South Africa has revealed that illegal immigrants will also benefit from the rollout of the Covid-19 vaccine.
National Treasury director-general Dondo Mogajane said this during a virtual meeting between his department and the SA National Editors Forum on Wednesday afternoon.
“We are in SA and we have many millions of undocumented people and [we can’t say they shouldn’t receive the vaccine as they are undocumented]. The demand for the vaccine is going to be exceeded, and we are not going to turn away undocumented people…” said Mogajane – Sowetan
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Minister Of State For Midlands, Larry Mavima has dumped his own teenage daughter, who looks like him, and suddenly begun demanding a DNA test.
His denial comes after albeit acknowledging his daughter all this while and paying maintenance for her.
We connect to the minister and his daughter LIVE on ZimEye
Police in Bulawayo are looking for a woman who disappeared when the car she was driving caught fire in Cowdray Park suburb recently. The woman who was driving a Toyota Corolla registration number ACK 5634 disappeared soon after it caught fire on Saturday.
The Bulawayo Fire Brigade was called to the scene but by then the vehicle had been reduced to a shell.
The incident occurred just after the Cowdray Park rail level crossing and members of the public tried in vain to put out the fire using sand.
According to a witness who preferred not to be named, when the fire intensified, the woman driver abandoned the car and walked towards Cowdray Park suburb.
Bulawayo police spokesperson Inspector Abednego Ncube confirmed the incident and said police were trying to locate the driver of the car or the owner. He said they were also investigating whether the car was a stolen vehicle or not.
“Anyone who has information regarding the vehicle or the individual who was driving it should contact any nearest police station,” said Insp Ncube. -Chronicle
An alarming number of inmates have tested positive to Covid-19 at Mutimurefu, one of the largest prisons in the country, reliable sources have told The Mirror.
The sources told The Mirror that of the 150 prisoners tested so far, 110 are positive. The prisoners are being tested in batches of 75.
It is understood that 53 inmates tested positive on Wednesday last week while 57 tested positive three days ago (Sunday).
Provincial Covid-19 taskforce spokesperson Rodgers Irimayi confirmed the Wednesday figure and said that he was yet to get the Sunday figure.
Efforts by The Mirror to find out what arrangements is done to separate the affected prisoners from those who are free from the virus were futile. However, all of Zimbabweans’ prisons are overcrowded and this is a big problem in the fight against the pandemic. —Masvingo Mirror
Public hospitals can handle the Covid-19 case-load for free and there is no need for anyone to pay exorbitant fees demanded by private providers for Covid-19 testing and treatment.
Responding to concerns about the costs of private treatment, the Ministry of Health and Child Care said Government hospitals and other public institutions run by local authorities, including in Harare, Bulawayo, Gweru and Mutare were offering free testing and other services.
“Government is offering all services provided by private hospitals,” said the ministry’s spokesperson Mr Donald Mujiri. “Government is offering testing, admission, treatment surgery for Covid-19 patients, and in some cases follow-up.” .
Medical Superintendent at Gweru Provincial Hospital Dr Fabian Mashingaidze said Government institutions are admitting Covid-19 patients for free.
Gweru Provincial Hospital has one of the best Covid-19 patients centres partly-funded by a local private company.
“We are admitting patients for free and we have one of the best Covid-19 centre at the hospital after we received some funding. We also have ventilators at the centre and we have been admitting patients at our new facility,” said Dr Mashingaidze.
Some private hospitals are charging in excess of US$5 000 for admission of Covid-19 patients.On top of the fixed admission fees, the patients are required to pay an additional US$100 or more per day depending on the condition of the patient.
Most people say they prefer home-based care partly because of steep hospitalisation fees. Generally at least 85 percent of patients can be treated at home, with varying levels of hospital care needed for the rest.
“It is a very difficult situation which we are facing because for one to be accepted in a private hospital, you need to have at least US$3 000 cash upfront for non-Intensive Care Unit patients who are exhibiting Covid-19 symptoms and US$5 000 for those seeking ICU admission. The figures are just too high,” said Mr Edmore Nherera, who said he had a relative turned away after failing to fork out US$3 000.
“It is by God’s grace that my relative is recovering at home in isolation, but what about many who fail to raise such amounts. They are dying at home,” he said.
Another person who declined to be named said he was paying US$300 per day at a private hospital for a close relative.
Director for a leading private hospital in Gweru, Dr Josaya Tayi, said the charges were standard and were in tandem with many other private hospitals throughout the country.
“In the Midlands, we are actually the lowest, check with other private hospitals in Bulawayo and Harare and you will find out the money being charged by private hospitals in Midlands is low,” he defended their charges.
Dr Tayi said it was costly to attend to Covid-19 patients with personal protective equipment for an individual health official going for US$80.
“So imagine that figure of US$80 for a single medical staff and with over 10 medical staff at the institution, how much does that translate to? It’s very costly,” he said. -Herald
Four members of the Warriors delegation comprising two technical team members and two players remained quarantined in Yaounde, Cameroon, after testing positive for Covid-19.
The four include the head of delegation and Zifa executive committee member Bryton Malandule.
The rest of the squad arrived back home on Wednesday after a disastrous campaign in the Chan championships in which they lost all their group matches and became the first team to be knocked out of the tournament.
“Zifa confirms that four members of the Chan squad tested positive for Covid-19 and remained quarantined in Cameroon. Meanwhile, other members of the delegation are now in the country. We wish a quick recovery to the affected players and officials,” Zifa tweeted.
While the association did not name the affected members of the delegation, Chronicle Sport understands it is assistant coach Tonderayi Ndiraya, goalkeepers’ coach Zivanai Kawadza, players Qadr Amini and Farawo Matare.
It’s not yet clear how the quartet contracted the virus when the team was in a bubble before and during the tournament.
Fifteen members of the Warriors squad tested positive prior to departure for Cameroon with all but one being later cleared of the virus.
Upon arrival in Cameroon, they were subjected to further tests with none returning positive results.- Chronicle
Mr Douglas Mwonzora is now a “darling” of State publications raising questions about the agenda that informs the reportage.
See article below:
IN what has been described as a new era of collaborative and constructive opposition politics, MDC leader Mr Douglas Mwonzora has called for oneness in the fight against Covid-19.
Mr Mwonzora’s statement follows President Mnangagwa’s call for unity among Zimbabwe in the fight against Covid-19, a pestilence that has affected most families in the country regardless of political affiliation.
President Mnangagwa said the war of liberation was won on the basis of collective effort, adding that the ongoing pandemic would be defeated if all Zimbabweans played their part.
On his part, Mr Mwonzora, who leads the country’s biggest opposition party, urged Zimbabweans to come together in the fight against the global pandemic that has wreaked livelihoods and claimed lives on an unprecedented scale.
In a post on his social media pages, Mwonzora said the Covid-19 pandemic is a crisis that goes beyond political affiliations or personalities.
“We plead with the international community and all stakeholders to assist the Government to make sure that protective clothing is available to all our frontline workers, that protection, in the form of masks as well as sanitisers is made available to poor communities free of charge”.
“This pandemic knows no political affiliation, the fight against Covid-19 should never be politicised, we are all one in the fight against this pandemic. This is time for us as a people to come together and defeat this disease, obviously, this is not the time to score cheap political scores,” said Mr Mwonzora.
Mwonzora’s position signals a major shift in the opposition where some characters have in the past thrived on divisive politics of sabotaging Government to gain political mileage, albeit at the suffering of Zimbabweans.- The Herald
Mr Douglas Mwonzora is now a “darling” of State publications raising questions about the agenda that informs the reportage.
See article below:
IN what has been described as a new era of collaborative and constructive opposition politics, MDC leader Mr Douglas Mwonzora has called for oneness in the fight against Covid-19.
Mr Mwonzora’s statement follows President Mnangagwa’s call for unity among Zimbabwe in the fight against Covid-19, a pestilence that has affected most families in the country regardless of political affiliation.
President Mnangagwa said the war of liberation was won on the basis of collective effort, adding that the ongoing pandemic would be defeated if all Zimbabweans played their part.
On his part, Mr Mwonzora, who leads the country’s biggest opposition party, urged Zimbabweans to come together in the fight against the global pandemic that has wreaked livelihoods and claimed lives on an unprecedented scale.
In a post on his social media pages, Mwonzora said the Covid-19 pandemic is a crisis that goes beyond political affiliations or personalities.
“We plead with the international community and all stakeholders to assist the Government to make sure that protective clothing is available to all our frontline workers, that protection, in the form of masks as well as sanitisers is made available to poor communities free of charge”.
“This pandemic knows no political affiliation, the fight against Covid-19 should never be politicised, we are all one in the fight against this pandemic. This is time for us as a people to come together and defeat this disease, obviously, this is not the time to score cheap political scores,” said Mr Mwonzora.
Mwonzora’s position signals a major shift in the opposition where some characters have in the past thrived on divisive politics of sabotaging Government to gain political mileage, albeit at the suffering of Zimbabweans.- The Herald
A grandpa has vowed to die of sex despite depending on a catheter to relieve himself.
Sekuru Makiwa (78) of Hopley has gone to the extent of risking his life by removing the catheter in order to enjoy sex with his mistress.
For risking his life and engaging in sexual activity with his mistress, Sekuru Makiwa is at odds with his children.
He however, bared all to H-Metro, saying he would rather die having sex. So serious is the issue with him that he threatened to take his life if he is denied conjugal services.
“My wife Annah Takaendesa passed on in 2013. After my wife’s death, my children want me to desist from having sex with my second wife.
“I am now looking for poison so that I drink it and die so that it becomes the end nekuti mwana haangapinde mugumbeze mangu achiti hamungaroore mumwe mukadzi.
I did not divorce my wife, but she died,” he said.
He said besides enjoying conjugal rights, his new wife cares for him.
“I need someone who will care for me, one who will do laundry for me, one who will wipe me if I soil my clothes. Up to when are they (children) going to be cleaning my soiled clothes?” he asked.
He said his mistress was always begging the children to accept her in the family.
“She (his mistress) always asks my only son to ask his sisters in South Africa to accept her first so that she can come back.- H- Metro
Tinashe Sambiri| MDC Alliance leader, President Nelson Chamisa has said every citizen has the right to be granted bail.
According to President Chamisa, pretrial detention of political activists is ” persecution by prosecution.”
” It is a constitutional right for every citizen to be granted bail.We’re hopeful that
@JobSikhala1
,Allan
will be granted bail. Pre trial detention is persecution by prosecution.#FreeAllanMoyo #FreeJobSikhala.”
He also said COVID-19 awareness messages should be written in local languages:
This is excellent! We shall do more to encourage use of local
anguages to communicate to all Zimbabweans. Let this be the national rhythm. A people’s default setting is their own culture and language!!”
He also wrote a message of encouragement to MDC Alliance spokesperson Advocate Fadzayi Mahere:
“It is well! Keep leading and stay strong.. Victory is our next story!”
