Zimbabwe Ministry of Health and Child Care (MoHCC) coronavirus/COVID-19 situation report as of 22 December 2020:
Own Correspondent
Police here have recovered the body of a suspected border jumper who drowned in the Limpopo River while illegally crossing between South Africa and Zimbabwe.
The body was found in an advanced state of decomposition.
Locals in Beitbridge claim that several people have been washed away by the heavily flooded river indicating that more bodies are likely to be found downstream of the river.
Officer commanding Beitbridge District, Chief Superintendent Tichaona Nyongo said police were yet to get official reports on the drownings and that most information was filtering through the grapevine and these were being investigated.
“We have been hearing rumours, but it is very difficult to establish the facts without anyone reporting on the cases or location,” he said.
“However, so far we have one case of drowning that occurred at an illegal crossing point near Panda Mine.
“We have retrieved the body of a man who was spotted trapped between rocks by a villager who was looking for his donkeys along the Limpopo River on December 17.”
Chief Supt Nyongo said the naked corpse had been taken to Beitbridge District Hospital for a post-mortem.
He said the remains were found trapped some 20 metres from the Limpopo River.
“The body of the unidentified man was retrieved at the advanced state of decomposition and indications are that he could have drowned while crossing the flooded Limpopo River,” said the senior police officer.
Paul Nyathi
Weather experts on Monday warned of a tropical storm that is building up in the Indian Ocean and could make landfall in Madagascar at the weekend and proceed towards the Mozambique Channel early next week with a possibility of stretching into Zimbabwe’s Eastern province of Manicaland.
AccuWeather senior meteorologist Jason Nicholls said the ongoing heating of the water surface in the southwestern Indian Ocean is expected to result in a tropical storm forming during the course of this week.
“A tropical low located well southwest of Diego Garcia will continue to strengthen as it drifts westward over the next few days,” Nicholls said.
The tropical low is expected to further strengthen as it enters “an area of atmospheric conditions” before reaching Madagascar.
“Warm water and favourable atmospheric conditions are expected to allow this low to strengthen into Tropical Storm Chalane this week,” the weather forecaster said.
He warned that the storm would result in periods of heavy rainfall, gusty winds and rough seas in northern Madagascar and surrounding areas.
“The storm is expected to strike northeast Madagascar on Saturday and may eventually emerge over the Mozambique Channel early next week,” Nicholls said.
Rainfall of this magnitude is expected to result in flooding and increased of mudslides, the expert said.
Meanwhile, government has mobilised Civil Protection Unit (CPU) teams which are on high alert, especially in the eastern parts of the country.
The cyclone is expected to hit parts of Manicaland next week.
President Mnangagwa yesterday said the Government had already been proactive on the looming natural disaster.
He said CPU teams had been activated to manage the impact of the cyclone in the event that it hits eastern parts of the country next week as anticipated.
There were fears the cyclone could be destructive like Cyclone Idai which hit parts of Manicaland 21 months ago.
“We hear that a cyclone similar to Idai is building up in the ocean (Indian) and it can come here so we are warning our people especially in Manicaland that is areas like Chipinge and Chimanimani and surrounding places.”
“The cyclone can hit those areas next week so we are putting our CPU teams on alert so that if it happens, we will be ready and we can move our people to higher ground,” said the President.
He bemoaned the deadly effects of cyclones, saying Zimbabwe still had fresh memories of Cyclone Idai which killed thousands of people and left over 600 locals unaccounted for.
Idai ravaged infrastructure such as schools, clinics, roads and bridges and derailed Government’s plans to grow the economy as funds for key projects had to be diverted to mitigate effects of the disaster.
Few Indian Ocean cyclones get as far as Zimbabwe, but Chalane is on a course for Beira, so Zimbabwean officials are getting ready.
AccuWeather senior meteorologist Nicholls tweeted yesterday that the tropical cyclone may strike north-east Madagascar on Saturday or Sunday and possibly move towards Mozambique and Zimbabwe.
Own Correspondent
The City of Harare has announced that parking charges have been reviewed upwards with effect from 2 January 2020. A circular from the City states that motorists will now part with US$0.70 per hour to park their vehicles at designated parking spots around the city.
Motorists have already been battling to pay the current fee of US$0.50 especially for those who work in the CBD and have to drive into the city everyday.
A Harare entrepreneur who runs a shop along Julius Nyerere Street told ZimEye.com that he has had to quit bringing his car to work as he will be forced to pay City Parking US$5 per day for the ten hours he is in the city everyday at the current rate.
“I can’t afford the parking fees as at the end of each month I will be forced to part with about US$120 just for parking for the six days a week in town,” he said.
A lady who also works in the CBD said she is surviving by making use of a private parking space about four blocks away from her office who are levying US$10 per month for parking Monday to Friday.
Motorists have also raised complaints against officials from City Parking who are very quick to clamp vehicles whose parking time has expired without giving the owner a chance to pay for the extended time on return to the car.
“I had my car clamped when the parking time had exceeded by just six minutes and had to pay a lot more to have it unclamped,” said one motorist on social media.
Although the city council and City Parking have been expanding the reach of paid street parking, it is still possible to find free parking within a 15-minute walk of the city centre, especially to the east and west.
In the last two to three decades, most major corporate headquarters have left the city centre for office parks in the northern suburbs and investors and developers have built or expanded huge shopping complexes in the suburbs, again concentrating on the northern suburbs.
This change in business has seen the city centre more and more hosting smaller businesses that bus passengers, especially those stuck in the city centre while they wait for a connecting bus to their final destinations, might use.
Fees in the poshest parts of Johannesburg and Cape Town are more in the line of R50 a day, making even the US$0.50 an hour on the pricey side.
City Parking, the private company set up by the city council to manage street parking, parkades and car parks, unilaterally hiked its charges to US$0.70 an hour, although people could pay in local currency at the informal rate, a staggering $700 an hour and easily the most expensive in the entire Sadc region.
Read the city’s statement below:
PUBLIC NOTICE PARKING TARIFF ADJUSTMENT
THIS NOTICE SERVES TO INFORM THE MOTORING PUBLIC THAT, ON-STREET PARKING TARIFF IN HARARE CBD HAS BEEN ADJUSTED FROM ZW$50 TO ZW$70 PER HOUR.
THE ADJUSTMENTS ARE WITH EFFECT FROM THE 2″ OF JANUARY 2021.
PARK PAY AND GO WITH “USSD PARINASSIST”. SIMPLY DIAL ‘192# TO REGISTER AND PAY FOR PARKING USING ECOCASH.
MOTORISTS WHO PARK FOR LONG DURATION ARE ENCOURAGED TO MAKE USE OF OUR SAFE, SECURE AND AFFORDABLE PARKADES AND PARKING LOTS.
PLEASE PAY PARKING FEES TO AVOID INCONVENIENCES.
Contacts: Tel: (0242)707315/707876/0739885896 Website: www.cityparking.co.zw Email: [email protected] Facebook: City Parking Pvt Ltd Twitter: @CityParkingHre TOWARDS WORLD CLASS PARKING EXPERIENCE
By A Correspondent- The United Kingdom has offered to vaccinate 20 percent (about three million) of Zimbabwe’s population against the Covid-19 pandemic when their Comvax vaccine is ready.
This was said by UK Ambassador to Zimbabwe Melanie Robinson after paying a courtesy call on Vice President and Minister of Health and Child Care Dr Constantino Chiwenga at his Kaguvi offices in Harare, this morning.
VP Chiwenga said priority will be given to frontline workers and the vulnerable who include the elderly.
After the meeting the reviled further collaboration in different areas a sign of the thawing of relations between Zimbabwe and Britain which were set in motion by Zimbabwe’s engagement and re-engagement drive.
By A Correspondent- The Zimbabwe Revenue Authority (Zimra) Commissioner General Ms Faith Mazani has resigned, amid indications she will be rejoining the International Monetary Fund (IMF) from February next year.
Zimra board vice chairperson Mrs Josephine Matambo confirmed the development in a circular dated December 21, 2020.
“We wish to advise all staff members that the Commissioner General, Ms Faith Mazani will be leaving the Authority with effect from January 31, 2021,” she said.
“The Zimra board of directors congratulates Ms Faith Mazani for her pending re-appointment to the International Monetary Fund with effect from February 1, 2021.
“We would want to thank and appreciate Ms Mazani for her sterling performance in successfully leading the Authority in the implementation of Zimra’s strategy which supported key pillars of the Government’s National Transitional Stabilisation Programme (TSP).”
Mrs Matambo added that under the leadership of Ms Mazani, Zimra consistently surpassed revenue targets set by the Ministry of Finance and Economic Development.
“We wish Ms Faith Mazani all the best in her new role and look forward to continue working with her on strengthening Domestic Resource Mobilisation in Zimbabwe,” she said.
By A Correspondent- A fugitive cattle rustler was pinned down on the ground by a brave junior officer at Suoguru shops, Mvurwi on Monday.
Patrick Rateyiwa (29) of house number 450 Suoguru Mvurwi was elusive to the police since February when constable Murwira met him and wrestled with him in a shop after he tried to resist arrest.
It is alleged Rateyiwa stole 5 bovines from Dennis Jaricha, one from Mr Matibiri and four bovines from Mr Tadyanemhandu.
He is set to appear in court today.
By A Correspondent- The Higher and Tertiary Education ministry has recalled student teachers, who had already been deployed for teaching practice, to continue face-to-face tutorials at their respective campuses.
The authorities’ decision to recall the student teachers comes on the back of the ministry’s conviction that the students are not adequately prepared for teaching practice.
In a notice to principals of teachers colleges, tertiary education programmes assistant director Christopher Mudzingwa said teaching practice deployment of the January 2021 group has been pushed to May 2021.
“The class of students who started their course in January 2020 should continue with their face-to-face tutorials from January 4 to March 26, 2021 on campus in preparation for the teaching practice deployment in May 2021,” he said.
Mudzingwa directed that the circulated academic calendar for 2021 should be strictly adhered to.
“In this regard, ensure that there is adequate preparation of student teachers towards their teaching practice,” he added.
Authorities have insisted on the adequate preparation of student teachers before deployment for teaching practice despite demonstrations by the Council of Student Teachers (CST) last month.
The student teachers who protested against the decision to force them to repeat in 2021 were arrested, including CST leader Walter Muzamani.
They were arrested at Morgan Zintec Teachers’ College in Harare and appeared at the magistrates court where they were released on bail.
Teacher training institutions, polytechnics and vocational training centres resumed studies in July after lessons were discontinued on March 24 as the government battled to contain the spread of Covid-19.
Most of the learning institutions had been turned into quarantine centres for locals returning from abroad as authorities sought to contain the spread of the virus.-dailynews
Video loading below….
The widow of a late Zimbabwean man, who she claimed had obtained South African citizenship, asked the Gauteng High Court to overturn a decision by the Department of Home Affairs not to issue a death certificate.
Sylvia Melaphi, a mother of three, eventually obtained the death certificate for her husband Robert Melaphi more than a year and a half after his death.
The department was adamant that Robert was not a South African citizen. According to the department, the law precluded it from issuing a death certificate to a non-South African.
While his widow insisted he was a South African citizen, Home Affairs simply disputed this without supplying any facts in this regard to the court.
Acting Judge SDJ Wilson said the department had “perhaps not taken the attitude I would ideally expect from a responsible organ of State in matters of this nature.”
He added that the department should have perhaps responded to the widow’s plight with more reasoned compassion than has been in evidence in this case.
The husband died in April 2019 after a long illness. He left money for his funeral, savings and a life policy to support his wife and children.
His widow wanted to access the benefits, but could not as she was unable to convince officials of the department to issue an unabridged certificate.
The death certificate is one of a series of documents necessary to access the various payments and benefits to which the widow and her children would be entitled. It is also necessary to finally wind up her husband’s estate.
The department refused to issue the death certificate, claiming that the deceased was not a South African citizen at the time of his death and as a result did not qualify for a death certificate.
Melaphi said her husband was born in South Africa to a South African mother and a Zimbabwean father. Home Affairs, on the other hand, offered a bare denial of this to the court.
The judge said the department’s unsubstantiated denial was insufficient to create a dispute of fact. He said in the absence of facts to counter the widow’s claim, he must accept that the deceased acquired South African citizenship by birth.
He said the deceased acquired an ID, driving licence, passport and marriage certificate, which were shown to the court. His ID, with a South African number, was issued in 1995.
The department, out of the blue, questioned his citizenship in 2010. But by the time of his death the investigation into his legal status had not been completed.
His widow said he was so distressed by the investigation that his health deteriorated, he became chronically ill, lost his job and eventually died.
The judge said one would have expected the department to give some answers as to why it had suspected that he was illegally in the country. But none was provided.
The department instead mentioned the “Beitbridge Project” which was implemented over the 2009/10 Christmas and New Year period.
This was to check all travel documents for those who travelled between South Africa and Zimbabwe. The project involved interviewing travellers at the border post in Beitbridge, and deciding whether or not to seize their documents.
The documents of the deceased were subsequently seized, but the department could not say why.
“The gravest cause for concern in the respondents’ (department) answering affidavit is that there is simply no account of on what basis Mr Melaphi’s citizenship was found to be suspect …,” the judge said in ordering that the death certificate be issued.
-Pretoria News
Tinashe Sambiri|MDC Alliance vice president, Hon Tendai Biti has pointed out that Mr Emmerson Mnangagwa is worse than President Robert Mugabe because the current Zanu PF leader has taken brutality and persecution of opposition activists to “unprecedented levels.”
Hon Biti argued that compared to Mr Mnangagwa, Mugabe was a political saint.
“Jacob Mafume’s continued detention exposes the regime’s ruthless capture of state institutions and its unrelenting malice.
Emmerson is a vindictive character without any boundaries .Sadly the State is now reproducing itself in his own image.Mugabe now appears saintly.
This man is surely turning in his grave .The latest faux pas from the regime is around a National Dress.
An illegitimate group of people unable to command love respect and trust from the citizen can never foist a sense of identity or nationhood. Crocodiles don’t build nations…
The Mnangagwa regime has taken the assault on workers rights to new and unprecedented levels .
The devaluation of wages and payments in ZWL$ represents vicious attack on working people .The physical arrests torture and convictions of workers on dubious spurious charges is a new low for Zim,” argued Hon Biti.
In a statement, ARTUZ condemned the conviction and sentencing of its Gender and Welfare representative for Masvingo Province Sheila Chisirimunhu:
“@edmnangagwa
has taken us back to Rhodesia. Cde Sheila sentenced to 16 months imprisonment for protesting against underpayment.
Sheila to serve 10 months in prison. This is an attempt to silence the exploited working class. We are appealing this and this gvt wont know peace.”
Tinashe Sambiri|MDC Alliance vice president, Hon Tendai Biti has pointed out that Mr Emmerson Mnangagwa is worse than President Robert Mugabe because the current Zanu PF leader has taken brutality and persecution of opposition activists to “unprecedented levels.”
Hon Biti argued that compared to Mr Mnangagwa, Mugabe was a political saint.
“Jacob Mafume’s continued detention exposes the regime’s ruthless capture of state institutions and its unrelenting malice.
Emmerson is a vindictive character without any boundaries .Sadly the State is now reproducing itself in his own image.Mugabe now appears saintly.
This man is surely turning in his grave .The latest faux pas from the regime is around a National Dress.
An illegitimate group of people unable to command love respect and trust from the citizen can never foist a sense of identity or nationhood. Crocodiles don’t build nations…
The Mnangagwa regime has taken the assault on workers rights to new and unprecedented levels .
The devaluation of wages and payments in ZWL$ represents vicious attack on working people .The physical arrests torture and convictions of workers on dubious spurious charges is a new low for Zim,” argued Hon Biti.
In a statement, ARTUZ condemned the conviction and sentencing of its Gender and Welfare representative for Masvingo Province Sheila Chisirimunhu:
“@edmnangagwa
has taken us back to Rhodesia. Cde Sheila sentenced to 16 months imprisonment for protesting against underpayment.
Sheila to serve 10 months in prison. This is an attempt to silence the exploited working class. We are appealing this and this gvt wont know peace.”
Tinashe Sambiri|MDC Alliance Youth Secretary General, Gift Ostallos Siziba, says he is grateful for the love and support he received before and during his father’s funeral.
Ostallos’ father, Reverend Herbert Siziba was buried in Bulawayo on Monday.
“Thank you! We thank everyone for the love, act of solidarity and support you gave us during the difficult time. The Siziba family is indeed and truly grateful for the love you have shown us.
May God above bless each and everyone one of you abundantly,” Ostallos said in a statement.
Tinashe Sambiri|MDC Alliance leader, President Nelson Chamisa has pointed out that the concept of unity has been drowned by violence and lawlessness in the country.
Below is President Chamisa’s Unity Day Message :
THE IDEA OF UNITY- MDC Alliance President Nelson Chamisa Unity Day Message
22 December 2020
Fellow Zimbabweans,
The bold font of divisions, destruction, violence and anarchy continues to override the voices of love, unity, peace, reason and development in our country.
This is largely because our nation-building project has not fulfilled the promise of the glorious days of independence.
We need true unity, peace and prayer to heal and build our nation. Peace and unity are the necessary ingredients for development and the enjoyment of fundamental freedoms and rights.
However, it is important to understand the idea of unity. Unity is not about the coming together of bodies, commanded by the powerful in society. It is not an event signified by elite political pacts. Unity is a process by which minds are drawn together organically to achieve a common purpose.
Unity does not mean the absence of difference. Instead, it is a process that acknowledges, recognises and celebrates difference as a natural part of a normal society. Therefore, unity does not necessarily mean uniformity among peoples. Rather it recognises and promotes diversity and the beauty of it.
Indeed, unity does not mean compulsory conformity of the minority to the majority merely because the majority demand compliance. Rather, unity behoves the majority to recognise and respect minorities in whatever form because they matter too.
Politically, unity is a process in which parties of different political and ideological persuasions are allowed to pursue their cause while they come together to face common threats.
Unity does not criminalize diversity and alternative views. It is not tyranny of the centre. This why the devolution process, which is encapsulated in our Constitution, is essential for unity. Unity does not mean sweeping pain and tears of a people under the proverbial carpet. Rather, it is a process that is undergirded by truth-telling, acknowdgement of pain, remorse and reconciliation.
Where there is unity of purpose there is difference but a commitment to development and prosperity. Genuine unity does not produce an impoverished society. It exalts a people to prosperity. On this day, we should be celebrating. But too many of our people are in great pain because of socio-economic burdens that have become unbearable.
Currently, we experience too many divisions, violence, and hatred. This has made Unity Day become trite, vacuous and meaningless without the values and practices of unity that I have outlined. It has become a reminder of the ogre of violence, intolerance and hate speech that continue to engulf our nation.
Violence is intolerable. We note with disdain an increase in abductions and torture against its citizens including young leaders and activists. We have hundreds of MDC leaders in detention or on remand facing trumped-up politically-motivated charges. The consistent and persistent denial of citizens’ rights is a form of violence against political opponents.
The harassment, intimidation, illegal arrest of opposition leaders, activists, and professionals is repugnant to unity and peace. It’s deplorable how professionals have been harassed and persecuted during the course of the year simply because they have dared to exercise their freedoms. Unity does not mean a suppression of fundamental rights and freedoms. It celebrates and protects them.
Unity is not built on force. It is built upon foundations of love, understanding and appreciation of difference and diversity.
In a New Zimbabwe, under our new government, we propose a National Unity, Peace and Prayer Day. We do so in recognition of the fact that unity, peace and prayer are interconnected.
