Writers Unlimited /On 13 January 2021 during online Winternachten festival’s Opening Night programme, the PEN Award for Freedom of Expression will honour Zimbabwean author Tsitsi Dangarembga, for her remarkable work in fighting for freedom of expression. Dangarembga is a novelist, poet, filmmaker and playwright. Her novel This Mournable Body was shortlisted for the 2020 Booker Prize. She is also a dedicated activist, and the founding member of PEN Zimbabwe.
The award ceremony, held as part of the opening night of the online Winternachten International Literature Festival The Hague, will be introduced PEN International President and writer, Jennifer Clement.
“For the past sixteen years, PEN International has given the PEN Award for Freedom of Expression at the opening ceremony of the Winternachten Festival. With the active participation of Netherlands PEN and the PEN Emergency Fund, the award honours writers who have been persecuted for their work and continue to work despite the consequences. Over the years we have recognized courageous writers such as Anna Politkovskaya and Hrant Dink and Stella Nyanzi”. PEN International President, Jennifer Clement.
Literary guests to Winternachten Festival’s Opening Night include authors Tsitsi Dangarembga (Zimbabwe), Salena Godden (UK), Samanta Schweblin (Germany), and Dutch authors Arnon Grunberg, Eva Meijer, Jaap Tielbeke, Raoul de Jong and Simon(e) van Saarloos. The Winternachten Festival’s Opening Night, including the PEN Award ceremony, will be live streamed on 13 January 2021, 20:30-22:00 hours CET. The programme will be English spoken. Programme information and tickets are available here.
The date of the PEN Award is of symbolic importance as it coincides with the PEN Emergency Fund’s 50th anniversary. Since its founding in 1971, PEN Emergency Fund has provided vital support to writers who have been persecuted for their work and are in acute financial need, as well as to their families.
Last year the PEN Award for Freedom of Expression was given to prominent Ugandan academic, writer and feminist activist Dr. Stella Nyanzi. Dr. Nyanzi was sentenced to 18-months in prison for ‘cyber harassment’ in November 2018. This was in relation to a poem she wrote on Facebook criticising President Museveni and his mother. Her conviction and sentence were overturned in February 2020, four weeks after receiving the award in the Hague. PEN International and its Centres around the world campaigned for the release of Dr Nyanzi since her arrest, and featured her case in PEN International’s Day of the Imprisoned Writer 2019.
Previous winners include Nobel Laureate Svetlana Alexievich, Palestinian poet Dareen Tatour, Eritrean poet and writer Amanuel Asrat, Honduran activist Dina Meza and Cameroonian journalist and academic Enoh Meyomesse.
Formerly known as the Oxfam Novib/PEN Award for Freedom of Expression, the award was originally given as a collaboration of PEN International, the PEN Emergency Fund and Oxfam Novib. It has been given to writers who continue to work for freedom of expression in the face of persecution since 2005. This year, PIP Den Haag (People in Print) will support the Award.
The PEN Award for Freedom of Expression is the first of a series of events in 2021 marking the PEN International Centenary. 100 years after it was established, PEN International continues to embody the spirit of its remarkable founder, the English writer Catherine Amy Dawson Scott. Today, PEN International is recognized as the world’s foremost association of writers and as a leading expert on freedom of expression.
By A Correspondent | When he was spitting salivafluids before party crowds and also into oily microphones, the ZANU PF National Spokesperson Patrick Chinamasa was likely infected, the former Rhodesian Prosecutor has tested positive to COVID-19.
Chinamasa, who has been leading the party information department as it claims that COVID does not affect black people, got his PcR test performed 3 days ago which printed out a positive result.
He has now been ordered to isolate. More to follow….
Chido Mbewu/ Transform Zimbabwe leader Jacob Ngarivhume has sent out a distress call that the police plan to arrest him.
The politician took to his microblogging platform Twitter, alerting his followers that he is getting reports, “they want to arrest me too.”
This was after MDC-Alliance vice-national chairman, Job Sikhala earlier made similar reports of an imminent arrest, sensationally claiming that the plan was to “expose him to Covid-19”
Wrote Sikhala, “I am gathering that after my arrest they want to expose me to Covid 19. If anything happens to me let it be known to Zimbabweans that I am Covid free as I speak. Few days ago I warned about the plot by the regime & they really want to arrest me for no apparent reason. Oppression”
A year ago, Kuvimba Mining House did not exist. Now it could be the country’s biggest gold producer.
How? The answer shows how transparency is still not a thing for Zimbabwean authorities.
In December, President Emmerson Mnangagwa toured Shamva Mine, a gold mine recently sold by Mzi Khumalo’s Metallon Corporation. Amid all the ribbon cutting and chest-thumping, it was revealed that the mine was now owned by Kuvimba.
David Brown, CEO of Kuvimba, handed over share certificates to Finance Minister Mthuli Ncube, and it was announced that the government owned 65% of Kuvimba.
For anyone who had followed recent acquisitions in mining, all this made one raise an eyebrow.
Here is why:
Puzzle one: Shamva, BNC
When Shamva was sold, the buyer was announced as Sotic International, a Mauritius-based company backed by Almas Global Opportunity Fund, a firm registered in the Cayman Islands. Brown, who is Sotic CEO, said Shamva was just one of other gold mines that the company was targeting for acquisition.
“We want to become a significant player in the gold industry in Zimbabwe,” Brown said in July last year. It was reported that Sotic’s local arm, Landela, would run Shamva.
In 2019, the same company, Sotic, bought 74.73% of Bindura Nickel Corporation (BNC), the country’s sole nickel miner, as well as Freda Rebecca gold mine, from Asa Resources.
That transaction, worth Z$3.5 billion, was completed in September last year. Soon after, BNC announced in a ZSE filing that Sotic would place the 74.74% BNC shares in the hands of a local company, Kuvimba.
“On 22 September 2020 the shares were, in terms of the Agreement, transferred to Kuvimba Mining House (Private) Limited, a limited liability company duly incorporated in accordance with the laws of Zimbabwe.”
Trojan nickel mine: One of Kuvimba Mining’s assets
So, who owns Kuvimba? Government says it owns the majority 65%. The stake is held through the sovereign wealth fund, the National Venture Capital Fund, and the Insurance and Pensions Commission. There is also the War Veterans Fund and the National Youth Fund. Little is known about these two funds.
The other 35%, it turns out, is owned by another locally-registered company, Ziwa Investments, which is in turn owned by a Mauritius-registered investment fund called Quorus. There is no disclosure on the beneficial owner of these two firms.
Brown says Sotic is not involved with Kuvimba, having ceded BNC stock to local ownership.
So, Sotic, a foreign-registered company, bought and paid for Shamva and BNC, only to hand over those shares to a separate entity, now majority-owned by the government?
Puzzle two: ZMDC
In June, the Ministry of Finance announced that Landela Mining was the winning bidder for “ZMDC gold assets and Sandawana Mine”.
These ZMDC mines include Jena, Golden Kopje, Elvington and Sandawana. Now, these companies are being listed as part of Kuvimba’s portfolio in government pronouncements. In total, currently, these gold mines are yielding around 300kg of gold per month.
So, on one hand, government claims to have disposed of its mines, while, on the other hand, claims to now hold 65% of the same company that we are told took over those same mines.
Puzzle three: GDI
In October 2019, Great Dyke Investments, which is developing what would be Zimbabwe’s largest platinum mine near Darwendale, announced Landela Mining as its local 50% partner. In December, GDI sold a 4.4% stake to Fossil Mining, led by GDI board member Owen Chimuka, in order to raise US$30 million to develop the mine.
Construction of the ‘box cut’ at the GDI site at Darwendale. The box cut is the first step in excavation, providing a portal into the underground mine
That left Russian company Vi Holding, run by Vitaliy Machitski, and Landela, each with a 47.8% stake.
Just like all the other assets previously said to have been bought by either Landela or Sotic, the GDI stake is now being listed by government officials as part of Kuvimba’s portfolio of assets.
The Tagwirei axis
Everyone involved around Kuvimba has been keen to make one big point; businessman Kuda Tagwirei is not involved in the company.
“Tagwireyi is not involved at all; we did our due diligence,” Ncube says. “All the entities in the 65% are State-owned.”
Government claims that its contribution of assets accounts for the 65% in Kuvimba. However, this would suggest a valuation of all the assets has been done to give the split. There has been no such valuation.
Commodity baron…Kuda Tagwirei
It’s easy to see why officials want so desperately to distance Kuvimba from Tagwirei. He is on the US sanctions list, and any association with Kuvimba diminishes the company’s capital-raising opportunities. Tagwirei himself would be keen not to have his businesses traced back to him.
However, it’s hard to place Tagwirei too far away from these businesses. With no full disclosure, Kuvimba appears to be an elaborate structure meant to protect both the interests of the state and Tagwirei himself.
This would be a remarkable role reversal. For long, it’s been alleged Tagwirei has been used by the Zimbabwe government to circumvent financial sanctions.
Firstly, when Sotic bought BNC, it appointed Christopher Fourie and Jozef Behr to the board. Fourie is a director of Sotic, while Behr is the company’s head of trading.
Fourie, an investment banker, has served as head of Mergers and Acquisitions at Puma Energy, which is jointly owned by Trafigura and Sonangol, and was until 2020 the Zimbabwe partner of Tagwirei’s Sakunda Holdings. Trafigura cut off Sakunda as the US prepared sanctions against Tagwirei.
BNC also appointed Chimuka, a Tagwirei associate and Landela’s nominee to the GDI board. Another board appointment was Craig Meerholz, executive director of Sotic and former head of Africa for Trafigura.
ZimAlloys, a company already known to have been bought by Tagwirei, is also being listed under Kuvimba.
Also of note is how Brown, the former Implats boss, has variously been presented as CEO of Sotic, Landela, and now Kuvimba.
Kuvimba: The game plan
So, why does Zimbabwe need Kuvimba?
Ncube’s justification for the company, opaque structure and all, is remarkable.
Earnings from the company, he said Monday, will be used to raise money to compensate pensioners, and even to pay displaced white commercial farmers.
In his 2021 budget, Ncube said he was setting up a US$75 million fund to compensate some pensioners who lose value. Farmers who signed to the US$3.5 billion compensation deal would be paid partly by money raised offshore. There was no mention of using mineral resources for either debt.
ZMDC’s old mines are desperate for investors, but quality buyers stayed away
Kuvimba has a long list of acquisition targets on the table. To add to BNC, Shamva and the ZMDC mines, the company is also targeting Globe & Phoenix Mines, the idled Kwekwe gold mine that has been overrun by illegal miners for two decades.
Mazowe Mine, another Metallon Mine, could be acquired this year, according to Brown.
Kuvimba says its total assets are valued at US$1.5 billion. It is looking to raise another US$1 billion to fund exploration, new acquisitions and development, Brown says.
“We require about US$1 billion to build out mines and ensure that catch-up capital is made,” according to Brown. “This will be done over time.”
Kuvimba has an ambitious target of 500 000 ounces of gold per year. That would vault it to the top of the mining pecking order, at a time most miners are struggling for capital.
Hidden in plain sight
After failing to attract new, large scale mining investment, it was inevitable that Zimbabwe would have to look within. A tender for ZMDC assets in 2018 attracted 151 bidders, but the sale was abandoned, purportedly for lack of quality buyers.
Not only does Zimbabwe offer new, greenfield investment opportunity – exploration alone has been woefully inadequate – the country also has a range of idle mines that are crying for investors with an appetite for risk.
Recently, credible companies such as Padenga and Caledonia Mining have stepped up investment in mines and claims that have been idle for years.
If Kuvimba meets its production and acquisition targets, it would potentially become Zimbabwe’s largest gold producer. Shamva Mine alone has a resource of 2.5 million ounces of gold. Freda expects 2,800kg in the year to March, which would beat RioZim, which produced 1,658kg from its three mines in 2019, and Blanket Mine, which projects 1,600kg in 2020.
However, instead of full disclosure on the structuring of this potentially influential firm, government and all others involved have chosen to hide it among scattered puzzle pieces.
Everyone involved has chosen to be cagey about how Kuvimba came about, and how government came to hold 65% in a company with assets that were initially aquired by Tagwirei’s Sotic and Landela.
This is the question government needs to answer; how did this mix of state-owned mines and privately-held mines bought by a private company end up all in the hands of a new single company that government now claims to control?
Zimbabwe’s government is yet again failing a transparency test in its management of mining resources.
The answer to the puzzles, as is always the case, will inevitably show when it’s time to put in new capital, and to share the spoils.
By QUINT FORGEY / President Donald Trump announced Friday that he will not attend President-elect Joe Biden’s inauguration later this month, shattering another norm of the American presidency on what will be his final day in office.
“To all of those who have asked, I will not be going to the Inauguration on January 20th,” Trump wrote on Twitter, 12 days before Inauguration Day.
With his decision, Trump is poised to become the first U.S. president in modern political history to not appear for his successor’s swearing-in ceremony — one of the nation’s most prominent public displays of its commitment to a peaceful transfer of power.
Only three other former presidents have declined to attend the inauguration of their White House successor: John Adams in 1801, John Quincy Adams in 1829 and Andrew Johnson in 1869. Former President Richard Nixon — who resigned in 1974 under threat of impeachment — was not present when President Gerald Ford was subsequently sworn-in at the White House.
Vice President Mike Pence is expected to attend the inauguration, POLITICO reported Thursday. Former President George W. Bush, the most recent Republican president, also plans to attend.
Former President Barack Obama, under whom Biden served as vice president, is presumed to be attending, as is former President Bill Clinton. Former President Jimmy Carter, who is 96 and the only other living former president, announced Tuesday that he would not attend.
Biden has previously said that while he does not personally care whether Trump attends his inauguration, the outgoing president should show up for the sake of the nation and its image on the world stage.
