A KEZI man has been arrested after he fatally struck his wife with an axe for demanding a separation.

Matabeleland South provincial police spokesperson, Chief Inspector Philisani Ndebele confirmed the incident which occurred on Sunday in Magololo Village Sontala area though he said the cause of the attack was yet to be ascertained.

He said Sicelo Ncube (44) met the now deceased Nanziwe Phiri (37) while she was coming from the river where she had gone to fetch water and attacked her.

“I can confirm that we recorded a murder case which occurred in Magololo Village in Sontala area.

Nanziwe Phiri was on her way from Simukwe River where she had gone to fetch water in the company of other ladies when they met her husband Sicelo Ncube who was armed with an axe. Ncube approached Phiri with saying a word, tripped her and she fell to the ground.

“He struck her with an axe on the forehead. The other ladies fled to the nearest homesteads where they alerted villagers.

Upon their return they found Phiri lying on the ground motionless and Ncube had fled the scene. The matter was reported to the police who attended the scene,” he said.

Chief Insp Ndebele said Ncube had since been arrested and was assisting police with investigations.

He said Ncube was arrested with the assistance of community members who informed police of his whereabouts.

Chief Insp Ndebele urged members of the public to desist from engaging in violence when faced with disputes.

“We would like to thank members of the public who assisted us with information that led to Ncube’s arrest. He is assisting police with investigations.

People should also desist from engaging in violence when faced with disputes. If people have domestic problems they must seek counselling,” he said.

A village head from Sontala area, Mr Andrew Dube said Ncube is suspected to have attacked his wife after she demanded a divorce. She said the couple had now been living separately.-Chronicle

By A Correspondent- 2 National Pharmaceuticals Bad members are reportedly in court facing criminal abuse of office charges the Daily News reports.

The duo, Gerald Gore and Charles Enos Mapanga is accused of not retiring the company’s Managing Director Florah Nancy Sifeku, when she reached her retirement age,

Its is the state’s case that:

On June 1, 2006, Sifeku was appointed managing director for NatPharm under a renewable three-year contract, which was extended starting on June 1, 2015 to May 31, 2018.

On November 28, 2018, NatPharm received a circular from the Office of the President and Cabinet outlining procedure for termination of public entities’ chief executives who had served for more than 10 years as guided by the Public Entities Corporate Governance Act. On July 18 of the same year, a human resources committee meeting chaired by Harinavamwe Chifamba was held and the issue of recruiting a new managing director was raised and captured in the minutes.

On November 30, Sifeku’s six-month contract extension expired and she reportedly continued to work without a contract and without the president’s approval of her re-appointment. On January 9, a full NatPharm board meeting was held in which the two were present and they discussed the issue that Sifeku was working without a contract. They continued working with Sifeku knowing that she had no valid contract.

They negated their obligation as public officers by failing to terminate Sifeku’s employment from the position of managing director for NatPharm as she had reached her retirement age and had served for more than 10 years. Due to their actions, Sifeku continued with her duties without a contract and received salaries and benefits which amounted to $631 997,75 and US$2 865,42

The magistrate remanded them to 24 September on $3 000 Bail.-DailyNews

#ZimbabweanLivesMatter https://t.co/BhZXVLzbah

— Prof. Mlambo (@MlamboProf) September 9, 2020

By A Correspondent- Exiled activist Josphat Mzaca Ngulube has accused an unnamed daughter of a prominent national hero for setting him up to be abducted by suspect Zimbabwe state agents at his Rosebank base in South Africa.

Mzaca who fled political persecution to South Africa after his niece was abducted and sexually abused survived another attempt on his life in August and had to seek protection from the local police station.

Read his unedited statements on the matter below:

My attack in South Africa was an eye opener and revelation on the people who work for Zanupf but in public insulting it!

Was sold out by someone you cant think of whom i trusted and the person sold me out and was mounted by the agents at the residential place where my nieces were staying, person phoning and asking me when I was going to see the kids and like time not realizing was being set up

Its a lady Claiming to be a National hero Daughter based in South Africa very vocal on Matebeleland issues and you all know her her on social media the name told my family and close people lina abanye sengilitshelile, she claiming to be one of the most popular Heroes in Matebeleland daughter.

Indeed was attacked in Johannesburg because of trusting wrong people you consider to be Matebeleland kids while they are sellouts eating with the enemies, we have a lot of people who have been trapped arrested and killed because of the same person.

The state broadcaster the ZBC, has made a sensational invitation for Zimbabweans to watch a Main News SPECIAL tonight or listen on radio station Classic263 as it runs what it claims to be an exposè of the “alleged abduction” of MDC Alliance’s Joana Mamombe, Netsai Marova and Cecelia Chimbiri. Unravelling “an almost perfect hatchet job”.

Watch video downloading below:

The ANC delegation to Zimbabwe has scored a diplomatic point after Zanu-PF agreed they should meet the opposition and civil society groups on their next trip to Harare.

The Ace Magashule-led team drawn from the ANC national executive and working committees arrived in the capital on Tuesday to meet Zanu-PF leaders on Wednesday.

The party-to-party meeting was to discuss the escalating political and economic crisis in Zimbabwe. Since July, with a crackdown on opposition politicians and journalists characterised by kidnappings and torture, the country’s woes have drawn international attention. Zanu-PF, however, insists there is no crisis in the country.

Magashule told journalists there was an agreement between Zanu-PF and the delegation that on the next visit the South Africans should meet rival parties.

“We felt that together with Zanu-PF, indeed there is no problem in meeting with the structures. Therefore, we are going to make arrangements to once more come back and meet these organisations,” he said.

Watch video downloading below.

Paul Nyathi

Zengeza West Member of Parliament and MDC Deputy Chairperson Job Sikhala’s High Court bail hearing was off to a false start on Wednesday and was postponed to Friday.

The Court heard that the documents from the lower court were not yet ready and not available at the High Court.

The postponementis to allow for enough time for the preparation and uplifting of the record of proceedings in which Magistrate Lazini Ncube denied him bail on 3 September.

Sikhala was arrested last month in the Harare western suburb of Tynwald North on allegations of inciting public violence.

In a statement MDDC said, “Hon Job Sikhala’s Harare High Court bail hearing has been postponed due to the fact that the records of the Magistrates Court proceedings are still to be signed by the Presiding Officer who is said to have now gone on leave. We continue to demand his release.”

Sikhala who is being represented by ZLHR has been detained at Chikurubi Maximum Security Prison since he was arrested in August on charges of inciting people to commit public violence through staging protests

A Zimbabwean-born millionaire-cum-politician has been slapped with an contempt of court for owing about R323 000 in child maintenance in a divorce settlement matter.

The man, who cannot be named to protect the identity of his children, appeared at the North Gauteng High Court on Monday where his dirty divorce and child maintenance legal battle between him and his estranged South African wife was heard.

The businessman’s spouse filed a contempt of court application against her husband after he failed to comply with a court order issued in October last year which ordered him to pay R30 000 a month in maintenance for her and their three minor children, among other things. He is in R323 000 in arears.

The couple were married in community of property for about nine years until the husband proposed a divorce in December 2018 before moving into the cottage attached to their matrimonial home in Joburg.

The lawyers of the two parties, who cannot be named to protect the identities of their young children, had a virtual sitting of North Gauteng High Court on Monday.

The couple were married in community of property for about nine years until the husband proposed a divorce in December 2018 before moving into the cottage attached to their matrimonial home.

The tycoon owns several companies and assets in the southern African region and is a big political figure in his home country, where he also ran for presidential candidacy.

According to court documents seen by The Star, the court ordered the husband to pay R30 000 a month in maintenance for his spouse and their children; pay all costs and expenses for the children’s education; reinstate the children and ex-wife on his medical aid scheme; make payments for all the children’s clothing, cellphones, pocket money and all birthday gifts; return the wife’s Mercedes-Benz together with all sets of keys; and make payments towards the wife’s legal costs which was about R30 000.

The wife’s attorney Graeme Krawitz, said in court that the businessman had not complied with the order.

“He has not delivered the car, which he could have done, he has not placed the children on medical aid, he has not paid contribution towards legal fees and has not paid one cent of maintenance apart from R7 000 in October,” Krawitz said.

The wife told The Star that she’s had to rely on her family members to aid her financially.

“I pay for all transport, whatever food I use with donations from my family. I am absolutely destitute despite the fact that I am married in community of property to an extremely wealthy man,” she said.

The husband’s attorney, Kevin Schaafsma, said his client was not in complete default of the court order because his client did pay all costs and expenses for the children’s education, clothing, cellphones, pocket money and all birthday gifts.

He said the vehicle was handed over to the wife but it did not work and was removed from the property.

Schaafsma added that his client did not comply with the payment of maintenance and reinstate the wife and children on the medical aid scheme because the businessman could not afford to pay because his company was under suspension.

“The bank statements before the court contend that he had an overdraft limit and he lives on the overdraft limit and he is not in a position to make payments,” he said.

The businessman’s attorney contested that the wife was destitute and said she had not tried to find employment to support herself.

“The applicant continues to believe that she can live a life of luxury without working, notwithstanding being a healthy 33-year-old woman with formal qualifications,” the husband wrote in his answering affidavit.

The judge in the matter indicated that he would hold the businessman in contempt for not fully complying with the previous order and gave him a 60 day sentence suspended for five years.

Schaafsma confirmed to the Star that his client intended to appeal against the order. We will be taking it on appeal,” he said. He added that his client asked for privacy.

The wife said she was relieved about the outcome but was hoping her estranged husband would comply.

The Star

Lawyers representing MDC Alliance deputy chair Job Sikhala say the Zengeza West legislator’s health is deteriorating at Chikurubi Maximum Security Prison where he is being held pending his trial.

In addition, Sikhala’s lawyers said efforts to see him came to nought after prison authorities said they had missed the visiting hours for inmates.

Sikhala is said to be suffering from excessively swollen legs, possibly as a result of hypertension.

Source: Daily News

A man from Bindura has appeared in court in the town, accused of indecent assault of his 18-year old daughter after he allegedly physically inspected her virginity.

The State, represented by Patience Chair, told the court on Tuesday that Saymore Mhene allegedly sneaked into the bedroom of his biological daughter, Mandivavarira, at around midnight in August last year and pulled her pants aside while she slept, and inserted his fingers into her private parts to inspect her virginity.

The daughter, who was sleeping with two other siblings, was allegedly awakened by the inspection, and asked her father what he was doing.

Chair told the court that, upon being discovered and confronted, Mhene allegedly just walked away from his daughter.

“She asked the accused what he was doing but he walked away without answering her,” Chair told the court.

Bindura magistrate Moreblessing Makate remanded Mhene out on $500 bail to October 1st.

– New Ziana

The July 31st Movement heartily welcomes the initiatives by the South African governing party, the African National Congress (ANC) and President Cyril Ramaphosa, to deploy envoys and delegations to help resolve the multi-faceted humanitarian, human rights, socio-economic and political crisis in Zimbabwe. It is trite that there is definitely a crisis in Zimbabwe! To fully understand the challenges and find a lasting solution, it is critical that all key stakeholders be consulted and engaged with; including the government of Zimbabwe, the main political parties, churches, civil society, trade unions, the media and grassroots citizens’ movements.