We recognise that unity is not merely a political slogan but rather, it is a reality that we must experience in all spheres, be it in our families, churches, workplaces civic organisations or government.
Nation building is an ongoing project that must produce conditions of unity in diversity. But we cannot build a nation when there is persecution. We call for an end to political persecution. Nation building requires justice to be done for the aggrieved in our communities.
We deserve to be united by our values, aspirations, constitution and human rights. No single organization is bigger than Zimbabwe. We must imagine a better, just and more prosperous Zimbabwe in which our diversity is celebrated, not condemned.
We owe it to ourselves and future generations as God’s people to embrace one another in unity, to pray for the prosperity of our nation. Prayer works with works. We should not wait for divine intervention when we can change our behaviour.
This day, I call upon families and all people of this country to embrace this day as a day we express our unity with one another. A day we find peace. A day we seek the Lord as we prepare for Christmas and the New Year holidays.
This day, I join you all in demanding true unity, peace and prosperity for us all as a people. We in the MDC are ready to play our part in finding a lasting solution to the national issues that bring us together as a nation. We will unite the nation and bring peace in the name of our Lord, without resorting to any forms violence which we abhor.
Peace is simple. Peace begins within. Peace begets peace. Peace breeds prosperity.
In our fractured nation, I wish you all a blessed Unity, Peace and Prayer day and we pray for unity and peace in our country.
Winning Zimbabwe for real change.Change that delivers!
God Bless you
For justice, peace, a shared vision, true unity and the cause of freedom,
Adv Nelson Chamisa
President MDC Alliance
Tinashe Sambiri|MDC Alliance leader, President Nelson Chamisa has pointed out that the concept of unity has been drowned by violence and lawlessness in the country.
Below is President Chamisa’s Unity Day Message :
THE IDEA OF UNITY- MDC Alliance President Nelson Chamisa Unity Day Message
22 December 2020
Fellow Zimbabweans,
The bold font of divisions, destruction, violence and anarchy continues to override the voices of love, unity, peace, reason and development in our country.
This is largely because our nation-building project has not fulfilled the promise of the glorious days of independence.
We need true unity, peace and prayer to heal and build our nation. Peace and unity are the necessary ingredients for development and the enjoyment of fundamental freedoms and rights.
However, it is important to understand the idea of unity. Unity is not about the coming together of bodies, commanded by the powerful in society. It is not an event signified by elite political pacts. Unity is a process by which minds are drawn together organically to achieve a common purpose.
Unity does not mean the absence of difference. Instead, it is a process that acknowledges, recognises and celebrates difference as a natural part of a normal society. Therefore, unity does not necessarily mean uniformity among peoples. Rather it recognises and promotes diversity and the beauty of it.
Indeed, unity does not mean compulsory conformity of the minority to the majority merely because the majority demand compliance. Rather, unity behoves the majority to recognise and respect minorities in whatever form because they matter too.
Politically, unity is a process in which parties of different political and ideological persuasions are allowed to pursue their cause while they come together to face common threats.
Unity does not criminalize diversity and alternative views. It is not tyranny of the centre. This why the devolution process, which is encapsulated in our Constitution, is essential for unity. Unity does not mean sweeping pain and tears of a people under the proverbial carpet. Rather, it is a process that is undergirded by truth-telling, acknowdgement of pain, remorse and reconciliation.
Where there is unity of purpose there is difference but a commitment to development and prosperity. Genuine unity does not produce an impoverished society. It exalts a people to prosperity. On this day, we should be celebrating. But too many of our people are in great pain because of socio-economic burdens that have become unbearable.
Currently, we experience too many divisions, violence, and hatred. This has made Unity Day become trite, vacuous and meaningless without the values and practices of unity that I have outlined. It has become a reminder of the ogre of violence, intolerance and hate speech that continue to engulf our nation.
Violence is intolerable. We note with disdain an increase in abductions and torture against its citizens including young leaders and activists. We have hundreds of MDC leaders in detention or on remand facing trumped-up politically-motivated charges. The consistent and persistent denial of citizens’ rights is a form of violence against political opponents.
The harassment, intimidation, illegal arrest of opposition leaders, activists, and professionals is repugnant to unity and peace. It’s deplorable how professionals have been harassed and persecuted during the course of the year simply because they have dared to exercise their freedoms. Unity does not mean a suppression of fundamental rights and freedoms. It celebrates and protects them.
Unity is not built on force. It is built upon foundations of love, understanding and appreciation of difference and diversity.
In a New Zimbabwe, under our new government, we propose a National Unity, Peace and Prayer Day. We do so in recognition of the fact that unity, peace and prayer are interconnected.
We recognise that unity is not merely a political slogan but rather, it is a reality that we must experience in all spheres, be it in our families, churches, workplaces civic organisations or government.
Nation building is an ongoing project that must produce conditions of unity in diversity. But we cannot build a nation when there is persecution. We call for an end to political persecution. Nation building requires justice to be done for the aggrieved in our communities.
We deserve to be united by our values, aspirations, constitution and human rights. No single organization is bigger than Zimbabwe. We must imagine a better, just and more prosperous Zimbabwe in which our diversity is celebrated, not condemned.
We owe it to ourselves and future generations as God’s people to embrace one another in unity, to pray for the prosperity of our nation. Prayer works with works. We should not wait for divine intervention when we can change our behaviour.
This day, I call upon families and all people of this country to embrace this day as a day we express our unity with one another. A day we find peace. A day we seek the Lord as we prepare for Christmas and the New Year holidays.
This day, I join you all in demanding true unity, peace and prosperity for us all as a people. We in the MDC are ready to play our part in finding a lasting solution to the national issues that bring us together as a nation. We will unite the nation and bring peace in the name of our Lord, without resorting to any forms violence which we abhor.
Peace is simple. Peace begins within. Peace begets peace. Peace breeds prosperity.
In our fractured nation, I wish you all a blessed Unity, Peace and Prayer day and we pray for unity and peace in our country.
Winning Zimbabwe for real change.Change that delivers!
God Bless you
For justice, peace, a shared vision, true unity and the cause of freedom,
Adv Nelson Chamisa
President MDC Alliance
By Pardon Maguta | Narration By Isheanesu Mutyambizi
This is Garikai Cyclone Idai camp or tent site in Ngangu Chimanimani. The pictures were captured today 23 December 2020. Can we really say "Merry Christmas and Happy New Year" to these victims of double tragedy? …. pic.twitter.com/intJIsUpRo
— ZimEye (@ZimEye) December 23, 2020
THREE passengers, including a minor, onboard a pirating Toyota Noah drowned when the vehicle was swept away after its driver attempted to cross a flooded river in Zvishavane at the weekend.
The three got out of the car through the windows but unfortunately drowned.
The other seven passengers and the driver managed to disembark from the vehicle and swam to safety.
Acting police spokesperson for Midlands Province, Assistant Inspector Ethel Mukwende confirmed the incident which she said occurred on Sunday around 6PM at Mutorahuku River near Kashamba Primary School on the outskirts of Zvishavane town.
She said the pirating Toyota Noah had 10 people on board.
“Police in Zvishavane are investigating a case in which three passengers drowned after the driver of a vehicle they were travelling in tried to cross a flooded river.
“The incident occurred on Sunday at around 6PM at Mutorahuku River near Kashamba Primary School on the outskirts of Zvishavane,” said Asst Insp Mukwende.
She said the deaths could have been avoided if the driver had not attempted to drive across the flooded river.
“Circumstances are that on the said date one Cornelius Manduku (48) of Village Runyararo under Chief Jahana in Insiza was driving a Toyota Noah from Zvishavane on the way back to Insiza with 10 passengers on board.
“Upon arrival at Mutorahuku River near Kashamba Primary School they found the river flooded,” she said.
Asst Insp Mukwende said the driver proceeded and attempted to cross the flooded river resulting in the car being swept away with 10 people on board.
She said the police identified the three deceased passengers Tariro Makwa (24), Aneno Manduku (39) and a minor Gertrude Mudhonga (9).
“The three, Manduku, Makwa and Mudhonga got out of the car through the windows and unfortunately drowned, while the other seven passengers and the driver managed to swim out of the flooded river,” said Asst Insp Mukwende.-Chronicle
THREE passengers, including a minor, onboard a pirating Toyota Noah drowned when the vehicle was swept away after its driver attempted to cross a flooded river in Zvishavane at the weekend.
The three got out of the car through the windows but unfortunately drowned.
The other seven passengers and the driver managed to disembark from the vehicle and swam to safety.
Acting police spokesperson for Midlands Province, Assistant Inspector Ethel Mukwende confirmed the incident which she said occurred on Sunday around 6PM at Mutorahuku River near Kashamba Primary School on the outskirts of Zvishavane town.
She said the pirating Toyota Noah had 10 people on board.
“Police in Zvishavane are investigating a case in which three passengers drowned after the driver of a vehicle they were travelling in tried to cross a flooded river.
“The incident occurred on Sunday at around 6PM at Mutorahuku River near Kashamba Primary School on the outskirts of Zvishavane,” said Asst Insp Mukwende.
She said the deaths could have been avoided if the driver had not attempted to drive across the flooded river.
“Circumstances are that on the said date one Cornelius Manduku (48) of Village Runyararo under Chief Jahana in Insiza was driving a Toyota Noah from Zvishavane on the way back to Insiza with 10 passengers on board.
“Upon arrival at Mutorahuku River near Kashamba Primary School they found the river flooded,” she said.
Asst Insp Mukwende said the driver proceeded and attempted to cross the flooded river resulting in the car being swept away with 10 people on board.
She said the police identified the three deceased passengers Tariro Makwa (24), Aneno Manduku (39) and a minor Gertrude Mudhonga (9).
“The three, Manduku, Makwa and Mudhonga got out of the car through the windows and unfortunately drowned, while the other seven passengers and the driver managed to swim out of the flooded river,” said Asst Insp Mukwende.-Chronicle
THE Gafa as Zimbabwean dancehall musician Winky D is popularly known did the nation on Monday after he was declared as this year’s Best Dancehall Artiste at the African Entertainment Awards United States of America (AEAUSA).
Riding high on his recent release Ragga Msambo trilogy, Winky D managed to shun competition from some of the world’s best musicians among them Patoranking, Shatta Wale, Stonebwoy, Samini, Navy Kenzo, Bebe Cool and Prince Bright.
AEAUSA is a non-profit organisation established in New Jersey in the USA to support, celebrate and uplift African Entertainment since 2015. The company uses entertainment as a platform to showcase an Africa that is united, self-sufficient, willing and able to evoke social change that matters most in the communities of Africans all over the world.
Taking to his social media pages yesterday, Winky D dedicated the award to his fans who have supported him on a career spanning about two decades.
He added that the award is a present for the festive season which is happening on a different note this year as it is subdued due to the Covid-19 pandemic.
“Allow me to express hearty appreciation to my musical family, the Gafas to whom I dedicate this award. I am forever humbled by the Gafa family’s uncompromising confidence and unwavering commitment to the Vigilance musical journey.
Surely, we are stronger together. This is a befitting festive bonus for the trilogy,” said Winky D.-Chronicle
BULAWAYO has recorded two more Covid-19 related deaths as the country recorded 97 new cases in the last 24-hour cycle, bringing the total number of cases to 12 422.
So far, the total number of people who succumbed to the deadly virus now stands at 322 while the national recovery rate stands at 81,4 percent.
Coronavirus cases are on the rise.
A total of 1 581 PCR tests were conducted yesterday and positivity was 6,6 percent.
According to the Ministry of Health and Child Care, all the 97 new cases local transmissions. The highest number of 50 cases was reported in Harare followed by Bulawayo which had 16 new cases.
Mashonaland East recorded 12 new cases while Masvingo had nine new cases. The Midlands has five cases. Matabeleland North and Manicaland had two new cases each while Mashonaland Central recorded one case.
“As of December 21, 2020 Zimbabwe, has now recorded 12 422 confirmed cases, 10 112 recoveries and 322 deaths,” reads the statement.-Chronicle
Paul Nyathi
Traffic congestion outside the Beitbridge Border Post into Zimbabwe has reached Musina Town which is about 15 kilometers from the border post.
The borders closes at about 10pm due to the curfew forcing travellers to spend hours waiting and sleeping in their vehicles or in the open for the border to open the following day.
Some travellers, who were delayed on the N1 outside the border had their 48-hour negative COVID-19 test expire while awaiting to cross the border.
Home Affairs Minister Aaron Motsoaledi says people without the necessary permits to travel into Zimbabwe are causing massive delays.
“I am going to my family. We are still here on the road and the queue is still standing; we don’t know what is going to happen as the papers that we have for Covid-19 test are about to expire before we reach the border.” says one traveller.
“Yeah, I’m going to Zimbabwe. The problem is that we have already done COVID test and when we reach there we will need to test there for US$60 that we have corona or we don’t have corona,” laments another.
Home Affairs Minister, Aaron Motsoaledi, says truck drivers are to blame for the current congestion in Beitbridge. Motsoaledi says most truck drivers do not have the necessary documentation required to cross the border.
Minister Motsoaledi assures ease of traffic congestion at Beitbridge border post:
Paul Nyathi
The South African goverment has turned down a move by Zimbabwean government to send a delegation of Ministers to intervene in the chaos at the Beitbridge Border Post.
Home Affairs Minister Aaron Motsoaledi turned down the request indicating that the South African government was happy with the measures they are putting in place at the border.
Motsoaledi told Zimbabwe to instead work on its economy to reduce the number of Zimbabweans crossing into South Africa.
Government spokesperson, Nick Mangwana Tuesday announced that the government was intending to intervene to ease the chaos at the Border, which has seen long traffic jams being reported in Limpopo, between Zimbabwe and South Africa.
Several passengers have reported that they have been queueing for more than three days.
Mangwana said the Zimbabwean government was working at persuading the South African government to review the border closing time of 2200hrs to allow free flow of traffic.
“We have been made aware of the situation at Beitbridge Border Post. Whilst the bottleneck is not on the Zimbabwean side, efforts are in motion to arrive at a solution that works for both sides of the border, that includes a possible review of the 2200 hours closure of the Border,” he posted on Twitter.
While the post is usually busy over the festive season, additional delays were caused by earlier curfew times. Furthermore, travellers must be cleared under strict COVID-19 protocols.
PROSECUTOR Tapiwa Kasema (45), who is facing allegations of criminal abuse of office, has been denied bail by Harare magistrate Ngoni Nduna.
Nduna ruled that Kasema was a flight risk as shown by his disappearance just before his arrest.
Kasema was remanded to January 5 next year for routine remand.
It is alleged that on August 24, Musa Taj Abdul, Tapiwa Rudolf, Godfrey Mupanhanga and accomplices were arrested in Beitbridge over a spate of murder and armed robbery cases around Zimbabwe.
On August 25, they were taken to court facing 53 counts of armed robbery, where they were denied bail and remanded in custody.
On an unknown date in December 2020, Abdul applied for bail and the National Prosecuting Authority assigned Kasema together with two other officers to oppose the application.
On December 8, Kasema allegedly consented to the granting of bail without following laid-down procedure.
The court heard that the offence came to light after the Central Investigations Department Homicide Division queried the release of the applicants on bail by the High Court on December 11, 2020, and it came out that Kasema had unlawfully consented to the release of the applicants.
A report was made to the police leading to Kasema’s arrest.
By Dr Masimba Mavaza | Zimbabwean judicial officers are feeling the heat of disrespect and unreasonable interference by the police and prosecutors. To think that the prosecutors are supposed to be lawyers is a farfetched thought.
What Zimbabwean magistrates and prosecutors are seeing is a total vindictive unreasonable managers and prosecutors who have become legal stooges and lawful zombies. Judicial interference is the actions of courts or judicial officers in matters that are interpreted by some as beyond their constitutionally established role. Judicial activism is a ruling issued by a judge that overlooks legal precedents or past constitutional interpretations in favour of protecting individual rights or serving a broader political agenda. The term may be used to describe a judge’s actual or perceived approach to judicial review.
It should be made very clear that judicial function is totally distinct from administrative duties. If this distinction is not carefully observed it will lead not only to interfering with due administration of Justice but total loss of confidence in the justice delivery process. The Zimbabwean justice system is one of the pillars that support our democracy. The rule of law gives people a legal recourse to hold those in power to account and putting sanity in the legal and social system. The practice of law either as a prosecutor, judge, magistrate or advocate is a noble practice which makes law a way of life and not only a course.
The Zimbabwean justice system is one of the pillars that support our democracy. The rule of law gives people a legal recourse to hold those who wrong them confidence and hope to face tomorrow. Between the rich and the poor, between the master and the servant, between the strong and the weak, it is freedom that oppresses, and the law that sets free.” Baptiste a French Reverend resigned. The purpose of law in a free and democratic society is to liberate, not to restrain. Our legal system and its independence from administrative interference helps contribute to a just society where power is constrained so that but this is a fragile system, built on trust in its legitimacy and full trust of those who are sworn to execute the law. The magistrates and prosecutors must be given the freedom of their courtrooms so that they exercise their duties without fear of embarrassment or unreasonable interference by those who have no understanding of the intricacy of the legal machinery. The movement of justice is not a paten it is born of free will and free thought.
Judicial officers are created by the Constitution and at the lower courts have their mandate from the Magistrates Court Act. Magistrates work can only be scrutinised or reviewed by judge depending on the rank and nature of sentence. The pervasiveness of a judgement or a sentence is not understood by the police officer whose legal qualification and experience is not a third of the judicial officer sitting on the seat of execution of justice. There is no way a Magistrate must be answerable to the police. If the magistrate’s judgement is so shocking and unreasonable, a higher court should review. If the higher court does not agree they correct not persecute the magistrate. Magistrates must not be persecuted for the incompetence of the prosecutors and the police. We are quite aware that, the inefficiency of the police and the prosecutors has not stopped politicians from trying to place their thumbs on the scales of justice. The message to those seeking to interfere in the administration of justice must be clear. Take your stinking paws off the justice system you damn, dirty politicians. Because thumbs are pressing on the scales all too often and the attitude of those involved is a casual indifference to the long-term damage they are causing. Let’s start with the low-hanging fruit — the Nemadire scandal. There can be no clearer example of attempted administrative interference. The facts of the case are that an accused entered Zimbabwe, at the Airport she was approached by police officers who were carrying her bag and said that the bag was hers and it contained five kgs of Cocaine. She was dragged to court on the charges of dealing in dangerous drugs alternatively possession. In Zimbabwe possession is a fineable offence while dealing is a jailable offence. The police were over excited with a big find and they forgot the basic investigative rules. There was no evidence of possession neither was there evidence of dealing. Accused was represented and accused pleaded in the alternative. The court understood as all would have that when the police charge you with an alternative it means they do not have a strong case or no evidence. How can a seasoned officer collect a bag and claim that it was yours. That was the inexperience of the police and they hoped the court to bolster their case. This then passed through the sloppy prosecution who did not make their case water tight. They were emotionally exhilarated by the fact that cocaine was found. Who does that? The magistrate was faced with a dilemma. If the case goes to trial possession was going to be difficult as the police had broken the chain of possession. So in the best interest of justice he accepted the plea in the alternative, which he proceeded to convict and sentenced as to the guide lines. The pressure, which the police do not even bother, denying anymore, was constant. It came from the prosecutor’s office, do these prosecutors know that the court is not the arm of the prosecution. If you bring a dead case to court magistrates are not the Christ, they cannot resuscitate a dead case. Prosecutors always walk into court unprepared hoping the court to assist them in bolstering their cases. The prosecutor and the police attempted to exert influence on a judicial proceeding. So much for the independence of the Public Prosecution Service, one could certainly be forgiven for being left with that impression that prosecutors are babies of magistrates, they look up to the bench to clean their mess.
