MDC ALLIANCE NAMIBIA RESPONDS TO THE STATE SECURITY MINISTER’S REMARKS
Mdc Alliance Namibia is absolutely perplexed to hear the State Security Minister , Owen Ncube falsely accusing the People’s Party of plotting to topple Zanupf party unconstitutionally. It is quite hypnotising to receive such news at this critical juncture when our leaders and members are at the mess of Zanupf-sponsored abductions, torture, arbitrary arrests, rape and gross abuse of human rights. We are clear that the Mdc Alliance amassed 2.6 million votes in 2018 harmonised elections. The issue of a stolen election is a priority in our fight for a people’s government. Authoritarians continue robbing elections,repressing political opponents and staging coups. We are a democratic party , we exploit constitutional mechanisms to challenge dictatorship and we don’t need arms of war.
The press conference by the State Security Minister is a reflection of security forces who value their own institutional interests and their participation in the politics of rhetoric and self-enrichment.
The military and state security agents should not delve into national politics. Soldiers must be ultimately banned from political activities and rarely used to put down popular upheaval. Security forces have been dominant political players in Zimbabwe, they are closely networked into the ruling rogue regimes, illegally profiting from the corrupt system with impunity. This is a clear declaration of war to the people of Zimbabwe, social democrats who subscribe to Constitutional Democracy are being painted with horrible terrorist colours. The evil intention is to escalate terror on innocent citizens.
The false allegations epitomise Zanupf’s plan to crackdown on any voice of dissent. In Zimbabwe, the despotic Zanupf’s symbiotic interdependence with the military, the police and state security agents has suffocated social democrats from within and outside the regime who desire to reduce the security’s stinking corruption, economic decay and political influence.
As Mdc Alliance Namibia, we advocate for a security that contributes to democracy and harmony by putting down their arms or resist satanic orders to fire live ammunition against their own people. A repetition of the ugly and terrible shooting of innocent citizens on the 1st of August 2018 where at least seven citizens were butchered in the streets of Harare. The same occurred in January 2019, when people expressed their discontentment with sky-rocketing prices of fuel and basic commodities in the country. At least 17 people lost their dear lives on account of politics with soldiers at the apex perpetrating violence on behalf of Zanupf.
In a nutshell, it is a lifetime dream to glance an independent national security sector where the democratic will of the people of Zimbabwe is a priority. It is imperative to promote and work diligently towards the establishment of security sector reforms democratising the police , the army and state security agents who are captured by an authoritarian regime.
Some schools in Zimbabwe, government-owned and private are reportedly demanding second term fees from learners although schools were closed since March.
Parents and guardians of Grade 7 learners at Zengeza Main Primary School were on Monday ordered to start paying $300 for the second term and another $300 for the third term or an equivalent of US$6 for the two combined terms.
The parents were further advised to pay US$2 for hand sanitisers or an equivalent of $200.
The government had directed schools not to demand second term fees since learners were forced by the coronavirus to stay home during the period that had been scheduled for the second term.
Speaking to The Sunday Mail, the Minister of Primary and Secondary Education Minister Ambassador Cain Mathema said:
The official school calendar was Term One. So, there was no Term Two in the first place, and the Government position is that no school must therefore demand fees for a term that was not announced and approved by Government.
Some schools, especially the private-owned, say that although the second term was scrapped off the school calendar this year, money was needed for taking care of administrative issues.
Schools have on several occasions defied government directives to do with the increase and payment of fees. They argue that the skyrocketing inflation is giving them no choice.
The government authorised the reopening of schools in phases starting on the 28th of this month at the backdrop of a decrease in the number of recorded coronavirus cases in the country.-The Herald
Drummer Delroy “Scara” Maripakwenda was laid to rest at Warren Hills Cemetery yesterday at a funeral attended by top names in the arts sector.
Scara — who was considered one of the foremost instrumentalists in the country — succumbed to heart complications on Sunday morning.
He was 29.
His funeral brought together the entertainment industry, a testament of the impact he had in showbiz.
Winky D, Stunner, Vokal, DJ Iroq, Bridges Chimanga, Layaan and other prominent figures were in attendance.
At the time of his death, he had just finished setting up a music collective known as Tha NuVyb in which he was the drummer, working with DJ Burtler and Mc Tatts.
They were performing in clubs and corporate events fusing live music and deejay sets.
In recognition of the work he did at Tha NuVyb, Judgment Yard emcee Abisha Palmer described Scara as a pioneer.
“He had introduced a new style, besides having worked with a number of bands, he was venturing into being a drummer for the club scene. This was something which was yet to be tried in Zimbabwe and Scara was brave enough to pioneer the idea. He could have easily joined another band, but he felt it was time to try his own thing,” said Palmer.
Rapper Stunner struggled to come to terms with the drummer`s sudden departure.
“I am hoping someone will come and say it was a prank. Up to now, it is still hard to believe that Scara is no more.
He used to play drums for me when I performed and truly this is a blow. We always assumed we have all the time in the world. No one could imagine that we would be robbed of such a young genius in this way,” said an emotional Stunner.
Prior to his death, he hadprojects that were in the pipeline and collaborators could not fathom completing them in his absence.
He was co-hosting an annual festival in Karoi with DJ Langton B.
Music promoter, Spencer ‘Boss Spencer’ Madziya bemoaned the deaths of young artistes in the industry.
“It is painful, when young promising talent is taken away from us in such a manner. Of course these things cannot be predicted, but it difficult to handle losing someone with an evidently promising future,” Madziya said.-The Herald
THE herdsman, Tafadzwa Shamba, who was recently arrested over the ritual murder of Tapiwa Makore (7) at Makore Village in Murehwa yesterday told detectives he killed the boy by cutting off the head with a knife in the dead of the night, while the boy’s uncle was holding a torch.
He was taken by detectives to Makore Village in Murehwa yesterday for an inspection in loco.
Shamba said after the murder, he carried a black plastic bag containing the head and the dismembered body while his employer, who is the boy’s uncle, Tapiwa Makore (Senior), carried another bag containing the arms and legs.
Makore has since also been arrested and he appeared in court yesterday where he was remanded in custody on murder charges.
Clad in prison garb, Shamba, who was visibly jittery, led the police to the garden where he kidnapped the boy allegedly under the instructions of the boy’s uncle.
From there, Shamba led the team of detectives to the uncle’s homestead where he said he fed the boy, drugged him with kachasu and locked him up in a room for hours.
“I went to the kitchen hut and brought the boy sadza and dried fish. I washed his hands before giving him the food. After eating, I went to Mrs Katsande’s homestead where I bought five litres of illicit brew (kachasu).
“I drank the beer to gather courage. I also put a bit of sugar into the brew and offered it to the boy who took it until he got drunk and slept. I then locked him up in the room before going back to Mrs Katsande’s homestead for more beer,” he said.
While at the Katsande homestead, village watchmen broke the news of the missing boy. Makore (Snr) joined the boy’s father Mr Munyaradzi Makore on the search party, but at midnight they had to halt.
Shamba said he met the boy’s uncle around midnight and took the boy to a nearby mountain where they killed him.
“Around midnight, we opened the door and I carried the boy, who was still in deep slumber to a mountain in the village.
“Mr Makore carried the knives and the plastic bags. While here (in the mountain), I pressed the boy to the ground and cut off his head with a sharp knife, while his uncle was holding a torch for lighting.
“I also cut off the hands and legs, but we packed the parts in different plastic bags. I carried the one with the torso and the head while Mr Makore carried another one containing the legs and hands,” he said.
At the scene, investigators saw human waste, believed to have been excreted by the boy during the murder.
Shamba told detectives that he cleaned the scene of the blood and set the grass on fire to destroy evidence.
He said while walking to Makore’s homestead, he felt the load was becoming heavier before dumped the torso near Mr Summer Murwira’s homestead.
“The bag was now heavier and dogs were barking. I had to quickly drop the torso and proceeded with the head,” he said.
While at Makore’s homestead, Shamba said he was instructed to put the head in one of the rooms, which he did.
The following day, Shamba said he dumped the arms and legs at a nearby grave as police investigations were intensifying.
Villagers, eager to follow the proceedings, could be seen watching from a distance.
Police are still hunting for a third man, described as a witchdoctor, to whom the head was allegedly delivered.-The Herald
Farai Dziva|The bail application hearing for
Zimbabwe National Students Union (ZINASU) president Takudzwa Ngadziore has been postponed to October 1.
Ngadziore’s bail application hearing was postponed to 1 October by a High Court judge.
The Zimbabwe Lawyers for Human Rights (ZLHR) said in a brief statement:
ZINASU leader [Takudzwa Ngadziore] will have to spend more time in jail awaiting the outcome of his bail appeal filed by Webster Jiti of [the ZLHR] after High Court Judge postponed hearing and determination of his matter to Thursday to allow the State to file its response to his freedom bid.”
Ngadziore was arrested for allegedly protesting against Impala Car Rental’s role in the abduction of Tawanda Muchehiwa in July.
Farai Dziva|The British Ambassador to Zimbabwe, Melanie Robinson has described the persecution of MDC Alliance Youth Assembly member, Hon Joana Mamombe as worrisome.
In a tweet, Ambassador Robinson urged Mr Emmerson Mnangagwa’s government to respect fundamental human rights.
“Saddened by the treatment of opposition MP Joana Mamombe in #Zimbabwe.
Hard to see this as her being treated with fairness and dignity.
Calling for her rights and the rights of all those detained here to be fully upheld,” Ambassador Robinson posted on Twitter.
Government has put around 10 000 qualified, but unemployed, teachers on standby to replace those that are holding the State to ransom by engaging in an illegal industrial action.
Primary and Secondary Education Minister, Ambassador Cain Mathema, told the state media that measures had been put in place to employ the bulk of qualified, but jobless, teachers.
Cain Mathema
Some teachers did not report for duty when examination classes resumed on Monday, citing incapacitation and lack of personal protective equipment (PPEs) at schools.
Although the first phase of the reopening of schools started safely this week, with no pupil testing positive for Covid-19 following sound measures to insulate stakeholders from contracting the deadly virus, some teachers continued with their class boycott yesterday.
This prompted the Government to come up with emergency measures to ensure learning was not disrupted.
Ambassador Mathema said the Government would not allow a situation where pupils who had lost precious time during the Covid-19 lockdown, continued to be disenfranchised.
“Negotiations between Government and its workers are ongoing and we hope that they will soon find common ground to improve the lives of civil servants.
“Some teachers might want to hold the Government to ransom by not reporting for duty waiting for the completion of these negotiations. What we are saying is that learners have not been going to school since March and the Government will not allow a situation where they continue to be disadvantaged.
“We have at least 10 000 teachers who are unemployed and if the crunch comes, we will be left with no option but to quickly employ some of those teachers. Schooling has to go on and we will employ if there is need to,” said Ambassador Mathema.
Government recently availed a total of $600 million for disbursement to needy schools to improve sanitation and enable them to reopen safely without risking a spike in Covid-19 infections.
It also ordered those who did not meet the prescribed standards not to re-open.
Ambassador Mathema said the June public examinations were held successfully, and to date after this week’s re-opening, no student had tested positive for Covid-19, a sign of adequate adherence to the prescribed protocols.
Speaking at a post-Cabinet media briefing in Harare last night, Information, Publicity and Broadcasting Services Minister Senator Monica Mutsvangwa announced the establishment of Sentinel Surveillance Centres to protect teachers and learners.
“Following the decision to allow for the phased re-opening of schools, Cabinet noted that the dissemination of Covid-19 standard operating procedures has laid the foundation for the establishment of Sentinel Surveillance Centres.
“The centres will assist in monitoring adherence to Covid-19 protocols and promote a safe learning environment. Every school has been linked to a specific health team. This strategy will ensure active rapid response at local level,” she said.
Designated temporary isolation holding bays had been set up at each school for individuals requiring further health attention after screening.
“There is mandatory logging and thermal screening at every school entry and exit point in order to enhance contact tracing and surveillance.
“Schools that are unable to provide water are being advised that they cannot re-open before the situation is rectified,” said Minister Mutsvangwa.
Meanwhile, the schools calendar will not be changed and a crash programme for schools might be put in place for students to catch up and proceed to the next level. -Herald
Farai Dziva|MDC Alliance vice president Hon Tendai Biti has dismissed claims by State Security Minister, Owen Ncube, that the popular opposition party is plotting to remove Mr Emmerson Mnangagwa from power through unconstitutional means.
Hon Biti described the claims as Mr Mnangagwa’s old antics.
“The regime is preparing for clamp down.
It has an itch that needs scratching.These are old Mnangagwa tactics. In the 80 s they planted arms on ZAPU farms.
They are at it again.The Alliance believes in peaceful constitutional change.Stop this psychotic nonsense.#ZimbabweanLivesMatter,” argued Hon Biti.
The herdsman, Tafadzwa Shamba, who was recently arrested over the ritual murder of Tapiwa Makore (7) at Makore Village in Murehwa yesterday told detectives he killed the boy by cutting off the head with a knife in the dead of the night, while the boy’s uncle was holding a torch.
He was taken by detectives to Makore Village in Murehwa yesterday for an inspection in loco.
The murder suspect…
Shamba said after the murder, he carried a black plastic bag containing the head and the dismembered body while his employer, who is the boy’s uncle, Tapiwa Makore (Senior), carried another bag containing the arms and legs.
Makore has since also been arrested and he appeared in court yesterday where he was remanded in custody on murder charges.
Clad in prison garb, Shamba, who was visibly jittery, led the police to the garden where he kidnapped the boy allegedly under the instructions of the boy’s uncle.
From there, Shamba led the team of detectives to the uncle’s homestead where he said he fed the boy, drugged him with kachasu and locked him up in a room for hours.
“I went to the kitchen hut and brought the boy sadza and dried fish. I washed his hands before giving him the food. After eating, I went to Mrs Katsande’s homestead where I bought five litres of illicit brew (kachasu).
“I drank the beer to gather courage. I also put a bit of sugar into the brew and offered it to the boy who took it until he got drunk and slept. I then locked him up in the room before going back to Mrs Katsande’s homestead for more beer,” he said.
While at the Katsande homestead, village watchmen broke the news of the missing boy. Makore (Snr) joined the boy’s father Mr Munyaradzi Makore on the search party, but at midnight they had to halt.
Shamba said he met the boy’s uncle around midnight and took the boy to a nearby mountain where they killed him.
“Around midnight, we opened the door and I carried the boy, who was still in deep slumber to a mountain in the village.
“Mr Makore carried the knives and the plastic bags. While here (in the mountain), I pressed the boy to the ground and cut off his head with a sharp knife, while his uncle was holding a torch for lighting.
“I also cut off the hands and legs, but we packed the parts in different plastic bags. I carried the one with the torso and the head while Mr Makore carried another one containing the legs and hands,” he said.
At the scene, investigators saw human waste, believed to have been excreted by the boy during the murder.
Shamba told detectives that he cleaned the scene of the blood and set the grass on fire to destroy evidence.
He said while walking to Makore’s homestead, he felt the load was becoming heavier before dumped the torso near Mr Summer Murwira’s homestead.
“The bag was now heavier and dogs were barking. I had to quickly drop the torso and proceeded with the head,” he said.
While at Makore’s homestead, Shamba said he was instructed to put the head in one of the rooms, which he did.
The following day, Shamba said he dumped the arms and legs at a nearby grave as police investigations were intensifying. Villagers, eager to follow the proceedings, could be seen watching from a distance.
Police are still hunting for a third man, described as a witchdoctor, to whom the head was allegedly delivered. -Herald
Farai Dziva|MDC Alliance vice president Hon Tendai Biti has dismissed claims by State Security Minister, Owen Ncube, that the popular opposition party is plotting to remove Mr Emmerson Mnangagwa from power through unconstitutional means.
Hon Biti described the claims as Mr Mnangagwa’s old antics.
“The regime is preparing for clamp down.
It has an itch that needs scratching.These are old Mnangagwa tactics. In the 80 s they planted arms on ZAPU farms.
They are at it again.The Alliance believes in peaceful constitutional change.Stop this psychotic nonsense.#ZimbabweanLivesMatter,” argued Hon Biti.
Farai Dziva| The MDC Alliance Youth Assembly( United Kingdom and America Provinces) have donated mealie-meal to socially disadvantaged people in Masvingo Urban Constituency.
MDC Alliance national Youth Assembly organising secretary and ward four Masvingo Urban Councillor, Godfrey Kurauone distributed 100 bags of mealie-meal, sourced from the UK and America Youth Assembly Provinces on Tuesday.
The remaining 20 bags out of the total of 120- will be distributed later this week.
Councillor Kurauone told ZimEye.com the programme has been unrolled as part of efforts to help hundreds of citizens affected by the prolonged lockdown phase.
“This is a goodwill gesture meant to assist hundreds of citizens who were affected by the lockdown phase. The affected people did not receive anything from the government during the difficult phase,” said Councillor Kurauone.
Farai Dziva| The MDC Alliance Youth Assembly( United Kingdom and America Provinces) have donated mealie-meal to socially disadvantaged people in Masvingo Urban Constituency.
MDC Alliance national Youth Assembly organising secretary and ward four Masvingo Urban Councillor, Godfrey Kurauone distributed 100 bags of mealie-meal, sourced from the UK and America Youth Assembly Provinces on Tuesday.
The remaining 20 bags out of the total of 120- will be distributed later this week.
Councillor Kurauone told ZimEye.com the programme has been unrolled as part of efforts to help hundreds of citizens affected by the prolonged lockdown phase.
“This is a goodwill gesture meant to assist hundreds of citizens who were affected by the lockdown phase. The affected people did not receive anything from the government during the difficult phase,” said Councillor Kurauone.
A Harare woman appeared in court facing allegations of hiring thugs to assault her two “rivals” resulting in the death of one of them, days after the incident, while the other is nursing injuries in hospital.
Rebecca Masawi appeared before Harare magistrate, Mrs Barbra Mateko, charged with murder, kidnapping and robbery.
She was being jointly charged with Zvikomborero Zvikoni, Liberty Guruve and Tendai Dhai, who she allegedly hired to attack the two women.
Zvikoni, Guruve and Dhai are said to have kidnapped the two at midnight on July 31 this year, brutally assaulted and dumped them at Lake Chivero.
Names of the victims were not revealed in court as police are still investigating matter.-The Herald
Zanu PF legislator for Gokwe-Nembudziya, Justice Mayor Wadyajena has with immediate effect resigned from his Midlands provincial youth league position citing age.
The flamboyant politician confirmed on Twitter that he is now over the targeted age of being in the youth league.
“Effective immediately, I resign from my position as Secretary for Administration, ZANU-PF Youth League, Midlands Province. I’ll certainly miss my Comrades there but there’s always a time to say goodbye and this is it! Being over 35, I’m not a youth any longer!,” said Wadyajena.
Today, MDC Alliance United Kindom and United States of America youth led by charismatic and popular President Nelson Chamisa donated 120 bags of 10kg meal-mealie to Masvingo disadvantaged residents.
100 bags of 10kgs of meal-mealie were distributed today.
The other 20 bags of 10kg meal-mealie will be distributed any time soon.
Many Masvingo residents were affected by covid-19 lockdown.
The donation from UK and United States of America youth assemblies were received and distributed by MDC Alliance National youth organiser Godfrey Kuraone to vulnerable residence.
