and denied the people a meaningful say in the governance of the country with the disastrous economic and political consequences we can see all round us. The party believes it has the divine right to rule and has ruthless silenced the people and even with the nation in ruins the party still maintain its tyrannical boot on the nation’s throat. 

“We are a united, caring and peace loving people.” How easily the lie rolls off your tongue! How convenient! 

South African Minister Comes Face to Face With Border Jumpers At Beitbridge Border Post

By Jane Mlambo| Home Affairs Deputy Minister, Njabulo Nzuza visited the Beitbridge border post today and witnessed border jumpers crossing from the Zimbabwean to the South African side.

According to eNCA, some of the border jumpers were later arrested.

South Africa opened twenty of its land borders today with Beitbridge being one of them.

Zimbabwe is expected to announce its new measures following the expiry of the 14 day extension of the level four lockdown imposed by the government at the beginning of 2021 to curb a spike in cases.

Rural Children Most Affected By Schools Closure

By A Correspondent- Rural children, particularly the girl child will be the most affected by the closure of schools due to the COVID-19-induced period, legal consultant and educationist Miriam Tose Majome has said.

Majome told NewsDay in an interview that most rural children have not benefitted from the e-learning facilities provided during the COVID-19 lockdown as they did not have access to electronic gadgets.

She said although some progressive steps had been taken by the government to improve the education of the girl child, there was still need to ensure that more girls were admitted into university programmes.

“There are still instances whereby girls are not prioritised by their families in terms of attaining education. For instance, there is also the need for an increase in the number of girls admitted to higher institutions of learning and universities,” Majome said.

“Access to resources by families is also another factor affecting the cycle of education for the girl child. There are also negative traditional beliefs that education is not valuable for the girl child, particularly those in the remote rural areas and highly-impoverished urban areas,” she said.

Majome said rural girls also faced challenges of travelling very long distances to schools, as well as lack of access to sanitary wear.

“There is no support for rural girls during their menstrual cycles, and so they must not be forced to do some activities that they feel uncomfortable with at schools as it reduces their levels of concentration during studies,” she said.

Progressive Teachers Union of Zimbabwe (PTUZ) president Takavafira Zhou recently said that the challenges of walking long distances and hygiene complications faced by girls were the major complications affecting their learning journey.

“Students walk long distances to access schools. It is very sad that our girl children have to endure this challenge of walking long distances while on their menstrual cycles,” Zhou said.

Trending Hit Single ‘Juzi’ Breaks The Internet

By Tichakunda Mhiko| Kae Chap’s saucy hit single ‘Juzi’ released this past Wednesday has been trending on the corridors of social media earning him the praise of local celebrities and social media users. 

Juzi is a break up song laced with powerful lyrics that graphically depict the agonizing pain one endures after losing their beloved partner. 

Afro pop sensation Jah Prayzah describing Juzi said: “What a masterpiece.”

Zim Hip hop prodigy Asaph  also took to Twitter showering praises to Kae Chap’s hit single Juzi describing the gem as a trendsetter changing the music industry. 

“I really hope you all are paying attention to the shift thats happening new urban genres are taking over and new stars are being given a chance to shine we want the more,” wrote ecstatic Asaph. 

In the song Kae Chaps pleads with his ex lover to come to collect her jacket which evokes better day memories which are now painful to reminisce now that they are longer together.

Social media user @dvora_1  said the song took her back in memory lane over a heart wrecking break up she wants to forget.

“That Juzi song has got me going back to times I so much want to forget,” she said. 

The budding artiste Kae Chaps in Juzi sings “I’m broke from all the dreams you were selling me urimboko yemunhu (you a bad person) felt I should tell you this, although we not enemies.”

To express how conflicted he is with his ex lover.  

Unbridled socialite Shadaya couldn’t resist not to comment on the traction Juzi was getting on social media however, argued that the song resonated with ‘weak’ sentimental men.

“Most Zim guys can relate to this song Juzi because they are simps. I’m shocked at the comments, many men being emotional about the song. 