There is a different case if the magistrate or prosecutor receives a bribe during the performance of that duty it’s another thing. It should never be assumed that he has been bribed simply because we don’t agree with an outcome of a matter. If we do so we run the risk of wrongly inciting the general public against our judicial officers. We also run the risk of effecting wrongful arrest thereby attracting civil suits against government. In the case of Nemadire the statute gives an option of a fine or 5 years imprisonment or both such fine and imprisonment. He gave both fine and imprisonment which imprisonment he wholly suspended for 5 years on usual conditions. Unless one is a repeated offender only then the court can sentence otherwise but the option of a fine should be given first. It is always trite that the starting point is the fine then if there are aggravation circumstances the court should move to another level of imprisonment or both. So given the above scenario what sentence was he supposed to give and from where. There is need to carefully study every scenario before action. The accused was charged with dealing alternatively possession of dangerous substances but was convicted of possession which carries a lighter sentence .Administrative work is usually punishable by disciplinary action and under rare circumstances does it amount to a criminal offence.
Taking a magistrate to a police station to explain his actions in a sitting court is embarrassing and demeaning. The police are not supervisors of the magistrates or prosecutors they must stick to police work and let magistrates do judiciary work.
If the rebellious attitude is coming from the police what do you expect the public to do. This mentality that any unpopular decision means that someone has been bribed must be condemned. Parliament makes laws, not the courts. This is hardly a controversial belief, but the truth. if the judgement is in accordance with the law then the police must take their bullying abusive nature to parliament not to a poor magistrate. The courts are committed to protecting rights that have flown out of interpretation of the scope of our police force. A sitting magistrate was smeared and the legitimacy of the judiciary and the judicial process was damaged — all because the police force was angry with the lenient sentence. But inappropriate interference in the justice system doesn’t follow strict legal lines. The proper procedures were followed, but the police disagreed and saw an opportunity to score political points. The last thing we should want is police deciding what sentences accused persons must get. But the prosecution and the police, adorably unaware of the hypocrisy they would set themselves up for, begged to differ. They placed their thumbs on the scales of justice and then magistrate and a prosecutor were arrested. The prosecution and the police are behaving badly and there is a huge cost. The legitimacy of our justice system is fragile. Pull on one thread and the whole thing can unravel. But, of late, our politicians are not content to simply tug at one golden thread. Instead, we have seen in 2017 a lawyer a prosecutor and a magistrate being arrested for granting bail. The lawyer Mr Wilson Manase and the Magistrate and a prosecutor al formed a fully constituted court were arrested, when will this end. This is a dangerous precedent that risks undermining an important democratic institution. Because, when the public loses confidence in the justice system, when prosecutions are built on politics and when we lose trust in judges, there will be no going back. We will be left slamming our fists in the dirt screaming in pain. The issues, with which they were dealing, as is the case with all the other issues that come before them, were issues of law. So magistrates must not be questioned at a police station for what they did in a constitutionally properly constituted court. The guiding principle is that they decide cases according to the laws and usages of this country, and not according to such political views, if any that they might happen to hold. We have nothing to learn on this issue from what is happening to our courts. The suggestion that magistrates’ reasoning should be vetted by Police is devoid of merit. True to their oath of office, which they take in public, they have to be free from police harassment. Vetting would imply that they might not comply with that oath. More fundamentally, police would open the door to political interference with the justice system. This would damage public confidence in their independence and impartiality. Many judicial decisions have political consequences but it is a quite different thing to say judges have made decisions for political reasons.
Our magistrates must be proud to say that they “have done nothing that the other courts would not have done in similar circumstances”. The interference is “both unprincipled and useless”. It would be unprincipled because it would be “an overt attempt to stuff the court with afraid creatures, It would be useless because “judges’ decisions are not influenced by their political views on police or prosecutor’s emotions or anything else,
We must always remember that judicial independence is the concept that the judiciary should be independent from the other branches of government. That is, courts should not be subject to improper influence from the other branches of government or from private or partisan interests. Judicial independence is important to the idea of separation of powers. Judicial independence serves as a safeguard for the rights and privileges provided by the constitution and prevent executive and legislative encroachment upon those rights. It serves as a foundation for the rule of law and democracy. The rule of law means that all authority and power must come from an ultimate source of law. Under an independent judicial system, the courts and its officers are free from inappropriate intervention in the judiciary‘s affairs. With this independence, the judiciary can safeguard people’s rights and freedoms which ensure equal protection for all.
The effectiveness of the law and the respect that people have for the law and the government which enacts it is dependent upon the judiciary’s independence to mete out fair decisions. Furthermore, it is a pillar of economic growth as multinational businesses and investors have confidence to invest in the economy of a nation who has a strong and stable judiciary that is independent of interference
The abuse of power by judge’s magistrates and prosecutors must be checked by the administrative powers put in place within the judicial system. That is to say the magistrates must be subject to a review of their work by their superiors not by the police or prosecutors.
Again the Prosecutor General Hodzi was wrong to refer the prosecutor to police for breaking an administrative rule not a criminal law. A mere suspicion of corruption must not be taken as corruption. Let the prosecutors and Magistrates face disciplinary measures which are internal and not rushing to the police and the press for a purely administrative case.
The president of Zimbabwe is a lawyer and he is looking One day the president will crack the whip and it will be soon.
Veteran journalist and Secretary General of the Zimbabwe Union of Journalist (ZUJ) has died this evening.
Dongozi was rushed to Parirenyatwa hospital where he died after being admitted.
Unconfirmed reports suggests that he inhaled fresh paint at a newly built house and started having breathing problems.
More to follow…
Tanzanian giant, Simba SC have fallen by a solitary goal in the first leg of the second preliminary round of the Caf Champions League against FC Platinum of Zimbabwe.
Perfect Chikwende scored the only goal to give his team a slight advantage ahead of the second leg.
The 21-time Tabzanian champions came into the match hoping to get at least a draw and stand a better chance of winning the second leg at home. The Tanzania Mainland League champions qualified for the second preliminary round after a 1-0 aggregate win over Plateau United of Nigeria.
On the other hand, Platinum made it to the next round on a 4-1 aggregate win after eliminating Costa De Sol of Mozambique. The Zimbabwean champions won the first leg played in Maputo 2-1 before claiming a 2-0 win in the return leg played in Harare on Saturday.
The Msimbazi-base side came into the match without the services of the injured Aishi Manula and the sick John Rafael Bocco.
In the absence of Manula, the Belgian coach Sven Vandenbroeck will start Ben Kakolanya between the posts while Rwanda striker Meddie Kagere will step in for Bocco.
The East African outfit looked a more dangerous side but failed to capitalise their chances.
However, it was the Zvishavane-based side who scored in the 17th minute courtesy of Perfect Chikwende.
Simba intensified their attacks in the second half. In the 68th minute, Chris Mugalu teed the advancing Larry Bwalya. The latter unleashed a good strike that was destined for the back of the net but the goalkeeper pulled a fantastic save to deny him.
Mugalu thought he had equalized in the 75th minute but the assistant referee had his flag up for offside. He, later on, squandered a big chance when a cross from the right found him unmarked but he narrowly missed the target.
The Tanzanian champions will now need a 2-0 win in the second leg to make it to the group stages of the annual competition.
Last season, Simba failed to make it past the preliminary stage after losing on the away goal rule to UD Songo of Mozambique.
The second leg is planned for Benjamin Mkapa Stadium in Dar es Salaam on January 5 or 6, 2021.
South African firm Diaspora Infrastructure Development Group (DIDG) is suing the National Railways of Zimbabwe (NRZ) for “unlawfully” terminating a $400m (R5.85bn) tender awarded to it in 2017.
DIDG, a consortium of Zimbabweans registered in SA, partnered with Transnet to recapitalise NRZ.
As part of the deal, NRZ leased 13 locomotives, 200 wagons and 34 passenger coaches from Transnet.
But DIDG and Transnet allegedly failed to provide proof of funding within 12 months of the framework agreement and the Zimbabwean government, which owns NRZ, removed the “exclusivity clause” from the deal to allow other interested parties to approach the government.
The Zimbabwe government on July 30 terminated the tender after a series of cabinet meetings and consultations with DIDG.
Christmas cancelled in Zimbabwe due to Covid-19 second wave
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In court papers filed on December 21 through lawyers Atherstone & Cook, DIDG claimed the cancellation was “grossly unreasonable” and argued that they did not breach any of the tender conditions.
DIDG also claimed that Zimbabwe’s transport minister Joel Matiza had vested interests and there was bidding by people lurking on the sidelines to take the contract.
“The termination was irregular in that the decision to terminate was not made by [NRZ] but was made by external forces including the minister of transport,” DIDG alleged in court papers.
DIDG said the cancellation cost it and Transnet close to a quarter of a billion US dollars, which they seek to claim through another lawsuit.
“As a result of the defendant’s unlawful and/or unjustified cancellation of the tender, the plaintiffs have suffered damages to the tune of US$235,984,757 [R3.44bn],” read the court papers.
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In January NRZ’s debt stood at $575m (R8.41bn), while Transnet in SA made a loss of R3bn for the six months that ended in September. Some in government have questioned DIDG’s capacity based on problems faced by Transnet in SA.
DIDG, however, said it had surety of up to $1bn (R14.62bn) via African Export-Import Bank and SA and regional banks.
TimesLIVE
MDC-T interim secretary-general Douglas Mwonzora says he has already won the presidency of the party at the extraordinary congress to be held this Sunday.
The MDC-T is set to hold its elective congress this weekend after it was cancelled at the last minute six days ago by party interim leader Thokozani Khupe following allegations that Mwonzora was manipulating the voters’ roll.
Patrick Chinamasa, the ZANU PF acting spokesperson also recently told reporters in Harare that the ruling party has already won the 2023 general elections.
Chinamasa did not explain how the party “has won” the elections two years before they are held but told journalists that under President Emmerson Mnangagwa, Zimbabwe had turned around a corner. Chinamasa said:
:2023 is a dead rubber election. It’s over before voting.”
However, Khupe and Mwonzora faced off in a stormy meeting on Monday to resolve the dispute over the voters’ roll to be used at the party’s congress.
Accusations against Mwonzora were that he allegedly tried to sneak in a “doctored” voters’ roll stuffed with names of his backers who were not part of the 2014 MDC-T structures.
This was after the Supreme Court ruled in March this year that the party should convene an elective congress to replace the late founding leader Morgan Tsvangirai, who died in February 2018.
“I believe there are efforts to try to scuttle my chances of winning. However, they will not succeed. The people shall speak,” Mwonzora said in an interview.
Khupe and Mwonzora are seen as the frontrunners for the MDC-T presidency at the elective congress where they will also battle it out with party acting chairman, Morgen Komichi and deputy national chairman Elias Mudzuri.
As the chaos in Khupe’s party continues before its congress, last Saturday during a national council meeting at Mudzuri’s house, the party resolved to audit the voters’ roll.
At another meeting on Monday, Mwonzora allegedly struggled to present his version of the voters’ roll which he claimed represented the party’s 2014 structures.
Khupe was said to be armed with a copy of the 2014 structures favoured to the party by suspended organising secretary Abednico Bhebhe.
An insider said the party was contemplating using a printed roll fearing that a soft copy could be hacked and manipulated.
Khupe’s former aide, Witness Dube who is now an ally of Mwonzora, said the MDC-T needed “healing” to reconcile warring factions torn apart by the upcoming elective congress.
There have been fights for assets, which have at times turned physical and violent, as opposing factions within the opposition party push for control of the party.
“I am very grateful and proud of the 10 years I spent with Khupe. However, this congress is about the millions of Zimbabweans looking up to MDC for economic, political and social reforms for the better,” Dube told NewsDay.
“I am optimistic that this congress will give MDC an opportunity to heal when campaigns fold and that focus will return to assuming the role of being the official opposition.”
The congress, however, hangs in the balance if the High Court rules in favour of Bhebhe, who is seeking its postponement.
Bhebhe filed an urgent chamber application at the Bulawayo High Court last Friday seeking an interdict stopping the holding of the congress until matter challenging his suspension and subsequent expulsion from the party is resolved.
However, High Court judge Justice Christopher Dube Banda postponed the matter to this week after the respondents’ lawyer, Tawanda Tawengwa argued that the respondents could not prepare opposing papers because they were served with the applicant‘s court papers very late on Tuesday last week. The matter is set to be heard any day from today.
The former Nkayi South legislator was recently expelled from the MDC on charges that he was an MDC Alliance lackey, which he denies.
Bhebhe was also eyeing the presidency.
Source – newsday
Paul Nyathi
STATE owned enterprise, Agricultural and Rural Development Authority (ARDA) is targeting 500 000 metric tonnes of strategic grain reserves in the next three years to ensure national food security.
The effects of climate change which have led to successive drought have seen government mandating the Agricultural and Rural Development Authority (ARDA) to focus on strategic grain reserves to address the issue of low yields.
The authority’s new board Chairman, Mr Ivan Craig says maximum utilisation of land is ARDA’s main thrust in increasing food self-sufficiency.
“We shall do our best for the sake of the nation but the key thrust is to rebuild strategic grain reserves,” he said.
ARDA is also responsible for advancing farming production and rural development.
Its mandate is derived from the ARDA Act that seeks to promote development to reduce poverty.
Lands Agriculture Water and Rural Resettlement Minister Dr Anxious Masuka last week announced the appointment of agriculture expert and Zimbabwe Agriculture Society chairman Mr Ivan Craig as the new Agricultural Rural Development Authority(Arda) board chairperson while former CZI president Mr Sifelani Jabangwe is now the new COTTCO board chairperson.
Former Arda acting chairperson, Dr Johannes Makhadho has been transferred to be the deputy chairperson for the Agriculture Research Council.
COMMISSIONER General for the Zimbabwe Revenue Authority (Zimra), Ms Faith Mazani, is set to resign from her post next month pending re-appointment to the International Monetary Fund (IMF).
The tax authority’ board confirmed Mazani’s departure in a public statement dated Monday, 21 December 2020.
It said Mazani, who joined the tax body in February 2018, will leave Zimra with effect from the end of January 2021 to join the IMF early February.
“We wish to advise the public and all stakeholders that the Commissioner General, Ms Faith Mazani, will be leaving the authority with effect from 31 January 2021,” said the board.
“The Zimra board of directors congratulates Ms Mazani for her pending re-appointment to the International Monetary Fund (IMF) with effect from 01 February 2021.”
Paul Nyathi
The Thokozani Khupe led MDC-T has dismissed Mthwakazi proponents’ wishes to have Zimbabwe restored to the pre1893 boundaries where Mthwakazi was a seperate state from Zimbabwe.
Speaking in an interview on the prospects of the 1987 Unity Accord between Joshua Nkomo and Robert Mugabe, the acting party spokesperson, Dr Tapiwa Mashakada said it was critical that Zimbabweans realised that the country belonged to everyone regardless of one’s colour, creed, tribe or gender.
“This unity is cherished, that is why we all celebrate Unity Day which came about as a result of the amalgamation of PF-Zapu and Zanu (PF).”
He called for national cohesion based on peace, security, stability, democracy and inclusive development.
Zimbabwe must remain a devolved but unitary state. MDC-T condemns any form of secessionism in Zimbabwe,” he said.
CHAOS continues to reign supreme at the Forbes Border Post as only haulage truckers with Covid-19 certificates are being allowed entry into either Zimbabwe or Mozambique, leading to long queues and delays.
Truck drivers interviewed said the issuance of clearance letters and other processes has been relatively slow, especially during this festive season.
“The situation has worsened during this period. I have been here for three days and the queue is moving at a snail’s pace.
“We have all the necessary documents but we end up losing patience, worsening the delays,” said one truck driver, Mr Tendai Sibanda.
Another trucker, Mr Abednico Mleya accused customs officials of causing the delays.
“I am from Mozambique and I have been here for four days. It looks like I will spend the Christmas holiday here because the process is slow. The customs officials are taking their time and it seems the situation is getting worse.”
A customs official who requested anonymity citing protocol said: “Everything is normal save for the closure of the border to ordinary citizens. However, truckers with Covid-19 certificates are not facing any problems in entering Mozambique. Yes, the process has been a bit slow because we have registered high numbers of trucks that are passing through the border post.”
Paul Nyathi
President Emmerson Mnangagwa has wished all Zimbabweans a merry Christmas and a prosperous 2021.
In a post on social media, President Mnangagwa said despite the COVID-19 pandemic and the subsequent lockdown and restrictions on liberty and other challenges encountered in 2020, Zimbabweans have allowed hope to prevail.
He wrote:
My fellow Zimbabweans,
The year has been filled with challenges. The threat of COVID-19 and it’s the subsequent disruption of businesses and the economy has forced us all to reinvent and reevaluate our normal lives.
In spite of all this, you, the people of Zimbabwe, have conducted yourselves with dignity amidst these challenging times.
Even in the face of quarantines, lockdowns and serious restrictions to our daily liberties, the hope and optimism of the Zimbabwean people prevailed.
My hope is firmly anchored in Zimbabweans. I am certain that our collective action and shared vision can lead us to prosperity.
Over and above everything, we need to thank the Almighty for opening up the heavens.
In 2021, let us work our land, let us be the breadbasket we used to be.
Over and above all, unity as a people of this nation will take us into the promised land.
May I wish you all fellow citizens a Merry Christmas and a Prosperous New Year.
God bless you all, God bless Zimbabwe!
Highlanders have appointed Mandla Mpofu as their new head coach to replace Mark Harrison who returned to England due to the Covid-19 pandemic.
Mpofu signed a one-year performance-based contract for the 2021 season. He had served as the first assistant coach in the senior team before the latest promotion.
Confirming the news, Bosso chairman Kenneth Mhlophe told the Chronicle: “We have appointed Mandla Mpofu to take over the role of the head coach and he will be assisted by Bekithemba Ndlovu.
“Mandla’s (current) contract with Highlanders expires at the end of the year and we agreed as an executive to give him a performance-based one-year contract. The other coaches still have running contracts with the club.”
Explaining why the club failed to retain the services of Harrison, Mhlope said: “We are not in good financial standing to pay Harrison, and he is well aware of our situation, but we have kept our doors open to working with him in future if the situation improves.
“Our benefactors, who paid Harrison’s salary, were also hit hard by effects of the Covid-19 pandemic and could not continue paying him.”
The appointment at the top is Mpofu’s second in just over a year. In mid-2019, he took over the reins after the departure of Madinda Ndlovu, but his short tenure did not yield the best results and was demoted to his previous role following the arrival of Dutchman Pieter de Jongh.-Soccer 24
Iker Casillas 7 hhģhas returned to Real Madrid to take up a role as the club foundation’s assistant general director.
The former goalkeeper started his career as a youth player at Los Blancos before featuring in the first team from 1999 to 2015, winning 19 titles including three Champions Leagues and five Spanish championships.
The appointment comes four months after Casillas officially retired from playing at the age of 39 due to a heart attack suffered in training in May 2019.
In confirming the news, the Spain giants said on Tuesday: “Real Madrid CF have announced that Iker Casillas has joined the Real Madrid Foundation as an assistant to the general director.
