Tinashe Sambiri|MDC Alliance deputy President, Hon Tendai Biti, has said Mr Emmerson Mnangagwa’s administration cannot resolve the economic crisis before addressing the legitimacy crisis.

Hon Biti also described talk of economic revival as cheap grandstanding and empty bravado.

Below is part of Hon Biti’s State of the Economy Address:

The State of the Economy Address (SEA) and the MDC Alliance’s post
COVID-19 pandemic recovery plan: Restoring and Returning
Zimbabwe back to prosperity

Zimbabwe’s economy remains mired in a deep structural crises, that
includes humungous macroeconomic imbalances, huge fiscal
deficits, massive corruption, low output, an extractive monetary
policy and exchange rate structure, massive unemployment and a
collapse of the public sector particularly health and education.

Save for a few periodic moments of respite, the Zimbabwean
economy has remained permanently embedded in this dark vortex
of underperformance, disequilibrium and devaluation in its four
decades of independence.
Despite this, the regime has embarked on a self-serving agenda of
distortion and deceit, promoting the hollow sound bite of stability
and recovery that is not backed by economic data or reality.

Zealous claims have been made about stabilizing exchange rate,
positive current account, contained money supply, declining month
on month inflation and budget surpluses.
The truth however is that Zimbabwe is sinking deeper in
unimaginable depths.

No amount of propaganda nor spin can wash away the hard reality
on the ground.

As we have constantly argued one can rig an election but not the
economy.

The truth is unless there is political change and a new leadership,
Zimbabwe under ZANU PF, will implode as economic and social
decay transforms into social disorder and social chaos oiled by the
triplets of illegitimacy, corruption and inequality.

A situation that is compounded by a rising population level. By 2045,
Zimbabwe’s population would have doubled and in the next 40
years the population in Zimbabwe’s cities Bulawayo and Harare will
double up, yet there is no growth in the economy.

On the contrary, thanks to Emmerson Mnangagwa’s economics of
destruction and distortion, the economy is in fact in comatose,
leaving the citizen exposed to poverty and social collapse.

Proving
once more that you can rig an election but not the economy.
In this this State of the Economy Review, we posit the position that
the economic situation is dire and requires urgent redress, it cannot
be business as usual.

We make the point that the people of Zimbabwe must be given a
chance through a political settlement giving birth to an economic
program addressing structural challenges.

The Political Crisis
At the epicentre of Zimbabwe’s multiple crises remains a political
gridlock anchored by a crisis of legitimacy emanating from the
November 2017 military coup and the flawed 2018 harmonized
election.

The four decades of destructive predatory and exclusive
politics have created a society captured by lack of trust, alienation,
indifference, intolerance and polarization.

In January 2020, the South
African Foreign Relations Minister Naled Pandor addressing a
symposium on the Zimbabwe crisis said,
“The political formations in Zimbabwe remain at loggerheads and
have apparent deep antipathy towards each other which makes
joint decision-making and planning extremely difficult.

“It seems clear that even as we support the call for an end to
economic sanctions, the political dynamics that we observe are
inextricably linked to the economic solutions and thus the politics
and the economic as well as the social need to be confronted
simultaneously.

“We are not going to achieve the economic resolution without
resolving the political, intractable hostility and lack of amity or social
conjoining on finding a national solution.”

Zimbabwe therefore urgently requires a new disruptive consensus.

One that recognises the urgency of the matter. One that places the
citizen at the centre.

A transformative Consensus that will vindicate
and salvage hitherto stretched and exhausted narratives, namely
the liberation consensus and the democratisation consensus.

One
that will create an ethical, consultative and consensus state in which
everyone lives without fear, and uncertainty.

Restoring and returning back to prosperity
In short, we push, for the restoration and return of Zimbabwe to
prosperity.

Our people have suffered long enough.

This is why at the beginning of the year we launched our high five
campaigns all focused on returning Zimbabwe to prosperity.

These
were:
a) Fight for the People’s Government
b) Fight for better life and dignity
c) Fight Against Corruption
d) Fight for the People’s rights ,Freedoms and Security of Persons
e) Fight in Defence of the Constitution and Constitutionalism
In our document launched in March 2019, the Road to Economic
Recovery Legitimacy Openness and Democracy (RELOAD), we
make the case for dialogue, for deep structural reform, and
implementation mechanism (NTA), with elections to be held therein after. ..

Tinashe Sambiri|MDC Alliance deputy President, Hon Tendai Biti, has said Mr Emmerson Mnangagwa’s administration cannot resolve the economic crisis before addressing the legitimacy crisis.

Hon Biti also described talk of economic revival as cheap grandstanding and empty bravado.

Below is part of Hon Biti’s State of the Economy Address:

The State of the Economy Address (SEA) and the MDC Alliance’s post
COVID-19 pandemic recovery plan: Restoring and Returning
Zimbabwe back to prosperity

Zimbabwe’s economy remains mired in a deep structural crises, that
includes humungous macroeconomic imbalances, huge fiscal
deficits, massive corruption, low output, an extractive monetary
policy and exchange rate structure, massive unemployment and a
collapse of the public sector particularly health and education.

Save for a few periodic moments of respite, the Zimbabwean
economy has remained permanently embedded in this dark vortex
of underperformance, disequilibrium and devaluation in its four
decades of independence.
Despite this, the regime has embarked on a self-serving agenda of
distortion and deceit, promoting the hollow sound bite of stability
and recovery that is not backed by economic data or reality.

Zealous claims have been made about stabilizing exchange rate,
positive current account, contained money supply, declining month
on month inflation and budget surpluses.
The truth however is that Zimbabwe is sinking deeper in
unimaginable depths.

No amount of propaganda nor spin can wash away the hard reality
on the ground.

As we have constantly argued one can rig an election but not the
economy.

The truth is unless there is political change and a new leadership,
Zimbabwe under ZANU PF, will implode as economic and social
decay transforms into social disorder and social chaos oiled by the
triplets of illegitimacy, corruption and inequality.

A situation that is compounded by a rising population level. By 2045,
Zimbabwe’s population would have doubled and in the next 40
years the population in Zimbabwe’s cities Bulawayo and Harare will
double up, yet there is no growth in the economy.

On the contrary, thanks to Emmerson Mnangagwa’s economics of
destruction and distortion, the economy is in fact in comatose,
leaving the citizen exposed to poverty and social collapse.

Proving
once more that you can rig an election but not the economy.
In this this State of the Economy Review, we posit the position that
the economic situation is dire and requires urgent redress, it cannot
be business as usual.

We make the point that the people of Zimbabwe must be given a
chance through a political settlement giving birth to an economic
program addressing structural challenges.

The Political Crisis
At the epicentre of Zimbabwe’s multiple crises remains a political
gridlock anchored by a crisis of legitimacy emanating from the
November 2017 military coup and the flawed 2018 harmonized
election.

The four decades of destructive predatory and exclusive
politics have created a society captured by lack of trust, alienation,
indifference, intolerance and polarization.

In January 2020, the South
African Foreign Relations Minister Naled Pandor addressing a
symposium on the Zimbabwe crisis said,
“The political formations in Zimbabwe remain at loggerheads and
have apparent deep antipathy towards each other which makes
joint decision-making and planning extremely difficult.

“It seems clear that even as we support the call for an end to
economic sanctions, the political dynamics that we observe are
inextricably linked to the economic solutions and thus the politics
and the economic as well as the social need to be confronted
simultaneously.

“We are not going to achieve the economic resolution without
resolving the political, intractable hostility and lack of amity or social
conjoining on finding a national solution.”

Zimbabwe therefore urgently requires a new disruptive consensus.

One that recognises the urgency of the matter. One that places the
citizen at the centre.

A transformative Consensus that will vindicate
and salvage hitherto stretched and exhausted narratives, namely
the liberation consensus and the democratisation consensus.

One
that will create an ethical, consultative and consensus state in which
everyone lives without fear, and uncertainty.

Restoring and returning back to prosperity
In short, we push, for the restoration and return of Zimbabwe to
prosperity.

Our people have suffered long enough.

This is why at the beginning of the year we launched our high five
campaigns all focused on returning Zimbabwe to prosperity.

These
were:
a) Fight for the People’s Government
b) Fight for better life and dignity
c) Fight Against Corruption
d) Fight for the People’s rights ,Freedoms and Security of Persons
e) Fight in Defence of the Constitution and Constitutionalism
In our document launched in March 2019, the Road to Economic
Recovery Legitimacy Openness and Democracy (RELOAD), we
make the case for dialogue, for deep structural reform, and
implementation mechanism (NTA), with elections to be held therein after. ..

MDC ALLIANCE ASSEMBLY OF WOMEN STATEMENT ON THE 16 DAYS OF ACTIVISM AGAINST GENDER BASED VIOLENCE

25 November, the International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women marks the beginning of the 16 Days of Activism Against Gender Based Violence (GBV) internationally and the Assembly of Women joins the rest of the world in commemorating the annual campaign, which ends on the 10th of December, which is the Human Rights Day.

In actual fact it should be 365 days of activism against gender based violence awareness if we are to create a peaceful society.

Our theme this year is “Orange the World; End violence against women and girls” and the colour orange continues to be used to raise awareness on GBV.

As we commemorate these days amid a global pandemic of Covid -19, we mourn the escalation of statistics of gender based violence victims especially during lockdown where couples, partners and families were forced to spend all their entire time under one roof. This created tension in relationships resulting in deaths and/or injuries.

We note with great concern the violation of human rights by the Mnangagwa government as it crafted draconian covid laws and restrictions. Of major concern is the harrassment of civilians by state securities as they tried to demonstrate against the deterioration of services during covid 19, together with the looting of covid funds by the then Minister of Health, Obadiah Moyo and other relevant authorities.

Gender based violence is a violation of several women’s rights such as the right to life, the right to equal protection, freedom from torture, degrading and inhumane treatment, right to dignity, the right to equality and also the right to physical and mental health.

It is therefore very important that we demand the government to respect the rights of the women by adhering to the constitution.

We also say no to the amendment of the people’s constitution by few individuals and demand the alignment of all acts to the constitution. The MDC Alliance under the able leadership of Adv Nelson Chamisa, will continue to fight for a people’s government that respects women and all human beings regardless of ther gender, colour, tribe, political affiliation, race, sex, marital status and or creed

B. Tanyanyiwa
Spokesperson – MDCA Assembly of Women

Tinashe Sambiri|A self-declared war veteran threatened to shoot MDC Alliance councillor for ward 18, Chiredzi West, Gilbert Mutubuki following skirmishes over the distribution of land.

Members of the MDC Alliance youth assembly and the People-Power movement
challenged the partisan distribution of land in the area, arguing the process should done in an objective manner.