Masvingo ward 4 councillor Godfrey Kuraone said, “We thank our MDC Alliance UK and USA youth assemblies for assisting the needy people. Meal-Mealie is now expensive and therefore this donation came at the right time. ”
MDC Alliance led by President Nelson Chamisa has been involved in many social responsibilities to assist the needy.
Few months ago before his arrest councillor Godfrey Kuraone gave chicken inn, food hambers and blankets to homeless people at Mucheke bus terminus in Masvingo.
Councillor Godfrey Kuraone was detained in remand prison for 42 days and was finally acquitted by Masvingo Magistrate. He was arrested for participating in 31 July 2020 demonstrations.
Kimberely Tariro Mamhende a political analyst said, “The great humanitarian work done by United States of America and UK MDC youth assemblies is high commendable. Zimbabweans are suffering due to Zanu PF’s misrule. Food is very expensive. May God bless youth assembly for this great assistance.”
Kindly see attached picture of some of the people who received meal-meal.
Information Minister Monica Mutsvangwa giving the post cabinet meeting briefing.
The Zimbabwean Government has declared a new Covid-19 find raising scheme to finance testing laboratories.
The goverment says that travelers coming into the country with Covid-19 symptoms will pay US$60 for testing whether they have a Covid-19 free certificate or not.
Addressing journalists during the 34th post Cabinet briefing in Harare, Information, Publicity and broadcasting Services minister Monica Mutsvangwa said funds realized from the testing will go towards replenishing of laboratory commodities.
“As a measure to guarantee the safety of travelers, Cabinet further resolved that in line with Statutory Instrument 216(5) Section 8, which requires travelers showing COVID-19 symptoms, whether or not they have a covid-19-free certificate to be tested, a nominal fee of US$60 be levied on travelers tested at ports of entry,” said Mutsvangwa “and that the proceeds be used to replenish laboratory commodities.”
Investigators at the Zimbabwe Anti-Corruption Commission (Zacc) are rushing to arrest suspects without gathering enough evidence against them for a quick trial, a Harare magistrate said yesterday.
Magistrate Trynois Utahwashe said as a result there was slow progress in trying accused persons as investigations into most matters were still pending, so the trial could not open.
He said he sees no reason why Zacc officers had to rush to arrest people without gathering enough evidence.
Mr Utahwashe raised the issue of gathering evidence before arrest when the State led by Mr George Manokore indicated that investigations into former NetOne chief executive officer Lazarus Muchenje and seven others were still in progress. The eight are facing charges of criminal abuse of office or alternatively contravening the Postal and Telecommunications (International Telecommunications Rates) involving over US$1 million.
Muchenje is jointly charged with the NetOne interconnection and roaming manager Tawanda Sibanda, acting chief finance officer Tinashe Severa, chief technology officer Darlington Gutu, chief operating officer Spencer Manguwa, acting head of legal Tanyaradzwa Chingombe, former board member Paradzayi and Chakona Shamaine Kedenhe.
Mr Utahwashe said the State must push Zacc officers to speed up their investigations and furnish accused people with trial dates within a shortest possible period.
“I am disappointed at the way these investigating officers, especially at ZACC handle their business. They should not pin their hopes on the courts, who continue remanding the accused persons while they carry out their investigations,” he said.
He said he will not allow another postponement in the trial of Muchenje and his accomplices if the State fails to furnish them with a trial date on October 29.
Mr George Manokore, prosecuting, said he liaised with investigators at Zacc but was yet to be upraised on progress on investigations.
He made an undertaking to make a follow up to make sure that investigations were complete so that the accused can be tried in court.
The Zimbabwe dollar ends a very active month trading at 81.44 to the United States according to this Tuesday’s Reserve Bank of Zimbabwe-RBZ auction results.
Pegged at 81.50 last week, the Zimbabwe dollar strengthened once again this week with this Tuesday’s RBZ auction system leaving the local currency selling at 81.44 per every US dollar.
A total of 24 million United States dollars were allotted this Tuesday with all qualifying bids being satisfied.
Hundreds of Zimbabweans living in Botswana volunteered to be repatriated back home when the country declared its first state of public emergency.
Paul Nyathi|In news that is certainly not be good for most Zimbabweans, neighbouring Botswana will continue under the ongoing state of public emergency for another six months in an attempt to curtail the spread and transmission of the COVID-19 pandemic, the country’s parliament said Monday.
President Mokgweetsi Masisi approached the national assembly during an extraordinary meeting of parliament to seek a resolution for the country to be placed under a state of emergency.
Addressing the meeting, Masisi said it is regrettable that the southern African country has recently experienced an exponential rise in local transmissions after lifting movement restrictions.
“Indeed, COVID-19 has now become a national health and security threat,” said Masisi, adding that extension of the state of emergency provides a better option for safeguarding the lives of Batswana (citizens of Botswana) while controlling and containing the disease.
“Now more than ever, it has become necessary to strengthen our national response to the pandemic given our fragile and limited resources,” he said.
The southern African country will maintain several restrictions, including limits to international travelers and tourism by keeping the borders shut, in contrast to neighboring South Africa and Zimbabwe, which are opening up their economies.
A huge number of Zimbabweans survive on cross border trading with Botswana and thousands of other Zimbabweans are living in that country and will remain locked down without seeing their relatives for much longer.
Botswana, a diamond-rich, landlocked country of 2.3 million people, has reported 3,172 confirmed cases of COVID-19, including 16 deaths, according to figures released Tuesday by the Africa Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
“The disease burden has made it clear and imperative for us to extend the state of public emergency in the interest of the public,” said President Mokgweetsi Masisi, before parliament voted to continue the emergency on Monday night.
Botswana will continue to restrict public gatherings but it has reopened schools and allows the sale of liquor during limited hours. Facemasks must be worn in all public places.
The government has spent nearly all of its 2 billion Botswanan pula ($171 million) COVID-19 relief fund to provide wage subsidies for ailing businesses, distribution of food to needy families and to buy medical supplies for hospitals.
Leading opposition figures criticized the extension of the state of emergency.
“Households are under severe financial strain with wages in the tourism sector cut and the wage subsidy not in place to assist them,” said Dumelang Saleshando, leader of the opposition party, the Botswana Congress Party.
Botswana initially declared a state of public emergency starting from April 2 following the pronouncement by the World Health Organization on March 11 that the COVID-19 outbreak was a global pandemic.
Zanu PF will tomorrow conduct primary elections to choose its parliamentary candidate in Chivi South to fill a vacancy left following the expulsion of Killer Zivhu, who was legislator for the area.
Zivhu was fired from Zanu PF for abusing social media and treacherous behaviour and automatically lost his parliamentary seat which he won on a ruling party ticket in 2018.
The primaries come at a time when Zivhu has been making a passionate plea for readmission into the ruling party.
He has personally requested to be enrolled for reorientation as a student at the Zanu PF’s Herbert Chitepo School of Ideology.
Zivhu was fired on charges of misconduct after he wrote on his Twitter handle that for Zimbabwe’s challenges to end there was a need to push for dialogue between the first lady, Auxillia Mnangagwa, and MDC Alliance president Nelson Chamisa’s wife Sithokozile.
A cast of nine candidates will slug it out in the primaries which will be an acid test in light of the prevailing Covid-19-induced lockdown.
Former Chivi South legislator Mafios Vutete is eyeing a return and will be joined by Munyaradzi Zizhou, Rikios Hlambelo, Dennis Masomere, Peter Matuka, Enock Shindi, Naledi Maunganidze, Samson Mutsamba and Abson Madususe in the fight to represent the ruling party.
Zanu PF National Political Commissar Victor Matemadanda on Monday said it was all systems go for the primaries with Covid-19 precautionary measures put in place.
“We have set Covid-19 protective materials such as masks to cater for those who might not have them and we also have delivered sanitisers and our people will be practicing social distancing while waiting to vote with spacing of between one and two meters apart,” he said.
Matemadanda said large gatherings will not be allowed with party members expected to leave the polling centre soon after casting their ballots.
Emmerson Mnangagwa with Belarus President Alexander Lukashenko
Britain has imposed sanctions on Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko, his son and six other senior government officials following the disputed presidential election and a crackdown on protesters in Belarus.
Zimbabwe President Emmerson Mnangagwa maintains very close and good relations with the Belarus President Alexander Lukashenko
“Our countries maintain very close and good relations. My administration and the people of Zimbabwe view the Republic of Belarus as a brotherly country,” said Mnangagwa in 2019 when he visited Belarus.
U.K. Foreign Secretary Dominic Raab said Tuesday that the sanctions were introduced “in a bid to uphold democratic values and put pressure on those responsible for repression.”
The measures include a travel ban and asset freeze on eight individuals from the Belarusian government, including Lukashenko, son Victor Lukashenko and Igor Sergeenko, the head of the presidential administration.
The British government said that Lukashenko, who has ruled Belarus with an iron fist for over 26 years, is the first leader to have been sanctioned under Britain’s new global human rights sanctions program, which was introduced in July.
“Today, the U.K. and Canada have sent a clear message by imposing sanctions against Alexander Lukashenko’s violent and fraudulent regime. We don’t accept the results of this rigged election,” Raab said in a statement.
“We will hold those responsible for the thuggery deployed against the Belarusian people to account, and we will stand up for our values of democracy and human rights.”
The political opposition in Belarus has challenged the results of the country’s Aug. 9 presidential election, which gave Lukashenko a sixth term with 80% of the vote. Protests demanding his resignation have continued for more than seven weeks. Opposition figures and some poll workers say the results were fraudulent.
During the first few days of demonstrations, police arrested more than 7,000 people and used violence on protesters. Since then, opposition activists have been jailed and threatened with prosecution. a landslide.
Emmerson Mnangagwa with Belarus President Alexander Lukashenko
President Mnangagwa is tomorrow expected to launch a farm mechanisation facility from Belarus worth US$58 million at the Agricultural Engineering department in Harare.
This comes after Government launched another similar facility from a US company, John Deere in June this year to the tune of US$50 million that is also meant to boost agricultural production among new farmers.
In a statement, Information, Publicity and Broadcasting Services Ministry, said the meeting is expected to start at 8 am and will be attended by high-ranking Belarusian delegation headed by officials from the Minister of Industry, chairman of the Development Bank of the Republic of Belarus, president and CEO of the Trade and Development Bank (TDB Group, former PTA Bank), the COMESA Trade and Development Bank (Eastern and Southern Africa).
The deal is as a result of tight cooperation between Belarus and Zimbabwe. In 2018 both Zimbabwean and Belarussian governments officials agreed for the later to supply Zimbabwe with machinery and equipment for agriculture and timber industry.
The total amount of machinery and equipment to be supplied in the framework of the project is more than 800 units.
These include among others: 60 self-propelled grain harvesters, 210 precision seed drills, 474 tractors of different power capacities, fifth wheel trucks with semitrailers for transportation of heavy equipment and four dump trucks.
Also in the list of the equipment are; fifth wheel trucks with semitrailers for transportation of heavy equipment, six semitrailers with hydraulic manipulator for transportation of construction machinery, 10 drop side trucks, firefighting equipment critical in forest business, cities and other communities and emergency rescue operations.
The equipment also includes; 30 motor cycles and complete set of spare parts for every type of machinery and equipment delivered.
The implementation of the project includes the organisation of all-inclusive service center in Harare for providing service and warranty support for the machinery and equipment.
“It is equipped with necessary working area and premises, tools, repair-garage and diagnostic equipment as well as mobile service vehicles for turn-out of repair team to the regions. Local specialists will be engaged for work at the service station.
“Special attention is given to organising training classes for Zimbabweans (for each farmer) on the basis of the service center that is covered by the project. Moreover, training in Belarus will be organised for Zimbabwean technical specialists duration of at least two months. The training includes practical classes in every manufacturing plant,” said the ministry.
“The implementation of the project also involves all-in approach that includes not only full responsibility regarding warranty and service support, provision of spare parts, training of local specialists, but also providing advanced technologies, comprehensive decisions and solutions in agriculture for every agricultural period from cultivation, seeding, irrigation, planting to crop harvesting.”
The Queen is said to be ‘furious’ after Royal Household staff revolted against a plan for them to stay in a coronavirus bubble at Sandringham over Christmas.
A team of about 20 employees had been asked to remain on the monarch’s Norfolk estate without their families to support her, Prince Philip and other members of the Royal Family during the festive period.
But the group – said to involve cleaners, laundry and maintenance workers – are believed to have mutinied because they are unwilling to isolate from loved ones for four weeks.
Staff were being asked to stay for the month-long period so they could remain in a Covid bubble to protect the 94-year-old monarch.
The uprising means the Queen could be forced to spend Christmas at Windsor Castle for the first time in 33 years.
Palace officials are in the process of creating a special ‘bubble’ between Sandringham and Windsor, which means the Queen can travel between the two with the same team.
A royal source told The Sun: ‘The Queen is furious. The staff said enough is enough. It is absolutely unprecedented.
‘Everybody wants to stay loyal but they feel they’ve been pushed too far by being made to isolate from their families for Christmas.
‘Discussions are taking place with the team on operational matters but it is too early to speculate on implications for Christmas.’
The Queen typically spends her winter break at Sandringham, travelling up after the Christmas party for extended family members at Buckingham Palace in December.
Until recently she had been at Balmoral in Scotland with her 99-year-old husband Philip, but travelled down to Sandringham on September 14.
The couple decided to cut short their stay in Scotland three weeks early to spend some quiet time together in the intimate surroundings of Wood Farm on Sandringham, where Philip now lives alone in a ‘modest’ five-bedroom home.
Palace officials are creating a ‘bubble’ between Sandringham and Windsor.
This means that when the Queen returns to the castle in early October and ‘commutes’ as she resumes limited duties at Buckingham Palace during the week, she and Philip can still travel between their residences to see each other.
The prince has spent most of his time at Wood Farm since retiring from public duties in 2017 as he prefers the peace and quiet there, away from the formalities of royal life.
A royal spokesman said the Queen intends to carry out a reduced schedule of audiences and engagements at Buckingham Palace in the run up to Christmas.
But she could be forced to make a tough decision about who to invite over for Christmas Day if the current ‘Rule of Six’ restrictions remain in place into December.
Insiders say it had always been the Royal Family’s intention to get Buckingham Palace up and running as a working building as soon as Covid regulations will allow.
Balmoral will open to the public again on October 3 for guided tours. Prince Andrew was also seen leaving the estate earlier this month after spending a week holidaying with his parents.
A Chinese court has sentenced a nursery teacher to death for poisoning 25 children, one of whom died.
Wang Yun was arrested last year after children at a kindergarten in Jiaozuo city were rushed to hospital after eating their morning porridge.
The court said she put sodium nitrite in the breakfast of her colleague’s students for revenge after a fallout.
It described Ms Wang as “despicable and vicious”.
The incident on 27 March last year shocked China and triggered global headlines.
At the time it was reported 23 children began vomiting and fainting after eating their breakfast. A police probe was triggered after allegations the teacher had poisoned them.
On Monday a local court in Jiaozuo sentenced Wang to death.
It said in a statement that she had put sodium nitrite into the porridge of the young students of another teacher in “revenge” after they had “argued over student management issues”.
Sodium nitrite is often used as a food additive for curing meat but can be toxic in high amounts.
The court also said this was not the first time Ms Wang had poisoned people, referencing an earlier incident where she bought nitrite online and poisoned her husband who suffered minor injuries.
One of the poisoned children died in hospital in January after spending 10 months in hospital.
The court noted Ms Wang was “despicable and vicious, and the consequences of her crimes were extremely serious, and she deserves to be severely punished.”
While China refuses to disclose how many people it executes, rights groups believe thousands are killed every year.
The sentence is carried out by lethal injection or by firing squad.
MDC Alliance leader Nelson Chamisa has dismissed claims by State Security minister Owen ‘Mudha’ Ncube that his party is smuggling guns into the country to topple President Emmerson Mnangagwa’s government with the help of mostly former ZANUPF members known as the G40 faction.
Ncube on Monday made extremely sensational claims that the opposition party is planning a war against goverment with the help of some Western countries.
Writing on his social media accounts, Chamisa said the MDC Alliance does not carry any guns but comes against Mnangagwa with Jesus Christ.
Wrote Chamisa: “We must silence the guns in Africa. In the 2018 elections we got 2.6 m ballots (votes) not 2.6m bullets. We carry ideas not guns. We bring ideas not weapons. Guns are not our language. Peace is our language. Our language is ideas, disruptive technologies and thought leadership to transform our beautiful Zimbabwe! We carry no swords, only words against dictatorship and bad governance in Zimbabwe. Hatina bakatwa uya nemuseve tinofamba naJesu!”
By A Correspondent- The case of the director Commissioner of the Criminal Investigations Department (CID) Chrispen Charumbira has taken a new twist with reports suggesting that thirteen senior and junior police officers are interfering with investigations
Charumbira was arrested on Wednesday last week by the Special Anti-Corruption Unit (SACU) and detained at Rhodesville Police Station in Harare on allegations of accepting protection money from drug and gold dealers to stop criminal investigations.
The state media reports that investigations are now underway to verify reports made to the Special Anti-Corruption Unit (Sacu) by some of the witnesses that some officers from different CID departments were interfering with investigations on the case.
It is alleged that the said officers visited Charumbira while he was detained at Rhodesville Police Station without the knowledge of the investigating officers.
The state media further reports Charumbira met with the officers for the purposes of strategising or arranging to destroy evidence in other cases that are still under investigation.-statemedia
Liverpool have confirmed the departure of goalkeeper Loris Karius who had returned to the club after cutting short his loan stay at Besiktas in the Turkish Super Lig.
The German goalie has joined Bundesliga side Union Berlin on an another loan spell.
A statement by the Reds reads: “Loris Karius has completed a loan move to Bundesliga side Union Berlin for the duration of the 2020-21 season.
“The Liverpool goalkeeper returns to his homeland and the German top flight, which got under way earlier this month.
“Karius, who will link up with Reds striker Taiwo Awoniyi at Union Berlin, had spent the previous two years with Besiktas, making 67 appearances for the Turkish club over the course of the loan stay.
“The stopper has played 49 games for Liverpool since moving to Merseyside from FSV Mainz 05 back in the summer of 2016, and has been training with Jürgen Klopp’s squad during the build-up to 2020-21.”
Meanwhile, Adam Lewis (Amiens) and Morgan Boyes (Fleetwood) have already left on season-long loan deals while defender Dejan Lovren joined Russian side Zenith St Petersburg on a permanent deal.
Ovie Ejaria (Reading), Adam Lallana (Brighton), Nathaniel Clyne and Andy Lonergan have all left the club on permanent transfers.-Soccer 24
Tottenham boss Jose Mourinho has responded to Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s jibe by joking that the Manchester United coach would like a 22-yard penalty box.
Solskjaer joked about the Portuguese gaffer’s request to adjust the goals, ‘which were too small’ before the Europa League qualifier against Shkendija in Macedonia last week.
Solskjaer made the remarks after their 3-2 win against Brighton who hit the woodwork five times during the encounter. He said: “We have to be grateful Jose is not here to measure the goalposts, it might have been smaller goals!”
Jose was then asked about the comments ahead of Tottenham’s match with Newcastle on Sunday afternoon. He highlighted how Manchester have received many penalties over the past year including the injury-time spot-kick against Brighton which was awarded after the full-time whistle had been blown.