Trump’s presence is “important in a sense that we are able to demonstrate, at the end of this chaos that he’s created, that there is a peaceful transfer of power — with competing parties standing there, shaking hands and moving on,” Biden told CNN in an interview last month.
“The protocol of the transfer of power, I think, is important,” Biden said. “But it is totally his decision, and it’s of no personal consequence to me. But I do think it is for the country.”- Politico
Chido Mbewu/ The permanent secretary in the Ministry of Information, Publicity and Broadcasting Services, Ndavaningi Mangwana has made claims that a Covid-19 super spreader has succumbed to the virus, after coming into contact with an undisclosed number of people.
Without mentioning the identity of the person Mangwana says that after discovering his status, the person hired a car went to a Hurungwe hospital, does not disclose his status, after which his health deteriorates and he dies. The hospital has had to close.
DENIAL or SUPER SPREADER Someone gets sick in Harare and tests positive to Covid19. He hides the results, hires a car and goes to Mahwanda, Hurungwe, deteriorates there, goes to hospital there and hides history, resulting in closure of hospital. He passes away after 2nd test.
Chido Mbewu/ Lawyers representing journalist Hopewell Chin’ono say he has now been granted access to them, several hours after his arrest.
Hopewell Chinono being led back to prison after court.
Chin’ono was arrested earlier today, for a video he posted on social media alleging that they had beaten a baby to death.
The journalist sent out a distress call at the time of his arrest, explaining why he was being detained, “communicating falsehoods for tweeting that a child had been beaten up and died by a police officer! They are taking me to the Law and Order section at Harare Central Police Station”.
Lawyer Roselyn Hanzi said, ” @daddyhope has been granted access to his lawyer. The allegation is that he contravened section 31(a)(iii) of the Criminal Code – Publishing of communicating statements prejudicial to the state – (undermining confidence in law enforcement agency)”.
Meanwhile the police car Chin’ono was taken in has been identified as a white Toyota Hilux registration number AES 6633.
Aston Villa forced to close training ground after COVID 19 outbreak Marvelous Nakamba’s Aston Villa have announced that they closed their training ground following a significant COVID 19 outbreak at the club.
The development is likely going to lead to the postponement of their FA Cup clash with Liverpool that was set to be played on Thursday.
A statement from the club read:
Aston Villa can confirm that the Club has closed its Bodymoor Heath training ground after a significant Coronavirus outbreak.
A large number of first team players and staff returned positive tests after being routinely tested on Monday and immediately went into isolation.
A second round of testing was carried out immediately and produced more positive results today.
First team training ahead of tomorrow’s FA Cup match with Liverpool was cancelled.
Discussions are ongoing between medical representatives of the Club, the Football Association and the Premier League.-Soccer 24 Zimbabwe
Musona injury blow for KAS Eupen Warriors captain Knowledge Musona was stretched off in KAS Eupen’s latest game in the Belgian Pro League.
Benat San Jose’s charges were thumped 1-4 by Genk on Wednesday, their second defeat on the trot but the elephant in the room is that Musona was stretched off in the first half of the game due to an undisclosed type of injury.
He was replaced by Belgian Jonathan Heris with just 28 minutes on the clock.
When Musona was stretched off, Eupen were leading 1-0, only for them to crumble, concede four goals and lose the match.
Interestingly, in the previous game, the Aces Youth Academy graduate was taken off late in the second half having scored a brace of free kicks and left the team leading 2-1, only for them to crumble and lose 3-2.
Musona is doubtful for tomorrow’s away trip to Cercle Brugge.- Soccer 24 Zimbabwe
The perception that players who play for local premiership teams do not invest is deep-rooted.
While the reasons are somewhat debatable and opinion-based, it is a fact that the plight of most local-based players is not an encouraging one and it portrays a crisis which was further exposed by the Covid-19 pandemic.
As such, football legends and those responsible for the welfare of players in Zimbabwe have, on countless occasions, encouraged them to invest and prepare for life after the game.
Young Warriors defender Emmanuel Jalai has chosen a different path.
The Dynamos right-back recently launched a clothing line and for him, preparing for life after football is the idea behind the initiative.
“I was motivated by the current situation (the Covid-19 crisis),” he said.
“You know economically in Zimbabwe things are not stable, so Collin Mujuru and I thought of doing something apart from football which could help us earn more income so we thought of having a clothing line,” revealed the talented right-back, who turned 22 yesterday.
The call for local footballers to look at their lives after retirement with extensive eyes has been on repeat and Jalai admits that was also a push-factor in the launching of the clothing line, which has in stock so far t-shirts, jackets and caps but with the intention of growing further to supply cargo pants and also staff for children.
“Yes of course that (the call for players to invest) was a major facilitating factor in us coming up with this entrepreneurial activity. Normally when you start something small, the major idea is investment so I’m trying by all means to prepare for a better life after football.”
He continued: “It’s not easy being a footballer in Zimbabwe, there is a lot of criticism but that shouldn’t be the case in my opinion. I think people should support and advice us while we are still active, than to then criticize our lives after retirement,” he added.- Soccer 24 Zimbabwe
Tinashe Sambiri|MDC MDC Alliance leader, President Nelson Chamisa has strongly denounced the harassment of citizens by overzealous cops.
According to President Chamisa police officers are not allowed to assault citizens.
Overzealous police details are terrorising residents of the city of Masvingo under the pretext of enforcing lockdown restrictions.
Addressing mourners at the burial of Assistant Commissioner Emmanuel Chimwanda in Gutu on Thursday, President Chamisa called for tolerance of diverse views.
“We are receiving disturbing information about the harassment of citizens by overzealous police officers.
Police officers are not allowed to assault ordinary citizens.
Human rights must be respected.
The late Assistant Commissioner Emmanuel Chimwanda was a dedicated police officer during his time of service.
He refused to be pushed out of his line of duty by politicians,” said President Chamisa.
He added :
“Let’s shun political intolerance because we are all Zimbabweans.Political parties come and go -why do we have to harm each other because of intolerance?”
By A Correspondent| Journalist Hopewell Chin’ono says police have arrested him at his home in Harare on charges of communicating falsehoods, allegedly for tweeting that a police officer killed a baby strapped on the back of its mother with a truncheon.
Posting on Twitter, Chin’ono said;
“They say they are charging me with communicating falsehoods for tweeting that a child had been beaten up and died by a police officer! They are taking me to the Law and a order section at Harare Central Police Station,” said Chin’ono.
Warriors star Khama Billiat says it is their wish as Kaizer Chiefs players to end the club’s trophy drought and make the chairman Kaizer Motaung proud.
The Glamour Boys have not lifted a trophy since 2015 and despite leading for most of the 2019/20 league campaign, they were beaten to it in dramatic fashion on the last day by Mamelodi Sundowns, much to the frustration of their ever-demanding faithful.
Billiat through feels the barren period has to end soon.
“I personally believe that we have to go all the way, we need to be the generation that does what the best generations of this club have achieved in the past. “This club has a very good history and we don’t want to be the ones that are not pulling our weight. We want to do what they have done and make our chairman proud. It has been too long (without a trophy),” he told SuperSport TV after their CAF Champions League success over Angolan side Primeiro de Agosto.
“It gives us confidence going back to our domestic competition. We really want to go all the way, to make a difference, and push ourselves to the limit and to see how far we can compete in Africa.
“I must give credit to the guys, we worked so hard, we stuck to the game-plan. It wasn’t easy, and it is going to be very tough (in the group stages), but we only learn and grow as a team and make sure we gel together and fight for one another trophy,” he added.-Soccer 24 Zimbabwe
Stay aware of the latest information on the COVID-19 outbreak, available on the WHO website and through your national and local public health authority. Many countries around the world have seen cases of COVID-19 and several have seen outbreaks.
The situation is unpredictable so check regularly for the latest news.
You can reduce your chances of being infected or spreading COVID-19 by taking some simple precautions:
Regularly and thoroughly clean your hands with an alcohol-based hand rub or wash them with soap and water.
Why?Washing your hands with soap and water or using alcohol-based hand rub kills viruses that may be on your hands.
Maintain at least 1 metre (3 feet) distance between yourself and anyone who is coughing or sneezing.
Why? When someone coughs or sneezes they spray small liquid droplets from their nose or mouth which may contain virus. If you are too close, you can breathe in the droplets, including the COVID-19 virus if the person coughing has the disease.
Avoid touching eyes, nose and mouth
Why? Hands touch many surfaces and can pick up viruses. Once contaminated, hands can transfer the virus to your eyes, nose or mouth. From there, the virus can enter your body and can make you sick.
Make sure you, and the people around you, follow good respiratory hygiene. This means covering your mouth and nose with your bent elbow or tissue when you cough or sneeze. Then dispose of the used tissue immediately.
Why? Droplets spread virus. By following good respiratory hygiene you protect the people around you from viruses such as cold, flu and COVID-19.
Stay home if you feel unwell. If you have a fever, cough and difficulty breathing, seek medical attention and call in advance. Follow the directions of your local health authority.
Why? National and local authorities will have the most up to date information on the situation in your area. Calling in advance will allow your health care provider to quickly direct you to the right health facility. This will also protect you and help prevent spread of viruses and other infections.
Keep up to date on the latest COVID-19 hotspots (cities or local areas where COVID-19 is spreading widely). If possible, avoid traveling to places – especially if you are an older person or have diabetes, heart or lung disease.
Why? You have a higher chance of catching COVID-19 in one of these areas.
Credit:WHO
Inserted by Zimbabwe Online Health Centre
For more information follow /like our Facebook page :Zimbabwe Online Health Centre
Tinashe Sambiri|MDC MDC Alliance Secretary General Hon Charlton Hwende has ruled out dialogue with Douglas Mwonzora’s MDC-T.
Hon Hwende also described the withdrawal of former Zanu PF MP, Kudakwashe Bhasikiti from the MDC Alliance as a non-event.
On Thursday Bhasikiti announced his decision to pull out of the MDC Alliance.
Hon Hwende responded:
We have had many MDC’s in the past and that has never confused our people.
Since 1999 we have managed to sustain this struggle and give hope to our people because we have successfully managed to outwit the regime by always electing and following a genuine political leader who can’t be bought by the regime to sell out the struggle. We succeeded with President Morgan Tsvangirai and we will succeed with President Nelson Chamisa.
Our Number one asset is our Leader. Even all other leaders are bought and we remain with him alone and the People Tinosvika Chete. Don’t be disturbed by those who are pushing us to abandon our name MDC Alliance it’s a trap the masses know their Party and they Know that their Leader is Nelson Chamisa. Some are now day dreaming and talking about Unity.
Unity with Progressive Political Parties yes but not with ED and ZanuPF created opposition. “Impoitai zveku Polad…
Tinashe Sambiri|The MDC Alliance Youth Assembly has denounced the harassment of its members by overzealous police details in Gweru.
Members of the MDC Alliance Youth Assembly have been frequently summoned to the police for “dubious questioning” at Gweru CID Law and Order Section.
See statement below:
The Zanu PF regime has through the police continued to torment MDC Alliance Youths.
The so called new dispensation has refused to leave behind human rights abuses and all the dirty deeds which were done by those they call old dispensation and claim to be different from.
Youths from Mkoba suburb are being summoned to Gweru CID Law and Order for questioning which we see as a ploy to intimidate and silence all those who do not support Zanu pf.
This random picking of known Mdc Alliance Members started with our Mkoba district youth chairperson John Kuka who was the first to be called on the 18th of December and then followed by Tonderai Chadoka who was called for questioning on the 4th of January.
The percecution seems not to be ending anytime soon as six more youths were called in also for the so called questioning today. Those who went to law and order today are Mthulisi Noko, Portia Tambalika, Edwin Chakanyuka, Tawedzerwa zvirawi, Precious Mtengwa and Tendai Gama
We strongly condemn the continued unfair treatment of citizens. zanu pf must use all this energy in the fight against this covid 19 pandemic which the nation and the whole world is facing. This behaviour of trying to crush opposing voices through arrests and trumped up charges which has rocked the nation must not have any space in our community. This must be a time where all citizens unite and stop the spread of covid 19.
As Mdc Alliance Mkoba youths we say we will not be intimidated or diverted from our goals and fight for a new Zimbabwe where everyone is equal, a new corruption free Zimbabwe, fight for constitutionalism and return of rule of law, fight for good governance…
Stay aware of the latest information on the COVID-19 outbreak, available on the WHO website and through your national and local public health authority. Many countries around the world have seen cases of COVID-19 and several have seen outbreaks.
The situation is unpredictable so check regularly for the latest news.
You can reduce your chances of being infected or spreading COVID-19 by taking some simple precautions:
Regularly and thoroughly clean your hands with an alcohol-based hand rub or wash them with soap and water.
Why?Washing your hands with soap and water or using alcohol-based hand rub kills viruses that may be on your hands.
Maintain at least 1 metre (3 feet) distance between yourself and anyone who is coughing or sneezing.
Why? When someone coughs or sneezes they spray small liquid droplets from their nose or mouth which may contain virus. If you are too close, you can breathe in the droplets, including the COVID-19 virus if the person coughing has the disease.
Avoid touching eyes, nose and mouth
Why? Hands touch many surfaces and can pick up viruses. Once contaminated, hands can transfer the virus to your eyes, nose or mouth. From there, the virus can enter your body and can make you sick.
Make sure you, and the people around you, follow good respiratory hygiene. This means covering your mouth and nose with your bent elbow or tissue when you cough or sneeze. Then dispose of the used tissue immediately.
Why? Droplets spread virus. By following good respiratory hygiene you protect the people around you from viruses such as cold, flu and COVID-19.
Stay home if you feel unwell. If you have a fever, cough and difficulty breathing, seek medical attention and call in advance. Follow the directions of your local health authority.