During the heated argument, a war veteran threatened to shoot Councillor Mutubuki, Makomborero Haruzivishe and representatives of the People-Power movement.

Mutubuki said:
“Land belongs to all Zimbabweans. Zanu PF and war veterans should not monopolize land distribution processes.”

Read full report below:

We were mobilising People-Power to confront corruption involving land distribution in Chiredzi West, Ward 8.

War veterans were distributing land on partisan basis and leaving out women and youths under the pretext that they were opposition supporters.

The war veterans were also giving land to those who already own multiple farms.

So the People-Power Movement went on Saturday 22 November to distribute 150 hectares of land to the people.

The exercise was very successful but was however disturbed towards the end when Zanu PF youths and war veterans came to violently disrupt the process. However, they were stopped by vigilant youths.-Peope-Power Movement

Tinashe Sambiri|The MDC Alliance Bulawayo Province Assembly of Women chairperson, Tendai Masotsha, has said she was not involved in the abduction of Tawanda Muchehiwa.

In an interview with ZimEye.com on Tuesday, Masotsha sought to clear her name following a leaked audio clip attributed her.

In the audio clip, a female voice is heard accusing Muchehiwa of “plotting to bomb government buildings.”

The audio clip has angered human rights activists and representatives of pressure groups.

Speaking to ZimEye.com, Masotsha said:

“The matter has blown out of proportion, I am also a victim of State brutality- my life is in danger.

I have nothing to do with Tawanda’s abduction.I don’t even know his address.

What I know is that we are fighting for the freedom of the people of Zimbabwe.

Let us focus on removing Emmerson Mnangagwa and Zanu PF from power.”

“Zanu PF is simply trying to divide attention . Let us not fall into the enemy’s trap,” she added.

Tinashe Sambiri|Four former MDC-T employees are demanding payment of outstanding salaries and pension benefits from Douglas Mwonzora and Thokozani Khupe.

The four are Wilson Box, Aleck Tabe, Geraldine Sibanda and Lawrence Paganga.

In court papers seen by ZimEye.com, Mwonzora, Khupe, CBZ Bank and the Minister of Justice are cited as respondents.

Below is a letter written by the lawyer representing the quartet, Milliscent Moyo of Caleb Mucheche and Partners Law Chambers:

Dear Sir or madam

Please find attached an application for a garnishee order we made against MDC –T on behalf of our clients.

We cited CBZ Bank because we believe that MDC-T holds a bank account with you.

We have attempted to serve the application at your offices physically several times without success, hence we have resorted to sending it via email.

We request that you acknowledge receipt of this email and indicate whether or not you have any objections to the granting of a garnishee order.

Milliscent
Moyo

Tinashe Sambiri|Four former MDC-T employees are demanding payment of outstanding salaries and pension benefits from Douglas Mwonzora and Thokozani Khupe.

The four are Wilson Box, Aleck Tabe, Geraldine Sibanda and Lawrence Paganga.

In court papers seen by ZimEye.com, Mwonzora, Khupe, CBZ Bank and the Minister of Justice are cited as respondents.

Below is a letter written by the lawyer representing the quartet, Milliscent Moyo of Caleb Mucheche and Partners Law Chambers:

Dear Sir or madam

Please find attached an application for a garnishee order we made against MDC –T on behalf of our clients.

We cited CBZ Bank because we believe that MDC-T holds a bank account with you.

We have attempted to serve the application at your offices physically several times without success, hence we have resorted to sending it via email.

We request that you acknowledge receipt of this email and indicate whether or not you have any objections to the granting of a garnishee order.

Milliscent
Moyo

The government has laid out COVID-19 preventive measures in boarding schools, while enforcement of regulations will be tightened amid fears of a second wave of the coronavirus.

Within the past week, the country has recorded over two hundred positive cases of the virus, with a worrying trend being reported in schools and tertiary institutions.

John Tallach and Matobo High Schools, in that order, Matebeleland North and South provinces have since been sealed off after recording 184 and 10 coronavirus cases.

In a post-cabinet briefing this Tuesday, the government announced that the Ministry of Primary and Secondary Education with technical support from the Ministry of Health and Child Care is organising logistics for implementing the following practical measures to minimise the recurrence of the John Tallach School experience in other boarding schools;

reviewing the maximum carrying capacity of all boarding hostels;conducting a detailed inspection of boarding facilities;targeted training of hostel matron, boarding masters as well as kitchen staff.

Cabinet reiterates that the lockdown and curfew measures previously announced are still subsisting. It noted.

It should be noted that public bars, night clubs, beerhalls, casinos, betting shops and theatres are still not permitted to operate.The nation is informed that gatherings are still limited to two (2) persons, while authorised events such as weddings and church congregation as are limited to fifty (50) and one hundred (100) persons, respectively.The enforcement of lockdown measures will be intensified henceforth.It should be emphasized that where there is non-compliance to these regulations the low enforcement agencies will not hesitate to enforce the penalties prescribed.With the festive season fast approaching, the public is advised to take all the necessary precautions to prevent a surge in COVID-19 positive cases.Those visiting the country should undergo COVID-19 tests in their countries of origin and bring valid COVID-19 negative results obtained within 48 hours of departure in line with WHO protocols.

The government also announced that there shall be a robust awareness creation programme under which the engagement of communities is being strengthened.

Cabinet also advised that Natpharm and private companies have adequate stocks of most medicines and drugs required for the prevention, treatment and supportive management of COVID-19.

The government also said stocks of PPE are also sufficient to meet demand.-ZBC News

The councillor for Ward 36 in Chizungu, Mberengwa Alderman Nephat Shumba (78) has died.

Shumba’s bicycle fell off a bridge on November 9, 2020 as he was coming from Fonex Shops along Mberengwa-Dolo Road.

He sustained serious head injuries and was pronounced dead the next day at Mpilo Hospital in Bulawayo. He was buried on November 12, 2020 in his home area in Chizungu.

He is survived by six children and grandchildren. He was councilor from March 29, 2008 until he died.

Mberengwa Rural District Council Chief Executive Officer, Thompson Maeresa described the late as a hardworking man.

“I have known Alderman Shumba as a hardworking councillor. I had been in the same meeting two days before his tragic death. The ward has been robbed of a wonderful man,” said Maeresera.

District Development Coordinator Nyede Ndeya described the death as a blow to the district.

He thanked MP Joram Gumbo assisting at the funeral.
-Masvingo Mirror

HARARE mayor Jacob Mafume has been arrested for criminal abuse of office allegedly involving residential stands.

National police spokesperson Assistant Commissioner Paul Nyathi confirmed the arrest.

He is detained at Rhodesville Police Station.

“I can confirm his arrest over criminal abuse of office involving a residential stand. We will give more information about his arrest tomorrow,” said Asst Comm Nyathi.

The Herald understands that Mafume unlawfully allocated residential stand to his sister.

It is alleged that he gave another stand to his secretary without following procedure.

The stands are understood to be in Westlea, Harare.

PREPARATIONS for final examinations at Dambudzo Secondary and Lundi Primary schools in Zvishavane have been affected after a violent hailstorm destroyed infrastructure at the two learning institutions this Monday.

The rains were met with relief in Zvishavane but not at Dambudzo secondary and Lundi primary schools, where classroom blocks were destroyed by a hailstorm on Monday.

This comes with less than a week before grade seven examinations and a fortnight ahead of ordinary level exams.
Lessons have since been suspended to clear debris at Dambudzo secondary school while the local leadership and school administrators at Lundi primary school convened an urgent meeting this Tuesday to map the way forward.

The hailstorm which destroyed infrastructure at Dambudzo secondary, as well as three classroom blocks and a teacher’s cottage at Lundi primary school, also left a trail of destruction in the neighbouring village and business centre.

GOVERNMENT claims it is putting in place measures to strengthen Covid-19 prevention in boarding schools through reviewing the maximum carrying capacity of all boarding hostels and conducting inspections of boarding facilities as well as training hostel matrons, boarding masters and kitchen staff.

Treasury also claims to gave released $150 million for the Ministry of Primary and Secondary Education to drill boreholes.

This comes in the wake of Covid-19 cases at John Tallach High School in Ntabazinduna, Matabeleland North Province where 184 pupils contracted the virus, resulting in the learning institution being turned into a quarantine centre.

Covid-19 cases in schools are rising following reported cases in schools in Matabeleland region, with Matopo High School in Matabeleland South also recorded 10 Covid-19 cases. Emakhandeni Primary School in Bulawayo has also recorded some cases.

However, Government has put in place measures to contain the spread of Covid-19 at John Tallach High School and the situation is now under control.

Despite the rising Covid-19 cases at learning institutions, the Ministry of Primary and Secondary Education says schools are strictly following regulations put in place to curb the spread of Covid-19 which had killed 273 as at Monday.

Under the Standard Operating Procedures (SOP), hugs, handshakes and sharing of desks are not permitted in schools.

In a post-Cabinet briefing yesterday, Environment, Climate, Tourism and Hospitality Industry Minister Mangaliso Ndlovu said the Ministry of Primary and Secondary Education with technical support from the Ministry of Health and Child Care, is organising logistics for implementing the following practical measures to minimise the recurrence of the John Tallach School experience and other boarding schools.

“The Ministry of Primary and Secondary Education with technical support from the Ministry of Health and Child Care, is organising logistics for implementing the following practical measures to minimise the recurrence of the John Tallach School experience in other boarding schools, reviewing the maximum carrying capacity of all boarding hostels, conducting detailed inspection of boarding facilities and targeted training of hostel matron, boarding masters as well as kitchen staff,” he said.

“In order to guarantee fresh water to schools in need, Cabinet reports that $150 million was released to the Ministry of Primary and Secondary Education for the drilling of boreholes.”

Cabinet also noted with concern an increase in Covid-19 positive cases in the country recorded over the past three weeks.

The spike has been attributed to laxity by the generality of the public. Two weeks ago, Vice President Dr Constantino Chiwenga who is also the Minister of Health and Child Care warned of the possibility of the country being hit by a second wave of Covid-19 saying ignorance, denial and wishful thinking could lead to more deaths.

Minister Ndlovu said the lockdown and curfew measures previously announced are still subsisting.

“It should be noted that public bars, night clubs, beerhalls, casinos, betting shops and theatres are still not permitted to operate. The nation is informed that gatherings are still regulated, while authorised events such as weddings and church congregations are limited to 50 and 100 persons, respectively,” he said.

He warned the public that those who violated the lockdown regulations would be punished in terms of the law.

“The enforcement of lockdown measures will be intensified henceforth. It should be emphasised that where there is non-compliance to these regulations the low enforcement agencies will not hesitate to enforce the penalties prescribed,” said the Minister.

