Zim’s Historic Siamese Twins 7yrs Later

Siamese

By A Correspondent- Seven years ago, a team of paediatric surgeons separated a set of Siamese twins in a historic operation that lasted more than 8 hours.

The operation to separate the thoracopagus conjoined twins, Tapiwanashe and Kupakwashe, took place at the Harare Children’s Hospital in 2014 and involved 50 medical personnel who were led by MR Bothwell Mbuwayesango.

Tapiwanashe and Kupakwashe

The two-month-old male twins were joined at the chest and abdomen including the liver. The most delicate part of the operation was on the liver, which had to be cut into two to ensure both boys were left with a portion each. According to the Sunday Mail, MR Mbuwayesango’s fear was the possibility of the boys losing a lot of blood, which would have resulted in death.

However, due to the tenacity, grit, skill and teamwork, the medical team which comprised of surgeons, anaesthetists, paediatricians, neonatologists and nurses working with minimal resources pulled off the remarkable feat which has been described as “the stuff of dreams” and a “miracle surgery”.

Tapiwanashe and Kupakwashe are now two healthy seven-year-old boys. One of the doctors who operated on the twins remarked,

“We’ve come full circle now. Can you believe those conjoined twins are now handsome little boys with very different personalities but thriving and happy!”

We applaud the health personnel who carried out the delicate surgery and we wish Kupakwashe and Tapiwanashe all the best in their lives.

ON WORLD WETLANDS DAY, TAKE ACTION TO PROTECT, PRESERVE AND RESTORE WETLANDS

Press Statement
2 February 2021

ON World Wetlands Day, Zimbabwe Lawyers for Human Rights (ZLHR) calls upon policymakers, local and central government to take concerted and coordinated efforts to develop and implement action plans to stop the ongoing degradation of wetlands and protect, preserve and restore them.

World Wetlands Day, which is commemorated every year on 2 February, aims to raise global awareness on the vital importance of wetlands for human beings, flora and fauna and our planet as a whole.

World Wetlands Day is also an occasion to commemorate the adoption of the Convention on Wetlands, the “Ramsar Convention” on 2 February 1971 in the Iranian city of Ramsar. The Ramsar Convention seeks to protect and preserve wetlands. Zimbabwe is a party to this Convention and in terms of which has designated 7 ‘Ramsar sites’ of wetlands of
international importance.

In 2021, World Wetlands Day is being commemorated under theme
“Wetlands and Water”, which highlights the need to protect and restore
wetlands since they are a significant source of freshwater, at a time
when the world is facing a growing shortage of freshwater.

This day is an opportunity for people around the world, including Zimbabwe, to reflect on how water and wetlands are connected in an inseparable co-existence which is important to life and the health of the planet and highlight the detrimental effects of the destruction of wetlands on the quality of life for humans, other forms of life and the environment.

Wetlands are critical in the water cycle, providing freshwater for many people around the world. Wetlands absorb water throughout the rainy season, preventing flooding and runoff carrying pollutants causing siltation of water sources. The wetlands store the water,
replenish ground aquifers, and slowly release this water in the dry season into streams and river systems around cities until it finds its way into the major water sources supplying the cities. Without wetlands, these water sources would quickly run dry in winter months
and poor rainy seasons, causing major water shortages. Wetlands also act as natural filters for pollutants and provide safe drinking water as a result. The water found in wetlands supports agriculture and aquaculture, thereby providing income and sustenance for millions of people across the globe.

In Zimbabwe, the loss of wetlands has been mainly caused by human interference and mismanagement. In particular, the drainage of wetlands to pave way for human settlements, industrial activity and agriculture has caused wetlands to disappear rapidly.

Across the country, some local authorities and the so-called land barons ignore the need to protect wetlands by approving housing developments on wetlands despite the existence of many domestic and international laws against such conduct. This has been disastrous for
some residents, as their houses have been flooded and destroyed with some local authorities having the temerity of blaming residents for constructing houses on wetlands rather than providing progressive solutions.

For several years, ZLHR and its partners have consistently challenged such conduct by local authorities, non state actors and other government departments and ministries in the courts.  Many notable successes have been recorded in our bid to preserve and protect
wetlands.

The protection and restoration of wetlands guarantees the right to water. Section 77 of the Constitution of Zimbabwe provides that everyone has the right to safe, clean and potable water.  Section 74 provides for an environment that is not harmful.

Government must develop sustainable strategies for the protection and restoration of wetlands. This is a human rights issue that requires a human rights-based solution.

To protect and restore wetlands and secure the availability of freshwater for present and future generations, ZLHR urges local and central government to;

o       Stop destroying and start restoring wetlands;

o       Commit to the maintenance of the ecological character of wetlands that are considered to be Wetlands of International Importance or Ramsar Sites;

o       Increase awareness about the importance of conserving wetlands through educational campaigns and media coverage;

o       Immediately stop approving housing developments on wetlands;

o       Establish an Environmental Tribunal to investigate violations of environmental laws and impose punitive action;

o       Introduce a new Bill in Parliament governing wetlands and covering the problem of private individuals holding title deeds over wetlands;

o       Treat wetlands solely as a water resource and legislative provisions protecting water resources;

o       Domesticate the provisions of the Ramsar Convention and Convention on Biodiversity and incorporate them into Zimbabwe’s municipal law so as to uphold the obligations under international law to maintain Wetlands of International Importance.

ENDS

OPINION: New Dispensation Now A New Error

By Leonard Koni| In November 2017, the military replaced the late Robert Mugabe as head of state with his long-time confidante  Emmerson Dambudzo Mnangagwa and declared that Zimbabwe is “Open for Business” but up to now it seems as if the country is making strides backwards.

The gradual disintegration and erosion of democracy in Zimbabwe is a cause of concern.

A vision less country is a battle ground of conspiracy theories.When they fail to run a country they resort to blame games and they start calling for days of prayer and fasting, then expect everybody to participate.

True our situation needs a prayer but prayer only without taking action on the ground will be in vain.

Zimbabweans need proper strong governance systems which will attract local and foreign  investment without the interference of the army.

A new working government which will prioritise good and strong health care institutions and research. This Covid19 pandemic is a wake up call for our government and has extensively tested our state of preparedness as far as our health institutions are concerned. 

To show that the government is not serious in fighting corruption in the health sector, former health minister Obediah Moyo who robbed this country of millions Covid19 funds is still free and not even behind bars. This will make people lack confidence in the government because of such very weak institutions.

Our leadership lacks sound ideas because  of the militant jacket they are wearing. The military must get out politics and confine themselves into barracks.
The problem with the current Zanu PF leadership is their failure to understand that modern body politics is a fight of ideas.

They are still stuck in old fashioned straitjacket politics of just talking promising and lying to people through dead manifestos. 

Zanu PF government sometimes get carried away and forget their core business that they need to create employment for the youths instead is busy arresting political activists on spurious charges, wasting the country’s resources on monitoring social media users and erecting statues whilst the economy is bleeding.

The young people are rising up and this old leadership will be  caught off guard and slowly the ground is being removed from their feet where there are standing.
Are we really in a new  era or we are in a new error? Why are political activists being incarcerated? 

Journalist Hopewell Chin’ono is in and out of jail. Job Sikhala has also not been spared Allan Moyo is in jail. Is this the new dispensation which you promised to the country and to the world? Why does this government always indicate left whilst turning to the right.

On 1st February 2021 Joana Mamombe, Cecilia Chimbiri and  Netsai Marova were carrested whilst coming from seeking a follow up on their medical attention. In terms of #COVID19 regulations travel for medical attention is essential.

They were charged of obstructing or hindering police officers performing duty during lockdown.

This kind of political persecution in this modern day is barbaric. Covid 19 lockdown has been weaponised by Zanu PF regime and has been targeting members of the opposition and political activists.

On the other hand no arrests were effected on the super spreaders who attended a private party function where government top officials gathered breaking the lockdown rules.

Recently Zanu PF youths staged a flash demonstration at Tendai Biti’s offices in Harare and police hands are tied up.

Email – [email protected]Twitter – @LeokoniWhatsApp- +27616868508

Ultimatum For Prosecutors From Security Sector To Vacate The Courts

By A Correspondent- Prosecutors from the army, air force and police have 18 days to vacate the civilian courts, a development which will ensure that a Constitutional Court (ConCourt) ruling of 2019 that barred them from operating at civilian courts is fully implemented.

On February 20, 2019, the ConCourt, sitting as a full bench, unanimously banned the use of State security agents as public prosecutors in civilian courts.

The ConCourt said their secondment to the National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) was a serious violation of the Constitution.

The ruling, which becomes effective on February 20 this year, came following an application filed by the Zimbabwe Law Officers’ Association and former public prosecutor Derek Charamba, in which the parties sought an order compelling Prosecutor-General (PG) Kumbirai Hodzi and Justice minister Ziyambi Ziyambi to stop engaging police and army personnel as public prosecutors.

The ConCourt gave them until February 20 to vacate the civilian courts.

In January 2015, the late former Chief Justice Godfrey Chidyausiku, who then headed the nine-member ConCourt bench, reserved judgment in the matter after submissions were made by the PG’s representative Sharon Fero and applicants’ lawyer, Advocate Tawanda Zhuwarara.

But on February 20 last year, ConCourt judge Justice Antoinette Guvava delivered the unanimous judgment and read out the operative part which ordered the PG to disengage the services of security officers from the NPA over two years.

“The engagement by the first respondent (NPA) of the serving members of the security services to prosecutorial duties is in contravention of section 208 (4) of the Constitution … It is, hereby, ordered that: the first respondent (NPA) is directed to disengage all members of the security services within 24 months from the date of this order,” Justice Guvava said.

During the hearing, Justice Chidyausiku took the PG’s Office to task, demanding an explanation on why NPA wanted its job to be done by police officers and soldiers still in service.

“Why do you want the police to do your job? We in the Judiciary do not want to have police officers as magistrates,” Justice Chidyausiku said then.

“Give us one good reason why we should have police prosecutors as opposed to civilian prosecutors … In principle, I do not see the reason why the PG would want his job done by the police,” he said.

In response, Fero said the practice of engaging security forces as public prosecutors had been in existence since time immemorial, adding that the main reason was the unattractive conditions of service offered by NPA.

Fero also said there were no provisions in the Constitution that precluded security forces from being engaged as prosecutors.

But in his submissions on behalf of the applicants, Zhuwarara said the use of security forces to perform prosecutorial duties in civilian courts was in violation of section 208(4) of the Constitution.

He said that engagement of the police and army officers to prosecute in civilian courts was a misnomer, adding that the practice could not be condoned, tolerated or excused in a democratic society.

“The mechanics of birthing a public prosecutor are different from those put in place to bring about a police officer or an army officer … They (police and army prosecutors) are part of the security system and cannot be engaged in civilian institutions since they are bound by specific rules of discipline,” he said.

Charamba yesterday said they would wait for the PG to comply with the order, failure of which they would take him to task.

“We will go back to court if they defy, our papers are ready. We are giving them time to comply with the order. The NPA was given two years which is ample time to recruit and the prosecutors to wind up their cases,” Charamba said.

-Newsday

Abusive Kombi Driver Kills Girlfriend For Dumping Him

Prudence Ndlovu

By A Correspondent- An abusive Bulawayo kombi driver is on the run after allegedly brutally stabbing his girlfriend to death for threatening to end their relationship.

Melinkosi Moyo from Lobengula West allegedly followed Prudence Ndlovu (24) from the same suburb to a relative’s home in Nkulumane suburb where he stabbed her repeatedly before fleeing the scene on Sunday midnight.

According to The Chronicle, Ndlovu, a third-year student at Bulawayo Polytechnic, was allegedly having relationship problems with Moyo whom she had been dating for about two years.

Her sister Future Ndlovu said :

“They were in a relationship for almost two years but of late my sister was not happy. She was in an abusive relationship which she wanted to end. So, on Saturday, before she was killed, she had visited one of our cousins in Nkulumane suburb.

Melinkosi Moyo

“It seems Moyo was not happy with the decision that my sister was taking. She was always telling me that he was abusive and she wanted to call off the relationship. It seems on Saturday she told him that the relationship was over.

“Moyo would not accept that and constantly called her. He even followed her to Nkulumane suburb at 11PM,” said Ms Ndlovu.

She said Moyo called her sister and asked her to meet him outside so that they could talk.

“It seems they spent about 30 minutes talking and thereafter my cousin heard her scream. When she went to check out what had happened she found her lying on the ground bleeding. She had stab wounds on the neck, above her left breast and in the back,” she said.

“She was stabbed on Sunday at about 12AM. An ambulance was called but officials responded saying they only had one ambulance which was ferrying a patient to Mpilo Central Hospital. The ambulance only arrived at the scene at 3AM and she had died. We are told that she was in serious pain as she cried for help but couldn’t get it. For about 30 minutes, we are told that she would request that she be given water to drink as she pleaded for help saying she was dying. But the person she was with is also young so she could not render any help,” said Ms Ndlovu.

Bulawayo police spokesperson Inspector Abednico Ncube said murder investigations were on course.

“We are investigating a suspected murder case where 24-year-old woman was stabbed to death by her boyfriend. It is worrying that members of the public are violating lockdown regulations to commit crime. Government imposed a 6PM to 6AM curfew and this crime was committed in the middle of the night when everyone was supposed to be home. We are also worried over domestic violence cases being perpetuated during Level Four national lockdown,” said Insp Ncube.

He appealed to members of the public who might have information that could lead to Moyo’s arrest to come forward.

Exclusive- Zanu Pf Heavyweight Hospitalised

By A Correspondent | Just as he was now recovering from COVID -19, Justice Minister Ziyambi Ziyambi has been readmitted into hospital.

