ZimEye

Mwonzora Accuses Chamisa Of Planning Harvest House Takeover

By A Correspondent- The reinstated interim Secretary-General of the opposition MDC-T, Senator Douglas Mwonzora has accused Nelson Chamisa leader of the MDC Alliance of planning the repossession of the Harvest House by the MDC Alliance.

The premises, now known as Morgan Tsvangirai House has for months now been used by the MDC-T after taking it over from MDC Alliance with the assistance of the state army.

Mwonzora’s remarks come after reports which suggest that some MDC-T youths on Sunday connived with MDC Alliance youths to transfer the premises to MDC Alliance.

Addressing members of the media after visiting the building, Mwonzora said they will take the premises back. He said:

It is a question of time we are going to take our property back and we are taking it today. They are Mr, Chamisa people he arranged it we know that. These people were organised and funded by G40 to take over our building, they have taken it unlawfully and violently.

We are not going to listen to any demands they are not in a position to make any demands they are in a weak position legally or physically. It is very different in the sense that we had a court order allowing us to occupy our building peacefully. There are people who have been held hostage and there are people inside who are from the MDC Alliance.

Tensions between the two factions have been worsening lately as the leaders are seemingly not enthusiastic about resolving the issues amicably.

Chamisa has since 2018 been wrangling with MDC-T leader Thokozani Khupe to replace the MDC’s founding leader the late Morgan Tsvangirai who succumbed to cancer in 2018.

The Supreme Court, ruling on the MDC’s ongoing leadership crisis said Khupe was the legitimate leader further enhancing the rift between the MDC factions as many aligned to Chamisa refused to accept Khupe as their leader.

Teachers Stay Away From Duty In Numbers As Schools Open

Paul Nyathi

SCHOOL teachers around the country failed to turn up for duty on Monday heeding to boycott calls by their various unions.

The teachers are demanding a US$550 salary.

Teachers unions confirmed nearly all their members did not report for duty on Monday.

The Amalgamated Rural Teachers Union of Zimbabwe (ARTUZ) said only one percent of its members reported for duty in Matabeleland North following the resumption of Zimbabwe Schools Examinations Council (ZIMSEC) examinations classes.

“Teachers failed to turn up for duty. A survey conducted by the ARTUZ today (Monday) revealed that about 5% of teachers showed up in Mashonaland East and Matabeleland North was the worst hit with around 1 percent of our teachers showing up for duty.

“We still urge the government to engage teachers so that normalcy can be restored in our schools. Teachers should be paid a living wage and we still demand US$520 for all teachers,” said Masaraure.

The Progressive Teachers Union of Zimbabwe (PTUZ) also said about 95 percent of its membership failed to report for duty.

“The response of the first day of opening was very encouraging. There was over 95 percent upsets of teacher in schools, confirming what we have highlighted to the government that teachers are incapacitated and that teachers could not be so silly to leave their own children at home whilst they are going to school to teach other people’s children.

“The fees that have been increased from $25 000 to $60 000 are beyond the reach of all the teachers who are now earning about $2 600 after funeral deductions of over $1 000 this month.

“So, it is clear that the teachers have spoken and their poverty and misery have shown beyond doubt that they are incapacitated and in the majority of schools even some heads failed to turn up because they are incapacitated and where a few heads turned up, they decided to send children home,” said PTUZ president Takavafira Zhou.

The ZCTU backed the teachers strike. Watch video downloading below:

State Security Minister, Owen Ncube, Says MDC Alliance Is Smuggling Guns Into The Country To Wage War

Paul Nyathi

Zimbabwe’s state security minister on Monday alleged a plot by “rogue elements” in the opposition working with Western governments to smuggle in guns and foment chaos,signalling another possible crackdown.

Without providing evidence, Owen Ncube told reporters the plot was part of a wider plan to oust President Emmerson Mnangagwa and his government illegally.

Similar accusations have been made against the opposition in the past since the time of former President Robert Mugabe, usually as a precursor to a crackdown.

The main opposition Movement for Democratic Change’s (MDC) treasurer David Coltart said the allegations were false.

“We are committed to non violence,” he tweeted.

Accused of being no better than the authoritarian Mugabe, the Mnangagwa government has since July detained and charged several politicians, anti-government activists and a journalist, accusing them of inciting violence and planning protests.

That has drawn criticism from Western embassies in Harare.

“Some rogue elements among us are conniving with some hostile Western governments to smuggle guns and set up so-called Democratic Resistance Committees, that are for all intents and purposes violent militia groups,” Ncube said.

“These plans are key components of ‘Operation Light House’, the brainchild of one Western power that seeks to destroy the democratic foundations of Zimbabwe, make the country ungovernable and justify foreign intervention,” he said, without naming the country accused.

In Zimbabwe, state security ministers rarely hold press conferences and Ncube declined to take questions.

His comments came after the National Security Council in July denied that Mnangagwa faced a military coup.

He faces growing anger over the worst economic crisis in more than a decade, marked by inflation above 700% and shortages of foreign currency and medicines in public hospitals.

Ncube denied opposition charges that state security agents were abducting and torturing activists.

Watch video downloading below:

*Reuters*

Long Serving Chishawasha Mission High School Headmaster Dies

State Media

The headmaster of Chishawasha Boarding School, Mr Simon Muzanenhamo Tizora, has died.

He was 62.

Mr Tizora passed away yesterday at West End Clinic in Harare.

He was born on January 24, 1958 in Zvimba Murombedzi and attended Kaondera Primary School in the area.

Mr Tizora did his secondary education at St Phillips Magwenya in Guruve before enrolling at Nyadire Teacher’s College in Mutoko.

On graduation, he taught at St Joseph’s in Rusape before being transferred to Holy Rosary in Mvurwi.

Mr Tizora was then transferred to St Joseph’s Chishawasha and after a very good work he was transferred to Chishawasha Boarding School where he was promoted to be the headmaster.

At Chishawasha, Mr Tizora worked hard and oversaw the building of morden girls’ hostels, working together with Father Fidelis Mukonori to source funds and manpower.

Mr Tizora died at as the work was moving towards completion.

Speaking on his death, Father Mukonori said: “I am so down and pained by his death, but I have no doubt that he will be by the side of the Lord. I saw him four days ago at the hospital. Tizora had never been in hospital all his life, this was his first time and the last time.

“Tizora was happy that we spoke when I visited the hospital. He had a passion to develop the school. He was the head at ST Joseph, then we moved together to Chishawasha Mission.”

Father Mukonori said developments at Chishawasha would not have been possible without Mr Tizora.

He said Mr Tizora was highly professional.

“Everybody loved him,” he said. “The Angels in heaven have gained and here on earth we have lost a true educationist. He was a good Catholic.”

Dr Tizora said his brother will be buried in Zvimba tomorrow.

“We have lost a hero, a friend a brother and indeed a teacher,” he said. “My heart is so heavy and I cannot say much. Only God knows why and only God will comfort us.”

Mr Tizora is survived by his wife Annamore Tizora and four children, two boys and two girls.

10 Covid-19 Doctors From China Jet In To Take Charge At Parirenyatwa Hospital

State Media

A 10-member Chinese team of specialist doctors has arrived in the country and will be stationed at Parirenyatwa Group of Hospitals for the next 12 months.

The doctors will be assisting their counterparts in Zimbabwe in fighting against the spread of Covid-19, which has ravaged the world this year, killing nearly one million people. The team of specialists doctors is the 18th medical team from China.

They were welcomed at the Robert Mugabe International Airport by the Chinese Deputy Ambassador to Zimbabwe Mr Zhao Baogang and acting chief director Curative Services in the Ministry of Health and Child Care Dr Maxwell Hove.

Dr Hove said relations between Zimbabwe and China in the medical field were continuing to grow.

“We have very strong relations with China in the medical field and as you are aware, this is the 18th medical team from China to visit Zimbabwe. The 17th team will be leaving this Friday,” said Dr Hove.

Captain of the medical team who is the deputy chief physician in the Radiology Department of the Zhuzhou Central Hospital, Dr Luo Weiqiang, said the team was in the country to continue assisting in the fight against Covid-19.

“We want to assist Zimbabwe in the fight against Covid-19 as well as explore other areas in the traditional medicine field.

“We will also focus on the promotion of the Chinese Traditional Medicine,’’ he said.

Among the 10 specialists is Dr Sung Shuang, a physician and traditional medicine specialist who will also be assisting at the recently launched Zimbabwe-China Traditional Chinese Medicine and Acupuncture Centre.

“We Act To Unite Our Leadership, Our Support Base And Zimbabweans At Large,” MDC Youth Brave Police To Issue Press Statement

Paul Nyathi

Paul Gorekore, the MDC-T’s youth leader for Harare province exhibited massive bravery disregarding heavy police presence outside Harvest House on Monday to speak to journalists – separated by burglar bars – while surrounded by dozens of youths from both the MDC-T and the MDC Alliance.

The statement accused Thokozani Khupe leader of the reconstituted MDC-T of 2014 of having been “infiltrated and captured by Zanu PF elements battling to destroy the people’s movement.”

Here is Gorekore’s statement in full:

“We the young people of the Movement for Democratic Change (Harare province) united together to finish the people’s democratic revolution.

As the first line of defence of the party, the vanguards of democracy and the custodians of the party and its future we have assumed all security duties of the Party HQ MRT House.

This was necessitated by our realisation on the need to unite the people in the fight for a better Zimbabwe and defend the civilian space in the face of military state capture.

We as the youths of the party as per 2014 structures, we have decided to go beyond our differences and unite to resolve the current crisis. We have been concerned by the recent developments where the party had been infiltrated and captured by Zanu PF elements battling to destroy the People’s movement thereby aiding the suffering of the masses.

This act of bravery was necessitated by the need to protect our beloved movement and the Zimbabwean people’s fight for better lives.

As young people we will remain guided by the organs of the party in particular the National Council as we re-establish the will of MDC leaders, members, supporters and Zimbabweans at large.

We have noted the attempt to surrender the Democratic project into the hands of the enemy.

Individuals have been making decisions without the mandate of the Zimbabwean voters, districts, provinces, the party’s National Executive and National Council organs which have not set since the Supreme Court judgment.

The party has been infiltrated by sell-outs with an agenda to derail our freedom.

It therefore follows that we act to unite our leadership, our support base and Zimbabweans at large and ensure the Vision of Dr Morgan Tsvangirai lives on across generations.

We furthermore urge the Zimbabwe Republic Police to desist from interfering in MDC internal political affairs and immediately vacate our headquarters. We also urge all youths to maintain discipline and peace as we await the party national executive and national council meeting to map the political way forward.

This is not a one generation move movement. We will define, defend and secure our future.

Thank you.”

24 New Covid-19 Cases Recorded As Recovery Rate Remains At A Worrisome 78%

COVID-19 confirmed cases have reached 7 812 in Zimbabwe with reports that nine more people tested positive in the last 24 hours.

Since the outbreak of the global disease on March 20, 227 people have died in the country and 6 106 have recovered.

According to the Ministry of Health and Child Care the national recovery rate stands at 78 percent.

Of the new cases, one was recorded in Bulawayo Province, three in Harare, four in Manicaland and one in Mashonaland Central.

“Nine new Covid-19 cases and no deaths were reported in the last 24 hours and the 7-day rolling average for new cases now stands at 18 down from 19. We also recorded 39 new recoveries and active cases go down to 1 479 today,” read the Ministry statement.

“As of September 27, Zimbabwe has 7 812 cases, 6 106 recoveries and 227 deaths.”

Bulawayo has a total of 1 438 cases, 43 deaths with 1 294 recoveries while Matabeleland North 133 cases, three deaths and 126 recoveries.

Matabeleland South on the other hand has 777 cases, seven deaths and 587 recoveries.

Rita Makarau Amongst Judges Being Interviewed For The Constitutional Court

Paul Nyathi

Public interviews for Constitutional Court judges have been underway through the day on Monday and likely to stretch into the night at a hotel in Harare.

There judicial services commission received 13 nominations and successful candidates from the interviews will fill up the five available spots.

Chief Justice Luke Malaba is presiding over the interviews being conducted by the entire Judical Services Commissioners.

The Supreme Court and Constitutional Court benches were split in May this year in compliance to the 2013 constitution which stipulates the separation of personnel manning the two courts.

Initially, the Judicial Services Commission were supposed to hold these interviews in the first week of September but they postponed seeking to ensure that Covid-19 regulations are well adhered to.

Justices David George Bartlett (Rtd), Energy Chinembiri Bhunu, Donald Stevenson Corke, Paddington Shadreck Garwe, Anne-Mary Gowora, Ben Hlatshwayo, Charles Hungwe, Rita Tambudzai Makarau, Smart Mirirai, Bharat Patel, Happias Zhou and lawyer Arnold Tsunga were initially listed as applicants.

However, it has emerged that Justice Donald Stevenson Corke is out of the country and will not be able to attend the interview, while Justice Charles Hungwe is also said to have pulled out of the race.

The bench will be comprised of seven judges, Chief Justice Luke Malaba and his deputy Justice Elizabeth Gwaunza who have automatic seats as per regulations as well those who will emerge successful from the ongoing process.

Former Police Spokesperson Charity Charamba Deployed As An Ambassador With Former PG Johannes Tomana

President Mnangagwa has appointed five new ambassadors to replace those who have been recalled or retired.

Those who have been appointed are former Prosecutor-General Johannes Tomana, who has been deployed to the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), former Zimbabwe’s Permanent Representative to the United Nations (UN) Ambassador Taonga Mushayavanhu has been re-deployed to Ethiopia, while former Zimbabwe’s ambassador to the United States Ammon Mutembwa will become the country’s ambassador to Belgium.

Former police spokesperson Mrs Charity Angeline Charamba is the country’s new ambassador to Zambia while former Special Advisor in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Trade Stuart Harold Comberbach is now the Permanent Representative to the United Nations in Geneva, Switzerland.

Shock: Uncle Connived In Murewa Brutal Ritual Murder Of 7 Year Old Boy

POLICE yesterday arrested another suspect for allegedly killing a seven-year-old boy Tapiwa Makore from Murewa.

National police spokesperson Assistant Commissioner Paul Nyathi said the uncle to the deceased is alleged to have worked with one Tafadzwa Shamba in killing the seven-year-old-boy.

Shamba has since been arrested.

“Police have arrested the deceased’s uncle in connection with the murder incident. He was arrested yesterday. Allegations are that the uncle assisted Tafadzwa Shamba in this case and he is the one who took the head to a witch doctor.

“Police are now looking for the witch doctor,” he said.

Tapiwa went missing on September 17 after he was allegedly kidnapped while looking after his parents’ garden.

His body was found the following morning, with some parts, including the head missing.

India Cuts Middlemen In Drugs Supply To Zimbabwe

State Media

India has proposed a facility that will enable Zimbabwe to buy essential drugs and medicines direct from it saving the country millions of dollars by circumventing middlemen while five ambulances will be delivered before the end of October , a diplomat has said.

Handing over a consignment of medical products worth USD$300 000 to National Pharmaceutical Company in Harare yesterday, Indian Ambassador to Zimbabwe Mr Masakui Rangsung said this will result in the country buying medicines directly from India at wholesale price.

“I understand that only 20 percent of drugs are locally manufacture and the remaining 80 percent is imported. Sixty percent of the imported drugs comes from India therefore, this move will ensure a steady supply of pharmaceutical products,” he said.

Ambassador Masakui said India was committed to helping Zimbabwe fight the Covid-19 pandemic.

“I would like to reiterate that, even as India struggles under this situation, our Prime Minister firmly believes and is committed to supporting our friendly countries as this fight calls for global cooperation.”

The consignment handed over yesterday had 134 items of medical products and the fifth tranche of medicines will soon be shipped with a cold chain facility.

“I would also like to update on the progress of 10 ambulances for donation to Zimbabwe. They are in the process of assembling…Hopefully by end of October at least five units should be ready for handover.

Speaking at the same event, Health and Childcare Deputy Minister Dr Chamunorwa Mangwiro, thanked India for the donation welcomed the proposal saying government will consider the idea which would also strengthen bilateral relations between the two countries.

“If we are able to buy medicines directly from India, we will avoid third parties that inflate drug prices and make them unaffordable to the ordinary people. Buying directly will also save the country millions of dollars,” he said.

India also donated 1 000 tonnes of rice which will arrive in Harare soon.

Uber Granted License For London City

The technology company uber has announced celebrating it has been granted a licence to operate in Europe’s largest city, London.

In a brief statement on Monday, the company said, “today Uber has been granted a licence to continue operating in London.”

The statement continued saying:

“Over the past year, we have made a range of safety-related improvements, not just in London but across the UK, including Real Time ID Check for all drivers, an emergency assistance button, and our first-ever 24 / 7 support line.

“You can read more about everything we’re doing to keep you safe here.

Thank you for being part of our journey.
The Uber Team. “

Mwonzora Blames G40 For His Day’s Losses

Paul Nyathi

MDC-T Secretary General Douglas Mwonzora says that ousted ZANU PF members known as G40 are responsible for his imminent fall after take over of the Harvest House.

Party youths who claim to be part of the MDC-T 2014 structures made an overarching overnight raid of the party headquarters on Sunday and locked themselves inside demanding for unity amongst feuding party leaders.

Speaking to journalists after visiting Harvest house, Mwonzora said it was a matter of time before they reclaim the building.

“It is a question of time we are going to take our property back and we are taking it today. They are Mr, Chamisa people he arranged it we know that. These people were organised and funded by G40 to take over our building, they have taken it unlawfully and violently,” said Mwonzora.

Mwonzora claimed the MDC Alliance was in a weak position and that the latest takeover was different from their takeover of the building because this was illegally and violently conducted.

“We are not going to listen to any demands they are not in a position to make any demands they are in a weak position legally or physically. It is very different in the sense that we had a court order allowing us to occupy our building peacefully. There are people who have been held hostage and there are people inside who are from the MDC Alliance.”

The ‘2014 structures’ party youths said they would not vacate the building until leaders from both rivals address and listen to their demands. Anti-riot police had to disperse members from both camps when they had altercations at the party headquarters.

Misheck Chidzambwa (Marimo) Extremely Ill

Paul Nyathi

Online media, iHarare reports that 1Dynamos and Warriors legend Misheck Chidzambwa, known as Misheck Marimo during his playing days is not feeling well.

Even though it is unclear which ailment Chidzambwa is sick from, pictures on social media have shown the Warriors legend is admitted to an unnamed hospital.

One tweet, which has since been deleted, suggested that Chidzambwa had undergone surgery and solicited for funds to be sent to his wife’s Ecocash number.

Another tweet by superfan Alvin Zhakata confirmed that Misheck Chidzambwa is unwell. Zhakata did not disclose what Chidzambwa is suffering from. It is suspected that Chidzambwa may be suffering from kidney disease based on what Zhakata said in his tweet.

Zhakata said:

Thoughts and prayers are with Dynamos and Warriors legend #MisheckChidzambwa who is unwell. During his coaching days, he used to frequent restrooms to relieve himself & most pipo associated it with juju yet those were symptoms of the condition he’s battling now. GWS legend.

A number of people did not approve of Zhakata’s tweet of Chidzambwa in the hospital, arguing that it is a breach of the legend’s privacy.

A user Mabhinda urged Zhakata to delete the picture saying, “There was no need for you to post that pic Aluvah, our legend is a bad shape, we can give him all forms of support without breaching his confidentiality. Just do the right thing and delete that pic pliz.”

Another user Taps Chaps agreed with Mabhinda and said, “Hey @AlvinZhakata may you please respect Misheck’s privacy please unless if he told you to post his photo. He is an honorable man and I feel he doesn’t deserve this.”

Tendai Chilowa said, “Sad to hear that Misheck is not feeling too well but sadder to see such a picture of him displayed on social media.”

Claudius Moyo said, “Please mufana respect Misheck Chidzambwa and delete the pic.”

Latest On Warriors, Malawi Friendly

Warriors

The Malawian Football Association has released more details on the friendly match against Zimbabwe during the October international break.

The Warriors will travel to Blantyre, and the match will be played on October 11, 2020, at Kamuzu Stadium. The encounter will come after the hosts had played Zambia in their other friendly in Lusaka on the 7th.

The trip to Malawi will be the first for the national team since that fateful 2017 Afcon qualifier in 2015 which was marred by poor travel arrangements.

Meanwhile, if Zifa manages to secure another friendly match, possibly against Kenya, during the international break, it would be played before the trip to Blantyre.-Soccer 24

A Day to Remember With Manluckerz

By A Correspondent| Traditional singer Manluckerz showed why he is probably the country’s finest export in Sweden with a top drawer performance that left the audience in awe over the weekend.

The show was staged in ReginaTearten Uppsala and can be found on Manluckerz’s official page.

Supported by the Zimbabwe Traditional Unity, Manluckerz who was in his trademark traditional attire was literally unstoppable fusing music and dance.

“I had a memorable show on Saturday, I felt good after our work. The guys played it well, good eye contact and team work, especially on stage management. We managed to share what were in our heart and am now released,” said the humble singer.

Amid the pomp and fanfare that characterized his performance, the singer took time to talk about the subject that is dear to his heart- collaborations.

“I was trying to tell the world that ManLuckerz and the Zim-Traitional Unity is after building up bridges between cultures and developing collaborations between different traditions,” he said.

Together with his band the Zimbabwe Traditional Unity, the energetic singer is known to capture the heart of many with his Shona lyrics.

To his credit, Manluckerz who is very fluent in English and Swedish has chosen to sing his songs in his native Shona language.

The Shona folklore songs are proving to be popular in Sweden thanks to the singer who has chosen not to forsake his roots.

The Shona folklore songs are proving to be popular in Sweden thanks to the singer who has chosen not to forsake his roots.

So dear is the African culture to the singer that he conducts dancing and cultural workshops on the continent’s tradition in Swedish schools.

For more than twenty-years Manluckerz has been one of the most consistent artistes who have kept the Zimbabwean flag high despite the challenges the country is facing.

Recently, he was given an award in Sweden for his role in promoting African culture in Europe. He was also nominated last year for the coveted National Arts Merit Awards for his role in promoting Zimbabwe’s tradition in the diaspora

Luis Suarez Grabs Brace As Atletico Madrid Thrash Granada

Stadium

Luis Suarez showed his class after coming off the bench to score twice and provide an assist on his debut as Atletico Madrid demolished Granada 6-1 in LaLiga on Sunday.

The Uruguayan completed his transfer from Barcelona on Friday and needed just seconds to make an impact after coming on in the second half; setting up Marcos Llorente for Atletico’s fourth.

Llorente returned the favour moments later, he was the provider for Diego Simeone’s charges’ fifth, his cross headed home by Suarez for the Uruguayan’s first in an Atletico shirt.

Suarez would complete his brace in stoppage time to mark an incredible debut for his new club-Soccer 24

Injury Worries For Liverpool Ahead Of Clash With Arsenal

Klopp

Liverpool are sweating on the fitness of goalkeeper Alisson Becker and new signing Thiago Alcantara ahead of the EPL clash against Arsenal on Monday.

The duo missed training at Melwood this week with unknown injuries and are set to undergo fitness tests on the morning of the match before Jurgen Klopp decides on whether they can feature.

Alisson was not present for two successive days – Friday and Saturday while Alcantara didn’t show up yesterday.

Both players were rested in the team’s 7-2 League Cup victory at Lincoln City on Thursday.

Liverpool are already without captain Jordan Henderson, Joel Matip and Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain but recently welcomed Joe Gomez back in the team.

Kick-off is at 21:15 CAT-Soccer 24

“Walls Of Jericho Are About To Fall”

President Chamisa

Farai Dziva|President Nelson Chamisa has said change is imminent in Zimbabwe.

Addressing the MDC Alliance E-rally on Saturday, President Chamisa denounced the rampant abuse of human rights by Mr Emmerson Mnangagwa’s administration.

Below is part of President Chamisa’s speech:

Our course of action will be as follows.
Our Course of action is as follows;

(a) Calling national convergence and find consensus on the way to winning Zimbabwe for change with civic society, labour, the churches, students, the diaspora and the women’s movement. Everyone can play a part.

(b) Confront the regime and put pressure on the regime within the limits of section 59 of the Constitution to push the regime and to defend livelihoods.

(c) pursue a SMART agenda for delivery in this spaces we control particularly local authorities and parliament.

(d) Protect and defend the Constitution against any attempts in undemocratic unilateral attempts to amend the same.

(e) Engage the international community and other stakeholders in mitigating the massive humanitarian impact and ensuring the provision of social safety nets.

Fellow Zimbabweans, I can boldly state today that the hour of change is imminent. The past is now another country and I can see the bright shining lights of the Canaan ahead.

Lastly, fellow Zimbabweans, brace for the imminent change ahead. I humbly plead with you, my fellow citizens, to firmly and fondly embrace the change that is almost upon us.

Behold the NEW …
Behold the imminent moment!

The Walls of Jericho are about to fall. We will push them asunder. We choose to lead.

God Bless you,
God Bless Zimbabwe

God is in it !!!

Leicester Humiliate Manchester City

Manchester City vs Leicester

Manchester City lost their first home game of the new Premier League season against Leicester City, losing 5-2 to the Foxes.

City beat Wolves in their first fixture on Monday before a young side overcame Bournemouth in the Carabao Cup on Thursday. Now, the quick turnaround of fixtures continues with the visit of 2016 Premier League champions Leicester, who went top of the table with their win.

Pep Guardiola was dealt a blow with the injury to Gabriel Jesus on Monday, with the Brazilian out for a month and Sergio Aguero still unavailable. That leaves no fit senior striker, meaning City will have to play someone out of position or call on youngster Liam Delap again.

Guardiola was able to play Raheem Sterling, but after Riyad Mahrez had given them the lead, a Jamie Vardy hat-trick and James Maddison screamer sealed a win for Leicester. Nathan Ake got a consolation back with his first City goal, before Youri Tielemans added Leicester’s fifth from the spot.-Manchester Evening News

A Return To Legitimacy Is The Only Solution To Zim’s Deepening Crisis -President Chamisa

Advocate Nelson Chamisa

Farai Dziva|President Nelson Chamisa has said change is imminent in Zimbabwe.

Addressing the MDC Alliance E-rally on Saturday, President Chamisa denounced the rampant abuse of human rights by Mr Emmerson Mnangagwa’s administration.

According to President Chamisa, a return to legitimacy is the only solution to the deepening crisis in Zimbabwe.

Below is part of President Chamisa’s speech:

Our course of action will be as follows.
Our Course of action is as follows;

(a) Calling national convergence and find consensus on the way to winning Zimbabwe for change with civic society, labour, the churches, students, the diaspora and the women’s movement. Everyone can play a part.

(b) Confront the regime and put pressure on the regime within the limits of section 59 of the Constitution to push the regime and to defend livelihoods.

(c) pursue a SMART agenda for delivery in this spaces we control particularly local authorities and parliament.

(d) Protect and defend the Constitution against any attempts in undemocratic unilateral attempts to amend the same.

(e) Engage the international community and other stakeholders in mitigating the massive humanitarian impact and ensuring the provision of social safety nets.