“Then again, even me had I heard the song back in my simp days, I’d be emotional about the song as well,” he said. 

LEAD  opposition president Linda Masarira found herself entangled in Juzi and the emotions evoked by the song that she actually assumed that Kae Chaps was inspired by a bad break up to pen the tantalizing single. 

“@Kae Chaps has a dope voice. The track Juzi so much emotion hope he ain’t going through some kind of relationship trauma in real life,”she said. 

“Prepare To Live With The Virus”: ZIMTA Pushes For Schools Opening

By A Correspondent- The Zimbabwe Teachers Association (ZIMTA) has urged the government to provide at least the minimum amount of resources needed to curb the spread of the coronavirus in schools so that learning can resume.

ZIMTA chief executive officer Sifiso Ndlovu acknowledged that the government has no capacity to avail all the resources needed by schools for COVID-19 prevention measures, hence the need for a compromise.

He said:

The truth of the matter is that there won’t be sufficient resources to meet the demands of COVID-19 prevention measures and as such a compromise must be made and that is where we bring in the issue of dialogue. We need to have a basic minimum that has to be met.

For example, we should know how primary pupils are affected by COVID-19 as well as their teachers. We should prepare to live with the virus.

We can’t be running away from the virus by continuously opening and closing our schools but we have to come up with measures to mitigate rapid infections in schools.

Ndlovu also called upon authorities to come up with a catch-up programme that will compensate for lost time as well as the provision of an incentive for teachers.

He said:

We should agree on a catch-up programme and what motivation tools to be provided so that teachers can go the extra mile to ensure pupils catch up in addition to their normal teaching programme.

We need to rethink the timetabling of the school’s calendar. What does it mean? We have to change, do we still have a one-month long break or a one week to two weeks’ vacation.

Schools were set to reopen on the 4th of January but the idea was shelved indefinitely by the government following a spike in COVID-19 cases.

OPINION: Mnangagwa Must Stop Creating His Own Opposition

By Leonard Koni| Where on earth have you heard of a President saying that, “this is the official opposition party” referring to MDC-T, an opposition political party which they have created and imposed on people, yet we have over 20 opposition political parties in Zimbabwe.

I think it was a slip of a tounge. He actually wanted to say that MDC-T has become their newly born baby project which they were going to partner and work very hard to decimate, finish the unrepentant and unfashionable MDC-Alliance which lacks patriotism.

Which criteria or method has been used to come up with such a conclusion?

Mr President must be reminded that as soon as people are vaccinated of Covid19, they should be allowed to campaign and go for elections to choose the leaders of their choice and that is when the people will know exactly which opposition party is worth talking about not this obedient son opposition political party being forced on people. 

Thokozani Khupe MDC-T led contested in harmonised elections in 2018 and got 45 000 votes in presidential election against MDC Alliance Nelson Chamisa which got around2.6 million.

Douglas Mwonzora later had an elective congress which was marred with vote rigging and now claims to be the biggest opposition political party in Zimbabwe. 

When was he tested to prove that he commands a lit of people more than MDC-Alliance?

I think Mr Douglas Mwonzora is being overrated by the ruling party. This is an assault to democracy and must not be given any space to breath. This is a serious toxic bubble which must pierced.

It is known that MDC-T is largely a creation and puppet of the regime. This is evidenced by the coverage they are having on nearly all government mouthpieces and state owned media like The Herald, Chronicle and ZTV.

People now want elections in order to stop this infatuation relationship and  marriage of MDC-T and Zanu PF.

The path which Douglas Mwonzora has taken will definitely give him temporary power and satisfaction but the Abel Muzorewa tag will continue haunting him throughout his life and the next generation will not pardon him. Ian Douglas Smith did the same by praising Bishop Abel Muzorewa and history is repeating itself.

Already Douglas Mwonzora and his team have been used and are still going to be used to split some votes come 2023 elections but the good part of it is the timeously way the plan has been exposed. The ball is now in the half of the MDC-Alliance opponets and they have the opportunity to counter attack the plan to their own advantage.