Why? National and local authorities will have the most up to date information on the situation in your area. Calling in advance will allow your health care provider to quickly direct you to the right health facility. This will also protect you and help prevent spread of viruses and other infections.
Keep up to date on the latest COVID-19 hotspots (cities or local areas where COVID-19 is spreading widely). If possible, avoid traveling to places – especially if you are an older person or have diabetes, heart or lung disease.
Why? You have a higher chance of catching COVID-19 in one of these areas.
Credit:WHO
Inserted by Zimbabwe Online Health Centre
For more information follow /like our Facebook page :Zimbabwe Online Health Centre
Tinashe Sambiri|Outspoken cleric, Bishop Ancelimo Magaya has reprimanded Mr Emmerson Mnangagwa over the incessant abuse of human rights in the country.
According to Bishop Magaya, the people of Zimbabwe are suffering due to COVID-19 pandemic and economic crisis such that Mr Mnangagwa should not pile more misery on them.
See statement below:
THE EFFECTS OF COVID 19 ARE MORE THAN WHAT PEOPLE CAN BEAR, SO STATE ORGANS DO NOT ADD MORE PAIN.
While the second wave of this diabolic pandemic is more vicious than the first and therefore more needful for people to exercise much caution, we remain concerned that the recently announced ban on gatherings may be taken advantage of to violate people’s God give rights.
A spate of arbitrary arrests, selective application of the law and brutalization of activists among other vices we witnessed during the previous phase were aggregately a mockery of our justice system.
The smashing of a Kombi window screen resulting in the mother and baby passengers injured last Monday for instance was totally uncalled for.
President Mnangagwa’s government should clearly demonstrate that they do not intend this time around to match the effects of this diabolic pandemic which has been masterminded and instigated from hell, to wipe out people’s hope by arbitrarily arresting, abducting, torturing and brutalizing them.
By now, it has become abundantly clear that COVID 19 knows no political barriers and therefore there should never be any intention to bastardize any section of our society purely on the basis of their political opinion.
What unites us is much bigger than what divides us.
I wish you all a prosperous year even in the gravest of these circumstances.
Tinashe Sambiri|MDC MDC Alliance Secretary General Hon Charlton Hwende has ruled out dialogue with Douglas Mwonzora’s MDC-T.
Hon Hwende also described the withdrawal of former Zanu PF MP, Kudakwashe Bhasikiti from the MDC Alliance as a non-event.
On Thursday Bhasikiti announced his decision to pull out of the MDC Alliance.
Hon Hwende responded:
We have had many MDC’s in the past and that has never confused our people.
Since 1999 we have managed to sustain this struggle and give hope to our people because we have successfully managed to outwit the regime by always electing and following a genuine political leader who can’t be bought by the regime to sell out the struggle. We succeeded with President Morgan Tsvangirai and we will succeed with President Nelson Chamisa.
Our Number one asset is our Leader. Even all other leaders are bought and we remain with him alone and the People Tinosvika Chete. Don’t be disturbed by those who are pushing us to abandon our name MDC Alliance it’s a trap the masses know their Party and they Know that their Leader is Nelson Chamisa. Some are now day dreaming and talking about Unity.
Unity with Progressive Political Parties yes but not with ED and ZanuPF created opposition. “Impoitai zveku Polad…
Tinashe Sambiri|MDC MDC Alliance leader, President Nelson Chamisa has strongly denounced the harassment of citizens by overzealous cops.
According to President Chamisa police officers are not allowed to assault citizens.
Overzealous police details are terrorising residents of the city of Masvingo under the pretext of enforcing lockdown restrictions.
Addressing mourners at the burial of Assistant Commissioner Emmanuel Chimwanda in Gutu on Thursday, President Chamisa called for tolerance of diverse views.
“We are receiving disturbing information about the harassment of citizens by overzealous police officers.
Police officers are not allowed to assault ordinary citizens.
Human rights must be respected.
The late Assistant Commissioner Emmanuel Chimwanda was a dedicated police officer during his time of service.
He refused to be pushed out of his line of duty by politicians,” said President Chamisa.
He added :
“Let’s shun political intolerance because we are all Zimbabweans.Political parties come and go -why do we have to harm each other because of intolerance?”
The police and home affairs minister Kazembe Kazembe issued different statements refuting claims that a police officer killed a child who was strapped on the mother’s back while attempting to hit a kombi loading from a undesignated point.
I don’t know how to get this addressed I have two daughters who attend The Dominican Convent Harare
Our Fees for the last three terms were $800 USD equivalent. The girls practically went the year on line after March lockdown.
Early this week I received and Invoice indicating fees are now $1890 USD for each child.
We have had no communication from the school regarding such an increase they have just sent out a January News letter saying kids can pay half the fees amount and start online lessons on Tuesday the 12th and the balance parents should draw up payment plans.
What has our world come to in a pandemic we have Christian Schools associated with the Vatican increasing fees by more than double yet parents who are on lockdown have so much to deal with
By Jane Mlambo| MDC Alliance vice chairperson Job Sikhala has exposed a plan by the police to arrest him on charges of undermining the authority of the police after he tweeted about the incident that happened along Second Street in Harare where a police officer allegedly injured a child while attempting to hit a kombi.
Sikhala raised alarm on Twitter saying he received the information that he will be arrested today.
“Alert Zimbabwe : I have received information that the Mnangagwa regime wants to arrest me today for the offence which I don’t know. They are alleging that I undermined the authority of the police by Twitting about the kid allegedly assaulted by them. I have alerted everyone,” said Sikhala.
The vocal opposition politician spend nearly 40 days in detention following his arrested last year on charges of inciting public violence after he had encouraged people to protest against corruption.
Zimbabwe’s coronavirus cases are rising dramatically, with 871 new cases (all local transmissions) and 15 more deaths recorded today, Thursday, 7 January 2020.
This has brought the total of number of those who have died from the COVID-19 to 446 while cumulatively, Zimbabwe has 18 675 confirmed cases, including 12 083 recoveries.
Harare and Manicaland provinces are currently the epicentres of the pandemic, with the former recording 301 new cases while the latter is second with 133 new cases in the past 24 hours.
Masvingo recorded 105 new cases, Mat South, 82, Bulawayo, 81, Mash East, 54, Mat North and Mash West had 41 cases each, Mash Central, 28, and the Midlands Province had recorded 5 new cases.
Of the 15 deaths recorded in the last 24 hours, Mash West had 4, Masvingo, 3, Bulawayo, Mash East and Midlands recorded 2 deaths each, Harare, Mat North and Mat South all recorded zero deaths. Manicaland and Mash Central recorded 1 death apiece.
This means that Zimbabwe has recorded a staggering2 846 new coronavirus infections and 64 deaths in the past three days.
Rapper Desmond Chideme popularly known as Stunner has mourned his mother with a heartfelt message following her sudden passing on Sunday.
Taking to Instagram, Stunner said her death was not fair and people should not call him and tell him it’s going to be ok because it will not.
Devastated by her sudden death Stunner poured his heart out and penned a heartfelt message as he remembered his mother.
He posted:
Please don’t come to my phone and tell me it’s going to be okay, it’s never going to be okay.
Who is going to tell me “you are drinking too much bring some of those bottles to the nest?”
Who is going to pray for me when I travel and when I’m low?
Who is going to prepare and force me to take Zumbani and moringa powder?
Who will do the rosary for me coz I never learnt ?
Whose “good morning Tambawoga” text am I going to wake up to?
Who is going to tell me not to reply to all of you when you judge me like you know me?
Who am I going to send every new demo I record in the studio (she listened to every single song I made)
You were the reason I still visited the hood (Glen Norah) and when I was sick you asked to come and stay at home but you never gave me chance to invite you to my home, you never said bye but you asked me to get you mukaka wakakora and you had your last meal sadza nemukaka.
Your death wasn’t fair and I still have a lot that needs to be fixed by you mom, ndimi mudzimu wangu wandave kutanga kuchemera muchindisvitsira zvichemo zvangu Kuna Musika vanhu. Misodzi yangu haisi kuzopera kusvika tasangana zve.
REST IN PEACE ELIZABETH ROSE CHIDEME #TisuMashark #Mom #Mother #SuperGranny,” he penned on his Instagram page.
Stunner lost his mother on the same day United States-based Zimbabwean Prophet Passion Java lost his mother.
On Sunday night, three daring robbers armed to teeth with AK 47 assault rifles stole 650kgs of gold ore from a Penhalonga gold mine in Mutare.
According to The Manica Post, one of the robbers wore a Zimbabwe National Army uniform while the other two were in civilian attire.
The robbery took place at Tsanzaume Mining and Milling Company in Penhalonga, Manicaland provincial police spokesperson, Inspector Luxson Chananda confirmed.
According to Inspector Chananda the three armed robbers surprised eight Tsanzaume workers including 35-year-old Allen Nyabeze and told them that they were law enforcement agents investigating a gold heist.
The robbers then told the unsuspecting workers that they were all under arrest for gold theft and ordered them to switch off their mobile phones and sit down.
The workers were then instructed to load thirteen 50kgs of gold ore into an Izusu truck belonging to Allen Nyabeze.
Nyabeze was ordered to drive the Isuzu truck to Penalonga Police Station, a few kilometers from their destination they were intercepted by a group of other robbers in a Toyota Noah (Registration number ADP 6019).
The robbers then diverted Nyabeza to Lead Mine in Penhalonga.
An alert security guard at Lead Mine refused to open the gate for the armed assailants.
The robbers then changed their plan and offloaded the gold ore into the Toyota Noah, and told Nyabeza to return to Tsanzaume mine.
Inspector Chananda confirmed that a report was made at Penhalonga police station at around midnight.
During the course of investigations, detectives discovered that the Toyota Noah that was used in the heist belonged to Weston John Tizora of Kubatana Community Organization in Penhalonga.
Upon arrival at Kubatana Community Organisation, police detectives did not find Tizora, his son told them that he had gone out.
The United Kingdom on Thursday announced that travellers from Zimbabwe are now banned from entering that country as a way to curb the spread of the coronavirus.
This comes as Zimbabwe has recently recorded a surge in coronavirus cases pushing local health institutions to the brink.
The ban will be with effect from Saturday 9 January 2021 and remain in place for two weeks, the government said in a statement bit.ly/3pTvmsk.
Reads the statement:
Entry into England will be banned to those who have travelled from or through any southern African country in the last 10 days, including Namibia, Zimbabwe, Botswana, Eswatini, Zambia, Malawi, Lesotho, Mozambique and Angola – as well as Seychelles and Mauritius. This does not include British and Irish Nationals, longer-term visa holders and permanent residents, who will be able to enter but are required to self-isolate for 10 days on arrival along with their household.
The statement also indicated that the travel restrictions are extended to all southern African countries from 4 am Saturday 9 January (2021) to protect against the spread of a new COVID-19 variant initially detected in South Africa.
It is strongly believed that the aggressive coronavirus variant that was initially detected in South Africa is now in Zimbabwe after the two countries open borders to travellers early December last year.
Bell also said that if a new vaccine is required to fight the new fast-spreading strain, it could take just six weeks to do so.
The U.K. is already grappling with another new coronavirus strain that emerged recently in that country. A number of European countries have since banned flights and trains from the UK.
Human rights lawyers on Wednesday 6 January 2021 filed an urgent chamber application at the High Court seeking an order to compel government to urgently place them on the list of essential service personnel to allow them to offer legal assistance to those in need during the subsistence of the national lockdown period.
Health and Child Care Minister and Vice-President Constantino Chiwenga on Saturday 2 January 2021 announced the imposition of a national lockdown which took effect from Tuesday 5 January 2021 and will last for 30 days.
During this period, Chiwenga authorised some selected essential services and providers to remain open and operational and ordered all non-essential enterprises and service providers to shut down and stay at home. Government also announced a dusk to dawn curfew aimed at curbing the spread of coronavirus, whose cases have been on an unprecedented surge in recent weeks.
In response to government’s order, human rights lawyer Obey Shava and Young Lawyers Association of Zimbabwe (YLAZ) represented by Tonderai Bhatasara of Zimbabwe Lawyers for Human Rights on Wednesday 6 January 2021 filed an urgent chamber application at High Court arguing that the decision by government to omit lawyers from a list of essential service workers considered essential service providers obstructed legal practitioners from practising and had serious ramifications for access to justice by people in need of such a service.
Shava and YLAZ filed the application after some law enforcement officers manning roadblocks and check points on Tuesday 5 January 2021 and purporting to be enforcing Statutory Instrument (SI) 10 of 2021 had turned back lawyers who were on their way to work after they allegedly failed to produce “authority to travel letters.”
Shava said he was delayed for 30 minutes at a roadblock on Tuesday 5 January 2021 when he allegedly failed to produce an exemption letter despite producing his Practicing Certificate issued by Law Society of Zimbabwe.
Shava and YLAZ, who listed Chiwenga, Home Affairs and Cultural Heritage Minister Kazembe Kazembe and Justice, Legal and Parliamentary Affairs Minister Ziyambi Ziyambi as respondents, protested that government’s conduct in not recognising lawyers as part of professionals considered essential service providers or workers is a violation of lawyers’ rights as well as litigants and arrested persons provided in section 50, 64, 66, 69 and 70 of the Constitution.
In their application, Shava and YLAZ argued that government is oblivious of the role that lawyers play in society.
Shava and YLAZ contented that lawyers are essential in completing the chain of the justice delivery system and the rights of accused persons to access lawyers of their choice as provided in the Constitution would be undermined by government’s decision to treat legal practitioners as non-essential service providers.
Shava and YLAZ said the implementation of SI 10/2021 and 11/2021 as read with SI200/2020 by enforcement officers is not a permissible limitation of rights in terms of the provisions of section 86(2) of the Constitution hence the limitation is not fair and reasonable and is not necessary and justifiable in a democratic society.