ZIYAMBI ZIYAMBI
ZIYAMBI ZIYAMBI

Hon. Ziyambi who doubles as Emmerson Mnangagwa’s spokesperson during parliamentary discussions, had at the time gone to get his blood pressure checked at a nearby hospital when he was told it has shot up, a family source said.

THIS IS A DEVELOPING STORY – WATCH THE LIVE VIDEO BELOW…

FULL THREAD: Mliswa Responds To Gay Claims By Suzan Mutami

1/ All I can say about this very entertaining&sensational article about me is that Susan is a project who couldn’t continue paying rent at my apartment in Avondale and so left. She unfortunately has the habit of name dropping to achieve her ends.

2/ Next time she should advise her handlers to strategise better and punch harder as the gay slur was a weak blow which couldn’t be further from the truth. I can only warn any other would-be victims against her; beware!!

3/ I could say and show more, but I’ll leave it at that as one day people will know who she is……

4/ @elias_mambo @ZimMorning_Post this one sided account is unbecoming of someone I had held in greater stead; the epitome of poor journalism. What is the motive, what is the agenda, whose payroll are you on? Very sad. Anyway, it’s water under the bridge, we move on…

IS THIS FAIR?

UK sanctions against 1 Aug soldier, CIO minister, ZRP boss are BAD or GOOD?BAD

https://twitter.com/ZimEye/status/1356515418047881216?s=20

MDC Alliance Trio To Appear In Court Today

By Jane Mlambo| The MDC Alliance trio of Joana Mamombe, Cecelia Chimbiri and Netsai Marova are set to appear at the Harare Magistrates Court today following their arrest yesterday afternoon.

The three who are out on bail after they were arrested and charged with participating in an illegal gathering in breach of lockdown rules stand accused of defeating the course of justice with a police statement claiming that they shouted at police officers who were dispersing a flash demonstration held at the New Government complex yesterday.

“In Harare, Zimbabwe Republic Police is about to take Harare West MP Hon. Joana Mamombe and Cecelia Chimbiri to appear at Harare Magistrates Court for initial remand proceedings after they were arrested Monday. Hon. Mamombe and Chimbiri, who are represented by Charles Kwaramba of ZLHR, were detained at Harare Central Police Station,” spokesperson of the Zimbabwe Lawyers for Human Rights, Kumbirai Mafunda said.

Mamombe and her accomplice are also out on bail on another charge of faking abduction.

They were abducted in May last year while on their way from Warren Park where they had participated in another flash demonstration.

BREAKING: Ziyambi Ziyambi Re-Admitted Into Hospital…

ZIYAMBI ZIYAMBI

By A Correspondent | Just as he was now recovering from COVID -19, Justice Minister Ziyambi Ziyambi has been readmitted into hospital.

ZIYAMBI ZIYAMBI
ZIYAMBI ZIYAMBI

Hon. Ziyambi who doubles as Emmerson Mnangagwa’s spokesperson during parliamentary discussions, had at the time gone to get his blood pressure checked at a nearby hospital when he was told it has shot up, a family source said.

THIS IS A DEVELOPING STORY – WATCH THE LIVE VIDEO BELOW…

17 More People Succumb To Covid-19 As Daily Cases Drop To Below 200

By A Correspondent| Zimbabwe reported 17 more Covid-19 related deaths and 160 new cases in the last 24-hour cycle, bringing the total number of cases to 33 548 and 1234 deaths.

All the 160 new cases were local transmissions.

As of January 31, at 3PM, there were 177 hospitalised people of which nine patients were admitted in intensive care units (ICU) while 99 had mild to moderate symptoms. Sixty-nine had severe symptoms. However, Mater Dei Hospital did not report.

According to the Ministry of Health and Child Care, the highest number of 72 cases was reported in Harare followed by Mashonaland West with 19 cases.

Mashonaland East recorded 17 new cases while Masvingo had 15 new cases. Bulawayo recorded 13 new infections while the Midlands has eight new cases.

Mashonaland Central and Manicaland recorded seven and six new cases respectively. Matabeleland North recorded one case while Matabeleland South had two new cases.

“As of February 1, 2021, Zimbabwe, has now recorded 33 548 confirmed cases, 26 583 recoveries and 1 234 deaths,” reads the statement.

“Five hundred and thirty-nine new recoveries were reported and the national recovery rate stands at 79,2 percent and active case go down to 5 731 today.”

So far, Bulawayo province has recorded 4 852  cases 4 247 recoveries, 419 active cases and 186 deaths and Matabeleland South province has recorded 2 076 cases, 1 943 recoveries, 116 active cases and 17 deaths, while Matabeleland North has 1 163 cases, 617 recoveries, 533 active cases and 13 deaths.

COVID-19 Test Kits Donated By UNICEF Sold On The Black Market

The Zimbabwe Anti Corruption Commission (ZACC) yesterday recovered about 40 boxes of Covid-19 testing kits worth more than US$12 000 whose origin was traced to Mpilo Hospital in Bulawayo, as the anti graft body intensifies investigations into abuse of Personal Protective Equipment.

Investigations are now zeroing in on Mpilo Hospital, with a view to arrest officials from that hospital who might be implicated in the scam.

ZACC spokesperson Commissioner John Makamure confirmed the recovery and vowed that the Commission will leave no stone unturned in its fight against corruption.

“On 18 January 2021, we received information alleging that suspected stolen Standard Q Covid-19 test kits were being sold on the black market in Harare,” he said.

“A follow up was then made which led to the recovery of 40 boxes of Standard Q Covid-19 test kits at Bard House offices opposite Reserve Bank of Zimbabwe with a street value of USD12 500.

“Investigations established that the kits were a donation from Unicef to the Government of Zimbabwe through National Pharmaceutical Company (NatPharm).

“The recovered consignment was traced back to Mpilo Hospital in Bulawayo where they were stolen from. Investigations are in progress with a view to arrest officials from Mpilo Hospital.”

Comm Makamure warned people involved in abuse of PPEs, saying the long arm of the law will inevitably catch up with them.

“These people are obviously working against the Government of Zimbabwe in its resolve to fight the Covid-19 pandemic so that ordinary citizens can live a normal and disease free life,” he said.

“Some people are seeing the Covid-19 disease and attendant measures being taken to combat it as a way to make money.

“They think it is an opportunity for rich pickings and line their pockets at the expense of the health of ordinary persons. This must stop. As Zacc, we will not fold our arms, but we will use every effort to weed them out. So, we would like to send a strong warning to unscrupulous and would be offenders.”

Comm Makamure has said ZACC has opened investigations on pharmacies that were diverting Covid-19 drugs on the black market despite the fact that they would have accessed the foreign currency to import them on the central bank facilitated auction rate.

The antigraft body said preliminary investigations have also indicated that some pharmacies were insisting on payment in foreign currency.

-State Media

Tremor In Parts Of Chipinge

By A Correspondent- Parts of Chipinge District in Manicaland Province at 18:56 hrs yesterday reportedly experienced an earth tremor.

According to the publication, the development was confirmed by the Meteorological Services Department (MSD).

No damage, injuries and or fatalities has been reported so far.  The magnitude of the tremor was 4.3 and it reportedly hit 69 km east of Chipinge.

According to an expert on Eathquates on Twitter, the same termor also hit parts of Beira:

Earthquakes

4.2 S of Beira, Mozambique

4.4 S of Beira, Mozambique

4.3 E of Chipinge, Zimbabwe

Last year Kariba was also hit by 5 mild tremors just before the onset of the winter season.

President Chamisa Calls For Release Of Hon Sikhala, Alan Moyo

Tinashe Sambiri|MDC Alliance spokesperson, Advocate Fadzayi Mahere is steadily recovering from COVID-19, President Nelson Chamisa has said.

President Chamisa also said vice chairperson Hon Job Sikhala and Alan Moyo should be granted bail as a matter of urgency.

“I’ve just had a quick chat with our spokesperson
@advocatemahere
. She advises me she is steadily recovering.

God is good. May we continue to pray for her during this difficult period.We also stand with Allan and our VC
@JobSikhala1
whom we expect to be granted bail with urgency,” President Chamisa wrote on Twitter.

President Chamisa

Advocate Mahere Steadily Recovering From Coronavirus

Tinashe Sambiri|MDC Alliance spokesperson, Advocate Fadzayi Mahere is steadily recovering from COVID-19, President Nelson Chamisa has said.

President Chamisa also said vice chairperson Hon Job Sikhala and Alan Moyo should be granted bail as a matter of urgency.

“I’ve just had a quick chat with our spokesperson
@advocatemahere
. She advises me she is steadily recovering.

God is good. May we continue to pray for her during this difficult period.We also stand with Allan and our VC
@JobSikhala1
whom we expect to be granted bail with urgency,” President Chamisa wrote on Twitter.

President Chamisa

MDC Alliance Sets Record Straight On Dialogue With Emmerson Mnangagwa

Tinashe Sambiri|The MDC Alliance has maintained its demands for dialogue with Emmerson Mnangagwa’s Zanu PF.

The MDC Alliance insists the legitimacy crisis is the major impediment to dialogue with Zanu PF.

Speaking to ZimEye.com on Monday morning, MDC Alliance deputy spokesperson, Clifford Hlatywayo said:

“There are no talks or whatsoever with ZANU PF. We have been clear on the conditions for a credible dialogue.

There is need for an independent and credible mediator at a neutral venue with the right participants.

MDCA is committed to all the efforts that are genuine and meant to deal with the real crisis in Zimbabwe which is the legitimacy crisis.”

Clifford Hlatywayo

Mnangagwa Agents Torment MDC Alliance Official

Tinashe Sambiri|MDC MDC Alliance Councillor for ward 24 in Bulawayo, Arnold Batirai Dube has said his life in danger after State Security agents raided his house last week.

Batirai-Dube is also a member of the MDC Alliance Youth Assembly.

Last week Batirai-Dube argued government should not force citizens to pay US 60 for COVID-19 tests since there are available funds for the same purpose.

Speaking to ZimEye.com on Sunday, Batirai-Dube said:

“They( State agents) are looking for me.My life is in danger.

Last week six armed men raided my house and assaulted my family members.

I will not return home because it’s not safe to do so at the moment.

I hear individuals in dark glasses are seen near my house, meaning they are looking for me.”

Then later this was - 1987 at the end of the Gukurahundi massacres. Mnangagwa doesn't look happy that the killing is over, as it were.
Emmerson Mnangagwa nicknamed the crocodile

About Leprosy…

From Yohei Sasakawa, WHO Goodwill Ambassador for Leprosy Elimination

Over the past year, the headlines have been dominated by COVID-19. It is easy to overlook other diseases, especially a disease such as leprosy that many people think is a disease of the past.

But leprosy requires our attention. There are still some 200,000 new cases diagnosed worldwide each year. Millions of people are living with some form of disability as a result of leprosy.

Both the label “leprosy” and the disability that can result if this age-old disease goes untreated can lead to social exclusion. Persons affected by leprosy continue to face discrimination, reinforced in some countries by outdated laws that make leprosy grounds for divorce, prevent people with the disease from participating in public life or place other restrictions on their activities.

As WHO Goodwill Ambassador for Leprosy Elimination, I have seen for myself how leprosy has marginalized individuals. Women and children are particularly vulnerable to the social and economic consequences of the disease.

Overcoming leprosy involves more than early diagnosis and prompt treatment. It also requires changing mindsets so that leprosy is no longer a source of shame or prejudice. We must remove all barriers in the way of those seeking medical care. We must eliminate the obstacles that prevent affected individuals and their families from living in dignity and enjoying all their basic human rights as full members of society.

I often talk about leprosy in terms of a motorcycle. The front wheel represents curing the disease and the rear wheel symbolizes ending discrimination. Only when both wheels are turning at the same time will we make progress toward our destination of a leprosy-free world.

As I survey the road ahead, I am confident we are moving in the right direction: the WHO’s Global Leprosy Strategy for 2021-2030 will generate renewed momentum; organizations of persons affected by leprosy are becoming more influential, and their calls for change more powerful; and the UN Special Rapporteur on leprosy is working tirelessly to see that principles and guidelines on the elimination of discrimination against persons affected by leprosy and their family members are fully implemented.

I believe we will achieve a world without leprosy one day. But along the way, we need to realize an inclusive society in which everyone has access to quality treatment and services, and a diagnosis of leprosy no longer comes with a possibility of devastating physical, social, economic or psychological consequences.

Compared to other diseases, leprosy may only affect a small number of people, but we are all responsible for building an inclusive world.

Credit:WHO

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Zanu PF Will Never Negotiate In Good Faith

By Jeffryson Chitando

2019 Article….has the situation changed?

“Don’t break a bird’s wings and tell it to fly.

Why then should you shoot unarmed civilians, arrest hundreds of MDC Alliance supporters and then call for dialogue?

In 2008, the Mugabe regime used the short sleeve and long sleeve crude tactic to enforce GNU talks —then is the so called new despensation different from the old?

Dr Joshua Nkomo had to flee -disguised as a pregnant woman during Gukurahundi.

Shiri ine murire wayo hairegi.

When praying with a hyena never close both eyes.Should you negotiate to free a trapped hungry lion?The economy has trapped the lion and now it’s demanding negotiations at gun point.

Don’t exploit people and expect them to stand on your side..Don’t play with people’s emotions and expect them to support your cause. You cannot expect to give bad things and receive good things.

Zanu PF must learn to do good things to the people.

Patriotic Papa JC speaks when things are not good

Jeffryson Chitando

Residents Associations And CSOs Launches A Devolution Campaign

The Combined Harare Residents Association in collaboration with residents associations in all provinces, and civic society organizations has launched a national devolution campaign code named #3DCampaign.

The main objective of the campaign is to build citizen voice and agency among women and youths in devolution implementation and alignment of local government laws while building alliances and national consensus on devolution

The launch of the campaign come at a time when the government of Zimbabwe has developed a Devolution and Decentralization Policy and commenced a process of aligning local government laws with the constitution.

