By A Correspondent- EFF leader Julius Malema has said the people of Zimbabwe deserve a better leader instead of “sellout Mnangagwa”.
In an interview on SABC, Malema described the Zimbabwean leader and South African president Cyril Ramaphosa as “fools who cannot solve the Zimbabwean crisis”.
Said Malema:
“……well Cyril and Mnangagwa are two fools so they can’t resolve anything
Mnangagwa must go. The people of Zimbabwe deserve a better leader. The people of Zimbabwe deserve a revolutionary, who will continue with the land question of Zimbabwe
Mnangagwa is the highest sellout ever in the history of African politics. He must be known as a sellout and not as a revolutionary. Anyone who reverses the land question in Zimbabwe and compensate white people for stolen land is a sellout. That’s what Mnangagwa is. Another sellout is going there to join each other in selling out.”
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on the part of pension scheme members and or as a result of poor record-keeping by the pension funds themselves or outdated records, which makes it difficult for the pension funds to trace the members.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
Commenting on the issue a member of the NEC in the clothing industry Mehluli Moyo said:
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
ANC regional task team leader Nceba Faku has called on all ANC public representatives to obtain a police criminal clearance certificate, something he said was a sad indictment on the party, but a necessity.
In a statement at the weekend — after Faku visited the Mount Road police station in Port Elizabeth to sort out his clearance certificate — he said he had made arrangements for all regional task team (RTT) members to do the same.
“The directives from our upper structures are clear that all RTT members and all public representatives should undergo a process to declare their interests and absolve themselves from any wrongdoing, and as such the RTT officials will lead by example. This is where this process starts today,” Faku said.
He said members needed to obtain the clearance certificates to signify they had not been charged with any crimes, were not awaiting trial and had not been accused of a crime.
“[This] is the arrangement I have made today with the authorities.
“On Monday at 11am, the ANC RTT collective will be going to Mount Road police station to undergo this police clearance process together, whereafter all ANC councillors and parliament members from the metro will follow.
“It is very unfortunate that I should be talking about this, that we as the ANC have regressed in such a way that such steps are necessary to allow us to self-correct. But we will approach this matter head-on and continue to do what is right, and that is to cleanse and rehabilitate our organisation no matter how reactionary some may become,” Faku said.
His statement comes a week after RTT regional co-ordinator Luyolo Nqakula gave Andile Lungisa 72 hours to resign from the council and step down as a task team member of the party’s ward 2 branch.
Lungisa was convicted of assault with intent to do grievous bodily harm after he smashed a glass water jug over the head of DA councillor Rano Kayser during a heated council meeting in October 2016.
He is appealing his two-year jail sentence.
In a letter to Lungisa last Sunday, the Bay regional task team said it was seeking the go-ahead from the party’s Eastern Cape bosses to temporarily suspend Lungisa’s ANC membership.
The next day, a group of protesters gathered outside the ANC’s regional headquarters, Florence Matomela House.
The group, which said to represent 52 branches in the metro, released a list with 25 names of people they said made up the new regional task team, insisting they would operate from the party’s offices.
‘I want to clear my name,’ says axed Durban mayor Zandile Gumede
Former Durban mayor Zandile Gumede has vowed to “set the record straight” after being removed from the powerful post this week.
Two of those whose names were on the list have distanced themselves from the “new RTT”.
Thembinkosi Mafana from Ward 60 said he was retracting his name from the list as he was included without consultation and without his knowledge.
Tracy Mackie said she consulted both the ANC Eastern Cape provincial secretary, Lulama Ngcukayitobi, and Nqakula and told her the list had no legitimacy.
“For whatever cause that it was felt necessary to use my name without consultation, this remains an infringement on my individual rights,” she said. “It also affects my privacy and public persona, which I guard vehemently.
“I will always welcome inclusive and constructive debate on ANC matters, particularly now amid serious allegations of corruption about illicit public sector procurement.
“However, this should be in a consultative forum,” she said.
ANC regional spokesperson JP Pretorius said there was no new or parallel RTT because only an upper structure could appoint and dissolve ANC structures, and there was no such intervention undertaken by the provincial executive council (PEC).
“So we are not surprised that disciplined, inducted members of the ANC, who understand the ANC constitution and have the organisation’s best interest at heart, would distance themselves from such controversy and misconduct.
“The malicious timing of this incident is nothing else than an act to undermine the PEC due to disciplinary issues of some members in the metro,” Pretorius said.
Faku said once the clearance certificate exercise had been undertaken, a report on all members facing criminal charges and disciplinary charges would be submitted to the PEC to deal with the matter at that level.
Leader of the South African Economic Freedom Fighters Julius Malema has slashed at President Emmerson Mnangagwa over his move to compensate former white commercial farmers calling him a fool and sellout.
Malema said this on Monday as his party shut down all shops belonging to Clicks Stores over a racist advert.
ZIFA has not yet approached the Sports and Recreational Commission (SRC) to make an application for domestic football to resume following its suspension in March due to the ongoing pandemic, the Daily News reports.
This was revealed by SRC director-general Prince Mupazviriho who said they just read from the papers that football might provisionally resume on 20 October but they are yet to receive an application from ZIFA:
We are yet to receive the application from Zifa. We are only seeing and reading about what they are saying in the news,. (When they apply) We will be guided by what they want to do in terms of the conditions and we will not be looking at the time frame of. As you are aware, we recently allowed low-risk sports to resume activities and we have quite a number that have applied to start full activities.
The delay in resuming domestic football has put the Warriors who are supposed to play Algeria in November in a tight spot. The Warriors gaffer Logarusic has said he might consider picking foreign-based players for the AFCON qualifiers if football doesn’t resume anytime soon in Zimbabwe.
The total value of unclaimed pension pots in Zimbabwe has risen 626% to nearly ZWL$200m in the last 12 months from ZWL$27m in June last year largely due to lack of knowledge on the part of pension scheme members.
Another reason for the low take up of benefits could be 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.
Official data obtained from the Insurance and Pensions Commission (IPEC) shows that at least 153 000 pensioners are owed money and living in poverty because they have not been able to claim the vital benefits they are entitle to in retirement.
This represents a 206% increase in the number of pensioners who failed to claim their benefits from an estimated 50 000 pensioners in June last year.
The number is destined to go higher because there seem to be little effort among pension funds administrators to track down beneficiaries of unclaimed pensions. This could be so because as long as the funds remain unclaimed, the administrators continue to earn hefty fees year after year.
This has left millions of dollars belonging to thousands of employees and their families who left their jobs unaware that they had unclaimed pension benefits owed to them, go unclaimed.
This means the affected pensioners could be living in poverty while unaware they are entitled to money that they have not claimed from their pension funds for years. This could have lost value due to hyperinflation Zimbabwe is experiencing.
IPEC commissioner, Grace Muradzikwa, described the situation as worrisome.
“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,” Muradzikwa said adding: “This is quite a challenge and worrisome.”
A member of the national employment council for the clothing industry, Mehluli Moyo, told Business Times that it was important for employers to sensitise their employees that they were entitled to pensions when they leave employment on retirement or contribution refunds when they resign before reaching retirement age.
“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,”Moyo told Business Times.
He added: “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.”
The development comes at a time when several pension funds have applied for dissolution.
According to IPEC, nearly 30 pension funds have applied for dissolution in the last few months.
Most sponsoring employers are also failing to remit contributions deducted from employees’ salaries to pension funds threatening the viability of pension funds.
A Chitungwiza pensioner, Mirirai Kaseke told Business Times: “I left employment about six years ago and I am struggling to make ends meet.
Although I have been contributing for the whole of my working life, I have missed out on money in pension benefits I am entitled to. I changed about four jobs, meaning I contributed to four pension funds but I have failed to track the benefits down which I should be receiving. This (pension benefits) could help enormously.”
It is understood that unclaimed pension benefits are kept at the pension funds for five years, and then after transferred to a “Guardian Fund” awaiting for an eventual claim from the policy holder or any authorised person.
In the event that they remain unclaimed in the guardian fund, the funds are then forfeited to the State for use in national development projects.
IPEC urged pension funds to maintain accurate membership data and contact details of all its members for easy tracking.
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.
TO impress his girlfriend, a Hwange man broke into a Catholic priest’s home and stole US$1 500 before showering the woman with gifts while on a spending spree in Victoria Falls.
Admire Gwenzi (34) of 651 Bagdad in Empumalanga suburb used US$400 to buy an iPhone, two other cellphone handsets and some clothes.
He pampered his girlfriend with US$900.
It emerged that this was not the first time Gwenzi had stolen from Fr Zamberlain Bruno who is the administrator of Don Bosco Technical College in Hwange.
He once stole some money from the priest but was not taken to court after the priest forgave him and withdrew the charges when he returned the money.
In the latest incident, only US$200 was recovered from Gwenzi on his arrest.
He pleaded guilty to aggravated unlawful entry into premises when he appeared before Hwange magistrate Ms Rangarirai Gakanje who slapped him with 24 months in jail.
The magistrate suspended six months for five years on condition of good behaviour and suspended a further nine months on condition that Gwenzi restitutes US$1 300 to Fr Bruno on or before September 30.
Gwenzi will serve an effective nine months in jail.
Prosecuting Mr John Mutyakaviri said Gwenzi broke into Fr Bruno’s bedroom when the priest had gone for evening prayers on August 26.
“On the 26th of August at around 8pm, the accused proceeded to Don Bosco Technical College and unlawfully entered into the complainant’s room through an unlocked door. While inside he took US$1 500 which was in the complainant’s wardrobe drawer and went away,” said Mr Mutyakaviri.
The court was told that the money had been brought from Bulawayo on the same day and was meant for workers’ salaries and buying of building material at Don Bosco.
Fr Bruno discovered the theft when he wanted to use the money.
He reported the matter to the police who arrested Gwenzi after investigations and recovered US$200 only from him.
Gwenzi revealed to police that he had used the money to buy an iPhone, two other cellphones and clothes worth a combined US$400.
He said he took the remaining US$900 to Victoria Falls where he spent it with his girlfriend who stays there.
At least 180.7 million kilograms of tobacco worth US$452.2 million have been sold so far at auction and contract floors in the country since the selling season opened on April 29 this year, statistics from the industry regulator show.
In an update on day 89 of sale, the Tobacco Industry and Marketing
Board said the volume of sales were 24.7 percent lower than 238 million kg of tobacco worth US$472.1 million sold in the same period last year.
The average price at auction and contract floors was US$2.50 per kg,
which is 26.13 percent higher than the US$1.98 of the 2019 marketing
season. The highest price stood at US$6.60 per kg while the lowest was
$0.10.
Rejected bales declined to 80 595 from 195 812 recorded in the same period last year.
This year, the tobacco selling season was conducted with minimised human traffic at auction floors to reduce the spread of the novel coronavirus which is ravaging the world.
Tobacco farming is arguably one of the success stories of agriculture
in the post-land reform era as more blacks are growing the crop than
previously when it was a preserve of white people.
Production of the crop has been on the increase in the past few years,
with farmers selling a record 259 million kg last year, up from 253
million kg in 2018.
Last year, it generated US$747 million in exports mainly to China and Europe, according to the Reserve Bank of Zimbabwe data.
Traditionally, the opening of tobacco auction floors leads to improved foreign exchange inflows into the country, as buyers scramble to purchase the crop.
Top lawyer Beatrice Mtetwa who last month was barred from representing journalist Hopewell Chinono and threatened with being deregistered appeared at the Harare Magistrates Court on Monday for troubled former wife to Vice President Constantino Chiwenga, Marry Mubaiwa.
Mtetwa who was not troubled by the courts told the court that Mubaiwa is currently very sick and undergoing a life saving treatment and could not make it to court.
According to Mtetwa, Mubaiwa was walking around with a catheter to drain some fluids from her swelling hands while in the process of Hong through therapy.
“The accused has not fully done her treatment and she is walking around with a catheter draining stuff from her hand,” she said.
Her sickness is alleged to have resulted from the injuries she sustained in the White City bombing in Bulawayo on the 23 July in 2018.
The case in which Mubaiwa is accused of assaulting her maid was postponed to the 30th of November.
She was also remanded to 30 November in another case in which she is being charged of having attempted murdering Chiwenga at a South African hospital.
Vice President Constantino Chiwenga who was recently appointed as the Minister of Health is continuing with his heavy involvement with the Ministry of Agriculture programmes raising concerns from the public who believe he has really not come to the fold with the Health Ministry.
Chiwenga has been very occupied with the new Presidential Inputs Programme, commonly known as Pfumvudza which attempts to promote conservation farming techniques.
The programme involves use of small plots on smallholder farms and applying the correct agronomic practices for higher returns.
While senior Health officers including nurses and doctors have been on a strike for nearly two months, Chiwenga has not appeared to be tackling the issue.
The Covid-19 scourge is also continuing to ravage the country with very little or no word at all from Chiwenga since his appointment.
The closest that Chiwenga was in attending to the Ministry of Health issues was when he was addressing farmers calling on nurses to return to work as the Covid-19 Pandemic needs their attention. He spoke without paying attention to the grievances presented by the health workers.
Chiwenga last week urged Ministers of State to work closely with officials of the Ministry of Lands, Agriculture, Water and Rural Resettlement, farmer associations, political leadership, local leadership, stakeholders and the farming communities to ensure the targets set are met.
Small-scale farmers across all eight rural provinces have been given the target of 1,8 million tonnes of cereals and 360 000 tonnes of oil seeds in the forthcoming summer cropping season under Pfumvudza, the climate-proofed upgrade of the previous Presidential Inputs Programme.
This will not only produce almost 90 percent of the annual national food requirements and ensure that once the A1 and A2 farmers have built on that broad base, pushing Zimbabwe into surplus and ensuring industry has the required are materials and larger markets.
“I also expect weekly progress reports that will enable us to assess performance of each province and overall performance of the Pfumvudza Programme.
“I am happy to remind the Provincial Ministers of State that in the spirit of devolution, central Government will be assessing the performance progress of individual provincial economies in terms of overall GDP,” said VP Chiwenga.
He said Government was also going to re-introduce farmer competitions at ward, district and provincial levels to reward hardworking farmers.
“I therefore encourage you to take full advantage of this programme and to ensure that you do all you can to guarantee its success. You have to own the programme and take full responsibility. Extreme ownership matters,” he said.
Under the Pfumvudza concept, communal farmers will practice conservation agriculture for them to benefit under the Climate-Proofed Presidential Inputs Programme.
The concept, which will be applied to maize, traditional grains and oil seeds, will also commercialise smallholder agriculture.
Distribution of inputs for the Pfumvudza Programme has started with seed and fertilisers being delivered to GMB depots.
Farmers are expected to start collecting inputs this week.
Kaizer Chiefs are reportedly looking for a new coach with Ernst Middendorp’s future with the club becoming uncertain after failing to lift the league title.
The German tactician led Amakhosi to a second-place finish, but the club hierarchy was not happy with how they stumbled in the latter stages of the title after spending the majority of the season on top of the table, according to Soccer Laduma.
Chiefs had a twelve point-lead at some point and the inconsistency after returning from the coronavirus break saw the team picking two wins from eight games.
Gavin Hunt is the favourite to take over from Middendorp who still has a year left on his contract.
An official announcement is not likely until both the club and the coach have discussed the way forward.
Meanwhile, Hunt is unattached following the dissolving of Bidvest Wits at the end of the 2019/20 season.-Soccer 24
By A Correspondent- Defence and War Veteran Affairs Minister, Oppah Muchinguri-Kashiri, said the killing of two assailants who shot three soldiers in separate incidents in Chivhu over the weekend serves as a warning to criminals not to tamper with the country’s security forces.
Speaking after a Provincial Coordinating Committee extraordinary meeting in Mutare on Sunday, Minister Muchinguri-Kashiri said:
Because of the bravery of our soldiers and police, they were able to neutralise the assailants and kill the two.
This should serve as a warning to criminals who try to tamper with our security forces that they will be met with equal force.
Our soldiers and police are giving assurance to the nation that they will always protect our people and protect our territorial integrity.
We are pleased that our police and members of the ZNA, working on a tip-off from the public, managed to track down the assailants to near Gutu.
In trying to disarm the two, who were now armed with not only a pistol but also two of our rifles, another soldier was injured when they opened fire. We understand that he is in a stable condition.
Corporal Peter Zvirevo and Lance Corporal Mupanganyama were shot at a police post while enforcing lockdown regulations in Chivhu on Saturday and the assailants seized their service rifles and fled into the bush.
Lance Corporal Mupanganyama died on admission at Chivhu General Hospital, while Zvirevo suffered multiple injuries.
Corporal Chiunye was part of the army and police crack-team on an operation to arrest the two assailants when he was injured in a shootout with the duo that was eventually killed.
Corporal Zvirevo and Corporal Chiunye were transferred to Harare for further management and are currently admitted at West End Hospital in Harare.
Mamelodi Sundowns captain Hlompho Kekana believes their title rivals Kaizer Chiefs deserved the 2019/20 ABSA Premiership title more than they did.
