Godfrey Kurauone Back In Court

By Wezhira Munya| MDC Alliance National youth organiser and Masvingo urban ward 4 councillor Godfrey Kuraone and human rights activist Mr Mthombeni will appear before Masvingo Magistrate Patience Mandondo today.

The court starts at 9am.

The state alleges that, the two undermined President Mnangagwa.

However, the two accused are denying this charge.

Human Rights lawyer Advocate Martin Mureri said, “Yes, today councillor Godfrey Kuraone and Mr Mtombeni will appear before Masvingo Magistrate Patience Mandondo today.”

Two weeks ago, councillor Godfrey Kuraone was acquitted on the other offence.

He was acquitted after spending 42 days in cold Masvingo Remand Prison.

Councillor Godfrey Kuraone was deprived of his liberty for a record of 42 days. He was treated like Chidhumo and Masendeke. He came to court in leg irons, handcuffed and was gaurded by heavily armed prison officials.

His relatives , friends and MDC Alliance party members were denied entrance into court room to hear his court proceedings.

Kimberely Tariro Mamhende a political analyst said, “ZANU PF is persecuting and prosecuting opposition leaders using lawfare to imprison political prisoners such as Masvingo councillor Godfrey Kuraone, MDC Alliance National vice chairperson honourable Jacob Sikhala, renowned journalist Hopewell Chin’ono , opposition party President Mr Jacob Ngarivhume among others.”

In addition, renowned legal expert Advocate Alex Magaisa said, “Zanu PF led government is using judiciary system to persecute its opponents. This is lawfare.”

MDC Alliance President advocate Nelson Chamisa described Godfrey Kuraone, Honourable Jacob Sikhala, President Ngarivhume and journalist Hopewell Chin’ono as “new set of political prisoners under ED administration.” He further called for government to stop arresting opposition leaders.

ANC Loses It On Zanu Pf

By Robert Sigauke- The only thing that the hashtag movement #ZimLivesMatter succeeded in doing was to get international attention towards the Zimbabwean political situation.

This indeed persuaded Luthuli House to dispatch a fact finding mission to Harare, firstly on a state presidential level, and more recently at party level. The ANC presidential emissaries could not, as per the wish of the opposition ensemble, meet with them as that would have broken protocol.

The emissaries were from the President of the Republic of South Africa in his capacity as such, to convey a message and take home a response from the President of the Republic of Zimbabwe. Nothing more or less outside this mission.

The second mission was an ANC party mission comprising of such stalwarts as Gwede Mantashe, Ace Magashule, Lindiwe Zulu and Tony Yengeni.

This mission too, was sent by the president of the ANC as authorised by the NEC, to have a roundtable discussion with an erstwhile and sister liberation movement in the name of Zanu-PF.

This mission too, could not have broken protocol and met to discuss the political situation with the opposition parties in Zimbabwe.

While the ANC has maintained a neutral official position with regards to the political and economic situation prevailing in its northern neighbour across the Limpopo, the undertones from its top officials like Lindiwe Zulu, Tony Yengeni and Naledi Pandor are evidently far from this official position of the ANC.

This betrays the impatience of the ANC with Harare to the effect that the perpetuation of alleged human rights abuses, political persecution and economic hardships are putting incessant pressure on the region’s powerhouse.

South Africa wants Harare to know that it is consistently carrying the consequences of regional migration imbalances, putting pressure on its own fiscus against the backdrop of economic depressions since 2009. Politically, the ANC would not want to be seen losing any shred of its commitment to fair and legitimate governance.

This is the reason why the cadres in the ANC have taken unofficial positions that are stark contra-distinct to that of the ANC because of the liberation umbilical cord that exists between the two governing parties.

The ANC cadres too, have been quoted as saying they will dispatch further missions to meet and discuss with the opposition parties in Zimbabwe as well as the United States diplomat to Harare.

Why is this so wrong?

Zimbabwe is a sovereign amongst other nations, and its territorial integrity must be acknowledged and respected. That is the departing point. South Africa is the current Chair of the African Union which, where needs be, intervenes in that capacity to diffuse political tensions and humanitarian crisis on the continent.

South Africa too, as the regional powerhouse has implicit responsibility to drive regional economic cohesion and political balance. However, these are implemented in recognised structures being the said African Union or the SADC at regional level which processes commence with putting such on the agenda and getting a nod from the general council.

Besides these protocols, it can only intervene on a bilateral platform at the invitation of the host country. South Africa cannot, and should not, intervene outside these protocols.

It then boggles the mind why the opposition in Zimbabwe expected to air their grievances through missions that do not possess any diplomatic or political clearances to discuss anything with them.

It has been a longstanding piece of advice to the opposition that politics in Zimbabwe are far from hashtag gimmicks, if you want to change anything real you have to take the long haul. Inciting falsehoods of abductions via twitter can get the attention, but it does not get things done on the ground, let alone shake a constitutionally elected government.

The ANC missions to Harare were neither on SADC nor African Union accord, and even more so it was the ANC’s own insistence to dispatch a fact finding mission in response to the twitter rumbles fuelled by strangers like Beyonce.

This could only have been an opposition political alternative after failing to get Zimbabwe on the SADC and AU agenda. The failure of this political imprecision is in itself an embarrassment as the desired outcome should not have been dreamt as can be realised in the first place.

This route was thought to be shorter, but the advice still remains, if one needs to achieve real outcomes you have the prepare and take the long haul.

Robert Sigauke is a Political Commentator and Legal Manager. He writes from Johannesburg.

BREAKING: Magistrate Prepares To Rule On State Request for Military Doctors To Take Over Joana Mamombe.

Patrick Zhuwao’s Letter To ANC Opens Pandora’s Box On Zanu PF’s Succession Wrangle

Open letter by Patrick Zhuwao to ANC SG on request for ANC intervention
Comrade Ace Magashule, Secretary General of the African National Congress

Luthuli House, 54 Pixley Ka Isaka Seme St, Johannesburg, 2001

Wednesday 23rd September 2020

I write to categorically state and place on record that I do not wish nor intend to re-join ZANU  PF. I have taken the rather unusual move to write this open letter in light of public statements made by ZANU PF’s Patrick Chinamasa on Monday 21st September 2020
https://youtu.be/PjRIFn5qHRc.

Chinamasa claimed that you told ZANU PF’s Obert Mpofu that I, together with Cdes Saviour Kasukuwere and Dr Walter Mzembi, requested the ANC to intercede on our behalf to facilitate our re-joining ZANU PF.

It is so wrong to even imagine that I would be so foolish as to wish to re-join ZANU PF, which has lost all semblance of being a liberation movement and which has placed stability in the region at risk.

As indicated in my covering letter to the request for intervention written by Professor Jonathan Moyo and myself on 5th July 2020, I am concerned about how “ZANU PF is imploding and placing the security of liberation movements in Southern Africa at risk”. Professor Moyo and I trace the multiple crises in Zimbabwe to the unconstitutional takeover of state and governance institutions by the military in November 2017.

The request that Professor Moyo and I made for the ANC to intervene is consistent with President Mugabe’s request to President Mbeki in August 2017 on the back of the ANC’s desire, at that time, to understand the succession issue in Zimbabwe.

President Mugabe requested President Mbeki to persuade General Chiwenga to desist from
involving himself in civilian politics. Unfortunately, the military’s insistence on anointing
Mnangagwa has culminated in the current crisis in the country, with the military now fighting to contain what is increasingly being referred to as Mnangagwa’s Korokokoza faction.

Recently, the military brazenly carried out two audacious operations against one of Mnangagwa’s closest allies in his Korokoza faction, State Security Minister Owen Mudha Ncube;
https://twitter.com/ProfJNMoyo/status/1308418146735403011?s=03.

This same tactic was used to intimidate President Mugabe’s preferred successor, Dr Sidney Sekeremayi in June 2017 in favour of Mnangagwa. The military anointment of Mnangagwa has been an extreme disaster.

The military continues to use ZANU PF as cover for its involvement in civilian politics. It is
therefore totally untenable for any right-thinking person to ever want to re-join ZANU PF and continue to be used as, according to General Chiwenga’s lexicon, mbato; the blacksmith’s glove which is used to handle hot metal.

Can you please allow me Comrade SG to thank you most heartily for your sterling effort in the face of ZANU PF intransigence and humbly request you to express our gratitude to the ANC leadership for positively considering the plight of Zimbabweans and intervening appropriately.

Yours sincerely

Comrade Patrick Zhuwao

Former ZANU PF Politburo Member and Minister of Labour, Public Service and Social Welfare

“It’s Foolish To Rejoin Zanu Pf”: Zhuwao

Open letter by Patrick Zhuwao to ANC SG on request for ANC intervention
Comrade Ace Magashule, Secretary General of the African National Congress

Luthuli House, 54 Pixley Ka Isaka Seme St, Johannesburg, 2001

Wednesday 23rd September 2020

I write to categorically state and place on record that I do not wish nor intend to re-join ZANU  PF. I have taken the rather unusual move to write this open letter in light of public statements made by ZANU PF’s Patrick Chinamasa on Monday 21st September 2020
https://youtu.be/PjRIFn5qHRc.

Chinamasa claimed that you told ZANU PF’s Obert Mpofu that I, together with Cdes Saviour Kasukuwere and Dr Walter Mzembi, requested the ANC to intercede on our behalf to facilitate our re-joining ZANU PF.

It is so wrong to even imagine that I would be so foolish as to wish to re-join ZANU PF, which has lost all semblance of being a liberation movement and which has placed stability in the region at risk.

As indicated in my covering letter to the request for intervention written by Professor Jonathan Moyo and myself on 5th July 2020, I am concerned about how “ZANU PF is imploding and placing the security of liberation movements in Southern Africa at risk”. Professor Moyo and I trace the multiple crises in Zimbabwe to the unconstitutional takeover of state and governance institutions by the military in November 2017.

The request that Professor Moyo and I made for the ANC to intervene is consistent with President Mugabe’s request to President Mbeki in August 2017 on the back of the ANC’s desire, at that time, to understand the succession issue in Zimbabwe.

President Mugabe requested President Mbeki to persuade General Chiwenga to desist from
involving himself in civilian politics. Unfortunately, the military’s insistence on anointing
Mnangagwa has culminated in the current crisis in the country, with the military now fighting to contain what is increasingly being referred to as Mnangagwa’s Korokokoza faction.

Recently, the military brazenly carried out two audacious operations against one of Mnangagwa’s closest allies in his Korokoza faction, State Security Minister Owen Mudha Ncube;
https://twitter.com/ProfJNMoyo/status/1308418146735403011?s=03.

This same tactic was used to intimidate President Mugabe’s preferred successor, Dr Sidney Sekeremayi in June 2017 in favour of Mnangagwa. The military anointment of Mnangagwa has been an extreme disaster.

The military continues to use ZANU PF as cover for its involvement in civilian politics. It is
therefore totally untenable for any right-thinking person to ever want to re-join ZANU PF and continue to be used as, according to General Chiwenga’s lexicon, mbato; the blacksmith’s glove which is used to handle hot metal.

Can you please allow me Comrade SG to thank you most heartily for your sterling effort in the face of ZANU PF intransigence and humbly request you to express our gratitude to the ANC leadership for positively considering the plight of Zimbabweans and intervening appropriately.

Yours sincerely

Comrade Patrick Zhuwao

Former ZANU PF Politburo Member and Minister of Labour, Public Service and Social Welfare

Gweru Prophetess Nabbed For Molesting A Church Member

A Gweru prophetess, arrested for allegedly sexually molesting a female member of her church, bribed the complainant with US$16 and made several EcoCash transactions to buy her silence, the court heard.

Juliet Masakanire (29), the founder and pastor of Pray Deliverance and Testimony Ministries International, is alleged to have sexually molested a 32-year-old member of her church.

Masakanire appeared before Gweru regional magistrate Mrs Phathekile Msipa facing aggravated indecent assault charges.

She pleaded not guilty to the charge and was remanded to today for continuation of trial.

Masakanire is out on $1 000 bail.

The complainant told the court that Masakanire whom she referred to as prophetess, sucked her breasts while putting her fingers in her privates on three different occasions.

The complainant said the two were staying together and shared the same bed.

“She used to give me money every time she abused me. She gave me US$10, US$6, R50 and transferred varying amounts to my account via EcoCash. She said I should do what she wanted if I entertained any thoughts of getting married,” said the complainant.

She said the accused told her to seed something so that she could get a husband and she surrendered her smartphone.

The complainant said she later demanded her smartphone back after realising that the accused was lying and it was given to her.

In her defence, Masakanire said the complainant and her allies wanted to defame her in order to destroy her church.

“I was giving her money for groceries and other things since we stayed together. She is framing me because they want to destroy me and my church,” she said.

Mr Talent Tadenyika is representing the State.

-State Media

BREAKING- FULL TEXT: Zhuwao Latest Letter To ANC

Open letter by Patrick Zhuwao to ANC SG on request for ANC intervention
Comrade Ace Magashule, Secretary General of the African National Congress
Luthuli House, 54 Pixley Ka Isaka Seme St, Johannesburg, 2001

Wednesday 23rd September 2020 | I write to categorically state and place on record that I do not wish or intend to re-join ZANU
PF.

I have taken the rather unusual move to write this open letter in light of public statements made by ZANU PF’s Patrick Chinamasa on Monday 21st September 2020
https://youtu.be/PjRIFn5qHRc. Chinamasa claimed that you told ZANU PF’s Obert Mpofu that I,
together with Cdes Saviour Kasukuwere and Dr Walter Mzembi, requested the ANC to intercede
on our behalf to facilitate our re-joining ZANU PF. It is so wrong to even imagine that I would be so foolish as to wish to re-join ZANU PF, which has lost all semblance of being a liberation movement and which has placed stability in the region at risk.
As indicated in my covering letter to the request for intervention written by Professor Jonathan Moyo and myself on 5th July 2020, I am concerned about how “ZANU PF is imploding and placing the security of liberation movements in Southern Africa at risk”. Professor Moyo and I trace the multiple crises in Zimbabwe to the unconstitutional takeover of state and governance institutions by the military in November 2017. The request that Professor Moyo and I made for the ANC to intervene is consistent with President Mugabe’s request to President Mbeki in August 2017 on the back of the ANC’s desire, at that time, to understand the succession issue in
Zimbabwe.

President Mugabe requested President Mbeki to persuade General Chiwenga to desist from
involving himself in civilian politics. Unfortunately, the military’s insistence on anointing Mnangagwa has culminated in the current crisis in the country, with the military now fighting to contain what is increasingly being referred to as Mnangagwa’s Korokokoza faction. Recently, the
military brazenly carried out two audacious operations against one of Mnangagwa’s closest
allies in his Korokoza faction, State Security Minister Owen Mudha Ncube;

https://twitter.com/ProfJNMoyo/status/1308418146735403011?s=03. This same tactic was
used to intimidate President Mugabe’s preferred successor, Dr Sidney Sekeremayi in June 2017
in favour of Mnangagwa. The military anointment of Mnangagwa has been an extreme disaster.
The military continues to use ZANU PF as cover for its involvement in civilian politics. It is
therefore totally untenable for any right-thinking person to ever want to re-join ZANU PF and continue to be used as, according to General Chiwenga’s lexicon, mbato; the blacksmith’s glove which is used to handle hot metal.

Can you please allow me Comrade SG to thank you most heartily for your sterling effort in the
face of ZANU PF intransigence and humbly request you to express our gratitude to the ANC
leadership for positively considering the plight of Zimbabweans and intervening appropriately.

Yours sincerely

Comrade Patrick Zhuwao

Former ZANU PF Politburo Member and Minister of Labour, Public Service and Social Welfare

Govt Okays Private Kombis Return

Government has given commuter omnibuses the nod to start operating but they have to register with relevant authorities and also strictly comply with Covid-19 health guidelines.

The kombis among other public transporters excluding pirate taxis, can approach the Ministry of Transport and Infrastructure Development for licences to start operating.

Kombis had been banned from operating since the start of the national lockdown at the end of March except for those operating under Zupco.

Addressing journalists during a post-Cabinet media briefing on Tuesday, Defence and War Veterans Minister Oppah Muchinguri-Kashiri, who is also the chairperson of the Ad Hoc Inter-Ministerial Taskforce on the Covid-19 said once kombis regularise their operations they will be allowed to start operating.

She said Cabinet took the decision after considering that Covid-19 cases were relatively declining in the country.

“Originally, every private operator who wanted to operate had to register with Zupco but we realise that Zupco also has some challenges. There are now new players in the economy hence the need to open up the transport sector especially the inter-city transport,” she said.

“Those that are legal including kombis, will be required to register with the Ministry of Transport and Infrastructure Development and comply with the rules and regulations.”

Minister Kashiri said some kombis were not roadworthy and as such could not regularise their operations.

She said Government is prepared to listen to genuine kombi operators but will not tolerate pirate taxis commonly known as mshikashika.

Kombi operators in Bulawayo welcomed the Government’s decision to allow them to resume operations.

Tshova Mubaiwa managing and marketing director Mr Ndabazabo Mabunda said they have started processes to ensure that they comply with Covid-19 regulations.

