Our mothers are our heroines, greatest supporters and guiding lights.
They stand by us through thick and thin – never giving up, always believing, leading the way and lighting our path. When we lose our way, they gently guide us back, lifting us in prayer and believing that our best is yet to come. Gogo Chamisa was one such heroine.
Born on the 25th of June 1954,
Gogo Chamisa a humble princess of the Masarire Chieftainship in Bikita of Masvingo, was one of nine children.
She was a hardworking, entrepreneurial and multi-talented woman.
She was a strong believer in education as a catalyst for social mobility, dedicating herself to educating her 6 children, two girls and four boys, together with her husband. She was a staunch champion of equality, toiling hard to empower the girl child even when it was not fashionable to do so.
Gogo Chamisa was a philanthropist and a champion of community engagement, always extending a helping hand to the vulnerable around her.
A florist with a passion for ornamental gardening and a strict enforcer of cleanliness, Gogo Chamisa leaves behind a community transformed by her presence. The Chamisa homestead, popularly known as KwaMai Neri, is known for its exceptional market garden and the highly sought after chickens Gogo Chamisa sold.
Most importantly Gogo Chamisa was a prayer warrior, pillar of faith and a leader in the church. She was lovingly known as Mai Mfundisi and served as a faithful leader in the Women’s Fellowship.
Sadly, she was called to be with the Lord barely a fortnight after her 66th birthday, taking with her to eternity, the guidance and covering only a mother can provide.
Her children will always remember the values she emphasised including respect, discipline, integrity, industry and the dignity of hard work. Her teachings will remain among the living, forever guiding us along the right path until we too return to dust.
Gogo Chamisa, collapsed and died as she tended to her beloved garden. It was in this seemingly ordinary moment that the Lord decided to call this brave and courageous woman home.
Although she will no longer be with us here on earth, may the seeds of her earthly labour continue to bear fruit in all who had the privilege to know her.
*People of Zimbabwe*, We have been subjected to abject poverty due to numerous challenges that we have faced as a nation.
These have ranged from rampant corruption to maladministration, causing much suffering to the average Zimbabwean.
Be that as it may, even the Civil Service has been left in a dilemma and there has been a lot of outcry from different sectors. It is in this moment that the people have come together in solidarity and decided to stage a demonstration which has been scheduled for the 31st of July 2020.
My leaders, let me take you back to what happened in August 2018. People got shot, people were battered, people were imprisoned and some were treated in an inhumane way.
To which end did the demo assist us with? Let me take you to the recent alleged abduction of the MDC-A trio, after alleging that they had been abducted, they were arrested and had to spend nights in remand prison all because of a “demo.”
My fellow leaders we all know that a lot of these “so called demonstrations” have happened and they achieved nothing, all we got was property vandalism and ill treatment from the security forces.
Those who called for the Demonstrations were not there. Those who got shot have permanent scars and no one compensated them. Is this what we want to continue with?
What if we stood up as citizens and pressured our own leaders to negotiate better deals for us when they are in government, in Parliament or in whichever office they hold so that we can have better livelihoods.
What if we stopped politics of hate speech and violence? I believe we are being used in a fight that doesn’t represent us.
Let us be productive, let us lead our people in a way that won’t put blemish on our collars. Last but not least let me say, We believe that each individual has a right and free will to do as they please within the stipulations of the law, we believe citizens of Zimbabwe will do what is right on the 31st of July 2020.
Our mothers are our heroines, greatest supporters and guiding lights.
They stand by us through thick and thin – never giving up, always believing, leading the way and lighting our path. When we lose our way, they gently guide us back, lifting us in prayer and believing that our best is yet to come. Gogo Chamisa was one such heroine.
Born on the 25th of June 1954,
Gogo Chamisa a humble princess of the Masarire Chieftainship in Bikita of Masvingo, was one of nine children.
She was a hardworking, entrepreneurial and multi-talented woman.
She was a strong believer in education as a catalyst for social mobility, dedicating herself to educating her 6 children, two girls and four boys, together with her husband. She was a staunch champion of equality, toiling hard to empower the girl child even when it was not fashionable to do so.
Gogo Chamisa was a philanthropist and a champion of community engagement, always extending a helping hand to the vulnerable around her.
A florist with a passion for ornamental gardening and a strict enforcer of cleanliness, Gogo Chamisa leaves behind a community transformed by her presence. The Chamisa homestead, popularly known as KwaMai Neri, is known for its exceptional market garden and the highly sought after chickens Gogo Chamisa sold.
Most importantly Gogo Chamisa was a prayer warrior, pillar of faith and a leader in the church. She was lovingly known as Mai Mfundisi and served as a faithful leader in the Women’s Fellowship.
Sadly, she was called to be with the Lord barely a fortnight after her 66th birthday, taking with her to eternity, the guidance and covering only a mother can provide.
Her children will always remember the values she emphasised including respect, discipline, integrity, industry and the dignity of hard work. Her teachings will remain among the living, forever guiding us along the right path until we too return to dust.
Gogo Chamisa, collapsed and died as she tended to her beloved garden. It was in this seemingly ordinary moment that the Lord decided to call this brave and courageous woman home.
Although she will no longer be with us here on earth, may the seeds of her earthly labour continue to bear fruit in all who had the privilege to know her.
“Zimbabwe is a like a soldier marking time and not going anywhere,” you wrote in a local publication.
“Our government has been so dysfunctional for a very long time, but the majority of the people feel in the air the winds of change blowing in from all four corners of the country.”
You are right, Zimbabwe has indeed been “marking time (40 years to be precise) and not going anywhere”!
“Insanity is repeating the same thing over and over again and expecting a different result,” said the great Physicist Albert Einstein.
We have been participating in rigged elections for 40 years, 40 bloody years, and every time we have expected a different result, expected Zanu PF to lose. If that does not speak volumes of the insanity in our country then nothing else will!
The tragedy about insanity is the insane rarely ever have the intellectual sober moment to comprehend their serious mental limitations, especially when years of making the same foolish mistakes has become the norm.
It is common for the insane can even consider themselves wiser than King Solomon! “Hupenzi inyama yengakava!” (The insane are stubbornly insane!) as one would say in Shona.
“This is the right time for people who have suffered under the leadership of this regime to rally behind enterprising politician Jacob Ngarivhume who has set the pace and taken it upon himself to lead the struggle,” you argued.
“The joining of Nelson Chamisa of MDC-Alliance, Dr Noah Manyika from Build Zimbabwe and Nkosana Moyo of APA to join the masses is a welcome move.”
These four gentlemen, you are arguing the nation to rally behind, are quintessential examples of the “insane being stubbornly insane”! Nelson Chamisa and his MDC colleagues stubbornly refused to implement the democratic reforms designed to stop Zanu PF rigging the elections during the 2008 to 2013 GNU.
The four named gentlemen plus hundreds of other opposition candidates, there were 23 presidential candidates alone, participated in the July 2018 elections although it was clear Zanu PF was rigging the elections. By participation gave credibility to the flawed electoral process which in turn gave some modicum of legitimacy to the vote rigging Zanu PF regime.
“We want political reforms and these reforms must have people’s consultation. We want credible elections in this country. We don’t want a repeat of the past,” announced Nelson Chamisa in his hour-long e-rally.
“So, there are no 2023 elections without reforms. We have the capacity to say there are no elections, and they will not be held because we are the people. We want elections with comprehensive electoral and political reforms.”
Chamisa was just saying that to fool people into believing the penny has finally dropped, he now fully appreciates the futility of participating in these flawed and illegal elections. He has made similar undertakings in the past only to discard them. He will do so again.
Ever since the embarrassment of having to share power with MDC during the 2008 GNU, Zanu PF leaders have learned they can continue rigging the elections as long as the party allows the opposition to win a few gravy train seat. The opposition’s participation has been the façade that Zimbabwe is a healthy multiparty democracy and therefore does not need another GNU.
Just before the 2023 elections, Zanu PF will probably amend the constitution to create Leader of Opposition and Shadow cabinet; the holders will be entitled to ministerial limos, generous salaries, etc., etc. Just to spice up the opposition bait! Zanu PF knows it does not need to implement even one reform to be guaranteed of the opposition’s full house participation in the 2023 elections. Chamisa will join in the scramble for the gravy train scraps.
“MDC has stringent measures to stop Zanu PF rigging elections!” was Chamisa’s feeble excuse for participating in the 2018 elections. Rest assured he will come up with yet another feeble excuse for participating in the 2023 elections with no reforms!
“The people are ready from 31st July 2020 to occupy the streets in all major cities and towns. Workers are planning to stop work except hospitals. Diaspora must also play a role and occupy embassies,” you argued.
“Let the 31st of July 2020 be the start of a journey and mark the beginning of peace and prosperity to progressive Zimbabweans. Together we can.”
A rousing clarion call indeed but all to no purpose. One look at what you want the nation to join the street protests for; shows this is just another exercise in futility!
“The current government lacks the inclusiveness of other progressive ideas. It does not even attempt to engage the opposition and always suspect it as the greatest impediment to its policies.”
In November 2017 Zimbabweans were on the street celebrating the removal one dictator but only to replace him with another dictator. Now you want to remove this corrupt, incompetent and tyrannical Zanu PF dictatorship but only to replace it with the equally corrupt and incompetent MDC regime. The same MDC leaders whose breath-taking incompetence costed the nation many golden opportunities to end the dictatorship. Of course, this is just marking time and going nowhere. How anyone can view that as making progress, beggars belief!
To the Chamisa family. We of The UANC family,are deeply saddened at the loss of your mother, Ambuya Chamisa. Losing mother is devastating to one’s sense of security because mother represents security.