Amakhosi led the race for most of the season and were at some point 13 points clear at the summit of the table but were beaten to the title by Sundowns in dramatic fashion on the last day of the season after drawing with Baroka while Pitso Mosimane’s charges beat Black Leopards to secure the title.
Kekana, who lifted the league trophy for the 7th time, insisted Chiefs deserved it.
“I call myself a lucky guy because I have so many beautiful memories. This is one trophy I will cherish for the rest of my life because to be honest, it hasn’t been easy. At some point we were 13 points behind Kaizer Chiefs, who played so well and really deserved the title more than we did,” he told SuperSport Tv after the game.
“At some point they were scoring none stop, we were chasing and trying to fight back. Its something we have to be proud of as players for the job well-done. It hasn’t been an easy season for us, considering the break, to come back from a 5-months break without pre-season , it has not been easy to be honest,” he added.-Soccer 24
WATCH- Mhondoro Ngezi grassroots structures send their message (Sunday). Says "…..Chamisa hatimbomusiya kunyeberana. Toenda naye" meaning we will never leave Chamisa that is fact, we will be with him forever. @MakomboreroH@DrNkuSibanda @MDCAustralia @MdcOffice @mdcwelfare pic.twitter.com/95p118tl3W
Watch- City centre toilets locked. "We do not have water for the past two weeks and this is potential time bomb. We have no option but to lock out the public." said a council worker pic.twitter.com/a3IWPp3Em5
Former Warriors defender Costa Nhamoinesu is reportedly in talks with Indian Super League side Kerala Blasters for a move, two months after leaving Czech giants Sparta Prague.
The 34-year-old former Masvingo United defender, the only African to ever captain Prague, left the club in July after a 7-year stay in which he made over 200 appearances which included games in both the Champions League and Europa League.
Indian Sports publication IFT News Media now claims that the Zimbabwean defender is on the brink of signing for the Super League side.
“Kerala Blasters in advance talks to sign the Zimbabwe defender Costa Nhamoinesu. He has also featured in Uefa Champions League and Europa League. For the last seven years he has played in the top division in Czech Republic. He has also previously played (in Poland) under Kibu vicuna in Zagłebie Lubin,” reported the publication.-Soccer 24
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.
The Confederation Of African Football (CAF) has pledged to assist the Egyptian Football Association (EFA) to find the missing Afcon trophy which they received a decade ago after winning the competition on three successive occasions.
Former deputy president of EFA Ahmed Shobeir announced last week that the priceless piece has gone missing.
The discovery was made after plans were unveiled to create a museum at the association’s headquarters, which would feature the trophy and the national team’s kits.
Investigations in the matter have already started and CAF has promised to help.
“CAF has learnt with shock reports of missing AFCON trophies from the Egyptian Football Association secretariat.
” Our doors are open and the EFA can count on our support in the search for the priceless memorabilia,” the football body said in a statement.-Soccer 24
By A Correspondent| Today, MDC Alliance National youth organiser Godfrey Kuraone’s case was heard this morning by Masvingo Magistrate Patience Mandondo.
Councillor Godfrey Kuraone will spend more days in prison.
The trial kicked off at 8:30am , when councillor Godfrey Kuraone was cross-examined by the state prosecutor.
Then, Councillor Godfrey Kuraone’s personal medical doctor testified about councillor Godfrey Kuraone’s medical condition before and during detention of Godfrey Kuraone.
The Magistrate Patience Mandondo said, “The judgment of the case will be given on this Thursday 10th September 2020 at 8am.”
However, after the close of submissions by both state and witnesses, Advocate Martin Mureri requested the Magistrate to give bail to councillor Godfrey Kuraone basing “changed circumstances”
The bail hearing was postponed to 2pm today. The Masvingo Magistrate Patience Madondo refused to give councillor Godfrey Kuraone bail. The Magistrate Patience Madondo stated that, “There are changed circumstances on councillorGodfrey’s case. Their bail is denied.”
Mr Gapare Jnr said, “We pray that Councillor Godfrey Kuraone will be acquitted on 10th September 2020.”
Masvingo Zimbabwe Human Rights top lawyers who were assisting advocate Martin Mureri in councillor Godfrey Kuraone are advocate Derrick Charamba, Advocate Shumba, Advocate Mafa and advocate Mayor Collins Maboke.
Many Kuraone’s family members, civic society members, ward 4 residents and MDC Alliance party members including Gutu rural councillor Wiclif, Chiredzi West ward 18 councillor Gilbert Mtubuki, Masvingo MDC Alliance National member Mrs Chakabuda and among others came to give solidarity to councillor Godfrey Kuraone today.
*MDC Alliance National youth organiser Godfrey Kuraone bail denied once again*
As judgement date set for 10th September 2020
7 September 2020
*Wezhira Munya and Kimberely Tariro Mamhende*
Today, MDC Alliance National youth organiser Godfrey Kuraone’s case was heard this morning by Masvingo Magistrate Patience Mandondo.
Councillor Godfrey Kuraone will spend more days in prison.
The trial kicked off at 8:30am , when councillor Godfrey Kuraone was cross-examined by the state prosecutor.
Then, Councillor Godfrey Kuraone’s personal medical doctor testified about councillor Godfrey Kuraone’s medical condition before and during detention of Godfrey Kuraone.
The Magistrate Patience Mandondo said, “The judgment of the case will be given on this Thursday 10th September 2020 at 8am.”
However, after the close of submissions by both state and witnesses, Advocate Martin Mureri requested the Magistrate to give bail to councillor Godfrey Kuraone basing “changed circumstances”
The bail hearing was postponed to 2pm today. The Masvingo Magistrate Patience Madondo refused to give councillor Godfrey Kuraone bail. The Magistrate Patience Madondo stated that, “There are changed circumstances on councillorGodfrey’s case. Their bail is denied.”
Mr Gapare Jnr said, “We pray that Councillor Godfrey Kuraone will be acquitted on 10th September 2020.”
Masvingo Zimbabwe Human Rights top lawyers who were assisting advocate Martin Mureri in councillor Godfrey Kuraone are advocate Derrick Charamba, Advocate Shumba, Advocate Mafa and advocate Mayor Collins Maboke.
Media Houses such as TellZim, Studio 7, Masvingo Mirror and others covered today’s councillor Godfrey Kuraone’s case.
Many Kuraone’s family members, civic society members, ward 4 residents and MDC Alliance party members including Gutu rural councillor Wiclif, Chiredzi West ward 18 councillor Gilbert Mtubuki, Masvingo MDC Alliance National member Mrs Chakabuda and among others came to give solidarity to councillor Godfrey Kuraone today.
MDC Alliance Masvingo City Councillor Godfrey Kurauone
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 for help 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.
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
The person in the picture is Corporal S.Chiunye whose leg was shattered by a bullet from the 2 insurgents who were outgunned by our security forces. And some political opportunistic bleeding heart believes that the police should have sent an invite and rose petals for the thugs! pic.twitter.com/4IdfmRuGmg
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
"As Zanu-PF, we raised our concern about the issue of alleged gross human rights violations in Zimbabwe being discussed at government to government level. We then agreed as Zanu-PF and ANC to first discuss it at party-to-party level" @DrObertMpofupic.twitter.com/SOPkCBli4U
Consuming a healthy diet throughout the life-course helps to prevent malnutrition in all its forms as well as a range of noncommunicable diseases (NCDs) and conditions.
However, increased production of processed foods, rapid urbanization and changing lifestyles have led to a shift in dietary patterns.
People are now consuming more foods high in energy, fats, free sugars and salt/sodium, and many people do not eat enough fruit, vegetables and other dietary fibre such as whole grains.
The exact make-up of a diversified, balanced and healthy diet will vary depending on individual characteristics (e.g. age, gender, lifestyle and degree of physical activity), cultural context, locally available foods and dietary customs.
However, the basic principles of what constitutes a healthy diet remain the same.
For adults
A healthy diet includes the following:
Fruit, vegetables, legumes (e.g. lentils and beans), nuts and whole grains (e.g. unprocessed maize, millet, oats, wheat and brown rice).
At least 400 g (i.e. five portions) of fruit and vegetables per day (2) , excluding potatoes, sweet potatoes, cassava and other starchy roots.
Less than 10% of total energy intake from free sugars (2, 7) , which is equivalent to 50 g (or about 12 level teaspoons) for a person of healthy body weight consuming about 2000 calories per day, but ideally is less than 5% of total energy intake for additional health benefits (7) . Free sugars are all sugars added to foods or drinks by the manufacturer, cook or consumer, as well as sugars naturally present in honey, syrups, fruit juices and fruit juice concentrates.
Less than 30% of total energy intake from fats (1, 2, 3) . Unsaturated fats (found in fish, avocado and nuts, and in sunflower, soybean, canola and olive oils) are preferable to saturated fats (found in fatty meat, butter, palm and coconut oil, cream, cheese, ghee and lard) and trans-
fats of all kinds, including both industrially-produced trans- fats (found in baked and fried foods, and pre-packaged snacks and foods, such as frozen pizza, pies, cookies, biscuits, wafers, and cooking oils and spreads) and ruminant trans- fats (found in meat and dairy foods from ruminant animals, such as cows, sheep, goats and camels).
It is suggested that the intake of saturated fats be reduced to less than 10% of total energy intake and
trans- fats to less than 1% of total energy intake (5) . In particular, industrially-produced trans -fats are not part of a healthy diet and should be avoided (4, 6) .
Less than 5 g of salt (equivalent to about one teaspoon) per day (8).
Salt should be iodized.
For infants and young children
In the first 2 years of a child’s life, optimal nutrition fosters healthy growth and improves cognitive development. It also reduces the risk of becoming overweight or obese and developing NCDs later in life.
Advice on a healthy diet for infants and children is similar to that for adults, but the following elements are also important:
Infants should be breastfed exclusively during the first 6 months of life.
Infants should be breastfed continuously until 2 years of age and beyond.
From 6 months of age, breast milk should be complemented with a variety of adequate, safe and nutrient-dense foods. Salt and sugars should not be added to complementary foods.
Practical advice on maintaining a healthy diet
Fruit and vegetables
Eating at least 400 g, or five portions, of fruit and vegetables per day reduces the risk of NCDs (2) and helps to ensure an adequate daily intake of dietary fibre.
Fruit and vegetable intake can be improved by:
always including vegetables in meals;
eating fresh fruit and raw vegetables as snacks;
eating fresh fruit and vegetables that are in season; and
eating a variety of fruit and vegetables.
Fats
Reducing the amount of total fat intake to less than 30% of total energy intake helps to prevent unhealthy weight gain in the adult population (1, 2, 3) .
Also, the risk of developing NCDs is lowered by:
reducing saturated fats to less than 10% of total energy intake;
reducing trans -fats to less than 1% of total energy intake; and
replacing both saturated fats and
trans- fats with unsaturated fats (2, 3) – in particular, with polyunsaturated fats.
Fat intake, especially saturated fat and industrially-produced trans- fat intake, can be reduced by:
steaming or boiling instead of frying when cooking;
replacing butter, lard and ghee with oils rich in polyunsaturated fats, such as soybean, canola (rapeseed), corn, safflower and sunflower oils;
eating reduced-fat dairy foods and lean meats, or trimming visible fat from meat; and
limiting the consumption of baked and fried foods, and pre-packaged snacks and foods (e.g. doughnuts, cakes, pies, cookies, biscuits and wafers) that contain industrially-produced trans- fats.
Salt, sodium and potassium
Most people consume too much sodium through salt (corresponding to consuming an average of 9–12 g of salt per day) and not enough potassium (less than 3.5 g). High sodium intake and insufficient potassium intake contribute to high blood pressure, which in turn increases the risk of heart disease and stroke (8, 11) .
Reducing salt intake to the recommended level of less than 5 g per day could prevent 1.7 million deaths each year (12) .
People are often unaware of the amount of salt they consume. In many countries, most salt comes from processed foods (e.g. ready meals; processed meats such as bacon, ham and salami; cheese; and salty snacks) or from foods consumed frequently in large amounts (e.g. bread). Salt is also added to foods during cooking (e.g. bouillon, stock cubes, soy sauce and fish sauce) or at the point of consumption (e.g. table salt).
Salt intake can be reduced by:
limiting the amount of salt and high-sodium condiments (e.g. soy sauce, fish sauce and bouillon) when cooking and preparing foods;
not having salt or high-sodium sauces on the table;
limiting the consumption of salty snacks; and
choosing products with lower sodium content.
Some food manufacturers are reformulating recipes to reduce the sodium content of their products, and people should be encouraged to check nutrition labels to see how much sodium is in a product before purchasing or consuming it.
Potassium can mitigate the negative effects of elevated sodium consumption on blood pressure. Intake of potassium can be increased by consuming fresh fruit and vegetables.
Sugars
In both adults and children, the intake of free sugars should be reduced to less than 10% of total energy intake (2, 7) . A reduction to less than 5% of total energy intake would provide additional health benefits (7) .
Consuming free sugars increases the risk of dental caries (tooth decay).
Excess calories from foods and drinks high in free sugars also contribute to unhealthy weight gain, which can lead to overweight and obesity. Recent evidence also shows that free sugars influence blood pressure and serum lipids, and suggests that a reduction in free sugars intake reduces risk factors for cardiovascular diseases (13) .
Sugars intake can be reduced by:
limiting the consumption of foods and drinks containing high amounts of sugars, such as sugary snacks, candies and sugar-sweetened beverages (i.e. all types of beverages containing free sugars – these include carbonated or non‐carbonated soft drinks, fruit or vegetable juices and drinks, liquid and powder concentrates, flavoured water, energy and sports drinks, ready‐to‐drink tea, ready‐to‐drink coffee and flavoured milk drinks); and
eating fresh fruit and raw vegetables as snacks instead of sugary snacks.
Credit:WHO
Inserted by Zimbabwe Online Health Centre
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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.”
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.
By A Correspondent- The ruling ZANU PF party says it will create provincial social media teams to articulate and defend its policies and government programmes.
This was revealed by Politburo member Munyaradzi Machacha, during a Matabeleland North Provincial Co-ordinating Committee (PCC) meeting on Sunday.
He said:
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.
Machacha said the party’s social media teams will counter “lies” sent out on the platforms by the country’s detractors.
Meanwhile, ZANU PF already has a presence on social media platforms and critics have accused the party of using multiple “ghost” social media accounts to mislead the gullible.-statemedia
By A Correspondent- The Zimbabwe Electoral Commission (ZEC) said it will go ahead with replacing recalled MDC Alliance legislators with nominees from the judicially-created MDC-T led by Thokozani Khupe unless a court order stops the process.
ZEC chief elections officer Utoile Silaigwana said they will proceed with the process as prescribed by the Electoral Act.
Silaigwana said:
The Commission has no discretion as to whether the process should or should not commence. Once a notice is given and received by ZEC, as prescribed in section 39(3) of the Electoral Act, the process … must be carried out, lest ZEC is in breach of the law.
Silaigwana was responding to concerns raised by Zimbabwe Elections Support Network (ZESN) chairperson Andrew Makoni who had said ZEC must wait until ongoing court challenges against the replacements were finalised.
The Nelson Chamisa-led MDC Alliance has already lodged an objection to the process, saying the MDC-T has no right to replace or even recall members elected under its name, banner and logo.
Khupe is expected to bounce back into Parliament as Leader of the Lower House even though she contested and lost in the 2018 presidential elections.-Newsday
By A Correspondent- The government on Thursday released the mandatory Standard Operating Procedures in response to the coronavirus and compliance to the World Health Organisation (WHO) and Ministry of Health and Child Care, coronavirus prevention regulations.
The document outlines the dos and don’ts when schools reopen for examination classes this month and going forward.
Cambridge examinations pupils will resume lessons on September 14th while Zimbabwe School Examinations Council (ZIMSEC) candidates will reopen on September 28th.
ZIMSEC November 2020 public examinations were deferred to commence on the 1st of December due to the suspension of classes in March in response to SARS-CoV-2.
Below is a summary of the Standard Operating Procedures that will be adopted by all schools to curb the spread of the novel coronavirus:
Pupils to wear masks
Use hand sanitisers
No hugs, no handshakes, no desk sharing
No visitors in schools except essential service providers
Break, lunchtime staggered
Sports banned
No school if unwell
Underlying conditions must be declared to schools
Maximum 35 kids in a classroom
One metre apart
Teachers to be trained to become health coordinators
Temperature checks
Schools mandated to have temporary isolation rooms
By A Correspondent- The late former Zimbabwean leader Robert Mugabe’s nephew, Patrick Zhuwao, said he once warned then Zimbabwe Defence Forces commander Constantino Chiwenga against supporting then Vice President Emmerson Mnangagwa’s takeover bid, describing the latter as “unelectable”.
Zhuwao said he tried to convince Chiwenga that ZANU PF needed someone who was charismatic to win an election and ability to lead the country.