“With the festive season fast approaching, the public is advised to take all the necessary precautions to prevent a surge in Covid-19 positive cases.”

Minister Ndlovu said visitors to the country should undergo Covid-19 tests in their countries of origin and bring valid negative results obtained within 48 hours of departure in line with World Health Organisation (WHO) protocols.

He said a robust awareness creation programme is being rolled out under which the engagement of communities is being strengthened.

The Minister said NatPharm and private companies have adequate stocks of most medicines and drugs required for the prevention, treatment and supportive management of Covid-19, including stocks of PPEs.

Minister Ndlovu also presented the primary and secondary education sector, learner attendance statistics which stand as follows: Phase 1 (final examination classes), 50,7 percent, Phase 2 (Grade Six, Form Three and Lower Six classes), 42,26 percent; and Phase 3 (ECD, Grades 1,2,3,4,5, Form One and Two), 32,78 percent.

Paul Nyathi

A STUDENT at Girls’ College High School in Bulawayo has tested positive for Covid-19 just days after attending a dinner dance organised by the school.

Girls’ College principal Mrs Lesley Ross told parents in a letter that an attendee to an Upper Sixth Leavers Dinner Dance held last week tested positive for Covid-19.

“As you know, on Thursday 19th November Girls’ College held a Leavers Dinner Dance for our U6 Leavers. The event was held in a large open venue and numbers of both guests and staff working at the event were kept below 100. Unfortunately, since the dance one of the attendees has tested positive for Covid 19,” read the letter.

She added that they were not sure as yet whether this person contracted it before or after the dance, but the school however, recommended that as a precaution all U6 students and their partners who attended the dance, staff and other people working at the dance to follow the CDC (Centre for Disease Control and Prevention) guidelines.

Mrs Ross said that as far as the rest of the school is concerned, they were hopeful that the virus has been contained within the U6 group as they had for the most part finished their exams and left school and hostels some time before the dance.

“However, the school continues to take all necessary precautions to ensure the safety of our staff and students,” she said.

WATCH: YOLANDA ON CLOTHES

Moana’s mother tells H-Metro why she is wearing her daughter’s clothes, telling people to “mind their own business” @larry_moyo @restmutore @Lattynyangu @CharlesMushinga @nyamayaro_arron @Zvikoeashleigh pic.twitter.com/pASnZOQzbw

— H-Metro (@HMetro_) November 25, 2020

Paul Nyathi

Two journalists were on Tuesday picked up and harassed by soldiers from the Air Force of Zimbabwe (AFZ) in Gweru after they were found taking pictures at the crash site of an AFZ plane in Somabula just outside the Midlands capital.

The journalists were forced to delete the pictures they had captured and taken through military drills for about four hours.

A report by MISA Zimbabwe reads:

Two journalists were on 24 November 2020 detained by soldiers from the Airforce of Zimbabwe in Gweru for about four hours.

Elizabeth Mashiri the Assistant Editor for The Masvingo Mirror and Patrick Chitumba the Bureau Chief of Midlands province for The Chronicle, were detained after they were found by members of the soldiers taking pictures at an accident site where an Airforce aeroplane is reported to have crashed.

When MISA-Zimbabwe communicated with the duo upon their release from captivity, they highlighted that they were made to do toyi-toyi; their phones were confiscated and forced to delete the pictures from the scene of the accident as well as other phone contacts.

MISA-Zimbabwe position
MISA-Zimbabwe urges the security forces in Zimbabwe and all other stakeholders to respect media freedom as envisaged in Section 61 of the Constitution which provides the right to seek, receive and impart information.

In the event where security forces, stakeholders and the broader public feel aggrieved by the media, MISA-Zimbabwe urges stakeholders to not take the law into their own hands but instead use lawful and professional mechanisms to address such circumstances.

Such professional steps include utilising the Zimbabwe Media Commission as the constitutional body set up in terms of Section 249 of the Constitution to receive and consider complaints on the conduct of the media and to take professional action in the event of any breach of law or code of conduct and the Voluntary Media Council of Zimbabwe.

The Ministry of Health and Child Care has with immediate effect closed Chinhoyi High School to non-examination day scholars, while Covid-19 positive and negative candidates will write examinations in separate rooms after 57 students tested positive on Monday.

While the school has been cordoned off to outside learners, examination candidates will be allowed to enter the school’s premises but under strict and rigorous monitoring from health officials.

At least 57 out of the 74 students tested positive after a 17-year-old female student had earlier tested positive for the disease.

It was not clear by this afternoon whether teachers who were tested together with the students had contracted the virus.

The female student was taken to Mzari Clinic fir isolation where seven Chinhoyi University of Technology (CUT) students who recently tested positive are while the 57 students who are asymptotic are being isolated at the school.

Mashonaland West acting provincial medical director Dr Gift Masoja confirmed the decision and said the recommendation was arrived at after an interministerial meeting was held at the school yesterday to determine the way forward.

“We resolved to cut the school from day scholars although examination candidates will be allowed. This however means, we will have to intensify our response. More nurses and environmental health officials will be stationed at the school to effect response and monitoring,” he said.

-State Media

The Ministry of Health and Child Care has with immediate effect closed Chinhoyi High School to non-examination day scholars, while Covid-19 positive and negative candidates will write examinations in separate rooms after 57 students tested positive on Monday.

While the school has been cordoned off to outside learners, examination candidates will be allowed to enter the school’s premises but under strict and rigorous monitoring from health officials.

At least 57 out of the 74 students tested positive after a 17-year-old female student had earlier tested positive for the disease.

It was not clear by this afternoon whether teachers who were tested together with the students had contracted the virus.

The female student was taken to Mzari Clinic fir isolation where seven Chinhoyi University of Technology (CUT) students who recently tested positive are while the 57 students who are asymptotic are being isolated at the school.

Mashonaland West acting provincial medical director Dr Gift Masoja confirmed the decision and said the recommendation was arrived at after an interministerial meeting was held at the school yesterday to determine the way forward.

“We resolved to cut the school from day scholars although examination candidates will be allowed. This however means, we will have to intensify our response. More nurses and environmental health officials will be stationed at the school to effect response and monitoring,” he said.

Paul Nyathi

Tawanda Muchehiwa’s uncle Mduduzi Mathuthu, has accused MDC Alliance (MDC-A) Bulawayo provincial chairlady, Tendai Masotsha, of getting a cattle herder killed after her husband caught him in bed with her.

Posting on Twitter this Wednesday, Mathuthu said Masotsha is a traitor who did not deserve to be absolved of any wrong doing in the abduction of Muchehiwa.

Below is Mathuthu’s thread in full:

“Tawanda Muchehiwa was abducted and tortured by state agents. This is not rocket science. Tendai Masotsha, who entered her guilty plea over that affair through the audio since released, was left unmolested by an incompetent inquiry by the MDC-A which got bogged down in G40 fog.

“How MDC-A, through Gatsheni Gatsheni, injected G40 and internal factional fights into a simple and straightforward matter of infiltration and treachery boggles my mind. There’s no G40 ghost, no factional fight involved. She acted alone and should have been dealt with as such.

“In her audio, she said she told Jameson Timba to communicate something to me. Timba told me the said conversation never happened. She is a blackmailer, rapacious fortune seeker and bloody agent who should have been outed long before Tawanda got hurt.

“On the same day that she met Tawanda for the first time, on July 28 – not through his organisation, mind – she went to a place where #ZanuPFMustGo masks were being printed. Two minutes after she left the police arrived. Cde [Mthulisi Hanana] will confirm this.

“It is also true she once got someone killed. Her husband was away, returned home and found the cattle herder, a relative, in bed with her. Husband killed the poor fella. I only bring this up because it addresses issues of moral deficiency.

“I still pray the MDC Alliance will come out and reject her false, dangerous claims she made against Tawanda, a young 22-year-old whose crime is yearning for a better Zimbabwe. It’s lies because [Nyasha William Gwazemba] was there, never heard it. There’s no sabbatical for traitors.”

By A Correspondent- Zimbabwean parliament launched the 16 days of activism against Gender Based Violence (GBV) today.

16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence is an international campaign to challenge violence against women and girls.

The campaign runs every year from 25 November, the International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women, to 10 December, Human Rights Day.

It was initiated in 1991 by the first Women’s Global Leadership Institute, held by the Center for Women’s Global Leadership (CWGL) at Rutgers University.

By A Correspondent- Tinotenda “Rimo” Marimo, popularly known as Rimo Jackson, a close friend of Genius “Ginimbi” Kadungure, is reportedly “cannibalising” his estate by chasing debts owed to the late socialite without the knowledge and consent of the Kadungure family.

Marimo is allegedly taking advantage of the fact that most of Ginimbi’s transactions were not documented and had no paper trail.

A source is quoted as having said:

Rimo was always with Ginimbi so he was privy to most transactions and knows who owes what and how much. So he is chasing those debts and pocketing.

Standard procedure is he should surrender to the family or executor.

Marimo reportedly visited a Sports Club in Mt Pleasant and collected US$600 that Ginimbi had paid as a deposit to rent and run an eatery located at the club. A patron told  a local publication:

Rimo came through when we were having lunch. He was in a no-nonsense mood and he had a quick chat with the manager and left.

We then asked the manager why Rimo was in such a rush and that’s when we learnt he had come for Genius’ money.

When contacted for comment by the publication, the celebrity disc jockey could neither confirm nor deny the claims that he took the money from the Sports Club.

Meanwhile, the Master’s Office at the High Court last week called for a meeting of the Kadungure family members and other potential beneficiaries for this Wednesday to sort out the way forward and deal with administrative details such as the appointment of the executor of Ginimbi estate.

-ZimMorningPost

THE Office of the President and Cabinet has yet again taken case against another publication under the stable AMH Group.

This time the family is up in arms against The Standard newspaper accusing it of falsely linking First Lady Auxillia Mnangagwa to a list of Covid-19 Rescue Fund drawn up and run by the Ministry of Public Service, Labour and Social Welfare.

Deputy Chief Secretary, Presidential Communications George Charamba has since called on The Standard to retract its story.

“This week’s issue of The Standard spitefully links the First Lady, Amai Auxillia Mnangagwa, to an alleged list of Covid-19 Rescue Fund drawn up and run by the Ministry of Public Service, Labour and Social Welfare.

“For the record the First Lady has nothing to do with the said list of beneficiaries. Secondly, she is neither aware of, nor a shareholder in, a company called PPAC investments Private Limited, as wrongfully alleged by the paper in the said report. The Office would only be too happy to be furnished with evidence linking the First Lady or any member of her household to the said company,” he said.