They then proceeded to outline the key areas for consideration and said:

• There is rampant high-level corruption in Zimbabwe, including Covid-19-related corruption which is going on without any accountability or recovery of stolen resources.
• Zimbabwe has a major human rights problem under Emmerson Mnangagwa’s presidency, including unresolved cases of abductions and torture of government critics; which has escalated without the arrest of any of the abductors. As usual, the Zimbabwe government denies these abductions and tortures; we challenge them to allow the United Nations Special Rapporteur on Torture to carry out an independent investigation into the growing reports of torture.
• The Zimbabwe government has been unwilling to listen and engage with its citizens. Instead of addressing the issues raised by critics, the critics who have genuine concerns, were described as “dark forces”, “a few rogue Zimbabweans” and “terrorist opposition groupings”. Nothing was said about the constitutional rights of Zimbabweans to peacefully protest or the violations of government’s domestic and international human rights obligations.
• Zimbabwe faces an acute humanitarian crisis and violations of the right to food, as acute food shortages persist. According to the United Nations, 7,7 million people are food insecure. Around 5,5 million of these people live in the rural areas and 2,2 million in urban areas. The Covid-19 pandemic has worsened Zimbabwe’s food crisis as government adopted nuanced containment measures. The very measures have been associated with violations of fundamental rights, including public beatings, hefty unwarranted fines and shaming of people over allegations of not wearing the masks correctly.
• Zimbabwe’s security forces frequently use excessive force to crush protests and silence government critics. The security forces used excessive lethal force to crush nationwide protests in January 2019 which had been triggered by Mnangagwa’s sudden announcement of a fuel price increase. During the demonstrations throughout Zimbabwe, government forces fired live ammunition on civilians killing 17 people. There has been no accountability or justice enforced for these gruesome atrocities on civilians and to date no soldier has been arrested.
• On August 1, 2018, protests over delayed election results consequential in widespread violence erupted in Harare. The Motlanthe Commission of Inquiry was appointed, found that six people died and 35 others were injured as a result of actions by State security forces. The commission’s important recommendations were ignored, including the need to hold those responsible for the abuses to account through compensation to families of those killed and compensation to those who lost property.
• The government continues to encroach upon leaders, by threatening and conducting arrests, issuing wanted notices for all organisers of any anti-government protests and arresting protest leaders like MP Job Sikhala. Sikhala is currently in prison after being denied bail. We are aware that most of our activists are living in the bush for fear of arrests due to simply being suspected of having intended to protest. There is nowhere in the Constitution where an intention to participate in a peaceful protest against corruption is a crime.
• Zimbabwe’s offer to pay US$3,5 billion compensation to white farmers should not sanitise the region and make South Africa, Sadc and the African Union ignore the serious on-going human rights abuses with impunity. International re-engagement should be based on good governance, anti-corruption, respect for the rule of law and human rights.
• Zimbabwe urgently needs strong and independent justice systems, electoral systems, governance systems and anti-corruption institutions that are not controlled by the ruling Zanu PF party. Without independent institutions, it will be impossible to transform Zimbabwe and successfully resolve the crisis.
• South Africa’s initiatives to help resolve Zimbabwe’s challenges should lead to a national dialogue process that leaves no-one behind and that openly confronts the challenges in full transparency and demands justice and accountability.

We petition that your envoy consider and make representation to the government of Zimbabwe on the following:

1. Process and victim-led broad-based national dialogue: led by a neutral, reputable former president of an African state, underwritten by Sadc and the AU, at a neutral venue.
2. A National Transitional Authority (NTA) to work on electoral reforms, demilitarisation and restoration of the independence of State institutions and processes.
3. Including economic and electoral reforms and freeing the media, leading to free and fair elections based on agreed timelines.
   National healing, truth telling and the release of all political prisoners.
4. Economic reforms that centre on the inclusive improvement of people’s livelihoods, including the elimination of corruption and bringing to account those fingered in corruption activities.
5. Respect of Section 59 of the Constitution, allowing freedom to protest.
6. Investigations by a regional tribunal or an international criminal court; of all cases of torture and State-sponsored violence thus bringing perpetrators to book.

---

Zimbabwe Electoral Commission has announced that it will be soon holding by elections besides the Covid-19 pandemic.

The commission has announced guidelines that have to be adhered to at polling stations.

They are as follows:

• The Presiding Officer shall ensure disinfection and regular cleaning of polling stations and ablution facilities.
• The Presiding Officer shall ensure that an Attendance Register is maintained for all persons visiting the polling station for contact tracing purposes.
• Election officials, Voters, Polling Agents and Election Observers are to wash their hands thoroughly using soapy running water, be sanitized upon entering and exiting polling stations, wear face masks, maintain social distancing and have temperature checks before commencement of any electoral activity.
• The Commission shall provide adequate gloves for all the electoral officers during all stages of the electoral process.
• For composite polling stations, temperature checks should be centralized and a screening certificate issued out to all persons entering polling stations.
• Persons whose temperature is lower or higher than the recommended national standard ranges are recorded and not allowed into polling stations. Such persons shall be advised to visit their nearest health centres.
• Polling stations to be arranged in such manner as to allow the required social distancing to be observed.
• The pens provided at the polling station should be sanitized after use by each voter. Voters are however allowed to bring and use their own pens if they so wish.
• Polling shall take place between 7 am and 7 pm. However, anyone in the queue at the close of the poll shall not be turned away.

ANC Secretary General Ace Magashule has announced that they will return to meet the opposition MDC Alliance, ZAPU and Transform Zimbabwe among other stakeholders who requested to meet with them.

Magashule was speaking inside ZANU-PF headquarters after meeting with Obert Mpofu and other top officials from the ruling party.

Watch our SG @robohchere speaking on our position on the @ZctuZimbabwe organised Monday protests. USD salaries for all workers. pic.twitter.com/FamtVNSSvK

— Amalgamated Rural Teachers Union of Zimbabwe,ARTUZ (@ARTUZ_teachers) September 9, 2020

Farai Dziva|Murdered MDC activist, Tonderai Ndira’s family has received grocery items from well-wishers.

Ndira was murdered by Zanu PF activists in 2008.

See statement below:

The Fund remembered the late Tonderai Ndira’s family with Grocery items.

Tonderai Ndira was murdered by ZanuPF thugs in 2008 run-off elections and we should never forget him and many others.

Receiving the groceries are Mrs Ndira and her daughter. A big thank you to all who donate, together we will do more. We are also very grateful for Ngoni Danzwa and his assistance in delivering the goods God bless you.

To donate please visit the link:

The Fund remembered the late Tonderai Ndira's family with Grocery hamper.

Receiving the groceries are Mrs Ndira and her daughter. A big thank you to all who donate, together we will do more.

To donate please visit the link; https://t.co/302SIwwxe5

Thank you for retweeting? pic.twitter.com/CtX3a1RQ1o

— Chambii (@AmChambi) September 9, 2020

 

Deputy Defence and War Veterans Minister Victor Matemadanda has given a chilling warning to ‘sell-outs’ that they will disappear mysteriously.

Matemadanda’s sentiments come as Zimbabwe is facing an increase in politically motivated and suspected state sanctioned abductions and disappearances.

Addressing a Zanu PF Manicaland provincial co-ordinating committee meeting in Mutare on Sunday, Matemadanda said , “I told other people that if you are a sell-out, and if you wake up and pursue your sell-out activities while people are sleeping, this country has something that it will do to you.”

The Zanu PF political commissar continued, “You will disappear without anyone touching you. This country will deal with you mysteriously.

This country is a mystery, you just can’t do as you please.” His remarks came as human rights activists have recorded a spike in abductions and torture of opposition activists by suspected State security agents.

Political activists and government critics such as Itai Dzamara, Patrick Nyabanyana and dozens others disappeared without trace in the last few years.

The Zanu PF government has always maintained abductions are stage manage but this latest revelation by a high ranking official is not consistent with the government’s position.

Matemadanda took at former Zimbabwe Hospital Doctors Association (ZIDA) Peter Magombeyi and comedian Samatha Kureya better known as Gonyeti for claiming that they were abducted by state agents.

Jameson Timba, secretary for presidential affairs in MDC Alliance leader Nelson Chamisa’s office, said it was unfortunate to have Matemadanda incite violence.

“These remarks are not dissimilar from the remarks made by Patrick
Chinamasa (Zanu PF politburo member and acting spokesperson), which were basically inciting violence in the country,” he said.

“His suggestion in the context of the abductions that have been taking place in this country, that if you sell out then you will disappear, is totally unacceptable and irresponsible and also shows who has been behind the abductions in the country.”-NewsDay

By A Correspondent| Yesterday, popular musician, Mukudzei Mukombe aka Jah Prayzah posted on his Twitter handle that he had purchased a residential stand at Pokugara Estate in Borrowdale, Harare.

“We have made up our mind, my wife and I have decided to purchase this piece of land at Pokugara Residential Estate in Borrowdale. I will continue to show you more amazing options from @WestPropZim. You can do it too,” wrote Jah Prayzah.

His legion of fans rushed to congratulate him but environmentalists however reminded the popular musician that the area was largely contested since it was on a wetland and building on it was going to impact on water availability in Harare.

Some of the commentators reminded the musician that it was unethical for him to be associated with activities that are impacting negatively on water availability, and ultimately human life in Harare.

Below are some of the comments;
Dorothy Wakeling , “With respect Jah Prayzah, your community protects its wetlands in Uzumba so why would you destroy a wetland in Borrowdale, Harare by building your own house on it? Rather promote the preservation of Harare’s wetlands including the iconic Borrowdale Vlei, for water for all.”

Orphah Ruzvidzo, “The area is in dispute though. The whole area is a wetland which was helping Vainona and Mt Pleasant residents with underground water recharge and water quality of their borehole. It’s OK, you are showing domination. Nature loses, humans win.”

Harry Davies, “Regrettably, the whole area is on disputed land obtained by developers through corrupt means. Developing that wetland will seriously impact the quality and quantity of Harare’s water supply. You should pull out of the deal Sir. They are using your profile to very bad ends.”

Ashirayi Maphosa, “Sadly it’s not talked about enough (wetlands issues) and they keep building.”

3XMaSpaghets, “Muchageza nei? (Where are you going to get bathing water?). You know that place is being built on a wetland due to corruption. Groundwater for boreholes for the area can’t be replenished if you have built all over it. Also, this area has not had city water for 16-25 years. Why contribute towards what is already a water crisis?”

Environmentalists are concerned over the continuous destruction of wetlands which is impacting negatively on water supply in Harare.

Harare is located on its headwater wetlands and relies on the wetlands for water supply.

 

 

By Mari Matutu | MDC A must be wise and not clever. There is wide difference between being wise and being clever.

You can be wise by being stupid when the outcome is to your advantage

I saw a headline by Zimeye on ANC delegates. It looked so catchy and as far as ZimEye is concerned I believe their sincerity. However that is where the division line for wisdom and cleverness crosses.

You need a little bit of study on desception to understand criminals. Luckily, I am a well trained and experienced Jail guard. Now listen to this all of you MDC A members. I will first open your eyes with things that you know but could not interpret.

In 2008 MDC T won elections and Thabo Mbeki was the SADC chair as well as the appointed mediator. The rest of his actions we all know but we forgot one thing.

The day he made Mugabe and Tsvangirai sign an agreement to form the government of National unity upon his return to South Africa he was told to pack and go. He did go.

In November 2017 Zuma was Chair for Sadc troika for politics and security. He tried to protect Mugabe. Because of that, he never lasted 2 months as President of South Africa.

Cyrial Ramaphosa as the Chair of AU and President of South Africa did send a delegation to meet stake holders in the Zimbabwean crisis. Upon the return of the delegation Cyril was before an ANC NEC corruption interrogation.

Ace Magashule the Secretary General of ANC commented on the Zimbabwean crisis and he was reminded of his corruption files.

Now back to the revolutionary movement. ANC is mother of all these revolutionary movement. All liberation soldiers were trained by the same institutions and they all fall as one.