Service delivery in Zimbabwe has become a major challenge as most local authorities are failing to provide basic social services which has been mainly attributed to poor financing, corruption, abuse of power and lack of citizens’ oversight role on public bodies among others.

The campaign intends to cement and galvanize provisions of the constitution that promote self-government of local authorities, and recognition of the right of communities to manage their affairs in deciding their development agenda in the proposed local government legislation.

CSOs and Residents Associations that attended the meeting resolved to work together in an inclusive and well-coordinated fashion on the promotion of Devolution in Zimbabwe.

Zanu PF Is Trapped And Demanding Negotiations At Gun Point” – How Naive, It’s Povo That’s Trapped And Dying Like Flies

By Nomusa Garikai= There are some very confused people out there who are calling for political dialogue as the way forward but have no idea who should be demanding change much less what that change should be. All the are doing is mudding the political water. 

“Don’t break a bird’s wings and tell it to fly,” argued Jeffryson Chitando in Zimeye.

“Why then should you shoot unarmed civilians, arrest hundreds of MDC Alliance supporters and then call for dialogue?

“In 2008, the Mugabe regime used the short sleeve and long sleeve crude tactic to enforce GNU talks —then is the so called new dispensation different from the old?”

What Chitando, like so many others out there, has failed to understand is that the 2008 to 2013 GNU, for all its shortcomings, did nonetheless offer a golden opportunity to end the Zanu PF dictatorship. The said opportunity was lost because Morgan Tsvangirai and his MDC friends sold out big time. 

To blaming Zanu PF for the 2008 GNU’s failure to deliver any meaning change is proof Chitando has no clue what the GNU was about and is just shooting in the dark!

“When praying with a hyena never close both eyes.Should you negotiate to free a trapped hungry lion?The economy has trapped the lion and now it’s demanding negotiations at gun point,” continued Chitando.

This is just wishful thinking at best! 

Of course, Zanu PF leaders would want the economy to do better so that they in turn can do even better than they are doing up to now. Nothing would please Mnangagwa more than for him to have several Blue Roof mansions in Harare, in his rural home, one for each of his sons and daughters, for small house, etc., etc. As long as the economic success does not threaten his iron grip on power, of course. 

As things stand the economy is in total meltdown but his iron grip on power is solid. It is not the ruling elite who are suffering the most from the ill effects of the economic meltdown; it is the poor and to suggest otherwise is just foolish.

Unemployment has soared to over 90%, basic services such as education and health care have all but collapsed and over 50% of our people now live in extreme poverty. In the midst of all this sea of tragic human suffering are islands of the filthy rich ruling elite and their cronies. 

Indeed, it is the insatiable greed of the ruling elite; premised as it is on gross mismanagement, rampant corruption and the criminal waste of the nation’s human and material resources; that is fuelling the country’s economic meltdown. 

Some people have found solace in the reality that corona virus has not spared Zanu PF bigwigs. 40 years of Zanu PF misrule meant the country’s economy was in a mess and its health care in shambles at the on set of the pandemic. The regime’s resolve to under report the corona virus figures, to hide its blundering incompetence in the handling of the virus has only made a bad situation even worse.

Of course, it is little comfort that the ruling elite have not been spared by the corona virus since it is the poor who are bearing the brunt of it all. The poor are at great risk of catching the virus because they live in crowded housing, with no clean running water, they are forced to go out to earn a living or else starve, etc. And meanwhile the rich are as snug as a bug in their five star mansions! 

Right now, the regime is pulling all the stops to get the corona virus vaccine and no prizes for guessing who will be vaccinated first! 

“The vaccine might not be enough and there will be a group that will be prioritised such as frontline workers, ministers, MPs and members of the security sector,” Robert Mudyiradima, the head of monitoring and evaluation in the health ministry, told the parliamentary portfolio committee on health.

The poor will have to wait, a year or more, for the freely donated vaccine. Until then the poor must soldier on the best they can burying their dead, who are dying like flies, along the way! Why Zimbabweans have chosen to be as helpless as flies, beggars belief! 

Of course, it is for Zimbabweans themselves to demand an end to this Zanu PF inspired criminal waste of the country’s resources. They have a right to a meaningful say in the governance of the country, a right Zanu PF has denied them for the last 40 years. 

The root cause of Zimbabwe’s economic meltdown and political paralysis is the country’s failure to hold free, fair and credible elections. 

The corollary is equally true and obvious, implement the democratic reforms to stop the blatant rigging of elections and Zimbabwe will cure itself of the curse of bad governance!

“Don’t exploit people and expect them to stand on your side.. Don’t play with people’s emotions and expect them to support your cause. You cannot expect to give bad things and receive good things,” continued our misguided philosopher.

“Zanu PF must learn to do good things to the people!” 

After 40 years of corrupt and tyrannical misrule; with the country drowning, literally, in this man-made “s***thole”, as former US President Trump called Africa; and still Chitando has no clue what is going on.

Zanu PF thugs have ruined the economy and murdered over 30 000 innocent Zimbabweans to establish and secure the dictatorship and absolute power. This is what they wanted, they are gloriously happy and are fighting tooth and nail to retain the status quo. It is for you, Chitando, and the impoverished millions to demand change. 

“Don’t play with people’s emotions and expect them to support your cause!” It is such nauseating stupidity that is holding the nation back!

Morning Jogs Turned Into S_ex Orgies

Is your sex life suffering in lockdown? Do you relieve it through exercise?

If so, you are alone as some quick-witted lovebirds seem to have complete control over that stress, as they make full use of their exercise hour by doing a lot more than the “recommended” popular morning jogs or brisk walks.

Investigations by B-Metro reveal that to avoid lockdown wrecking their sex life or pushing their relationship to the limits some amorous couples especially the youth, are taking advantage of the popular morning jogs by hiding in the tall roadside grass, graveyards and maize fields to engage in in sex.

B-Metro also found out that some youths from North End suburb caused commotion early Sunday morning as they fought over girls and the best spots for the “morning glory”.

The investigations also established that some residents mostly from North End, City Centre and Makokoba have turned the large stretch of land at corner Joshua Mqabuko Nkomo Street and Masotsha Ndlovu Avenue, where King Lobengula used to hold the Inxwala Festival, into a love nest.

The depraved ones are also going for “quick sessions” at some of Bulawayo’s final resting places like West Park and Athlone cemeteries.

In other areas like Cowdray Park, Pumula, and Emganwini stories are also being told of how bushy areas and maize fields have become “overwhelmed” with people who have made it a habit to have sex orgies during morning jogs.

Residents spoke of their shock and disgust, with some saying it was tempting to assume that these cases were a product of the coronavirus pandemic.

Ms Ellen Maphosa from North End spoke of her fury after she spotted a youthful couple having sex against a tree on her way to town.

She condemned the behaviour as “shameful”.

“Early morning runs are no longer achieving the original goal. People have no morals at all, it was really shameful on Friday last week when I saw a youthful couple having sex behind a tree on my way to town. It was clear that they had left home under the guise of going for a morning jog,” she said.

Even when jogging some defy social distancing as they don’t keep a minimum of about 1,5 metres apart from each other to avoid the spread of Covid-19.

Edward Tembo from Sauerstown concurred with Maphosa saying randy couples, especially the youth, have turned morning jogs into sex orgies.

“Most residents, especially the youth, are taking advantage of them to engage in illicit sex. The truth is that teenagers now engage in sex, especially in maize fields or unfinished buildings,” said Tembo.

Mr Again Moyo who was visiting the grave of his mother also claimed he was left “horrified” after seeing a couple in jogging oufits having sex in the graveyard.

“Just imagine I visited my mother’s grave at West Park and came across two people having sex on a grave. I was horrified but they didn’t seem to care. It was clear that they were taking advantage of the tall grass that reduces visibility to enjoy themselves on top of the dead. It is obviously disrespectful to those resting in those graveyards and those visiting them,” he said while repeatedly shaking his head.

Residents have demanded action against those with ill motives to spoil the party for those with good intentions.

“We want those people jogging in the morning to control their behaviours because what we see in the name of exercise and being fit in the name of fighting the coronavirus is not morally right. Police should arrest anyone found jogging outside his or her home,” fumed Nothabo Moyo from Mzilikazi suburb.

Meanwhile, national police spokesperson Assistant Commissioner Paul Nyathi couldn’t be reached for comment by the time of going to print or responded to questions sent to him on WhatsApp to establish if morning jogs or outdoor running not considered a violation of lockdown regulations

MDC Alliance Students’ Council Statement On Arrest Of #MDCTrio And Allan Moyo

The Harare regime is at it again as they have once more arrested Hon. Joanah Mamombe, vice chairperson (Youth Assembly) Cecilia Chimbiri and deputy organizer Netsai Marova.

While we are finally relieved that our Vice Chairperson Hon. Job Sikhala has been granted bail after a prolonged incarceration, the prolonged detention of Alan Moyo and the arrest of the trio are of grave concern.

We demand the immediate release of our leaders, they are not criminals. Their only crime is belonging to a party that is advocating for change. It is unconstitutional to arrest a person without stating charges.

The illegitimate government is desperate and scared of change and these are the signs. Surely Munangagwa should just surrender to President Chamisa peacefully what he stole because it is clear he can’t solve the crisis in the country.

Our message to Mnangagwa shall remain the same! Arrest the economiccrisis, not our leaders or else you shall not be able to stop a revolution.

FreeTheTrio

FreeAlanMoyo

FreeAllPoliticalPrisoners

OneMillionCampaign

ZanupfMustGo

Employees Steal US$190 000 From Acie Lumumba

 Local fuel company lost nearly US$200 000 to its two employees during transactions they entered with other fuel dealers that occurred between November last year and January this year.

Platinum Fuels, run by Ace Lumumba Gerald Mutumanje, lost 153 000 litres of diesel worth US$158 520 and US$30 500 cash to its employees Tatenda Maredza (31) and Malcolm Dodo (26).

Maredza and Dodo appeared at the Harare Magistrates’ Court charged with theft of trust property, corruptly concealing a transaction from a principal and unlawful dealing in petroleum.

They were not asked to plead to the charges when they appeared before magistrate Mrs Barbra Mateko, who remanded them in custody to today for bail application.

-State Media

Government Agents Torment MDC Alliance Official

Tinashe Sambiri|MDC MDC Alliance Councillor for ward 24 in Bulawayo, Arnold Batirai Dube has said his life in danger after State Security agents raided his house last week.

Batirai-Dube is also a member of the MDC Alliance Youth Assembly.

Last week Batirai-Dube argued government should not force citizens to pay US 60 for COVID-19 tests since there are available funds for the same purpose.

Speaking to ZimEye.com on Sunday, Batirai-Dube said:

“They( State agents) are looking for me.My life is in danger.

Last week six armed men raided my house and assaulted my family members.

I will not return home because it’s not safe to do so at the moment.

I hear individuals in dark glasses are seen near my house, meaning they are looking for me.”

My Life Is In Danger- Councillor Batirai-Dube

Tinashe Sambiri|MDC MDC Alliance Councillor for ward 24 in Bulawayo, Arnold Batirai Dube has said his life in danger after State Security agents raided his house last week.

Batirai-Dube is also a member of the MDC Alliance Youth Assembly.

Last week Batirai-Dube argued government should not force citizens to pay US 60 for COVID-19 tests since there are available funds for the same purpose.

Speaking to ZimEye.com on Sunday, Batirai-Dube said:

“They( State agents) are looking for me.My life is in danger.

Last week six armed men raided my house and assaulted my family members.

I will not return home because it’s not safe to do so at the moment.

I hear individuals in dark glasses are seen near my house, meaning they are looking for me.”

Arnold Batirai Dube

Nakamba To Move To Newcastle United?

Warriors midfielder Marvelous Nakamba is set to leave Aston Villa before the January transfer window ends today.

The 27-year-old has been reduced to peripheral roles for the Claret and Blue this season, deputizing mostly for Scotland international John McGinn.

He has been linked with a move away to Turkish giants Galatasaray and recently LaLiga side Valencia but information gathered by Soccer24 has now revealed that he is set for a move to Premier League side Newcastle United.

Details on the move are still sketchy but it is believed to be a loan deal until the end of the season.- Soccer 24 Zimbabwe

Nakamba

Barcelona Sue Spanish Newspaper For Disclosing Confidential information About Messi

Barcelona have announced they will sue Spanish newspaper El Mundo for publishing confidential information on Lionel Messi’s contract with the club.

The publication revealed full details of Messi’s four-year deal, signed in 2017.

El Mundo went on to claim the contract has contributed to Barca’s recent financial troubles, which have been worsened by the Covid-19 pandemic.

The club has a $592.24 million debt, a development which has seen a delay in the payment of players’ salaries.

Responding to the report, The Catalans has published a statement: “In view of the information published today in the newspaper El Mundo, in relation to the professional contract signed between FC Barcelona and the player Lionel Messi, the club regrets its publication given that it is a private document governed by the principle of confidentiality between the parties.

“FC Barcelona categorically denies any responsibility for the publication of this document, and will take appropriate legal action against the newspaper El Mundo, for any damage that may be caused as a result of this publication.

“FC Barcelona expresses its absolute support for Lionel Messi, especially in the face of any attempt to discredit his image, and to damage his relationship with the entity where he has worked to become the best player in the world and in football history.”- Soccer 24 Zimbabwe

Lionel Messi

Advocate Mahere Steadily Recovering From Coronavirus- President Chamisa

Tinashe Sambiri|MDC Alliance spokesperson, Advocate Fadzayi Mahere is steadily recovering from COVID-19, President Nelson Chamisa has said.

President Chamisa also said vice chairperson Hon Job Sikhala and Alan Moyo should be granted bail as a matter of urgency.