Rev Muzorewa
As always, but especially now, we are in solidarity with you as you mourn. We can only assure you that the ultimate comforting peace comes from God, our Creator. Our words can never say it all, but we know that the consoling peace that come from God passes all understanding. Also, please be assured, mother’s prayers already laid an unshaken solid foundation for your strength to carry on in the struggle for a just society, especially in times like this and forever. May Ambuya Chamisa’s soul rest in eternal peace, with God, in the heavens. Rev Dr GWINYAI MUZOREWA– President of THE UANC. UNITY IS POWER!
By A Correspondent- The government has released vehicle registration and licencing fees in a government gazette that was published today.
The SI shows some of the items on the list which are pegged in ZWL but vehicle registration is pegged in USD.
new vehicle registration fees
The government also increased toll gate fees today in a similar SI that will see light motor vehicles paying $45 per vehicle on all tailgates countrywide.
SCAM – Victims of the con-artist Tafadzwa Bezel Mbofana seek justice and reimbursement:
IN what would be described as fate, destiny or mere coincidence, a group of hardworking Zimbabweans currently residing in more than a dozen countries fell victim to a conman named Tafadzwa Bezel Mbofana, a Zimbabwean national currently based in Capetown, South Africa. The victims have since formed a formidable front to fight for justice, his deportation and reimbursement of their money advanced to the con artist.
It is not clear as to when Mr Mbofana relocated to South Africa, where he launched an apparel, entertainment and beverage brand called Ruffkurts.
In a very competitive industry, comes costs to promote, market and sustain the lifestyle and the business, Mr Mbofana turned to unsuspecting friends, families and strangers alike to keep up and maintain appearances. He duped more than 15 Zimbabwean victims that have since ganged up on him demanding their money back.
Because the number of victims keep increasing, the story has since caught the attention of social, radio and newspapers in Zimbabwe. One of the most popular newspaper, H – metro has since broken the story before StarFM, ZiFM and Sports FM joined.
Mr Mbofana met his victims under various circumstances, advanced his plot to promote, market and sell Ruffkurts products.
In a twist of events and commentary, there is another Zimbabwean brand called Ruffcuts, founded in 2001 by Zimbabwe’s presidential candidate, Mr Marco Machona, who also claim that this is a copy cat of the original iconic Zimbabwean brand that sponsored Channel O hip hop tours in Zimbabwe, the same brand sponsored Zim up coming musicians, DJs, comedians and even premier soccer league Caps United. It is assumed that Mbofana stole the businesses concept before relocating to South Africa. Its not yet established how much compensation President Machona would seek from Mr Mbofana. His attorneys are studying the evidence. -Hmetro
AN atmosphere of relief engulfed the Dube family and the Nkulumane 5 community when a well wisher stepped in and covered funeral costs for the late Mr Armando Dube who succumbed to a combination of illnesses on Monday morning.
Mr Dube died at his home after having breathing complications on Sunday night.
His widow, Mrs Thukhe Dube was unable to assist the situation due to financial incapacitation. This saw the Zivhu Foundation coming to the rescue and paid R5000 that was needed to cover the funeral expenses and give Mr Dube a dignified sent off.
Speaking to Gogo Dube at her home on Wednesday morning, Mr Killer Zivhu the founder of the Zivhu foundation said he saw the family’s plight when he read an online story carried by this publication on Sunday.
“I read the story in the Sunday News and I decided to bring in adult diapers which i thought would help Khulu Dube but as I was coming to Bulawayo with the diapers, I heard that he had died and I decided to proceed and assist as I had also been informed that the family was without any financial assistance,” he said.
“I have paid for the coffin and other needs from the funeral parlor. As Zimbabweans we need to assist each other, I thank God that I was put in the right position at the right time and now we can bury Khulu.
I urge people who live in communities with vulnerable aged people to help each other, treat every woman as your mother or granny, same applies to the men, treat them as your own father or grandfather. I am grateful for the support that the Nkulumane community has rendered to the family. They have been coming and helping and standing with Gogo Dube,” he said.
“I am also grateful to journalists who expose such stories, this is what the people need to hear so that they get assistance,” he added.
Mr Zivhu pledged to assist gogo Dube with other needs. He said he would bring in groceries from time to time.
Gogo Dube who was grief stricken shed tears after she was informed that the funeral expenses have been cleared and it would enable her to give her husband a befitting send off.
Neighbours to the family said they were grateful for the kind gesture that had been extended to the family saying as a community they had lost hope on what to do as they had limited funds.
The community has provisionally set aside the burial of Khulu Dube to tomorrow at Athlone Cemetery.
Norton independent legislature Temba Mliswa has endorsed the 31 July demonstration against corruption saying it resonates with he has been pushing for in parliament though he castigated citizens for being passive and reluctant to stand up against such excesses.
Posting on Twitter the firebrand politician hailed the protest as a good initiative as corruption was destroying the country.
I'm also in support &endorse the anti-corruption March slated for #31stJuly. I have been pushing the same issues as a legislator in Parliament. Much of what I have done in Parliament is to represent people but they have largely remained passive, scared& reluctant to stand up.
— Sabhuku Temba P. Mliswa (@TembaMliswa) July 7, 2020
THAILAND’s cabinet approved a civil partnership bill on Wednesday that would recognise same-sex unions with almost the same legal rights as married couples, in one of the most liberal moves yet for a largely conservative nation known for its tolerance.
If passed by parliament, the legislation would make Thailand only the second place in Asia to allow registration of same-sex unions, with couples able to adopt a child and afforded rights to inheritance and joint property ownership.
“The Civil Partnership Bill is an important step for Thai society in promoting equal rights and supporting the rights of same-sex couples to build families and live as partners,” Ratchada Thanadirek, a deputy government spokeswoman, wrote on Facebook.
The bill, however, stipulates that one party in a same-sex union must be Thai.
A largely conservative Buddhist society, Thailand has a reputation for openness and free-wheeling attitudes.
It has long been a draw for same-sex couples, with a vibrant lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender social scene for locals and expatriates, and targeted campaigns to attract LGBT travellers.
The bill was introduced in 2018 but the previous legislature was unable to pass it before last year’s election.
Taiwan last year became the first place in Asia to legalize same-sex marriage. Vietnam has decriminalised same-sex weddings but does not recognise unions of the same sex.
Kittinan Daramadhaj, president of Rainbow Sky Association of Thailand, said the bill essentially allows same-sex couples to marry but stops short of calling it a “marriage”, which is legally defined as being between a man and woman.
“What’s in a name? It’s the content that matters,” he told Reuters.
“‘Civil partnership’ shouldn’t distract from the fact that it’s about the legal registration of unions.”
Kittinan said the bill, if passed, would “sufficiently alleviate pains and support the human rights of LGBT people”.
A Thai lawmaker representing LGBT groups is pushing separately for marriage to be redefined as being between “two persons”.
Structural works on the imposing six-storey Parliament Building in Mount Hampden sitting on a 70-metre platform above the scenic surrounding area, symbolically projecting legislative supremacy, are 100 percent complete, save for finishing internal and external undertakings.
Speaking on the side-lines of an Appreciation Tour of the New Parliament Building by Service Chiefs yesterday, Ministry of Local Government and Public Works acting Permanent Secretary Mr Christopher Shumba said: “The final details are with the engineers, but we are happy that we are ahead of schedule. As you can see the tour indicates that we are almost through.
“The opening, however, is going to be delayed a bit because of Covid-19. The number of people working here has also been reduced, so that is our main worry. It becomes a bit difficult for us to give you the actual opening day.”
Engineer Henry Hungwe, who is the acting chief director for Public Works in the Ministry of Local Government and Public Works weighed in:
“No more structural works will be undertaken, therefore, the super-structure is now 100 percent complete. What is only left are internal and external finishing endeavours to enhance the beauty of the structure and make it usable. Such works to do with electricity, water supplies, air conditioning and all that which makes habitation comfortable, are what they are working on now.
On the work currently in progress he revealed that, although “little work” is going on “there are about 80 Chinese workmen who are plastering, doing the wiring for electricity, and some air-conditioning works from the top coming down.”
“Because of Covid-19, we are off-programme by about three months, but we were expecting the building to be done by April 2021. If the number of workmen is increased, they might be able to catch up. Locals are expected to be engaged by the end of this month; and a team that will be bringing in the fittings from China is also expected by then,” he added.
Zimbabwe Republic Police Commissioner-General Godwin Matanga appreciated the progress thus far, adding that they will advance their recommendations in due course.
“One behalf of the Zimbabwe Republic Police, I would like to thank the Minister of Local Government and Public Works for inviting us to see the developments taking place at this New Parliament Building.
“We are going to sit with other stakeholders, and come up with specific recommendations as far as security arrangements for this New Parliament Building are concerned. For now it is very important for us to ensure that we situate our police station inside the building itself, at the convenience of the contractor of course.
“But for now we appreciate it so much. . . I hope we are going to be invited once more to make sure that we make some final checks and recommendations to the building.”
Also in attendance were Director- General of the Central Intelligence Organisation (CIO) Ambassador Isaac Moyo, Zimbabwe Prisons and Correctional Service (ZPCS) Commissioner-General Retired Major-General Paradzai Zimondi, ZPCS Deputy Commissioner-General Moses Chihobvu, Zimbabwe Defence Forces Inspector-General Major-General Kasirai Tazira, and Ministry of Justice, Legal and Parliamentary Affairs Permanent Secretary Mrs Virginia Mabiza.