Speaking to South African media during a discussion to mark exactly one year since Mugabe’s death, the exiled former cabinet minister said:
I also remember trying to explain to General Chiwenga (now vice president) when he was trying to get me to support Emmerson Mnangagwa to be President.
I said to General Chiwenga, ‘no General, this man is unelectable. He does not have the capacity to deal with people, he does not have the intellect to be able to lead the country’.
The General said, ‘okay fine, we will see what we can do’ and they then recognised that Emmerson Mnangagwa was unelectable but because of their entitlement mantra, they decided that the elections are not necessary.
By A Correspondent| MDC Alliance Harare Councillors boycott another meeting called today at Morgan Richard Tsvangirai House for the eighth time.
Another Harare Councillors meeting of the Judiciary constructed MDC-T flopped again with only 9 Councillors attended the meeting called by one Tapiwa Mashakada, Gandhi Mudzingwa and Bernard Chiondegwa.
The four Councillors who were part of those who secretly voted for Councillor Mukunguma just met the new Mayor of Harare Councillor Mafume this morning at Town House. They have since rejoined back to MDC Alliance, REBELS alone cannot constitute Harare City Council required quorum.
In total now MDC Alliance has 24 Councillors in Harare City excluding 10 Councillors who were recently recalled.
All remaining MDC Alliance Councillors have committed themselves to take the Party Position of either boycotting Council or total withdrawal if rebels recall any of the remaining 24 Councillors.
By A Correspondent | ANALYSIS| A man calling himself Jeff Judah Hossana, a modern Richard Gwesela, has resurfaced in South Africa rallying Zimbabweans to go and shut the nation’s border with South Africa, in an attack against his own boss, Emmerson Mnangagwa.
Gwesela was a fictitious violent dissident, a state operator, during the Gukurahundi extrajudicial killings who was literally immortal for a whole 4 years running between 1983 and 1987 and was conveniently killed at the time of the signing of the unity accord between ZANU PF and Joshua Nkomo’s ZAPU party.
He was killed by a newspaper article, literally.
The so called Jeff Judah Hossana, is not new to these operations:in 2017 he once got a group of Zimbabweans arrested for terrorism in South Africa. The arrested had been rounded up in similar fashion as he told them he is taking them to Gorongoza, in Mozambique for military training, in preparation for attacks against the Zimbabwe defence forces.
ZimEye has unmasked him as a state operator for the Team Ferret.
Below is his latest video calling for Zimbabweans to travel to Mesina and shut the country’s border with South Africa as he says: “we are not going to return home and I want to tell every Zimbabwean who is residing in South Africa that if you refuse to come on Thursday 24th September after we have hired buses, you have refused to come after donors have poured in a lot of money to hire the buses and buy you food…
“I have a right to enter a police station and demand that every Zimbabwean must be allowed to come with us and we go together to remove Emmerson Mnangagwa.
“Why are you choosing to stay away from this event? What will you be doing?
“Now it is looking like every Zimbabwean is insane, they do not think. South Africa is not your home you belong to Zimbabwe; is South Africa your home?
“We are saying he, Mnangagwa must step down, otherwise no one is going home until this happens.”
Investigative analysts say Mnangagwa is simply playing another Gwesela.
The Gwesela sequel.
ZIFA’s spokesperson, Xolisani Gwesela has in recent days responded to allegations by some quarters in Matebeleland who attack him saying that he is the son of the notorious so called dissident, Ranson or Richard Gwesela, a terrorist Mnangagwa created in the 1980s.
Thousands of people sensationally flocked to a police station in Gweru on the 18th November 1987 for a glimpse of the bullet-riddled corpse of Zimbabwe’s most wanted “fugitive.”
Zimbabwe Republic Police say Richard Gwesela, a former guerrilla fighter, was a gang leader who terrorized the people of two provinces for four years.
Gwesela was alleged to have murdered 20 people in the Midlands and neighbouring Matabeleland provinces. He also was said to have raped women and robbed villagers.
In silence, onlookers walked past his body sprawled beneath a wanted poster offering $30,000 for him, dead or alive.
The state media said Gwesela was the country’s most wanted man, and was killed in a gunbattle with Zimbabwean security forces near Gweru “on Sunday,” earlier.
His death was reported for the first time three days later, on the Wednesday. There were no independent investigations to confirm the state media report.
His mother and an uncle identified the corpse as Gwesela, and police fingerprints confirmed the identity, according to the state media report.
″Gwesela had killed more than 20 people since he started operating in the area,″ Enos Nkala, home affairs minister in charge of police, told reporters. ″Now he is going to join them, whether in heaven or hell, we don’t know,” he said.
NEW TWIST.
33 years later, some Mthwakazi activists have begun claiming ZIFA’s Gwesela was rewarded the sports job for a sterling role the supposed father played as an insider who staged for Emmerson Mnangagwa during Gukurahundi in order to kill civilians, pursuing Emmerson Mnangagwa’s terror operation to kill people under the guise of flushing out dissidents.
One activist makes the above chilling allegations (pic).
Responding however, ZIFA’s Mr Xolisani Gwesa told ZimEye, the so called Gwesela was not even a real Gwesela.
He said: “This writer is waffling. I am shocked by these ghastly falsehoods.
“I am the son of the late Chief Gwesela whose real name was Cornelius Nobody Gwesela Ndebele who died in 1996.He was never a dissident. The so called “dissident Gwesela” was never a Gwesela and his real name was Zedious Mangena.
“I am holder of a Masters Degree in Media and Society studies, Post grad Diploma in Media , Bsc Honours degree , Diploma in Management and Diploma in Sport Management.
“I have over 15 years experience in media management and sport management and events coordination. I joined Zifa purely on merit.
“The Gweselas are also from Zhombe and not Lower Gweru. The Gweselas are also from Zhombe and not Lower Gweru.”
FOUR men, two of them soldiers, have been arrested while their three accomplices are still at large for allegedly robbing Filabusi villagers on the pretext that they were on official duty looking for illegal firearms and gold.
Nhlanhla Moyo (29) and Fortune Ndlovu (29) both stationed at 4 Brigade in Masvingo were not asked to plead when they appeared before Gwanda magistrate, Mr Ndumiso Khumalo together with Noah Njanji (31) from Makokoba, Farai Thabu (33) from Cowdray Park suburb facing two counts of robbery.
They were remanded in custody to September 17.
Prosecuting, Miss Ethel Mahachi said when they committed the alleged crimes, three gang members were wearing army uniforms while two wore police uniforms and two were in civilian clothing.
She said the seven went to two homesteads in the early hours of the morning while armed with a baton and two machetes and stole property worth R12 200.
“On 25 August at around 12 midnight the accused persons who were wearing army uniforms, police uniforms and plain clothes while armed with a baton and machetes arrived at the first complainant’s homestead in a Nissan Note vehicle belonging to the first accused person. They knocked on the door while claiming to be members of the security forces who were conducting investigations searching for gold and firearms and ordered the complainant to open the door.
“He opened the door and the accused persons assaulted him and his wife while demanding gold and firearms. They tied his hands and feet and force-marched him to his bedroom. They took R5 000, US$700, $200, a battery, two solar inverters, an Open View decoder, some groceries and four cellphones. One of the accused persons Nhlanhla Moyo then grabbed the woman and tried to rape her but she screamed, prompting him to leave her and they fled from the homestead,” she said.
Ms Mahachi said the gang then went to Mr Obert Nzama’s homestead in Siyaphansi Village in Filabusi and knocked on the door claiming to be members of the security forces.
She said Ms Pretty Mbangene, who is heavily pregnant, opened the door and the accused persons assaulted her with a baton and electric cord.
She said they tied Ms Mbangene’s hands to the back and force-marched her into her bedroom while demanding gold and firearms.
Miss Mahachi said they took two solar batteries, two solar inverters, an Open View decoder, groceries, three pairs of shoes and a Nissan NP300 vehicle.
She said they drove off towards Bulawayo along Zvishavane-Mbalabala Road and joined the Bulawayo-Beitbridge Road.
“The gang then dumped the stolen vehicle just after Mbalabala Filling Station after it had run out of fuel. They opened the bonnet and stole the car battery. The matter was reported to the police who recovered the dumped vehicle. The accused persons were arrested on August 28 in Bulawayo. An Open View decoder and solar inverter were recovered following their arrest,” she said.
By A Correspondent- Privately-owned kombis may never return to the country’s roads post-coronavirus crisis after they were banned in late March when the government imposed stringent lockdown restrictions.
Permanent secretary in the Ministry of Information, Publicity and Broadcasting Services Nick Mangwana recently said the country should never go back to the unregulated “anarchy” of the pre-COVID-19 days.
He posted on Twitter:
As we gradually ease down the lockdown measures we have experienced since 30 March 2020, we should never go back to the unregulated Kombi anarchy of yesteryear.
We can’t have the indignity from loutish behaviour which degrades women and disregards courtesy to others.
The Zimbabwe United Passenger Company (ZUPCO) has been the sole public transporter since 30 March but its buses and commuter omnibuses are woefully inadequate.
ZUPCO is currently “renting” privately-owned vehicles but reports have indicated that the owners are not happy with the meagre commission they are getting from the parastatal.
Passengers are also exposed to the vagaries of bad weather and possible coronavirus infection as they spend hours while waiting for the few buses.
Manchester City players Riyad Mahrez and Aymeric Laporte have both tested positive for coronavirus.
Both players are currently observing a period of self-isolation in accordance with Premier League and UK government protocol. Neither is displaying symptoms of the virus.
A local environmental advocacy group, Zimbabwe Environmental Lawyers Association has approached the High Court to stop the Chinese from mining coal inside Hwange National Park.
There was a global outcry last week following revelations that a Chinese company had been given mining rights to extract coal from the largest wildlife park in the Southern Africa.
Posting on Twitter, ZELA Director Shamiso Mutisi said the Chinese’s appetite for coal from Hwange should be stopped.
“Chinese insatiable appetite for coal in biodiversity rich Hwange National Park must be stopped! @ZELA_Infor has gone to court,” said Mutisi.
Concerns have also been raised by scientists who say the government should prioritize sustainable environmental programs such as tourism and wildlife conservation in the Hwange National Park rather than potentially destructive mining activities for coal which Zimbabwe still relies on heavily for its electricity generation.
As MDC T meeting led by Mr Dumbu hosted at Senator Mudzuri’s house flopped in Zaka Central
6 September 2020
*Wezhira Munya and Kimberely Tariro Mamhende*
In Zaka North- Yesterday, MDC Alliance led by President Nelson Chamisa proved its popularity in Zaka North constituency. Many Zaka North MDC Alliance party members met MDC National women assembly acting chairlady Hon. Mugidho and MDC Alliance National member senator Marava yesterday.
MDC Alliance National acting women assembly chairlady honourable Mugidho said, “Yesterday we met MDC Alliance party leaders in Zaka North. 97% of all 2014 MDC members who were in structures attended this meeting. In addition, all 2018 MDC Alliance structures were in attendance. The Zaka North residents and MDC Alliance party members are fully supporting president Nelson Chamisa.”
In addition, Senator Misheck Marava said, “The popularity of president Nelson Chamisa and MDC Alliance is increasing. Surely, in 2023, we are going to win presidential vote, Zaka North member of parliament seat and all councillor seats.”
Zaka North MDC Alliance chairperson said, “We as MDC Alliance party members we want to assure MDC Alliance President Nelson Chamisa and Party leadership at large that we are solidly behind MDC Alliance party and we will never join Zanu PF and MDC T.”
Also, losing MDC Alliance 2018 harmonized election candidate Mr Dumbu who has joined MDC T had a meeting with some Zaka Central residents yesterday.
The meeting was held at Senator Mudzuri’s house.
One MDC T member said, “I could not attend this meeting because of the venue- Mudzuri’s house. I am Senator Komichi’s supporter.
I can’t go to a MDC T meeting being held at the house of another candidate-Mr Mudzuri who is contesting to be MDC T president at extraordinary congress. It’s unfair. MDC T meetings must be held at neutral venues.”
One Zaka Central resident who attended MDC T meeting said, “Very few people from Zaka Central attended this meeting. Majority of the people were from Zaka North and Chiredzi.
Mr Dumbu was campaigning for Senator Mudzuri to be MDC T president during the forthcoming extraordinary congress. MDC T Khupe, Komichi and Mwonzora supporters were angry after the meeting turned out to be campaign “rally” for Mudzuri.”
One MDC T member who attended the meeting who refused the publication of his name for fear of victimization said, “There is high factionalism in MDC T as we prepare for extraordinary congress.
In addition, most 2014 MDC members who were in structures are not willing to join MDC T in Zaka Central . MDC Alliance led by President Chamisa commands great following.”
He further comments that, “MDC T is perceived as Zanu PF proxy through our involvement in POLAD.”
A picture taken at the MDC T meeting held at Mudzuri’s house yesterday showed a paltry 20 people attended this meeting including those who travelled from Zaka North and Chiredzi.
Tomorrow, there will continuation of trial of MDC National youth organiser Godfrey Kuraone at Masvingo Magistrate court at 8am.
By A Correspondent| Sacked Zimbabwe Prisons and Correctional Services (ZPCS) spokesperson, Assistant Commissioner Elizabeth Banda, who was facing a US$1,2 million fraud charge in a botched fuel donation scam has been removed from remand after long delays by the prosecution in bringing her to trial.
Banda (51) was charged along with Glow Trading company supervisor Raymond Mazodze (34) and the two were on remand on $1 800 bail each.
Through her lawyer Mr Tinofara Hove, Banda successfully applied for removal from remand before Harare magistrate Ms Barbara Mateko last week.
If the State now wants to proceed with the trial it will have to summon the two to court. Until then, they face no charge.
Mr Hove made the application for removal from remand arguing that his client could not remain on perpetual remand when the prosecution was not ready to start trial.
Prosecutor Ms Linda Gadzikwa did not oppose the application.
Banda and Mazodze were accused to trying to evade payment of duty when importing fuel from South Africa.
It was alleged that in August 2017, Mazodze, representing Glow Trading, which was purported to be registered in South Africa, approached ZPCS offering a donation of four million litres of diesel that was in South Africa.
ZPCS engaged the Ministry of Justice, Legal and Parliamentary Affairs for a duty free certificate which was handed over to Mazodze so that he could import the fuel.
The original allegations were that Mazodze and Banda drew a total of 1 130 500 litres of diesel from the Noczim Msasa depot through CMED, but only delivered 77 010 litres to the prisons and allegedly converted the rest to their own use.
In December 2017, Banda allegedly raised a fictitious acquittal in respect of the fuel, saying the four million litres of fuel were delivered to ZPCS.
The original allegations said as a result, Zimra was prejudiced of US$464 589 duty for 1,053 million litres of fuel and a potential prejudice of US$1 299 410 if the rest of the four million litres were collected, but not delivered to the prisons.-statemedia
Kwekwe mayor Angeline Kasipo has dismissed as false reports alleging that she had crossed the floor and joined the Thokozani Khupe led camp.
Kasipo pledged allegiance to MDC Alliance leader Nelson Chamisa adding that she is not moved by the recent recalls of those aligned to Chamisa by the Khupe camp.
Her comment comes after social media reports alleged that the country’s only female mayor and Kwekwe councillor for Ward 10 had dumped Chamisa for Khupe.
She said::
“It’s mere rumours. I have not crossed any floor. Where to?
I am an MDC Alliance councillor and my loyalty lies with Chamisa. I am not going anywhere.”
By Nomusa Garikai- “What can South Africa do to assist in resolving Zimbabwe‘s problems?” Piers Pigou of International Crisis Group was asked.
“The shift to a more public critique is an important stepping stone to promoting a more honest engagement around the issues in play,” he answered.
“This discussion should be extended and shared with other Sadc and AU member States, in terms of government to government.
“South Africa’s governing party should also promote a more open discussion around governance and democratic deficits amongst liberation movements as it relates to Zimbabwe.”
What “democratic deficits” can President Cyril Ramaphosa raise now when he has already publicly endorse Zimbabwe’s rigged July 2018 elections as democratic and Mnangagwa and his Zanu PF regime as legitimate?
The nearest SA, SADC and AU have ever come to forcing Zanu PF to address the party’s yawning democratic deficit was when they forced Mugabe and the party to sign the 2008 Global Political Agreement. Zanu PF agreed to the implementation of a raft of democratic reforms taking away the party’s carte blanche dictatorial powers including the power to rig elections.
Morgan Tsvangirai and his MDC friends, Zanu PF’s partners in the 2008 to 2013 GNU, were tasked to implement the reforms. They failed to get even one reform implemented in five years. To be fair, SADC leaders had nagged MDC leaders throughout the GNU to implement the reforms but were ignored.
SADC leaders made one last minute determined attempt to get the reforms implemented and asked the 2013 Zimbabwean elections to be postponed until the reforms were implemented.
“In 2013 the Maputo Summit, in June 2013, before the elections, the Maputo Summit was all about having the elections postponed – the SADC summit. I went there,” Dr Ibbo Mandaza told Journalist Violet Gonda.