Mr Mabunda said they already have a rank where vehicles would be disinfected and does not believe they will have challenges meeting Government’s regulations.

“We will be engaging the relevant ministries to ensure that we don’t fall short of the requirements. We want to commend Government for allowing us to start operating. This will bring relief not to us as operators but also commuters who have been experiencing transport challenges,” said Mr Mabunda.

He said the ban on public transporters gave them time to introspect and listen to the public’s views on where they should improve.

“Although our service as Tshova Mubaiwa is second to none in Bulawayo, we have heard concerns about abuse of clients especially by conductors. We will be conducting refresher courses for our drivers and customer management courses for our conductors. But I believe that the lockdown has even opened eyes for the conductors who now should appreciate that the customer is a king,” he said.

Bulawayo United Public Transporters’ Association (Bupta) spokesperson Mr Keeper Ndlovu, said he could not comment on the matter as they were still engaged in meetings discussing how they would start operating.

In the past Government, commended the Bupta for being the most organised in the country.

According to the Bulawayo City Council (BCC) transport policy, all kombi owners have to belong to an association.

The policy enables council to approach the association when players start operating illegally and can be easily traceable in case they commit offences.

-State Media

Mwonzora Celebrates Marondera Mayoral Elections Victory

MDC-T Secretary General Douglas Mwonzora has celebrated his party’s controversial victory in the Marondera mayoral elections mocking those he said sought to belittle their success.

Mwonzora was posting on Twitter following the recall of the Marondera mayor and subsequent elections in which their candidate joined forces with Zanu PF councillors to defeat the MDC Alliance candidate.

“Yesterday, we won the Mayoral election for Marondera City. We are elated at this win. Of course some people have sought to belittle our victory and explain away thier loss. We shall not be discouraged. We will be meeting with the councillors shortly to discuss the strategic plans for the City. We are for good service delivery and we have zero tolerance to violence,” said Mwonzora.

The MDC-T headed by Thokozani Khupe has been on a rampage recalling legislators and councillors aligned to MDC Alliance President Nelson Chamisa.

The recalls have destabilised local authorities due to the delays to hold by-elections due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

Harare Teenager Raped By Man Who Lured Her On Social Media

A Harare teenager was last week raped by a man who enticed her through social media to come for a modelling audition, with police worried about the increase in criminal use of social network sites.

The suspect, aged 25, has since been arrested and will appear in court soon.

It is alleged that the 19-year-old came into contact with her assailant on Facebook, where she was duped into believing that he wanted models who would appear on his branded designer hats.

The teenager agreed to meet him at his “offices” in Waterfalls, but once there was told the only way she would get the job was after they became intimate.

She was then allegedly raped.

She reported the case to the police, leading to the arrest of the suspect.

National police spokesman Assistant Commissioner Paul Nyathi warned people against trusting strangers they meet online.

This is not the first time that rapists have lured teenagers and women through online contacts.

In December last year, flirting on social media turned violent for a Harare woman who was raped by her “online boyfriend”.

The two knew each other through social media and they chatted until they agreed to meet in Harare.

The first meeting resulted in the man raping the woman (29).

The victim met the suspect along Samora Machel Avenue, Harare, for the first time and the two drove to a house where the complainant was later raped.

The victim became the second in a month after another 18-year-old woman from Masvingo was raped under similar circumstances at a Harare lodge.

The Masvingo woman reportedly travelled to Harare to meet her social media male friend, who tricked her into entering a lodge, where she was raped.

He claimed the lodge was his parents’ house and vanished after the assault.

Mbhoro 1 – 0 Bushiri

PRETORIA – Paseka Motsoeneng, also known as Prophet Mboro, is thrilled after winning a round in court, against Prophet Shepherd Bushiri.

An urgent interdict against Mboro has been struck off the roll in the high court in Pretoria.

Bushiri had claimed Mboro made defamatory comments about him, related to an allegedly fraudulent money scheme.

Watch the video below for more on this story.

Source
eNCA

D Day For Activists Who Carried Coffin To Mthuli Ncube’s Office

Paul Nyathi

Nine human rights defenders will today know their fate after they were arrested and tried for allegedly carrying a miniature coffin during an anti-government protest demanding an increase to teachers’ salaries.

The nine HRDs, who include members of Amalgamated Rural Teachers Union of Zimbabwe (ARTUZ) were arrested on 23 August 2019 and charged with criminal nuisance as defined in section 46 of the Criminal Law (Codification and Reform) Act.

The nine HRDs namely Obert Masaraure, Gerald Tavengwa, Godfrey Chanda, Andrew Munguri, Nation Mudzitirwa, Shepherd Tazvivinga, Tryvine Musokeri, Simon Drury and Douglas Coltart, a human rights lawyer, were arrested at Finance and Economic Development Minister Mthuli Ncube’s offices in Harare during an anti-government protest dubbed “Pay Day Funeral”, where they allegedly gathered to “mourn the deaths” of their salaries, which they said were inadequate, poor working conditions and standards of living.

According to prosecutors, the nine HRDs, who are represented by Blessing Nyamaropa, Jeremiah Bamu and Tinomuda Shoko of Zimbabwe Lawyers for Human Rights allegedly interfered with the ordinary comfort, convenience, peace or quiet of the public by creating a nuisance or obstruction through singing and dancing while carrying a miniature coffin and a small wooden cross.

Fadzai Mahere Appears In Court

MDC Alliance spokesperson Fadzai Mahere will today appear in court on charges of participating in an illegal demonstration.

She was arrested together with other activists including filmmaker and novelist Tsitsi Dangarembga and others from various pressure groups facing charges of participating in an illegal demonstrations in Harare on July 31.

They were separately charged with participating in a public gathering with intent to cause public violence and breaching the Public Health Act (Covid-19 Prevention, Containment and Treatment) Regulations 2020.The accused were not asked to plead to the charges and were remanded out of custody on $5 000 bail each.

The State, led by Mr Michael Reza and Ms Tendai Shonhiwa, had it that on July 31, MDC Alliance and other pressure groups organised an illegal demonstration to effect regime change.

The court heard that at different times and locations, but in Harare, the activists took to the streets demonstrating against the Government.

Mahere and five others were arrested between 11am and 11.30am while demonstrating between Alps Road and The Chase.

Police are said to have recovered placards from Jessica Drury’s car inscribed #FreeZim, #FreeMDCtrio, #stopabductions and #handsoff the Constitution. On the second count, they allegedly breached Covid-19 regulations while they were marching.

Specialist Training Suspended At The U.Z After Govt Blocked Students From Accessing Public Hospitals

Paul Nyathi 

Specialist training has been put on hold at the University of Zimbabwe after the Ministry of Health, in an unusual development, decided to prohibit all Masters students from accessing public hospitals.

The Ministry of Health and Child Care under the leadership of Minister Constantino Chiwenga  banned top medicine students from accessing public hospitals forcing the University of Zimbabwe to immediately stop studies in three key programmes at the school of medicine.

The University wrote as follows:

Nick Mangwana Says Mnangagwa Saved Zimbabweans From Dying Of Covid-19

 

Information Ministry Permanent Secretary Nick Mangwana has sensationally claimed that less people died in Zimbabwe during the Covid-19 period compared to the number who died last year without the Coronavirus scourge.

Mangwana attributed the decline in the number of deaths to President Emmerson Mnangagwa’s Covid-19 restrictions.

It remains a mystery where he got his figures from.

Kurauone Back In Court For Feeding Homeless People On Mnangagwa Fasting Day

MDC Alliance national youth organiser, Godfrey Kurauone is set to appear at the Masvingo Magistrate’s Court today charged with undermining President Emmerson Mnangagwa’s authority.

Kurauone, is also Masvingo Urban Ward Four councillor.

Kurauone, a councillor for seven years, was arrested for breaking Covid-19 lockdown rules after he mobilised and fed homeless people in Masvingo on June 15, 2020, the day Mnangagwa called for a national day of fasting.

Kurauone is being represented by Advocate Martin Mureri.

61% Of Imported Cars Are Defective And Exceeded Their Lifespan, Auditor General Reports

State Media

At least 87 percent of imported goods have not been checked for quality, while more than 61 percent of imported second-hand vehicles are rusty and had exceeded their lifespan, as there was no mechanism that ensured pre-shipment inspection of mechanical and structural conditions, an audit has shown.

The failure to check the quality of imported goods increased the risk of substandard goods in the country, while the failure by the Ministry of Industry and Commerce to inspect second-hand vehicles at source endangered people’s lives and was costly in terms of insurance premiums as a result of accident rates.

This is contained in the 2019 audit report titled “Monitoring of the Quality of Goods Being Imported into the Country” that was produced by Auditor-General, Mrs Mildred Chiri.

On imported goods, Mrs Chiri said her audit showed that the Ministry of Industry and Commerce had shortcomings in monitoring the quality of the goods, inadequate monitoring of goods in transit, absence of destination inspection and lack of market surveillance, among other issues.

“The results of the audit showed that programmes implemented by the ministry were not adequately curbing the importation of substandard goods,” said Mrs Chiri in her report. “The consignment based conformity assessment programme did not have critical provisions that could help in combating influx of substandard goods.

“For example, the programme did not cover destination inspection and market surveillance. In addition, the audit noted that the ministry did not have regulations governing the quality assessment of 87,5 percent of imported products. The fact that most of the goods were not being checked for quality increased the risk of substandard goods finding their way into the country.”

In its response to the audit observations, Ministry of Industry and Commerce officials acknowledged the findings and indicated they were in the process of developing the national quality programme to curb the import and local manufacturing of substandard products.

On the import of second-hand vehicles, Mrs Chiri said there was need for inspection of mechanical and structural form at source so that vehicles that failed to meet set standards were not allowed into the country.

She said the motor industry development policy guiding the sector did not have in place monitoring of imported second-hand vehicles, which should guide car dealers and holders of franchises.

“If used vehicles are not checked for quality, the country could be flooded with sub-standard vehicles which could be costly in terms of insurance premiums as a result of a higher incidence of accidents and may endanger people’s lives,” said Mrs Chiri.

“Further expansion of the local motor industry may be greatly affected as people go for second-hand vehicles.”

Her audit at Chirundu Border Post showed that an average of 658 vehicles entered the country per month in 2016, 534 in 2017 and 832 in 2018, while at Kazungula Border Post there was an average of 320 a month.

“The imported vehicle register for 2017 revealed that 61 percent of the second-hand vehicles were rusty and had exceeded their lifespan,” said Mrs Chiri.

The ministry admitted that the country might be importing used motor vehicles with defects, hence the need for pre-shipment inspection.

“The ministry, through Standards Association of Zimbabwe, is now developing the standard of used motor vehicles that will be referenced into a mandatory standard called technical regulation,” said the ministry. “Those vehicles with mechanical and structural defects are repaired prior to shipping or repaired upon arrival at the port of entry depending on the adopted model.”

Donald Trump Says He Can’t Promise A Peaceful Handover Of Power If He Loses Elections

Paul Nyathi

US President Donald Trump on Wednesday refused to guarantee that he will transfer power if he loses the November election, earning scorn from his Democratic challenger Joe Biden and even from within his own party.

“Well, we’re going to have to see what happens,” Trump said. “You know that I’ve been complaining very strongly about the ballots, and the ballots are a disaster.”

Pressed further, Trump said: “We’ll want to have — get rid of the ballots and you’ll have a very — we’ll have a very peaceful — there won’t be a transfer, frankly. There’ll be a continuation.”

Watch video downloading below.

Source: NBS News

Mnangagwa On Cloud Nine After Ramaphosa Mentioned Zim Sanctions At His UNGA Address

Paul Nyathi

President Mnangagwa, who is scheduled to address the 75th Session of the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) today, has thanked South African counterpart President Cyril Ramaphosa for using the Assembly platform to call for the removal of sanctions on Zimbabwe.

President Ramaphosa made the call in his address at the opening of the 75th session on Tuesday in his capacity as AU chairperson.

Posting on his Twitter account, President Mnangagwa said: “Thank you to @CyrilRamaphosa for once again calling for an end to the debilitating sanctions that have injured the people of Zimbabwe for almost two decades.”

Mudenda Says Zim Lost US$7 Billion To Corruption

State Media

Zimbabwe could have lost up to US$7 billion to corruption and other illicit activities between 2009 and 2017, Speaker of the National Assembly Advocate Jacob Mudenda said yesterday.

Speaking at the signing ceremony of a memorandum of understanding between the African Parliamentary Network Against Corruption (Zimbabwe Chapter), the Zimbabwe Anti-Corruption Commission (Zacc) and Transparency International Zimbabwe, Adv Mudenda said Parliament had a constitutional mandate to ensure there was accountability and transparency in the management of public resources.

“The RBZ estimated a loss of US$3 billion between 2015 and 2017, while research by Afrodad (African Forum and Network on Debt and Development) estimates that US$2,7 billion was lost from the mining sector between 2009 and 2013,” he said.

“The RBZ further posited that an estimated US$684 million was remitted outside or externalised under dubious and unwarranted circumstances in 2015. Financial Integrity Data shows that Zimbabwe lost an estimated US$670 million through trade mis-invoicing in 2015.”

Adv Mudenda said transparency and accountability were the building blocks of the country’s development and urged the three parties to the agreement to explore new ways of fighting corruption.

Zacc chairperson Justice Loice Matanda-Moyo said corruption was a major challenge to the achievement of the Government’s vision of achieving an upper middle income economy by 2030. “Accordingly, preventing and combating corruption in all its forms should be a priority,” she said.

TIZ director Ms Muchaneta Mundopa said there was need to coordinate all stakeholders in fighting corruption.

APNAC chairperson Mrs Priscilla Misihairabwi-Mushonga said as parliamentarians, they were open to suggestions on enacting legislation that combat corruption.

Court To Make Ruling On Joanna Mamombe Today

State Media

The public prosecutor handling the matter in which MDC Alliance legislator Joana Mamombe and party members, Netsai Marova and Cecilia Chimbiri are facing charges of faking their abduction in May this year, has said he has no personal vendetta against them or any of their defence team.

Mr Michael Reza made the remarks in court yesterday when Mamombe separately appeared to respond to the State’s application to have her mentally examined by two Government doctors.

The State made an application under the Mental Health Act after Mamombe told the court she was suffering from anxiety disorder and could not comprehend trial proceedings.

Mamombe’s lawyer Mr Alec Muchadehama yesterday demanded an explanation on why the State went ahead with the application on Tuesday despite an agreed position that the matter be postponed to another day to allow him to attend to another matter in Gweru.

“We seek an explanation as to why he changed from the undertaking he had made,” said Mr Muchadehama.

“Also, I want to know whether or not the State is a super litigant who determines when the matter will be heard. He has a duty to act fairly. We want to know whether he has something against me or accused.”

Mr Muchadehama said Mr Reza called him at night informing him that he was continuing with the matter.

In his response, Mr Reza said: “This is not a court of drama, but of law. I spoke to Mr (Jeremiah) Bamu and not Muchadehama. I told him to tell Mr Muchadehama that I would oppose their application.

“He is not denying it. I have absolutely nothing against Mr Muchadehama and the accused. I just do my work and I am prosecutor.”

Harare regional magistrate Mrs Bianca Makwande advised both Mr Muchadehama and Mr Reza to act in the best interest of justice.

Mr Bamu, who is part of the trio’s legal team, told the court the State had failed to satisfy the requirements of Mental Health Act in its application. He said there was no justification of having Mamombe examined by other doctors since she had already undergone treatment.

“No justification exists for that order to be made because when the accused person realised that she was not feeling well, she consulted a medical practitioner and the court heard Dr Fungi Mazhandu, who said she was examined by a general doctor who referred her to a specialist,” said Mr Bamu.

“What the State seeks to achieve has already been done.”

Mrs Makwande is today expected to make a ruling on the State’s application.

Embrace All Political Parties, Rugare Gumbo Tells Mnangagwa

Rugare Gumbo

Former liberation stalwart and former war veterans leader, Rugare Gumbo has said for President Emmerson Mnangagwa to solve Zimbabwe’s problems, he must unite all people and be open to speaking to members of the opposition.

Speaking to the publication, Gumbo said:

The situation on the ground doesn’t seem to allow the continuation of the crises because people are now tired of all this. There must be a change in the attitude of those who are in power.

They must unite the people, as any failure to do that will mean that they will be digging their own political graves,He (Mnangagwa) must absolutely make sure that he unites Zimbabweans as he is the president. He has the power to sit down with all Zimbabweans.

Gumbo spoke at length about the need for oneness and even cited fellow liberation war hero Simon Muzenda and his quest for unity:

He must be able to contact his rivals and talk with them so that they can solve the current problems I was watching vaMuzenda’s (the late former Vice President Simon Muzenda’s) video, where he was encouraging unity among Zimbabweans.

Without unity, the future of Zimbabwe is bleak. It is going to be problematic for the ruling party to go into 2023 without uniting Zimbabweans. They are digging their own grave if they fail to talk to all political parties and unite all people to solve the country’s current crises,

He (Mnangagwa) must seriously rethink the future of the country and … the young generation. He must not think about himself and power, but the young generation that we have.What are they going to inherit? Are they going to inherit the violence and divided country? These are the kind of things the president must think about.