Matemadanda says: @nelsonchamisa grew up in a Rhodesian cantonment area… "and his value system as a result of that, is naturally against the liberation of this country…" pic.twitter.com/umFILuUQh7
A returnee operating a shebeen in Kadoma’s Rimuka suburb has contributed to confirmed Covid-19 cases in the city with four positive confirmed cases from that homestead alone, a communique from the city health department has revealed.
To date City of Kadoma has 11 confirmed positive Covid-19 cases. Positive cases continue on an upward spiral with most of the 11 identified so far having a history of travelling from South Africa. The shebeen operator is a border jumper returnee from South Africa. Only two of the 11 are local cases.
In the media update availed yesterday, city health director Dr Daniel Chirundu said the Covid-19 confirmed cases were all under management. “We have a total of 11 confirmed positive covid-19 cases. Two of these are local and the rest have a history of travelling abroad,” he said.
Tabulated information indicates that eight of the positive cases are from sprawling Rimuka high density suburb while two have been registered in Cherrybank suburb. Only one case points to crowded Ingezi township. Sadly, those living with people who came from SA are infecting locals at their homes.
“A case in point is that of a returnee who infected three others at their single quarter (SQ) home in Rimuka. The returnee spread the virus to his wife, granddaughter and another close relative.
“In Cherrybank both husband and wife are Covid-19 positive having returned from SA. All the people with confirmed cases of the highly infectious disease are in isolation at Kadoma General Hospital save for two isolated at home in Cherrybank.
The highest number of returnees are border jumpers coming back home in the aftermath of globally felt lockdowns. The country’s Covid-19 cases top 700 with eight deaths so far. People flouting quarantine protocol are scuttling efforts to contain the spread of the virus.
Nelson Chamisa inviting Lovemore Madhuku to greet the crowd at the burial.
Thousands of people mostly MDC Alliance supporters and locals descended on Makwiramiti village in Gutu to bury Gogo Chamisa, the mother of the MDC Alliance President, Nelson Chamisa.
Amoungst the thousands was NCA leader and lawyer Lovemore Madhuku who was given a chance to greet the crowd by Chamisa. Also present was MDC T President Thokozani Khupe who was initially blocked from approaching the village by some youths until Chamisa intervened.
The entire MDC Alliance standing Committee, MDC parliamentarians and other party leaders from across the country were also in attendance.
President Emmerson Mnangagwa sent a condolence message yesterday to Chamisa and members of his family.
Watch video downloading below courtesy of ZimDaily. Please be patient while the video downloads.
The leader of the opposition Movement for Democratic Change Tsvangirai (MDC-T), Thokozani Khupe was heavily embarrassed on Wednesday at the funeral of Mbuya Chamisa, the mother of MDC Alliance leader Nelson Chamisa at Chidyamakuni Village, Makwiriwindi area of Chiwara.
Mbuya Chamisa died on Monday at her rural home in Gutu, the cause of her death has not yet been revealed.
Khupe apparently turned up at the burial to mourn her MDC rival, Chamisa, before she was turned away by security officials at the homestead. Her spokesperson Khaliphani Phugeni confirmed the incident to ZimEye.com.
@DrThokozaniKhupe was this morning kicked out of Gogo Chamisa funeral, her spokesperson has confirmed. "But today it was about offering the Chamisa family our condolences," said Khalipani Phugeni as he complained
Eye witnesses said that when Khupe’s vehicles arrived at the gate the angry youths barred her from entering the Chamisa residence.
“The vehicles were stopped at the gate as Khupe tried to enter the residence,” said one eye witness.
“The organising secretary, Amos Chibaya, intervened but to no success as the youths vowed to beat up Khupe and her aides.“
“Chibaya had to ask Chamisa to come so that the issue can be resolved,” the eye witness said.
The leader of the Labour, Economists and African Democrats (LEAD), Linda Masarira posted on Twitter this Wednesday criticising the incident. She said:
I hear that @DrThoko_Khupe has been embarrassed & chased away @nelsonchamisa mothers funeral. What happened to Ubuntu? Since when do we chase away people at funerals. It is high time that @nelsonchamisa calls his supporters to order. A leader should instil values in his followers.
Khupe and Chamisa are fighting over the leadership of the MDC which has, since 1999, been under the leadership of the late former Prime Minister, Morgan Tsvangirai unto succumbing to cancer in 2018.
That Obadiah Moyo had to be relieved from his post as Health and Child Care minister, was not something even up for contestation. His tenure was largely disastrous and that he has been fingered in graft claims is just but one side to it all. It is not clear whether he was just incompetent or even worse, unwilling to do better. Either way, he was out of sorts. And when he was demoted in the Covid-19 task force was essentially a dead man walking.
That someone so out of his depth had been kept for so long is an issue. Perhaps one did not know if he would not be up for the task. It was always going to be difficult. His predecessor Dr David Parirenyatwa was poor as well so the position needed a massive upgrade to take it all on.
And it is in this context that Mnangagwa has to start looking at his ministries. An increasingly unsettled citizenry is asking for a better life. For the last 25 years or so, it has been told that things will get better and they have not. And appointing people clearly not up for the task in a system driven by patronage was the undoing of the late Robert Mugabe.
The struggle for Mnangagwa in finding a replacement for the health ministry will be difficult. It has hard to think who in the houses of parliament would inspire confidence in the country as a person up to the task, dealing with this very difficult ministry. The party isn’t exactly teeming with talent in that particular regard.
Beyond this, it has to go beyond firing. Yes, Mnangagwa is a stickler for the process but when someone is accused of corruption, a trial should not take months to even start prosecuting. Prisca Mupfumira, fired as Tourism minister over her own graft issues, still walks about among us with citizens feeling another catch and release is happening.
Moyo is accused of working with a company believed to be linked to a terrorist organisation in the USD60m graft claims, The Gulen Movement It is the organisation linked to the attempted coup in Turkey a few years ago. We are not suggesting that Moyo knew of the links but the seriousness of the accusation begs urgent action. What else is happening, that is putting the country at risk? Does anyone have a handle on this?
As well, surely Moyo cannot be treated as a lone wolf. Who else was working with him? This extends beyond people in government. There has to be more to this than just kicking one person out. There have to be more people charged. Yes, Drax International’s Delish Nguwaya is charged – he is now out on bail by the way – but if we reduce graft to two people colluding on issues this huge then there is a massive worry when interrogating the checks and balances of a system of governance.
At the end of the day, there is a massive task at hand.
South Africa has temporarily closed its Beitbridge Border Post after one of its customs officers tested positive for the novel coronavirus this week.
According to border officials the border was closed to allow health authorities to carryout fumigation to minimize chances of spreading.
Presently the South Africans are clearing commercial traffic which is within their customs yard pending further action.
They have stopped accepting trucks from either side of the border until the fumigation is done.
The South African Revenue Services (SARS) has since sent a notice to inter border agencies in Zimbabwe advising them of the latest development.
“Please be advised that SARS Beitbridge has been temporarily closed with immediate effect,” said SARS.
“Trucks that are currently inside the yard will be processed in order for them to leave but those that are still in the queue to enter customs will not be allowed into the yard.
“SARS BBG management is in a meeting right now and they will update us with full details once the meeting is over. The issue is Covid-19 related and may entail further closure for deep cleaning and fumigation”.
SARS spokesperson, Sicelo Mkosi was not readily available for further details.
However, border officials said they were hopeful operations would resume at full strength soon.
Since the beginning of the lockdown, an average of 1000 trucks have been using the border post daily.
Traffic through Beitbridge peaked after other countries in the region closed their borders to contain the spread of the corona virus.
Zimbabwe remains a viable transit route for Zambia, Malawi, Angola, Tanzania, DRC and Mozambique.
The incident comes a few days after Musina Police station was also closed for fumigation when one police officer tested for covid-19.
Zimbabwe Revenue Authority’s (ZIMRA), regional manager, Mr Innocent Chikuni said recently during a tour of Beitbridge by Finance Minister (Professor Mthuli Ncube) the border had become arguably the COVID-19 hotspot in the country.
He said they were regularly and consistently providing information/updates on the diseases and the Ministry of Health and Child Care and World Health Organisation’s protection guidelines to both border agencies and travelers.
“We are consistently disinfecting our work stations, providing appropriate PPE – Face mask / PE Work suits/ Sanitizers/ document disinfecting – to staff, maintaining social distance and using temperature guns / sanitizers at the entry gate into the border offices – to cater for border agents and other persons,” said Mr Chikuni.
Whose Statue Must Zimbabwe Erect in Harare: NEHANDA NYAKASIKANA or SYLVIA MAPHOSA? Is this honouring Nehanda, and not insulting Nyakasikana's injured soul?
Who's Statue Must Zimbabwe Erect in Harare: NEHANDA NYAKASIKANA or SYLVIA MAPHOSA? Is this honouring Nehanda, and not insulting Nyakasikana's injured soul? pic.twitter.com/8IRLMdbJLm
Whose Statue Must Zimbabwe Erect in Harare: NEHANDA NYAKASIKANA or SYLVIA MAPHOSA? Is this honouring Nehanda, and not insulting Nyakasikana's injured soul?
Who's Statue Must Zimbabwe Erect in Harare: NEHANDA NYAKASIKANA or SYLVIA MAPHOSA? Is this honouring Nehanda, and not insulting Nyakasikana's injured soul? pic.twitter.com/8IRLMdbJLm
By Nomusa Garikai- The MDC e-rally gave the party leaders the opportunity to once again grandstand and drum their chest like silverback gorillas!
“The video by this nurse (protesting nurse) is a reflection of the true situation that our country has reached. There is no better description other than to say that the country has gone to the dogs. This is the sign of what is to come. One day is one day!” proclaimed Job Sikhala, MDC A vice chairperson.