“Iker Casillas is a Real Madrid legend who represents the values of our club and is the best goalkeeper in our history.”
The foundation carries out football-related actions, such as recently funding internships for young players in China and organising workshops on sports psychology.-Soccer 24
Former Egypt international Mohamed Aboutrika has claimed that Mohamed Salah is unhappy at Liverpool and the Reds are considering selling him.
Aboutrika said he called the 28-year who told him that he was frustrated at not being made captain for the recent Champions League tie against FC Midtjylland. The forward expected to lead as the most experienced player in the team, but the armband went to 22-year-old Trent Alexander-Arnold.
“I called Salah about his situation at Liverpool, and he is upset, but that would never affect his performance on the field,” Aboutrika told beIN Sports, as cited by Goal.
“I know that Salah is not happy in Liverpool, he told me the reasons why he is not happy, but they are secrets, and I cannot talk about it in public. One of the reasons that made Salah angry was that he was not the captain against Midtjylland.”
Salah publicly expressed his dismay at not getting the armband and also reiterated his admiration for Real Madrid and Barcelona, two clubs regularly linked with him.
And Aboutrika believes that move will happen in future.
“If Salah was a player at Real Madrid or Barcelona, and playing at the same level as Liverpool, he would’ve won the Ballon d’Or, and it is normal for a Spanish newspaper to ask Salah about Real Madrid and Barcelona,” added the 42-year-old.
“In my opinion, Liverpool are considering selling Salah for economic purposes.
“I do not have any influence over Salah’s decisions, he is my friend and brother, and he is smart enough to know what is best for him.”-Soccer 24
Norman Mapeza has revealed that only two players in his squad are battling fitness issues ahead of the Champions League – first round, first-leg – clash against Simba SC of Tanzania this afternoon.
The Platinum Boys host the East African at the National Sports Stadium in Harare. Kick-off is at 3 pm.
Speaking ahead of the match, Mapeza confirmed that Silas Songani is out of selection while Ralph Kawondera is doubtful.
“It has been good so far I can’t complain, I think Silas Songani picked up a knock against Costa do Sol, so he is out then we are assessing Ralph Kawondera, he got injured against Eagles FC, but everyone else is okay,” the gaffer said.
Assessing their opponents, Mapeza said: “We are playing a quality team with a lot of quality players if you check in their squad they have got players from Ivory Coast from Zambia and Mozambique and it clearly shows their intentions towards this tournament.
“We have been talking to the boys we have some video analysis that we did and the guys are ready.”-Soccer 24
What are the signs and symptoms of typhoid fever and paratyphoid fever?
Typhoid fever and paratyphoid fever have similar symptoms̵.
People usually have a sustained fever (one that doesn’t come and go) that can be as high as 103–104°F (39–40°C).
Other symptoms of typhoid fever and paratyphoid fever include
Weakness
Stomach pain
Headache
Diarrhea or constipation
Cough
Loss of appetite
Some people with typhoid fever or paratyphoid fever develop a rash of flat, rose-colored spots.
What do you do if you think you have typhoid fever or paratyphoid fever?
The only way to know for sure if an illness is typhoid fever or paratyphoid fever is to have a sample of blood or stool (poop) tested for Salmonella Typhi or Salmonella Paratyphi.
If you have a fever and feel very ill, see a doctor immediately.
How are typhoid fever and paratyphoid fever treated?
Typhoid fever and paratyphoid fever are treated with antibiotics.
Ď bacteria are resistant to antibiotics, the bacteria are not killed and their growth is not stopped when antibiotics are taken. Your doctor may order special tests to see if the bacteria causing your infection are resistant. Results from those tests may affect what antibiotic treatment you receive.
People who do not get appropriate antibiotic treatment may have fever for weeks or months and may develop complications. People who do not get treatment can die from complications of the infection.
The danger from typhoid fever or paratyphoid fever doesn’t end when symptoms disappear.
Even if your symptoms seem to go away, you may still be carrying Salmonella Typhi or Salmonella Paratyphi. If so, the illness could return, or you could pass the bacteria to other people. In fact, if you are a healthcare worker or work at a job where you handle food or care for small children, you may not be able to return to work until a doctor has determined you no longer carry the bacteria.
If you are being treated for typhoid fever or paratyphoid fever, it is important to do the following to lower the chance that you will pass the bacteria on to someone else.
Keep taking antibiotics for as long as the doctor has recommended.
Wash your hands carefully with soap and water after using the bathroom.Do not prepare or serve food for others.
Source: Centre For Disease Control And Prevention
Inserted by
Zimbabwe Online Health Centre
For more information follow /like our Facebook page :Zimbabwe Online Health Centre
email :[email protected]
Twitter :zimonlinehealthcentre
@zimonlinehealt1
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Website:www.zimonlinehealthcentre.co.zw
Tinashe Sambiri|MDC Alliance leader, President Nelson Chamisa has pointed out that the concept of unity has been drowned by violence and lawlessness in the country.
Below is President Chamisa’s Unity Day Message :
THE IDEA OF UNITY- MDC Alliance President Nelson Chamisa Unity Day Message
22 December 2020
Fellow Zimbabweans,
The bold font of divisions, destruction, violence and anarchy continues to override the voices of love, unity, peace, reason and development in our country.
This is largely because our nation-building project has not fulfilled the promise of the glorious days of independence.
We need true unity, peace and prayer to heal and build our nation. Peace and unity are the necessary ingredients for development and the enjoyment of fundamental freedoms and rights.
However, it is important to understand the idea of unity. Unity is not about the coming together of bodies, commanded by the powerful in society. It is not an event signified by elite political pacts. Unity is a process by which minds are drawn together organically to achieve a common purpose.
Unity does not mean the absence of difference. Instead, it is a process that acknowledges, recognises and celebrates difference as a natural part of a normal society. Therefore, unity does not necessarily mean uniformity among peoples. Rather it recognises and promotes diversity and the beauty of it.
Indeed, unity does not mean compulsory conformity of the minority to the majority merely because the majority demand compliance. Rather, unity behoves the majority to recognise and respect minorities in whatever form because they matter too.
Politically, unity is a process in which parties of different political and ideological persuasions are allowed to pursue their cause while they come together to face common threats.
Unity does not criminalize diversity and alternative views. It is not tyranny of the centre. This why the devolution process, which is encapsulated in our Constitution, is essential for unity. Unity does not mean sweeping pain and tears of a people under the proverbial carpet. Rather, it is a process that is undergirded by truth-telling, acknowdgement of pain, remorse and reconciliation.
Where there is unity of purpose there is difference but a commitment to development and prosperity. Genuine unity does not produce an impoverished society. It exalts a people to prosperity. On this day, we should be celebrating. But too many of our people are in great pain because of socio-economic burdens that have become unbearable.
Currently, we experience too many divisions, violence, and hatred. This has made Unity Day become trite, vacuous and meaningless without the values and practices of unity that I have outlined. It has become a reminder of the ogre of violence, intolerance and hate speech that continue to engulf our nation.
Violence is intolerable. We note with disdain an increase in abductions and torture against its citizens including young leaders and activists. We have hundreds of MDC leaders in detention or on remand facing trumped-up politically-motivated charges. The consistent and persistent denial of citizens’ rights is a form of violence against political opponents.
The harassment, intimidation, illegal arrest of opposition leaders, activists, and professionals is repugnant to unity and peace. It’s deplorable how professionals have been harassed and persecuted during the course of the year simply because they have dared to exercise their freedoms. Unity does not mean a suppression of fundamental rights and freedoms. It celebrates and protects them.
Unity is not built on force. It is built upon foundations of love, understanding and appreciation of difference and diversity.
In a New Zimbabwe, under our new government, we propose a National Unity, Peace and Prayer Day. We do so in recognition of the fact that unity, peace and prayer are interconnected.
We recognise that unity is not merely a political slogan but rather, it is a reality that we must experience in all spheres, be it in our families, churches, workplaces civic organisations or government.
Nation building is an ongoing project that must produce conditions of unity in diversity. But we cannot build a nation when there is persecution. We call for an end to political persecution. Nation building requires justice to be done for the aggrieved in our communities.
We deserve to be united by our values, aspirations, constitution and human rights. No single organization is bigger than Zimbabwe. We must imagine a better, just and more prosperous Zimbabwe in which our diversity is celebrated, not condemned.
We owe it to ourselves and future generations as God’s people to embrace one another in unity, to pray for the prosperity of our nation. Prayer works with works. We should not wait for divine intervention when we can change our behaviour.
This day, I call upon families and all people of this country to embrace this day as a day we express our unity with one another. A day we find peace. A day we seek the Lord as we prepare for Christmas and the New Year holidays.
This day, I join you all in demanding true unity, peace and prosperity for us all as a people. We in the MDC are ready to play our part in finding a lasting solution to the national issues that bring us together as a nation. We will unite the nation and bring peace in the name of our Lord, without resorting to any forms violence which we abhor.
Peace is simple. Peace begins within. Peace begets peace. Peace breeds prosperity.
In our fractured nation, I wish you all a blessed Unity, Peace and Prayer day and we pray for unity and peace in our country.
Winning Zimbabwe for real change.Change that delivers!
God Bless you
For justice, peace, a shared vision, true unity and the cause of freedom,
Adv Nelson Chamisa
President MDC Alliance
Tinashe Sambiri|Construction workers were forced to work overnight to repair the main road in Masvingo’s Central Business District before Mr Emmerson Mnangagwa’s trip to Chivi District.
Mr Mnangagwa commissioned a village water project on Wednesday.
“Workers were called back from holiday to repair the city’s main road before Mr Mnangagwa’s trip to Chivi.
Mr Mnangagwa commissioned the Chombwe Piped Water Project.
We had just closed for Christmas when we were called back. It really disrupted our programmes,” a source told ZimEye.com.
Disgruntled government officials accused of Mr Mnangagwa of wasting taxpayers’ money as he should have assigned the Minister of State for Masvingo Province to handle the official opening of the village project.
“How can a whole President travel all the way from Harare to Masvingo to commission a low key village programme? This man is wasting State resources,” fumed a senior government official.
Tinashe Sambiri|Construction workers were forced to work overnight to repair the main road in Masvingo’s Central Business District before Mr Emmerson Mnangagwa’s trip to Chivi District.
Mr Mnangagwa commissioned a village water project on Wednesday.
“Workers were called back from holiday to repair the city’s main road before Mr Mnangagwa’s trip to Chivi.
Mr Mnangagwa commissioned the Chombwe Piped Water Project.
We had just closed for Christmas when we were called back. It really disrupted our programmes,” a source told ZimEye.com.
Disgruntled government officials accused of Mr Mnangagwa of wasting taxpayers’ money as he should have assigned the Minister of State for Masvingo Province to handle the official opening of the village project.
“How can a whole President travel all the way from Harare to Masvingo to commission a low key village programme? This man is wasting State resources,” fumed a senior government official.
While the project is a community initiative, Zanu PF’s Ezra Chadzamira has claimed the programme is the ruling party’s baby.
“This is a Zanu PF baby- we are working hard to empower our people across the province,” claimed Chadzamira.
What are the signs and symptoms of typhoid fever and paratyphoid fever?
Typhoid fever and paratyphoid fever have similar symptoms̵.
People usually have a sustained fever (one that doesn’t come and go) that can be as high as 103–104°F (39–40°C).
Other symptoms of typhoid fever and paratyphoid fever include
Weakness
Stomach pain
Headache
Diarrhea or constipation
Cough
Loss of appetite
Some people with typhoid fever or paratyphoid fever develop a rash of flat, rose-colored spots.
What do you do if you think you have typhoid fever or paratyphoid fever?
The only way to know for sure if an illness is typhoid fever or paratyphoid fever is to have a sample of blood or stool (poop) tested for Salmonella Typhi or Salmonella Paratyphi.
If you have a fever and feel very ill, see a doctor immediately.
How are typhoid fever and paratyphoid fever treated?
Typhoid fever and paratyphoid fever are treated with antibiotics.
When bacteria are resistant to antibiotics, the bacteria are not killed and their growth is not stopped when antibiotics are taken. Your doctor may order special tests to see if the bacteria causing your infection are resistant. Results from those tests may affect what antibiotic treatment you receive.
People who do not get appropriate antibiotic treatment may have fever for weeks or months and may develop complications. People who do not get treatment can die from complications of the infection.
The danger from typhoid fever or paratyphoid fever doesn’t end when symptoms disappear.
Even if your symptoms seem to go away, you may still be carrying Salmonella Typhi or Salmonella Paratyphi. If so, the illness could return, or you could pass the bacteria to other people. In fact, if you are a healthcare worker or work at a job where you handle food or care for small children, you may not be able to return to work until a doctor has determined you no longer carry the bacteria.
If you are being treated for typhoid fever or paratyphoid fever, it is important to do the following to lower the chance that you will pass the bacteria on to someone else.
Keep taking antibiotics for as long as the doctor has recommended.
Wash your hands carefully with soap and water after using the bathroom.Do not prepare or serve food for others.
Source: Centre For Disease Control And Prevention
Inserted by
Zimbabwe Online Health Centre
For more information follow /like our Facebook page :Zimbabwe Online Health Centre
email :[email protected]
Twitter :zimonlinehealthcentre
@zimonlinehealt1
YouTube: zimbabwe online health centre
Website:www.zimonlinehealthcentre.co.zw
By A Correspondent- The Thokozani Khupe-led MDC-T plans to tighten its grip at Marondera Town Council by electing Dominic Matangira the deputy mayor of the farming town.
Matangira, who recently attained Alderman status after serving the local authority several years, dumped the Nelson Chamisa-led MDC Alliance, a move that shocked his colleagues.
The deputy mayoral post became vacant after the recall of Bornface Tagwireyi by Khupe. He was accused of showing allegiance to Chamisa in the last mayoral elections.
MDC-T provincial administrator Wellington Makonese confirmed that Matangira was poised to be the deputy mayor of the farming town.
“I am aware that the elections will be held on Wednesday (today) and that councillor Matangira is the candidate,” he said.
MDC-T secretary-general Douglas Mwonzora, during his visit to Marondera recently confirmed that Matangira was the incoming deputy mayor.
Marondera council has been the playground for the MDC-T after its mayoral candidate Simbarashe Nyahuye beat Tagwireyi by a single vote.
A total of six MDC Alliance councillors have been recalled including former mayor Chengetai Murova.
MDC-T has 11 out of 12 councillors, while Zanu PF has a solitary representative.-newsday
Tinashe Sambiri|MDC Alliance Youth Secretary General, Gift Ostallos Siziba, says he is grateful for the love and support he received before and during his father’s funeral.
Ostallos’ father, Reverend Herbert Siziba was buried in Bulawayo on Monday.
“Thank you! We thank everyone for the love, act of solidarity and support you gave us during the difficult time. The Siziba family is indeed and truly grateful for the love you have shown us.
May God above bless each and everyone one of you abundantly,” Ostallos said in a statement.
Talent Gondo
President Emmerson Mnangagwa has wished all Zimbabweans a merry Christmas and a prosperous 2021.
In a post on social media, President Mnangagwa said despite the COVID-19 pandemic and the subsequent lockdown and restrictions on liberty and other challenges encountered in 2020, Zimbabweans have allowed hope to prevail.
He wrote:
My fellow Zimbabweans,
The year has been filled with challenges. The threat of COVID-19 and it’s the subsequent disruption of businesses and the economy has forced us all to reinvent and reevaluate our normal lives.
In spite of all this, you, the people of Zimbabwe, have conducted yourselves with dignity amidst these challenging times.
Even in the face of quarantines, lockdowns and serious restrictions to our daily liberties, the hope and optimism of the Zimbabwean people prevailed.
My hope is firmly anchored in Zimbabweans. I am certain that our collective action and shared vision can lead us to prosperity.
Over and above everything, we need to thank the Almighty for opening up the heavens.
In 2021, let us work our land, let us be the breadbasket we used to be.
Over and above all, unity as a people of this nation will take us into the promised land.
May I wish you all fellow citizens a Merry Christmas and a Prosperous New Year.
God bless you all, God bless Zimbabwe!
By A Correspondent- The family of the slain 7 year old Murehwa boy Tapiwa Makore statged a demonstration at one of the accused’s residence in Harare.
Watch the family spokesperson speaking soon after the demonstration:
By A Correspondent- A woman suspected to be Zimbabwean, reportedly drowned in the Limpopo River together with her 2 children on Monday as they were attempting to cross into South Africa. Newzroom Afrika reports.
According to an eyewitness that spoke to the publication, the boat they were using to cross the river capsized a few meters from the river bank. The man who narrated the incident said the woman and her daughter were the first to be swept away by the strong currents when tragedy struck.
Other people also died in the same accident that claimed the lives of the 3 family members according to the publication which stated that a mother lost her 3-year-old son and a son among the survivors also lost his mother.
Zimbabweans usually use the illegal route to cross into South Africa to look for greener pastures. A few weeks ago a woman fell in the crocodile-infested Limpopo river but she managed to safely swim to the river bank after the incident.
By A Correspondent- The late Vice-Presidents John Landa Nkomo and Joseph Msika are some of the beneficiaries of “questionable” long-term Cold Storage Commission (CSC) lease agreements beyond the company’s specified tenure periods.
This is contained in a 2016 forensic audit into the financial operations of the State-owned meat processor by Auditor-General Mildred Chisi.
According to the report, the CSC leased most of its properties as at June 2015, but the Auditor-General raised eyebrows over some of the agreements which extended beyond the company’s specified tenure periods.
“During the period under review, CSC leased most of its properties (commercial, residential buildings, ranches and feeding lots and equipment) and signed lease agreements for properties with 247 tenants as at June 30, 2015 from which the following key findings were noted: (1) lease agreement beyond the specified tenure periods,” the report reads in part.
“Although CSC management informed us that CSC has short-term leases (six months tenure) and long-term leases (10 years), there were a number of lease agreements with tenures of up to 35 years.”
Chiri said there appears to be no standard rates/charges and there is no documentary evidence to support the rates applied.
According to the report, Nkomo’s estate has a 35-year lease expiring on February 1, 2040. The estate is paying US$252 in monthly rentals.
Msika’s estate also has a 35-year lease expiring on February 1, 2040 paying US$298 in monthly rentals.
Nkomo passed away on January 17, 2013 at the age of 78 and Msika on August 4, 2009 aged 86.
Other beneficiaries of long-term lease agreements is the late Retired Major General Javan Maseko’s estate, whose expiry date is listed as February 1, 2040.
The estate was listed as paying US$164 per month.
Maseko served in the Zimbabwe People’s Revolutionary Army (Zipra) high command and at independence, he played a pivotal role in the integration of former warring forces, the Zipra, Zimbabwe African National Liberation Army and the Rhodesian Front.
One of the longest serving State parastatal bosses and former CSC chief executive officer Ngoni Chinogaramombe is also listed as a beneficiary.
The audit report lists him as having a 30-year lease expiring on March 31, 2041 and paying US$1 584 in monthly rentals.
Chinogaramombe served the country’s then internationally recognised sole meat processor and marketer for almost 34 years, having joined in 1984 and rose through the ranks to become its chief executive officer in 2005.
He left the company in 2019.
Lands and Agriculture minister Anxious Masuka recently approached the High Court seeking an order to place the CSC under judicial management.
In March 2019, government signed a “multi-million” deal with a United Kingdom-based investor Boustead Beef (Pvt) to resuscitate CSC.
Under the deal, the UK investor was to inject a total of US$400 million over the next fice years to revive the company, which has been dormant for the last two decades.