“I’ve just had a quick chat with our spokesperson
@advocatemahere
. She advises me she is steadily recovering.

God is good. May we continue to pray for her during this difficult period.We also stand with Allan and our VC
@JobSikhala1
whom we expect to be granted bail with urgency,” President Chamisa wrote on Twitter.

Advocate Mahere

MA SPORTS AYE ATANGA- DAY 1: UK Announces Sanctions Against Zimbabwe Security Chiefs | FULL TEXT

UK announces first set of designations of individuals under the UK’s Zimbabwe sanctions regime for human rights violations.

  • UK announces first set of designations of individuals under the UK’s Zimbabwe sanctions regime
  • Human rights violations in 2019 saw protestors killed for expressing right to free speech and protest
  • Sanctions go hand-in-hand with UK efforts to hold the Government of Zimbabwe to account and to make good on its promise to deliver much-needed crucial reforms.

Four Zimbabwean security sector chiefs responsible for serious human rights violations – including the deaths of 23 Zimbabwean protestors – have been designated under the UK’s new autonomous sanctions regime, UK Foreign Secretary Dominic Raab announced today.

Today’s announcement ensures these individuals cannot freely travel to the UK, channel money through UK banks or profit from our economy. These restrictive measures are not targeted at, nor intended to impact, the wider economy and the people of Zimbabwe.

Following the UK’s departure from the European Union and the end of the Transition Period, the UK can now pursue an independent sanctions policy reflecting our foreign policy and national security interests. Today’s designations are the first the UK has made of individuals under the UK’s Zimbabwe autonomous sanctions regime, which came into force at 11pm on 31 December 2020.

The new sanctions include a travel ban and asset freeze on four officials:

  • Owen Ncube, Minister for State Security;
  • Isaac Moyo, Director General of the Central Intelligence Organisation;
  • Godwin Matanga, Commissioner General of the Zimbabwe Republic Police; and
  • Anselem Sanyatwe, former Brigadier General, Commander of the Presidential Guard and Tactical Commander of the National Reaction Force.

These targeted designations hold to account those responsible for the worst human rights violations against the people of Zimbabwe since President Emmerson Mnangagwa took power in November 2017. This includes a state-sponsored crackdown against protests in January 2019 that resulted in the deaths of 17 Zimbabweans and post-election violence in August 2018 in which six protestors lost their lives.

Foreign Secretary, Dominic Raab said:

These sanctions send a clear message that we will hold to account those responsible for the most egregious human rights violations, including the deaths of innocent Zimbabweans.

These sanctions target senior individuals in the Government, and not ordinary Zimbabweans. We will continue to press for the necessary political and economic reforms that will benefit all Zimbabweans.

The UK’s autonomous Zimbabwe sanctions regime seeks to encourage the Government of Zimbabwe to respect democratic principles and institutions; refrain from the repression of civil society; and to comply with international human rights law and to respect human rights.

These sanctions are in addition to our work to hold the Government of Zimbabwe to account in implementing genuine political and economic reforms that benefit all Zimbabweans.

Contrary to claims by those who seek to stop institutional reform and respect for human rights in Zimbabwe, these sanctions will not deter investment into the country. Instead, UK investors repeatedly highlight three concerns that prevent them from investing in Zimbabwe: poorly-managed currency; arbitrary property rights and the legal system.

We will continue to support the Zimbabwean people through our aid programme, focusing on tackling poverty, humanitarian assistance, standing up for human rights and supporting Zimbabwe’s recovery from the COVID-19 pandemic. None of this aid goes directly through Government of Zimbabwe systems.

Notes to Editors:

  1. The UK Zimbabwe Autonomous Regime comprises targeted travel bans and asset freezes, as well as trade restrictions on military items and items that could be used for internal repression. The regime came fully into force on 31 December 2020 at the end of the EU transition period. This is the first time that the UK has used its autonomous Zimbabwe sanctions regime to impose travel bans and asset freezes against individuals. You can find a link to the legislation here. This is a different sanctions regime to the Global Human Rights Sanctions Regulations 2020 which launched in July 2020.
  2. The Motlanthe Commission report found that the Zimbabwean security services were responsible for 6 deaths and 35 injuries during the 1 August 2018 protests. The report also concluded that the use of live ammunition on civilians was “clearly unjustified and disproportionate”.
  3. The Zimbabwe Human Rights Commission’s January 28 2019 report on the response to the January 2019 fuel protests found that law enforcement agents seemed to “resort to use of brute, excessive and disproportionate force in most circumstances thereby causing avoidable loss of life and also worsening the situation”, resulting in the deaths of 17 people. A Human Rights Watch report details allegations of rape and indiscriminate door-to-door raids by the Zimbabwean security services

JUST IN: Sikhala Freed On ZWL$25 000 Bail

By A Correspondent| MDC Alliance deputy chairperson, Job Sikhala has been freed on ZWL$25 000 bail.

He has been held since January 9 following his arrest on charges of communicating falsehoods prejudicial to the state after he tweeted about a circulating video showing a baby allegedly ‘killed’ by a police officer’s truncheon.

Ramos Ready To Leave Real Madrid?

Real Madrid captain Sergio Ramos is reportedly ready to leave Spanish giants Real Madrid this summer as his contract is ending in June.

The defender hasn’t agreed a new deal yet, meaning if the situation remains the same, he could be available on a free transfer.

He has been offered a two-year contract on the same £10.8m-per-year net deal that he is on now, but there hasn’t been an agreement.

The 34-year, who can now start negotiating with clubs outside of Spain to secure a pre-contract agreement, has been linked with Asian teams, PSG and Manchester United.

According to English outlet The Mirror, the player is eyeing a move to England as he is not keen on playing in France. The Asian transfer is out of picture as his family does not want to relocate there.

The report also claims that a move to Manchester City or Liverpool would be ‘very difficult’ but no club is being ruled out

Ramos’ camp, however, are expected to target Manchester United first, amid rumours that Old Trafford is the defender’s first choice destination.- Soccer 24 Zimbabwe

Sergio Ramos

I Feel Very Important And Encouraged: Masarirevu

By A Correspondent| Young Human Rights Lawyer Freddy Masarirevu could not hide his joy after being honored with a human rights defenders award by Zimbabwe Community News.

Masarirevu is one of Young Human Rights Lawyers who did well in 2020.

Speaking to this publication, Masarirevu said the award warmed his heart and came at a time when most young people were afraid to get into activism

“It means a lot. It’s one of those recognitions that encourages one to do more because you feel very relevant.

“You know well that activism is something most youths are afraid to be involved in.

“This recognition will inspire others to also participate in activities that bring about positive change in our country.” said Masarirevu.

Masarirevu is also a gender activist as in 2020 he staged a march in Chitungwiza, raising various issues which include the abuse of women by those in positions of authority.

Legitimacy Crisis Is The Major Impediment To Dialogue- MDC Alliance

Tinashe Sambiri|The MDC Alliance has maintained its demands for dialogue with Emmerson Mnangagwa’s Zanu PF.

The MDC Alliance insists the legitimacy crisis is the major impediment to dialogue with Zanu PF.

Speaking to ZimEye.com on Monday morning, MDC Alliance deputy spokesperson, Clifford Hlatywayo said:

“There are no talks or whatsoever with ZANU PF. We have been clear on the conditions for a credible dialogue.

There is need for an independent and credible mediator at a neutral venue with the right participants.

MDCA is committed to all the efforts that are genuine and meant to deal with the real crisis in Zimbabwe which is the legitimacy crisis.”

BREAKING: MDC Trio Arrested Again

By A Correspondent | The MDC Alliance Trio, Joana Mamombe, Netsai Marova and Cecilia Chimbiri have been arrested again.

The announcement was made by the Zimbabwe Lawyers For Human Rights head Roselyn Hanzi who in a tweet said charges or allegations are still unclear.

Analyst Brian Kagoro commented by posing the question: Is this just a way of exposing young female activists to the risk of contracting COVID-19 for the most nebulous of reasons?

THIS IS A DEVELOPING STORY- REFRESH THIS PAGE FOR THE UPDATES

MDC Alliance Calls For Payment Of Civil Servants Salaries In USD

Tinashe Sambiri|The MDC Alliance has accused government of ambushing road users following the introduction of USD based toll fees.

The MDC Alliance says the move is a body blow to travellers.

See statement below:

USD Based Toll Fee a burden to Travellers

31 January 2021.

In November 2020, the government of Zimbabwe through ZINARA raised toll fees by 170% from 45 RTGS to 120 RTGS. Before 60 days have lapsed, the government has further increased the toll fees by a further 38 percent from 120RTGS to 165 RTGS.

All these increaments are a burden on the traveller whose income continues to be depleted by the day. To further compound the woes for the traveling poor masses, the government has legalised the collection of toll fees in USD capped by a prouncement that Toll fees will automatically increase in RTGS terms as and when the exchange rate changes upwards.

The MDC Alliance appreciates that under such COVID-19 induced lockdown conditions, most travellers are civil servants in essential service. It therefore goes against logic that civil servants whose salaries are RTGS based and have not been increased to match the Pre RTGS era are the same salaries that are supposed to sustain Toll fees that have now been pegged to match the time when the country was under the USD era.

What evades the mind of policy makers is the reality that the auction rate is reported to be stagnant for the past 6 months and therefore it remains buffling to have an increament of close to 200 percent compound in less than 60 days.

Transport remains a critical component in the cost build up of any business. Where toll fees are increased, fuel equally increased, it therefore means that the landed costs of any product or service rises by an equal measure and is borne by the consumer.

The government if it had people at heart would realise that the very same consumer is locked down and their means of income is very limited.

The MDC Alliance calls on the government to head the call of labour unions across the labour spectrum and align salaries to pre October 2018 when they were USD based.

If the government sees it fit to align costs such as toll fees to the USD era, certainly income should follow suit.

What is more painstaking is that while travellers pay such huge amounts through toll fees, reports of corruption and looting of funds at ZINARA continue unabated yet our roads continue to delapidate with government quick to blame Local Authorities who are no where near revenue collection of road user funds.

In a functional democracy, faced with such heartless and unreasonable astronomic increase in toll fees, motorists would drive into highways and park their cars enmasse blocking all highways until government becomes sensible and realistic to the economic challenges facing all of us.
Unfortunately ours is an authoritarian dictatorship where freedom of expression is met by bullets flying at 45 degrees.

Hon Settlement Chikwinya (MP)
MDC Alliance
National Secretary for Transport and Logistics

World Leprosy Day Statement

From Yohei Sasakawa, WHO Goodwill Ambassador for Leprosy Elimination

Over the past year, the headlines have been dominated by COVID-19. It is easy to overlook other diseases, especially a disease such as leprosy that many people think is a disease of the past.

But leprosy requires our attention. There are still some 200,000 new cases diagnosed worldwide each year. Millions of people are living with some form of disability as a result of leprosy.

Both the label “leprosy” and the disability that can result if this age-old disease goes untreated can lead to social exclusion. Persons affected by leprosy continue to face discrimination, reinforced in some countries by outdated laws that make leprosy grounds for divorce, prevent people with the disease from participating in public life or place other restrictions on their activities.

As WHO Goodwill Ambassador for Leprosy Elimination, I have seen for myself how leprosy has marginalized individuals. Women and children are particularly vulnerable to the social and economic consequences of the disease.

Overcoming leprosy involves more than early diagnosis and prompt treatment. It also requires changing mindsets so that leprosy is no longer a source of shame or prejudice. We must remove all barriers in the way of those seeking medical care. We must eliminate the obstacles that prevent affected individuals and their families from living in dignity and enjoying all their basic human rights as full members of society.

I often talk about leprosy in terms of a motorcycle. The front wheel represents curing the disease and the rear wheel symbolizes ending discrimination. Only when both wheels are turning at the same time will we make progress toward our destination of a leprosy-free world.

As I survey the road ahead, I am confident we are moving in the right direction: the WHO’s Global Leprosy Strategy for 2021-2030 will generate renewed momentum; organizations of persons affected by leprosy are becoming more influential, and their calls for change more powerful; and the UN Special Rapporteur on leprosy is working tirelessly to see that principles and guidelines on the elimination of discrimination against persons affected by leprosy and their family members are fully implemented.

I believe we will achieve a world without leprosy one day. But along the way, we need to realize an inclusive society in which everyone has access to quality treatment and services, and a diagnosis of leprosy no longer comes with a possibility of devastating physical, social, economic or psychological consequences.

Compared to other diseases, leprosy may only affect a small number of people, but we are all responsible for building an inclusive world.

Credit:WHO

Inserted by Zimbabwe Online Health Centre

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Leprosy

MDC Alliance Maintains Conditions For Dialogue With Zanu PF

Tinashe Sambiri|The MDC Alliance has maintained its demands for dialogue with Emmerson Mnangagwa’s Zanu PF.

The MDC Alliance insists the legitimacy crisis is the major impediment to dialogue with Zanu PF.

Speaking to ZimEye.com on Monday morning, MDC Alliance deputy spokesperson, Clifford Hlatywayo said:

“There are no talks or whatsoever with ZANU PF. We have been clear on the conditions for a credible dialogue.

There is need for an independent and credible mediator at a neutral venue with the right participants.

MDCA is committed to all the efforts that are genuine and meant to deal with the real crisis in Zimbabwe which is the legitimacy crisis.”

MDC Alliance deputy spokesperson Clifford Hlatywayo

Masvingo Residents Petition Anti-Corruption Commission Over Illicit Activities In City Council

By Prosper Tiringindi

Prosper Tiringindi has petitioned the Zimbabwe Anti-Corruption Commission to conduct some investigations into the allegations of corrupt activities which have dismally affected service delivery of the city.

The allegations include:
⦁ Mucheke Trunk Sewer Project.
⦁ Nyaradzo Road Construction.

