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.

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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.

Goverment has announced that it is opening airports to start operating after a five month closure due to the Coronavirus scourge that hit the country in March.

The skies open up on 10 September 2020 for domestic flights while international flights will resume on 1 October 2020.

All people arriving will be required to have PCR test for Covid-19 that is negative from a reputable laboratory. This has to be within 48 hours of arrival.

As reported earlier this week, quarantine will no longer be required at port of entry if one has a test certificate.

All passengers will have to wear masks

#PostCabinetBriefing
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. pic.twitter.com/XbUwfcLvKY

— Ministry of Information, Publicity & Broadcasting (@InfoMinZW) September 8, 2020

JUST IN: Our board member Beatrice Mtetwa files application for review at High Court seeking to overturn a ban imposed by Magistrate Nduna barring her from representing Hopewell Chin’ono arrested in July&charged with inciting people to revolt against President Mnangagwa’s govt. pic.twitter.com/FvwXt80JZA

— ZLHR (@ZLHRLawyers) September 8, 2020

COVID-19 Update: As at 08 September 2020, Zimbabwe had 7 388 confirmed cases, including 5 477 recoveries and 218 deaths. pic.twitter.com/7iqymHVwIQ

— Ministry of HealthZW (@MoHCCZim) September 8, 2020

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Ministry Of Defence Loses US$2,7 Million To Bogus Travel Agency
Ministry Of Defence Loses US$2,7 Million To Bogus Travel Agency
By Shorai Murwira on September 8, 2020

Ministry of Defence and War Veterans Affairs lost USD$2 700 000 to a bogus travel agency which fraudulently submitted invoices and got paid for non-existent air tickets for 79 Zimbabwe National Army officers who wanted to travel outside the country.

The accused, Moreen Tatenda Nago appeared at the Harare Magistrates court today facing fraud charges.

Allegations are that on 6 November 2016, Nago and her co-accused Shepherd Chiriga who is already on bail pending trial registered their own company called Cheryl Ethan Travel Services Private Limited.

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It is said that sometimes in July 2019, the accused person in connivance with Chiriga and the other accused Danison Muvandi, who is on the run, hatched a plan to deceive the ministry of defence through representation that Cheryl Ethan Travel Services (PVT) had purchased air tickets for 79 Zimbabwe National Army Officers who wanted to travel outside the country.

The state is of the case that the trio presented an invoice to the ministry with a total amount of US$ 2 700 546 and the invoice purported as if Cheryl Ethan Travel Services had rendered travel services to the ministry of defence and war veterans affairs yet in the truth and in actual fact the accused knew that Cheryl Travel Services had not purchased the said air tickets for the army members to travel during the time in question.

Muvandi, who is the Director of Finance in the ministry of defence and war veterans affairs recommended and authorized payment into Cherly Ethan Travel Private Limited company on the 16th of July 2019.

The money was later transferred into different accounts of the three accused persons.

However, investigations were carried out and it was found out that the trio did not render any travel services to government.

The complainant in this matter is the state represented by Ambassador Mark Gray Marongwe who is the Permanent Secretary of Ministry of Defense and War Veterans Affairs.

ZANU PF PRESS STATEMENT ON THE VISITING AFRICAN NATIONAL CONGRESS (ANC) DELEGATION

ZANU PF is expecting the African National Congress (ANC) delegation to arrive in the country today for an engagement with the ZANU PF delegation tomorrow to discuss issues of mutual interest.

The ANC delegation will meet ZANU PF delegation led by the Secretary for A ministration Dr O. M. 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 oppotunity to the reality on the ground in Zimbabwe, South Africa and in the region candidly and frankly with their revolutionary sister the ANC.

Following inquiries from various quarters and our friends from the media in particular the purpose of this meeting, ZANU FP wishes to make it categoncal clear that this is a meeting between the ZANU PF delegation an the NC delegation only

P.A Chinamasa

Acting Secretary for Information and Publicity & Party Spokesperson

Paul Nyathi

The Zimbabwe Dollar this week marginally gained and closed the official forex auction stronger as it traded a few cents lower than last week’s official rate of $83.32, ZWL per $1.

According to this week’s auction, the Zimbabwe dollar will trade at $82.69 per $1

This was contained in the communique from the RBZ about the bank’s auction results after today’s auction.

Zanu PF said on Tuesday a top delegation from the governing African National Congress (ANC) of South Africa will only meet its Zimbabwean counterpart, contrary to local opposition hopes the fact-finding mission will also include consultations with them,

The visit by the six-member ANC delegation, led by its Secretary General, Ace Magashule , is on a fact finding mission following recent frenzied social media reports of a political crisis in the country.

The new reports prompted South African Presidents, Cyril Ramaphosa to send envoys to Harare last month to assess the situation.

The visit by the ANC delegation is a follow up to thatearlier vist by the special envoys.

Government has dismissed the social media reports of a political crisis in the country, which are mainly being pushed by the country’s main opposition in cahoots with western embassies.

Zanu PF acting spokesperson Patrick Chinamasa said delegations from the two parties will meet on Wednesday.

“The ANC delegation will meet with the Zanu PF delegation led by the Secretary for Administration, Dr Obert Mpofu as part of party to party engagements,” Chinamasa said.

“Zanu PF wishes to make it categorically clear that this is a meeting between the Zanu PF and the ANC delegation only.”

He added,” We are also aware that this visit is taking place against the backdrop of false claims on a nation in crisis. Zanu PF will take the opportunity to share the reality on the ground in Zimbabwe, South Africa and the region candidly and frankly with their revolutionary sister the ANC.”

Opposition and other stakeholders in Zimbabwe, which are alleging that there is a crisis in the country, were also hoping to meet with the South African delegation.

The hopes had been fuelled by President Ramaphosa, who in a speech before dispatching the delegation, had hinted on the possibly of them meeting with other stakeholders in Zimbabwe.

But the official letter written by the ANC to Zanu PF only requested for a “bilateral meeting.”

– New Ziana

The Zimbabwean Environmental Law Association, ZELA,has applied to the High Court to stop a Chinese firm from mining coal in Hwange National Park.

The Non Governmental Organisation argues that the creation of a coal mine in the park by the Zimbabwe Zhongxin Mining Group Tongmao Coal Company (Pvt) Ltd would cause “devastating” ecological degradation and force wildlife to flee.

The mining may cause a decline in tourism and decrease the incomes of local residents who rely on it for income, while poaching and conflict between people and wildlife could increase, the organization argued.

More than 45,000 elephants are estimated to live in Hwange park along with more than 100 mammal and 400 bird species, including buffalos, leopards, and lions, that are already struggling for food and water in the vast savannah due to a prolonged drought.

The mining license was granted by President Emmerson Mnangagwa’s government to the Chinese firm in February, 2019, and the firm has started exploratory work in the park, according to Bhejane Trust, a wildlife conservation organization which works in the park in partnership with the national parks agency.

Drilling, land clearance, road-building and geological surveys related to the planned coal mining project inside the park, which sprawls for more than 14,500 square kilometers (5,600 square miles), pose a threat to the reserve, the organization said in its application filed this week.

“There is acute risk of irreversible ecological degradation including unmitigated loss of animal and vegetative species, reduction of animal habitats of many rare species including black rhino, pangolin, elephant, and wild (painted) dogs,” said the organization.

The mine is planned to cover 105 square kilometers (40.54 square miles) in the Sinematella Camp area of Hwange park, according to court papers. The area is “one of the two only heavily wooded segments of the National Park comprising of mineral springs, salt springs, thermal springs, ecologically active waterholes, various dams and pans,” said the document. The mine may pollute the water sources in a perennially dry area of the park, said the document.

The area for the proposed mine “represents the only habitat with black rhino in the whole of the Matabeleland North province and provides a vital safe haven for these and other endangered and specially protected animals,” said a statement by the Hwange Area Stakeholders, a grouping of interested parties such as safari operators, animal welfare groups and residents.

The legal effort to stop mining in Hwange park comes as Zimbabwean wildlife officials are investigating the cause of the deaths of more than 20 elephants in a forest area near the national park. It is suggested that the young elephants that died may have eaten poisonous plants because normal vegetation has dried up from lack of rainfall.

Zimbabwe, constantly plagued by power shortages, is heavily reliant on coal and hydropower for electricity. Chinese firms have been involved in multi-billion dollar projects to boost coal-fired power plants. Several Chinese firms also mine gold, diamonds and other minerals in Zimbabwe.