“The fallacious article is driven by ill-will” as shown by an insert in the story which read, “Kwekwe, a city in the Midlands province, is Mnangagwa’s urban home area and he has a farm, Precabe, in the vicinity”. Charamba added.

“Quite how President Mnangagwa’s alleged residence in Kwekwe, or his having a farm in the vicinity of the same city, bears any relevance to the alleged Covid-19 Rescue Fund boggles the mind.

“As before and, in respect of publication under AMH stable, for the second time in about as many weeks, the Office of the President and Cabinet urges the media to desist from maligning the innocent through false reports and/or imputations. For this latest calumny, the Office once more requests The Standard to issue a prompt, well-positioned retraction and apology to the First Lady and her Family”.

The First family was last week in a similar fight with the NewsDay which the family accused of claiming a non existent relationship between the President and one Tarirai Mnangagwa.

President Emmerson Mnangagwa’s spokesperson, George Charamba, has again raised an issue with the privately-owned media company Alpha Media Holdings (AMH) over a story by one of its publications, the weekly “The Standard”.

Charamba has requested that The Standard retracts its story linking First Lady Auxillia Mnangagwa to an alleged list of Covid-19 Rescue Fund drawn up and run by the Ministry of Public Service, Labour and Social Welfare.

This comes about two weeks after NewsDay claimed that one Tarirai Mnangagwa was the President’s son, a claim Charamba vehemently rejected.

In a statement this Wednesday, Charamba said:

The Office of the President and Cabinet again notes with growing concern more slurs on the First Family by publications under the AMH Group.

This week’s issue of The Standard spitefully links the First Lady Amai Auxilia Mnangagwa, to an alleged list of Covid 19 Rescue Fund drawn up and run by the Ministry of Public Service, Labour and Social Welfare.

For the record, the First Lady has nothing to do with the said list of beneficiaries. Secondly, she is neither aware of, nor a shareholder in a company called PPAC Investments Private Limited, as wrongfully alleged by the paper in the said report.

The Office would only be too happy to be furnished with evidence linking the First Lady or any member of her household to the said company.

That the fallacious article is driven by ill will is further shown by an insert into the story which reads: “Kwekwe, a city in the Midlands province, is Mnangagwa’s urban home area and he has a farm, Precabe, in the vicinity.”

Quite how President Mnangagwa’s alleged residence in Kwekwe, or his having a farm in the vicinity of the same city, bears any relevance to the alleged Covid19 Rescue Fund List boggles the mind.

As before and, in respect of publications under the AMH stable, for the second time in about as many weeks, the Office of the President and Cabinet urges the media to desist from maligning the innocent through false reports and/or imputations.

For this latest calumny, the Office once more requests The Standard to issue a prompt, well-positioned retraction and an apology to the First Lady and her family.

The Office counts on the Publication’s good conscience and professionalism.

George Charamba
Deputy Chief Secretary, Presidential Communications
Office of the President and Cabinet

Tinashe Sambiri|The MDC Alliance Assembly of women has said the harassment of female political activists by Mr Emmerson Mnangagwa’s administration is puzzling.

In a statement, the MDC Alliance of Women denounced the persecution, torture and abuse of women by the Zanu PF administration.

Read full statement below:

MDC ALLIANCE ASSEMBLY OF WOMEN STATEMENT ON THE 16 DAYS OF ACTIVISM AGAINST GENDER BASED VIOLENCE

25 November, the International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women marks the beginning of the 16 Days of Activism Against Gender Based Violence (GBV) internationally and the Assembly of Women joins the rest of the world in commemorating the annual campaign, which ends on the 10th of December, which is the Human Rights Day.

In actual fact it should be 365 days of activism against gender based violence awareness if we are to create a peaceful society.

Our theme this year is “Orange the World; End violence against women and girls” and the colour orange continues to be used to raise awareness on GBV.

As we commemorate these days amid a global pandemic of Covid -19, we mourn the escalation of statistics of gender based violence victims especially during lockdown where couples, partners and families were forced to spend all their entire time under one roof. This created tension in relationships resulting in deaths and/or injuries.

We note with great concern the violation of human rights by the Mnangagwa government as it crafted draconian covid laws and restrictions. Of major concern is the harrassment of civilians by state securities as they tried to demonstrate against the deterioration of services during covid 19, together with the looting of covid funds by the then Minister of Health, Obadiah Moyo and other relevant authorities.

Gender based violence is a violation of several women’s rights such as the right to life, the right to equal protection, freedom from torture, degrading and inhumane treatment, right to dignity, the right to equality and also the right to physical and mental health.

It is therefore very important that we demand the government to respect the rights of the women by adhering to the constitution.

We also say no to the amendment of the people’s constitution by few individuals and demand the alignment of all acts to the constitution. The MDC Alliance under the able leadership of Adv Nelson Chamisa, will continue to fight for a people’s government that respects women and all human beings regardless of ther gender, colour, tribe, political affiliation, race, sex, marital status and or creed

B. Tanyanyiwa
Spokesperson – MDCA Assembly of Women

Tinashe Sambiri|MDC Alliance deputy President, Hon Tendai Biti, has said Mr Emmerson Mnangagwa’s administration cannot resolve the economic crisis before addressing the legitimacy crisis.

Hon Biti also described talk of economic revival as cheap grandstanding and empty bravado.

Below is part of Hon Biti’s State of the Economy Address:

The State of the Economy Address (SEA) and the MDC Alliance’s post
COVID-19 pandemic recovery plan: Restoring and Returning
Zimbabwe back to prosperity

Zimbabwe’s economy remains mired in a deep structural crises, that
includes humungous macroeconomic imbalances, huge fiscal
deficits, massive corruption, low output, an extractive monetary
policy and exchange rate structure, massive unemployment and a
collapse of the public sector particularly health and education.

Save for a few periodic moments of respite, the Zimbabwean
economy has remained permanently embedded in this dark vortex
of underperformance, disequilibrium and devaluation in its four
decades of independence.
Despite this, the regime has embarked on a self-serving agenda of
distortion and deceit, promoting the hollow sound bite of stability
and recovery that is not backed by economic data or reality.

Zealous claims have been made about stabilizing exchange rate,
positive current account, contained money supply, declining month
on month inflation and budget surpluses.
The truth however is that Zimbabwe is sinking deeper in
unimaginable depths.

No amount of propaganda nor spin can wash away the hard reality
on the ground.

As we have constantly argued one can rig an election but not the
economy.

The truth is unless there is political change and a new leadership,
Zimbabwe under ZANU PF, will implode as economic and social
decay transforms into social disorder and social chaos oiled by the
triplets of illegitimacy, corruption and inequality.

A situation that is compounded by a rising population level. By 2045,
Zimbabwe’s population would have doubled and in the next 40
years the population in Zimbabwe’s cities Bulawayo and Harare will
double up, yet there is no growth in the economy.

On the contrary, thanks to Emmerson Mnangagwa’s economics of
destruction and distortion, the economy is in fact in comatose,
leaving the citizen exposed to poverty and social collapse.

Proving
once more that you can rig an election but not the economy.
In this this State of the Economy Review, we posit the position that
the economic situation is dire and requires urgent redress, it cannot
be business as usual.

We make the point that the people of Zimbabwe must be given a
chance through a political settlement giving birth to an economic
program addressing structural challenges.

The Political Crisis
At the epicentre of Zimbabwe’s multiple crises remains a political
gridlock anchored by a crisis of legitimacy emanating from the
November 2017 military coup and the flawed 2018 harmonized
election.

The four decades of destructive predatory and exclusive
politics have created a society captured by lack of trust, alienation,
indifference, intolerance and polarization.

In January 2020, the South
African Foreign Relations Minister Naled Pandor addressing a
symposium on the Zimbabwe crisis said,
“The political formations in Zimbabwe remain at loggerheads and
have apparent deep antipathy towards each other which makes
joint decision-making and planning extremely difficult.

“It seems clear that even as we support the call for an end to
economic sanctions, the political dynamics that we observe are
inextricably linked to the economic solutions and thus the politics
and the economic as well as the social need to be confronted
simultaneously.

“We are not going to achieve the economic resolution without
resolving the political, intractable hostility and lack of amity or social
conjoining on finding a national solution.”

Zimbabwe therefore urgently requires a new disruptive consensus.

One that recognises the urgency of the matter. One that places the
citizen at the centre.

A transformative Consensus that will vindicate
and salvage hitherto stretched and exhausted narratives, namely
the liberation consensus and the democratisation consensus.

One
that will create an ethical, consultative and consensus state in which
everyone lives without fear, and uncertainty.

Restoring and returning back to prosperity
In short, we push, for the restoration and return of Zimbabwe to
prosperity.

Our people have suffered long enough.

This is why at the beginning of the year we launched our high five
campaigns all focused on returning Zimbabwe to prosperity.

These
were:
a) Fight for the People’s Government
b) Fight for better life and dignity
c) Fight Against Corruption
d) Fight for the People’s rights ,Freedoms and Security of Persons
e) Fight in Defence of the Constitution and Constitutionalism
In our document launched in March 2019, the Road to Economic
Recovery Legitimacy Openness and Democracy (RELOAD), we
make the case for dialogue, for deep structural reform, and
implementation mechanism (NTA), with elections to be held therein after. ..

https://fb.watch/1_4NZW_g2y/

https://youtu.be/gCsUiT9xs_4

A novel case is a case for which no precedent can be found. It is a peculiar or extraordinary case arising in the complex and diversified affairs of men which cannot be classified under any of the distinct heads under which jurisdiction has theretofore been administered… https://t.co/i5kjfXSs1w pic.twitter.com/FdXSB2tXtu

— ZimEye (@ZimEye) November 25, 2020

BREAKING- Moana's Burial shelved again as judgement is reserved. Says the judge: "It's a serious matter and it needs more time" #MoanaBurial pic.twitter.com/uRMYEKeC8E

— ZimEye (@ZimEye) November 25, 2020

BREAKING- Moana's Burial shelved again as judgement is reserved. Says the judge: "It's a serious matter and it needs more time" #MoanaBurial pic.twitter.com/uRMYEKeC8E

— ZimEye (@ZimEye) November 25, 2020

Chinotimba insults MP Joana Mamombe "muno mapinda munhu anorwara anopenga, tomubvumira kuti ngaataure?" Someone who is mad, who is insane, has entered this parliament, and now we allow this person to speak again? " @OpenParlyZw video pic.twitter.com/7HOJ1o1p27

— ZimEye (@ZimEye) November 25, 2020

You're losing all your wives one by one you're going to lose them all, Chitotimba told by a male MDC MP, in reaction to the Buhera South MP's attack on @JoanaMamombe pic.twitter.com/TMbMSA3qEs

— ZimEye (@ZimEye) November 25, 2020

By A Correspondent- Kombies illegally operating in the capital city of Harare have increased over the last few weeks, the Herald reports. Pirate kombies otherwise referred to as Mushikashika in some instances headlines last week for putting metal mesh screens and wooden windows in case Police Officers strike their windows in a bid to stop them from avoiding arrest.