Tinashe Sambiri| MDC Alliance leader, President Nelson Chamisa has said every citizen has the right to be granted bail.
According to President Chamisa, pretrial detention of political activists is ” persecution by prosecution.”
” It is a constitutional right for every citizen to be granted bail.We’re hopeful that
@JobSikhala1
,Allan
will be granted bail. Pre trial detention is persecution by prosecution.#FreeAllanMoyo #FreeJobSikhala.”
He also said COVID-19 awareness messages should be written in local languages:
This is excellent! We shall do more to encourage use of local
anguages to communicate to all Zimbabweans. Let this be the national rhythm. A people’s default setting is their own culture and language!!”
He also wrote a message of encouragement to MDC Alliance spokesperson Advocate Fadzayi Mahere:
“It is well! Keep leading and stay strong.. Victory is our next story!”
MASVINGO – An alarming number of inmates have tested positive to Covid19 at Mutimurefu, one of the largest prisons in the country.
Sources told The Mirror that of the 150 prisoners tested so far, 110 are positive. The prisoners are being tested in batches of 75.
It is understood that 53 inmates tested positive on Wednesday last week while 57 tested positive three days ago (Sunday).
Provincial Covid-19 taskforce spokesperson Rodgers Irimayi confirmed the Wednesday figure and said that he was yet to get the Sunday figure.
Efforts by The Mirror to find out what arrangements is done to separate the affected prisoners from those who are free from the virus were futile.
However, all of Zimbabweans’ prisons are overcrowded and this is a big problem in the fight against the pandemic.
Credit: Masvingo Mirror
Tinashe Sambiri|The bail application hearing for MDC Alliance vice chairperson, Hon Job Sikhala has been reserved to Monday February 1.
Hon Sikhala will be further remanded at Chikurubi Maximum Prison pending the bail ruling.
“The High Court Judge has reserved judgement on Hon Job Wiwa Sikhala bail application to Monday 01 February 2021. After 20 days of pre-trial incarceration, Hon Sikhala will be further remanded at Chikurubi Maximum Prison awaiting ruling.
Zimbabwean journalist Hopewell Chin’ono has been granted bail by the High Court ending his 20 day incarceration at Chikurubi Maximum Prison. Bail conditions the same as his first case plus an additional ZWL $20,000. @daddyhope is expected to be released later today,” MDC Alliance said in a statement.
First published in 2020
Joint release by the World Health Organization, United for Global Mental Health and the World Federation for Mental Health
Mental health is one of the most neglected areas of public health.
Close to 1 billion people are living with a mental disorder, 3 million people die every year from the harmful use of alcohol and one person dies every 40 seconds by suicide. And now, billions of people around the world have been affected by the COVID-19 pandemic, which is having a further impact on people’s mental health.
Yet, relatively few people around the world have access to quality mental health services. In low- and middle-income countries, more than 75% of people with mental, neurological and substance use disorders receive no treatment for their condition at all. Furthermore, stigma, discrimination, punitive legislation and human rights abuses are still widespread.
The limited access to quality, affordable mental health care in the world before the pandemic, and particularly in humanitarian emergencies and conflict settings, has been further diminished due to COVID-19 as the pandemic has disrupted health services around the world.
Primary causes have been infection and the risk of infection in long-stay facilities such as care homes and psychiatric institutions; barriers to meeting people face-to-face; mental health staff being infected with the virus; and the closing of mental health facilities to convert them into care facilities for people with COVID-19.
Move for mental health: let’s invest
That’s why, for this year’s(2020) World Mental Health Day, WHO, together with partner organizations, United for Global Mental Health and the World Federation for Mental Health, is calling for a massive scale-up in investment in mental health.
To encourage public action around the world, a World Mental Health Day campaign, Move for mental health: let’s invest will kick off in September.
“World Mental Health Day is an opportunity for the world to come together and begin redressing the historic neglect of mental health,” said Dr Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, Director-General of the World Health Organization.
“We are already seeing the consequences of the COVID-19 pandemic on people’s mental well-being, and this is just the beginning. Unless we make serious commitments to scale up investment in mental health right now, the health, social and economic consequences will be far-reaching.”
During the past few months, the World Health Organization has issued, in collaboration with partners, guidance and advice on mental health for health workers and other frontline workers, managers of health facilities, and people of all ages whose lives have changed considerably as a result of the pandemic.
With the disruption in health services, countries are finding innovative ways to provide mental health care, and initiatives to strengthen psychosocial support have sprung up. Yet, because of the scale of the problem, the vast majority of mental health needs remain unaddressed.
The response is hampered by chronic under-investment in mental health promotion, prevention and care for many years before the pandemic.
Countries spend just 2% of their health budgets on mental health
Countries spend on average only 2% of their health budgets on mental health.
Despite some increases in recent years, international development assistance for mental health has never exceeded 1% of all development assistance for health.
This is despite the fact that for every US$ 1 invested in scaled-up treatment for common mental disorders such as depression and anxiety, there is a return of US$ 5 in improved health and productivity.
Credit:WHO
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Following the headline of the herald on 27th of January 2021 titled, “ZACC Probes Covid-19 tests scam” and a further social media posting of Yvonne who claim that Lancet is faking COVID-19 results. As an ICT professional COVID-19 testing should be database based and no need for one to provide paper evidence as proof for COVID test.
Lancet is one of the few organised testing institutions in Zimbabwe. The process that they follows included:-
1. You are given a request form which you need to fill in all your your details. 2. The process involves a drive through system where you are sanitised and told to wear your mask at all times and stay in your motor vehicle, you are tested in your own motor vehicle and in cases where one does not have a motor vehicle there is room for client to be tested by a Lancet worker wearing Personal Protective Equipments (PPEs) to protect both the visitor and the tester.3. A cashier approaches you for payment after you finish fill your requisition form, at every stage every lancet employee identifies himself.4. You are directed to where your PCR or Rapid sample is to be collected within Lancet 5. after collection you are released.6. When a patient leaves the cashier almost their details are saved into computer database the system.7. The test is done in the following TATs : Urgents 4-6 hours, Routine 6-12 hours, Outstations 24-48 hours 8. only urgent will be for Hospitals Patients . clients with COVID-19 symptoms and those with urgent travels provided proof of travel submitted9. when test is complete result processed you are required to bring your ID and receipt for proof of payment.
Surely there has to be way where all results should be in a computerised database (cloud computing) that should be access at every port of enter, exit, hospital, clinic and every health institution and this should prevent the presentation of fake results and presentation of any other results that are not genuine.
Regards
Engineer Jacob Kudzayi Mutisi
Ministry of Primary and Secondary Education
PRESS RELEASE – 2021 SCHOOL CALENDAR 26 JANUARY, 2021
It has come to the attention of the Ministry of Primary and Secondary Education that a fake social media report claiming that Government will open schools on 15 February 2021 in order to administer non-voluntary Covid-19 vaccine injections on learners and teachers is circulating.
The Ministry of Primary and Secondary Education takes this opportunity to advise its valued learners, parents, guardians, teachers and other stakeholders, that contrary to that fake social media report, the 2021 School Calendar for all primary and secondary schools will be announced in due course, hence schools remain closed until an official announcement is made through the Ministry’s usual official methods of communication.
The Ministry reinforces the wearing of face masks, physical distancing as well as handwashing to prevent the spread of COVID-19 in all school centres as preparations continue for the safe opening of schools and the accelerated implementation of teaching and learning activities.
The Ministry remains committed to the provision of quality, relevant, equitable, inclusive and wholesome education for all Zimbabweans and any communication will be cascaded through the proper channels and structures.
By A Correspondent- A whizkid from Harare’s private school St Georges College attained 20 points in the recently published Cambridge A-Level examination results, ZTN News reports.
According to the publication, Garikayi Gijima who in 2019 came top in the world for A Level Mathematics scored A* in the following subjects:
Speaking to the publication, Gijima said staying focused during the pandemic was challenging. He also said St Georges also had a 100% pass rate and a number of his friends had straight As.
Meanwhile, ZIMSEC is yet to publish Grade 7 form 4 and A-Level examination results. ARTUZ is urging teachers to boycott marking examinations because of the ongoing pandemic.
By Wilbert Mukori- Mnangagwa and Zanu PF do not like anything that threatens the regime’s iron grip on power.
The soaring numbers of corona virus cases and deaths in Zimbabwe have been an eye opener for many Zimbabweans. Until three weeks ago, Zimbabwe continued to boast of having some of the lowest per capita corona virus cases and deaths in the region.
Whilst SA had 1 million corona virus cases 25 000 death at the start of 2021. One would expect Zimbabwe’s figures to be roughly 1/4 those of SA given the heavy human traffic between the two countries. Instead of 250 000 cases and 6 000 deaths Zimbabwe had 13 000 cases and 380 deaths!
The last three weeks have seen the number of corona virus cases and deaths in Zimbabwe soar; the hospitals were being overwhelmed. And yet, officially, Zimbabwe’s corona virus cases and deaths remained very low. It is little wonder that Zimbabweans have started to ask some searching questions and demanding to know what the hell is going on?
Zimbabwe’s official covid-19 cases and deaths and the real figures on the ground simply do not make any sense!
“We must stand together arm in arm holding each and one another like a united people,” Mnangagwa told the nation.
He did not need to say anything more, we all know what he was not saying: “Those questioning the government’s reports and handling of the corona virus pandemic are threatening national unity and they will be punished!”
The social media ruckus on corona virus cases and deaths died down as if one had used a whole tanker to put out a campfire! Zimbabweans have, once again, been cowed into silence. They are doing what they have always done; grit their teeth and suffer in silence and bury their dead along the way.
This time, they will have a hell lot more heart breaking suffering and a hell lot more dead to bury because 40 years of Zanu PF misrule has left Zimbabwe weak and feeble and ill prepared to deal with the corona virus pandemic. And Zanu PF’s blundering incompetence since the pandemic outbreak has only made the situation worse!
The IMF, WB and other financial institutions and nations have refused to grant Zimbabwe debt relief and have cut their financial and material aid to the country for two very good reasons:
The bottomline is Zimbabwe is a Banana Republic ruled by corrupt and incompetent leaders who think they have the divine right to govern. The country is a pariah state hence the economic mess, with the economy in ruins and millions of our people living into abject poverty; and political paralysis, as both Zanu PF and MDC leaders have proven to be corrupt and incompetent.
Mnangagwa, just like Mugabe before him, is using fear of brute force to subdue the people and stop them demanding competent and accountable government.
Unity does not mean the people giving up their freedoms and rights including the right to free, fair and credible elections and even the right to life.
The corona virus pandemic has brought home the heavy price Zimbabwe is paying for the 40 years of corrupt and tyrannical Zanu PF rule, the country was in economic ruins and ill-prepared before the virus outbreak. And, unless people grits their teeth and end this nonsense of tyrannical dictatorship masquerading as unity, the years ahead are going to be the toughest yet the nation has ever seen.