If reasoning does not tell you that ANC is a voluntary organisation joined through personal choice but South Africa and AU are institutions for all. Then revise.
Ask yourselves why Ramaphosa who is the true representative of South Africa would opt to withdraw a delegation that is of South Africa, whose input has value in SADC and AU or UN and put a delegation of a voluntary organisation not accountable to anyone but its membership to go and negotiate a national crisis for a whole state like Zimbabwe.

Wake up. Imagine ANC comes and get all the facts from all stake holders, where do you expect ANC to take this information?

Here is the trick. The power and authority in these revolutionary parties was exposed by July 31. They cannot sweep it under the carpert but cannot allow reputable institutions with authority to control the pace.

1. Chamisa has refused to budge in POLAD and they now dangle a carrot in his eyes. They say you refuse POLAD we give you CRIMAD( Criminal Actors Dialogue).
   This whole pretence by ANC of saying “we are seeing Zanu and other stakeholders” is to create a debate to the effect that MDC will also within its circle cry to see ANC . They want to make currency out of their visit and bring MDC to crave to see ANC.

Common sense must tell you it is ANC that forced Ramaphosa and even threatened him with recall after he sent a delegation that was standing for South Africa. If you fail to see the reason why then know for a fact you are dealing with a gynaecologist who uses his own p_enis to treat your problem of not having a child with your wife. Wake up.

The point is both ANC and Zanu Pf have noted and accepted that there is a crisis in Zimbabwe. The mere fact that they are making trips and meetings that cost money talking about it is your card. Now do not give out your card.

There are two parts of the day within 24hrs. The daylight time and darkness. In deception never accept a game that is played during the night even if more people are spectators. During the day, do not accept a game that is played without spectators. Not all bodies are spectators. A blind man’s presence raises figures but does not add to spectators. This is the rule. Once you know your opponent wants to play the game never keep secrets, even if these things are known between the two of you.

All desception games are there to fool the third parties to believe a story. So MDC must make the public aware that ANC has noted the crisis but it is a corrupt political party that has twisted the state president of SA who has power and authority to stand on behalf SA, who has authority of African Union to stand on its behalf and directed him to drop his delegation. Now ANC which has no where to report or is not accountable to anyone but its own members wants to handle a national crisis of a country and MDC A wants to buy that.

Kana muchiramba Polad which is just a dog then it will not save you any meaningful purpose to start eating a jackle just because it lives in the bush.

Makuda kuregedza button remoto nekuuchira.

Dzvanya Chamisa. Chamisa dzvanya. Vanhu ndovamwe vaiti sanctions must go zuro uno. Usabura poto yofazha uchida kupambira. Kurungira usvusvu udire. Pavapedo…..!

By A Correspondent- Former Reserve Bank of Zimbabwe governor Gideon Gono has shed an astonishing 35kgs in 9 months after investing in a home gym and hiring the services of well-known personal trainer Kenny Murungweni.

Gono who also occasionally uses the services of fitness trainer and Norton independent MP Temba Mliswa, says he is now putting on suits he used to wear 20 years ago.

 

A prominent Bulawayo businessman and his ex-wife allegedly hired bouncers on Monday to prevent a woman the couple sold a house to, from occupying the property.

The stage was set for an epic clash when the woman allegedly got her own crew of “muscle heads”, with Romney Park residents along Constable Street coming out to watch the drama unfold.

Some residents said they were disappointed when the hired muscle discovered they were friends and decided not to bash each other.

Mr Dumisani Mutorera and his ex-wife Ms Taisekwa Rosie Mtungwazi allegedly sold a three-bedroom house for US$36 500 to Ms Duduzile Gumede in December but have allegedly refused to vacate the premises, claiming Ms Gumede still owes them an undisclosed balance.

On Monday, Ms Gumede brought some of her property to the house saying she had become impatient with Ms Mtungwazi who no longer wants to vacate her house while Mr Mutorera does not stay there.

When a Chronicle news crew visited the house in the morning, Ms Gumede and Ms Mtungwazi had both gone to Queens Park Police Station.

A group of bouncers was flexing muscles and threatened the news crew.

Later, Ms Gumede returned to the house but Ms Mtungwazi could not be located.

The bouncers that were allegedly hired by both parties said the situation became neutralised when they realised they were colleagues.

Ms Gumede told the news crew that Ms Mtungwazi has refused to leave the house since March.

“When I bought the house in December, I notified my landlord that I would be leaving the house at the end of March to occupy my new house. But I’ve tried in vain to occupy my house as Ms Mtungwazi has refused to entertain me. I have been forced to squat with my two children in one room yet I bought a house,” said Ms Gumede.

She showed the news crew an agreement of sale between her and Mr Mutorera, which she said was confirmation that she was the rightful owner of the Romney Park house.

Ms Gumede said Ms Mtungwazi tried to get her arrested for forcibly entering the yard but police cleared her as they saw the papers confirming that she owned the property.

“After making full payment for the house in December, Mutorera accused me of giving him US$2 500 counterfeit notes. I engaged my lawyer who advised me that I should just pay the money as he was a difficult person and I would spend my days in court contesting the issue and end up losing both my money and the house. I grudgingly looked for the money and paid it. I didn’t expect that I would have to stay this long without occupying my house,” she said.

“He didn’t even return the said counterfeit notes, and even today the police asked why he didn’t report that I had given him such notes. So, I’ve decided to not just put my property in the yard, I will not go inside the house lest they claim that there is a certain amount that they have lost due to my presence in the house.”

Contacted for comment, Ms Mtungwazi said she did not know anything about the case. “Who are you? Call the owners, I don’t know anything. You called a wrong number,” said Ms Mtungwazi.

Mr Mutorera said his ex-wife was not vacating the house as Ms Gumede has not paid him in full.

“I don’t stay in that house they just like talking about me. The person who stays in that house is my ex-wife. The house used to be mine so all I want is my money. I gave them options that if they cannot pay my money they should go to their lawyers and reverse the deal. I’m being owed a lot of money. I’m not sure the exact figures but it could be US$5 500, I would need to check on my papers,” said Mr Mutorera.

He said Ms Gumede has taken the matter to court and he does not understand why she does not wait for due processes to be completed.

He hung up without specifying the processes.

-State Media

By A Correspondent- The Zimbabwe Republic Police (ZRP) is grappling with severe transport and fuel shortages resulting in its officers failing to attend crime scenes and other duties.

This was confirmed by Home Affairs minister Kazembe Kazembe while addressing senior police officers in Bulawayo last week.

“I have noted that the Bulawayo police province and the organisation in general are facing an acute shortage of transport and fuel,” he said.

“It is exceedingly imperative that police officers be highly mobile in order to enhance prevention, investigation, and detection of crime. Police officers need to attend crime scenes in time in order to guard against the loss of evidence.”

The minister said government was determined to address police’s transport challenges.

“This is a challenge the government is seized with and continuous efforts are being made to improve police agility and effectiveness through procurement of more operational vehicles.

“I want to assure you that the government will continue to be seized with the need to mobilise resources in order to enhance police operations as well as improving the welfare of members. “We will never lose sight of the fact that effective policing is a very expensive exercise though it comes along with invaluable rewards,” said Kazembe.

The minister also lamented accommodation shortages in police camps. The shortages, he said, has resulted in some police officers seeking private rental accommodation.

“This situation is unpalatable given that apart from compromising the security of members, has huge financial implications,” he said.

The minister also expressed concern over the police‘s unpreparedness in dealing with cybercrime.

“It is common knowledge that emerging crimes such as cybercrimes are redefining the policing terrain.

“Criminality has become complex and sophisticated given that perpetrators are harnessing technological advancement to enhance their criminal activities.

“We are, thus, mindful of the need to capacitate ZRP with technological aided crime prevention, investigation, and detection equipment in order for the organisation to keep abreast of criminal sophistry smart policing is indeed the way to go,” he added.-newsday

By A Correspondent- Zanu PF has pleaded with the electorate to give it more time to resolve the country’s economic mess, saying the 40 years the party has been in power was not long enough for an economic turnaround.

The call was made at the weekend by acting party spokesperson Patrick Chinamasa at a provincial co-ordinating committee meeting in Mashonaland East.

“Development is not a day’s thing, it’s not a month’s thing, it’s not a year’s thing, but it is a journey to be travelled for many years so that we reach our destination. But for us to get there, like what professor (Finance minister Mthuli) Ncube said, we need to have targets and agree on a roadmap to be used,” Chinamasa said.

The southern African country is currently experiencing its worst economic meltdown in a decade characterised by hyperinflation and liquidity challenges which have spawned shortages of food and other essential imports.

The new dispensation has also been choked by high-level corruption at a time ordinary citizens are living below the poverty datum line.

“I hear a lot of people mocking the government saying we are behind China and America in terms of development. Do you know that China came from 6 000 years of uninterrupted civilisation? In Europe, wars were fought, their development is not recent, it came after hundreds of years. And now someone says what we have done in 40 years cannot be compared with what was achieved in Europe, how do you want it to be done? You need to know that development is not instant. Our President (Emmerson Mnangagwa) is moving towards vision 2030 he added.

The Zanu PF government has been accused of running down the economy, which was once a jewel of Africa, through weak policies and corruption, but the regime blames economic sanctions, the opposition and natural disasters for derailing its programmes.-newsday

By A Correspondent- A 30 year old Harare woman appeared in court yesterday charged with swindling the Defence ministry out of $2 700 546 after she allegedly misrepresented that she bought 79 air tickets for members of the army.

The suspect, Moreen Tatenda Nago, who is director of Cheryl Ethan Travel Services was remanded to October 1 after being granted $30 000 bail by magistrate Trynos Utawashe.

She was ordered to report twice a week, surrender her passport to the clerk of court, not to interfere with witnesses and stay at her given address.

Allegations are that on January 16, 2016, Nago and her accomplice Shepherd Chiriga, who is also out on bail, registered their company Cheryl Ethan Travel Services. On March 7, 2017, they allegedly opened a company bank account with FBC Bank.

It is alleged on November 16, 2016, Denson Muvandi and his wife Rachel Derby Muvandi also registered their company Right Turn Travel Services and opened a company bank account with FBC Bank, Harare on April 17, 2019.

At the beginning of July 2019, Nago in connivance with Chiriga and Muvandi, who is allegedly on the run, misrepresented to the Defence ministry that Cheryl Ethan Travel Services had purchased air tickets for 79 Zimbabwe army officers who wanted to travel outside the country.

The State alleges that on July 15, 2019, the trio presented an invoice of $2 700 546 to the Defence ministry purporting that Cheryl Ethan Travel Services had facilitated the trip.

It is alleged that Muvandi, who was the ministry’s finance director, recommended and authorised the transfer of $2 700 546 on July 16 from the ministry’s account to Cheryl Ethan Travel services FBC Bank account.

Between July 16 and 25 last year, the money was transferred from Cheryl Ethan Travel Services to Right Turn Travel Services and subsequently to different individual and company bank accounts.

Investigations carried out by the Zimbabwe Anti-Corruption Commission revealed that the companies did not render any services to the Defence ministry.

Instead, they swindled government of $2 700 546 and nothing was recovered.-Newsday

 

By A Correspondent-  War veterans resettled at Umvutcha Farm in Umguza, just outside Bulawayo, have been served with eviction notices after the son-inlaw of former owner Alister Micheal Fletcher successfully challenged the seizure of the farm by government.

The farmers, who include war veterans and Zanu-PF activists led by Lazarus Chipile Masuku, were formally resettled on March 7, 2008 under government’s land reform programme.

Fletcher’s son-in-law, identified as TR Maidwell, recently applied for their eviction and won a default judgment after the farmers failed to respond to his application.