The lawyers stated that section 86(3) of the Constitution provides that no law may limit the right to a fair trial, the right to obtain an order of habeas corpus among other fundamental rights.
Shava and YLAZ argued that the government order had rendered legal services as non-essential services and that the administration of justice cannot be done without the involvement of lawyers and the services they provide.
Lawyers, Shava and YLAZ stated, are an integral part and an essential component in the economic production ecosystem, the justice delivery system including law and order and are critical in a democratic society.
The lawyers want the High Court to order government to treat all lawyers as people carrying out essential services and to declare that legal services are an essential service under S.I 10/2021 and SI 11/2021 during the period of the national lockdown.
Shava and YLAZ also want Chiwenga’s conduct or omission by not including legal services as essential services in SI 10/2021 and 11/2021 to be declared unconstitutional.
By A Correspondent- A crack team made up of the Zimbabwe Anti-Corruption Commission (Zacc), the National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) and the Reserve Bank of Zimbabwe (RBZ) has seized luxury homes and top-end vehicles worth over $2 billion belonging to top and former government officials.
Some of the houses and residential stands belong to town clerks and other high-level council officials drawn from Harare, Mutare and Gweru local authorities. There have been several arrests of council bosses, including Harare town clerk Hosiah Chisango and former Mutare council boss Obert Muzawazi over a slew of allegations bordering on illegal parcelling out of stands.
The properties were taken by the state as the owners failed to account for the source of wealth and could have violated the Money Laundering and Proceeds of Crime Act.
Several houses forfeited are located in plush suburbs like Borrowdale, Greystone Park and Glen Lorne in the capital, while other homes are being forfeited in South Africa, Britain, Malaysia and Mauritius, among other countries.
Zacc head of legal affairs Jessie Majome said houses worth ZW$169 470 425 (US$2,09 million) were seized from former cabinet ministers and other high ranking government officials.
“We have seized 24 motor vehicles valued at ZW$121 500 000,00 (US$1,5 million) and have succeeded in asset forfeiture through criminal convictions six motor vehicles valued at ZW$8 185 000,00 (us$101 000),” she said.
Majome revealed that some of the houses and cars belong to former Foreign Affairs minister Walter Mzembi, Gender Commission chairperson Margaret Sangarwe, former Labour and Public service minister Prisca Mupfumira, Douglas Tapfuma ex-Principal Director state residences, registrar-General Clement Masango, Defence ministry director Denson Muwandi and Finance ministry accountant Simbarashe Zvineyi.
The list of top government officials who lost houses and top-of-the-range vehicles is a clear indication of how public office bearers are using their muscle to amass wealth at the expense of the economy.
some properties that were seized together with others on the pending list are owned by Harare, Mutare and Gweru senior city council officials. The estimated value is ZW$129 685 000 (us$810 000).
By Nomusa Garikai- President Donald Trump is a conman and like all conman he promised one thing and delivered something else.
In the 2016 elections, the then Donald Trump promised the American votes two things:
To drain the Washington swamp (Many people felt as soon as the elections were over, the Washington ruling elite forgot about the voters)
To put America first. (True or not, it is nice to blame some one else for ones’ problems.)
Enough Americans believed him and voted him into office.
It did not take before the real reason why Trump had wanted to be President began to emerge; he was a megalomania. Forget about putting America first, that would be a bonus, his number one priority was putting Donald Trump first.
Trump promised to drain the Washington political swamp only to shamelessly muddy its waters even more for selfish again. When Richard Milhous Nixon cheated in the Watergate Scandal to further his political ambition he claimed, tongue in the check, “I am not a crook!”
When the truth emerged that President Trump had tried to arm twist Ukrainian leaders and many others to dig some dirty on his political challenger, Joe Biden; President Trump’s cheeky response was, “I am a crook! So what!”
President Trump should have been impeached or forced to resign. He was never impeached although the House of Representatives voted for him to be impeached but only because the Senate was controlled by Republicans, his party. A very partisan stance that has made the Washington swamp notoriously dysfunctional and which many Republicans would come to regret.
Nothing will ever encapsulate Trump’s “Trump first!” ethos more than his stubborn refusal to accept he had lost the November 2020 elections. He ordered the counting to stop for no good reason other than that he was losing.
Trump has maintained the elections were fraudulent and lounged 60 court challenges but they have all been thrown out for lack of evidence.
Even in a Republican controlled State like Georgia Trump claimed the election was rigged. Republicans cheating to benefit the Democrats, their opponents!
On 6 th January 2021 a group of President Trump die-hard supporters stormed, military style, Capitol Hill, the citadel of American Federal power, housing the Representatives and Senators, the highest ranking elected public officials in the land after the President. The mob had one purpose in mind – to stop the joint houses of Representatives and Senators from carrying out their constitutional duty of formally endorsing the Joe Biden and Kamala Harris as the winners of the November 2020 Presidential and Vice Presidential race.
The violent mob attacking Capitol Hill were a blatant attached on the people’s right to a free vote, the people’s free vote as the only mandate to govern and on the long established tradition of a peaceful and orderly transfer of power.
As a Zimbabwean, the 6 January 2021 events in Washington was a reminder of the events in Zimbabwe in March 2008. Zanu PF was losing the vote and the party ordered the vote counting to stop and the counting stopped.
It took the next six weeks for the party to cook up new results. MDC’s parliamentary majority was reduced and Tsvangirai’s 73% vote count, by Mugabe’s own Freudian slip, was reduced to 47% – enough to force a presidential run-off.
In the three months run-off election campaign, Zanu PF unleashed the worst election related wanton violence the country had ever seen. The party was punishing the voters for daring to reject the party’s presidential candidate, Robert Mugabe, in the earlier vote.
“Zanu PF has declared war on the people!” said Tsvangirai as he announced his forced withdrawal from the run-off. The wanton violence had been so intense it was impossible for him to campaign.
Mnangagwa, before him Mugabe, and his fellow Zanu PF thugs conned the people of Zimbabwe’s promises of freedom, liberty, “One man! One vote!” etc., etc. before independence. All the black nationalists wanted and cared about is absolute power for themselves and their greed for power and the spoils it brings have been insatiable.
Mnangagwa has succeed in gratifying his hunger for power because Zimbabwe is a Banana Republic in tyrants like him hold captive the state institutions and ride roughshod over the people freedoms and rights. President Donald Trump tried to do the same and has failed because America has a healthy and functioning democracy.
6th January 2021 will go down in history as the first occasion ever in 226 years America has failed to have peaceful and orderly transfer of power. But most important of all, the event will go down in history as an attempt to usurp the people’s power and right to free, fair and credible elections that completely failed.
Mugabe and his Zanu PF thugs usurped the people’s freedoms and rights when the party denied the people a free vote in 1980. The 2008 elections are a watershed elections in that the party showed the sickening depths the regime would sink to retain power.
There is no denying that President Trump caused a lot of damage to America’s democracy after 4 years in White House. Imagine how much more damage he would have caused if he had enjoyed absolute power for 40 years, which is what Mnangagwa and his Zanu PF cronies have enjoyed!
Mnangagwa and company are corrupt, ruthless thugs whose hunger for power and looted wealth is insatiable. After 40 years of enjoying absolute power, removing from office is not going to be easy. However, they are breathtakingly incompetent, their Achilles heel!
President Trump’s “Trump first!” ethos was doomed to fail because he was foolish enough to think himself, even as President of America, was above the law. In the Banana Republic of Zimbabwe, the thugs are the law unto themselves the challenge is to dismantle the lawless dictatorship!
By A Correspondent- Undertakers on Sunday damaged TelOne line in Warren Park Cemetery while digging graves leaving TelOne disconnected.
TelOne said they had to engage Harare City Council in an endeavour to repair the damaged line and were given the go-ahead. An anonymous official at the telecommunications company said:
On Sunday, in Warren Park Cemetry, a grave was allocated on top of our network line. Undertakers damaged our cables when they were digging.
They buried the deceased. We discovered on Monday that the fault was in the Cemetry and engaged authorities. We started laying new cables.
Unfortunately, since Monday till Wednesday, they were still burying COVID-19 victims near the area where our cables were damaged. Resultatnly, we were sometimes told to vacate the place to avoid contact with their projects.
On Wedneday, We engaged them again and asked for a window period to finish the refurbishment process and they agreed. We hope they won’t chase us again until we finish. We expect to have finished the process anytime soon.
Tel-One is Zimbabwe’s sole fixed telecommunication services provider providing Voice, Internet and Data services and its absence is a huge blow for its customers working from home.
The absence of TelOne services would force customers to look for alternatives including Zol Zimbabwe which is aggressively penetrating the market and or mobile network operators.
Warren Park D area has serious network issues especially when NetOne is not working since other network operators do not have towers which adequately cover the area.-statemedia
Sad to receive painful news of the passing on of my friend Linos Mushonga this morning through Covid 19. Linos Mushonga is the former MDC Cllr for Waterfalls and is one man who suffered severe torture accused of having killed the ZANU PF thug Ali Khan Manjengwa in 2002 in Mbare
ZIMRA has issued the following statement notifying transport stakeholders that heavy vehicles are now prohibited from entering or parking in residential areas and entering the CBD of any city or town. Read the full statement below:
PUBLIC NOTICE: TRANSPORTERS, IMPORTERS, DRIVERS AND CLEARING AGENTS-TRAFFIC ZONES RESTRICTION ON HEAVY VEHICLES
The Zimbabwe Revenue Authority (ZIMRA) wishes to advise the stakeholders specified above that following the publication of Statutory Instrument 7 of 2021 (Customs and Excise (Ports of Entry and Routes) (Amendment) Order, 2021 (No. 21)1 the provisions of which took effect on 1 January 2021, all heavy vehicles, whether loaded or not and whether electronically sealed or not, will be prohibited from:
Entering the Central Business Districts (CBD) of any city and town.
Entering or parking within residential areas.
All such heavy traffic shall be required to use the designated routes specified in Statutory Instrument 7 of 2021.
The use of any undesignated route or violation of any of the statutory requirements set out in the aforementioned legislation will attract heavy penalties.
Operators of the specified traffic are therefore, urged to ensure that their drivers and crew members are suitably guided to avoid inconveniences and heavy penalties set against any breach of these requirements.
Amalgamated Rural Teachers Union of Zimbabwe (ARTUZ) member Sheila Chisirimunhu who was recently released on bail pending appeal following her conviction for demanding US dollar salaries joins Munyaradzi Gwisai, Robson Chere and Obert Masaraure to launch the labour justice index.
GOVERNMENT has warned that it will revoke operating licences for bars, nightclubs, restaurants and other business entities caught violating COVID-19 lockdown protocols.
Addressing a Press conference in Harare yesterday, Home Affairs minister Kazembe Kazembe said police were worried about businesses which were violating COVID-19 regulations and endangering the lives of many by throwing illegal parties.
“My ministry is concerned with bars, nightclubs, restaurants and other business entities who are operating, yet according to Statutory Instrument 10 of 2021 these are banned,” he said.
“I have directed the Commissioner-General of Police (Godwin Matanga) to ensure that the law takes its course on any individual, syndicate or business entity contravening COVID-19 regulations.”
On allegations that well-to-do individuals were throwing classy parties in upmarket places where COVID-19 regulations were disregarded, Kazembe said investigations were underway and action would soon be taken.
“We are well aware of the allegations and that action is yet to be taken does not mean nothing is happening, we are investigating these allegations and those caught on the wrong side of the law will face its full wrath. They also risk losing their licences forever,” he said.
The Home Affairs minister also called on police to observe the law while enforcing COVID-19 regulations, saying those caught on the wrong side would be dealt with without fear.
“My ministry condemns acts of misconduct by the police officers which tarnish the image of the government and the police in particular,” he said.
President Emmerson Mnangagwa yesterday called for order in the United States following the chaos unleashed on Washington by pro-Donald Trump supporters, who do not want to accept Joe Biden’s electoral victory.
Mnangagwa joined several world leaders in condemning the chaos that took place on Wednesday, adding that the developments at Capitol Hill were not good for democracy.
International leaders have expressed shock and condemned the protests at Capitol Hill.
The developments came as the US Congress certified Biden’s election as the 46th president.
“Last year, President Trump extended painful economic sanctions placed on Zimbabwe, citing concerns about Zimbabwe’s democracy,” Mnangagwa said on Twitter.
“Yesterday’s events showed that the US has no moral right to punish another nation under the guise of upholding democracy. These sanctions must end.”
He immediately congratulated Biden and pledged to work with the US for the good of the two countries that have not been the best of friends over Zimbabwe’s history of human rights violations.
“I would like to again congratulate President-elect Joe Biden on his confirmation as the 46th President of the United States. Zimbabwe is, as it has always has been, ready to work together as friends and partners with the US for the benefit of both our people,” Mnangagwa said.
World leaders, including the United Kingdom’s Prime Minister Boris Johnson, condemned the behaviour of Trump supporters.
He said: “Disgraceful scenes in US Congress. The United States stands for democracy around the world and it is now vital that there should be a peaceful and orderly transfer of power.”
European Union officials indicated their support for Biden on Wednesday, as pro-Trump extremists forced Capitol Hill into lockdown, interrupting the certification of Biden’s presidential victory.
French Foreign minister Jean-Yves Le Drian called Wednesday’s riots “a grave attack against democracy”.
Vice-President Mike Pence, who presided over the interrupted session, announced the official Electoral College tally of 306 for Biden and Trump’s 232.
Only Zanu PF and MDC-T will share the $100 million allocated in the 2021 National Budget under the Political Parties Finance Act as all other parties failed to get at least five percent of the constituency votes in the 2018 election.
The $25 million budget of last year was quadrupled to $100 million in this year’s budget to help compensate for inflation. T
he constituent parties that made up the MDC-Alliance are treated separately for the purposes of sharing the money, which is why only the largest, the MDC-T, exceeded the five percent threshold.