The Portugues said: “I think Ole yesterday was so happy and surprised with what happened to his team that he had a joke, but I understand for him that the dimensions of the goalposts are not important.
“For him what is important is the dimensions of the 18-yard box.
“You’d never accept to play with a 17-yard box, I think he’d prefer a 22-yard box.”
United are next in Premier League action when they host Tottenham at Old Trafford on Sunday 4 October-Soccer 24
By Nomazulu Thata | The torture and humiliation Hon. Joanne Mamombe is going through is just unbearable! No mother can cope with these degrading acts of cruelty, criminality by Zanu on a young innocent woman: Joanne Mamombe.
I appeal to fellow citizens of this great nation to stand by our young women at this dark hour of their lives. We have seen the video from the state mouthpiece ZBC, without shame, giving falsehood as to what transpired in their abductions. Why was the timing of the release of the video done during the visit of the South African delegation in Zimbabwe? Without knowledge of criminal investigations, that video is never to be believed: it is false and should be treated with disgust it deserves. The Zanu PF government should instead be ashamed to go so low as to subject young people into such audacious ordeals: torture, rape executed by their numerous secret service: they are many CIO organisations created by Mnangagwa just to confuse the army, police and judiciary.
We know this party Zanu PF during the liberation war from the Zambian side well enough. We know the notoriety of this party and its shenanigans. We know how their tribal purges within the Zanu party resulted in crimes unimagined by sensible brain faculties. We know in detail how they accused opponents falsely and those found “guilty” were executed in the brutality that is unimagined by good senses. Zanu has not stopped its brutality on its citizens. The government of Mnangagwa government are having separate structures that abduct citizens, torture them and then after, put all the blame on them again; they will tell all that they abducted themselves. What we need to do now is to stand by our young women: give them the emotional assistance wherever we are so that they do not lose their dignity.
These young women: Joanne Mamombe, Cecilia Chimbiri and Netsai Marova have been brave indeed. To survive those ordeal they were subjected to is no mean feat. We wonder still how they are going to live normal lives after those horrific experiences of abduction and torture. I do not need to repeat the stupidity and duplicitous video ZBC falsehood narrative that was indeed depressing and nauseating to those of us who know inherently criminal and thuggery of Zanu PF for decades: their criminal activities predate independence of 1980.
It is our responsibility as citizens especially mothers to give these girls: Joanne Mamombe, Cecilia Chimbiri and Netsai Marova hope and courage: they need our irrevocable embrace, empathy, comfort, and comfort.
We must never entertain Zanu PF criminality: we must remember always that Zanu can turn against you, anytime. Who has ever imagined that Marry Chiwenga would be thrown to the dogs when the powers that be thought and felt it was time for her to be discarded? We all saw how Marry danced at the inauguration of Mnangagwa after the coup, indeed “for the times they are changing.” Zanu is a party that has no values for humankind but puts those immediate friends and relatives as people, the rest we are disposables. These MDC-girls went to demonstrate against the government when they were abducted. Taking part in a demonstration is a threat to the existence of Zanu government. Torture and sexual assault is meant to silence them for the rest of their lives and never again demonstrate against Zanu, was their intention.
Coming back to who abducted these MDC-Alliance three girls: so many issues must be put into perspective here. We all remember how Pastor Evan Mawarire dupped us into believing that he was a genuine and formidable regime changer. It turned out that as a matter of fact the whole pastor was an arm of a notorious Gukurahundist: Mnangagwa. Pastor Mawarire has not come out in the open to dispute Jonathan Moyo’s revelation. We have Mashurugwis armed with Machetes, pestering the population in Midlands and Central Mashonaland: but it turned out that they were sponsored by Emmerson Mnangagwa. Recently we have soldiers that have been gunned down by unknown gunmen. It is not clear in police and army reports as to what is exactly going on in the army barracks. Slender reports are done try to appease and satisfying the anxious citizens: the truth remains hidden in the fine print disclaimer. It is open secret that not all is well in the ZNA army and the president.
Mnangagwa has a parallel CIO-structure operating unbeknown to the army, police, and Zanu PF members in party and government. Mnangagwa is duplicitous, criminal, murderous, thuggery. This secret structure abducts innocent citizens, are murdered in bushes secretly: the government does not know, are not privy; will not know this information about extra judiciary abductions because they are secretly done by CIOs only in the knowledge of Mnangagwa alone. This is how Itai Dzamara was abducted and he disappeared to the point of no return. We are yet to see people disappearing, incarcerated, brutalized, savagely beaten because Mnangagwa broods no opposition in Zimbabwe: Mnangagwa makes Ian Douglas Smith and Mugabe turn out angels, them compared to his brutality against citizens.
The Shona adage says: chisingaperi chinoshura! (Means everything has an ending) Who ever thought that Grace Mugabe will be history? She is a sad story to tell today. Indeed this Emmerson Mnangagwa will be dealt with by those young boys he teaches criminality, murder, and his thuggery practice. Whoever lives by the gun will die by the gun! So says Shakespeare in his famous English plays. These young men and women he is secretly conscripting will soon be sickened of killings and abductions of those whose offence is to demonstrate against a nation suffering from hunger and malnutrition, senseless brutality, and callous incompetence of his misrule.
We know how despots all over the world ended their long-term cruel rule: starting with Africa recently: Uganda’s Idi Amin, Zaire’s Mobutu Sese Seko, Sudan’s Omar al Bashir, Gadhafi of Libya: Mubarak of Egypt, Saddam Hussain of Iraq, Nicolae Ceausescu of Romania: the long, seemingly unending, it ended and nobody saw it coming but it happened. The thundering fall of all these despots should send a strong message to Mnangagwa that one day we shall be rid of him. We shall be rid of his mindless incompetence and cruelty and barbary of life.
Dictators often times have a false sense of strength just before they topple. Mnangagwa’s leaving the throne will be worse than all other despots because how do you run away leaving 42 children, a wife, concubines, numerous girlfriends behind him? Of the 42 children: the last one he sired with a Ndebele girl of 22 years old, two years ago: The offspring’s initials are ED: Ethan Dumisani Mnangagwa. I rest my case. However, the citizens, the people are terribly angry, and hungry. They will venge their anger at his offspring; mark my words.
Zimbabwean football legend Peter Ndlovu’s position as Mamelodi Sundowns team manager might not be safe after club president Patrice Motsepe threatened to sack those responsible for the club nearly fielding a suspended player in the 2019/20 Nedbank Cup final.
Pitso Mosimane’s charges edged Bloemfontein Celtic 1-0 in the decider, which was marred by controversy as defender Tebogo Langerman was on a suspension but sat on the bench for the clash, a situation which nearly got the club stripped off the title.
Typically, it would be Ndlovu’s fault as team manager, but it later emerged that the former Warriors captain was not in charge of the squad on that day in particular, though some Masandawana fans insisted he is to blame anyway.-Soccer 24
Zimbabwean midfielder Marvelous Nakamba’s future at Aston Villa has once again become a subject of discussion amid reports that he might be loaned before the transfer deadline day.
The 26-year-old is in his second season at the Birmingham side after joining them from Belgian giants Club Brugge last year but has fallen down the pecking order in the Claret and Blue midfield.
He was introduced in the 86th minute on Monday as a rampant Aston Villa took Premier League returnees Fulham to the sword at Craven Cottage, his first appearance in the English top-flight this season.
The Warriors midfielder is now playing second fiddle to Douglas Luis in the midfield anchorman role , a situation which might be made worse by coach Dean Smith’s pursuit of the the Chelsea pair of Reuben Loftus-Cheek and Ross Barkley.
Turkish media was yesterday awash with reports that Galatasaray have contacted Villa to negotiate a loan deal for the Zimbabwean but they also face competition for the same proposition from rivals Fenerbahce, who recently snapped up Nakamba’s friend; Tanzanian hotshot Mbwana Samatta.-Soccer 24
Farai Dziva| The MDC Alliance Youth Assembly( United Kingdom and America Provinces) have donated mealie-meal to socially disadvantaged people in Masvingo Urban Constituency.
MDC Alliance national Youth Assembly organising secretary and ward four Masvingo Urban Councillor, Godfrey Kurauone distributed 100 bags of mealie-meal, sourced from the UK and America Youth Assembly Provinces on Tuesday.
The remaining 20 bags out of the total of 120- will be distributed later this week.
Councillor Kurauone told ZimEye.com the programme has been unrolled as part of efforts to help hundreds of citizens affected by the prolonged lockdown phase.
“This is a goodwill gesture meant to assist hundreds of citizens who were affected by the lockdown phase. The affected people did not receive anything from the government during the difficult phase,” said Councillor Kurauone.
But they cannot carry this alone. From tonight through tomorrow in every WhatsApp group we are in from our unions, organisations, workplaces, families, churches and party groups focusing on one Message.
“Support our Teachers! Do not send Children to School until Gvt ensures schools are Covid safety compliant and our teachers paid a living wage in US$. We are with our Nurses and Doctors.”
And let”s prepare for mass attendances to any mass meetings called by the teachers unions to mobilise for the strike.
As well as when Taku, Joana etc come to court.
In our thousands across parties and organisations demanding their freedom as that of other political prisoners like Tunga and Last!
Amandla
Farai Dziva|MDC Alliance vice president Hon Tendai Biti has dismissed claims by State Security Minister, Owen Ncube, that the popular opposition party is plotting to remove Mr Emmerson Mnangagwa from power through unconstitutional means.
Hon Biti described the claims as Mr Mnangagwa’s old antics.
“The regime is preparing for clamp down.
It has an itch that needs scratching.These are old Mnangagwa tactics. In the 80 s they planted arms on ZAPU farms.
They are at it again.The Alliance believes in peaceful constitutional change.Stop this psychotic nonsense.#ZimbabweanLivesMatter,” argued Hon Biti.
Two years into the World Health Organization’s (WHO) ambitious effort to eliminate industrially produced trans fats from the global food supply, the Organization reports that 58 countries so far have introduced laws that will protect 3.2 billion people from the harmful substance by the end of 2021. But more than 100 countries still need to take actions to remove these harmful substances from their food supplies.
Consumption of industrially produced trans fats is estimated to cause around 500,000 deaths per year due to coronary heart disease.
“In a time when the whole world is fighting the COVID-19 pandemic, we must make every effort to protect people’s health.
That must include taking all steps possible to prevent noncommunicable diseases that can make them more susceptible to the coronavirus, and cause premature death,” said WHO Director-General Dr Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus. “Our goal of eliminating trans fats by 2023 must not be delayed.”
Fifteen countries account for approximately two thirds of the worldwide deaths linked to trans fat intake. Of these, four (Canada, Latvia, Slovenia, United States of America) have implemented WHO-recommended best-practice policies since 2017, either by setting mandatory limits for industrially produced trans fats to 2% of oils and fats in all foods or banning partially hydrogenated oils (PHO).
But the remaining 11 countries (Azerbaijan, Bangladesh, Bhutan, Ecuador, Egypt, India, Iran, Mexico, Nepal, Pakistan, Republic of Korea) still need to take urgent action.
The report highlights two encouraging trends. First, when countries do act, they overwhelmingly adopt best-practice policies rather than less restrictive ones. New policy measures passed and/or introduced in the past year in Brazil, Turkey and Nigeria all meet WHO’s criteria for best-practice policies.
Countries, such as India, that have previously implemented less restrictive measures, are now updating policies to align with best practice.
Second, regional regulations that set standards for multiple countries are becoming increasingly popular, emerging as a promising strategy for accelerating progress towards global elimination by 2023.
In 2019, the European Union passed a best-practice policy, and all 35 countries that are part of the WHO American Region/Pan American Health Organization unanimously approved a regional plan of action to eliminate industrially produced trans fats by 2025.
Together, these two regional initiatives have the potential to protect an additional 1 billion people in more than 50 countries who were not previously protected by trans fat regulations.
“With the global economic downturn, more than ever, countries are looking for best buys in public health,” said Dr Tom Frieden, President and CEO of Resolve to Save Lives. “Making food trans fat-free, saves lives and saves money, and, by preventing heart attacks, reduces the burden on health care facilities.”
Despite the encouraging progress, important disparities persist in policy coverage by region and country income level.
Most policy actions to date, including those passed in 2019 and 2020, have been in higher-income countries and in the WHO Regions of the Americas and Europe. Best-practice policies have been adopted by seven upper-middle-income countries and 33 high-income countries; no low-income or lower-middle-income countries have yet done so.
Industrially produced trans fats are contained in hardened vegetable fats, such as margarine and ghee, and are often present in snack food, baked foods, and fried foods.
Manufacturers often use them as they have a longer shelf life and are cheaper than other fats.
But healthier alternatives can be used that do not affect taste or cost of food.
Credit:WHO
Inserted by Zimbabwe Online Health Centre
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Farai Dziva|The bail application hearing for
Zimbabwe National Students Union (ZINASU) president Takudzwa Ngadziore has been postponed to October 1.
Ngadziore’
court hammer
s bail application hearing was postponed to 1 October by a High Court judge.
The Zimbabwe Lawyers for Human Rights (ZLHR) said in a brief statement:
ZINASU leader [Takudzwa Ngadziore] will have to spend more time in jail awaiting the outcome of his bail appeal filed by Webster Jiti of [the ZLHR] after High Court Judge postponed hearing and determination of his matter to Thursday to allow the State to file its response to his freedom bid.”
Ngadziore was arrested for allegedly protesting against Impala Car Rental’s role in the abduction of Tawanda Muchehiwa in July.
Farai Dziva|MDC Alliance vice president Hon Tendai Biti has dismissed claims by State Security Minister, Owen Ncube, that the popular opposition party is plotting to remove Mr Emmerson Mnangagwa from power through unconstitutional means.
Hon Biti described the claims as Mr Mnangagwa’s old antics.
“The regime is preparing for a
Emmerson Mnangagwa nicknamed the crocodile
clamp down.
It has an itch that needs scratching.These are old Mnangagwa tactics. In the 80 s they planted arms on ZAPU farms.
They are at it again.The Alliance believes in peaceful constitutional change.Stop this psychotic nonsense.#ZimbabweanLivesMatter,” argued Hon Biti.
Farai Dziva|The British Ambassador to Zimbabwe, Melanie Robinson has described the persecution of MDC Alliance Youth Assembly member, Hon Joana Mamombe as worrisome.
In a tweet, Ambassador Robinson urged Mr Emmerson Mnangagwa’s government to respect fundamental human rights.
“Saddened by the treatment of opposition MP Joana Mamombe in #Zimbabwe.
Hard to see this as her being treated with fairness and dignity.
Calling for her rights and the rights of all those detained here to be fully upheld,” Ambassador Robinson posted on Twitter.
Farai Dziva| The MDC Alliance Youth Assembly( United Kingdom and America Provinces) have donated mealie-meal to socially disadvantaged people in Masvingo Urban Constituency.
MDC Alliance national Youth Assembly organising secretary and ward four Masvingo Urban Councillor, Godfrey Kurauone distributed 100 bags of mealie-meal, sourced from the UK and America Youth Assembly Provinces on Tuesday.
The remaining 20 bags out of the total of 120- will be distributed later this week.
Councillor Kurauone told ZimEye.com the programme has been unrolled as part of efforts to help hundreds of citizens affected by the prolonged lockdown phase.
“This is a goodwill gesture meant to assist hundreds of citizens who were affected by the lockdown phase. The affected people did not receive anything from the government during the difficult phase,” said Councillor Kurauone.
By A Correspondent- School heads who turned away pupils when schools reopened on Monday said they did not want to risk the health of learners as they had no thermometers, sanitisers or face masks.
Several school heads told the Chronicle on condition of anonymity that they were still waiting for personal protective equipment (PPEs) from Government and extra teachers to take other classes. One of the school heads said:
We can’t put these pupils in danger. We don’t have enough thermometers, sanitisers, masks and the idea of attending two classes since one class is divided into two is not going on well with teachers.
So, the pupils have been turned away as we wait for the Ministry to provide the PPE and extra teachers to take other classes.
Meanwhile, Ministry of Primary and Secondary Education director of communications and advocacy, Taungana Ndoro, said they were yet to receive a detailed report following the reopening of schools on Monday.
Ndoro however, said the provincial education directors and district education officers were on the ground assessing the situation.
He admitted that there could have been cases where pupils were turned away for various reasons but said the ministry was working on the issues.-statemedia
Councillor Godfrey Kurauone distributes mealie-meal donated by MDC Alliance Youth Assembly (America and UK provinces) to residents of Masvingo Urban Constituency … more to follow
President Emmerson Mnangagwa’s top ally and Gokwe Nembudziya legislator, Justice Mayor Wadyajena has resigned from his position as Zanu PF Midlands Provincial Youth League Secretary for Administration saying he is now past 35 years hence not a youth any longer.
Posting on Twitter as breaking news, Wadyajena said his resignation is with immediate effect.
“Effective immediately, I resign from my position as Secretary for Administration, ZANU-PF Youth League, Midlands Province. I’ll certainly miss my Comrades there but there’s always a time to say goodbye and this is it! Being over 35, I’m not a youth any longer,” said Wadyajena.
Wadyajena has never shied from publicly associating with Mnangagwa even before the 2017 military coup as he often mocked former first lady Grace Mugabe during rallies in Gokwe.
PUBLIC schools reopened yesterday for the Zimbabwe School Examinations Council (Zimsec) examination classes with both staff and students adhering to the mandatory Standard Operating Procedures (SOP) in response to Covid-19 to ensure compliance.
The measures include wearing masks and observing social distancing with some schools turning away pupils as teachers failed to report for duty citing incapacitation and inadequate personal protective equipment (PPEs).
Schools reopened for the first time since March when they were prematurely closed as part of Government measures to curb the spread of Covid-19.
Government released $600 million to prepare schools for safe reopening for examination classes.
However, some schools turned away pupils as teachers failed to report for duty citing incapacitation and inadequate personal protective equipment (PPEs).
Last Friday President Mnangagwa emphasised the need for schools to strictly adhere to set down regulations so that they minimise exposure to Covid-19.
The Ministry of Primary and Secondary Education a few weeks ago released SOP in response to Covid-19 to ensure compliance to World Health Organisation and Ministry of Health and Child Care coronavirus prevention regulations.
The SOP was designed specifically to guide schools on reopening. According to the document, break and lunch time have been staggered to prevent crowding by learners while sporting activities have also been banned. Schools are now required to keep records for teachers and pupils with underlying conditions without stigmatising them.
A maximum of 35 pupils are allowed in a single classroom as learners and teachers will be required to maintain a physical or social distance of one metre in the school premises. Teachers and learners are no longer allowed to hug each other, shake hands or share desks as they used to.
Zimbabwe’s security and stability is currently under siege from a number of threats being fomented by internal and external actors.
The objective of this attack is to effect an unconstitutional change of Government following the outcome of the 2018 Harmonised Elections which was not favourable to the MDC-Alliance and its foreign backers.
As State security arms of Government, we would like to assure citizens that we are watching the environment very closely and that we shall fulfil our mandate of ensuring peace, stability and development in Zimbabwe.
Zimbabwe experienced a down-turn in Its economic success from the late 1990s when the ZANU PF Government stood resolute in its thrust to address the long outstanding Land Question.