The country’s ministry of environment, climate, tourism and hospitality on Monday said the government “will pronounce itself” on the matter “in the next few days.”

Additional: reporting New York Times

The Guardian

Rhinos, giraffes, cheetahs and other endangered species face a new threat in Zimbabwe’s Hwange national park: Chinese mining companies.

Zhongxin Coal Mining Group and Afrochine Smelting have received permission from the government to begin environmental impact assessments for drilling, land clearance, road building and geological surveys at two proposed sites inside the park, which is home to almost 10% of Africa’s remaining wild elephants.

If this leads to a new mine, conservationists warn it will shrink and disturb the habitat of many rare species including black rhino, pangolin and painted dogs, and devastate safari tourism, which is a vital source of income for local people.

Hwange, which is the size of Belgium, boasts the largest diversity of mammals among the world’s national parks.

“This is one of the greatest game parks in the world and the mines would be in one of the most pristine areas of the park. The last black rhino population in Hwange Park lives there, so do 10,000 elephants and 3,000 buffalo,” said Trevor Lane, who has worked for the Bhejane Trust in Hwange for more than a decade.

“If it goes ahead it will be an end to the park. It would kill the tourist industry which is worth hundreds of millions of dollars.”

He expressed hope that the project would be shelved but warned of protests if it moved forward. “I’m cautious at this early stage. Let’s see what the government says. But a lot of people are ready to take action if it goes ahead. There would be a huge campaign against it.”

The proposed coal exploration would involve geochemical and geophysical prospecting and construction of mobile camps along the road to Sinamatella Camp in Deka Safari Area, according to documents seen by the Guardian.

SustiGlobal, the consultancy that is conducting the environmental impact assessment, said the ministry of mines had approved an initial prospectus for exploring inside the perimeter of the park, which is normally forbidden.

“We passed the prospectus stage,” said Oliver Mutasa, the chief environmental consultant of SustiGlobal. “We are now conducting an environmental impact assessment and receiving comment from various stakeholders. After that, we will wait for permission from the ministry before drilling.”

Local media say the mining concessions have been personally granted by the country’s president, Emmerson Mnangagwa, who has previously expressed strong support for coal. This year, he visited the construction site of a thermal power plant in Hwange, which was scheduled to open in October.

Conservationists say surveyors have begun taking samples, which should not be allowed before the environmental assessment. A month ago, the rhino monitoring team of the Bhejane Trust said it came across a Chinese team drilling for coal without prior consultation with the area manager.

There are several open-cast mines outside the park, and a similar method of extraction could be used inside the perimeter where coal deposits are said to be close to the surface.

Mutasa said such speculation was premature: “The proposals are only for exploration. “The boreholes will tell us where the mineral is and determine what kind of mine and what quantities.”

Safari operators and conservation groups warn that any type of mine would harm the environment.

Stephen Long of Bhejane Trust, which works with Zimbabwe’s National Parks and Wildlife Management Authority in conservation of the Hwange area, said mines would bring noise and pollution.

“There is already a lot of Chinese investment in coal in Hwange area outside the park, much of it grossly polluting. Air quality in parts of Hwange must be as bad as most big cities, probably worse, and it is hard not to feel that the Chinese have already polluted their own country and are now exporting their pollution to poor countries such as ours. Zimbabweans are unlikely to see much benefit from the mines,” he said.

“When the rest of the world is getting out of coal and recognising the climate emergency, why is Zimbabwe expanding its use of the stuff and planning, according to the president, [to use it] for decades ahead?”

Residents of Lukosi village in Hwange reportedly filed a petition this year complaining of air and water pollution by other mining companies along Nekabandama Road and upstream of the Deka River.

Paul Nyathi

A group of stakeholders from the Hwange Game Reserve has called on President Emmerson Mnangagwa to intervene and block the issuance of coal mining rights to Chinese Investors inside the Hwange National Park.

The stakeholders made the appeal to Mnangagwa through a statement issued out on Tuesday.

“We humbly request that you cancel all Special Grants that are within Hwange National Park and all of the National Parks of Zimbabwe,” reads part of the statement.

“Travel agents and tourists will cancel their travel itineraries and tours scheduled to arrive in Hwange National Park and will seek alternative destinations in other countries.”

“Special Mining Grants were issued for concessions in areas that already had been allocated to other safari operators who have invested millions of dollars in tourism infrastructure. Lawsuits will ensue, seeking compensation for losses due to mining operations.

“Every safari camp, tour operator and activity provider will likely lose their business as a direct result of mining in Hwange National Park,” states the statement.

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.

Watch the live video loading below…

By A Correspondent| Embattled opposition MDC-T Secretary General Douglas Mwonzora has mourned the late Kuwadzana legislator Miriam Mushayi saying she was a key member in the struggle for electoral reforms.

Posting on Twitter, Mwonzora said through Mushayi’s efforts, the 2018 elections had the much needed biometric voter registration and a code of conduct for political parties.

“Sad to learn of the death of Hon. Miriam Mushayi. She was a key member in the struggle for electoral reforms that brought the BVR &the code of conduct for political parties. Self effacing yet charming, intelligent and tolerant she was just an enigma,” said Mwonzora.

Mushayi passed on last night though the cause of death has not been officially communicated.

By A Correspondent- A delegation from South Africa’s ruling African National Congress (ANC) led by the party’s secretary-general Ace Magashule is expected in the country this Tuesday for meetings with the ruling ZANU PF party.

Zanu PF Secretary for Administration Obert Mpofu on Monday said the two parties will focus on issues to do with economic and political cooperation, rather than the claims of a crisis in Zimbabwe.

He said:

I can confirm that all is set for the Zanu PF-ANC talks. We have been briefed that our revolutionary counterpart the ANC is sending its top brass ahead of the indaba scheduled for this Wednesday.

… However, in this instance, we have no problem to tackle at length considering that the crisis alarm is not founded on what is prevailing on the ground.

South African Ambassador to Zimbabwe Mphakama Mbete also confirmed the arrival of the ANC delegation. He said:

I can confirm that the ANC nine-member delegation will arrive in Zimbabwe today, but I don’t have the exact time.

Last week President Emmerson Mnangagwa dismissed claims that there is a crisis in Zimbabwe.

Speaking during a meeting of the Political Actors Dialogue (POLAD), a grouping of over a dozen small political party leaders he defeated in 2018, he said:

In the wake of the arrest of some elements whose actions sought not only to incite the public to gather against the set rules (of Covid-19)… subversive allegations of a crisis have been made mainly in the social media circles.

I wish to unequivocally state that there is no crisis in Zimbabwe as elections were held in July 2018 and a winner was declared in terms of the country’s constitution.-statemedia

By Jane Mlambo| Former Deputy minister of Higher Education, Dr Godfrey Gandawa has poured cold water on the meeting between sister revolutionary parties ANC and Zanu PF on the deteriorating political situation in Zimbabwe saying the varied understanding of crisis will mean the conversation starts at cross purposes.

In a Twitter thread, Gandawa said the Zimbabwean crisis is being understood from very different angles with the MDC Alliance taking it from a bilateral perspective based on the 2018 elections while former G40 members believes it emanated from the November 2017 military coup.

“At the risk of being the bearer of bad news, the ANC delegation that arrives in Harare today will not achieve any meaningful outcome. This is because what is widely described as a crisis, means different things to the stakeholders. The conversation starts at cross purposes.

“The MDC believes that the crisis is a bilateral dispute between itself and Zanu PF, which can only be resolved by Zanu PF surrendering power to the legitimate winner of the 2018 election. Over the past two years, this has found expression as the ‘crisis of legitimacy’.

“Meanwhile, the so-called G40 believes that the crisis arises from the 2017 coup which ushered in the Mnangagwa regime. The 2017 coup is viewed as the genesis of military interference and state capture. To fix Zimbabwe, the coup must be cured,” said Gandawa.

According to Gandawa, all these narratives do not fit into the ANC’s understanding of the Zimbabwean crisis as they recognise President Emmerson Mnangagwa as the legitimate leader of the country.

He said the ANC is not worried about MDC Alliance or G40 grievances as they are more concerned about helping their counterparts stabilize the situation.

“Unfortunately, the South African government does not accept any of these arguments. It recognises Mnangagwa as the legitimate president elected in 2018 and affirmed by the Constitutional Court decision rejecting the challenge to his victory. That matter is settled.