For the last 40 years Zimbabweans have cowed down to Zanu PF’s cowardly threats only to see the regime, emboldened, follow this with shocking acts of brutality.
Mugabe and his Zanu PF cronies let it be known that the country’s bush war would continue if the party lost the 1980 elections. And so the people voted to end the war, at least they thought so.
Mugabe had wanted a one-party state in Zimbabwe and in 1983 he seized his chance and launched the Gukurahundi massacre – the war the people had dreaded and against defenceless civilians and launch from the comfort of Army barracks and not the bush!
“Those who give up liberty for a little temporary safety neither deserve liberty nor safety,” said Benjamin Franklin, one of America’s founding fathers.
“We must stand together, a united people. Or dare otherwise and be damned!”
We in Zimbabwe gave up our freedoms and rights for peace and development but after 40 years of this Banana Republic, with over 30 000 innocent civilians murdered in cold blood and over 50% of the population now living in abject poverty; there is no denying it that we were cheated.
Many have not even learned the lesson – in this instance, that holding this Zanu PF regime to democratic account will force the regime to focus on the corona virus challenges or else boot them out of office will save many Zimbabweans from unnecessary covid-19 suffering and deaths!
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By A Correspondent- The local currency depreciated by almost a percentage point on Tuesday in an auction which failed to make allotments on all qualified bids. The Zimbabwe dollar was quoted at 82.6756 after depreciating 0.716% from 82.0833 last week while the black-market rates held steady within the 105-115 range as most formal retailers have adopted black market rates in their operations.
N Richards Wholesalers are operating on 112, pharmacies at 110 while Simbisa in stores are at 100 as concerns continue being raised about the crawling peg at the auction.
According to data from the Reserve Bank of Zimbabwe, combined bids were at a record 500 but only 73% of that received allotments. The total value of bids accepted was at US$39.8 million but only 70% or US$28 million was allotted. The main auction had US$26.04 million and allocations while the SMEs received US$1.97 million.
There was a cut-off of bids at 82, which was the lowest accept rate. The lowest bid rate was at 80. The highest bid rate was at $87 recorded at the Main auction. The difference between the highest and lowest bid moved to 6.10% from 8.75% at the last auction. The average weighted rate is now 4.97% lower than the highest bid from 5.65% due to the currency’s appreciation towards the highest bid. The difference between the parallel market rate (of 110) and the average weighted rate is at 28.62%.
Raw Materials continued to be the biggest benefactor as they were allotted US$12.96 mln although this was below last week’s US$15.6 mln. Machinery and Equipment was allotted US$4.6 mln, with Fuel, Gas and Electricity, Consumables, Retail and Distribution, Pharmaceuticals and Chemicals and Services receiving amounts above US$1 mln, with Paper and Packaging getting lower.
Meanwhile, in its weekly Reserve Money update, the Reserve Bank noted that Government deposits with the bank were up by $1.37 billion. This signifies a huge withdrawal of liquidity from banks. Coupled with a net sale of foreign exchange by the Bank, reserve money fell by $1.02 billion to $19.73 billion in the week ending 15 January.
The Zipit buying rate was oscillating around 107-109 while the selling price for traders ranged between 113-117 for large amounts. Mobile money rates were quoted at 103 for both One Money and Ecocash transactions.
Cryptocurrencies are currently on a bear run as Ethereum retreated from its all-time high in the week as it lost 4.91% to $1 284.95. Bitcoin was down 2.40% to $31 750.50 as it continues to shy away from the record $40 000 level. Bitcoin Cash eased 2.89% to $423.41.
-finx
By A Correspondent- A Bulawayo man last week allegedly assaulted his wife with stones and booted feet in a bushy area over an undisclosed misunderstanding leading to her death.
Bulawayo provincial police spokesperson, Inspector Abednico Ncube confirmed the incident.
The accused, Craig Walters (43) allegedly killed his wife Merilyn Walters (38) on January 24. Both lived in Trenance.
“Allegations are that on January 24, Walters was with his wife Merilyn at a bushy area behind Number Two Bulawayo Drive, in Trenance, when they had a misunderstanding over an undisclosed issue.
Walters then assaulted his wife with stones, fists and booted feet and left her lying on the ground helpless, before proceeding to his place of residence,” Ncube said.
He said on the same day at night, Walters took his children aged 18 and 14 years to the bushy area and they carried Merilyn home.
Their daughter phoned her uncle to notify him about the critical condition of her mother.
The uncle reported the matter to the police who, upon arrival at the Walters residence, found Merilyn dead.
Ncube said the police, who attended to the scene, discovered that the deceased had injuries all over her body and her clothes were soaked in blood.-Newsday
By A Correspondent- A 78 year old grandpa from Hopley is putting his life in danger by stubbornly continuing to have sex.
According to H-Metro, Sekuru Makiwa who suffers from urinary incontinence has refused to heed medical advice for him to stop having sexual relations. In fact, Sekuru Makiwa has gone as far as removing his catheter in order for him to continue having sex with his mistress.
Unsurprisingly, this issue did not go down well with his children who responded by chasing the mistress away. This has led to the septuagenarian threatening to kill himself if he is denied conjugal services.
Narrating his troubles with his children over his sex life, Sekuru Makiwa told H-Metro,
“My wife Annah Takaendesa passed on in 2013. After my wife’s death, my children want me to desist from having sex with my second wife.
“I am now looking for poison so that I drink it and die so that it becomes the end nekuti mwana haangapinde mugumbeze mangu achiti hamungaroore mumwe mukadzi.
“These children chased her away.”
Sekuru Makiwa appealed to his children for them to accept his mistress and welcome her into the family because he needs someone to take care of him.
“I need someone who will care for me, one who will do laundry for me, one who will wipe me if I soil my clothes. Up to when are they (children) going to be cleaning my soiled clothes?” he asked.
Sekuru Makiwa also reminisced of his younger days when he had many lovers.
“Haa ndoraive basa redu iroro. Ndozvataifarira chaizvo. Whenever I was not accepted by any girl, I would firmly inform her that my ancestral spirits did not accept a witch in their clan.
“The next time I would come across the girl, she would readily accept to be in love with me.”
The septuagenarian said that his generation was lucky that at the time they were in their prime, there were not as many venereal diseases.
-statemedia
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By A Correspondent- Two security guards from strike company were yesterday jailed 16 months by a Guruve magistrate for stealing herbicides and fertilizers from a farmer who they were providing security services.
Kenton Mupaushe (26) and Donny Matiti pleaded guilty to the charges before magistrate Geraldine Mutsotso.
The court heard that during the period extending from January 2 to 22 the duo was on guard at Plot 1 Stockwell farm in Mvurwi.
The two hatched a plan to steal herbicides and fertilizers from the plot owner Diana Danai Saungweme.
They stole 6 x 50 kilograms of fertilizers and sold 4 to Solomon Marimana, another one to Clever Homani while the remaining one was applied in the guards’ field.
On a separate date, the convicts unlocked a tobacco barn and stole a 20 litre Nato herbicide which they sold to Solomon Marimana.
Working on a tip-off the police intercepted the duo trying to steal some fertilizers using the same modus operandi.
Upon being interviewed by the police they revealed how they stole the inputs and where they sold them.
Some of the loot was recovered and was used as an exhibit in court.
By A Correspondent- The Ministry of Lands, Agriculture, Water and Rural Resettlement has changed its name to Lands, Agriculture, Fisheries, Water and Rural Resettlement after the setting up of a new department aimed at preparing and implementing a Comprehensive National Fisheries Industry Development Plan.
The new department is named Fisheries and Aquatic Resources. An update from the ministry this afternoon revealed that President Mnangagwa approved the setting up of the new ministry.
“The department will formulate and implement Fisheries Research and Development Programme, formulate and enforce laws, rules and regulations governing the management of fisheries; among many other functions.
“The Fisheries and Aquatic Resources department will also provide extensive development support services in all aspects of fisheries production, processing and marketing and promoting proper utilisation and conservation of the country’s fisheries and aquatic resources,” read the statement.-statemedia
By A Correspondent- Zimbabwe’s prominent and foremost heart specialist physician Professor James Gita Hakim has died from Covid 19 related complications.
He was a professor of medicine and past chair of the UZ Medical School.
As reports of his death filtered yesterday, there was outpouring of grief as the medical fraternity paid tribute to Dr Hakim.
Mr Samkange, veteran surgeon and director of the UZ Institute of Continuing Health Education (ICHE) described Dr Hakim’s death as a huge blow to the country.
“Today we lost Professor James Gita Hakim. Professor Hakim was an exceptional Physician. He was an exceptional medical doctor, fantastic diagnostician and easily caring for his patients deeply but never hesitating to ask if we could not do better. He was a committed teacher, never thinking that one could do too much for the students; a mentor whose commitment to the development of the trainees will take some passing. He was a natural researcher: unique in that he wanted every colleague to reach their full potential.
He wrote so many papers, was respected and cherished in the region, the continent and the world over. He founded organisations and institutions that developed Medicine, our country and our continent. Though he had to leave his native Sudan at a young age, he never forgot it in his works AND he did a lot more for Zimbabwe than some of us. He will be remembered as a giant, so humble, so towering and yet so down to earth and shattering relevant.
He has left a void thst will be so difficult to feel. Our heartfelt gratitude to his family for sharing him with us; we pray that they are comforted in this very arduous time.”
Said Dr Norman Matara:
“We have lost a great professor of medicine, a teacher, researcher, and above all a humble and good person.
“This is a huge loss for the nation. Go well professor, your contribution to science and medicine will forever be invaluable – broken heart.”
Dr Hakim studied medicine at the University of Makerere in Uganda and specialised in internal medicine in Kenya, UK, Germany, Australia and South Africa.-statemedia
Chelsea have appointed Thomas Tuchel as their new head coach.
Tuchel is replacing Frank Lampard who was sacked on Monday following a string of poor results. He joins the London-based side on 18-month contract.
The German’s appointment comes just a month after his departure at PSG.
In a statement, the Blues said: “Thomas Tuchel has been appointed as the new Chelsea Head Coach.
“He moves to Stamford Bridge following a two-and-a-half year spell at French champions Paris Saint-Germain, which came to an end last month.
“He will be the first German to manage Chelsea and arrives having guided PSG to four major honours and the Champions League final during his time in the French capital.”
Tuchel has coached also in the Bundesliga, first with Mainz, where he led them into the Europa League, and then a successful period with Borussia Dortmund where he won the German Cup.
His first assignment could be against Wolves in the EPL on Wednesday.-Soccer 24 Zimbabwe
Tinashe Sambiri|Vibrant teachers union, ARTUZ has accused Mr Emmerson Mnangagwa’s administration of being cruel and insensitive to the plight of civil servants.
ARTUZ has urged its members to distance themselves from the marking of exams- citing lack of proper measures to prevent the spread of the deadly Coronavirus.
According to ARTUZ teachers are dying after being exposed to COVID-19 while marking Grade 7 exams.