Addressing the Land Question through the Fast Track Land Reform Programme at the beginning of the 21s, Century, drew battle lines between the ZANU PF Government, on one hand, and a host of Western-sponsored opposition forces, including the MDC, some civil society organisations (CSOs), labour and student unions as well as some professional bodies, on the other.
The latter group has always alleged that all elections that the opposition lost were stolen and has shamelessly fabricated human rights abuses in order to justify regime change.
The latest ploy of regime change has manifested Itself in the opposition’s never-ending calls for demonstrations aimed at diverting Government from pursuing its Vision 2030 agenda and stocking factionalism within ZANU PF.
They have gone to the extent of lying that there is a fall out between His Excellency, President E.D MNANGAGWA and Vice President, General (Rtd) Dr Constantino CHIWENGA. They have also attempted to cause Western countries, the SADC and Churches to turn against Government by making false allegations of human rights abuses.
The negative forces have even gone to the extent of stage managing abductions and propagating lies on social media. We also notice attempts by self-exiled G40 elements, such as Professor Jonathan MOYO, to destabilise the Security Services through making false accusations about Security Officers who are unwavering in their determination to defend national sovereignty.
The methods used by State Security agents in Zimbabwe are within the confines of the law. In the West, the Logan Act and the Patriot Act allow the use of methods which, if adopted by our Security Services, would be condemned as acts of repression.
As Security Services, we know and appreciate that they will never see anything in good light until the Land Reform is reversed and the opposition comes to power.
No country in the world and no sane people would tolerate elements who openly mobilise to close their country’s borders, particularly when the COVID-19 pandemic is threatening lives and the economy. In any country, such people would be treated as traitors.
At international law, a blockade is tantamount to a declaration of war. Government and State Security agents, in particular, have a duty to take appropriate measures to protect the flow and integrity of commerce across our borders.
There have been calls for dialogue by regime change elements within and outside the country. These calls completely ignore the ongoing Political Actors Dialogue (POLAD) to which all parties were invited.
There is nothing wrong In accommodating people and views that are not on the table. There is, nevertheless, the mischievous agenda to ignore the Y principles of democracy by attempting to push ZANU PF to abandon the mandate it won from the people in the 2018 harmonised elections.
Anyone aspiring to lead the country should wait until they get that mandate from the people In the 2023 harmonised elections. Anyone wishing to help move the country forward before then, should join POLAD.
We are watching attempts to drive Zimbabwe into chaos. Some rogue elements among us, are conniving with some hostile Western governments to smuggle guns and set up so-called Democratic Resistance Committees that are, for all intents and purposes, violent militia groups.
These plans are key components of “Operation Light House”, the brainchild of one Western power, that seeks to destroy the democratic foundations of Zimbabwe, make the country ungovernable and justify foreign intervention. As the State Security sector, we shall take concrete action to deal with such threats.
While Government is moving on with its reform agenda, we note the need for the MOC-Alliance to reform itself into a normal opposition political party that embraces outcomes of democratic processes and has the patience to wait for another opportunity to prove to voters that it deserves their trust. The world over, opposition parties in democratic dispensations have a constructive role to play in between elections.
They do not push for agendas to violently take over power, destroy public infrastructure and sabotage the livelihoods of citizens.
We want to re-assure citizens that the State Security Sector is alive to the machinations of the MDC Alliance, hostile CSOs and their Western handlers. Our gallant Security men and women will stand firm in defence of national interests and sovereignty in order to allow Government to focus on delivering its Vision 2030.
The President of Mamelodi Sundowns, Dr Patrice Motsepe today issued an apology on the Tebogo Langerman – Nedbank Cup final incident.
Dr Patrice Motsepe said:
“I would like to apologise to all the supporters and members of the Mamelodi Sundowns Family, as well as the organisations that are involved in football and all the people who love and follow football in South Africa and on the rest of the African Continent; for Tebogo Langerman being listed as a substitute during the recent Nedbank Cup final, contrary to the rules of the PSL and SAFA.
In my capacity as President of Mamelodi Sundowns I am responsible and accountable for everything that happens at Mamelodi Sundowns; whether I knew or did not know or was not aware or involved in the matter.
Our preliminary investigation indicates that the Management and Technical Team were grossly negligent and this behaviour and conduct is totally unacceptable and will not be tolerated.
A formal disciplinary hearing will be held as soon as possible and the appropriate action, including dismissal where the circumstances legally justify, will be implemented.
We are a caring, loving and forgiving organisation but we also have a duty to protect the reputation, integrity and good name of Mamelodi Sundowns.
We have to make sure that this kind of grossly negligent and reckless behaviour does not happen again.”
Mamelodi Sundowns will issue an update and report back on this matter in due course.
Such are unnecessary actions that could have a bitter impact on the team’s technical team. Especially to the team manager Peter Ndlovu who should have known.
Fans have placed all the blame on him and are calling for his axing.
Government is setting up measures to tighten the rules on how a certificate which doctors need in order to get work abroad is issued as medical professionals flee the country’s collapsing economy.
The so-called “Certificate of Good Standing” issued by the Medical and Dental Practitioners Council of Zimbabwe may now need prior approval by the state, the Zimbabwe Senior Hospital Doctors Association said.
Professional bodies rely on the document as proof of clearance that doctors seeking work and study placement in a foreign country, among other things, have no outstanding disciplinary issues regarding patient care.
“The CGS is never issued by a government anywhere in the world,” the doctors association said in a Twitter posting.
Zimbabwe’s two-decade economic collapse is touching new lows with inflation at more than 750% and the country’s currency collapsing. Shortages of food and fuel are common and a quarter of the population, including many of the country’s doctors and teachers, have left to seek work in South Africa, the U.K. and other countries.
“This has a bearing, as the government determines who goes out of the country,” Aaron Musara, the secretary-general of the doctors association, said in an interview on Monday.
“The government is trying to retain staff at a time when they are failing to keep them” happy in their work,” he said.
Jasper Chimedza, Zimbabwe’s permanent secretary for health, didn’t respond to calls seeking comment.
The southern African nation’s health sector has not been spared from the wider economic meltdown. It’s frequently been hard-hit by strikes lasting several months over low wages and shortages at public hospitals of everything from medicines to personal protective equipment needed to fight the coronavirus pandemic.
Doctors earn salaries starting at Z$9,000 ($110) per month. The council, which has 3,371 registered doctors in the country, didn’t immediately respond to emailed queries.
Government has ruled out the holding of by elections this year due to coronavirus restrictions.
This comes as the Zimbabwe Electoral Commission has set December 5 as a possible date for local authorities and national assembly by elections.
Parliamentary and Legal Affairs Minister Ziyambi Ziyambi said it’s not possible to have by elections this year. He said he did not know where ZEC got the December 5 dates from because the President is the one who proclaims the dates.
However, speaking at a meeting organised by the Election Resource Centre recently, ZEC chairperson Priscilla Chigumba said that the nomination court is set for October 23.
THE Judicial Service Commission (JSC) yesterday held interviews to select five judges for the Constitutional Court (Concourt) bench in compliance with the 2013 Constitution, which requires the separation of judicial personnel manning the apex court and the Supreme Court.
Eight candidates participated in the interviews held at a city hotel and was streamed live on ZBC TV to fill the five posts.
Although there were 12 candidates shortlisted, four of them could not take part because they either withdrew or did not confirm their attendance, while one who is said to be abroad could not travel for the interviews due to Covid-19.
Of the eight candidates who took part in the interviews, five are currently acting judges of the Constitutional Court, one Supreme Court judge, one High Court judge and a lawyer from police legal department.
Supreme Court judge, Justice Chinembiri Bhunu was the first to face the interviewing panel led by Chief Justice Luke Malaba.
The judge gave a good account of himself when answering all the first four sets of questions to test the judges understanding of the Constitution and the apex court functions.
However, the judge could not explain why he had several judgments and cases uncompleted when he was still a High Court judge.
One of the cases is a murder trial, which had been outstanding for 15 years after being postponed indefinitely.
His explanation was that the accused person died in prison and had postponed the case to allow the State to file death certificate, which has not been done to date.
The Chief Justice sought to know why Justice Bhunu could not manage the case since it was before him and ensure that it had been disposed of.
“That case is not an outstanding case. The accused could have died in prison,” he said.
But the Chief Justice responded by saying that the death of an accused in prison did not mean the death of the case.
He said a judge cannot place his responsibility on other players in the justice delivery system.
Second to be interviewed was Justice Paddington Garwe.
The judge who had garnered enough layers of experience as a career judicial officer having risen through the ranks from the magistrates’ court, High Court, Supreme Court and now acting judge of the Constitution Court said he did not anticipate any challenges in the execution of his duties if he were to become a Concourt judge. He boasted a clean record.
Justice Ben Hlatshwayo acquitted himself well. However, just like Justice Bhunu, the judge also had several outstanding cases which he tried to explain the reasons for the delay.
He said in some of the cases there were no issues between the parties involved.
He also cited other reasons that prevented him from disposing of the matter. He was able to articulate the question on judicial accountability.
The judge also said he has acquired vast experience on Constitutional matters given the fact that he was a consultant during the COPAC, which gave birth to the new Constitution.
He also participated in the 1999 constitution making process which resulted in the rejection of the draft document the following year. This, he said was an advantage to him if he is appointed to the Constitutional Court bench.
Justice Rita Makarau faired well as she managed to answer all the questions without much strain.
Justice Anne-Mary Gowora, Mr Smart Mirirai, Justice Bharat Patel and Justice Happias Zhou were also interviewed yesterday.
The interviewing panel included Chief Justice Malaba, Deputy Chief Justice Elizabeth Gwaunza, Judge President George Chiweshe and Attorney-General Advocate Prince Machaya, among others.
The Supreme Court and Constitutional Court benches were split in May this year in compliance to the 2013 constitution.
Of the 12 shortlisted candidates, Justice Donald Stevenson Corke is out of the country and was unable to attend the interview while Justice Charles Hungwe voluntarily pulled out of the race.
FORMER Warriors captain and coach, Misheck Chidzambwa, who is not feeling well, is hopeful for a quick recovery to reignite his romance with the game of football.
Chidzambwa, who played for Dynamos and the national team, is set to undergo surgery to remove a growth in the stomach.
He has been admitted to a local medical facility in Harare where the doctors are doing their best to manage his condition.
“I haven’t been feeling well since the coronavirus lockdown started,” he told The Herald yesterday.
“But, I must say my condition is stable and there is nothing to worry about.
“I am due to go for an operation, which might take place any time from now.
“I am just waiting for the confirmation of the dates.”
The Zimbabwe football legend has been living in the shadows of football since his last job with Blue Rangers in 2011.e r
Social media yesterday was awash with pictures of the former Dynamos and Warriors kingpin on a hospital bed.
However, many users raised the red flag as they felt it was inappropriate to circulate such images without the consent of the family.
Recently, another social media user posted an appeal for donations to help meet Chidzambwa’s medical bills.
However, the family have since distanced themselves from such a request.
Chidzambwa’s medical bills are being taken care of by his former employers at Chapungu, the Air Force of Zimbabwe.
The family also requested for privacy to allow the defender to go through his treatment without distractions from the social media.
“I really appreciate the concern from the sports fraternity but, if I really wanted assistance, I could have sent an SOS long back,’’ said Chidzambwa.
“Currently, I am being taken care of by the Air Force of Zimbabwe. I am a pensioner in the force and they do take care of their pensioners.
“But if anyone feels he wants to buy a bun for me, from a well-meaning heart, well, I cannot reject such an expression of love.
“As for the medical bills, like I said, the Air Force are doing their part.’’
Misheck and his elder brother, Sunday, are legends of domestic football.
Both were tough defenders for Zimbabwe, as well as Dynamos, and they both captained the national team at some stage.
Although, Sunday’s profile is bigger than that of his younger brother, the latter has also done well for himself in the game.
He made history by becoming the first captain to lift silverware, with the Warriors, when Zimbabwe won the Cecafa Senior Challenge Cup at Rufaro in 1985.
The fact that the country had to wait until 2000, to win another tournament — the Cosafa Cup — illustrates the importance of that early silverware.
Ironically, Misheck was the coach of those Warriors who won the Cosafa Cup at the turn of the millennium.
They thrashed Lesotho 6-0 on aggregate in a final that featured two legs.
Luke Petros, Robson Chisango and Benjani Mwaruwari were on target in the second leg before about 30 000 fans at Barbourfields.
Misheck still remembers the landmark victory in the Cecafa Cup.
“It was a tough match. Kenya was a powerhouse and had won the Cup twice,” said Chidzambwa in an interview with the Herald last year.
“I was more of a utility player and could play right back and sometimes centre half.
“Other players in that team were Joel Shambo (late), David Mwanza (late) and goalkeeper Japhet “Shortcat” Mparutsa.
“We were so excited to win the trophy. We were so passionate about football yet we were not full-time footballers.
“We would come from our different work-places and train after hours. I worked for Zimbabwe Republic Police (Signals department).”
He played for about five years, for the national team, before hanging up his boots in 1987 due to a leg injury.
“It’s a God-given talent and we are happy to contribute as a family. We just played our football but, in the process, also created history,” he said.
Chidzambwa had coaching stints at Tanganda, Chapungu, Sporting Lions and Blue Ribbon.
In the late “90s, Chidzambwa deputised the late Ian Porterfield, as well as the late Dutch coach, Clemence Westerhof at the Warriors bench, before eventually taking over in 2000.
The football community yesterday took to social media to wish him a speedy recovery after the picture, showing him lying in hospital, started circulating.
Owen Ncube accuses opposition, G40 and other opponents of destabilising country:"Zim's security and stability is currently under siege from a number of threat being formented by internal & external actors,the objective of this attack is to effect an unconstitutional change of gvt pic.twitter.com/YxFVYZ5vv4
Cracks started appearing in the Thokozani Khupe-led MDC-T on Monday after police ended their siege, at least temporarily, on the opposition party’s disputed headquarters in Harare.
MDC-T organising secretary Abednico Bhebhe said demands made by youths from the MDC-T and MDC Alliance after they seized the building on Sunday night were “not unreasonable.”
About 60 youths from the two feuding parties issued a joint statement on Monday demanding unity among leaders and an end to unilateral actions, hours after they barricaded themselves inside Harvest House.
Armed police started massing outside the building at 3AM on Monday, and tried to negotiate with the youths to come out without success. Police were eventually withdrawn at dusk.
At least nine MDC Alliance youths were arrested outside the building.
MDC-T chairman Morgen Komichi was the only senior official from either party allowed into the building where he held talks with the youths and then left.
The party’s secretary general Douglas Mwonzora arrived moments later but was denied entry. He claimed the building had been taken over by the MDC Alliance on the orders of its leader Nelson Chamisa, telling reporters: “We are going to take our property back, and we are going to take it today. It’s a question of time.”
Mwonzora claimed MDC Alliance youths “overpowered” their security guards and were holding 12 people hostage, which the youths denied.
The MDC-T seized the building from the MDC Alliance in June with the help of the police and army after a controversial Supreme Court ruling in March. The court said the MDC-T should return to its 2014 structures when it last held a congress, which would make Khupe the leader.
Paul Gorekore, the MDC-T’s youth chairman for Harare province, showed police and reporters a letter signed by Mwonzora giving him authority of securing the building. Mwonzora claimed the letter had expired.
He said he had assembled youths from the 2014 structures – from the MDC-T and MDC Alliance – who were now in charge of the building.
Gorekore spoke to reporters from behind burglar bars which had been fortified with chains and new locks. Some MDC-T activists tried to drown him out, accusing him of “selling out the struggle”.
“We, the young people of the Movement for Democratic Change in Harare province united together to finish the people’s democratic revolution. As the first line of defence of the party, the vanguards of democracy and the custodians of the party and its future we have assumed all security duties of the Party HQ,” Gorekore said.
He said they had “noted the attempt to surrender the democratic project into the hands of the enemy”, adding that the MDC-T “has been infiltrated by sell-outs with an agenda to derail our freedom.”
“This act of bravery was necessitated by the need to protect our beloved movement and the Zimbabwean people’s fight for better lives. Individuals have been making decisions without the mandate of the Zimbabwean voters, districts, provinces, the party’s National Executive and National Council organs which have not sat since the Supreme Court judgment,” Gorekore added.
Long day … Police officers resting under a truck on Monday during Harvest House siege
MDC-T organising secretary Bhebhe, in a statement, sided with the rebellious youths as he accused his colleagues of making decisions unilaterally.
“We note the position taken by the Harare province youth of the MDC-T in its collective sense. We also note their concerns, in particular the interest that Zanu PF has shown with the intention of dividing and derailing the movement,” Bhebhe said.
“In particular, they have expressed concern about what appears as unilateral conduct and decision making of some senior leaders without involving the organs of the party such as the National Executive Committee and to some extent the National Council. Such decisions involve the recalls (of MDC Alliance councillors and MPs) without the authority of the National Executive Committee as well as the preparation of the EOC without reporting to the National Executive Committee as per the party constitution.”
Bhebhe said the calls by the youths for a united party and a meeting of the NEC which has not met since the March 31 court judgment “are not unreasonable demands.”
“I would like to call upon the acting president Thokozani Khupe, the acting chairman and secretary general to take necessary steps to convene the 2014 National Executive Committee and National Council as composed in the 2014 Congress,” Bhebhe said.
Bhebhe said the MDC-T’s youths from Harare province were “conducting our party business peacefully and are protected by the party constitution.”
Listening to the celebrations of the 21st MDC inception, I cannot help but remind the people of Matabeleland to stop dreaming and be realist in supporting a politician like Nelson Chamisa.
How long have we demonstrated our national wish to remain as one nation of Zimbabwe: so were the wishes of our fallen fathers and mothers who championed liberation of this great country so that all tribes and races we live as one people.
It does not matter how much we demonstrate oneness and a spirit of togetherness, we do not get reciprocated, Shona speech preference at rallies and party celebrations tells us people of Matabeleland do not belong to the Zimbabwe, but we can be useful if there were elections and the removal of Zanu PF in power.
We are tired and we are dismayed at the insensitivity of Chamisa who spoke yesterday only in English and Shona. It means people of the “other region were not considered by speakers who preferred to speak Shona throughout; does it mean his message was meant for Shona speaking people only and not for the nation? When we tell the people of Mashonaland that Chamisa is not the right candidate to takeover from Zanu, we get insulted right, left and centre. Chamisa and those who spoke in Shona only are tribalist and want to perpetuate tribalism in this country. We are getting agitated about the loss of inclusion in Chamisa’s MDC politics. It is not spoken but we know that people from Mashonaland will speak in Shona always and will never attempt to learn Ndebele language. If a Ndebele does not understand Shona, “then ship out.” This is the message Chamisa is sending to Ndebele people: if you do not understand Shona do not come, you do not belong.
I am addressing this article to the people of Matabeleland. There should be some time of reckoning. Its high time we should resist being treated as second-class citizens, even by children born two years before independence, they continue to look down at us on tribal lines. It is becoming clear to us why SADC and other international bodies in the African continent do not take Chamisa seriously as a leader to take over from the feared despot Zanu PF. We lack leadership in opposition politics. This is a time we needed a leader who was inclusive in his/her leadership, but not “Alice in Wonderland” opposition that is clueless, tribalistic, they do not know if they “coming in or going away” a party bereft of ideas and can’t renew itself. It appears if Chamisa was given advice coming from outside, he is not capable to implement change. How many people have told Chamisa to change the name: MDC-A?