“As far as the ANC and Ramaphosa’s envoys are concerned, they are not in Harare to negotiate a transfer of power or to relitigate the coup or the 2018 election. As they have repeatedly said, they want to help Zanu PF stabilize the situation so that it can survive this crisis,” added Gandawa.

By A Correspondent- A Bulawayo woman has taken Choppies Supermarket owners to court demanding $3,5 million in damages for pain, suffering and medical expenses after slipped and fell on the floor during a shopping errand.

Gladys Nhira said she suffered permanent injuries after she slipped on a slippery floor while shopping at Choppies Supermarket in Entumbane suburb in February 2019.

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

She suffered a 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.

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.

Choppies Supermarket is yet to respond.-statemedia

By A Correspondent | Briefly responding to the issue of conflicting serial numbers from guns recovered from the two killed suspected soldier-killers in Chivhu at the weekend, the ZRP spokesperson, Paul Nyathi last night told ZimEye the public should not rely on leaked information, they should wait for official announcements by the force.

He said: “Aaah investigations are in progress, and [on] those serial numbers, people are giving reference to leaked information, eeh, the police will release official information as what we have been doing all along, that is what I can say at the moment.

“eeh so I can’t talk about something which has been leaked on the social media platforms, with all due respect…”

It was further stressed to him: I had to ask because they are different serial numbers and they are official ZRP memos.

To this he replied saying: “If you could phone me tomorrow,” the Police Spokesperson said responding to the questions below:

Did you notice this:

And it follows the stolen weapons are waiting for another attack.

The shot soldiers were armed with ZA 52410 and ZA49103

The recovered are the following: AKs serial numbers were ZA 48889 and ZA 54490.

These are completely different sets of weapons. pic.twitter.com/VzQCRWVAjQ

— ZimEye (@ZimEye) September 7, 2020

The African National Congress (ANC) delegation led by secretary-general Cde Ace Magashule is expected in the country today for bilateral engagements with their Zanu PF counterparts.

This comes as the two parties are strengthening cooperation in the wake of a renewed onslaught against former liberation movements by Western powers, who are working with opposition parties in the region, some churches and a select media to manufacture a non-existent crisis in Zimbabwe.

Zanu PF Secretary for Administration Dr Obert Mpofu yesterday said the two parties will exchange notes on economic and political cooperation.

“I can confirm that all is set for the Zanu PF-ANC talks. We have been briefed that our revolutionary counterpart the ANC is sending its top brass ahead of the indaba scheduled for this Wednesday.

“Considering that this whole crisis narrative constitutes a peripheral concern, we are certain that obvious rationality will shift our discussion focus to other more important issues,” he said.

The more pressing details that the two parties are likely to spend time deliberating on are centred on the political threats posed by the two countries’ detractors as well as economic cooperation.

“As political parties unified by the permanent effects of colonial infiltration, in our respective national interests, we ought to emerge from this dialogue more ideologically clear to create firm buffers against existential shocks exerted on us by forces working in the interest of fragmenting African liberation movements.

“An obviously foreseen resolution will be our heightened inter-party solidarities aimed at building a strong foundation for African solutions for African problems in the region.

“However, in this instance we have no problem to tackle at length considering that the crisis alarm is not founded on what is prevailing on the ground,” he said.

The dialogue, Cde Mpofu said, comes at an opportune time considering the favourable policy environment recently enabled by the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) pact.

“As ZANU PF, this dialogue is beyond politics, this dialogue is set to strengthen our bilateral ties in making the SADC an optimal hub for extensive investment opportunities. We have more to fight for on the economic solidarity front than anything else. So our agenda will be predicated on real issues and nothing else,” he said.

Dr Mpofu added: “In essence this is an opportunity for our liberation sisterhood as ZANU PF and the ANC to be concretised in the service of a plethora of genuine concerns affecting both ZANU PF and the ANC.”

South African Ambassador to Zimbabwe Mphakama Mbete also confirmed the arrival of the ANC delegation.

“I can confirm that the ANC nine-member delegation will arrive in Zimbabwe today, but I don’t have the exact time,” he said.

War veterans’ chairman Cde Christopher Mutsvangwa weighed in saying their association is behind the dialogue between the two sister revolutionary parties.

“The two revolutionary parties were born out of the protracted liberation struggle. We shared the same trenches during the liberation struggle.

“We share the same blood, so the opposition and some other rogue elements should not draw boundaries between the two sister parties,” said Cde Mutsvangwa.

-State Media

Two more people from Bulawayo died of coronavirus on Monday bringing to 41 the number of people that have died of the virus in the city so far.

The national tally now stands at 210.

Eight people have died of coronavirus this month and six of them are from Bulawayo.

There were 182 new cases and 82 recoveries on Monday.

The total number of cases rose to 7 298 and that of recoveries to 5 455 leaving 1 633 active cases.

The number of active cases in Bulawayo, however, continues to decline and now stands at 76 while those in Harare have risen to 977.

Former liberation war fighters have demanded that government awards them honorary university degrees for fighting in the war for independence.

Addressing Mashonaland East war veterans and Zanu PF supporters in Marondera over the weekend, Zimbabwe War Veterans Association spokesperson Douglas Mahiya said as liberation fighters, they were happy to be given an opportunity by President Emmerson Mnangagwa to influence education on Zimbabwe’s liberation to the younger generation.

“We succeed in educating people about the revolution and that land belongs to them and we succeeded and we got independence,” Mahiya said.

“We were told if you face resistance from the Smith regime soldiers, here is the gun, fight them and we succeeded. The third one was to utilise land, we succeeded, and this is where we are today.

“My thinking now is the government must award us degrees because we went to war and learnt principles of the revolution and we made it.”

Mahiya added; “War veterans do not associate themselves with failure politically, we associate ourselves with success and progress.”

“So, Finance Minister Mthuli Ncube must come up with a policy that says if a company capacitates a farm of a war veteran with farming equipment and inputs, it will be exempted from paying tax,” the war veterans’ spokesperson said.

“If a company pays for war veterans’ medical bills, it will have a tax rebate. We don’t lose anything as a nation but we would have complied with our Constitution which says we will honour and respect our war veterans.

“Respect can only be a benefit when such things are happening, just like someone buying me (Mahiya) a car and your company gets a rebate.”

State Media

SUSPENDED Harare Mayor Herbert Gomba and six councillors have petitioned the High Court to nullify their recall by MDC-T led by Dr Thokozani Khupe, claiming she has no authority to do so in terms of the supreme law of the country.

Dr Khupe recalled Gomba and councillors Lovemore Makuwerere, Hammy Madzingira, Costa Mande, Kudzai Kadzombe, Happymore Gotora and Gilbert Hadebe, accusing them of being “errant” officials after they failed to respect the party’s leadership.

MDC-T’s grounds for recall were that the MDC-Alliance list, on which the six were elected, was a composite of the allocated nominations of the eight parties that went into the electoral alliance with the deal being that the constituent parties would retain their identity and control.

In an urgent chamber application filed at the High Court, Gomba and the six councillors cited MDC-T, Local Government and Public Works Minister, City of Harare and the Zimbabwe Electoral Commission (ZEC) as respondents.

They want the court to declare their recall null and void, claiming that MDC-T had no power to recall “a mayor, chairperson and councillors of any local authority”.

In addition, they want the court to bar both the Ministry and Harare City from obstructing them from conducting their constitutional mandate unless the ministry complies with certain provisions of the Constitution.

Gomba and the six councillors are arguing that they are constitutionally elected councillors for their respective wards, while he was elected as mayor in terms of the Urban Councils Act and the move by MDC-T to recall them from office was premised on an assertion that they had ceased to be its members.

The seven are accusing the Minister of Local Government and Public Works of endorsing their recall when he instructed the local authority to proceed without complying with the provisions of the Constitution.

This, they argue, will prompt ZEC to call for a nomination day to fill the vacancies in 35 days’ time.

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,” said lawyer Ms Shamiso Mangwende who certified that the matter should be treated with urgency.

“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.”

In this regard, Ms Mangwende said there was no time for the dispute to be resolved as an ordinary court application as the aggrieved mayor and councillors are prejudiced permanently by virtue of being barred from performing their constitutionally mandated functions premised on blatant violations of the Constitution.

Since the Supreme Court ruled in a civil suit brought by others in the MDC-T that Mr Nelson Chamisa grabbed power outside the MDC-T’s own internal rules, the 2014 leadership that resumed temporary control has been having senators, MPs and councillors recalled.