One of the pirate combines was asked how is it possible that they are operating when they were banned by the government and he said because they bribe traffic officers who then let them operate:

We just pay US$2 for the traffic police to allow us to load passengers here. We ply Makoni-Machipisa route and to us US$2 is paltry compared to our profits,

ZRP National Spokesperson Assitant Commissioner Paul Nyathi said they were going to go after the omnibuses breaking the law:

The police are aware that some vehicle owners and drivers have removed number plates, with some putting wooden boards or other materials on windows in order to evade arrest.

This will not be tolerated and the law will be applied.

The government banned private kombies in March and have urged operators to join the ZUPCO franchise for them to be allowed to operate for now, There were reports the government was not planning to have private Kombies back on the road for now. Meanwhile, ZUPCO busses and omnibuses are not enough to cater to all commuters and this is fueling the illegal operators seen in the capital.

By A Correspondent- Zimbabwe Teachers Association (Zimta) Chief Executive officer  Bindura Lewis Banda (55) was arraigned before Bindura provincial magistrate Tinashe Ndokera yesterday facing a stock theft charge.

Banda is jointly charged with Tafadzwa Muchenje (33) and Donald Mukombe.

The trio was granted $10,000 bail each to December 4.

The state-led by Carol Mupazviriwo alleges on November 17 the duo stole a cow from Brighton Mudzongachiso and loaded it into Zimta car.

Working on a tip-off the police managed to arrest the trio.

By A Correspondent- Midlands Provincial Affairs Minister Larry Mavima has recovered from COVID-19. 

Mavima recently tested negative for the virus according to the publication after he had been in isolation since the turn of the new month when he tested positive for the novel coronavirus.

Mavima spoke to the publication about his recovery and said:

I have fully recovered from the virus and this morning I received my results and I am now negative.

I would like to thank Government for the support, the doctors who worked hard attending to me and the prayers I got from the loving Zimbabweans during the time I was diagnosed until I recovered

Mavima warned people to adhere to precautionary and containment measures as he said the disease is real:

The disease is real, we still have the disease in our midst so we need to be very careful and responsible. We need to follow recommended guidelines like putting on our masks properly for Covid 19 has no bounderies, it can attack anyone nomatter the position or post in life.

There has been visible laxity in terms of following recommended health procedures and it is worrisome. We need to properly put on our masks, maintain social distancing and always sanitise because no one needs to revert back to the initial lockdown situation but as Zimbabweans we need to be responsible always

Mavima is one of the top government officials who publicized their COVID-19 diagnosis including Deputy Sports Minister Machakaire among others.

https://fb.watch/1ZUP_g_eWb/

BREAKING: The Tinashe Choto family has been awarded
ZWL$2 million in damages to paid by @PoliceZimbabwe for the footballer's murder during the state's January 2019 crackdown, which Mr Emmerson Mnangagwa has demanded to see evidence of the graves….@dewamavhinga @ZLHRLawyers pic.twitter.com/88nFmJqRlE

— ZimEye (@ZimEye) November 25, 2020

BREAKDOWN OF DAMAGES- Plaintiff's personal special damages ZWL$2 000 060 being damages for the loss of support of her minor child.
1st plaintiff's general damages for nervous shocks and trauma arising from the loss of her husband ZWL$168 000 https://t.co/k5zGyNH5x7

— ZimEye (@ZimEye) November 25, 2020

2nd plaintiff's general damage arising from the loss of his son ZWL$168 000
Combined compensation of ZWL$2 252 000 https://t.co/YfY9RMiJI8

— ZimEye (@ZimEye) November 25, 2020

By A Correspondent- A 70 year old Mukumbura man was sentenced to 12 years in prison yesterday by Bindura regional magistrate Amos Mbobo for raping a  relative who is suffering from a mental illness.

The magistrate however suspended 4 years for Mavhura Chimwendo on condition of good behaviour.

Prosecutor Ngoni Kaseke told the court that sometime in March the complainant’s mother discovered that her underage daughter was pregnant after she had missed her monthly periods for two months.

She interviewed her daughter who revealed that she had been raped by Chimwendo.

A police report was filed leading to his arrest.

Total is ZWL$4 368 000 Break down as follows:
$2 016 000 for loss of support for Varaidzo Chiyanike the widow. $2 016 000 for Anenyasha Choto the child. Chiyanike also gets $168 000 for nervous shock & trauma. The father Julius Choto to get $168 000 for nervous shock & trauma.

— ZimEye (@ZimEye) November 25, 2020

https://fb.watch/1ZVbAToNPh/

https://fb.watch/1ZUP_g_eWb/

BREAKING: The Tinashe Choto family has been awarded
ZWL$2 million in damages to paid by @PoliceZimbabwe for the footballer's murder during the state's January 2019 crackdown, which Mr Emmerson Mnangagwa has demanded to see evidence of the graves….@dewamavhinga @ZLHRLawyers pic.twitter.com/88nFmJqRlE

— ZimEye (@ZimEye) November 25, 2020

BREAKDOWN OF DAMAGES- Plaintiff's personal special damages ZWL$2 000 060 being damages for the loss of support of her minor child.
1st plaintiff's general damages for nervous shocks and trauma arising from the loss of her husband ZWL$168 000 https://t.co/k5zGyNH5x7

— ZimEye (@ZimEye) November 25, 2020

2nd plaintiff's general damage arising from the loss of his son ZWL$168 000
Combined compensation of ZWL$2 252 000 https://t.co/YfY9RMiJI8

— ZimEye (@ZimEye) November 25, 2020

A group of rowdy machete-wielding gangs (Mashurugwi) has reportedly turned Umfurudzi Game Park into a battlefield as they try to get their hands on the gold-rich area’s mining rights, Newsday reports. The group is suspected to be a gang of Zanu PF supporters reportedly taking sides between 2 individuals fighting over mining rights in Game Park.

It is reported that John Manga and Shantelle Chikafu who was once in court for squandering as a member of the first family are fighting over the claims and Mashurugwi are backing Chikafu and thereby turning the Game Park into a battleground.

According to the publication:

On Monday, it is reported there were skirmishes at the game park with Zanu PF youths aligned to Gorerino forcing their way to the gold-rich claims after an excavator had been brought for their use.

Reports are that ever since Chikafu was barred by the courts from mining, Gorerino(Shamva North legislator, Oscar Gorerino) has taken over and his younger brother only identified as Obey is managing the operations.

ZimParks rangers and the area manager Power Mupunga are also alleged to have allowed the Zanu PF youths to get into the game park and illegally mine, reportedly based on the directive from Mangwanya.

When contacted for comment, ZimParks denied having anything to do with mining in the game parks and said:

If there are any criminal activities happening at Umfurudzi Game Park, they should be reported to the police.

Mining in game parks have been a hot topic in the last few months, this story by the Newsday shows that to an extent the practice has continued despite public outcry over the matter.

 By A Correspondent- The shipment of Antiretroviral (ARV) drugs meant for Zimbabwe will not be arriving in time due to Covid -19 induced delays, forcing the Ministry of Health and Child Care to reduce its six-month multi-drug dispensation to a maximum of three months.

This measure will ensure all patients receiving ARVs are catered for until more stocks are available.

In a circular –  stamped November 23, 2020, from the permanent secretary in the Ministry of Health and Child Care, Dr Jasper Chimedza, to all Provincial Medical Directors, Chief Executive Officers of central hospitals and Directors of Health Services, said there would be a shortage of ARV drugs such as Tenofovir, Iamvudine and Dolutegravir due to shipment delays.

“The country has been advised by the supplier that due to Covid-19 induced delays in the production of the above product, shipments to Zimbabwe are going to be delayed and this will lead to shortages being experienced in the country,” he said.

The permanent secretary said in order to lessen the impact of shortages, the health ministry recommended that the multi-month dispensing (a six month supply of drugs) be reduced to three months per patient guided by stocks available at medical facilities.

He also added that “the provinces actively redistribute stocks between facilities to make sure there is equitable availability amongst facilities.”

“The ministry will provide further guidance once stocks in the country improve,” Chimedza said.

The above ARVs drugs are the recommended first line of antiretroviral treatment every patient must be on including both who are starting and those on older versions.

The multi month drug supply was given to all stable patients instead of them constantly going to hospitals.

It also limited movement during the ongoing Covid-19 pandemic to curb its spread while also lessening burden on patients especially those in rural areas who had incurred
In an interview with CITE, Director of the AIDS and TB unit in the Ministry of Health and Child Care, Dr Owen Mugurungi, said the cutting down of drug supply from six to three months would make sure every patient received their allocation until stocks improved.

“We hope there will not be negative effects for patients because instead of giving drugs for six months we are giving them a three month supply. That will mitigate against shortages than if we give drugs for six months to someone who will be holding on to their supply when another does not have any,” he said.

“Providing three months drugs can push someone and hopefully in the next two months or so the shipment would have made its way here then stocks would be available once more. The delays are beyond our control but we must work around them.”

By A Correspondent- The ruling party Zanu-PF is holding a crunch politburo meeting in Harare today, amid high tension over the looming district co-ordinating committee (DCC) elections and other intra-party contestations.

Zanu-PF spokesperson Patrick Chinamasa said the politburo meeting would be seized with ‘all outstanding issues’ including the pending DCC’s.

This comes as the highly-divisive DCCs and primary elections to choose the party’s candidates for parliamentary and council by-elections have raised political temperature in the former liberation movement.

By A Correspondent- President Emmerson Mnangagwa has been sued by a victim of the August 1, 2018 shooting for allegedly neglecting to implement the recommendations of the Motlanthe Commission.

Andy Manyeruke, who is hard of hearing and was allegedly shot in the shoulder on the fateful day, filed an application in the High Court and cited Mnangagwa, Justice minister Ziyambi Ziyambi and Attorney General Prince Machaya as respondents.

More to follow..

By A Correspondent- 2 Zimbabwean students have reportedly bagged the prestigious Rhodes scholarship to study at a top UK University, the University of Oxford, Newsday reports. The beneficiaries  Tafadzwa Kufazvinei (medicine) and Brendon Tankwa (engineering) will start studying at Oxford in October 2021.