Maidwell’s application through his lawyer Bruce Masamvu of Matutu, Masamvu and Da Silva Gustavo Law Chambers read: “Plaintiff issued summons against the defendant. Summons was served to defendant on July 8, 2020. Defendant did not file its appearance to defend. The dies induciae has expired on July 17. Judgment may be entered for plaintiff in the following terms, an order cancelling the lease agreement entered into by and between parties on July 31 2019, an order that the defendant be evicted from Umvutcha Farm, an order that the defendant pays an amount of $500 being arrears rentals and costs of suit.”

Part of the ejectment notice read: “This is to advise you that … a warrant of execution/ejectment has been issued at the instance of the judgment creditor, represented by the plaintiff’s legal practitioner. Execution of this warrant will take place at Umvutcha farm on September 9. It is in your interest to be present on the above date especially in the case of eviction to enable you to take possession of your belongings. Should you fail to be present, we shall proceed to execute the warrant in your absence.”

The affected farmers yesterday said they would challenge the eviction order, adding that that was not the first time they had been ordered to vacate the property.

“This is so disheartening. We fought so that we get land and it is painful to see this happening, where land is being taken from blacks again and given to whites who previously grabbed it from our forefathers,” Masuku said.

“I will challenge this eviction. I am approaching the lawyers to block this eviction. Government must look into these issues. Previously we lost this case in court because Fletcher claimed the farm was not gazetted and we could not get the gazette in time. But we have made an effort to get the gazette which means all the judgments which declared us illegal settlers must be reversed.”-newsday

By A Correspondent- Striking nurses yesterday reacted angrily to Vice-President Constantino Chiwenga’s claim that they were using patients as pawns to fight for higher salaries.

The nurses, who have paralysed the country’s health delivery system after going on strike three months ago, said Chiwenga as the new Health minister should engage them and avoid being antagonistic.

Chiwenga on Monday declared that strikes would now be a thing of the past.

The mercurial VP, who once fired thousands of health workers in the past for engaging in a strike, also announced that the salaries for health workers “had been reviewed”, but refused to disclose the level of the increase.

“Nurses are not in any way using patients as pawns, but simply calling for a decent wage that can capacitate them to deliver high class healthcare to the general citizenry,” said Zimbabwe Professional Nurses Union secretary-general Douglas Chikobvu.

“Nurses are bio-psychosocial beings who can be affected negatively or positively by socioeconomic factors. We as nurses are calling on the government to address our plight to cushion us so that we can afford basic needs.

“Indeed, it is now three months down the rugged strike road with government ignoring the need to engage us as nurses.”

Chikobvu stressed that the poor remuneration they were receiving was taking a toll on their lives.

“A healthy workforce is the pride of the nation,” Chikobvu said.

“As nurses, we are not healthy at all given that we cannot afford a decent life. This affects nurses from all dimensions to deliver adequately on an empty stomach and overally cascades to the wellbeing of our daily living.

“We hope that our new minister will definitely understand our demands and address our plight with the urgency it deserves.” Community Working Group on Health director Itai Rusike castigated government for grandstanding over nurses’ demands and urged President Emmerson Mnangagwa to appoint a minister solely responsible for the Health ministry.

“The Health ministry needs a full-time minister who is handson and with all hands on the deck as it is one of the most critical and demanding government departments dealing with life and death issues,” he said.

“The deplorable state of the country’s health delivery system and the prolonged industrial action by healthcare workers needs to be addressed by someone who is full-time and completely focused at Kaguvi Building without any divided attention.”

Rusike urged government to dump its combative stance on the striking nurses.

“The government should improve the real earnings … It is grossly unfair for government to pretend as if health workers’ demands are new or unreasonable when prices of basic commodities, transport, accommodation and the general cost of living have skyrocketed in the past few months,” he said.

“This is not the first time health workers have raised the salaries issue, with the government always promising to address them. But once they return to work, their problems are never looked into.”-newsday

By A Correspondent- Zanu Pf PF has pleaded with the electorate to give it more time to resolve the country’s economic mess, saying the 40 years the party has been in power was not long enough for an economic turnaround.

The call was made at the weekend by acting party spokesperson Patrick Chinamasa at a provincial co-ordinating committee meeting in Mashonaland East.

“Development is not a day’s thing, it’s not a month’s thing, it’s not a year’s thing, but it is a journey to be travelled for many years so that we reach our destination. But for us to get there, like what professor (Finance minister Mthuli) Ncube said, we need to have targets and agree on a roadmap to be used,” Chinamasa said.

The southern African country is currently experiencing its worst economic meltdown in a decade characterised by hyperinflation and liquidity challenges which have spawned shortages of food and other essential imports.

The new dispensation has also been choked by high-level corruption at a time ordinary citizens are living below the poverty datum line.

“I hear a lot of people mocking the government saying we are behind China and America in terms of development. Do you know that China came from 6 000 years of uninterrupted civilisation? In Europe, wars were fought, their development is not recent, it came after hundreds of years. And now someone says what we have done in 40 years cannot be compared with what was achieved in Europe, how do you want it to be done? You need to know that development is not instant. Our President (Emmerson Mnangagwa) is moving towards vision 2030 he added.
The Zanu PF government has been accused of running down the economy, which was once a jewel of Africa, through weak policies and corruption, but the regime blames economic sanctions, the opposition and natural disasters for derailing its programmes.

By A Correspondent- The Zimbabwe Driving Schools Association (ZDSA) has approached the government and submitted the guidelines they intend their members to follow when they reopen for business.

ZDSA national council chairperson Prosper Dowa told ZTN that their members are compliant with Government and World Health Organisation (WHO) health and safety guidelines to curb the spread of coronavirus.

Said Dowa:

The association submitted to the Ministry of Transport and Infrastructure Development the guidelines we intend to follow to minimize the risk of transmitting COVID-19.

Since our clients are aged 16 years and above we expect them to be responsible enough to adapt to the measures put in place to safeguard their lives and that of others.

Dowa warned aspiring drivers against resorting to acquiring fake drivers’ licences, saying they should wait for the resumption of business.

He expressed confidence that driving schools will soon be allowed to operate as their engagements with relevant authorities are at an advanced stage.

By A Correspondent- A fracas broke out between an MDC Alliance councillor who defected to the judicially-created MDC-T led by Thokozani Khupe and grassroots MDC Alliance supporters during the burial of a party member.

In the video shared on Twitter by one Jonathan Mlambo, it is apparent that according to the funeral programme, the councillor was supposed to speak, but the unnamed councillor was prevented from doing so for allegedly abandoning people who voted for her.

She attempted to forcibly take the stage from an MDC Alliance official but was heckled by mourners and thrown out.

https://twitter.com/ChimutiNhamo/status/1303356411628453892?s=20

LATEST ON JOB SIKHALA BAIL HEARING AT THE HIGH COURT- THE MATTER HAS BEEN POSTPONED TO FRIDAY BECAUSE THE RECORDS OF THE MAGISTRATES COURT'S PROCEEDINGS ARE YET TO BE SIGNED BY THE PRESIDING OFFICER WHO IS NOW ON LEAVE. #ZimbabweansLivesMatter @schikanza @MakomboreroH pic.twitter.com/OXX8Kf1neW

— ZimEye (@ZimEye) September 9, 2020

LATEST ON JOB SIKHALA BAIL HEARING AT THE HIGH COURT- THE MATTER HAS BEEN POSTPONED TO FRIDAY BECAUSE THE RECORDS OF THE MAGISTRATES COURT'S PROCEEDINGS ARE YET TO BE SIGNED BY THE PRESIDING OFFICER WHO IS NOW ON LEAVE. #ZimbabweansLivesMatter @schikanza @MakomboreroH pic.twitter.com/OXX8Kf1neW

— ZimEye (@ZimEye) September 9, 2020

Paul Nyathi

The government said on Tuesday it has created more jobs than have been lost since taking over nearly three years ago.

Information, Publicity and Broadcasting Services Minister, Monica Mutsvangwa told a post Cabinet media briefing that over 450 000 new jobs had been created in formal and small to medium enterprises (SMEs) since late 2017.

“Jobs, jobs, jobs” was one of the promises President Emmerson Mnangagwa made on taking over from the late Robert Mugabe.

“Despite the plethora of challenges that were faced, which include, among others, foreign currency shortages, currency instability as well as natural calamities, such as droughts, cyclones and Covid-19, the formal employment figures increased from 1 083 823 in 2017 to 1 296 396 as of August, 2020 according to data from the National Social Security Authority,” Mutsvangwa said.

Most of the formal jobs had been created in the agriculture, construction and energy sectors.

“Overall, the economy added 20 percent new jobs during the period under review.”

She said at least 235 635 jobs had been created in the SMEs sector, which is dubbed the country’s engine for economic growth.

Mutsvangwa said 86 new investments and new employers were registered between 2018 and 2019.

“Forty of the businesses were in the commerce sector and 34 in fabricated metal products/machinery,” she said.

In terms of retrenchments, Mutsvangwa said the number of people losing jobs had gradually been going down since 2017 with 1 668 having been laid off in 2018, 1 461 in 2019 and 638 as at the end of June this year.

She said government was since 2017 implementing two projects in conjunction with the ILO aimed at empowering women and youths.

*HON MUSHAYI FUNERAL UPDATE*

The burial for the late MP for Kuwadzana Hon Miriam Mushayi who passed on yesterday 7 September 2020 will now be held on *Friday 11 September 2020* in Magunje -Hurungwe .

The change of day from Thursday to Friday is to allow her collegues in Parliament as well as relatives outside Zimbabwe to attend the burial as well.

The body will leave Harare for Magunje early on Friday morning and will be buried same day.

Paul Nyathi

Information and Publicity Minister, Monica Mutsvangwa, on Tuesday evening surprised many when she declared that government was extending the sale of liquor to bottle stores and probably other liquor outlets too.

The Minister made a surprise look when she made the announcement when it was made clear to her that Bottle Stores have always been selling liquor since the first day of the lockdown.

Mutsvangwa said since the start of the lockdown, only supermarkets, with their tight security and refusal to allow on-site drinking, have been able to sell alcoholic beverages when in reality some supermarkets had actually withdrew liquor from their shelves during the lockdown period.

According to the new announcement made after the cabinet meeting on Tuesday, Bottle stores and other liquor outlets can now sell alcohol, but on the strict condition that no one drinks on or around the premises.

“Following representations from the Liquor Retailers’ Association, seeking permission for liquor retailers to commence operations, Cabinet resolved that operations could resume in line with Covid-19 regulations and on condition that no liquor is consumed at their premises,” said Minister Mutsvangwa.

NewZwireNewZwire

It shouldn’t have taken pressure from conservationists for the Zimbabwe government to ban mineral prospecting in the country’s largest game reserve. It should just be the law.

Last week, the Bhejane Trust, which works with Zimbabwe’s National Parks and Wildlife Management Authority in conservation in the Hwange area, said two concessions given to Afrochine Energy and the Zimbabwe Zhongxin Coal Mining Group are located inside park and safari areas. Bhejane made this discovery after its monitoring teams intercepted the two companies’ workers conducting exploratory core drilling in the area.

On Tuesday, after a week of outrage and the #SaveHwangeNationalPark hashtag trending on Twitter, Cabinet finally did what it should have done all along.

“Mining on areas held by national parks is banned with immediate effect. Steps are being undertaken to immediately cancel all mining title held in National Parks,” Information Minister Monica Mutsvangwa announced after Cabinet.

Government also banned riverbed mining, save for desiltation on the Save and Angwa rivers.

This is good news. But this is also the problem; there is a major problem with how mining and the environment are regulated.