The MDC-A has argued that it was a party at the time of the 2018 elections, but the High Court ruled that it was just an electoral alliance and that the underlying parties remain in control of the public office holders.

Apart from the leadership wrangles, the opposition has seen arrests for corruption by office holders in the Harare City Council.

Gomba is on $10 000 bail after he was arrested on abuse of office charges.

A faction of councillors aligning themselves to the leadership of Dr Khupe is now pushing for the ouster of those opposed to her ascendancy as the interim MDC-T leader following the Supreme Court ruling.

ZANU PF YOUTH LEAGUE STATEMENT OF APPRECIATION TO THE NATIONAL SECURITY SERVICES ROLE IN THE FIGHT AGAINST COVID-19

The ZANU PF Youth League applauds the great commitment, immense sense of duty and selfless patriotism being exhibited by the nation’s security services in the ongoing fight to contain and eradicate the Covid-19 menace within our borders.

Indeed, the critical role of our vigilant security services in enforcing lockdown regulations, in manning roadblocks, protecting border areas and in other critical deployments deserves commendation and ranks them among the elite cadres in the frontlines.

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Their contribution in combination with other healthcare frontline entities has seen the nation experience a dramatic reduction in Covid-19 cases, which is no mean feat.

The story of how a nation called Zimbabwe; besieged by illegal and evil sanctions; has fought Covid-19 can never be recounted without mentioning our security services.

It is, however, greatly disconcerting that some criminal and lunatic elements in our society would conceive of killing in cold blood, soldiers deployed for this important duty.

All progressive and patriotic elements of our society must see this attack against our security forces as not only an attack against Zimbabwe but also as an effort to throw off course the current efforts to combat Covid19.

The ZANU PF Youth League also wishes to express its profound appreciation for the decisive swiftness with which our security services responded to the murderous gang in a combined operation, in a chain of events leading to the unfortunate shootout, culminating in the deaths of one brave soldier and two bandits.

It is sad that lives have to be lost in order for order to be maintained, unfortunate that the security forces have to be one member poorer because of unscrupulous elements in our society.

This profanity of our nationhood should never be allowed to recur, and the incident should serve as sufficient warning to any would-be malefactors.

We hereby reiterate without equivocation, our position that any of the aggression against our dedicated Covid-19 frontline cadres is an act of war, and that any manipulation of this situation for personal, sectarian and political gain at the expense of national safety is treasonous.

This sums up our opinion of equally deranged fly-by-night political lawyers who continue to “impress” their foreign handlers with vapid talk of “civilian space”, in defence of trigger-happy criminals.

Needless to say that such retrogressive and self-hating sentiments manifest in words that demonise our security forces for defending the nation are not shocking coming from the usual unpatriotic voices.

Bandits have no portion in civilian space, and defending them is an act of terror against the lawful citizens of Zimbabwe.

For us, any needless loss of life, particularly youthful lives such as in the above instance, remains sacrilegious to our

Ubuntu ethos.

We, therefore, extend our heartiest condolences to the bereaved families of the members of the security and pray for the speedy recovery of those injured in the incident.

As we continue to accord due credit and encouragement to cadres who continue to stand tall in the fight against Covid-19 and against the wanton lawlessness that is being engineered around it, the ZANU PF Youth League urges its membership and all Zimbabweans, in general, to maintain maximum discipline in complying with all COVID-19 management regulations.

Long live Zimbabwe

Cadre Tendai Chirau

ZANU PF Acting Deputy Secretary for Youth Affairs

State Media

The Health and Child Care Ministry is being restructured with a new sustainable funding model, far greater effectiveness, and a new work ethic for staff under plans outlined yesterday by the Minister, Vice President Constantino Chiwenga.

In streamlining and expanding the operations of the ministry, but without adding to numbers with the upgrade coming from better use of staff, the remuneration of health workers has been put at the core of this shake-up.

The reorganisation also seeks to transform the work ethic of health professionals, which will be aligned to the oath of their profession.

VP Chiwenga said he was given a clear brief when he assumed the health portfolio.

“Zimbabwe’s vision is to have a national healthcare system that reflects international best practices by 2030. The desire is to have a national health system that ensures that all members of the corporation have equitable access to healthcare services of sufficient quality, thereby leaving no one behind,” he started.

“His Excellency the President of the Republic of Zimbabwe Dr Emmerson Dambudzo Mnangagwa, ordered the restructuring of the Ministry of Health and Child Care, for it to reflect international best practices. Today it is with great pleasure that I announce that the first phase of the restructuring that I was tasked to undertake by the President is now complete.

“The main objective of the restructuring was to achieve efficiency, effectiveness, integrity, as well as integration of the Ministry of Health and Child Care with national institutions by removing insulating tendencies, limited or no coordination with national institutions. The specific objectives were to develop a new structure of the Ministry of Health and Child Care meant to achieve the above and to develop a funding model for the new structure as well as address conditions of service of health professionals,” said VP Chiwenga.

The restructuring of the health portfolio is following three stages. The first stage was to add a new top layer to the national health delivery system; the second stage was to develop an organised strategic department; and the third and final stage was to develop and adopt a sustainable funding model for the national healthcare system and develop conditions of services for the health staff to drive the new Ministry of Health and Child Care structure.

The Zimbabwe national health care system traditionally had four levels: primary health centres, district and mission hospitals, provincial hospitals; and central or teaching hospitals.

“We have now added the fifth level or the quaternary hospital which is a high level research and development hospital.”

“The five levels are designed to result in an efficient and effective national healthcare system that produces and depends on high-level science in executing the health services.

“The newly structured Ministry of Health will now be composed of nine divisions that are headed by chief directors including the eight specialised departments. However, it must be noted that the total establishment of the Ministry of Health and Child Care has not been changed,” said VP Chiwenga.

The nine divisions will cover: research biomedical engineering, biomedical science, biopharmaceutical engineering and production, general health services inspectorate, logistics and assets management, personnel and external relations, human resource management, health professional council and regulations, finance and corporate services, public health policies corporate and strategy, curative services.

A new funding model was critical.

“In order to fund the Ministry of Health and Child Care structure, it is important to understand the current situation. Currently Zimbabwe has a medical import bill that is high. It is thus imperative that Zimbabwe develop a method of containing the import bill through healthcare-related innovations or import substitutions.

“This entails reverting the import bill burden to export receipt. This will improve the funding. This system is the one Zimbabwe adopted in the fight against Covid-19 with much success,” said VP Chiwenga.

VP Chiwenga said the change represents a complete change of philosophy which will end the incessant problems that have dogged the national healthcare system for years.

He said “it is our conviction that most of the problems if not all were a product of wrong configuration”.

The new structure will offer things such as medical tourism as well as produce savings by plugging leaks.

The welfare of healthcare workers is at the core of the changes. “Housing and vehicle loans will also form part of the improved conditions of service. We have now reviewed salaries and allowances for healthcare professionals as a way of Government commitment to make the national healthcare system competitive.

“An overall increase for the health sector specific allowance will be effected by the Government.

“As we move forward and face the future with courage the expectations of the Government of Zimbabwe is that the work ethics and work culture within the ministry of Health and Child Care undergo stiff transformation. We expect all grievances to be resolved amicably through discussion without endangering patients’ lives,” said VP Chiwenga.

Speaking at the same media briefing, Finance and Economic Development Minister Mthuli Ncube said there would be backing for the financial implications of the restructuring.

“As Government, we are working with pharmaceutical companies to try and raise funding for their recapitalisation. We intend to approach development banks resident outside Zimbabwe to raise this funding.

“Our intention will be to improve the conditions of service for the health sector, as well as the entire civil service focusing on the core salary as well as specific allowances. As we do this we need to ensure that we stay within our budgetary parameters,” said Minister Ncube.

State Media

Returning residents tested within 48 hours before their return have since last Friday been allowed to self-quarantine at home if that test was negative rather than stay in a quarantine centre while those without certificates were being allowed home if they tested negative at the quarantine centre.

And as schools prepare to reopen for examination classes, steps are being taken to ensure Zupco has enough buses to ferry teachers and pupils, Information, Publicity and Broadcasting Services Minister Monica Mutsvangwa said last night after the weekly meeting of the national inter-ministerial taskforce.

“The taskforce was informed that as of September 4, 2020, all returnees with 48-hours negative Covid-19 certificates are being released at ports of entry for self-quarantine as per Cabinet’s directive.