This was revealed in a statement by Rhodes Trust Tariro Makadzange who said:

All candidates have outstanding academic achievements and a keen focus on transformative leadership in their communities and beyond. The talent in our young people, despite the challenges that the country faces, provides significant hope for the future

Each year, two Zimbabwean Rhodes scholars are selected on the basis of their intellect, character, leadership and commitment to service to join other Rhodes scholars from around the world at the University of Oxford.

According to the publications Rhodes Scholars usually go on to serve in many sectors including but not limited to:  education, the arts, non-governmental organizations, commerce, research, and other sectors.

-Newsday

By A Correspondent- Former Cabinet Minister and MDC T bigwig Elias Mudzuri while speaking to the Daily News said all factions in the MDC T and the MDC Alliance should sit down and talk and accept their weaknesses because they cannot approach President Mnangagwa if they are still divided to dialogue with him about trying to find a solution to the Zimbabwean crisis.

Mudzuri said:

As senior leaders in the MDC, we need to sit down and talk. Everyone must accept his or her weaknesses, and we must tell each other the truth.

Unity is the best way forward … we cannot continue fighting like this. We are one family, we worked together for 20 years and it’s easy for us to work together again. In Shona they say mukanetsana siyai peukama.

Building unity is a process and it’s not a one day thing. I think before 2023 we will talk together and find common ground,

So, there is a need to talk to each other before we engage Zanu PF. At the moment the opposition is divided. So, Zanu PF will take advantage of that.

We must be able to talk to Zanu PF because we are all Zimbabweans and we must build this country together. Factionalism must end so that we work to build our party. As Zimbabweans, we must work to build strong government institutions.

The infighting started in March this year when the supreme court declared Khupe the MDC T rightful leader and the faction led by Khupe started recalling legislators and councilors elected using the MDC Alliance cards till Khupe herself came back into the Parliament as the leader of the opposition through proportional representation.

-newsday

Correspondent

South African’s Institute of Foreign Policy has urged the South African government to close a case involving Prophet Shepherd Bushiri and his wife Mary and focus on pressing issues.

According to Mpho Tsedu, Executive director of the institute, developments regarding the case involving the Bushiris has created a diplomatic crisis for South Africa.

He said the focus on the Bushiri case opens South African authorities up for errors as witnessed with various conflicting messages from various government officials.

According to Tsedu, the Bushiri case only shows that people are not equal before the law in South Africa given how the country handled recent cases involving Grace Mugabe, Al Bashir and the Guptas.

With this, Tsedu said it will serve the South African government cause well if President Cyril Ramaphosa would order his cabinet ministers to stop casually commenting in public platforms about the Bushiri matter if Bushiri is to get a fair trial.

Meanwhile, Tsedu has supported calls to employ diplomatic initiatives solution to resolve matters to do with Bushiri arguing procedures for extradition are costly and extra ordinarily long.

By A Correspondent- A Bindura Magistrate Tinashe Ndokera yesterday acquitted former cabinet Minister Nicholas Goche who was facing stock theft charges.

This was after Goche was accused of selling 18 cattle which he had previously sold to another seller.

According to reports privy to the case, the former cabinet minister sold 40 of his cattle and the buyer managed to collect 22 beasts and left him with 18 beasts which were to be collected later.

Goche reportedly sold the remaining 18 steers which had been paid for by the first buyer and a dispute ensued which later on resulted in the former cabinet minister being arrested and being prosecuted.

His’s lawyers had said the issue is a civil matter and not a criminal matter as they were defending their client when he was first arrested.

-Newsday

An Air Force of Zimbabwe instructor and a female student pilot died when a training plane they were flying developed a technical fault and crashed at Dabuka in Somabula on the outskirts of Gweru yesterday.

The two were on routine training from Josiah Tungamirai Air Force Base when the accident occurred. They were identified as Mkhululi Dube, the instructor and his student, only identified as Sweswe. Their ranks could not be ascertained yesterday.

The Airforce of Zimbabwe was by last night still to release an official statement on the accident which occurred at around 2 30 pm.

When a Chronicle news crew arrived at the scene a military medical team had just arrived and was trying to retrieve the bodies that were trapped in the wreckage of the small plane.

Witnesses said the plane which was heading southwards was trying to make a U-turn when it crashed.

“This is usually the training ground for pilots and we usually gather to view their flying prowess. We were surprised when the plane started jerking.

In the twinkle of an eye the plane had crashed and there was a cloud of dust. We rushed to the scene but we could not help,” said a witness who requested not to be named.

A team from the Air Force of Zimbabwe arrived at the scene some 20 minutes after the crash and dispersed villagers who had just gathered before retrieving the bodies.

Josiah Tungamirai Acting Base Commander, Group Captain Esswein Masuku declined to comment over the matter referring all questions to the Airforce of Zimbabwe Headquarters.

-State Media

Paul Nyathi

THE President of the Chiefs’ Council, Chief Fortune Charumbira has chickened out of his appointment by President Emmerson Mnangagwa to lead the Exhumations and Reburials of Gukurahundi victims saying that only chiefs from Matabeleland and Midlands provinces whose people were affected by Gukurahundi will participate in the processes.

Mnangagwa appointed Charumbira to lead the process after meeting with chiefs from Matabeleland and Midlands with the presence of Charumbira at the end of October.

Local Government minister July Moyo presented the resolutions of the State House meeting indicating that chiefs led by Charumbira will now lead the process of exhumations and reburials of the 1980’s massacres.

“Going forward his Excellency undertook to meet the national chief’s council led by Chief Charumbira next week to frame details on the next steps in moving the matter forward and also to provide comprehensive responses to ancillary issues raised by the chiefs in respect to their areas of jurisdiction and in their regions,” Moyo added.

Speaking during the relaunch of the Zunde raMambo/ Isiphala se Nkosi programme at Chief Mapanzure’s homestead in Zvishavane on Saturday, Chief Charumbira said traditional leaders from the affected provinces will be involved in reburials.

“We have heard lies being thrown in the media. They are saying we have been captured to white-wash the Gukurahundi reburials. Well, let me make it clear that is not the case. Only chiefs from Matabeleland and Midlands provinces who have their people affected by Gukurahundi will partake in the programme,” he said.

It was impossible, Chief Charumbira said, for, for example, a chief from Mashonaland to be involved in the reburial of victims from Midlands.

“How can a chief from Mashonaland go and start leading the reburials that may happen in Tsholotsho? That is not practical. That is not possible. The position is that chiefs in whose area there are graves and there is need for burials, then those will take part in those programmes,” he said.

Chief Charumbira said the rest of the chiefs under the Chiefs’ Council just endorsed an initiative for traditional leaders taking leadership in the process of addressing Gukurahundi issues.

Chief Charumbira said it was shocking that there were some non-governmental organisations (NGOs) funded by Western countries that wanted to sensationalise the matter so as to divide people and their Government.

He said NGOs should stick to their mandate as given by the Government and not to cause mayhem and despondency.

“We are saying no to NGOs that divide the people, that tell lies, that have an agenda to discredit our Government.

He said there was no room for tribalism in Zimbabwe adding that as traditional chiefs, they were all united and behind President Mnangagwa and his vision.

“There is no room for tribalism in Zimbabwe. From the communities we stay in, we say no to tribalism. We urge you to be like the chiefs who work together and that is a Zimbabwe we want as we walk towards Vision 2030,” said Chief Charumbira.

The below is an exclusive interview with Deputy Defence Minister Victor Matemadanda on Sunday (republished) in which the ZANU PF National Commissar states saying the president had just finished speaking when he was allegedly poisoned.

This statement suggests that the latter could have also been attacked in Marondera.

• I was forcing myself to be normal,
• It was not an allergy
• It was a gas
• there is no one whose hand I shook.
• President had finished addressing

ZimEye: vaMatemadanda

ZimEye: How are you feeling today?

ZimEye: Did you manage to get that (other) doctor?

Matemadanda: I am still to contact him I was still trying to reach him.

ZimEye: Are you sure this was poison and was not an allergic reaction?

Matemadanda: Aaah, other tests indicate to that [effect].
ZimEye: They indicate to an allergy?

Matemadanda: No, to some poison.

ZimEye: Is there a name for the poison?

Matemadanda: Aaah, it’s a gas they said they will confirm for me by about Tuesday, I don’t know after analysing.
ZimEye: By Tuesday?
Matemadanda: It’s a gas which they are saying entered my body.

ZimEye: And you suppose that gas was released from the assailant’s palm?
Matemandanda: I did not see…it was so swift the person came saying they want to remove something from my cap. Upon that moment that is when I inhaled. At one time I thought they were removing an insect and it was the insect that was smelling, but I later realised that it something else when it began reacting.

ZimEye: And you smelt something strong upon that moment?

Matemadanda: Yes, yes, yes, right there. Not strong to the point of realising what it was.
Do you know these green insects [ zvipembenene]? So I thought that because we are now in November, ~I thought it was that insect.

ZimEye: It was a chipembenene on top of the cap?
Matemandanda: No, I did not see it. The man just said there is something on top of your cap, so I just assumed when I smelt the strong scent, as the man indicated.

ZimEye: And have you ever reacted to a chipembenene?

Matemadanda: Aah, no.

ZimEye: I am just assuming it was.

Matemadanda: Aaah, no. I think it was…It’s just that when it happened it was unexpected, I only realised upon recollection that on top of the cap there was nothing because I had just come out of the hall where the president was addressing. I did not go elsewhere. So I had only escorted him to the car.

ZimEye: So you had gone back to sit down?

Matemadanda: I did not even go back to sit down, I was now going to my own car, when I started feeling funny, I rushed to go sit inside the car. I felt a dizziness, what was like a flue, or something so I thought it was a reaction to the smell; I rushed to go into the car and said to my boys let’s go into the car. But it just continued getting worse, because there developed an element of hunger, so I told them go buy me some sadza at OK Supermarket there, but when I began eating that is when I started vomiting, so ….

ZimEye: But when this person came to touch you were sat down?

Matemandanda: No, President had finished addressing. That is when I escorted him to his car, to see him off, so when I left to go to my own car, that is when this man came saying: Cde there is something on top of your cap, so he opened his palm saying he is removing something; He was enlarging the veranda (of my cap), that is when I inhaled that gas, and I felt it was something unusual, there is an odour which I did not understand, but I was not quick to realise it could be something dangerous, that is when I thought ‘it is a chipembenene, I don’t know.’ But the reaction just developed gradually.

ZimEye: Do you think we could get video footage?

Matemadanda: Aaaah, because president had already left, and the camera people usually only focus on the president, I don’t know but I asked for them . I don’t know if we will find the footage.

ZimEye: Then suddenly you were now hungry; when was the last time you had had some food?