Chamisa’s yesterday speech left a lot to be desired. He continues with tired threats he never follows to the end. Chamisa will give threats to be carried out by the youth and not himself because he fears for his life. Curiously, he wants other people’s children to die for him. His main wish: a wish he openly utters, does not conceal it: he said the “road to the State House is now reachable: very soon he will be in the State House! Now in a country that is facing untold suffering in various forms, how is it possible to listen to an opposition leader dreaming loud about occupying the state house as his uttermost ambition? Are the supporters of MDC Chamisa so gullible?
We are concerned about the huge following that Chamisa enjoys today: Even if we remove the electorate from Matabeleland, Chamisa has a big following in Mashonaland. We are concerned about absence of advice Chamisa is getting. There was no need to compulsively give Mnangagwa threats he will never take on board. Mnangagwa and Zanu know Chamisa and his lot like the palm of their hands, they know Chamisa fears, is scared for his life, is not a revolutionary, not even a visionary leader, far from it. Professor Lumumba has on many occasions lamented about the gullible electorate that has affinity to leaders without ideas. It took over 30 years for Mashonaland Zimbabwe to realize their mistake of voting Zanu PF to power. We have not recovered from this generational mistake: Chamisa is yet another tribal preference for generations to come.
Zimbabwe is known for its high literacy: we always think their educational background will better understand national politics: not tribal politics, not regional politics but our ability to select a leader who has capacity to govern, an inclusive leader who has trek record of economics and enjoys international respect from World Bank and other money lending bodies. We have many of them out there: home and abroad, who can put this nation in a better trajectory. We have Nkosana Moyo who can do wonders in an NTA administration. There is a brilliant, eloquently intelligent young man Khaliphani Phugheni wasting in MDC-T politics with Madam Khuphe.
We are in this hellhole today because of Mashona people who voted on tribal lines in 1980. We ask the people of Mashonaland to remove their monster Zanu PF they elected in 1980. Joshua Nkomo warned repeatedly, never vote on tribal lines but choose a candidate capable to usher real independence for the coming generations. It is painful to say this because it will feed into the tribal thinking; I as someone coming from the region of Matabeleland am bias towards Chamisa. When we see tribalism being practiced by our younger generations, we despair, we realize the tribal damage Mugabe did to this nation when we see young people singing from the same script of their fathers. Tribalism is indeed imbedded in our psyche.
The people of Matabeleland region should wake up and smell the coffee. We cannot afford to be used as cannon fodder by young people of Chamisa’s age. Perhaps this Chamisa’s misshape gives us a chance to focus on regional politics and development in this region. Zapu’s advice on devolution is an opportunity to think national but act regionally, we improve our region, economically, socially, and otherwise. I am not calling for cessation per se, but developing our region that has been purposely marginalized for 4 decades.
I do not know the reason why Mawelishi Ncube and Madam Tabitha Khumalo boycotted the 21st celebrations. Their boycotting may not be the right word I am speculating. Rightfully so, they should never again attend rallies where Ndebele language is downplayed and ignored. Chamisa should continue with his Shona rallies and our region should know by now that we are second-class citizens in Chamisa’s future administration. I can now imagine Israel Dube laughing loud at me! National politics whose naked tribalism persists in Zimbabwe is disillusioning me big time.
The Zimbabwe Association of Community Radio Stations (ZACRAS) joins the world in commemorating the International Day for Universal Access to Information (IDUAI) which is annually celebrated on the 28th of September.
This year, the IDUAI comes at a time when the Government of Zimbabwe, through the Broadcasting Authority of Zimbabwe (BAZ), has commenced the commendable process of licensing community radio stations.
Additionally, starting on the 12th of October 2020 until the 21st of October 2020, BAZ will be holding public inquiries for free to air national commercial television broadcasting service license applications.
These two developments come against the background of the Zimbabwean Government also continuing with the process of establishing Information centers in remote areas to allow citizens access to the internet, albeit with challenges related to electricity and internet access.
The introduction of new players in the broadcasting scene will go a long way in promoting access to information by Zimbabweans including marginalised and underrepresented communities.
ZACRAS therefore commends the visible efforts by the Government of Zimbabwe to introduce new players in the broadcasting sector.
While we commend Government for the work that it is doing, we continue to call upon Government, through BAZ, to ensure that the licensing process for community radios and national commercial television stations is non-partisan, fair and seeks to diversify and pluralize the broadcasting sector in its entirety including content focus and ownership structure.
As the community radio licensing process is underway, ZACRAS is concerned by reports coming from some of prospective licensees relating to interference bordering on harassment from selected individuals domiciled within their communities.
Where possible, ZACRAS has engaged the Ministry of Information Officials so as to alert them about these developments.
In light of changes in technology coupled with the establishment of information centers, we further implore all concerned stakeholders to strive to ensure that the internet is accessible to all including ensuring the enactment of affordable access costs. This will in turn enable marginalized and underrepresented communities to have wider access to information platforms including digital platforms.
The International Day for Universal Access to Information (IDUAI) was declared by the United Nations and is important towards the realization of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), specifically SDG 16.10 which calls for ensuring public access to information and protection of fundamental freedoms.
The 2020 celebrations are being held under the theme: ‘Access to Information, Saving Lives, Building Trust and Building Hope’.
ABOUT 1,8 million male condoms and 88 000 female condoms have been distributed countrywide since the Covid-19 outbreak which has affected access to sexual and reproductive health rights (SRHR) services for many women and girls.
According to the Ministry of Health and Child Care, Zimbabwe needs about 173 million condoms a year as these are at the heart of HIV prevention.
Condom use is one of the seven tried and tested HIV prevention methods recommended and so far, the use of condoms is the only method that provides dual protection from sexually transmitted diseases (STIs) and unwanted pregnancies.
Its consistent and correct use can reduce the risk of HIV and some STIs by up to 99 percent.
In a statement to mark World Contraception Day commemorated globally on September 26 annually, the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) said it had to partner with the World Food Program (WFP) to distribute food and condoms to hard-to-reach areas.
Launched in 2007, the day was set aside to help raise awareness on contraception to enable young people and women of reproductive age make informed choices on their sexual and reproductive health.
Despite having one of the highest contraception prevalence rates in Africa, many Zimbabwean women and girls were affected by Covid-19 which led to travel restrictions thereby making contraceptives inaccessible.
Zimbabwe’s Contraceptive Prevalence rate (CPR) which is the proportion of women aged 15-49 using family planning is 67 percent, an improvement from 59 percent in 2010.
The Ministry of Health and Child Care partnered with UNFPA and conducted a Rapid Assessment of Covid-19 Response in the context of Maternal and Sexual and Reproductive Health in Zimbabwe recently.
The assessment showed that the Covid-19 outbreak has affected women and young people’s access to sexual and reproductive health services, including access to family planning.
UNFPA country representative Dr Esther Muia said partnering with the WFP to distribute condoms has been a great innovation that has brought sexual and reproductive health services closer to communities.
“We have reprogrammed our work to facilitate and ensure women and girls have access to contraception during the pandemic. One of the ways we have done this is entering into a partnership with our UN counterpart, World Food Programme (WFP) together with the Ministry of Health and Child Care, where we are distributing male and female condoms and sharing sexual reproductive health information at the WFP’s food distribution points throughout the country,” said Dr Muia.
“To date 1,8 million male condoms and 88 000 female condoms have been moved from Natpharm to WFP for onward distribution to communities.”
According to UNFPA, WFP has over 1 500 food distribution points, covering 311 157 households in 60 districts countrywide.
“With contraceptives, women have fewer risky births, healthier pregnancies and safer deliveries and they tend to have lower risks of death and have improved overall health. These improvements produce economic benefits, greater investments in schooling, greater productivity, greater labour force participation and, eventually, increased income, savings, investment and asset accumulation,” said Dr Muia.
In addition to challenges related to the Covid-19 pandemic, UNFPA says there remains an unmet need among women and girls of reproductive age, especially in rural areas, where the majority of the population live. “Unmet need for family planning among married couples is 10 percent in urban areas and 11 percent in rural areas while unmet need for young people is 12.6 percent nationally. More efforts are required to address this unmet need,” she said.
WFP country director Mr Francesca Erdelmann said the two organisations will also continue supplying food to maternity waiting homes where pregnant women are housed towards their delivery date at a health facility for close monitoring.
“Food distribution points are deep in the communities and in close proximity and reach to the general population, making them easier and more convenient for communities to access essential and life-saving SRHR service,” said Mr Erdelmann.
Zimbabwe National Family Planning Council executive director Dr Munyaradzi Murwira urged all SRHR stakeholders to help women access the needed contraceptives during the Covid-19 lockdown.
“Zimbabwe joins the rest of the world in celebrating and commemorating the World Contraception Day. We call upon everyone and all the stakeholders to raise the awareness about contraception and to enable young people to make informed choices on their sexual and reproductive health,” said Dr Murwira.
GOVERNMENT has insisted that commuter omnibus operators in urban centres have to operate under the Zimbabwe United Passenger Company (Zupco) ambit as it brings sanity to the transport sector.
Last week, Cabinet gave commuter operators plying intercity routes the greenlight to start operating.
The nod gave hope to those plying urban routes that they could be back on the road soon.
However, Local Government and Public Works Minister July Moyo clarified during last Wednesday’s National Assembly’s Question and Answer session that the door is still shut for urban kombi operators.
Minister Moyo said Government was remodelling the urban transport sector to make it more organised and operators who want to have their vehicles on the road should register their vehicles under the Zupco scheme.
“It is indeed Government policy to rationalise the urban transport system and the choice of Zupco is not to create a monopoly at the exclusion of other operators.
“That is why every operator has been given an opportunity with their vehicles, buses or commuter omnibus to register with Zupco so that we can make sure that the routes are well marked and we can rationalise everywhere in the urban centres.
“When it comes to the inter-city which is the responsibility of the Minister of Transport, he can answer that part of it. We are clear what we want to achieve is a rationalised urban transport system in this country,” said Minister Moyo.
Some kombi crews had become known for their notoriety and disrespect of clients.
Speaking on the same subject, Transport and Infrastructural Development Minister Joel Biggie Matiza said Government opened up the transport sector for intercity travel to facilitate easy access to resort areas.
“We have opened the inter-city to allow for those areas that are interlinked that have been opened for instance tourism. It has been opened so there is need to link tourists who travel by bus to be able to go to places like Victoria Falls and other areas. So those have been opened and opened to operators who satisfy the guidelines set by our taskforce. I’m happy that many have complied and our roads are being plied by those who did comply,” said Minister Matiza.
He said taxi operators have also been given the green light to start operating.
“Metered transport especially the taxis, we have also allowed to start operating subject to the guidelines that have been put in place. In fact, we have gone further to allow Traffic Safety Council of Zimbabwe and Driving Schools to allow the testing of taxi drivers as well. The whole chain has been taken care of in terms of metered vehicles,” he said.
The Minister commended the police for ensuring compliance on the roads.-
OUTGOING Zimbabwe Prisons and Correctional Services (ZPCS) Commissioner-General Retired Major-General Paradzai Zimondi has urged prison officers to shun corruption, saying the scourge was worse than coronavirus.
Maj-Gen (Rtd) Zimondi said this during his farewell visit to Bindura Prison yesterday. He is currently on leave pending his retirement at the end of next month after being at the helm of ZPCS for 22 years.
Major-Gen (Rtd) Zimondi, who was accompanied by his successor Comm-Gen Moses Chihobvu, said corruption is a serious pandemic that destroys a person, organisation and a nation.
“Prison officers are tasked to look after some people who were involved in corrupt activities. We cannot be seen engaging in corruption because we would have failed in our duties,” he said.
“The President, Cde Emmerson Mnangagwa talks about zero tolerance to corruption and we have to follow what our leader says. Mechanisms were put in place to ensure that corruption is dealt with but we continue to read about corruption issues.
“I am emphasising to prison officers that you should be the last people to be accused of corruption. Please desist from corruption. A disciplined officer will never engage in corrupt activities.”
He urged the officers and prisoners to work hard and not to rely on hand outs.
“A donor is the most oppressive person because he/she doesn’t want you to work for yourself. We never relied on donors during the liberation struggle but on our own efforts and we survived. I urge prison officers and inmates to continue upgrading yourselves academically. Before you rehabilitate someone, rehabilitate yourself first. Unity and teamwork is the secret to success,” he said.
Looking back on his tenure, Maj-Gen (Rtd) Zimondi said one of the reforms achieved by the ZPCS was changing the punitive correctional system inherited from the colonial era to the current rehabilitative system.
He thanked President Mnangagwa, various ministries and the nation for supporting him during his tenure, which resulted in the ZPCS being recognised as an important stakeholder in the security of the nation. He also paid a courtesy call to Minister of State for Provincial Affairs and Devolution Senator Monica Mavhunga, who described him as a hard-working and compassionate person.
“He leaves behind a legacy of patriotism and we appreciate his great leadership under which the ZPCS transformed from an institution that focused on a punitive system to a rehabilitative one,” she said.
“He is a dedicated farmer in the province and we are excited that he will now contribute to the provincial Gross Domestic Product (GDP). After losing Air Chief Marshal (Retired) Perrance Shiri, we still have a father figure in Cde Zimondi.
Turning to Com-Gen Chihobvu, Minister Mavhunga said: “Our Bindura Prison is in bad shape. Its improvement must be top priority. I recommend that you consider children of war veterans who meet your criteria during your recruitment.”
THE Government is considering placing the Cold Storage Company (CSC) under reconstruction in order to bring the entity back on its feet as it is taking long to resuscitate the entity.
The reconstruction model allows the company to recover outside of the risk of litigation by various creditors similar to what is happening to Hwange Colliery Company Limited.
Despite securing an investor in November 2018 from the United Kingdom, Boustead Beef, to revive CSC and help clear an outstanding US$36 million debt, the process seems to be taking long.
In an interview last Friday, Lands, Agriculture, Water and Rural Resettlement Minister Dr Anxious Masuka said Government was determined to make sure CSC plays a key and central role in ensuring that the livestock sector once again becomes vibrant as farmers find a market that is fair.
“In terms of progress (with regards to revival of CSC), we all know that the expectations have not been met,” he said.
“What we have now done is to ask that CSC goes into reconstruction and this week (last week), the matter is now before the courts (High Court in Bulawayo) to ensure that we start the process of reconstruction and that gives us the three months that is required to ensure that we re-evaluate CSC and determine the best way forward.
“But the Government has taken this step to ensure that CSC is thoroughly restructured so that we get CSC to perform its central role in terms of livestock development,” said the minister.
Dr Masuka said the country’s largest beef processor and marketer was key in the Government’s plan to resuscitate rural livestock.
“It used to play a critical role in ensuring it provided markets. I think it was on a monthly all round but now it’s making it very difficult for people (farmers) to sell as CSC is operating at about 10 percent capacity,” he said.
CSC has, for close to 20 years, faced operational constraints. Last year, Boustead Beef Zimbabwe committed itself to a massive capital injection of US$400 million to be spread over five years.
At the time of the announcement, machinery worth about US$16 million had been procured and was awaiting delivery to the company’s headquarters in Bulawayo. The company had also started repairing key infrastructure at CSC ranches.
Asked if the reconstruction of CSC implied that Boustead Beef has failed to rejuvenate CSC, Dr Masuka said:
“No, the reconstruction does not mean that the investor is failing. The circumstances are such that, as thought, you cannot deliver the outcome, so we need reconstruction. “Reconstruction simply allows that creditors must move out, we bring in a manager who evaluates the business and says what we have agreed is it the best framework to take the operation forward or not because of the delays that have happened.”
Boustead Beef was being financed by various investors from the United Kingdom, America, Switzerland, Hong Kong and Australia, all having shareholding in the business.
The company was also putting in a US$3 million state-of-the-art Information Technology system for the whole process from the farmer right through to the product on the shelf.
CSC’s Bulawayo complex is the largest meat slaughtering facility in Africa and only trails Botswana Meat Commission in terms of the latest technologies. The company has set sights on purchasing a huge fleet of trucks for the collection of cattle as well as refrigerated trucks to ferry carcasses for export.
At its peak, CSC handled up to 150 000 tonnes of beef and associated by-products annually and exported to the European Union, where it had an annual quota of 9 100 tonnes of beef. The company used to earn the country about US$45 million per year.
The United Kingdom ambassador to Zimbabwe, Melaine Robinson has expressed concern on the Zimbabwean goverment persecution of MDC Alliance MP Joanna Mamombe.
A Harare magistrate last week confined Mamombe, to prison pending a mental evaluation.
Bianca Makwande ordered Mamombe, who was abducted and sexually abused by suspected state security agents early this year, to be evaluated by two state doctors.
Mamombe was initially arrested when she did not appear in court last week after she was admitted to a local hospital complaining of some health issues. The warrant for her arrest was canceled when her doctor submitted evidence that she was unwell. Prosecutor Michael Reza then sought an order from the court for her mental evaluation.
Robinson condemned the treatment on Mamombe in her Twitter page:
Saddened by the treatment of opposition MP Joana Mamombe in #Zimbabwe. Hard to see this as her being treated with fairness and dignity. Calling for her rights and the rights of all those detained here to be fully upheld.
Zimbabwe’s State Security Minister, Owen Ncube has all but declared that there is a crisis in Zimbabwe and identified the opposition MDC Alliance as one of the factors affecting the country’s security and stability.
The government has been denying that there is a crisis in Zimbabwe though always quick to point out that there are “enemies of the state,” and or “terrorists,” who needed to be flushed out.
The state later descended heavily on these so called rogue elements wantonly arresting people critical of government and some being abducted, tortured and left fire dead.
We present the State Security Minister’s statement in full below:
Zimbabwe’s security and stability is currently under siege from a number of threats being fomented by internal and external actors. The objective of this attack is to effect an unconstitutional change of Government following the outcome of the 2018 Harmonised Elections which was not favourable to the MDC-Alliance and its foreign backers. As State security arms of Government, we would like to assure citizens that we are watching the environment very closely and that we shall fulfil our mandate of ensuring peace, stability and development in Zimbabwe.
Zimbabwe experienced a down-turn in Its economic success from the late 1990s when the ZANU PF Government stood resolute in its thrust to address the long outstanding Land Question. Addressing the Land Question through the Fast Track Land Reform Programme at the beginning of the 21s, Century, drew battle lines between the ZANU PF Government, on one hand, and a host of Western-sponsored opposition forces, including the MDC, some civil society organisations (CSOs), labour and student unions as well as some professional bodies, on the other. The latter group has always alleged that all elections that the opposition lost were stolen and has shamelessly fabricated human rights abuses in order to justify regime change.
The latest ploy of regime change has manifested Itself in the opposition’s never-ending calls for demonstrations aimed at diverting Government from pursuing its Vision 2030 agenda and stocking factionalism within ZANU PF. They have gone to the extent of lying that there is a fall out between His Excellency, President E.D MNANGAGWA and Vice President, General (Rtd) Dr Constantino CHIWENGA. They have also attempted to cause Western countries, the SADC and Churches to turn against Government by making false allegations of human rights abuses. The negative forces have even gone to the extent of stage managing abductions and propagating lies on social media. We also notice attempts by self-exiled G40 elements, such as Professor Jonathan MOYO, to destabilise the Security Services through making false accusations about Security Officers who are unwavering in their determination to defend national sovereignty.