Gumbo also condemned people who prioritise power only and said the ruling party must either shape up or ship out:

If you think of power only without thinking about the life of the ordinary person you have a problem. The ruling party must shape up or ship out. Mnangagwa must be man enough and accept the challenges facing the country. If there is no unity, there will always be external and internal threats. You don’t need that. You need … to unite even with people who oppose your views so that you can bring stability in the country.

The ruling party must know that one doesn’t know what lies in the future. Change does occur and for anybody to think that he will remain in power for ever is not good. In Shona they say chinobhururuka chinomhara.

Hakuna chisingaperi (everything ends) and we say let’s not do that. Everyone is a Zimbabwean. There is no Zimbabwe for Zanu PF or MDC … Zimbabwe is for everybody.

Meanwhile, another Zanu PF stalwart and a member of the politburo Tshinga Dube over the weekend echoed Rugare Gumbo’s sentiments and said the leaders have to first accept that they need help for the ANC to intervene and mediate in Zimbabwe. -Daily News

Dzvukamanja Joins Orlando Pirates

Terrence Dzvukamanja

Terrence Dzvukamanja, a Zimbabwean born footballer based in neighbouring South African has joined SA’s top flight league club Orlando Pirates on a 3 year contract, KickOff.com reports. Terrence will Join the club from Bidvest Vits and he was signed together with Collins Makgaka.

This was revealed in a statement by Orlando Pirates which in a statement stated that:

Following the announcement of the signing of Thulani Hlatshwayo and Deon Hotto Kavendji on Monday, the club is pleased to announce two more additions ahead of the start of the 2020/21 season.”

Terrence Dzvukamanja and Collins Makgaka have joined the club. Dzvukamanja has put pen to paper having agreed to a three-year deal with the Buccaneers.

Meanwhile, Makgaka joins the club from Baroka FC. The 24-year-old is an exciting attacking midfielder who spent five seasons with Bakgaga.

According to the same publication, ABSA premiership title winner, Mamelodi Sundowns was planning to sign Terrence Dzvukamanja and Orlando Pirates beat them to it. Orlando Pirates is reportedly doing whatever it can to afford their coach Josef Zinnbauer a strong squad for the 2020/21 season according to the publication.

26 year old Terrence used to play for FC Platinum before he joined BIdvest Vits in 2018.-Kick Off

Tragedy As Passenger Falls Off Moving Vehicle

ZRP badge

A FILABUSI man fell to his death off a moving vehicle while a man from Gwanda died after a vehicle he was travelling in overturned in two separate incidences.

Matabeleland South acting provincial police spokesperson Inspector Loveness Mangena confirmed the two incidents.

She said in the first incident which occurred on Sunday, Nkosiyapha Nyoni (39) was seated in the loading box of a pick-up truck when he stood up to talk to the driver while the vehicle was in motion.

“I can confirm that we recorded two fatal road accidents. The first one occurred in Dekezi Business Centre in Filabusi. Mr Danisa Nyoni was driving a pick-up truck along the Filabusi-Avoca Road with nine passengers on board. When he got to Dekezi Business Centre one of the passengers who was in the loading box Nkosiyapha Nyoni stood up intending to talk to the driver.

“He fell off the vehicle and he was run over by the right rear wheel and he died on the spot after sustaining head injuries. The matter was reported to the police who attended the scene and Nyoni’s body was ferried to Filabusi District Hospital Mortuary,” she said.

Insp Mangena said in the second incident one person died while five others sustained injuries after a vehicle, they were travelling in overturned at Manama Business Centre-Chronicle

Kombis Given Permission To Operate …

Kombis

GOVERNMENT has given commuter omnibuses the nod to start operating but they have to register with relevant authorities and also strictly comply with Covid-19 health guidelines.

The kombis among other public transporters excluding pirate taxis, can approach the Ministry of Transport and Infrastructure Development for licences to start operating.

Kombis had been banned from operating since the start of the national lockdown at the end of March except for those operating under Zupco.

Addressing journalists during a post-Cabinet media briefing on Tuesday, Defence and War Veterans Minister Oppah Muchinguri-Kashiri, who is also the chairperson of the Ad Hoc Inter-Ministerial Taskforce on the Covid-19 said once kombis regularise their operations they will be allowed to start operating.

She said Cabinet took the decision after considering that Covid-19 cases were relatively declining in the country.

“Originally, every private operator who wanted to operate had to register with Zupco but we realise that Zupco also has some challenges. There are now new players in the economy hence the need to open up the transport sector especially the inter-city transport,” she said.

“Those that are legal including kombis, will be required to register with the Ministry of Transport and Infrastructure Development and comply with the rules and regulations.”

Minister Kashiri said some kombis were not roadworthy and as such could not regularise their operations.

She said Government is prepared to listen to genuine kombi operators but will not tolerate pirate taxis commonly known as mshikashika.

Kombi operators in Bulawayo welcomed the Government’s decision to allow them to resume operations.-Chronicle

Unite All Zimbabweans, Veteran Politician Challenges Mnangagwa

Mr Mnangagwa

Former liberation stalwart and former war veterans leader, Rugare Gumbo has said for President Emmerson Mnangagwa to solve Zimbabwe’s problems, he must unite all people and be open to speaking to members of the opposition.

Speaking to the publication, Gumbo said:

The situation on the ground doesn’t seem to allow the continuation of the crises because people are now tired of all this. There must be a change in the attitude of those who are in power.

They must unite the people, as any failure to do that will mean that they will be digging their own political graves,He (Mnangagwa) must absolutely make sure that he unites Zimbabweans as he is the president. He has the power to sit down with all Zimbabweans.

Gumbo spoke at length about the need for oneness and even cited fellow liberation war hero Simon Muzenda and his quest for unity:

He must be able to contact his rivals and talk with them so that they can solve the current problems I was watching vaMuzenda’s (the late former Vice President Simon Muzenda’s) video, where he was encouraging unity among Zimbabweans.

Without unity, the future of Zimbabwe is bleak. It is going to be problematic for the ruling party to go into 2023 without uniting Zimbabweans. They are digging their own grave if they fail to talk to all political parties and unite all people to solve the country’s current crises,

He (Mnangagwa) must seriously rethink the future of the country and … the young generation. He must not think about himself and power, but the young generation that we have.What are they going to inherit? Are they going to inherit the violence and divided country? These are the kind of things the president must think about.

Gumbo also condemned people who prioritise power only and said the ruling party must either shape up or ship out:

If you think of power only without thinking about the life of the ordinary person you have a problem. The ruling party must shape up or ship out. Mnangagwa must be man enough and accept the challenges facing the country. If there is no unity, there will always be external and internal threats. You don’t need that. You need … to unite even with people who oppose your views so that you can bring stability in the country.

The ruling party must know that one doesn’t know what lies in the future. Change does occur and for anybody to think that he will remain in power for ever is not good. In Shona they say chinobhururuka chinomhara.

Hakuna chisingaperi (everything ends) and we say let’s not do that. Everyone is a Zimbabwean. There is no Zimbabwe for Zanu PF or MDC … Zimbabwe is for everybody.

Meanwhile, another Zanu PF stalwart and a member of the politburo Tshinga Dube over the weekend echoed Rugare Gumbo’s sentiments and said the leaders have to first accept that they need help for the ANC to intervene and mediate in Zimbabwe. -Daily News

“Illegitimacy Ghost” Haunts Mnangagwa

Emmerson Mnangagwa during the Gukurahundi era.

Farai Dziva|Senior MDC Alliance official Stanley Manguma has revealed how Mr Emmerson Mnangagwa is using Thokozani Khupe and Douglas Mwonzora to “pull down” President Nelson Chamisa.

According to Manguma, Mr Mnangagwa is keen to exorcize the illegitimacy ghost through elevating Khupe to the corridors of power.

Below is part of Manguma’s argument :

After realizing MDC-T is just a name without followers, they have changed to MDC Alliance, name of another party, our party.

They are fighting a Mnangagwa battle, they are ED puppets.

Make no mistake about that. This stupidity will be allowed to take effect because our laws only exist on paper.

Where the law is applied, it is applied selectively, to the advantage of ED and disadvantage of Pres. Nelson Chamisa.

We have a captured Judiciary that receives orders from Mnangagwa.

Everything Khupe Mwozora do, including recalls, remains illegal, after expiry of terms of Supreme Court judgement.

They are banking on Mnangagwa and crooked Judiciary for a lifeline.

Above all, the illegitimacy ghost is haunting Mr Mnangagwa.

Plot To “Pull Down” President Chamisa Exposed

President Chamisa

Farai Dziva|Senior MDC Alliance official Stanley Manguma has revealed how Mr Emmerson Mnangagwa is using Thokozani Khupe and Douglas Mwonzora to “pull down” President Nelson Chamisa.

According to Manguma, Mr Mnangagwa is keen to exorcize the illegitimacy ghost through elevating Khupe to the corridors of power.

Below is part of Manguma’s argument :

After realizing MDC-T is just a name without followers, they have changed to MDC Alliance, name of another party, our party.

They are fighting a Mnangagwa battle, they are ED puppets.

Make no mistake about that. This stupidity will be allowed to take effect because our laws only exist on paper.

Where the law is applied, it is applied selectively, to the advantage of ED and disadvantage of Pres. Nelson Chamisa.

We have a captured Judiciary that receives orders from Mnangagwa.

Everything Khupe Mwozora do, including recalls, remains illegal, after expiry of terms of Supreme Court judgement.

They are banking on Mnangagwa and crooked Judiciary for a lifeline.

Above all, the illegitimacy ghost is haunting Mr Mnangagwa.

Man Bites Cop

Police

A GWANDA man has been arrested after he bit a police officer who tried to apprehend his for assaulting his wife.

Barbson Pande (40) from Jacaranda Suburb pleaded not guilty to charges of physical abuse and assaulting or resisting a peace officer but was convicted by Gwanda magistrate, Miss Lerato Nyathi due to overwhelming evidence against him.

He was sentenced to 12 months imprisonment but six months were suspended on condition that he does not commit a similar offence within the next five years. The remaining six months were further suspended on condition that he performs 210 hours of community service at Gwanda Magistrate’s Court.

Prosecuting, Miss Glenda Nare said Pande assaulted his wife, Miss Farai Matekenya on July 9 and when she reported him to the police he went on to bite the lip of Constable Artwell Chokera who attended the scene.

”On 9 July at around 6PM Pande was at home with his family when he started accusing his wife of making noise for him together with their children. Pande threatened to kill his wife who went on to the call the police and reported the incident.

”Two police officers attended the scene and when Pande saw them he further insulted his wife, grabbed her by the neck and dragged her on the floor. The cops tried to apprehend Pande but instead he bit Constable Artwell Chokera on the upper lip before fleeing the scene,” she said.

In his defence Pande denied assaulting his wife. He said he only reprimanded her.

He said he resisted arrest as the police wanted to apprehend him for an offence that he did not commit.

Pande said the cops only wanted to apprehend him for their personal gain as one of them was having an affair with his wife.-Chronicle

Minister Grabs Farm, Dishes It To Own Son

A case has been reported to Police against the Minister of State for Manicaland, Ellen Gwaradzimba after she withdrew a 206 hectare farm in Chipinge from a senior Zanu PF official and gave it to her biological son, Remembrance Mbudzana.

…..

Ellen Gwaradzimba

Gwaradzimba confirmed the development in an interview with Chipinge Times this morning.

Chipinge Times gathered that Gwaradzimba who is not new to land issue controversies went to Deelfointein Farm in Ward 12, Chipinge East and parceled it out to her son who got 206 hectares and gave 60 other hectares to two Zanu PF youth, Bernard Mhlanga and Ashirai Mawere who each got 30 hectares.

The farm belongs to Big Chitima, a lecturer at Hebert Chitepo School of Ideology and Zanu PF’s district coordinating committee secretary for Harare.

Chipinge Times is in possession of an offer letter to Chitima which was signed by the then Minister of Lands, Agriculture, Water, Climate and Rural Resettlement Perrance Shiri on October 18, 2019. The letter gives him subdivision R/E of Deelfointein Estate A for agricultural purposes and the farm measures 250 hectares.

Big Chitima’s sister, Dorothy Mabika who is also Zanu PF vice chairperson for Manicaland and manages the farm confirmed the development but declined to comment further.

The matter was reported to Chipinge Police Station. Gwaradzimba said the reallocation of the farm to her son and two Zanu PF youth was approved by Cabinet. She said that according to records there is no one who has been allocated that farm.

“This place I am talking about is between Mai Mabika’s farm and Provincial Development Co-ordinator Edgars Sevenza’s farm. There is no one in this place and this is according to records and information from the technical team. There is a farm that belonged to Chitima’s late mother near the same place and I will not be foolish to take that one because I know she had children,” said Gwaradzimba.

She said that her son has been without a farm for too long after he failed to get Farfell Farm in Chipinge. His allocation of Farfell was reversed following an outcry.

Mawere confirmed that he was allocated a farm by Gwaradzimba but Mhlanga however, dismissed the allegations. Mhlanga said he last got a farm a few years back. Chitima could not be reached on his phone.

Although Mhlanga refuted the allegations, there is a WhatsApp message supposedly posted by him in which he brags about getting a farm direct from Aunty Gwa (Gwaradzimba is popularly referred to as Aunty Gwa).

“Zvinofadza sei kutsikirwa pamunda nemukuru we Province, Aunty Gwa,” reads the message. -Masvingo Mirror

I Listened to the Morgen Komichi’s Interview by Costa Nkomo…

By Mari Matutu | I listened to the Morgen Komichi’s interview by Costa Nkomo. While Costa Nkomo’s idea was 100% right, he lacked a lot of research in the whole matter. It is very dangerous to hold interviews with sensitive issues and have no confirmed facts. You end up helping the lier to go own.

I wish Costa Nkomo had invited me on the same panel, I would have helped make straight the following points that are abused

1)The SC Judgement
i) Morgan Komichi must be reminded that in SC he was found not properly before court as the rightful representative of MDC. His status as a representative of MDC was questionable as to where he draws the authority. It looks he has not changed.

ii) The SC cites MDC as a political party with capacity to sue or to be sued. How this MDC becomes MDC T and what the T stands for is not explained. Costa Nkomo did not ask this important question as to the relationship between MDC and MDC T, especial when there is no real official from MDC.
iii) There was also debate on the constitution presented in court. The court was clear that it was going to use the presented one ONLY for the purpose of that case. This is clear that should a real representative come foreard they can present another constitution for MDC

iv) While Costa also believed and repeated the like that SC said MDC must go to EOC and it must use 2014 structures. Here is what Costa Nkomo should have done- download the Judgement, read paragraph 2 of SC. It reads: “The judgement of the court a quo be and is hereby confirmed, save save for the deletion of paragraphs 4 and 5 of of the operative order”
This order look innocent and people enjoyed the first part and forgot to check what the SC deleted in paragraph 4 of court a quo(HC). That is why even Costa Knomo was repeating the lies of Komichi as if it is true.
Let us see what order 4 of HC wss saying before it was deleted
” 4 The 1st Respondent be and is hereby ordered to hold an Extra Ordinary Congress after the lapse of at least one month after date of this order”. Here goes the SC delete order 4 as a whole. No amendment or variation of the order. Be reminded the 1st respondent referred here is MDC which is a party with capacity to sue or be sued. If MDC had mouth of her own and not use stinking mouth like Komichi’s and you meet her coming from SC would she say SC ordered her to hold any EOC? Very clear SC did not order MDC to hold an EOC in stead it relieved her from the order to hold congress. Clear clear. Where does 2014 structure come in? What will that structute coming to do? MDC is a person separate to its members. So Costa Nkomo do us a favour and correct that. The judgement is there for you. Page 42. MDC was never ordered to hold an EOC.

v) The next point you never asked this bully is paragraph 3 of HC operation order which was confirmed by SC. It reads ” 3 All appointments and/or reassignements and actions of 2nd Respondant (Chamisa) in his purpoted capacities as Deputy/Acting or incumbent president were unconstitutional and therefore null and void”. It is an order that pleases Komichi when he says it but there is one thing Costa Nkomo failed to ask. After death of Tsvangirai as the case was before the court, Chamisa acted as Principal of MDCT. He assigned people in Alliance Nomination Committee of MDC A. As Principal he sat in meetings of Coalition Principals Forum if we believe their version of pact. All the people who went to ZEC and register as office bearers did it after being assigned by Chamisa to the Committee of Alliance. Now if SC decared them as null and void in the eyes and capacity of MDC T. Simple terms is MDC T did not do it. It does not mean it never happened. The point is it happened but not on behalf MDC T. How then does Komichi in his lack of wisdom come and claim right of a null and void decision as MDC T right. As the people boasting of a win you were the best people to shun those seats, that whole process presided by him does not belong to MDC T by SC ruling because those are the assignments, actions and appointments Chamisa did on behalf of MDC T and later declared null and void in eyes of MDC T. All what it means is these were personal decisions of Chamisa. If there is benefit it is his and if loss it is his not MDC T.