Fellow Zimbabweans, I can boldly state today that the hour of change is imminent. The past is now another country and I can see the bright shining lights of the Canaan ahead.

Lastly, fellow Zimbabweans, brace for the imminent change ahead. I humbly plead with you, my fellow citizens, to firmly and fondly embrace the change that is almost upon us.

Behold the NEW …
Behold the imminent moment!

The Walls of Jericho are about to fall. We will push them asunder. We choose to lead.

God Bless you,
God Bless Zimbabwe

God is in it !!!

“Please Don’t Spread Falsehoods, President Chamisa Has Not Been Arrested”

Farai Dziva|The MDC Alliance has dismissed claims that President Nelson Chamisa has been arrested.

In a brief statement the MDC Alliance dismissed the claims as fake news:

“The post alleging that President Chamisa has been arrested is fake news.

Please don’t spread this falsehood. It isn’t true.

President Nelson Chamisa has not been arrested. He is going about his normal MDC Alliance Party business and meetings. We request journalists to exercise responsible and ethical journalism.”

Constitutional Court Judges Interviews Underway

By A Correspondent- Public interviews for Constitutional Court judges are currently underway at a hotel in Harare.

Due to Covid-19 regulations, the public cannot attend but proceedings are being beamed on ZBC TV and a number of online platforms.

There are 12 shortlisted candidates and five available spots.

So far, Justices Chinembiri Bhunu and Paddington Garwe have faced the interviewing panel made up of Judicial Service Commissioners including Chief Justice Luke Malaba, Judge President George Chiweshe and Attorney General Advocate Prince Machaya among others.

The Supreme Court and Constitutional Court benches were split in May this year in compliance to the 2013 constitution which stipulates the separation of personnel manning the two courts.

Initially, the Judicial Services Commission were supposed to hold these interviews in the first week of September but they postponed seeking to ensure that Covid-19 regulations are well adhered to.

Justices David George Bartlett (Rtd), Energy Chinembiri Bhunu, Donald Stevenson Corke, Paddington Shadreck Garwe, Anne-Mary Gowora, Ben Hlatshwayo, Charles Hungwe, Rita Tambudzai Makarau, Smart Mirirai, Bharat Patel, Happias Zhou and lawyer Arnold Tsunga were initially listed as applicants.

However, it has emerged that Justice Donald Stevenson Corke is out of the country and will not be able to attend the interview, while Justice Charles Hungwe is also said to have pulled out of the race.

The bench will be comprised of seven judges, Chief Justice Luke Malaba and his deputy Justice Elizabeth Gwaunza who have automatic seats as per regulations as well those who will emerge successful from the ongoing process.

GBP1.2million Renovations Scandal Haunts Zim London Ambassador

Ambassador Christian Katsande when he presented credentials to Queen Elizabeth

By A Correspondent | Barely a year after the Zimbabwe Netball Team scandal which saw the gems arriving without game-shoes, what led to ZimEye readers intervening by purchasing the trainers, the Zim embassy in London has been hit by another scam.

At a time when all Zim London embassy workers have gone for 6 months without salaries, the govt is blowing GBP7,500, for ambassador Christian Katsande’s rentals in a posh private property, when Zimbabwe has its own ambassador’s house, worth GBP1,2 million.

In the latest twist, exclusively uncovered by ZimEye.com last month, an invoice has been presented for renovating the official government residence for the same value of a whopping GBP1,2million.

ZimEye investigates.

The official residence owned by the Zim government is 26 Denewood Road, N6 4AJ. However, the retired colonel, who was appointed by Emmerson Mnangagwa in April 2018 at a time when he was the Deputy Chief Secretary in the Office of the President and Cabinet, is renting a £7,500 mansion at 58 Hendon AVE, N3 1UH, as ZimEye reveals.

The ambassador Colonel Christian Katsande is renting a GBP7,500 house per month, at a time when the government has its own residential property purchased for the diplomat. The rented house has been fully paid for even at a time when the ambassador was in Zimbabwe for close to six months.

Ambassador Katsande can travel at will to and from the UK at any time with no quarantining conditions imposed.

ZimEye can however exclusively reveal that GBP7,500 is enough to pay all the embassy’s non essential workers.

His brother is also living in an expensive London Zim residence bought by the state decades ago, alone.

How can Zimbabwe have a GBP1,2million property which is given to a driver, and one who is a brother to the ambassador?

The development also comes at a time when a diplomat who is currently interviewing deportees, is staying in a GBP2,500 per month rented private house, paid for by Zim public funds.

The ambassador’s brother, a mere driver, is paid GBP5,000 per month, which is far higher than what senior employees both at the embassy and back in Zimbabwe are earning.

Katsande on the other hand is paid GBP5,000 per month. On top of that, he is also paid an allowance of GBP250 per day, depending on where he travels on that day.

Calls to the ambassador went unanswered for several days up to the time of printing. Calls to the Foreign Affairs minister Sibusiso Moyo were neither fruitful.

ZimEye however sent written questions to ambassador Katsande.

There are three (3) Katsande’s employed by the embassy: two who are blood brothers and the 3rd is a son of their father’s brother.

Contacted by ZimEye.com on Sunday, Mr Nzwanai Katsande, denied he is an employee of the embassy. He also denied that he is a member of the ambassador’s family.

“Are you forgetting we met in Liverpool at the netball function last year?, ” he responded to the question of being a govt worker.

He was asked why his number appears as a CLO, a liaison officer of the embassy. He replied saying, “you must be talking about someone else, when next are in London? Do call me so we can meet and talk.”

He also replied with a “no,” when asked on his family relation with the ambassador. But ZimEye can reveal, he is even referred to as “Katsande junior” at the embassy and in the footage shot on the 6th July 2019, he appears on video clapping for himself, while being introduced as both an embassy staff member, and “Mr Katsande junior.”

Upon a second follow-up call late Sunday evening, Mr Nzwanai Katsande changed position this time admitting that he is truly employed by the embassy. In the 30 minute long call, he promised that he would get a public response from the ambassador within 24hours’ time. The contentious issue of the expensive renovation works was also raised and while not denying the GBP1,2million figure, Mr Katsande said only the ambassador could speak concerning it.

THIS IS A DEVELOPING STORY.

Masvingo Province Rejects Khupe, Mwonzora

Khupe

President Nelson Chamisa’s popularity envelopes Masvingo province as MDC T led by Khupe was swept by Cyclone Chamisa in Masvingo province

As hundreds of Masvingo urban MDC Alliance lay to rest outstanding leader Mr Pendence in Chipinge today

28 September 2020

Wezhira Munya

On Saturday, 26 September 2020 president Nelson Chamisa addressed
e-rally that was watched by millions of MDC Alliance members, supports and stakeholders across the globe.

MDC Alliance was celebrating 21 years of its existence. Charismatic President Nelson Chamisa articulated well the history and the current status of MDC Alliance and way forward.

I have heard many President Nelson Chamisa’s speeches, his e-rally address on Saturday is among the best.

In Masvingo Province, there were 26 consultative meetings that were held across all 26 districts in Masvingo Province.

MDC Alliance National organizing committee led by Honourable Amos Chibaya directed all MDC Alliance structures to meet on 26 and 27 September 2020 “to share their views of many issues concerning the party.”

Wezhira news crew attended all 26 consultative meetings in all 26 districts.

All meetings were highly subscribed. According to attendance registers in all 26 districts, 98% of MDC Alliance members from 2014 and 2018 structures were in attendance.

The high attendance of MDC Alliance members at these 26 meetings shows that MDC Alliance party and President Nelson Chamisa is still popular and control of all structures in Masvingo province.

It’s now official, that court based party MDC T led by Khupe has been shunned by MDC Alliance supporters and Members.

In Bikita, MDC Alliance National leaders : National youth organiser Godfrey Kuraone, Mrs Chakabuda and Mrs Mangova addressed consultative meeting in Bikita East, Bikita West and Bikita South.

MDC Alliance National youth organiser Godfrey Kuraone said, “MDC Alliance members in all Bikita constituencies support President Nelson Chamisa. The attendance was excellent.”

In Chiredzi, MDC Alliance National women assembly acting chairlady honourable Mugidho and councillor and youth national leader Gilbert Mtubuki addressed hundreds of MDC Alliance leaders in Chiredzi West, Chiredzi East, Chiredzi North and Chiredzi South.

In Zaka constituency, MDC National leaders : senator Marava, MDC Alliance National youth leader Munyaradzi Tavaruva and leader Judith Muzhavazhi address mega consultative meetings in Zaka Central, Zaka West, Zaka East and Zaka North.

In Gutu constituencies, newly elected Harare Mayor Mafume who defeated MDC T led by Khupe in mayoral elections recently, Honourable Bhasikiti, national youth leader Moses Mavhaire and MDC Alliance provincial council member hon. Sarah Mwatenga addressed many MDC Alliance leaders in Gutu Central, Gutu West, Gutu East and Gutu North.

In Chivi North, Chivi Central and Chivi South constituencies consultative meetings were addressed by Hon. Chivhanga, national youth leader Tsungirirai Rungwave and women assembly leader Thokozile Mzoreva.

MDC Alliance Masvingo deputy treasurer Mr Chidaushe said, “Chivi North meeting was highly subscribed. This was one of highly attended meetings in the history of Chivi North.”

In Mwenezi, senator Mavhaire, national youth leader Ngoni Mupfumba and women assembly leader Lucia Masekesa were key speakers at these well attended consultative meetings.

Lastly, MDC Alliance national leaders Matara and Madzivire addressed consultative meetings in Masvingo North, Masvingo South, Masvingo central and Masvingo west. 98% of leaders attended these meetings.

However, Masvingo urban consultative meeting was affected by the death of popular MDC Alliance youth leader Mr Pendence. Mr Pendence is one of MDC Alliance founding youth members in Masvingo urban. He was staying at his parents’ house in ward 2 Masvingo urban.

Hundreds of Masvingo urban MDC Alliance leaders led by Masvingo urban district chairperson Mr Chanyau Murangamwa have travelled to Chipinge yesterday accompanying the body of Mr Pendence. Mr Pendence will be buried today in Chipinge.

MDC Alliance Masvingo urban member of parliament Honourable Jacob Nyokanhete said, “We lost a great member, Mr Pendence was a hardworker and team player. May his soul rest in peace.”

MDC Alliance ward 2 councillor and Masvingo Mayor advocate Collins Maboke said, “In 2018, Mr Pendence and many MDC Alliance members campaigned and voted for me as their councillor. I greatly appreciate their support. May my brother Pendence rest in internal peace.”

MDC Alliance organiser Mr Peace Mapope said, “We thank all MDC Alliance leaders who helped with finances and food at this funeral. I also want to thank everyone who is going to Chipinge with us to give Pendence – a hero’s farewell in Chipinge.”

What Are Trans Fats?

Health

Two years into the World Health Organization’s (WHO) ambitious effort to eliminate industrially produced trans fats from the global food supply, the Organization reports that 58 countries so far have introduced laws that will protect 3.2 billion people from the harmful substance by the end of 2021. But more than 100 countries still need to take actions to remove these harmful substances from their food supplies.

Consumption of industrially produced trans fats is estimated to cause around 500,000 deaths per year due to coronary heart disease.

“In a time when the whole world is fighting the COVID-19 pandemic, we must make every effort to protect people’s health.

That must include taking all steps possible to prevent noncommunicable diseases that can make them more susceptible to the coronavirus, and cause premature death,” said WHO Director-General Dr Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus. “Our goal of eliminating trans fats by 2023 must not be delayed.”

Fifteen countries account for approximately two thirds of the worldwide deaths linked to trans fat intake. Of these, four (Canada, Latvia, Slovenia, United States of America) have implemented WHO-recommended best-practice policies since 2017, either by setting mandatory limits for industrially produced trans fats to 2% of oils and fats in all foods or banning partially hydrogenated oils (PHO).

But the remaining 11 countries (Azerbaijan, Bangladesh, Bhutan, Ecuador, Egypt, India, Iran, Mexico, Nepal, Pakistan, Republic of Korea) still need to take urgent action.

The report highlights two encouraging trends. First, when countries do act, they overwhelmingly adopt best-practice policies rather than less restrictive ones. New policy measures passed and/or introduced in the past year in Brazil, Turkey and Nigeria all meet WHO’s criteria for best-practice policies.

Countries, such as India, that have previously implemented less restrictive measures, are now updating policies to align with best practice.

Second, regional regulations that set standards for multiple countries are becoming increasingly popular, emerging as a promising strategy for accelerating progress towards global elimination by 2023.

In 2019, the European Union passed a best-practice policy, and all 35 countries that are part of the WHO American Region/Pan American Health Organization unanimously approved a regional plan of action to eliminate industrially produced trans fats by 2025.

Together, these two regional initiatives have the potential to protect an additional 1 billion people in more than 50 countries who were not previously protected by trans fat regulations.

“With the global economic downturn, more than ever, countries are looking for best buys in public health,” said Dr Tom Frieden, President and CEO of Resolve to Save Lives. “Making food trans fat-free, saves lives and saves money, and, by preventing heart attacks, reduces the burden on health care facilities.”

Despite the encouraging progress, important disparities persist in policy coverage by region and country income level.

Most policy actions to date, including those passed in 2019 and 2020, have been in higher-income countries and in the WHO Regions of the Americas and Europe. Best-practice policies have been adopted by seven upper-middle-income countries and 33 high-income countries; no low-income or lower-middle-income countries have yet done so.

Industrially produced trans fats are contained in hardened vegetable fats, such as margarine and ghee, and are often present in snack food, baked foods, and fried foods.

Manufacturers often use them as they have a longer shelf life and are cheaper than other fats.

But healthier alternatives can be used that do not affect taste or cost of food.

Credit:WHO

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Caps Boss Sceptical Of Return Of Soccer Action This Year

Caps United fans

CAPS United vice-president Nhamo Tutisani is sceptical that the PSL will return before 2020 wraps up as he said it is no longer practical or possible to have a normal season in 2020, The Daily News reports. Speaking to the publication, Tutisani said:

There is a need to look into every detail because as things stand, players need time for conditioning and we are talking of between six to eight weeks which already sees us somewhere in November. And if we are to start the league, which format are we adopting, how many matches are we going to play?

Are they (players) ready? It’s not just about being ready physically; mentally they also need to be ready. These boys went to off season early December 2019 and came back around February this year for pre-season for about eight weeks.

Don’t forget the period they have been under was stressful. It was not a normal break and we are looking at social issues coupled with economic issues and most importantly these people were living in almost like a cage,

Tutisani also said even if football resumes, the possibility of matches being played in empty stadiums was a none starter:

The major consumers of football, in our case are the spectators. How do we deliver the product to the spectators? It’s a challenge that we should be sized with. If fans are not allowed into the stadium, who then are we playing for?

And as if that’s not enough we also want to look at the funding side of things. Is there direct sponsors or indirect sponsors? There are challenges also related to those areas,

On the issue of the facilities to be used to play football Tusitani said:

Let’s come to the preparedness of facilities. Remember there are standards that have to be reached when it comes to the PSL football. How many of our playing facilities are in good order even the training facilities themselves, how many are in order?

Overally, Tutisani said the time should be spent in making other conversations that are not how to resume football this year.

Yes, I understand at higher level we want to be seen to want football to come back.

But surely we need to take time off and start preparing for the organisation of these football matches. Personally, I would think we should utilise this time in making conversation about how do we resume football collectively,

The Ministry of Sports has said it is still working on how football can safely resume in light of the pandemic that brought the world to a standstill.-Daily News

Brace For Imminent Change Ahead, President Chamisa Encourages Nation

President Nelson Chamisa

Farai Dziva|President Nelson Chamisa has said change is imminent in Zimbabwe.

Addressing the MDC Alliance E-rally on Saturday, President Chamisa denounced the rampant abuse of human rights by Mr Emmerson Mnangagwa’s administration.

Below is part of President Chamisa’s speech:

Our course of action will be as follows.
Our Course of action is as follows;

(a) Calling national convergence and find consensus on the way to winning Zimbabwe for change with civic society, labour, the churches, students, the diaspora and the women’s movement. Everyone can play a part.

(b) Confront the regime and put pressure on the regime within the limits of section 59 of the Constitution to push the regime and to defend livelihoods.

(c) pursue a SMART agenda for delivery in this spaces we control particularly local authorities and parliament.

(d) Protect and defend the Constitution against any attempts in undemocratic unilateral attempts to amend the same.

(e) Engage the international community and other stakeholders in mitigating the massive humanitarian impact and ensuring the provision of social safety nets.

Fellow Zimbabweans, I can boldly state today that the hour of change is imminent. The past is now another country and I can see the bright shining lights of the Canaan ahead.

Lastly, fellow Zimbabweans, brace for the imminent change ahead. I humbly plead with you, my fellow citizens, to firmly and fondly embrace the change that is almost upon us.

Behold the NEW …
Behold the imminent moment!

The Walls of Jericho are about to fall. We will push them asunder. We choose to lead.

God Bless you,
God Bless Zimbabwe

God is in it !!!

Mamombe Turns To The High Court For Freedom

By A Correspondent- Opposition Harare West legislator Joanah Mamombe (MDC Alliance), who was remanded in custody by a Harare magistrate who wants her examined for mental illness by two government doctors, has approached the High Court to challenge the incarceration.

Mamombe, who was at the time admitted at a Borrowdale medical facility after suffering from an anxiety problem which is associated with mental depression, was forcibly removed from her hospital bed by the police after she was slapped with a warrant of arrest for absconding trial.

Magistrate Bianca Makwande committed Mamombe to prison for two weeks after an unsuccessful challenge by Mamombe’s lawyers, Alec Muchadehama and Jeremiah Bhamu.

Makwande ruled that facts before the court clearly showed Mamombe was mentally disturbed, but could not conclude that she was sick because she was not an expert.

Mamombe filed two applications for the review of Makwande’s ruling and an application for an order for her release from custody.

The legislator cited Prosecutor-General Kumbirai Hodzi, Commissioner General of Prison Services, Superintendent Harare Remand Prison and Officer-in-Charge Chikurubi Remand Prison.

In her urgent chamber application, Mamombe submits that she wants the decision by Makwande to be set aside because the magistrate assumed jurisdiction to determine an application in terms of the Mental Health Act.

“Makwande could not have assumed jurisdiction with respect to an issue that had become moot,” Mamombe’s lawyers submitted.

The magistrate’s decision was grossly irregular in that it was not based on established evidence, but speculation and conjecture with respect to the competence, credibility, neutrality and qualifications of Mamombe’s medical practitioner, they said.

“Makwande’s decision was grossly irregular in that it amounts to a capricious and injudicious exercise of discretion which has the effect of revoking Mamombe’s bail through the back door,” they submit.

Muchadehama and Bhamu submitted that Makwande’s decision was tantamount to usurping the functions of the legislature.

“Mamombe could still have been examined by any medical practitioner as an outpatient as she was evidently not a danger to society. Makwande therefore acted out of capricious malice and ordered Mamombe’s committal to prison where effective alternatives existed which did not have the drastic effect of stripping her of liberty,” they submitted.

“Ordinarily, Mamombe would not have asked this court to consider the imposition of costs against Makwande and Prosecutor-General, but this application was not necessary had they not exhibited blatant malice in the manner they handled Mamombe’s matter, I pray for an order of costs against them, jointly and severally.”

Mamombe is seeking relief that the High Court sets aside Makwande’s ruling, an order declaring Mamombe’s detention unlawful and of no force or effect and an order for costs against the respondents.

The State was given seven days to respond, but is yet to.-Newsday

Bring Back Walter Mzembi, Church Leaders Tell Mnangagwa

Walter Mzembi

Own Correspondent|Church leaders have challenged Mr Emmerson Mnangagwa to reinstate former Tourism Minister Walter Mzembi with immediate effect,after he was nominated in Safer Tourism International Hall of Heroes.

On Sunday controversial preacher Isaac Makomichi posted on Twitter:

“A prophet is not accepted in his own homeland, Zimbabwe pretends there is no Walter Mzembi, but the world knows his potential.

Please H.E ED hire Mzembi, the economy was benefiting through his Tourism Ministry”.

Madzibaba Alfred of Johane Masowe also described Mzembi as a hardworking man.

“President Chamisa Has Not Been Arrested”

President Chamisa

Farai Dziva|The MDC Alliance has dismissed claims that President Nelson Chamisa has been arrested.

In a brief statement the MDC Alliance dismissed the claims as fake news:

“The post alleging that President Chamisa has been arrested is fake news.

Please don’t spread this falsehood. It isn’t true.

President Nelson Chamisa has not been arrested. He is going about his normal MDC Alliance Party business and meetings. We request journalists to exercise responsible and ethical journalism.”

“No Service, No Rates”: Residents Tell The City Fathers

By A Correspondent- Residents of Tafara and Mabvuku said they will not pay their rates to the Harare City Council until they see an improvement in service delivery.

The residents claimed that some sections of Mabvuku had gone for 30 years without receiving tap water, but residents in those areas were being made to pay the fixed water bill.

This came out during a Combined Harare Residents Association (CHRA) Ward Development Committee meeting held in Tafara. A member of Ward 46 Development Committee said:

A section of houses ranging from house number 1000-1602 has not received a single drop of water for the past 30 years.

It does not make sense for residents to pay for services that are not there, but when the water comes, we will pay.

CHRA, however, encouraged the irate residents to continue paying their rates saying this will empower them to demand accountability from the Council.

Meanwhile, Harare City Council spokesperson Michael Chideme on Sunday revealed that they were looking at the introduction of a pre-payment method.

Chideme said under the current post-payment system, ratepayers are defaulting as they have no compelling obligation to pay.-Statemedia

MDC Alliance Sets The Record Straight on Nelson Chamisa Arrest Reports

By A Correspondent- The opposition MDC Alliance (MDC-A) on Monday dismissed social media claims that party president Nelson Chamisa had been arrested.

Open Space had, without giving details, posted on microblogging site Twitter that Chamisa had been arrested.

The post read, “MDC Alliance leader Nelson Chamisa arrested. More to follow.

In a brief statement on its social media channels, the MDC Alliance dismissed the claims as fake news.

The statement read:

This [the post by Open Space alleging that Chamisa has been arrested] is fake news. Please don’t spread this falsehood. It isn’t true.

President Nelson Chamisa has not been arrested. He is going about his normal MDC Alliance Party business and meetings. We request journalists to exercise responsible and ethical journalism.

This comes after youths aligned to the judicially-reconstructed MDC-T announced that they have resolved their differences with the MDC Alliance and jointly occupied Harvest House, the party’s national headquarters.

An estimated nine MDC Alliance youths were arrested on Monday morning in the vicinity of Harvest House, which was reclaimed by the party’s youth wing last night.

The youths have been identified as Shallon Muvirimi, Winnet Dick, Fadzai Maboreke, Jaison Kautsa, Tafadzwa Matekenya, Tendai Muchekahanzu, Learnmore Chitima, Kingsley Mwachandi, Jeremiah Maponde.

In a statement issued on Monday by Paul Gorekore on behalf of the MDC Youth Assembly (Harare Province), the youths said they made the move as the party had been infiltrated and captured by ZANU-PF elements battling to destroy the “People’s Movement.”

Leaked Whatsapp Chat Exposes Govt’s Preparedness On Schools Opening

Grade 7 pupils on schools opening day

 

[09/27, 23:40] Principal Director: 1. PEDs, DSIs: Where not enough thermometers were delivered by NatPharm, let Schools liaise with local Health Centres for assistance. 2. If PPEs have not arrived at school and NatPharm has indicated some PPEs arrive tomorrow, the schools should defer opening to Tuesday.
[09/27, 23:47] Subordinate: Acknowledged Sir. I have circulated it to all my DSIs.

Mupedzanhamo Yet To Re-Open

NATIONAL NEWS

By A Correspondent- Mupedzanhamo market in Mbare is yet to re-open to traders who used to sell second-hand clothes within the facility even though it’s now three months after the Government lifted the suspension on informal business activities.

Reports suggest that the delay is due to a tussle for control of the popular market by space barons who are mostly political heavyweights.

There are no council officials at the premises, including security personnel who used to guard the area.

The informal traders have resorted to selling their wares from undesignated sites in the surrounding areas that do not have sanitary facilities.

Some traders are now operating from blocks of flats opposite the Mupedzanhamo market but they are not following the laid down coronavirus regulations, including sanitisation and social distancing.

Harare City Council spokesperson Michael Chideme said they are working with all interested parties to resolve some outstanding issues so that the market can re-open.

Before the closure of the market under lockdown measures introduced in March, space barons were reported to have been charging vendors US$10 each.-statemedia

FULL TEXT- MDC ALLIANCE HARARE PROVINCE YOUTH ASSEMBLY STATEMENT ON HARVEST HOUSE TAKEOVER

MDC Harare Province Youth Assembly Press Statement

Date: Monday 28 September 2020

We the young people of the Movement for Democratic Change (Harare province) united together to finish the people’s democratic revolution.

As the first line of defence of the party, the vanguards of democracy and the custodians of the party and its future we have assumed all security duties of the Party HQ MRT House.

This was necessitated by our realization on the need to unite the people in the fight for a better Zimbabwe and defend the civilian space in the face of military state capture.

We as the youths  of the party as per 2014 structures, we have decided to go beyond our differences and unite to resolve the current crisis. We have been concerned by the recent developments where the party had been infiltrated and captured by ZANUPF elements battling to destroy the People’s movement thereby aiding the suffering of the masses.

This act of bravery was necessitated by the need to protect our beloved movement and the Zimbabwean people’s fight for better lives.

As young people we will remain guided by the organs of the party in particular the National Council as we re establish the will of MDC leaders,members,supporters and Zimbabweans at large.

We have noted the attempt to surrender the Democratic project into the hands of the enemy.

Individuals have been making unconstitutional and illegal decisions without the mandate of the Zimbabwean voters, party organs from branches, wards, districts, provinces, the National Executive and National Council organs which have not met since the Supreme Court judgment.

The party has been infiltrated by sellouts with an agenda to derail our freedom.

It therefore follows that we act to unite our leadership,our support base and Zimbabweans at large and ensure the Vision of Dr Morgan Tsvangirai lives on across generations.

In this Democratic revolutionary spirit we appeal to the national Wouth Council and the national Women Council to converge respectively ahead of the main national executive and national council meetings at Harvest House.

We furthermore urge the Zimbabwe Republic Police to desist from interfering in MDC internal political affairs and immediately vacate our headquarters. We also urge all youths to maintain discipline and peace as we await the party national executive and national council meeting to map the political wayfoward.

This is not a one generation move movement. We will define, defend and secure our future.

Thank you

Read by Paul Gorekore

_For and on behalf of the MDC Youth Assembly (Harare Province)_

LIVE- MDC T HARARE PROVINCE YOUTHS SEAL HARVEST HOUSE

By A Correspondent- MDC T Harare province youths have taken over Harvest House and they are demanding that the opposition party leadership find each other for the good of the party.

The youths said they are not shutting out anyone but they are protecting the party HQ and have taken over security at the Morgan Richard Tsvangirai House.

Said the Harare province youth chair while speaking to police details at Harvest House:

“This is a resolution that was made by the Harare province youths. We have taken over the security of the building and what we are simply asking is for our leadership to find each other.