“I was there at the Summit and Mugabe pretended to agree to a postponement of the elections. If you recall, the postponement was based on the need to reform at least electoral laws.
“And after that Summit, Morgan Tsvangirai, Tendai Biti, Welshman Ncube, all of them were called to a separate meeting by the Heads of State of SADC in the absence of Mugabe, that same evening. And they were told; I was sitting there outside the room with Mac Maharaj; they were told ‘if you go into elections next month, you are going to lose; the elections are done’.”
Once again, Tsvangirai et al ignored the SADC leaders’ candid pleas and participated in the elections. And, as expected, Zanu PF blatantly rigged those elections.
SADC leaders had tried to get the reforms implemented and it was none other than Zimbabwe’s opposition leaders, the victims of the rigged elections, who had frustrated their efforts! The regional leaders had accepted Zanu PF as Zimbabwe’s legitimate government following the 2013 election, regardless of the blatant rigging, in disgust at the MDC leaders’ breath taking incompetence and betrayal.
In 2014 the Morgan Tsvangirai led MDC-T made a party congress resolution not to participate in future elections until democratic reforms stopping Zanu PF rigging elections were implemented. “No reform! No Elections!”
The other MDC factions and a host of other opposition parties endorsed the MDC-T “No reform! No elections!” call. They were all paying lip-service to reforms because they all participated in the 2018 elections with not even one reform implemented for the same reason they had participated in 2013 – greed.
Whilst the rest of the SADC leaders had once again accepted Zanu PF as the legitimate government, regardless of the blatant voting irregularities and illegalities, because Zimbabwe’s opposition had giving the process credibility by participating.
President Cyril Ramaphosa went one step further and publicly endorse the elections as having “gone well”!
If Morgan Tsvangirai and his MDC friends had not sold-out and implemented the raft of democratic reforms during the 2008 to 2013 GNU, as agreed; Zimbabwe will not be in this mess today. The way forward is to revisit the 2008 GPA and implement the raft of reforms.
President Mnangagwa and his Zanu PF cronies cannot be trusted to implement the reforms and so there is no choice but to demand that the party steps down. The party rigged the 2018 elections, it really has no mandate to govern; never had.
Given President Ramaphosa, SA, SADC and AU have already endorsed Zanu PF as the legitimate government in Zimbabwe; it would be shrewd for President Ramaphosa to ask UN to tell Mnangagwa the bad news. That Zanu PF is illegitimate and, for the sake of ending the crisis in Zimbabwe and tragic human suffering it has brought, the party must step down.
“If Zanu fails to solve the current crisis, what consequences will this have on the country?” Piers Pigou was asked.
“Zimbabwe will continue its path to impoverishment, in which a select connected few will do handsomely,” he replied.
“The State will continue to lose its capacities and competencies and will remain riven by corruption and patronage, as institutions hollow out and the majority eke a liking out on the margins.
“This trajectory could continue for many years! It will inevitably generate growing hostility from the alienated mass, especially amongst younger people. This is a potentially explosive cocktail.”
A trajectory that has lasted 40 years already and must be brought to an end a.s.a.p. Zanu PF must step down to allow the appointment of a body that will implement the reforms and finally end this curse of rigged elections and bad governance.
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 Cde 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 Cde 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 Dr 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.
The province had been without an executive following the dissolution of structures in 2019 and had been operating under the chairmanship of Politburo member Cde Absalom Sikhosana who died in May.
The 15-member Bulawayo provincial leadership, which is led by Cde Obert Msindo comprises elected District Co-ordinating Committees (DCC) members.
Dr Mpofu urged the executive committee to work as a team and shun factionalism in line with the thrust of the new dispensation.
“We are here to build Bulawayo and therefore we should all work together towards achieving that goal.
“Zanu-PF is a mass party and therefore we expect the leadership to work with everyone in the party and mobilise enough support for us to win the next elections, which are due in 2023,” he said.
Dr Mpofu also urged party members to desist from the divisive politics of tribalism, saying Zimbabweans were one people regardless of language and cultural diversity.
“Bulawayo is a cosmopolitan city and don’t discriminate against anyone basing on the language they speak or region they come from,” he said.
“We want to build strong provincial structures and this can only be possible if we work as a team because power is the people not individuals. Our focus and energy should be channeled towards winning elections. We want to reclaim those parliamentary and council seats come 2023.”
Dr Mpofu also revealed that the ruling party’s supreme decision-making body, the Politburo will be meeting South Africa’s African National Congress (ANC) leadership in Harare on Wednesday.
A 10-member delegation is expected in the country tomorrow to meet its Zanu- PF counterparts as part of the revolutionary parties’ efforts to strengthen mutual cooperation and apprise each other of developments on either side of the Limpopo.
“President Mnangagwa and his South African counterpart Cyril Ramaphosa including myself and my ANC counterpart Ace Magashule are in constant touch, which is why we are meeting at party-to-party level on Wednesday. In fact, as Zanu-PF, we raised our concern about the issue of alleged gross human rights violations in Zimbabwe being discussed at government to government level. We then agreed as Zanu-PF and ANC to first discuss it at party-to-party level,” said Dr Mpofu.
“Presidents Mnangagwa and Ramaphosa agreed on the date, and we are now meeting as Zanu-PF Politburo and ANC NEC to discuss. We are aware that there are G-40 elements who are actually peddling lies about the situation on Zimbabwe and they are hiding in South Africa.”
“While there is a dedicated onslaught on Zimbabwe and Zanu-PF in particular to disfigure the political situation in the country, we hope our ANC counterparts will be better acquainted with the genuine state of affairs in our country beyond the sinister propagandas of our detractors,” he said.
Zanu-PF Secretary for Legal Affairs, Cde Munyaradzi Paul Mangwana, who was also part of yesterday’s meeting, explained to members the significance of the GCD.
“There has been a lot of talk and distortions about what is happening regarding the land reform programme. In 2009, we had a constitutional reform programme under the Copac (Constitution Parliamentary Committee), a constitution select committee of the Parliament mandated with the drawing up a new constitution for Zimbabwe during the inclusive Government,” he said.
“When we entered into the negotiations for the constitution, we agreed that we will not buy the land which was taken from our forefathers. President Mnangagwa is a lawyer, and he knows that for as long as we have not completed what is contained in our constitution, we will continue to have problems with Zimbabwe continuing to be under sanctions no matter how much we try to solve our economic challenges.”
Cde Mangwana said when President Mnangagwa signed the compensation deed agreement with the former white farmers, he only agreed to pay for improvements on the land, not to buy the land.
By A Correspondent- Zanu PF politburo member Patrick Chinamasa yesterday said the Cabinet must answer to the ruling party, and threatened they would fire ministers that do not file reports with the secretariat, igniting an old age debate about the separation between government and Zanu-PF.
The line between the party and government has been blurred for much of Zanu-PF’s four-decade-old rule, but analysts say the old guard, overlooked for ministerial posts in President Emmerson Mnangagwa’s new dispensation, wanted more say in State affairs.
At the start of his “second republic”, Mnangagwa moved a number of senior party officials from ministerial positions to Zanu-PF headquarters and kept their ministerial perks intact.
These include Chinamasa, Obert Mpofu, David Parirenyatwa and Simon Khaya Moyo, among others. But now with very little say in how the economy is run, the former ministers have been lobbying for the party to have more say in government affairs.
Chinamasa, who is also the ruling party’s acting spokesperson, told a provincial co-ordinating committee meet-ing (PCC) in Mashonaland East that because Zanu-PF was the party that sponsored the ministers into government, then its interest should be served by anyone appointed by it. Power, Chinamasa argued, resided at Zanu-PF headquarters and the party would not hesitate to pull the plug on anyone who does not conform to its dictates.
“I want to thank the ministers who came here, because these are our ministers in Zanu-PF. They should serve Zanu-PF interests not their own, but Zanu-PF,” he said.
“All the programmes that they are doing, be it fixing the roads and any other works, these are programmes driven by Zanu-PF.”
Chinamasa’s utterances came at a time Finance minister Mthuli Ncube and Lands minister Anxious Masuka last week came under fire over a statement they jointly issued, which most people said was ultra vires the ruling party’s position on land compensation.
The two had to hold a second Press briefing in a week to defend their position that government would compensate indigenous and white farmers whose land was seized during the land reform programme yet it fell under the Bilateral Investment Protection and Promotion Agreement.
They claimed that their move was not tantamount to reversal of the land reform programme.
Chinamasa was forced to also hold a Press conference to support the duo before Mnangagwa also backed them while addressing members of the Political Actors Dialogue on Friday.
The former Finance minister said all government programmes which were funded by all Zimbabweans through tax collections, regardless of political affiliation, should be credited to his party.
“There should be no programme done by government that should be done without Zanu-PF being given credit and being at the forefront,” Chinamasa said.
“We don’t want to hear that you are commissioning a road, yet Zanu-PF does not know when we are the ones who sent you; we are going to construct a dam, then you proceed to build a dam without informing the party.
“It is the party that should get credit for all the work that you do in government, us as Zanu-PF.”
He added: “If you behave and act in that manner, we will not have any problems. All ministers in government should not forget that we sent them there, and we are watching if you are toeing the line of the party. If we see that you are pulling in your own direction, we know what to do.”
At a time the market has self-dollarised, Chinamasa said the local currency remained central to reviving the economy, blasting those demanding to be paid in United States dollars ahead of the weak local currency.
“No country can prosper without its own currency. You will not achieve anything by using other people’s currencies, because if you have your own money, you are the ones who print it, and control how to balance money supply,” he said.
Chinamasa, who was accompanied by Ncube, praised the latter for reintroducing the local currency, saying he (Chinamasa) had failed to make the bold move when he was in the same portfolio.
He, however, conceded that the economy had dollarised, calling it a problem that Ncube should fix.
“Doctors are charging in US dollars, vendors are charging in US dollars, it has made life difficult for people. This should be fixed,” Chinamasa said.
“I have a relative who wanted to visit an optician, to remove a cataract from one eye. They were charging US$800. That needs to be fixed.”-newsday
By A Correspondent- The two men who shot two soldiers, one fatally, at Chivhu Police Post on Saturday, were shot and killed on Sunday during a firefight with security forces.
The duo, who were armed with a pistol and the two rifles they seized from the soldiers they shot on Saturday, were cornered in an anthill pit, 16km along the Chivhu-Gutu road.
During the gun battle, Corporal Stanalious Chiunye, from 1 Commando Regiment, was seriously injured in the leg.
In a statement, national police spokesperson Assistant Commissioner Paul Nyathi said:
Following the tragic shooting of two security service members in a murder, attempted murder and robbery incident at Chicken Inn Police Base, Chivhu on September 5, 2020, and the subsequent deployment of investigation teams, the security services inform the public that the two suspects have been accounted for after an exchange of fire at Waterbury Farm, Ward 8 Chivhu, off Chivhu-Gutu Road.
… The suspects were then shot and seriously injured. They were taken to Chivhu Hospital where they were pronounced dead on arrival.
Ass Comm Nyathi added that the two rifles, four magazines which were robbed from the two shot soldiers plus the pistol used by the criminals to commit the murder and armed robbery were recovered from the scene.
An internal police memo revealed that Corporal Stanalious Mupanganyama and Corporal Peter Zvirevo were seated inside a small makeshift police station called Innscor Police Base.
Police said a man wearing a green face mask, a black bomber jacket, tattered blue jean trousers and black safety shoes approached and signalled Mupanganyama to meet him outside.
Mupanganyama was reportedly angry when he realised that the man who had summoned him was not his superior, and he stormed off and went back inside the police base. The memo from the Criminal Investigations Department said:
The purported ex-member followed the deceased into the police base talking to the deceased on top of his voice. All of a sudden, the other accused approached at the entrance of the police base and without saying anything he produced a corked pistol and started firing directly at the two army members. Sensing danger, a female police officer took cover under the visitors’ bench.
The two attackers “automatically disarmed the two soldiers and took away the two AK47 rifles and fled into the bush.
The Zimbabwe Electoral Commission (Zec) has said only the court can stop it from filling vacant positions in the Legislature caused by deaths and recalls on MDC Alliance MPs by the Thokozani Khupe-led MDC-T.
Zec has already advertised to replace proportional representation MPs recalled by the Khupe MDC-T faction after a March 30 Supreme Court ruling that nullified Nelson Chamisa’s leadership of the MDC Alliance.
Responding to concerns by Zimbabwe Elections Support Network (Zesn), which said it was important for Zec to wait until ongoing court challenges were put to rest, the electoral board said it would go ahead as long as they had not been stopped.
Zesn chairperson Andrew Makoni said there were two conflicting judgments issued by the High Court and, therefore, Zec should withhold filling the posts until all outstanding court cases were concluded.
“This is coming at a time conflicting decisions have been handed down by different judges of the High court,” Makoni said.
“In one case, a High Court judge granted a provisional order interdicting the replacement of some recalled proportional representation Members of Parliament and in another, a judge of the High Court dismissed the urgent application.”
These matters have both been appealed, and Zesn believes it would only make fair administrative justice for an impartial Zec to wait for final verdicts.
“In both instances, we understand that the matters have been taken on appeal. In our view, it would have been prudent to await the finalisation of the appeals in the Supreme Court before initiating the replacement process,” Makoni said.
In response, Zec, however, said it was acting in line with the law and would be filling the 15 vacant seats, which would see, Khupe, the MDC-T acting president, bounce back into Parliament to take the role of the leader of the opposition.
By A Correspondent- Vice President Constantino Chiwenga, who is also the Minister of Health and Child Care, on Sunday night, visited two members of the Zimbabwe National Army (ZNA) who were injured following a shootout with two assailants in separate incidents in Chivhu.
Corporal Peter Zvirevo and Corporal Stanalious Chiunye were transferred to Harare for further management and are admitted at West End Hospital in Harare.
Corporal Zvirevo is critical and is admitted in the intensive care unit after undergoing an operation. He had a bullet lodged in the abdomen, while his kidney was shattered and was removed. His spleen and liver that had been damaged were treated.
Corporal Chiunye was part of the army and police crack-team on an operation to arrest the two assailants when he was injured in a shootout with the duo that was eventually killed, 16km from Chivhu along the Chivhu-Gutu road.
Following his interaction with the injured at West End Hospital, VP Chiwenga said the two were in a stable condition. He said:
I am satisfied that the doctors have done the best they can. The operation on Zvirevo went on well.
VP Chiwenga also commended the security forces crack team that accounted for the assailants in less than 24 hours after the shootout.
He expressed his condolences to the family of Corporal Mupanganyama who was shot dead by the assailants at a police post in Chivhu on Saturday. Said Chiwenga:
We are really sorry about what happened. We lost a fine young man dedicated to his duty.
We lost a soldier who was doing his job, protecting people at a time we are fighting this invisible enemy, Covid-19.
He was not suspecting anything at all. What is good is that the two fugitives have been accounted for.-Statemedia
Speaking at the ZANU PF, Bulawayo PCC meeting at Davies Hall in the city on Sunday, party Secretary for Administration Dr Obert Mpofu confirmed that the ruling party will have a closed door meeting with the South African envoys sent to Zimbabwe by President Cyril Ramaphosa.
Dr Mpofu revealed that the party’s supreme decision-making body, the Politburo will be meeting with the envoys in Harare on Wednesday.
A 10-member delegation is expected in the country tomorrow to meet various stakeholders in the country to address the issue of human rights abuses inflicted on citizens by President Emmerson’s government.
“President Mnangagwa and his South African counterpart Cyril Ramaphosa including myself and my ANC counterpart Ace Magashule are in constant touch, which is why we are meeting at party-to-party level on Wednesday. In fact, as Zanu-PF, we raised our concern about the issue of alleged gross human rights violations in Zimbabwe being discussed at government to government level. We then agreed as Zanu-PF and ANC to first discuss it at party-to-party level,” said Dr Mpofu.
“Presidents Mnangagwa and Ramaphosa agreed on the date, and we are now meeting as Zanu-PF Politburo and ANC NEC to discuss. We are aware that there are G-40 elements who are actually peddling lies about the situation on Zimbabwe and they are hiding in South Africa.”
“While there is a dedicated onslaught on Zimbabwe and Zanu-PF in particular to disfigure the political situation in the country, we hope our ANC counterparts will be better acquainted with the genuine state of affairs in our country beyond the sinister propagandas of our detractors,” he said.
I am so shocked and disturbed by New Ziana’s headlines which states that 3 MDC ALLIANCE Kwekwe Councillors defected to KHUPE, which mentioned ward 12 ,I represent .
I have personally known MDC ALLIANCE as my only political home and remain steadfast in supporting the collective vision of the Party , I unreservedly stand with the people’s Advocate, President Nelson Chamisa . He have proved beyond any doubt that he is a force to reckon, with all the forces attached to ZANU Pf and some who were internal comrades turned sword on him, is a clear sign of how he have transformed the MDC ALLIANCE and being a frightful force. I was voted MDC ALLIANCE and i cannot abandon people’s project for personal interests, Hebrew 11v9 -10
As it appear that there are some individuals who are working towards my character assassination, I found our Members very inspirational, and I have made it a priority to meet members in every corner of my ward to say my official position and I have found encouragement and I am learning much from them.