“The comfort zones for these people (in government) will soon be a bonfire. People are ready. They are just waiting for leadership!”
The people of Zimbabwe have risked life and limb to elect MDC leaders into power on the promise the party will implement the democratic reform, democratic changes, to end the Zanu PF dictatorship. MDC has been on the political stage now for 20 years, 5 of which they were in the GNU, and have failed to implement even one reform!
Did MDC leaders fail to implement the reforms to take the nation to the edge, “the country gone to the dogs”, so there can be street protests? This is just nonsense! These MDC village idiots are refusing to accept they have sold-out and are now pretending their failures were indeed part and parcel of their master plan to drive the nation into a crisis from which they will lead us out of.
This is no different from the economic prosperity mirage Zanu PF has been promoting these last 40 years. Zimbabwe had a thriving economy in 1980 Zanu PF misrule has all but destroyed the economy and Zanu PF has never acknowledge it is corrupt, incompetent and has no clue how to revive the economy.
However, the party has without failure maintained it had the solution to make Zimbabwe prosperous. Zanu PF did not have to destroy everything to make the country prosperous and yet that is exactly what the regime has been saying in its double Dutch!
Both Zanu PF and MDC have proven beyond doubt that they are corrupt, incompetent and utterly irrelevant, they are the problem and not the solution; the sooner the nation accepts that reality the sooner the nation can start focusing on the task of finding a way out of the mess.
“This time, the wave (protests) will be unstoppable. I don’t make empty threats. I am not that character. I am a practical man. We deserve our peace and happiness,” continued Sikhala.
“People governing our country should take responsibility for their failures. Trying to use other people as scapegoats is dangerous to their (the government’s) very survival.”
MDC has its own share of failures to take care of, charity begins at home. As for the unstoppable protests, this is exactly the situation the nation has been avoiding. Turning Zimbabwe into another Libya is the nightmare scenario we have been dreading but which is now a certainty.
If Zimbabwe is dragged into violent social unrest then both Zanu PF and MDC leaders will have a lot to answer for because it is these two parties blatant betrayal of the nation to feed their insatiable greed for power and wealth that has led to this.
“I am a practical man!” Yeah right! Then why have you failed to implement even one reform in 20 years and saved the nation from the 40 years and counting Zanu PF nightmare!
By Nomusa Garikai- “Our party detractors continue with their anti-establishment agendas. The party is aware of the plan for mass protests (on July 31) being organised by the MDC Alliance renegades: Tajamuka, the Front for Economic Emancipation of Zimbabwe being led by the expelled youth commissar Godfrey Tsenengamu and other media protagonists,” charged Obert Mpofu, Zanu PF secretary for administration.
“Our security departments should constantly alert us on this clear and present danger of the activities of this unholy alliance.”
This is just nonsense coming from a regime that has learned nothing from history and its own blunders. History tell us that human beings are no sheep that will go to the slaughter quietly forever amen; there will always come a day when they will say enough is enough.
Zanu PF misrule has turned Zimbabwe from a country with promising economic prospects into a basket-case of a failed state. 40 years of corrupt and tyrannical rule has destroyed the Zimbabwe economy forcing millions of its people into a live of abject poverty.
34% of Zimbabwe’s 16 m population live in extreme poverty, according to a 2019 WB report. This means they cannot afford even one decent meal a day much less the other basic necessities such as education and health care. All the other nations in the region had single digit figures living in adject poverty. The only other nations with comparable figures living in extreme poverty were South Sudan and Yemen; countries that has a raging civil war.
The corona virus outbreak is going to hit Zimbabwe very hard given the country was stone-broke and its health services had all but collapsed before the pandemic. Many people are going to die of corona virus or poverty related problems and the percent of those living in extreme poverty is soaring well above the 34%. Anyone can tell you this situation is socially, politically and morally unsustainable.
Change is in the air! But since Zanu PF has frustrated all efforts to bring about change peaceful by slamming the door shut again and again to the holding free, fair and credible elections; that leaves only one other option, violent change.
Social unrest in long overdue because the regime has boxed the nation into a corner. There is talk of street protests, another military coup or a combination of both; desperate people will do desperate things, Zimbabweans are desperate to end the Zanu PF dictatorship.
The tragedy with street protests much worse military uprising is they will cause a lot of death and destruction and, worst of all, may leave society is a worse off state than before the uprising. One has only to look at the sorry state countries like Libya and Iraq are in; they got rid of the hated dictator and his regime but have found it very difficult to truth each other.
The people of Zimbabwe must leave no stone unturned to pressure Zanu PF to step down now, time is fast running out, because the street protests or worse will end the Zanu PF dictatorship but at great cost to the nation. Frankly, we should have never allowed Zanu PF to hold the nation to ransom all these last 40 years and drag us this close to the edge of the precipitous abyss.
Zanu PF can hunt down all the party’s so-called detractors but unless it hunts down everyone of the 34% plus now living in abject poverty then the “clear and present danger” of serious social unrest will remain.
The economic situation in Zimbabwe is now so unbearable change is a certainty what is yet to be decided is whether it is peaceful or violent change and when will it happen.
By A Correspondent- Hlalani Kuhle/Garikayi is reportedly giving local authorities a hard time as they are having problems registering some of the benefactors of the houses as some of them cannot be traced to be registered.
The matter came to light as Matabeleland South Local Authorities told National Housing Minister Daniel Garwe that they were having a hard time tracing the owners of the houses:
Speaking about the project and its headaches Matobo Rural District Council CEO Elvis Sibanda said:
Some of the beneficiaries are nowhere to be found, the documents that we have is just a scheduled list of names, for example, E. Sibanda with ID number but no address and no communication. Those people are paying nothing to the council and I want to believe that they are not paying anything to the ministry of national housing,
Hlalani Kuhle/Garikayi is a housing project that was launched after the infamous 2005 Murambatsvina that destroyed illegal structures in major cities and were handed over to local authorities by the government in 2009.
D. A serious meeting of the serious government of Zimbabwe to discuss serious provincial affairs and other serious government things. pic.twitter.com/AvePS2ODf9
Just establish who has the Event Management , Decor & Flower arrangement tender to understand why this is a perennial feature , just like the Government VVIP travel tender . Centre piece flower in Cabinet is the most expensive in the world post Nov 17 !
By A Correspondent- MDCT acting president Dr Thokozani Khupe was this morning barred from attending the funeral for gogo Chamisa in Gutu.
ZimEye this morning exclusively ran the story revealing that Dr Khupe however managed to offer her condolences to MDC Alliance leader Nelson Chamisa following his intervention hwere he restrained party stalwarts who did not want to see her at the burial of Zimbabwe’s main opposition leader’s mother’s funeral.
“She was able to offer her condolences to the Chamisas after the intervention of president Nelson Chamisa but she did not stay for the burial proceedings. She immediately left.
Confirmed Dr Khupe’s spokesperson Khalipani Phugeni in an exclusive interview with ZimEye:
“We did attend the burial briefly and Dr Khupe had an opportunity to pay her last respects to Advocate Nelson Chamisa. Of course you would expect skirmishes here given the current context and backgroundand there but we are happy that Dr Khupe was able to offer her condolences.
Today our focus was on bidding farewell to gogo Chamisa, what we want to do is we will not give so much energy and credence to everything else but the family and consoling the Chamisa family. Everything else we will address at a later stage.”
Added Chamisa while addressing mourners:
“We thank everyone who has come here to mourn with us regardless of their political background and we really appreciate your presence. Whatever our differences, this is not about politics but a celebration of the life of my mother, a prayer warrior…we really appreciate your presence and this is for everyone.”
Watch the parliamentary question and answer session where Members of Parliament take turns to question cabinet ministers on a variety of issues and government programmes.
By A Correspondent- A haulage truck driver died after the vehicle’s horse collapsed on him while attempting to attend to a mechanical fault.
Matabeleland South provincial police spokesperson Chief Inspector Philisani Ndebele confirmed the incident which occurred on Monday in Bubi along the Masvingo-Beitbridge Road.
He said Leroy Nyakabawo (34) from Warren Park in Harare was driving a haulage truck when it developed a mechanical fault and he tilted the truck’s horse to check the problem and it collapsed, crushing him.
“I can confirm that we recorded a sudden death case which occurred at the 212 kilometre peg along the Masvingo-Beitbridge Road in Bubi area. Leroy Nyakabawo was driving a haulage truck belonging to a South African based company when the vehicle developed a fault,” he said.
“He pulled off the road and tilted the truck horse to attend to the fault. While he was at it the truck horse collapsed and crushed Nyakabawo and he died on the spot.
“The matter was reported to the police who attended the scene. Nyakabawo’s body was ferried to Beitbridge District Hospital Mortuary. Investigations are underway.”
By A Correspondent- A Chinese national Zhang Xuelin (41) who is accused of shooting his employees over a salary dispute at Reden Mine located in Shamrock Gweru recently, has been granted a 10 000ZWL bail by a High Court Judge in Masvingo.
In granting Xuelin bail today (Tuesday) Justice Garainesu Mawadze ordered Xuelin to reside at his known address number 1 Maple Road, Windsor Park in Gweru and to report at ZRP Gweru every Friday until the case is finalised.
Xuelin was also ordered not to interfere with state witnesses. Justice Mawadze ordered the accused to surrender his passport and temporary resident permit with the Clerk of Court in Gweru.
Xuelin will also be subjected to any immigration regulations in terms of the law says Justice Mawadze in granting him bail.
The Chinese national who was arrested three weeks ago, first appeared at the Gweru magistrates court on the 22nd of June, 2020 and was remanded in custody to 7 July, 2020.