“Returnees without certificates will proceed to a quarantine facility, where they will be tested and either discharged for self-quarantine or isolation, based on their status,” said Minister Mutsvangwa.

The taskforce received an update on preparations for the reopening of schools for Cambridge and Zimsec examinations, with the Ministry of Primary and Secondary Education in the process of procuring protective and preventative materials.

Modalities are being put in place so that Zupco gets an adequate fleet to ferry learners and teachers.

Zimbabwe has moved from scattered infections, mainly imported, to clusters of infection and local infection within communities, placing more responsibility on all Zimbabweans to take precautions to prevent infection,

Minister Mutsvangwa said in response to the Cabinet meeting of August 18 2020, which took note of the change in transmission scenarios and directed the setting up of a mechanism that would strengthen management and response to the rising local transmissions, the taskforce received nominations for 13 candidates who will make up an Experts Advisory Committee.”

Minister Mutsvangwa said a local company has diversified and is now manufacturing 40 000 surgical face masks a day which have been certified by the Standards Association of Zimbabwe.

Opposition MDC Alliance leader Nelson Chamisa has mourned Kuwadzana Member of Parliament Mirriam Mushayi who passed on last night.

In his message on Facebook, Chamisa said Mushayi’s death is a blow to the party which also lost Patson Dzamara to colon cancer.

“DEATH IS EVERYWHERE…The passing on of Hon Mirriam 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 Mirriam. Mirriam 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,” said Chamisa.

BREAKING- SAD DAY FOR MDC ALLIANCE AS KUWADZANA MP MIRRIAM MUSHAYI DIES @FoxLion2028 @MdcMasvingo @mdc pic.twitter.com/IfgyyArD7g

— ZimEye (@ZimEye) September 7, 2020

The MDC Alliance is deeply saddened to learn of the passing of National Standing Committee Member & Kuwadzana MP, Hon Miriam Mushayi. She was a true veteran of the struggle who will be missed dearly.

Rest in power, @Mimmmie.

Our condolences go out to her family. pic.twitter.com/vwsyiZ9mc4

— Citizens' Coalition for Change (@CCCZimbabwe) September 7, 2020

Farai Dziva|A village head in Chivi has flatly refused to be used by Zanu PF to intimidate his subjects.

The village head believes traditional leaders should execute their duties objectively.

See statement below:

MDC ALLIANCE CHIVI NORTH LEAVES NO STONE UNTURNED

The political conundrum and tempo in Chivi North is growing by the day as the CONSTITUENCY COORDINATING COMMITTEE (CCC) is spearheading visibility programmes in the CONSTITUENCY as they rally people to follow and support the MDC ALLIANCE as led by Pres Advocate Nelson Chamisa.

With the helping hand and support from Hon Chidaushe, one of the leaders in the district, a lot of programs have been lined up as the rural engagement drive is being adopted. It is important to engage the dejected communities and neglected people from rural areas as harnessing these votes is important as the opposition move to win the electorate.

The district leadership of MDC ALLIANCE was invited by village head of Nhapata Village to witness the completion of some tanks which were built with the support from Hon Chidaushe Emmanuel.

The leadership together with Hon Chidaushe visited the village to see the project, present at the event were the district executive and chairs for ward 8.

The event was presided by village Head Nhapata.The village head encouraged his fellow villagers to shun politics paving way for development as living in political mood would derail their chances of accessing need and help from the stakeholders and interested parties.

He rallied people in Nhapata village to capitalize the presence and support rendered by Hon Chidaushe and his proximity since he originate from their village.

The village head advised all people and encouraged them to cooperate and unite in pushing all projects in the village without political blinkers.

Politics without development is tantamount to destruction and it’s high time people embrace those people who are ready to sacrifice and support their communities.

He fumed over those who refused to contribute towards the realisation of community projects as he thanked Hon Chidaushe for standing with them.

Mr Nhapata also requested assistance in the refurbishment some of the water sources including wells and boreholes in his and surrounding villages.

He urged people of Nhapata to support their son Hon Chidaushe whom he described as the first person to emerge in their area spearheading community projects and development.

The CCC Secretary Mr Farai Zavidzi asked the villagers to support their son by standing with him in good times and bad times and when the time comes as well.

He described him as an asset in the whole constituency and not only Nhapata village only. In his words, Mr Zavidzi said that, “muporofita haarumbidzwi newekwake asi imi vekwa nhapata rumbidzai”.

Today Sunday 06/09/2020, Hon Chidaushe invited all needy people to access the services of his grinding mill free of charge.

The people from ward 11, ward 7 and 8 will walk away smiling after the golden handshake where they will not pay for these services.

Leader Chidaushe said that he has set aside this day so that the people can be cushioned at the height of economic trauma and challenges where they can not even afford to buy salt and worse mealie meal. He promised the community that he will set aside one day per each month to help those in needy. At the time of writing, more than 50 families were jovially waiting on the queue.

This dispells the notion that MDC ALLIANCE is not doing anything in communities as said by detractors.

The energetic young man promised to do a lot of programs in complementing the SMART blue print in his CONSTITUENCY and the province at Large.

CHIVI NORTH CCC COMMUNICATION DESK

GWERU City Council (GCC) officials allegedly allocated each other more than one stand against the council policy allowing just one stand per person.

According to the employment conditions for managers and councillors, each of them is entitled to buy only one stand but officials went against this policy and allocated each other more than one stand.

Zimbabwe Anti-Corruption Commission (Zacc) said it is looking into the matter.

According to documents in possession of this publication, officials in the Housing and Community Services department allegedly allocated themselves more than a stand each at a time when there is a moratorium on the selling of stands.

An MDC-Alliance member Mr Murisi Zwizwai also benefited from the scam and paid a paltry ZW$12 437 for stand number 3042 Randolph Phase 1 which is 5 407m2, seven years after he was offered the stand.

On the market, a stand which is 1 000m2 is going for about US$10 000 but council sold Mr Zwizwai 5 407m2 for less than US$120.

According to council regulations, after receiving a stand offer letter, Mr Zwizwai was supposed to have paid a deposit within seven days.

He was supposed to have been given a two-year grace period to pay the balance failure of which could have resulted in the repossession of the stand.

Mr Zwizwai only paid for the stand this month.

According to City of Gweru debtors billing document in possession of the Chronicle, the director of Housing and Community Services Mr Shingirirayi Tigere got one stand in Randolph Phase 1 and another one in Senga suburb.

Mr Tigere has since made part payment towards the purchase of the two stands.

Mr Tigere’s assistant Mrs Unity Jaji also got a stand in Randolph Phase 1 and another one in Mkoba 21 and has also made part payment towards the purchase of the two stands.

Another assistant director Mr Manford Gambiza was also allocated a stand in Mkoba 21 and another in Randolph Phase 1 and has since made part payment towards the purchase of the two stands.

Housing officer Mr Admire Chigayo also got a stand in Randolph Phase 1 and the second one in Mkoba 21.

Mr Biggie Ngadze, a senior administration officer was allocated a stand in Mkoba 21 and another one in Randolph Phase 1 and has since made part payment towards the purchase of the two stands.

Mr Tigere’s secretary Mrs Emma Manyika was allocated a stand in Mkoba 21 and another one in Randolph Phase 2. The Chronicle has documents confirming the beneficiaries’ stand numbers and amounts paid so far towards the purchase of the stands.

Contacted for comment, Mr Zwizwai said he has been paying for the stand since 2013.

“I have been paying for the stand in Gweru, that all I can say,” he said.

Mr Tigere, Mrs Jaji, Mr Gambiza, Mr Ngadze, Mr Chigayo and Mrs Manyika said they were not allowed to speak to the Press as council had channels of communication.

Contacted for comment, Mayor Councillor Josiah Makombe accused Mr Tigere and his subordinates of abusing council resources for their benefit.

He said it was baffling that Mr Tigere and his subordinates allocated themselves stands against council policy which limits individuals to just one stand.

Clr Makombe said the action by Mr Tigere is a clear evidence of rampant abuse of office by management.

He said he has since instructed the internal auditor to look into the matter and warned heads will soon roll at Town House.

“The director of Housing and Community Services and his subordinates have allocated themselves more than one stand each against council policy. Employees in the department of Engineering Services have also done the same. We can’t have that as it is tantamount to poor corporate governance,” said Clr Makombe.

He said Mr Tigere and other managers are entitled to one stand each as part of their conditions of service.

Asked to comment on Mr Zwizwai’s case, Clr Makombe said he should have responded to the council offer within the stipulated period.