“We are mourning teachers who are dying after contracting COVID19 virus marking Grade 7 exams.
This morning a teacher died at Chinhoyi hospital, he marked at Jameson in Kadoma. Now we are pushing more trs to die? This gvt is cruel! Other departments have reduced to 10%, why teachers?
We appeal to teachers to distance themselves from marking O & A level exams. Its a death trap. Some of our colleagues who marked Gr 7 exams are succumbing to Cov19.
We know teachers are hungry and desperate let’s resist the temptation & live to fight for better salaries.#SaveOurEducationZW,” ARTUZ posted on Twitter.
Own Correspondent| Controversial Masvingo preacher Isaac Makomichi is in a tight spot after a lady called Nyengeterai claimed she caught him having sex with her sister who is a school head.
Nyengeterai claimed Makomichi and her sister failed to pay her US $ 100 as per their agreement so that she would not disclose the secret.
Nyengeterai says she is ready to spill the beans.
“My sister invited Makomichi to our place.
I then went to my room and
I was suprised to hear Makomichi talking to my sister.
After a while I heard my sister moaning and Makomichi started calling her name.
I then went to the room they were in and found my sister lying unconscious on top of him.
My sister then woke up and apologised. She said she would give me 100 US per month for 2 years.
I kept quite but now she is accusing me of having an affair with her new boyfriend. she is not paying me as per our agreement,” Nyengeterai said.
Makomichi is also being criticised for “distrubuting” love charms to the late Mitchelle Moana Amuli.
Makomichi’s personal assistant said she was unaware of the said incident.
By A Correspondent- The Private sector has reportedly pledged to meet the cost of vaccinating their employees.
The state media reported that sources that attended the meeting between business leaders and president Mnangagwa yesterday said the private sector pledged to purchase twice their vaccination needs.
According to the publication:
As part of a National Comprehensive COVID-19 Response, the Private Sector agreed to embark in a new chapter of a science-driven health sector reform management policy framework. The Private Sector offered to pay for twice its requirements and make available 50% of this to Government for high priority public sector use in this joint effort to tackle the pandemic
This came after the Ministry of Health officials told parliament on Monday the Russia and China have offered Zimbabwe vaccines they have developed. Health officials also said MPs,
-statemedia
Marvelous Nakamba has been linked with another surprise transfer from Aston Villa in the current transfer window.
The Zimbabwean has in the past months been a target of Galatasaray and now, Spanish side Valencia has also expressed interest in the midfielder.
According to El Mercantil Valenciano via Sport Witness, the La Liga strugglers will turn their attention to Nakamba if they fail to sign Lucas Torreira.
Torreira is on loan at Atletico Madrid from Arsenal but has found game time hard to come. He has featured in just nine league matches, starting two and with one goal to his name.
The same has also been happening to Nakamba who only have two league starts at Villa this season.
However, his performance in Villa’s 2-0 over Newcastle United could mean a move away is highly unlikely despite the impending arrival of Morgan Sanson from Olympique Marseille, who is replacing Conor Hourihane who joined Swansea City on loan.- Soccer 24 Zimbabwe
Tino Kadewere has reached another peak as he is now the best performing player in the French Ligue 1, according to French outlet L’Equipe’s average match ratings.
The Lyon striker achieved the feat following his two goals in weekend’s 5-0 victory against St Etienne FC.
He had last found the back of the net in the Matchday 17 encounter against Nantes before the Christmas break. The brace was his second at Lyon and now has nine league goals plus three assists this season.
Kadewere has featured in 20 out of 21 matches, featuring for 1304 minutes thus far.
The recognition, meanwhile, comes in the 24-year old’s debut season in the Ligue 1.- Soccer 24 Zimbabwe
Tinashe Sambiri| MDC Alliance leader, President Nelson Chamisa has said every citizen has the right to be granted bail.
According to President Chamisa, pretrial detention of political activists is ” persecution by prosecution.”
” It is a constitutional right for every citizen to be granted bail.We’re hopeful that
@JobSikhala1
,Allan
will be granted bail. Pre trial detention is persecution by prosecution.#FreeAllanMoyo #FreeJobSikhala.”
He also said COVID-19 awareness messages should be written in local languages:
This is excellent! We shall do more to encourage use of local
anguages to communicate to all Zimbabweans. Let this be the national rhythm. A people’s default setting is their own culture and language!!”
He also wrote a message of encouragement to MDC Alliance spokesperson Advocate Fadzayi Mahere:
“It is well! Keep leading and stay strong.. Victory is our next story!”
Chelsea have appointed Thomas Tuchel as their new head coach.
Tuchel is replacing Frank Lampard who was sacked on Monday following a string of poor results. He joins the London-based side on 18-month contract.
The German’s appointment comes just a month after his departure at PSG.
In a statement, the Blues said: “Thomas Tuchel has been appointed as the new Chelsea Head Coach.
“He moves to Stamford Bridge following a two-and-a-half year spell at French champions Paris Saint-Germain, which came to an end last month.
“He will be the first German to manage Chelsea and arrives having guided PSG to four major honours and the Champions League final during his time in the French capital.”
Tuchel has coached also in the Bundesliga, first with Mainz, where he led them into the Europa League, and then a successful period with Borussia Dortmund where he won the German Cup.
His first assignment could be against Wolves in the EPL on Wednesday.-Soccer 24 Zimbabwe
FC Platinum have announced the re.-signing of Donald Ngoma.
Ngoma has been clubless since being released by Tanzanian side Azam FC in June last year.
Ngoma’s signing comes following the departure Perfect Chikwende for another Tanzanian side Simba SC which recently knocked out FC Platinum in the CAF Champions League
Former Dynamos defender Blessing Moyo has also joined the Zvishavane side.
A statement from the club read:
FC Platinum announces the Club’s reunion with Donald Ngoma who left the team amicably for Young Africans before joining Azam FC where he was until 2020. The striker comes with experience to boost the frontline. Blessing Moyo also joins the Club to add to the defence of the team. The young defender last played for Real Kings NFD South Africa.-Soccer 24 Zimbabwe
Tinashe Sambiri|The bail application hearing for MDC Alliance vice chairperson, Hon Job Sikhala has been reserved to Monday February 1.
Hon Sikhala will be further remanded at Chikurubi Maximum Prison pending the bail ruling.
“The High Court Judge has reserved judgement on Hon Job Wiwa Sikhala bail application to Monday 01 February 2021. After 20 days of pre-trial incarceration, Hon Sikhala will be further remanded at Chikurubi Maximum Prison awaiting ruling.
Zimbabwean journalist Hopewell Chin’ono has been granted bail by the High Court ending his 20 day incarceration at Chikurubi Maximum Prison. Bail conditions the same as his first case plus an additional ZWL $20,000. @daddyhope is expected to be released later today,” MDC Alliance said in a statement.
By A Correspondent- Presiding at the burial of the three national heroes Wednesday morning, Acting President Constantino Chiwenga on Wednesday expressed despair at the trail of deaths left by the covid-19 adding that only God knows how the disease will end.
Chiwenga, who made his first public appearance after he was rumoured to be unwell presided over the triple burial of foreign minister Sibusiso Moyo, transport minister Joel Biggie Matiza and former prisons chief Paradzai Zimondi at the National Heroes Acre.
He was last week relieved of his acting presidency duties after president Emmerson Mnangagwa cut short his leave to take over the burial of another Zanu Pf heavyweight Ellen Gwaradzimba who also succumbed to the deadly virus at the same venue.
Said Chiwenga:
“One expects that when tragedy strikes, it would gradually abet but this is not the case, it is only God who knows when it will end.
Today marks a tragic day for our country Zimbabwe. I want to express my pain over Covid-19.
The virus has taught us an important lesson that we are all mortals. It does discriminate against the weak and the powerful, the privileged and the deprived, the haves and the have-nots.
It is a ruthless juggernaut that leaves a trail of despair and desperation. But we will eventually conquer it and prevail as a people.”
Watch proceedings from the Heroes Acre below….
Tinashe Sambiri| MDC Alliance leader, President Nelson Chamisa has said every citizen has the right to be granted bail.
According to President Chamisa, pretrial detention of political activists is ” persecution by prosecution.”
” It is a constitutional right for every citizen to be granted bail.We’re hopeful that
@JobSikhala1
,Allan
will be granted bail. Pre trial detention is persecution by prosecution.#FreeAllanMoyo #FreeJobSikhala.”
He also said COVID-19 awareness messages should be written in local languages:
This is excellent! We shall do more to encourage use of local
anguages to communicate to all Zimbabweans. Let this be the national rhythm. A people’s default setting is their own culture and language!!”
He also wrote a message of encouragement to MDC Alliance spokesperson Advocate Fadzayi Mahere:
“It is well! Keep leading and stay strong.. Victory is our next story!”
First published in 2020
Joint release by the World Health Organization, United for Global Mental Health and the World Federation for Mental Health
Mental health is one of the most neglected areas of public health.
Close to 1 billion people are living with a mental disorder, 3 million people die every year from the harmful use of alcohol and one person dies every 40 seconds by suicide. And now, billions of people around the world have been affected by the COVID-19 pandemic, which is having a further impact on people’s mental health.
Yet, relatively few people around the world have access to quality mental health services. In low- and middle-income countries, more than 75% of people with mental, neurological and substance use disorders receive no treatment for their condition at all. Furthermore, stigma, discrimination, punitive legislation and human rights abuses are still widespread.
The limited access to quality, affordable mental health care in the world before the pandemic, and particularly in humanitarian emergencies and conflict settings, has been further diminished due to COVID-19 as the pandemic has disrupted health services around the world.
Primary causes have been infection and the risk of infection in long-stay facilities such as care homes and psychiatric institutions; barriers to meeting people face-to-face; mental health staff being infected with the virus; and the closing of mental health facilities to convert them into care facilities for people with COVID-19.
Move for mental health: let’s invest
That’s why, for this year’s(2020) World Mental Health Day, WHO, together with partner organizations, United for Global Mental Health and the World Federation for Mental Health, is calling for a massive scale-up in investment in mental health.
To encourage public action around the world, a World Mental Health Day campaign, Move for mental health: let’s invest will kick off in September.
“World Mental Health Day is an opportunity for the world to come together and begin redressing the historic neglect of mental health,” said Dr Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, Director-General of the World Health Organization.
“We are already seeing the consequences of the COVID-19 pandemic on people’s mental well-being, and this is just the beginning. Unless we make serious commitments to scale up investment in mental health right now, the health, social and economic consequences will be far-reaching.”
During the past few months, the World Health Organization has issued, in collaboration with partners, guidance and advice on mental health for health workers and other frontline workers, managers of health facilities, and people of all ages whose lives have changed considerably as a result of the pandemic.
With the disruption in health services, countries are finding innovative ways to provide mental health care, and initiatives to strengthen psychosocial support have sprung up. Yet, because of the scale of the problem, the vast majority of mental health needs remain unaddressed.