In an interview yesterday, Justice, Legal and Parliamentary Affairs Minister Ziyambi Ziyambi said he hoped that the money will be disbursed early by Treasury to allow political parties to carry out their activities.
“The money will be shared by political parties that are in Parliament that meet the legal requirements of the law. It is our hope that Treasury disburses the money early so that the political parties concerned will be able to carry out their duties. We will obviously engage Treasury with regard to that issue,” said Minister Ziyambi.
He said only Zanu PF and MDC-T were entitled to get the share of the money because they meet the legal threshold provided for under the Political Parties Finance Act.
The Act provides that only a political party that garnered at least five percent of total votes in a general election qualify for the money.
This leaves People’s Democratic Party led by Tendai Biti under the MDC-Alliance falling short of the threshold with its four legislators in the National Assembly.
The four legislators from PDP include, Mr Biti (Harare East), Willias Madzimure (Kambuzuma) Settlement Chikwinya (Mbizo) and Kucaca Phulu (Nkulumane.)
Zanu PF got 145 seats of the 210 in the National Assembly against MDC-Alliance’s 63.
The remaining two seats went to National Patriotic Front’s Masango “Blackman” Masango, who is now late as well as Norton MP Mr Temba Mliswa. The seats of the MDC-T were further whittled down after it recalled about 21 MPs holding geographical constituencies which will further diminish the money the opposition should proportionately get.
Government promulgated the Political Parties Finance Act after it emerged that some opposition parties were getting funding from hostile Western nations.
Under that law, it is criminal for political parties to receive foreign funding.
Political parties should get money from the Government if they meet the legal threshold of votes in a general election which is at least five percent of total votes cast.
They can also get funding from their members, selling party cards and fundraising activities.
During the year, MDC-T led by the then acting president Dr Thokozani Khupe recalled some of its legislators in terms of a constitutional provision that allowed a political party to do so should it feel that the legislator concerned no longer represents its interest in the august House.
At the heart of the dispute within the opposition is whether the MPs and senators elected under the MDC-Alliance umbrella belong to the party that nominated them on the MDC-Alliance list, or belong to the MDC-Alliance which regards itself as a political party in its own right.
So far decisions in the High Court have ruled that the MDC-A is an umbrella organisation.- Herald
By A Correspondent- More job losses are looming in the banking sector as the sector intensifies the digitisation process in 2021.
Digitisation is expected to result in more closure of bank branches in 2021.
Last year, more than 300 employees lost jobs across the sector, with at least 25 branches having permanently shut down since 2019 as banks streamlined operations with digitisation becoming a core part of banking systems.
Outlining prospects for the banking sector on 2021, Bankers Association of Zimbabwe president Ralph Watungwa told businessdigest that the sector was developing strategies to ensure that the affected people would be absorbed into other sectors of the economy.
The hope is that the economy would improve buoyed by improved agricultural activity which is also expected accommodate the redundant employees.
“We think that in terms of trends, something that was negative will continue to take place. That is digitisation of the banking sector.
We are looking at less branches and more digitisation which will lead to the realignment of the banking sector. That is an exciting journey and we continue to think about how we protect jobs because that will make people redundant. That is also the reason why the economy has to grow to absorb them,” he said.
“So in other markets where that is happening these people normally find their way into other sectors of the economy. But in Zimbabwe because of the general economy’s poor performance, these people do not have alternatives to go to,” he said.
Watungwa however added that by virtue of the employees being well trained it was not too difficult for them to be absorbed elsewhere adding that the sector was offering high retrenchment packages above the regulatory ones to ensure that the employees did not struggle.
Watungwa said prospects were bright for the banking sector in 2021 despite the impact of Covid-19 and general economic shocks. “I think banks are optimistic that the agriculture sector will support the economy and we believe we may actually have one of the highest harvests in the last 10 years due to the rainfall patterns.
“We then believe the economy from an agricultural point of view will be very strong. We’re also praying the commodity prices for goods that we produce particularly chrome, gold and platinum remain firm, because that will drive the economy going forward,” he said.
Watungwa said the focus would also be on meeting the capitalisation level by the end of the year against the backdrop of Covid-19 limitations and current economic challenges.
The grey listing of the Zimbabwe financial systems by FATF (The Financial Action Task Force) and the EU and stiff regulations for mobile operators now means that they no longer have the capacity to disintegrate banks as customer due diligence can now be done more formally.
“That activity should be seen to improve our requirements with FATF financial institutions which will continue to support the foreign currency auction system put in place by the Reserve Bank of Zimbabwe in June last year to stabilise the exchange rate and improve foreign currency availability.
“So I think the banks will also support the auction system. If we continue to instill transparency that has been demonstrated so far at the auction, the rate will continue to be stable helping to stabilise the gains that have been recorded in Q4 2020,” he said.
A daring businessman drove away from a Harare car sale with a Honda Fit after allegedly duping the car seller with the promise of paying the required amount on an agreed date.
Harare businessman Jeremiah Sundire is said to have left the car dealer holding pictures of him with President Emmerson Mnangagwa as proof that he was a man of integrity.
Sundire, the managing director of Jerikash Hydro-Electric Company, secured a Honda Fit worth US$5 000 and has evaded paying the required amount since October last year, it is alleged.
Harare car dealer, Peter Matanganyidze, of Enterprise Car Sale has since reported the matter to the police under reference number RRB4622280.
It is alleged that Sundire approached car dealer Lennon Manyengavana looking for a vehicle to buy.
Manyengavana then referred him to his brother Matanganyidze sometime in October.
“He (Sundire) came to me through Lennon and he said he was not liquid at that particular time. He wanted a Honda Fit which I pegged at US$5 000 and he assured me that he will make good full payment on November 7 and we drafted an agreement in black and white,” Matanganyidze told Zim Morning Post.
“I trusted him because he presented himself to me as a straight influential businessman showing me his pictures with President (Emmerson) Mnangagwa and his offer letters for hydroelectricity power generation projects from Mashonaland East provincial minister Apolonia Munzverengwi among other assurances,” he added.
The due date of payment came and Sundire became evasive, Matanganyidze said.
He allegedly gave numerous excuses including claims that he had secured funding from Homelink Financial Services. “At first he was evasive then he showed us documents purporting to have secured funding from Homelink. I have the print outs. All this was to buy time and my car was depreciating because he was using it all this long,” Matanganyidze said.
“When I would call he would say he is in a meeting with RBZ governor (John) Mangudya and later send pictures of him and the governor but what I wanted was my money not pictures of his associates.”
“I became suspicious when he offered me land which was more valuable than my car and I raised alarm and hunted for him until I recovered mg car after close to three months,” explained Matanganyidze.
In his defence, Sundire told this reporter that he was the rightful owner of the vehicle.
He produced a document that he termed a ‘receipt’.
However, the ‘receipt’ did not bear any proof of payment but was rather stating his commitment to pay within a mutually agreed period between the parties.
“This guy got me arrested and I was detained at Braeside police. I want to sue him big time for defamation of character, he is liar. If you need more information you can contact my lawyers or the investigation officer Zifosho,” said Sundire.
He counter alleged that his wife had to pay Matanganyidze US$900 while he was caged.
“He went to my wife and demanded US$900 when I was in holding cells and he was given the money,” explained Sundire.
The matter has spilled to the court and was set down for February 17 at Mbare magistrate court.
Sundire is facing fraud charges through misrepresentation.
The ZANU PF leader, Mr Emmerson Mnangagwa yesterday moved to pour praises on the sanctions-sponsor, Joseph Biden, whose ZIDERA Act, he, Mnangagwa daily complains about.
Emmerson Mnangagwa
Speaking in a brief comment, Mnangagwa referred to the US President election, Joe Biden saying he, Mnangagwa, is ready to work together as friends and partners with the US for the benefit of both our peoples.
Biden, a Chimurenga War hero, is likely the most pan Africanist human being alive today – an all weather revolutionary, who helped Zimbabwean blacks attain independence in the 1970s, and years later assisted South African blacks to shake off apartheid. In 2001 personally sponsored the US ZIDERA Act so to stop Mnangagwa’s own crimes against humanity.
Here is Joe Biden in the late 70s, an all weather Revolutionary, who helped Zimbabwean blacks attain independence, assisted South African blacks to shake off apartheid, and in 2001 personally sponsored the ZIDERA Act so to stop this criminal @edmnangagwa. https://t.co/xKA7eea9Ydpic.twitter.com/wnB8Qwgvan
“I’d like to again congratulate President-elect Joe Biden on his confirmation as the 46th President of the United States. Zimbabwe is, as it always has been, ready to work together as friends and partners with the US for the benefit of both our peoples,” said Mnangagwa.
WHAT TYPE OF A US PRESIDENT DO YOU THINK BIDEN IS GOING TO BE?
Only Zanu PF and MDC-T will share the $100 million allocated in the 2021 National Budget under the Political Parties Finance Act as all other parties failed to get at least five percent of the constituency votes in the 2018 election.
The $25 million budget of last year was quadrupled to $100 million in this year’s budget to help compensate for inflation. T
he constituent parties that made up the MDC-Alliance are treated separately for the purposes of sharing the money, which is why only the largest, the MDC-T, exceeded the five percent threshold.
In an interview yesterday, Justice, Legal and Parliamentary Affairs Minister Ziyambi Ziyambi said he hoped that the money will be disbursed early by Treasury to allow political parties to carry out their activities.
“The money will be shared by political parties that are in Parliament that meet the legal requirements of the law. It is our hope that Treasury disburses the money early so that the political parties concerned will be able to carry out their duties. We will obviously engage Treasury with regard to that issue,” said Minister Ziyambi.
He said only Zanu PF and MDC-T were entitled to get the share of the money because they meet the legal threshold provided for under the Political Parties Finance Act.
The Act provides that only a political party that garnered at least five percent of total votes in a general election qualify for the money.
This leaves People’s Democratic Party led by Tendai Biti under the MDC-Alliance falling short of the threshold with its four legislators in the National Assembly.
The four legislators from PDP include, Mr Biti (Harare East), Willias Madzimure (Kambuzuma) Settlement Chikwinya (Mbizo) and Kucaca Phulu (Nkulumane.)
Zanu PF got 145 seats of the 210 in the National Assembly against MDC-Alliance’s 63.
The remaining two seats went to National Patriotic Front’s Masango “Blackman” Masango, who is now late as well as Norton MP Mr Temba Mliswa. The seats of the MDC-T were further whittled down after it recalled about 21 MPs holding geographical constituencies which will further diminish the money the opposition should proportionately get.
Government promulgated the Political Parties Finance Act after it emerged that some opposition parties were getting funding from hostile Western nations.
Under that law, it is criminal for political parties to receive foreign funding.
Political parties should get money from the Government if they meet the legal threshold of votes in a general election which is at least five percent of total votes cast.
They can also get funding from their members, selling party cards and fundraising activities.
During the year, MDC-T led by the then acting president Dr Thokozani Khupe recalled some of its legislators in terms of a constitutional provision that allowed a political party to do so should it feel that the legislator concerned no longer represents its interest in the august House.
At the heart of the dispute within the opposition is whether the MPs and senators elected under the MDC-Alliance umbrella belong to the party that nominated them on the MDC-Alliance list, or belong to the MDC-Alliance which regards itself as a political party in its own right.
So far decisions in the High Court have ruled that the MDC-A is an umbrella organisation.- Herald
Midwives and nurses at Sally Mugabe downed tools after their colleague, a Matron at the institution, succumbed to COVID-19 in the early hours of Thursday, January 7, 2021.
The midwives on Thursday refused to enter the hospital premises until the issue of Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) is resolved.
Said Samson Gurupira, a representative of the Nurses Association of Zimbabwe:
It is true that the nurses are outside as we speak but all that they are asking for are protective equipment so that they can also execute their duty without endangering their lives. A matron died today morning from Covid-19 and this is someone who does mostly supervisory work.
It is only proper that the nurses who are in direct contact with patients are given PPEs so that they can also protect themselves. The nurses have only been given face masks and nothing else and this presents with it a lot of risks because they will likely catch the virus and transmit it to their families.”
By Mari Matutu | I was grateful that at least Bhasikiti has come open and voluntarily left our party. When I first pointed out that he is a bad basket just as Komichi was a bad cup, some doubted me. I am vindicated.
Some statements cannot be left without response. If they are to be left like that the enemy will take ground and some of us will support the enemy’s narrative without knowing it.
Is MDC A and MDC T the same?
From Baskiti’s view these two are the same and they are both under Douglas Mwonzora. He even say Mwonzora is leader of both parties. Where he take his basis of argument I do not know. I can only speculate that his Zanu DNA control his reasoning.
There are few angles on can look at this to prove that they are not one and the same.
A) SUPREME COURT RULING.
a) I will first refer to the main basis relied upon by Mwonzora camp and possibly the regime.
Every person who follow events leading to SC must realise that it all started at 15 February 2018. Take it your way. Those that want to say Chamisa grabbed power at funeral and me who say Chamisa and National Council stood by 4th Congress resolution speak the same item. There were two groups on that day. One led by Nelson Chamisa and one led by Thokozani Khupe.
Call it your way. The Khupe Camp held a congress of MDC T in March 2018 and went into election 2018 under the name MDC T. This party fielded candidates as MDC T. The other Camp led by Nelson Chamisa was guided by 2014 resolution of MDC on big tent. This resolution had ordered the leadership to join hands with other political entities and enter election as one big tent.
The Chamisa led camp entered election as MDC A.
The question that then arise is how then are these two the same? If MDC T as led by Khupe was the same as MDC A , how then will this group go against a congress resolution of Big tent and contest election against MDC A?
If Khupe had assumed the leadership of the party she was elected Deputy president how could she only remember her election as Deputy president and forget the congress directive and go against it? She had freedom of association not to associate with the big tent resolution of 2014 and others did.