The methods used by State Security agents in Zimbabwe are within the confines of the law. In the West, the Logan Act and the Patriot Act allow the use of methods which, if adopted by our Security Services, would be condemned as acts of repression. As Security Services, we know and appreciate that they will never see anything in good light until the Land Reform is reversed and the opposition comes to power.
No country in the world and no sane people would tolerate elements who openly mobilise to close their country’s borders, particularly when the COVID-19 pandemic is threatening lives and the economy. In any country, such people would be treated as traitors. At international law, a blockade is tantamount to a declaration of war. Government and State Security agents, in particular, have a duty to take appropriate measures to protect the flow and integrity of commerce across our borders.
There have been calls for dialogue by regime change elements within and outside the country. These calls completely ignore the ongoing Political Actors Dialogue (POLAD) to which all parties were invited. There is nothing wrong In accommodating people and views that are not on the table. There is, nevertheless, the mischievous agenda to ignore the Y principles of democracy by attempting to push ZANU PF to abandon the mandate it won from the people in the 2018 harmonised elections. Anyone aspiring to lead the country should wait until they get that mandate from the people In the 2023 harmonised elections. Anyone wishing to help move the country forward before then, should join POLAD.
We are watching attempts to drive Zimbabwe into chaos. Some rogue elements among us, are conniving with some hostile Western governments to smuggle guns and set up so-called Democratic Resistance Committees that are, for all intents and purposes, violent militia groups. These plans are key components of “Operation Light House”, the brainchild of one Western power, that seeks to destroy the democratic foundations of Zimbabwe, make the country ungovernable and justify foreign intervention. As the State Security sector, we shall take concrete action to deal with such threats.
While Government is moving on with its reform agenda, we note the need for the MOC-Alliance to reform itself into a normal opposition political party that embraces outcomes of democratic processes and has the patience to wait for another opportunity to prove to voters that it deserves their trust. The world over, opposition parties in democratic dispensations have a constructive role to play in between elections.
They do not push for agendas to violently take over power, destroy public infrastructure and sabotage the livelihoods of citizens.
We want to re-assure citizens that the State Security Sector is alive to the machinations of the MDC Alliance, hostile CSOs and their Western handlers. Our gallant Security men and women will stand firm in defence of national interests and sovereignty in order to allow Government to focus on delivering its Vision 2030.
State Security Minister Owen Ncube has shocked the world after a heavy press statement on which he claims that there are rogue elements, that include MDC- Alliance and G40 members, who have been conniving with “hostile Western nations” to smuggle guns into the country and set up so-called Democratic Resistance Committees to destroy “the democratic foundations of the Zimbabwe.”
Addressing a rare press conference on the country’s security situation, Minister Ncube said despite the spirited attempts by the opposition, working with their Western called Western handlers to reverse the will of the people as expressed in 2018 harmonised elections, the country’s security services was on top of the situation to ensure peace and order in fulfilment of their constitutional mandate.
“Zimbabwe’s security and stability is currently under siege from a number of threats being fomented by internal and external actors.
“The objective of this attack is to effect an unconstitutional change of Government following the outcome of the 2018 harmonised elections, which was not favourable to the MDC-Alliance and its foreign backers.
“As State security arms of Government, we would like to assure citizens that we are watching the environment very closely and that we shall fulfil our mandate of ensuring peace, stability and development in Zimbabwe.”
Ncube echoed ZANU PF and goverment claims that there are detractors of the country who have been concocting fake news of factionalism in the ruling party Zanu PF; feeding churches with fake news of a “crisis” and also trying to close the country’s borders.
“We are watching attempts to drive Zimbabwe into chaos. Some rogue elements among us, are conniving with some hostile Western governments to smuggle guns and set-up so-called Democratic Resistance Committees that are, for all intents and purposes, violent militia groups. These plans are key components of ‘Operation Lighthouse’, the brainchild of one Western power, that seeks to destroy the democratic foundations of Zimbabwe, make the country ungovernable and justify foreign intervention. As the security sector, we shall take concrete action to deal with such threats,” said Minister Ncube.
Since the turn of the millennium, Minister Ncube said, the country has been under attack from the Western countries that have imposed illegal economic sanctions as a response to the land reform programme initiated to correct historical colonial land imbalances.
In pushing the illegal regime change agenda, Western nations, have roped the opposition as manifested in the “never ending calls for demonstrations aimed at diverting Government from pursuing its Vision 2030 agenda and stocking factionalism within Zanu PF”.
“They have gone to the extent of lying that there is a fallout between His Excellency President Mnangagwa and Vice President Constantino Chiwenga,” he said.
Apart from that, Minister Ncube said the opposition has also tried to cause rifts between the Government and SADC and church organisations going as far as stage-managing abductions and propagating lies on social media platforms.
“We also notice attempts by self-exiled G40 elements such as Professor Jonathan Moyo to destabilise the security services through making false accusations about security services officers who are unwavering in their determination to defend national sovereignty,” Minister Ncube said.
He said that the country’s security services operated within the confines of the law.
He accused Western countries of hypocrisy, saying the US has laws like the Logan Act and Patriot Act, which if they had been adopted locally would be seen as repressive.
The Logan Act criminalises acts by American citizens who engage foreign nations against the interests of the State while the Patriot Act enables broader surveillance and collection of communication records of US citizens.
On the other hand the Patriot Act of the US that was passed in 2001, had its functions expanded to include capacitating law enforcement agents to monitor — including by tapping — domestic and international phones, and also increased penalties for terrorism crimes and expanded the list of activities that would qualify someone to be charged with terrorism.
Just last week, the opposition tried without success to close the country’s borders, an action that was meant to isolate the country during the fight against the Covid-19 pandemic at a time when the Second Republic is working flat out to improve the economic situation under the weight of the global pandemic.
“No country in the world and no sane people would tolerate elements who openly mobilise to close their country’s borders particularly when the Covid-19 pandemic is threatening lives and the economy.
“In any country, such people would be treated as traitors. At international law, a blockade is tantamount to a declaration of war. Government and state security agents, in particular, have a duty to take appropriate measures to protect the law and integrity of commerce across our borders,” he said.
Minister Ncube dismissed calls for talks between Zanu PF and the MDC Alliance saying the Political Actors Dialogue (POLAD) was the only platform for talks between political players in the country.
He said the door remained open for anyone willing to contribute to the development of the country to join the platform.
“While Government is moving on with its reform agenda, we note the need for the MDC Alliance to reform itself into a normal opposition political party that embraces outcomes of democratic processes and has patience to wait for another opportunity to prove to voters that it deserves their trust.”
Below is State Security Minister Owen Ncube’s statement :
Zimbabwe’s security and stability is currently under siege from a number of threats being fomented by internal and external actors.
The objective of this attack is to effect an unconstitutional change of Government following the outcome of the 2018 Harmonised Elections which was not favourable to the MDC-Alliance and its foreign backers.
As State security arms of Government, we would like to assure citizens that we are watching the environment very closely and that we shall fulfil our mandate of ensuring peace, stability and development in Zimbabwe.
Zimbabwe experienced a down-turn in Its economic success from the late 1990s when the ZANU PF Government stood resolute in its thrust to address the long outstanding Land Question.
Addressing the Land Question through the Fast Track Land Reform Programme at the beginning of the 21s, Century, drew battle lines between the ZANU PF Government, on one hand, and a host of Western-sponsored opposition forces, including the MDC, some civil society organisations (CSOs), labour and student unions as well as some professional bodies, on the other. The latter group has always alleged that all elections that the opposition lost were stolen and has shamelessly fabricated human rights abuses in order to justify regime change.
The latest ploy of regime change has manifested Itself in the opposition’s never-ending calls for demonstrations aimed at diverting Government from pursuing its Vision 2030 agenda and stocking factionalism within ZANU PF. They have gone to the extent of lying that there is a fall out between His Excellency, President E.D MNANGAGWA and Vice President, General (Rtd) Dr Constantino CHIWENGA.
They have also attempted to cause Western countries, the SADC and Churches to turn against Government by making false allegations of human rights abuses. The negative forces have even gone to the extent of stage managing abductions and propagating lies on social media.
We also notice attempts by self-exiled G40 elements, such as Professor Jonathan MOYO, to destabilise the Security Services through making false accusations about Security Officers who are unwavering in their determination to defend national sovereignty.
The methods used by State Security agents in Zimbabwe are within the confines of the law. In the West, the Logan Act and the Patriot Act allow the use of methods which, if adopted by our Security Services, would be condemned as acts of repression. As Security Services, we know and appreciate that they will never see anything in good light until the Land Reform is reversed and the opposition comes to power.
No country in the world and no sane people would tolerate elements who openly mobilise to close their country’s borders, particularly when the COVID-19 pandemic is threatening lives and the economy. In any country, such people would be treated as traitors. At international law, a blockade is tantamount to a declaration of war. Government and State Security agents, in particular, have a duty to take appropriate measures to protect the flow and integrity of commerce across our borders.
There have been calls for dialogue by regime change elements within and outside the country. These calls completely ignore the ongoing Political Actors Dialogue (POLAD) to which all parties were invited. There is nothing wrong In accommodating people and views that are not on the table.
There is, nevertheless, the mischievous agenda to ignore the Y principles of democracy by attempting to push ZANU PF to abandon the mandate it won from the people in the 2018 harmonised elections. Anyone aspiring to lead the country should wait until they get that mandate from the people In the 2023 harmonised elections.
Anyone wishing to help move the country forward before then, should join POLAD.
We are watching attempts to drive Zimbabwe into chaos. Some rogue elements among us, are conniving with some hostile Western governments to smuggle guns and set up so-called Democratic Resistance Committees that are, for all intents and purposes, violent militia groups. These plans are key components of “Operation Light House”, the brainchild of one Western power, that seeks to destroy the democratic foundations of Zimbabwe, make the country ungovernable and justify foreign intervention. As the State Security sector, we shall take concrete action to deal with such threats.
While Government is moving on with its reform agenda, we note the need for the MOC-Alliance to reform itself into a normal opposition political party that embraces outcomes of democratic processes and has the patience to wait for another opportunity to prove to voters that it deserves their trust. The world over, opposition parties in democratic dispensations have a constructive role to play in between elections.
They do not push for agendas to violently take over power, destroy public infrastructure and sabotage the livelihoods of citizens.
We want to re-assure citizens that the State Security Sector is alive to the machinations of the MDC Alliance, hostile CSOs and their Western handlers.
Our gallant Security men and women will stand firm in defence of national interests and sovereignty in order to allow Government to focus on delivering its Vision 2030.
Below is State Security Minister Owen Ncube’s statement :
Zimbabwe’s security and stability is currently under siege from a number of threats being fomented by internal and external actors.
The objective of this attack is to effect an unconstitutional change of Government following the outcome of the 2018 Harmonised Elections which was not favourable to the MDC-Alliance and its foreign backers.
As State security arms of Government, we would like to assure citizens that we are watching the environment very closely and that we shall fulfil our mandate of ensuring peace, stability and development in Zimbabwe.
Zimbabwe experienced a down-turn in Its economic success from the late 1990s when the ZANU PF Government stood resolute in its thrust to address the long outstanding Land Question.
Addressing the Land Question through the Fast Track Land Reform Programme at the beginning of the 21s, Century, drew battle lines between the ZANU PF Government, on one hand, and a host of Western-sponsored opposition forces, including the MDC, some civil society organisations (CSOs), labour and student unions as well as some professional bodies, on the other. The latter group has always alleged that all elections that the opposition lost were stolen and has shamelessly fabricated human rights abuses in order to justify regime change.
The latest ploy of regime change has manifested Itself in the opposition’s never-ending calls for demonstrations aimed at diverting Government from pursuing its Vision 2030 agenda and stocking factionalism within ZANU PF. They have gone to the extent of lying that there is a fall out between His Excellency, President E.D MNANGAGWA and Vice President, General (Rtd) Dr Constantino CHIWENGA.
They have also attempted to cause Western countries, the SADC and Churches to turn against Government by making false allegations of human rights abuses. The negative forces have even gone to the extent of stage managing abductions and propagating lies on social media.
We also notice attempts by self-exiled G40 elements, such as Professor Jonathan MOYO, to destabilise the Security Services through making false accusations about Security Officers who are unwavering in their determination to defend national sovereignty.
The methods used by State Security agents in Zimbabwe are within the confines of the law. In the West, the Logan Act and the Patriot Act allow the use of methods which, if adopted by our Security Services, would be condemned as acts of repression. As Security Services, we know and appreciate that they will never see anything in good light until the Land Reform is reversed and the opposition comes to power.
No country in the world and no sane people would tolerate elements who openly mobilise to close their country’s borders, particularly when the COVID-19 pandemic is threatening lives and the economy. In any country, such people would be treated as traitors. At international law, a blockade is tantamount to a declaration of war. Government and State Security agents, in particular, have a duty to take appropriate measures to protect the flow and integrity of commerce across our borders.
There have been calls for dialogue by regime change elements within and outside the country. These calls completely ignore the ongoing Political Actors Dialogue (POLAD) to which all parties were invited. There is nothing wrong In accommodating people and views that are not on the table.
There is, nevertheless, the mischievous agenda to ignore the principles of democracy by attempting to push ZANU PF to abandon the mandate it won from the people in the 2018 harmonised elections. Anyone aspiring to lead the country should wait until they get that mandate from the people In the 2023 harmonised elections.
Anyone wishing to help move the country forward before then, should join POLAD.
We are watching attempts to drive Zimbabwe into chaos. Some rogue elements among us, are conniving with some hostile Western governments to smuggle guns and set up so-called Democratic Resistance Committees that are, for all intents and purposes, violent militia groups. These plans are key components of “Operation Light House”, the brainchild of one Western power, that seeks to destroy the democratic foundations of Zimbabwe, make the country ungovernable and justify foreign intervention. As the State Security sector, we shall take concrete action to deal with such threats.
While Government is moving on with its reform agenda, we note the need for the MOC-Alliance to reform itself into a normal opposition political party that embraces outcomes of democratic processes and has the patience to wait for another opportunity to prove to voters that it deserves their trust. The world over, opposition parties in democratic dispensations have a constructive role to play in between elections.
They do not push for agendas to violently take over power, destroy public infrastructure and sabotage the livelihoods of citizens.
We want to re-assure citizens that the State Security Sector is alive to the machinations of the MDC Alliance, hostile CSOs and their Western handlers.
Our gallant Security men and women will stand firm in defence of national interests and sovereignty in order to allow Government to focus on delivering its Vision 2030.
A Harare woman appeared in court facing allegations of hiring thugs to assault her two “rivals” resulting in the death of one of them, days after the incident, while the other is nursing injuries in hospital.
Rebecca Masawi appeared before Harare magistrate, Mrs Barbra Mateko, charged with murder, kidnapping and robbery.
She was being jointly charged with Zvikomborero Zvikoni, Liberty Guruve and Tendai Dhai, who she allegedly hired to attack the two women.
Zvikoni, Guruve and Dhai are said to have kidnapped the two at midnight on July 31 this year, brutally assaulted and dumped them at Lake Chivero.
Names of the victims were not revealed in court as police are still investigating matter.-The Herald
POLICE yesterday arrested another suspect for allegedly killing a seven-year-old boy Tapiwa Makore from Murewa.
National police spokesperson Assistant Commissioner Paul Nyathi said the uncle to the deceased is alleged to have worked with one Tafadzwa Shamba in killing the seven-year-old-boy.
Shamba has since been arrested.
“Police have arrested the deceased’s uncle in connection with the murder incident. He was arrested yesterday. Allegations are that the uncle assisted Tafadzwa Shamba in this case and he is the one who took the head to a witch doctor.
“Police are now looking for the witch doctor,” he said.
Tapiwa went missing on September 17 after he was allegedly kidnapped while looking after his parents’ garden.
His body was found the following morning, with some parts, including the head missing.-The Herald
A Gwanda man suspected to be mentally unstable allegedly struck his five-year-old maternal niece with an axe three times on the neck leading to her death.
Matabeleland South acting provincial police spokesperson Inspector Loveness Mangena confirmed the incident which occurred on Tuesday at about 11AM in Buvuma Village.
She said Reabokile Noko (28) who is in police custody wanted to strike his mother with the axe but she fled and instead attacked five-year-old Mitchel Dube who was his maternal niece.
“I can confirm that we recorded a murder case which occurred in Buvuma area in Gwanda. Reabokile Noko who is said to be mentally unstable entered the kitchen hut while armed with an axe and found his mother sitting with her five-year-old granddaughter.
“He advanced towards his mother while threatening to strike her with the axe but she escaped through a window leaving her granddaughter behind. Noko then struck his five-year-old niece with the axe three times on the neck and she died on the spot,” she said.
Insp Mangena said the matter was reported to the police who attended the scene and Noko was arrested. She said Noko was alleged to be mentally unstable but investigations were still underway to ascertain his mental state as he was yet to be examined by doctors.
She said the body of the now deceased was being held at the Gwanda Provincial Hospital mortuary.-The Sunday News
President Nelson Chamisa’s popularity envelopes Masvingo province as MDC T led by Khupe was swept by Cyclone Chamisa in Masvingo province
As hundreds of Masvingo urban MDC Alliance lay to rest outstanding leader Mr Pendence in Chipinge today
28 September 2020
Wezhira Munya
On Saturday, 26 September 2020 president Nelson Chamisa addressed
e-rally that was watched by millions of MDC Alliance members, supports and stakeholders across the globe.
MDC Alliance was celebrating 21 years of its existence. Charismatic President Nelson Chamisa articulated well the history and the current status of MDC Alliance and way forward.
I have heard many President Nelson Chamisa’s speeches, his e-rally address on Saturday is among the best.
In Masvingo Province, there were 26 consultative meetings that were held across all 26 districts in Masvingo Province.
MDC Alliance National organizing committee led by Honourable Amos Chibaya directed all MDC Alliance structures to meet on 26 and 27 September 2020 “to share their views of many issues concerning the party.”
Wezhira news crew attended all 26 consultative meetings in all 26 districts.
All meetings were highly subscribed. According to attendance registers in all 26 districts, 98% of MDC Alliance members from 2014 and 2018 structures were in attendance.
The high attendance of MDC Alliance members at these 26 meetings shows that MDC Alliance party and President Nelson Chamisa is still popular and control of all structures in Masvingo province.
It’s now official, that court based party MDC T led by Khupe has been shunned by MDC Alliance supporters and Members.
In Bikita, MDC Alliance National leaders : National youth organiser Godfrey Kuraone, Mrs Chakabuda and Mrs Mangova addressed consultative meeting in Bikita East, Bikita West and Bikita South.
MDC Alliance National youth organiser Godfrey Kuraone said, “MDC Alliance members in all Bikita constituencies support President Nelson Chamisa. The attendance was excellent.”
In Chiredzi, MDC Alliance National women assembly acting chairlady honourable Mugidho and councillor and youth national leader Gilbert Mtubuki addressed hundreds of MDC Alliance leaders in Chiredzi West, Chiredzi East, Chiredzi North and Chiredzi South.