The response is hampered by chronic under-investment in mental health promotion, prevention and care for many years before the pandemic.
Countries spend just 2% of their health budgets on mental health
Countries spend on average only 2% of their health budgets on mental health.
Despite some increases in recent years, international development assistance for mental health has never exceeded 1% of all development assistance for health.
This is despite the fact that for every US$ 1 invested in scaled-up treatment for common mental disorders such as depression and anxiety, there is a return of US$ 5 in improved health and productivity.
Credit:WHO
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Tinashe Sambiri|Vibrant teachers union, ARTUZ has accused Mr Emmerson Mnangagwa’s administration of being cruel and insensitive to the plight of civil servants.
ARTUZ has urged its members to distance themselves from the marking of exams- citing lack of proper measures to prevent the spread of the deadly Coronavirus.
According to ARTUZ teachers are dying after being exposed to COVID-19 while marking Grade 7 exams.
“We are mourning teachers who are dying after contracting COVID19 virus marking Grade 7 exams.
This morning a teacher died at Chinhoyi hospital, he marked at Jameson in Kadoma. Now we are pushing more trs to die? This gvt is cruel! Other departments have reduced to 10%, why teachers?
We appeal to teachers to distance themselves from marking O & A level exams. Its a death trap. Some of our colleagues who marked Gr 7 exams are succumbing to Cov19.
We know teachers are hungry and desperate let’s resist the temptation & live to fight for better salaries.#SaveOurEducationZW,” ARTUZ posted on Twitter.
Tinashe Sambiri|July 31 Movement facilitator, Jacob Ngarivhume has lashed out at Mr Emmerson Mnangagwa’s administration for deliberately exposing him to Coronavirus.
Since Jacob Ngarivhume’s release from Chikurubi Maximum Prison, he has been reporting at Waterfalls Police Station a punitive three times a week (Monday, Wednesday & Friday).
Ngarivhume described the experience as painful.
The frequenting of the police station is risky not only to Ngarivhume and his family but also to the police officers at Waterfalls Police station who are now exposed to Covid-19.
With the rate at which the disease is spreading and the attendant deaths, the government has reduced civil servants going to work to only 10%.
However in the same environment, Ngarivhume is expected to religiously report as per his bail conditions.
MASVINGO – An alarming number of inmates have tested positive to Covid19 at Mutimurefu, one of the largest prisons in the country.
Sources told The Mirror that of the 150 prisoners tested so far, 110 are positive. The prisoners are being tested in batches of 75.
It is understood that 53 inmates tested positive on Wednesday last week while 57 tested positive three days ago (Sunday).
Provincial Covid-19 taskforce spokesperson Rodgers Irimayi confirmed the Wednesday figure and said that he was yet to get the Sunday figure.
Efforts by The Mirror to find out what arrangements is done to separate the affected prisoners from those who are free from the virus were futile.
However, all of Zimbabweans’ prisons are overcrowded and this is a big problem in the fight against the pandemic.
Credit: Masvingo Mirror
Own Correspondent| Controversial Masvingo preacher Isaac Makomichi is in a tight spot after a lady called Nyengeterai claimed she caught him having sex with her sister who is a school head.
Nyengeterai claimed Makomichi and her sister failed to pay her US $ 100 as per their agreement so that she would not disclose the secret.
Nyengeterai says she is ready to spill the beans.
“My sister invited Makomichi to our place.
I then went to my room and
I was suprised to hear Makomichi talking to my sister.
After a while I heard my sister moaning and Makomichi started calling her name.
I then went to the room they were in and found my sister lying unconscious on top of him.
My sister then woke up and apologised. She said she would give me 100 US per month for 2 years.
I kept quite but now she is accusing me of having an affair with her new boyfriend. she is not paying me as per our agreement,” Nyengeterai said.
Makomichi is also being criticised for “distrubuting” love charms to the late Mitchelle Moana Amuli.
Makomichi’s personal assistant said she was unaware of the said incident.
“COVID-19 has taught us a lesson that we are all mortals…” announced Vice President Constantino Chiwenga.
https://twitter.com/ZimEye/status/1354388804069679105?s=19
https://twitter.com/ZimEye/status/1354388804069679105?s=19
High Court has reserved MDC Alliance vice chairperson Job Sikhala bail application Judgement to Monday 1 February at 1415 hours.
Sikhala was arrested and charged with communicating falsehoods after he posted on Twitter that a police officer had killed a child who was strapped on her mother’s back while attempting to hit a commuter omnibus that was loading at an undesignated point.
Earlier in the morning, Sikhala’s colleague Hopewell Chin’ono was granted ZWL$20 000 bail by High Court judge Justice Davison Foroma.
Another co- accused MDC Alliance spokesperson Fadzai Mahere was granted bail at the Harare Magistrates court.
More to follow….
“COVID-19 has taught us a lesson that we are all mortals…” announced Vice President Constantino Chiwenga.
Norton legislator Temba Mliswa and Zanu PF Director of Information Tafadzwa Mugwadi are currently engaged in a Twitter war over their allegiance to Emmerson Mnangagwa with Mliswa accusing the former ZINASU leader of working against the party.
Mliswa started the war when he commented on Mugwadi’s attack on opposition MDC Alliance vice President Tendai Biti over his comments on COVID-19 killing Zanu PF chefs, urging the young politician to be calculative on when to speak or not
It’s tragic to find a young man, whom I have previously defended in the ANC fiasco, doubling down fomenting baseless claims. These are instances where as a politician @TafadzwaMugwadi should know when to speak and when to be quiet. Mbanje ngadziite shoma.
This did not go down well with Mugwadi who hit back saying he never solicited for Mliswa’s defence when he was under attack over comments he made against the South African African National Congress (ANC).
“I have no trajedy of belonging. I have never solicited for defence frm anybody. You have done well to win as an independent by playing 2 political parties one against the other & when it is convenient, u claim to be supporting the other. In this case u want to recover sympathies,” said Mugwadi.
Mliswa then followed up with a thread of posts attacking Mugwadi whom he said was an opposition plant in the ruling, while sharing a message about the Zanu PF Information director’s arrest during his day when he was the Zimbabwe National Students Union (ZINASU) president.
Any politician of repute& sense should have that intelligence to know when to speak and when not to, so as to avoid finding themselves on the wrong side of history, logic and progress.
These are some of the things which we have said reveal how this current crop& creature isn’t the @ZANUPF_Official that we know. It is infested with people whom we know are very much against @edmnangagwa and in due time we shall be naming and shaming.
Some of us worked for the assumption of power by ED&have the inside knowledge of the true status of many who are now faking to be his allies. This current @ZANUPF_Official is an alien creature far removed from the real party we know and it showed its colours by kicking ED out.
It is the War Veterans who mobilised and worked to have him come back. The rest in that party are just opportunists out for self-aggrandisement but very much against the leadership and administration of @edmnangagwa.
The High Court judge Davison Foroma has granted ZWL$20 000 bail to journalist Hopewell Chin’ono who was arrested earlier in January on charges of communicating falsehoods after he posted on social media that police had killed a child while attempting to hit a kombi along Second Street in Harare.
Chin’ono was earlier denied bail by the Harare Magistrates court prompting him to approach the High Court for redress.
More to follow….
By Jeffryson Chitando
Zimbabwe is in desperate need of true independent and pluralism in radio and television broadcasting. The Zbc stations have lost viewership and listenership in recent years as many have turned to Dstv and Studio 7 for credible , informative and entertaining television and radio stations.Zbc has become a specialized ZanuPF propaganda mouthpiece. Advertisers to reach out to majority of citizens will never benefit from flight their product adverts on Zbc as many have turned away from the stations.Many people get their Zimbabwean Breaking News first from foreign broadcasting stations.The preference of foreign radio and television stations does not mean Zimbabweans arent patriotic but its the ZanuPF government which is forcing people on food which they dont want.The greatest mistake ZanuPF government is making is that of developing a generation not interested in their national radio and television stations. Development is associated with an informed people.Zimbabwe is losing millions of dollars as many people are now subscribers of South African Dstv.The same Zimbabweans who struggle to pay in foreign currency DSTV will never voluntarily pay television or radio licences.Zimbabweans if given freedom to listen to news from Studio 7 or Zbc majority will vote the former.This is extend how our radio and television stations have lost all the credibility
??✋???Patriotic Papa JC speaks when things are not good
A 17-year-old Zimbabwean student has been nominated for a US virtual reality (VR) Beta program that aims to support high school students with a proficiency in science subjects and are interested in pursuing a career in STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Math).
Rutendo Kahari, an A’Level student at Speciss College in Bulawayo will join 12 other global learners under the VR Beta programme which will run from January to May 2021.
This programme brings together global learners between the ages of 14 -17, each representing a unique combination of age, gender, race, and geographic location and each possessing a unique interest in biology and biotech.
-State Media
Schools will not open on February 15 to administer compulsory Covid-19 vaccine injections as claimed by fake and mischievous messages circulating on social media, the Ministry of Primary and Secondary Education has said.
The re-opening of schools was postponed indefinitely following a surge in Covid-19 infections after an influx of returning residents, which also led to the resumption of the level four lockdown at the beginning of the month.
In a statement yesterday, the Ministry said schools remained closed as preparations for their safe re-opening and the accelerated implementation of teaching and learning activities continued.
The school calendar will be announced in due course. Dismissing rumours circulating on social media, the Ministry said: “It has come to the attention of the Ministry of Primary and Secondary Education that a fake social media report claiming that Government will open schools on 15 February 2021 in order to administer non-voluntary Covid-19 vaccine injections on learners and teachers is circulating.” – Herald
By A Correspondent | An attempt to block the late Foreign Affairs Minister SB Moyo’s children from his first wife from attending the coup general’s burial on Wednesday has been unmasked.
ZimEye can reveal Justice Loice Matanda-Moyo’s family have been in frantic efforts of block his UK based kids from burying their father, under the claim that the number of attendants is capped at 20.
SB Moyo has at least 5 kids (including the two from Justice Loice Matanda Moyo).
The development comes as there is an ongoing debate on how many children SB Moyo has. His oldest son who is UK based, Bernard was born in 1984. He is 34.
Of that marriage he also has Catherine, who was born in 1987.
SB Moyo first got married in 1983 when he was 21, and the wife was 19.
ZimEye checked with the Zimbabwe embassy at London and found out at least three of SB Moyo’s Kids had applied for clearance to fly to Zimbabwe. It could not be established at the time of writing if they are all travelling. The embassy however gave permission to every one of them to fly to Zimbabwe so that they land in time for the burial on Wednesday.
Meanwhile, SB Moyo’s daughter from his first marriage, Catherine was told that the number of attendants scheduled for the hero’s burial has gone over the 20 marker so her flight into the country would be wasted, a family source close to the Matanda-Moyo’s disclosed to ZimEye.