Xuelin appeared before Magistrate Edwin Marecha and was not asked to plead since he had no ‘certified’ interpreter.
Zhang was arrested after he shot and injured two employees Wendy Chikwaira (30) and Kennedy Tachiona (39).
It is the states’ case that on the 21st of June, 2020 at about 0915 hours, the two complainants namely Kennethy Tachiona aged 39 years of Reden Mine, Shamrock Gweru and Wendy Chikwaira aged 30 years of Reden Mine, Shamrock in Gweru were amongst about 30 mine workers who were having a dispute with the accused over their wages.
The accused was inside the yard while the complainants were outside the yard.
The accused was proposing to pay his workers in Zimbabwean Dollars while the workers were demanding to be paid in United States of American Dollars.
The first complainant Tachiona argued that the accused Xuelin had promised to pay them in United States of American Dollars at the time when they got employed.
According to the state, that did not go down well with the accused who then listed those who were on the fore front and promised to terminate their employment contracts.
The court papers further stated that the first complainant was amongst those listed and was told by the accused that he had been fired. The first complainant then told the accused to give him his wages and terminal benefits.
It is the states’ case that the two Tachiona and Xuelin failed to reach an agreement and Tachiona opened the gate and charged towards the Xuelin. Tachiona was refrained by Blessing Manyeruke a security guard at the mine.
The court papers further shows that a verbal altercation ensued and during the misunderstanding, Xuelin drew his FN pistol serial number 76C25381 and fired towards Tachiona.
He shot him thrice on the right thigh and twice on the left thigh resulting in him falling to the ground.
The record states that Tachiona was 7 metres away when he was hot.
Tachiona, who is the complainant number one, sustained serious bullet open wounds on both legs.
It is said Xeulin further kicked Tachiona with his booted feet all over his body. Xuelin then fired one shot towards other workers and the bullet grazed the second complainant Wendy Chikwaira’ chin and he suffered a serious wound on the chin and the other workers dispersed.
The matter was reported to the police leading to Xuelin’ arrest.
Police recovered the firearm from Xuelin and five spent cartridges were also recovered at the scene.
Xuelin is expected back in court on the 6th of August, 2020.
Whose Statue Must Zimbabwe Erect in Harare: NEHANDA NYAKASIKANA or SYLVIA MAPHOSA? Is this honouring Nehanda, and not insulting Nyakasikana's injured soul?
Who's Statue Must Zimbabwe Erect in Harare: NEHANDA NYAKASIKANA or SYLVIA MAPHOSA? Is this honouring Nehanda, and not insulting Nyakasikana's injured soul? pic.twitter.com/8IRLMdbJLm
By A Correspondent- ANC KwaZulu-Natal spokesperson and former KwaDukuza mayor Ricardo Mthembu has died after contracting Covid-19, an ANC official confirmed on Wednesday.
“Yes, it’s true, he has gone. Everyone is very on edge, we can’t say much at the moment,” the source in the General Gizenga Mpanza Region (KwaDukuza) said.
Mthembu was a popular figure in KZN politics, manning the helm of the KwaDukuza municipality, north of Durban, cementing a stronghold constituency for the ANC on the coast.
Shortly after the general elections on 8 May last year, Mthembu, who was rumoured to be taking up an MEC position, was inducted as a member of the provincial legislature and appointed spokesperson of the ANC in KZN.
He had been at the KwaDukuza Private Hospital for around a week receiving treatment for the virus.
This is a developing story. More information to follow.
@DrThokozaniKhupe was this morning kicked out of Gogo Chamisa funeral, her spokesperson has confirmed. "But today it was about offering the Chamisa family our condolences," said Khalipani Phugeni as he complained
@DrThokozaniKhupe was this morning kicked out of Gogo Chamisa funeral, her spokesperson has confirmed. "But today it was about offering the Chamisa family our condolences," said Khalipani Phugeni as he complained
Zharare, was shot at after he was accused of selling groceries & drugs at an undesignated place at Jambanja Market in Chitungwiza. ZRP members alleged that Zharare was stopped by police officers who were on patrol but he attempted to runover 2 police officers.
namely Constable Marimbashiri & Constable Mukorombindo with his vehicle. Zharare, who is detained at Chitungwiza Central Hospital, was remanded in custody to Thursday.
By A Correspondent| Amnesty International has urged the government of Zimbabwe to drop charges leveled against 13 nurses who were arrested and charged with contravening lockdown regulations.
In a statement, Muleya Mwananyanda, Amnesty International’s Deputy Director for Southern Africa, said:
“The charges levelled against these nurses, to enforce COVID-19 lockdown regulations, are clearly aimed at preventing them from organizing and speaking out against low wages and terrible working conditions.
“Zimbabwean authorities are arbitrarily using lockdown regulations to silence medical professionals and activists. The nurses were simply expressing their frustrations with their employer over the failure to address low salaries and longstanding poor working conditions. This, like other labour disputes currently unfolding in Zimbabwe, is a result of the neglect of health care services and the failure by the government to provide adequate remuneration.
“Zimbabwean authorities must stop intimidating, harassing and suppressing dissent and instead start listening to the genuine concerns of healthcare workers. This is essential to effectively contain the spread of the virus.”
By A Correspondent- Bulawayo City Council departments have requested an increase in the control measures put in place to prevent the sprouting of cockroaches, rodents, and mosquitoes in the city.
This is revealed in the latest council minutes.
“Seven requisitions were received from departments for the control of mosquitoes, rodents, and bed bugs. Cockroach spraying and rodenticiding was done at the Tower Block, City hall and revenue Hall,” reads the minutes.
“Spraying to control lice infestation at the Polytech and United College of Education was also conducted The Director of Health Services reported (5th June 2020) as follows on the above-mentioned matter:-Mosquito ControlIn the absence of mosquito control chemicals the section had continued clearing of Council clinics of overgrowth.”
The minutes state that the clinics that had been covered were PMR, Luveve, Nketa, Tshabalala, Emakhandeni and Thorngrove Hospital. Monitoring of streams for mosquito breeding had continued and Larviciding was done at Mthombowesizwe stream where heavy breeding was observed.
“Disinfection of Public Places The exercise had continued and the following areas had been covered: Cowdray Park, Luveve, Emakhandeni, Njube, Mpopoma, Barbourfields, Mzilikazi, Tshabalala, Sizinda, Nketa and Nkulumane 10and 12. Hydrogen Peroxide was used for disinfection,” reads the minutes in part.
By A Correspondent- A Dete man, 65, reportedly killed himself by hanging leaving behind a note for his children telling them that he was tired of living with his 47-year-old wife.
The state media reports that Never Sibanda of Siamateme village under Chief Nelukoba woke up at midnight claiming that he had trouble sleeping and wanted to go and sit outside.
It is said that his wife Ms Sarah Ncube (47) noticed in the morning that Sibanda never returned to bed.
She then told family members who then conducted a search, they traced Sibanda’s footprints to the family graveyard where they found him dead.
On searching the body, police discovered a suicide note written: “Goodbye my children, stay safe. I have failed to stay with your mother. Yours Father.”
It is not clear why Sibanda was tired of living with his wife.
JUDGMENT day for gold dealer Baron Dube who allegedly shot and killed a member of a rival mining gang in Esigodini following a dispute, has been set for July 31.
Dube (44) of Habane Extension township appeared before Bulawayo High Court judge Justice Maxwell Takuva facing murder charges in connection with the death of Prince Antony Bvundura (22).
Dube, who is out on $2 000 bail, allegedly fatally shot Bvundura in September 2018 in the heat of a fight over a mining claim at Block 13 Atlas Mine in Esigodini.
He allegedly used a Voere 458 calibre rifle.
Dube, who is out on $2 000 bail, allegedly fatally shot Bvundura in September 2018 in the heat of a fight over a mining claim at Block 13 Atlas Mine in Esigodini.
The shooting happened at a mine belonging to Mr Tendai Musanangura and Dube said Mr Musanangura had authorised him to occupy it. Mr Musanangura however denied granting the authority.
Dube, who is being represented by Mr Leopold Mudisi of Mutendi, Mudisi and Shumba Legal Practitioners, told the court that the firearm accidentally discharged after he stepped on a rock and fell down while fleeing from a mob, which was throwing stones at him while baying for his blood.
Dube argued that the rifle, which he is alleged to have used to shoot the deceased, was not loaded on that particular day and his driver, Mr Saidi Mhlanga corroborated his evidence.
Dube said he fell into a pit while fleeing from the mob and didn’t realise that he had shot a person until the following day when police arrested him.
He denied that he opened fire at his rivals during violent skirmishes, claiming he was the victim. He also denied that there was a gold rush at the mine.
“I was fleeing from the illegal gold panners who were conducting illegal mining activities at the mine which I was assigned to occupy by the owner,” he said.
Under cross-examination, Dube failed to justify why he had to arm himself since he purported that his intention was not to fight anyone.
Upon his arrest he was found with a gun loaded with seven rounds of ammunition.
“I was fleeing from the illegal gold panners who were conducting illegal mining activities at the mine which I was assigned to occupy by the owner,” he said.
The prosecutor, Mrs Sifiso Ndlovu-Sibanda said on September 26, 2018, the now-deceased went to work at Block 13 Atlas Mine in Esigodini in the company of his workmates. On the same day, Dube arranged a gang of about 20 people so that they could disperse everyone and take over the mine where there was a gold rush.
“At about 11PM, the accused person armed himself with two guns, a revolver and a rifle and his accomplices were carrying machetes, axes, shovels and picks. He drove to the mine in his Toyota Land Cruiser with his gang and on arrival at the mine, he chased away all miners, claiming he had been granted authority to operate at the mine by the owner,” said Mrs Ndlovu-Sibanda.