In Zaka constituency, MDC National leaders : senator Marava, MDC Alliance National youth leader Munyaradzi Tavaruva and leader Judith Muzhavazhi address mega consultative meetings in Zaka Central, Zaka West, Zaka East and Zaka North.
In Gutu constituencies, newly elected Harare Mayor Mafume who defeated MDC T led by Khupe in mayoral elections recently, Honourable Bhasikiti, national youth leader Moses Mavhaire and MDC Alliance provincial council member hon. Sarah Mwatenga addressed many MDC Alliance leaders in Gutu Central, Gutu West, Gutu East and Gutu North.
In Chivi North, Chivi Central and Chivi South constituencies consultative meetings were addressed by Hon. Chivhanga, national youth leader Tsungirirai Rungwave and women assembly leader Thokozile Mzoreva.
MDC Alliance Masvingo deputy treasurer Mr Chidaushe said, “Chivi North meeting was highly subscribed. This was one of highly attended meetings in the history of Chivi North.”
In Mwenezi, senator Mavhaire, national youth leader Ngoni Mupfumba and women assembly leader Lucia Masekesa were key speakers at these well attended consultative meetings.
Lastly, MDC Alliance national leaders Matara and Madzivire addressed consultative meetings in Masvingo North, Masvingo South, Masvingo central and Masvingo west. 98% of leaders attended these meetings.
However, Masvingo urban consultative meeting was affected by the death of popular MDC Alliance youth leader Mr Pendence. Mr Pendence is one of MDC Alliance founding youth members in Masvingo urban. He was staying at his parents’ house in ward 2 Masvingo urban.
Hundreds of Masvingo urban MDC Alliance leaders led by Masvingo urban district chairperson Mr Chanyau Murangamwa have travelled to Chipinge yesterday accompanying the body of Mr Pendence. Mr Pendence will be buried today in Chipinge.
MDC Alliance Masvingo urban member of parliament Honourable Jacob Nyokanhete said, “We lost a great member, Mr Pendence was a hardworker and team player. May his soul rest in peace.”
MDC Alliance ward 2 councillor and Masvingo Mayor advocate Collins Maboke said, “In 2018, Mr Pendence and many MDC Alliance members campaigned and voted for me as their councillor. I greatly appreciate their support. May my brother Pendence rest in internal peace.”
MDC Alliance organiser Mr Peace Mapope said, “We thank all MDC Alliance leaders who helped with finances and food at this funeral. I also want to thank everyone who is going to Chipinge with us to give Pendence – a hero’s farewell in Chipinge.”
Farai Dziva|President Nelson Chamisa has said change is imminent in Zimbabwe.
Addressing the MDC Alliance E-rally on Saturday, President Chamisa denounced the rampant abuse of human rights by Mr Emmerson Mnangagwa’s administration.
Below is part of President Chamisa’s speech:
Our course of action will be as follows.
Our Course of action is as follows;
(a) Calling national convergence and find consensus on the way to winning Zimbabwe for change with civic society, labour, the churches, students, the diaspora and the women’s movement. Everyone can play a part.
(b) Confront the regime and put pressure on the regime within the limits of section 59 of the Constitution to push the regime and to defend livelihoods.
(c) pursue a SMART agenda for delivery in this spaces we control particularly local authorities and parliament.
(d) Protect and defend the Constitution against any attempts in undemocratic unilateral attempts to amend the same.
(e) Engage the international community and other stakeholders in mitigating the massive humanitarian impact and ensuring the provision of social safety nets.
Fellow Zimbabweans, I can boldly state today that the hour of change is imminent. The past is now another country and I can see the bright shining lights of the Canaan ahead.
Lastly, fellow Zimbabweans, brace for the imminent change ahead. I humbly plead with you, my fellow citizens, to firmly and fondly embrace the change that is almost upon us.
Behold the NEW …
Behold the imminent moment!
The Walls of Jericho are about to fall. We will push them asunder. We choose to lead.
Farai Dziva|President Nelson Chamisa has said change is imminent in Zimbabwe.
Addressing the MDC Alliance E-rally on Saturday, President Chamisa denounced the rampant abuse of human rights by Mr Emmerson Mnangagwa’s administration.
Below is part of President Chamisa’s speech:
Our course of action will be as follows.
Our Course of action is as follows;
(a) Calling national convergence and find consensus on the way to winning Zimbabwe for change with civic society, labour, the churches, students, the diaspora and the women’s movement. Everyone can play a part.
(b) Confront the regime and put pressure on the regime within the limits of section 59 of the Constitution to push the regime and to defend livelihoods.
(c) pursue a SMART agenda for delivery in this spaces we control particularly local authorities and parliament.
(d) Protect and defend the Constitution against any attempts in undemocratic unilateral attempts to amend the same.
(e) Engage the international community and other stakeholders in mitigating the massive humanitarian impact and ensuring the provision of social safety nets.
Fellow Zimbabweans, I can boldly state today that the hour of change is imminent. The past is now another country and I can see the bright shining lights of the Canaan ahead.
Lastly, fellow Zimbabweans, brace for the imminent change ahead. I humbly plead with you, my fellow citizens, to firmly and fondly embrace the change that is almost upon us.
Behold the NEW …
Behold the imminent moment!
The Walls of Jericho are about to fall. We will push them asunder. We choose to lead.
CAPS United vice-president Nhamo Tutisani is sceptical that the PSL will return before 2020 wraps up as he said it is no longer practical or possible to have a normal season in 2020, The Daily News reports. Speaking to the publication, Tutisani said:
There is a need to look into every detail because as things stand, players need time for conditioning and we are talking of between six to eight weeks which already sees us somewhere in November. And if we are to start the league, which format are we adopting, how many matches are we going to play?
Are they (players) ready? It’s not just about being ready physically; mentally they also need to be ready. These boys went to off season early December 2019 and came back around February this year for pre-season for about eight weeks.
Don’t forget the period they have been under was stressful. It was not a normal break and we are looking at social issues coupled with economic issues and most importantly these people were living in almost like a cage,
Tutisani also said even if football resumes, the possibility of matches being played in empty stadiums was a none starter:
The major consumers of football, in our case are the spectators. How do we deliver the product to the spectators? It’s a challenge that we should be sized with. If fans are not allowed into the stadium, who then are we playing for?
And as if that’s not enough we also want to look at the funding side of things. Is there direct sponsors or indirect sponsors? There are challenges also related to those areas,
On the issue of the facilities to be used to play football Tusitani said:
Let’s come to the preparedness of facilities. Remember there are standards that have to be reached when it comes to the PSL football. How many of our playing facilities are in good order even the training facilities themselves, how many are in order?
Overally, Tutisani said the time should be spent in making other conversations that are not how to resume football this year.
Yes, I understand at higher level we want to be seen to want football to come back.
But surely we need to take time off and start preparing for the organisation of these football matches. Personally, I would think we should utilise this time in making conversation about how do we resume football collectively,
The Ministry of Sports has said it is still working on how football can safely resume in light of the pandemic that brought the world to a standstill.-Daily News
Own Correspondent|Church leaders have challenged Mr Emmerson Mnangagwa to reinstate former Tourism Minister Walter Mzembi with immediate effect,after he was nominated in Safer Tourism International Hall of Heroes.
On Sunday controversial preacher Isaac Makomichi posted on Twitter:
“A prophet is not accepted in his own homeland, Zimbabwe pretends there is no Walter Mzembi, but the world knows his potential.
Please H.E ED hire Mzembi, the economy was benefiting through his Tourism Ministry”.
Madzibaba Alfred of Johane Masowe also described Mzembi as a hardworking man.
The Warriors of Zimbabwe will play Malawi during the October international break as part of the preparations for the blockbuster Algeria games.
The country’s football governing body ZIFA had received invitations from Malawi and Kenya but the one with the Flames is the confirmed one.
Zdravko Logarušić’s charges will clash with the Flames on the 11th of October in Blantyre before the back to back top of the table clashes with the Desert Foxes slated for November.
The Malawi game will the the first time Logarušić takes charge of the Warriors since his appointed on the 29th of January, and the Croat had previously highlighted the need for there to be friendly games before the Algeria games, for adequate preparation.-Soccer 24
One can’t fight the MDC Alliance and claim to be defending Tsvangirai’s legacy.
For the Alliance will always remain the man’s legacy….
Luke-ING the Beast in the Eye
Friday, 25 September 2020
Morgan Tsvangirai must be turning in his grave
By Luke Tamborinyoka
Morgan Tsvangirai, the late icon of Zimbabwe’s tenuous democratic struggle, is a man I knew so well, having served as his spokesperson and trusted lieutenant for almost a decade until his untimely death in February 2018.
This is the man whose legacy of a broad front as represented by the MDC Alliance is enduring savage attacks from the regime and its hired mercenaries.indeed, the MDC Alliance is Tsvangirai’s rich legacy that Zanu PF and its surrogates are desperately trying to decimate in a systematic way. Thank God, the big idea remains standing, despite the vicious body blows. Since the biblical days of Judas Iscariot, we have always known what 30 pieces of silver can do to cheap and treacherous minds.
I knew Morgan so well since the days of my other life as a journalist. And for 10 years I was not just his spokesperson, for it was him who personally directed that I double as the party’s Director of Communications as well, a position that had always traditionally been a separate office held by a different individual.
Even when he appointed me as his spokesperson when he served as Prime Minister of the land, he made me hold the position of Principal Director of Communications as well, a position that had previously been separate from that of the spokesperson. This meant that upon my appointment, he entrusted me with the conflated and conjoined roles of Principal Director of Communications and spokesperson to the Prime Minister.
Such was his faith in my aptitude.
Morgan Tsvangirai, the icon, had the humility to arrive, unannounced, at my rural home at Tamborenyoka village in Shumba ward 3 in Domboshava to pay his last respects upon the death of my late paternal grandmother, Martha Tamborinyoka Gombera, when she succumbed to gastric cancer in May 2014.
We travelled the world together with Morgan: London, Canberra, Lisbon, Rabat, Amsterdam, Washington, Berlin, Madrid, Tokyo, Beijing, Paris, Pretoria, Blantyre, Lusaka, Cairo, Maputo, Windhoek, Luanda and many other World capitals on political business. I was with him in these capitals when he patriotically represented his country and charmed the world as he passionately spoke about the democratic cause in Zimbabwe. In the almost 10 years that I served him, we also traversed the whole country together; from Chirundu to Limpopo, from Msampakaruma to Mandidzudzure and from Mt Darwin to Victoria Falls.
Apart from the conjoined and dual roles that he often gave me, he would also entrust me even with commenting on personal issues such as his amorous scandals that would ordinarily be handled by a family spokesperson, as he did in 2012 when he was deemed to have married one Lorcadia Karimatsenga Tembo. After intense confidential briefings on the intimate details of what had transpired and his personal view on the specific matter, he directed his family members to defer all press questions to me.
The trust he often bestowed on me was humbling. And may be that is why he expressed utmost shock early in February 2018 when he heard, while detained in an infirmary in South Africa, that some members of his family led by by a coterie of the usual suspects in the party had unprocedurally directed that I cease my role as his spokesperson.
” _Nhai_ Luke, when you became my spokesperson, where you employed by my family?” he asked in a low voice over the phone from his hospital bed in South Africa, assuring me that his family, which I have always respected, had never been my employer and that I should remain unperturbed and continue doing my job as usual.
He intimated to me that apart from his wife and other family members, he had instructed hospital staff to keep me in the loop should anything happen to him. And that is why at 1733 hrs, the hospital authorities apprised me of his death when he succumbed to cancer on 14 February 2020 .
Such was my special relationship to this man; the man who paid almost US$60 000 of his own money to meet my medical bill when I was involved in a near-fatal car accident in the early hours of Sunday, 4 November 2012.
He even cut short his honeymoon to flew back home and visited me in hospital to check how I was faring following my near-demise.
Such was my special relationship to this man.
This context of our mutual trust and Tsvangirai’s ceaseless faith in my aptitude is important for this treatise. I presume that this context gives me sufficient _locus_ _standi_ __to_ state unequivocally that this Morgan Tsvangirai that I knew so well is turning and twisting in his grave at how his legacy is being severely eroded and undermined by this motley cabal of Khupe, Mwonzora, Komichi and Mudzuri under the pretence that they are protecting it.
The MDC Alliance is an integral part of Tsvangirai’ rich legacy and I had a ringside seat when the history around its formation was unfolding. For one and a half months, beginning February 2017, we traversed the whole country together as he engaged and consulted a diverse spectrum of Zimbabweans within and without the party. Tsvangirai believed in mass-line politics and that explained his enduring traction and political capital. He was never one to make a decision without consulting the people and during that national tour, we spoke to party members, traditional leaders, students, civil servants and ordinary Zimbabweans outside the party.
Throughout the country during our one-and-a-half months of consultation away from home, the people clearly told us that the only prudent way forward was for Tsvangirai himself to lead a broad front in his fight against Zanu PF. It was during that tour, while in Binga, that I learnt that _kujatana__ is the Tonga word for unity or working together. After the intensive consultations, the two of us sat together for a whole evening in March 2017 writing a public message to the people of Zimbabwe that was aptly titled *I* *Heard* **You* . The statement was his assurance to Zimbabweans that he had heard them. The need for unity had rung out loud throughout the nationwide tour and that was how the unity under the MDC Alliance banner was borne. The rest, as they say, is history.
This simply means therefore that one cannot fight and undermine the MDC Alliance, as the surrogates are doing, and still claim to be defending Tsvangirai’s legacy. The MDC Alliance against which the cabal is engaged in mortal combat, is a unique testament of Tsvangirai’s rich legacy. It represents the broad front that Zimbabweans clamoured for during intensive nationwide consultations.
The Tsvangirai I know is twisting and turning in his grave that these surrogates are fighting the people’s great idea and in the process undermining his legacy. And it’s not helping matters that these surrogates are fronting a formation that bears his initial (MDC-T) and are headquartered in a building that we befittingly named after him! This means they they are unwittingly making his great name an accomplice to their treachery and quisling politics.
Worse still, they are consorting and comporting with Zanu PF, the party that the great Tsvangirai tenaciously fought until his death. The same party that arrested and brutalised him his entire adult life.
Tsvangirai was a man who spent a huge chunk of his adult life fighting Zanu PF repression, corruption and unbridled culture of avarice and entitlement. He fought so hard all his life to establish democracy in the country of his birth. He defeated Robert Mugabe in the 2008 election but had his victory violently stolen from him. He was charged with treason in 2004 and was was almost killed through the savage attacks inside Machipisa police station. And we have every reason to believe that Zanu PF had a hand in the cancer attack that killed him. .
But thanks to the treacherous politics of Khupe, Mwonzora and others, the same Zanu PF has now established a second headquarters in a building called Morgan Richard Tsvangirai House!
The surrogates have never uttered a word against Mnangagwa and Zanu PF. Their business is always Nelson Chamisa, the MDC Alliance and its deployees to Parliament and the various local authorities. They are an opposition whose business is to fight another opposition party. Indeed, an opposition created to decimate and annihilate a Tsvangirai legacy called the MDC Alliance.
And they do this from a building named after the very man whose legacy they purport to be protecting. As they would say in the Nigerian movie industry of Nollywood: _it’s_ _an_ _abomination_ !
Morgan is certainly turning in his grave that those falsely fronting and flaunting his name are now comporting with Zanu PF to shred and tear asunder his legacy.
Some of Tsvangirai’s relatives, including some of his children, have now tragically teamed up with this malignant lot in the vain attempt to destroy the MDC Alliance, the very legacy of their own kinsman— their own blood!
Any rational person must ask themselves why soldiers and CIO agents violently took over and donated to these surrogates this iconic building that we befittingly named after Morgan Tsvangirai. Now we hear soldiers and State security agents are not only providing security to these surrogates, but are sitting through the meetings of this political formation that bears the initial of our icon and undermining the man’s legacy from right inside the building that we named after him!
What cheek!
The Tsvangirai I knew is definitely turning in his grave.
Unless if the “T” in their MDC-T refers to Thoko-Zanu or Turncoat, any suggestion that the T refers to Tsvangirai would not only be disingenuous, reprehensible and repugnant, but would represent the highest form of betrayal to this hero of our time.
How does one claim to be defending Tsvangirai’s legacy when they are comporting, cohabiting and doing the bidding for the same party that Tsvangirai stridently opposed all his adult life? Just how does one claim to be defending Tsvangirai’s legacy while at the same time fighting the MDC Alliance, for the MDC Alliance is nothing but Tsvangirai’s enduring legacy as the Alliance Agreement bears his signature. It was not Nelson Chamisa but Morgan Tsvangirai who initiated and signed the Alliance agreement with other principals to bequeath to Zimbabweans a formidable and reunited MDC that would give the people a reason to hope again.
It must be unequivocally stated that all those working with Zanu PF to recall MDC Alliance MPs and councilors are undermining the very Tsvangirai legacy that they falsely purport to be defending. As for Tsvangirai’s relatives who have joined these sellouts, just how do you cohabit with the same people who dragged Tsvangirai to court for appointing two more Vice Presidents but are today claiming to be defending the legacy of the same man they humiliated and whose decisions they contested in court, even posthumously?
But the forthcoming by-elections will expose the ephemeral trait of their surrogate politics. Yet we see them trying to exhume and invoke Tsvangirai’s face as part of their party symbols, in a vain attempt to ressurect their cadaverous politics. They must simply allow this gallant son of our struggle to truly rest in peace. A few months ago, they were at his grave murmuring incantations and invoking his spirt to save them, the very same spirit that they torment every day through their cohabitation with Zanu PF.
The invocation of Tsvangirai’s spirit at the graveside rituals as well as the abuse of the dead man’s face to enhance their political fortunes is the highest depiction of political sorcery in this brave, digital age. First it was Khupe’s surprise turnout to the funeral of a man he had shunned for eight months when he was alive. Then the graveside rituals. If you add her spirited determination to attend _gogo_ Chamisa’s funeral when she had tormented the poor woman to her death by assisting ED’s scorched earth policy against her son, one is astounded by Khupe’s strange affinity for death, funerals and the dead bodies. It’s a macabre, witchly disposition which probably reflects the dead nature of her politics.
Morgan Tsvangirai, this man whose mind I knew so well, is definitely turning in his grave..
And I repeat, you don’t fight the MDC Alliance and claim to be defending Tsvangirai’s legacy.
The Alliance was very much close to his heart. When I was drafting his speech to launch the Alliance, I remember him excitedly telling me to insert the line that underscored the value of working together. He told me to insert the line which said: _Alone_ , _one_ _can_ _go_ _faster_ _but_ _together_ _we_ _go_ _far_ .
Nelson Chamisa was even against the Alliance during its formative stages. As part of his political deftness when he was delegating responsibilities to his deputies, it was the indefatigable Tsvangirai who charmed Chamisa over the cause by appointing him the Vice President responsible for the Alliance, the very same idea he had been against during its formative stages.
I say this to disabuse those who have been misled by this malignant lot into thinking that the MDC Alliance is Chamisa’s legacy and that by undermining the Alliance they are undermining Chamisa, the man they hate with a passion.
Hell No. The MDC Alliance is Morgan Tsvangirai’s legacy and anyone fighting the Alliance is not even undermining Chamisa but the iconic Tsvangirai whose signature stands out so prominently on the Alliance agreement. They are also undermining the people of Zimbabwe who sonorously called for a broad, united front during our countrywide consultations.