vi) By Confirming that Khupe was rightful Acting president it means all decision she carried on behalf as MDC T president are valid and binding on MDC T. By SC we can safely say MDC T did field candidates and contested against MDC A members all against the agreement. Why does she want to claim from MDC T which she did not belong? Who is MDC T then? Because where she was president there were candidates who contested as MDC T, who is that MDC T who was fielding candidates while she was not there on behalf of MDC T? Is it Komichi or Mwonzora who are MDC T?
Costa Nkomo you missed to ask these question as they relate to the SC. You also missed an important thing. The Members of Senate are created by s120 of Costitution and House Assembly is created by s124. They make it clear that elections of these members MUST be held only in accordance with electoral law. The Electoral act establishes an Electoral Court in s161 of act. This is the only clourt with jurisdiction of electoral disputes. SC never sat as electoral court. Nothing in that court says Chamisa was a wrong candidate or his election was against any electoral law

2) Alliance Agreement
Coasta Nkomo again while you had good intention but you also did not research anything from the Alliance agreement.
It must be noted it is MDC T that brought this agreement to court to prove that the ALLIANCE was for 7 political parties when in other point MDC A was saying they formed their own party.
The onus of proving how the Alliance agreement as presented was the one that was used and how it was used rested on MDC T and prove how they implemented it and who actually implemented it. I will go down the agreement and ask questions of what Costa Nkomo should ask the fraudster of Chairman.
i) In the agreement you presented there is 7 political parties like Komichi say. Of interest is MDC T as represented on that day by Tsvangirai and an MDC as represented by Welshman Ncube​​. We also saw in SC there was a party known as MDC without a T. We also saw that while all were fighting for succeeding Tsvangirai but no one came with full authority to say he or she was rightfully standing for that MDC. Now question is did Tsvangirai left MDC or he left MDC T? If agreement you present is relied on and you insist these were 7 political parties then agree with me that MDC belong to Welshman Ncube because Tsvangirai left a signature that confirms that and he also confirmed the same. So MDC T must not change and say its also MDC and claim the constitution of MDC is its constitution. The number 7 confirms Tsvangirai had a party MDC T as its principal. In terms of MDC constitution by standing up as president of a political party other than MDC Tsvangirai had expelled himself from MDC. His signature is evidence of who he was.

ii) Going in the dispute. The MDC T presented a raw 2017 agreement to prove an agreement of forming an alliance. While the agreement was between political parties through principals. How MDC T want to put it to candidates. Did they form Alliance? There is difference between MDC T and its members. What ever MDC T agreed to do with six other parties does not bind members. They have their right to make political choices as individuals or as a group. They have freedom of association. That MDC T signed agreement with other parties does not stop them from leaving MDC T and form their own party or join other parties and seek nomination under what ever name.

iii) While the agreement was signed in 2017 there is one thing that does not need court to rule on that. That is Morgan Tsvangirai died on 14 February 2018. After his death surely one has to explain how the agreement of 2017 was implemented as it is in 2018 July 31.
Of first note is article 3.1.1 state that Morgan Tsvangirai of MDC T was the alliance presidential candidate. By his death it means Alliance has to replace a candidate and MDC T had to replace a principal. It is misplaced to present the agreement as it was in October 2017 as if this never happened. Again Costa Nkomo listened to lies. For now we now all know that Tsvangiai’s role as Principal of MDC T was the one that was dealt by SC and we have shown that by SC ruling the actions by Chamisa were nullified in eyes of MDC T.
I will deal with his role as presidential candidate.

iv) The agreement they presented has article 3.0.(i) reads “In the event of a vacancy occuring for the presidency for what ever reason before the election the alliance partners shall select another candidate bssed onthe criteria in clause 3(b)…”

We read the clause 3(b) of agreement.” The presidential candidate must be selected from amongst parties on the basis of the best individual who can win election against the incumbent based on popular support”

Now Costa Nkomo, did Tsvangirai died? Yes. Did he die before election? Yes. Did he have to be replaced ? Yes. Was there a written down criteria of replacing him? Yes. This is where you should corrected that thinking mouth Komichi and show him that the agreement had a criteria of selecting the presidential candidate and it says “individual” not president of MDC T as you lie to the people. Right in front of camera you should shame him. Its in black and white.
I forgive you if you say you did not have but next time get a copy.

vi) Now Costa Nkomo you know that Chamisa was selected as individual by alliance partners and not by MDC T to stand as presidential candidate. Khupe did not like it. She wanted to be the candidate. The next condition that would take with being a presidential candidate is being part of MDC A symbol. Chamisa by being selected by 3.0(i) using criteria in 3.0(b) his facial image became the symbol of MDC A. Again this did not please Khupe. But if ever someone holds the agreement he cannot remove Chamisa’s face on the Alliance symbol and still want to implement the the agreement. It must also be stated that the SC never ruled on the ALLIANCE and its Symbol. Neither the role Chamisa played as MDCA presidential candidate was in capacity as MDC T president but as individual. Oooo Costa Nkoma you missed this blood kick on his ass. The symbol cannot be changed and mantain other articles.

vii) The next lie that is given is the candidates that were nominated as MDC A in 2018 belong to MDC T or PDP or MDC or ZimPF.
Here is the wording of the agreement which this stinking mouth lier should explain.
Article 3.0.(g) reads ” Each alliance partner candidate shall seek nomination at the nomination court under its name but using Alliance symbol” Straight forward to read at October 2017. But now Costa Nkomo we are in 2020 and 2 years after 2018 election. Why , why Costa did you not ask Komichi the lier simple things here. The agreement shows that they knew that a candidate has seek nomination at nomination court. They also knew that you seek nomination under a name and a symbol. In the case of what agreement had said each part that was in the alliance had to have their candidates go to nomination court and each state that he or she is MDC T or MDC or ZimPF or TZ on the nomination paper then put a common Alliance symbol. Did MDC T candidates went to nomination and do as the agreement say? Did TZ candidates went , MdC,PDP? The answer is non of the candidates went and sort nomination under any of those names. What can be seen is MDC T went and sort nomination at court and used their own symbol. Fortunately Komichi knows of conflict of identity. He want us to believe there were MDC T candidstes who sot nomination as MDC A and some who sort nomination as MDC T and there is no conflict of identity. Was there a written agreement that candidated could ever seek nomination under MDC A? The proof is there that there was no such agreement, neither was MDCA a name to be nominated under. What is in agreement is these parties were going to use a common symbol that had the face of presidential candidate surounded by party logo of the partners. No candidate ever such symbol.
Someone then has to explain how they implemented the agreement and how they can positively say a person who never sort nomination as stated in their agreement is theirs by agreement?
Is it not correct that by electoral act for MDC A to appear on your ballot it must be a party name? How can one still argue that it was not a party name when it is clear in their agreement the name you are nominated under is called party name. How can they miss that it is the candidate who should SEEK nomination under those party names. The names are not imposed on them. They seek to be under those names. What if they do not seek nomination under that name are they forced to be under those names? Is it on the agreement too? Come on Costa Nkomo. You betrayed the nation by not exposing this stinking mouth.

viii) The agreement in article 7 which I shall not copy but say in brief state that only writen parts of agreement are binding. Any other thing that is not written is not binding.
Come on Costa Nkomo. If you have read this article and noted that Tsvangirai died and no party ever used their name to seek nomination and no one used a logo with logos of 7political parties around face of presidential candidate how does Komichi bind people with things that are not written any where in the agreement. How does he force a person to be MDC T by agreement when he never sort the nomination as MDC T by agreement. Is it not clear he abandoned the agreement at nomination. Why is it hard to see that these people registered their political party in terms of s38A of Act which is a name that was never agreed to be a name of nomination and was not owned by anyone by ZEC records. Is it also not clear that they created their own symbol that did not include names or logos of parties in alliance.
Is it also not clear that of all political parties MDC T and its logo are the ones that breached the same agreement yet they come to cllaim right over it. Was it in the agreement that parties were independent of each other. Whom did MDC T put as it principal to implement the agreement. Only a president could be a principal of MDC T. Now that court ruled that Chamisa was not Principal. Who then does MDC T acted as principal and fulfill the agreement and explain why his MDC T candidates ended up MDC A.

ix) Article 9.0 of agreement state clear that the laws of Zimbabwe shall govern the agreement. Come on Costa Nkomo. Did you not see that this stinking mouth was tell Zimbabweans that “their agreement shall govern the laws of Zimbabwe”. While the wrote all what they intended to do nothing in the agreement was implemented. They never sort nomination as MDC T, They never used the MDC A common symbol as per their agreement, they do not accept they chose Chamisa as candidate and say he was not the rightful candidate. Now they take a raw agreement they never implement and come to challenge the s46(1)(c) nomination choices made in terms of electoral law. They challenge a declaration done in terms of s66 of electoral act and say a person who was elected under a name which is not theirs is actually their because the agreement of 2017 had said candidates were going to seek nomination under MDC T. The whole prescribed form is now a useless. The declaration under oath that they are MDC A and not MDC T is rubbish. The s38A registered office bearers also declared under oath that they represent MDC A a political party . The Nomination officer believed that these office bearers had signed on behalf of MDC A and not MDC T, he put in a gazettee for whole nation that these candidates have sort Nomination under a name and symbol that will appear on ballot paper. The ballot comes with MDC A on one slot and MDC T on another but the MDC A is a fraud of a party that hides behind wrong name and wrong candidate. The voters were given chance to object the candidature or the use of name or symbol as the act directs. In stead we as a nation must listen to an agreement writen in 2017 but never implemented by those who made it. Our speaker of parliament or president of senate must now be governed and be directed by this agreement.

x) Costa I thought as a Zimbabwe you should have reminded what their agreement mean in article 9.0 by saying the agreement shall be governed by laws of Zimbabwe. It looks like Komichi knows non.
I will help him in next

3) Zimbabwe Electoral laws
Zimbabwe has constitution which bind us all not these MDC constitution and agreements. This is what the article 9.0 of their agreement meant
i) The position of member of senate is brought to being by section 120 of constitution and House of Assembly by 124. These state it as a MUST not option that Election are held in accordance will electoral law. Like it or not only electoral laws must be used for electing MPs. Spare us your agreements they are not electoral laws. For a full Speaker of parliament to hold an agreement of a political party and decide with what party an MP belong is unconstitutional and fraud.

ii) s157 of constitution explain how an act of parliament must be enacted and what not to miss. I want these goons see this part ,Costa Nkomo, s157(3) tells that the nomination process shall be in brief as follows-: the election date is published 14 days before nomination date and the nomination is at least 30 days from election date. These are important time frames.

iii) s38A of electoral act state that parties who wish to contest election may submit names of office bearer on any of the days from 4th day after publication of election date ending two days from nomination date. It very important to note elements of s38A that relate to this
a) A political party that wish to contest must show by presenting itself. If you do not present yourself on the this day they you are not contesting.
b) You must present yourself and wish on a stated period as set. Not 2017 agreements that are not presented.
c) The parties submit names and signatures to be used by nomination officer for scrutinising candidates forms. Well before nomination court. If MDC T wanted to contest, MDC , ZANU NDONGA, TZ wanted to contest election they would have come and submit those office bearers names under their parties names on the stipulated period by constitution and act. It does not save to present now an agreement that was never presented or parties that never showed interest to contest.
d) This section gives right to those parties to accept candidates to choose them. If a party never presented it self on the stipulated period it could not accept candidates. So as it stand no PDP, MDC, TZ and other went to register for accepting candidates.

iv) s45B make crucial interpretations. Constituency candidate, constituency member, party list candidate, party list seat. They show you that one first become a party constituency candidate first then after winning you become a party constituency member. It will help us on relalling.

v) s46(1)(c) state that candidate wishing to stand for election must state this fact on a prescribed form and choose the party abreviation and party symbol as he or she wish to appear on ballot paper. This is where we are fed lies by these goods. The law does not provide for seconding of candidates. In fact right to stand for election is given by s67(3)(b) of constitution. You do not need Komichi to approve you to contest. You choose if you want to go independent like Jessie Majome or Choose MDC T or Zanu or MDC A. After choosing to stand for the party you seek authority of the party. Not a party that did not present itself in period. The party that has registered office bearers. The office bearer accept or reject your choice. They sign on behalf of party MDC A. Then the prescribed form goes before nomination. You become a party candidate.
The names are published in a Gazette and ballots are printed and voters vote. A winner is declared by s66 of act. This declaration cannot be altered unless by an order of an ELECTORAL COURT not SC after a petition. A electoral court is established by s161 of act and has sole jurisdiction on matters of electoral law and act not SC judgement on corporate organisation dispute.
s2 of Electoral act also state that the whole act is for elections not for settling power disputes in parties.

vi) Should the MP who was estsblished by constitution in a process that follow electoral laws cease to belong to something it means he is ceasing on what the Zimbabwe electoral law first established and registered.

vii) s129(1)(k) talks of a member of Parliament established by [s120 ors124], you cease to belong to a party that showed interest to contest and accept nomination[s38A] then got chosen by candidate as interpreted by [s45B] and accept the candidate by way of soleminized declaration on a prescribed form[ s46(2)] This party become concerned party by this declaration. Without proof of such declaration under oath the concern and interest of that party cannot just emerge on ceasing before being presented. It has also been proved that the time before election in terms of electoral laws is from day of nomination which is 14 days after date of election is published and date of election which must be at least 30 days before election date [s157(3)of constitution]. The party one belongs during this stipulated period is the party one belongs before election. Not October 2017 agreement to determine period of belonging to a party. That period is not prescribed to be a period before election. Other wise its a period for recalls of previous parliament. The act shows there is a period to join parties and belong for purpose of election. This is what the law of Zimbabwe govern elections. If you never presented yourself or got candidates choosing you do not violet our institution by your greedy and corruption

Please Costa Nkomo in future invite me ooo. I want to expose these greedy money monkers.
Now they know they messed up they want to change names.

“Government Insensitive To Teachers Plight”

School Classroom

21 September 2020

Joint statement by Teacher Unions in Zimbabwe Concerning Re-opening of Schools.

Realising that the gvt has since announced the dates for re-opening of schools for exam classes and commencement of exams, Irked that this announcement was not a product of widespread consultations and meaningful engagement with teacher unions but a ‘diktat’ by gvt,

Perturbed that gvt has totally ignored the welfare of teachers as evidenced by salaries that were received by teachers in September,Aware that the Total Consumption Poverty Line (TCPL) for a family of five is now above ZW$ 17 244 as given by Zimstat,Surprised by the continued salary discrepancies between teachers and the other civil servants, especially the uniformed forces,United in our diversity by our common desire for the entrenchment of a credible quality public education system in Zimbabwe,Acknowledging the worthlessness of current infinite negotiations under NJNC and lack of seriousless and urgency in such negotiations

Reaffirming the position that the economy has fully redollarised, with prices of most goods and services pegged in US Dollars, including those offered by gvt itself,Noting that there are still Covid 19 active cases, most of them being local,Adequately informed that most boarding schools have increased fees to between $20 000 and $40 000 while the teacher’s salaries have remained stagnant in a volatile economic environment,Emphasizing that well paid teachers in safe schools is a must for quality public education.

Aware that all teachers are financially crippled and have no capacity to report at their respective schools on 28 September

We, the undersigned Teacher Unions in Zimbabwe, now therefore, urge the government to:

Urgently expedite consultations with all teachers’ unions with a view to sharing ideas on the way forward before the opening of schools. This is informed by the fact that teachers’unions are a key stakeholder in the education sector and represent the very people who are implementers of gvt policies;

Restore the purchasing power parity of teachers’ salaries pegged at USD500 to USD550.Implement meaningful education sector-specific allowances that commensurate with teachers responsibilities and status.Pay a Covid allowance that is a product of negotiations or agreement between employer and teachers rather than the current benevolence gesture dubbed presidential prerogative. If schools reopen during this Covid period, it entails that teachers will be frontline workers who deserve a meaningful covid allowance;Pay salaries that resonate with workers’ qualifications, experience, responsibilities and promotion rather than the current scenario where physical fitness has become more rewarding.

Establish an Inclusive Covid 19 Task Force to assess the level of preparedness of schools before re-opening.Ensure that schools are safe to receive the learners and teachers and their health, safety and welfare are highly prioritised. The $600 million set aside by gvt should reflect on the ground, in schools not in the media only or end in higher offices without reaching the intended beneficiaries.

Currently, there is almost nothing in public schools because the school coffers are dry since there hasn’t been any collection of fees after closure in March 2020.

Give teachers and learners enough time to cover syllabi and prepare for exams. The period of two months between 28 September 2020 and 1 December 2020 (the proposed date for commencement of exams) does not adequately compensate for the lost time of six months since schools closed.Listen to professional advice and provide a broad blue print that covers all learners than being restricted only to exam classes.