⦁ Delayal of water argumentation Phase 2  
⦁ Since the charges of the Director Engineering Services’ suspension mention incompetence, we may be interested in knowing if he was qualified for the job in the first place.
⦁ Connection of water supply to Clipsham Views without Council resolution.

⦁ A visit in 2018 by the Justice Tendai Uchena-led Commission of Enquiry into the Sale of State Land in and Around Urban Areas Since 2005, Gozo was seriously censored by members of the commission for approving a shoddy road network plan in Clipsham Views.  

Mnangagwa Wants To Kill Me- MDC Alliance Official

Tinashe Sambiri|MDC MDC Alliance Councillor for ward 24 in Bulawayo, Arnold Batirai Dube has said his life in danger after State Security agents raided his house last week.

Batirai-Dube is also a member of the MDC Alliance Youth Assembly.

Last week Batirai-Dube argued government should not force citizens to pay US 60 for COVID-19 tests since there are available funds for the same purpose.

Speaking to ZimEye.com on Sunday, Batirai-Dube said:

“They( State agents) are looking for me.My life is in danger.

Last week six armed men raided my house and assaulted my family members.

I will not return home because it’s not safe to do so at the moment.

I hear individuals in dark glasses are seen near my house, meaning they are looking for me.”

Emmerson Mnangagwa during the Gukurahundi era.

UK Sikhs call on Dominic Raab to raise Human Rights Violations Against Protesting Farmers in India

Sikh Organisations and Gurdwaras (Temples) from across the UK have written to The Foreign Secretary, Dominic Rabb, expressing their grave concerns about the human rights violations against farmers and journalists in India.

We urge the Foreign Secretary to express our collective concerns on behalf of the British people to India’s Government and raise the matter at the United Nations.

“Security services are indiscriminately detaining and charging protesting farmers and journalists with false charges of terrorism, sedition”

Farmers protest against the newly passed farm bills at Singhu border near Delhi [Danish Siddiqui/Reuters]

The Indian security services are indiscriminately detaining and charging protesting farmers and journalists with false charges of terrorism, sedition, and anti-national conduct. Internet and phone services have been restricted to prevent independent reporting of the situation on the ground in Delhi. Several journalists and farmers have been arrested or gone missing, many protestors have been illegally detained and tortured.

The Indian Government is in breach of various UN resolutions and international laws regarding the right to protest, access to information, and free press. The British Government has raised concerns around this right several times concerning the Chinese Government’s crackdowns on peaceful protests.

As citizens and residents of Great Britain, we call on Dominic Raab, as our Foreign Secretary to raise these matters urgently with the Indian Government and his counterparts and urge the Indian authorities to act with restraint and resume peaceful dialogue with the farmer groups.

We urge the UK Government to pursue this matter with the appropriate authorities and forums at the United Nations. As a Government, which is committed to the rule of law and human rights, there is a positive obligation on the British Government to continuously raise and monitor matters that concern the violation of fundamental human rights anywhere in the world.

– ENDS –

USD Toll Fee: Government Ambushes Road Users

Tinashe Sambiri|The MDC Alliance has accused government of ambushing road users following the introduction of USD based toll fees.

The MDC Alliance says the move is a body blow to travellers.

See statement below:

USD Based Toll Fee a burden to Travellers

31 January 2021.

In November 2020, the government of Zimbabwe through ZINARA raised toll fees by 170% from 45 RTGS to 120 RTGS. Before 60 days have lapsed, the government has further increased the toll fees by a further 38 percent from 120RTGS to 165 RTGS.

All these increaments are a burden on the traveller whose income continues to be depleted by the day. To further compound the woes for the traveling poor masses, the government has legalised the collection of toll fees in USD capped by a prouncement that Toll fees will automatically increase in RTGS terms as and when the exchange rate changes upwards.

The MDC Alliance appreciates that under such COVID-19 induced lockdown conditions, most travellers are civil servants in essential service. It therefore goes against logic that civil servants whose salaries are RTGS based and have not been increased to match the Pre RTGS era are the same salaries that are supposed to sustain Toll fees that have now been pegged to match the time when the country was under the USD era.
What evades the mind of policy makers is the reality that the auction rate is reported to be stagnant for the past 6 months and therefore it remains buffling to have an increament of close to 200 percent compound in less than 60 days.

Transport remains a critical component in the cost build up of any business. Where toll fees are increased, fuel equally increased, it therefore means that the landed costs of any product or service rises by an equal measure and is borne by the consumer.

The government if it had people at heart would realise that the very same consumer is locked down and their means of income is very limited.
The MDC Alliance calls on the government to head the call of labour unions across the labour spectrum and align salaries to pre October 2018 when they were USD based.

If the government sees it fit to align costs such as toll fees to the USD era, certainly income should follow suit.
What is more painstaking is that while travellers pay such huge amounts through toll fees, reports of corruption and looting of funds at ZINARA continue unabated yet our roads continue to delapidate with government quick to blame Local Authorities who are no where near revenue collection of road user funds.

In a functional democracy, faced with such heartless and unreasonable astronomic increase in toll fees, motorists would drive into highways and park their cars enmasse blocking all highways until government becomes sensible and realistic to the economic challenges facing all of us.
Unfortunately ours is an authoritarian dictatorship where freedom of expression is met by bullets flying at 45 degrees.

Hon Settlement Chikwinya (MP)
MDC Alliance
National Secretary for Transport and Logistics

Hon Chikwinya

Boris Johnson Slaps Owen Mudha, Matanga And Anslem Sanyatwe On Sanctions List Over 2019 Civilians Killing

By A Correspondent| The United Kingdom government has imposed sanctions on four of Zimbabwe’s security chiefs over the January 2019 killing of civilians during protests

The four are State Security Minister Owen Ncube, Head of Central Intelligence Organisation, Isaac Moyo, Zimbabwe Republic Police Commissioner General, Godwin Matanga and former Commander of the Presidential Guard Anslem Sanyatwe.

Kariba Kombi Operators Jailed For Breaching Inter-City Travel Restrictions

The Kariba magistrates court yesterday sent a clear message to commuter bus operators who violate national Covid-19 lockdown regulations by jailing six of them.

Kariba Commuters operators association chairman Nomore Gosa, who had a previous conviction, was sentenced to 12 months in prison without the option of a fine while five others, Muza Bekezela (26), Albert Mukanga (34), Adonia Kanyakane (45), Tavengwa Padzapfungira (38) and Rice Richard (28), were fined $200 000 each or 14 months in prison.

All the accused were arrested at Makuti roadblock at the 289km peg along the Harare-Chirundu highway and their vehicles were impounded.

It was the State’s case that the accused violated the intercity travel ban and were arraigned before magistrate Tafadzwa Mhlanga. Philip Urayai prosecuted for the state.

-The Standard

South Africa Says Vaccines Rollout to Exclude Zimbabweans

Health Minister Zweli Mkhize says the vaccine rollout will be limited to South African citizens only. He says government does not have the capacity to assist undocumented foreign nationals.

“No one will be forced to vaccinate. Actually, we will promote it, we will explain for people to know it’s beneficial and we would like people to take their own decision on that and when you take the vaccine you sign consent so it’s clear that you consented to it.

“All you need when you go is to show that you have got an ID. You are a South African registered voter. For those who are undocumented, we are not able to deal with that because at the moment we would like to be able to deal with people based on the SA registration. So at this point, we have no plan to deal with those that are not documented,” Dr Mkhize explains.

Mkhize says way more than the original 40 million-target may have to vaccinate against COVID-19 for the country to achieve herd immunity.

Mkhize says, “We are saying, to get population immunity, we calculated that we need about 67%, 70% of the population to be vaccinated. It does depend on a number of issues. One of the issues is whether we are using predominantly the vaccine that has got an efficacy of 90 or 60 and so on if that is the situation, it might change the numbers and so on. We might end up having to increase the number of people who must be vaccinated. There are still a number of issues there that we are going to clarify.”

While there has been a reduction in COVID-19 admissions in a number of provinces including Gauteng and the Western Cape, high-care and intensive care units remain under strain.

-SABC News

Diana Samkange Hangs Guitar For Herbal Farming

Diana Samkange

By A Correspondent- Afro-fusion singer Diana Samkange has temporarily hung her guitar to focus on farming where she specialises in the production of herbs.

Since the government enforced the lockdown in March last year to combat the spread of the novel coronavirus, musicians have not been able to stage shows as all public gatherings including music concerts are banned.

For Samkange, the inactivity in the music sector has pushed her to the land where she now spends time in the bush gathering herbs such as Zumbani.

She told the Daily News:

The situation in the arts sector is deplorable. Musicians are suffering as the majority of them survived solely on concerts and royalties.

As for me, I have diverted my attention and focus on farming and herb business.

Since last year, I have recorded good business with clients buying Zumbani and other herbs to protect themselves against the virus.

The demand for Zumbani is too high. I am now spending most of my time in the jungle gathering traditional medicines for me to meet the demand.

Duo Drown While Taking Pictures Of Flooded Mazowe River

By A Correspondent- Two unidentified men drowned in Mazowe river while taking pictures.

The duo, aged 22 and 21 died in Glendale, Mashonaland Central province after they encroached the edges of the flooded Mazowe River while taking pictures from their mobile phones.

They reportedly both slipped and drowned.

Mazowe assistant district development coordinator Willard Masimba confirmed the incident and urged people no to go to close to flooded rivers.

The incident happened a few hours after Bindura District development coordinator Richard Chipfuwa had issued a flood warning to communities in the Bindura, Mazowe area after two dams, Candy and Iron Duke, burst their walls resulting in the flooding of Mazowe River.

A Glendale resident Brian Jonga said Candy and Iron Duke dams burst their walls at around 7 am Sunday morning.

More details follow.

“Mnangagwa Is In A Fix”: Advised Magaisa- It;s Zimbabwe In The Fix. Thanks To You

By Patrick Guramatunhu- Zimbabwe is in a serious economic and political mess and there are many reasons why we are in this mess. One of the reasons why we are in this mess is our propensity to make mountains out of a mole-hill. 

“Mnangagwa is in a fix!” screamed the headlines in Bulawayo 24 and The Standard. Eye catching until you read the article!

Corona virus, the the grim riper, has claimed the lives of thousands of Zimbabwean lives, many more than the regime is letting on. The virus has hit hard the poor for who social distance, washing hands regularly, staying put, etc. are impossible because they live in crowded accommodation, have no running water, have go out any earn a living or starve, etc. 

The ruling elite, their cronies and their families have largely escaped from the corona virus; cocooned in the five star mansions with clean running water, the sanitisers and the PPE for the odd occasion they ever got out of their cocoon, food and everything. They greatest worry during the corner virus lockdown has been boredom and piling up the weight!

Still, a few of the ruling elite did catch the corona virus, they have received five star medical attention and a tiny fraction of them have died. Amongst the ruling elite corona virus dead are three Ministers. No doubt there will be many more Ministers, Deputy Ministers, etc. to follow, the grime riper’s work has only just began; the corona virus pandemic has the rest of 2021 to run in Zimbabwe, at the very least. 

Mnangagwa must find the competent men and women from the elected MPs and Senators, he has already used up his allowed allocation of non-elected individuals, to appoint as Ministers and Deputy Ministers to replace those claimed by the corona virus. And there lays Mnangagwa’s “fix”!

”His (Mnangagwa) choices are extremely limited,” argued Alex Magaisa, in the article. 

“He has to appoint from the current pool of elected representatives. Alternatively, he will have to sack some of those non-MPs if he wants to appoint new outsiders.

Section 104 (3) of the 2013 Zimbabwe Constitution reads: “Ministers and deputy ministers are appointed from among Senators or Members of the National Assembly, but up to five, chosen for their professional skills and competence, may be appointed outside Parliament.”

Mnangagwa already has already appointed the five non-constituency ministers namely: Higher Education minister Amon Murwira, Local Government minister July Moyo, Sports minister Kirsty Coventry, Lands minister Anxious Masuka and Finance minister Mthuli Ncube.

What Magaisa has missed here is that Zimbabwe is a Banana Republic governed by corrupt, incompetent and utterly useless thugs cheered along by their corrupt and egotistic acolytes. 

There reason why there is no competent men and women in parliament and in the senate is because Zimbabwe’s de facto one party dictatorship has stifled debate and democratic competition in both the ruling party and the opposition. Zimbabwe’s political system is a swamp; you cannot expect to catch quality fish, only frogs, newts and eels! 

Even those Ministers appointed for their “professional skills and competence” have accomplished nothing of substance because in a Banana Republic they are not allowed to do anything. They are appointed to give the regime a good name, they nothing but window dressing manikins. 

Minister of Finance, Professor Mthuli Ncube, for example, has been taxing the street vendors to death and yet has done nothing to end the gross mismanagement and rampant corruptions, the cancers killing the nation’s economy. Mnangagwa and his fellow Zanu PF cronies are the Godfathers of mismanagement and corruption and they have ring-fenced their activities; Minister Ncube knows these are not to be touched, the untouchables. 

So even if Mnangagwa was to disregard the constitution and appoint more than the five non-elected individuals as ministers this will not make any difference as to the quality of government in Zimbabwe. Zimbabwe will still be a Banana Republic blundering from pillar to post, from one crisis to the next!

Indeed, if appointing non-elected technocrats ministers, etc. would get Zimbabwe out of the economic and political mess the country is stuck in for 40 years and counting; only a dogmatic academic like Alex Magaisa would complain!

In case some people have forgotten: Alex Magaisa was chief advisor to Morgan Tsvangirai, then MDC leaders and Prime Minister in the 2008 to 2013 GNU. The primary task of MDC was to implement the raft of democratic reforms agreed the Global Political Agreement designed to stop Zanu PF rigging the elections. 

MDC failed to implement even one token reform in five years. Not even one reform!

If MDC had implemented the reforms Zanu PF would have been stopped from rigging the elections and Zimbabwe would not be a Banana Republic. 