It is great that the government has banned any mining in game parks, but there is nothing in our mining laws that makes it as expressly illegal as it should be.

The Mines and Minerals Amendment Bill, for example, says: “In deciding whether or not to grant a mineral right or title, the Cadastre Registrar shall take into account the need to conserve the natural resources in or on the land over which the mineral right or title is.”

In other words, it is left to officials to decide.

Two-faced laws
The law itself is two-faced. Six years ago, the government gazetted Statutory Instrument 92 of 2014, which banned mining on riverbeds, riverbanks, wetlands and on any area within 200 metres of riverbanks.

But there was a caveat; you could still mine on the river if you did it in partnership with the government.

Over the past five years, the government licensed at least a dozen companies to enter into joint ventures with state-owned miner ZMDC to mine gold on rivers, according to the Ministry of Mines.

Cabinet’s announcement on Monday was not clear on whether this now also falls away. There’s also no news on whether licences granted to ZCDC and ZMDC to mine on the Gache-Gache River will now be withdrawn.

And that just shows where the problem lies. If government is serious about protecting the environment, it must change the laws, and not just make press statements.

Nature vs Mining
Zimbabwe has a power deficit. Two new coal-fired units at Hwange power station are being built, adding 600MW of power when they are done. They will need to be fed. The country has estimated coal reserves of 12 billion tonnes, according to data from the Ministry of Mines, and is escalating its search for investment to exploit coal.

So, the temptation to search for minerals is strong. But a balance is needed. Zimbabwe is not the first country in the region to face the dilemma between tourism and mining.

Just last year, Zambia had to reverse a plan by Australia’s Mwembeshi Resources to build a massive copper plant in the Lower Zambezi National Park. In Mozambique, the 350 000-hectare Magoe Park is an oasis surrounded by coal mines. Some estimate that up to 60% of the land in the northern Tete province is held by coal mines.

Tanzania has downsized Selous Game Reserve by 60% – a total of 31,000 square kilometres – to make way for uranium mining. In South Africa, about two-dozen prospecting licences have been granted to coal prospectors on the rim of the Mapungubwe National Park, a UNESCO heritage site. The miners want access to a rich coal seam that runs from Zimbabwe and through the park.

In Botswana, the country has allowed energy companies such as Sasol to explore for natural gas in the Central Kalahari, Kgalagadi and Chobe parks using the controversial “fracking” drilling method.

So, Zimbabwe’s government will find this dilemma is nothing new. It’s not a new debate. Some of the problematic special grants in reserve areas were in fact issued in 2015. It’s how government responds now that matters.

Do the right thing
Instead of waiting for outrage, the government, if sincere, would have been proactive in how it manages natural resources.

Firstly, mining should not even be an idea in ecologically sensitive areas. This means no exploration should even take place there.

Secondly, mining laws should be harmonised with those governing tourism, the environment and water resources. Currently, the Mines Act gets precedence over other laws, such as the Water Act or the Environmental Management Act. Mining rights trump everything.

Across the country, riverbeds are being overrun by gold panners, many working for political elites. School grounds have been destroyed, and even a highway at the famous Boterekwa in Shurugwi was damaged recently.

All this is evidence of a ruling elite unable to curb personal greed, and protect the environment.

By banning mining in game parks, government has responded to public pressure. But that’s nowhere near enough. We need this made clear in the laws, so that those who damage the environment are legally accountable.

Without that, this will look like yet another case of a government not really interested in preserving our resources, but one just embarrassed at being caught.

State Media

The Zimbabwe Nurses Association (ZINA) has told its members employed by the Government to end their industrial action and immediately start reporting for work.

ZINA yesterday also endorsed plans announced this week, to restructure the Ministry of Health and Child Care, saying it wanted to give the Government a chance to address their concerns.

ZINA secretary-general Mr Enock Dongo told The Herald that they had communicated with their members to start reporting for duty if they could raise money for transport.

This position paves the way for the end of the industrial action which began on June 18.

“We have told our members to start reporting for duty if they are able to subsidise the Government by raising bus fare. Most of our members do not have the capacity to report for work, but we have said we are now going back to work.

“We welcome what the Vice President and Minister of Health and Child Care said that he is willing to improve the conditions of service and remuneration for health workers so we are giving them a chance to do that while we are going to work,” said Mr Dongo.

He said the restructuring of the ministry was long overdue, but implored the Government to consult widely.

“We advocated the restructuring of the ministry long back and this will enable our health system to meet international standards.

“We have the expertise to do all the clinical services but the structure which the Ministry was operating under was wrong. It demotivated staff and there were no efficient services,” said Mr Dongo.

“This restructuring must now be done in consultation with the stakeholders that matter so we are urging the Vice President to consult us as associations and not consult the same people who created the condemned structure.”

Junior doctors also reaffirmed yesterday that they were not on industrial action and were supporting the newly streamlined operations of the Ministry.

The structure has a new sustainable funding model, far greater effectiveness and a new work ethic for staff.

Some employees in the health sector had been on industrial action for several months holding out for United States dollar payments. However, the structure outlined by VP Chiwenga this week has persuaded them to go back to work.

In separate interviews with The Herald yesterday, Zimbabwe Medical Association (ZIMA) president Dr Francis Chirowa and Hospital Doctors Association secretary-general Dr Emmanuel Masosota both supported the new structure.

“Zimbabwe has well trained, qualified health professionals across the board. The only problem is that we have been losing most of our trained personnel to other countries. Our institutions only need to be capacitated with modern equipment and drugs.

“We have that capacity for this restructuring and our call is, let’s do it. There are doctors who have been on strike but we have said before that it is not the right thing to abandon patients. We have always said the best situation is to negotiate without endangering patients,” said Dr Chirowa.

Dr Masosota said their members had not downed tools and were in full support of the Government’s restructuring exercise.

“Us junior doctors and other middle level doctors are not on strike. The senior doctors and specialist doctors are the ones who were on strike but we are going to work,” said Dr Masosota.

“For most of the referrals that were being done outside the country, we actually have the capacity to do that. We have the specialists who can do it.

“Our doctors and staff here are willing to work and we need a structure that allows for this work to be done so I can say this announced restructuring is a very welcome development and we need it to be implemented,” said Dr Masosota

State Media

TRUCKS, mainly those carrying goods known as consolidated cargo, have been piling up at Beitbridge Border Post in the past five days after the Zimbabwe Revenue Authority (Zimra) introduced the 100 percent compliance searches.

Cross-border transporters commonly known as omalayitsha yesterday accused Zimra of implementing the new system while ill prepared.

Over 70 trucks were seen waiting at the border on the commercial arrival side and the drivers had become restless.

In separate interviews, the truckers said the revenue authority had no adequate manpower to conduct the physical examination of goods.

They said in some cases they were being made to pay additional duty despite having utilised the pre-clearance system to minimise delays.

Under the pre-clearance system, goods are declared and duty is paid for before the consignment gets to the respective port of entry.

Once these goods arrive, they are only checked for compliance making the crossing seamless.

This is opposed to a scenario where the whole clearance process is imitated upon arrival at the country’s borders.

“I have been here for four days. Nothing is moving and most of us are carrying groceries, among them perishables.

“Customs authorities want to search every vehicle. We don’t have any problem with that, but our concerns arise from the fact that they are searching between two and three trucks daily which is not attainable,” said Mr Aron Mangavha.

Another driver, who preferred anonymity, said they had tried to engage the local Zimra managers in the last three days without success.

He said the idea by Zimra to shift goal posts on import duty payments had set them on a collision course with their clients.

“This is antagonising our relationship with clients considering that declarations are made in advance and we have to go back to them asking for top ups,” said the driver.

Mr Nyasha Machaya said previously they would spend less than three hours to conclude all the border processes.

He said they were now incurring extra costs in hiring labour to offload and reload the goods, since Zimra has no adequate manpower.

“To make matters worse, we are at risk of Covid-19 infections as you can see, we are now crowded with limited ablution and related sanitation facilities,” he said.

Some truckers, mostly those plying the Beitbridge-Bulawayo road said they had suffered enough abuse within and outside the border post at the hands of security officials.

“We are concerned with the conduct of the security agencies who are always threatening us and demanding bribes despite having complied with all the border processes.

“For convenience sake, we are being made to pay R1 500 at each road block until we get to Bulawayo. This is getting out of hand,” alleged one driver.

Though, Zimra’s spokesperson, Mr Francis Chimanda could not readily respond to the issues yesterday, an official at Beitbridge said the 100 percent searches were a response to the rampant cases of smuggling involving rigid trucks (omalayitsha).

“There is an increase in cases of smuggling by these transporters, most of who making false declarations and hence the need to enforce compliance,” said the official.

In May, Zimra activated an imports relief facility to help Zimbabweans based in South Africa to send groceries and other goods home in commercial trucks through Beitbridge Border Post.

South Africa is home to thousands of Zimbabwe migrant workers, most of whom are supporting their families by sending groceries home through the services mostly of omalayitsha weekly.

Zimbabwe imports goods worth an estimated US$3 billion from South Africa annually.

Neville Mutsvangwa has been in the media over an alleged 750 000 account that was frozen by Nedbank. A source close to the saga revealed that facts surrounding the matter have been twisted to suit a narrative.

An officer of the law who is close to the investigation availed to this reporter records that show that the account had 750 000 ZWL and not 750 000 USD as claimed by social media and other media reports.

Said the source, “The fact of the matter is that Neville Mutsvangwa is a victim of cyber crime and fraud as there is a third party who has had access to the account. It was on this realisation that Neville Mutsvangwa asked the bank to freeze the account pending investigation into how his account was losing large sums of money without his authorisation.

“It is not true that Neville Mutsvangwa had 750 000 USD and it is not true that Neville Mutsvangwa was using the account for illicit activity.”

The matter is now being investigated by the police and the Reserve Bank is also monitoring the developments closely.

Byo24

State Media

Two more NatPharm board members yesterday appeared at the Harare Magistrates Courts facing allegations of failing to retire managing director Ms Florah Nancy Sifeku when her term of office expired.

Gerald Gore and Charles Enos Maponga appeared before Harare regional magistrate Mr Trynos Utahwashe charged with criminal abuse of duty as public officers.

They were remanded to September 24 for routine remand on $3 000 bail each.

Four other NatPharm board members —chairman Billy Rigava, his deputy Rachael Chibaya, Johnson Shonhe and Harunavamwe Notburga Chifamba — have already appeared in court facing similar allegations and were also given $3 000 bail each by magistrate Victoria Mashamba.

On 1 June 2006, Sifeku was appointed NatPharm managing director on a renewable three-year contract. Renewals were granted with the last being from 1 June 2015 to 31 May 2018.

The court heard that on 31 July 2018, former NatPharm chairman Dr George Washaya wrote a notice of retirement to Sifeku, which also said the board had taken notice of her age, but granted her a final six months.

Sifeku was no longer eligible for reappointment, according to the Public Entities Corporate Governance Act, after having served for 10 years.

On 28 November 2018, NatPharm received a circular from the Office of the President and Cabinet, outlining the procedure for termination of contracts for public entities’ CEOs who had served for over 10 years, as guided by law.

The court heard that the NatPharm board chaired by Dr Washaya was dissolved, leaving the pharmaceutical company to operate from October 2018 to June 2019 without a board.

According to the State, Sifeku was reporting directly to the Minister of Health and Child Care.

On July 1, 2019, a new NatPharm board was appointed and on July 18, a human resources committee meeting chaired by Chifamba was held and the recruitment of a new managing director was raised and captured in the minutes.

But Sifeku’s contract expired and she reportedly continued to work without a contract and without the President’s approval.