The court heard that the now-deceased, who was part of a group of miners fleeing during the skirmishes, was shot and he died on the spot.
According to the post mortem results the cause of death was gunshot wound, heart destruction and hypovolemic shock.
A State witness, Mr Mkhululi Sibanda, in his testimony last year, told the court that Dube and his hired thugs chased away everyone at the mine, claiming the area was his.
Mr Musanangura also denied giving Dube permission to enter his mining area when he took to the witness stand at the commencement of the trial in November last year.
By A Correspondent| A Condolence Book has been opened for those who would like to express their condolences to MDC Alliance leader Nelson Chamisa following the loss of his mother earlier this week.
According to the MDC Alliance, the book will be at at The Chambers, 11th Floor, Old Mutual Centre, Cnr Third Street and Jason Moyo and will be open It will be open between 10am and 3pm today, 8/7/20 to 10/7/20.
High Court Judge Justice Neville Wamambo on Monday 6 July 2020 ended the week-long detention of Ephraim Muthombeni, the Director of Masvingo Centre for Research Advocacy and Community Development (MACRAD), who was arrested last month and charged with undermining authority of or insulting President Emmerson Mnangagwa.
Justice Wamambo set Muthombeni free after he had been denied bail on Monday 29 June 2020 by Masvingo Magistrate Mbonisi Ndlovu, who ruled that the 28 year-old MACRAD leader is a flight risk and could escape from standing trial.
In setting Muthombeni free, Justice Wamambo ordered him to pay bail amounting to RTGS$1 000 and to report once every month at Masvingo Police Station and to continue residing at his given residential address and not to interfere with witnesses until his matter is finalised.
Muthombeni, who was represented by Martin Mureri of Zimbabwe Lawyers for Human Rights (ZLHR), was arrested by Zimbabwe Republic Police (ZRP) members on Sunday 28 June 2020 and charged with undermining authority of or insulting President Mnangagwa as defined in section 33(2)(a)(i) of the Criminal Law (Codification and Reform) Act.
Prosecutors alleged that Muthombeni faulted President Mnangagwa during an address to some commuters, who were queuing and waiting to board a state-owned Zimbabwe United Passenger Company bus, for presiding over Zimbabwe’s agonising economic crisis and demanding that the ZANU PF party leader resigns.
Muthombeni is alleged to have uttered the words; “Murikuona kumira kwamakaita pa queue imhosva ya President E.D Mnangagwa arikukwidza maprices e fuel achiba mari nevana vake. E.D must go,” which if loosely translated means; “You are suffering as a result of President Mnangagwa’s poor leadership and corruption committed by himself and his children and his failure to stem fuel price hikes and he should resign.”
Meanwhile, ZRP members on Monday 6 July 2020 arrested Godfrey Kurauone, the Councillor for Ward 4 in Masvingo Urban constituency and charged him with undermining authority of or insulting President Mnangagwa as defined in section 33(2)(a)(i) of the Criminal Law (Codification and Reform) Act.
The law enforcement agents charged that the 33 year-old Kurauone accused President Mnangagwa during an address to some commuters, who were queuing and waiting to board a state-owned Zimbabwe United Passenger Company bus, of leading a corrupt administration and hence should resign.
Kurauone, who is represented by Mureri of ZLHR, is alleged to have uttered the words; “Let’s us unite and remove this corrupt government and Mnangagwa. President Mnangagwa and his criminals must go.” Kurauone is scheduled to appear at Masvingo Magistrates Court on Tuesday 7 July 2020.
A Zimbabwean court on Tuesday 7 July 2020 set free 11 nurses who were arrested on Monday 6 July 2020 and charged with contravening some national lockdown regulations after they allegedly gathered at Sally Mugabe Central Hospital in Harare for a feedback meeting pertaining to a litany of grievances against their employer.
Although Zimbabwe Republic Police (ZRP) members first arrested 13 nurses at Sally Mugabe Central Hospital and charged them with partaking in a gathering or convening a gathering, two of the nurses namely Adelaide Mandizvidza and Georgina Muchemwa, who are breastfeeding, were released on Monday 6 July 2020 after paying some admission of guilty fines so as to allow them to attend to their children.
At Mbare Magistrates Court, prosecutors alleged that the 11 nurses namely Ndadyei Gudza, Raikai Chibharo, Moses Sigauke, Michelle Magonye, Kumbirai Maiswa, Trish Chireka, Nyasha Kapesi, Evermay Chikoka, Lucas Sharara, Samson Gurupira and Laiza Magwizi participated or convened a gathering knowing that such gathering is prohibited in terms of section 5(3)(a) of Statutory Instrument 83 of 2020 Public Health (COVID 19 Prevention, Containment and Treatment Regulations) National Lockdown) Order, 2020.
Prosecutors charged that the nurses who are employed at Parirenyatwa Group of Hospitals, Chitungwiza Central Hospital and Sally Mugabe Central Hospital and numbered about 100 gathered at Sally Mugabe Central Hospital intending to stage a demonstration and proceeded to sing protest songs and waved some placards in contravention of national lockdown regulations.
The nurses were ordered to pay RTGS$1 000 bail and to report once a week at various police stations.
Sigauke, one of the nurses, was also charged with incitement as defined in section 187 of the Criminal Law (Codification and Reform) Act, after he allegedly recorded a video while in police detention at Mbare Police Station and posted it on Facebook encouraging other nurses to come and join the detained nurses in demonstrating at Mbare Police Station.
The state alleges that Sigauke posted a message on Facebook which reads; “Ngatingouya tizadze camp tese tiite demo yedu tiri mu camp. Handiti ndimo munonzi muri illegal,” which if loosely translated means; “Let’s all gather at the police station and stage our demonstration.”
By posting such a message, prosecutors charged that Sigauke had incited nurses to gather at Mbare Police Station and demonstrate and cause violence. For allegedly committing this offence, Sigauke was ordered to pay RTGS$500 in bail money.
The nurses will return to court on 22 July 2020 with Sigauke also appearing in court on the additional charge of incitement on 23 July 2020.
Health and Child Care Minister Dr Obadiah Moyo was yesterday fired by President Mnangagwa for inappropriate conduct.
He is facing criminal charges over a procurement deal for overpriced medical supplies that was eventually killed on Treasury’s instructions.
Chief Secretary to the President and Cabinet Dr Misheck Sibanda announced the decision in a statement that under his constitutional authority, the President “removed Dr Obadiah Moyo from the office of Cabinet Minister with immediate effect for conduct inappropriate for a Government Minister,” Dr Sibanda said.
Dr Moyo is facing charges of corruption and criminal abuse office over his role in the murky US$60 million deal with medical supplier Drax International.
He was released on $50 000 bail plus a surety of the title deeds for his wife’s house in Eastlea, and is awaiting trial.
Professor Amon Murwira is the acting Health and Child Care Minister.
A picture that went viral on social media in Zimbabwe two weeks ago reminded many of an equally famous picture from 2007 of a young boy smiling as he carried wads of notes at the height of the country’s hyperinflation.
The picture showed two men lifting a brown box outside the Harare Magistrate’s Court.
Inside the box was apparently Z$50,000 in small denomination notes – Zimbabwe has no higher denomination than 20 dollars – bail money for Obadiah Moyo.
Assuming he followed cash-withdrawal limits imposed by the central bank in response to an acute cash shortage, it would have taken him a year to withdraw the amount.
Obadiah Moyo, a former disc jockey who claims to be a medical doctor without being able to prove that he has a medical degree, is one of the least respected figures in President Emmerson Mnangagwa’s increasingly unpopular government.
He is a man who can be said to have enthusiastically taken every crisis in the health sector as an opportunity to worsen it.
In 2018, he mismanaged a long running doctor’s strike. Hospitals are chronically short of essential supplies. In February, he cheerfully told the nation that it was perfectly fine to travel to China, while welcoming all visitors at a time when China was not only the epicentre of the Coronavirus, but the Beijing government itself was restricting travel.
And the family of Zimbabwe’s first Covid death, the broadcaster Zororo Makamba, has implicated him directly in the negligence that led to his death.
So it was a surprise to no one that he is now embroiled in a public procurement scandal.
Over the last few months, Moyo awarded a US$60 million Covid-19 supply contract to a shelf company called Drax without going to public tender.
The scandal came to full public attention at the end of May after it emerged the company involved, Drax International, had invoiced government US$28 for disposable masks whose wholesale price is under US$4 from reputable local suppliers.
The inflated invoice triggered sustained public outrage forcing the government, who had initially denied that payment had been made, to take action. A parallel Interpol investigation, triggered after US$2 million was paid to the company’s newly opened account in Hungary, has put to rest government claims that no payment had been made.
To add embarrassment to scandal, Drax, initially said to be registered in Switzerland, then in the UAE, seems to be a fraud orchestrated by Delish Nguwaya, a known career criminal who has a record of extortion, armed robbery, cocaine possession and impersonation of a law enforcement agent.
The minister was arrested, as were three executives at the state-owned National Pharmaceutical Company. Nguwaya is also on bail awaiting trial on fraud charges. Legal analysts have dismissed the prosecution as deliberately incompetent, noting that Nguwaya signed a contract and delivered as per that agreement. Culpability lies elsewhere.
In a country with transparent processes, Moyo’s arrest would have been greeted as positive.
To Zimbabweans however, now cynical after arrests of many high level officials that don’t end up in successful prosecution, this is simply another theatrical act in what they call a “catch and release“ programme that is meant to fool the public into believing that Mnangagwa is cracking down on corruption while no one actually pays for it.