However, all has not been well at the company, with employees accusing Boustead Beef (Pvt) of stripping CSC assets for resale.
At its peak, the beef processor and marketer used to handle up to 150 000 tonnes of beef and associated by-products annually and exported to the European Union, where it had an annual quota of 9 100 tonnes of beef.
-newsday
Tinashe Sambiri|MDC Alliance vice president, Hon Tendai Biti has pointed out that Mr Emmerson Mnangagwa is worse than President Robert Mugabe because the current Zanu PF leader has taken brutality and persecution of opposition activists to “unprecedented levels.”
Hon Biti argued that compared to Mr Mnangagwa, Mugabe was a political saint.
“Jacob Mafume’s continued detention exposes the regime’s ruthless capture of state institutions and its unrelenting malice.
Emmerson is a vindictive character without any boundaries .Sadly the State is now reproducing itself in his own image.Mugabe now appears saintly.
This man is surely turning in his grave .The latest faux pas from the regime is around a National Dress.
An illegitimate group of people unable to command love respect and trust from the citizen can never foist a sense of identity or nationhood. Crocodiles don’t build nations…
The Mnangagwa regime has taken the assault on workers rights to new and unprecedented levels .
The devaluation of wages and payments in ZWL$ represents vicious attack on working people .The physical arrests torture and convictions of workers on dubious spurious charges is a new low for Zim,” argued Hon Biti.
In a statement, ARTUZ condemned the conviction and sentencing of its Gender and Welfare representative for Masvingo Province Sheila Chisirimunhu:
“@edmnangagwa
has taken us back to Rhodesia. Cde Sheila sentenced to 16 months imprisonment for protesting against underpayment.
Sheila to serve 10 months in prison. This is an attempt to silence the exploited working class. We are appealing this and this gvt wont know peace.”
Tinashe Sambiri|Construction workers were forced to work overnight to repair the main road in Masvingo’s Central Business District before Mr Emmerson Mnangagwa’s trip to Chivi District.
Mr Mnangagwa commissioned a village water project on Wednesday.
“Workers were called back from holiday to repair the city’s main road before Mr Mnangagwa’s trip to Chivi.
Mr Mnangagwa commissioned the Chombwe Piped Water Project.
We had just closed for Christmas when we were called back. It really disrupted our programmes,” a source told ZimEye.com.
By A Correspondent- MDC-T interim secretary-general Douglas Mwonzora says he is confident of winning the presidency of the party at the extraordinary congress to be held this Sunday.
The MDC-T is set to hold its elective congress this weekend after it was cancelled at the last minute six days ago by party interim leader Thokozani Khupe following allegations that Mwonzora was manipulating the voters’ roll.
However, Khupe and Mwonzora faced off in a stormy meeting on Monday to resolve the dispute over the voters’ roll to be used at the party’s congress.
Accusations against Mwonzora were that he allegedly tried to sneak in a “doctored” voters’ roll stuffed with names of his backers who were not part of the 2014 MDC-T structures.
This was after the Supreme Court ruled in March this year that the party should convene an elective congress to replace the late founding leader Morgan Tsvangirai, who died in February 2018.
“I believe there are efforts to try to scuttle my chances of winning. However, they will not succeed. The people shall speak,” Mwonzora said in an interview.
Khupe and Mwonzora are seen as the frontrunners for the MDC-T presidency at the elective congress where they will also battle it out with party acting chairman, Morgen Komichi and deputy national chairman Elias Mudzuri.
As the chaos in Khupe’s party continues before its congress, last Saturday during a national council meeting at Mudzuri’s house, the party resolved to audit the voters’ roll.
At another meeting on Monday, Mwonzora allegedly struggled to present his version of the voters’ roll which he claimed represented the party’s 2014 structures.
Khupe was said to be armed with a copy of the 2014 structures favoured to the party by suspended organising secretary Abednico Bhebhe.
An insider said the party was contemplating using a printed roll fearing that a soft copy could be hacked and manipulated.
Khupe’s former aide, Witness Dube who is now an ally of Mwonzora, said the MDC-T needed “healing” to reconcile warring factions torn apart by the upcoming elective congress.
There have been fights for assets, which have at times turned physical and violent, as opposing factions within the opposition party push for control of the party.
“I am very grateful and proud of the 10 years I spent with Khupe. However, this congress is about the millions of Zimbabweans looking up to MDC for economic, political and social reforms for the better,” Dube told NewsDay.
“I am optimistic that this congress will give MDC an opportunity to heal when campaigns fold and that focus will return to assuming the role of being the official opposition.”
The congress, however, hangs in the balance if the High Court rules in favour of Bhebhe, who is seeking its postponement.
Bhebhe filed an urgent chamber application at the Bulawayo High Court last Friday seeking an interdict stopping the holding of the congress until matter challenging his suspension and subsequent expulsion from the party is resolved.
However, High Court judge Justice Christopher Dube Banda postponed the matter to this week after the respondents’ lawyer, Tawanda Tawengwa argued that the respondents could not prepare opposing papers because they were served with the applicant‘s court papers very late on Tuesday last week. The matter is set to be heard any day from today.
The former Nkayi South legislator was recently expelled from the MDC on charges that he was an MDC Alliance lackey, which he denies.
Bhebhe was also eyeing the presidency.-newsday
President Emmerson Mnangagwa’s problems are being compounded by paranoid hangers-on like the spokesperson for the presidency George Charamba.
This was said by investigative journalist Hopewell Chin’ino through a post on his Facebook page.
Chin’ono asserted that the likes of Charamba try to create relevance by creating false alarm within the ruling establishment.
Oblivious to the fact that they are being lied to, the country’s leaders then respond irrationally embarrassing themselves internationally. Said Chin’ono:
People like George Charamba create their relevance to the regime by inducing false alarm, panic, paranoia and fear to the “system.”
Sadly they are listened to by their bosses who at times are oblivious to how they are being played.
This has contributed to Mnangagwa’s problems and authored many of his failures.
They hate a normal country because it takes away their importance and because they can’t thrive in a merit-based society.
They rely on CHAOS to perpetuate their false importance to the political elites!
They create false narratives that induce fear into their bosses who are then pushed to respond irrationally embarrassing themselves internationally!
By A Correspondent- A bulk fuel tanker went up in flames on Tuesday while offloading fuel at Bindura Council fuel station.
The truck burnt and exploded and it became a center of attraction to Bindura residents.
Mashonaland Central police spokesperson Inspector Milton Mundembe confirmed the case.
“I can confirm that a fuel tanker exploded in Bindura yesterday and investigations are on going,” Mundembe said.
A dreadlocked guy popularly known as Rasta braved the fire and moved it away from buildings after the driver became confused.
Witnesses said a pump which was used to decant fuel from the tanker was first to catch fire.
“A small pump which was being used caught fire first and a heroic dreadlocked moved the truck away from the 2 filling stations while it was burning,” Joseph Dimba said.
“If rasta did not brave the fire all the two filling stations would have been gutted down by fire.”
Some residents applauded Freda Rebecca fire department for extinguishing the fire while denouncing council for not having a single fire engine.
“Freda Rebeca is always ready to assist it assisted in extinguishing the fire but the service station owners (council) do not even own one fire engine,” Sekai Muda said.
Meanwhile, Environmental Agency (EMA) Mash Central environment and publicity officer said fuel industry should follow proper safety procedures.
‘we urge fuel operators to follow the standard procedures when doing their work. Engines must be switched off. In this case they were supposed to use force of gravity to offload fuel but used a pump to decent sparking the fire. Regards the spillage of fuel we will be taking action in line with statutory instrument 11 of 2017,” he said
ZimRights said it has noted with concern the conviction and sentencing of Amalgamated Rural Teachers Union of Zimbabwe (ARTUZ) Masvingo Gender and Social Welfare Secretary Sheila Chisirimunhu (54) for exercising her constitutional rights.
In a Twitter thread, ZimRights said Chirisamhuru was arrested for holding a banner inscribed, “USD salaries now!” at Masvingo District Education Offices on 22 June this year and has been sentenced to 10 months in prison for that. Below is the post:
ZimRightsLIVE notes with concern the conviction and sentencing of ARTUZ Masvingo Gender and Social Welfare Secretary Sheila Chisirimunhu (54) for exercising her right to demonstrate as enshrined in section 59 of the Constitution.
Chisirimunhu was convicted and sentenced to an effective 10 months in prison and is at Mutimurefu Prison.
Chisirimunhu a widow and has been a teacher for almost 35 years, was arrested on 22 June 2020 for demonstrating against low teacher’s salaries at Masvingo District Education Offices.
She was holding a banner inscribed, “USD salaries now!” For that, she charged with inciting public violence and released on 500 ZWL bail after spending a night in cells on the 23rd of June 2020.
Represented by Advocate Martin Mureri from [Zimbabwe Lawyers for Human Rights], Chisirimunhu has been in and out of court until her sentence on December 21.
ZimRights reminds the State of Section 59 that guarantees the right to demonstrate and petition.
Peaceful demonstrations and petitioning against low wages in the civil service does not warrant any arrest nor imprisonment.
Section 65 of the constitution, (1) also states that: Every person has the right to fair and safe labour practices and standards and to be paid a fair and reasonable wage.
It is therefore sad, for workers to be jailed for demanding fair and living wages. The government must respect human rights and freedoms as enshrined in the constitution.
By A Correspondent- Former legislator for Masvingo Central, Jeffreyson Chitando (MDC Alliance) torched a social media storm when he urged Zimbabweans to abandon the Unity Day and instead turn it into Patriotism Day.
Chitando said there was nothing to celebrate about the Unity Accord which was signed in 1987 by the late former President Robert Mugabe and the late Vice-President Joshua Mqabuko Nkomo to end the friction between Zanu-PF and-PF Zapu.
He said Unity Day only invoked sad memories of the massacred and displaced masses of Matabeleland and Midlands.
“The Zimbabwean government must seriously consider changing December 22 Unity Day to Patriotism Day. The continued commemoration of a forced unity after the late Father Zimbabwe Joshua Nkomo was cowed into submission to join Zanu-PF is an insult to the people of Matabeleland.
“The most appropriate and perpetual name must be Patriotism Day,” Chitando said.
By A Correspondent- Workers of a road construction company that is contracted to widen the Harare-Beitbridge highway had their festivities dampened when they were called back from leave to patch up a bad stretch of road in Masvingo.
The workers had been granted Christmas off days but were ordered back to work in order to repair a damaged road at Croco Motors in Masvingo where President Emmerson Mnangagwa’s motorcade was expected to pass through this Wednesday.
The development was confirmed by a worker who spoke to Masvingo Mirror on condition of anonymity as he is not authorised to speak to the press.
He said:
We had just closed for Christmas when we were called back. It really disrupted our break.
President Mnangagwa is in Chivi where he is launching the Chombwe Piped Water Project.
By A Correspondent| Harare magistrate Ngoni Nduna has denied prosecutor Tapiwa Kasema bail on charges of criminal abuse of office.
He ruled that Kasema was a flight risk as shown by his disappearance when he realised that his conduct of consenting to the bail of Musa Taj Abdul and two others was likely to be prosecuted.
The matter was remanded to 5 January 2021 for routine remand.
By A Correspondent- The Thokozani Khupe-led MDC-T has demanded that its members should pay $1 in subscriptions in order to assist bereaved party members at funerals, adding that its membership was now 1,5 million which would translate to a lot of money.
This was said recently by the party secretary-general Douglas Mwonzora in Marondera while addressing party delegates during his campaign trail for the MDC-T presidency.
“Starting on January 1, every month, if you are a true member of the MDC-T, you are supposed to pay subscriptions of a dollar, not United States dollars, but one bond. If paying a dollar each month is boring, you can just pay $12 for the whole year. The money will be directed to our fund so that if an MDC-T member dies, the money will cater for the funeral,” he said.
“We calculated and realised that the MDC-T has 1,5 million members and this means that every month, we will be having $1,5 million and this translates to US$15 000 every month. The secret is that we do not get sick and die at the same time. That money will be enough in times of crisis,” he said.
The MDC-T congress failed to kick off at the weekend after its leaders clashed over a manipulated voters roll.
Mwonzora is eyeing the MDC-T presidency alongside Khupe and Elias Mudzuri.
He also said the MDC-T was looking for money to compensate victims of political violence.
“Zanu-PF has its war veterans, they are paid monthly for their contribution. In Mashonaland East province, there are a lot of people that were affected by political violence during the Robert Mugabe era. We hear stories of people being thrown in Wenimbe Dam. We are saying it is time for the victims of political violence to be compensated,” he said.-newsday
By A Correspondent- Corpses continue to pile up at Mpilo Central Hospital mortuary in Bulawayo due to delays by relatives in collecting the bodies for burial and authorities are reportedly mulling conducting pauper burials.
Mpilo Central Hospital is the second largest health facility in the country after Parirenyatwa Group of Hospitals in Harare.
Of late, it has been plagued by power failures that are disrupting service provision, including the functioning of its mortuary.
Last week, authorities at the 900-bed health institution said the situation at the mortuary left a lot to be desired.
“The other issue we have is about the mortuary. Currently, there are about 400 bodies, which is way above the facility’s body carrying capacity,” said Mpilo Central Hospital acting chief executive and clinical director Xolani Ndlovu.
Mpilo mortuary has a carrying capacity of 30 bodies.
He said carrying out pauper’s burials to reduce pressure on the mortuary was the panacea, although it involved a lot of processes.
According to the country’s statutes, bodies that are not claimed after a period of nine months should be given pauper’s burials by the State.
Ndlovu said the situation at the mortuary was exacerbated by intermittent power cuts that had seen the hospital relying on back-up generators, which are consuming 1 000 litres per day.
He said the lives of about 465 patients, including 81 children in the neonatal ward and 98 patients in the surgical wards admitted at the hospital, were at risk due to power outages.
Meanwhile, Tsholotsho District Hospital is overwhelmed by its overloaded mortuary at a time the health facility is enduring prolonged power cuts.
Tsholotsho district medical services administrator Gerald Chakandibata said the situation at the mortuary was dire.
“Our mortuary is too small. It has a capacity to carry five bodies, but currently there are nine,” he said.
“The situation is worsened by these rampant power cuts we are experiencing here in Tsholotsho.”
He said the unreliable power supply had had ripple effects on water provision at the health facility.
Tsholotsho District Hospital started operating in 1951 as a rural health centre before it was upgraded to a district hospital in 1991.
Dear Editor
Under the late Rhodesian Prime Minister Ian Smith and President Robert Mugabe, also late, Christmas was not so miserable and it is sad that people are yearning for the “good” old days.
At least one had tea with milk and bread spread with jam and cash to take to the rural areas.
People had clean water good roads, jobs, health, but two years into President Emmerson Mnangagwa’s five-year term, Zimbabweans are foregoing basic necessities on Christmas day let alone soft drinks which are now considered a luxury.
Some are wondering if the heavens have been taken over by Satan.
Is our good Lord seeing what is happening in our country? I wouldn’t be surprised if people started organising resistance groups.
Who still remembers the 2017 promises which Mnangagwa made to the people? Maybe bank queues are now perfect baits to lure fed-up people to revolt.
The Holy Scriptures in Proverbs 29 vs 2 are being fulfilled When the righteous are in authority, the people rejoice, but when the wicked beareth rule, the people mourn.
-newsday
By A Correspondent- A taxi driver from Mabvuku was arraigned before the courts on allegations of raping and infecting his minor daughter with a sexually transmitted infection (STI) five years ago.
The man (47), who cannot be named to protect the identity of the minor, told magistrate Estere Chivasa that the rape charges were fabricated by his estranged wife after a dispute over the child’s custody.
Prosecutor Panganai Chiutsi told the court that on two occasions, sometime in 2015, the complainant who was then 12 years old was left in the custody of her father by her grandmother.
Later in the evening, her father raped her twice and ordered her not to reveal the crime to anyone.
In 2019, the accused raped the minor again, but she told her aunt who, however, concealed the matter.
On May 9, 2020, she developed warts on her privates and told her aunt who she was now living with as she wanted to seek medical help, leading to the arrest of the accused.
-newsday
By A Correspondent- Shamva miner, John Maungwa, who is involved in a bitter mining wrangle with a woman who once masqueraded as President Emmerson Mnangagwa’s daughter Chantelle Chikafu was arrested on Monday for allegedly stealing gold ore from “his own mine”.
Maungwa is still in police custody after Chikafu made a report that the miner had stolen 390 tonnes of gold ore, which she had mined together with Shamva North MP, Oscar Gorerino (Zanu-PF).
He had returned to his mine after High Court judge Justice Jacob Manzunzu on April 29, ruled that he be restored possession of Wickman 23 Mine in Umfurudzi Game Park, which Chikafu’s gang working in cahoots with Gorerino, had violently grabbed from him.
Mashonaland provincial police spokesperson Inspector Milton Mundembe could not confirm or deny Maungwa’s arrest. He told NewsDay that he could not readily get the information.
“I didn’t manage to get the information. There is no one in the office to ask because we took an early break. I will give you the information tomorrow (today) morning,” Mundembe said.
But a source close to the matter confirmed Maungwa’s arrest. He alleged that it was a ploy by Chikafu and Gorerino to fix him for winning the court case which gave him unfettered mining rights.
The Zimbabwe Parks and Wildlife Management Authority (ZimParks) and the police had also allowed Maungwa to mine undisturbed in compliance with the court order.
“He has no case. How can he steal his own ore? These people were illegally mining on his mining claims and when the High Court restored him to resume operations Chikafu then made a report that Maungwa had stolen her gold ore. This is just a way by Chikafu and Gorerino to fix him because he has won the rights to his mine,” he said.
The source also alleged that the timing of Maungwa’s arrest was meant to coincide with the holidays so that he stays long in police custody.
“To show you that they wanted to fix him, the police officer, a detective Pasipanodya from Bindura Criminal Investigations Minerals and Flora and Fauna who arrested him, tricked him telling him that he was supposed to go to court. Maungwa went to the courts and waited for the detective, but he was in no show. When he realised that the courts were about to close for the day he appeared and ordered him to the police station where he advised him that he had orders to detain him,” the sources said.
He also said he suspected that Pasipanodya could be working in cahoots with Chikafu and Gorerino in the mine wrangle.
Maungwa’s arrest came soon after the mine wrangle also claimed the scalp of Mashonaland Central police commander Commissioner David Mahoya who was abruptly transferred for ignoring his bosses’ directives to restore Maungwa to his mine in compliance with a High Court order by Justice Tawanda Chitapi of November 25.
Mahoya had been reportedly siding with Chikafu and Gorerino in defying court orders granted by the High Court directing that Maungwa should resume mining operations without interference.-newsday
MDC-T secretary-general Douglas Mwonzora says he is confident of winning the presidency of the party at the extraordinary congress to be held this Sunday.
The MDC-T is set to hold its elective congress this weekend after it was cancelled at the last minute six days ago by party interim leader Thokozani Khupe following allegations that Mwonzora was manipulating the voters’ roll.
However, Khupe and Mwonzora faced off in a stormy meeting on Monday to resolve the dispute over the voters’ roll to be used at the party’s congress.
Accusations against Mwonzora were that he allegedly tried to sneak in a “doctored” voters’ roll stuffed with names of his backers who were not part of the 2014 MDC-T structures.
This was after the Supreme Court ruled in March this year that the party should convene an elective congress to replace the late founding leader Morgan Tsvangirai, who died in February 2018.