I will continue to campaign on issues of principles that have motivated me as ward 12 Youths leader of this party for almost 3 and 1/2 terms of office and as a Councillor. I also have a firm belief that we must fully support our President Advocate Chamisa in building the bridge of peace and mend the broken lives .
As I conclude, I want to thank you for all the support you have given the Party, and me personally for these full 2 years after being elected as your councillor. It’s a Honour to be a deployee of this great party and I am so proud to be a member, leader and a deployee of MDC ALLIANCE, party of 2,6 million voters +. I have.already submitted my action plans on bolting Partly mobilisation to my ward leadership, and to our Party Minister of Local Government for guidance
Defence and War Veteran Affairs Minister, Oppah Muchinguri-Kashiri, has showered praises to the soldiers who gunned down two Chivhu murder suspects at the weekend indicating that the shooting is a warning that soldiers will never tolerate anyone who tamper with them.
Muchinguri said Zimbabwe’s security forces remain prepared to protect citizens and the country’s territorial integrity.
Speaking after a Provincial Coordinating Committee extraordinary meeting in Mutare yesterday, Minister Muchinguri-Kashiri said: “Because of the bravery of our soldiers and police, they were able to neutralise the assailants and kill the two.
“This should serve as a warning to criminals who try to tamper with our security forces that they will be met with equal force. Our soldiers and police are giving assurance to the nation that they will always protect our people and protect our territorial integrity.
“We are pleased that our police and members of the ZNA, working on a tip-off from the public, managed to track down the assailants to near Gutu. In trying to disarm the two, who were now armed with not only a pistol, but also two of our rifles, another soldier was injured when they opened fire. We understand that he is in a stable condition.”
Clicks Group CEO Vikesh Ramsunder has apologised for the “insensitive and offensive” advertisement published on its website, but the EFF has vowed to continue with its nationwide shutdown of the chain’s stores.
The advert, which went viral on Friday and sparked outrage, included pictures of four women – two black and two white. News24 earlier reported that the advert described the hair of the two black women as “dry and damaged” and “frizzy and dull”, while the description for the white women’s hair was “fine and flat” and “normal”.
As a result, the EFF threatened to “shut down” all Clicks stores from Monday to Friday this week.
“Fighters, tomorrow all of us in the morning, we are reporting to the nearest Clicks store to ensure that the directive of the EFF is implemented,” EFF secretary-general Marshall Dlamini said in a video statement on Sunday.
In a late-night statement on Sunday, Ramsunder said he was “deeply disappointed that we allowed insensitive and offensive images to be published on our website”.
“I apologise unreservedly for the hurt and anger these images have caused. The emotive responses of our customers have been mirrored by our employees and management teams. And, whilst the images and content were provided to us by our supplier, Tresemmé, this does not absolve us from blame.
“This is why we took accountability for this error of judgement by issuing a public apology and swiftly removing the offensive material from our website.
“Over the past few days, I have reflected deeply on what it means to be a proudly South African corporate citizen and have consulted widely with diverse stakeholders to assist me in developing a comprehensive response to make amends for our error,” Ramsunder said.
Employees suspended
“Already, the negligent employees have been suspended, and we have engaged the supplier, who has now also issued an apology. This incident has highlighted the need to audit all of our third party (and our own) promotional material for any implicit or explicit bias as well as the need for diversity and inclusivity training for all of our head office employees. This will be urgently implemented,” Ramsunder added.
“Over the past weekend, we have convened an extraordinary board meeting to agree [on] our next steps. This includes prioritising our diversity and inclusion training programme. We will be re-looking at its content, extend it wider and implement with more urgency and focus.
“As a long-term advocate for natural hair, Clicks has invested heavily in the natural hair market over the past three years. We work with an extensive list of suppliers – more than 20 – to ensure that we stock more than 40 natural haircare ranges in our stores. Since 2005, we have grown the number of natural hair products on shelf by over 4 000%.
“As a company, we cannot change what happened, but we are learning from this. We are committed to effecting real, systemic change across our business that reflects our pride in being a truly South African company. We have done a lot in terms of transformation. This issue has clearly highlighted that we have a lot more to do,” said Ramsunder.
Shutdown going ahead
The command is very clear, tomorrow and for the rest of the week, I will report @Clicks_SA Mall of the North in Polokwane at 9am with my ”DRY & DAMAGED HAIR.” #EFFMustRisepic.twitter.com/Or3519j8MO
“We appeal to all stakeholders to engage with us so that we redress actions to demonstrate our commitment to diversity and inclusion. We will take the necessary precautionary steps to ensure the safety and well-being of our customers and our employees. This includes dealing with the threat of the disruption of our business activities and intimidation of our customers and employees,” Ramsunder added.
Dlamini told News24 on Monday morning that the party would go ahead with its protest action at Clicks stores.
The retailer indicated on its Twitter page that it would be business as usual at stores on Monday, despite the EFF’s planned shutdown.
VICE President Constantino Chiwenga last night visited two members of the Zimbabwe National Army who are admitted at West End Hospital in Harare, following a shootout with two assailants in separate incidents in Chivhu.
Corporal Peter Zvirevo and Corporal Stanalious Chiunye were transferred to Harare for further management.
Corporal Zvirevo is critical and is admitted in the intensive care unit after undergoing an operation.
He was in the company of Lance Corporal Mupanganyama enforcing lockdown regulations in Chivhu when they were shot at a police post. Lance Corporal Mupanganyama died on admission at Chivhu General Hospital, while Zvirevo suffered multiple injuries.
Corporal Stanalious Chiunye was part of the army and police crack-team on an operation to arrest the two assailants when he was injured in a shootout with the duo that was eventually killed.
VP Chiwenga, who is also the Health and Child Care Minister, was accompanied to West End Hospital by his deputy, Dr John Mangwiro.
VP talking to Corporal Stanalious Chiunye who was injured in the ensuing gun battle yesterday.
Speaking to journalists after interacting with the injured, VP Chiwenga expressed confidence that the two would recover quickly.
He commended the doctors for working round the clock to ensure the two were in a stable condition.
“I am satisfied that the doctors have done the best they can,” said VP Chiwenga. “The operation on Zvirevo went on well.”
VP Chiwenga hailed the security forces crack team that accounted for the assailants in less than 24 hours after the shootout.
“It is a great lesson to everyone in the country that such acts should not be done,” he said. “Anyone daring to do such evil acts would be accounted for.”
The Vice President expressed his heartfelt condolences to the family of Corporal Mupanganyama following his death. “We are really sorry about what happened,” he said. “We lost a fine young man dedicated to his duty. We lost a soldier who was doing his job, protecting people at a time we are fighting this invisible enemy, Covid-19. He was not suspecting anything at all. What is good is that the two fugitives have been accounted for.”
Dr Mangwiro said the two were recovering well. He said Corporal Zvirevo suffered multiple injuries and underwent a successful operation.
He said Corporal Zvirevo had a bullet lodged in the abdomen, while his kidney was shattered and was removed. His spleen and liver that had been damaged were treated.
The deputy minister said Corporal Chiunye was hit on the left leg and sustained a compound fracture. He was expected to go for operation last night.
Meanwhile, Defence and War Veteran Affairs Minister, Oppah Muchinguri-Kashiri, said Zimbabwe’s security forces remain prepared to protect citizens and the country’s territorial integrity.
Speaking after a Provincial Coordinating Committee extraordinary meeting in Mutare yesterday, Minister Muchinguri-Kashiri said: “Because of the bravery of our soldiers and police, they were able to neutralise the assailants and kill the two.
The pit in which the two assailants were hiding during a shootout with members of the uniformed forces, 16km along Chivhu-Gutu Road.
“This should serve as a warning to criminals who try to tamper with our security forces that they will be met with equal force. Our soldiers and police are giving assurance to the nation that they will always protect our people and protect our territorial integrity.
“We are pleased that our police and members of the ZNA, working on a tip-off from the public, managed to track down the assailants to near Gutu. In trying to disarm the two, who were now armed with not only a pistol, but also two of our rifles, another soldier was injured when they opened fire. We understand that he is in a stable condition.”
By Nomusa Garikai- “What can South Africa do to assist in resolving Zimbabwe‘s problems?” Piers Pigou of International Crisis Group was asked.
“The shift to a more public critique is an important stepping stone to promoting a more honest engagement around the issues in play,” he answered.
“This discussion should be extended and shared with other Sadc and AU member States, in terms of government to government.
“South Africa’s governing party should also promote a more open discussion around governance and democratic deficits amongst liberation movements as it relates to Zimbabwe.”
What “democratic deficits” can President Cyril Ramaphosa raise now when he has already publicly endorse Zimbabwe’s rigged July 2018 elections as democratic and Mnangagwa and his Zanu PF regime as legitimate?
The nearest SA, SADC and AU have ever come to forcing Zanu PF to address the party’s yawning democratic deficit was when they forced Mugabe and the party to sign the 2008 Global Political Agreement. Zanu PF agreed to the implementation of a raft of democratic reforms taking away the party’s carte blanche dictatorial powers including the power to rig elections.
Morgan Tsvangirai and his MDC friends, Zanu PF’s partners in the 2008 to 2013 GNU, were tasked to implement the reforms. They failed to get even one reform implemented in five years. To be fair, SADC leaders had nagged MDC leaders throughout the GNU to implement the reforms but were ignored.
SADC leaders made one last minute determined attempt to get the reforms implemented and asked the 2013 Zimbabwean elections to be postponed until the reforms were implemented.
“In 2013 the Maputo Summit, in June 2013, before the elections, the Maputo Summit was all about having the elections postponed – the SADC summit. I went there,” Dr Ibbo Mandaza told Journalist Violet Gonda.
“I was there at the Summit and Mugabe pretended to agree to a postponement of the elections. If you recall, the postponement was based on the need to reform at least electoral laws.
“And after that Summit, Morgan Tsvangirai, Tendai Biti, Welshman Ncube, all of them were called to a separate meeting by the Heads of State of SADC in the absence of Mugabe, that same evening. And they were told; I was sitting there outside the room with Mac Maharaj; they were told ‘if you go into elections next month, you are going to lose; the elections are done’.”
Once again, Tsvangirai et al ignored the SADC leaders’ candid pleas and participated in the elections. And, as expected, Zanu PF blatantly rigged those elections.
SADC leaders had tried to get the reforms implemented and it was none other than Zimbabwe’s opposition leaders, the victims of the rigged elections, who had frustrated their efforts! The regional leaders had accepted Zanu PF as Zimbabwe’s legitimate government following the 2013 election, regardless of the blatant rigging, in disgust at the MDC leaders’ breath taking incompetence and betrayal.
In 2014 the Morgan Tsvangirai led MDC-T made a party congress resolution not to participate in future elections until democratic reforms stopping Zanu PF rigging elections were implemented. “No reform! No Elections!”
The other MDC factions and a host of other opposition parties endorsed the MDC-T “No reform! No elections!” call. They were all paying lip-service to reforms because they all participated in the 2018 elections with not even one reform implemented for the same reason they had participated in 2013 – greed.
Whilst the rest of the SADC leaders had once again accepted Zanu PF as the legitimate government, regardless of the blatant voting irregularities and illegalities, because Zimbabwe’s opposition had giving the process credibility by participating.
President Cyril Ramaphosa went one step further and publicly endorse the elections as having “gone well”!
If Morgan Tsvangirai and his MDC friends had not sold-out and implemented the raft of democratic reforms during the 2008 to 2013 GNU, as agreed; Zimbabwe will not be in this mess today. The way forward is to revisit the 2008 GPA and implement the raft of reforms.
President Mnangagwa and his Zanu PF cronies cannot be trusted to implement the reforms and so there is no choice but to demand that the party steps down. The party rigged the 2018 elections, it really has no mandate to govern; never had.
Given President Ramaphosa, SA, SADC and AU have already endorsed Zanu PF as the legitimate government in Zimbabwe; it would be shrewd for President Ramaphosa to ask UN to tell Mnangagwa the bad news. That Zanu PF is illegitimate and, for the sake of ending the crisis in Zimbabwe and tragic human suffering it has brought, the party must step down.
“If Zanu fails to solve the current crisis, what consequences will this have on the country?” Piers Pigou was asked.
“Zimbabwe will continue its path to impoverishment, in which a select connected few will do handsomely,” he replied.
“The State will continue to lose its capacities and competencies and will remain riven by corruption and patronage, as institutions hollow out and the majority eke a liking out on the margins.
“This trajectory could continue for many years! It will inevitably generate growing hostility from the alienated mass, especially amongst younger people. This is a potentially explosive cocktail.”
A trajectory that has lasted 40 years already and must be brought to an end a.s.a.p. Zanu PF must step down to allow the appointment of a body that will implement the reforms and finally end this curse of rigged elections and bad governance.
In trouble with its supporters, the ruling Zanu PF party has embarked on a countrywide tour to try and clarify the move to somehow reverse the gains of the land redistribution exercise.
Following the signing of the Global Compensation Agreement on the 29th of July, there has been a general outcry over the move as it threatens to reverse the land reform programme.
The government has since been battling to clarify the correct position, with panicking ZANU PF going on a nationwide tour meant to ensure their message cascades to the grassroots.
In his address in Harare this Sunday, Politburo member Dr Joram Gumbo explained the categories entitled to compensation.
“Our party members are out in all the country’s provinces where they are ironing all the issues which are being misinterpreted. There are categories of people who should benefit.
“The former farmers who fall in this category can apply to the Ministry of Lands and if the situation does not allow can be issued somewhere and the compensation is for improvements made.
“Section 295 of the Constitution of Zimbabwe which was adopted in 2013 provides only for two categories that will receive compensation for both the land and compensation. 1. Indigenous Black African Zimbabweans whose land was acquired by the state. 2. Any person whose Agricultural land was protected by Bilateral investment Protection and Protection and Promotion Agreements. For the avoidance of doubt, these categories are only entitled to benefits.”
In Bulawayo the party’ Secretary for Legal Affairs, Paul Mangwana explained the land issue and the compensation deed agreement signed by President Emmerson Mnangagwa.
“The compensation deed by the president is not a reversal of the land reform but it puts to closure the land issue in that all the outstanding issues are being attended to and this will then allow the country to focus on other issues because this is a constitutional obligation which has been affecting the inflow of investments as investors were fearing that government does not honour its commitments. Now investment is expected to flow because the government stands by its laws.”
In Masvingo, ZANU PF Politburo member July Moyo explained to the party leadership the tenets of the land compensation deed, assuring them that there is no going back on land reform.
“Our agrarian revolution is unstoppable. Our economy that is based on agriculture is now unstoppable.”
A delegation from the ZANU PF politburo graced the Midlands Provincial Coordinating Committee meeting this Saturday where ZANU PF Secretary for Science and Technology Ambassador Chris Mutsvangwa spoke on the land reform programme saying it is irreversible as it forms the basis of the liberation struggle.
“We have seen our detractors on various social media platforms trying to sell us a dummy that the new dispensation is up trying to reverse the land reform programme. Let me point out that this is by far a figment of the imagination of our detractors. The land reform programme is here to stay and I am sure that our responsible ministers have since issued statements to that effect.”
The Nation has been divided following the killing of two Chivhu murder suspects in an encounter with security forces.
The killing has been described as extrajudicial executions by some sectors especially the opposition.
What’s your thought on this? Should the suspects have been killed in the encounter or they should have been captured alive and brought to justice at the courts?
Join the poll in the link below:
"These extrajudicial killings point to a breakdown of our social structure. This illegality, violence & militarization of civilian spaces must end," Fadzai Mahere
Should the Chivhu killers have been shot dead by the soldiers?
ZIMBABWE is losing at least US$100 million worth of gold every month, which is being smuggled out of the country through porous borders with Government now in the process of rolling out measures to plug the leakages.
Gold is the country’s biggest foreign currency earner. Last year, the country earned US$946m from US$1,3bn in 2018 from exports of the metal.
Some of the measures that Government is working on to plug the leakages include installing a sophisticated computerised system at the country’s border posts and airports which will be able to detect illegal activities.
Treasury also intends to procure 500 police vehicles as part of raft of measures to help fight crime and improve efficiency in terms of policing and fighting corruption among other illegal activities.
Speaking during a familiarisation tour of selected police stations in Bulawayo on Friday, Home Affairs and Cultural Heritage Minister Kazembe Kazembe said Government was concerned about the leakages of gold, among other precious stones, which prejudices the country of US$100 million every month.
Minister Kazembe said as part of a raft of measures to fight smuggling among other criminal activities, his ministry is in the process of equipping the Zimbabwe Republic Police (ZRP) with modern technology and channelling more resources towards the fight against crime.
“We are losing close to US$100 million worth of gold every month which is being smuggled out of the country through our borders. Criminality has become complex and sophisticated given that perpetrators are harnessing technological advancement to enhance their criminal activities,” he said.