Last week Emmerson Mnangagwa hosted a large crowd of more than a hundred moaners at the heroes acre as the late Manicaland Minister Ellen Gwaradzimba was laid to rest.
SB Moyo was one of the first officers to be reintegrated into the combined army comprising the Rhodesian, the ZIPRA and ZANLA groupings. He was from ZIPRA. At that time the two got married in 1983 and moved on to live in Greendale, Harare. They later divorced in 1992 and went their separate ways.
SB Moyo then moved on get married to Justice Loice Matanda Moyo with whom he sired two more children.
Aside the relationship with Loice, there is a side report suggesting Moyo has raised another child (a girl seen in the picture above).
Efforts to get a comment from Justice Matanda-Moyo were fruitless at the time of writing as she was still in isolation after contracting COVID-19.
DO YOU KNOW ANOTHER OF SB MOYO’S KIDS? CONTACT ZIMEYE RIGHT NOW
By Simon Khaya Moyo
23 Jan 2021
Covid pandemic affects all Zimbabweans-not just politicians. Wishing for the death of political opponents is unAfrican. Ubuntu is being stronger-together. We are all in this together. Let’s continue observing covid regulations, and keep our nation’s leadership in our prayers.
22 Jan 2021.
Dear Zimbabweans
It is unAfrican to celebrate death.
Let’s mourn with those who have lost their loved ones.
Thank you.
VIDEO LOADING BELOW….
Ministry of Primary and Secondary Education
PRESS RELEASE – 2021 SCHOOL CALENDAR 26 JANUARY, 2021
It has come to the attention of the Ministry of Primary and Secondary Education that a fake social media report claiming that Government will open schools on 15 February 2021 in order to administer non-voluntary Covid-19 vaccine injections on learners and teachers is circulating.
The Ministry of Primary and Secondary Education takes this opportunity to advise its valued learners, parents, guardians, teachers and other stakeholders, that contrary to that fake social media report, the 2021 School Calendar for all primary and secondary schools will be announced in due course, hence schools remain closed until an official announcement is made through the Ministry’s usual official methods of communication.
The Ministry reinforces the wearing of face masks, physical distancing as well as handwashing to prevent the spread of COVID-19 in all school centres as preparations continue for the safe opening of schools and the accelerated implementation of teaching and learning activities.
The Ministry remains committed to the provision of quality, relevant, equitable, inclusive and wholesome education for all Zimbabweans and any communication will be cascaded through the proper channels and structures.
Watch Prophet Tom’s prophecy on end of Emmerson Mnangagwa’s reign.
Prophet Tom boldly decrares Emmerson Mnangagwa’s time is up…
Watch Prophet Tom’s prophecy on end of Emmerson Mnangagwa’s reign.
Prophet Tom boldly decrares Emmerson Mnangagwa’s time is up…
Tinashe Sambiri|The bail application hearing for MDC Alliance deputy chairperson Hon Job Sikhala has been postponed again.
Justice Chitapi postponed Hon Sikhala’s bail application hearing to Wednesday.
Hon Sikhala will remain detained at Chikurubi Maximum Prison.
“CourtUpdate
MDC Alliance Deputy National Chair Hon. Job Sikhala will remain detained at Chikurubi Maximum Security Prison as Justice Chitapi today postponed hearing of his bail appeal to Wednesday
FreeAllanMoyo
FreeJobSikhala
FreeHopewell,” the MDC Alliance said in a statement.
MDC Alliance Students Council Secretary General, Rujeko Hither Mpambwa denounced the prolonged detention of Hon Sikhala.
“So Hon Job Sikhala will remain detained at Chikurubi Maximum Security Prison. The regime is trying to break his spirit through persecution by prosecution. The only thing #ZANUPF is able to deliver,” Mpambwa tweeted.
Tinashe Sambiri|The MDC Alliance Youth Assembly has taken the #OneMillionCampaign to to Twitter in a bid to recruit new members.
The programmes seeks to recruit one million new members before the 2023 elections.
Due to lockdown restrictions, the MDC Alliance Youth Assembly is unable to carry out the exercise physically.
“1 Million Campaign Official
@CampaignMillion
As MDC Alliance Youth Assembly ,this is our official twitter handle for #OneMillionCampaign please follow us
@CampaignMillion
RETWEET TO HELP US REACH MANY YOUNG PEOPLE,” the MDC Alliance Youth Assembly posted on Twitter.
Tinashe Sambiri|MDC Alliance spokesperson, Advocate Fadzayi Mahere is recovering steadily from Coronavirus.
In a statement on Monday, Advocate Mahere condemned the illegal detention of political activists by Mr Emmerson Mnangagwa’s administration.
“Recovering steadily from Covid19 and taking it a day at a time. I’m super grateful for your love, kind messages and concern.
All political prisoners must be freed. Unlawful detention at a time like this is double jeopardy.
FreeJobSikhala
FreeAllanMoyo
FreeHopewell
MaskUpZim,” wrote Advocate Mahere on Facebook.
By Simon Khaya Moyo
23 Jan 2021
Covid pandemic affects all Zimbabweans-not just politicians. Wishing for the death of political opponents is unAfrican. Ubuntu is being stronger-together. We are all in this together. Let’s continue observing covid regulations, and keep our nation’s leadership in our prayers.
22 Jan 2021.
Dear Zimbabweans
It is unAfrican to celebrate death.
Let’s mourn with those who have lost their loved ones.
Thank you.
FIFTEEN people who were part of more than 100 people who attended a suspected gold dealer’s birthday party on Sunday in violation of lockdown rules at a house in Nkulumane suburb where police officers were attacked, have been arrested.
The suspected gold dealer, Ntombizodwa Ndlovu who was celebrating her 36th birthday, is among those who were arrested.
Police have identified 15 others who are on the run.
Police swooped on party goers at around 5.30PM and the merry-makers attacked them forcing them to retreat.
The police later called for reinforcement leading to the arrest of the 15 who include Ndlovu and her husband.
Confirming the incident, Bulawayo provincial police spokesperson inspector Abednico Ncube said more than 100 people attended the party in violation of the strict Covid-19 regulations announced by Government early this month.
He said when police officers got to the scene, the suspects became violent and attacked them.
“On 24 January 2021 at around 5.40PM, police received an anonymous tip off to the effect that there was an unsanctioned party in Nkulumane at a certain house owned by Ntombizodwa Ndlovu, a female adult aged 36 thereby violating the Covid-19 regulations,” said Insp Ncube.
He said when police arrived, they realised that the gate was locked and they decided to knock and asked to see the house owner.
A house in Nkulumane suburb, Bulawayo where a party was hosted
The request by the police resulted in the accused persons becoming violent.
“The accused persons teamed up from inside and forcibly pushed the gate and attacked the police officers while some of them escaped. Police officers managed to lock the gate using handcuffs and called for a backup” said Insp Ncube.
The backup team arrived and managed to arrest 15 accused persons.
Police said the following people are still at large: Rosemary Mpala (31), Rhoda Ndlovu (59) both of Nkulumane suburb; Babra Kamanga (34) of Cowdray Park another woman also named Ntombizodwa Ndlovu (28) of Nkulumane, Brady Tshuma (29) of Nkulumane, Zanele Makiwa (30) of Lobengula West, Doubt Dube (38) of Lobengula, Gazi Tinashe (34) of Lobengula, Tshabangu Artwell Nqobile (41) of Nkulumane, Knowledge Mpumelelo Mhlanga (34) of Nkulumane, Ndlovu Nkosikhona (34) of Nkulumane, Dube Courage of Nkulumane, Eric Khumalo and Tracy Candy Nyathi both of Nketa and Brendon Sebata (32) of Khumalo suburb.
At the crime scene, police recovered a big PA system comprising of four big speakers, one big blue tent and white décor material, four amplifiers, 11 empty crates of beer and two big dishes.
“The arrested accused persons were taken to ZRP Nkulumane where they are detained,” Insp Ncube said.
He bemoaned the behaviour of people at a time when people are succumbing to Covid-19.
“It is disheartening that at a time when the nation is grappling to contain the pandemic, some members of the public decide to be reckless by hosting such parties. Covid-19 has killed a lot of our loved ones and we as the police will not stop at anything to bring to book those bent on negligently defying Government directives thereby spreading the virus,” he said.- Chronicle
By Dr Masimba Mavaza | The past few days social media was awash with the news of the Permanent Secretary of Information Ndabaningi Mangwana’s statement on Medical assassins. Many sought to accuse Nick for alleging that there are some medical assassins in our midst. A medical assassin is a doctor who kills his patients by either mis-prescribing or over-prescribing medicine or treatment or by wilful neglect or refusing or pretending to be giving medication. A doctor, known more precisely as a physician, is a health care provider who practices the field of medicine.
Doctors reacted with fury over comments by Ndabaningi Mangwana, who appeared to suggest that doctors hostile to President Emmerson Mnangagwa’s regime are killing government officials admitted at Zimbabwe’s hospitals. This came after four cabinet ministers and dozens of other government officials have died as the coronavirus threatens to overwhelm Zimbabwe’s health sector. The anger generated by the statement is surprising. These were comments made on Twitter which suggest that Mangwana claimed there were “medical assassins” working in the health sector. The doctors alleged that there was no evidence other than citing “an unfortunate conspiracy theory.”
The Senior Hospital Doctors Association called Mangwana’s claims “regrettable” and the Zimbabwe Association of Doctors for Human Rights warned that “the continuous persecution of medical practitioners is likely to destabilise the health sector.”
A lot of fury and anger was flown all over with the detractors trying to turn the social media comment into a political spat.
Mangwana showed his utmost maturity by apologising to the doctors and anyone who might have been offended. We do applaud the statesman character exhibited by comrade Nick Mangwana.
Cde Mangwana has never doubted the extraordinary work being done by the medical and health staff during this pandemic. He himself has been a health care worker and understands fully well the challenges faced by these multitudes of medical and health workers. Nick Mangwana in another meeting was quoted as saying about the health workers,
“We truly have but the struggle continues. Luminaries going at the behest of the invisible enemy”
In another recording cde Mangwana commented on doctors and nurses,
“Their caring touch deserves our utmost respect, but the truth is under these COVID circumstances they need the support of each and everyone of us”
This shows a man who has a deep entranced understanding of the needs of Doctors and nurses. He is a man who will never trivialise the work of these heroes who are exposing themselves to COVID for the country to be served.
On the same breath we must understand that the deceased government officials were friends to Nick Mangwana and some of them he had met and spoke to them few days before they got sick. It is therefore common that in such a situation of grief questions like why? are being asked. Despite his office Nick is a human being. He has feelings. Behind this tough talking ever smiling man there is a person. So Nick was overwhelmed by a comment suggesting that there are doctors who are practicing politics in their medical practice. This is not far fetched at all.
Doctors should not claim to be angels. Zimbabwe had seen medical witches before. We once had a doctor McGowan who experimented on people. We had several doctors in Zimbabwe who have been arrested of are on the run after some malpractice which borders on witchcraft. The fact that aspersions have been cast towards the doctors domain does not mean doctors are being accused.