After all the unfortunate who end up being arrested and humiliated are Mnangagwa’s rivals.
Just recently, former Energy minister, Samuel Undenge, linked to a faction loyal to ex-president Robert Mugabe was sentenced to 30 months in prison for awarding a US$12,000 public relations contract without going to tender.
Meanwhile, two permanent secretaries that signed off on the Drax deal have not been arrested.
This failure to act on seemingly unassailable evidence against officials loyal to Mnangagwa accused of far graver abuses has thus laid bare the impotence of Zimbabwe’s various anti-corruption organs of state.
To add to the murkiness around who authorised Nguwaya is speculation that Moyo is taking the fall for persons closer to the president than he is. Pictures have circulated online showing Nguwaya with the president, his wife Auxilia Mnangagwa and one of their sons, a businessman frequently linked to illegal currency trading.
That a known criminal was cleared to have such proximity to the President and his family has raised speculation that Nguwaya either exploited this proximity, or he is merely the front for others, suspicions that were only strengthened when Zanu PF spokesman Patrick Chinamasa held a press conference to threaten journalists for linking Nguwaya to members of the president’s family.
After his arrest, Moyo promptly posted bail and was freed.
The kid glove treatment extended to the minister and other public officials highlights the selective nature of justice in Zimbabwe.
In contrast, three young women from the main opposition party the MDC Alliance toiled for weeks in prison on charges of breaking Covid 19 public order regulations during a flash protest over rising food prices.
The women claim that they were abducted and tortured by suspected state security agents.
They now face additional charges of filing false police reports. In denying them bail, a magistrate said their alleged actions had caused harm to the economy.
Zimbabweans may well wonder why it is that the actions of a minister who abuses his office to conspire with a known criminal to prejudice the state of millions of dollars are not similarly considered prejudicial to the state.
High Court Judge Justice Neville Wamambo on Monday 6 July 2020 ended the week-long detention of Ephraim Muthombeni, the Director of Masvingo Centre for Research Advocacy and Community Development (MACRAD), who was arrested last month and charged with undermining authority of or insulting President Emmerson Mnangagwa.
Justice Wamambo set Muthombeni free after he had been denied bail on Monday 29 June 2020 by Masvingo Magistrate Mbonisi Ndlovu, who ruled that the 28 year-old MACRAD leader is a flight risk and could escape from standing trial.
In setting Muthombeni free, Justice Wamambo ordered him to pay bail amounting to RTGS$1 000 and to report once every month at Masvingo Police Station and to continue residing at his given residential address and not to interfere with witnesses until his matter is finalised.
Muthombeni, who was represented by Martin Mureri of Zimbabwe Lawyers for Human Rights (ZLHR), was arrested by Zimbabwe Republic Police (ZRP) members on Sunday 28 June 2020 and charged with undermining authority of or insulting President Mnangagwa as defined in section 33(2)(a)(i) of the Criminal Law (Codification and Reform) Act.
Prosecutors alleged that Muthombeni faulted President Mnangagwa during an address to some commuters, who were queuing and waiting to board a state-owned Zimbabwe United Passenger Company bus, for presiding over Zimbabwe’s agonising economic crisis and demanding that the ZANU PF party leader resigns.
Muthombeni is alleged to have uttered the words; “Murikuona kumira kwamakaita pa queue imhosva ya President E.D Mnangagwa arikukwidza ma prices e fuel achiba mari nevana vake. E.D must go,” which if loosely translated means; “You are suffering as a result of President Mnangagwa’s poor leadership and corruption committed by himself and his children and his failure to stem fuel price hikes and he should resign.”
Meanwhile, ZRP members on Monday 6 July 2020 arrested Godfrey Kurauone, the Councillor for Ward 4 in Masvingo Urban constituency and charged him with undermining authority of or insulting President Mnangagwa as defined in section 33(2)(a)(i) of the Criminal Law (Codification and Reform) Act.
The law enforcement agents charged that the 33 year-old Kurauone accused President Mnangagwa during an address to some commuters, who were queuing and waiting to board a state-owned Zimbabwe United Passenger Company bus, of leading a corrupt administration and hence should resign.
Kurauone, who is represented by Mureri of ZLHR, is alleged to have uttered the words; “Let’s us unite and remove this corrupt government and Mnangagwa. President Mnangagwa and his criminals must go.” Kurauone is scheduled to appear at Masvingo Magistrates Court on Tuesday 7 July 2020.
By Kennedy Kaitano- It comes as no surprise that the Ministry of Health has barred the gathering that had been planned to elect a replacement for the late MDC founding President, Dr. Richard Tsvangirai.
I have been all along been advising the Dr. Khupe led faction that they should plan to hold the elections in a manner that complies with the prevailing Coronavirus situation to no avail.
The Supreme Court Judgement was passed during lockdown, with all indications that the virus was to be with us for a while. I advised about the voting being decentralised, advice which got to the planners, but was ignored.
Most importantly, I also advised the Khupe faction that they were not planning the event in accordance to the MDC Constitution. This is because the National Council of the 2014 MDC-T structures had not met to discuss and communicate the Extra Ordinary Congress as required by Section 6.2.6 of the Constitution. This section stipulates that “a notice convening an Extra-Ordinary Congress shall be sent to all members entitled to attend and to each branch by the National Council at least one month before the date of the meeting”.
This advice was ignored, even after the majority members of the MDC-T 2014 structures met and made a formal request to have their contribution included in the discussion to plan for the Extra Ordinary Congress.
Amid all this, there seemed to be attempts by the rival groups within the faction to outfox each other to land the Presidency instead of addressing issues that ensure that the Extra Ordinary Congress met the requirements of the Supreme Court ruling and the MDC Constitution.
Media reports quoted Senator Mwonzora backers saying “(Dr. Thokozani) Khupe had attempted to breach the Supreme Court ruling” by pushing back the Extra Ordinary Congress, while Senator Mwonzora is quoted to have warned the MDC-T Khupe faction Standing Committee that failure to hold the Extra Ordinary Congress within the stipulated period would “expose the party to lawsuits which could be disastrous”, and the position remains pretty much the same.
But I had warned the Khupe faction that they were spending precious time doing things that were outside the Party Constitution, and outside the Supreme Court ruling instead of following the Constitution, even suggesting that they could involve the Zimbabwe Congress of Trade Unions which gave birth to the MDC to mediate in the MDC disputes, and all advice fell on deaf ears.
As I advised, the election of a replacement for Dr. Tsvangirai had to be done under the prevailing conditions. The media says 4500 delegates had been expected to vote for the President, and apart from those based in South Africa, The United Kingdom and the United States, these 4500 delegates would have been coming from 210 Constituencies across the country, making the average delegates per constituency 38 people.
Voting could have taken place at the constituency level, and results communicated to those gathered at the Congress centre, mainly the candidates and their managers.
In this age of Information and Communication Technology, speeches would have been delivered electronically as is common practice these days.
Instead of proper planning, the Khupe faction was obsessed with firing members and recalling legislators to create space for Dr. Khupe to become leader of the House in Parliament, and to distribute positions in the legislature to other trusted colleagues.
It would appear reason only prevailed less than a month before the deadline by which the Extra Ordinary Congress would have been held, when despite an earlier snub, a decision was reached to finally meet with the appropriate MDC-T on Wednesday 8 July 2020, 23 days before the deadline to hold the Extra Ordinary Congress.
That would not have given adequate time to call for an Extra Ordinary Congress as required by the MDC Constitution.
My many warnings to the MDC T Khupe faction were not carried privately, but were addressed to the relevant players and copied to various local and international organisations, including the United Nations agencies, the International Parliamentarians Union, SADC, Parliament of Zimbabwe, the Zimbabwean Senate President, and to the Minister of Justice among others.
As far as facts are concerned, the Extra Ordinary Congress suggested by the Supreme Court of Zimbabwe has failed, and as a member of the MDC-T as at 2014, I will appeal to the Courts of law if anyone tries to hold an Extra Ordinary Congress of the MDC-T.
The MDC-T led by Dr. Khupe which held its Congress in Bulawayo in 2018 is now free to continue with life as at 30 March 2020 before the Supreme Court Judgement was announced, and likewise, the MDC Alliance can now revert to its 30 March 2020 position.
Of course there have been changes in the Harvest House occupancy, but those are things that the relevant parties can always talk about. Senator Morgan Komichi, Senator Douglas Mwonzora, and Senator Elias Mudzuri are free to join MDC-T which held its Congress in Bulawayo in 2018 if they wish, or make peace with their MDC Alliance colleagues.
The Supreme Court has indeed been a test of intelligence of some of the potential leaders of Zimbabwe, and the result is all out there for the public to judge.
I hope there have been some important lessons learnt, and those in the MDC T Khupe faction who still aspire for leadership roles to pull the country out of the mess it was dumped into by Zanu PF can reflect and take corrective measures to improve their credibility in the eyes of the electorate.
BULAWAYO is now leading in terms of Covid-19 deaths after a 54-year-old Zimbabwe Revenue Authority (Zimra) manager succumbed to the virus at a private hospital on Sunday, forcing the closure of its Mhlahlandlela Government Complex offices yesterday.
The city has so far recorded four deaths followed by Harare where three people have died of Covid-19.
Mashonaland East and Midlands provinces recorded one death each bringing the total number of Covid-19 deaths in Zimbabwe to nine.
Following the death of the Zimra manager Mr Thabani Sibanda on Sunday, the Mhlahlandlela offices have been closed for disinfection and will reopen on Monday.
When Chronicle visited the offices yesterday, the main entrance at the reception area was under lock and key and on the notice board there was a notice notifying clients of the temporary closure.