It is not Mnangagwa who is in a fix it is Zimbabwe that is in a fix, stuck with a pariah state! Advising Mnangagwa he has already reached the limit of non-elected minister he can appoint is not going to end the Banana Republic. 

“He has only two options,” continued Magaisa. “The first one: he can only appoint from the current pool of elected MPs which means that his choices are very limited. But if he wants to bring in someone from outside Parliament, which opens the second option, that means he has to sack some of the current ministers who are not in Parliament. That will open up space so that he can appoint someone from outside Parliament. So that’s the only two options that he has.” 

When the nation’s destiny depended on Magaisa giving Tsvangirai sound advice, he let the nation down. And ever since, Magaisa cannot shut his mouth, dishing out nonsense! Whatever Mnangagwa does with his ministerial appointments it will not stop Zimbabwe being a Banana Republic ruled by corrupt and vote rigging thugs. 

Harare City Council In Quandary Over Shortage Of Undertakers

By A Correspondent- A shortage of undertakers, some of whom have been stricken by Covid-19, has resulted in Harare City Council failing to provide graves to bereaved families at Warren Hills cemetery.

The local authority has 40 undertakers with each expected to dig at least two graves per day, but the numbers have decreased as some of the undertakers are not reporting for duty.

Currently, council is charging $2 300 for a grave at Warren Hill cemetery.

Ward 15 councillor, Tichavona Mhetu attributed the challenges to under-staffing, but acting council spokesperson Mr Innocent Ruwende said they were overwhelmed with an increase in burials.

“We are not understaffed, but overwhelmed by the increase in numbers of people being buried at Warren Hills. Before Covid-19, we used to have 18 burials per day and we had a team of 40 undertakers, each digging two graves per day and they would change shifts.

“Now we are having more than 20 burials a day and this has affected our manpower as some of the undertakers are not coming to work due to Covid-19 and they are in isolation. We still have enough space for burials and we have also engaged funeral parlours that will be assisting us with undertakers,” he said.

Clr Mhetu had expressed concern about the situation at Warren Hills cemetery saying that there were a number of factors affecting operations at the cemetery chief among them being the shortage of undertakers.

“Council seems to be understaffed because if you notice before Covid-19 people would buy a grave and get it tomorrow, but the situation is no longer possible now because those people working at Warren Hills are few.

“The application process to get a grave is still being done under the normal process and that is no longer sustainable.

“If you want to buy a grave you will be allocated one on the same day, but the availability of the grave now becomes a problem because of the demand due to Covid-19.

“The undertakers are few and they are now allocating one undertaker to dig a grave when they are supposed to be two per grave,” he said.

He added that the council owned graves are in a sorry state compared to privately owned cemeteries which are well maintained.

On PPEs, Mr Ruwende said staff working on grave sites have PPEs and as council they have made sure that they are well protected and safe before conducting any burial.-statemedia

Pharmacies Accused Of Feeding Black Market With COVID-19 Drugs Procured Using RBZ Forex Auction Allocations

Some pharmacies are allegedly diverting onto the black market drugs bought using foreign currency allotted on the Reserve Bank of Zimbabwe auction facility and then resold for much higher prices in foreign currency, with drugs that might be able to allieviate Covid-19 symptoms especially vulnerable to this scam.

These syndicates, which include pharmacies, and other health facilities demand payment in United States dollars despite the fact that they, or their importer or wholesaler, bought their currency at the auctions.

The Zimbabwe Anti-Corruption Commission (Zacc) is now investigating and if hard evidence of the practice is found several pharmaceutical importers and retailers could be arrested.

In an interview, Zacc spokesperson, Commissioner John Makamure, said their offices had been lately inundated with complaints and allegations of this practice.

“Medical supplies are one of those items that have been given priority in the allocation of foreign currency by the RBZ so the importers can bid at the auctions. We have received complaints that some unscrupulous pharmacies were accessing the hard currency to procure Covid-19 drugs.

“The drugs would be on shelves briefly. They would then de-shelve them and divert them onto the black market,” said Comm Makamure.

“The reports we are receiving are that some pharmacies, upon receiving RBZ auction proceeds they will insist on selling the drugs in foreign currency. The pharmacies are obviously taking advantage of spiralling of Covid-19 cases where more people are desperate.”

He said some of the drugs that have de-shelved but resurfaced on the black market include Ivermectin, an anti-parastic drug that is being studied to establish its efficacy in the treatment of Covid-19 symptoms, with Government having recently authorised its import for further studies.

Already the drug has been found on the black market in what Zacc suspects to have been a ploy by some unscrupulous pharmacies to cash-in from the Covid-19 spike.

Last week, the Government approved the use of the drug for “investigational” Covid-19 treatment following intense lobbying from some primary care physicians who argue that the fusion of Ivermectin and nanosilver was effective in caring for patients.

In her weekly Covid-19 update, chief cordinator of the national response to the Covid-19 pandemic in the Office of the President and Cabinet, Dr Agnes Mahomva, said the drug should only be administered and dispensed in controlled environments with strict monitoring to avoid wanton and indiscriminate prescription and dispensing of such medicines.

This approach would protect patients from unethical and unsafe doses, as well as counterfeit products, including veterinary Ivermectin.

There is no evidence as yet from a controlled scientific study that the drug does work, but the specific conditions now in place will at least ensure that patients do not come to harm while investigations continue.

Last week, Zacc opened investigations into laboratories and individuals accused of issuing certificates declaring a person free of Covid-19 without carrying out any tests, thus allowing potentially infected people to travel and interact with others, allowing the virus to spread.

There have been reports that at least one private laboratory and some State laboratories, or at least staff at these laboratories, have been issuing certificates and sets of fake results without doing the required test.

-State Media

Controversy As S.A Says Undocumented Immigrants Will Not Be Vaccinated Against Covid-19

By A Correspondent- South Africa, which will take delivery of its first batch of Covid-19 vaccines from India on Monday, has sparked controversy after declaring it will exclude millions of undocumented immigrants from its immunization program.

The discriminatory policy was announced by health minister Zweli Mkhize on Saturday, contradicting the country’s treasury director-general Dondo Mogajane who told news editors days earlier that the government will not “turn away undocumented people.”

“All you need when you go [to a vaccination center] is to show that you have got an ID, you are a South African registered voter,” Mkhize told SABC, appearing to even sideline foreign nationals with legal status.

“For those who are undocumented, we are not able to deal with that because at the moment we would like to be able to deal with people based on the South African registration. So at this point, we have no plan to deal with those that are not documented.”

South Africa is home to millions of migrants from all over the continent and beyond, who have sought refuge for economic and political reasons.

Mkhize’s remarks attracted immediate backlash from both locals and foreigners with one South African lawyer declaring the plan unconstitutional.

“The suggestion by minister of health, Zweli Mkhize, that vaccine rollout be limited to citizens is unconstitutional. The constitution guarantees the right to health to everyone in South Africa,” tweeted Advocate Jason Brickhill, a constitutional lawyer.

“It also makes no public health sense – the virus does not check people’s papers!”

Groups representing foreigners in South Africa also denounced the vaccination strategy saying excluding other groups will only complicate the already formidable war against the coronavirus pandemic.

Others called the policy irrational and xenophobic.

“What Mkhize is saying is that only South African citizens will get the vaccine; that means all foreigners here legally or illegally will not be vaccinated. It makes no sense,” Dr. Vusumuzi Sibanda, chairman of the African Diaspora Forum told the Voice of America’s Studio 7.

To date, South Africa has recorded more than 1.4 million Covid-19 infections and 44,000 deaths.

To achieve herd immunity, government aims to inoculate two-thirds of its population or 40 million people.

President Cyril Ramaphosa will on Monday receive the country’s first order of 1 million AstraZeneca-Oxford vaccine doses from India which will be used to inoculate healthcare workers over the next three or so months.

South African press reported Sunday that the country – the worst hit on the continent – has secured an additional 20 million doses from Pfizer plus millions of vaccines from other drug manufacturers.

Masimba Construction Forced To Respond to Chimanimani Community Concerns Over Poor Workmanship

By A Correspondent| Local construction company that was contracted to rehabilitate Chimanimani roads following the devastating Cyclone Idai has been forced to respond to criticism of poor workmanship which saw part of the newly opened road giving in and collapsing, resulting in an accident that claimed one life.

Chimanimani residents have for long accused the company of doing a shoddy job and they felt vindicated when the road collapsed following incessant rains that hit the country since December last year.

One of the residents Lovex Itai Kimbini also alleged that Masimba construction workers were selling cement and diesel meant for the road to villagers in the process doing a disservice to the road project.

Now Masimba has responded to social media claims saying the collapsing of the road was not their fault but a small river that changed its course upstream after an existing culvert was blocked by debris.

“The Chimanimani area has been experiencing heavy rains since the beginning of the rainy season. In the early hours of 30 January 2021, a small river changed its course upstream after
an existing culvert was blocked by debris. This resulted in water undermining the road just before the culvert, causing a section of the Wengezi Chimanimani road to collapse at the 69km peg. A ditch that is an estimated 3m deep and 3m wide, and impassable to traffic, was created.

“Preliminary investigations indicate that the collapse may also have been aggravated by an underground stream.
It is with sadness that we also inform you that a motorist travelling in the early hours of the morning of 30 January 2021, unaware of the state of the road, drove into the ditch and regrettably passed away. Our condolences go out to the family.

“Masimba Holdings Limited carried out extensive rehabilitation works on the Skyline Chimanimani road following damages caused by Cyclone Idai in 2019. The scope of the contracted works on the affected section was confined to resealing,” the company said.

They promised to open a detour for temporary use while they re-work on the collapsed section.

Masimba is one of the five companies awarded tenders for the Harare-Beitbridge Road project which is currently underway.

‘Mthuli Ncube Shot Himself On The Foot’

THE clampdown on mobile money transfer services is negatively impacting on the Intermediated Money Transfer Tax (IMTT) popularly known as 2c tax, which contributed poorly to revenue performance in the fourth quarter of 2020.

The country’s monetary authorities had raised a red flag over rampant abuse of mobile money platforms, which had become a source of speculative illegal forex dealings and drove wild exchange rate volatility.

The Reserve Bank of Zimbabwe (RBZ) took sweeping measures in the second quarter of 2020, which included the ban on mobile money agents, a $5000 cap on mobile money transfer per day and one mobile money line per person among other interventions.

While the measures have been celebrated for restoring sanity in the financial services sector, the Zimbabwe Revenue Authority (Zimra) says these have crippled the IMTT tax head.

“The Intermediated Money Transfer Tax performed below target and only contributed 6.63 percent to the quarterly revenue,” said Zimra in its 2020 fourth quarter performance report issued at the weekend.

“Monetary policy measures instituted in Q2 2020 have continued to impact negatively on the tax head as activity is limited on mobile money platforms, which had become a haven for parallel market activities.”

-State Media

Savanhu’s Death: Is It Independence Day For Mbare Residents

By A Correspondent| Following the death of former Zanu PF legislator for Mbare and Chipangano terror gang benefactor, Tendai Savanhu yesterday, a terrifying chapter in the minds of residents of Harare’s oldest township has ended.

Savanhu together with Jim Kunaka terrorised opposition MDC supporters in Mbare during and after elections leaving the surbub divided and terrified.

With Jim Kunaka now working with the opposition and Savanhu gone, it should feel like a new chapter has opened in Mbare.

Areas such as Matapi were no go area for opposition supporters with one local businessman Alex Mashamhanda popularly known as Mashwede taking years to complete his service station which was constantly interrupted by Zanu PF thugs under the guidance of Savanhu.

Also at Mupedzanhamo flea market and Mbare musika bus terminus, vending space was a preserve of Zanu PF members while Municipal police were over-powered and forced out to allow party thugs to control and charge buses for loading inside the terminus.

At some point, Chipangano also violently took control of a City Council building which they turned into an office and clock-room pocketing proceeds at the expense of the municipality.

After witnessing all these terrifying events, Mbare residents lived in constant fear of crossing the path with Zanu PF members as that would attract serious consequences including losing source of livelihood.

Such was Savanhu’s grip on Mbare which became a Zanu PF territory in the middle of an opposition stronghold.

With the Chipangano godfather now dead, doesn’t it feels like independence in Mbare?

High Court Judge Succumbs to COVID-19

By A Correspondent| Harare High Court judge Clement Phiri has died from Covid-19.

According to state media, Justice Phiri died Sunday night at his Marondera home after he and his family had tested positive for the dreaded pandemic.

However, family members are said to have all recovered.

Last year, the top court official had part of his foot amputated.

He recovered and was now preparing to get a shoe for the remaining part.

Justice Phiri was appointed to his post September 2015 after working as a senior lawyer in private practice.

Jah Prayzah Mourns “Unifier” Uncle Tendai Savanhu

Zimbabwean contemporary musician, Jah Prayzah born Mukudzei Mukombe has mourned his uncle Tendai Savanhu who succumbed to COVID-19 on Sunday.

Savanhu was brother to Jah Prayzh’s mother, Shirely Savanhu. In his eulogy, the Military Touch boss described Tendai Savanhu as a unifier.

He said:

Ndaivati Mhofu Mdara, sekuru vangu Vhuramai Seke Mutema. Zvirimumoyo nendangariro dzangu hazvibudimo kuti ndimi maiva muyenzaniso werudo nekubatanidza hama. Hwedu hukama hweropa hwainge husahwira tikava tsika nditsike hushamwari wasekuru nemzukuru. Nhasi ndapererwa Seke. Zororai murugare MHOFU MDARA

G40 Minister Tendai Savanhu Dies Of COVID | IS THIS REAL DISEASE or PURE ASSASSINATION?

By A Correspondent | Several sources have announced that former ZANU PF legislator for Mbare, Tendai Savanhu, has died aged 52.