“In fact, it’s common knowledge that emerging crimes such as cybercrimes are redefining the policing terrain. There is therefore, the need to capacitate ZRP with technologically aided crime prevention, investigation and detection equipment in order for the organisation to keep abreast of criminal sophistry. Smart policing is, indeed, the way to go.”
Minister Kazembe said Treasury is in the process of procuring 500 cars for use by police in combating crime. Already, drones for use in patrolling borders, have been acquired.
“The Ministry of Finance and Economic Development is in the process of procuring 500 more vehicles for police although they may not be enough. This is a process and going forward more resources would be availed to address the challenges faced by police in the fight against crime,” he said.
Minister Kazembe said they are working on a roadmap to harmonically computerise all the departments in his ministry since they work hand in hand.
“We want a situation where if somebody is coming into our country and upon presenting their passports, the immigration officer can tell that this person is on the police wanted list. The same should also apply with police that if there is someone who has just come into the country, they should be able to tell that the culprit has just entered our borders,” he said.
“This is already happening in other countries and our technical team is working tirelessly towards achieving that goal and they already have the matrix and the scope of work has been done.
“We are installing a sophisticated system in our borders and airports that will be able to automatically identify culprits without them even knowing.”
Minister Kazembe urged police to shun corruption and assured them that Government was seized with measures to improve their welfare.
“Shun corruption and fingers are being pointed at the police that they are corrupt. We may have bad apples, but nonetheless we have a duty to perform and mandate to maintain peace and security. Generally, police are doing a good job and they should also play a leading role in curbing corruption and leakages of minerals, especially gold which is finding its way out of our borders,” he said.
“We will never lose sight of the fact that effective policing is a very expensive exercise though it comes along with invaluable rewards in the form of peace, stability and investment attraction. A safer and secure environment remains a critical enabler in attaining an upper middle-income economy 2030 as espoused by His Excellency, President Mnangagwa in Vision 2030.”
Minister Kazembe also commended police for remaining steadfast in maintaining law and order and professionally discharging their duties by thwarting planned demonstrations by anti-Government elements pushing the illegal regime change. “Zimbabwe is a peace-loving nation and the people will never be hoodwinked into blindly serving interests of a few misguided elements at the expense of the common good.
Furthermore, the security architecture of the country, including ZRP, is very much prepared to continue ring-fencing the tenets that define us as a people, that is peace and stability,” he said.
The minister also lashed out at the opposition for peddling falsehoods on social media claiming that there was gross violation of human rights in the country.
The opposition MDC Alliance has heavily condemned the killing of two men in a gun shootout with members of the security forces.
The two men, who are yet to be identified, killed a member of the Zimbabwe National Army on Saturday at a Chivhu police post and disarmed the soldiers of two AK47 before fleeing into the near by bush.
Joint operation of the police and the army tracked them down and caught up with them near Gutu where gun exchange took place leaving the two suspects dead and a soldier injured.
In a Tweet on Sunday, MDC Vice President Tendai Biti condemned the killing of the thugs indicating that they should have been captured and brought to court for justice to take its course.
Party spokesperson, Fadzai Mahere, also condemned goverment for the killing.
Who decided that these citizens killed the soldier? By what process? What happened to arresting, investigating & prosecuting? These extrajudicial killings point to a breakdown of our social structure. This illegality, violence & militarization of civilian spaces must end. https://t.co/ve10tpDG1m
This must be condemned by all right thinking Zimbabweans. This is not justice! People are not killed because they have committed a crime- nomatter the crime. Suspects are arrested & brought before the justice system! They even paraded the dead bodies! #ZimbabweanLivesMatterhttps://t.co/q0o9DFknmJ
— Hlatywayo Gladys Kudzaishe ?? (@gladyshlatywayo) September 6, 2020
TWO men who stormed Chivhu Police Post on Saturday and shot two soldiers, one fatally, were yesterday killed in a gun battle with security forces, who had cornered the duo hiding in an anthill pit, 16km along the Chivhu-Gutu road.
Besides the pistol they used in the murder, the assailants were also armed with the two rifles they seized from the soldiers they shot on Saturday.
A combined team from the police and army mounted a search immediately after the Saturday shooting in Chivu and tracked down the pair.
The two resisted arrest and instead opened fire on the police and army team. An exchange of fire ensued during which both assailants were shot and Corporal Stanalious Chiunye, from 1 Commando Regiment, was seriously injured in the leg.
Giving official details, police spokesperson Assistant Commissioner Paul Nyathi said: “Following the tragic shooting of two security service members in a murder, attempted murder and robbery incident at Chicken Inn Police Base, Chivhu on September 5, 2020 and the subsequent deployment of investigation teams, the security services inform the public that the two suspects have been accounted for after an exchange of fire at Waterbury Farm, Ward 8 Chivhu, off Chivhu-Gutu Road,” he said.
Assistant Comm Nyathi said the suspects observed a security service team approaching and tried to run away. They hid in an anthill pit and exchanged fire with the security services. In the process, one security service member was shot in the leg.
“The suspects were then shot and seriously injured. They were taken to Chivhu Hospital where they were pronounced dead on arrival,” he said.
He added that two rifles, four magazines which were robbed from the two shot soldiers plus the pistol used by the criminals to commit the murder and armed robbery were recovered from the scene.7
Asst Comm Nyathi commended the public for their cooperation, which assisted in the location of the robbers.
“The security service applauds the public for swiftly supplying information and cooperation with the investigation teams, leading to the location of the two robbers.
“The security services reiterates that criminal elements who want to cause alarm and disturb the peace currently existing in the country will be decisively
dealt with in terms of the country’s laws.”
Eyewitnesses told The Herald that the suspects spent part of Saturday preceding the mishap, monitoring how the security agents were carrying out their duties.
One of the good Samaritans who assisted the injured soldier after the attack, Willard Mugabe, said he witnessed the incident in disbelief.
“It happened so fast like a movie. The two men were loitering around the area drinking beer yet they were monitoring the movements of the security forces at the Police Base. At around 3pm the officers entered the post for their daily routine. Some few minutes later we heard some gun shots and we ran away.”
Two women police officers were lucky to escape the ordeal unhurt.
After the duo had left clutching the stolen firearms disappearing into a bush behind the police post, vendors rushed into the police base to see if they could lend a hand.
“We observed from a distance only to realise that one of the soldiers was killed and the other one was seriously injured. We organised a car and took the injured soldier to Chivhu hospital, the other one had already died,” said Mugabe.
An employee with Chicken Inn, who declined to be named said after hearing gunshots at the complex, they closed their food outlet.
“When we realised that there were some skirmishes outside the shop, we closed our doors,” he said, adding that security forces, reacted swiftly to the scene.
A manhunt for the assailants was launched immediately until they located yesterday in a bushy area near the border of Chivhu and Gutu, where they were shot dead.
As MDC T meeting led by Mr Dumbu hosted at Senator Mudzuri’s house flopped in Zaka Central
6 September 2020
*Wezhira Munya and Kimberely Tariro Mamhende*
In Zaka North- Yesterday, MDC Alliance led by President Nelson Chamisa proved its popularity in Zaka North constituency. Many Zaka North MDC Alliance party members met MDC National women assembly acting chairlady Hon. Mugidho and MDC Alliance National member senator Marava yesterday.
MDC Alliance National acting women assembly chairlady honourable Mugidho said, “Yesterday we met MDC Alliance party leaders in Zaka North. 97% of all 2014 MDC members who were in structures attended this meeting. In addition, all 2018 MDC Alliance structures were in attendance. The Zaka North residents and MDC Alliance party members are fully supporting president Nelson Chamisa.”
In addition, Senator Misheck Marava said, “The popularity of president Nelson Chamisa and MDC Alliance is increasing. Surely, in 2023, we are going to win presidential vote, Zaka North member of parliament seat and all councillor seats.”
Zaka North MDC Alliance chairperson said, “We as MDC Alliance party members we want to assure MDC Alliance President Nelson Chamisa and Party leadership at large that we are solidly behind MDC Alliance party and we will never join Zanu PF and MDC T.”
Also, losing MDC Alliance 2018 harmonized election candidate Mr Dumbu who has joined MDC T had a meeting with some Zaka Central residents yesterday.
The meeting was held at Senator Mudzuri’s house.
One MDC T member said, “I could not attend this meeting because of the venue- Mudzuri’s house. I am Senator Komichi’s supporter. I can’t go to a MDC T meeting being held at the house of another candidate-Mr Mudzuri who is contesting to be MDC T president at extraordinary congress. It’s unfair. MDC T meetings must be held at neutral venues.”
One Zaka Central resident who attended MDC T meeting said, “Very few people from Zaka Central attended this meeting. Majority of the people were from Zaka North and Chiredzi. Mr Dumbu was campaigning for Senator Mudzuri to be MDC T president during the forthcoming extraordinary congress. MDC T Khupe, Komichi and Mwonzora supporters were angry after the meeting turned out to be campaign “rally” for Mudzuri.”
One MDC T member who attended the meeting who refused the publication of his name for fear of victimization said, “There is high factionalism in MDC T as we prepare for extraordinary congress. In addition, most 2014 MDC members who were in structures are not willing to join MDC T in Zaka Central . MDC Alliance led by President Chamisa commands great following.”
He further comments that, “MDC T is perceived as Zanu PF proxy through our involvement in POLAD.”
*Below* is a picture taken at MDC T meeting at Mudzuri’s house yesterday. 20 people attended this meeting including those who travelled from Zaka North and Chiredzi.
Tomorrow, there will continuation of trial of MDC National youth organiser Godfrey Kuraone at Masvingo Magistrate court at 8am.
Sacked Zimbabwe Prisons and Correctional Services (ZPCS) spokesperson, Assistant Commissioner Elizabeth Banda, who was facing a US$1,2 million fraud charge in a botched fuel donation scam has been removed from remand after long delays by the prosecution in bringing her to trial.
Banda (51) was charged along with Glow Trading company supervisor Raymond Mazodze (34) and the two were on remand on $1 800 bail each.
Through her lawyer Mr Tinofara Hove, Banda successfully applied for removal from remand before Harare magistrate Ms Barbara Mateko last week.
If the State now wants to proceed with the trial it will have to summon the two to court. Until then, they face no charge.
Mr Hove made the application for removal from remand arguing that his client could not remain on perpetual remand when the prosecution was not ready to start trial.
Prosecutor Ms Linda Gadzikwa did not oppose the application.
Banda and Mazodze were accused to trying to evade payment of duty when importing fuel from South Africa.
It was alleged that in August 2017, Mazodze, representing Glow Trading, which was purported to be registered in South Africa, approached ZPCS offering a donation of four million litres of diesel that was in South Africa.
ZPCS engaged the Ministry of Justice, Legal and Parliamentary Affairs for a duty free certificate which was handed over to Mazodze so that he could import the fuel.
The original allegations were that Mazodze and Banda drew a total of 1 130 500 litres of diesel from the Noczim Msasa depot through CMED, but only delivered 77 010 litres to the prisons and allegedly converted the rest to their own use.
In December 2017, Banda allegedly raised a fictitious acquittal in respect of the fuel, saying the four million litres of fuel were delivered to ZPCS.
The original allegations said as a result, Zimra was prejudiced of US$464 589 duty for 1,053 million litres of fuel and a potential prejudice of US$1 299 410 if the rest of the four million litres were collected, but not delivered to the prisons.
JOHANNESBURG. — South Africans have responded with shock and anger over the shooting of actress Thandeka Mdeliswa, with her family stating that her death was “another incident of violence against women”.
In a statement shared on social media, Thandeka’s family said the star had been shot in Evander, Mpumalanga, last week and was transferred to a hospital in Pretoria where she died on Saturday.
“It is with great sorrow that we inform you of the passing of our dearest daughter,” said the family. “She was shot in Evander, Mpumalanga, on Thursday, September 3 2020.
“She was immediately rushed to Evander hospital, stabilised, then airlifted to Witbank after which she was transferred to Steve Biko Academic Hospital (Pretoria) as her condition was critical, but stable. She passed on in the morning of September 5 2020 (Saturday).”
The statement said that circumstances around her death were still under investigation by police, but added that she was a victim of gender-based violence.
“The brutality which was inflicted on our daughter has left us deeply hurt,” said the family. “This is another incident of violence against women (gender-based violence) which our country has to fight against. We believe justice will be served.”
Thandeka acted in several South African productions including iKani, eKasi: Our Stories and the film Uthando Lukayisa.
“She was a young, talented and inspirational actress which her family and community were [hoping] to see flourish,” said the family. “We had a lot of expectations for her.”
Funeral arrangements have yet to be announced. — SOWETAN.
Mali’s overthrown President Ibrahim Boubacar Keita has left the country seeking medical treatment in the United Arab Emirates, officials have said, as talks over a transition to civilian rule after last month’s military coup got off to a chaotic start.
Keita, 75, was hospitalised in the capital Bamako on Tuesday, six days after he was released from detention by the military rulers, who seized power on August 18.
His former chief of staff, Mamadou Camara, told the Reuters news agency Keita left Bamako on Saturday evening on a plane chartered by the UAE at the request of Mali’s military rulers.
“It is a medical visit of between 10 and 15 days,” Camara said.
Meanwhile, a diplomat who asked to stay anonymous, told The Associated Press news agency Keita left Mali with his wife, Aminata Maiga Keita, an attache, two doctors and four security agents.
Keita’s health has been in question since he was hospitalised following his detention for 10 days by the army. His current medical condition is unclear. He had a benign tumour removed from his neck in 2016.
Keita, who was first elected in 2013, had three years left in his term when mutinous soldiers detained him at his residence after firing shots outside the house.
Hours later, he appeared in a midnight broadcast on state television, telling Malians he would resign immediately so no blood would be shed for him to stay in power.
The three-year-old wrangle over the estate of former Chief Justice Godfrey Chidyausiku involving his two widows has been settled for now after the High Court last week ruled that they are both eligible to share the national hero’s pension.
Chidyausiku died three months after retirement in May 3, 2017.
He was the first judge to be interred at the National Heroes Acre.
At the time of his death, Chidyausiku was staying with Farai Kunaka, while he was legally married to Mary.
His death sparked a fierce wrangle between over his wealth.
This resulted in the fight spilling into the High Court with Kunaka suing the Judicial Service Commission, Pension Master, Paymaster, Minister of Justice, Legal and Parliamentary Affairs and Mary Chidyausiku.
She asked the court to compel the respondents to process the terminal benefits of the late Chief Justice in equal shares with Mary and paid into their separate nominated bank accounts.
The only dispute before the judge was whether or not Kunaka and Chidyausiku had an unregistered customary law union and if such union is recognised as a marriage for purposes of the widows’ pension benefits.
All the cited State institutions took a position that they would abide by the court’s decision, leaving the battle between the two widows.
Mary wedded Chief Justice Chidyausiku in February 1974 under the African Marriages Act, it being a potentially polygamous marriage.
The marriage existed at the time of Chief Justice Chidyausiku’s death.
The dispute arose when Mary filed a High Court application for widow and children’s pension in January 2018.
Kunaka followed suit and filed hers in May the same year, setting the stage for a tussle for Chief Justice Chidyausiku’s inheritance in motion.
Faced with two competing applications, the Pension Master held any disbursements in abeyance pending a decision of the court as to who is the surviving spouse.
It emerged during the hearing of the dispute that Kunaka changed her surname to Chidyausiku through a notarial deed of change of name in August 2012 at the behest of the late.
She was even issued with a diplomatic passport at the instance of the late Chief Justice, who wrote to the Secretary of Foreign Affairs in March 2014 requesting for the issuance of the document to her, as his wife.
Upon retirement, Chief Justice Chidyausiku completed a pension form in which he recorded his status as “married” and described his marriage as “unregistered customary” and on the column for name of spouse he stated, “Farai Chidyausiku nee Kunaka”.
It was on that basis, along with the law governing the pension of a male judge upon death that Justice Jacob Manzunzu declared Kunaka the second widow of the late.
“Applicant proved her case as fully supported by the conduct of the late,” he said. “I have no doubt that there was a customary law union between the applicant and the late Godfrey Guwa Chidyausiku. The applicant is the second wife of the late.
“The applicant is the second widow to the late . . . and is entitled to the widows’ pension in as much as the fifth respondent (Mary Chidyausiku) is entitled to the widows’ pension being the first widow of the late.”
Justice Manzunzu then ordered the JSC to sign all relevant papers and process the late Chief Justice’s terminal benefits and pension to be shared equally between the two widows.
The pensions master was ordered to do the same and make payouts to the widows.
In his judgment, Justice Manzunzu noted that the fact that the customary law union had not been registered in terms of the Customary Marriages Act, making it invalid, but is recognised for certain limited purposes.
He said pension does not form part of the deceased estate, thus the Administration of Estate Act will not assist to validate the marriage of Kunaka and the late Chief Justice, for purposes of entitlement to pension neither are the provisions of the Customary Marriages Act of any assistance to Kunaka.