Accusations against the six board members are that they failed to terminate Sifeku’s employment, which was part of their duties.

During the time Sifeku continued to work, she received salaries and benefits amounting to $631 997 and US$2 865.

Paul Nyathi

President Emmerson Mnangagwa’s scandal smelling dream which he said was going to see the country exporting both coal and electricity by 2023 has gone up in flames after his cabinet on Tuesday took a bold step to immediately ban mining activities inside the National Parks.

President Emmerson Mnangagwa had personally granted exploratory rights for coal to two Chinese companies in one of the country’s iconic nature reserves, Hwange National Park.

The move to grant coal mining concessions comes as many countries move away from coal amid concerns over carbon emissions.

Across the globe, investors, developers and utilities have been moving in this direction, with a growing list of major banks including Standard Chartered, JPMorgan Chase, Citigroup and Morgan Stanley stepping away from coal investments.

Last month Zimbabwe’s president, Emmerson Mnangagwa, visited the offices of both Afrochine Energy and Zimbabwe Zhongxin Coal Mining Group in Hwange, about 50 miles from the park.

During the visit, he said that Zimbabwe intended to become an energy exporter. “We must see also that this area changes and responds to growth and modernisation,” he declared.

About a third of Zimbabwe’s electricity is generated from coal-fired power plants. Hwange park is home to around 44,000 elephants, roughly of Zimbabwe’s total elephant population.

For the Zimbabwe government, the new coal mines dovetailed with an ambitious plan to be an energy exporter by 2023.

Government had said it had in its pipeline power projects of more than 5 000MW.

Afrochine Energy, which is the local unit of Chinese company Tsingshan, was expected to produce 100MW, while Zimbabwe Zhongxin Electrical Energy was expected to contribute 430MW.

Mines minister Winston Chitando said Zimbabwe could earn as much as US$3billion from these energy exports.

According to the Worldometer website, Zimbabwe holds 553 million tons (MMst) of proven coal reserves as of 2016, ranking it 38th in the world.

Zimbabwe has proven reserves equivalent to 163.3 times its annual consumption. This means it has about 163 years of coal left, at current consumption levels and excluding unproven reserves.

Information, Publicity and Broadcasting Services Minister Monica Mutsvangwa announced the ban during the post-Cabinet media briefing.

“Mining on areas held by National Parks is banned with immediate effect. Steps are being undertaken to immediately cancel all mining titles held in National Parks,” said Minister Mutsvangwa.

Paul Nyathi

A “high-powered” ANC delegation arrived in Zimbabwe on Tuesday evening, but will meet only the ruling Zanu-PF.

The ANC delegation won’t meet the opposition or civil society, according to a statement by Zanu-PF acting secretary for information and publicity Patrick Chinamasa.

“Following inquiries from various quarters and our friends from the media in particular on the purpose of this meeting, Zanu-PF wishes to make it categorically clear that this is a meeting between Zanu-PF and the ANC delegation only,” the statement reads.

A fortnight ago Zanu-PF invited the ANC for a visit, in which the South African ruling party would meet Zanu-PF’s central decision-making body, the politburo.

Zanu-PF secretary for administration Obert Mpofu told journalists that the Ace Magashule-led team that included Lindiwe Zulu, the ANC international relations chair, and Tony Yengeni, the party’s peace and stability committee chair, would be welcomed in Zimbabwe because, “They are the ones with issues, so we will hear from them.”

Last week, the ANC’s NEC resolved to send senior leaders to Harare.

International Relations Head Lindiwe Zulu and Peace and Stability Head, Tony Yengeni are part of the delegation.

The South African delegation has however expressed desire to meet with other stakeholders and opposition parties in the country. Leader of the delegation, Ace Magashule, said that they will know if they are meeting the other groups after meeting with ZANU PF.

Dozens of activists, opposition politicians and journalists in Zimbabwe have been abducted or arrested in recent weeks raising a cause for concern throughout the world on human rights abuses in Zimbabwe.

Watch video downloading below.

Paul Nyathi

Government has announced that mining on areas held by National Parks is banned with immediate effect.

In a statement issued on Tuesday evening after the weekly Cabinet meeting, an announcement by Minister of Information Monica Mutsvangwa said: “Mining on areas held by National Parks is banned with immediate effect. Steps are being undertaken to immediately cancel all mining titles held in National Parks.”

This follows a public outcry and the threat of a court battle after President Emmerson Mnangagwa’s government granted exploratory rights for coal to two Chinese companies in one of the country’s iconic nature reserves, Hwange National Park.

Zimbabwe had granted two Chinese companies, namely Afrochine Energy and the Zimbabwe Zhongxin Coal Mining Group, concessions inside a national park and safari areas.

One of the concessions incorporated two dams, Deteema Dam and Masuma Dam, placing animals’ already strained ability to access water under additional threat.

Last year, 55 elephants were reportedly found dead near dry water pans, the victims of a devastating drought that threatened the lives of humans and wildlife alike. If the coal projects were to continue, they would be putting further strain on the national park’s holding capacity. Hwange National Park can handle 15 000 elephants but currently has more than 50 000.

In a statement, Bhejane Trust, which works with Zimbabwe’s National Parks and Wildlife Management Authority on conservation in the Hwange area, said the two companies had Special Grants which could only be issued by the president.

The Zimbabwe Environmental Law Association (Zela) and Fedelis Chima, a Hwange local resident, on Sunday filed an urgent chamber application at the high court.

The court application said the Special Grant violated the country’s laws because it was permitted without first consulting the Ministry of Environment, Climate Change, Tourism, and Hospitality, where an environmental impact assessment certificate is issued.

“The issuance of the Special Grant in February 2019 before environmental impact assessment is in violation of section 97 of the Environmental Management Act,” Zela and Chima argued.

“Authorisation of, and commencement of, mining in a protected national park is in breach of the constitutional duty on all respondents to prevent ecological degradation and promote conservation in terms of section 73(b) of the constitution of Zimbabwe,” reads the application.

The Association for Tourism Hwange has also issued a statement appealing to President Mnangagwa to “cancel all Special Grants that are within Hwange National Park and all of the National Parks of Zimbabwe.”

“As our President, save our tourism industry and preserve the livelihoods of millions of people within Zimbabwe and around the world. Hwange National Park, the wildlife and cultural shrines it contains is our heritage and a legacy to be left for our children and their children,” reads the statement.

For its part, the Zimbabwe government said it had taken “note of the ongoing discussions around the Hwange National Park and we assure the Nation that Government [would] pronounce itself in the next few days.” Government made the announcement immediately banning mining activities in national parks and rivers under stringent new regulations unveiled last night.

Information, Publicity and Broadcasting Services Minister Monica Mutsvangwa announced the ban during the post-Cabinet media briefing.

“Mining on areas held by National Parks is banned with immediate effect. Steps are being undertaken to immediately cancel all mining titles held in National Parks,” said Minister Mutsvangwa.

“All riverbed alluvial and riverbed mining on rivers is banned with immediate effect, except on the Save and Angwa rivers where desiltation will be allowed under very strict conditions. All those holding mining concessions will be given a grace period to be announced, to obtain Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) and State of Works Plan acceptance by the Ministry of Mines and Mining Development.”

“It was noted that the granting of a mining concessions through mining claims and on special grant is not a licence for resumption of mining.

“All holders of mining titles are required to obtain approval of EIA and acceptance of Site Plan Works by the Ministry of Mines and Mining Development.

“This position will be strictly reinforced by the two ministries responsible for Mines and Environment,” said Minister Mutsvangwa.

Minister Mutsvangwa said those who failed to regularise EIAs and site plan works would be deemed to be operating illegally and be subjected to stiff penalties.

She said the objective was to have all mining operations conducted in a manner which did not harm the environment adding that stiffer penalties would be imposed on those complying with environmental provisions.

Minister of Mines and Mining Development Winston Chitando explained that in some instances, there were special grants given to mine in restricted areas.

Additional reporting by State Media

State Media

Twenty-five MPs tested positive for Covid-19 in tests done last week, but nine had already tested positive four weeks ago and have been counted as recovered, leading MPs to worry that anti-body presence is leading to false positives.

Matabeleland North MP Dr Ruth Labode yesterday raised a point of privilege on Parliament’s testing and isolation policies.

“My concern is that 25 MPs tested positive and among those, there were about nine or so who had already tested positive four weeks ago and isolated,” she said.

Parliament guidelines require that MPs be tested after every two weeks and those who test positive, will immediately go into isolation for 14 days.

Dr Labode argued that some people who would have earlier tested positive will likely retain a positive result because of the presence of anti-bodies in their systems even though they were no longer infected or infectious and she argued that there was no need to continue isolating such people .

Clerk of Parliament Mr Kennedy Chokuda confirmed that 25 MPs had tested positive during last week’s round of testing including those who had tested positive before.

“We have decided that all those who test positive be isolated out of abundance of caution and we will continue following up on them and assisting them,” he said.

The first two legislators to test positive were diagnosed in July and Parliament immediately suspended business for a month and only resumed sitting last week, with the testing of all MPs.

The National Assembly yesterday passed the Attorney-General’s Office Amendment Bill now awaiting debate in Senate.

The Bill seeks to provide for the appointment of deputy Attorneys-General in line with the Constitution to enhance the effectiveness and efficiency of the Attorney-General’s office.

The Bill also sets out the composition of the AG’s Office Board, which shall be chaired by the AG and bars Government departments from seeking legal advice from private practice without approval from the AG since the AG is the Government’s principal legal adviser in terms of the Constitution.

All legal advisers working for different ministries and departments will fall under the supervision of the AG’s Office in line with his constitutional mandate as the principal Government legal adviser.

State Media

A DELEGATION of the South African ruling African National Congress (ANC) party, which arrived in Harare last night, will today hold a crucial indaba with the Zanu PF Central Committee to discuss challenges bedevilling the region and come up remedies of tackling them.

Upon arrival at Robert Gabriel Mugabe International Airport, ANC secretary-general Ace Magashule said the South African ruling party would hold closed-door meetings with their Zanu PF counterparts led by secretary for Administration, Obert Mpofu today.

“We are going to have a meeting with Zanu PF to discuss various issues,” said Magushule.

In an earlier communiqué, Magashule said the meeting between the two parties was a bilateral engagement of former liberation movements requested by the national executive council (NEC) of the ANC to exchange notes on matters affecting the region.

Apart from Magashule, the ANC delegation includes, party national chairman Samson Gwede Mantashe, Nosiviwe Mapisa-Nqakula (member of the NEC and Minister of Defence and Military Veterans), Tony Yengeni (member of the NEC and National Working Committee (NWC), and chairperson of the NEC on Peace and Stability), Lindiwe Zulu (member of the NEC, chairperson of the NEC on International Relations and Minister of Social Development) and Enoch Godongwana (member of NEC and chairperson of the NEC on Economic Transformation.

“We would like to have bilateral discussions with the leadership of the Central Committee of Zanu PF. We are looking forward to fruitful and constructive engagements between our two sister parties,” read the communiqué from Magashule, in part.

The ANC delegation was met at Robert Gabriel Mugabe International Airport by a team led by Defence Minister and ZANU PF national chairperson Oppah Muchinguri-Kashiri.

In a statement, Zanu PF acting spokesperson Patrick Chinamasa said the ANC delegation would only meet with Zanu PF as the two parties were sister parties with a shared history, and today faced similar threats from detractors who among other things wanted to manufacture a non-existent crisis in the region.

Chinamasa said Zanu PF would use the bilateral engagement with its sister party to clear the unfounded assertions of a crisis in Zimbabwe.