Surprisingly MDC -T is not even talking of the release of detained Alan Moyo  who is now clocking 70 days in the prison. How will this party manage or going to stand for the young generation?

The people are now aware of the political urchins and shenanigans meant to derail the people’s struggle which the late doyen of democracy Morgan Richard Tsvangirayi left.

Twitter -@LeokoniEmail – [email protected]+27616868508

“Vaccination Roll Out To Start This Week”: ED

By A Correspondent- President Emmerson Mnangagwa has said the coronavirus vaccination rollout will commence this week after the first batch of the Sinopharm vaccines arrived from China on Monday morning.

The consignment of the vaccine is a donation from the government of the People’s Republic of China which put Zimbabwe under an obligation to buy its vaccines from the East Asian country.

In a post on his social media channels on Monday, President Mnangagwa said the vaccination of the population will put the country’s economy on a path to recovery.

He said:

The first batch of vaccines for Zimbabwe has been successfully delivered. We start vaccinating Zimbabweans this week!

The faster our country is protected against this virus, the faster Zimbabwe’s economy can flourish.

God bless you all, god bless Zimbabwe!

Meanwhile, the president of the Zimbabwe Nurses Association (ZINA), Enock Dongo told the NewsDay during an interview that the country’s health workers, particularly nurses, know nothing about the vaccine.

Dongo was quoted as saying nurses were not formally trained on how to administer the jab, or made aware of possible side effects.

Chitungwiza Man Hammers Stepson Over ZW$20

 By A Correspondent- A man from Harare crushed his stepson’s head with a hammer following a misunderstanding over the purchase of airtime recharge cards, police have confirmed.

Through their Twitter account, the police said the man gave his son US$1.00 to buy airtime worth ZWL$20.00.

However, the boy used the whole amount, which is approximately ZWL$90, to buy the airtime and this angered his stepfather who then took a hammer and pounded his head. Police said:

A Harare man has been arrested in connection with the murder of his stepson on the 7th of February 2021. The suspect gave the victim US$1-00 to go and buy airtime worth RTGS$20-00.

The victim used the whole amount to buy airtime and this angered the suspect who pounded the victim with a hammer and he died.

Police urge the public to respect the sanctity of human life.

The man, who has not been named, was expected to appear in court on murder charges.

Zanu PF Violates Lockdown Again, Holds Party Elections

By A Correspondent- The ruling Zanu PF party held elections in Mutare on Saturday in violation of coronavirus regulations which prohibit public gatherings, including the holding of elections.

The polls were conducted to fill in the senatorial seat which was left vacant after the death of Minister of State for Manicaland province, Ellen Gwaradzimba, who died in January from COVID-19 related complications.

Zanu PF provincial vice-chairperson, Dorothy Mabika, who is a top ally of Manicaland provincial chairperson Mike Madiro was declared the winner.

Mabika polled 66 votes, with Gertrude Mutandi, who is a top ally of Defence minister Oppah Muchinguri, coming second (39 votes).

The other losing candidates were Manicaland women’s league chairperson Happiness Nyakuedzwa, former MP Irene Zindi, Judith Mawire and Sheila Mutsenhu.

Meanwhile, Zanu PF Manicaland political commissar Gift Kagweda insisted that the elections were conducted with the observance of all COVID-19 protocols.

He said:

The election went on very well and we adhered to the World Health Organisation COVID-19 precautionary measures. I can confirm that Dorothy Mabika won the election.

This comes as the government, through the Health Minister and Vice-President Constantino Chiwenga, suspended by-elections to fill in vacant seats left by MDC Alliance members of Parliament and councillors who were controversially expelled by the Supreme Court reconstituted MDC-T led by Douglas Mwonzora.

Schools Opening Dates To Be Announced

By A Correspondent- The government is next week expected to announce the date for the reopening of schools for the 2021 first term.

Information, Publicity and Broadcasting Services Permanent Secretary Ndavaningi Mangwana said that cabinet deliberated on the issue and resolved to postpone the reopening of schools by two weeks.