Indeed, there is nothing as dangerous as having under-paid, undernourished, under-resourced and demotivated teachers in the classrooms because teachers are in essence role models of their communities and society and help to shape the future of individuals, society and the country. It is only well-paid, healthy, motivated, innovative and dynamic teachers that can fulfill this vital cog of sustainable development.

Jointly signed by

ARTUZ – Chere R. (0775643192)

PTUZ – Zunde L. (0772198868)

TUZ – Phiri R. (0772680952)

ZDTU – Tasaranarwo F. (0773816324)

ZIMTA – Sibanda N. T. (0772803254)

ZINATU – Nyawo M. (0774013500)

ZINEU – Chinosengwa C. (0715815347)

ZRTU – Fambai F. (0775226380).

Government, Teachers Stalemate Continues

teachers artuz rural teachers
ARTUZ

21 September 2020

Joint statement by Teacher Unions in Zimbabwe Concerning Re-opening of Schools.

Realising that the gvt has since announced the dates for re-opening of schools for exam classes and commencement of exams, Irked that this announcement was not a product of widespread consultations and meaningful engagement with teacher unions but a ‘diktat’ by gvt,

Perturbed that gvt has totally ignored the welfare of teachers as evidenced by salaries that were received by teachers in September,Aware that the Total Consumption Poverty Line (TCPL) for a family of five is now above ZW$ 17 244 as given by Zimstat,Surprised by the continued salary discrepancies between teachers and the other civil servants, especially the uniformed forces,United in our diversity by our common desire for the entrenchment of a credible quality public education system in Zimbabwe,Acknowledging the worthlessness of current infinite negotiations under NJNC and lack of seriousless and urgency in such negotiations

Reaffirming the position that the economy has fully redollarised, with prices of most goods and services pegged in US Dollars, including those offered by gvt itself,Noting that there are still Covid 19 active cases, most of them being local,Adequately informed that most boarding schools have increased fees to between $20 000 and $40 000 while the teacher’s salaries have remained stagnant in a volatile economic environment,Emphasizing that well paid teachers in safe schools is a must for quality public education.

Aware that all teachers are financially crippled and have no capacity to report at their respective schools on 28 September

We, the undersigned Teacher Unions in Zimbabwe, now therefore, urge the government to:

Urgently expedite consultations with all teachers’ unions with a view to sharing ideas on the way forward before the opening of schools. This is informed by the fact that teachers’unions are a key stakeholder in the education sector and represent the very people who are implementers of gvt policies;

Restore the purchasing power parity of teachers’ salaries pegged at USD500 to USD550.Implement meaningful education sector-specific allowances that commensurate with teachers responsibilities and status.Pay a Covid allowance that is a product of negotiations or agreement between employer and teachers rather than the current benevolence gesture dubbed presidential prerogative. If schools reopen during this Covid period, it entails that teachers will be frontline workers who deserve a meaningful covid allowance;Pay salaries that resonate with workers’ qualifications, experience, responsibilities and promotion rather than the current scenario where physical fitness has become more rewarding.

Establish an Inclusive Covid 19 Task Force to assess the level of preparedness of schools before re-opening.Ensure that schools are safe to receive the learners and teachers and their health, safety and welfare are highly prioritised. The $600 million set aside by gvt should reflect on the ground, in schools not in the media only or end in higher offices without reaching the intended beneficiaries.

Currently, there is almost nothing in public schools because the school coffers are dry since there hasn’t been any collection of fees after closure in March 2020.

Give teachers and learners enough time to cover syllabi and prepare for exams. The period of two months between 28 September 2020 and 1 December 2020 (the proposed date for commencement of exams) does not adequately compensate for the lost time of six months since schools closed.Listen to professional advice and provide a broad blue print that covers all learners than being restricted only to exam classes.

Indeed, there is nothing as dangerous as having under-paid, undernourished, under-resourced and demotivated teachers in the classrooms because teachers are in essence role models of their communities and society and help to shape the future of individuals, society and the country. It is only well-paid, healthy, motivated, innovative and dynamic teachers that can fulfill this vital cog of sustainable development.

Jointly signed by

ARTUZ – Chere R. (0775643192)

PTUZ – Zunde L. (0772198868)

TUZ – Phiri R. (0772680952)

ZDTU – Tasaranarwo F. (0773816324)

ZIMTA – Sibanda N. T. (0772803254)

ZINATU – Nyawo M. (0774013500)

ZINEU – Chinosengwa C. (0715815347)

ZRTU – Fambai F. (0775226380).

Biti Commends Sikhala Lawyers

Tendai Biti

Farai Dziva|MDC Alliance vice president Hon Tendai Biti has said party vice chairperson Job Sikhala should not have been arrested in the first place.

However, Hon Biti commended Sikhala’s lawyers for working hard to secure the fiery politician’s freedom.

On Tuesday Hon Biti wrote on Twitter :

Job Sikhala has been granted bail .

We are extremely indebted to the lawyers for their perseverance and tenacity.

But he shouldn’t have been arrested . It is not a crime to hold a different political view point !! #ZimbabweanLivesMatte

Biti Denounces Persecution Of Job Sikhala

Job Sikhala

Farai Dziva|MDC Alliance vice president Hon Tendai Biti has said party vice chairperson Job Sikhala should not have been arrested in the first place.

However, Hon Biti commended Sikhala’s lawyers for working hard to secure the fiery politician’s freedom.

On Tuesday Hon Biti wrote on Twitter :

Job Sikhala has been granted bail .

We are extremely indebted to the lawyers for their perseverance and tenacity.

But he shouldn’t have been arrested . It is not a crime to hold a different political view point !! #ZimbabweanLivesMatte

Man Bites ZRP Officer …

ZRP

A GWANDA man has been arrested after he bit a police officer who tried to apprehend him for assaulting his wife.

Barbson Pande (40) from Jacaranda Suburb pleaded not guilty to charges of physical abuse and assaulting or resisting a peace officer but was convicted by Gwanda magistrate, Miss Lerato Nyathi due to overwhelming evidence against him.

He was sentenced to 12 months imprisonment but six months were suspended on condition that he does not commit a similar offence within the next five years. The remaining six months were further suspended on condition that he performs 210 hours of community service at Gwanda Magistrate’s Court.

Prosecuting, Miss Glenda Nare said Pande assaulted his wife, Miss Farai Matekenya on July 9 and when she reported him to the police he went on to bite the lip of Constable Artwell Chokera who attended the scene.

”On 9 July at around 6PM Pande was at home with his family when he started accusing his wife of making noise for him together with their children. Pande threatened to kill his wife who went on to the call the police and reported the incident.

”Two police officers attended the scene and when Pande saw them he further insulted his wife, grabbed her by the neck and dragged her on the floor. The cops tried to apprehend Pande but instead he bit Constable Artwell Chokera on the upper lip before fleeing the scene,” she said.

In his defence Pande denied assaulting his wife. He said he only reprimanded her.

He said he resisted arrest as the police wanted to apprehend him for an offence that he did not commit.

Pande said the cops only wanted to apprehend him for their personal gain as one of them was having an affair with his wife.-Chronicle

COVID-19 Daily Update

COVID-19

Ministry of Health and Child Care (MoHCC) Coronavirus Daily Update : 22 September 2020

New cases: 5

Locals – 5

Returnees – 0

Deaths: 0
Recoveries: 31

PCR Tests Done: 637

National Recovery Rate: 78%

Active Cases: 1 506

Total Cumulative Cases: 7 711

Total Recoveries: 5 979

Total Deaths: 226

Zanu Pf MP Cries In Parliament

By A Correspondent- As parliamentarians remembered Perrance Shiri who passed on on 29 July 2020 in parly yesterday, Zanu PF MP for Bindura North Kenneth Musanhi while speaking about Shiri broke down as he recounted fond memories about the late retired Air Marshall, The Herald reports.

Musanhi could not finish his contibution as emotion overcame him while he outlined how he had worked with Shiri who he said helped him fight a tough Tyson (Savior Kasukuwere). Musanhi said;

We fought together against G40. Tyson was a tough guy. Cde Shiri would just give me advice from the background saying he ought not to be seen.

Another Zanu PF legislator, Chikomba Central’s Felex Mhona (Zanu PF) described him  as a meek and humble person:

His meekness and humility was a marvel to the people of Njanja, Chikomba Central.

While Pupurai Togarepi said Shiri helped him during the time he was going through a tough time politically:

At one point in my political life I faced challenges. He would give me confidence when chips were down

Meanhwile Norton Legislator Temba Mliswa urged parliamentarians to stop associating Shiri with the Gukurahundi Masscres even after details of his alleged involvement in the masceres evolved.

Youth Ministry Deputy Director Hangs Self

By A Correspondent- The Ministry of Youth, Sport, Arts and Recreation Matabeleland South province deputy director Mr Elfas Siziba (58) allegedly hanged himself in a bushy area near his house in Gwanda town following a misunderstanding with his first wife.

Matabeleland South acting provincial police spokesperson, Inspector Loveness Mangena confirmed the incident which happened near Nssa Complex in the Central Business District.

Insp Makonese said the late Mr Siziba was last seen by his family on Saturday at around 10PM and he was found hanging from a tree by a passerby on Sunday at around 9AM.

“I can confirm that we recorded a case of sudden death by hanging near Nssa Complex in Gwanda. Elfas Siziba was last seen by his family on Saturday at around 10PM as he retired to bed. He was found hanging from a tree at around 9AM. The matter was reported to the police who attended the scene and his body was taken to Gwanda Provincial Hospital mortuary,” she said.

Insp Mangena said investigations were underway. A source said the late Mr Siziba left a suicide note indicating that he had a misunderstanding with his first wife.

Date Set For Mupfumira Trial

By A Correspondent- The trial of  Prisca Mupfumira in which she stands accused of siphoning public funds amounting to US $95 Million from National Social Security Authority (NSSA) will kick off on 19 October.

According to the publication, the state which will be led by George Manokore has notified magistrate Trynos Utawashe that they are ready to proceed:

Prosecutor George Manokore yesterday told magistrate Trynos Utawashe that the State was now ready for trial after several false starts, with Priscilla Mupfumira’s lawyer Advocate Silvester Hashiti threatening to file for refusal of further remand in protest over the delays.

 

risca Mupfumira is facing 7 counts of frauds as the state alleges that she siphoned $95 million from NSSA and bought properties in Asia, Europe and South Africa.

Mupfumira who was publicly arrest last year in July and was in remand for close to a month before being released on bail has denied the allegations levelled against her that she used pensioners’ money to buy properties in Dubai, South Africa and the United Kingdom.

President Mnangagwa fired Prisca Mupfumira from her job as a cabinet minister after she was released from prison and her case could not commence at some point as she was said to be suffering from mental instability.-Newsday

“Amend The Constitution And Do Away With Recalls”: Residents Associations

By A Correspondent- Residents Associations are calling for the immediate amendment of the constitution which gives powers to political parties to recall councilors without consulting citizens.

Speaking at a radio program recently in Harare, Harare Metropolitan Residents Forum (HAMREF) Chairperson Mr Marvellous Kumalo said:

As residents we are going to lobby for the amendment of the constitution, these forms of recalls should go through a referendum of that particular constituency.”

CHRA Director Mrs. Loreen Mupasiri Sani highlighted that, the political contestations of the opposition parties has resulted in the wild recalls of councilors and left the electorate on the periphery of the local governance.

“Councilors are the bridge between the residents and the council officials”, said the CHRA Director.

The Secretary for Local Governance for MDC Alliance, Sesel Zvidzai lamented that the recalls were not procedural. “If recalls were to be made there are processes and procedures to be followed not just a mere letter,” said Zvidzai.

Zvidzai added that:

“Councilors were being recalled because they were refusing to be raped politically.”

Mr Morgan Komichi the National Chairperson for the MDCT defended the recalls and highlighted that there were a necessity.

“These recalls are informed by Supreme Court ruling which regard Thokozani Kuphe as the president of MDC Alliance and Councilors recalls is a process of dealing with indiscipline among councilors ,issues of service delivery will be dealt with later”, said Komichi.

So far twenty one (21) Councilors out of forty-six (46) have been recalled to a situation that has crippled council committees and operations.

The recalls come at a time when Council was in an important political process of budget formulation.

CHRA calls for the fighting political parties to prioritize residents and service delivery; they are crippling as these recalls are affecting representative democracy and quality service delivery.

Tapuwa Kapini’s Much Anticipated Return To Local Football Collapses

State Media

A week after his departure from Absa Premiership side Highlands Park, former Highlanders and national team skipper Tapuwa Kapini has found a new home at GladAfrica Championship side Sekhukhune United.

The National First Division outfit, previously known as African All Stars before buying the franchise of Tshakhuma Tsha Madzhivhandila and later changing the name to Sekhukhune, is coached by Johnny Ferreira.

Kapini was offloaded by Highlands Park last week after the club’s new owners informed him they had no plans for his services.

With many of his fans thinking the eccentric goalie would call time on his football career that has seen him wearing gloves for two decades now, the 36-year-old instead told Chronicle Sport in an interview from South Africa that he wasn’t retiring, at least for now.

He said he would retreat to his workshop and await offers and seemed confident something was brewing.

Kapini took to the microblogging site Twitter to reveal his new employers.

“Thank you for the prayers and words of encouragement. Proud to call Sekhukhune United my new home,” wrote Kapini.

He, however, did not reveal the finer details of the contract, but it is believed he penned a two-year deal that will take him to 2022.

Kapini joined a then star-studded Highlanders side in 2001 where he went on to command a first team jersey and won three championship medals before packing his bags for South Africa to join the now defunct Platinum Stars in 2006.

He was part of the inaugural Warriors squad that competed in the 2004 Africa Cup of Nations in Tunisia and was also in the travelling party when Zimbabwe made their second consecutive appearance at the finals in the 2006 Afcon tournament in Egypt.

From Platinum Stars he moved to Amazulu, but his services were terminated with six months of his contract remaining due to a frosty relationship with the coach.

It did not take long for him to find a new club in Highlands Park where he spent five years until his departure last week.

Kapini holds the rare record of captaining all, but club that he has played for in his illustrious career, which, based on his age, is surely now coming to an end.

Young Zim Footballer Makes Grade At Top South African Club

ZIMBABWE international Terrence Dzvukamanja has moved to a new club after signing a three-year deal with South Africa football giants Orlando Pirates.

The 26-year-old was unveiled on Wednesday afternoon along with midfielder Collins Makgaka, who joined the club from Baroka.

Dzvukamanja was part of the Bidvest Wits family for the past two seasons but decided to leave after the club was sold to Tshakhuma Tsha Madzivhandila ahead of next season.

“Following the announcement of the signing of Thulani Hlatshwayo and Deon Hotto Kavendji on Monday, the club is pleased to announce two more additions ahead of the start of the 2020/21 season.

“Terrence Dzvukamanja and Collins Makgaka have joined the club. Dzvukamanja has put pen to paper having agreed to a three-year deal with the Buccaneers,” announced Pirates on their website.

Electricity Tariffs Shoot Up With Immediate Effect

Paul Nyathi

Electricity tariffs have shot up by at least 50% in some instances. Domestic consumers who were paying less than $200 for the first 200 units available for the first purchase of the month will be paying $324 for the same 200 units with effect from today, 23 September 2020.

This was revealed in a communique by ZESA on a pamphlet brought to ZimEye.com’s attention.

The comparison in the tariff prices as compiled by Techzim are as follows:

Africa Highly Commended For Managing The Coronavirus

BBC

THE head of the Africa Centres for Disease Control has praised African states for managing to curb the spread of coronavirus.

Africa has seen about 1.4 million cases, and 34,000 deaths since March.

These figures are far lower than those in Europe, Asia or the Americas, with reported cases continuing to decline.

Early interventions played a crucial role in curbing the virus’ spread, John Nkengasong told the BBC’s Newsday programme.

The continent of more than one billion people accounts for just under 5% of cases globally and 3.6% of deaths.

Dr Nkengasong described as “false” suggestions that cases and deaths in Africa were significantly under-reported.

“We may not have been picking up all the cases, just like in other parts of the world… but we are not seeing people around the continent falling dead on the streets or mass burials going on,” Dr Nkengasong said.

All African states introduced a series of measures to tackle the virus as soon as the first cases were reported in March. Many, including South Africa, introduced nationwide lockdowns, but others such as Ethiopia opted for less strict measures.

Dr Nkengasong, however, attributed the low number to a “joint continental effort”, which focused on “scaling up testing and following up contact tracing and very importantly masking”, or the wearing of face masks.

“In many countries, including Ethiopia where I live, if you go to the streets of Addis Ababa you will see there is almost 100% masking,” he added.

What other reasons did he give?

Africa’s relatively young population also contributed to the low number of cases, Dr Nkengasong said.

Furthermore, the emphasis on community-driven initiatives, and experience in contact-tracing from fighting diseases like Ebola, had helped countries to tackle the virus, he said.

“This virus is in the community, and without a strong community response and strong community engagement there is no chance we can fight it,” Dr Nkengasong added.

“Govt Schools Programme Not A Product Of Widespread Consultations,” Teachers Speak. Could It Be Another Ramakopa?

Joint statement by Teacher Unions in Zimbabwe Concerning Re-opening of Schools.