But the Judges Salaries, Allowances and Pension Act recognises payment of pension to the widows of a judge, particularly Section 24 which makes it clear that Pension Regulations “shall apply mutatis mutandis, where a male judge or pensioner dies and leaves more than one widow.”
Mr Blessing Mutiro of Rubaya and Chatambudza law firm acted for Kunaka, while Mellisa Chinyangarara-Kaseke of Honey and Blankenberg, represented Mary Chidyausiku.
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.
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.
By Dorrothy Moyo| Panicking over several leaks as well as revelations of failure, Emmerson Mnangagwa’s ZANU PF party has rushed to set up provincial social media teams to defend the party and Government programmes on social media.
The party has accused the opposition of deliberately misconstruing the signing of the Global Compensation Deed (GCD) designed to compensate white former farm owners as a reversal of the land reform programme by Mnangagwa.
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 Dr 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.
The province had been without an executive following the dissolution of structures in 2019 and had been operating under the chairmanship of Politburo member Absalom Sikhosana who died in May.
The 15-member Bulawayo provincial leadership, which is led by Obert Msindo comprises elected District Co-ordinating Committees (DCC) members.
Dr Mpofu urged the executive committee to work as a team and shun factionalism in line with the thrust of the new dispensation.
“We are here to build Bulawayo and therefore we should all work together towards achieving that goal.
“Zanu-PF is a mass party and therefore we expect the leadership to work with everyone in the party and mobilise enough support for us to win the next elections, which are due in 2023,” he said.
Dr Mpofu also urged party members to desist from the politics of tribalism, saying Zimbabweans were one people regardless of language and cultural diversity.
“Bulawayo is a cosmopolitan city and don’t discriminate against anyone basing on the language they speak or region they come from,” he said. – State Media/ additional reporting
Farai Dziva|MDC Alliance MP Joana Mamombe has been hospitalized after showing signs of severe traumatic disorders, it has emerged.
Joana, Mamombe, Netsai Marova and Cecilia Chimbiri were abducted, tortured and sexually assaulted by State Security agents for speaking on behalf of suffering citizens.
In a brief statement MDC Alliance spokesperson, Advocate Fadzayi Mahere said:
“We are advised that MDC Alliance MP Joanna Mamombe, one of the 3 activists abducted, tortured & sexually abused in May has been hospitalized.
She suffered severe trauma from the torture & abuse. Let’s keep her in our thoughts & prayers. #ZimbabaweanLivesMatter.”
Farai Dziva|MDC Alliance MP Joana Mamombe has been hospitalized after showing signs of severe traumatic disorders, it has emerged.
Joana, Mamombe, Netsai Marova and Cecilia Chimbiri were abducted, tortured and sexually assaulted by State Security agents for speaking on behalf of suffering citizens.
In a brief statement MDC Alliance spokesperson, Advocate Fadzayi Mahere said:
“We are advised that MDC Alliance MP Joanna Mamombe, one of the 3 activists abducted, tortured & sexually abused in May has been hospitalized.
She suffered severe trauma from the torture & abuse. Let’s keep her in our thoughts & prayers. #ZimbabaweanLivesMatter.”
Two children from Majindane area in Nyamandlovu died instantly on Friday morning when a suspected grenade detonated at their homestead while they were washing dishes.
The massive explosion tore through the Mthethwa homestead in Ward 10 in Nyamandlovu, killing a 13-year-old girl and her three-year-old brother, leaving their body parts strewn all over the yard.
One of the neighbours who spoke to CITE said they were working at a community nutrition garden, with the mother of the deceased when the explosion occurred.
“We were working at our community garden with the mother of the deceased children. She then returned home and barely 30 minutes later when we heard a massive explosion.
People ran to the scene and the mother, who was in the kitchen, rushed out to find her two children lying on the ground with some of their body parts all over the place,” said the neighbour.
“We then picked up the body parts and covered the deceased with blankets. The explosion was so massive that all the plates and other utensils were reduced to fragments.”
The police were called to the scene and they came and collected the remains of the two children.
While searching for clues as to what might have caused the explosion, the mother of the deceased children reportedly picked up a piece of metal which they suspected to have been a part of a grenade.
“She handed over the metal pieces to the army bomb disposal unit which came to the homestead to carry out investigations.
They inquired if the children had gone into the bush and whether they had been playing with some strange objects. These children were always at home and we are not sure where this grenade came from.”
Matabeleland North police spokesperson Chief Inspector Siphiwe Makonese, confirmed the incident but referred this publication to the national police spokesperson Assistant Commissioner Paul Nyathi for more details.
“So far there are no leads, the army bomb disposal unit came to do their investigations.
The information I have is it was a sister and her sibling who were doing dishes outside when the incident occurred. We don’t have a result from that investigation,” she said briefly.
Nyathi said he did not have more information and he was out of office.-CITE
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The family of Dr Aynos Moyo has called in to clarify the affected victim is the former UZ lecturer of Religious Studies; not at all, the former Health Minister Obadiah Moyo. MORE FOLLOWS… https://t.co/dB00jN9nJ2
Two children from Majindane area in Nyamandlovu died instantly on Friday morning when a suspected grenade detonated at their homestead while they were washing dishes.
The massive explosion tore through the Mthethwa homestead in Ward 10 in Nyamandlovu, killing a 13-year-old girl and her three-year-old brother, leaving their body parts strewn all over the yard.
One of the neighbours who spoke to CITE said they were working at a community nutrition garden, with the mother of the deceased when the explosion occurred.
“We were working at our community garden with the mother of the deceased children. She then returned home and barely 30 minutes later when we heard a massive explosion.
People ran to the scene and the mother, who was in the kitchen, rushed out to find her two children lying on the ground with some of their body parts all over the place,” said the neighbour.
“We then picked up the body parts and covered the deceased with blankets. The explosion was so massive that all the plates and other utensils were reduced to fragments.”
The police were called to the scene and they came and collected the remains of the two children.
While searching for clues as to what might have caused the explosion, the mother of the deceased children reportedly picked up a piece of metal which they suspected to have been a part of a grenade.
“She handed over the metal pieces to the army bomb disposal unit which came to the homestead to carry out investigations.
They inquired if the children had gone into the bush and whether they had been playing with some strange objects. These children were always at home and we are not sure where this grenade came from.”
Matabeleland North police spokesperson Chief Inspector Siphiwe Makonese, confirmed the incident but referred this publication to the national police spokesperson Assistant Commissioner Paul Nyathi for more details.
“So far there are no leads, the army bomb disposal unit came to do their investigations.
The information I have is it was a sister and her sibling who were doing dishes outside when the incident occurred. We don’t have a result from that investigation,” she said briefly.
Nyathi said he did not have more information and he was out of office.-CITE
GRADE SEVEN candidates will be the first to sit for the Zimbabwe School Examinations Council (Zimsec) public exams in December, with results set to be published in the same month to allow them ample time to look for Form One places.
The exams are set to begin on December 1.
Advanced Level exams will similarly be written in the same month, while exams for Ordinary Level candidates are expected to spill into January 2021.
About 1,2 million learners will be sitting for their exams this year.
Preparations have already begun following an announcement by Cabinet to reopen schools this month.
Government has decided to reopen schools on September 28 for Zimsec exam classes only.
Cambridge classes will reopen on September 14, with exams set by a British-based board beginning on October 1.
The drafting of timetables for Zimsec candidates has begun, while Cambridge is distributing question papers countrywide.
Zimsec board chairperson Professor Eddie Mwenje told The Sunday Mail that after the timetables have been drafted, there would be extensive consultations with various stakeholders, after which they will be shared with the candidates.
“Examinations will start on December 1, with Grade Seven candidates being the first to sit for the exams,” he said.
“This will enable their answer scripts to be marked and the results to be published in December so that parents have enough time to look for Form One places.
“Advanced Level candidates will also write and complete their examinations in December, while the Ordinary Level classes will be the ones that have their examinations spill into January.
“Zimsec is now seized with the drafting of the timetables, which will be shared to the stakeholders before they are released to the students.”-The Sunday Mail
HIGHLANDERS legend, Willie Luphahla, popularly known as Matholwane during his playing days has died.
Luphahla died in Bulawayo yesterday morning at the age of 64 after a lengthy illness.
Indications are that he will be laid to rest tomorrow in the city. His family has a rich history with Highlanders. His late father, George Luphahla is a former Bosso president.
Albert Magagula, who shares the same mother with Willie is an ex-Highlanders chairman, a post he held from 1963 until 1966 and then served as team manager for two years after that.
According to his older brother Kynot, who is also a former Bosso player, Willie started off at Bosso in the juniors in 1966 before he broke into the first team in 1971.
He retired in 1976 because of a broken right leg. Luphahla played for Highlanders at the same time with the likes of Douglas Mloyi, Barry Daka (late), Tymon Mabaleka, Lawrence Phiri, Josiah Nxumalo, Tommy Masuku (late) and Billy Sibanda.
Those who watched Luphahla during his playing days described him as one of the finest midfielders to come out of Highlanders.
His exploits in the middle of the park are put in the same bracket as those of the also late duo of Willard Khumalo as well as Benjamin Nkonjera.
Luphahla is survived by three children and four grandchildren.
Mourners are gathered at P71 Mzilikazi.-The Sunday News
My name is Debby Bonnin, I live in Pretoria, South Africa. I work at the University of Pretoria where I teach Sociology.
I, together with one of my colleagues, Catherine Burns, are raising funds for our colleague and former student Farai Maunganidze.
Farai is 41 years old and lives in Harare, Zimbabwe. I came to know him well in 2018 when I was appointed as a mentor for his post-doctoral studies at the University of Pretoria. Despite having a wife and three young daughters he left them behind to travel to Pretoria so that he could improve his qualifications and provide a better future for them.
Farai is one of the most upbeat, cheerful, hardworking people I know. But he was dealt a blow at the end of last year when a biopsy indicated he had Colorectal cancer. The cancer was at an early stage and treatable but the collapse of Zimbabwe’s public health system made it impossible for him to receive treatment. When Farai realized the cost of private healthcare he gave up and accepted his fate.
Recently when we, his colleagues, found out about his cancer we felt we could not be quiet. Farai is a valued member of our small community. He is a lecturer at the Great Zimbabwe University and has so much to offer his students. He is a hardworking emerging academic with a great future. He is the father of three young daughters (N is 15, K is 11 and M is 5), who need him to be there as they grow up. And he is the loving husband of Vimbai, herself a teacher.
Hyperinflation and the collapse of the Zimbabwe economy mean that despite both Farai and his wife working, they are not able to afford medical care. Even though he is often in pain Farai prioritizes buying food for his family over his health needs. That is just the person he is.
Through the goodwill of friends, Farai has been introduced to medical doctors in Harare who are willing to assist him. Some are offering their services at reduced costs. However, beating cancer is an expensive journey. We, his friends and colleagues, have set up this fundraiser in order to support him in this fight. We want him to see his children grow up. We want him to continue to make a mark in his chosen career. We want him to continue being the loving supportive husband he is to his wife.
Farai is in need of funds in order to get a clear diagnosis of his cancer so that the correct treatment plan can be worked out. Thereafter he will need funds for treatment.
The funds will be used for:
Tests Required for Accurate Diagnosis and Treatment Plan
Iron tablets and painkillers – US$16.00 per month (R280/mth)
U&E Blood test – US$16.00 (R280)
CT Scan (discounted price) – US$100.00 (R1750)
Liver function tests – US$30.00 (R525)
Chest X-ray – US$30.00 (R525)
Meds:
Iron tablets and painkillers – US$16.00 per month (R280/mth)
Procedure 3 – Surgery to remove the tumor. Estimated costs: awaiting quotes but this could be up to US$ 10,000.00
Procedure 4 – Post-op chemotherapy. Estimated costs: awaiting quotes but this could be US$ 1,000.00
Miscellanous & buffer: US$ 3,000.00
These costs are guestimates (we will update with exact costs and treatment plan as it becomes available). Farai’s doctors estimate in total his treatment could cost US$20,000.00
UPDATE: We have raised sufficient funds to pay for the diagnostic tests and procedure 1.
The diagnostic tests have all been completed.
To keep up-to-date with Farai’s progress and treatment follow Future for Faria on:
President Ramaphosa is to send another delegation to Zimbabwe following Mnangagwa’s refusal to allow the last South African envoys to meet the opposition to discuss the crisis facing the country.
Ramaphosa, speaking after an ANC meeting, said the party had resolved that it must engage all stockholders. He added that South Africa felt the challenges facing its neighbour and was keen to see an end to the crisis.
The MDC welcomed the decision but Mnanagagwa’s spokesman George Charamba was dismissive, saying that South Africa over-estimated its capacity to solve conflicts on the continent.
With typical Zanu PF pretentious arrogance he said: ‘Whence comes this impression that South Africa can intervene in Zimbabwe, assuming there are grounds for such intervention? On what basis, what might, what capacity, beyond that of solidarity, camaraderie and good-natured concern by a neighbour?
‘South Africa is the youngest state in our region. It faces myriad problems of a long apartheid. It has no capacity to help any African state in SADC, beyond friendly solidarity. Let that sink into minds of all and sundry.’
Charamba suggested that South Africa could not intervene in Zimbabwe except through SADC: ‘South Africa is no donor state in SADC. If anything, its long apartheid legacy makes its post-1994 subregional role quite problematic for the rest of SADC states who know the continued dominance of Afrikaner capital in SADC does not benefit the ANC or blacks in Soweto or Khayelitsha. That is the sordid truth.
‘South Africa cannot intervene militarily in any SADC country. That lesson was driven home during the Mandela days when it sought to do so in Lesotho. Since that disastrous escapade, South African diplomacy has been tempered and restrained to function within SADC structures, as should be! Just what is the logic and implication of Zimbabweans of insufficient history and national consciousness asking for South African intervention in Zimbabwe outside SADC structures?’
Charamba claimed ‘only Zimbabwe has the capacity to play a stabilising role in SADC’ while accusing South Africa of allowing itself to be ‘instrumentalised’ by Western powers against Zimbabwe. )
The insulting language employed by such Zanu PF extremists as Charamba is characteristic of deranged cults as they approach Armageddon, displaying what psychiatrists might categorise as Tourette’s syndrome, when people say offensive things because they just can’t help it.
In last week’s diary we reported Zanu PF’s paranoid attack on senior South African official Lindiwe Zulu for saying there is a crisis in Zimbabwe. We refrained from mentioning that she was called ‘a stupid and idiotic street girl’ . . .
Recently the Ambassador of Zimbabwe’s most generous aid provider, the United States, was called an ‘Uncle Tom’ (meaning a black person who sides with the whites) for speaking of a crisis in Zimbabwe. Then there were the gratuitous insults levelled at the Roman Catholic Archbishop of Harare Robert Ndlovu. He was basically called an evil traitor for criticising the government’s handling of the situation. And of course human rights activists in Zimbabwe are routinely reviled as ‘foreign agents’ and accused of inciting violence . . .
Other Points:
Zanu PF is scornful of other Africans, dislikes whites but loves the Chinese, even though they are notoriously racist towards black people, who they regard as less than human. Despite bitter clashes with their Zimbabwean workers, the Chinese are being given a free run in Zimbabwe and have now begun a exploring for coal in the protected Hwange National Park. One of the leading wildlife conservation organisations, Bhejane Trust, said Zimparks rangers arrested some Chinese they found drilling. They delivered them to the police but they soon reappeared with a permit giving them the right to carry out exploration drilling. Apparently with no consultations, President Mnangagwa had granted special concessions to two Chinese companies.
Because of the coronavirus we can no longer physically meet outside the Zimbabwe Embassy in London, so we have a virtual Vigil while the lockdown continues. We ask our activists to put on Vigil / ROHR / Zimbabwe regalia and take a photo of themselves holding an appropriate poster reflecting our protest against human rights abuses in Zimbabwe.
Notices:
The Restoration of Human Rights in Zimbabwe (ROHR) is the Vigil’s partner organization based in Zimbabwe. ROHR grew out of the need for the Vigil to have an organization on the ground in Zimbabwe which reflected the Vigil’s mission statement in a practical way. ROHR in the UK actively fundraises through membership subscriptions, events, sales etc to support the activities of ROHR in Zimbabwe. Please note that the official website of ROHR Zimbabwe is http://www.rohrzimbabwe.org/. Any other website claiming to be the official website of ROHR in no way represents us.
The Vigil’s book ‘Zimbabwe Emergency’ is based on our weekly diaries. It records how events in Zimbabwe have unfolded as seen by the diaspora in the UK. It chronicles the economic disintegration, violence, growing oppression and political manoeuvring – and the tragic human cost involved. It is available at the Vigil. All proceeds go to the Vigil and our sister organisation the Restoration of Human Rights in Zimbabwe’s work in Zimbabwe. The book is also available from Amazon.