In a post on Twitter last Friday following the holding of the first Cabinet meeting in 2021 on Tuesday, Mangwana said the position to defer schools’ reopening will be revisited after two weeks.

He said:

Many are asking about the opening of schools. In its first meeting of 2021, Cabinet resolved that schools remain closed for another two weeks. This position will be reviewed at the end of two weeks.

Schools were closed on 18 December after briefly opening in September last year to prepare pupils for public examinations.

However, several schools across the country reported hundreds of coronavirus cases and the Government indefinitely shelved the reopening, which had been set on 4 January.

Meanwhile, Zimbabwe Teachers Association (ZIMTA) chief executive officer Dr Sifiso Ndlovu told State media that it was no longer sustainable to keep the schools closed.

“Give VP Chiwenga The First Jab Of the Chinese Vaccine, Followed By Other Ministers, In That Order”

VIDEO LOADING BELOW….

VP Mohadi Visited By Husband Of Lover

By A Correspondent- Vice President Kembo Mohadi was reportedly visited by the husband of the woman he is allegedly having an affair with and he accused him of having an intimate relationship with his wife without using protection, ZimLive reports.

According to the publication, the Vice President was visited by Jacob Mumpande, the husband of Abigal Mumpande, who is being accused of having an affair with Mohadi after he learnt of the 2’s alleged affair. Abigail Mumpande reportedly works at Mohadi’s office as a junior security officer.

Mumpande was reportedly armed with recordings and nude pictures send between the 2 in which the VP reportedly said in one of the recordings “I called to say I love you, and I’ll never change my mind

This was revealed by a source close to the VP that told the publication that:

The vice president just kept apologising. They left after an hour. Abbigal was in tears. When Mohadi came out of the house, he had a small amount of blood on his forehead, and his hands were slightly swollen. It was clear it became quite physical in there with the woman he was with before Mumpande arrived

Abigail’s husband reportedly confronted the VP and there was a shouting incident at the VP’s residence in Glen Lorne that lasted for an hour in which Jacob Mumpande said he was upset and heartbroken.

Mohadi was reportedly driven out of his home by the incident and he had to return home a few hours later after the quarrel has died down.

VP Mohadi who divorced his wife Tambudzani Muleya was reportedly left by his wife Juliet Mutavhatsindi last year for alleged adultery.-ZimLive

WATCH: Chinese Vaccines Arrive In Harare.

VIDEO LOADING BELOW….

President Chamisa’s Touching Message On Dr Morgan Richard Tsvangirai Day

Tinashe Sambiri|MDC MDC Alliance leader, President Nelson Chamisa has described the late MDC founding President Dr Morgan Tsvangirai as a champion of freedom.

President Chamisa also described Dr Tsvangirai as a great mentor.

Read President Chamisa’s statement below:

Today is MORGAN TSVANGIRAI DAY:

CELEBRATING A LEGACY OF LOVE..We lost a peacemaker, doyen of democracy and freedom champion.

My father, mentor and a friend,I salute u for the free leadership mentorship and tutorship. You taught me love, forgiveness, humility, principle, consistency and loyalty. I and we ( all your true mentees) will never be purchased to compromise the PROMISE. The project promise is intact, uncompromisable and underailable.

We will WIN Zimbabwe for change! We are holding tight..Chinhu takabata!! Rest in Power Mdara!

Godisinit
chinhu takabata
machinja ese achapuhwa korona!
Kunagumo kune nyaya
Vamira pamuganhu kuti NDI!

Advocate Nelson Chamisa

Rest In Power Mdara-President Chamisa Salutes Mentor Dr Morgan Tsvangirai

Tinashe Sambiri|MDC MDC Alliance leader, President Nelson Chamisa has described the late MDC founding President Dr Morgan Tsvangirai as a champion of freedom.

President Chamisa also described Dr Tsvangirai as a great mentor.

Read President Chamisa’s statement below:

Today is MORGAN TSVANGIRAI DAY:

CELEBRATING A LEGACY OF LOVE..We lost a peacemaker, doyen of democracy and freedom champion.