“The ANC delegation will meet the Zanu PF delegation led by the Secretary for Administration Dr Obert Mpofu as part of party to party engagements. We are also aware that this visit is taking place against the backdrop of false claims of a nation in crisis. Zanu PF will take the opportunity to share the reality on the ground in Zimbabwe, South Africa and in the region candidly and frankly with their revolutionary sister the ANC.

“Following enquiries from various quarters and our friends from the media in particular on the purpose of this meeting. Zanu PF wishes to make it categorically clear that this is a meeting between the Zanu PF delegation and the ANC delegation only,” said Chinamasa.

The South African delegation will leave Zimbabwe tomorrow.

Former Harare Mayor Hebert Gomba and 6 other MDC Alliance councillors who were recalled by Thokozani Khupe are challenging the High Court to nullify their recall.

The councillors are arguing that their recall should be nullified because Khupe has no authority to recall them.
Court papers filed by their lawyer Ms Shamiso Mangwende read in part:

Applicants are challenging the recall on urgent basis for the reasons that first respondent has no authority to cause such a recall in terms of the Constitution of Zimbabwe.

If first respondent (MDC-T) has such power, which is denied, the second respondent (Minister) has not established a tribunal as is required by . . . the Constitution.

The third respondent (City of Harare) has an obligation to call for a nomination date in 35 days of such recall starting August 26, 2020
The councillors are arguing that they should be allowed to conduct their constitutional mandate unless the ministry complies with certain provisions of the Constitution and ZEC following the guidance of the Minister Of Local Governance should call for a nomination day to fill the vacancies in 35 days’ time.

Gomba was recalled a few days after he was released from remand on $10000 bail after he was arrested on graft charges.-The Herald

Ministry of Health and Child Care (MoHCC) Covid-19 update as of 08 September 2020:

New cases: 90
Locals – 90
Returnees – 0
Deaths: 8
Recoveries: 22
PCR Tests Done : 521

National Recovery Rate: 74%
Active Cases: 1 693

Total Cumulative Cases: 7 388
Total Recoveries: 5 477
Total Deaths: 218

A 39 year old man from Zezani area, under Chief Tshitaudze in Beitbridge was on Tuesday jailed for an effective 18 years for raping and infecting his five year old cousin with a Sexually Transmitted Disease.

The man, who cannot be named for fear of giving up the identity of the complainant, denied two charges of rape when his trial opened before Beitbridge Regional Magistrate Mr Willard Maphios Moyo.
However, he was convicted on the strength of overwhelming evidence led by the state.

The accused was left with an effective 18 years imprisonment after Mr Moyo conditionally suspended two years of the 20 year jail term for five years.

Prosecuting, Miss Tsitsi Mtukwa told the court that sometime in May this year and in the afternoon, the accused who was alone with the survivor took her to his room and raped her once.

She said on another date unknown to the state but in the same month, the man sexually abused the minor using the same method.

The court further heard that the matter came to light on 21 May when the girl’s mother discovered some genital warts on her while bathing the minor.
The state said the woman then asked the minor about the source of the infection in the presence of her aunt and she narrated her ordeal at the hands of her cousin.

A report was in turn made to the police resulting in the accused’s arrest.-Chronicle

A KEZI man has been arrested after he fatally struck his wife with an axe for demanding a separation.

Matabeleland South provincial police spokesperson, Chief Inspector Philisani Ndebele confirmed the incident which occurred on Sunday in Magololo Village Sontala area though he said the cause of the attack was yet to be ascertained.

He said Sicelo Ncube (44) met the now deceased Nanziwe Phiri (37) while she was coming from the river where she had gone to fetch water and attacked her.

“I can confirm that we recorded a murder case which occurred in Magololo Village in Sontala area.

Nanziwe Phiri was on her way from Simukwe River where she had gone to fetch water in the company of other ladies when they met her husband Sicelo Ncube who was armed with an axe. Ncube approached Phiri with saying a word, tripped her and she fell to the ground.

“He struck her with an axe on the forehead. The other ladies fled to the nearest homesteads where they alerted villagers.

Upon their return they found Phiri lying on the ground motionless and Ncube had fled the scene. The matter was reported to the police who attended the scene,” he said.

Chief Insp Ndebele said Ncube had since been arrested and was assisting police with investigations.

He said Ncube was arrested with the assistance of community members who informed police of his whereabouts.

Chief Insp Ndebele urged members of the public to desist from engaging in violence when faced with disputes.

“We would like to thank members of the public who assisted us with information that led to Ncube’s arrest. He is assisting police with investigations.

People should also desist from engaging in violence when faced with disputes. If people have domestic problems they must seek counselling,” he said.

A village head from Sontala area, Mr Andrew Dube said Ncube is suspected to have attacked his wife after she demanded a divorce. She said the couple had now been living separately.-Chronicle

08 SEPTEMBER 2020

MDC ALLIANCE NAMIBIA DEEPLY MOURNS THE UNTIMELY DEATH OF A SOCIAL DEMOCRAT PAR EXCELLENCE, HON MIRIAM MUSHAYI.

Mdc Alliance Namibia sadly received unsettling and depressing news of another substantial blow to the struggle for socio-economic transformation.

We want to console the bereaved Mushayi family as well as the political heavyweight, Mdc Alliance led by President Advocate Nelson Chamisa.

Our diligent and dedicated standing committee leader as well as MP for Kuwadzana Hon Miriam Mushayi who died yesterday, Monday 07 September 2020 will be peacefully laid to rest in Magunje-Hurungwe on Thursday.

We encourage our membership and leadership including all social democrats to give our heroine an astounding send-off in honour of the courage and varlour she had had to confront Zanupf and their surrogates.

As Mdc Alliance, we have been robbed of an ardent and gallant daughter of the national democratic revolution. May the dear soul of our fearless, dedicated and committed cadre rest in power.

She was a loyal fighter who did not waver in her fight for political, social and economic regeneration of our country.

We demand smart health services in Zimbabwe to avert the untimely and avoidable deaths the country has faced for the past two decades. Our cadres and relatives are dying because of this unsound health status of the country.

Lets go in our numbers in honour of our Heroine Hon Miriam Mushayi. Go well our leader! Go well our leader! Go well our mother! We shall continue confronting Zanupf morons so that Zimbabwe becomes liberated. Mdc Alliance is ready to fulfill your revolutionary dreams and aspirations.

I salute you ? Hon Miriam Mushayi, may your soul rest in peace.

#ZimbabweanLivesMatter
#jobwiwasikhalamustbefreenow
#godfreykurauonemustbefreenow
#FreeAllPrisonersOfConscience

Mdc Alliance Namibia
Rundu Branch Spokesperson
Robson Ruhanya

Farai Dziva|MDC Alliance vice president, Lynette Karenyi has described the late MP for Kuwadzana, Miriam Mushayi as a dedicated cadre who worked tirelessly for democratic change.

See statement below :

CONDOLENCES TO THE MUSHAYI FAMILY AND THE MDCA FAMILY.

I am deeply saddened by the passing of Hon Miriam Mushayi a sister, close friend, colleague and founding Member of the MDC.

I would like to extend my deepest condolences to her family, loved ones and express my gratitude for her contributions towards the fight for democracy.

I will in due course pay a special tribute to my friend and colleague.

Currently I am waiting for the official party position and arrangements.

Lynette Karenyi
MDCA Vice-President.

Farai Dziva|President Nelson Chamisa has described the late MP for Kuwadzana as a true people’s leader.

In his condolence message on the death of Hon Mushayi, President Chamisa said her departure was a huge blow to the MDC Alliance family.

Said President Chamisa :

DEATH IS EVERYWHERE…

The passing on of Hon Miriam Mushayi (MP)is a huge blow to us.

This falls on previous other multiple blows. It has been torrid and terrible. Just last week it was Patson, now Miriam. Miriam even posted a message of condolence about Patson…

This life!! It never rains but it pours.Tragedies often hunt in packs and move in droves.

When sorrows come,they come not in single files but in battalions. RIP People’s Leader.

Farai Dziva|President Nelson Chamisa has described the late MP for Kuwadzana as a true people’s leader.

In his condolence message on the death of Hon Mushayi, President Chamisa said her departure was a huge blow to the MDC Alliance family.

Said President Chamisa :

DEATH IS EVERYWHERE…

The passing on of Hon Miriam Mushayi (MP)is a huge blow to us.

This falls on previous other multiple blows. It has been torrid and terrible. Just last week it was Patson, now Miriam. Miriam even posted a message of condolence about Patson…

This life!! It never rains but it pours.Tragedies often hunt in packs and move in droves.

When sorrows come,they come not in single files but in battalions. RIP People’s Leader.

It was with a deep sense or shock and great sadness that I learnt about the Chivhu shooting incident on Saturday afternoon, 5th September 2020, which claimed the life of one serving member of the Zimbabwe National Army, Lance Corporal Lorance Mupanganyama, and left the second member, Corporal Peter Zvirevo, with serious gunshot injuries.

This cowardly and senseless attack by an assailant on the two soldiers who were enforcing lockdown measures aimed at mitigating the spread of the deadly Coronavirus 2019 (Covid-19) at the Police Base near the Chivhu Chicken Inn, must be condemned in the strongest possible terms by all peace-loving Zimbabweans.

Government will not tolerate anyone who attacks, harms or kills any member of the security establishment, let alone disarming and unlawfully taking arms of war in their possession. Any breach of this nature will attract severe punishment.

The role played by members of the public at the Chivhu crime scene when they rendered help to the injured soldiers and took them to the nearest health facility. is highly commendable and exemplary.

Their actions were a show of great compassion and high respect for the work our soldiers do to ensure national security and a demonstration of the spirit of Ubuntu that has come to characterize our great Nation.

On behalf of Government, the Zimbabwe Defence Forces, and on my own behalf, I wish to express my heart-felt condolences to the family of the late Lance Corporal Mupanganyama on his untimely death. May his soul of rest in eternal peace.

In the same breath, I wish speedy recovery to Corporal Peter Zvirevo who sustained injuries during the attack and to Corporal Stanalious Chiunye who was shot at yesterday, in the course of apprehending the suspected assailants.

Our hearts and prayers are with all the affected families.

A BULAWAYO woman who tripped after stepping on a slippery floor while shopping at a local Choppies Supermarket has taken the shop owners to court demanding $3,5 million in damages for pain, suffering and medical expenses.

Ms Gladys Nhira slipped while shopping at Choppies Supermarket in Entumbane suburb. She sustained serious injuries on her wrist and shoulder and had to seek medical attention.

Ms Nhira through her lawyers, Liberty Mcijo and Associates, has filed summons at the Bulawayo High Court citing Nanavac Investments trading as Choppies Supermarket as the defendant.

In papers before the court, Ms Nhira said she sustained permanent disability resulting in her employer terminating her contract on medical grounds.

“Sometime in February 2019, plaintiff slipped on the oily and slippery floor in the shop of the defendant in Entumbane resulting in her falling down while she was shopping. As a result of the fall, she sustained serious injuries on her wrist and shoulder,” said Ms Nhira’s lawyers.

The lawyers said due to the severity of the injuries, Ms Nhira took long to return to work and was later relieved of her duties on medical grounds.

Upon further medical examination, it was observed that Ms Nhira sustained serious injuries both internal and external with the potential to permanent impairment.

“She suffered wrist fracture and shoulder injury and further diagnosis of the wrist fracture revealed that the problem would last for an unforeseeable future. Plaintiff is experiencing wrist and shoulder pains as the weather changes,” said the lawyers.

Ms Nhira accuses Choppies Supermarket of negligence, arguing that they failed to observe the safety standards in their supermarket.