He however, said he was not aware why the stand was not repossessed given that others who failed to respond to offers within the given time had their stands repossessed.

“I will need to look into this matter. It’s all administrative and if we are not alerted by whistle blowers like in this case, we will be in the dark,” said Clr Makombe.

He said council had stopped selling land because of the Government’s moratorium on selling of land within local authorities..

“We have investors who want to invest and need land but we are not selling the land because we are following the circular on the moratorium by the ministry,” said Clr Makombe.

He said he has since engaged Zacc and the police to assist council investigate suspected abuse of council resources by council managers.

“We approached Zacc and they said they are coming and it has been long. We have a situation where management is abusing resources and the residents will think that it’s the councillors. We are appealing for assistance from relevant law enforcement agencies to bring order to our council,” said Clr Makombe.

Zacc spokesperson Commissioner John Makamure said they are making a follow up.

-STATE MEDIA

Emmerson Mnangagwa statement :

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.

The trial of Supa Mandiwanzira failed to start on Friday.

Manziwanzira is facing criminal abuse of office charges after he reportedly his personal assistant, Tawanda Chinembiri was assigned to the board of the Postal and Telecommunications Regulatory Authority of Zimbabwe (Potraz) without due process.

The state reportedly applied that the trial be postponed for the umpteenth time and Mandiwanzira’s lawyers Fungai Chimwamurombe opposed the application and said the state has failed to amend Mandiwanzira’s charges and there is no law that stipulates that someone can be put on remand when there is no charge against him.

Argued Chimwamurombe:
The State was given more than a month to come up with a new charge and the order was clear.

It is clear the State is not ready and has never been ready to prosecute this case as the record will show. The accused has been on remand for two years now.

The magistrate granted the state’s application and postponed the trial to a later date.-Daily News

Gospel musician Darlington Mutseta, known by his music followers as Mambo Dhuterere, has said the release of his fourth album yesterday proves to critics that he is not a one-hit wonder.

The album — “Zvino Dzimba Ngoni” — comes at a time when some gospel music fans were beginning to doubt Mambo Dhuterere’s pedigree, challenging him to prove his mettle after he recently stormed the music scene with chart-topping songs.

He released albums “Dhuterere” in 2015, “Tsamba” (2018) and “Dare Guru” last year.

“Zvino Dzimba Ngoni”, which carries five songs, was due for release on August 25, but was postponed owing to logistical problems.

The songs on the album are “Zvinonyadzisa”, “Ndabvunza Manuere”, “Kubata Basa”, “Ndinzwe Mambo” and “Kurira Mkundi”.

The album was by yesterday already trending on social media, with “Ndabvunza Manuere” attracting over 13 000 views on Youtube by afternoon.

“My album is out and already some of the songs are on YouTube and I am appreciating how fans are receiving them,” said Mambo Dhuterere.

“I take time perfecting my music in the studio, hence some people would end up thinking I am a ‘one-hit wonder’.

“I do not do music for views, but my music is about preaching the gospel and it is the people who make it a hit song.

At the same time, I am celebrating the milestone of “Mweya Ndisesekedze”, and “Ahuwerere” which have each reached a million views on social media, showing that people are appreciating my music and I respect that.

“After this new album, some months ahead, the same people will again say I am a one hit wonder. People will always talk, but you just need to stay in focus and true to your calling.”

Mambo Dhuterere, of St John Apostolic Church, said the album was recorded by Makumbe of VOT Studios and inspired by societal settings.

“I sing what I see every day, giving solutions to the society.

Surprisingly, my songs are about story telling, hence on this new album there are no collaborations because it is about continuity and the vision I am sharing on the songs.

“Having a collaboration means I would need to sit down again and restructure, compose the song to suit the artiste I am featuring.

The messages have depth in the songs and people should take heed and take time to listen before reviewing at an early stage” he said.-The Herald

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

Farai Dziva|A village head in Chivi has flatly refused to be used by Zanu PF to intimidate his subjects.

The village head believes traditional leaders should execute their duties objectively.

See statement below:

MDC ALLIANCE CHIVI NORTH LEAVES NO STONE UNTURNED

The political conundrum and tempo in Chivi North is growing by the day as the CONSTITUENCY COORDINATING COMMITTEE (CCC) is spearheading visibility programmes in the CONSTITUENCY as they rally people to follow and support the MDC ALLIANCE as led by Pres Advocate Nelson Chamisa.

With the helping hand and support from Hon Chidaushe, one of the leaders in the district, a lot of programs have been lined up as the rural engagement drive is being adopted. It is important to engage the dejected communities and neglected people from rural areas as harnessing these votes is important as the opposition move to win the electorate.

The district leadership of MDC ALLIANCE was invited by village head of Nhapata Village to witness the completion of some tanks which were built with the support from Hon Chidaushe Emmanuel.

The leadership together with Hon Chidaushe visited the village to see the project, present at the event were the district executive and chairs for ward 8.

The event was presided by village Head Nhapata.The village head encouraged his fellow villagers to shun politics paving way for development as living in political mood would derail their chances of accessing need and help from the stakeholders and interested parties.

He rallied people in Nhapata village to capitalize the presence and support rendered by Hon Chidaushe and his proximity since he originate from their village.

The village head advised all people and encouraged them to cooperate and unite in pushing all projects in the village without political blinkers.

Politics without development is tantamount to destruction and it’s high time people embrace those people who are ready to sacrifice and support their communities.

He fumed over those who refused to contribute towards the realisation of community projects as he thanked Hon Chidaushe for standing with them.

Mr Nhapata also requested assistance in the refurbishment some of the water sources including wells and boreholes in his and surrounding villages.

He urged people of Nhapata to support their son Hon Chidaushe whom he described as the first person to emerge in their area spearheading community projects and development.

The CCC Secretary Mr Farai Zavidzi asked the villagers to support their son by standing with him in good times and bad times and when the time comes as well.

He described him as an asset in the whole constituency and not only Nhapata village only. In his words, Mr Zavidzi said that, “muporofita haarumbidzwi newekwake asi imi vekwa nhapata rumbidzai”.

Today Sunday 06/09/2020, Hon Chidaushe invited all needy people to access the services of his grinding mill free of charge.

The people from ward 11, ward 7 and 8 will walk away smiling after the golden handshake where they will not pay for these services.

Leader Chidaushe said that he has set aside this day so that the people can be cushioned at the height of economic trauma and challenges where they can not even afford to buy salt and worse mealie meal. He promised the community that he will set aside one day per each month to help those in needy. At the time of writing, more than 50 families were jovially waiting on the queue.

This dispells the notion that MDC ALLIANCE is not doing anything in communities as said by detractors.

The energetic young man promised to do a lot of programs in complementing the SMART blue print in his CONSTITUENCY and the province at Large.

CHIVI NORTH CCC COMMUNICATION DESK

The MDC Alliance presidential affairs secretary Jameson Timba has made claims that the MDC T is working in cahoots with the government to decimate the MDC Alliance led councils, a move that will allow the government to appoint a commision that will run the council till the next elections in 2023.

Speaking to The Standard Timba said:

First, we are aware that Zanu PF is working with Thokozani Khupe, Mwonzora and company to disrupt service delivery in Harare by paralysing the operations of the city council through their unlawful recall of councillors. We are also aware that they are inimical to democracy and will go out of their way to reverse the will of the people of Harare as expressed on July 31, 2018.

Let me put it on record that the terms of office of the MDC-T anarchists, who masquerade as constitutionalists expired in October 2019, in addition, the court extended terms of office to July 31 and they do not have any legal mandate to purport to act for and on behalf of the defunct MDC.

Any such purported recall is null and void. Any such purported recall is voidable.

An MDC T insider on Friday said the MDC T was planning to recall councillors in a bid to paralyse the council which will then lead to the government appointing a commission to run the council till 2023.

However, both Mwonzora and Komich denied the claims that they were moving to dismantle the council.-The Standard

ZANU-PF is set to come up with provincial social media teams to defend the party and Government programmes on social media following campaigns by opposition elements fomenting violence while tarnishing the country’s image.

Last month, the opposition working with some western embassies and non-governmental organisations, used social media to try effect regime change through violence disguised as demonstrations against corruption.

The opposition has also deliberately misconstrued the signing of the Global Compensation Deed (GCD) designed to compensate white former farm owners as a reversal of the land reform programme by the Second Republic.