My father, mentor and a friend,I salute u for the free leadership mentorship and tutorship. You taught me love, forgiveness, humility, principle, consistency and loyalty. I and we ( all your true mentees) will never be purchased to compromise the PROMISE. The project promise is intact, uncompromisable and underailable.

We will WIN Zimbabwe for change! We are holding tight..Chinhu takabata!! Rest in Power Mdara!

Godisinit
chinhu takabata
machinja ese achapuhwa korona!
Kunagumo kune nyaya
Vamira pamuganhu kuti NDI!

Advocate Nelson Chamisa

SuperSport United End Winless Run

Kaitano Tembo’s SuperSport United bounced back from a three-game winless run with a morale-boosting 2-1 victory over Cape Town City in a DStv Premiership match played at the Lucas Masterpieces Moripe Stadium today.

The Zimbabwean tactician, who this week admitted that the fixture schedule was weighing heavy on his side after two defeats on the trot, saw them return to their best and collected three points against a battling City.

Gamphani Lungu thrust them in front in the 23rd minute when he latched on to a brilliant Evans Rusike assist.

United could have doubled their advantage on the stroke of half time when Kuda Mahachi’s pinpoint cross missed both his Warriors teammate Rusike and Bradley Grobbler by inches.

Lungu’s goal was the difference between the two sides at the half time interval.

Two minutes after the restart, City levelled matters through Bradely Ralani, whose shot from outside the box beat Rowen Williams in goal for SuperSport.

Tembo made a change in the 76th minute, bringing Thamsanqa Gabuza for Rusike and it proved to be the turning point minutes later.

Gabuza headed home a Grobbler cross to restore Matsatsantsa’s lead and the goal proved to be the winner.- Soccer 24 Zimbabwe

Kaitano Tembo

Worker Crushed To Death At Zimplats

An employee of one of Zimplats’ contractors died yesterday from injuries he sustained when a high wall collapsed at the entrance of Ngwarati Mine in Mhondoro-Ngezi.

Zimplats head of corporate affairs, Busi Chindove confirmed the incident that occurred yesterday around 9.50am.

“Zimplats is deeply saddened to confirm a mine fatality incident that occurred at the company’s Ngwarati Mine in Mhondoro-Ngezi,” she said.

“Sadly, one employee working for one of the company’s contractors, succumbed to injuries sustained in the incident that occurred when a high wall collapsed at the Ngwarati Mine box-cut (entrance to the mine).

“The tragic incident occurred at 09.50hrs on Sunday February 14, 2021.” Mrs Chindove said despite the accident, Zimplats remains committed to delivering a safe working environment for its employees. Zimplat’s chief executive, Mr Alex Mhembere said the rest of the workers were evacuated safely.

“It is indeed a difficult time for the whole Zimplats family. Our sincere condolences go to the family, colleagues, and friends of the deceased. –Herald

Crocodile Kills Girl(9)

A NINE-year-old girl from Matobo, Matabeleland South province, was killed by a crocodile at Hovi River while she was washing her lunch box last week.

Matabeleland South Police spokesperson Inspector Loveness Mangena confirmed the incident which happened on Monday. She identified the girl as Shalom Moyo and advised members of the community to desist from sending children to fetch water especially at rivers where there are crocodiles. Shalom’s parents Mr Gift Moyo and Happiness Ndlovu said their daughter was the first born in a family of three. The Moyo family, who are from How Mine, had visited their relatives in Matobo when the incident happened.

“We rushed and got to the scene immediately after a little girl who witnessed the incident shouted for help after seeing Shalom being attacked by the crocodile. When we got to the river her bloodied body was floating in the water,” said Mr Moyo.

Ward 17 Councillor Max Majahana said a few years ago another child was attacked by a crocodile at the same river.

“Rangers from Matopos National Park arrived a few hours after the incident to hunt and shoot the creature but unfortunately it vanished into the muddy water as the river was flooding,” said Clr Majahana.- The Sunday News

Mthuli Says Zimbabwe’s Economy Now Recovering

The economy is now on a path to recovery, Finance Minister Prof Mthuli Ncube has said.