We are not denying anyone an opportunity to use the premises but we are just asking them (Nelson Chamisa, Thokozani Khupe and Douglas Mwonzora) to find each other, meet and resolve their differences.”

Watch the live video loading below…

Mnangagwa’s Niece Accused Of Leaking Classified Information To The MDC Alliance

Zanu PF member and President Emmerson Mnangagwa’s ‘nephew’, Esau Natare is not happy over allegations that he leaked classified party secrets to MDC Alliance which led to his suspension.

According to The Standard, Natare, who is also the Gweru Brigade Commander for the National Youth Service, is serving a one-year suspension over the charge after the Zanu PF Midlands provincial coordinating committee adjudged that the allegations needed investigation.

However, in an interview on Friday, Natare said his hands were clean, but just for the sake of the party and Mnangagwa, he apologised for the “purported misdemeanour”.

“I was suspended a couple of months ago over allegations of leaking party information to hostile organisations and in particular opposition MDC,” he said.

“However, I want to make it clear that this week I have since sat down with Midlands secretary for administration Cde Manyima to explain my case.

“I have explained that if they are convinced that I ever did such a thing, then I am sorry. However, the truth of the matter is that I never sold the party to anyone. I am loyal to Zanu PF and President Emmerson Mnangagwa.

“In the province there have been reports that there is bad blood between me and the leaders like Cde Manyima, but it’s all false.

“We have come a long way with Cde Manyima. I have since met the leaders and cleared my name over the allegations.”

In the 2018 general elections, Natare lost the Gweru Urban poll to MDC Alliance’s deputy legal affairs secretary Brian Dube.

His suspension from Zanu PF early this year means he will not stand as a candidate in the coming party district coordinating committee elections where he was favourite to land the post of chairman.

He, however, said he has no hard feelings about the suspension.

“I remain a loyal son of Zanu PF and because I have apologised to leaders of the party, I will stand guided on the way forward. What I have done is to apologise if anyone thought I was guilty so that the Zanu PF party can move forward,” Natare said.

Standard

BREAKING: Harvest House A Day After TakeOver | VIDEO

MDC Harare Province Youth Assembly Press Statement.

Date: Monday 28 September 2020

We the young people of the Movement for Democratic Change (Harare province) united together to finish the people’s democratic revolution.

As the first line of defence of the party, the vanguards of democracy and the custodians of the party and its future we have taken over control of the Party HQ MRT House.

This was necessitated by our realization on the need to unite the people in the fight for a better Zimbabwe and defend the civilian space in the face of military state capture.

We as the youths have decided to go beyond our differences and unite to resolve the current crisis. We have been concerned by the recent developments where the party had been infiltrated and captured by ZANUPF elements battling to destroy the People’s movement thereby aiding the suffering of the masses.

This act of bravery was necessitated by the need to protect our beloved movement and the Zimbabwean people’s fight for better lives.

As young people we will remain guided by the organs of the party in particular the National Council as we re establish the will of MDC leaders,members,supporters and Zimbabweans at large.

We have noted the attempt to surrender the Democratic project into the hands of the enemy.

Individuals have been making decisions without the mandate of the Zimbabwean voters, districts, provinces, the party’s National Executive and National Council organs which have not set since the suprem court judgment.

The party has been infiltrated by sellouts with an agenda to derail our freedom.

It therefore follows that we act to unite our leadership,our support base and Zimbabweans at large and ensure the Vision of Dr Morgan Tsvangirai lives on across generations.

We furthermore urge the Zimbabwe Republic Police to desist from interfering in MDC internal political affairs and immediately vacate our headquarters. We also urge all youths to maintain discipline and peace as we await the party national executive and national council meeting to map the political wayfoward.

This is not a one generation move movement. We will define, defend and secure our future.

Thank you

*Read by Paul Gorekore*
_For and on behalf of the MDC Youth Assembly (Harare Province)_

Heavy Police Presence At Harvest House Picture

Paul Nyathi 

There is a heavy police presence at MDC Headquarters, Harvest House, in central Harare this morning after combined members of the opposition party’s two factions took charge of the building.

The offices were grabbed from the MDC Alliance led by advocate Nelson Chamisa by Thokozani Khupe’s MDC-T in March with the help of a heavy state security guard.

The police are reportedly taking sides with the Thokozani Khupe MDC-T.

The youth claiming to be from the two parties are scheduled to issue a virtual press conference from inside the building later this morning.

Schools Opening But Teachers Adamant They Are Not Going To Work

Paul Nyathi

Schools are opening in the country on Monday after being shut for six months, but teachers say they’re embarking on strike and won’t be in class.

In March, government shut down schools to contain the spread of COVID-19.

One of the country’s largest teachers’ unions, the Progressive Teachers Union of Zimbabwe, said the government must increase teachers’ salaries before they enter classrooms.

Zimbabwe’s teachers currently receive a total of 11,000 Zimbabwe dollars, or R1,710 a month, including COVID-19 allowances.

PTUZ secretary-general Raymon Majongwe said, “as far as we are concerned, teachers cannot simply turn up for duty because they don’t have money.”

“You can’t go and sell your goats, your sheep, your chickens to go to your workstation where you are not going to get the same return. We are simply saying to the government, we are not fighting you, we are not against you, but give us what we’re worth. We are professionals worth the dignity and worth the respect. We can’t become a laughing stock in the region.

The union leader also said many Zimbabwe teachers have died because of the stress of not being able to make ends meet.

Meanwhile, the Zimbabwe government said enough personal protective equipment is available for pupils and teachers.

It says schools are ready to open without any fear of a COVID-19 outbreak in schools.

Source
eNCA

Gold Miner Plunges Twenty Meters Down A Shaft In Yet Another Fatal Small Scale Mining Accident

Paul Nyathi

Another miner has died in yet another mining accident in the small scale mining sector.

23-year-old Aaron Pirikisi last week after slipping from a rope attached to a hoist which was being used to transport him from underground.

The accident happened at Discovery 112S mine situated at Eiffel Flats, Kadoma.

Mashonaland West acting police spokesperson, Assistant Inspector Ian Kohwera confirmed the incident.

“The hoist took a few minutes to start moving, prompting the now deceased to disembark from the hoist cage intending to signal those operating from the surface that something was wrong,” Kohwera said.

“All of a sudden, the hoist started moving while Pirikisi was still outside the cage. Fearing that he would be left underground, Pirikisi grabbed a rope which was attached to the hoist cage with the hope to go all the way up to the surface, but he lost grip and fell into the shaft 20 metres down and died instantly.”

Pirikisi’s body was retrieved by fellow mine workers before a report was made to Eiffel Flats police.

July Moyo Who Has Been Recalling MDC Alliance Councillors Reinstates Convicted ZANU PF Councillor

Paul Nyathi

In a very surprising move,
Local Government Minister, July Moyo has ordered the immediate reinstatement of suspended Chinhoyi Ward 11 councillor Voster Mashevedzanwa.

Mushevedzanwa is currently on bail pending appeal following his incarceration for assaulting a police officer.

Mashevedzanwa (41) was in February sentenced to four years in jail by Chinhoyi magistrate Tapiwa Banda for the offence.

Mashevedzanwa together with eight accomplices, Desire Mwarukira, Felix Gonesi, Njabulo Ndlovu, Greythan Nyarukokora, Simbarashe Tapfumanei, Kudzanai Samuel, Melusi Ndlovu and Blessing Nyango were facing two counts of assaulting a police officer and resisting arrest.

They were all found guilty on the two counts.

It was the State’s case that on May 19, 2019 Mashevedzanwa and accomplices assaulted Danny Badalani stationed at Chinhoyi Army Intelligence and Joseph Kamuremwa stationed at ZRP Chemagamba during an operation to arrest illegal money dealers at 24-hour Complex.

The court heard that Mashevedzanwa and his accomplices assaulted Kamuremwa while he was lying on the ground.

Kamuremwa sustained injuries and was referred to hospital for treatment.

They were also accused of resisting arrest by police officers on the same day.

The councillor subsequently spent over a month in jail before lodging a High Court appeal and was granted bail.

However, Moyo, through powers vested in him by the Urban Councils Act (Chapter 29:15), recently wrote a letter to the Chinhoyi Municipality instructing the immediate lifting of the suspension.

He is one of the two Zanu PF councillors in Chinhoyi, with MDC Alliance having 13.

Harare Residents Say They Won’t Pay Council Until Service Delivery Improves

Some Tafara and Mabvuku residents have vowed not to pay their rates until they see an improvement in services offered by Harare City Council in their area.

This came out during a Combined Harare Residents Association Ward Development Committee meeting held in Tafara.

A member of Ward 46 Development Committee only identified as Mr Nyahungwe claimed that some sections of Mabvuku had gone for 30 years without receiving tap water, but residents in those areas were being made to pay the fixed water bill.

“A section of houses ranging from house number 1000-1602 have not received a single drop of water for the past 30 years.

“It does not make sense for residents to pay for services that are not there, but when the water comes, we will pay.”

The association, however, encouraged residents to be responsible citizens and continue paying their rates as this will empower them to demand accountability.

Residents also challenged the local authority to resolve issues of the billing system and fight corruption among city officials in order to plug revenue leakages at Town House.

Harare City Council spokesperson Mr Michael Chideme yesterday said they were looking at the introduction of a pre-payment method.

“The problem we have as council is that we rely on post-payment, but it has failed us because after use of our services ratepayers have no compelling obligation to pay,” he said.

“The way to go is pre-payment for services so that people are forced to pay for services rendered.”

Mangudya Confident Of His Foreign Currency Auctions Just As He Was With The Bond Notes.

State Media

The foreign currency auction is not open to manipulation as bidders make their own applications, setting their own exchange rate, which are submitted to the auction through their banks.

Reserve Bank of Zimbabwe (RBZ) Governor, Dr John Mangudya, said this in an interview with the state media, following revelations by critics who feel there was a “hidden hand” in the recent firming of the local currency against the US dollar.

After last week’s auction, the rate came down by 0,24 percent to US$1:$81,49, the fourth auction in a row that had seen a tiny firming after the first 10 auctions showed the rate rising, but with only tiny rises from early August.

The auction takes place every Tuesday.

Dr Mangudya said the auction system was transparent.

“For one to suggest that the forex auction process is not transparent is hypocrisy and such people should not be taken seriously,” he said.

“For starters, bidders for forex determine their own exchange rates without the Reserve Bank’s involvement.

“Bids are submitted to the auction through bidders’ banks at the exchange rates and bid amounts of their choice depending on their requirements.”

He said the role of the RBZ under the forex auction system was to provide a trading platform for banks’ clients to be allotted forex at their chosen exchange rates from the pool of foreign exchange at the Reserve Bank, which is obtained from the statutory foreign exchange surrender requirements.

He said such a role makes the auction an appropriate and transparent market for the management of foreign exchange on a willing-buyer willing-seller basis.

“The added advantage of the Dutch auction foreign exchange system is that bidders are allotted forex at their bid rates, and not at the Reserve Bank rate.

“The level of activity at the auction where to date US$240,5 million has been made available to the market over three months from 14 auctions is quite commendable,” said Dr Mangudya.

Zimbabwe National Chamber of Commerce (ZNCC) president Dr Tinashe Manzungu said he did not understand why there were suggestions of rigging the exchange rate.

“The rate is a weighted average of accepted and allotted bids and our members are confirming that they are getting forex at rates that they put in their bids and we don’t understand where the said rigging is coming from.

“We are actually carrying out a survey on this subject whose results will be published in October 2020 and the results of that will tell us more,” said Dr Manzungu.

Pan African Chamber of Commerce board member Mr Langton Mabhanga weighed in saying the emerging stability of both the exchange rate and prices, due to the forex auction regime, requires support from citizen including “sceptics, pessimists”.

“Generating and yearning for negativities for political pickings diminishes national collectivism in the reconstruction agenda. As business we are warming up to the positive strides that the economy is pacing,” said Mr Mabhanga.

Since the introduction of the forex auction, it has greatly assisted in stabilising prices in the economy over the past three months.

Dr Mangudya said such price stability was the basis that the RBZ expects monthly inflation to remain low at below five percent in the last quarter of the year.

The positive outlook is also supported by the increase in productivity in real sectors of the economy due to availability of forex from a formal and dependable auction market.

South Africa Covid-19 Recoveries Hit 90%

South Africa’s COVID-19 recovery rate is at 90%, this is according to a statement issued by Health Minister Zweli Mkhize.

More than 603,000 people have beaten the virus. The virus has however claimed the lives of 22 more people over the weekend talking the death toll in SA to 16,398.

The country has recorded over 1,200 new infections.

See-saw Affair As MDC Youths Take Over Control Of Harvest House

Paul Nyathi

A group made of both MDC Alliance and MDC-T youths on Sunday night entered and took over Harvest House building housing headquarters of the opposition party in central Harare.

In a see-saw affair, the building was initially snatched from the Nelson Chamisa led MDC Alliance in June by the Thokozani Khupe led MDC-T with the help of state security services.

The youths posted on social media that they had taken over control of the building as both MDC-T and MDC Alliance in a bid to bring sanity into the leadership row in the opposition party.

The youths promised to give full details of the takeover through a virtual press conference on Monday.

Paul Gorekore, the MDC-T’s current youth chairman for Harare province led the takeover by the “united” youths. MDC Alliance youth chairman for Harare Denford Ngadziore is understood to have also entered Harvest House.

In a statement on Facebook, Gorekore said: “MDC-T Harare province (2014 structures) has taken over control of the party HQ tonight. This has been necessitated by our realisation of the need to unite the people in the fight for a better Zimbabwe.

“We as the youths have decided to go beyond our differences and unite to resolve the current crisis. We have been concerned by recent developments where the party (MDC-T) has been infiltrated by some Zanu PF elements battling to destroy the people’s movement thereby aiding the suffering of the masses.”

Fraudsters Easily Acquiring Identity Documents Of Property Owners From R.G Office

State Media

Nearly 100 home-seekers have this year lost millions of dollars in botched sales of immovable property after officers from the Deeds Registry and the Registrar General’s Office allegedly supplied title deeds and national identity cards of property owners to criminals.

The officers corruptly assisted criminals to obtain title deeds and identity documents of the real owners so they could swindle home-seekers.

Most people duped are people who pay the fake owner directly. However, only a lawyer is allowed to arrange the transfer of property and lawyers have to maintain trust accounts, audited each year, so they can be trusted to be the only person who has both the deeds and the payment.

Lawyers are supposed to do the necessary checks before arranging the deed of transfer.

Criminals use genuine title deeds, or have access to the real deeds and forge copies, but these bear the correct information.

They also use identity cards of the property owners, taking advantage of the picture distortions that come with age.

Since most people obtain national identity cards while still teenagers, as the decades pass their appearance changes.

That creates room for fraudsters to claim identities of the property owners in their criminal transactions.

Reports of such crime are on the rise.

Some criminals obtain identity cards bearing their own photograph, but showing particulars of the property owners as a way of duping unsuspecting and desperate home-seekers.

Some lawyers and estate agents have also been sucked into the scandal.

The involvement of officers from the RG department is clear in that identity documents used are obtained from their offices.

Even the forged ones that bear faces of criminals are also products of the RG’s office.

Tittle deeds used to convince property buyers are also obtained from the Deeds Registry, confirming that some officers are conniving with criminals.

Harare lawyer, Mr Caleb Mucheche, who does conveyancing work, said most documents used in real estate fraud originate from the two public offices. He said the two offices must guard against criminal syndicates that corrupt their officers.

“The Deeds Registry and Registrar General’s offices must jealously guard and maintain an impeccable public reputation as producers of reliable official documents by preventing any abuse of such offices by criminals or illegal syndicates as conduits for production of fraudulent deeds and IDs,” he said.

Criminal Investigations Department (CID) Commercial Crimes Division said such cases were rife in Harare’s medium and low density suburbs and some suspects had since been arrested and sent to court.

“The division handled over 77 cases between January 2020 to date and 12 have been detected with accused persons being arrested and sent to court.

“All the cases occurred in Harare save for one which was referred from Kariba. A total of 16 imposters are on the police wanted list for real estate related cases,” said the police.

Justice Legal and Parliamentary Affairs Permanent Secretary Mrs Virginia Mabiza said her ministry was in the process of computerising the records system at the Deeds Office to curb corruption and improve efficiency.

“The ministry and the Deeds Office are both aware and saddened by the rise in fraudulent activities involving immovable property. The Deeds Registries Act and Deeds Registries Regulations were amended recently to permit automation of deeds records, use of securitised paper for title deeds, and use of biometric security features when signing power of attorney.

“About 95 percent of the deeds records have been captured to enable online searches by members of the public,” said Mrs Mabiza.

She said an online search enabled one to obtain information on the property owner, property description, property size, transaction history and encumbrances (caveats and mortgage bonds).

“The online deed search is, however, not comprehensive as one is not able to view the actual title deed. The title deed needs to be scanned first before one can view it electronically.

“Our consultant has been working on a prototype aimed at giving a digital solution of storing records through scanning all physical title deeds.

“A demonstration of the prototype was held last month where it was noted that title deeds from 2019 going back to 2015 had been scanned and the scanning is expected to be completed early next year. This will definitely ensure that there is no tampering with title deeds by fraudsters,” she said.

Plans are also afoot to integrate the system with other key agencies such as the Zimbabwe Revenue Authority (Zimra), the Surveyor-General and the Registrar-General.

Mrs Mabiza said the Deeds Registry had also stopped issuing copies of title deeds to people as a security measure.

“We have also noted that some of the fraudsters tamper with copies obtained for information purposes. The office is no longer issuing copies for information purposes to members of the public as a measure to curb fraudulent activities.

“We have advised police to report to us any member of staff involved in corruption or fraudulent activities involving immovable property during the course of their investigations so that disciplinary measures are taken,” she said.

The office’s security section had on many occasions, handed over a number of people found in possession of forged documents.

Criminals identify undeveloped stands in suburbs before placing advertisements in newspapers and online.

Meetings are arranged at offices of bogus estate agents or bogus lawyers.

Most bogus agents and lawyers are those delisted by their professional associations for improper conduct.

To convince the home seekers, criminals produce title deeds to the properties, some being photocopies or original documents and identity cards bearing the particulars of the actual property owner.

Money is usually paid in US dollars.

The offence is discovered when the purchaser seeks transfer of ownership or tries to occupy the stand or house.

The CID Commercial Crimes Division urged home-seekers to carry out due diligence before buying immovable property.

“Let us verify any offer before one commits resources because fraudsters are out there looking for potential victims,” reads a statement from CID.

Confident Fraud Accused Delish Nguwaya Demands To Be Tried

State Media

LAWYERS representing businessman Delish Nguwaya last week demanded a trial date on charges of misrepresenting to Government that his company was a medical firm when he sought tenders for Covid-19 medical supplies using Drax SAGL and Drax International.

Mr Admire Rubaya and Mr Tafadzwa Hungwe applying for Nguwaya to be given a trial date or removed from remand, told the court that the arrest of Nguwaya resulted in President Mnangagwa and the First Lady being vilified in social media posts, hence the need to bring the matter to finality and clear the name of the First Family.

They said social media was awash with naysayers soiling the President’s name by posting negative messages.

Mr Rubaya and Mr Hungwe said through the trial, the public wanted to know what happened between Government and Drax International.

“The State ought to give us a trial date within a reasonable time. All the naysayers would be proved wrong and it is in the public interest that the matter be tried. It is my submission that the accused should have a fair trial that ought to come within a reasonable time.”

Mr Rubaya said the State had promised to give a trial date a month after Nguwaya’s initial court appearance and had failed to give reasons why investigations were not completed.

“The reasons why we need a trial date is for justice to be dispensed and not to have the liberty of the accused curtailed while on remand. The State will summon our client to court when it is ready.

“The court can take a leaf from High Court Judge Justice Pisirayi Kwenda’s judgment on Nguwaya’s bail application where he said the State’s case was weak,” he said.

Mr Hungwe added that the State told the court during bail hearing that what was left were minutes from NatPharm, which could have been obtained since Nguwaya’s arrest.

Prosecutor Mr Michael Reza had applied for the matter to be postponed to October 23 saying investigations would be completed within a month after the investigating officer told him the probe was almost complete.

“The investigating officer told me that he was in Plumtree on another assignment. He is doing all he can and given another opportunity, they (investigations) will be complete.

“I apply that the matter be remanded to October 23 and on that day, we will be able to furnish them with a trial date.”

Harare magistrate Mrs Esthere Chivasa is expected to make a ruling today.

Supa Mandiwanzira Acquital: “We Underestimated The Issues Which We Were Supposed To Deal With,” State

State Media

Former Information Communication Technology and Cyber Security Minister Supa Mandiwanzira was on Friday freed on charges of criminal abuse of office over an appointment to the Post and Telecommunications Regulatory Authority (Potraz).

Harare magistrate Mrs Esthere Chivasa removed Mandiwanzira from remand after the State led by Mr George Manokore and Ms Sheilah Mupindu, consented to his application for refusal of further remand.

This means that if the State wants to resume the prosecution, it will have to proceed by way of summons.

Initially, the State had been ordered to amend Mandiwanzira’s charges, but on Friday admitted that it had failed to amend the charges within seven days required by the court’s order.

Charges against the former ICT Minister arose after he allegedly appointed Mr Tawanda Chinembiri to the board of the Potraz when he was said to be not in Government’s employ.

Chinembiri’s employment contract, which confirmed that he was a Government employee was tendered before the court, resulting in the court ordering the State to amend Mandiwanzira’s charges.

The records confirming Chinembiri’s status at the Public Service Commission were produced following an application for further particulars from the State.

“Having taken over the matter from a different team, we went through the State papers as was directed by the court, but we believe that we underestimated the issues which we were supposed to deal with before we prepared the charge sheet.

“Having seen some issues that we needed to attend to, we then applied our minds to the matter. As the State, we have no problem with the accused person being removed from remand,” Mr Manokore.

“We had actually made an undertaking to the defence that we would amend the charges seven days before this day.

“We were put on notice that if we failed to adhere to the direction of the court, the court would remove the accused person from remand as indications were that the matter had taken long before commencing,” he said.

The matter had been pending in court for nearly two years.

Zanu PF Is A Party Of Criminals- Biti  

 

Farai Dziva|MDC Alliance vice president Hon Tendai Biti has declared that Emmerson Mnangagwa will not stop the people’s struggle…

Speaking at the MDC Alliance E-Rally on Saturday, Hon Biti took a swipe at Thokozani Khupe and Douglas Mwonzora, accusing the two of sabotaging the people’s struggle.The rally was held to commemorate the Movement for Democratic Change’s 21st anniversary.

Hon Biti pointed out that Khupe was not present at the formation of the popular movement.

Watch video loading below :

War Veterans Resist Eviction From Masvingo Farm

Ezra Chadzamira

About 200 settlers at Clipsham Farm, most of them war veterans gathered at the farms`s homestead last week where they demanded to see the Minister of State for Masvingo, Ezra Chadzamira over Government plans to have them evicted.

They accused Government of trying to push them out of the area so that some land barons can come in and make money by subdividing the land and selling low density residential stands to residents of Masvingo.
They vowed to fight back. Mirror reporters attended the meeting.

Clipsham Farm is about 4km from Masvingo along Masvingo – Beitbridge Highway.

It is to the south of the road just after Wimpy Service Station. It is an area that has some of the best agricultural soils in Masvingo and was a rich commercial farming zone before the land redistribution programme.

Most of the people resettled there are war veterans and active Zanu PF supporters.

When contacted for a comment president of the Chiefs` Council Chief Fortune Charumbira whose jurisdiction covers Clipsham said there is need for consultations as the people affected are not squatters because they have offer letters given in 2002.

“If Government has plans to use the land in question for something else it should respect those people settled there in order to avoid unnecessary problems.

“Mai Mugabe tried to take that land long back through my sister Gumbochuma but failed, Zvinavashe tried the same and people resisted.

My simple message is let’s respect those people and consult them if there is development that needs to be carried out in the area in question,” said chief Charumbira.

The chairman of the War Veterans in the area Matthew Kubiku declined to comment saying he is not authorised to speak to the media.

The huge crowd was addressed by the District Development Co-ordinator for Masvingo, Roy Hove.

Hove confirmed to the settlers that indeed Government has plans to get part of their land which is along Masvingo – Beitbridge Road and turn them into urban stands and this would naturally see some of them being evicted.

The angry war veterans shouted back at Hove and told him that Government is full of thieves.

They also accused the Second Republic of pushing them out of land given to them by the late President Robert Mugabe.

They also warned Government against distributing land as if it was an infinite resource which stretches.

The meeting became rowdy forcing Hove to announce that he would arrange a meeting between the Minister of State for Masvingo, Ezra Chadzamira and the war veterans.

He told the war veterans that they will always get special treatment from Chadzamira.

“We are here to stay, we got this land from Robert Mugabe and now you want to make way for land barons, we will have none of that. You want to reverse the land reform program, our brothers are back we are prepared to die for our land,” shouted one man who was putting on a Zanu PF campaign T-shirt.

“We don’t want to be addressed by the DDC we want the Minister who is our MP or Mambo here they are better placed to address our grievances.

We know those who want to take our land to develop stands for themselves, we know them, they are thieves,” said an irate youth who declined to be named.-The Mirror

Khupe, Mnangagwa Conspiracy Exposed

Luke Tamborinyoka

“President Tsvangirai Was Worried About Emmerson Mnangagwa’s Charitable Treatment Of Thokozani Khupe”One can’t fight the MDC Alliance and claim to be defending Tsvangirai’s legacy.

For the Alliance will always remain the man’s legacy….

Luke-ING the Beast in the Eye

Friday, 25 September 2020

Morgan Tsvangirai must be turning in his grave

By Luke Tamborinyoka

Morgan Tsvangirai, the late icon of Zimbabwe’s tenuous democratic struggle, is a man I knew so well, having served as his spokesperson and trusted lieutenant for almost a decade until his untimely death in February 2018.

This is the man whose legacy of a broad front as represented by the MDC Alliance is enduring savage attacks from the regime and its hired mercenaries.indeed, the MDC Alliance is Tsvangirai’s rich legacy that Zanu PF and its surrogates are desperately trying to decimate in a systematic way. Thank God, the big idea remains standing, despite the vicious body blows. Since the biblical days of Judas Iscariot, we have always known what 30 pieces of silver can do to cheap and treacherous minds.

I knew Morgan so well since the days of my other life as a journalist. And for 10 years I was not just his spokesperson, for it was him who personally directed that I double as the party’s Director of Communications as well, a position that had always traditionally been a separate office held by a different individual.

Even when he appointed me as his spokesperson when he served as Prime Minister of the land, he made me hold the position of Principal Director of Communications as well, a position that had previously been separate from that of the spokesperson. This meant that upon my appointment, he entrusted me with the conflated and conjoined roles of Principal Director of Communications and spokesperson to the Prime Minister.

Such was his faith in my aptitude.

Morgan Tsvangirai, the icon, had the humility to arrive, unannounced, at my rural home at Tamborenyoka village in Shumba ward 3 in Domboshava to pay his last respects upon the death of my late paternal grandmother, Martha Tamborinyoka Gombera, when she succumbed to gastric cancer in May 2014.