Without taking away Mangwana’s apology it must be noted that Mangwana did not accuse doctors but acknowledged that he is aware that there are allegations of such malpractices. This came after a doctor twitted that his colleagues are refusing to treat people who support ZANU PF.
We are not blind to the fact that some doctors show their political inclinations during their industrial actions. All this comes to play when one of their own Tweets a warning of malpractice.
For the doctors to turn around and play victim in a social media case is regrettable and unfortunate. Doctors should stop hunting for an elephant in a small hut.
While our doctors have worked so hard in very difficult conditions they must not act as untouchables. When a finger points at them they must just state facts deny the facts and put the the facts straight.
To create a mountain out of a anthill is wrong and unfair. There is no doubt that our doctors deserve better and Nick is an advocate for that.
It’s not just a fair deal for our nurses, it’s much better for patients too.
The simple truth is tired, overworked staff cannot be expected to provide the high quality of care we want our loved ones to receive. But this does not justify a political discrimination by doctors and nurses.
Nick Mangwana has confirmed the importance of nursing in our society as it promotes health, healing and development and prevention of disease illness, injuries and disability. Nick also advocates that when people are sick the purpose of nursing is to reduce the level of distress and suffering and allow the patients to understand their disease processes as well as coping mechanism, treatment and implications. Nick as a person knows that doctors and nurse provide compassionate care to all patients despite their nationalities, religion, gender, age, disability and other factors that may influence their health outcomes. It’s his personal belief that all human beings should be treated equally with care and integrity.
When Nick Twitted in his personal capacity He hoped doctors and nurses to develop a caring attitude and to find the importance of being appreciated by the patients when they have helped them through their illness hence in transition they will provide a safe and competent care that not only satisfy clients need but also their families. To ensure their well-being by following Zimbabwean council guidelines that obligate them to provide safe and competent care.
In providing competent care, they will employ empirical knowing known as scientific knowledge. This knowledge is gained through research based on scientific methods and rational, deductive thinking not political correctness. The doctors and nurses must use this knowledge when assessing patients’ vital signs which are based on scientific facts. They must not assess patients using their political inclinations. Our hope and prayers are that doctors strive to use the scientific knowledge and information available in gaining the requisite factual knowledge. Not to use the Twitter to react to gossip. This means continuous consultation with their colleagues and learning what causes disease and first hand care that should be given. This knowledge is attainable both theoretically and also through clinical practice.
This is what Nick stands for and poking the doctors on assassin mentality is merely to say to them in case.
We are aware that Covid needs more scientific research and Knowlledge. This scientific knowledge is also acquired from other external sources that can be tested and verified empirically. The solutions recommended for a particular case can be proved quantitatively using known scientific methods.
The knowledge is acquired not by picking fights over comments elsewhere but by the personal understanding of various concepts applicable in the medical process.
Instead of concentrating on unsubstantiated and unofficial comments not officially directed to you doctors must be able to empathize with patients through understanding better the concept of human being.
Furthermore doctors must understand grief. This is because in their profession there is continuous interaction with people all the time. There are various aspects that make up a human being. These include the psychological, social, spiritual and physical aspects. So doctors must not react to that social aspect and mourn like they are perfect.
Anyone who misunderstood Nick’s comments must be able to place self in Nick’s shoes and understand his feelings more. Instead of using a hammer over Nicks heart you should offer moral support while at the same time protecting the rights and freedoms of the patients.
Doctors must ensure high quality standards in their practice. This is through understanding of self, colleagues, community and health consumers’ responsibilities and expectations in the profession. They must not be on the edge and waiting to pushed over by journalists who seek to make news by setting the doctors against Mangwana.
Our doctors must learn and appreciate the ethical parameters that apply to the profession. These will mainly be gained from the environment and the surroundings. They will make them informed of the moral choices they should make when confronted with various situations in the workplace and journalistic gossip. In this regard we should strive to know the environment of the patient which relates to the nature of health care that has been at their disposal without being edgy. This will have a tremendous effect on the kind of doctors we will have under pressure. A doctor must therefore develop the necessary practical skills that will act as a guide in identifying the predetermining factors in caring for a patient and be able to spit out gossip.
The other way of knowing is to understand the aesthetic value of the patient without mixing with gossip. As a doctor One will be in a position to perceive the needs of a patient at first sight. This is the current situation that faces the patient and the individual circumstances that are unique to him. This will guide the practical actions that need to initiated and implemented to ensure the patient is attended to promptly and in time without asking for his status in life.
The socio political dynamics that face the health care profession must be known by the healthcare professionals and we have no doubt our doctors knows this. Together doctors and everyone should strive to identify the current trend in the socio-political arena so that we can be equipped with relevant information affecting health care in this pandemic. This will improve our knowledge of understanding the patients better and recognizing their other needs such as psychological and social needs.
Doctors must identify other underlying conditions besides the main complaint that brought the patient to hospital. This includes knowing other predetermining factors such as social origin which may determine the conditions that the patient is predisposed to. But it must not be a basis of discriminating patients based on their political beliefs.
All these ways of knowing must be applied together in order to achieve the holistic aims of the profession. This is due to the fact that medicine is not just a science but it is also an art and a way of life.
It encompasses several processes such as learning, leadership and decision making. This is also in recognition that there is great mingling of cultures in the health profession. These cultures and attitudes must be understood in order to offer valuable service to clients.
Doctors are not politicians they have chosen the profession because they have a passion for caring for patients. This implies that they must be prepared to be accountable for all their actions during the performance of assigned duties. They must be accountable to themselves the patient, the employer, the public at large and also to the profession The entire society places a lot of trust on them and they must accept it when they are questioned. It is therefore imperative to ensure that they are fully equipped with all the necessary skills so as not to betray this trust. In the exercise of the accountability role, they will exercise their responsibility and authority roles as designated. They will also make sure that they continuously engage in research and development activities. This will make them aligned to latest trends in the profession. It will ensure efficiency and compliance on their part.
They must also engage in professional evaluation. This means that their capabilities will be subject to review from competent personnel in the industry and public at large. They will be able to get constructive responses and feedback from colleagues especially those with more experience. This will enable them know which areas they should focus on to effect personal development. They must not focus on social media.
They must also engage in collegiality. This will make them contribute to the professional career development of colleagues and other health care professionals. This will cultivate the culture of sharing knowledge and skills with colleagues in the profession not sharing Tweets which do not advance their cause. Doctors must also maintain ethics in all their actions both inside and outside the hospital. This ensures that their profession is not in disrepute due to their actions. It will ensure patient-nurse relationship through dignity and preservation of patient autonomy. It is also evident through maintenance of patient confidentiality to avoid any legal and regulatory consequences.
As much as Nick apologised the doctors must work without casting dark clouds in the way they are dealing with political patients.
Covid respects no persons no political party nor any social status.
We must all support our medical and health staff. We must not let gossip divide us.
Nick Mangwana may be a non-saint but a non-villain.
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By Nomusa Garikai- It was Albert Einstein, one of the world’s greatest intellectuals and physicist, who said “insanity is doing the same thing over and over again and expecting a different result!”
Cursed is the nation that should ever find itself with the insane in positions of power and authority; forever coerced to do the same things over and over again expecting different results. Zimbabwe is one such cursed nation!
”The pandemic has been indiscriminate in its grim harvest. Zimbabweans from all walks of life, all stations, all tribes, all races and religions have succumbed to it,” said President Emmerson Mnangagwa.
“Today we are united in grief and facing this. There are no spectators, adjudicators, no holier than thou nor supermen or superwomen. We are all exposed and we are all potential victims. We are all affected one way or the other. We must stand together arm in arm holding each and one another like a united people.”
There we go again! Every time the nation has faced any problem the leaders have blamed it on the lack of unity. If we are united all our problems will disappear. Unity has been the panacea to all Zimbabwe’s problems.
The Gukurahundi massacre that left over 20 000 innocent civilians murdered in cold blood was blamed on lack of unity. And so the signing of the Zanu PF and PF Zapu Unity Accord on 22 December 1987 was heralded as great and sacred day marking the uniting of all Zimbabweans.
Indeed, 22 December 1987 is considered so sacred it has since been consecrated and declared a national holiday!
Here is the nub; Zimbabweans have been told that unity is the panacea of all the nation’s problems, they had unity rammed their throats, literally, back in 1987 and yet our problems have never gone away. Indeed, our problems have multiplied in quantity and complexity as the nation sunk deeper and deeper into this hell-on-earth we find ourselves in today.
Let me tell something Mr President, there are a hell lot more corona virus cases and deaths in Zimbabwe than the official figures of 30 000 and 979 respectively. And the corona virus infections are soaring because of the blundering incompetence of this government in the handling of the pandemic.
Zanu PF has been boasted about the country’s very low official corona virus figures, taking them as proof of the regime containing the pandemic. This was a deliberate lie; official figures are based on tested and confirmed cases but keeping the figure low by not testing is dishonest and foolish.
Ever since the outbreak of the corona virus pandemic, nearly a year ago, Zimbabwe has consistently failed to test, trace, track and isolate as per WHO recommendation and as common sense would dictate. Whilst SA was carrying out over 44 000 corona virus tests per day in December 2020, Zimbabwe with 1/4 SA’s population should have been doing 11 000 tests per day. We were doing 1 500 tests per day!
The price of carrying out few tests is that many infected people who, identified would go into isolation, are instead left in the community spreading the virus far and wide and fast.
Zimbabwe was always going to have some of the highest corona virus cases and deaths figures in the region because at the outbreak of the pandemic the country’s economy was already in total meltdown and its health care service was in tatters.
The 1987 Unity Accord was supposed to bring national unity, the panacea to all our national problems, and we were supposed to live happily ever after. What had actually happen was that Zanu PF was able to impose the de facto one-party dictatorship, under the pretext of unity. Zanu PF has then used the dictatorial powers to silence dissent, stifle debate and to stamp out all democratic competition and accountability.
40 years of Zanu PF gross mismanagement, rampant corruption and rank lawlessness have turned a promising economy into ruins. Each time people have tried to voice their concern with the way the nation’s affairs were being run; the party accused them of undermining the country’s unity and ruthlessly silenced them.This madness must now end!
Asking people to “stand together arm in arm holding each and one another like a united people” is not going to make the corona virus go away! What the country needs is competent leaders to make sound decisions and make good use of the nation’s human and material resources. And for that, we need to restore the people’s freedoms and rights including the right to free and fair elections – the prerequisite of good governance!
By Dr Tim Rainhard- In September 2019, Finance and Economic Development Minister, Professor Mthuli Ncube, appointed a nine-member Monetary Policy Committee (MPC) to influence the Reserve Bank of Zimbabwe (RBZ)’s monetary policy.
Crucially, the MPC’s wide-sweeping responsibilities extend to setting limits on the Bank’s open market operations, ensuring price stability, and determining interest rates.