“As a direct consequence of the injuries sustained, plaintiff who has been employed for 11 years as a tailor on a permanent basis by Pension Knitwear had her employment contract terminated,” said her lawyers.

Ms Nhira wants an order directing Choppies Supermaket to pay her $3,5 million being damages for pain and suffering, loss of employment and medical expenses incurred, including futures ones.

She said despite demand, Choppies Supermarket has refused, failed or neglected to pay the damages.-Chronicle

Watch live video downloading below.

 

Goverment has declared that it has given in into pressure from liquor retailers that have been closed as Coronavirus precautionary measure since March.

Though government had not banned liquor sales and consumption altogether, supermarkets and bottle stores have remained open throughout the lockdown period.

Speaking at a post cabinet meeting on Tuesday, Minister of Information Monica Mutsvangwa said that the outlets will however not be allowed to sale liquor for consumption within their premises.

“Following representations from the Liquor Retailers’ Association seeking permission for liquor retailers to commence operations, Cabinet resolved that operations could resume in line with COVID-19 regulations and on condition that no liquor is consumed at their premises.”

 

The African National Congress of South Africa delegation has arrived in Zimbabwe presumably to meet with the ruling ZANU PF Politburo in Harare on Wednesday.

Watch video downloading below.

Zimbabwe today recorded eight coronavirus deaths -six of them in Harare, one in Bulawayo and another in Mashonaland East- pushing the national death toll to 218.

There were 90 new cases and only 22 recoveries.

The number of cases rose to 7 388 and that of recoveries to 5 477 leaving 1 693 active cases.

Harare now has more than 1 000 active cases.

Goverment has announced a new COVID-19 Experts Advisory Committee comprising of what it terms “experts from various fields of expertise.”

The committee will provide scientific based evidence, advice and guidance on the National COVID-19 preparedness and response to the Oppah Muchinguri-Kashiri chaired Ad Hoc Inter-Ministerial Task Force on the Covid-19

“The public may recall that Cabinet approved the establishment of a COVID-19 Experts Advisory Committee, whose objective will be to provide science-based evidence, advice and guidance on the National COVID-19 Preparedness and Response in support of timely evidence- based policy decisions.

“Today, Cabinet approved the appointed of the following members: Dr. Tonderai Mapako, Mr. Tendai Kureya, Dr. Justen Manasa, Professor Rudo Makunike-Mutasa, Dr. Alex Gasasira, Dr. Lincoln Charimari, Professor Rose Kambarami, Dr. Gladwin Muchena, Dr. Samson Shumbairerwa, Dr. Muteweye, Professor Rashida Ferrand, and Ms. Ester Massunadah,” said Information Minister Monica Mutsvangwa on behalf of goverment.

“The Committee is made up of professionals in the relevant fields who are expected to deliver on this important mandate.

“Cabinet also received the results from a TIBA study on Frontline Health Workers (FHW) conducted in Bulawayo which also buttressed our efforts on the need to ensure the enhanced availability of Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) at all levels of our FHWs,” said minister Mutsvangwa.

POST CABINET PRESS BRIEFING: THIRTY-FIRST MEETING: 8TH SEPTEMBER, 2020

1. ZIMBABWE’S RESPONSE TO THE CORONAVIRUS
(COVID-19)

Cabinet received an update on the steps that are being taken to contain the COVID-19 pandemic from the Minister of Defence and War Veterans Affairs, Honourable O.C.Z. Muchinguri-Kashiri, Chairperson of the Ad- Hoc Inter-Ministerial Task Force on the COVID-19 Outbreak.

Cabinet noted that the country has now recorded six thousand eight hundred and thirty-seven (6 837) confirmed COVID-19 cases, compared to the six thousand three hundred and eighty-eight (6 388) reported the previous week. A total of five thousand three hundred and forty-five (5 345) persons had recovered from the virus, compared to the five thousand and seventy-eight (5 078) recoveries that were reported last week. Harare and Bulawayo Metropolitan Provinces are the epicenters of the pandemic, while community transmissions account for the majority of the new cases. The loss of 206 lives to the pandemic is sincerely regretted and all efforts are being made to ably manage the situation.

The number of testing laboratories countrywide has increased to 32, following the inclusion of the Dangerous Pathogens Laboratory, Unki Mine and PSI on the inventory of the testing laboratories. Health Care Workers and other frontline workers continue to be prioritized in the testing regime.
The public may recall that Cabinet approved the establishment of a COVID-19 Experts Advisory Committee, whose objective will be to provide science-based evidence, advice and guidance on the National COVID-19 Preparedness and Response in support of timely evidence- based policy decisions. Today, Cabinet approved the appointed of the following members: Dr. Tonderai Mapako, Mr. Tendai Kureya, Dr. Justen Manasa, Professor Rudo Makunike-Mutasa, Dr. Alex Gasasira, Dr. Lincoln Charimari, Professor Rose Kambarami, Dr. Gladwin Muchena, Dr. Samson Shumbairerwa, Dr. Muteweye, Professor Rashida Ferrand, and Ms. Ester Masunda. The Committee is made up of professionals in the relevant fields who are expected to deliver on this important mandate.

Cabinet also received the results from a TIBA study on Frontline Health Workers (FHW) conducted in Bulawayo which also buttressed our efforts on the need to ensure the enhanced availability of Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) at all levels of our FHWs.

Government, through Treasury, has released ZW$205 million for the drilling of ten (10) specialised boreholes and the rehabilitation of ten (10) under the Epping Forest Project. Four of the ten boreholes have so far been drilled. The Epping Forest and the Mtshabezi/Inyankuni Water Project aim to improve raw water supplies to the City of Bulawayo. To date, the total number of boreholes drilled by Government and its partners as part of the COVID-19 response is two hundred and twenty-two (222).

The Ministry of Primary and Secondary Education has up-scaled efforts in preparation for the 14 and 28 September, 2020 re-opening of Cambridge and ZIMSEC examination-administering schools, respectively. The Ministry is currently procuring PPE, infrared thermometers, disinfectants and other hygiene products to the tune of ZW$654 147 907.

The Risk and Communication Sub-Committee is increasing public awareness to ensure there is co-sharing of information dissemination and enforcement of COVID-19 regulations. Under this initiative, community health clubs will be set up and community volunteers trained to carry out outreach programmes. The Volunteers will educate communities on key protective and preventive measures. The campaign will also target potential hotspots, which include churches, funerals and bus termini.

Following representations from the Liquor Retailers’ Association seeking permission for liquor retailers to commence operations, Cabinet resolved that operations could resume in line with COVID-19 regulations and on condition that no liquor is consumed at their premises.

2. STATE OF PREPAREDNESS BY THE CIVIL AVIATION AUTHORITY OF ZIMBABWE FOR THE OPENING OF AIRPORTS FOR BOTH DOMESTIC AND INTERNATIONAL FLIGHTS

Cabinet approved the opening up of the country’s skies to both domestic and international flights effective 10th September and 1st October, 2020, respectively. Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) have been put in place for the reopening of international and some domestic airports. The National Guidelines for Aviation Safety and Security have been developed by the Civil Aviation Authority of Zimbabwe (CAAZ) to ensure the safety of both the travellers and airport staff. These are additional to temperature testing, social distancing, sanitization, and mandatory wearing of masks. All travellers will be required to have a PCR COVID-19 Clearance Certificate issued by a recognized facility within 48 hours from the date of departure, in line with WHO guidelines.

3.0 RIVERBED MINING AND ENVIRONMENTAL CHALLENGES

Cabinet considered a paper which was co-presented by the Ministers of Mines and Mining Development and Environment, Climate, Tourism and Hospitality Industry on the status of riverbed mining/drenching and the environmental challenges thereof. Having noted the challenges and the need to put in place measures to carry out sustainable mining operations in the sector, Cabinet directed as follows:
1. Riverbed and Alluvial Mining on Rivers

(a) All riverbed alluvial and riverbed mining on rivers is banned with immediate effect, except on the Save and Angwa rivers where desiltation will be allowed under very strict conditions.

2. Introduction of “Orderly Mining Initiatives”

(a) All those holding mining concessions will be given a grace period to be announced to obtain Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) and State of Works Plan acceptance by the Ministry of Mines and Mining Development.

(b) It was noted that the granting of a Mining Concessions through mining claims and on special grant is not a license for resumption of mining. All holders of mining title are required to obtain approval of EIA and acceptance of Site Plan Works by the Ministry of Mines and Mining Development. This position will be strictly reinforced by the two Ministries responsible for Mines and Environment.

(c) Those who fail to regularize EIA and Site Plan Works will be deemed to be operating illegally and will be subject to stiff penalties which are being reviewed.

(d) The whole objective is to have all mining operations conducted in a manner which does not harm the environment. Stiff penalties shall be aimed at all those who are not complying with environmental provisions.

3. Mining in National Parks

(a) Mining on areas held by National Parks is banned with immediate effect. Steps are being undertaken to immediately cancel all mining title held in National Parks.

4.0 OPERATIONALISATION OF THE VETERANS OF THE LIBERATION STRUGGLE ACT, 2020

Following the repeal of the War Veterans Act (Chapter 11:15) and the subsequent enactment of the Veterans of the Liberation Struggle Act (Chapter 17:12), at today’s sitting, Cabinet considered and approved the proposals on the operationalisation of the Act as presented by the Minister of Defence and War Veterans Affairs. The Liberation Struggle Act encompasses all categories of Veterans of the Struggle, namely War Veterans, Ex-Political Prisoners, Detainees and Restrictees, Non-Combatant Cadres, and War Collaborators.

The new Act shall be operationalised through the following proposals:

a) Establishment of a structure for welfare and economic empowerment of Veterans of the Liberation Struggle;
b) establishment of a Veterans of the Liberation Struggle Fund and Capitalisation of the Fund;
c) putting in place a vetting system for war collaborators and non-combatant cadres;
d) appointment of a new Veterans of the Liberation Struggle Board; and
e) conversion of Power Zimbabwe Company into a Holdings Parastatal.

5.0 JOB CREATION TRENDS SINCE THE ADVENT OF THE SECOND REPUBLIC

The Ministers of Public Service, Labour and Social Welfare and Industry and Commerce, and Women Affairs, Community, Small and Medium Enterprises Development informed Cabinet on job creation trends in all sectors of the economy since the advent of the Second Republic. Despite the plethora of challenges that were faced, which include, among others, foreign currency shortages, currency instability as well as natural calamities, such as droughts, cyclones and COVID-19, the formal employment figures increased from 1 083 823 in 2017 to 1 296 396 as of August, 2020 according to data from the National Social Security Authority (NSSA). Most of the jobs were created in the agriculture sector with a 41% growth rate, followed by construction (40%) and the energy sector (37%). Overall, the economy added 20% new jobs during the period under review.

Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) are a major sector in terms of employment generation since the advent of the Second Republic. In the small and medium enterprises sector, a total of 235 635 jobs were created. The majority of the jobs (22%) were in agriculture, forestry and fishing sector, retail trade (21%), manufacturing (15%), mining (9%) and education (8%).

In terms of investments, 86 new investments and new employers were registered between 2018 and 2019. Forty (40) of the businesses were in the commerce sector and 34 in fabricated metal products/machinery. Regarding retrenchments, the statistics from the Retrenchment Board show a declining trend since the advent of the Second Republic. In 2017, 4 493 workers were laid off, whereas 1 668 lost their jobs in 2018 and 1 461 in 2019. By the end of June 2020, a total of 638 workers had been laid off.

The Government, with support from the International Labour Organisation (ILO), is implementing two major projects since 2017. These two are the Empowerment for Women and Youth Project (E4WAY) in Zimbabwe and the Green Enterprise Innovation and Development Project, which are meant to economically empower women and youths.