“I believe there are efforts to try to scuttle my chances of winning. However, they will not succeed. The people shall speak,” Mwonzora said in an interview.
Khupe and Mwonzora are seen as the frontrunners for the MDC-T presidency at the elective congress where they will also battle it out with party acting chairman, Morgen Komichi and deputy national chairman Elias Mudzuri.
As the chaos in Khupe’s party continues before its congress, last Saturday during a national council meeting at Mudzuri’s house, the party resolved to audit the voters’ roll.
At another meeting on Monday, Mwonzora allegedly struggled to present his version of the voters’ roll which he claimed represented the party’s 2014 structures.
Khupe was said to be armed with a copy of the 2014 structures favoured to the party by suspended organising secretary Abednico Bhebhe.
An insider said the party was contemplating using a printed roll fearing that a soft copy could be hacked and manipulated.
Khupe’s former aide, Witness Dube who is now an ally of Mwonzora, said the MDC-T needed “healing” to reconcile warring factions torn apart by the upcoming elective congress.
There have been fights for assets, which have at times turned physical and violent, as opposing factions within the opposition party push for control of the party.
“I am very grateful and proud of the 10 years I spent with Khupe. However, this congress is about the millions of Zimbabweans looking up to MDC for economic, political and social reforms for the better,” Dube told NewsDay.
“I am optimistic that this congress will give MDC an opportunity to heal when campaigns fold and that focus will return to assuming the role of being the official opposition.”
The congress, however, hangs in the balance if the High Court rules in favour of Bhebhe, who is seeking its postponement.
Bhebhe filed an urgent chamber application at the Bulawayo High Court last Friday seeking an interdict stopping the holding of the congress until matter challenging his suspension and subsequent expulsion from the party is resolved.
However, High Court judge Justice Christopher Dube Banda postponed the matter to this week after the respondents’ lawyer, Tawanda Tawengwa argued that the respondents could not prepare opposing papers because they were served with the applicant‘s court papers very late on Tuesday last week. The matter is set to be heard any day from today.
The former Nkayi South legislator was recently expelled from the MDC on charges that he was an MDC Alliance lackey, which he denies.
Bhebhe was also eyeing the presidency.
-Newsday
By A Correspondent- Agricultural extension officers around the country have threatened to go on a strike after the government failed to give them COVID-19 risk allowances.
Sources alleged that the extension workers alleged that even though they risked their lives in educating peasant farmers about Pfumvudza at the height of the coronavirus outbreak, they got nothing while office workers were paid over $20 000 as COVID-19 risk allowances.
A source is quoted as having said:
We risked our families by hosting these agricultural demonstrations with farmers when the country was on level five lockdown, but the government chose to pay those who were in offices COVID-19 risk allowances including those in the human resources department and general hands.
This government has reduced us to farm workers. We do all the donkey work, for example, crop and livestock assessment but we are not paid anything.
Is this government different from the government that runs hospitals whereby staff is paid handsomely for just collecting information just like us?
They are now focusing on advertising Pfumvudza on every platform, but they are forgetting those who implemented and made the Pfumvudza programme a success.
With no PEPs and other protective clothing, we managed to train farmers countrywide.
The permanent secretary for the Agriculture, Lands, Water and Rural Resettlement ministry John Bhasera confirmed the matter, but refused to comment and referred questions to the Public Service Commission.
-newsday
Sheila Chisirimunhu, is a 53 year old mother with 5 dependence. She is a primary school teacher who has served for 30 years.The gvt of Zimbabwe slashed teacher salaries from USD 500 monthly to USD 30 per month.
Sheila joined other teachers and peacefully protested against the illegal salary slash. Sheila was arrested and charged with public violence. No incidence of violence was ever reported during and after the protest.
Sheila was ridiculously convicted for public violence. Her crime was asking for the restoration of her salary. Sheila was sentenced to 16 months in prison, sentencing was done a couple of days after the commemorations of 16 days of Gender Based Violence. She will serve 10 months in prison.
A male counterpart who was jointly accused with her was freed. Both the conviction and sentencing are an assault on freedom to petition duty bearers and labour justice.
The government has curtailed the freedom of assembly and criminalised Trade Unionism. We demand Sheila’s freedom! #FreeSheila
If this were a football game, one could say that Mbuyiseni Ndlozi has just gone in with a two-footed tackle. The EFF Commissar has sparked a fierce debate online, after arguing that Nelson Mandela ‘wasted’ his 27 years behind bars.
The EFF representative argues that the former president ‘sold out’ when he agreed a deal with the apartheid government. He accuses Madiba of failing to understand racism, suggesting that the memory of man does nothing to confront ‘white supremacy’. Ndlozi, who denounced the Springboks’ World Cup triumph last year, is no stranger to controversy.
“I think the truly wasted years are the 27 years that resulted in an empty reconciliation deal. In Mandela’s memory, blacks are silenced in the false hope to appeal to the morality of whites! It will be 27 years next, that morality is nowhere! What exactly do we gain by remembering Mandela? In what way does it help us confront white supremacy?”
“How does it help black people earn respect & dignity in the eyes of whites in farms? Why cling to a memory that renders blacks into docility in the face of white supremacy?”
“Mandela once said he fought against black domination… this was at the height of apartheid. Where in the world have black people dominated as ‘blacks’? For by definition, to be ‘black’ meant to be under white subjugation. The man never understood the racism problem… shame!”
Mbuyiseni Ndlozi
Malawi will close its borders for 14 days and restrict public gatherings to 100 people following a new surge in cases of the coronavirus, the southern African nation’s presidential task force on Covid-19 said on Tuesday.
After nearly two months without new positive cases, Malawi on Tuesday recorded 46 new infections, bringing the total number of infections to 6,248, with 187 deaths, according to the health ministry.
Malawi’s borders and airports re-opened in October as positive cases fell, although some experts fear the real figure may be higher as just over 80,000 tests have been conducted.
Malawi has a population of around 19 million.
Though small in size – about one-tenth the size of South Africa – Malawi is among the top 10 in the continent in terms of population density, making it vulnerable to the fast-spreading respiratory disease.
The task force said in a briefing in the administrative capital Lilongwe that only essential services personnel and traffic carrying essentials like fuel and medicines would be allowed through the borders.
It said Malawians deported from other countries would also be allowed to enter the country. Those returning would be required to go into mandatory isolation facilities at airports, the officials said.
Labour minister Ken Kandodo tested positive for Covid-19 this week and had been admitted to hospital, where he reported to be in stable condition.
This Is Africa
Zimbabwean music maestro Thomas Mapfumo channeled his revolutionary rasp and talked tough about Africa at the third edition of African Crossroads.
The Chimurenga music legend was the headline performer and guest of honour at the event which was screened from seven hubs on December 10 and 11.
His prerecorded set included liberation-era songs while his interview ranged from decolonial sonics and African unity to clueless leaders and new-school protest artists.
Africa can only survive as one unit because every foreign interest is currently coming to Africa with vested interests to get a piece of the continent, Mapfumo noted, adding that regional intergovernmental bodies did not quite capture the dream of one Africa.
The intergovernmental organisations such as the Southern African Development Community (SADC) seek among other to achieve economic development, enhance peace and security, stimulate growth, alleviate poverty, enhance the standard and quality of life of the people of the region. However, critics such as Mapfumo have pointed out the evident failures of regional bodies and the continental organisation in meeting expectations of African people.
“I don’t see any use of these small groups like SADC, the African Union and things like that,” he said. “Africa is a divided continent. They are not thinking right, and they are not moving in the right direction.”
The Lion of Zimbabwe is not new to speaking his mind on matters Pan-African. Some of the biggest hits, “Africa”, “Vanhu Vatema”, “Zimbabwe-Mozambique” and “Tongosienda” urge bonds of solidarity on the continent. Economically themed “Vanhu Vatema” is as relevant than ever as African countries continue to record inordinate trade deficits, rank poorly on resource wealth despite being among the most naturally endowed, and fail to account for mineral and oil resources with better living standards for citizens.
“Tongosienda”, strongly worded against Apartheid and insurgency, has been overtaken by xenophobia, Afrophobia, homophobia, terrorism and state violence.
Mapfumo is attuned to the aspirations of the youths and remains an engaged, conscientious and inspirational voice from exile. While his early message was tied to state policy, revolutionary parties and the regional bodies they control represent a state-led Pan-Africanism that is often seen as the brotherhood of the elites against the citizens. Music and youth-driven people power movements are creating new, organic space for the Pan-African dream. During the interview, conducted by John Mambira and screened in the Sound Exhibition segment of Africa Crossroads, Mapfumo urged young artists to be led by their own courage and conscience.
“Every one of us was born a politician,” said Mapfumo, widely regarded as a role model for protest artists. “When you see wrong things being done by the leaderships, you are supposed to point at those things and say this is wrong… ‘Emancipate yourself from mental slavery’… You must be someone who can speak up, someone who is not afraid, someone who is able to point injustices and say this not good. You must always stand with the people because people are the power,” said the Chimurenga legend.
Mapfumo’s December 11 performance coincided with the reissue of Take One, his genre-defining first group Hallelujah Chicken Run Band’s retrospective compilation. He revisited this phase in an interview with Mambira, retelling the story of how he became the influential folk-rock innovator. As a young member of a rock band, Mapfumo was immersed in Elvis Presley, Frank Sinatra, Rolling Stones, the Beatles and others. During a Texan Rock Band Contest, Mapfumo’s band had to endure the taunts of a Rhodesian racist: “Shut up you, kaffirs! Shut up you, kaffirs!” as they played the Rolling Stones’ “Last Time.”
“Then this young man called Passmore was from Zambia – Zambia was already independent. He was offended so he jumped at the white man and grabbed his neck. He had to be unfastened by the police,” Mapfumo recalled.
“That incident pained me – I don’t want to lie. I started thinking, don’t we have our own music identity as blacks? These people are now telling us not to sing in their languages. That is how I conceived Chimurenga music. I told myself that I had to find myself.”
Mukanya yodeled and growled his struggle message for more than an hour at Africa Crossroads, drawing his set from 1970s and 1980s, the first two decades of his mbira-driven canon. His Blacks Unlimited band was a symbolic mix of long-time pillars and youthful energy, featuring long- lead guitarist Zvamaida Murwira, backing vocalist and dancer Ratidzo Dangarembga, mbira player Eric Miller, bassist Christopher Muchauraya and others.
His one-hour set, “Shumba”, “Ngoma Yekwedu”, “Munhu Mutema”, “Nyoka Musango”, “Tozvireva Kupiko”, “Chirizevha Chapera”, “Bhutsu Mutandarika” and other songs, drew from his high-octane early years. Musical longevity is usually marked by vocal phases, smooth to deep to hoarse, but a key Chimurenga trick has enabled 75-year old Mapfumo to avoid this. Even as a young revivalist, back in the early 1970s, Mapfumo already personified sekuru, the elder connoisseur of tradition, expressing his folksy repertoire in a gravelly voice. As he ages, nature is blending into initiative.
Mapfumo’s revivalist legacy is best captured by Mokoomba, Nobuntu and Jah Prayzah, young Zimbabwean artists who have made international inroads by foregrounding their respective Tonga, Ndebele and Shona identities. “Thinking about where you are coming from is very important. If people hear that you are Zimbabwean, they will expect you to sing the Zimbabwean way. That’s cultural exchange. We were accepted in America we brought our own music. All the big names in Africa, Salif Keita, Kela Kuti, Franco of Congo did not succeed from playing other countries’ music,” he said.
His position on Zimdancehall, a genre he has previously called bubblegum although it has since risen to be the biggest in the country, is still uncompromising. “Actually these kids, they are destroying our culture because Zimdancehall doesn’t belong to Zimbabwe; that’s Jamaican style of music,” he said. “Why should we adopt Jamaican culture. We are Zimbabweans. We got our own music. We promote our own culture rather than promoting Jamaican culture.”
This, however, contradicts his earlier point to Marimba: “Every generation comes with its own things. We were young yesterday; the youths of today like their own things. We can’t despise them because that’s their own things. We should give our children space to do their own things and succeed; if we can help them, we come in.”
Zimdancehall, in fact, best represents the protest side of Mapfumo’s legacy in the current setting. The foremost dancehall artists of the past decade did a lot to Zimbabweanise the borrowed genre by blending home influences and heavy local language use. On the other hand, the breakout stars of 2020, Poptain and Nutty O, are good examples of artists who have heeded Mapfumo’s advice of doing it in English or patois to compete internationally. Winky D released a culturally themed 2019 album. Winky D, whom Mapfumo previously criticised, before warming up to recently received a regional award and is widely regarded as one of the best dancehall artists in Africa.
Mapfumo’s performance at Africa Crossroads shows that he is far from done, despite announcing retirement earlier this year. Music remains his running meditation. “Even the drop of a spoon, that sound I can change it into music,” he said, revealing that he has recorded more than a 100 tunes on his phone for his band to catch up with.
Dear Editor,
Please help pass this message: By Lovemore Fana of Guinea Fowl, Gweru.
Above is the photo of Innocent Fana who went missing from King George V1 Memorial school in Bulawayo on 10th December 2020. Innocent is a boarder at the above mentioned school but because of his brightness, the boarding decided to make him a day scholar at Milton boys high school while still boarding at King George V1. The boy is 18yrs old, stout, has short hair and is physically handicapped. Innocent can walk freely but has straight hands and no elbows, meaning he needs special care and assistance in bathing, eating e.t.c. As it stands neither King George V1 school where he disappeared from, nor Milton boys high school know where he is. Us (relatives) don’t know where he is.
I’m therefore appealing to members of the public who see him or know where he is to please contact me on the following cell numbers: 0772431813/0716437164, or 0782150932, 0773661129, 0773267506
Innocent, please contact me as soon as you get hold of this message. Everybody has been traumatized by your disappearance. I’m worried sick about you my dear brother. You know you are not just a brother but a son to me.
NewsDay
THE Thokozani Khupe-led MDC-T has demanded that its members should pay $1 in subscriptions in order to assist bereaved party members at funerals, adding that its membership was now 1,5 million which would translate to a lot of money.
This was said recently by the party secretary-general Douglas Mwonzora in Marondera while addressing party delegates during his campaign trail for the MDC-T presidency.
“Starting on January 1, every month, if you are a true member of the MDC-T, you are supposed to pay subscriptions of a dollar, not United States dollars, but one bond. If paying a dollar each month is boring, you can just pay $12 for the whole year. The money will be directed to our fund so that if an MDC-T member dies, the money will cater for the funeral,” he said.
“We calculated and realised that the MDC-T has 1,5 million members and this means that every month, we will be having $1,5 million and this translates to US$15 000 every month. The secret is that we do not get sick and die at the same time. That money will be enough in times of crisis,” he said.
The MDC-T congress failed to kick off at the weekend after its leaders clashed over a manipulated voters roll.
Mwonzora is eyeing the MDC-T presidency alongside Khupe and Elias Mudzuri.
He also said the MDC-T was looking for money to compensate victims of political violence.
“Zanu PF has its war veterans, they are paid monthly for their contribution. In Mashonaland East province, there are a lot of people that were affected by political violence during the Robert Mugabe era. We hear stories of people being thrown in Wenimbe Dam. We are saying it is time for the victims of political violence to be compensated,” he said.
State Media
THE National Council of Chiefs has started consulting key stakeholders as part of efforts to resolve the emotive issue of Gukurahundi as directed by President Mnangagwa.
The consultations will be followed by a comprehensive strategic plan incorporating inputs from stakeholders, which will guide Government in terms of implementing some of the resolutions to fully address the subject.
In October, President Mnangagwa met the National Council of Chiefs at State House in Bulawayo on the issue of Gukurahundi including a number of developmental issues the traditional leaders wanted addressed.
The meeting was a follow-up to previous ones held between chiefs and President Mnangagwa, the last one being a consultative engagement at the same venue between the Head of State and chiefs from Matabeleland North and Matabeleland South during the same month.
In the last meeting, it was resolved that traditional leaders will take over the reburials of victims of Gukurahundi in Matabeleland and Midlands while the Government will be involved in funding the process as part of initiatives meant to address the issue and promote national healing.
Speaking to journalists soon after a closed-door meeting with chiefs from Matabeleland North and Matabeleland South provinces in Bulawayo yesterday, National Council of Chiefs President, Chief Fortune Charumbira said they agreed as chiefs that it was best to engage key shareholders with genuine interest in addressing the issue.
“As directed by His Excellency, the President, Cde E D Mnangagwa that there is a need to fully address the issue of Gukurahundi, we met today with chiefs from Matabeleland North and Matabeleland South who are part of the National Council of Chiefs and the Office of the President and Cabinet including the Matabeleland Collective to fine-tune the process,” he said.
“The institution of chiefs will lead the process and we want to be thorough and ensure that there is transparency in this whole process and we are not rushing in as much as we need timelines. We need to first invite people with ideas to support the process as a first step, and once we are done with consultations, we will then develop a strategic plan based on the inputs from various stakeholders and the best way to undertake this process.”
Chief Charumbira, however, could not give specific dates on how long the consultation process would take.
“We will convene meetings with stakeholders so that they can make an input into this process. It is not exclusively a process for traditional leaders since we have so many people who can assist us in terms of ideas, some of which would be considered in implementation of the process,” he said.
Chief Charumbira said there were destroyers of peace who have misrepresented the process, using social media to peddle lies.
“They are deliberately misrepresenting what came out from the meeting between the President and the Chiefs’ Council. Some of it sounding very tribal and destructive. It should be noted that this is a process for the people of this country to ensure unity,” he said.
Chief Charumbira said the programme is community-led with the victims in the villages expected to speak out and give ideas on how their emotions should be appeased.
“There has been talk of exhumations and we are not aware of any of those. However, as chiefs we were simply directed to go to the people and let them speak out. If ever there will be any exhumations, it is the families who will request with good reasons,” he said.
“What I am aware of is that most families in their own cultures are not interested in these exhumations, but if they believe that exhumations are a way for resolving their issues, then that will be looked into in terms of the laws governing exhumations including the cultural processes.”
Chief Charumbira said no traditional leader will move from one area, district or province to another to direct or dictate how the issue of Gukurahundi should be resolved. He said each chief with people in his or her own community will find a way to resolve the issues.
Chief Charumbira said the Gukurahundi process had to be institutionalised for sustainability.
“The provincial chiefs’ assembly should lead this process not individual chiefs or some groupings of people who are not even part of the cultural institution of this country to take a lead in this process. The provincial chiefs’ assembly will then report to the national structure, which is the National Council of Chiefs,” he said.
“We welcome all those people that feel they have ideas that strengthen this process so that it achieves better results.
However, culturally, no person who does not belong to the affected family or clan, is allowed to direct or lead cultural processes or even exhumation processes. This issue of Gukurahundi is led by traditional leaders and the structures start from village head to chiefs, but these will do so under an institution,” he said.
Chief Charumbira said the demands by affected families should be within the realm of reasonableness culturally for them to be implemented.
Senator Chief Matupula, who is representing chiefs in Matabeleland North, said they have noted with concern that there were some people who were using Gukurahundi to gain political mileage.
“We have people discussing these issues in hotels and they are not being sincere because Gukurahundi is a very pertinent and sensitive issue which should be handled with care not for political or monetary gain. It should be a sincere process leading to national healing among our people,” he said.
Chief Matupula said it was imperative to have the issue resolved in villages with traditional leaders being the only people who are supposed to speak to villagers about their issues.
“We believe first of all we need to identify the relevant stakeholders, those who can come and assist chiefs, those interested in the issue. Many people get interested in this issue for various reasons,” he said.