Chaired by Central Bank Governor, Dr John Mangudya, the Committee has done exceptionally well – by all accounts – in discharging its functions in spite of the well-documented difficult socio-economic environment under which it operates. The price stability that set-in after the foreign currency auction trading system was introduced in June last year is one of the MPC’s many achievements that are difficult not to acknowledge even amongst some of the RBZ’s harshest critics.
The same goes for the positive sentiment that has been restored after eluding the domestic economy since June 2013, when an uneasy coalition government between Zanu PF and the MDC ended.
On a few occasions, the MPC has, however, been found wanting. The irony of it is that in those few cases, Mr Eddie Cross would have wittingly or unwittingly put his foot in the mouth, forcing the entire RBZ machinery to do some damage control.
Unlike your typical, conservative banker, the chatty economist enjoys the limelight that comes with being a member of the MPC. He, however, gets excitable easily, especially in front of the cameras. He is thus prone to prematurely letting the cat out of the bag and deodorizing facts when he is in front of his audience.
While this served him well in the various technocratic roles he occupied in the Rhodesian government and during his 18 long years as a senior opposition politician in the Movement for Democratic Change, Mr Cross seems to be forgetting that he is now part of the nerve-centre of a financial system that is extremely sensitive to changes in macro-economic factors.
As a result, faux-pas have trailed him. Perhaps, his lowest point came less than a month after his appointment into the MPC when he ‘declared’ that a new currency was to be introduced in November 2019, forcing the secretary for information, publicity and broadcasting services to rebuke him strongly.
“We would like to make it clear that Mr E. Cross does not speak for the Government of Zimbabwe. Neither does he speak for the Reserve Bank of Zimbabwe (RBZ). His views are personal and not indicative of government’s policy thrust,” read part of the statement issued by Mr Mangwana on behalf of government back then.
That statement fell on deaf ears. Towards the end of last year, he sensationally claimed that the RBZ was introducing ZW$50, ZW$100 and ZW$200 banknotes to increase physical money supply from ZW$1,4 billion to about ZW$3 billion.
“Some time ago, we made a decision in the MPC to introduce new ZW$200, ZW$100 and ZW$$50 notes. I understand that this is being dealt with by the Governor working with the President because the President has to approve the designs and everything else…But I understand that the ZW$50 note will be available early in the New Year,” he boldly clamed.
Dr Mangudya had to issue a statement to set the record straight and calm jittery markets, which were alarmed that this was going to fuel inflation and the exchange rate, which has stabilised within the ZW$82 range against the United States dollar (US$) following the introduction of the auction system in June last year.
According to Dr Mangudya, the Central Bank is set to introduce the ZW$50 note to compliment lower denomination banknotes that are already in circulation, saying while this would curb cash shortages and improve transacting convenience; it would not impact negatively on money supply.
The correction by Dr Mangudya could not make him any wiser. A few days ago, Mr Cross was at it again, this time alleging during an online discussion forum convened by Alpha Media Holdings that the Central Bank was printing ZW$1 billion weekly, mainly to buy gold.
Once again, Dr Mangudya had to step in to douse inflationary expectations that had been caused by Mr Cross’ reckless and uninformed statement, amid justifiable concerns that the RBZ was sliding back to the era of Dr Gideon Gono when every little problem had to be resolved by printing money at Fidelity.
Apparently, Mr Cross had gotten his facts mixed up. In the latest case, he was merely trying to restate the obvious whereby the RBZ – through Fidelity Printers and Refiners – pay for 40% of the bullion purchased from the market in local currency (at the prevailing auction rate), while the 60% balance is deposited into the licenced gold buyers’ Foreign Currency Accounts (FCAs). As is the standard practice, the designated foreign currency dealers (including the RBZ) would then buy foreign currency from the market at prevailing auction rates to fund competing needs that require the resource in order to bring into the country essential imports such as drugs, equipment and other raw materials. In the case of the RBZ, the 40% portion retained from Fidelity Printers– the sole buyer of gold at the moment– and from other exporters is also used for this purpose.
While Dr Mangudya had to explain that, “So its net effect is zero on the increase in money supply”, the damage had already been done! Mr Cross must therefore be careful not to squander the goodwill reposed in him by Professor Ncube by undermining the Governor of the RBZ whose term of office was extended by President Emmerson Mnangagwa by another five years in May 2019.
As it is, the MPC chairman already has a lot in his plate, which is brimming with legacy issues, some stretching as far back as the 1970s.
Mr Cross is also doing a great disservice to the very MPC he is sworn to serve. Regrettably, he has co-opted himself as the spokesperson for both the RBZ and its MPC, when there are professionals in the field who are better placed and competent to act as mouthpieces for the two organs.
The damage this is inflicting on the image of the bank and its policies is regrettable. To all intents and purposes, official statements issued by the MPC after concluding its meetings should be sufficient and in keeping with modern trends whereby Central Banks are moving away from the long-standing conviction of the 1990s that monetary policy should be wrapped in mystery.
Anything else beyond these statements should be left to professionals in the field. Just as well, the RBZ has a fully-fledged communications unit which is well-placed to handle its internal and external communications. That alone, demonstrates that the RBZ is conscious of the need to communicate its objectives, its intentions, and the timing of its actions, without unnecessarily causing confusion as is becoming Mr Cross’ hallmark.
When handled properly, effective communication can assist the public in adjusting their expectations accordingly and ensuring that unexpected monetary impulses bear no lasting effects. In a world in which policy-making by surprises has lost its purpose, the RBZ is already structured in a way that makes its communication effective and purposeful.
Beyond the mandatory monetary policy statements, the MPC, through its chairman, had been issuing regular updates, which promotes transparency, accountability, while also reaffirming the RBZ’s firm commitment to a nominal anchor at levels consistent with its monetary policy objectives.
It therefore goes without saying that communication about the bank’s objectives helps nail down the steady state of the economy, the end point to which the economy spontaneously tends aftershocks fade. Communication about strategy also helps explain the way monetary policy behaves outside the steady state, how it responds to shocks and frictions to facilitate the economic convergence back to steady state.
At the same time, communicating about the principles that govern the strategy makes the process of adjustment more rapid and less painful. A growing body of empirical evidence supports the conjecture that transparent quantitative objectives and communication about the strategy reinforces monetary policy.
In the absence of frequent disclosures about policy and the economic situation, market participants may not be in a position to attribute fluctuations in inflation either to exogenous disturbances outside the control of the central bank or to changes in policy intentions. Adverse adjustments in expectations could therefore lead to an increase in inflation today and to a slower and more painful reversal later in the process.
While communication is an ongoing challenge and effective communication will always be characterized by a high degree of flexibility and adaptability in order to respond swiftly to a rapidly changing economic environment, Mr Cross’ brash style is a NO, NO. Admittedly, he has his strengths, one of which being his ability to speak his mind, and writing thought-provoking articles in the mainstream media. There is, however, a world of difference between his skillset and what is required to communicate policy at the level of the Central Bank.
Mr Cross can still make himself relevant by sticking to his active participation in the MPC’s affairs while avoiding making public statements on the Committee’s deliberations because that is outside his competences.
The sages say silence cannot be misquoted. For the sake of stability in our markets, Mr Cross must hold his peace!
Dr Tim Rainhard has studied the work of some of the international financial institutions in developing countries. He is an economist with extensive knowledge on Africa’s financial systems. He can be contacted at [email protected]
By A Correspondent | Emmerson Mnangagwa’s deputy, Constantino Chiwenga has bounced back to work and tomorrow heads straight to heroes acre, ZimEye is told.
Last week Chiwenga was ordered off work having become visibly unwell and Mnangagwa’s spokesperson revealed that this was following a family struggle with COVID which cut short the lives of several members. Following that, the Children Of War Veterans NGO announced saying he swiftly flew to China for treatment. Mnangagwa’s spokesperson George Charamba later issued a statement denying that report. Charamba had however mentioned that there was a truly family struggle with COVID which affected Chiwenga.
Chiwenga will bury the three ZANU PF leaders who include Sibusiso Moyo and Biggie Matiza, the government spokesman Ndabaningi Mangwana announced Tuesday.
He said: “The burials of our three departed National Heroes will take place from 0900 tomorrow 27 January 2021.
“The Acting President, General (Rtd) Dr. CGDN Chiwenga will preside.”
By A Correspondent | Emmerson Mnangagwa’s deputy, Constantino Chiwenga has bounced back to work and tomorrow heads straight to heroes acre, ZimEye can reveal.
Last week Chiwenga was ordered off work having become visibly unwell and Mnangagwa’s spokesperson revealed that this was following a family struggle with COVID which cut short the lives several members. Following that, the Children Of War Veterans NGO announced saying he swiftly flew to China for treatment. Mnangagwa’s spokesperson George Charamba later issued a statement denying that report. Charamba had however mentioned that there was a truly family struggle with COVID which affected Chiwenga.
Chiwenga will bury the three ZANU PF leaders who include Sibusiso Moyo and Biggie Matiza, the government spokesman Ndabaningi Mangwana announced Tuesday.
He said: “The burials of our three departed National Heroes will take place from 0900 tomorrow 27 January 2021.
“The Acting President, General (Rtd) Dr. CGDN Chiwenga will preside.”
By A Correspondent | Emmerson Mnangagwa’s deputy, Constantino Chiwenga has bounced back to work and tomorrow heads straight to heroes acre, ZimEye can reveal.
Last week Chiwenga was ordered off work having become visibly unwell and Mnangagwa’s spokesperson revealed that this was following a family struggle with COVID which cut short the lives several members. Following that, the Children Of War Veterans NGO announced saying he swiftly flew to China for treatment. Mnangagwa’s spokesperson George Charamba later issued a statement denying that report. Charamba had however mentioned that there was a truly family struggle with COVID which affected Chiwenga.
Chiwenga will bury the three ZANU PF leaders who include Sibusiso Moyo and Biggie Matiza, the government spokesman Ndabaningi Mangwana announced Tuesday.
He said: “The burials of our three departed National Heroes will take place from 0900 tomorrow 27 January 2021.
“The Acting President, General (Rtd) Dr. CGDN Chiwenga will preside.”
Tinashe Sambiri|The bail application hearing for MDC Alliance deputy chairperson Hon Job Sikhala has been postponed again.
Justice Chitapi postponed Hon Sikhala’s bail application hearing to Wednesday.
Hon Sikhala will remain detained at Chikurubi Maximum Prison.
“CourtUpdate
MDC Alliance Deputy National Chair Hon. Job Sikhala will remain detained at Chikurubi Maximum Security Prison as Justice Chitapi today postponed hearing of his bail appeal to Wednesday
FreeAllanMoyo
FreeJobSikhala
FreeHopewell,” the MDC Alliance said in a statement.
Watch Prophet Tom’s prophecy on end of Emmerson Mnangagwa’s reign.
Prophet Tom boldly decrares Emmerson Mnangagwa’s time is up…