We travelled the world together with Morgan: London, Canberra, Lisbon, Rabat, Amsterdam, Washington, Berlin, Madrid, Tokyo, Beijing, Paris, Pretoria, Blantyre, Lusaka, Cairo, Maputo, Windhoek, Luanda and many other World capitals on political business. I was with him in these capitals when he patriotically represented his country and charmed the world as he passionately spoke about the democratic cause in Zimbabwe. In the almost 10 years that I served him, we also traversed the whole country together; from Chirundu to Limpopo, from Msampakaruma to Mandidzudzure and from Mt Darwin to Victoria Falls.

Apart from the conjoined and dual roles that he often gave me, he would also entrust me even with commenting on personal issues such as his amorous scandals that would ordinarily be handled by a family spokesperson, as he did in 2012 when he was deemed to have married one Lorcadia Karimatsenga Tembo. After intense confidential briefings on the intimate details of what had transpired and his personal view on the specific matter, he directed his family members to defer all press questions to me.

The trust he often bestowed on me was humbling. And may be that is why he expressed utmost shock early in February 2018 when he heard, while detained in an infirmary in South Africa, that some members of his family led by by a coterie of the usual suspects in the party had unprocedurally directed that I cease my role as his spokesperson.

” _Nhai_ Luke, when you became my spokesperson, where you employed by my family?” he asked in a low voice over the phone from his hospital bed in South Africa, assuring me that his family, which I have always respected, had never been my employer and that I should remain unperturbed and continue doing my job as usual.

He intimated to me that apart from his wife and other family members, he had instructed hospital staff to keep me in the loop should anything happen to him. And that is why at 1733 hrs, the hospital authorities apprised me of his death when he succumbed to cancer on 14 February 2020 .

Such was my special relationship to this man; the man who paid almost US$60 000 of his own money to meet my medical bill when I was involved in a near-fatal car accident in the early hours of Sunday, 4 November 2012.

He even cut short his honeymoon to flew back home and visited me in hospital to check how I was faring following my near-demise.

Such was my special relationship to this man.

This context of our mutual trust and Tsvangirai’s ceaseless faith in my aptitude is important for this treatise. I presume that this context gives me sufficient _locus_ _standi_ __to_ state unequivocally that this Morgan Tsvangirai that I knew so well is turning and twisting in his grave at how his legacy is being severely eroded and undermined by this motley cabal of Khupe, Mwonzora, Komichi and Mudzuri under the pretence that they are protecting it.

The MDC Alliance is an integral part of Tsvangirai’ rich legacy and I had a ringside seat when the history around its formation was unfolding. For one and a half months, beginning February 2017, we traversed the whole country together as he engaged and consulted a diverse spectrum of Zimbabweans within and without the party. Tsvangirai believed in mass-line politics and that explained his enduring traction and political capital. He was never one to make a decision without consulting the people and during that national tour, we spoke to party members, traditional leaders, students, civil servants and ordinary Zimbabweans outside the party.

Throughout the country during our one-and-a-half months of consultation away from home, the people clearly told us that the only prudent way forward was for Tsvangirai himself to lead a broad front in his fight against Zanu PF. It was during that tour, while in Binga, that I learnt that _kujatana__ is the Tonga word for unity or working together. After the intensive consultations, the two of us sat together for a whole evening in March 2017 writing a public message to the people of Zimbabwe that was aptly titled *I* *Heard* **You* . The statement was his assurance to Zimbabweans that he had heard them. The need for unity had rung out loud throughout the nationwide tour and that was how the unity under the MDC Alliance banner was borne. The rest, as they say, is history.

This simply means therefore that one cannot fight and undermine the MDC Alliance, as the surrogates are doing, and still claim to be defending Tsvangirai’s legacy. The MDC Alliance against which the cabal is engaged in mortal combat, is a unique testament of Tsvangirai’s rich legacy. It represents the broad front that Zimbabweans clamoured for during intensive nationwide consultations.

The Tsvangirai I know is twisting and turning in his grave that these surrogates are fighting the people’s great idea and in the process undermining his legacy. And it’s not helping matters that these surrogates are fronting a formation that bears his initial (MDC-T) and are headquartered in a building that we befittingly named after him! This means they they are unwittingly making his great name an accomplice to their treachery and quisling politics.

Worse still, they are consorting and comporting with Zanu PF, the party that the great Tsvangirai tenaciously fought until his death. The same party that arrested and brutalised him his entire adult life.

Tsvangirai was a man who spent a huge chunk of his adult life fighting Zanu PF repression, corruption and unbridled culture of avarice and entitlement. He fought so hard all his life to establish democracy in the country of his birth. He defeated Robert Mugabe in the 2008 election but had his victory violently stolen from him. He was charged with treason in 2004 and was was almost killed through the savage attacks inside Machipisa police station. And we have every reason to believe that Zanu PF had a hand in the cancer attack that killed him. .

But thanks to the treacherous politics of Khupe, Mwonzora and others, the same Zanu PF has now established a second headquarters in a building called Morgan Richard Tsvangirai House!

The surrogates have never uttered a word against Mnangagwa and Zanu PF. Their business is always Nelson Chamisa, the MDC Alliance and its deployees to Parliament and the various local authorities. They are an opposition whose business is to fight another opposition party. Indeed, an opposition created to decimate and annihilate a Tsvangirai legacy called the MDC Alliance.

And they do this from a building named after the very man whose legacy they purport to be protecting. As they would say in the Nigerian movie industry of Nollywood: _it’s_ _an_ _abomination_ !

Morgan is certainly turning in his grave that those falsely fronting and flaunting his name are now comporting with Zanu PF to shred and tear asunder his legacy.

Some of Tsvangirai’s relatives, including some of his children, have now tragically teamed up with this malignant lot in the vain attempt to destroy the MDC Alliance, the very legacy of their own kinsman— their own blood!

Any rational person must ask themselves why soldiers and CIO agents violently took over and donated to these surrogates this iconic building that we befittingly named after Morgan Tsvangirai. Now we hear soldiers and State security agents are not only providing security to these surrogates, but are sitting through the meetings of this political formation that bears the initial of our icon and undermining the man’s legacy from right inside the building that we named after him!

What cheek!

The Tsvangirai I knew is definitely turning in his grave.

Unless if the “T” in their MDC-T refers to Thoko-Zanu or Turncoat, any suggestion that the T refers to Tsvangirai would not only be disingenuous, reprehensible and repugnant, but would represent the highest form of betrayal to this hero of our time.

How does one claim to be defending Tsvangirai’s legacy when they are comporting, cohabiting and doing the bidding for the same party that Tsvangirai stridently opposed all his adult life? Just how does one claim to be defending Tsvangirai’s legacy while at the same time fighting the MDC Alliance, for the MDC Alliance is nothing but Tsvangirai’s enduring legacy as the Alliance Agreement bears his signature. It was not Nelson Chamisa but Morgan Tsvangirai who initiated and signed the Alliance agreement with other principals to bequeath to Zimbabweans a formidable and reunited MDC that would give the people a reason to hope again.

It must be unequivocally stated that all those working with Zanu PF to recall MDC Alliance MPs and councilors are undermining the very Tsvangirai legacy that they falsely purport to be defending. As for Tsvangirai’s relatives who have joined these sellouts, just how do you cohabit with the same people who dragged Tsvangirai to court for appointing two more Vice Presidents but are today claiming to be defending the legacy of the same man they humiliated and whose decisions they contested in court, even posthumously?

But the forthcoming by-elections will expose the ephemeral trait of their surrogate politics. Yet we see them trying to exhume and invoke Tsvangirai’s face as part of their party symbols, in a vain attempt to ressurect their cadaverous politics. They must simply allow this gallant son of our struggle to truly rest in peace. A few months ago, they were at his grave murmuring incantations and invoking his spirt to save them, the very same spirit that they torment every day through their cohabitation with Zanu PF.

The invocation of Tsvangirai’s spirit at the graveside rituals as well as the abuse of the dead man’s face to enhance their political fortunes is the highest depiction of political sorcery in this brave, digital age. First it was Khupe’s surprise turnout to the funeral of a man he had shunned for eight months when he was alive. Then the graveside rituals. If you add her spirited determination to attend _gogo_ Chamisa’s funeral when she had tormented the poor woman to her death by assisting ED’s scorched earth policy against her son, one is astounded by Khupe’s strange affinity for death, funerals and the dead bodies. It’s a macabre, witchly disposition which probably reflects the dead nature of her politics.

Morgan Tsvangirai, this man whose mind I knew so well, is definitely turning in his grave..
And I repeat, you don’t fight the MDC Alliance and claim to be defending Tsvangirai’s legacy.

The Alliance was very much close to his heart. When I was drafting his speech to launch the Alliance, I remember him excitedly telling me to insert the line that underscored the value of working together. He told me to insert the line which said: _Alone_ , _one_ _can_ _go_ _faster_ _but_ _together_ _we_ _go_ _far_ .

Nelson Chamisa was even against the Alliance during its formative stages. As part of his political deftness when he was delegating responsibilities to his deputies, it was the indefatigable Tsvangirai who charmed Chamisa over the cause by appointing him the Vice President responsible for the Alliance, the very same idea he had been against during its formative stages.

I say this to disabuse those who have been misled by this malignant lot into thinking that the MDC Alliance is Chamisa’s legacy and that by undermining the Alliance they are undermining Chamisa, the man they hate with a passion.

Hell No. The MDC Alliance is Morgan Tsvangirai’s legacy and anyone fighting the Alliance is not even undermining Chamisa but the iconic Tsvangirai whose signature stands out so prominently on the Alliance agreement. They are also undermining the people of Zimbabwe who sonorously called for a broad, united front during our countrywide consultations.

We are now hearing a lot of drivel from Thoko-Zanu and Mwonzora who are all now claiming to have been loyal to Morgan Tsvangirai.

But this is the same Thoko who snubbed Tsvangirai’s meetings for eight months as she sulked over the appointment of two more Vice Presidents, only to turn up in Buhera at Tsvangirai’s burial.

In his death, she has suddenly found love for the man she hated with a passion when he walked this earth. For Khupe, way back in 2016, Morgan Tsvangirai had expressed his disquiet to some of us when he learnt that Emmerson Mnangagwa, who doubled as Vice President and Minister of Justice, had used his position as leader of government business in Parliament to arrange a luxury car and a plush house for Khupe, then the the leader of the opposition in Parliament. The conspiracy may have begun back then and the trinkets could point to something deeper than meets the eye. Both were angling to take over from their principals and the plot to kill the MDC could have been hatched then, probably with the agreement that after the death of the MDC, Khupe would then serve beneath Mnangagwa, both literally and figuratively! And Tsvangirai was worried about ED charitable treatment of Khupe. These could be the results. Indeed, the treachery has long been in the oven.

And Douglas is the same man Tsvangirai often branded a chronic and pathological liar. Jameson Timba, Ian Makone, Sessel Zvidzai and Tsvangirai’s own uncle, Innocent Zvaipa can bear testimony to the fact that Morgan Tsvangirai often characterised this self-proclaimed Constitutionalist as the biggest liar of his generation. You can check this out with the four men!

Now that ZEC has told the nation to prepare for by-elections in December, the political interment of these sell-outs of our time is now imminent. Zimbabweans know who and what they voted for in 2018. They will not allow a party whose candidates they defeated to recall their chosen representatives.

It is now public knowledge that Khupe, Mwonzora, Komichi and Mudzuri have chosen to bastardise Tsvangirai’s rich legacy as well as his legendary and valiant name. By comporting with the same Zanu PF that Tsvangirai fought all his adult life in the very building that we named after him, while fronting a party that bears his initial, could the highest form of betrayal ever witnessed in history.

This motley has allowed themselves to be a used by Zanu PF. Indeed, Khupe and her sell-out lot are just but marionettes in the hands of a mad puppeteer.

And the puppeteer is Zanu PF.

In the meantime, the gallant son of our time has been betrayed big time and he is violently turning in his grave.

Tsvangirai was always a mass-centric politician. His traction was always without question. And it is public knowledge that Tsvangirai’s side has always been the side of the people. And in the forthcoming by-elections, Tsvangirai’s spirit will certainly vote on the side of the people. The results will show where his true legacy lies.

Now the sell-outs are claiming to be the MDC Alliance, the very party they recalled people for belonging to.

This treacherous lot is behaving like a deranged man who claims he found his wife in bed with a boyfriend. And on the day of the adultery hearing, the same man purports to be the boyfriend.

These charlatans simply cannot get it that one can’t be both the presumed husband and the purported wife snatcher at the same time. And that it is the height of lunacy to claim to be divorcing someone’s spouse.

Put simply, they said they were the the MDC-T and falsely claimed their deployees had joined another party called the MDC Alliance.

Now they are claiming to be the same MDC Alliance for which they purportedly recalled MPs and councillors for joining. Now they are both MDC-T and MDC Alliance at the same time.

How does one claim his wife ran away with another man and then later claim to be the wife snatcher who ran away with his wife? You simply can’t be both.

As we used to say in primary school: It can’t!

Biti Blasts Khupe

 

Farai Dziva|MDC Alliance vice president Hon Tendai Biti has declared that Emmerson Mnangagwa will not stop the people’s struggle…

Speaking at the MDC Alliance E-Rally on Saturday, Hon Biti took a swipe at Thokozani Khupe and Douglas Mwonzora, accusing the two of sabotaging the people’s struggle.The rally was held to commemorate the Movement for Democratic Change’s 21st anniversary.

Hon Biti pointed out that Khupe was not present at the formation of the popular movement.

Watch video loading below :

“Change Is Imminent”

 

Farai Dziva|President Nelson Chamisa has said there is no need to form a new political party.

President Chamisa made the remarks at the MDC Alliance E-rally on Saturday.

President Chamisa added the wave of change cannot be stopped by anybody – including Emmerson Mnangagwa, also known as the Crocodile because of his ruthlessness.

Watch video below :

You Can’t Swallow Us, President Chamisa Tells Mnangagwa

 

Farai Dziva|President Nelson Chamisa has said there is no need to form a new political party.

President Chamisa made the remarks at the MDC Alliance E-rally on Saturday.

President Chamisa added the wave of change cannot be stopped by anybody – including Emmerson Mnangagwa, also known as the Crocodile because of his ruthlessness.

Watch video below :

Government To Recruit 6000 Teachers

Cain Mathema

Government has scrapped Second Term school fees, while 6 000 teachers are being recruited ahead of the phased reopening of schools starting tomorrow.

This comes amid reports that a crash programme to ensure learners complete their syllabuses and the suspension of sporting activities for the remainder of the year were among interventions being considered to ensure learners graduate to the next grades.

The recruitment of teachers will cater for classes that have been trimmed in line with health guidelines to fight Covid-19.

Before schools closed at the end of March, some classes had over 50 pupils, but according to the Standard Operating Procedure for the Prevention and Management of Covid-19 drafted by the Ministry of Primary and Secondary Education, a standard-sized classroom must not exceed 35 learners.

The learners must also be seated a metre apart.

Public schools open on Tuesday for classes sitting Zimbabwe School Examinations Council (Zimsec) examinations as the country resumes direct tuition.

Next year’s examination classes — Grade 6, Form 3 and Lower Six — will resume studies on October 26, and on November 9, ECD A and B, Grades 1 to 5 and Forms 1 and 2 will return to school.

Primary and Secondary Education Minister Ambassador Cain Mathema told The Sunday Mail that Government had adopted extraordinary measures to allow learners to proceed to the next grades.

“There will be strategies this year and next year, like suspension of sports, introduction of weekend classes and crash programmes that will be put in place to ensure that students catch up with time that was lost.

“In some instances, teachers have to emphasise and concentrate on the key concepts so that even those slow learners grasp the concepts. Teachers know how to handle such scenarios-The Sunday Mail

Horror As Man Axes Niece (5) To Death

Axe

A Gwanda man suspected to be mentally unstable allegedly struck his five-year-old maternal niece with an axe three times on the neck leading to her death.

Matabeleland South acting provincial police spokesperson Inspector Loveness Mangena confirmed the incident which occurred on Tuesday at about 11AM in Buvuma Village.

She said Reabokile Noko (28) who is in police custody wanted to strike his mother with the axe but she fled and instead attacked five-year-old Mitchel Dube who was his maternal niece.

“I can confirm that we recorded a murder case which occurred in Buvuma area in Gwanda. Reabokile Noko who is said to be mentally unstable entered the kitchen hut while armed with an axe and found his mother sitting with her five-year-old granddaughter.

“He advanced towards his mother while threatening to strike her with the axe but she escaped through a window leaving her granddaughter behind. Noko then struck his five-year-old niece with the axe three times on the neck and she died on the spot,” she said.

Insp Mangena said the matter was reported to the police who attended the scene and Noko was arrested. She said Noko was alleged to be mentally unstable but investigations were still underway to ascertain his mental state as he was yet to be examined by doctors.

She said the body of the now deceased was being held at the Gwanda Provincial Hospital mortuary.-The Sunday News

Skeletal Remains Of 3 Y Old Child Discovered After 2 Years

Zaka police recently recovered from a mountain cave the skeletal remains of a three-year-old female child who went missing in 2018, bringing some closure to the deceased minor’s grieving family.

Miriam Jenjere, of Munanga village under Chief Nhema, went missing on May 26, 2018, and nothing was to be heard of her for over two years.

The juvenile’s mother, Agnela Chiurikira (25) had left Miriam at home playing with her eight-year-old brother to attend a funeral in the neighborhood when she later came back to find that her daughter was missing.

A report was made to the police and a search was conducted but to no avail.

Jacob Pedzisirai (47), a resident of Mujetekwa village under Chief Nhema saw human remains in a cave on top of a mountain on August 26, 2020, but did not report anything until September 22, 2020.

After the police attended, they invited Agnela and her husband Saino Jenjere (31) and who positively identified the clothes at the remains to be their daughter’s. By the time of writing, the child’s remains were in the hands of the police awaiting a postmortem.

Masvingo police assistant spokesperson, Ass Com Kudakwashe Dhehwa said the police were still conducting investigations. -TellZim News

FULL TEXT: Chakwera Visiting Zimbabwe

Government of Malawi
PRESS RELEASE
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs wishes to inform members of the general public that His Excellency Dr. Lazarus McCarthy Chakwera, President of the Republic of Malawi, will go on a two-day Official Visit to the Republic of Zimbabwe on 30th September, 2020.
Full details of His Excellency Dr. Lazarus McCarthy Chakwera’s Official Visit to Zimbabwe will be announced later.
Ministry of Foreign Affairs LILONGWE 3 27th September, 2020

South Africa’s Defence Minister Slapped With 3 Months Salary Cut Over Trip To ZANU PF Meeting

South Africa’s president has reprimanded defence minister Nosiviwe Mapisa-Nqakula and docked her pay for three months for taking a delegation to Zimbabwe on an air force plane, his office said.

The opposition Democratic Alliance had accused Mapisa-Nqakula of misusing state resources by letting the group from the ruling African National Congress (ANC) travel with her to Harare in September.

The presidency said late on Saturday Mapisa-Nqakula had been on an official trip. But her decision to let the delegation – who were travelling to Zimbabwe on unrelated business – join her on the flight had been an “error of judgement”.

It said President Cyril Ramaphosa had told Mapisa-Nqakula in a letter that this was not in keeping with her responsibilities as a cabinet minister. The minister had been given a formal reprimand, a “salary sacrifice” had been imposed on her for three months from November 1 and she would have to make sure the ANC reimbursed the state for the costs of the flight, the presidency added.

A defence ministry spokesman did not immediately respond to requests for comment from the minister. Mapisa-Nqakula herself did not immediately respond to a message sent on LinkedIn.

Ramaphosa has pledged to clean up the ANC’s reputation after a decade of scandals under his predecessor Jacob Zuma. –Sowetan

Chinhoyi University To Hold Virtual Graduation Ceremony

Graduation ceremony

UNIVERSITIES in the country are in discussions to have their graduation ceremonies being attended by a minimal number of graduands with a majority attending virtually in line with Covid-19 containment measures.

Last Thursday, the Chinhoyi University of Technology (CUT) released a statement informing graduands in their class of 2020 that only Doctor of Philosophy, Master of Philosophy, Master of Science with distinctions and under-graduates with first classes, will be invited to attend this year’s graduation ceremony, which is set to be held on Friday.

“The rest of the graduands will graduate virtually in the comfort of their homes with their families. Proceedings will be live streamed on ZTV and CUT facebook.

Graduands who are graduating virtually will follow proceedings in their gowns and respond to announcements as shall be beamed,” reads the statement.

Solusi University has also announced plans to hold the ceremony in similar fashion.

In an interview with Sunday News, Minister of Higher and Tertiary Education Science and Technology Development, Professor Amon Murwira revealed that there was a need for the universities to adopt innovative means of conducting this year’s graduations, noting that while they were a legal requirement there is a need to consider the need to contain the spread of the Covid-19. He revealed that as Government they had tasked the university vice-chancellors to come up with the best possible mechanism to hold the ceremonies. Prof Murwira said the same would apply for teachers’ colleges, polytechnics and vocational training centres.

“We had a meeting with vice-chancellors a couple of weeks ago where we deliberated on the matter, they were then tasked to go back and engage the councils on how best to proceed with the graduations noting that we are holding them in the new normal as created by the Covid-19 pandemic. What we have to consider is that the graduation ceremonies are a legal requirement and they have to proceed but proceed in a manner where we ensure that we protect our graduands from the Covid-19 pandemic,” said Prof Murwira.

He said the ministry’s goal was to standardise the graduation ceremonies across the country, taking advantage of the innovation within their learning institutions to go ahead with the events.

“We know that for every graduand, the graduation ceremony is an important part of their academic achievements therefore we want to maintain that atmosphere while adhering to the Covid-19 guidelines,” said the minister.

Last week, the Government announced that universities, polytechnics, teachers’ colleges and industrial training colleges will reopen on 5 October for face to-face learning, after their closure on 24 March as part of a raft of measures by Government to curb the spread of the coronavirus.

However, as part of conditions to reopen, authorities will be required to strictly adhere to the health guidelines and the Ministry of Higher and Tertiary Education, Innovation, Science and Technology’s standard operating procedures-The Sunday Mail

Wife Bashes Hubby

NATIONAL, BUSINESS, BREAKING

A woman from Umzingwane District under Chief Sigola’s area and who is also a builder by profession has reversed a common perception that only men beat up women in relationships after she allegedly rained blows on her husband as punishment for stopping her from meeting her boyfriend.

This problem of female-on-male domestic violence which is often trivialised in society was heard at the Esigodini Magistrates’ Court where the victim, Hloniphani Msipa, narrated his ordeal before resident magistrate Nomagugu Sibanda.

Msipa, who was seeking a restraining order against his wife Tafadzwa Moyo, was brave enough to tell the court that he was living a hellish life at the hands of his violent better half.

He stated that in a fit of anger, his wife brutally assaulted him after he stopped her from visiting her boyfriend.

As if the beating was not enough, Msipa said a daring Moyo went on to destroy their matrimonial property before she burnt down their bedroom hut.

“I declare that my wife Tafadzwa Moyo is destroying our matrimonial property and she recently burnt down our homestead. I need the court to strongly warn her against her conduct. She has since gone back to her parents’ homestead and I have done the same due to the fact that we both no longer have a place to call home,” complained Msipa.

He said he once sought help from the police to no avail.

“I engaged the police over the issue about my wife who is not taking any action to account for the damage she caused. Instead of apologising she is now prohibiting me from visiting our homestead because I am willing to do the repairs. I can’t imagine that I am now homeless yet I used to own my own homestead.

“I am living in fear and my efforts to check out on the livestock which we left behind is being hindered by my wife as she is threatening me with unspecified action through a string of text messages. All I want now is a protection order against her so that I live in peace,” begged Msipa.

In response Moyo didn’t refute her husband’s accusations leading the magistrate to grant an order stopping her from beating or threatening her husband as well as not to prevent him from going to their homestead.-B-Metro

BREAKING- KHUPE ELBOWED OUT OF HARVEST HOUSE?

Press Statement

MDC-T Harare Youth Assembly (2014) Harare has taken over control of the Party HQ MRT House tonight. This has been necessitated by our realization on the need to unite the people in the fight for a better Zimbabwe.

We as the youths have decided to go beyond our differences and unite to resolve the current crisis. We have been concerned by the recent developments where the party had been infiltrated by some ZANU PF elements battling to destroy the People’s movement thereby aiding the suffering of the masses.

Paul Gorekore
MDC-T Harare Province Youth Chairperson

The Sad Cries Of Jailed MDC T Duo Last Maengahama, Tungamirai Madzokere

*The Cries of Last Maengahama and Tungamirai Madzokere behind Chikurubi Maximum Prison :*

*BY Hon Job Wiwa Sikhala* :
Zengeza West MP.

The painful experience of Chikurubi Maximum Prison concentration camp made me to be in contact with my long time colleagues in the struggle Last Maengahama and Cllr Tungamirai Madzokere. Their story is a sad script. They think we have all forgotten about them. The first day they saw me, Last Maengahama cried uncontrollably. It had to take time for me to comfort him. He is currently on his 4th and final year study of Bachelor of Religious Studies and Theology Hons with Zimbabwe Open University (ZOU). His first statement was, that, “My brother Hon Sikhala, I am suffering for the crime I did not commit. I was at church the whole day and went home after the service. I don’t know why Bhunu found me guilty. The video evidence presented by my church UFIC was rejected by Bhunu as doctored evidence and l am praying that Bhunu be blessed.” l was so touched by these words from Mufundisi Maengahama. Everyone now calls him Mufundisi in prison. He has turned into a prayer warrior. With his non assuming, cool character, many prison inmates adore him. He goes into prayer sessions every morning with a group of inmates after being brought downstairs on the hall where prisoners are kept from 8am to 3pm.

He voraciously read his modules from ZOU and several scripture materials send to him by several well wishers. Is always with his books pen and paper writing points of study. He interminently play the game of chess with the Commander of 1 Commando Col Mavhima who was Court Martialed to 12 years in prison. He always told me that I feel forgotten as we are suffering without food and supplies. He told me that Hon Tekeshe of Makoni Central was the one who was the pillar of support, bringing food weekly for them and paying his University fees and had stopped abruptly for the reasons he does not know and MDC Alliance constituencies took over in support but were suddenly stopped by the Prison authorities. Since the prison authorities stopped supplies for them, suffering resumed. I promised Maengahama of continued support as soon as access to them is restored. In honor I left all my blankets I took into Chikurubi Maximum Concentration Camp to Last Maengahama and Cllr Tungamirai Madzokere. Every time I would come to Court for my case I always made sure that I took some food for them. I undertook to pay Maengahama’s final year fees for his degree and the two years remained for Tunga who is on his third year BSc Hons in Strategic Studies.

When I was leaving prison Mufundisi Maengahama and Bishop Victor Chiminya who was sharing the same cell with me asked to pray for me. On either sides they held my hands and went into a 30 minutes prayer where we ended up all crying. His final words was for me to pass greetings to his Spiritual father Prophet Emmanuel Makandiwa, UFIC members and all Zimbabweans, friends and fore.