Now the results of elections cannot be of same party. It is impossible. Khupe went campaigning against Alliance and it remains in everyone’s memories.
Soon after 2018 general elections, a member of MDC by the name Mashavira, approached the courts.
His claims are fully recorded in court papers. However few things become obvious from his action. Mashavira had seen that Khupe was leading a party by the name MDC T. This party had contested election as MDC T. Now is it not clear from onset that Mashavira could see that these two are not the same thing? Is it not obvious that despite having the elected deputy president and party name MDC T belonging to Khupe still Mashavira identified the correct party MDC led by Dr Tsvangirai? As for National Council declaration that they have put Chamisa to lead the party could have been construed as forming a new party. Nothing could have stopped adults to declare who so ever they want as their leader. Its not a crime that a National Council decide to go with Nelson Chamisa and leave Khupe with name MDC T. Instead Mashavira as a member of MDC knew his party and managed to identify it from an imposter. How then can one conflate the two again.
In June 2018 MDC held its 5th Congress as per 6.2.2 of its constitution. Delegates were drawn from all over the country. On that Congress Nelson Chamisa was elected MDC president. These were adults with freedom of association. They chose whom they want to lead them. They even resolved that they do not want to be associated with Khupe and her camp.
Now is it not clear that these two are not the same. Freedom of association is equally the same to freedom to disassociate. Look at it in that Chsmisa camp held a congress not under the name MDC T but MDC. They disassociated themselves Khupe and MDC T. Who can force them to remain under Khupe when they do not want to be. How can these two be the same?
In SC there was a debate on this. The Mashavira Lawyers argued that Chamisa was elected MDC president by members of MDC A so he is not the president of MDC the party left by Dr Tsvangirai. Then came Prof Madhuku he said there were two camps of MDC T. How he came to conclude that is not known when Chamisa never held a congress under the name MDC T at any given time. Never the less many people under estimate what happened in SC. This is a record which every person who boast of SC should be silenced with. The SC took a judiciary notice of two inescapable facts as I will quote below. Take note that a judiciary notice is an authentic acceptance by the court of a fact that no one else can bring it again for arguments.
The evidence on record, as elaborated by submissions from counsel, suggests that the third respondent may have moved on to other political pastures. However, there is no clear evidence to the effect that she has unequivocally relinquished her political rights and interests in the Party. On the other hand, it seems relatively clear that the second appellant has become “the chosen leader” of the Party. The Court cannot but take judicial notice of the following political realities. Firstly, as appears from the voting results of the last general election held in July 2018, the second appellant was the only viable opposition contender for the presidency. He actually garnered 44.39% of the total valid votes cast in the presidential election, as compared with the winning candidate, the incumbent President of the country, who obtained 50.67% of the votes cast. In contrast, the next highest ranking candidate, being the third respondent, only secured a paltry 0.94% of the valid votes cast. Secondly, and equally significantly, he was unanimously elected as the President of the Party, i.e. the one that is presently before this Court, at its Congress convened in June 2019. These are the inescapable facts that loom large on the country’s political landscape.
It should be clear that SC made them two different parties. The party that
Chamisa represented in 2018 is MDC A and Khupe ‘s party was MDC T. The SC did not identify them as one. The SC says it clear that the party that elected Chamisa in Gweru was the party before the court and not Khupe’s MDC T. The judge state it as a fact that Chamisa’s unanimous election as MDC party before the court was inescapable. How then does Bhasikiti bring anything to change that?.
In short there is all evidence that SC and all events leading to judgement separate MDC T and MDC A. They are not the same.
The reasoning behind this is interpretation people want to put to what they call SC orders. They take where it says
It is accordingly ordered as follows:
1.The appeal be and is hereby dismissed with no order as to costs.
2.The judgment of the court a quo be and is hereby confirmed, save for the deletion of paragraphs 4 and 5 of the operative order.
3.The third respondent, in her capacity as the Acting President of the first appellant, be and is hereby ordered to convene an Extra-Ordinary Congress, within a period of three months from the date of this order, in order to elect a new president .
4.In the event that the third respondent fails or is unable to comply with paragraph 3 above, the third appellant, in his capacity as the National Chairperson of the first appellant, be and is hereby ordered to convene the aforesaid Extra-Ordinary Congress, within a period of Four months from the date of this order.
It looks very tempting to just conclude and say SC gave Khupe the party. It has also become a
lame excuse to those backing Chamisa to call this judgement by name corona judgement or MDC T a judiciary reconstructed party. It benefit more to the Mwonzora camp if someone say its a judiciary constructed party or to call the judgement a corona judgement. I have written this before but will repeat again.
The SC56/2020 was the fairest judgement that has been misinterpreted and everyone miss the point because of emotions. After calming down everyone must see it favours Chamisa 100%. The enemy discovered the weakness of MDC A followers. They do not read things. They rely on someone’s brief comment.
Here is what the judge says before the order.
In short, notwithstanding the political mootness of this matter, it is imperative that there should be an authoritative determination of this appeal in the interests of justice.
Disposition
The essence and objective of the corrective measures to be implemented by the Party is to restore the status quo ante that prevailed before the irregular and unlawful appointments to the Party presidency took place. This would necessitate having to extend the time limit prescribed in the Party constitution apropos the convening of an Extra-Ordinary Congress to elect a new President following the demise of Dr Tsvangirai. It would also involve modifying the judgment a quo to conform with that purpose.
I have put key words in bold ink for one to easily the point. This is where the whole issue must end. All MDC A members must rejoice and educate each other on this.
a) When the court is referring to the matter it talks of what Mashavira brought to court as his prayers. Define them in what ever manner. Even the preferred version that Chamisa grabbed power bla bla. The point is the SC say all that was moot and academic. We cannot change the past. Chamisa is now the elected president of MDC. Its now water under the bridge.
The thing that remains standing is the appeal. I think this is where most get lost. Some become angry against the Judge and say “how can he order the holding of an EOC after declaring the matter moot and academic”. Please calm down. You can only realise this after taking a short exercise. First Chamisa was elected at a congress convened for article 6.2.2 congress. This is a five year congress where everyone get fresh mandate. This process had nothing to do with what was in the record of HC. The event happened after the HC judgement. Now in HC judgement was an order that reads as follows
4.The 1st respondent be and is hereby ordered to hold an Extra-Ordinary Congress after the lapse of at least one month after the date of this Order.
This order was appealed against by the appellant who had this to say in their grounds of appeal
“10.The ordinary congress for the first appellant having become due, the court a quo erred in finagling upon that party an extra ordinary congress and so erred in creating a totally untenable position which is at variance with first appellant’s constitution and is totally unworkable either in fact and or in law.”
I have deliberately chosen these two because they are the basis of the whole thing confusing people.
What everyone must realise is a HC judgement is an authoritative law source. Anyone can use it to interpret a point or settle a dispute. Now as at 29 March 2020, that order from HC was a standing authoritative source of law. If the matter had been resolved by holding of a 5 year event of congress 6.2.2 of MDC constitution, what was going to
happen to that HC order. How were people going to interpret it. If a dispute was to arise with the party what was the correct way of interpreting that order.
Now that the appellants raised a concern. Not against Mashavira or Khupe bit the judge . Their 10th ground of appeal has a direct finger pointing a blame at the HC judge. Are the appellants correct is saying she erred? Shall the SC leave this authoritative source of law standing as it is? This is exactly were the court stood. This was no longer about the matter as brought by Mashavira,(Notwithstanding the political mootness of the matter), it was now about a determination as to what was appealed. In this case it is about order 4. Was the HC right or wrong on that order in the interest of justice.
A better look is to go down into the disposition. The judge says clearly
“It would also involve modifying the judgment a quo to conform with that purpose”
Once you have noted that the judge said the matter is moot, all he want is to give an authoritative determination on appeal this statement above must not skip you. If the appellants had not brought the appeal was the HC judgement going to be modified? The answer is no? That judgement was going to stand as law. Could SC just modify a judgement without any reason? The answer is no. This means the SC accept in part that the HC judgement on order 4 was faulty.
What is it that was wrong of the order for it to stand as an authoritative source of law in running the affairs of MDC?
If you check the order had said MDC must hold an EOC after lapse of one month from date of order. When is after lapse of one month?
The HC by just directing MDC in general to hold an EOC left no specific person or organ of the party being directed. There are four ways of calling for an Extra Ordinary Congress in MDC. Of the four ways which one should have been applied to convene this particular one. If it fails to happen who would be approached for non compliance?
The MDC constitution requires that an EOC be held with a year from date of death of the former president. When the judgement of HC was given on 8 May 2019, it was almost 3 months past the constitutional time limit. Without extending the constitutional time frame how could the judgement stand valid to MDC.
The next thing is article 9.21.1 of MDC say upon death of president the deputy assumes the role of acting president pending the holding of an extra ordinary congress to elect a new president. The point is the deputy president is not appointed acting president by anyone but just assumes the role of president. Should the deputy president be absent or form her own party just as Khupe did then in terms of article 9.3 says the National Chair will then take the role of president. This role held pending holding of an EOC and the EOC must be held within a year. Should the Court extend the time limit, as it did few things come in. The extension always take from were the date of death of president to were 1 year ends. Anything after that is extension. Second the court could extend a time frame of holding an EOC to elect a replacement of Dr Tsvangirai after the date of his death but cannot extend the 5 year time frame of Dr Tsvangirai’s term. Whether he was alive or dead his term was going to be dissolved by congress.
The court then chose from the four ways of holding an EOC in constitution and direct that the roles of president which allow the office bearer to convene an EOC be applied. This was not to make anyone president.
It is at this juncture on has to take the HC judgement and put it to your left and take SC judgement put it on your right. You can see that all what SC did was to confirm the first 3 HC orders as they are. Then remove entirely the order 5. After that amend order so that it correct all the anomalies that were in conflict with constitution or totally unworkable in fact and at law as the appellants has prayed.
The Court did not direct that go then and reinvent the matter. No. The court modified the HC judgement so that it reflect a true and correct authoritative source law. Just like Acts of parliament have their own wording, the courts also have it own wording.
When the court says “It is accordingly ordered as follows” one must not take each word loose. The word “accordingly” must guide us that what ever is following relates to previous circumstance? Is this statement directed to Khupe or Komichi? If one can positively identify where this particular directive is going you would have won the whole thing.
This ordered to change the wording and modify the HC order. The order is directed at the HC judge that her order should have looked like this.
Now if Khupe who has lost capacity of being Deputy president by expiry of both her term and
Tsvangirai’s term convene an MDC T congress with delegates that were not the same as the ones Chamisa was leading and go on to elect Douglas Mwonzora as a replacement of Tsvangirai on a long time gone mandate, how does that affect MDC A? Even if he was elected by expired mandate of 2014 structures, how does he become present mandate president.
Mr Bhasikiti the Zimbabwe constitution is very clear on this matter. People are elected into Parliament in terms of electoral laws of the land. The electoral laws make MDC T and MDC A two distinct parties. You cannot mix the two.
As for rebranding Mr Bhasikiti in MDC the congress is the supreme body. We do not do things Zanu way. In our 4th congress we had a big tent resolution that gave birth to MDC A. Its no longer a dispute that MDC A is a new brand. Those that denied to be part of congress resolution of big tent cannot be the benefiters of it. On what grounds.
If not for that fact then Chamisa formed his own party on 15 February 2018. What will be the basis of saying they are the same and one can take seats fought and won by MDC A?
The Meteorological Services Department has warned that thunderstorms are expected in various parts of the country from today till Saturday. In an update posted by the department on Twitter, MSD said:
ZIMBABWE EVENING WEATHER REPORT AND FORECAST ISSUED AT 1600 HRS ON THURSDAY 07 JANUARY 2021 VALID UNTIL SATURDAY 09 JANUARY 2021.
PREAMBLE Out of the thunderstorms that occurred over the country yesterday afternoon and evening, notable falls were in areas such as Mount Darwin (45 mm), Sanyati (45 mm), Zaka (45 mm), Plumtree (32mm), Logan Park Harare (28 mm) and Denney’s Farm Gwanda (20 mm). These unstable atmospheric conditions are expected to persist.
FORECAST TOMORROW’S FORECAST FRIDAY 08 JANUARY 2021: COUNTRYWIDE
It should be mostly cloudy and warm with widespread thunderstorms that may result in localized heavier rains over high-ground. Mild conditions are expected towards evening.
Impacts
Thunderstorms may be violent in places (coupled with very strong winds and lightning).
Flooded rivers remain a potential hazard; even if it has not rained heavily in the area, heavy rains may have occurred upstream.
Heavy downpours may reduce visibility and flood dangers become difficult to perceive during heavy rains
Lightning remains a potential threat to human life.
PRECAUTIONS
When Thunder Roars, it is best to be indoors!
If outdoor, try and find shelter immediately; do not shelter under trees or in isolated sheds
Avoid crossing flooded rivers and swollen streams whether on foot or in a vehicle.
Keep away from metal equipment and pipes, as these are prone to lightning strikes.
Do not ride at the back of an open truck or drive a tractor during a storm,
Avoid driving when visibility is poor, more so at night and during heavy rains.
Ensure rooftops are strongly secured and intact as the potential of wind gust is high.
Try and avoid kitchen areas during a storm as these are prone to lightning strikes.
By A Correspondent- Masvingo CBD is busier and livelier today as people found their way into the city after rains forced ZRP to abandon roadblocks.
Some shop owners who do not provide essential services have taken advantage of the lull to open their shops.
Masvingo Police spokesperson Inspector Kudakwashe Dhewa was said to be in a meeting at the time of writing the story.
There is fear that this might disrupt Government’ well thought-out lockdown intended to stop the spread of the more lethal strain of Covid-19 which came under the second wave.