Matemadanda: I had breakfast, when I got to the meeting I had told myself I would not eat in public, but I drank water which I had carried with me to the meeting. And I did not eat anything, and there is no one whose hand I shook, and I did not drink any water there.

ZimEye: But this hunger you insist it came from that smell, that powder?

Matemadanda: I wouldn’t, me I am diabetic, but I am not (sic)…but when I became hungry, I never thought it was something abnormal, because hunger was not as extensive to the point where I would scream for food to be bought, normally I would ask to drive home to eat there.

But I actually bought sadza at OK, but I don’t know how it is connected, for to say what, I don’t know.

ZimEye: Suddenly you are confused?

Matemadanda: Yes, there was some lapsing like as if I want to sleep, or some confusion that is mild, such that if you force to gather strength it could come back, but some laziness suddenly became the order of the day.

ZimEye: And that came from that very moment just after the person had touched your cap, that is when you became confused?

Matemadanda: Aaaaah, I … it was sort of a gradual thing that was happening as I was moving and responding to this thing, but in the final analysis, I could see while walking it’s like I want to forget this and that. I could not make up how that was now happening. So I was forcing myself to be normal, but knowing that there is a dizziness, a confusion, what what what.

ZimEye: If ZBC had published or broadcast especially this statement on poison, do you feel that there would be a more diligent search to establish who did this?

Matemadanda: I had never…in fact I had never because what I know is that these things end up in some hands where a lot of speculation emerges. It might end up creating enemies for me because what happens is people start following scenarios and going …

Even vaChinamasa paya pavakataura (when he said) … I was saying it shouldn’t be a thing that is trying to confirm the speculation that is around. Because what I know is the narratives that will be drawn, will end up creating enmity with people unnecessarily. So even as it is now I was going to respond today, but I would not give them a statement, I don’t want.

ZimEye: You want to wait for the tests on Tuesday?

Matemadanda: I want to see, but all the same I am getting myself treated, so, I don’t see the need and use, otherwise it is just a learning curve where I should try and be more cautious; But otherwise I don’t want to be all hyper about it and the speculative reporting that is accompanying it because in the end there is nothing that it gives me, apart from people creating their narratives; if I once quarelled with someone and so forth.

FULL INTERVIEW AUDIO STREAMED ON ZIMEYE.COM

NewsDay

THE Zimbabwe Prisons and Correctional Services (ZPCS) has admitted that there is overcrowding at Chikurubi Maximum Prison after lawyers yesterday visited the prison following an order by High Court judge Justice Siyabonga Msithu on November 20.

This was after Taurai Dodzo, an inmate at Chikurubi Prison was assisted by the Human Rights NGO Forum and the Civil Division of the Attorney General’s Office to compel authorities to make investigative visits to prisons, and to ensure the ZPCS provides water and medication to inmates.

The applicants represented by Wilbert Mandinde and Chris Mhike of Atherstone and Cook Legal Practitioners were advised of overcrowding within the prison system as Chikurubi currently exceeds its holding capacity by more than 1 000 inmates.

Chikurubi Prison officer-in-charge Assistant Commissioner George Mutimbanyoka told the lawyers that despite the overcrowding, they could not turn away new inmates that the courts refer to them.

Dodzo, through his lawyers, complained of a diarrhoea outbreak and shortage of bath water at the prison.

He also said he was being punished for making the application and had been moved to a cell whose toilet was not working, and where all inmates used a bucket which would be emptied when the cells are opened after having spent 17 hours locked in there.

The forum wants Finance minister Mthuli Ncube to avail sufficient resources to the ZPCS for the upkeep of the prison as well as for the construction of more prisons to deal with overcrowding.

Justice Msithu is expected to receive a report of the visit tomorrow.

THE Thokozani Khupe-led MDC-T has plunged further into chaos with Elias Mudzuri, one of the party presidential hopefuls, rubbishing calls by some of the party bigwigs to hold a virtual extraordinary congress.

Mudzuri yesterday described the decision by some of the presidential hopefuls to hold a virtual congress as “unacceptable and impossible”.

MDC T secretary-general Douglas Mwonzora last week said the party was mulling a virtual extraordinary congress to elect a replacement of the late former party leader Morgan Tsvangirai, who succumbed to colon cancer in February 2018.

He argued that the congress should be held virtually as it was now difficult to assemble over
4 000 delegates for the congress due to strict COVID-19 lockdown regulations that prohibit gatherings.

Mwonzora said another option would be to decentralise the congress.

But Mudzuri told NewsDay that the move was a ploy to disenfranchise thousands of potential delegates, a position that has exposed deep-rooted divisions in the battle to replace Tsvangirai.

The extraordinary congress is scheduled for December 12 to 20.

“The proposed virtual voting at the MDC’s extraordinary congress is unacceptable and is not an option. It disenfranchises many delegates who don’t have appropriate phones,” Mudzuri said.

“Virtual voting cannot happen because of obstacles. We don’t have technology that can sustain that virtual process. We need something that is workable for the rural and urban structures to work with,” he said.

“People cannot afford data costs right now and the worst problem is who is responsible for running that virtual process? Who can run that? Who is independent?”

Mudzuri said there was need for comprehensive debate on the matter to deal with all issues that may affect the running of the extraordinary congress.

“It is something that came for debate and we are talking of a national election to choose a leader of the opposition so this is subject for debate.”

The party has been hard hit by internal conflicts since March on how best to proceed with the congress.

Accusations have been made against Mwonzora of late over his handling of the process, but the party secretary-general has on several occasions rubbished the claims.

The party was forced to set aside provincial nominations for candidates ahead of congress. The four candidates are Khupe, Mwonzora, Mudzuri and Morgen Komichi.

Abednico Bhebhe, the party national organising secretary, who had thrown his hat in the ring ahead of the extraordinary congress, was fired for allegedly challenging the processes leading to the extraordinary congress in the courts.

– News Day

ZANU PF is holding its Politburo meeting today at its headquarters in Harare.

In a statement, the party’s acting secretary for Information and Publicity Cde Patrick Chinamasa urged members to be punctual.

“The secretary for Administration Cde Dr OM Mpofu wishes to advise all members that there shall be a Politburo meeting to be held on Wednesday 25 November 2020 at the home of the People’s Revolution ZANU PF Headquarters commencing 10am,” reads the statement.

All members are expected to be seated by 9.45am.

A number of issues, including the ongoing District Coordinating Committee (DCC) elections, that have exposed serious factional fights in the party would be discussed.

This comes as the countdown to the highly-divisive DCC elections has been marred by allegations of dirty money changing hands — amid unproven claims that remnants of the party’s vanquished Generation 40 (G40) faction are burning the midnight oil to influence the outcome of the polls, in an alleged bid to engineer their political comeback.

Amid the fierce tussling over the DCCs, Zanu PF insiders have previously indicated that ambitious bigwigs were fighting to influence the outcome of the internal polls which, when fully constituted, would elect the ruling party’s provincial executives.

The party has already put in place DCC structures in Harare and Bulawayo, with the restructuring of the two metropolitan provinces already underway.

DCCs were reintroduced after the party dissolved Harare and Bulawayo provincial party structures.

State Media

Existing lockdown and public health regulations are being more strictly enforced, with hundreds of arrests already made this week, while emergency funds are being spent at needy schools to further upgrade sanitation to control any spike in Covid-19 infections.

While no new measures have yet been introduced, the Government made it clear yesterday that all the regulations already in place had to be followed and enforced to prevent any further rise in infection rates and that the complacency seen growing recently had to be resisted.

Since March, Zimbabwe has recorded 9 398 Covid-19 positive cases, but 8 297 recovered while 274 died.

Yesterday alone, 90 new cases were recorded, all of them being local transmissions, and one death.

Speaking after yesterday’s Cabinet meeting, Environment, Climate, Tourism and Hospitality Industry Minister Mangaliso Ndlovu said Cabinet was concerned over the recent increase in Covid-19 cases and wanted better enforcement of existing rules.

“The enforcement of lockdown measures will be intensified henceforth. It should be emphasised that where there is non-compliance to these regulations, the law enforcement agencies will not hesitate to enforce the penalties prescribed,” said Minister Ndlovu.

“Cabinet reiterates that the lockdown and curfew measures previously announced are still subsisting.”

While most of the economy has been reopened in phases, subject to rules involving masking, scanning of temperatures, sanitising hands and social distancing, the curfew is still in place for non-essential workers between 10pm and 6am and public bars, night clubs, beerhalls, casinos, betting shops and theatres are still not permitted to operate.

Weddings are still limited to 50 people and church services to 100 people.

Cabinet was assured that Natpharm and private companies had adequate stocks for the prevention, treatment and supportive management of Covid-19 and that the testing and tracing of contacts of infected people would continue.

Minister Ndlovu said not all children were back at school but adequate measures had been put in place to ensure there would no spike in infections.

“Cabinet notes that a number of Covid-19 positive cases were reported at learning institutions following the full re-opening of schools. The nation is advised that measures have been put in place to strengthen protective and preventative measures in boarding school environments.”

The Ministry of Primary and Secondary Education, with technical support from the Ministry of Health and Child Care, was working on minimising the risk of infections in boarding schools with authorities reviewing the carrying capacity of hostels, inspection of boarding facilities and training of hostel matrons, boarding staff andkitchen staff.

“In order to guarantee fresh water to schools in need, Cabinet reports that $150 million was released to the Ministry of Primary and Secondary Education for the drilling of boreholes.”

Police road blocks lifted recently are now returning and there are reports that hundreds of people have had to pay fines this week for not wearing masks. But National police spokesperson Assistant Commissioner Paul Nyathi yesterday said police were still compiling figures of the number of people arrested this week for failure to comply with lockdown regulations.

There have been in recent weeks reports that complacency has been creeping into society, with a lot of people disregarding mitigatory measures after the World Health Organisation commended Government for the way it has handled the pandemic so far.

The measures taken by Zimbabwe were proved effective by the 26 percent drop in total deaths in the first eight months of this year compared to the same eight months last year, as the public health measures to combat Covid-19 worked on a lot of other infections and diseases.

Health and Child Care Minister Vice President Constantino Chiwenga has already warned that the early successes in the fight against Covid-19 should not be mistaken for a total victory against the global pandemic.

Meanwhile, the Deputy Minister of Health and Child Care Dr John Mangwiro said the best medicine was prevention and implored continuous adherence to regulations.

“If you check internationally, the Covid-19 virus is raging like a veld fire. Our cases are surging so that is the reason we are stressing that people should continue the proper wearing of face masks and adherence to protocols.

“As Government, we are increasing our testing and upscaling contact tracing. We will make sure that people are aware of the threat of the pandemic,” said Dr Mangwiro.