Realising that the gvt has since announced the dates for re-opening of schools for exam classes and commencement of exams, Irked that this announcement was not a product of widespread consultations and meaningful engagement with teacher unions but a ‘diktat’ by gvt,

Perturbed that gvt has totally ignored the welfare of teachers as evidenced by salaries that were received by teachers in September,Aware that the Total Consumption Poverty Line (TCPL) for a family of five is now above ZW$ 17 244 as given by Zimstat,Surprised by the continued salary discrepancies between teachers and the other civil servants, especially the uniformed forces,United in our diversity by our common desire for the entrenchment of a credible quality public education system in Zimbabwe,Acknowledging the worthlessness of current infinite negotiations under NJNC and lack of seriousless and urgency in such negotiations

Reaffirming the position that the economy has fully redollarised, with prices of most goods and services pegged in US Dollars, including those offered by gvt itself,Noting that there are still Covid 19 active cases, most of them being local,Adequately informed that most boarding schools have increased fees to between $20 000 and $40 000 while the teacher’s salaries have remained stagnant in a volatile economic environment,Emphasizing that well paid teachers in safe schools is a must for quality public education.

Aware that all teachers are financially crippled and have no capacity to report at their respective schools on 28 September

We, the undersigned Teacher Unions in Zimbabwe, now therefore, urge the government to:

Urgently expedite consultations with all teachers’ unions with a view to sharing ideas on the way forward before the opening of schools. This is informed by the fact that teachers’unions are a key stakeholder in the education sector and represent the very people who are implementers of gvt policies;

Restore the purchasing power parity of teachers’ salaries pegged at USD500 to USD550.Implement meaningful education sector-specific allowances that commensurate with teachers responsibilities and status.Pay a Covid allowance that is a product of negotiations or agreement between employer and teachers rather than the current benevolence gesture dubbed presidential prerogative. If schools reopen during this Covid period, it entails that teachers will be frontline workers who deserve a meaningful covid allowance;Pay salaries that resonate with workers’ qualifications, experience, responsibilities and promotion rather than the current scenario where physical fitness has become more rewarding.

Establish an Inclusive Covid 19 Task Force to assess the level of preparedness of schools before re-opening.Ensure that schools are safe to receive the learners and teachers and their health, safety and welfare are highly prioritised. The $600 million set aside by gvt should reflect on the ground, in schools not in the media only or end in higher offices without reaching the intended beneficiaries.

Currently, there is almost nothing in public schools because the school coffers are dry since there hasn’t been any collection of fees after closure in March 2020.

Give teachers and learners enough time to cover syllabi and prepare for exams. The period of two months between 28 September 2020 and 1 December 2020 (the proposed date for commencement of exams) does not adequately compensate for the lost time of six months since schools closed.Listen to professional advice and provide a broad blue print that covers all learners than being restricted only to exam classes.

Indeed, there is nothing as dangerous as having under-paid, undernourished, under-resourced and demotivated teachers in the classrooms because teachers are in essence role models of their communities and society and help to shape the future of individuals, society and the country. It is only well-paid, healthy, motivated, innovative and dynamic teachers that can fulfill this vital cog of sustainable development.

Jointly signed by

ARTUZ – Chere R. (0775643192)

PTUZ – Zunde L. (0772198868)

TUZ – Phiri R. (0772680952)

ZDTU – Tasaranarwo F. (0773816324)

ZIMTA – Sibanda N. T. (0772803254)

ZINATU – Nyawo M. (0774013500)

ZINEU – Chinosengwa C. (0715815347)

ZRTU – Fambai F. (0775226380).

South African Banks End Use Of Good Old Cheque Book

Nedbank has become the last of the big four banks to abandon the cheque book.

As of 1 January 2021, clients will no longer be able to use cheques as payment.

The bank says only a few clients make use of the service these days.

It says for the past few decades, clients have been choosing more affordable alternatives, like cards and digital transactions.

Cheque payments contribute less than 0.1-percent of total payment volumes in South Africa.

With verification and validation, it can take up to 10 days for a cheque to clear.

FNB, Absa and Standard Bank will have all ended their use of the cheque by the end of this year.

Source: eNCA

Joanna Mamombe’s Lawyer Blasts Prosecutor For Seemingly Having Personal Issues Against His Client

Harare West legislator Joana Mamombe’s lawyer Aleck Muchadehama today clashed with state prosecutor Michael Reza, accusing of him of pursuing a personal vendetta against his client.

This followed Reza’s refusal to have Mamombe’s matter postponed to 26 September despite being advised by the actual prosecutor handling the matter, Garudzo Ziyadhuma to do so.

Muchadehama had asked for postponement saying that he was committed to other matter in Gweru.

Muchadehama pleaded with the court to question Reza if he had conflict of interest with the matter which Mamombe is standing accused of.

“We seek an extra notion on Reza on why he is being so much interested in this matter to an extent that he refused to postpone the matter even after the actual prosecutor who is doing this matter, Garudzo Ziyadhuma advised him to postponed to 26 September,” he told magistrate Bianca Makwande.

He also asked if Reza had personal interest or issues with him and Mamombe.

“We want to know if the state is super litigate that it can say whatever it wants and it happens?” queried Muchadehama.

However, Reza shot back and denied the allegations saying that he is doing his job as a public prosecutor.

“I am nothing but just a public prosecutor who is just doing his job.

“It is so wrong for the defence to say I have something holding against him and also all the allegations are hear-say evidence, I have never spoken with him personally,” he said.

He however did not deny that he spoke to Ziyadhuma about postponement and said he told lawyer Jeremiah Bhamu that he will oppose the postponement application.

Magistrate Makwande however did not make a ruling on this matter saying the utterances were made outside court.

This happened after the state has applied that Mamombe should be detained and examined by government doctors.

The defence is opposing to the application saying the state is not looking closely to the law but using personal issues towards the case.

The court moved the matter to 24 September for a ruling.

Farm Workers Settle For Minimum Wage Of $4600

WORKERS in the agricultural sector have had their salaries reviewed, with lowest paid employee receiving a minimum wage of $4 600.

Previously, it was agreed that the lowest paid worker in this sector should get $2 960.

A statement by the National Employment Council for the Agricultural Sector in Zimbabwe indicates that the highest paid grade in this sector will see workers getting $9 085, up from $5 826.

The new wage adjustment agreement, which was signed on September 18, became effective on 1 September.

The agreement was reached by labour unions in the sector, among them the Zimbabwe Agricultural Employers Organisation (ZAEO), the Zimbabwe Commercial Farmers Union (ZFCU), Zimbabwe Farmers Union (ZFU), Commercial Farmers Union (CFU) and agro employer representatives on the employer’s side and the General Agriculture and Plantation Workers Union of Zimbabwe (GAPWUZ).

The Horticulture, General Agriculture and Plantation Workers Union of Zimbabwe represented the employees in that sector in the negotiations.

Part of the agreement, however, states that an employer may apply to the National Employment Council for an exemption or review from paying the increased wages, stating the reasons.

LIVE: TOUCHING STORY: 41y Old University Lecturer In Successful Operation for Colon Cancer…

By A Correspondent | A Great Zimbabwe University lecturer, who featured on ZimEye a few days ago has had a successful first operation for colon cancer.

Dr Farai Maunganidze’s organising team tells ZimEye’s Simba Chikanza, of the 41 year old lecturer who is being treated in Harare, the first operation has been successful.

“Thanking you Mkoma, the first Operation was successful and Dr Maunganidze is keeping well, I’m forever thankful for your assistance ?????? “, Mr Robert Gaza writes through.

The development has confirmed what the UK based Cancer Support Network advised the late activist Patson Dzamara, when he was panicking to fly out of the country as they told him he could easily be treated in Zimbabwe and the procedure is affordable. Mr Dzamara was at the time being advised by other people to go ahead with foreign travel plans, while being misled by some colleagues who made him believe a false allegation that the Cancer Support Network are herbalists. ZimEye battled to help Mr Dzamara against the Twitter activists and the human rights hero would unfortunately realise at the last minute only to apologise (audio recording). By that time however time had run out, and he passed on.

The Cancer Support Network was founded by healthcare professionals in Oncology who have deep insight and passion to serve the people of Zimbabwe.

Meanwhile scores of Zimbabweans have so far donated to Mr Maunganidze including the Ladies Of The UK organisation led by Flossy Kandodo.

He is now headed for the 2nd procedure. Those who wish to donate to his fund can do so on the following link…

Link to donate… https://www.gofundme.com/f/dr-f-maunganidze-medical-assistance?utm_source=whatsapp-visit&utm_medium=chat&utm_campaign=p_cp+share-sheet

Govt Says It Has Got Covid-19 Infections Under Control

State Media

THE spread of the Covid-19 epidemic is coming under control in Zimbabwe, with the number of infections falling below initial expectations, Government has said.

As at 22 September, Zimbabwe has recorded 7 711 confirmed Covid-19 cases, including 5 979 recoveries and 226 deaths.

Yesterday five new cases, all local infections, were recorded while there were no deaths noted. Overall, the epidemic has so far taken 226 lives and the country’s recovery rate still stands at 78 percent.

In a post Cabinet meeting briefing yesterday, Information, Publicity and Broadcasting Services Minister Monica Mutsvangwa noted that while the country appeared to have avoided the worst so far, citizens needed to remain vigilant as the virus was still a present threat.

“Cabinet was informed that the Experts Advisory Committee conducted a modeling exercise on current local and international Covid-19 data and noted that the Zimbabwe epidemic has not peaked as previously predicted due to the control measures that have been put in place.

“The Committee also concluded that the decreasing number of new infections is an indication of an epidemic coming under control. Cabinet, however, emphasizes that the public should continue being vigilant in adhering to Covid-19 containment measures as the effects of Covid-19 will continue to be felt until a vaccine is found,” she said.

Despite social media reports to the contrary, Minister Mutsvangwa said that the number of deaths in the country had decreased.

“Cabinet assures members of the public that there has not been increase in the death rate in Zimbabwe as alleged by some unsubstantiated social media reports. The Law and Order Sub-Committee compiled and compared data from the Central Registry on the country’s recorded deaths for the period January to August 2019 against the same period this year (2020). The data revealed that more people (45 256) died in 2019 than in 2020 (33 818) notwithstanding the threat of the Covid-19 pandemic,” she said.

LEAD Aspiring Candidate For Kuwadzana Donates Bus Fare To Nurses

ZUPCO Overwhelmed: Govt Engaging Private “Kombi” Operators For Return To Business

THE Government stands ready to engage with private commuter omnibus operators, as there is a need to include other players in the transport sector now that the country continues to gradually open up its economy, but it will not entertain any proposals from pirate taxis owners, a Cabinet minister has said.

Privately-run kombis have been banned since the lockdown was effected on 30 March, with only those that are a part of the Zupco fleet allowed to operate.

Speaking at a post-Cabinet meeting media briefing yesterday, Defence and War Veteran Affairs Minister, Oppah Muchinguri-Kashiri, who also chairs the Ad Hoc Inter-Ministerial Task Force on Covid-19, said Government was willing to allow private transport to come on board as infections decreased and the country’s economy opened up.

“As we have been observing the number of infections coming under control and also the opening of quite a number of sectors, now we see a need to bring in other players. Originally, every private operator who wanted to operate had to register with Zupco but we realise that Zupco also has some challenges. There are now new players in the economy and therefore the need that we open up, especially inter-city transport,” she said.

Minister Muchinguri-Kashiri said Government was open to engagement with kombi operators should they follow the proper channels. The door however, remained closed pirate (mushika-shika) operators.

“Those that are legal whether Kombis, will be required to register with the Ministry of Transport and Infrastructure Development and we do hope that with that window those kombis will have to approach the relevant ministry and comply with the rules and regulations.

“They’re not being barred but only if they’re illegal because we see a lot of them that are not roadworthy. Some are not registered and always avoid to go through the official points. So we are ready to engage but not mushikashika, that one is a no, it’s still a nuisance. But for the kombis there’s an opportunity where they can approach the relevant authorities,” she said.

Chikurubi Will Be Turned Into A Museum: Sikhala

Zengeza West legislator, Job Sikhala has insinuated that the MDC Alliance government will close down Chikurubi maximum prison and turn it into a museum once it is elected into office.

Sikhala who was granted ZWL$50 000 bail by the High Court yesterday made the remarks after his release at Chikurubi maximum prison Wednesday afternoon.

“The new order is going to close down this horrible, inhabitable infrastructure called Chikurubi maximum prison, we are going to make sure that Chikurubi maximum prison is going to be museum, it doesn’t worthy human habitation, people there are surviving from food that does not even deserve to be served to dogs,” said Sikhala

He added that the conditions Zimbabweans are living in the country are similar to the ones being experienced inside Chikurubi maximum prison.

 

MDC Alliance Recalled MPs Refuse To Have Their Case Heard By Justice Kwenda

State Media

Three MDC-Alliance parliamentarians contesting their recall from Parliament do not want High Court judge Justice Pisirai Kwenda hearing their case since he has already ruled against 14 other MPs who made a similar application last month.

Lilian Timveos, Prosper Mutseyami and Thabita Khumalo were recalled from Parliament by the MDC-T for sympathising with the MDC-Alliance.

The basis of the recall is that the Supreme Court found in a civil suit that under party rules Thokozani Khupe was acting leader of the MDC-T and that the MDC-T is legally entitled to recall any legislators placed on the MDC-A list through a MDC-T nomination.

Through their lawyer, Mr Tendai Biti, the trio first wrote to Judge President George Chiweshe asking for the matter to be placed before another judge on the basis that Justice Kwenda had already decided on the main issues raised in the present application in his previous ruling against Basilia Majaya and others.

However, the Judge President advised Justice Kwenda that once he had allocated a matter, as he had done, his administrative functions had ended.

This entails that the issue of recusal was now a substantive issue before a concerned judge.

In the application for recusal, Mr Biti argued that Justice Kwenda has already made his decision on the matter and should not sit as to what amounted as a court of appeal on his own judgment.

In this regard, Timveos, Mutseyami and Khumalo were entitled to equal protection and benefit of the law in terms of the Constitution.

Mr Biti said equal protection and benefit of the law and due process required that another judge who had not pronounced judgment on the same issue, be allocated the case.

Justice Kwenda threw out two urgent chamber applications by 14 other MDC-A legislators on a similar case in August.

He upheld the recalls in a finding that the 14 failed to prove that their recalls were unlawful. His judgment was based on his interpretation of the Supreme Court ruling and other undisputed evidence placed before the court.

ED Meets Equatorial Guinea Delegation

By A Correspondent- Equatorial Guinea Foreign Affairs Minister Mr Simeon Oyono today paid a courtesy call on President Mnangagwa at State House to deliver a special message from President Teodoro Obiang Nguema Mbasogo.

Mr Oyono is leading a high-powered 10-member delegation from Malabo, which includes the Minister of Finance, Mr Cesar Mba and the Minister of Mines Mr Gabriel Obiang Lima.

The officials are in the country for wide ranging discussions with their local counterparts.

In brief remarks after meeting President Mnangagwa, Mr Oyono said his team had been deployed to seek ways of strengthening already existing bilateral ties.

“We are all part of the African Union and the United Nations and we already have excellent bi-lateral relations. We are here to look at areas where we can strengthen the ties and particular focus will be on tourism, mining and agriculture,” said Mr Oyono.

The delegation then went into closed door consultations with Zimbabwean officials led by Foreign Affairs and International Trade Minister Dr Sibusiso Moyo.

The Zimbabwean officials included the Minister of Finance and Economic Development Professor Mthuli Ncube and Reserve Bank of Zimbabwe Governor Dr John Mangudya.

The two countries have had excellent ties since 2004 when Zimbabwean authorities helped foil a planned coup against President Nguema Mbasogo.

The abortive coup was aimed at installing Spain-based opposition politician, Mr Severo Moto, as the country’s new leader.

President Nguema Mbasogo has visited Zimbabwe several times, the last being in 2018 when he pledged to continue working with President Mnangagwa’s administration.

ZimSec Commences O And A Level Exams Marking

NATIONAL NEWS

By A Correspondent- The Zimbabwe School Examinations Council (Zimsec) on Monday started marking the June 2020 Ordinary and Advanced Level examinations.

The process started after markers who tested negative to Covid-19 were cleared and checked in on Sunday.

The makers and supporting staff underwent Covid-19 testing between September 8 and 11 in Harare and results came in last week.

The examiners will be following strict World Health Organisation (WHO) Covid-19 rules and regulations which involve wearing of face masks, maintaining social distance and sanitisation.

The results are expected before the commencement of the November 2020 Ordinary and Advanced Level exanimations.

Zimsec public relations manager Ms Nicky Dlamini said markers had settled in and started work.

“Covid-19 testing for markers was done from September 8 to 11 and last week the results came and those cleared started checking in on Sunday. Today (Monday), marking started in earnest and we are making progress,” she said.

Last week, Zimsec board chairperson Professor Eddie Mwenje said they had extended the registration period for November 2020 Ordinary and Advanced Level examinations to cater for pupils and schools that failed to do so due to different reasons related to the Covid-19-induced lockdown.