ZIMBABWE National Karate Federation (ZNKF) president Joe Rugwete says the tightened lockdown has given his organisation time to establish strong structures that will ensure the smooth running of the body when the situation eventually normalises.
ZNKF is now the major Olympic Sport Organisation for karate in the country following its registration by the Sports and Recreation Commission (SRC) last year.
ZNKF was formed to ensure compliance with statutes of the World Karate Federation (WKF), which bars its members from having sporting relationships with other karate associations that are not recognised by the WKF.
“We are taking advantage of non-activity to put our structures in place since an organisation is as strong as its structures. So, we are busy putting in place commissions such as the medical, referees, legal and technical commissions.
“A lot of work is being put into the commissions so that when physical activities are given the nod to resume, everyone knows what to do in order for the organisation to run efficiently.
“Basically, we are running virtual meetings and consultations, sourcing out relationships with regional and international bodies since we are a new organisation. We are not folding our arms, but doing a lot of work,” said Rugwete.
He added that one of their main priorities was setting up independent provincial structures that are not dictated to by the national executive.
“We do not want to force them or influence them to elect certain individuals. We want them to elect their own individuals, make a constitution and affiliate to the mother body. From there we will introduce provincial tournaments where we will have provincial squads that will go on to compete at inter-provincial level.” –Chronicle
Kwekwe City Council’s assistant director of health, Mr John Bandama has died.
He was 61.
Bandama died on Thursday morning at Topomas Clinic where he had been admitted for heart complications.
Bandama, who served the local authority for 27 years, had not been well for some time as he suffered from heart problems.
Acting Kwekwe town clerk, Dr Lucia Mnkandla confirmed the sad passing on of Mr Bandama.
“I can confirm the unfortunate passing on of one of our dedicated employees, Mr Bandama.
He had been admitted to Topomas Clinic since Monday and we thought he would recover but God had other plans.
He unfortunately succumbed to the heart complications and on Thursday morning we woke up to the sad news of his passing on,” said Dr Mnkandla.
She described Bandama as a hardworking and dedicated worker who was always equal to any task.
“As council we are devastated by the news. Bandama was a dedicated, selfless cadre who carried out his duties diligently.
He did not need any supervision and he will be missed dearly.
The gap he left behind will be hard to fill,” she said.
Director of health, Dr Marry Muchekeza said it was easy to work with the late Bandama.
“To say Mr Bandama was dedicated was an understatement, he was so into his job that it was so easy to work with him. As the health department, we will solely miss the hardworking and free-spirited man,” she said.
Bandama was born on June 2, 1959.
He joined the local authority in August 1993 as Environmental Health Officer.
In May 1999, he was promoted to the position of Acting Senior Health Environment Health Officer and in May 2003 he rose to the rank of Assistant Director of Health (Environment), a position he held till the time of his death.-Chronicle
Vice President Constantino Chiwenga yesterday toured the site of the Mbuya Nehanda statue and was satisfied with the work done so far which is 80 percent complete.
He was accompanied by Local Government and Public Works Acting Minister Dr Jenfan Muswere and Deputy Minister Marian Chombo.
The tour was to allow the Vice President to assess progress made to date.
During the tour, the contractor said progress now stands at 80 percent with 20 percent still remaining on site with all concrete works, that is staircases, ramps and foundations, and fabrication of the steel bridge now complete.
Chiwenga thanked all involved for their commitment and dedication.
Government is erecting a memorial statue for Zimbabwe’s First Chimurenga war heroine — Mbuya Nehanda — in Harare to honour her for her heroic rebellion against colonialism, resulting in her paying the ultimate price by being hanged in 1898.
The memorial statue is being erected at the intersection of Samora Machel Avenue and Julius Nyerere Way.
Construction started on June 25 last year.
The Mbuya Nehanda statue project is about remembering and paying tribute as a nation, as a people, to an ancestor whose contribution to history deserves recognition.
Mnangagwa recently said Mbuya Nehanda’s statue must be redone to capture the image that all recognise, backed by contemporary photographs.
This followed the President’s visit to Nyati Gallery near Snake Park late last year, where he was presented with a youthful version of Mbuya Nehanda by sculptor David Mutasa, who has been tasked with making a statue of the iconic spirit medium.-State media
Vice President Constantino Chiwenga yesterday toured the site of the Mbuya Nehanda statue and was satisfied with the work done so far which is 80 percent complete.
He was accompanied by Local Government and Public Works Acting Minister Dr Jenfan Muswere and Deputy Minister Marian Chombo.
The tour was to allow the Vice President to assess progress made to date.
During the tour, the contractor said progress now stands at 80 percent with 20 percent still remaining on site with all concrete works, that is staircases, ramps and foundations, and fabrication of the steel bridge now complete.
Chiwenga thanked all involved for their commitment and dedication.
Government is erecting a memorial statue for Zimbabwe’s First Chimurenga war heroine — Mbuya Nehanda — in Harare to honour her for her heroic rebellion against colonialism, resulting in her paying the ultimate price by being hanged in 1898.
The memorial statue is being erected at the intersection of Samora Machel Avenue and Julius Nyerere Way.
Construction started on June 25 last year.
The Mbuya Nehanda statue project is about remembering and paying tribute as a nation, as a people, to an ancestor whose contribution to history deserves recognition.
Mnangagwa recently said Mbuya Nehanda’s statue must be redone to capture the image that all recognise, backed by contemporary photographs.
This followed the President’s visit to Nyati Gallery near Snake Park late last year, where he was presented with a youthful version of Mbuya Nehanda by sculptor David Mutasa, who has been tasked with making a statue of the iconic spirit medium.-State media
President Mnangagwa has condemned the storming of the US Capitol by pro-Trump protesters on Wednesday, adding that Washington was failing to uphold the democracy it demands of other nations and that it had lost the high moral ground to punish others.
Supporters of outgoing US President Donald Trump violently invaded the US Capitol on Wednesday as the US Congress met to certify President-elect Joe Biden’s Electoral College presidential victory.
During the violence, four people died, amid media reports that some were shot.
Mr Biden won 306 Electoral College votes, compared to Mr Trump’s 232 and the US Congress certified the victory yesterday, paving the way for his inauguration on January 20.
Yesterday, Mnangagwa congratulated Mr Biden on his confirmation as the 46th US President, but said Washington did not have the moral high ground to lecture other nations on democracy given the ugly scenes that took place on Wednesday.
“Last year, President Trump extended painful economic sanctions placed on Zimbabwe, citing concerns about Zimbabwe’s democracy. Yesterday’s events showed that the US has no moral right to punish another nation under the guise of upholding democracy. These sanctions must end,” he said.
But Mnangagwa indicated that Zimbabwe had always been ready to work with the US.
“I’d like to again congratulate President-elect Joe Biden on his confirmation as the 46th President of the United States. Zimbabwe is, as it always has been, ready to work together as friends and partners with the US for the benefit of both our peoples,” he said.–State media
President Mnangagwa has condemned the storming of the US Capitol by pro-Trump protesters on Wednesday, adding that Washington was failing to uphold the democracy it demands of other nations and that it had lost the high moral ground to punish others.
Supporters of outgoing US President Donald Trump violently invaded the US Capitol on Wednesday as the US Congress met to certify President-elect Joe Biden’s Electoral College presidential victory.
During the violence, four people died, amid media reports that some were shot.
Mr Biden won 306 Electoral College votes, compared to Mr Trump’s 232 and the US Congress certified the victory yesterday, paving the way for his inauguration on January 20.
Yesterday, Mnangagwa congratulated Mr Biden on his confirmation as the 46th US President, but said Washington did not have the moral high ground to lecture other nations on democracy given the ugly scenes that took place on Wednesday.
“Last year, President Trump extended painful economic sanctions placed on Zimbabwe, citing concerns about Zimbabwe’s democracy. Yesterday’s events showed that the US has no moral right to punish another nation under the guise of upholding democracy. These sanctions must end,” he said.
But Mnangagwa indicated that Zimbabwe had always been ready to work with the US.
“I’d like to again congratulate President-elect Joe Biden on his confirmation as the 46th President of the United States. Zimbabwe is, as it always has been, ready to work together as friends and partners with the US for the benefit of both our peoples,” he said.–State media
Tinashe Sambiri|Controversial Harare businessman, Wicknell Chivayo’s mother has died.
Chivayo described his mother’s death as devastating.
Chivayo tweeted:
Dear MUM. I still can’t believe you are gone. A fighter since Day1 and a survivor till the very end.
You were my life’s best friend and always put my needs before yours.GO WELL MUMNY I PROMISE I’M GOING TO MAKE YOU PROUD MUMMY ,IN EVERY WAY…RIP MUM. I LOVE YOU FOREVER ???
Kune vaiita nharo kuti mwana haana kufa, it’s sad that the opposite is true. Mwana akarohwa akafa. The Zanu Pf supporters are spreading a message that the Baby is hospitalized and recovering just to divert people’s attention. The baby died on spot.
Tinashe Sambiri|The chaos at Beitbridge Border Post is a manifestation of the longstanding governance crisis in Zimbabwe, the MDC Alliance has said.
The MDC Alliance has cited the legitimacy crisis in the country as the main reason for the economic quagmire.The MDC Alliance insists Mr Emmerson Mnangagwa stole the 2018 Presidential plebiscite.
Fadzayi Mahere
Read statement below:
BEITBRIDGE BORDER CRISIS :A MANIFESTATION OF LONGSTANDING GOVERNANCE CRISIS
The forced migration crisis at Beitbridge border post is a manifestation of a longstanding crisis of governance in Zimbabwe. While people move from country to country throughout the world, the Zimbabwe-South Africa migration is driven largely by chronic unemployment and increasing poverty in Zimbabwe which is directly connected to the failure of political governance.
This crisis of governance emanates from flawed electoral processes that have resulted in performance illegitimacy and sheer incompetence by a regime that is pre-occupied with corruption and elite accumulation.
Zimbabweans would not have to flood the border as they did returning home for the festive season or returning to South Africa afterwards if the economy was offering them more opportunities.
This is why the huge transnational flows of people between South Africa are made up almost exclusively of Zimbabweans.
This one-way traffic is a reminder that the problem is on our side of the border and unless this is resolved, it will escalate in thec oming years.
Our founding leader, Dr Morgan Tsvangirai, famously said that Zimbabwe is not just a foreign policy issue for South Africa. It is a domestic challenge.
The regime in Harare has so far resisted any help to resolve the political crisis.
Resultantly, South Africa has had to take the pressure off our citizens who are fleeing state-engineered poverty.
The situation at Beitbridge border is compounded by the fact that we are in the middle of a deadly second wave of the COVID-19 pandemic.
The crowds gathered there seeking passage to South Africa make a mockery of the rules against public gathering, social distancing and cleanliness.
There are legitimate fears that such gatherings are super-spreaders of the virus which is a hazard to communities both in Zimbabwe and South Africa.
We implore authorities to take urgent steps to resolve the crisis at the border post.
However, as we have stated, to focus only on the situation at Beitbridge would be to merely deal with symptoms of a bigger problem.That bigger problem is the crisis of governance underwritten by a political process that is contaminated by illegitimacy. It is very important to attend to the bigger problem otherwise the situation at Beitbridge will be repeated and it will be worse the next time around.
Fadzayi Mahere National Spokesperson +263774751446 44 Nelson Mandela Avenue Harare, Zimbabwe [email protected]
Tinashe Sambiri|The chaos at Beitbridge Border Post is a manifestation of the longstanding governance crisis in Zimbabwe, the MDC Alliance has said.
The MDC Alliance has cited the legitimacy crisis in the country as the main reason for the economic quagmire.The MDC Alliance insists Mr Emmerson Mnangagwa stole the 2018 Presidential plebiscite.
Chaos at Beitbridge Border Post
Read statement below:
BEITBRIDGE BORDER CRISIS :A MANIFESTATION OF LONGSTANDING GOVERNANCE CRISIS
The forced migration crisis at Beitbridge border post is a manifestation of a longstanding crisis of governance in Zimbabwe. While people move from country to country throughout the world, the Zimbabwe-South Africa migration is driven largely by chronic unemployment and increasing poverty in Zimbabwe which is directly connected to the failure of political governance.
This crisis of governance emanates from flawed electoral processes that have resulted in performance illegitimacy and sheer incompetence by a regime that is pre-occupied with corruption and elite accumulation.
Zimbabweans would not have to flood the border as they did returning home for the festive season or returning to South Africa afterwards if the economy was offering them more opportunities.
This is why the huge transnational flows of people between South Africa are made up almost exclusively of Zimbabweans.
This one-way traffic is a reminder that the problem is on our side of the border and unless this is resolved, it will escalate in thec oming years.
Our founding leader, Dr Morgan Tsvangirai, famously said that Zimbabwe is not just a foreign policy issue for South Africa. It is a domestic challenge.
The regime in Harare has so far resisted any help to resolve the political crisis.
Resultantly, South Africa has had to take the pressure off our citizens who are fleeing state-engineered poverty.
The situation at Beitbridge border is compounded by the fact that we are in the middle of a deadly second wave of the COVID-19 pandemic.
The crowds gathered there seeking passage to South Africa make a mockery of the rules against public gathering, social distancing and cleanliness.
There are legitimate fears that such gatherings are super-spreaders of the virus which is a hazard to communities both in Zimbabwe and South Africa.
We implore authorities to take urgent steps to resolve the crisis at the border post.
However, as we have stated, to focus only on the situation at Beitbridge would be to merely deal with symptoms of a bigger problem.That bigger problem is the crisis of governance underwritten by a political process that is contaminated by illegitimacy. It is very important to attend to the bigger problem otherwise the situation at Beitbridge will be repeated and it will be worse the next time around.