Savanhu had deep G40 faction roots.

Tendai Savanhu

The former Deputy Minister of  Lands and Rural Resettlement’s death was revealed by the spokesperson of the National Patriotic Front (NPF), Jealousy Mawarire who posted on Twitter saying: 

Receiving sad news that former Deputy Minister of  Lands and Rural Resettlement, Tendai Savanhu, is no more. MHDSRIP

Mr Savanhu is no more, a family source also told ZimEye.

They continued saying, the body has been taken by Nyaradzo Funeral Palour. They spoke to ZimEye just after midnight Monday morning.

Man Killed For Refusing To Share Amacimbi

By A Correspondent- A 44 year old Bulawayo man died before admission to Mpilo Central Hospital after he was assaulted over amacimbi by two men in Old Pumula suburb.

The late Mr Khumbula Homes Zulu suffered a swollen mouth and internal injuries after he was attacked by two men identified only as Tho and Rey whose ages are not known.

Mr Zulu was allegedly beaten for refusing to share his mopane worms with the two accused persons. He developed breathing complications after the assault and died two days later when his mother had taken him to the hospital.

Bulawayo provincial police spokesperson inspector Abednico Ncube confirmed the incident yesterday. He urged people who may have information that could lead to the arrest of the two accused persons to contact any nearest police station.

“Police are investigating a suspected case of murder which occurred in Old Pumula on the 25th of January 2021. “The deceased is Khumbula Homes Zulu, a male adult aged 44 years who resides in Old Pumula.

“The accused persons are Rey and Tho both of number 5313 Old Pumula, Bulawayo,” said Insp Ncube.

He said Zulu left home going to Old Pumula shops to buy amacimbi. After buying, he was approached by the accused persons who asked for some.

“A misunderstanding arose after he refused to share his amacimbi that led to a fist fight and after that Zulu went away to drink alcohol. At around 6pm Zulu visited his friend Freedom Dube and narrated his fist fight story complaining of hunger and having difficulties in breathing,” he said.

“On January 26, 2021 at around 8AM, Mr Dube woke him up and discovered that he was still having difficulties in breathing.

“He told Zulu’s mother but she dismissed it saying he usually experiences such.” Insp Ncube said Zulu’s condition continued to deteriorate until Mr Dube took him to his home at around 8pm.

“On 27 January 2021 at 2AM, Zulu’s mother summoned an ambulance which ferried him to Mpilo Central Hospital where he later died before admission. CID homicide attended the scene,” said Insp Ncube.

Soldiers Beat Up Policemen

By A Correspondent- Two Beitbridge policemen sustained injuries after they were allegedly assaulted by the recently deployed army commandos.

Detective Sergeant Albert Gonye and Detective Constable Kurai Marongere of the Criminal Investigations Department were tracking suspects believed to be stealing from haulage trucks when they were attacked and detained by a group of soldiers.

The officer commanding Beitbridge Police District, Chief Superintendent Tichaona Nyongo, however, denied that such an incident occurred.

But NewsDay is in possession of a letter written by the two detectives’ lawyers, which demanded to know the reasons for the pair’s assault and detention.

Lawyer Jabulani Mzinyathi of Garikai and Company law firm, in a letter copied to Nyongo district area prosecutor, and the officer in charge of Beitbridge police, demanded to know why the two police officers were detained without charge.

Gonye and Marongere were allegedly held for 13 hours at Beitbridge Police Station without charge.

Mzinyathi said Gonye sustained injuries when he was pushed against some objects.

He said the commandos, led by an army major and a captain, assaulted and disarmed the cops before deflating the tyres of their vehicles.

It is alleged that the two policemen were freed after Gonye demanded that he need to be treated for his injuries.

“Their arrest and subsequent detention was unlawful because there was no charge brought against them,” Mzinyathi said in the letter.

-newsday

High Court Judge Dies From Covid-19

By A Correspondent- High Court judge Justice Clement Phiri has died from COVID-19 related complications.

Justice Phiri died on Sunday night at his home in Marondera. He had tested positive for COVID-19 days earlier.

His family also tested positive for coronavirus recently had recovered.

Justice Phiri had part of his foot amputated last year but had recovered and was now preparing to get a shoe for the remaining part.

He was appointed to the High Court bench in September 2015 along with four other judges; Justice Jester Helena Charewa, Justice Tawanda Chitapi, Justice Davison Moses Foroma, Justice Nyaradzo Priscilla Munangati-Manongwa and Justice Edith Kuda Mushore.

Before his appointment as a judge, Justice Phiri worked as a senior lawyer in private practice.

More: The Herald

“Evacuate Low Lying Areas” Chitungwiza Municipality Tells Residents

By A Correspondent- Chitungwiza Municipality has urged residents whose homes were built in low-lying areas to evacuate as soon as possible.

The call comes after heavy rains pounded the area on Friday leading to the flooding of several homes in suburbs such as Seke Unit N Extension near ZAOGA, Seke Unit A Extension along Duri River, Seke Unit M, and the Pagomba area in Zengeza 4, as well as Manyame.

Chitungwiza acting town clerk Tonderai Kasu said:

On this basis as the municipality, we hereby strongly warn and urge those living in low-lying areas as well as those that built houses on wetlands, on riverbanks, on waterways and in streams to immediately evacuate now and without delay.

Meanwhile, Chitungwiza residents have accused land barons working with politicians of allocating residential stands in wetlands and on riverbanks.

Chitungwiza Residents and Ratepayers Association chairperson Arthur Taderera claimed that local politicians’ wont to illegally parcel out stands during election periods is the root cause of the problem.

He said:

Some of the stands were supposed to be allocated by council, but the houses are not in the council database and they were built on wetlands, and have no drainage systems.

–newsday

ZACC Investigates Pharmacies Charging Exorbitant Prices On Drugs That Alleviate Covid-19

By A Correspondent- The Zimbabwe Anti-Corruption Commission (ZACC) says it is investigating some errant pharmacies and health facilities that receive foreign currency allotted on the Reserve Bank of Zimbabwe auction facility to import drugs to alleviate COVID-19 symptoms but then sell the medicines at exorbitant prices in foreign currency.

ZACC spokesperson, Commissioner John Makamure said they have received numerous complaints from members of the public about the practice.

He said:

Medical supplies are one of those items that have been given priority in the allocation of foreign currency by the RBZ so the importers can bid at the auctions.

We have received complaints that some unscrupulous pharmacies were accessing the hard currency to procure COVID-19 drugs.

The drugs would be on shelves briefly. They would then de-shelve them and divert them onto the black market.

The government recently approved the use of Ivermectin, an anti-parasitic drug for “investigational” COVID-19 treatment.

This followed intense lobbying from some primary care physicians who argue that the fusion of Ivermectin and nanosilver was effective for palliative care for Covid patient.-statemedia

ZimStats Progresses On Census Mapping

By A Correspondent- Zimstat spokesperson, Mercy Chidemo said they have so far made significant progress in census mapping since they were granted essential service status.

Said Chidemo:

Currently, the Census mapping is ongoing and we have managed to map 45 per cent of the wards in Zimbabwe.

The census questionnaire and enumerator manual were adopted and approved by stakeholders.

We are now finalising the development of the data collection system.

We are doing our best to ensure the attainment of a successful and credible census.

Chidemo added that Zimstat has computerised data collection and processing and this will ensure the availability of oof census results in six months after data collection, rather than 12 months.

She said:

We have computerised data collection and processing. We will be using Computer Assisted Personal Interviewing. Census results will be available six months after data collection.

Prior to this data collection was paper-based hence census results were being published as late as 24 months after data collection.

USD Toll Fee: Government Ambushes Road Users

31 January 2021.

In November 2020, the government of Zimbabwe through ZINARA raised toll fees by 170% from 45 RTGS to 120 RTGS. Before 60 days have lapsed, the government has further increased the toll fees by a further 38 percent from 120RTGS to 165 RTGS. All these increaments are a burden on the traveller whose income continues to be depleted by the day. To further compound the woes for the traveling poor masses, the government has legalised the collection of toll fees in USD capped by a prouncement that Toll fees will automatically increase in RTGS terms as and when the exchange rate changes upwards.

The MDC Alliance appreciates that under such COVID-19 induced lockdown conditions, most travellers are civil servants in essential service. It therefore goes against logic that civil servants whose salaries are RTGS based and have not been increased to match the Pre RTGS era are the same salaries that are supposed to sustain Toll fees that have now been pegged to match the time when the country was under the USD era.
What evades the mind of policy makers is the reality that the auction rate is reported to be stagnant for the past 6 months and therefore it remains buffling to have an increament of close to 200 percent compound in less than 60 days.

Transport remains a critical component in the cost build up of any business. Where toll fees are increased, fuel equally increased, it therefore means that the landed costs of any product or service rises by an equal measure and is borne by the consumer.

The government if it had people at heart would realise that the very same consumer is locked down and their means of income is very limited.
The MDC Alliance calls on the government to head the call of labour unions across the labour spectrum and align salaries to pre October 2018 when they were USD based.

If the government sees it fit to align costs such as toll fees to the USD era, certainly income should follow suit.
What is more painstaking is that while travellers pay such huge amounts through toll fees, reports of corruption and looting of funds at ZINARA continue unabated yet our roads continue to delapidate with government quick to blame Local Authorities who are no where near revenue collection of road user funds.

In a functional democracy, faced with such heartless and unreasonable astronomic increase in toll fees, motorists would drive into highways and park their cars enmasse blocking all highways until government becomes sensible and realistic to the economic challenges facing all of us.
Unfortunately ours is an authoritarian dictatorship where freedom of expression is met by bullets flying at 45 degrees.

Hon Settlement Chikwinya (MP)
MDC Alliance
National Secretary for Transport and Logistics

Hon Chikwinya

Zanu PF Will Never Negotiate In Good Faith

By Jeffryson Chitando

2019 Article….has the situation changed?

“Don’t break a bird’s wings and tell it to fly.

Why then should you shoot unarmed civilians, arrest hundreds of MDC Alliance supporters and then call for dialogue?

In 2008, the Mugabe regime used the short sleeve and long sleeve crude tactic to enforce GNU talks —then is the so called new despensation different from the old?

Dr Joshua Nkomo had to flee -disguised as a pregnant woman during Gukurahundi.

Shiri ine murire wayo hairegi.

When praying with a hyena never close both eyes.Should you negotiate to free a trapped hungry lion?The economy has trapped the lion and now it’s demanding negotiations at gun point.

Don’t exploit people and expect them to stand on your side..Don’t play with people’s emotions and expect them to support your cause. You cannot expect to give bad things and receive good things.

Zanu PF must learn to do good things to the people.

Patriotic Papa JC speaks when things are not good

Chiwenga’s Ministry Says COVID Recovery Has Improved

 

Constantino Chiwenga

Zimbabwe’s Covid-19 recovery rate has improved to 76 percent and hopes are high that the recovery rate will further improve.

Last month the rate was as low as 54 percent when the country lost more lives than what it lost between March and December last year. The recovery rate on Saturday was at 76,2 percent and 489 recoveries were recorded countrywide.

The Ministry of Health and Child care says as of Saturday, there were 108 hospitalised Covid-19 positive patients. Of those admitted, five are in intensive care units.

“As at 30 January 2021, Zimbabwe had 33 273 confirmed cases, including 25 361 recoveries and 1 193 deaths,” said the Ministry.

Health experts have maintained that prevention measures for Covid-19 remain unchanged and it is up to people to act responsibly so that the spread of the killer disease is contained. Among the basic self-protection measures, people are urged to avoid unnecessary movements and stay at home.

If they have emergencies and have to go out, they should properly wear masks, keep a social distance of up to one metre, wash hands regularly and continually sanitise surfaces and hands

In a statement on Saturday, Acting President and Health and Child Care Minister Dr Constantino Chiwenga said the recovery rate had greatly improved.

While giving an update on the Covid-19 induced lockdown, Dr Chiwenga said that Government will soon be bringing in vaccines against the pandemic, with a roll out plan and deployment strategy being finalised.

“In a bid to curtail the spread of the virus, the Government has also extended the level 4 National Lockdown which started early January to February 15 amid fears of new Covid-19 variants in the country. Even though the numbers we are losing to the pandemic are falling, we bemoan the fact that Zimbabweans are dying at all. Any death is one death too many,” he said.

“The level 4 National Lockdown that came into force on the 5th of January 2021 has stabilised our situation. In relative terms and since the lockdown, the number of infections have been decreasing substantially. Equally, our recovery rate has gone up from an all-time low of 54 percent to 75 percent.”

This comes as the country recorded a decline in Covid-19 cases last week as of Friday with 1 945 weekly new cases as compared to 4 126 in the previous week.

Statistics from the Ministry show that last week the day with the highest number of new infections was on Tuesday with 358 cases.

Multiple variants of the virus that causes Covid-19 have been documented globally and experts are researching whether the new variants are causing severe symptoms and more deaths.

Last month, South Africa’s President Cyril Ramaphosa, Chairperson of the African Union, announced that the African Union had secured a provisional 270 million Covid-19 vaccine doses on behalf of its member states, through advance procurement commitment guarantees of up to US$2 billion to the manufacturers by the African Export-Import Bank.

This was a remarkable milestone in efforts to ensure equitable access to the vaccine for Africa’s people.

The World Health Organisation (WHO) says cases in its Africa region which excludes Morocco, Tunisia, Libya, Egypt, Sudan, Djibouti and Somalia have been increasing since the middle of September.

It added that “steeper increases have been observed since late November. “ WHO has since urged African nations to boost their surveillance of the virus to detect any mutations that may occur.

The Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) says one of these variants, originally detected in early October in neighbouring South Africa, shares some mutations with the variant detected in the UK.