Cllr Tungamirai Madzokere is on his 3rd year BSc Hons in Strategic Studies with the same University as Mufundisi Maengahama. He still has two years to go. I undertook to pay his University fees for the remaining two years. He is jailed in solitary confinement reserved for those people on death row. He stays on the final floor of the prison in solitary prison. I asked the reasons why he was maltreated to be jailed in solitary confinement on the cell reserved for those on death row. This is the same cells which Gumbura is confined. The explanation given is that, he fought against the prison authorities on the vulnerability of prison inmates to corona virus, as many inmates where contracting and dying from Covid 19. He demanded protective masks for prisoners and enforcement of social distance in cells than squashed and one on top of the other situation that is currently prevailing at Chikurubi Maximum Concentration Camp. The authorities then accused him of inciting other prisoners to demand masks and social distancing. They then took him into solitary confinement. He would demand to be released to meet me twice every week. Shuckled in leg irons and handcuffs he would be brought to the B Hall where I was camped twice every week. I have never seen such strong character like him. He would spend 3 hours with me at any given time sharing horrific experiences of maltreatment before prison authorities all his long stay in the Concentration Camp. He would bring me books to read, The Prince, by Machiavelli, Thomas Hobbes, Aristotle, We the People authored by a great American scholar Professor Thomas Petterson. He told me that he is spending most of his time in the solitary confinement reading and studying his degree. He is now so sharp and excessively intelligent on issues. I noticed traits of continous reading in the product he is today.

They gave me the entire record of their case for me to see for myself. I told them that I long read their record as I was the one who wrote the Heads of Arguments on their bail application pending appeal when I was still working at Tendai Biti Law.  They said their appeal against both conviction and sentence was heard in March but still wonder why their verdict is not being pronounced up to present. This issue is depressing them big time. They are waiting for the pronouncement of the judgement. The anxiety is traumatic. I witnessed it by my own eyes.

I promised them that Zimbabweans will never forget them. They are still in the minds of many and people are doing their best to highlight their plight.

Lets remember Pastor Last Maengahama and Cllr Tungamirai Madzokere.

I thank you.

Factionalism Drama In Zanu Pf As Women’s League Holds Secret Election

By A Correspondent- Zanu-PF women’s league in Mashonaland East on Friday held a “secretive” election that saw provincial chair lady Nyarai Tsvuura being replaced by her deputy Lyn Gororo as factional wars in the province intensify.

Both the media and intelligence officers were chucked out of the meeting as the women’s league members said that they were conducting their “private businesses”.

The election of Gororo came after the Zanu-PF politburo recently cleared and reinstated Tsvuura as the provincial women’s league boss after she was suspended on trumped up charges, among them, gossiping.

Tsvuura, also a Mutoko legislator, was officially reinstated at a provincial coordinating committee (PCC) meeting after several weeks of resistance from a section of both the national and provincial women’s league leadership who were also refusing to release a party vehicle meant for her use.

The vehicle was later released follow ing the intervention of provincial chair person Joel Biggie Matiza.

But Tsvuura never used it after reports that some other party members openly told her that “she would not touch” the party vehicle.

Tsvuura attended the election but re fused to contest resulting in Gororo taking over.

According to sources who attended the highly charged meeting, some women’s league members said Tsvuura was coopted as their boss in the new dispensation.

“They are saying Tsvuura was coopted, hence the need for elections,” sources said.

“It is confusing as she was reinstated by the politburo a few months ago, but today we are being instructed to conduct elections.

“We are not sure whether it is a politburo directive as well. Tsvuura attended the meeting but she didn’t contest resulting in her deputy Lyn Gororo taking over. We have some members who were coopted into positions and we do not know when the elections for them will be held.”

The elective meeting was reportedly led by a national women’s league member.

Matiza yesterday said he was aware of the meeting.

“I am aware that they held a meeting in Marondera to discuss issues concern ing them. However, I am yet to receive the report on what transpired on the day. The women’s league has the power to solve burning issues if need arises but like I said, I am ye to be apprised,” he said.-standard

“Ours Is A Crisis Of A Stolen Election”: Chamisa

PRESIDENT NELSON CHAMISA 21st Anniversary Talking points

SEPTEMBER 26, 2020, HARARE.

Mobilizing and Fighting for a People’s Government

The Vice Presidents,
The National Chairperson
The Secretary General,

The National Standing Committee,
The National Executive,
The National Council,

The Guardians & Elders council
The freedom fighters council
The Disabilty Council
The Veterans association
The students council

Distinguished members of the leadership of the Party at all levels,
ALL Party Deployees;
Our MPs,
Our Mayors,
Our Councilors,
Our Invited distinguished guests,
The People of Zimbabwe,
Friends of the People of Zimbabwe,

To all of you, here, those at home and abroad,
Our brothers and sisters in the diaspora

I greet you all, thanking OUR GOD, The Almighty, for all the grace, providence and protection.

Fellow Zimbabweans, memory is a site of the struggle.

11 September is a great day.

This month marks the 21st anniversary of our struggle, our journey and our formidable political formation called the MDC which morphed into the MDC Alliance following processes which saw founding stalwarts being reunited once again.

Through the MDC Alliance, we have reconnected, reunited and reignited national hope so that together, we collectively achieve what we set out to achieve in 1999.

On 11 September 1999, this glorious movement was formed at Rufaro stadium and the country’s political terrain would never be the same again.

We salute the over 32 civic organizations that came together through the national working people’s convention at the Women’s Bureau in HARARE in 1999 just prior to the launch of the working people’s party.

The year saw the birth of a great movement borne out of the sweat of labour, the Constitutional movement, the student movement, the women’s groups, war veterans and youth groups, with labour having fronted the people’s quest for change.

Fronting this cause was the great icon Morgan Tsvangirai ably assisted by the indefatigable Gibson Sibanda and many others who came from the labour movement.

I and many others were also part of this historic moment, with myself and others having come from the student movement.

At our inaugural Congress in Chitungwiza in January 2000, a milieu of leaders was voted into the national leadership of this great movement to steer forward the national hope for a new Zimbabwe. I will forever remain humbled for being voted among the first team of senior leaders of the party, when the inaugural Congress expressed its confidence in me and overwhelmingly elected me the party’s founding national youth chairperson.

Fellow Zimbabweans, it is heartening to take note that most of the founding members of the party are with the MDC Alliance today and are still leading across our structures.

And yes, their eyes remain firmly focused on what we sought to achieve when the MDC was formed 21 years ago. Many of these founding cadres are in the national, provincial, constituency and branch structures of the People’s party, the MDC Alliance.

Today we remain resolute, resilient and vigilant.

We refuse to be swallowed.

We guard our zones of autonomy.

We increase the cost of dictatorship in Zimbabwe.

We fight the pillars of tyranny.

We continue to articulate the illegitimacy of the unelected and unelectable.

We assert our credibility as a viable and bankable alternative.

Twenty one years on, we remain focused on our original goal which has always been to achieve positive transformation in the lives of the people of Zimbabwe.
And true to our founding values and objectives, we remain unstinting and on course in our quest to consign repression to the dustbin and to give succour and happiness to our country’s citizens.

We are a Peaceful people are being broken.

We are peace loving citizens who are being harassed, maimed and terrorized.

Since 1999 over 2000 people have died on account of political violence. Chiminya, Patrick Nabanyama, Beta Chokururama, Nyeve, Chipunza, bakacheza, Jani, Pfebve, Tonderai Ndira, Talent Mabika, to mention but a few.

Since 2017, 105 people have been abducted on record. All these people targeted for dehumanisation, abuse and murder, mainly for supporting this struggle for change and the people’s movement.

Nearly 50 have been murdered in cold blood. You know that on the 1st of August 2018 Harare CBD was turned into an urban war zone.

In January 2019, the whole country was under siege. For two weeks they punished millions, injured over 1000 and killed nearly 20 of our citizens, for no crime.

All this to weaken the resolve of the indomitable people of Zimbabwe and subtract people’s support to the struggle. They are scared.

21 Years of Struggle and leadership

For 21 years, Our road to this point has been long and our pain has been great. Our sense of endurance and our commitment to change by elections and a national consensus is tested.

For 21 years, each new day, new challenges arise. Our 21-year-old desire to avoid playing a zero-sum game with fellow Zimbabweans, and with our opposite number appears to have yielded little benefit.

For 21 years, we had hope that we could establish consensual politics in which the old would agree to transform at the direction of the new. That the old guard would admit its mistakes and allow the country to take a new trajectory without smarting over change. This, we thought, would hasten the rate of change by allowing us to concentrate on the way forward. They have taken this for a weakness and aimed their guns at us.

For 21 years, we have hoped that the ruling elite will find the value in moving towards consensus. They have rebuffed and insulted us.

For 21 years, they have dared us and the young people by driving the country faster towards the abyss. Our path to lead towards a peaceful resolution of the myriad crises, has been scoffed at.

For 21 years, armed by our strong commitment to Zimbabwe and respect for regional growth and progress, we held firm and continued to persuade the regime away from failed leadership, corrupt primitive accumulation and incompetence.

For 21 years, we spoke out in public, organised demonstrations and engaged them in various platforms including parliament.

For 21 years, we fight for human rights, named and shamed the perpetrators for crimes against humanity, murders, wars against the people, corruption and theft. We called them out for crimes against women and children, for torture, abductions and abuse of the state.

Our journey of tears and laughter

This month, we remember our long journey of joy and tears, our eventful odyssey of pain and laughter. We have had our prouds and sorries in the last 21 years but we have taken them all in our stride.

Among our sorries has been the loss of the many men and women across the vast span of our great movement; the many people who have paid the ultimate price in their quest for a new Zimbabwe, an idea for which they strenuously fought throughout their lives. Others in the urban areas, in the villages and in our farming communities were brutally murdered for the sole reason that they believed in change and invested in the hope for a better life.

Fellow Zimbabweans, I know most of you were brutalised but you remain standing and you continue to invest your faith and trust in us your forever indebted leadership. Don’t be shaken, for we are on course.

Today, we remember all those who paid the ultimate price, those who irrigated their quest with their own blood. We salute them. We treasure their contribution to the people’s struggle.

But, my fellow Zimbabweans, remember we also have had our proud moments. In 2008, we defeated dictatorship and we used our stint in government to showcase the fact that government can indeed be an arena to bring positive change in the lives of the people. I know you all still remember with nostalgia our stint in government, particularly given that the clueless lot now in the offices of government.

In 2018, we defeated Mr Mnangagwa having only campaigned for a short period upon inadequate preparations, time and resources

So this month, we take note of the 21-year old journey that we have travelled together, this journey has seen an odd mixture of joy and pain. To our dearly departed comrades, we want to assure them that their sacrifice was not in vain.

We will fight on until we achieve the collective aspirations of the patriotic sons and daughters of our land, including the fallen heroes of our liberation struggle whose gallantry we commemorated only last month.

Fellow Zimbabweans, we shall strive to work for a just, prosperous and inclusive society. And we know that it is only then that the departed souls of our compatriots may truly rest in eternal peace.

As a movement, we have a rich history; a history struggle, a history of blood, sweat and tears and that history will never be surrendered either directly to Zanu PF or indirectly to its surrogates.

It is important for us to say that we are not unaware that most members of the police, the security services and all other government institutions are remain patriotic in yearning for a better life like all of us.

A country mired in turmoil – the Zimbabwean crisis

SINCE 1980 OUR CRISIS HAS BEEN A CRISIS OF DISPUTED AND VIOLENT ELECTIONS.

OURS IS A CRISIS OF A STOLEN ELECTIONS.

Fellow citizens, Zimbabwe is in a crisis, a governance and legitimacy crisis a multi-layered crisis that is manifesting itself in various forms, particularly an attempt by the incumbent to establish a defacto one party state.

I know you you are all living the crisis and you are all perturbed that there are some among us who are denying that there is a crisis. Indeed, some and on the opposite side, are the source of the crisis. They do not feel the pain of that which they are causing. In any event, a crisis describe or discover itself.

The political environment
We have witnessed an upsurge in trumped up charges, human rights abuses, abductions, torture, failing economy, endemic corruption and a general deficit in performance legitimacy.

You must appreciate, fellow Zimbabweans, that those denying the existence of the crisis are themselves the source of the crisis and are certainly seeing things differently. They certainly are living in another world and you must know that the hare’s story can never be told by a lion, or a crocodile. So the authors of our crisis will never know that the nation is on the precipice.

You all know that the economy is in the doldrums and the majority of the country’s citizens can barely survive. The civil servants, including our uniformed forces, are all living from hand to mouth. They can barely put food on the table. They want schools to open on Monday but they hardly understand the plight of our teachers, whose paltry salaries can hardly see them through just one week.

And yet all these are just but manifestations of the deeper crisis of legitimacy. Since the stolen election of 2018, there has been a drought—nay a famine–of confidence in this administration and unless and until the crisis of legitimacy is resolved, the country is on a fast road to nowhere.

And you all saw, fellow Zimbabweans, their response to the multi-layered crisis in the traditional way it only knows best.

They have stuck their head in the sand and vociferously denied the existence of the crisis that is there for all to see. By denying that there is a crisis stalking our land, the regime has squandered the glorious opportunity to have our regional neighbours assisting us in the resolution of our challenges.

Surely, how can anyone look the envoys from South Africa in the eye and confidently state that there is no crisis on the country when South Africa is saddled with over three million Zimbabweans desperately eking a living in that country?

Our crisis has reached their backyard and you stridently deny the existence of a crisis in Zimbabwe, a country where even elected MPs are wantonly repressed, harassed and abused.

How does anyone deny the existence of a crisis in the wake of such overwhelming evidence?

The people’s argument is that while we are complaining and listing, ZANU PF continues its brutality. Over the last few months for example highlighting, spotlighting and condemning the regime has yielded no change. We were smarting from and still talking about the abduction and abuse of three of our female leaders, Joanna, Cecelia and Nestai, when they abducted Tatenda, Mduduzi Mathuthu’s nephew.

▪️The struggle for Joanna Mamombe’s freedom is not hers alone. Her persecution, abuse and ill treatment go to the root of why we are mobilising the masses and fighting for a people’s Govt:
▶️Young women must be free from violence, abduction & torture,
▶️Young women must be adequately protected by our courts and justice system,
▶️Young women must not suffer second trauma when they are sexually assaulted.
▪️The persecution of the MDC trio is not an attack on the MDC, it is an attack on the core of freedom in Zimbabwe. It is an attack on the constitutional right to protest. It is an attack on the human ideal of security of person.
▪️The abduction of Joanna, Netsai and Cecillia are not unique. The same, evil act happened to Tawanda Muchehiwa, Peter Mugombeyi, Samantha Kureya, Tatenda Mombeyarara, Itai Dzamara, Jestina Mukoko and many others over the years. We demand justice and accountability. Without justice, there can be no stability or peace.

Without an independent investigation into these heinous acts, we will never see a stop to them.

Citizens are under attack, democracy is under attack.

It is the same reason that Job Sikhala, Godfrey Kuraone, Jacob Ngarivhume and Hopewell Chin’ono stayed in prison for that long.
Even though they finally made bail or acquitted, they were never supposed to be arrested in the first place.
The same with Tsitsi Dangarembwa, Fadzai Mahere, Lilian Timvious ,Namatai Kwekwedza and others on the long list. Including the nurses from Harare Hospital, the lawyers representing their clients Obey Shava and Doug Coltart and many others we have not mentioned by name.

Freedoms are under attack.We have a drought of Freedom in Zimbabwe.

Our leaders and Members of Parliament have been charged with Treason.
Job Sikhala , Charlton HWENDE, Amos Chibaya, Settlement Chikwinya,Lloyd mukapiko,Joana Mamombe, SIZIBA ,GOD SITHOLE,MUTINGWENDE

We also have had the arresting trade union leaders, lawyers, professionals, journalists and activists.

In Bulawayo, they abused two Mpofu sisters.

One way of seeing it, is that the MDC Alliance is under siege. I appreciate that perspective, but the correct way of seeing it is that Zimbabwe is under attack, it is being attacked through destruction of the only genuine people’s alternative.

Every sector of our society is under attack from despotism and rogue politics
That Must be ended.
That must Go!

Our bishops and the church in general have also not been spared the abuse and harassment for speaking truth to power and being a moral compass and guardians of societal conscience. Our Bishops and the church weighed in to caution the rabid politics of the incumbent.

We comment the church for playing their role as the salt of the earth and light of the world.

Without any doubt , those in government have now elevated evil to a level of worship.

Their catalogue of their activities is not complete, they proceed to kidnap not just journalists and activists but now they target their families.

The international community joined in, labour unions, political parties, sitting and former presidents and multinational organisations, raised the alarm. But once again this now feels just the usual catalogue of the regime’s well-established history of inhumanity.

The illegal recalls

The state driven recalls of MDC Alliance MPs , Councillors and Mayors by MDC-T using MDC-T Letters of recall, in all cases without due process and even following of the MDC-T constitution, is not only unacceptable and unprecedented in the history of elections anywhere in the world but also criminal, invalid, irregular and illegal and will be reversed.These setbacks are temporary. We will stand our ground.

The tormentors have taken aim and directed shots at the MDC ALLIANCE. They have violently grabbed and claimed our offices, funds, MPs and councillors. We condemn and denounce the schemes aimed at the banning of the MDC-Alliance in Zimbabwe.

In March 2020 the regime zeroed in on its main target. The MDC-Alliance as an institution, a party and an organisation faced elimination. This laser focus has been devoid of law or due process. This process begun with the Supreme Court decision.

There has been a deliberate misinterpretation of the Supreme Court decision by those who are violating the constitution and abusing the law to decimate the will and vote of the people.

The Mnangagwa administration is engaged in a very elaborate process to destroy the MDC. They are attacking our base. They have tried to decimate the people’s support of the movement. All this in complete disregard of the constitution, which guarantees freedom of association, and an illegal abuse of state institutions.

I wish to state here that the size of an idea ultimately dictates the size of its opposition. The greater the idea, the greater it’s opposing force.

They have employed armed war tactics. They practise extreme brutality. They have no regard for rules of engagement. It is a war without law, principle, ethics and limits. Their engagements respect no logic, humanity or conscience. It is just that, a war to win a de-facto one-party state at all and any costs.

ZANU PF has done this before. They have experience in destroying a political party to create a one-party state. It is a scorched earth policy.

They seem to have re-adopted and re-radicalised their old power-retention strategy. A desire to keep power through a de-facto one-party state strategy. The attacks are just a desperate attempt aimed at removing competitive politics from our country.

This is what they did to ZAPU, at the start they targeted the population, then ZAPU MPs, councillors and activists. So, by the time you got to 1985, ZAPU no longer had a base. It could not field candidates for local councils and constituencies and ZANU was largely uncontested in many constituencies. We must stop them.

The State of Economy
The country is characterized by political crisis manifesting itself through a social and economic stress, all of which are rooted in lack of leadership and drought of governance.

The following have defined our day to day environment:
• Chronic inflation which has remained steep at 837.53% in July regardless of various efforts to rig it;
• Dollarised environment although Government is denying it and still pay workers in ZWL
• Worsening poverty level which has seen over 70% of the remaining in abject poverty and +8 million are food insecure;
• Poverty datum line for a family of five has 5 folds (400%) from January to $17,244 in August while the majority of civil servants are earning salaries which is below $4000 interestingly after receiving a mere 50% salary increment and a fake US$75 COVID-19 which has remained a pie in the air because they can’t access it;
• Ironically, in the face of these difficulties, the Minister of Finance and Economic Development, in his fiscal mid-term review, didn’t provide for a supplementary budget all in the name of trying to maintain the purported budget surplus which has never been attained because of the following:
o Absence of full fiscal consolidation to take into account subsidies offered in the energy sector (fuel and electricity), maize and transport (ZUPCO);
o The $18 billion COVID stimulus package and the US$75 COVID-19 allowance for civil servants as well as the US$30 COVID-19 allowance for pensioners, combined, account for more than 30% of the total budget, was not accounted for in the mid- term fiscal review.
• Rampant corruption which is facilitated by obscurity in the subsidies going the agricultural (command), fuel, electricity and transport sectors.
• Toxic political environment

Our alternative economic solution

As your alternative Government we have been clear of what needs to be done and we haven’t been selfish to advise Mnangagwa Government on must be done although our advice was met high level of intellectual arrogance and as such was never taken on board. In one of my state of the nation address, I made the following suggestions:
• Accept the reality that the economy has dollarised and eliminate of the Zimbabwe dollar with a view to ensure economic stability;
• Payment of decent salaries to civil servants in USD and this regard the averages salaries of around US$550 per month for the average civil servant must be used as a starting point;
• Government must take leadership in undertaking reforms (both political and economic reforms) and respect of the constitution;
• The need to come up with an all stakeholders strategy on how the country can come out of the COVID-19 pandemic. These stakeholders among others will include political parties, business, CSO, academics, think tanks, Government and development partners;
• There need for a real stimulus package of US$5 billion to deal with COVID-19 not the ZW$18 billion (which is equivalent to US$180 million – which the Government has failed to disburse for that matter).
• Real inclusive engagement (both local and international) – here charity begins at home. Government must never fool itself that it will have impetus to engage the international community and hope that it will be taken seriously when it is busy burning its own house back home. Government must engage the Zimbabweans first and address their concerns and then we go out as team Zimbabwe to engage the international community. Brand Zimbabwe must never be a ZANU PF thing but a Zimbabwean one!

What is our plan?

There need for a political settlement and resolution of a political conflict in Zimbabwe.

Fellow citizens, it is trite to state that our crisis can only be resolved by a well meaning and credible, bankable dialoguee process between and among Zimbabweans so that collectively, we can chart the way forward for our country.

We salute South Africa and in particular the ANC, EFF, One South Africa movement, BOTSWANA opposition ZAMBIA ,AU, UN and all other Progressive movements and Trade Unions globally for their solidarity and involvement in efforts aimed at the resolution of the Zimbabwean crisis. Indeed, Zimbabwean lives matter!

As we have said before, dialogue should not only be bankable but should be guaranteed and brokered by a mutually agreed convener in the mould of SADC or the AU. Sadly, our colleagues in Zanu PF have invited and mounted a desperate show of the political players (POLAD) they have created comprising those who agree with them, to the monologue table.

We have respectfully told them that any discussion among parties that are in agreement can never be called a genuine dialogue. It is simply a monologue, a meaningless chorus of the pliant and obliging opposition.

But we have seen that our overtures for dialogue have been spurned. We reserve our right to pursue all Constitutional avenues to ensure that Zimbabweans in their diversity do sit down to chart the way forward for this great country that we all love.

OUR PROGRAM OF ACTION

THE 5 BIG FIGHTS

In January 2020, in our AGENDA 2020 statement, I articulated the five big fights for the year and these have proved to be the trajectory and hallmark of the people’s struggles through out this year.

***It is vital to underscore that we also identified the various zones of struggle namely; the street, state, parliament, local authorities, media, diplomacy, elections, courts and resource mobilization as key theaters of struggle and contestation in all our 5 BIG FIGHTS!

Fight Number1: The fight for a people’s government, reforms and a return to legitimacy.

As we have stated, Illegitimacy is at the core of our national crisis. We have hit these plumbing depths as a country because of the vicious cycle of disputed elections, the last of which was the pilfered plebiscite of July 2018. As a country and as a people, we will continue to clamour for comprehensive reforms so that the next election is vaccinated against any tendencies inclined towards subverting the will of the people. In February of this year, we unveiled a blueprint that we dubbed PRICE, the Principles for a Credible Election, which is itself our humble submission on the table for what needs to be done if the country is to break free from the vicious cycle of disputed elections

Now ZEC has announced dates for by-elections, we believe what was more important was first to embrace and implement comprehensive reforms so that we hold truly credible elections that reflect the will of the people of Zimbabwe.

As long as this is not done, we shall continue to move in circles and it will be difficult to break free from the shackles of illegitimacy that often cloud and taint those in the seat of government. .

Fight Number 2: The fight for a better life, dignity and livelihoods

I know that all of you, my fellow citizens, maybe except those in government, continue to live lives of indignity. We are all suffering and yet the dignity and worth of every Zimbabwezn is a basic human right enshrined in our Constitution.

Yet all of us as citizens that include villagers, informal traders, farmers and our government employees are living miserable lives as this regime has dismally failed to accord us our due dignity and prudent treatment as citizens who have rights.

That is why we all continue to reminisce and remember with nostalgia the good old days of the MDC in government; the heady days which gave us all a reason to smile and hope again.

Indeed, the quest for a lfe of dignity will remain our primary focus as citizens. And we will do all that is Constitutionally permissible in demanding the restoration of our dignity. .

Fight Number Three: The fight against Corruption

Corruption is killing us. The fight against corruption has been one of the unstinting fights of the country’s citizens this whole year. Covidgate and the arrest and conviction of current and former ministers shows that avarice and corruption among the well-heeled political elite is the country’s biggest affliction.

Yet the real culprits continue to roam the country scot free. The unwarranted arrest and detention of Hopewell Chin’ono and Tatenda Muchehiwa shows that this government is fixated on punishing those who expose corruption instead of those who practise it. This system will go down on history for its penchant to smash the mirror and not to decisively tackle the cancer of corruption. It is pertinent to note that Transparency International, the Zimbabwe chapter, has reported that since 2016, Zimbabwe has lost more than US$ billions through corruption mostly by the well heeled political elite. That must stop and the culprits must be decisively dealt with, not the drama of catch and release in which senior government officials are arrested in the morning and set free in the afternoon.

Fight Number Four: The fight for rights, freedoms, security of persons and the rule of law

Fellow Zimbabweans, the fight for citizens’ rights has become a huge fight in this country. The wanton arrests and detentions of innocent citizens and the trampling of their rights have become the hallmark of the national crisis and led to strident global condemnation under the campaign of #.**ZimbabweanLivesMatter*

It is tragic that government has become the chief culprit in abrogating citizen rights and we shall continue to call for the respect of human rights, which rights are now firmly embedded in the country’s Constitution.

Fight Number Five: The fight in defence of the Constitution,and Constitutionalism

Fellow Zimbabweans, it is tragic that we have a government that is hellbent on amending the Constitution instead of amending it.

Zimbabweans shall continue to defend the Constitution that they wrote themselves and affirmed in a referendum. But now the regime is keen to use its ill-gotten majority in Parliament to subvert the will of the people by amending a Constitution they have not even implemented. How do you repair a shirt you have never even put on?

We restate that we will use every avenue to defend the Constitution and to call for its implementation and not its amendment.

Fellow Zimbabweans, it has been a tenuous 21 years of struggle but we are almost there. Repression and violence will not distract us in this our inexorable march towards a new Zimbabwe and the vast opportunities that lie ahead for all of us. Dictatorships have temporary legs.

All that we are facing are temporary set backs in this our brave march towards a new hope. The adage says the darkest hour is before dawn but I wish to state that it is only in the darkest of nights that one is able to see the stars.

We owe it to the past. And we owe to the current and future generations to bring back the hope hope in our desolate lives. It has been a long journey but we are almost getting there.