“If people are genuinely interested in this issue for the sake of national healing then it becomes easy for us to identify the role they can play.
Chief Matupula said in Matabeleland North, they were working with the Office of the President and Cabinet, Ministries of Local Government, Justice, Home Affairs and Cultural Heritage, National Peace and Reconciliation Commission (NPRC), State Security organs, war veterans, the civil society, traditionalists, religious and cultural leaders
“For now, there are no exhumations and this is all going to come from the people. When we gather those issues, they will then be consolidated and put together into a document from the outreach programme and presented to the relevant authorities. The document will be analysed and responses given to the people,” said Chief Matupula.
Representing chiefs from Matabeleland South, Chief Nyangazonke said there is a need to collectively address the issue by including historians, traditional healers and civil organisations.
“We also looked at the set-up of our province and there are a lot of shrines and people have different beliefs. We are also giving greenlight to those that would want to conduct rituals in those shrines to do so. We have to do consultations with elders who have knowledge on issues of that magnitude,” he said.
ZANU PF Masvingo provincial chair Ezra Chadzamira has warned party supporters against abusing social media platforms like WhatsApp, Twitter among others and creating imaginary conflicts that do not help to build the party.
Addressing a Provincial Coordinating Committee meeting in Chivi on Sunday, Chadzamira said the party does not tolerate indiscipline.
Party business, Chadzamira said, is not conducted on social media platforms, but members must follow protocol if they have issues they want to be attended to.
“This social media abuse should stop and let us stop posting lies against our party leaders.
“Let us work with the leadership and display peace, unity and development amongst ourselves as we are geared towards 2023 elections. In politics you won’t succeed if you don’t respect the leadership,” he said.
Chadzamira’s warning comes after demonstrations against him that had been instigated by losing party officials in the recently held District Coordinating Committee (DCC) elections flopped.
Speaking at the same meeting, Zanu-PF National Secretary for Legal Affairs Paul Mangwana said it was better for disgruntled members to leave the revolutionary party instead of causing unnecessary friction from within.
“The doors are wide open. If you want to leave the party, you can go. The party will remain stronger.”
Regardless of a few malcontents, Mangwana urged Zanu-PF members not to lose direction and to continue working tirelessly in building the party.
He said every Zimbabwean should uphold the values and principles of the former freedom fighters who participated in the liberation struggle.
At the same meeting Zanu-PF National Secretary for Security Lovemore Matuke urged party leadership to desist from holding secret meetings, saying that this was the source of the divisions.
“If you feel aggrieved by any development within the party, you should seek recourse through the relevant party channels and in doing so, loyalty and discipline as expressed through understanding and adherence to the party constitution, ethics and guiding principles must always be at the core,” he said.
Last week, President Mnangagwa urged party members to desist from discussing their grievances through both the mainstream and online media platforms.
In Masvingo Province, the abuse of social media has already claimed the scalp of former Chivi South legislator Mr Killer Zivhu who was expelled from the party.
Zimbabwe Ministry of Health and Child Care (MoHCC) coronavirus/COVID-19 situation report as of 22 December 2020:
A Harare magistrate who last year fined a Venezuelan $700 for carrying 5kg cocaine worth US$469 000 in her luggage as she flew into Harare from Brazil, has been arrested for criminal abuse of office as graft-busters move up the ladder into the courts.
In a declaratory ruling on appeal, the High Court thought five years jail was the appropriate sentence although the Venezuelan had already been deported by that time, there being no additional grounds to hold her.
But that recent ruling raised suspicions over why the magistrate was so lenient.
Normally, even possession of a few grammes of cocaine attracts a jail term and the judge noted there was no legal precedent for sentencing someone with such a huge quantity of dangerous drugs.
Magistrate Morgan Nemadire tried Venezuelan Delcy Deymar Rodriguez Guererro who had been arrested for possessing 5kg cocaine and with the overwhelming evidence convicted her on the alternative more minor charge, rather than the main more serious charge, before imposing a sentence of a small fine.
Nemadire’s arrest follows investigations by the Special Anti-Corruption Unit (Sacu) with the assistance of the police.
It also comes at a time when the cogs of the justice delivery are under scrutiny after a senior prosecutor, Tapiwa Kasema, last week consented to the granting of bail to four members of a gang suspected to be the biggest robbers in Zimbabwean history.
That consent prompted police to arrest him.
Yesterday, the head of Sacu Mr Tabani Mpofu confirmed the arrest of the magistrate but could not divulge more details concerning the case.
Nemadire is expected to appear in court soon.
Aggrieved by the sentencing leniency for Guererro, the Prosecutor-General’s Office then appealed to the High Court against both the conviction on the minor charge rather than the main chare and against the sentence, saying it was too lenient even for the lesser charge.
Guerrro, a native of Venezuela, who was deported to her home country, should have served five years in prison for possession of cocaine valued at $469 000 after the High Court quashed a lower court’s sentence in a judgment delivered recently and made the conviction on the main charge.
Justice Joseph Musakwa observed that the trial court was too lenient with Guererro and ruled that a declarator on the appropriate sentence was called for even though she had been deported.
“In that respect, a sentence of five years’ imprisonment should have been imposed,” said Justice Musakwa.
“The verdict of the lower court is set aside and substituted with . .. guilty of the main charge and not guilty of the alternative charge; the sentence is set aside and substituted with the following . . . five years’ imprisonment.”
Justice Musakwa bemoaned a dearth of comparative legal authorities on cocaine-related matters from the country’s jurisdiction. He said the few cases available pale into insignificance when compared with the matter involving the Venezuelan national.
Usually, people found in possession of small quantities of cocaine ranging from 1,7 grammes to 10 grammes are sent to jail without the option of a fine.
The trial court was lenient with Guererro on the grounds that it was expensive to keep foreigners in local prisons, adding that she had complained of ill-health. This was despite the fact that the prosecution in the trial court had submitted that a fine would trivialise the gravity of the offence and would be a mockery to the justice delivery system.
The trial court heard that on October 18, 2018, police on duty at Robert Gabriel Mugabe International Airport received a tip-off that Guererro was travelling to Harare from Brazil and was suspected to be carrying dangerous drugs.
When Guererro disembarked from her flight, she proceeded to the clearance counter in the arrivals hall to clear her passport. She was arrested as she was getting her passport stamped.
The long delays at Beitbridge Border Post have seen a Zimbabwean woman collapsing and dying in an Eagleliner bus yesterday afternoon while waiting to be cleared to leave South Africa, almost 36 hours after arriving at the border.
The woman, whose identity is yet to be established, was travelling from Johannesburg to Harare, according to border sources and had been stuck in the queue on the South African side since Monday morning.
“We are yet to get full details on the women’s death, but what we have so far is that she had been at the border for over 24 hours. She was travelling in a Harare bound bus when she complained of fatigue before collapsing. The bus crew tried to render first aid to no avail,” said an official from South Africa.
The woman was pronounced dead by emergency services workers who were called to the bus and her body was taken to Musina Government Mortuary.
Both Limpopo police spokesperson Brigadier Motlafela Mojapelo and the Zimbabwe Embassy in South Africa said they were yet to get details or the identity of the woman.
BULAWAYO has recorded two more Covid-19 related deaths as the country recorded 97 new cases in the last 24-hour cycle, bringing the total number of cases to 12 422.
So far, the total number of people who succumbed to the deadly virus now stands at 322 while the national recovery rate stands at 81,4 percent.
Coronavirus cases are on the rise.
A total of 1 581 PCR tests were conducted yesterday and positivity was 6,6 percent.
According to the Ministry of Health and Child Care, all the 97 new cases local transmissions. The highest number of 50 cases was reported in Harare followed by Bulawayo which had 16 new cases.
Mashonaland East recorded 12 new cases while Masvingo had nine new cases. The Midlands has five cases. Matabeleland North and Manicaland had two new cases each while Mashonaland Central recorded one case.
“As of December 21, 2020 Zimbabwe, has now recorded 12 422 confirmed cases, 10 112 recoveries and 322 deaths,” reads the statement.-Chronicle
By A Correspondent- This month marks a year after the controversial prophet Talent Chiwenga said truck drivers and builders are lazy people who will die before 40.
He said this is because of the nature of their work, while adding that the two are worthless professions.
He mocked the texture of truck drivers and builders’ hands likening them to the backside of a tortoise’s backside.
Said Chiwenga:
“Greeting the person and then you’ll see that their hands are in such a terrible shape, hardened like a tortoise’s backside, and you ask yourself: are these real human hands?
“And the person literally thinks that they have a career, handling bricks.
“They will not be able to reach 40 years, the bricks destroy your back; it is just the same thing as driving a truck from DRC to Zimbabwe.
“This is hard labour, when you see a person reaching 10 years while doing such a job as a truck driver; they are a lazy, nyope.
“They don’t want to think. That (truck driving) is not a profession, a person could confidently say that they are a truck driver.
“For a person to do this job for over 10 years, travelling 5000 km, 5000 km 5000 km, sitting behind a big steering wheel like this, driving a mere gonyimbi(haulage truck).
“People are lazy but that laziness manifests itself in three dimensions: there are some people who are lazy because they do not have energy to work, they are weak people. I personally saw such people while growing up.
“To hold a simple plough, they are hit by a plough like this, while failing to bring it down.
‘They end up nearly killing someone’s child and you tell them to stand up and go and sit somewhere else.
“If you tell them to lead the cows, the whip hits them from behind, it goes the other way.
“They do not have ability to see the thing; they don’t have the excellency that some of us have.
“We used to finish everything using one hand; The other hand doing the driving, while my father would be saying, hurry up there is more field work tomorrow.
“We used to do it better than the person who is pulling. So now, you can end up being lazy, you are at loss of physical power. Or you can have physical power and you are at loss of mental power; now that one (the latter) is a serious disaster.”
watch the video loading below……………….
THE Gafa as Zimbabwean dancehall musician Winky D is popularly known did the nation on Monday after he was declared as this year’s Best Dancehall Artiste at the African Entertainment Awards United States of America (AEAUSA).
Riding high on his recent release Ragga Msambo trilogy, Winky D managed to shun competition from some of the world’s best musicians among them Patoranking, Shatta Wale, Stonebwoy, Samini, Navy Kenzo, Bebe Cool and Prince Bright.
AEAUSA is a non-profit organisation established in New Jersey in the USA to support, celebrate and uplift African Entertainment since 2015. The company uses entertainment as a platform to showcase an Africa that is united, self-sufficient, willing and able to evoke social change that matters most in the communities of Africans all over the world.
Taking to his social media pages yesterday, Winky D dedicated the award to his fans who have supported him on a career spanning about two decades.
He added that the award is a present for the festive season which is happening on a different note this year as it is subdued due to the Covid-19 pandemic.
“Allow me to express hearty appreciation to my musical family, the Gafas to whom I dedicate this award. I am forever humbled by the Gafa family’s uncompromising confidence and unwavering commitment to the Vigilance musical journey.
Surely, we are stronger together. This is a befitting festive bonus for the trilogy,” said Winky D.-Chronicle
FC PLATINUM skipper Petros Mhari has rallied his teammates to focus on avoiding conceding at home as they look to begin their CAF Champions League first round tie against Tanzanian giants Simba SC on a positive footing at the National Sports Stadium this afternoon.
The match, which kicks off at 3pm behind closed doors, will be broadcast live on ZBC Television.
Mhari, who is one of the most experienced players in the Zimbabwean side, yesterday said they do not expect to leave anything to chance.
The platinum miners are mindful of the strength of their opponents, who reached the quarter-finals of the same competition two years ago, and are aiming for a clean sheet ahead of the second leg set for the Benjamin Mkapa Stadium in Dar es Salaam on January 6.
“Of course we know one or two things about Simba from watching them play in the Tanzanian league and also in these interclub competitions,” said Mhari.
“But since we are starting at home, we just need to make sure that we get a positive result out of this match. In fact, it would be best if we avoid conceding goals at home because these goals have the tendency of coming back to haunt you in the second leg.
“Football is just a game played over 90 minutes. We need to execute our game-plan well and make sure that we maintain maximum concentration the entire match,” Mhari said.
FC Platinum have reached the group stages in their last two consecutive campaigns and the target for this year is to go beyond the last 16 for the first time.
However, they face a tall order considering they are coming from a background of complete lockdown which saw football being cancelled this year while their opponents have been playing continuously.
FC Platinum had not played a competitive match since February 2020 but they still had it in them to beat Costa do Sol of Mozambique, home and away, in the preliminary round.
Mhari and his teammates are looking to build on the momentum to get their campaign going.-Chronicle
THREE passengers, including a minor, onboard a pirating Toyota Noah drowned when the vehicle was swept away after its driver attempted to cross a flooded river in Zvishavane at the weekend.
The three got out of the car through the windows but unfortunately drowned.
The other seven passengers and the driver managed to disembark from the vehicle and swam to safety.
Acting police spokesperson for Midlands Province, Assistant Inspector Ethel Mukwende confirmed the incident which she said occurred on Sunday around 6PM at Mutorahuku River near Kashamba Primary School on the outskirts of Zvishavane town.
She said the pirating Toyota Noah had 10 people on board.
“Police in Zvishavane are investigating a case in which three passengers drowned after the driver of a vehicle they were travelling in tried to cross a flooded river.
“The incident occurred on Sunday at around 6PM at Mutorahuku River near Kashamba Primary School on the outskirts of Zvishavane,” said Asst Insp Mukwende.
She said the deaths could have been avoided if the driver had not attempted to drive across the flooded river.
“Circumstances are that on the said date one Cornelius Manduku (48) of Village Runyararo under Chief Jahana in Insiza was driving a Toyota Noah from Zvishavane on the way back to Insiza with 10 passengers on board.
“Upon arrival at Mutorahuku River near Kashamba Primary School they found the river flooded,” she said.
Asst Insp Mukwende said the driver proceeded and attempted to cross the flooded river resulting in the car being swept away with 10 people on board.
She said the police identified the three deceased passengers Tariro Makwa (24), Aneno Manduku (39) and a minor Gertrude Mudhonga (9).
“The three, Manduku, Makwa and Mudhonga got out of the car through the windows and unfortunately drowned, while the other seven passengers and the driver managed to swim out of the flooded river,” said Asst Insp Mukwende.-Chronicle
Warriors head coach Zdravko Logarusic is likely to select either Dynamos captain Partson Jaure or Chicken Inn defender Ian Nekati to captain the Warriors at the sixth edition of the African Nations Championship (CHAN) to be held next year.
An insider told NewsDay that one of the two defenders will likely get the armband as both have gained invaluable experience by playing for the regular Warriors team. He said:
He (Loga) is likely to choose between Jaure and Nekati. Remember Nekati was the captain before the CHAN qualifiers and it is likely to be a toss-up between him and Jaure. It is highly likely one of them will be given the armband.
Jaure wore the skipper’s armband in 2014 when the Warriors reached the semi-finals in South Africa and also during the qualifiers for next year’s edition.
Zimbabwe is one of the only three teams that have appeared at the biennial soccer showcase since its inception in 2009 along with the Democratic Republic of Congo and Uganda.
The Warriors will play hosts Cameroon in the opening match before facing the Stallions of Burkina Faso in the second match of Group A and conclude their group matches with a clash against the Eagles of Mali.
The tournament kicks off on January 16 and winds down on February 7.
– NewsDay
Tinashe Sambiri|MDC Alliance leader, President Nelson Chamisa has pointed out that the concept of unity has been drowned by violence and lawlessness in the country.
Below is President Chamisa’s Unity Day Message :
THE IDEA OF UNITY- MDC Alliance President Nelson Chamisa Unity Day Message
22 December 2020
Fellow Zimbabweans,
The bold font of divisions, destruction, violence and anarchy continues to override the voices of love, unity, peace, reason and development in our country.
This is largely because our nation-building project has not fulfilled the promise of the glorious days of independence.
We need true unity, peace and prayer to heal and build our nation. Peace and unity are the necessary ingredients for development and the enjoyment of fundamental freedoms and rights.
However, it is important to understand the idea of unity. Unity is not about the coming together of bodies, commanded by the powerful in society. It is not an event signified by elite political pacts. Unity is a process by which minds are drawn together organically to achieve a common purpose.
Unity does not mean the absence of difference. Instead, it is a process that acknowledges, recognises and celebrates difference as a natural part of a normal society. Therefore, unity does not necessarily mean uniformity among peoples. Rather it recognises and promotes diversity and the beauty of it.
Indeed, unity does not mean compulsory conformity of the minority to the majority merely because the majority demand compliance. Rather, unity behoves the majority to recognise and respect minorities in whatever form because they matter too.
Politically, unity is a process in which parties of different political and ideological persuasions are allowed to pursue their cause while they come together to face common threats.
Unity does not criminalize diversity and alternative views. It is not tyranny of the centre. This why the devolution process, which is encapsulated in our Constitution, is essential for unity. Unity does not mean sweeping pain and tears of a people under the proverbial carpet. Rather, it is a process that is undergirded by truth-telling, acknowdgement of pain, remorse and reconciliation.
Where there is unity of purpose there is difference but a commitment to development and prosperity. Genuine unity does not produce an impoverished society. It exalts a people to prosperity. On this day, we should be celebrating. But too many of our people are in great pain because of socio-economic burdens that have become unbearable.
Currently, we experience too many divisions, violence, and hatred. This has made Unity Day become trite, vacuous and meaningless without the values and practices of unity that I have outlined. It has become a reminder of the ogre of violence, intolerance and hate speech that continue to engulf our nation.
Violence is intolerable. We note with disdain an increase in abductions and torture against its citizens including young leaders and activists. We have hundreds of MDC leaders in detention or on remand facing trumped-up politically-motivated charges. The consistent and persistent denial of citizens’ rights is a form of violence against political opponents.
The harassment, intimidation, illegal arrest of opposition leaders, activists, and professionals is repugnant to unity and peace. It’s deplorable how professionals have been harassed and persecuted during the course of the year simply because they have dared to exercise their freedoms. Unity does not mean a suppression of fundamental rights and freedoms. It celebrates and protects them.
Unity is not built on force. It is built upon foundations of love, understanding and appreciation of difference and diversity.
In a New Zimbabwe, under our new government, we propose a National Unity, Peace and Prayer Day. We do so in recognition of the fact that unity, peace and prayer are interconnected.
We recognise that unity is not merely a political slogan but rather, it is a reality that we must experience in all spheres, be it in our families, churches, workplaces civic organisations or government.
Nation building is an ongoing project that must produce conditions of unity in diversity. But we cannot build a nation when there is persecution. We call for an end to political persecution. Nation building requires justice to be done for the aggrieved in our communities.
We deserve to be united by our values, aspirations, constitution and human rights. No single organization is bigger than Zimbabwe. We must imagine a better, just and more prosperous Zimbabwe in which our diversity is celebrated, not condemned.
We owe it to ourselves and future generations as God’s people to embrace one another in unity, to pray for the prosperity of our nation. Prayer works with works. We should not wait for divine intervention when we can change our behaviour.
This day, I call upon families and all people of this country to embrace this day as a day we express our unity with one another. A day we find peace. A day we seek the Lord as we prepare for Christmas and the New Year holidays.
This day, I join you all in demanding true unity, peace and prosperity for us all as a people. We in the MDC are ready to play our part in finding a lasting solution to the national issues that bring us together as a nation. We will unite the nation and bring peace in the name of our Lord, without resorting to any forms violence which we abhor.