“The registration will start on the September 28 once they open schools and then it will close on October 2,” he said.

This was the second time that Zimsec has extended the registration process.

He said the examinations are going ahead with the council having already completed the printing of Grade 7 examination material.

Prof Mwenje said no late registration fees will be charged to candidates and centres.

The provision, he said is in accordance with Government’s announcement that all candidates will access the 2020 examinations.-statemedia

Soccer Agents Clash Over Peter Muduhwa Transfer

Peter Muduhwa

Peter Muduhwa’s proposed move to Sudan has fallen through in the last minute after football agents Gibson Mahachi and George Deda clashed over the player.

The Highlanders defender was supposed to fly out to North Africa this week where he would join an unnamed top club. Deda was facilitating the deal and started working on it three months ago.

According to the Chronicle, the football agent, who has also worked on the transfer of Prince Dube to Azam, and Last Jesi and Silas Songani’s moves to Al Hilal, was notified on Monday morning that Muduhwa actually belongs to Mahachi.

The player had misrepresented himself and indicated that he did not have an agent when the deal was still in its infancy.

And Deda felt “robbed” as this was the same scenario he faced when he was facilitating Prince Dube’s move to Tanzania.

An unnamed source explained the situation to the newspaper: “Muduhwa’s move to Sudan has collapsed. The guys who were organising the deal are the same who facilitated Prince’s move to Azam.-Soccer 24

Tapuwa Kapini Finds New Home

Tapuwa Kapini

Tapuwa Kapini has a found a new club in South Africa after being released by Highlands Park.

The veteran shot-stopper has signed for Kempton Park-based NFD side Sekhukhune United on a one-year-deal.

Kapini was one of the players offloaded by the Lions of the North after the club was sold to TS Galaxy recently.

He took to Twitter to announce his new home.

“Thank you for the prayers and words of encouragement. Proud to call SEKHUKHUNE UNITED F.C my new HOME! ” wrote the former Warriors skipper.-Soccer 24

Another Player Leaves Barcelona

La Liga

Barcelona have seen another player leaving the club this summer as the La Liga side continues with its overhaul ahead of the new season.

EPL team, Wolves, has completed the signing of Portuguese right-back Nelson Semedo from the Catalans in a £37m deal for three years.

“It’s isn’t often that we have the opportunity to sign a world-class player from a world-class club. Nelson’s signing shows we will never stop progressing and we are still hungry and humble in our heart,” Wolves executive chairman Jeff Shi said.

Semedo, 26, becomes the latest departure at Camp Nou after Arturo Vidal joined Inter Milan on a €1m transfer on Tuesday.

Ivan Rakitic, Arthur, Carles Perez and Marc Cucurella have also left the club while Luis Suarez is set to follow suit with links to Atletico Madrid.-Soccer 24

“Illegitimacy Ghost” Haunts Mnangagwa

Then later this was - 1987 at the end of the Gukurahundi massacres. Mnangagwa doesn't look happy that the killing is over, as it were.
Emmerson Mnangagwa nicknamed the crocodile

Farai Dziva|Senior MDC Alliance official Stanley Manguma has revealed how Mr Emmerson Mnangagwa is using Thokozani Khupe and Douglas Mwonzora to “pull down” President Nelson Chamisa.

According to Manguma, Mr Mnangagwa is keen to exorcize the illegitimacy ghost through elevating Khupe to the corridors of power.

Below is part of Manguma’s argument :

After realizing MDC-T is just a name without followers, they have changed to MDC Alliance, name of another party, our party.

They are fighting a Mnangagwa battle, they are ED puppets.

Make no mistake about that. This stupidity will be allowed to take effect because our laws only exist on paper.

Where the law is applied, it is applied selectively, to the advantage of ED and disadvantage of Pres. Nelson Chamisa.

We have a captured Judiciary that receives orders from Mnangagwa.

Everything Khupe Mwozora do, including recalls, remains illegal, after expiry of terms of Supreme Court judgement.

They are banking on Mnangagwa and crooked Judiciary for a lifeline.

Above all, the illegitimacy ghost is haunting Mr Mnangagwa.

Gareth Bale Agent Blasts Real Madrid

Gareth Bale

Gareth Bale’s agent Jonathan Barnet has lashed out at Real Madrid, describing the manner in which the Spanish giants handled his client as ‘disrespectful.’

Bale rejoined Tottenham Hotspur on a season long loan last week after a season in the Spanish capital characterized by a frosty relationship with coach Zinedine Zidane.

Speaking for the first time since  the Welshman was confirmed as a Spurs player, Barnet castigated the ‘mistreatment’ of the player by Los Blancos.

“He’s probably the most successful footballer Britain has ever produced, and there’s lots of things he still wants to do with his life, so we’ll have to wait and see,” he told TalkSport.

“For somebody who has done as well as he has for Real Madrid, he didn’t get the respect he deserved and that was a big problem.

“What he’s achieved for Real Madrid, they should be kissing the floor that he walks on,” Barnet added.-Soccer 24

How To Cook Black Jack Leaves

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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Khupe, Mnangagwa “Plot To Pull Down” President Chamisa Exposed

President Chamisa

Farai Dziva|Senior MDC Alliance official Stanley Manguma has revealed how Mr Emmerson Mnangagwa is using Thokozani Khupe and Douglas Mwonzora to “pull down” President Nelson Chamisa.

According to Manguma, Mr Mnangagwa is keen to exorcize the illegitimacy ghost through elevating Khupe to the corridors of power.

Below is part of Manguma’s argument :

After realizing MDC-T is just a name without followers, they have changed to MDC Alliance, name of another party, our party.

They are fighting a Mnangagwa battle, they are ED puppets.

Make no mistake about that. This stupidity will be allowed to take effect because our laws only exist on paper.

Where the law is applied, it is applied selectively, to the advantage of ED and disadvantage of Pres. Nelson Chamisa.

We have a captured Judiciary that receives orders from Mnangagwa.

Everything Khupe Mwozora do, including recalls, remains illegal, after expiry of terms of Supreme Court judgement.

They are banking on Mnangagwa and crooked Judiciary for a lifeline.

Above all, the illegitimacy ghost is haunting Mr Mnangagwa.

Government, Teachers Clash Over Reopening Of Schools

Classroom

21 September 2020

Joint statement by Teacher Unions in Zimbabwe Concerning Re-opening of Schools.

Realising that the gvt has since announced the dates for re-opening of schools for exam classes and commencement of exams, Irked that this announcement was not a product of widespread consultations and meaningful engagement with teacher unions but a ‘diktat’ by gvt,

Perturbed that gvt has totally ignored the welfare of teachers as evidenced by salaries that were received by teachers in September,Aware that the Total Consumption Poverty Line (TCPL) for a family of five is now above ZW$ 17 244 as given by Zimstat,Surprised by the continued salary discrepancies between teachers and the other civil servants, especially the uniformed forces,United in our diversity by our common desire for the entrenchment of a credible quality public education system in Zimbabwe,Acknowledging the worthlessness of current infinite negotiations under NJNC and lack of seriousless and urgency in such negotiations

Reaffirming the position that the economy has fully redollarised, with prices of most goods and services pegged in US Dollars, including those offered by gvt itself,Noting that there are still Covid 19 active cases, most of them being local,Adequately informed that most boarding schools have increased fees to between $20 000 and $40 000 while the teacher’s salaries have remained stagnant in a volatile economic environment,Emphasizing that well paid teachers in safe schools is a must for quality public education.

Aware that all teachers are financially crippled and have no capacity to report at their respective schools on 28 September

We, the undersigned Teacher Unions in Zimbabwe, now therefore, urge the government to:

Urgently expedite consultations with all teachers’ unions with a view to sharing ideas on the way forward before the opening of schools. This is informed by the fact that teachers’unions are a key stakeholder in the education sector and represent the very people who are implementers of gvt policies;

Restore the purchasing power parity of teachers’ salaries pegged at USD500 to USD550.Implement meaningful education sector-specific allowances that commensurate with teachers responsibilities and status.Pay a Covid allowance that is a product of negotiations or agreement between employer and teachers rather than the current benevolence gesture dubbed presidential prerogative. If schools reopen during this Covid period, it entails that teachers will be frontline workers who deserve a meaningful covid allowance;Pay salaries that resonate with workers’ qualifications, experience, responsibilities and promotion rather than the current scenario where physical fitness has become more rewarding.

Establish an Inclusive Covid 19 Task Force to assess the level of preparedness of schools before re-opening.Ensure that schools are safe to receive the learners and teachers and their health, safety and welfare are highly prioritised. The $600 million set aside by gvt should reflect on the ground, in schools not in the media only or end in higher offices without reaching the intended beneficiaries.

Currently, there is almost nothing in public schools because the school coffers are dry since there hasn’t been any collection of fees after closure in March 2020.

Give teachers and learners enough time to cover syllabi and prepare for exams. The period of two months between 28 September 2020 and 1 December 2020 (the proposed date for commencement of exams) does not adequately compensate for the lost time of six months since schools closed.Listen to professional advice and provide a broad blue print that covers all learners than being restricted only to exam classes.

Indeed, there is nothing as dangerous as having under-paid, undernourished, under-resourced and demotivated teachers in the classrooms because teachers are in essence role models of their communities and society and help to shape the future of individuals, society and the country. It is only well-paid, healthy, motivated, innovative and dynamic teachers that can fulfill this vital cog of sustainable development.

Jointly signed by

ARTUZ – Chere R. (0775643192)

PTUZ – Zunde L. (0772198868)

TUZ – Phiri R. (0772680952)

ZDTU – Tasaranarwo F. (0773816324)

ZIMTA – Sibanda N. T. (0772803254)

ZINATU – Nyawo M. (0774013500)

ZINEU – Chinosengwa C. (0715815347)

ZRTU – Fambai F. (0775226380).

Drama As Man Bites ZRP Cop In Bid To Resist Arrest

ZRP

A GWANDA man has been arrested after he bit a police officer who tried to apprehend his for assaulting his wife.

Barbson Pande (40) from Jacaranda Suburb pleaded not guilty to charges of physical abuse and assaulting or resisting a peace officer but was convicted by Gwanda magistrate, Miss Lerato Nyathi due to overwhelming evidence against him.

He was sentenced to 12 months imprisonment but six months were suspended on condition that he does not commit a similar offence within the next five years. The remaining six months were further suspended on condition that he performs 210 hours of community service at Gwanda Magistrate’s Court.

Prosecuting, Miss Glenda Nare said Pande assaulted his wife, Miss Farai Matekenya on July 9 and when she reported him to the police he went on to bite the lip of Constable Artwell Chokera who attended the scene.

”On 9 July at around 6PM Pande was at home with his family when he started accusing his wife of making noise for him together with their children. Pande threatened to kill his wife who went on to the call the police and reported the incident.

”Two police officers attended the scene and when Pande saw them he further insulted his wife, grabbed her by the neck and dragged her on the floor. The cops tried to apprehend Pande but instead he bit Constable Artwell Chokera on the upper lip before fleeing the scene,” she said.

In his defence Pande denied assaulting his wife. He said he only reprimanded her.

He said he resisted arrest as the police wanted to apprehend him for an offence that he did not commit.

Pande said the cops only wanted to apprehend him for their personal gain as one of them was having an affair with his wife.-Chronicle

Govt Unveils Plans For Commutter Omnibus Operators

By A Correspondent- The Zimbabwean government has expressed interest in engaging private commuter omnibus operators (Kombis) amid concerns of transport woes in the country.

Commuter omnibuses were barred from roads in March when the country initially announced the coronavirus induced lockdown.

Addressing members of the media following this week’s Cabinet meeting on Tuesday, Defence and War Veteran Affairs Minister, Oppah Muchinguri-Kashiri said:

 

As we have been observing the number of infections coming under control and also the opening of quite a number of sectors, now we see a need to bring in other players. Originally, every private operator who wanted to operate had to register with Zupco but we realise that Zupco also has some challenges. There are now new players in the economy and therefore the need that we open up, especially inter-city transport.

She added that the private commuter omnibuses have to be registered with relevant authorities and also have to be roadworthy.

Unregistered kombis operating without route permits, at undesignated picking points known as Mushikashika, have in the past caused headaches for local authorities who intended to collect taxes.

The government parastatal, the Zimbabwe United Passenger Company (ZUPCO) is failing to quench the high demand which rose when the country reopened the economy.-statemedia

Explore Numerous Benefits Of Blackjack

Health

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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Biti Speaks On Job Sikhala Persecution. ..

Tendai Biti

Farai Dziva|MDC Alliance vice president Hon Tendai Biti has said party vice chairperson Job Sikhala should not have been arrested in the first place.

However, Hon Biti commended Sikhala’s lawyers for working hard to secure the fiery politician’s freedom.

On Tuesday Hon Biti wrote on Twitter :

Job Sikhala has been granted bail .

We are extremely indebted to the lawyers for their perseverance and tenacity.

But he shouldn’t have been arrested . It is not a crime to hold a different political view point !! #ZimbabweanLivesMatte

Coronavirus Daily Update

Coronavirus

Ministry of Health and Child Care (MoHCC) Coronavirus Daily Update : 22 September 2020

New cases: 5

Locals – 5

Returnees – 0

Deaths: 0
Recoveries: 31

PCR Tests Done: 637

National Recovery Rate: 78%

Active Cases: 1 506

Total Cumulative Cases: 7 711

Total Recoveries: 5 979

Total Deaths: 226

Women Plead For The Speedy Implementation Of Social Protection Measures

The Women’s Coalition of Zimbabwe (WCOZ) has called upon the government to provide safety nets to cushion the citizenry from effects of the coronavirus-induced lockdown. We present its statement below.

21 September 2020
176 days of COVID-19 lockdown In Zimbabwe, the Ministry of Health and Child Care reported that, as at 20 September 2020, the total number of COVID-19 cases Increased to 7 683. Active cases went up to 1 534, following the record of 11 new cases and 10 recoveries. The total number of recoveries stands at 5 924. The death toll now stands at 225.

We highlight the concern raised by the WHO that the despite the 14% drop in COVI13-19cases across Africa, the picture of pandemic Is difficult to ascertain with certainty due to the inconsistencies in testing strategies on the Continent hence African countries should remain vigilant. It is against this background we are concerned of the resumption of movement across the North-South trade corridor to which Zimbabwe is part of the land liked trade route. These countries are continuing to see rises In cases amidst reports that Indicate relaxation of adherence to mask-wearing, social distancing and frequent sanitization In countries across the corridor. We remain concerned at Imported cases and also spread of Infections domestically.

We commend the resumption of operations for the Central Registry, particularly the issuing of birth certificates. We highlight the plight of mothers who recently gave birth during the lockdown, and may still continue to face challenges in accessing the Centra/ Registry despite Its resumption of operations. We, therefore, recommend to the Ministry of Home Affairs and Cultural Heritage, setting up of mobile Registry clinics In communities to ensure easy access to documentation such as birth certificates. • We urge the retro – fining of process and public spaces of the central registry to ensure that the traditional congestion of these spaces to do not tum the re-opening of offices Into super spreader events • We continue to call for devolved issuance of birth certificates at community clinics and health centres on the day of birth and not to place new mother under the burden of going to central government office.

Critical Emerging Issues
1. Hunger & Delay In Implementing social protection measures

We highlight the World Food Program, (WFP) report that indicates that 75% of Zimbabwe Urban Workers have been rendered Jobless by the COVID-19 pandemic related restrictions.

We highlight the scourge of exacerbated social vulnerabilities related to such a grave circumstance and the need for widespread aggressive rebuilding agenda to ensure that lives and saved in the pursuit of non-consultative economic restructuring that has a high risk to create jobless, rootless growth. Whilst we continue to note that Government Is yet to avail funds for the COV1D.19 relief pay-out, we continue to remain dismayed by the lack urgency by the Ministry of Labour and Social Welfare to provide real tangible social safety nets. This has raised a general sense of discontent and disgruntlement by the communities over the delays in the Implementation of social protection measures by Government.

• We query policy measures put In place by Government to ensure that citizens access basic commodities in the time of COVID-19.

• We further call the State to order, particularly on Its duty to ensure that citizens enjoy the progressive realisation of their fundamental right to food and water.

• We, therefore, call upon the Ministry of Labour and Social Welfare to expedite the implementation of social protection programs to alleviate economic shocks upon vulnerable households.

• We recommend an increase In the COV1D-19 relief payouts, and an expedited implementation of social protection programs for all vulnerable households.

Outstanding Issue
1. Relaxation on adherence to public health guidelines In the wake of gradual easing of the lockdown measures. Our monitoring of the COVID49 situation reveals a continuing general trend, throughout Communities, businesses and public spaces, indicating a relaxation in observing social distancing, use of face masks and sanitizers.

Concerned that failure to adequately observe social and physical distancing may erode all the gains recorded so far in the COVID-19 battle.

• We remind the general populace on the need to fortify their efforts in maintaining both social and physical distancing. in every environment which may include work, public transport or supermarkets.