Countrymen, friends,

▪️Democracy is the historical fight the MDC is founded on that sees us here today.
▪️The fight is not ended until we see freedom take root.
▪️The fight is not ended until we destroy all attempts to return Zimbabwe to a one party state.
▪️The fight is not ended until every man, woman and child can live a life of dignity, good health and peace.
▪️As citizens, we must unite as a broad front to confront the challenges of today, the same broad front that came together in 1999, and take ownership of our collective struggle. Churches, civic society, the women’s movement, the student movement and most importantly, the trade union movement, must join hands and speak with one voice against= the injustice, poverty and corruption that has been caused by Zanu PF & is destroying our livelihoods.
▪️We must speak out against the death of freedom, the death of democracy and the death of the rule of law.
▪️In 2020, our collective voices must ring louder than they’ve ever rung before in the cry for democratic change and transformation.
▪️The Zimbabwe we want requires common purpose and vision. It requires courage in the face of adversity. It requires hope in the face of despair.

▪️Only a people’s Govt can deliver on the promise of real lasting change.
▪️Only a people’s Govt can deliver on the promise of a strong economy where poverty, hunger and joblessness are tackled in earnest.
▪️Only a people’s Govt can deliver on a Zimbabwe where freedom, fairness and opportunity abound for all.

Countrymen and friends,

The lines have been crossed, there is no going back.

We gave peace a chance, some are disrespectful of peace.

We gave dialogue a chance, some perceive it a weakness.

We gave democracy a chance, elections were and continue to be stolen in broad day light, the little we salvaged from the jaws of electoral fraud is also being taken away.

Fellow Zimbabwean this comes down to two choices. Either to stand divided, point fingers and perish or unite confront the dictator.

I am announcing the Birmingham moment, time to look the beast in the eye.
It cannot be business as usual. The time for playing games must come to an end, now is the time chat a way, to liberate ourselves from the pharonic clutches suffocating our people and find means and ways of crossing the Red sea into a land of freedom.

It is time to save ourselves from individuals who steal billions when 8.5 million Zimbabweans are facing starvation.

It is time to save ourselves from people who raid the RBZ when exchange rates are collapsing.

It is time to save ourselves from reckless behaviour which has resulted in shocking inflation driving the price of bread and mealie meal beyond the reach of many.

It is time to save ourselves from being the world’s laughing stock, the ones clamouring for menial jobs in foreign lands, yet from an educated and one of the richest countries in the world.

It is time to save ourselves from bandits who will always claim there is no crisis in Zimbabwe when hospitals are closed, with no nurses drugs and even gloves yet in the middle of a global pandemic rearing its ugly head.

Now is the time. It is time to carry our own cross and save ourselves. The time of playing games must come to an end.

So what must we do? We must mobilize and fight, together, as a broad front. You and I must play our part to win Zimbabwe for change

Let me tell you, it is not just politics, as usual. Let us be the willing and available population ready to stop death and famine. To serve the future, we need to salvage the and save the present!

If we do not stop them they will not stop because power is never given voluntarily, even in a democracy, there has to be something, like a constitutional clause that prohibits further or continued retention or acquisition of power. Ion our case, we are that clause.

My fellow Zimbabweans, we are our own liberators.We are the answer to all our questions.We are the solution to our problems.

On the occasion of the 21st anniversary of the people’s movement I recommit to leading as we finish what we started.

Our course of action will be as follows.
Our Course of action is as follows;

(a) Calling national convergence and find consensus on the way to winning Zimbabwe for change with civic society, labour, the churches, students, the diaspora and the women’s movement. Everyone can play a part.

(b) Confront the regime and put pressure on the regime within the limits of section 59 of the Constitution to push the regime and to defend livelihoods.

(c) pursue a SMART agenda for delivery in this spaces we control particularly local authorities and parliament.

(d) Protect and defend the Constitution against any attempts in undemocratic unilateral attempts to amend the same.

(e) Engage the international community and other stakeholders in mitigating the massive humanitarian impact and ensuring the provision of social safety nets.

Fellow Zimbabweans, I can boldly state today that the hour of change is imminent. The past is now another country and I can see the bright shining lights of the Canaan ahead.

Lastly, fellow Zimbabweans, brace for the imminent change ahead. I humbly plead with you, my fellow citizens, to firmly and fondly embrace the change that is almost upon us.

Behold the NEW …
Behold the imminent moment!

The Walls of Jericho are about to fall. We will push them asunder. We choose to lead.

God Bless you,
God Bless Zimbabwe

God is in it !!!

S.A Defence Minister In Soup Over ANC Delegation’s Zimbabwean Visit

By A Correspondent- President Cyril Ramaphosa’s reprimand of Defence and Military Veterans Minister Nosiviwe Mapisa-Nqakula for taking ANC officials on an air force jet to Zimbabwe isn’t enough – she should be fired, two opposition parties said.

Late on Saturday evening, the Presidency issued a statement announcing that Ramaphosa had issued Mapisa-Nqakula with a formal reprimand.

“The president has further sanctioned the minister by imposing a salary sacrifice on the minister’s salary for three months, starting from 1 November 2020.

“Her salary for the three months should be paid into the Solidarity Fund, which was established to support the country’s response to the coronavirus pandemic,” reads the statement.

“The president, furthermore, directed the minister to make sure that the ANC reimburses the state for the costs of the flight to Harare and to report to him once that has been done.”

The action already taken against the minister was not good enough, said DA MP Kobus Marais in a statement on Sunday.

He demanded that Ramaphosa fire Mapisa-Nqakula before the end of this week.

“The president’s decision to merely reprimand the minister for wilfully overseeing the ANC’s abuse of an air force jet is simply not good enough.

“This reprimand does not illustrate how serious President Ramaphosa is about the minister’s dereliction of duty, it illustrates how weak he is in holding members of his party and his executive to account.”

Abuse of state resources.

He said Ramaphosa effectively downplayed this abuse of state resources by stating it was an “error of judgment” by Mapisa-Nqakula.

“This smacks of how former president Jacob Zuma evaded accountability after the Nkandla scandal, which was another blatant incident of the abuse of state resources.

“We simply cannot allow that the minister gets off scot-free. The fact is that she wilfully allowed the ANC to abuse public funds to illegally travel to Zimbabwe and back aboard the air force’s Falcon-900 aircraft.”

FF Plus leader Pieter Groenewald expressed a similar sentiment, saying Ramaphosa’s sanction is “simply a ruse to pacify the public”.

“The FF Plus says it is not a severe enough punishment for a very serious transgression. President Ramaphosa should have fired her immediately. That would have been the correct decision,” Groenewald said in a statement.

He noted that the FF plus has already complained to the Public Protector about the matter.

“The president allowed a golden opportunity to show to South Africa that he is serious about eradicating corruption pass him by.

“He once again failed the country in service of the ANC and this sanction is merely a ruse after the gross negligence of the minister of defence, which is tantamount to corruption.

Mkhuleko Hlengwa, IFP MP and chairperson of the parliamentary financial watchdog committee, the Standing Committee on Public Accounts, tweeted that Ramaphosa’s sanction is insufficient, unless the president releases the report he sought from the minister on the matter.

“Transparency is good governance!” Hlengwa tweeted.-News24

MDC Registered In Zambia

By A Correspondent- A new political party called the Movement for Democratic Change (MDC) has been registered in Zambia.

According to a statement issued over the weekend, the political party tendered its application before the Registrar of Societies in November 2019, and approval has been done this month.

MDC
The MDC has stated that its interim leadership, manifesto, and party headquarters will be unveiled at a launch to be held soon.

Govt To Recruit 6k Teachers

By A Correspondent- 6000 teachers will be recruited by the government of Zimbabwe to help fill up the gap of teachers’ shortages that has been created due to the COVID-19 health guidelines to contain the pandemic.

This was revealed by the Ministry of Primary and Secondary Education director of communications and advocacy, Mr Taungana Ndoro who said

We are recruiting about 6 000 teachers starting this term to cover for the workload which is coming with the trimming of classes. We have around 9 000 schools in the country so we need the teachers to take the extra classes that will be created.

Addressing the issue of school fees, Ndoro explained that the government had scrapped fees for the second term because:

….because in the first place there was no Term Two to talk about. School authorities must follow Government directives. The official school calendar was Term One and this one where schools are opening tomorrow. So, there was no Term Two in the first place, and the Government position is that no school must therefore demand fees for a term that was not announced and approved by Government.

Ndoro said schools that needed to increase fees were supposed to follow laid down procedure to do so:

There is a procedure that needs to be followed before fees are increased. The ministry only deals with an agreed position from the school and the parents. So, what comes before the ministry for approval is a position that would have been agreed between the parents and the school. Only then can they bring it to the ministry for consideration. So, we are saying it is high time that schools and parents settle on one agreed position

Public schools will open their doors for the classes that will sit for their final year in December tomorrow despite teachers declaring that they are incapacitated

BREAKING- MDC T Harare Youth Assembly (2014) Takes Over Harvest House

Press Statement

MDC-T Harare Youth Assembly (2014) Harare has taken over control of the Party HQ MRT House tonight. This has been necessitated by our realization on the need to unite the people in the fight for a better Zimbabwe.

We as the youths have decided to go beyond our differences and unite to resolve the current crisis. We have been concerned by the recent developments where the party had been infiltrated by some ZANU PF elements battling to destroy the People’s movement thereby aiding the suffering of the masses.

Paul Gorekore
MDC-T Harare Province Youth Chairperson

More MDC Alliance Stalwarts Arrested

ALERT

Clr Mupamaonde and Hre Provincial Executive Member Taurai Magodhi have been arrested and detained at Marimba Police Station this evening. Their crime being that they addressed an unsanctioned meeting in Mufakose, Harare.

Police Launch Manhunt For Mashurugwi

By A Correspondent- At least 30 Mashurugwi ( Machete-Wielding Gangs) that wreaked havoc at Mount Royal Business Centre, Fort Rixon on September 19 have attracted the attention of the Zimbabwe Republic Police which announced that they are hunting for the infamous gang members.

This was revealed by ZRP National spokesperson Assistant Commissioner Paul Nyathi who said they are looking for MaShurugwi who made a scene in Fort Rixon a few days ago. Said Assitant Commissioner Nyathi:

Police in Fort Rixon are hunting down 30 men involved in public violence at Mount Royal Business Centre, Fort Rixon on September 19 at about 1200 hours. The unidentified suspects who are believed to be illegal gold panners from Nkayi armed themselves with axes, machetes and stones before assaulting everyone at the business centre and setting alight two tuckshops.

A Nissan Caravan belonging to the suspects was burnt in the melee. As at September 23, the police made a total of 51 725 arrests on operation Chikorokoza Ngachipere/ Isitsheketsha Kasiphele and No to Machete Gangs. Members of the public are warned from illegal mining activities throughout the country,

50 000 people have reportedly been arrested in the operation meant to curb marauding activities that were being carried out by infamous MaShurugwi who late last year attacked and killed ZRP Officer Constable Wonder Hokoyo.-DailyNews

Zimbabwe Vigil Diary

The hypocrisy of President Ramaphosa calling at the United Nations for the removal of sanctions against Zimbabwe while himself recognising that Zimbabwe is suffering from a crisis of misgovernance is only to be expected of the chairman of the African Union.

Like the United Nations itself, the African Union is fatally divided between democracies and tyrannies so Ramaphosa feels he must compromise and rely on the old policy of ‘quiet diplomacy’. But in reality South Africa’s attitude has hardened. Its attitude now means: ‘Do this or you’ll get no more money or co-operation from us’.

How serious the situation now is in Zimbabwe is graphically described in a newsletter by the human rights campaigner Ben Freeth, who recently returned home after a visit to the UK, protracted by the lockdown over the Covid-19 pandemic. He writes: ‘In Zimbabwe it was not lockdown. It had been a time of crackdown – and curfew. I was struck by the desolate dryness as we drove through the maze of road blocks on the potholed streets. Masked army and police personnel are out in force to ensure no insurrection and to collect bribes – all in the name of Covid-19. I was struck how even they were thin. Zimbabwe is facing major hunger with estimates of two thirds of the population needing food aid by Christmas.

‘On the afternoon that I arrived I spoke to Martin Grobler. His farm had been invaded at lunchtime. Twenty-five policemen arrived with guns and, in direct defiance of all international law, human rights instruments and our own SADC Tribunal Judgment, evicted him. By the end of the weekend he was off. He has over 100 employees who, with their families, will add to the hunger problem this year.

‘On Monday I went to meet up with the brave, award-winning journalist, Hopewell Chin’ono, and show him some solidarity in the Magistrate’s Court after 45 days in the most unimaginable jail conditions. I managed to get in and find Hopewell. The magistrate was late – as usual – so we had a spare hour or two to chat. He was defiant; but he told me of the conditions he had been kept in: a cell of approximately 7 metres by 4 metres with 44 people. The usual routine of a Zimbabwe jail applied: everyone lay like sardines and when one person in the line turned, everybody had to turn together . . . In the corner is a bucket for anyone needing the toilet. There’s no privacy, no running water, no soap, no detergent, no masks and as for the social distancing required in the rest of the world there is instead desperate and unimaginable overcrowding.

‘Hopewell’s crime was exposing multi-million dollar corruption at the very highest level in a Covid-19 deal. I chatted to Beatrice Mtetwa too, the award-winning lawyer. She had been due to go to the UK with me in March but had had to cancel at the last minute. I reminded her of when she had got me out of the torture chambers at Harare Central years before and we laughed. You have to laugh. Beatrice has been prevented by the magistrate from representing Hopewell. The magistrate wants her struck off the legal register so that she cannot represent anyone. Human rights lawyers are persecuted in Zimbabwe. After several hours the magistrate finally arrived and remanded the case for another month – just to frustrate everyone.’

Freeth said he had also talked to another lawyer Dave Drury who told him how two of his children had been in jail for displaying anti-corruption and anti-violence placards. His daughter was released after one night but his son Simon was held for 3 days in the same conditions as Hopewell.

Freeth continued: ‘Some of those in the cell had been waiting months for a trial; others years – even up to 14 years in those inhuman cells without trial or any verdict from a court. Suddenly though Simon was fished out from amongst the sea of fellow inmates. After the clanking of doors and turning of keys and other formalities he was suddenly out under the magnificent African sky. It was then that one of the most heart-rending cries I can ever remember hearing echoed right up to the stars from a little aperture in the dark, fetid and overcrowded “hole” that Simon had just left: “Simon, don’t forget us . . .’ (See: https://media.wix.com/ugd/02876c_20eb97a0877e4f4b8fc9b0d1459c3ced.pdf.)

 

Other Points:

  • Freeth also talked to the novelist Tsitsi Dangarembga who has been nominated for the prestigious Booker prize for her latest novel ‘This Mournable Body’ about life in independent Zimbabwe. She was also recently detained accused of inciting public violence for demonstrating against government corruption. She told National Public Radio: ‘having become an adult in the 1980s after independence and having experienced the whole hope of the new nation and seeing the potential, it was really heartbreaking to come to a point where I am told I am not allowed to exercise my right to demonstrate. And when I do, the weight of the state comes down on me. It was a very sad moment for me’ (see: https://www.zimbabwesituation.com/news/this-mournable-body-a-novel-about-life-in-independent-zimbabwe/).
  • We are praying for six-year-old Jesse who has been diagnosed with bone cancer. He is the son of Vigil activist Isabell Gwatidzo and often came to the Vigil with her. If you wish to contribute to Jesse’s recovery check: https://gf.me/u/yzqiwz.
  • Because of the coronavirus we can no longer physically meet outside the Zimbabwe Embassy in London, so we have a virtual Vigil while the restrictions continue. We ask our activists to put on Vigil / ROHR / Zimbabwe regalia and take a photo of themselves holding an appropriate poster reflecting our protest against human rights abuses in Zimbabwe. The photos are uploaded on our Flickr site: https://www.flickr.com/photos/zimbabwevigil/albums/72157716142549321.  Our virtual Vigil activist today was Deborah Harry who kindly contributed to Vigil funds.
  • For Vigil pictures check: http://www.flickr.com/photos/zimbabwevigil/. Please note: Vigil photos can only be downloaded from our Flickr website.

 

Notices:

  • The Restoration of Human Rights in Zimbabwe (ROHR) is the Vigil’s partner organization based in Zimbabwe. ROHR grew out of the need for the Vigil to have an organization on the ground in Zimbabwe which reflected the Vigil’s mission statement in a practical way. ROHR in the UK actively fundraises through membership subscriptions,
  • events, sales etc to support the activities of ROHR in Zimbabwe. Please note that the official website of ROHR Zimbabwe is http://www.rohrzimbabwe.org/. Any other website claiming to be the official website of ROHR in no way represents us.
  • The Vigil’s book ‘Zimbabwe Emergency’ is based on our weekly diaries. It records how events in Zimbabwe have unfolded as seen by the diaspora in the UK. It chronicles the economic disintegration, violence, growing oppression and political manoeuvring – and the tragic human cost involved. It is available at the Vigil. All proceeds go to the Vigil and our sister organisation the Restoration of Human Rights in Zimbabwe’s work in Zimbabwe. The book is also available from Amazon.
  • Facebook pages:

         Vigil: https://www.facebook.com/zimbabwevigil

         ROHR: https://www.facebook.com/Restoration-of-Human-Rights-ROHR-Zimbabwe-International-370825706588551/

         ZAF: https://www.facebook.com/pages/Zimbabwe-Action-Forum-ZAF/490257051027515

The Vigil, outside the Zimbabwe Embassy, 429 Strand, London, takes place every Saturday from 14.00 to 17.00 to protest against gross violations of human rights in Zimbabwe. The Vigil which started in October 2002 will continue until internationally-monitored, free and fair elections are held in Zimbabwe. http://www.zimvigil.co.uk.

All Set For Trump Vs Biden Public Debate.

The Guardian

FOR Democrats and supporters of Joe Biden’s presidential campaign, the hope is that the version of the former vice-president who faced then-congressman Paul Ryan back in 2012 shows up to debate Donald Trump on Tuesday in Ohio.

The Biden who showed up for the Ryan debate helped turn around Barack Obama’s re-election campaign. Ask just about any Obama campaign alumna or Democratic strategist and they will concede that Obama’s performance against Mitt Romney in the first debate was lacking.

“I would describe what he did in 2012 as a circuit breaker,” said Tad Devine, who ran Vermont senator Bernie Sanders’ 2016 presidential campaign.

It was a low point in the campaign, former Obama campaign staffers recalled in interviews with the Guardian, and it was unclear whether Biden’s performance in the vice-presidential debate would help lift the suddenly faltering campaign – or let it sink further.

“Obama’s performance was just miserable,” Devine said. “Biden went in there against Ryan and, boy, he was appropriately aggressive. On point. Really drove the thing and I think staunched the bleeding.”

Staffers for the reelection campaign often contrast the first debate with the vice-presidential debate.

“Obama had flubbed the first debate and there was a lot of pressure on [Biden] to deliver and he nailed it and I know he sort of cold-cocked them,” one top re-election campaign adviser recalled.

Now, the stakes for Biden’s performance are far higher, as he tops the Democratic ticket and faces off against a norm-shattering figure in a momentous election the whole world is watching.

Trump’s preparation for his debates against Hillary Clinton in 2016 was notoriously scattergun, involving burger lunches and Rudy Giuliani, but he went out and competed through sheer force of character, rather than any visible policy chops.

Speaking to Fox &Friends in an interview broadcast on Sunday, the president said he had been preparing for Biden debate every day.

“When you’re president, you sort of see everything that they’re going to be asking,” he said. “And they may disagree with you, but we’ve done a great job. We created the greatest economy in history. And now it’s coming back. We closed it. We saved millions and millions of lives by doing what I did. And now we’re bringing it back.”

Bill Daley, a former chief of staff to Obama who also advised Biden on one of his earlier White House bids, told the Guardian the first debate “is almost the whole ball game because we have a polarized country, everyone knows who they’re going to vote for except for a small group of people and they’ll watch the first debate and make a judgement.”

The Biden who took the stage alongside Ryan surprised some. He was energetic and policy literate. And he didn’t produce the verbal missteps that for years he was famed for. As Ryan ticked off statistics or delivered carefully crafted attack lines, Biden switched between stern seriousness and exasperated eyerolls. Seven minutes in, Biden used one of his trademark phrases – “Malarkey!” – to parry a remark by Ryan.

“Not a single thing he said is accurate,” Biden said with a determined smile, then went on to detail how Ryan, as chairman of the House ways and means committee, had a hand in cutting off funding for a US embassy in Benghazi.

Where aides on the Obama campaign knew the president was not delivering in the first debate, Biden staff at Centre College in Kentucky flooded the spin room, where reporters interview candidates and surrogates after a debate, to capitalize on their man’s performance.

“The first hour, hour and a quarter had been so good it didn’t even matter what had happened next,” one former Obama campaign staffer recalled. “We wanted to convey that.”

At Obama campaign reelection headquarters there was a strong sense of relief and optimism, according to multiple former staffers.

Eight years later, one of Donald Trump’s favorite attacks is to knock his 77-year-old opponent on his age or vivacity – though Trump himself is 74. Biden also benefits from being the underdog.

“He benefits from low expectations going into these debates,” said David Wilhelm, Biden’s Iowa campaign manager in his 1988 presidential bid. “Expectations can shift of course even from debate to debate. He’ll benefit from that.”

Biden keeps top advisers close. Ron Klain, the former vice-president’s chief of staff who helped prep him in 2012, has been involved this time round. Sheila Nix, another longtime aide who was involved in 2012, is now a top staffer for California senator Kamala Harris, Biden’s running mate. Mike Donilon, another longtime Biden adviser, and Biden campaign deputy campaign manager Kate Bedingfield are also involved in debate preparations.

Veterans of working with Biden and other campaigns argue that he usually does better in head-to-head debates than multi-candidate affairs. He also likes to get into policy without getting too wonky, recalled a top Obama reelection adviser. In preparation, Biden “just wants the back-up to make the points that he wants to make”.

“He was terrific in the 2012 vice-presidential debate and I think that would be a better model for this than where he had 10 people or eight people on stage,” said Bob Shrum, a veteran strategist who has advised Biden.

Biden and his team have been readying for the debate for weeks, but only in the past few days has the focus increased, according to a Democrat with ties to the campaign. Biden himself acknowledged that recently.

“I’ve started to prepare but I haven’t gotten into it really heavily,” Biden said on Wednesday. “I will be beginning tomorrow.”

He was set to spend most of the final days before the debate preparing.

Devine warned that the worst case for Biden is if voters come out of the debate questioning his capacity to be president. Devine stressed he didn’t think that would happen – but “that’s how low they’ve set the bar”.

Chivhu Gunman Was A Psychopath, Full State Media Outline.

State Media

The rapid crackling of popping gunfire broke the slumber of the normally sleepy town of Chivhu — a town located 146km to the south of Harare on September 5.

The melee that ensued as frightful bystanders scampered hither and thither for dear life and cover is still being discussed in the town to this day.

On that fateful Saturday afternoon, Lance Corporal Lorance Mupanganyana tragically and unfortunately lost his life in the line of duty, while his fellow serviceman, Corporal Peter Zvirevo, escaped with life-threatening wounds after the senseless attack.

A typically quick-fire response by the security services managed to locate and neutralise the two terrorists before they could pose a danger to the public.

In the aftermath of the tragic event, questions about the identity and motive of the terrorists continue to waft in the air.

Psychopaths

The Sunday Mail Society travelled to Gutu in Masvingo to try and unravel the puzzle behind the ghoulish incident.

It is in Mukandatsama Village, under Chief Mazuru in Gutu, where Elliot Chihambakwe (46) and Elphas Jani (20) — the deranged gunmen — were born and bred.

The duo lived a spitting distance from each other.

Fellow villagers, who had no kind words, described them as callous individuals who had “short fuses”.

Apparently, they both had an uneasy relationship with the law.

Chihambakwe was viewed as someone who was delusional and always sought to portray himself as tough, but when he tried to pit himself against security services, he woefully could not measure up. It seemed he had an antisocial personality disorder and was known to be thoroughly unempathetic.

He also seemed to have an axe to grind with the Zimbabwe National Army (ZNA) after he was dishonourably discharged for indiscipline.

Lieutenant Colonel Alphios Makotore, director army public relations, told The Sunday Mail Society that Chihambakwe had been discharged from service 11 years ago.

“Please be informed that Elliot Chihambakwe was attested into the Zimbabwe National Army on October 1, 1997 and was discharged from service on April 31, 2009. This was after a Board of Suitability was constituted because of his disciplinary record.

“The ex-member was therefore found to be an undesirable character to continue serving in the army,” he said.

And it is believed that after he was discharged from the force, Chihambakwe migrated to South Africa where he is said to have been involved in criminal activities. The gun used to commit the abominable crime is alleged to have been smuggled from the neighbouring country.

Our visit to Chivhu Police Station to get an insight into preliminary investigation results drew blanks, as stationed authorities referred us to the Police General Headquarters (PGHQ) in Harare.

“We are not ready with the information; once we are, we will make it public, but for now we are still working on it,” said Zimbabwe Republic Police (ZRP) spokesperson Assistant Commissioner Paul Nyathi.

Chihambakwe’s neighbour, who spoke on condition of anonymity, said the late terrorist always looked like a silent killer.

“He was a moody, quiet and unfriendly man, who was not only short-tempered but was also very arrogant. He would rage like a bull at the slightest provocation,” the neighbour revealed.

Headman Enias Munhikwi said Chihambakwe had a few friends and often isolated himself from others.

“He was not friendly and did not take part in community projects. He was a loner who often raged like a bull when wronged. His anger, over trivial issues, would at times baffle many,” said Headman Munhikwi.

Although the mastermind of the September 5 attack between the two is still unknown, locals are convinced it was the deranged Chihambakwe.

Ominous beginnings

Ephraim Jani, elder brother to the late Elphas — the second gunman — said his sibling always had trouble with the law since he was a schoolboy.

He was reportedly expelled from Zimbizi High School after clashing with school authorities.“He refused to wear the school uniform and was subsequently expelled. He had issues with towing the line,” Ephraim said.

After being expelled, Elphas moved to Shurugwi, Midlands province, where he became a gold panner, which unfortunately led him to transfigure into a monster. In the small mining town, Elphas joined the infamous machete-wielding artisanal miners, who were initially referred as MaShurugwi.

Until the time of his demise, he was still a gold panner. Simon Mazuru, a close relative, said: “He used to be a jovial and respectful young man. Everything changed when he was expelled from school and became a gold panner. He became a disrespectful and aggressive young man.”

Some even speculate that by robbing the Zimbabwe National Army (ZNA) servicemen of their AK rifles, the duo wanted to use the guns to terrorise and rob fellow gold panners.

Disbelief

It seemed Chihambakwe’s wife, Patience Chinyoka, was kept in the dark. She didn’t even know what he was up to, let alone that he owned a firearm.

“At one point I did not know what he was doing in South Africa. I then decided to visit him, following which I discovered he worked as a security guard.”

Elphas’ mother, Miriam Madakiwe, accuses Chihambakwe of “dragging” her son into the disgraceful world of crime.