There have been cases caused by the variant outside of South Africa and this variant seems to spread easier and quicker than other variants which experts say could be causing the upsurge of cases in Zimbabwe. -Chronicle

National Dialogue : Zanu PF Can’t Be Trusted

By Jeffryson Chitando

2019 Article….has the situation changed?

“Don’t break a bird’s wings and tell it to fly.

Why then should you shoot unarmed civilians, arrest hundreds of MDC Alliance supporters and then call for dialogue?

In 2008, the Mugabe regime used the short sleeve and long sleeve crude tactic to enforce GNU talks —then is the so called new despensation different from the old?

Dr Joshua Nkomo had to flee -disguised as a pregnant woman during Gukurahundi.

Shiri ine murire wayo hairegi.

When praying with a hyena never close both eyes.Should you negotiate to free a trapped hungry lion?The economy has trapped the lion and now it’s demanding negotiations at gun point.

Don’t exploit people and expect them to stand on your side..Don’t play with people’s emotions and expect them to support your cause. You cannot expect to give bad things and receive good things.

Zanu PF must learn to do good things to the people.

Patriotic Papa JC speaks when things are not good

Jeffryson Chitando

ZRP Cops Beaten Up By Soldiers

Soldiers in training…file copy

 A Beitbridge lawyer has demanded full explanation of the alleged assault and illegal detention of two CID members by a group of commandos recently deployed to stop smuggling at the border post.

The cops who were on duty were assaulted last Thursday night and detained for 13 hours at Beitbridge Police Station without charge. According to a letter written by Advocate Jabulani Mzinyathi, the soldiers who are now in full control of security operations at the border found Detective Sergeant Albert Nyathi and Constable Kurai Marongere sitting in their cars parked outside the border post. The two produced their identity cards and proof that they were on duty starting at 430pm on Thursday to 7am on Friday.

Despite that, the soldiers who were led by a major and a captain assaulted, disarmed the cops and deflated their car before they took them to Beitbridge Police Station where an order was given for them to be detained. The Officer-in-charge obliged and detained the cops until 3pm the next day but he refused to place them in the cells because the soldiers allegedly failed to raise a charge against them.

Mzinyathi who is representing the two said their arrest and subsequent detention was unlawful because there was no charge brought against them. He demanded a full explanation of the incident and said he was preparing to sue.Mzinyathi’s letter was copied to the Officer-in-charge CID, Dispol and DPP.Sources told Two Nations that since the arrival of the soldiers, all Police officers and members of the Central Intelligence have been pushed out of the border operations and the post is being exclusively manned by soldiers from Harare.Recently one of the soldiers was allegedly arrested for robbery and this according to some sources angered the soldiers.Efforts to get a comment from national Police spokesperson Assistant Commissioner Paul Nyathi were fruitless. – Masvingo Mirror

Pharmacies Diverting RBZ Drugs To Black Market

drugs

Some pharmacies are allegedly diverting onto the black market drugs bought using foreign currency allotted on the Reserve Bank of Zimbabwe auction facility and then resold for much higher prices in foreign currency, with drugs that might be able to allieviate Covid-19 symptoms especially vulnerable to this scam.

These syndicates, which include pharmacies, and other health facilities demand payment in United States dollars despite the fact that they, or their importer or wholesaler, bought their currency at the auctions.

The Zimbabwe Anti-Corruption Commission (Zacc) is now investigating and if hard evidence of the practice is found several pharmaceutical importers and retailers could be arrested.

In an interview, Zacc spokesperson, Commissioner John Makamure, said their offices had been lately inundated with complaints and allegations of this practice.

“Medical supplies are one of those items that have been given priority in the allocation of foreign currency by the RBZ so the importers can bid at the auctions. We have received complaints that some unscrupulous pharmacies were accessing the hard currency to procure Covid-19 drugs.

“The drugs would be on shelves briefly. They would then de-shelve them and divert them onto the black market,” said Comm Makamure.

“The reports we are receiving are that some pharmacies, upon receiving RBZ auction proceeds they will insist on selling the drugs in foreign currency. The pharmacies are obviously taking advantage of spiralling of Covid-19 cases where more people are desperate.”

He said some of the drugs that have de-shelved but resurfaced on the black market include Ivermectin, an anti-parastic drug that is being studied to establish its efficacy in the treatment of Covid-19 symptoms, with Government having recently authorised its import for further studies.

Already the drug has been found on the black market in what Zacc suspects to have been a ploy by some unscrupulous pharmacies to cash-in from the Covid-19 spike.

Last week, the Government approved the use of the drug for “investigational” Covid-19 treatment following intense lobbying from some primary care physicians who argue that the fusion of Ivermectin and nanosilver was effective in caring for patients.

In her weekly Covid-19 update, chief cordinator of the national response to the Covid-19 pandemic in the Office of the President and Cabinet, Dr Agnes Mahomva, said the drug should only be administered and dispensed in controlled environments with strict monitoring to avoid wanton and indiscriminate prescription and dispensing of such medicines.

This approach would protect patients from unethical and unsafe doses, as well as counterfeit products, including veterinary Ivermectin.

There is no evidence as yet from a controlled scientific study that the drug does work, but the specific conditions now in place will at least ensure that patients do not come to harm while investigations continue.

Last week, Zacc opened investigations into laboratories and individuals accused of issuing certificates declaring a person free of Covid-19 without carrying out any tests, thus allowing potentially infected people to travel and interact with others, allowing the virus to spread.

There have been reports that at least one private laboratory and some State laboratories, or at least staff at these laboratories, have been issuing certificates and sets of fake results without doing the required test. Chronicle

One Dies As Road Collapses…

One person died on the spot when Chimanimani highway, known as the Skyline, collapsed as a vehicle was passing.

The collapse which happened just after Charter Bridge is being attributed to incessant rains.

Manicaland Provincial Roads Engineer Atherton Zindoga attributed the collapse to the incessant rains being received in the district and dismissed speculations of poor workmanship by the contractor. He explained:

There was an upstream river which changed its course of flow and forced its way underneath the road surface resulting in the collapse. The contractor did not work on this section because it was not affected what they just did was surfacing.

Our heartfelt condolences to the deceased’s family. As a ministry we are going to lobby for resources to monitor and inspect our roads so that if preventable, such incidents should not happen again and claim lives, said Zindoga.

The Skyline – Chimanimani highway, was commissioned by President Emmerson Mnangagwa in November last year following a post Cyclone Idai disaster reconstruction work by a local contractor.

The highway had survived recent tropical storms but collapsed after Charter Bridge resulting in the death of a person who was driving to Chimanimani.

ZBC News reports that the completion of the Jopa-Kopa highway has been delayed as a result of the incessant rains which are now causing landslides and diverting the flow of a number of rivers.

  • ZBC News

WATCH: What Value Does Mwonzora Bring Mnangagwa Since US Policy States Dougy Can’t Armtwist It?

Harare City FC Not Selling Franchise

A Harare City Football Club official has dismissed reports suggesting that the club will be disbanded.

Reports on social media this week claimed that the Sunshine Boys franchise will be sold due to viability challenges.

However, the club’s spokesperson Michael Chideme on Saturday told Soccer24 that the reports were unfounded. He said:

Harare City Football Club is intact. We do not have any talk of disbandment. The club is there to stay and to contribute to the development of football in Zimbabwe.

Look at what we have done, we have produced some gems in the national league and we have also exported some gems to Europe.

So the club will still be running and we are actually looking forward to the resumption of the local league season when the COVID-19 crisis is over.

Some Premier Soccer League (PSL) clubs are facing financial challenges as all football activities have been suspended since March last year due to COVID-19.

Apart from a few big clubs that are backed by sponsors, the rest of the PSL clubs depend on gate takings to fund their operations.

  • Soccer24
Harare City FC

Alan Moyo Detention – A Case Of Justice Denied

Full statement by Zimbabwe National Students Union (ZINASU) spokesman Donald Tatenda Marevanhema on the continued pre-trial detention of student leader Alan Moyo.

It is with great disappointment that we have received news that the high court has denied granting our fellow student leader Alan Moyo bail stating that his grounds of appeal were defective therefore bail was denied.

As a union, we would like to express our great displeasure over the ways in which the judiciary system is handling Alan Moyo’s case particularly the state prosecutors and judges.

It is important to note that justice delayed is no difference to justice denied, we are highly compelled by the fact that the state continues to take pleasure in holding Alan Moyo in the dungeons of terror despite the fact he hasn’t been proven guilty in any way.

Alan was and is still under arrest for simply demanding a better Zimbabwe, where the basic human fundamental rights are upheld, in the same context we are of opinion that the citizens’ demand for better quality life and democracy, is a demonstration that democracy cannot be viewed as only limited to elections and the exercise of civil and political rights.

Equally important is the quality of representation, better quality of life for citizens including respect for and protection of the totality of human rights.

We have spoken and we still speak, our position is the same we demand the immediate release of Alan Moyo from prison, unless or otherwise we are not to be heard we shall pursue other forms of engagement until justice is served and Alan experiences freedom.

ZINASU remains firmly determined in pursuing the vision of an inclusive and democratic Zimbabwe with students as integral stakeholders where students concerns are addressed and academic freedom upheld.

Alan Moyo

BREAKING: Multiple Sources Say ZANU PF Bigwig Tendai Savanhu Dies

Several sources have announced that former ZANU PF legislator for Mbare, Tendai Savanhu, has died aged 52.

Tendai Savanhu

The former Deputy Minister of  Lands and Rural Resettlement’s death was revealed by the spokesperson of the National Patriotic Front (NPF), Jealousy Mawarire who posted on Twitter saying: 

Receiving sad news that former Deputy Minister of  Lands and Rural Resettlement, Tendai Savanhu, is no more. MHDSRIP

Mr Savanhu is no more, a family source also told ZimEye.

They continued saying, the body has been taken by Nyaradzo Funeral Palour. They spoke to ZimEye just after midnight Monday morning.

Zim Ambassador To United Arab Emirates Dies

ZIMBABWE’S first Ambassador to the United Arab Emirates (UAE), Dr Jethro Ndombondayi Ndlovu, has died.

He was 66.

Acting Foreign Affairs and International Trade Minister Professor Amon Murwira said the late diplomat, who was posted to the UAE in 2019, died at a Harare hospital following a short illness.

“The late Ambassador Ndlovu died at a local hospital in Harare after a short illness,” said Prof Murwira in statement.

“Details of funeral arrangements will be communicated in due course.”

In 1984, he joined the Air Force of Zimbabwe Aeronautical Inspection Services as a vibration and balancing inspector.

He was later promoted to Officer Commanding Aircraft Servicing Squadron as a maintenance manager at Thornhill Air Force Base in 1986. He rose through the ranks to become quality assurance chief aeronautical inspector in 1996. He had a short stint at Northland Engineering and Falcon Air, where he worked as a technical manager and general manager respectively between 1996 and 1998.

Between May 1999 and 2002, he was the airport manager at the Victoria Falls International Airport before assuming the same post at the Robert Gabriel Mugabe International Airport.

He later became director of airports and business development at the Civil Aviation Authority of Zimbabwe (CAAZ) between 2012 and 2014 before leaving to join the Zimbabwe Mining Development Corporation (ZMDC) as general manager.

Ambassador Ndlovu’s death comes at a time when he was the major driving force of the Second Republic’s engagement drive in the UAE. The new political administration’s foreign policy has resulted in growing diplomatic and economic relations between Harare and Abu Dhabi.

His Highness Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan of UAE issued several federal decrees to establish the UAE Embassy in Harare in December 2018.

Trade between the two countries has been growing as a result. Figures from the Dubai Chamber of Commerce and Industry (DCCI), which were released during the UAE- Zim Food and Agribusiness Virtual Forum last week, show that the value of bilateral trade with UAE has increased from US$490 million in 2011 to nearly US$1 billion by 2019.

In his condolence message, ZANU PF Secretary for Administration Dr Obert Mpofu said the late Ambassador has left an indelible mark of distinction and loyalty to the nation.

“The ruling ZANU PF joins the rest of the nation in consoling His Excellency, the President of the Republic of Zimbabwe, President Mnangagwa, and the Ndlovu family following the untimely demise of Zimbabwe’s incumbent Ambassador to the United Arab Emirates, Cde Jethro Ndombondayi Ndlovu,” said Dr Mpofu.

“Ambassador Ndlovu’s passing on marks yet another unforeseen gloomy episode to our nation’s current Covid-19-induced devastations.

“The late Chief of Staff to Zimbabwe’s diplomatic corps in Dubai acquitted himself as a distinguished anti-colonial stalwart whose footprints in Zimbabwe’s national memory dates back to the days of our liberation struggle.

“The late diplomat’s test of unflinching loyalty to the nation also dates back to his diligent service to the nation after independence . . .
The Sunday Mail

S.A’s First Vaccine To Arrive On Monday

By A Correspondent- A plane carrying South Africa’s first batch of COVID-19 vaccines has left India and is expected to arrive in the country on Monday.

The development was announced by Sbu Ndebele, South Africa’s High Commissioner to India.

Ndebele said:

The shipment left Mumbai this morning, via Dubai and will arrive at OR Tambo International Airport tomorrow morning.

It is the most safely, highly guarded commodity and I can assure that there will be no danger of it being tampered.

Meanwhile, South Africa’s Health Minister, Zweli Mkhize, says one million doses will be arriving from the Serum Institute of India

Another Journalist Dies

By A Correspondent- The former head of Zimbabwe Broadcasting Services (ZBC)’s Radio One, now classic 263, Patrick Nyamhunga died.

Speaking on Nyamhunga’s death, veteran ZBC reporter, Reuben Barwe said local media has lost a patriot and hardworking man.

He said as one of the pioneers of programs on Zimbabwean history, culture and heritage, Patrick Nyavhunga modernised the media in independent Zimbabwe.

Details on the cause and place of death are still sketchy.

-statemedia