We are now hearing a lot of drivel from Thoko-Zanu and Mwonzora who are all now claiming to have been loyal to Morgan Tsvangirai.
But this is the same Thoko who snubbed Tsvangirai’s meetings for eight months as she sulked over the appointment of two more Vice Presidents, only to turn up in Buhera at Tsvangirai’s burial.
In his death, she has suddenly found love for the man she hated with a passion when he walked this earth. For Khupe, way back in 2016, Morgan Tsvangirai had expressed his disquiet to some of us when he learnt that Emmerson Mnangagwa, who doubled as Vice President and Minister of Justice, had used his position as leader of government business in Parliament to arrange a luxury car and a plush house for Khupe, then the the leader of the opposition in Parliament. The conspiracy may have begun back then and the trinkets could point to something deeper than meets the eye. Both were angling to take over from their principals and the plot to kill the MDC could have been hatched then, probably with the agreement that after the death of the MDC, Khupe would then serve beneath Mnangagwa, both literally and figuratively! And Tsvangirai was worried about ED charitable treatment of Khupe. These could be the results. Indeed, the treachery has long been in the oven.
And Douglas is the same man Tsvangirai often branded a chronic and pathological liar. Jameson Timba, Ian Makone, Sessel Zvidzai and Tsvangirai’s own uncle, Innocent Zvaipa can bear testimony to the fact that Morgan Tsvangirai often characterised this self-proclaimed Constitutionalist as the biggest liar of his generation. You can check this out with the four men!
Now that ZEC has told the nation to prepare for by-elections in December, the political interment of these sell-outs of our time is now imminent. Zimbabweans know who and what they voted for in 2018. They will not allow a party whose candidates they defeated to recall their chosen representatives.
It is now public knowledge that Khupe, Mwonzora, Komichi and Mudzuri have chosen to bastardise Tsvangirai’s rich legacy as well as his legendary and valiant name. By comporting with the same Zanu PF that Tsvangirai fought all his adult life in the very building that we named after him, while fronting a party that bears his initial, could the highest form of betrayal ever witnessed in history.
This motley has allowed themselves to be a used by Zanu PF. Indeed, Khupe and her sell-out lot are just but marionettes in the hands of a mad puppeteer.
And the puppeteer is Zanu PF.
In the meantime, the gallant son of our time has been betrayed big time and he is violently turning in his grave.
Tsvangirai was always a mass-centric politician. His traction was always without question. And it is public knowledge that Tsvangirai’s side has always been the side of the people. And in the forthcoming by-elections, Tsvangirai’s spirit will certainly vote on the side of the people. The results will show where his true legacy lies.
Now the sell-outs are claiming to be the MDC Alliance, the very party they recalled people for belonging to.
This treacherous lot is behaving like a deranged man who claims he found his wife in bed with a boyfriend. And on the day of the adultery hearing, the same man purports to be the boyfriend.
These charlatans simply cannot get it that one can’t be both the presumed husband and the purported wife snatcher at the same time. And that it is the height of lunacy to claim to be divorcing someone’s spouse.
Put simply, they said they were the the MDC-T and falsely claimed their deployees had joined another party called the MDC Alliance.
Now they are claiming to be the same MDC Alliance for which they purportedly recalled MPs and councillors for joining. Now they are both MDC-T and MDC Alliance at the same time.
How does one claim his wife ran away with another man and then later claim to be the wife snatcher who ran away with his wife? You simply can’t be both.
PUBLIC interviews for Judges of the Constitutional Court were conducted in Harare this Monday with more than 10 candidates vying for the five available positions.
The interviews conducted by the Judiciary Service Commission (JSC) seek to fill five available posts from 12 shortlisted candidates.
According to the Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Justice, Legal and Parliamentary Affairs, Virginia Mabhiza, public interviews promote constitutionalism and transparency in the appointment of public officials.
“These interviews are very important because we are looking at the highest court which is the Constitutional Court so these interviews are going to lead to the separation of the Constitutional Court from the Supreme Court. It also enhances transparency,” she said.
Constitutional law expert, Professor Lovemore Madhuku, however, felt the panel was too harsh on some of the interviewees.
“Most of the questions were too technical which defeats the whole process of public interviews because the public wont be able to follow because of the technical jargon and the panel was too harsh on some of the interviewees and some of the questions were not relevant for public interviews,” he said.
The candidates include Justices Chinembiri Bhunu, Paddington Garwe, Anne Mary Gowora, Ben Hlatshwayo, Rita Makarau, Bharat Patel, Happias Zhou and Smart Mirirai.
By Josiah Mucharowana- Opposition political party leader Pastor Timothy Chiguvare of Progressive People’ s Party of Zimbabwe( PPPZ) is fearing for his life in the wake of messages threatening unspecified action for his political activism.
As a result, he intends to beef up personal security.
“This now forces me to intensify my security because they are trying to silence me,’ he said.
Chiguvare who is based in Pretoria, South Africa confirmed he received threatening messages on Monday morning from a Zimbabwean number + 263 78 237 6450.
The message read:’ This serves to inform you that reports of you generating and forwarding divisive posts pertaining to the President of the Republic have been received and soon the external branch will heavily descend on you. Be careful’
” You’ll change underwears not a democratically elected government unconstitutionally,’
“We will stand tall to defend our incumbent government against unruly and anarchistic elements like yourself. Unbridled elements have no space in our society. We’ll use tools of our trade to annihilate you cousins of the devil”,
“You deserve no better place than hell in which you’ll be hobnobing with satan the master of confusion. Any attempt to overthrow our democratically elected government will be reciprocated by an equal force. Forewarned is forearmed. Beware!”
The former chief magistrate-cum- pastor-politician however remains unshaken and undeterred.
” Protests are allowed in all democratic countries throughout the world. When people are protesting , it does not mean that they are overthrowing a government but want their voices to be heard , that is what democracy means,” he said.
‘ Threats show that I am causing impact and they are threatened. We have great God who is faithful and he will lead and protect me,’ he said.
” They are running scared, that’s why they are threatening me. All their evil will soon end. In God we serve. Zimbabwe will change. All the evil leaders in Zimbabwe are running scared. They have nowhere to run, their day is coming,’ Chiguvare said.
PPPZ is an opposition political party in existence in Zimbabwe and duly registered half a decade ago. It operates from South Africa and is soon headed for a Congress to coordinate party organs countrywide.
The PPPZ is currently angaged in mass mobilisation of Zimbabweans resident in South Africa to make a contribution politically back in Zimbabwe by agitating for change by however means.
The party is riding on the promise of employment creation for Zimbabwe’s graduates as it’s foremost priority. It is hoping to revamp and inject fresh impetus in the agricultural sector which has potential to employ millions by running training programmes aimed at boosting agricultural production of both local and foreign markerts.
Currently, the Zimbabwean leadership envisage to grow agricultural activities into an US 8,2 billion sector by 2025.
Before the rather chaotic and controversial land redistribution excercise championed by the late Robert Mugabe, Zimbabwe was touted as the bread basket of Southern Africa sufficiently feeding it’s populace as well as raking millions of revenue from agricultural exports ranging from beef, grain, horticulture, epiculture products mainly to Europe and China.
Today, it is a pale shadow of its former self with the UN World Food Programme declaring millions of Zimbabweans in need of food aid.
Millions of the economically active youths have since skipped boarders citing political persecution and an economy in doldrums to go and work as menial labour in foreign lands especially South Africa and Botswana leaving scarce manpower to till the land.
PPPZ’ s Chiguvare is also on record promising free education for primary learners owing to high levels of poverty. Education, he says is key to unlocking the full potential of the country.
Zimbabwe used to boast a higher literacy rate on the continent with Mugabe providing free and affordable education to the youths soon after independence from British rule.
Of late the government has come under heavy criticism internationally due to its handling of opposition figures such as lawyers, journalists and political activists with opposing views.
Jacob Ngarivhume, award winning journalist Hopewell Chi’ono and firebrand lawyer and politician Job’ Wiwa’ Sikhala have been incarcerated for prolonged periods for their political activities shining a light on government corruption.
By A Correspondent- The Zimbabwe Republic Police (ZRP) on Sunday arrested the uncle of Tapiwa Makore, a 7-year-old Murewa boy who was murdered recently, in connection with the murder case.
The arrest of Tapiwa’s uncle was confirmed by Police National Spokesperson Assistant Commissioner Paul Nyathi who said he is suspected to have worked with another suspect, Tafadzwa Shamba who was arrested last week.
Nyathi said:
Police have arrested the deceased’s uncle in connection with the murder incident. He was arrested yesterday. Allegations are that the uncle assisted Tafadzwa Shamba in this case and he is the one who took the head to a witch doctor.
Police are now looking for the witch doctor.
Tapiwa went missing on the 17th of this month only to be found dead on the following day with some of his body parts missing.
The ongoing investigations have so far suggested that there could be many cases of children murder that are going unreported.
The suggestion was made after the head of another unidentified boy was discovered and tested to ascertain if it belonged to Tapiwa. It was a mismatch.
Meanwhile, President Emmerson Mnangagwa has expressed concern of the reports and has called for the acceleration of the investigations to bring the perpetrators to book.
By A Correspondent- The reinstated interim Secretary-General of the opposition MDC-T, Senator Douglas Mwonzora has accused Nelson Chamisa leader of the MDC Alliance of planning the repossession of the Harvest House by the MDC Alliance.
The premises, now known as Morgan Tsvangirai House has for months now been used by the MDC-T after taking it over from MDC Alliance with the assistance of the state army.
Mwonzora’s remarks come after reports which suggest that some MDC-T youths on Sunday connived with MDC Alliance youths to transfer the premises to MDC Alliance.
Addressing members of the media after visiting the building, Mwonzora said they will take the premises back. He said:
It is a question of time we are going to take our property back and we are taking it today. They are Mr, Chamisa people he arranged it we know that. These people were organised and funded by G40 to take over our building, they have taken it unlawfully and violently.
We are not going to listen to any demands they are not in a position to make any demands they are in a weak position legally or physically. It is very different in the sense that we had a court order allowing us to occupy our building peacefully. There are people who have been held hostage and there are people inside who are from the MDC Alliance.
Tensions between the two factions have been worsening lately as the leaders are seemingly not enthusiastic about resolving the issues amicably.
Chamisa has since 2018 been wrangling with MDC-T leader Thokozani Khupe to replace the MDC’s founding leader the late Morgan Tsvangirai who succumbed to cancer in 2018.
The Supreme Court, ruling on the MDC’s ongoing leadership crisis said Khupe was the legitimate leader further enhancing the rift between the MDC factions as many aligned to Chamisa refused to accept Khupe as their leader.
SCHOOL teachers around the country failed to turn up for duty on Monday heeding to boycott calls by their various unions.
The teachers are demanding a US$550 salary.
Teachers unions confirmed nearly all their members did not report for duty on Monday.
The Amalgamated Rural Teachers Union of Zimbabwe (ARTUZ) said only one percent of its members reported for duty in Matabeleland North following the resumption of Zimbabwe Schools Examinations Council (ZIMSEC) examinations classes.
“Teachers failed to turn up for duty. A survey conducted by the ARTUZ today (Monday) revealed that about 5% of teachers showed up in Mashonaland East and Matabeleland North was the worst hit with around 1 percent of our teachers showing up for duty.
“We still urge the government to engage teachers so that normalcy can be restored in our schools. Teachers should be paid a living wage and we still demand US$520 for all teachers,” said Masaraure.
The Progressive Teachers Union of Zimbabwe (PTUZ) also said about 95 percent of its membership failed to report for duty.
“The response of the first day of opening was very encouraging. There was over 95 percent upsets of teacher in schools, confirming what we have highlighted to the government that teachers are incapacitated and that teachers could not be so silly to leave their own children at home whilst they are going to school to teach other people’s children.
“The fees that have been increased from $25 000 to $60 000 are beyond the reach of all the teachers who are now earning about $2 600 after funeral deductions of over $1 000 this month.
“So, it is clear that the teachers have spoken and their poverty and misery have shown beyond doubt that they are incapacitated and in the majority of schools even some heads failed to turn up because they are incapacitated and where a few heads turned up, they decided to send children home,” said PTUZ president Takavafira Zhou.
The ZCTU backed the teachers strike. Watch video downloading below:
Breaking: Mwonzora has been granted a court order saying that Charlton Hwende must come out with MDC Alliance supporters from inside Harvest House, but Hwende is apparently not inside the building. The order sounds invalid. pic.twitter.com/DynurkF7Iv
Zimbabwe’s state security minister on Monday alleged a plot by “rogue elements” in the opposition working with Western governments to smuggle in guns and foment chaos,signalling another possible crackdown.
Without providing evidence, Owen Ncube told reporters the plot was part of a wider plan to oust President Emmerson Mnangagwa and his government illegally.
Similar accusations have been made against the opposition in the past since the time of former President Robert Mugabe, usually as a precursor to a crackdown.
The main opposition Movement for Democratic Change’s (MDC) treasurer David Coltart said the allegations were false.
“We are committed to non violence,” he tweeted.
Accused of being no better than the authoritarian Mugabe, the Mnangagwa government has since July detained and charged several politicians, anti-government activists and a journalist, accusing them of inciting violence and planning protests.
That has drawn criticism from Western embassies in Harare.
“Some rogue elements among us are conniving with some hostile Western governments to smuggle guns and set up so-called Democratic Resistance Committees, that are for all intents and purposes violent militia groups,” Ncube said.
“These plans are key components of ‘Operation Light House’, the brainchild of one Western power that seeks to destroy the democratic foundations of Zimbabwe, make the country ungovernable and justify foreign intervention,” he said, without naming the country accused.
In Zimbabwe, state security ministers rarely hold press conferences and Ncube declined to take questions.
His comments came after the National Security Council in July denied that Mnangagwa faced a military coup.
He faces growing anger over the worst economic crisis in more than a decade, marked by inflation above 700% and shortages of foreign currency and medicines in public hospitals.
Ncube denied opposition charges that state security agents were abducting and torturing activists.
The headmaster of Chishawasha Boarding School, Mr Simon Muzanenhamo Tizora, has died.
He was 62.
Mr Tizora passed away yesterday at West End Clinic in Harare.
He was born on January 24, 1958 in Zvimba Murombedzi and attended Kaondera Primary School in the area.
Mr Tizora did his secondary education at St Phillips Magwenya in Guruve before enrolling at Nyadire Teacher’s College in Mutoko.
On graduation, he taught at St Joseph’s in Rusape before being transferred to Holy Rosary in Mvurwi.
Mr Tizora was then transferred to St Joseph’s Chishawasha and after a very good work he was transferred to Chishawasha Boarding School where he was promoted to be the headmaster.
At Chishawasha, Mr Tizora worked hard and oversaw the building of morden girls’ hostels, working together with Father Fidelis Mukonori to source funds and manpower.
Mr Tizora died at as the work was moving towards completion.
Speaking on his death, Father Mukonori said: “I am so down and pained by his death, but I have no doubt that he will be by the side of the Lord. I saw him four days ago at the hospital. Tizora had never been in hospital all his life, this was his first time and the last time.
“Tizora was happy that we spoke when I visited the hospital. He had a passion to develop the school. He was the head at ST Joseph, then we moved together to Chishawasha Mission.”
Father Mukonori said developments at Chishawasha would not have been possible without Mr Tizora.
He said Mr Tizora was highly professional.
“Everybody loved him,” he said. “The Angels in heaven have gained and here on earth we have lost a true educationist. He was a good Catholic.”
Dr Tizora said his brother will be buried in Zvimba tomorrow.
“We have lost a hero, a friend a brother and indeed a teacher,” he said. “My heart is so heavy and I cannot say much. Only God knows why and only God will comfort us.”
Mr Tizora is survived by his wife Annamore Tizora and four children, two boys and two girls.
A 10-member Chinese team of specialist doctors has arrived in the country and will be stationed at Parirenyatwa Group of Hospitals for the next 12 months.
The doctors will be assisting their counterparts in Zimbabwe in fighting against the spread of Covid-19, which has ravaged the world this year, killing nearly one million people. The team of specialists doctors is the 18th medical team from China.
They were welcomed at the Robert Mugabe International Airport by the Chinese Deputy Ambassador to Zimbabwe Mr Zhao Baogang and acting chief director Curative Services in the Ministry of Health and Child Care Dr Maxwell Hove.
Dr Hove said relations between Zimbabwe and China in the medical field were continuing to grow.
“We have very strong relations with China in the medical field and as you are aware, this is the 18th medical team from China to visit Zimbabwe. The 17th team will be leaving this Friday,” said Dr Hove.
Captain of the medical team who is the deputy chief physician in the Radiology Department of the Zhuzhou Central Hospital, Dr Luo Weiqiang, said the team was in the country to continue assisting in the fight against Covid-19.
“We want to assist Zimbabwe in the fight against Covid-19 as well as explore other areas in the traditional medicine field.
“We will also focus on the promotion of the Chinese Traditional Medicine,’’ he said.
Among the 10 specialists is Dr Sung Shuang, a physician and traditional medicine specialist who will also be assisting at the recently launched Zimbabwe-China Traditional Chinese Medicine and Acupuncture Centre.
Paul Gorekore, the MDC-T’s youth leader for Harare province exhibited massive bravery disregarding heavy police presence outside Harvest House on Monday to speak to journalists – separated by burglar bars – while surrounded by dozens of youths from both the MDC-T and the MDC Alliance.
The statement accused Thokozani Khupe leader of the reconstituted MDC-T of 2014 of having been “infiltrated and captured by Zanu PF elements battling to destroy the people’s movement.”
Here is Gorekore’s statement in full:
“We the young people of the Movement for Democratic Change (Harare province) united together to finish the people’s democratic revolution.
As the first line of defence of the party, the vanguards of democracy and the custodians of the party and its future we have assumed all security duties of the Party HQ MRT House.
This was necessitated by our realisation on the need to unite the people in the fight for a better Zimbabwe and defend the civilian space in the face of military state capture.
We as the youths of the party as per 2014 structures, we have decided to go beyond our differences and unite to resolve the current crisis. We have been concerned by the recent developments where the party had been infiltrated and captured by Zanu PF elements battling to destroy the People’s movement thereby aiding the suffering of the masses.
This act of bravery was necessitated by the need to protect our beloved movement and the Zimbabwean people’s fight for better lives.
As young people we will remain guided by the organs of the party in particular the National Council as we re-establish the will of MDC leaders, members, supporters and Zimbabweans at large.
We have noted the attempt to surrender the Democratic project into the hands of the enemy.
Individuals have been making decisions without the mandate of the Zimbabwean voters, districts, provinces, the party’s National Executive and National Council organs which have not set since the Supreme Court judgment.
The party has been infiltrated by sell-outs with an agenda to derail our freedom.
It therefore follows that we act to unite our leadership, our support base and Zimbabweans at large and ensure the Vision of Dr Morgan Tsvangirai lives on across generations.
We furthermore urge the Zimbabwe Republic Police to desist from interfering in MDC internal political affairs and immediately vacate our headquarters. We also urge all youths to maintain discipline and peace as we await the party national executive and national council meeting to map the political way forward.
This is not a one generation move movement. We will define, defend and secure our future.