Speaking during a Matabeleland North Provincial Co-ordinating Committee (PCC) meeting yesterday, Zanu-PF Politburo member Munyaradzi Machacha, said while many people were spreading misinformation about the country on social media, party members were slackening in defending the party’s programmes.

He said land reform will never be reversed but the Government in signing the GCD was following the dictates of the Constitution.

“We therefore should come up with provincial social media teams to articulate the party and Government policies. While some people would be going to the farms while others work in industries, we should also have a cyber unit which will be involved in defending the party’s programmes on social media platforms.

Social media has become the new battlefield for control, but the opposition is using it to portray the country in bad light which is not the situation of the ground,” said Machacha.

“We have facts and statistics of what is happening on the ground. While they send lies on social media our teams should counter that with facts and we expect each province to be doing this.”

He said the Politburo has resolved to set up District Co-ordinating Committees (DCC) in eight provinces as has already been done with Bulawayo and Harare.

“Remember we had DCCs in the past but they became more powerful and influential than what they were designed to be.

They became more powerful than their superior structures that is why the party resolved to disband them.

But we have observed that there is a gap that has been caused by their absence in the districts that is why we are bringing them back,” he said.

“We had cases where the PCC would go and ask for permission from them yet the PCC was superior. When we set up the new structures, we will allow them to fly but we will clip their wings so they will not fly like eagles. They would not assume the same powers as they did previously.”

Speaking at the Bulawayo PCC meeting at Davies Hall in the city yesterday, party Secretary for Administration Obert Mpofu challenged the party’s newly elected Bulawayo provincial executive to play a leading role in mobilising support to ensure that the party resoundingly wins in the 2023 harmonised elections.

He said the interim provincial executive committee should also help instil discipline among members and strengthen structures in preparation for the 2023 harmonised elections.-Chronicle

ZANU-PF is set to come up with provincial social media teams to defend the party and Government programmes on social media following campaigns by opposition elements fomenting violence while tarnishing the country’s image.

Last month, the opposition working with some western embassies and non-governmental organisations, used social media to try effect regime change through violence disguised as demonstrations against corruption.

The opposition has also deliberately misconstrued the signing of the Global Compensation Deed (GCD) designed to compensate white former farm owners as a reversal of the land reform programme by the Second Republic.

Speaking during a Matabeleland North Provincial Co-ordinating Committee (PCC) meeting yesterday, Zanu-PF Politburo member Munyaradzi Machacha, said while many people were spreading misinformation about the country on social media, party members were slackening in defending the party’s programmes.

He said land reform will never be reversed but the Government in signing the GCD was following the dictates of the Constitution.

“We therefore should come up with provincial social media teams to articulate the party and Government policies. While some people would be going to the farms while others work in industries, we should also have a cyber unit which will be involved in defending the party’s programmes on social media platforms.

Social media has become the new battlefield for control, but the opposition is using it to portray the country in bad light which is not the situation of the ground,” said Machacha.

“We have facts and statistics of what is happening on the ground. While they send lies on social media our teams should counter that with facts and we expect each province to be doing this.”

He said the Politburo has resolved to set up District Co-ordinating Committees (DCC) in eight provinces as has already been done with Bulawayo and Harare.

“Remember we had DCCs in the past but they became more powerful and influential than what they were designed to be.

They became more powerful than their superior structures that is why the party resolved to disband them.

But we have observed that there is a gap that has been caused by their absence in the districts that is why we are bringing them back,” he said.

“We had cases where the PCC would go and ask for permission from them yet the PCC was superior. When we set up the new structures, we will allow them to fly but we will clip their wings so they will not fly like eagles. They would not assume the same powers as they did previously.”

Speaking at the Bulawayo PCC meeting at Davies Hall in the city yesterday, party Secretary for Administration Obert Mpofu challenged the party’s newly elected Bulawayo provincial executive to play a leading role in mobilising support to ensure that the party resoundingly wins in the 2023 harmonised elections.

He said the interim provincial executive committee should also help instil discipline among members and strengthen structures in preparation for the 2023 harmonised elections.-Chronicle

Farai Dziva|MDC Alliance vice president Hon Tendai Biti has accused Mr Emmerson Mnangagwa of running the country like a bottle store.

Hon Biti also took a swipe at Mr Mnangagwa and Zanu PF apparatchiks for stealing State resources at an alarming rate.

“The challenge of Zim is a leadership that runs the country like a bottle store Patronage extraction and primitive accumulation are the DNA of regime Everything is for sale. Everything has a price and in every transaction the pimp must get a cut.A Head of State should not pimp country…

Zim has huge coal deposits that extend from Gokwe all the way to Hwange Sinamatela.The granting of coal concessions in Hwange National Park is extremely crude&reflects that the grantee of those rights is not fit for the office he holds . He is an imposter #ZimbabaweanLivesMatter

Special Grants are only issued by one office in Zim . Under Emmerson we are are witnessing the primitive asset stripping of Zim from resources ,concessions and land,” argued Hon Biti.

Farai Dziva|MDC Alliance vice president Hon Tendai Biti has accused Mr Emmerson Mnangagwa of running the country like a bottle store.

Hon Biti also took a swipe at Mr Mnangagwa and Zanu PF apparatchiks for stealing State resources at an alarming rate.

“The challenge of Zim is a leadership that runs the country like a bottle store Patronage extraction and primitive accumulation are the DNA of regime Everything is for sale. Everything has a price and in every transaction the pimp must get a cut.A Head of State should not pimp country…

Zim has huge coal deposits that extend from Gokwe all the way to Hwange Sinamatela.The granting of coal concessions in Hwange National Park is extremely crude&reflects that the grantee of those rights is not fit for the office he holds . He is an imposter #ZimbabaweanLivesMatter

Special Grants are only issued by one office in Zim . Under Emmerson we are are witnessing the primitive asset stripping of Zim from resources ,concessions and land,” argued Hon Biti.

Own Correspondent |Controversial Masvingo based cleric, Isaac Makomichi has claimed Thokozani Khupe and Douglas Mwonzora will receive $ 1,2 million to destroy the MDC Alliance.

Makomichi claimed he got the revelation in a prophetic dream.

He also claimed credit for predicting Jacob Mafume’s victory in the Harare Mayoral election.

He tweeted:

“Remember I said to the press ndarota Mafume(now Harare mayor)ahwina ne5 votes,ndarotazve Khupe,Komichi&Mwonzora vachipiwa US$ 1.2 million kuti vaparadze MDC Alliance,guess who paid them?It’s not wat people think. Huyayi vadudziri.”

Farai Dziva|MDC Alliance leader, Advocate Nelson Chamisa has described veteran journalist Hopewell Chin’ono as a true freedom fighter.

Chin’ono was arrested and detained by Mr Emmerson Mnangagwa’s administration for exposing corruption.

President Chamisa visited Chin’ono at his house on Saturday.

President Chamisa said:
“Today(Saturday), I visited a Hero and Veteran Journalist, Hopewell Chin’ono.

We thank God that he is recovering well after being released on bail. The freedom fighter spent 45 days in prison upon denial of bail.

Hope ignites hope. He remains steadfast in fighting corruption and speaking truth to power.

The March is not ended.#ZimbabaweanLivesMatter.”

Own Correspondent|Opposition leader Noah Manyika has said he is not desperate to join Mr Emmerson Mnangagwa’s POLAD.

Manyika described POLAD as a “captured platform.”

“I have just received an inquiry from a journalist about Mnangagwa’s statement today inviting those who have so far refused to join POLAD to do so. I responded as follows:

Mnangagwa is still operating under the delusion that everyone is desperate to join the gravy train. I am not.

He still believes everyone can be bought, threatened, coerced into cooperating with his repressive, corrupt and incompetent regime.

The fight is not to join POLAD, but for freedom. The fight is to change a sadistic and selfish system whose true colours have now become evident to all.

The real message from Mnangagwa is when we saw the abduction and torture of Mathuthu’s relative, and Hopewell Chin’ono and Jacob Ngarivhume in leg irons and much much more.

The message is evident through the Neanderthal thinking that the brutal reality in our country can be changed by denying it, or that calls by the clergy for the government to do what’s right should be used as an opportunity to threaten Ndebeles.

Mnangagwa’s message is clear when he attempts to use an issue as critical as land to separate the white community from the rest of the Zimbabweans who live tortured lives under his regime.

Mnangagwa’s imperious statements that assume everyone will go crawling to State House at his call demonstrate the extent of his delusions of grandeur.