Prof Ncube was speaking to the state media when he said:

Mthuli Ncube

“The economy is now on a path to recovery. The worst is over and Government is now working on ensuring the economy recovers strongly, taking advantage of the milestones from the TSP, and supportive measures as enunciated in the NDS1.”

He continued saying:

“Our key priority will be to nurture the stable macro-economic environment currently prevailing in the country by continuing to implement prudent fiscal and monetary policies.

“Furthermore, the Government will bring forward business and infrastructure investment activity and adequately prepare and support the productive sectors, in a manner that does not promote vulnerabilities and instability.”

Prof Ncube said Covid-19 remains a serious challenge to Zimbabwe and the world at large, particularly in light of “most worrying” emergence of new variants of the virus, which spread faster and are potentially more deadly.

He said Zimbabwe draws encouragement from the fact that the world is now rolling out vaccines and Harare is taking delivery of its first batch of vaccines from China today.

The manufacturing capacity of the vaccine remains constrained to meet the huge demand and distribution has largely favoured developed countries. You may also note that the distribution mechanisms of the vaccine are also a challenge as some require strict refrigeration all the time.

“It is our hope that as the production lines are expanded, Africa and other developing countries will easily access them. Having said that, the pandemic is indeed causing a risk to the economy, threatening realisation of our projections for the year 2021.

“However, you may be aware the economy has contracted for the past two consecutive years, putting it on a very low base hence giving room for recovery.

“You may also note that drought was one of the major drivers of the recession during the past two years as agriculture activities and electricity generation was compromised. However, the season to date has been quite positive, and is promising to be a better season that presents an opportunity for a strong rebound of the economy.”

Prof Ncube projected in the 2021 National Budget that the domestic economy was largely expected to rebound and register growth of 7,4 percent this year.

The African Development Bank has projected a 5,6 percent economic growth this year driven by recovery in the agriculture, mining, and tourism sectors, together with increased public and private investments.

Prof Ncube said considering that the Government did not impose a blanket ban on all economic activities in the Covid-19 containment measures, with productive sectors such as mining, agriculture and manufacturing, allowed to continue operating, that should be positive for economic growth.

As the country brings under control the obtaining second wave of Covid-19 in the shortest possible time, which is already happening due to declining new infections and deaths, economic activity will recover.

“So, the thrust of Government is to expedite the rolling out of vaccines. As Government we remain positive on the outlook of the economy in 2021.

“As the year progresses, we will be able to fully assess how the positive impact of some sectors of the economy such as agriculture and electricity availability counteract the negative impact of the virus on some sectors like tourism, education and the informal sector,” said Prof Ncube.

The favourable rainfall season so far has come at an opportune time when Government has put in place various initiatives such as the Pfumvudza/Intwasa Conservation Scheme and the National Enhanced Crop Productivity Scheme (Command Agriculture) targeting maize, traditional grains, soya beans and cotton.

Crops are generally in a satisfactory situation across the country and there are bright prospects for a bumper harvest. Critically, the good rains are set to boost domestic electricity generation at Kariba.

Prof Ncube said availability of uninterrupted power supply to the productive sectors will be critical in enhancing production going forward.

“We are also grateful that the country has been spared from the devastating impact of two tropical cyclones (Chalane and Eloise) that have hit the region to date with minimum damage to agriculture, infrastructure and livelihoods,” said Prof Ncube.

“The economy is also set to benefit from the relatively higher international mineral commodity prices expected this year. We know that there are high prospects of recovery of the mining industry in 2021, basing on the recent State of the Mining Industry Report produced in 2020, which indicated that about 90 percent of the miners are planning to ramp up production in 2021 while 10 percent expect to remain at the same level.

“Production is expected to increase by between 10 percent and 30 percent, while capacity use will rise to 80 percent in 2021 from 61 percent in 2020. However, we also know that these expectations are subject to downside risks from the pandemic.”