“My son. . .was unknowingly dragged into the shooting by Chihambakwe,” she insists.

When the two left the village before the shooting incident, Chihambakwe claimed he was going to Beitbridge, while his accomplice said he was going to see his girlfriend in Gutu.

How the two eventually met and ended up having a disgraceful and ignominious demise at the receiving end of sharpshooters from the security services still remains a subject of conjecture.

WATCH- Zanu Pf At It Again, Openly Threatens Opposition Stalwarts

Elephants Continue To Die In Vic Falls

TWO more elephants were found dead in Victoria Falls last Friday, bringing to 27 the number of jumbo deaths in Zimbabwe in the last two months.

The Zimbabwe Parks and Wildlife Management Authority (ZimParks) suspects the deaths were a result of a bacteria and samples have been sent to the United Kingdom for tests.

The most affected areas are in the north-westernparts of the country where Hwange and Zambezi National Parks and forests such as Woodlands and Pandamasu are located.

ZimParks public relations manager Mr Tinashe Farawo confirmed the latest deaths in an interview with The Sunday Mail yesterday.

“We discovered the first carcass in Victoria Falls on Friday morning,” said Mr Farawo.

“Another dead elephant was discovered in the same area later that day. We are suspecting a bacterial infection and we have sent samples to the United Kingdom.

“These deaths normally happen this time of the year. During the dry season animals travel long distances in search of food and water sources. Elephants are heat sensitive so this might be stress related.”

Zimbabwe is home to over 84 000 elephants, the second largest population in the world behind Botswana. Yet the country’s national parks have a carrying capacity of just 55 000.

Said Mr Farawo:

“That’s why we are always saying we must depopulate certain areas, particularly Hwange and repopulate areas where there are lesser animals.

“We have capacity to repopulate the whole of Africa especially in countries which had elephants before but were wiped out due to various reasons like poaching.”

The first group of 11 elephants were found dead on August 28 with their tusks intact thereby ruling out poaching. The mysterious deaths had initially appeared to share some similarities with the unexplained deaths of hundreds of elephants in neighbouring Botswana in recent months.

Scientists are still to determine what killed the elephants in the Okavango Delta, northern Botswana.

Both male and female elephants of all ages have died and locals have reported seeing the giant mammals staggering and going around in circles before they die.

State Media

“Citizens Are Under Attack, Democracy Is Under Attack,” President Chamisa E-Rally Address

PRESIDENT NELSON CHAMISA 21st Anniversary Talking points

SEPTEMBER 26, 2020, HARARE.

Mobilizing and Fighting for a People’s Government

The Vice Presidents,
The National Chairperson
The Secretary General,

The National Standing Committee,
The National Executive,
The National Council,

The Guardians & Elders council
The freedom fighters council
The Disabilty Council
The Veterans association
The students council

Distinguished members of the leadership of the Party at all levels,
ALL Party Deployees;
Our MPs,
Our Mayors,
Our Councilors,
Our Invited distinguished guests,
The People of Zimbabwe,
Friends of the People of Zimbabwe,

To all of you, here, those at home and abroad,
Our brothers and sisters in the diaspora

I greet you all, thanking OUR GOD, The Almighty, for all the grace, providence and protection.

Fellow Zimbabweans, memory is a site of the struggle.

11 September is a great day.

This month marks the 21st anniversary of our struggle, our journey and our formidable political formation called the MDC which morphed into the MDC Alliance following processes which saw founding stalwarts being reunited once again.

Through the MDC Alliance, we have reconnected, reunited and reignited national hope so that together, we collectively achieve what we set out to achieve in 1999.

On 11 September 1999, this glorious movement was formed at Rufaro stadium and the country’s political terrain would never be the same again.

We salute the over 32 civic organizations that came together through the national working people’s convention at the Women’s Bureau in HARARE in 1999 just prior to the launch of the working people’s party.

The year saw the birth of a great movement borne out of the sweat of labour, the Constitutional movement, the student movement, the women’s groups, war veterans and youth groups, with labour having fronted the people’s quest for change.

Fronting this cause was the great icon Morgan Tsvangirai ably assisted by the indefatigable Gibson Sibanda and many others who came from the labour movement.

I and many others were also part of this historic moment, with myself and others having come from the student movement.

At our inaugural Congress in Chitungwiza in January 2000, a milieu of leaders was voted into the national leadership of this great movement to steer forward the national hope for a new Zimbabwe. I will forever remain humbled for being voted among the first team of senior leaders of the party, when the inaugural Congress expressed its confidence in me and overwhelmingly elected me the party’s founding national youth chairperson.

Fellow Zimbabweans, it is heartening to take note that most of the founding members of the party are with the MDC Alliance today and are still leading across our structures.

And yes, their eyes remain firmly focused on what we sought to achieve when the MDC was formed 21 years ago. Many of these founding cadres are in the national, provincial, constituency and branch structures of the People’s party, the MDC Alliance.

Today we remain resolute, resilient and vigilant.

We refuse to be swallowed.

We guard our zones of autonomy.

We increase the cost of dictatorship in Zimbabwe.

We fight the pillars of tyranny.

We continue to articulate the illegitimacy of the unelected and unelectable.

We assert our credibility as a viable and bankable alternative.

Twenty one years on, we remain focused on our original goal which has always been to achieve positive transformation in the lives of the people of Zimbabwe.
And true to our founding values and objectives, we remain unstinting and on course in our quest to consign repression to the dustbin and to give succour and happiness to our country’s citizens.

We are a Peaceful people are being broken.

We are peace loving citizens who are being harassed, maimed and terrorized.

Since 1999 over 2000 people have died on account of political violence. Chiminya, Patrick Nabanyama, Beta Chokururama, Nyeve, Chipunza, bakacheza, Jani, Pfebve, Tonderai Ndira, Talent Mabika, to mention but a few.

Since 2017, 105 people have been abducted on record. All these people targeted for dehumanisation, abuse and murder, mainly for supporting this struggle for change and the people’s movement.

Nearly 50 have been murdered in cold blood. You know that on the 1st of August 2018 Harare CBD was turned into an urban war zone.

In January 2019, the whole country was under siege. For two weeks they punished millions, injured over 1000 and killed nearly 20 of our citizens, for no crime.

All this to weaken the resolve of the indomitable people of Zimbabwe and subtract people’s support to the struggle. They are scared.

21 Years of Struggle and leadership

For 21 years, Our road to this point has been long and our pain has been great. Our sense of endurance and our commitment to change by elections and a national consensus is tested.

For 21 years, each new day, new challenges arise. Our 21-year-old desire to avoid playing a zero-sum game with fellow Zimbabweans, and with our opposite number appears to have yielded little benefit.

For 21 years, we had hope that we could establish consensual politics in which the old would agree to transform at the direction of the new. That the old guard would admit its mistakes and allow the country to take a new trajectory without smarting over change. This, we thought, would hasten the rate of change by allowing us to concentrate on the way forward. They have taken this for a weakness and aimed their guns at us.

For 21 years, we have hoped that the ruling elite will find the value in moving towards consensus. They have rebuffed and insulted us.

For 21 years, they have dared us and the young people by driving the country faster towards the abyss. Our path to lead towards a peaceful resolution of the myriad crises, has been scoffed at.

For 21 years, armed by our strong commitment to Zimbabwe and respect for regional growth and progress, we held firm and continued to persuade the regime away from failed leadership, corrupt primitive accumulation and incompetence.

For 21 years, we spoke out in public, organised demonstrations and engaged them in various platforms including parliament.

For 21 years, we fight for human rights, named and shamed the perpetrators for crimes against humanity, murders, wars against the people, corruption and theft. We called them out for crimes against women and children, for torture, abductions and abuse of the state.

Our journey of tears and laughter

This month, we remember our long journey of joy and tears, our eventful odyssey of pain and laughter. We have had our prouds and sorries in the last 21 years but we have taken them all in our stride.

Among our sorries has been the loss of the many men and women across the vast span of our great movement; the many people who have paid the ultimate price in their quest for a new Zimbabwe, an idea for which they strenuously fought throughout their lives. Others in the urban areas, in the villages and in our farming communities were brutally murdered for the sole reason that they believed in change and invested in the hope for a better life.

Fellow Zimbabweans, I know most of you were brutalised but you remain standing and you continue to invest your faith and trust in us your forever indebted leadership. Don’t be shaken, for we are on course.

Today, we remember all those who paid the ultimate price, those who irrigated their quest with their own blood. We salute them. We treasure their contribution to the people’s struggle.

But, my fellow Zimbabweans, remember we also have had our proud moments. In 2008, we defeated dictatorship and we used our stint in government to showcase the fact that government can indeed be an arena to bring positive change in the lives of the people. I know you all still remember with nostalgia our stint in government, particularly given that the clueless lot now in the offices of government.

In 2018, we defeated Mr Mnangagwa having only campaigned for a short period upon inadequate preparations, time and resources

So this month, we take note of the 21-year old journey that we have travelled together, this journey has seen an odd mixture of joy and pain. To our dearly departed comrades, we want to assure them that their sacrifice was not in vain.

We will fight on until we achieve the collective aspirations of the patriotic sons and daughters of our land, including the fallen heroes of our liberation struggle whose gallantry we commemorated only last month.

Fellow Zimbabweans, we shall strive to work for a just, prosperous and inclusive society. And we know that it is only then that the departed souls of our compatriots may truly rest in eternal peace.

As a movement, we have a rich history; a history struggle, a history of blood, sweat and tears and that history will never be surrendered either directly to Zanu PF or indirectly to its surrogates.

It is important for us to say that we are not unaware that most members of the police, the security services and all other government institutions are remain patriotic in yearning for a better life like all of us.

A country mired in turmoil – the Zimbabwean crisis

SINCE 1980 OUR CRISIS HAS BEEN A CRISIS OF DISPUTED AND VIOLENT ELECTIONS.

OURS IS A CRISIS OF A STOLEN ELECTIONS.

Fellow citizens, Zimbabwe is in a crisis, a governance and legitimacy crisis a multi-layered crisis that is manifesting itself in various forms, particularly an attempt by the incumbent to establish a defacto one party state.

I know you you are all living the crisis and you are all perturbed that there are some among us who are denying that there is a crisis. Indeed, some and on the opposite side, are the source of the crisis. They do not feel the pain of that which they are causing. In any event, a crisis describe or discover itself.

The political environment
We have witnessed an upsurge in trumped up charges, human rights abuses, abductions, torture, failing economy, endemic corruption and a general deficit in performance legitimacy.

You must appreciate, fellow Zimbabweans, that those denying the existence of the crisis are themselves the source of the crisis and are certainly seeing things differently. They certainly are living in another world and you must know that the hare’s story can never be told by a lion, or a crocodile. So the authors of our crisis will never know that the nation is on the precipice.

You all know that the economy is in the doldrums and the majority of the country’s citizens can barely survive. The civil servants, including our uniformed forces, are all living from hand to mouth. They can barely put food on the table. They want schools to open on Monday but they hardly understand the plight of our teachers, whose paltry salaries can hardly see them through just one week.

And yet all these are just but manifestations of the deeper crisis of legitimacy. Since the stolen election of 2018, there has been a drought—nay a famine–of confidence in this administration and unless and until the crisis of legitimacy is resolved, the country is on a fast road to nowhere.

And you all saw, fellow Zimbabweans, their response to the multi-layered crisis in the traditional way it only knows best.

They have stuck their head in the sand and vociferously denied the existence of the crisis that is there for all to see. By denying that there is a crisis stalking our land, the regime has squandered the glorious opportunity to have our regional neighbours assisting us in the resolution of our challenges.

Surely, how can anyone look the envoys from South Africa in the eye and confidently state that there is no crisis on the country when South Africa is saddled with over three million Zimbabweans desperately eking a living in that country?

Our crisis has reached their backyard and you stridently deny the existence of a crisis in Zimbabwe, a country where even elected MPs are wantonly repressed, harassed and abused.

How does anyone deny the existence of a crisis in the wake of such overwhelming evidence?

The people’s argument is that while we are complaining and listing, ZANU PF continues its brutality. Over the last few months for example highlighting, spotlighting and condemning the regime has yielded no change. We were smarting from and still talking about the abduction and abuse of three of our female leaders, Joanna, Cecelia and Nestai, when they abducted Tatenda, Mduduzi Mathuthu’s nephew.

▪️The struggle for Joanna Mamombe’s freedom is not hers alone. Her persecution, abuse and ill treatment go to the root of why we are mobilising the masses and fighting for a people’s Govt:
▶️Young women must be free from violence, abduction & torture,
▶️Young women must be adequately protected by our courts and justice system,
▶️Young women must not suffer second trauma when they are sexually assaulted.
▪️The persecution of the MDC trio is not an attack on the MDC, it is an attack on the core of freedom in Zimbabwe. It is an attack on the constitutional right to protest. It is an attack on the human ideal of security of person.
▪️The abduction of Joanna, Netsai and Cecillia are not unique. The same, evil act happened to Tawanda Muchehiwa, Peter Mugombeyi, Samantha Kureya, Tatenda Mombeyarara, Itai Dzamara, Jestina Mukoko and many others over the years. We demand justice and accountability. Without justice, there can be no stability or peace.

Without an independent investigation into these heinous acts, we will never see a stop to them.

Citizens are under attack, democracy is under attack.

It is the same reason that Job Sikhala, Godfrey Kuraone, Jacob Ngarivhume and Hopewell Chin’ono stayed in prison for that long.
Even though they finally made bail or acquitted, they were never supposed to be arrested in the first place.
The same with Tsitsi Dangarembwa, Fadzai Mahere, Lilian Timvious ,Namatai Kwekwedza and others on the long list. Including the nurses from Harare Hospital, the lawyers representing their clients Obey Shava and Doug Coltart and many others we have not mentioned by name.

Freedoms are under attack.We have a drought of Freedom in Zimbabwe.

Our leaders and Members of Parliament have been charged with Treason.
Job Sikhala , Charlton HWENDE, Amos Chibaya, Settlement Chikwinya,Lloyd mukapiko,Joana Mamombe, SIZIBA ,GOD SITHOLE,MUTINGWENDE

We also have had the arresting trade union leaders, lawyers, professionals, journalists and activists.

In Bulawayo, they abused two Mpofu sisters.

One way of seeing it, is that the MDC Alliance is under siege. I appreciate that perspective, but the correct way of seeing it is that Zimbabwe is under attack, it is being attacked through destruction of the only genuine people’s alternative.

Every sector of our society is under attack from despotism and rogue politics
That Must be ended.
That must Go!

Our bishops and the church in general have also not been spared the abuse and harassment for speaking truth to power and being a moral compass and guardians of societal conscience. Our Bishops and the church weighed in to caution the rabid politics of the incumbent.

We comment the church for playing their role as the salt of the earth and light of the world.

Without any doubt , those in government have now elevated evil to a level of worship.

Their catalogue of their activities is not complete, they proceed to kidnap not just journalists and activists but now they target their families.

The international community joined in, labour unions, political parties, sitting and former presidents and multinational organisations, raised the alarm. But once again this now feels just the usual catalogue of the regime’s well-established history of inhumanity.

The illegal recalls

The state driven recalls of MDC Alliance MPs , Councillors and Mayors by MDC-T using MDC-T Letters of recall, in all cases without due process and even following of the MDC-T constitution, is not only unacceptable and unprecedented in the history of elections anywhere in the world but also criminal, invalid, irregular and illegal and will be reversed.These setbacks are temporary. We will stand our ground.

The tormentors have taken aim and directed shots at the MDC ALLIANCE. They have violently grabbed and claimed our offices, funds, MPs and councillors. We condemn and denounce the schemes aimed at the banning of the MDC-Alliance in Zimbabwe.

In March 2020 the regime zeroed in on its main target. The MDC-Alliance as an institution, a party and an organisation faced elimination. This laser focus has been devoid of law or due process. This process begun with the Supreme Court decision.

There has been a deliberate misinterpretation of the Supreme Court decision by those who are violating the constitution and abusing the law to decimate the will and vote of the people.

The Mnangagwa administration is engaged in a very elaborate process to destroy the MDC. They are attacking our base. They have tried to decimate the people’s support of the movement. All this in complete disregard of the constitution, which guarantees freedom of association, and an illegal abuse of state institutions.

I wish to state here that the size of an idea ultimately dictates the size of its opposition. The greater the idea, the greater it’s opposing force.

They have employed armed war tactics. They practise extreme brutality. They have no regard for rules of engagement. It is a war without law, principle, ethics and limits. Their engagements respect no logic, humanity or conscience. It is just that, a war to win a de-facto one-party state at all and any costs.

ZANU PF has done this before. They have experience in destroying a political party to create a one-party state. It is a scorched earth policy.

They seem to have re-adopted and re-radicalised their old power-retention strategy. A desire to keep power through a de-facto one-party state strategy. The attacks are just a desperate attempt aimed at removing competitive politics from our country.

This is what they did to ZAPU, at the start they targeted the population, then ZAPU MPs, councillors and activists. So, by the time you got to 1985, ZAPU no longer had a base. It could not field candidates for local councils and constituencies and ZANU was largely uncontested in many constituencies. We must stop them.

The State of Economy
The country is characterized by political crisis manifesting itself through a social and economic stress, all of which are rooted in lack of leadership and drought of governance.

The following have defined our day to day environment:
• Chronic inflation which has remained steep at 837.53% in July regardless of various efforts to rig it;
• Dollarised environment although Government is denying it and still pay workers in ZWL
• Worsening poverty level which has seen over 70% of the remaining in abject poverty and +8 million are food insecure;
• Poverty datum line for a family of five has 5 folds (400%) from January to $17,244 in August while the majority of civil servants are earning salaries which is below $4000 interestingly after receiving a mere 50% salary increment and a fake US$75 COVID-19 which has remained a pie in the air because they can’t access it;
• Ironically, in the face of these difficulties, the Minister of Finance and Economic Development, in his fiscal mid-term review, didn’t provide for a supplementary budget all in the name of trying to maintain the purported budget surplus which has never been attained because of the following:
o Absence of full fiscal consolidation to take into account subsidies offered in the energy sector (fuel and electricity), maize and transport (ZUPCO);
o The $18 billion COVID stimulus package and the US$75 COVID-19 allowance for civil servants as well as the US$30 COVID-19 allowance for pensioners, combined, account for more than 30% of the total budget, was not accounted for in the mid- term fiscal review.
• Rampant corruption which is facilitated by obscurity in the subsidies going the agricultural (command), fuel, electricity and transport sectors.
• Toxic political environment

Our alternative economic solution

As your alternative Government we have been clear of what needs to be done and we haven’t been selfish to advise Mnangagwa Government on must be done although our advice was met high level of intellectual arrogance and as such was never taken on board. In one of my state of the nation address, I made the following suggestions:
• Accept the reality that the economy has dollarised and eliminate of the Zimbabwe dollar with a view to ensure economic stability;
• Payment of decent salaries to civil servants in USD and this regard the averages salaries of around US$550 per month for the average civil servant must be used as a starting point;
• Government must take leadership in undertaking reforms (both political and economic reforms) and respect of the constitution;
• The need to come up with an all stakeholders strategy on how the country can come out of the COVID-19 pandemic. These stakeholders among others will include political parties, business, CSO, academics, think tanks, Government and development partners;
• There need for a real stimulus package of US$5 billion to deal with COVID-19 not the ZW$18 billion (which is equivalent to US$180 million – which the Government has failed to disburse for that matter).
• Real inclusive engagement (both local and international) – here charity begins at home. Government must never fool itself that it will have impetus to engage the international community and hope that it will be taken seriously when it is busy burning its own house back home. Government must engage the Zimbabweans first and address their concerns and then we go out as team Zimbabwe to engage the international community. Brand Zimbabwe must never be a ZANU PF thing but a Zimbabwean one!

What is our plan?

There need for a political settlement and resolution of a political conflict in Zimbabwe.

Fellow citizens, it is trite to state that our crisis can only be resolved by a well meaning and credible, bankable dialoguee process between and among Zimbabweans so that collectively, we can chart the way forward for our country.

We salute South Africa and in particular the ANC, EFF, One South Africa movement, BOTSWANA opposition ZAMBIA ,AU, UN and all other Progressive movements and Trade Unions globally for their solidarity and involvement in efforts aimed at the resolution of the Zimbabwean crisis. Indeed, Zimbabwean lives matter!

As we have said before, dialogue should not only be bankable but should be guaranteed and brokered by a mutually agreed convener in the mould of SADC or the AU. Sadly, our colleagues in Zanu PF have invited and mounted a desperate show of the political players (POLAD) they have created comprising those who agree with them, to the monologue table.

We have respectfully told them that any discussion among parties that are in agreement can never be called a genuine dialogue. It is simply a monologue, a meaningless chorus of the pliant and obliging opposition.

But we have seen that our overtures for dialogue have been spurned. We reserve our right to pursue all Constitutional avenues to ensure that Zimbabweans in their diversity do sit down to chart the way forward for this great country that we all love.

OUR PROGRAM OF ACTION

THE 5 BIG FIGHTS

In January 2020, in our AGENDA 2020 statement, I articulated the five big fights for the year and these have proved to be the trajectory and hallmark of the people’s struggles through out this year.

***It is vital to underscore that we also identified the various zones of struggle namely; the street, state, parliament, local authorities, media, diplomacy, elections, courts and resource mobilization as key theaters of struggle and contestation in all our 5 BIG FIGHTS!

Fight Number1: The fight for a people’s government, reforms and a return to legitimacy.

As we have stated, Illegitimacy is at the core of our national crisis. We have hit these plumbing depths as a country because of the vicious cycle of disputed elections, the last of which was the pilfered plebiscite of July 2018. As a country and as a people, we will continue to clamour for comprehensive reforms so that the next election is vaccinated against any tendencies inclined towards subverting the will of the people. In February of this year, we unveiled a blueprint that we dubbed PRICE, the Principles for a Credible Election, which is itself our humble submission on the table for what needs to be done if the country is to break free from the vicious cycle of disputed elections

Now ZEC has announced dates for by-elections, we believe what was more important was first to embrace and implement comprehensive reforms so that we hold truly credible elections that reflect the will of the people of Zimbabwe.

As long as this is not done, we shall continue to move in circles and it will be difficult to break free from the shackles of illegitimacy that often cloud and taint those in the seat of government. .

Fight Number 2: The fight for a better life, dignity and livelihoods

I know that all of you, my fellow citizens, maybe except those in government, continue to live lives of indignity. We are all suffering and yet the dignity and worth of every Zimbabwezn is a basic human right enshrined in our Constitution.

Yet all of us as citizens that include villagers, informal traders, farmers and our government employees are living miserable lives as this regime has dismally failed to accord us our due dignity and prudent treatment as citizens who have rights.

That is why we all continue to reminisce and remember with nostalgia the good old days of the MDC in government; the heady days which gave us all a reason to smile and hope again.

Indeed, the quest for a lfe of dignity will remain our primary focus as citizens. And we will do all that is Constitutionally permissible in demanding the restoration of our dignity. .

Fight Number Three: The fight against Corruption

Corruption is killing us. The fight against corruption has been one of the unstinting fights of the country’s citizens this whole year. Covidgate and the arrest and conviction of current and former ministers shows that avarice and corruption among the well-heeled political elite is the country’s biggest affliction.

Yet the real culprits continue to roam the country scot free. The unwarranted arrest and detention of Hopewell Chin’ono and Tatenda Muchehiwa shows that this government is fixated on punishing those who expose corruption instead of those who practise it. This system will go down on history for its penchant to smash the mirror and not to decisively tackle the cancer of corruption. It is pertinent to note that Transparency International, the Zimbabwe chapter, has reported that since 2016, Zimbabwe has lost more than US$ billions through corruption mostly by the well heeled political elite. That must stop and the culprits must be decisively dealt with, not the drama of catch and release in which senior government officials are arrested in the morning and set free in the afternoon.

Fight Number Four: The fight for rights, freedoms, security of persons and the rule of law

Fellow Zimbabweans, the fight for citizens’ rights has become a huge fight in this country. The wanton arrests and detentions of innocent citizens and the trampling of their rights have become the hallmark of the national crisis and led to strident global condemnation under the campaign of #.**ZimbabweanLivesMatter*

It is tragic that government has become the chief culprit in abrogating citizen rights and we shall continue to call for the respect of human rights, which rights are now firmly embedded in the country’s Constitution.

Fight Number Five: The fight in defence of the Constitution,and Constitutionalism

Fellow Zimbabweans, it is tragic that we have a government that is hellbent on amending the Constitution instead of amending it.

Zimbabweans shall continue to defend the Constitution that they wrote themselves and affirmed in a referendum. But now the regime is keen to use its ill-gotten majority in Parliament to subvert the will of the people by amending a Constitution they have not even implemented. How do you repair a shirt you have never even put on?

We restate that we will use every avenue to defend the Constitution and to call for its implementation and not its amendment.

Fellow Zimbabweans, it has been a tenuous 21 years of struggle but we are almost there. Repression and violence will not distract us in this our inexorable march towards a new Zimbabwe and the vast opportunities that lie ahead for all of us. Dictatorships have temporary legs.

All that we are facing are temporary set backs in this our brave march towards a new hope. The adage says the darkest hour is before dawn but I wish to state that it is only in the darkest of nights that one is able to see the stars.

We owe it to the past. And we owe to the current and future generations to bring back the hope hope in our desolate lives. It has been a long journey but we are almost getting there.

Countrymen, friends,

▪️Democracy is the historical fight the MDC is founded on that sees us here today.
▪️The fight is not ended until we see freedom take root.
▪️The fight is not ended until we destroy all attempts to return Zimbabwe to a one party state.
▪️The fight is not ended until every man, woman and child can live a life of dignity, good health and peace.
▪️As citizens, we must unite as a broad front to confront the challenges of today, the same broad front that came together in 1999, and take ownership of our collective struggle. Churches, civic society, the women’s movement, the student movement and most importantly, the trade union movement, must join hands and speak with one voice against= the injustice, poverty and corruption that has been caused by Zanu PF & is destroying our livelihoods.
▪️We must speak out against the death of freedom, the death of democracy and the death of the rule of law.
▪️In 2020, our collective voices must ring louder than they’ve ever rung before in the cry for democratic change and transformation.
▪️The Zimbabwe we want requires common purpose and vision. It requires courage in the face of adversity. It requires hope in the face of despair.

▪️Only a people’s Govt can deliver on the promise of real lasting change.
▪️Only a people’s Govt can deliver on the promise of a strong economy where poverty, hunger and joblessness are tackled in earnest.
▪️Only a people’s Govt can deliver on a Zimbabwe where freedom, fairness and opportunity abound for all.

Countrymen and friends,

The lines have been crossed, there is no going back.

We gave peace a chance, some are disrespectful of peace.

We gave dialogue a chance, some perceive it a weakness.

We gave democracy a chance, elections were and continue to be stolen in broad day light, the little we salvaged from the jaws of electoral fraud is also being taken away.

Fellow Zimbabwean this comes down to two choices. Either to stand divided, point fingers and perish or unite confront the dictator.