Peace is simple. Peace begins within. Peace begets peace. Peace breeds prosperity.
In our fractured nation, I wish you all a blessed Unity, Peace and Prayer day and we pray for unity and peace in our country.
Winning Zimbabwe for real change.Change that delivers!
God Bless you
For justice, peace, a shared vision, true unity and the cause of freedom,
Adv Nelson Chamisa
President MDC Alliance
Hundreds of Zimbabweans returning to the country for Christmas are spending up to two days to pass through Beitbridge Border Post as congestion persists at Sadc’s busiest inland port of entry.
Even commercial cargo is piling up on either side raising fears that most Zimbabweans, who rely on groceries from the neighbouring country, may spend the festive season without food.
There are long queues on either side of the border, despite official statistics showing that Christmas period traffic has declined by almost 70 percent this year compared to previous years.
The decline is attributed to Covid-19 travel restrictions. South Africa is home to many Zimbabwean migrant workers and a majority of them were not able to travel through the borders at the peak of the Covid-19 induced lockdowns in both countries.
Until December 1 only commercial cargo, bodies for burial and returnees, and diplomats on Government business were allowed to travel into either country.
Zimbabwe opened its land borders, including Beitbridge at the beginning of this month. Private motorists and pedestrians are now travelling under strict Covid-19 management protocols, which also come with curfews running between 10PM and 6AM in both countries.
However, the implementation of the curfew on the South African side of the border which runs between 10PM and 4AM coupled with strict Covid-19 screening is slowing the movement of traffic into either country.
After 10PM only commercial cargo is allowed to travel through Beitbridge Border Post, resulting in vehicles piling up on either side of the border. Travellers continue to spend at least 48 hours to pass through the border.
Although there appear to be many people at the border due to congestion, official statistics show that less than one-third of the usual volume of traffic during peak periods is using the border.
“Before the Covid-19 pandemic, the border used to handle at least 30 000 travellers per day and currently, the average figure is 6 500.
“The issue of implementing curfew regulations and slow Covid-19 screening has caused a lot of chaos,” said a border official.
An average of 50 Zimbabweans are arriving from South Africa by road daily under the self-repatriation facility.
According to an informal cross-border transporter, Mr Trust Ndlovu, the slow movement of traffic at the border is likely to see some families having a dull festive season.
“Something has to be done about the situation here. Imagine I haven’t moved for one kilometre since arriving at the border at 5 AM,” said Mr Ndlovu yesterday afternoon.
“When the Government re-opened the land borders, most of us were happy that we will be able to transport groceries and all the basic commodities we had failed to do at the peak of the lockdown.
“If we look at the rate at which things are moving here, we won’t manage to make deliveries to all our clients. This will be disastrous.”
Mr Albert Pinjisi who was travelling from South Africa said he had spent more than six hours at the border due to long queues. Another motorist, Mr Brian Tshabangu said; “We have a crisis here, we don’t know if we will be able to cross over to South Africa today. We have cleared everything on the Zimbabwe side and have been waiting in this queue for a very long time.”
Our news crew observed security officers strictly screening travellers for valid documents including passports and Covid-19 clearance certificates.
A total of 1 015 people have since December 10 been arrested at the border for violating immigration laws. -Chronicle
Three passengers, including a minor, onboard a pirating Toyota Noah drowned when the vehicle was swept away after its driver attempted to cross a flooded river in Zvishavane at the weekend.
The three got out of the car through the windows but unfortunately drowned. The other seven passengers and the driver managed to disembark from the vehicle and swam to safety.
Acting police spokesperson for Midlands Province, Assistant Inspector Ethel Mukwende confirmed the incident which she said occurred on Sunday around 6PM at Mutorahuku River near Kashamba Primary School on the outskirts of Zvishavane town.
She said the pirating Toyota Noah had 10 people on board. “Police in Zvishavane are investigating a case in which three passengers drowned after the driver of a vehicle they were travelling in tried to cross a flooded river.
,
“The incident occurred on Sunday at around 6PM at Mutorahuku River near Kashamba Primary School on the outskirts of Zvishavane,” said Asst Insp Mukwende.
She said the deaths could have been avoided if the driver had not attempted to drive across the flooded river.
“Circumstances are that on the said date one Cornelius Manduku (48) of Village Runyararo under Chief Jahana in Insiza was driving a Toyota Noah from Zvishavane on the way back to Insiza with 10 passengers on board.
“Upon arrival at Mutorahuku River near Kashamba Primary School they found the river flooded,” she said.
Asst Insp Mukwende said the driver proceeded and attempted to cross the flooded river resulting in the car being swept away with 10 people on board.
She said the police identified the three deceased passengers Tariro Makwa (24), Aneno Manduku (39) and a minor Gertrude Mudhonga (9).
“The three, Manduku, Makwa and Mudhonga got out of the car through the windows and unfortunately drowned, while the other seven passengers and the driver managed to swim out of the flooded river,” said Asst Insp Mukwende.
She said the matter was reported to the police in Zvishavane who then attended the scene.
Asst Insp Mukwende warned motorists against crossing flooded rivers. “We appeal to motorists to exercise extreme caution and never attempt to cross flooded rivers.
“The rainy season is upon us and most rivers will be flooded so drivers should not risk lives by attempting to cross flooded rivers and streams,” she said. – Herald
Tinashe Sambiri|MDC Alliance leader, President Nelson Chamisa has pointed out that the concept of unity has been drowned by violence and lawlessness in the country.
Below is President Chamisa’s Unity Day Message :
THE IDEA OF UNITY- MDC Alliance President Nelson Chamisa Unity Day Message
22 December 2020
Fellow Zimbabweans,
The bold font of divisions, destruction, violence and anarchy continues to override the voices of love, unity, peace, reason and development in our country.
This is largely because our nation-building project has not fulfilled the promise of the glorious days of independence.
We need true unity, peace and prayer to heal and build our nation. Peace and unity are the necessary ingredients for development and the enjoyment of fundamental freedoms and rights.
However, it is important to understand the idea of unity. Unity is not about the coming together of bodies, commanded by the powerful in society. It is not an event signified by elite political pacts. Unity is a process by which minds are drawn together organically to achieve a common purpose.
Unity does not mean the absence of difference. Instead, it is a process that acknowledges, recognises and celebrates difference as a natural part of a normal society. Therefore, unity does not necessarily mean uniformity among peoples. Rather it recognises and promotes diversity and the beauty of it.
Indeed, unity does not mean compulsory conformity of the minority to the majority merely because the majority demand compliance. Rather, unity behoves the majority to recognise and respect minorities in whatever form because they matter too.
Politically, unity is a process in which parties of different political and ideological persuasions are allowed to pursue their cause while they come together to face common threats.
Unity does not criminalize diversity and alternative views. It is not tyranny of the centre. This why the devolution process, which is encapsulated in our Constitution, is essential for unity. Unity does not mean sweeping pain and tears of a people under the proverbial carpet. Rather, it is a process that is undergirded by truth-telling, acknowdgement of pain, remorse and reconciliation.
Where there is unity of purpose there is difference but a commitment to development and prosperity. Genuine unity does not produce an impoverished society. It exalts a people to prosperity. On this day, we should be celebrating. But too many of our people are in great pain because of socio-economic burdens that have become unbearable.
Currently, we experience too many divisions, violence, and hatred. This has made Unity Day become trite, vacuous and meaningless without the values and practices of unity that I have outlined. It has become a reminder of the ogre of violence, intolerance and hate speech that continue to engulf our nation.
Violence is intolerable. We note with disdain an increase in abductions and torture against its citizens including young leaders and activists. We have hundreds of MDC leaders in detention or on remand facing trumped-up politically-motivated charges. The consistent and persistent denial of citizens’ rights is a form of violence against political opponents.
The harassment, intimidation, illegal arrest of opposition leaders, activists, and professionals is repugnant to unity and peace. It’s deplorable how professionals have been harassed and persecuted during the course of the year simply because they have dared to exercise their freedoms. Unity does not mean a suppression of fundamental rights and freedoms. It celebrates and protects them.
Unity is not built on force. It is built upon foundations of love, understanding and appreciation of difference and diversity.
In a New Zimbabwe, under our new government, we propose a National Unity, Peace and Prayer Day. We do so in recognition of the fact that unity, peace and prayer are interconnected.
We recognise that unity is not merely a political slogan but rather, it is a reality that we must experience in all spheres, be it in our families, churches, workplaces civic organisations or government.
Nation building is an ongoing project that must produce conditions of unity in diversity. But we cannot build a nation when there is persecution. We call for an end to political persecution. Nation building requires justice to be done for the aggrieved in our communities.
We deserve to be united by our values, aspirations, constitution and human rights. No single organization is bigger than Zimbabwe. We must imagine a better, just and more prosperous Zimbabwe in which our diversity is celebrated, not condemned.
We owe it to ourselves and future generations as God’s people to embrace one another in unity, to pray for the prosperity of our nation. Prayer works with works. We should not wait for divine intervention when we can change our behaviour.
This day, I call upon families and all people of this country to embrace this day as a day we express our unity with one another. A day we find peace. A day we seek the Lord as we prepare for Christmas and the New Year holidays.
This day, I join you all in demanding true unity, peace and prosperity for us all as a people. We in the MDC are ready to play our part in finding a lasting solution to the national issues that bring us together as a nation. We will unite the nation and bring peace in the name of our Lord, without resorting to any forms violence which we abhor.
Peace is simple. Peace begins within. Peace begets peace. Peace breeds prosperity.
In our fractured nation, I wish you all a blessed Unity, Peace and Prayer day and we pray for unity and peace in our country.
Winning Zimbabwe for real change.Change that delivers!
God Bless you
For justice, peace, a shared vision, true unity and the cause of freedom,
Adv Nelson Chamisa
President MDC Alliance
Tinashe Sambiri|The MDC Alliance has challenged Mr Emmerson Mnangagwa to release jailed ARTUZ Gender and Social Welfare Secretary for Masvingo Province, Sheila Chisirimunhu.
Chisirimunhu was sentenced to 10 months in prison.
See statement below :
21 DECEMBER 2020
MDC ALLIANCE NAMIBIA DISTRICT DEMANDS THE IMMEDIATE RELEASE OF ARTUZ MASVINGO PROVINCE GENDER AND SOCIAL WELFARE SECRETARY SHEILA CHISIRIMUNHU.
Mdc Alliance Namibia district condemns the attempt by Zanupf terrorists to silence dissenting voices in the education fraternity. The conviction and sentencing of the Gender and Social Welfare Secretary from the vibrant teachers union(Artuz) led by the astute and radical leader President Obert Masaraure epitomises the serious weaponisation of the law to put opposition on mute.
Madam Sheila was convicted and sentenced to 10 months in prison which must be resisted by all right thinking teachers who comprehend the need to offer solidarity to a comrade who is being incarcerated for demanding a living wage. Teachers must continue fighting without deterrence.
Moreover, demonstrating against slave wages or unsalted peanuts in the civil service does not warrant any arrest worse imprisonment. Section 59 of the supreme law of the country provides the rights to demonstrate peacefully against gross misgovernance.
Zanupf must respect human rights and freedoms. Being incarcerated for demanding what is due is not only satanic but diabolic. Mdc Alliance Namibia district urges all genuine revolutionaries in the teaching fraternity to join hands against Zanupf authoritarianism. Sheila deserves solidarity from the rest of the civil servants who are wallowing in abject poverty.
Lets peacefully rise and constitutionally confront this unjust conviction against an innocent victim of Zanupf artificial poverty manifesting in suicidal policies in the education sector, rampant corruption and stomach politics of plunder and self-enrichment.
In a nutshell, all teachers and social democrats home and abroad must embrace dangerous freedom to win against monocracy in Zanupf goons. Zimbabweans must unite to reclaim the fruits of independence.
It is now imperative for Progressive Teachers’Union (PTUZ), ZIMTA and other Unions to drop their hypocrisy and offer solidarity to fellow comrades who appear to be confrontational for genuine transformation in the education sector.
Mdc Alliance Namibia
Rundu Branch Spokesperson
Robson Ruhanya
SIKHALA COURT CASE- Your own child is not going to school because of Emmerson Mnangagwa- @PoliceZimbabwe cop listens attentively pic.twitter.com/sQnGdi3rd5
— ZimEye (@ZimEye) August 24, 2020
Tinashe Sambiri|The MDC Alliance has accused Zanu PF of trampling on the fundamental principles of national unity.
In a statement the vibrant movement also accused Zanu PF of using the unity accord to create a One -party State.
See statement below:
22 DECEMBER 2020
THE UNITY ACCORD WAS A FUTILE ATTEMPT TO CREATE A ONE-PARTY STATE (MONOCRACY), MDC ALLIANCE NAMIBIA POSTULATES.
Social democrats in Namibia agree with fellow opposition party ZAPU which was rejuvenated in 2009 after realising the hypocritical nature of Zanupf’s quest for peace and tranquillity in Zimbabwe after independence in 1980. Mdc Alliance Namibia is cognisant of the pretence and deception subjected to PF ZAPU then leader Cde Joshua Nkomo by the late Cde Robert Mugabe who deceived his opponent on the 22 December 1987.
It is clear that the Unity Accord was an unsuccessful attempt to get over the lunatic, dark and ugly chapter in the history of our motherland where more than 20 000 innocent citizens were ruthlessly butchered in cold blood for supporting a visionary leader different from Zanupf’s. The Unity Accord was the genesis of autocracy and totalitarianism in Zimbabwe since it generated state capture of the army, the police and the rest of securocrats.
This day is not worth celebrating because it epitomises DISUNITY than UNITY in the country. To date, the victims of Gukurahundi were never compensated or given any attention according to the fake agreement. The murderers and terrorists were not made accountable up to now. Sarcastically, the late Robert Mugabe called it ‘a moment of madness’ that deserves to be forgotten.
Moreover, the opposition ZAPU says it regrets signing the Unity Accord in 1987 with then ZANU after the ruling party has allegedly refused to abandon its hegemonic and violent tendencies in violation of the legendary agreement. This is incontrovertible evidence to prove that the Unity Accord laid the foundation of a One-party State. Now that ZAPU’s leader is deceased, Zanupf is now concentrating on the political behemoth (Mdc Alliance) through its surrogates in the names of Khupe,Mwonzora and cronies to decimate the people’s project. The effort to establish a One-party was resisted by ZAPU and the vibrant Mdc Alliance when they tried to use captured courts to usurp power from President Advocate Nelson Chamisa. “This will never come to fruition as long as social democrats in the country still exist under the sun. We are going to use all our organs to defend Constitutional Democracy in the motherland”, echoed Mdc Alliance Namibia Rundu Branch Spokesperson, Robson Ruhanya.
Moreso, celebrating Unity Day is tantamount to celebrating Flag Independence without deliverables. No Unity, No Tranquillity, No Harmony and No basic universal freedoms but they continue to force people to celebrate their festival of absurdities. The revival of ZAPU was a clear testimony of fake unity between the two parties. Trampling on human rights does not reflect any unity but politics hate and rhetoric. 22 December must be used to advocate for the compensation of the victims of state-sponsored mass killings during Gukurahundi.
To wind it up, Mdc Alliance Namibia advocates for a serious investigation of those who butchered our Matebeleland and Midlands relatives, friends and comrades. Perpetrators of these atrocities must be brought to book then we can commemorate the day together. #NoToImpunity #WeDemandJusticeToGukurahundiVictims
Mdc Alliance Namibia
Rundu Branch Spokesperson
Robson Ruhanya
What are the signs and symptoms of typhoid fever and paratyphoid fever?
Typhoid fever and paratyphoid fever have similar symptoms̵.
People usually have a sustained fever (one that doesn’t come and go) that can be as high as 103–104°F (39–40°C).
Other symptoms of typhoid fever and paratyphoid fever include
Weakness
Stomach pain
Headache
Diarrhea or constipation
Cough
Loss of appetite
Some people with typhoid fever or paratyphoid fever develop a rash of flat, rose-colored spots.
What do you do if you think you have typhoid fever or paratyphoid fever?
The only way to know for sure if an illness is typhoid fever or paratyphoid fever is to have a sample of blood or stool (poop) tested for Salmonella Typhi or Salmonella Paratyphi.
If you have a fever and feel very ill, see a doctor immediately.
How are typhoid fever and paratyphoid fever treated?
Typhoid fever and paratyphoid fever are treated with antibiotics.
When bacteria are resistant to antibiotics, the bacteria are not killed and their growth is not stopped when antibiotics are taken. Your doctor may order special tests to see if the bacteria causing your infection are resistant. Results from those tests may affect what antibiotic treatment you receive.
People who do not get appropriate antibiotic treatment may have fever for weeks or months and may develop complications. People who do not get treatment can die from complications of the infection.
The danger from typhoid fever or paratyphoid fever doesn’t end when symptoms disappear.
Even if your symptoms seem to go away, you may still be carrying Salmonella Typhi or Salmonella Paratyphi. If so, the illness could return, or you could pass the bacteria to other people. In fact, if you are a healthcare worker or work at a job where you handle food or care for small children, you may not be able to return to work until a doctor has determined you no longer carry the bacteria.
If you are being treated for typhoid fever or paratyphoid fever, it is important to do the following to lower the chance that you will pass the bacteria on to someone else.
Keep taking antibiotics for as long as the doctor has recommended.
Wash your hands carefully with soap and water after using the bathroom.Do not prepare or serve food for others.
Source: Centre For Disease Control And Prevention
Inserted by
Zimbabwe Online Health Centre
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21 DECEMBER 2020
MDC ALLIANCE NAMIBIA DISTRICT DEMANDS THE IMMEDIATE RELEASE OF ARTUZ MASVINGO PROVINCE GENDER AND SOCIAL WELFARE SECRETARY SHEILA CHISIRIMUNHU.
Mdc Alliance Namibia district condemns the attempt by Zanupf terrorists to silence dissenting voices in the education fraternity. The conviction and sentencing of the Gender and Social Welfare Secretary from the vibrant teachers union(Artuz) led by the astute and radical leader President Obert Masaraure epitomises the serious weaponisation of the law to put opposition on mute.
Madam Sheila was convicted and sentenced to 10 months in prison which must be resisted by all right thinking teachers who comprehend the need to offer solidarity to a comrade who is being incarcerated for demanding a living wage. Teachers must continue fighting without deterrence.
Moreover, demonstrating against slave wages or unsalted peanuts in the civil service does not warrant any arrest worse imprisonment. Section 59 of the supreme law of the country provides the rights to demonstrate peacefully against gross misgovernance.
Zanupf must respect human rights and freedoms. Being incarcerated for demanding what is due is not only satanic but diabolic. Mdc Alliance Namibia district urges all genuine revolutionaries in the teaching fraternity to join hands against Zanupf authoritarianism. Sheila deserves solidarity from the rest of the civil servants who are wallowing in abject poverty.
Lets peacefully rise and constitutionally confront this unjust conviction against an innocent victim of Zanupf artificial poverty manifesting in suicidal policies in the education sector, rampant corruption and stomach politics of plunder and self-enrichment.
In a nutshell, all teachers and social democrats home and abroad must embrace dangerous freedom to win against monocracy in Zanupf goons. Zimbabweans must unite to reclaim the fruits of independence.
It is now imperative for Progressive Teachers’Union (PTUZ), ZIMTA and other Unions to drop their hypocrisy and offer solidarity to fellow comrades who appear to be confrontational for genuine transformation in the education sector.
Mdc Alliance Namibia
Rundu Branch Spokesperson
Robson Ruhanya