Fadzayi Mahere National Spokesperson +263774751446 44 Nelson Mandela Avenue Harare, Zimbabwe [email protected]
THE LATE ASSISTANT COMMISSION EREMMANUEL CHIMWANDA: A TRIBUTE
The MDC Alliance mourns the passing of astute police service professional, Assistant Commissioner Emmanuel Chimwanda.
Chimwanda joined the Zimbabwe Republic Police in 1980 as a patrol officer, rising through the ranks to the post of Assistant Commissioner.
As a police officer, Chimwanda will be remembered for his commitment to professionalism, upholding the rule of law and his stand against partisan lawenforcement.
At a time that most police officers turned a blind eye to state-sponsored political violence, Chimwanda stood on principle and courageously effected the arrest of the late notorious war veterans’ leader, Chenjerai Hunzvi.
Hunzvi had led Zanu- PF supporters and war veterans on a violent rampage targeting opposition supporters in Bikita during the 2000 elections, in which the MDC, contesting for the first time since formation a year ago, whittled down ZanuPF’s parliamentary dominance.
Chimwanda’s action did not go down well with the authorities who recalled him from Masvingo and placed him in the Commissioner’s Pool at Police General Headquarters.
Chimwanda left the police force insisting he would rather leave with his principles intact than take orders to allow some violent Zanu PF supporters to brutalise fellow citizens with impunity.
“You can take your uniform and I will retain my professionalism,”he said upon tendering his resignation.
He later served as a Commissioner of the Zimbabwe Anti-Corruption Commission.
At the time of his death, Chimwanda was the MDC Alliance shadow Secretary for Defence and Security and a member of the National Executive Council.He held a Master’s degree in Accounting.
Chimwanda leaves behind a legacy of service to Zimbabwe. He was a beacon of the constitutional imperatives that the Police Service must be non-partisan, national in character, patriotic, professional and subordinate to the civilian authority.
He will be laid to rest on 7January 2021 in Gutu.
May his soul rest in peace.
Fadzayi Mahere National Spokesperson +263774751446 44 Nelson Mandela Avenue Harare, Zimbabwe [email protected]
Former Radio 3 (Power FM) reggae presenter Dennis Wilson has died.
He was 66.
Wilson died yesterday at his home in Alexandra Park, Harare, after a short illness.
Wilson’s family friend Master Pablo Nakappa confirmed the news and said it was shocking.
“Dennis was a good friend. We got a call yesterday in the morning (around 9am) from his maid that he had collapsed and died at home.
“The past two weeks he was not well as he was complaining of body pains. He went for Covid-19 testing and the results came back negative. We are actually shocked by his death and we are now waiting for the post-mortem to verify the actual cause of death,” he said.
Nakkapa said Wilson was living alone for several years, while his family was based in the United Kingdom.
“He lived by himself. He is of Jamaican origin and some of his family members are in the UK. I met him four years ago when he joined the Transit Crew as a vocalist and we became very good friends.
“It is a sad loss to us because we were busy preparing to record an album together. We have done a lot of shows together,” he said.
Wilson is remembered for introducing reggae music in Zimbabwe and was well connected with some of the popular international reggae artistes whom he invited to this country.
He was a force to reckon with and during his days on radio, “Push Comes to Shove” by Freddie McGregor became his signature tune.
Meanwhile, condolences continue to pour in for the reggae icon.
Former colleague at the then Radio 3 station, Tendai Chakanyuka said she was devastated by the news.
She said the industry had lost an icon, teacher and great advisor in terms of understanding and appreciation of the reggae music genre.
“I am drained as I can’t deal with this anymore. Imagine each time you open social media there is news of death. Wilson was a great man. I met him in 1997 when I joined Radio 3. He made me appreciate reggae music and he could understand the genre so much that he could take his time to teach you about it,” she said.
Chakanyuka said despite the age difference, he was a respectable man.
“He could mingle like we were of the same age. We communicated frequently. I last saw him before the Covid-19 pandemic,” she said.
Chakanyuka recalled how in 2016 when she was now the station manager for Radio 3, Wilson wanted to return to radio, but the move did not go through.
“I had no problem with that, but due to some logistical problems he could not return to radio as he wanted, but was very supportive.
“He was a regular at Chez Zandi Bistro and Wine Bar (Zandi’s),” she said.
Music producer, composer and multi-instrumentalist Clive “Mono” Mukundu, who played with Wilson at Transit Crew during one of its shows, described him as a talented and cheerful man.
“It has come as a shock to hear of the passing of such a legend. I first heard of Wilson in the mid 1980s when he started presenting the reggae programme on radio since I have always been an avid reggae music fan.
“The first time I saw him in person was at a Transit Crew show in 2018, where he was now a vocalist. I played with him each time I made a cameo appearance at the Transit Crew shows. He was very passionate about reggae music and the music industry in general,” said Mukundu.
ZBC Classic 263 manager and reggae producer-presenter, Terrence Mapurisana said Zimbabwe had lost an iconic figure who inspired many in the world of reggae radio presentation.
“To me Wilson was a brother I worked with for many years on the then Radio 3 and Classic263, then SFM.
“He was unquestionably one of the most charismatic and inspirational reggae DJs and producers in Jamaica, UK and Zimbabwe.
“Wilson drove reggae music forward across decades and will be sorely missed,” he said.
Mapurisana said Wilson was comfortable to work behind the studio microphone.- The Herald
Former Radio 3 (Power FM) reggae presenter Dennis Wilson has died.
He was 66.
Wilson died yesterday at his home in Alexandra Park, Harare, after a short illness.
Wilson’s family friend Master Pablo Nakappa confirmed the news and said it was shocking.
“Dennis was a good friend. We got a call yesterday in the morning (around 9am) from his maid that he had collapsed and died at home.
“The past two weeks he was not well as he was complaining of body pains. He went for Covid-19 testing and the results came back negative. We are actually shocked by his death and we are now waiting for the post-mortem to verify the actual cause of death,” he said.
Nakkapa said Wilson was living alone for several years, while his family was based in the United Kingdom.
“He lived by himself. He is of Jamaican origin and some of his family members are in the UK. I met him four years ago when he joined the Transit Crew as a vocalist and we became very good friends.
“It is a sad loss to us because we were busy preparing to record an album together. We have done a lot of shows together,” he said.
Wilson is remembered for introducing reggae music in Zimbabwe and was well connected with some of the popular international reggae artistes whom he invited to this country.
He was a force to reckon with and during his days on radio, “Push Comes to Shove” by Freddie McGregor became his signature tune.
Meanwhile, condolences continue to pour in for the reggae icon.
Former colleague at the then Radio 3 station, Tendai Chakanyuka said she was devastated by the news.
She said the industry had lost an icon, teacher and great advisor in terms of understanding and appreciation of the reggae music genre.
“I am drained as I can’t deal with this anymore. Imagine each time you open social media there is news of death. Wilson was a great man. I met him in 1997 when I joined Radio 3. He made me appreciate reggae music and he could understand the genre so much that he could take his time to teach you about it,” she said.
Chakanyuka said despite the age difference, he was a respectable man.
“He could mingle like we were of the same age. We communicated frequently. I last saw him before the Covid-19 pandemic,” she said.
Chakanyuka recalled how in 2016 when she was now the station manager for Radio 3, Wilson wanted to return to radio, but the move did not go through.
“I had no problem with that, but due to some logistical problems he could not return to radio as he wanted, but was very supportive.
“He was a regular at Chez Zandi Bistro and Wine Bar (Zandi’s),” she said.
Music producer, composer and multi-instrumentalist Clive “Mono” Mukundu, who played with Wilson at Transit Crew during one of its shows, described him as a talented and cheerful man.
“It has come as a shock to hear of the passing of such a legend. I first heard of Wilson in the mid 1980s when he started presenting the reggae programme on radio since I have always been an avid reggae music fan.
“The first time I saw him in person was at a Transit Crew show in 2018, where he was now a vocalist. I played with him each time I made a cameo appearance at the Transit Crew shows. He was very passionate about reggae music and the music industry in general,” said Mukundu.
ZBC Classic 263 manager and reggae producer-presenter, Terrence Mapurisana said Zimbabwe had lost an iconic figure who inspired many in the world of reggae radio presentation.
“To me Wilson was a brother I worked with for many years on the then Radio 3 and Classic263, then SFM.
“He was unquestionably one of the most charismatic and inspirational reggae DJs and producers in Jamaica, UK and Zimbabwe.
“Wilson drove reggae music forward across decades and will be sorely missed,” he said.
Mapurisana said Wilson was comfortable to work behind the studio microphone.- The Herald
On the SABC today, I demonstrate that President Ramaphosa is obliged under South African law to give permanent residency to every Zimbabwean who crosses over there, until he fixes the current crisis of which he has personal liability.
There is a Supreme Court ruling in South Africa concerning the ongoing genocide, that we can’t ignore
1 – President Ramaphosa you’re responsible for this directly, personally and institutionally.
You said worse than what Trump said to crowds yesterday,
2 – Speaking in Zurich, Switzerland, you said Zimbabwe’s 2018 elections were held well, the nly thing that is needed is to remove sanctions.
What you President Ramaphosa said encourages continuing genocide which began in 1982 when there were no sanctions at all.
3 – President Ramaphosa if you don’t fix this mess in 24 hours, that is, to remove Emmerson Mnangagwa, who you endorsed, the South African taxpayer must deal with you.
If you can’t fix this in 24 hours, you must give permanent residency to every Zimbabwean who arrives at Beitbridge.
By A Correspondent| ZimEye’s Simba Chikanza has told South African President Cyril Ramaphosa to get tough on his counterpart Emmerson Mnangagwa in order to end the influx of Zimbabweans into his country.
Despite the COVID-19 threat, thousands of Zimbabweans have flooded Beitbridge with some spending days fighting to cross into South Africa.
The South African government has reported that 104 people have tested positive at the Beitbridge border post signalling a serious health crisis that could culminate into a disaster if not dealt with urgently.
Watch Chikanza speaking to SABC about the situation at the Beitbridge border post and what needs to be done to end the crisis.
What is the difference between Influenza (Flu) and COVID-19?
Influenza (Flu) and COVID-19 are both contagious respiratory illnesses, but they are caused by different viruses. COVID-19 is caused by infection with a new coronavirus (called SARS-CoV-2), and flu is caused by infection with influenza viruses.
COVID-19 seems to spread more easily than flu and causes more serious illnesses in some people. It can also take longer before people show symptoms and people can be contagious for longer. More information about differences between flu and COVID-19 is available in the different sections below.
Because some of the symptoms of flu and COVID-19 are similar, it may be hard to tell the difference between them based on symptoms alone, and testing may be needed to help confirm a diagnosis.
While more is learned every day about COVID-19 and the virus that causes it, there is still a lot that is unknown . This page compares COVID-19 and flu, given the best available information to date.
Tinashe Sambiri|MDC MDC Alliance leader, President Nelson Chamisa today attended the burial of Assistant Commissioner Emmanuel Chimwanda in Mutema, Gutu.
“Today, President @nelsonchamisa & a small group of MDC Alliance representatives joined the Chimwanda family in Nerupiri, Masvingo where we laid the late Ass. Comm.
Emmanuel Chimwanda to rest. He will be remembered as an astute police service professional.
May he rest in peace,” the MDC Alliance said in a brief statement.
President Chamisa at the burial of Assistant Commissioner Emmanuel Chimwanda in Mutema, Gutu
By A Correspondent- Transport mogul, Regis Munhenzva, the president of the Zimbabwe Long-Distance Bus Operators Association, has died.
Family spokesperson and a nephew of the late Munhenzva, Lloyd, confirmed that his uncle died at Avenues Clinic in Harare around 1pm today (Thursday).
“He contracted Covid-19 a few days ago and to make matters worse he was asthmatic. He was admitted at Avenues and immediately placed on ventilator but it did not help”
The late Regis’ young brother Itai is also said to be in isolation due to Covid-19.
Zimbabwe is currently being overrun by this COVID 19. Speaking to the ZIM24/7 Dr Mapara from Zimbabwe urged the government to start being transparent about this COVID. The national COVID task force must be visible now not only having meetings in hotels; they must give briefings to the nation every day. It is an awareness which will win this war.
Many people who contacted this publication lambasted the opposition for encouraging people to defy the lockdown. They urged the government to be stricter in enforcing the COVID restrictions.
Just yesterday a Zimbabwean Choral singer and an Elder in the Seventh Day Adventist Church Elder Mufaro Mberi died at St Aines of Covid, His Brother Comrade McDavid Mberi confirmed the dearth, he will be buried on Friday and relatives are not encouraged to attend in line with the COVID restrictions.
Many people have died in the last 24 hours and very few have been captured in the statics.
US President Donald Trump looks down during an event on lowering prescription drug prices in the Brady Briefing Room of the White House in Washington, DC on November 20, 2020. (Photo by MANDEL NGAN / AFP)
@realDonaldTrump banned indefinitely from @Facebook, "We believe the risks of allowing the President to continue to use our service during this period are simply too great," CEO Mark Zuckerberg said in a brief statement
By A Correspondent- The Zimbabwe police are searching for people suspected to be involved in a cash-in-transit robbery at Gwebi Bridge lay-bye on Wednesday 6 January 2021.
The robbery occured at around 2PM on Wednesday and it was allegedly carried out by four men, a police statement said.
Police spokesman Assistant Commissioner Paul Nyathi said the robbery was under investigation.
“Anyone with information on the four suspects is asked to contact any nearest police station,” Nyathi said.
The armed robbers got away with US$2.5 million dollars and $40,000 Zimbabwe dollars.
Said ZRP:
“The ZRP is investigating circumstances which led to a cash-in-transit vehicle robbery of USD2.5 million & ZWL $40 000 at Gwebi Bridge lay-bye on 6/1/21 at 1400 hrs. Anyone with information on the four suspects to contact any nearest Police Station.”