Ultimately, no authoritarian, no matter how vicious, can escape the consequences of their own folly.

One day, Zimbabwe shall be free,” said Manyika.

BREAKING- SAD DAY FOR MDC ALLIANCE AS KUWADZANA MP MIRRIAM MUSHAYI DIES @FoxLion2028 @MdcMasvingo @mdc pic.twitter.com/IfgyyArD7g

— ZimEye (@ZimEye) September 7, 2020

The MDC Alliance is deeply saddened to learn of the passing of National Standing Committee Member & Kuwadzana MP, Hon Miriam Mushayi. She was a true veteran of the struggle who will be missed dearly.

Rest in power, @Mimmmie.

Our condolences go out to her family. pic.twitter.com/vwsyiZ9mc4

— Citizens' Coalition for Change (@CCCZimbabwe) September 7, 2020

Paul Nyathi

Vice President Constantino Chiwenga on Monday said government had reviewed salaries and allowances for health professions, in a bid to motivate them to return back to work.

Zimbabwe’s health professionals have been on strike for several months now.

Addressing journalists, VP Chiwenga, also the minister of Health and Child Care, said the workers will be also offered housing and vehicle loans.

“We have now reviewed salaries and allowances for health professionals as a way of government commitment to make the national health care system competitive. To this end, an overall increase on health sector specific allowances will be effected by government,” he said.

He added : ”The Ministry of Health and Child Care new structure includes the critical infrastructure planning and development department which is key to the provision of accommodation for health professionals among other infrastructure needs. Housing and vehicle loans will also form part of the improved conditions of service.”

Going forward, VP Chiwenga said, the health professionals must now deliver their mandate.

“We expect all grievances to be solved amicably through discussion without endangering the lives of patients. Never again shall patient’s lives be used as pawns in a game of chess.

“Health professionals will now be expected to be true to their oath of office. We also expect any demands to be made based on our national reality,” he said.

He added; “As government we commit to continuously review the conditions of service of our health professionals.”

Speaking at the same event, Finance and Economic Development Minister Prof Mthuli Ncube said government would however not overspend on the salary reviews.

“Indeed our intention is to improve the conditions of service for the health sector and also the entire civil service focusing on call salaries as well as specific health sector allowances.

“As we do this, we will seek to make sure that we stay within our budgetary parameters so that civil servants wage bill does not run away,” he said.

This comes as government and civil servants are set for salary talks on Wednesday.

The civil servants are demanding an equivalent of their October 2018 forex salaries.

Currently, the lowest paid civil servants earns below the ZWL$14.000 poverty datum line.

New Ziana

PRESIDENT Emmerson Mnangagwa has condemned in the “strongest possible terms” the “cowardly and senseless” attack on members of the security services at a police post in Chivhu over the weekend.

Two assailants stormed Chivhu Police Post on Saturday and shot two soldiers, killing Lance Corporal Lorance Mupunganyama while Corporal Peter Zvirevo sustained multiple injuries.

The two soldiers were enforcing Covid-19 national lockdown measures when the assailants hit the ZRP post in what the police described as “a murder, attempted murder and robbery incident”.

A combined police and army team tracked the assailants down Sunday resulting in a gun battle after the duo resisted arrested and instead opened fire on the security services team.

The assailants were killed in the ensuing gun battle while Corporal Stanalious Chiunyesu of the Zimbabwe National Army (ZNA) stained leg injuries.

In his condolence message, President Mnangagwa said he had learnt of the passing Lance Corporal Mupunganyama with a “deep sense of shock and great sadness”.

He said the “cowardly and senseless” attack by the assailants must be “condemned in the strongest possible terms by all peace-loving Zimbabweans”.

“Government will not tolerate anyone who attacks, harms 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,” said the President.

“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 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 characterise our great nation.”

The injured servicemen – Corporal Zvirevo and Corporal Chiunye – are now admitted at West End Hospital in Harare after being transferred from Chivhu Hospital.

Corporal Zvirevo is critical and is admitted in the intensive care unit after undergoing an operation.

President Mnangagwa wished the injured servicemen “a speedy recovery”.

“Our hearts and prayers are with all the affected families,” he said.

By A Correspondent- Unclaimed pensions in Zimbabwe have risen from around $27 million in June 2019 to about $196 Million now Business Times reports. According to the publication, this is largely due to lack of knowledge on the part of pension scheme members and or as a result of poor record-keeping by the pension funds themselves or outdated records, which makes it difficult for the pension funds to trace the members.

Speaking about the issue IPEC commissioner, Grace Muradzikwa said:

The Commission is concerned that pension funds are holding on to ZWL$196m in unclaimed benefits, which speaks to the importance of keeping good databases This is quite a challenge and worrisome

Every month, employees gave up a portion of their earnings in order to provide themselves and their families when they retire. We want everyone to claim what they are entitled to. But, their hopes have been dashed as many have not been paid the pensions that they are owed. Employees should be sensitised on the matter so that they can claim their vital benefits because many are unaware that that they are members of retirement funds and are not aware of benefits owing to them.

It’s unfortunate that members of retirement funds are not kept up to date on the state of their funds. Some members are also to blame because they don’t inform their dependents they had benefits owing to them. It’s critical that members of pensions fund open up and inform dependents about their retirement funds.

According to a report by IPEC, 153 000 pensioners have not claimed the vital benefits they are entitled to in retirement.-BusinessTimes

TEACHERS and learners should brace for a new normal ahead of schools reopening and forget customs such as hugs, handshakes and sharing of desks as they used to.

Break and lunch time will be staggered to prevent crowding by learners while sporting activities will be banned when schools reopen for exam-writing classes next week Monday.

In the past pupils or teachers who were not feeling well could attend classes but in the new normal this will be prohibited as the Ministry of Primary and Secondary Education has adopted a stay at home policy for those feeling unwell until they recover.

This is contained in the Ministry of Primary and Secondary Education mandatory Standard Operating Procedures (SOP) designed to guide schools as they prepare for reopening.

The Ministry of Primary and Secondary Education released SOP on Thursday in response to Covid-19 and compliance to World Health Organisation and Ministry of Health and Child Care, coronavirus prevention regulations.

Covid-19 is known to be more deadly among those with underlying diseases, hence schools will now be required to keep records for teachers and pupils with underlying conditions without stigmatising them.

A maximum of 35 pupils will be permitted in a single classroom as learners and teachers will be required to maintain a physical or social distance of one metre at the school premises.

Schools prematurely closed in March and have remained closed as Government took measures to prevent the spread of Covid-19.

However, examination classes are expected to reopen on Monday for those sitting for Cambridge examinations while Zimbabwe School Examinations Council (Zimsec) candidates will reopen on September 28.

Zimsec public examinations will start on December 1, as Government is employing a combination of face-to-face and distance learning to bridge the gap that has seen learners being out of school for five months.

In preparing for the new normal, teachers would be trained to become health co-ordinators by the Ministry of Health and Child Care, to enable them to monitor health related matters in the learning institutions.

Temperature checks will be conducted while schools will be mandated to have temporary isolation rooms for those found with high temperatures, before they are referred to heath facilities.

“In line with the Zimbabwe School Health Policy, every school should be linked to a specific clinic or team from the Ministry of Health and Child Care service providers. Through this system, schools should develop effective communication with their allocated health teams to facilitate the care of unwell learners and staff,” read the document.

In case a pupil or staff member contract Covid-19 or become a contact of a positive person they will be required to self isolate for two weeks, before being cleared to return to school.

No other visitor will be allowed in schools except essential service providers.

Physical distancing of at least one metre will be adhered to both teachers and learners while minimising sharing of education stationery including textbooks.

“Teachers and learners should be encouraged to maintain a distance of at least one metre between everyone present at school or college.

“The sitting arrangement in every classroom and in the staff room should be such that there is a distance of one metre from one individual to another. In order to achieve this, there should be one learner at each desk or the school should improve the ‘desk and chair’ approach. A standard sized classroom should therefore not accommodate more than 35 learners,” reads the document.

Hot seating will be encouraged to decongest schools even as examination classes return to school.

Before Covid-19, hot seating was mainly employed by highly congested schools which could not accommodate all learners in one learning session as some pupils would come in the morning while others in the afternoon.

Surfaces such as door handles, desks, toys, light switches, door frames will be frequently disinfected as part of the SOP to prevent the spread of Covid-19.

Parents can be engaged in the cleaning of schools in cases where learning institutions cannot afford to pay workers.

State Media