“Farm Workers Should Be Compensated”: War Vets

By A Correspondent- War veterans and labour activists have urged government to channel part of the US$3,5 billion meant to compensate white former commercial farmers towards ex-farm workers who lost their sources of livelihood and property during the chaotic land reform programme.

A recent United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) report states that at least one million people lost their livelihoods and homes as a result of the controversial farm seizures which started in 2000.

The report stated that an estimated 320 000 workers or about 25% of the country’s labour force were employed on commercial farms before government seized the farms and redistributed them to landless indigenous farmers.

“In the aftermath of the land invasions, over 200 000 farm workers and their families an estimated one million people lost their livelihoods and homes, as well as access to farm schools and other social amenities,” read the UNDP report.

The late former President Robert Mugabe, ex-combatants and the ruling Zanu-PF party defended the land reform programme as necessary to correct colonial land ownership imbalances between blacks and whites.

Government recently signed a US$3,5 billion compensation deal with white former commercial farmers for improvements on their seized land, but former workers were left out of the deal.

Zimbabwe Congress of Trade Unions western region chairperson Ambrose Sibindi said: “This is another clear-cut decision by the government, which proves that we have a government that is not pro-workers but is there just for their own benefit in terms of profits.

“Yes, obviously if the farmers are to be compensated to the tune of US$3,5 billion, it goes without saying that the farm workers who lost their jobs definitely need to be considered. We are looking forward to the government also announcing and putting up a clear budget on how they will be compensated. Mind you it’s not only compensating them in terms of salaries or wages, we also know that some workers stayed in compounds and their properties were destroyed. As a labour movement, we are looking forward to those workers needing to be compensated, that is our position.”

Ex-Zipra veteran Maxwell Vuma Mkandla said the former farm workers also deserved to be compensated.

“When the land invasion started, most of them lost their property and their jobs and since then, some of them have not even recovered from the effects of the process because some had no rural homes and they lived in farm compounds.”

Human rights activist effie Ncube said the former farm workers were left out because the Zanu-PF government did not care about workers.

“It is not surprising that the former farm workers were not included in the rehabilitation of the former white farmers. Government of Zanu-PF has never cared about the workers, it does not care about Zimbabweans, it only cares about them to the extent that they can feed into electoral victory by Zanu-PF. When it looks at citizens, it does not see them as people who are rights holders,” Ncube said.-Newsday

Mliswa “Exonerates” Perance Shiri From Gukurahundi

By A Correspondent- Independent legislator for Norton, Temba Mliswa Tuesday urged other legislators to speak good about the late former Agriculture Minister Perrance Shiri as it was inhuman to talk evil of someone who cannot defend themselves.

Shiri, who once served as an army commander during the Gukurahundi atrocities, died on 29 July due to Covid-19 complications.

His name features prominently when ever there is talk on the subject of killings on over 20 000 people during the Matabeleland and Midlands massacres by the Zimbabwe military in the early 1980s.

However, Mliswa described Shiri as a liberation struggle icon and urged other MPs to speak glowingly about the late politician.

“Mr. Speaker Sir, may this be an opportunity for my colleagues Honourable Members of Parliament to talk about the good that this man did. It will be totally inhuman to talk about what a man did when he cannot defend himself when he is no more,” said Mliswa Tuesday.

“I hasten to say do not associate him with Gukurahundi. He was just a commander when there were other commanders. If we decide to talk about people being killed let us bring every soldier who has been to war before the courts and ask them why they killed. He was never the commander of the army and he was never part of the commander of the Air Force (of Zimbabwe),” Mliswa said.

“There is a commander-in-chief who they take instructions from. So, he must never be tainted with something which other people gave orders to. Unfortunately, the true story of Gukurahundi will never come out because the commander-in-chief at the time was the former late President R. G. Mugabe. He was there and nobody had the chance to ask him and when you are in that position, no one else can speak for you but yourself.”

Mliswa said parliament failed to exercise its oversight role and invite Mugabe to give his side of the story.

“We invited him (Mugabe) to come because we wanted to understand. The various committees had an opportunity to invite him to also find out about Gukurahundi since he was the commander-in-chief and he was the President at the time.

“For us to talk about who was in charge of Gukurahundi when the principal is no more, I think you are opening old wounds; may the souls of those people who passed away rest in peace. May we never again have such an experience as a people. May we have a leadership which forgives and asks for forgiveness,” said Mliswa.

He continued, “In that spirit, we are able to move as one nation and we are able to safeguard the pain, joy, and interest of the people who sacrificed for this country, the late Joshua Nkomo, the late Josiah Tongogara, the late Nikita Mangena, the late Herbert Chitepo, the late Ziyapapa (Moyo) all those that we know about can only be happy when we are in unity and we are tolerant of each other.

“They could tolerate the white men at the time when the white men had an agenda to totally kill people, but today why can we not be tolerant of each other?  May we learn the tolerance of Gudoguru the late retired Air Chief Marshall Shiri in that he could talk to anyone because he was Zimbabwean and he put Zimbabwe first?”

“Stop It!”- Zanu Pf Tells South Africa

By A Correspondent- Zanu Pf yesterday reacted angrily to South Africa’s persistent calls for the party to come clean on the crisis in Zimbabwe and receive assistance in resolving the problems, arguing that there was no need for the neighbouring country to offer help.

On Sunday, South Africa’s International Relations minister Naledi Pandor said the influx of Zimbabwean economic refugees was a clear indicator that the country was in a serious crisis.

Zanu-PF denies the existence of a crisis, and accuses the opposition, civic society and Western diplomats of spreading “malicious” allegations to tarnish the image of President Emmerson Mnangagwa’s government as part of a regime change agenda.

Speaking on public broadcaster SABC, Pandor said Zimbabwe should admit there is a crisis and receive assistance to resolve the issues it is facing.

“I am sure you are aware that the government of Zimbabwe and its governing party (Zanu-PF) are saying there are no problems in their country and we are arguing that actually there are difficulties because we have hundreds of thousands, if not millions, of Zimbabweans in South Africa.

“Many of them indicate that they are here because the situation on economic progress is dire in their country and so we do think there is a basis for us to have a collaboration to see how we might assist Zimbabwe to achieve economic recovery and a level of stability that will allow the people of Zimbabwe to feel they are able to return to their country and contribute to its development.”

“But that can only happen when the government of Zimbabwe openly says to South Africa that we do think we should have a conversation about development,” Pandor said, insisting it was up to Zimbabwe to acknowledge the crisis.

She said South Africa was not avoiding direct intervention, but urged Harare to first admit that there is a crisis and seek help.

“When we have sought help, we have opened up and said we have a problem in this area, could we talk to country X or organisation B to see how we resolve our problems and when only we get to that level of openness and admission that we begin to address problems that confront us,” Pandor said.

“We are ready to have a discussion through which we will provide any assistance required, but when a leader says there are no problems, who am I, a mere Minister of International Relations, to say well, Mr President, I know there are problems. It’s just not done, it’s not diplomacy.”

But Zanu-PF information director Tafadzwa Mugwadi yesterday said South Africa had never helped Zimbabwe in any way and should just “shut up”.

“What help does South Africa give Zimbabwe? Zimbabwe has never received any cent from South Africa and you have to be aware of that. They are lying to the world and if they say they will help Zimbabwe, you would think there is money stashed somewhere to be given us, yet they have never given us anything. They must just shut up, we don’t need their help,” Mugwadi said.

“They must stop giving us a headache. They must just stop it. Who are South Africans and who do they think they are?”

Zimbabwe’s ruling Zanu-PF party and its South African counterpart, the African National Congress, have been trading blows over the crisis in Zimbabwe, with officials in Harare vehemently insisting there is nothing like that in the country.

“Where and when was that said? I did not hear or see that,” Information minister Monica Mutsvangwa said when asked to comment on Pandor’s comments.

South Africa has been active in trying to intervene in the Zimbabwean political and economic crises and has twice dispatched special envoys as part of efforts to resolve the crisis, which have hitherto come to naught.-Newsday

Mupfumira Corruption Trial Kicks Off

THE trial of former Public Service minister Prisca Mupfumira, on charges of defrauding the National Social Security Authority by diverting US$95 million from its coffers, kicks off on October 19.

Prosecutor George Manokore yesterday told magistrate Trynos Utawashe that the State was now ready for trial after several false starts, with Mupfumira’s lawyer Advocate Silvester Hashiti threatening to file for refusal of further remand in protest over the delays.

Mupfumira faces seven counts of criminal abuse of office involving US$95 million amid reports that she had allegedly used some of the money to acquire properties in South Africa, Dubai and the United Kingdom, a charge she denies.

— NewsDay

“Speak Good About The Late Perance Shiri”: Mliswa Pleads With MPs, Zimbabweans

By A Correspondent- Norton independent MP Temba Mliswa Tuesday urged other legislators to speak good about the late former Agriculture Minister Perrance Shiri as it was inhuman to talk evil of someone who cannot defend themselves.

Shiri, who once served as an army commander during the Gukurahundi atrocities, died on 29 July due to Covid-19 complications.

His name features prominently when ever there is talk on the subject of killings on over 20 000 people during the Matabeleland and Midlands massacres by the Zimbabwe military in the early 1980s.

However, Mliswa described Shiri as a liberation struggle icon and urged other MPs to speak glowingly about the late politician.

“Mr. Speaker Sir, may this be an opportunity for my colleagues Honourable Members of Parliament to talk about the good that this man did. It will be totally inhuman to talk about what a man did when he cannot defend himself when he is no more,” said Mliswa Tuesday.

“I hasten to say do not associate him with Gukurahundi. He was just a commander when there were other commanders. If we decide to talk about people being killed let us bring every soldier who has been to war before the courts and ask them why they killed. He was never the commander of the army and he was never part of the commander of the Air Force (of Zimbabwe),” Mliswa said.

“There is a commander-in-chief who they take instructions from. So, he must never be tainted with something which other people gave orders to. Unfortunately, the true story of Gukurahundi will never come out because the commander-in-chief at the time was the former late President R. G. Mugabe. He was there and nobody had the chance to ask him and when you are in that position, no one else can speak for you but yourself.”

Mliswa said parliament failed to exercise its oversight role and invite Mugabe to give his side of the story.

“We invited him (Mugabe) to come because we wanted to understand. The various committees had an opportunity to invite him to also find out about Gukurahundi since he was the commander-in-chief and he was the President at the time.

“For us to talk about who was in charge of Gukurahundi when the principal is no more, I think you are opening old wounds; may the souls of those people who passed away rest in peace. May we never again have such an experience as a people. May we have a leadership which forgives and asks for forgiveness,” said Mliswa.

He continued, “In that spirit, we are able to move as one nation and we are able to safeguard the pain, joy, and interest of the people who sacrificed for this country, the late Joshua Nkomo, the late Josiah Tongogara, the late Nikita Mangena, the late Herbert Chitepo, the late Ziyapapa (Moyo) all those that we know about can only be happy when we are in unity and we are tolerant of each other.

“They could tolerate the white men at the time when the white men had an agenda to totally kill people, but today why can we not be tolerant of each other?  May we learn the tolerance of Gudoguru the late retired Air Chief Marshall Shiri in that he could talk to anyone because he was Zimbabwean and he put Zimbabwe first?”

“Crisis In Big Looters’ Paradise”

Once you see the bigmouth trio of George Charamba aka Jamwanda, Presidential Spokesman, Victor Matemadanda aka Taximan, Deputy Minister of Defence and Monica Mutsvangwa, Minister of Information, spewing unprintable obscenities and insulting former President of Botswana, Ian Khama, journalists, Catholic Bishops and everyone who speaks the truth about Zimbabwe’s failing economy and politics, you know that there is a big crisis in the looter’s paradise called Zimbabwe.

ZANU PF Acting  Spokesman, Patrick Chinamasa, has been posted permanently at ZANUPF headquarters wherefrom he is spiting venom at anyone who dares to mention the word crisis in the same sentence with Zimbabwe. This, he does through a misplaced press conference that he holds weekly.

Suddenly but not surprising ‘crisis’ has become the most feared word in ZANUPF circles. The fear and fury exibited by the leaders is evidence that Zanupf headquarters is shaken to the core.

The honey moon is over for the coup plotters. Gone are the days when Zanupf leaders enjoyed a political massage from African leaders for all wrong doing. Rightly so, African leaders are now calling a spade a spade.

We commend the ANC Leadership for not only speaking out on the political crisis in Zimbabwe but for using their time and resources to go to Zimbabwe in an effort to find a permanent solution to Zimbabwe’s crisis which by its nature, is very huge.

We also applaud former President of Botswana Ian Khama for speaking out against gross human rights abuse in Zimbabwe. The former President spoke well when he said that in the last 40 years the only change experienced in Zimbabwe is the name change.

Yes we have seen less development but more slaughtering and tribal marginalisation and oppression of minorities particularly Matabele people. More looting and plundering of state resources. More political persecutions, assassinations  and attempted assassinations. More beatings, torture and abductions of those who speak against the terrorist government of Zimbabwe. More empty promises and mismanagement of the economy. This forms the basis of Zimbabwe crisis.

You have subjected yourselves to unwarranted insults and humiliation for the good cause of Ubuntu and humanity.

A good neighbour is one who knocks at the door and asks if everything is alright on hearing continuous screaming of the  children and wife coming from their neighbour.

Guilt cautious ZANUPF does  not like it as they have come out guns blazing attacking you, but over 5 million ordinary Matabeles and 10 million  Zimbabweans who are suffering appreciate your efforts.

In the 1980s our neighbours and the world ignored the cries of agony from Matabeleland and the moment they opened their eyes, more than 40 000 innocent Matabeles including defenceless born and unborn children, women and old people, had been slaughtered by the Zimbabwe government through Zimbabwe National Army 5th Brigade.

That was  genocide and ethnic cleansing done with British complicity. Therefore it is a recommendable thing to keep such a murderous government in check.

ZANU PF is like a skunk. When you deal with it you cannot escape its
unpleasant smell. The clueless, heartless and useless bunch of terrorists and genocidists value diplomacy and sovereignty more than the lives of human beings under their rule.

The political dynamics in Zimbabwe are so dramatic and cruel such that one does not know whether to laugh or cry.

In 2017 the incumbent President Emmerson Mnangagwa who is now denying that there is a crisis in Zimbabwe, illegally crossed the South African border to seek refuge and assistance. But now he is chasing away and humiliating the same people who helped him.

Guess who has run to South Africa this time to seek refuge, and to some extent, intervention? Yes it is Saviour Kasukuwere,  Patrick Zhuwao and Walter Mzembi. The very guys who were pouring scorn on  Mnangagwa saying he was a border jumper.

Who will be the next border jumper? As long as Shona tribal battles continue do not be surprised to see Mnangagwa and his lapdogs like Victor Matemadanda, Chinamasa and others running back to South Africa to seek refugee. It is a Shona political circus !

Politics of tribe has finally caught up with Shonas, they are now fighting each other.

Like hyenas fighting for a carcass, the Shonas are fighting for political power. The Shona tribe that holds the levers of power stands in a good position to loot which is every Shona’s dream. It is because of this that no Shona tribe will allow itself to be ruled by another and the crisis will go on and on.

The factions in ZANUPF have given themselves battle names like G40 (Zezuru unconquerable), Lacoste (Chinu Chetu/ our thing) and the Weevils.

The opposition MDC will always cry foul. Forever using the issue of illegitimacy and vote rigging which has become an over used and tired tactic of theirs.

The subtle  British engagement in trying to influence Shona political dynamics has created serious crisis within the Shona people. The British stand to lose big time and would be greatly disappointed after pouring millions and millions to influence the outcome they want.

What they conveniently forget is that the  Shona people have never had any respected central authority in their culture. It is for this reason why you find a small country with over 100 presidential candidates and over 500 political parties.

Robert Mugabe was the only leader who managed to keep the disparate  Shona groups together. Due to the military coup that removed him, he cursed his fellow Shona people  and now they will never produce a leader to unite them for the next 1000 years. They should have asked Dr Staar L. Jameson and Cecil J. Rhodes .

This is why Cecil J. Rhodes ended up dealing with Matebele monarchy to secure his fraudulent  Rudd Concession to obtain the coveted charter to colonize the two separate territories. The  Shona people are now through natural instinct, retreating to their reset mode thus creating instabilities in all their political parties ie  Zanupf, MDC  MDC-99, MDC T,  MDC -M, MDC A, MDC Chinja/Guqula,  MDC- and et al.

This is the opportunity which the people of Matabeleland have been waiting for. These divisions are Shona supremacist Achilles’s heel. When your enemy is divided you can sleep in their camp. But for us, this is not time to sleep. Let us wake up and fight for our freedom!

MLO has launched a massive mobilizing campaign calling upon all Matabele people to come out in their numbers and join hands with us in the fight for Matabeleland independence and sovereignty.

Stand up and be counted!

Let us not behave like certain fools that we know. They want to be paid to liberate themselves, worse more they believe that the world owes them and that someone from somewhere must come and fight on their behalf while they enjoy a peaceful sleep in their bedrooms.

Izenzo kungemazwi!