Paul Nyathi

Expanding gold mining in Zimbabwe is key to President Emmerson Mnangagwa’s plans to revitalise the country’s economy, especially at a time when the price of the metal is soaring on world markets.

But violence and turmoil are disrupting the sector and the government’s centralised selling system is leading to lost tax revenue and foreign exchange.

Joining calls for reforms coming from within Zimbabwe is a new report published by the Brussels-based International Crisis Group (ICG), which summarises the challenges and outlines steps which the government, mining companies, civil society and international actors could take to meet them.

Issues highlighted by the report:

• Artisanal and small-scale miners who dig with little or no machinery and often without licences – and who produce 63 percent of reported gold production – are attacked and killed by armed “machete gangs” intent on taking over their diggings or simply robbing them.
•  Ruling party politicians have been accused of backing illegally encroaching artisanal miners or even machete gangs. There is also tension between artisanal miners and the industrial mining companies that hold most exploration rights.
•  Adding to the sector’s woes, miners are forced to sell through a subsidiary of the country’s central bank, which often pays late and at rates substantially below the world gold price. This encourages smuggling and it is estimated that more than $1.5 billion worth of gold leaves Zimbabwe illegally each year, often for Dubai.

Among the ICG’s recommendations for action:

•  The government should include give artisanal mining cooperatives legal standing, pay gold producers at world prices to reduce smuggling and strengthening mining dispute resolution mechanisms;
•  Mining companies should cooperate with artisanal miners;
•  Bodies representing artisanal miners should professionalised;
•  Multiultilateral organisations such as the International Monetary Fund – and South Africa – should include metrics on mining when assessing Zimbabwe’s reform efforts.

Read the executive summary of the report.

Read the full report.

The councillor for Ward 36 in Chizungu, Mberengwa Alderman Nephat Shumba (78) has died.

Shumba’s bicycle fell off a bridge on November 9, 2020 as he was coming from Fonex Shops along Mberengwa-Dolo Road.

He sustained serious head injuries and was pronounced dead the next day at Mpilo Hospital in Bulawayo. He was buried on November 12, 2020 in his home area in Chizungu.

He is survived by six children and grandchildren. He was councilor from March 29, 2008 until he died.

Mberengwa Rural District Council Chief Executive Officer, Thompson Maeresa described the late as a hardworking man.

“I have known Alderman Shumba as a hardworking councillor. I had been in the same meeting two days before his tragic death. The ward has been robbed of a wonderful man,” said Maeresera.

District Development Coordinator Nyede Ndeya described the death as a blow to the district.

He thanked MP Joram Gumbo assisting at the funeral.
-Masvingo Mirror

The government has laid out COVID-19 preventive measures in boarding schools, while enforcement of regulations will be tightened amid fears of a second wave of the coronavirus.

Within the past week, the country has recorded over two hundred positive cases of the virus, with a worrying trend being reported in schools and tertiary institutions.

John Tallach and Matobo High Schools, in that order, Matebeleland North and South provinces have since been sealed off after recording 184 and 10 coronavirus cases.

In a post-cabinet briefing this Tuesday, the government announced that the Ministry of Primary and Secondary Education with technical support from the Ministry of Health and Child Care is organising logistics for implementing the following practical measures to minimise the recurrence of the John Tallach School experience in other boarding schools;

reviewing the maximum carrying capacity of all boarding hostels;conducting a detailed inspection of boarding facilities;targeted training of hostel matron, boarding masters as well as kitchen staff.

Cabinet reiterates that the lockdown and curfew measures previously announced are still subsisting. It noted.

It should be noted that public bars, night clubs, beerhalls, casinos, betting shops and theatres are still not permitted to operate.The nation is informed that gatherings are still limited to two (2) persons, while authorised events such as weddings and church congregation as are limited to fifty (50) and one hundred (100) persons, respectively.The enforcement of lockdown measures will be intensified henceforth.It should be emphasized that where there is non-compliance to these regulations the low enforcement agencies will not hesitate to enforce the penalties prescribed.With the festive season fast approaching, the public is advised to take all the necessary precautions to prevent a surge in COVID-19 positive cases.Those visiting the country should undergo COVID-19 tests in their countries of origin and bring valid COVID-19 negative results obtained within 48 hours of departure in line with WHO protocols.

The government also announced that there shall be a robust awareness creation programme under which the engagement of communities is being strengthened.

Cabinet also advised that Natpharm and private companies have adequate stocks of most medicines and drugs required for the prevention, treatment and supportive management of COVID-19.

The government also said stocks of PPE are also sufficient to meet demand.-ZBC News

Tinashe Sambiri | Former ZRP Senior Assistant Edmore Veterai has died.

Veterai collapsed and died in Chiredzi on Monday afternoon.

“Veterai is known for :
Impounding the the late Morgan Tsvangirai’s bullet proof BMW in Lupane. The car is said to be Lupane Business Centre.

He was in charge of Operation Murambatsvina which left many homeless.

Making it difficult for the opposition to campaign in Matabeleland North.

May his soul rest in eternal peace,” a former MDC MP posted on Facebook.

Tinashe Sambiri|The MDC Alliance has strongly condemned the killing of innocent citizens in Uganda.

37 citizens were shot dead by Yoweri Kaguta Museveni’s security offices last week.

Read full statement below:
The MDC Alliance condemns the recent state-sponsored violence in Uganda.

The violence resulted in the arbitrary arrest of opposition figures including National Unity Platform (NUP) presidential candidate, Mr Robert Kyagulanyi Ssentamu popularly known as “Bobi Wine”. The violent arrests were effected under the pretext of enforcing COVID 19 rules.

However, the disproportionate use of force by the security forces resulted in the death of more than 37 unarmed civilians while many were injured.

Elections continue to be highly contentious in authoritarian states across the continent including in Zimbabwe.

Fascist regimes including Uganda and Zimbabwe are invoking the COVID 19 pandemic as an excuse to stifle dissent. Opposition leaders and supporters are constantly targeted for harassment, assault, arbitrary arrests, abductions and extrajudicial killings among other human rights violations.

These atrocities violate national constitutions, regional and continental law including the African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights and the African Charter on Democracy, Elections and Governance. These legal instruments guarantee political rights and multiparty democracy. Similar state-sponsored violence in the context of elections was witnessed in Tanzania and the Ivory Coast following their recent disputed electoral processes.

Political competition and plurality are the hallmark of a democratic society and must be celebrated and embraced as key stimulants for societal development. We call upon Ugandan authorities to take sufficient measures to ensure that the upcoming January 2021 elections are held in line with democratic principles and the electoral playing field is levelled to allow fair electoral competition where all political parties have unfettered access to potential voters and the will of the people prevails.

We further call upon the East African Community, the African Union and the rest of the international community to take proactive measures to ensure the conflict in Uganda does not further deteriorate and the January 2021 elections are held in line with domestic and international law governing the conduct of democratic elections.-MDC Alliance

Tinashe Sambiri|An irate Masvingo woman bashed controversial cleric, Isaac Makomichi for allegedly giving love charm to a “small house” who snatched the lady’s husband, it has emerged.

It has been a bad week for the controversial preacher who was reportedly booed at a shopping centre in Masvingo.

According to impeccable sources, the said woman confronted Makomichi and accused him of using juju to destroy her marriage.It is understood the small house who snatched the woman’s husband is a member of Makomichi’s church.

“The angry woman confronted the prophet and slapped him for destroying her marriage.He tried to explain his position to her but she would not listen,” a source said.

The husband also reportedly sold his belongings and gave all the money to the said “small house.”

Contacted for a comment on the matter, Makomichi said :” Sorry I am in a meeting, I will call you back later.”

Tinashe Sambiri|A self-declared war veteran threatened to shoot MDC Alliance councillor for ward 18, Chiredzi West, Gilbert Mutubuki following skirmishes over the distribution of land.

Members of the MDC Alliance youth assembly and the People-Power movement
challenged the partisan distribution of land in the area, arguing the process should done in an objective manner.

During the heated argument, a war veteran threatened to shoot Councillor Mutubuki, Makomborero Haruzivishe and representatives of the People-Power movement.

See report below:

We were mobilising People-Power to confront corruption involving land distribution in Chiredzi West, Ward 8.

War veterans were distributing land on partisan basis and leaving out women and youths under the pretext that they were opposition supporters.

The war veterans were also giving land to those who already own multiple farms.

So the People-Power Movement went on Saturday 22 November to distribute 150 hectares of land to the people.

The exercise was very successful but was however disturbed towards the end when Zanu PF youths and war veterans came to violently disrupt the process. However, they were stopped by vigilant youths.

Tinashe Sambiri|The MDC Alliance has strongly condemned the killing of innocent citizens in Uganda.

37 citizens were shot dead by Yoweri Kaguta Museveni’s security offices last week.

Read full statement below:
The MDC Alliance condemns the recent state-sponsored violence in Uganda.

The violence resulted in the arbitrary arrest of opposition figures including National Unity Platform (NUP) presidential candidate, Mr Robert Kyagulanyi Ssentamu popularly known as “Bobi Wine”. The violent arrests were effected under the pretext of enforcing COVID 19 rules.

However, the disproportionate use of force by the security forces resulted in the death of more than 37 unarmed civilians while many were injured.

Elections continue to be highly contentious in authoritarian states across the continent including in Zimbabwe.

Fascist regimes including Uganda and Zimbabwe are invoking the COVID 19 pandemic as an excuse to stifle dissent.

Opposition leaders and supporters are constantly targeted for harassment, assault, arbitrary arrests, abductions and extrajudicial killings among other human rights violations.

These atrocities violate national constitutions, regional and continental law including the African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights and the African Charter on Democracy, Elections and Governance.

These legal instruments guarantee political rights and multiparty democracy. Similar state-sponsored violence in the context of elections was witnessed in Tanzania and the Ivory Coast following their recent disputed electoral processes.

Political competition and plurality are the hallmark of a democratic society and must be celebrated and embraced as key stimulants for societal development. We call upon Ugandan authorities to take sufficient measures to ensure that the upcoming January 2021 elections are held in line with democratic principles and the electoral playing field is levelled to allow fair electoral competition where all political parties have unfettered access to potential voters and the will of the people prevails.

We further call upon the East African Community, the African Union and the rest of the international community to take proactive measures to ensure the conflict in Uganda does not further deteriorate and the January 2021 elections are held in line with domestic and international law governing the conduct of democratic elections.-MDC Alliance

MASOTSHA INTERVIEW https://t.co/0oGUY2MFHg

— ZimEye (@ZimEye) November 24, 2020

MDC Alliance vice president, Hon Tendai Biti speaks on state of the country’s economy:watch video loading below. ..