By A Correspondent- After being denied bail by a Harare Magistrate on Thursday, MDC Alliance Job Sikhala has taken his freedom bid to the High Court of Zimbabwe and he is arguing that the magistrate who denied him bail erred and misdirected himself in denying him bail.
In court papers seen by the publication, Job Sikhala’s lawyers are arguing that:
The finding by the court a quo that appellant went into hiding for some time before he could be arrested is inconsistent with established evidence in that no evidence was adduced by the State of any effort to contact appellant for him to surrender himself to the police at any stage. No evidence was adduced by the State that they made it public that they wanted the appellant in connection with any offence.
Even then, there is nothing ex facie the press statement that appellant was sought in connection with the commission of any offence. Instead, he was being sought on account of being an activist which in itself is not an offence. No legal obligation arises for one to surrender self to the police merely on account of being labelled an activist by the police.
The magistrate court that denied him bail sided with the state and said there was no reason the arresting officer would lie that Sikhala was found hiding in the ceiling to avoid arrest. Sikhala vehemently denied the allegations citing his physical statue as a limiting factor for performing such a task.-DailyNews
By A Correspondent- 30 000 voters reportedly responded to ZEC’s call to lodge their complaints should they have any objections in letting the elections body replace elected MDC Alliance legislators with nominees of a rival faction, The Daily News on Sunday reports.
ZEC confirmed receiving the voters’ objections as Chief Elections Officer Utoile Silaigwana said:
We have received the volumes of objections, but as you might be aware, the closing date for their receipt was yesterday (Friday), so we have not gone through them as yet. We have to verify to see if they were submitted in terms of the electoral law. If they are valid, there is a provision to disqualify someone from occupying the seat.
According to the electoral act, ZEC is supposed to review the objections, and is there are no valid reasons for objecting ZEC will conclude that there are no grounds for objecting the candidature:
Having considered every objection received, and having found that there are valid grounds for objecting to the candidature, afford the political party concerned to make representations on the matter. If, having considered any representations of the political party received in terms of subsection (7)(b), the Commission is still of the view that there are valid grounds for objecting to the candidature, the Commission shall proceed in accordance with subsection (4)(a), and subsections (5), (6) and (7) shall thereafter apply until a qualified person is identified to fill the vacancy concerned,
Khupe had nominated herself and 15 other people to replace the legislators she recalled from parly.
A local human rights advocacy group, Zimbabwe Peace Project (ZPP) has described the month of August as the most complicated in terms of human rights violations.
In its monthly report for August, ZPP said in August, the ruling Zanu PF celebrated two years after its contested electoral victory in August 2018 whilst families of those who were killed and injured were still to get compensation.
“For Zimbabwe, August 2020, has been the most complicated month. During this month, the ruling Zanu PF started off by celebrating two years after its contested electoral victory in August 2018.Amid these celebrations, victims and families of those killed and injured when soldiers opened fire on unarmed protesting civilians on August 1, 2018, were still to get any recourse in the form of compensation, prosecution of perpetrators, or at the very least, an apology,” noted the report
ZPP said the month was characterized with scenes reminiscent of August 2018 as there was repression and brutal attacks on political activists.
“Ironically, August 2020, similarly to August 2018, started off on a bad note. In the same way six people were killed and injured by the army on August 1 2018, on August 1, 2020 the State had moved into full-time repression modem abducting, arresting and brutalising political activists and human rights defenders.
“The month started off with activist Tawanda Muchehiwa having been abducted and missing, only to be dumped three days later after the High Court ordered the police to release him. Several activists, including MDC Alliance spokesperson, Fadzayi Mahere, international award winning author Tsitsi Dangarembga, human rights activist Godfrey Kurauone and dozens others started off the month in police custody and while August 1 might have appeared like a hangover moment from the July 31 planned protests, it turned out that for government, the party was just starting.” reported ZPP
With a deepening socio-economic crisis, ZPP said Government responded with unmatched brutality marked by arbitrary arrests, abductions, torture and intimidation.
“This invited international attention, and once again, Zimbabwe was on the spotlight for human rights abuses. The #ZimbabweanLivesMatter campaign started early in the month and several local and international politicians, artistes, human rights defenders and citizens used this to air concerns about the deteriorating human rights situation in Zimbabwe.
“Despite the overwhelming evidence of a mounting crisis, the Zimbabwean government continued to deny there being a crisis. Instead of addressing the concerns, officials in government pulled the excuse that there were ‘some foreign hands’ behind the #ZimbabweanLivesMatter campaign and all the actions calling for government to end corruption and respect human rights,”
The pressure group said the state security agents were the chief perpetrators of human rights violations with police accounting for 42.65 percent of perpetrators, army at 25.11 percent, unspecified state agents at 2.73 percent.
Political parties also had a share with Zanu PF leading the way at 12.92 percent, MDC Alliance at 2.52 percent and MDC-T Khupe at 0.32 percent.
By Farai D Hove | The below video is of Emmerson Mnangagwa dishing out vast lands to Chinese business people for a song. Mnangagwa was filmed in April 2019, telling the sino business community, “I offer you lands in the national parks so that as you play golf you can mix with elephants and lions.”
The development comes just as his spokesman George Charamba, earlier this year denied that Mnangagwa has in another case sold off land the whole of Mutare size, to Belarus in exchange for a few hundred ZUPCO buses.
“….do we do it by force? Do we come here to take over the land? Do we kill people? Okay? Anyway, I think you should have your standards to make the judgement.”
I offer you lands in the national parks so that as you play golf you can be mixing with the elephants and the lions – @edmnangagwapic.twitter.com/VTDIMqPtbQ
A year ago this week, Zimbabwean President Emmerson Mnangagwa strained credulity when he declared in a Bloomberg TV interview, “We have rejoined the family of nations.” The international community was already losing patience with his inability to deliver economic reforms, and Zimbabweans were complaining of a steady erosion of the political freedoms that had come with the 2017 military-led ouster of the dictator Robert Mugabe.
Indeed, in some respects the new president, who revelled in the nom de guerre “the Crocodile,” was proving worse than his former boss.
The flickering hopes for a new Zimbabwe have now been extinguished. Mnangagwa, cracking down on dissent at home and waving off criticism from abroad, is practically indistinguishable from Mugabe. And the “family of nations” is letting its dissatisfaction be known.
In an unusually blunt joint statement last week, the governments of the US, Britain and five other European nations, said Mnangagwa’s administration was using the coronavirus pandemic as an excuse to restrict citizens’ freedoms. It was neglecting corruption and failing to prosecute those responsible for human-rights violations. “The Zimbabwean people have the right to engage in dialogue to build a better future for their country,” the statement said. “But the necessary discussions have so far been hindered by unhelpful rhetoric and blame assigned to several groups.”
The statement came days after the arrests of the investigative journalist Hopewell Chin’ono and opposition politician Jacob Ngarivhume, ahead of planned anti-corruption protests. They were accused of “incitement to participate in public violence.” The US embassy in Harare tweeted that the government was prosecuting Chin’ono and other activists “instead of the culprits” responsible for the corruption.
The Mnangagwa administration has accused US Ambassador Brian Nichols of “casting aspersions on the Zimbabwe government and dabbling in local politics.” It’s a far cry from last fall when the president asserted on Bloomberg TV that relations were the best they’d been in decades.
It isn’t just Western nations that are raising red flags about the deterioration in Zimbabwe. Neighboring South Africa has expressed alarm at reports of human-rights violations. President Cyril Ramaphosa sent special envoys to Harare last month, offering to help Mnangagwa address his challenges. They were told there was nothing to discuss, and that they had no business interfering in Zimbabwean politics.
But even as Mnangagwa tries to keep the world at bay, Zimbabwe’s economy desperately needs an international intervention. Food and fuel scarcities are chronic, and power and water shortages have worsened. Last year’s drought, the worst in a generation, left deep scars. The Zimbabwean dollar, reintroduced last summer after a 10-year hiatus, is in serious trouble. In another echo of the Mugabe era, annual inflation in Zimbabwe accelerated to 837.53% in July.
The Crocodile, meanwhile, has talked up $27 billion in planned investments, in everything from platinum mines, steel mills and hydropower dams to abattoirs. The government has proposed to issue a 30-year bond in international markets to raise $3.5 billion to compensate White farmers evicted from their land by Mugabe two decades ago.
But these are pipe dreams. Foreign investors and lenders are not buying Mnangagwa’s claim that “Zimbabwe is open for business.” The country has defaulted on its loans since 1991, and currently owes nearly $8 billion to financial institutions, including the World Bank and the African Development Bank.
Finance Minister Mthuli Ncube’s pleas for debt relief have been rebuffed by multilateral lenders. The Paris Club, which includes several creditor nations and is owed $3.26 billion, said Zimbabwe must first improve its human-rights record and pay outstanding arrears.
Without international support, Zimbabwe’s top treasury official has warned, there is little hope of reviving the economy and containing inflation. But Harare is in such a bad spot that Zimbabwe has even been denied a share of the $50 billion pot that the International Monetary Fund made available to help low-income and emerging economies soften the economic blow of the coronavirus pandemic. Ncube has been able to raise just $200 million from donors and governments.
But Mnangagwa is unwilling to undertake the political reforms necessary to secure assistance from the international community. He has shown little appetite for taking on those who benefit most from the institutionalised corruption of the Mugabe years — including his political allies and the military leadership that helped him secure the presidency. He remains in fear of being toppled, as his predecessor was, in a military coup. His deputy, Constantino Chiwenga, is the former chief of the armed forces.
The Crocodile had been hoping the “family of nations” would fatten the proverbial calf for the returning prodigal. But the family has made its terms clear. Mnangagwa cannot sit at the table before first cleaning his hands.
A 10-member delegation from South Africa’s African National Congress (ANC) is expected in the country on Tuesday to meet ZANU PF and other stakeholders in the country in a bid to solve the country’s political crisis.
ZANU PF director for Information and Publicity Tafadzwa Mugwadi confirmed the visit.
“I can confirm that the delegation will arrive on Tuesday. I am not sure of the full names of the team, but obviously it is going to include the top brass of the ANC. I understand that ANC secretary-general Cde Ace Magashule will lead the team.”
PRESIDENT Emmerson Mnangagwa’s spokesperson says United States ambassador to Zimbabwe Brian Nichols has created a basis to “expel himself” after the envoy urged the region to be more proactive in handling the political and economic crisis in the country.
Mnangagwa’s government has reacted angrily to suggestions that Zimbabwe is facing a crisis after a vicious clampdown against dissent that followed the July 31 protests.
Nichols on Friday told South African broadcaster eNCA that the Southern African Development Community (Sadc) should help stop Zimbabwe from descending into chaos.
Mnangagwa’s spokesperson George Charamba reacted angrily to Nichols’ statements, saying they were undiplomatic.
“Why would you have an ambassador accredited to Zimbabwe featuring on a station when there is a sitting American ambassador to discuss a country hosting him in another country?
“Does it make diplomatic sense to you? “Actually somewhere it is a basis to expel him,” Charamba fumed.
“You give your letters of credence to President Mnangagwa and you go and discuss the host country in South Africa where there is another ambassador?
“Does it make diplomatic sense? It is very provocative actually.
“How does it arise that a person, who delivers letters of credence to Zimbabwe communicates with Zimbabwe over a foreign media, how does that happen?
“Why are you here then? Why do we need you here at all?”
Nichols had said Sadc can play a critical role in helping Zimbabwe return to normalcy.
“The country is facing yet another drought and food insecurity problems. “Sadc can play a vital role in supporting that effort,” he said.
“There are a tremendous number of challenges, let us talk about three specific areas.
“Promoting national dialogue and an inclusive approach to dealing with the country’s very profound challenges.
“Secondly, let us talk about the economy.
“The economy has seen over 800% inflation over the course of last year, basic incomes have not gone up and over 60% of the people need assistance to afford the basic food and market basket for them and the country is facing yet another drought and food insecurity problems and all three of these things require urgent attention and Sadc can play a vital role in support of that.”
Charamba last week also lashed out at South African politicians from both the ruling ANC and the opposition, who are pushing for a regional intervention in Zimbabwe.
He insisted that Zimbabwe had no crisis to warrant any outside intervention.
South African President Cyril Rampahosa last month despatched four envoys to Harare, but they were blocked from meeting the opposition after they held talks with Mnangagwa.
Ramaphosa, however, insisted last week that the envoys would return to Zimbabwe to meet all the protagonists in the Zimbabwe crisis.
Ruling Zanu PF party on Sunday said the late former President Robert Mugabe will be remembered for championing Zimbabwe’s land reform programme.
Mugabe died on September 6 last year in Singapore where he was receiving medical treatment at age 95.
In a tweet, Zanu PF also credited Mugabe for participating in the country’s war of liberation.
“Today marks the 1st year following the death of our founding father , National hero and African Statesman President Robert Gabriel Mugabe. Affectionately known as Gushungo , we remember him for leading the liberation struggle, land reform and the foundation of an independent Zanu PF,” said the party.
South African opposition party, Economic Freedom Fighters said Mugabe ‘s legacy was on land reform .
“Mugabe’s greatest legacy is the fast track land reform programme in Zimbabwe by which the world saw how resolute Mugabe was in his commitment to resolving the timeless question of the return of African land back to African people and the use of African wealth for the development of Africa.
“On this day, we remember Mugabe’s hard work in rebuilding a country ruined by the war against colonial powers. For his commitment to the fight for Africa and her wealth to be returned to her people, he faced unimaginable attacks from the West,” said EFF.
MDC-T Spokesperson Khaliphani Phugeni has warned inconsistent MDC Alliance Gwanda Councillors of stern measures from the MDC-T after four off the six councillors made a quick about turn and returned to the Nelson Chamisa led MDC Alliance having dumped him just under a week ago.
The six councillors were last week unveiled with pictures as newly recruited members of the Khupe led MDC-T at a meeting which was presided on by Phugeni and other senior party officials in the province.
The Matabeleland South Provincial executive of the MDC Alliance on Saturday wrote a memo to the party National leadership reporting that the councillors had expressed allegiance to Chamisa after meeting with the province’s management committee claiming that they never made any commitments to Khupe.
The party memo read as follows:
“As Mat south Management, we would like to take this opportunity to announce that not all our councillors crossed the flow to Makhuphe. We had a meeting with our councillors and Gwanda central CCC today, Saturday. The councillors explained that they were called for a meeting by Mdc T leadership which they attended and were adressed by Phugeni. The following four councilors did not accept their request;
His worship Jaston Mazhale
Councillor Nappy Moyo
Councillor Siziba
Councillor Tshuma
The four councillors said their President is Advocate Nelson Chamisa and are apologizing to the party members and their electorate for being “clumsy”.
“We hope their appology will be taken into consideration as you have assigned us to talk them.”
In response, Phugeni dismissed the councillors’ claim that they had only been invited for a meeting indicating that the councillors voluntarily invited the MDC-T to express their move to back Khupe over Chamisa.
“It’s all fallacy what they are saying now,” said Phugeni in an interview with ZimEye.com. “These councillors are playing cat and mouse games at the wrong time.”
“What they are trying to tell us is that even if ZANU PF was to invite them for a meeting tomorrow they will attend? They would do the same with Mujuru and Nkosana Moyo? It’s a serious lack of integrity from these councillors,” he said.
Phugeni further indicated that the party will be meeting this week to deliberate on the four councillors in the wake of their latest move.
Probed if the party will be recalling the councillors, Phugeni said the party will go through all its processes and definitely recall the councillors.
Barcelona striker Luis Suarez has agreed to join Juventus, according to reports.
The 33-year-old Uruguay international, who is the third-highest scorer in Barca’s history, is set to depart Nou Camp after he was excluded in the plans of new coach Ronald Koeman. The player has a year left on his current contract.
Suarez joined the Spanish club from Liverpool for £74m in 2014 and has scored 198 goals in 283 appearances.
He will move to Turin for a nominal fee as a replacement of Gonzalo Higuain who has been linked with a move to MLS where he will join Inter Miami.
The news follows after PSG, Atlético Madrid and Leicester City were also interested in the striker, but their pursuit stopped, given the progress in talks with Juventus.-Soccer 24
Kaizer Chiefs failed to hold on their grip on the league crown as it slipped out of their hand on the final day of the Absa Premiership 2019/20 season following their 1-1 draw against Baroka on Saturday.
Amakhosi went into the match leading the table, needing a victory, coupled with a favourable result from the Mamelodi Sundowns – Black Leopards tie, to win the league for the first time since the 2014/15 campaign.
But the draw saw them dropping and finished the term in second place with Sundowns jumping in first, thanks to a hat-trick from Lebohand Maboe which saw Pitso Mosimane’s charges beat Black Leopards 3-0.
The result put Sundowns on 59 points, two points in front of Chiefs.
Chiefs’ Zimbabwean duo of Khama Billiat and Willard Katsande featured in the game with the former scoring the opener in the 39th minute.
Billiat netted inside the box after beating his markers.
His goal, however, failed to take Chiefs to the title glory as it was cancelled out by Manuel Kambala on the hour.-Soccer 24