I am announcing the Birmingham moment, time to look the beast in the eye.
It cannot be business as usual. The time for playing games must come to an end, now is the time chat a way, to liberate ourselves from the pharonic clutches suffocating our people and find means and ways of crossing the Red sea into a land of freedom.

It is time to save ourselves from individuals who steal billions when 8.5 million Zimbabweans are facing starvation.

It is time to save ourselves from people who raid the RBZ when exchange rates are collapsing.

It is time to save ourselves from reckless behaviour which has resulted in shocking inflation driving the price of bread and mealie meal beyond the reach of many.

It is time to save ourselves from being the world’s laughing stock, the ones clamouring for menial jobs in foreign lands, yet from an educated and one of the richest countries in the world.

It is time to save ourselves from bandits who will always claim there is no crisis in Zimbabwe when hospitals are closed, with no nurses drugs and even gloves yet in the middle of a global pandemic rearing its ugly head.

Now is the time. It is time to carry our own cross and save ourselves. The time of playing games must come to an end.

So what must we do? We must mobilize and fight, together, as a broad front. You and I must play our part to win Zimbabwe for change

Let me tell you, it is not just politics, as usual. Let us be the willing and available population ready to stop death and famine. To serve the future, we need to salvage the and save the present!

If we do not stop them they will not stop because power is never given voluntarily, even in a democracy, there has to be something, like a constitutional clause that prohibits further or continued retention or acquisition of power. Ion our case, we are that clause.

My fellow Zimbabweans, we are our own liberators.We are the answer to all our questions.We are the solution to our problems.

On the occasion of the 21st anniversary of the people’s movement I recommit to leading as we finish what we started.

Our course of action will be as follows.
Our Course of action is as follows;

(a) Calling national convergence and find consensus on the way to winning Zimbabwe for change with civic society, labour, the churches, students, the diaspora and the women’s movement. Everyone can play a part.

(b) Confront the regime and put pressure on the regime within the limits of section 59 of the Constitution to push the regime and to defend livelihoods.

(c) pursue a SMART agenda for delivery in this spaces we control particularly local authorities and parliament.

(d) Protect and defend the Constitution against any attempts in undemocratic unilateral attempts to amend the same.

(e) Engage the international community and other stakeholders in mitigating the massive humanitarian impact and ensuring the provision of social safety nets.

Fellow Zimbabweans, I can boldly state today that the hour of change is imminent. The past is now another country and I can see the bright shining lights of the Canaan ahead.

Lastly, fellow Zimbabweans, brace for the imminent change ahead. I humbly plead with you, my fellow citizens, to firmly and fondly embrace the change that is almost upon us.

Behold the NEW …
Behold the imminent moment!

The Walls of Jericho are about to fall. We will push them asunder. We choose to lead.

God Bless you,
God Bless Zimbabwe

God is in it !!!

Ramaphosa Punishment On Maphisa Ngqakula Just A “slap on the wrist”.

SABC

THE Democratic Alliance (DA) says the action taken by President Cyril Ramaphosa against Minister of Defence, Nosiviwe Mapisa-Nqakula is a “slap on the wrist”.

Mapisa-Nqakula unlawfully conveyed an African National Congress (ANC) delegation to Zimbabwe on an SANDF plane earlier this month.

Ramaphosa on Saturday ordered that Mapisa-Nqakula be not paid her salary for three months, starting in November, and ensure that the state funds used for the trip are paid by the ANC.

Her salary will also be paid to the Solidarity Fund established to support the country’s response to the coronavirus pandemic.

DA shadow minister of Defence Kobus Marais says this is a sign that Ramaphosa is weak, with no authority over his cabinet.

Marais says, “The President has downplayed this abuse of state resources, by stating it was an error of judgment. He himself admitted the minister did not act in the manner that talks to good governance – that she failed to act according to legal transcripts warranting care in the use of state resources and that she acted in a way that is inconsistent with her position. These are damning findings against the minster and yet she gets this slap on the wrist.”

The Inkatha Freedom Party (IFP) says Ramaphosa must make public the two reports he received from Mapisa-Nqakula.

The IFP says it can’t only be Mapisa-Nqakula who faces the consequences, but there’s a trail of individuals who work in Defence who must also account.

IFP spokesperson Mkhuleko Hlengwa says, “The President seems to have jumped quite a number of steps into arriving at sanctioning which of course must happen. The absence of transparency in the process actually has no credibility to what the President has done because the minister was not the only one who violated the constitution which has been a deliberate part in the ANC to ignore the separation of party and state.”

President @CyrilRamaphosa has issued the Minister of Defence and Military Veterans Ms Nosiviwe Mapisa-Nqakula with a formal reprimand for conveying an African National Congress (ANC) delegation to Zimbabwe on an South African Air Force (SAAF) aircraft. https://t.co/PV5yRu24bs

— Presidency | South Africa (@PresidencyZA) September 27, 2020

United Democratic Movement (UDM) leader Bantu Holomisa has also rejected the reprimand of Mapisa-Nqakula saying she should have been fired a long time ago.

Holomisa says, “You will recall that it is the same minister who had a lift to her son’s girlfriend or girl’s boyfriend from Congo, the Guptas Waterkloof Airforce landing happened under her watch, the killing of Collins Khosa of Alexander and her conflicting statements is there for everybody to see.”

Warriors Date Malawi In Friendly Tie

Warriors

The Warriors of Zimbabwe will play Malawi during the October international break as part of the preparations for the blockbuster Algeria games.

The country’s football governing body ZIFA had received invitations from Malawi and Kenya but the one with the Flames is the confirmed one.

Zdravko Logarušić’s charges will clash with the Flames on the 11th of October in Blantyre before the back to back top of the table clashes with the Desert Foxes slated for November.

The Malawi game will the the first time Logarušić takes charge of the Warriors since his appointed on the 29th of January, and the Croat had previously highlighted the need for there to be friendly games before the Algeria games, for adequate preparation.-Soccer 24

Zidane Clocks Century Of LaLiga Wins

Zinedine Zidane

French tactician Zinedine Zidane clocked a century of LaLiga victories as Real Madrid coach courtesy of last night’s hard-fought 3-2 win at Real Betis, but there was an element of controversy in it.

A questionable late Sergio Ramos spot kick secured all three points at the Estadio Benito Villamarin, with referee Ricardo de Burgos Bengoetxea, pointing to the spot after Betis’s Marc Bartra was penalized for a handball while the game was tied at 2-2.

Video Assistant Referee (VAR) was consulted and the decision stood.

Madrid had gone in front in the 14th minute, Federico Valverde slotting home off a Karim Benzema assist.

Betis leveled matters in the 35th minute through Aissa Mandi and took the lead just before the half time interval through William Carvalho. 2-1 to Betis at the break.

Madrid restored parity through an Emerson own goal in the 48th minute before the referee sent off the Betis man for denying Luka Jovic a goal-scoring opportunity.

With eight minutes left to play, it took VAR to award Real a penalty after Bartra’s handball, Ramos making no mistake from the resulting spot kick to give Zidane’s men their first win of the season, the Frenchman’s 100th in the Spanish top-flight.-Soccer 24

MDC Alliance Is A Baobab Tree That Cannot Be Cut With A Razor-blade -President Chamisa

 

Farai Dziva|President Nelson Chamisa has said there is no need to form a new political party.

President Chamisa made the remarks at the MDC Alliance E-rally on Saturday.

President Chamisa added the wave of change cannot be stopped by anybody – including Emmerson Mnangagwa, also known as the Crocodile because of his ruthlessness.

Watch video below :

“President Tsvangirai Was Worried About Emmerson Mnangagwa’s Charitable Treatment Of Thokozani Khupe”

One can’t fight the MDC Alliance and claim to be defending Tsvangirai’s legacy.

For the Alliance will always remain the man’s legacy….

Luke-ING the Beast in the Eye

Friday, 25 September 2020

Morgan Tsvangirai must be turning in his grave

By Luke Tamborinyoka

Morgan Tsvangirai, the late icon of Zimbabwe’s tenuous democratic struggle, is a man I knew so well, having served as his spokesperson and trusted lieutenant for almost a decade until his untimely death in February 2018.

This is the man whose legacy of a broad front as represented by the MDC Alliance is enduring savage attacks from the regime and its hired mercenaries.indeed, the MDC Alliance is Tsvangirai’s rich legacy that Zanu PF and its surrogates are desperately trying to decimate in a systematic way. Thank God, the big idea remains standing, despite the vicious body blows. Since the biblical days of Judas Iscariot, we have always known what 30 pieces of silver can do to cheap and treacherous minds.

I knew Morgan so well since the days of my other life as a journalist. And for 10 years I was not just his spokesperson, for it was him who personally directed that I double as the party’s Director of Communications as well, a position that had always traditionally been a separate office held by a different individual.

Even when he appointed me as his spokesperson when he served as Prime Minister of the land, he made me hold the position of Principal Director of Communications as well, a position that had previously been separate from that of the spokesperson. This meant that upon my appointment, he entrusted me with the conflated and conjoined roles of Principal Director of Communications and spokesperson to the Prime Minister.

Such was his faith in my aptitude.

Morgan Tsvangirai, the icon, had the humility to arrive, unannounced, at my rural home at Tamborenyoka village in Shumba ward 3 in Domboshava to pay his last respects upon the death of my late paternal grandmother, Martha Tamborinyoka Gombera, when she succumbed to gastric cancer in May 2014.

We travelled the world together with Morgan: London, Canberra, Lisbon, Rabat, Amsterdam, Washington, Berlin, Madrid, Tokyo, Beijing, Paris, Pretoria, Blantyre, Lusaka, Cairo, Maputo, Windhoek, Luanda and many other World capitals on political business. I was with him in these capitals when he patriotically represented his country and charmed the world as he passionately spoke about the democratic cause in Zimbabwe. In the almost 10 years that I served him, we also traversed the whole country together; from Chirundu to Limpopo, from Msampakaruma to Mandidzudzure and from Mt Darwin to Victoria Falls.

Apart from the conjoined and dual roles that he often gave me, he would also entrust me even with commenting on personal issues such as his amorous scandals that would ordinarily be handled by a family spokesperson, as he did in 2012 when he was deemed to have married one Lorcadia Karimatsenga Tembo. After intense confidential briefings on the intimate details of what had transpired and his personal view on the specific matter, he directed his family members to defer all press questions to me.

The trust he often bestowed on me was humbling. And may be that is why he expressed utmost shock early in February 2018 when he heard, while detained in an infirmary in South Africa, that some members of his family led by by a coterie of the usual suspects in the party had unprocedurally directed that I cease my role as his spokesperson.

” _Nhai_ Luke, when you became my spokesperson, where you employed by my family?” he asked in a low voice over the phone from his hospital bed in South Africa, assuring me that his family, which I have always respected, had never been my employer and that I should remain unperturbed and continue doing my job as usual.

He intimated to me that apart from his wife and other family members, he had instructed hospital staff to keep me in the loop should anything happen to him. And that is why at 1733 hrs, the hospital authorities apprised me of his death when he succumbed to cancer on 14 February 2020 .

Such was my special relationship to this man; the man who paid almost US$60 000 of his own money to meet my medical bill when I was involved in a near-fatal car accident in the early hours of Sunday, 4 November 2012.

He even cut short his honeymoon to flew back home and visited me in hospital to check how I was faring following my near-demise.

Such was my special relationship to this man.

This context of our mutual trust and Tsvangirai’s ceaseless faith in my aptitude is important for this treatise. I presume that this context gives me sufficient _locus_ _standi_ __to_ state unequivocally that this Morgan Tsvangirai that I knew so well is turning and twisting in his grave at how his legacy is being severely eroded and undermined by this motley cabal of Khupe, Mwonzora, Komichi and Mudzuri under the pretence that they are protecting it.

The MDC Alliance is an integral part of Tsvangirai’ rich legacy and I had a ringside seat when the history around its formation was unfolding. For one and a half months, beginning February 2017, we traversed the whole country together as he engaged and consulted a diverse spectrum of Zimbabweans within and without the party. Tsvangirai believed in mass-line politics and that explained his enduring traction and political capital. He was never one to make a decision without consulting the people and during that national tour, we spoke to party members, traditional leaders, students, civil servants and ordinary Zimbabweans outside the party.

Throughout the country during our one-and-a-half months of consultation away from home, the people clearly told us that the only prudent way forward was for Tsvangirai himself to lead a broad front in his fight against Zanu PF. It was during that tour, while in Binga, that I learnt that _kujatana__ is the Tonga word for unity or working together. After the intensive consultations, the two of us sat together for a whole evening in March 2017 writing a public message to the people of Zimbabwe that was aptly titled *I* *Heard* **You* . The statement was his assurance to Zimbabweans that he had heard them. The need for unity had rung out loud throughout the nationwide tour and that was how the unity under the MDC Alliance banner was borne. The rest, as they say, is history.

This simply means therefore that one cannot fight and undermine the MDC Alliance, as the surrogates are doing, and still claim to be defending Tsvangirai’s legacy. The MDC Alliance against which the cabal is engaged in mortal combat, is a unique testament of Tsvangirai’s rich legacy. It represents the broad front that Zimbabweans clamoured for during intensive nationwide consultations.

The Tsvangirai I know is twisting and turning in his grave that these surrogates are fighting the people’s great idea and in the process undermining his legacy. And it’s not helping matters that these surrogates are fronting a formation that bears his initial (MDC-T) and are headquartered in a building that we befittingly named after him! This means they they are unwittingly making his great name an accomplice to their treachery and quisling politics.

Worse still, they are consorting and comporting with Zanu PF, the party that the great Tsvangirai tenaciously fought until his death. The same party that arrested and brutalised him his entire adult life.

Tsvangirai was a man who spent a huge chunk of his adult life fighting Zanu PF repression, corruption and unbridled culture of avarice and entitlement. He fought so hard all his life to establish democracy in the country of his birth. He defeated Robert Mugabe in the 2008 election but had his victory violently stolen from him. He was charged with treason in 2004 and was was almost killed through the savage attacks inside Machipisa police station. And we have every reason to believe that Zanu PF had a hand in the cancer attack that killed him. .

But thanks to the treacherous politics of Khupe, Mwonzora and others, the same Zanu PF has now established a second headquarters in a building called Morgan Richard Tsvangirai House!

The surrogates have never uttered a word against Mnangagwa and Zanu PF. Their business is always Nelson Chamisa, the MDC Alliance and its deployees to Parliament and the various local authorities. They are an opposition whose business is to fight another opposition party. Indeed, an opposition created to decimate and annihilate a Tsvangirai legacy called the MDC Alliance.

And they do this from a building named after the very man whose legacy they purport to be protecting. As they would say in the Nigerian movie industry of Nollywood: _it’s_ _an_ _abomination_ !

Morgan is certainly turning in his grave that those falsely fronting and flaunting his name are now comporting with Zanu PF to shred and tear asunder his legacy.

Some of Tsvangirai’s relatives, including some of his children, have now tragically teamed up with this malignant lot in the vain attempt to destroy the MDC Alliance, the very legacy of their own kinsman— their own blood!

Any rational person must ask themselves why soldiers and CIO agents violently took over and donated to these surrogates this iconic building that we befittingly named after Morgan Tsvangirai. Now we hear soldiers and State security agents are not only providing security to these surrogates, but are sitting through the meetings of this political formation that bears the initial of our icon and undermining the man’s legacy from right inside the building that we named after him!

What cheek!

The Tsvangirai I knew is definitely turning in his grave.

Unless if the “T” in their MDC-T refers to Thoko-Zanu or Turncoat, any suggestion that the T refers to Tsvangirai would not only be disingenuous, reprehensible and repugnant, but would represent the highest form of betrayal to this hero of our time.

How does one claim to be defending Tsvangirai’s legacy when they are comporting, cohabiting and doing the bidding for the same party that Tsvangirai stridently opposed all his adult life? Just how does one claim to be defending Tsvangirai’s legacy while at the same time fighting the MDC Alliance, for the MDC Alliance is nothing but Tsvangirai’s enduring legacy as the Alliance Agreement bears his signature. It was not Nelson Chamisa but Morgan Tsvangirai who initiated and signed the Alliance agreement with other principals to bequeath to Zimbabweans a formidable and reunited MDC that would give the people a reason to hope again.

It must be unequivocally stated that all those working with Zanu PF to recall MDC Alliance MPs and councilors are undermining the very Tsvangirai legacy that they falsely purport to be defending. As for Tsvangirai’s relatives who have joined these sellouts, just how do you cohabit with the same people who dragged Tsvangirai to court for appointing two more Vice Presidents but are today claiming to be defending the legacy of the same man they humiliated and whose decisions they contested in court, even posthumously?

But the forthcoming by-elections will expose the ephemeral trait of their surrogate politics. Yet we see them trying to exhume and invoke Tsvangirai’s face as part of their party symbols, in a vain attempt to ressurect their cadaverous politics. They must simply allow this gallant son of our struggle to truly rest in peace. A few months ago, they were at his grave murmuring incantations and invoking his spirt to save them, the very same spirit that they torment every day through their cohabitation with Zanu PF.

The invocation of Tsvangirai’s spirit at the graveside rituals as well as the abuse of the dead man’s face to enhance their political fortunes is the highest depiction of political sorcery in this brave, digital age. First it was Khupe’s surprise turnout to the funeral of a man he had shunned for eight months when he was alive. Then the graveside rituals. If you add her spirited determination to attend _gogo_ Chamisa’s funeral when she had tormented the poor woman to her death by assisting ED’s scorched earth policy against her son, one is astounded by Khupe’s strange affinity for death, funerals and the dead bodies. It’s a macabre, witchly disposition which probably reflects the dead nature of her politics.

Morgan Tsvangirai, this man whose mind I knew so well, is definitely turning in his grave..
And I repeat, you don’t fight the MDC Alliance and claim to be defending Tsvangirai’s legacy.

The Alliance was very much close to his heart. When I was drafting his speech to launch the Alliance, I remember him excitedly telling me to insert the line that underscored the value of working together. He told me to insert the line which said: _Alone_ , _one_ _can_ _go_ _faster_ _but_ _together_ _we_ _go_ _far_ .

Nelson Chamisa was even against the Alliance during its formative stages. As part of his political deftness when he was delegating responsibilities to his deputies, it was the indefatigable Tsvangirai who charmed Chamisa over the cause by appointing him the Vice President responsible for the Alliance, the very same idea he had been against during its formative stages.

I say this to disabuse those who have been misled by this malignant lot into thinking that the MDC Alliance is Chamisa’s legacy and that by undermining the Alliance they are undermining Chamisa, the man they hate with a passion.

Hell No. The MDC Alliance is Morgan Tsvangirai’s legacy and anyone fighting the Alliance is not even undermining Chamisa but the iconic Tsvangirai whose signature stands out so prominently on the Alliance agreement. They are also undermining the people of Zimbabwe who sonorously called for a broad, united front during our countrywide consultations.

We are now hearing a lot of drivel from Thoko-Zanu and Mwonzora who are all now claiming to have been loyal to Morgan Tsvangirai.

But this is the same Thoko who snubbed Tsvangirai’s meetings for eight months as she sulked over the appointment of two more Vice Presidents, only to turn up in Buhera at Tsvangirai’s burial.

In his death, she has suddenly found love for the man she hated with a passion when he walked this earth. For Khupe, way back in 2016, Morgan Tsvangirai had expressed his disquiet to some of us when he learnt that Emmerson Mnangagwa, who doubled as Vice President and Minister of Justice, had used his position as leader of government business in Parliament to arrange a luxury car and a plush house for Khupe, then the the leader of the opposition in Parliament. The conspiracy may have begun back then and the trinkets could point to something deeper than meets the eye. Both were angling to take over from their principals and the plot to kill the MDC could have been hatched then, probably with the agreement that after the death of the MDC, Khupe would then serve beneath Mnangagwa, both literally and figuratively! And Tsvangirai was worried about ED charitable treatment of Khupe. These could be the results. Indeed, the treachery has long been in the oven.

And Douglas is the same man Tsvangirai often branded a chronic and pathological liar. Jameson Timba, Ian Makone, Sessel Zvidzai and Tsvangirai’s own uncle, Innocent Zvaipa can bear testimony to the fact that Morgan Tsvangirai often characterised this self-proclaimed Constitutionalist as the biggest liar of his generation. You can check this out with the four men!

Now that ZEC has told the nation to prepare for by-elections in December, the political interment of these sell-outs of our time is now imminent. Zimbabweans know who and what they voted for in 2018. They will not allow a party whose candidates they defeated to recall their chosen representatives.

It is now public knowledge that Khupe, Mwonzora, Komichi and Mudzuri have chosen to bastardise Tsvangirai’s rich legacy as well as his legendary and valiant name. By comporting with the same Zanu PF that Tsvangirai fought all his adult life in the very building that we named after him, while fronting a party that bears his initial, could the highest form of betrayal ever witnessed in history.

This motley has allowed themselves to be a used by Zanu PF. Indeed, Khupe and her sell-out lot are just but marionettes in the hands of a mad puppeteer.

And the puppeteer is Zanu PF.

In the meantime, the gallant son of our time has been betrayed big time and he is violently turning in his grave.

Tsvangirai was always a mass-centric politician. His traction was always without question. And it is public knowledge that Tsvangirai’s side has always been the side of the people. And in the forthcoming by-elections, Tsvangirai’s spirit will certainly vote on the side of the people. The results will show where his true legacy lies.

Now the sell-outs are claiming to be the MDC Alliance, the very party they recalled people for belonging to.

This treacherous lot is behaving like a deranged man who claims he found his wife in bed with a boyfriend. And on the day of the adultery hearing, the same man purports to be the boyfriend.

These charlatans simply cannot get it that one can’t be both the presumed husband and the purported wife snatcher at the same time. And that it is the height of lunacy to claim to be divorcing someone’s spouse.

Put simply, they said they were the the MDC-T and falsely claimed their deployees had joined another party called the MDC Alliance.

Now they are claiming to be the same MDC Alliance for which they purportedly recalled MPs and councillors for joining. Now they are both MDC-T and MDC Alliance at the same time.

How does one claim his wife ran away with another man and then later claim to be the wife snatcher who ran away with his wife? You simply can’t be both.

As we used to say in primary school: It can’t!

Amazing Nutritional Benefits Of Blackjack

Herbs

You will need: 2 bunches of black jack leaves, one large chopped tomato and 1 medium chopped onions ,250 ml of boiling water, oil and salt to taste.

Boil the black jack leaves for 5 minutes before starting to cook

1.Add oil to the pan.

2.When the oil is hot, add the onions and after one minute add tomatoes. Let them simmer until the tomatoes make soup. Add salt.

3.Add the boiled black jack leaves and the 250 ml of boiled water to the pot and let it simmer until the soup is nearly over.

Note: Do not cook the hooks and flowers of the black jack.

Health Benefits Of Black Jacks
1.It is very effective in preventing and aiding in treating diabetes because of its numerous nutrients such as fibres and antioxidants. These nutrients help in regulating blood sugar levels in the body. Antioxidants improves the body’s ability to regulate blood sugar levels

2.It is known for its richness in anti-cancer properties to nearly every type of cancers.They help in preventing ,stopping and killing of cancer cells. Its nutrients help in stopping growth of cancer cells, strengthening the immune system and allows the body to detect and kill cancer cells faster.

3.Black Jacks help in improving the digestive system health because of its richness in fiber. These helps in preventing constipation, acid reflux, bloating, indigestion, diarrhoea and many other digestive orders. By preventing these digestive disorders, it prevents development of cancers in the digestive system.

4.It also prevents gastrointestinal illnesses.

5.It also helps in improving the body’s cardiovascular health. Its nutrients help in preventing heart diseases such as strokes and heart attacks. It is known for its efficiency in low blood cholesterol levels which prevents many chronic diseases.

6.It also helps in curing respiratory infections

7.Black jacks helps in controlling blood pressure in the body

8.It helps in the healing of wounds.

It acts as an anti-inflammatory agent.

From Opera News Hub

Inserted by Zimbabwe Online Health Centre

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You Were Not There When The Movement For Democratic Change Was Formed, Hon Biti Tells Khupe

 

Farai Dziva|MDC Alliance vice president Hon Tendai Biti has declared that Emmerson Mnangagwa will not stop the people’s struggle…

Speaking at the MDC Alliance E-Rally on Saturday, Hon Biti took a swipe at Thokozani Khupe and Douglas Mwonzora, accusing the two of sabotaging the people’s struggle.The rally was held to commemorate the Movement for Democratic Change’s 21st anniversary.

Hon Biti pointed out that Khupe was not present at the formation of the popular movement.

Watch video loading below :

Crocodile Can’t Swallow Us- President Chamisa

 

Farai Dziva|President Nelson Chamisa has said there is no need to form a new political party.

President Chamisa made the remarks at the MDC Alliance E-rally on Saturday.

President Chamisa added the wave of change cannot be stopped by anybody – including Emmerson Mnangagwa, also known as the Crocodile because of his ruthlessness.

Watch video below :

We Have Given Chance To Dialogue Without Results: Chamisa

By A Correspondent- Nelson Chamisa while addressing the MDC Alliance e-rally in the capital yesterday, said his party was not changing its name adding that the party had given dialogue a chance to no avail.

The MDC Alliance leader said his party’s stance on dialogue has been viewed as a weakness.

He added that those that were pushing the party to change its name were working in cahoots with Zanu Pf.

Adressing his supporter in the e-rally that was celebrating the MDC’s 21st anniversary, Chamisa said:

I am happy that we are consulting our members countrywide. We are MDC Alliance. We are a baobab tree. You can’t cut MDC Alliance with a razor. We refuse to be swallowed. We cannot change our name at the insistence of Zanu PF

Chamisa also assured his party supporters that they have a plan to fight the continued blitz on their party and said:

The first plan we have is a political settlement. Some people are saying why are you not demonstrating; but we have reached here because we know what we are doing.

We know what we want to fight for. We want to fight for a people’s government because what we have is not a people’s government.

Do not be scared, the struggle is in good shape. If we had two million (people) now we have doubled. We have not shut down the country because we do not want to do so.

We have been founded on the fight for democracy, on the roots of fighting for freedom… The fight is not ended and until we destroy all attempts to make Zimbabwe a one-party state, we will not rest. Mnangagwa will not control us. He wants to control all of us, but he will not manage that.”

We have given peace a chance, but some have been disrespectful of this. We have been founded on the roots of fighting for freedom. This fight has not ended.

We have given dialogue a chance, but some perceive our call for dialogue as a weakness. We have given democracy a chance, but some feel an election which is stolen means that we will capitulate and we are surrendering to the electoral fraud. Democracy is under attack, citizens are under attack, all of us are under attack.

One way I must tell you of looking into this is that when we are under attack, this is an opportunity to organise everything. So we are calling on all Zimbabweans, now forget about your political parties, and now forget about your churches, organisations, student movements, any other belonging. Let’s remember that we are all under the banner of Zimbabwe.

Let’s unite, let’s unite. In the next coming days change is coming. Be part of it. That is why as leadership, we are not panicking. The walls of Jericho are falling. Don’t lose sleep

Nelson Chamisa’s remarks came after the Thokozani Khupe led faction last week rebranded and changed their name to MDC Alliance.