“The Zimbabwe Revenue Authority (Zimra) hereby wishes to advise its valued clients that the offices will be closed from July 7, 2020 to July 11, 2020. Staff will be working from home and during this period there will be limited services,” read part of the notice.
In an internal circular, Zimra Commissioner-General Ms Faith Mazani said the Ministry of Health and Child Care has started testing their staff at Mhlahlandlela Building for Covid-19. She said all the tested staff members will be required to go on a mandatory quarantine for 14 days.
“We encourage all staff members to remain vigilant and consistent in practising safety and health measures as prescribed by the WHO guidelines and as advised through the Ministry of Health and Child Care,” she wrote.
Zimra spokesperson Mr Francis Chimanda declined to comment on the cause of Mr Sibanda’s death.
“Zimra cannot provide comment on an individual’s health issues. All I can say is that we have temporarily closed offices at Mhlahlandlela Complex in Bulawayo from Tuesday, 7 July 2020 and will reopen on Monday, 13 July 2020 to allow full disinfection of the premises,” he said.
A family spokesperson said Mr Sibanda was buried yesterday, but could not give further details.
Sources at Zimra and health officials who declined to be named said Mr Sibanda had succumbed to Covid-19.
In its update on Covid-19, the Ministry of Health and Child Care said: “As at 06 July 2020, Zimbabwe had 734 confirmed cases, including 197 recoveries and nine deaths. We regret to report the death of a male aged 54 from Bulawayo province who tested positive on Sunday and had no travel history.”
Bulawayo provincial medical director Dr Welcome Mlilo said Bulawayo now has four Covid-19 deaths.
“I can confirm that we have recorded a fourth Covid-19 death in Bulawayo metropolitan province after a 54-year-old man with comorbidity succumbed at a health facility over the weekend,” he said.
“The Covid-19 prevention measures remain unchanged. We continue to encourage good hygiene especially hand washing as well as observing social distancing and wearing of face masks in public space.”
In May, Zimra closed its city centre offices in Bulawayo after a member of staff tested positive for Covid-19.
The employee was one of three employees who served an infected client at the Zimra’s Bulawayo port offices on March 18.
Having received the information that the client had tested positive for Covid-19, the three officers then proceeded to self- quarantine from March 27 to April 26.
Upon returning to work on April 27, the three officers were tested and one of the results came out positive while the other two tested negative and management decided to briefly close the offices for disinfection.
It is with great sorrow that we learnt of the untimely passing away of Mai Chamisa, mother to Mdca President Nelson Chamisa on 6 July 2020.
On behalf of myself as President and indeed on behalf of Zimbabwe African People’s Union-ZAPU, I would like to offer my deepest condolences to Nelson and the Chamisa family.
We pray for God’s comforting hand to touch them and console their hearts as they go through this difficult time.
By Nomusa Garikai- The MDC e-rally gave the party leaders the opportunity to once again grandstand and drum their chest like silverback gorillas!
“The video by this nurse (protesting nurse) is a reflection of the true situation that our country has reached. There is no better description other than to say that the country has gone to the dogs. This is the sign of what is to come. One day is one day!” proclaimed Job Sikhala, MDC A vice chairperson.
“The comfort zones for these people (in government) will soon be a bonfire. People are ready. They are just waiting for leadership!”
The people of Zimbabwe have risked life and limb to elect MDC leaders into power on the promise the party will implement the democratic reform, democratic changes, to end the Zanu PF dictatorship. MDC has been on the political stage now for 20 years, 5 of which they were in the GNU, and have failed to implement even one reform!
Did MDC leaders fail to implement the reforms to take the nation to the edge, “the country gone to the dogs”, so there can be street protests? This is just nonsense! These MDC village idiots are refusing to accept they have sold-out and are now pretending their failures were indeed part and parcel of their master plan to drive the nation into a crisis from which they will lead us out of.
This is no different from the economic prosperity mirage Zanu PF has been promoting these last 40 years. Zimbabwe had a thriving economy in 1980 Zanu PF misrule has all but destroyed the economy and Zanu PF has never acknowledge it is corrupt, incompetent and has no clue how to revive the economy.
However, the party has without failure maintained it had the solution to make Zimbabwe prosperous. Zanu PF did not have to destroy everything to make the country prosperous and yet that is exactly what the regime has been saying in its double Dutch!
Both Zanu PF and MDC have proven beyond doubt that they are corrupt, incompetent and utterly irrelevant, they are the problem and not the solution; the sooner the nation accepts that reality the sooner the nation can start focusing on the task of finding a way out of the mess.
“This time, the wave (protests) will be unstoppable. I don’t make empty threats. I am not that character. I am a practical man. We deserve our peace and happiness,” continued Sikhala.
“People governing our country should take responsibility for their failures. Trying to use other people as scapegoats is dangerous to their (the government’s) very survival.”
MDC has its own share of failures to take care of, charity begins at home. As for the unstoppable protests, this is exactly the situation the nation has been avoiding. Turning Zimbabwe into another Libya is the nightmare scenario we have been dreading but which is now a certainty.
If Zimbabwe is dragged into violent social unrest then both Zanu PF and MDC leaders will have a lot to answer for because it is these two parties blatant betrayal of the nation to feed their insatiable greed for power and wealth that has led to this.
“I am a practical man!” Yeah right! Then why have you failed to implement even one reform in 20 years and saved the nation from the 40 years and counting Zanu PF nightmare!
By Nomusa Garikai- “Our party detractors continue with their anti-establishment agendas. The party is aware of the plan for mass protests (on July 31) being organised by the MDC Alliance renegades: Tajamuka, the Front for Economic Emancipation of Zimbabwe being led by the expelled youth commissar Godfrey Tsenengamu and other media protagonists,” charged Obert Mpofu, Zanu PF secretary for administration.
“Our security departments should constantly alert us on this clear and present danger of the activities of this unholy alliance.”
This is just nonsense coming from a regime that has learned nothing from history and its own blunders. History tell us that human beings are no sheep that will go to the slaughter quietly forever amen; there will always come a day when they will say enough is enough.
Zanu PF misrule has turned Zimbabwe from a country with promising economic prospects into a basket-case of a failed state. 40 years of corrupt and tyrannical rule has destroyed the Zimbabwe economy forcing millions of its people into a live of abject poverty.
34% of Zimbabwe’s 16 m population live in extreme poverty, according to a 2019 WB report. This means they cannot afford even one decent meal a day much less the other basic necessities such as education and health care. All the other nations in the region had single digit figures living in adject poverty. The only other nations with comparable figures living in extreme poverty were South Sudan and Yemen; countries that has a raging civil war.
The corona virus outbreak is going to hit Zimbabwe very hard given the country was stone-broke and its health services had all but collapsed before the pandemic. Many people are going to die of corona virus or poverty related problems and the percent of those living in extreme poverty is soaring well above the 34%. Anyone can tell you this situation is socially, politically and morally unsustainable.
Change is in the air! But since Zanu PF has frustrated all efforts to bring about change peaceful by slamming the door shut again and again to the holding free, fair and credible elections; that leaves only one other option, violent change.
Social unrest in long overdue because the regime has boxed the nation into a corner. There is talk of street protests, another military coup or a combination of both; desperate people will do desperate things, Zimbabweans are desperate to end the Zanu PF dictatorship.
The tragedy with street protests much worse military uprising is they will cause a lot of death and destruction and, worst of all, may leave society is a worse off state than before the uprising. One has only to look at the sorry state countries like Libya and Iraq are in; they got rid of the hated dictator and his regime but have found it very difficult to truth each other.
The people of Zimbabwe must leave no stone unturned to pressure Zanu PF to step down now, time is fast running out, because the street protests or worse will end the Zanu PF dictatorship but at great cost to the nation. Frankly, we should have never allowed Zanu PF to hold the nation to ransom all these last 40 years and drag us this close to the edge of the precipitous abyss.
Zanu PF can hunt down all the party’s so-called detractors but unless it hunts down everyone of the 34% plus now living in abject poverty then the “clear and present danger” of serious social unrest will remain. The economic situation in Zimbabwe is now so unbearable change is a certainty what is yet to be decided is whether it is peaceful or violent change and when will it happen.
Our mothers are our heroines, greatest supporters and guiding lights. They stand by us through thick and thin – never giving up, always believing, leading the way and lighting our path. When we lose our way, they gently guide us back, lifting us in prayer and believing that our best is yet to come. Gogo Chamisa was one such heroine.
Born on the 25th of June 1954,
Gogo Chamisa
a humble princess of the Masarire Chieftainship in Bikita of Masvingo, was one of nine children.
She was a hardworking, entrepreneurial and multi-talented woman.
She was a strong believer in education as a catalyst for social mobility, dedicating herself to educating her 6 children, two girls and four boys, together with her husband. She was a staunch champion of equality, toiling hard to empower the girl child even when it was not fashionable to do so.
Gogo Chamisa was a philanthropist and a champion of community engagement, always extending a helping hand to the vulnerable around her.
A florist with a passion for ornamental gardening and a strict enforcer of cleanliness, Gogo Chamisa leaves behind a community transformed by her presence. The Chamisa homestead, popularly known as KwaMai Neri, is known for its exceptional market garden and the highly sought after chickens Gogo Chamisa sold.
Most importantly Gogo Chamisa was a prayer warrior, pillar of faith and a leader in the church. She was lovingly known as Mai Mfundisi and served as a faithful leader in the Women’s Fellowship.
Sadly, she was called to be with the Lord barely a fortnight after her 66th birthday, taking with her to eternity, the guidance and covering only a mother can provide.
Her children will always remember the values she emphasised including respect, discipline, integrity, industry and the dignity of hard work. Her teachings will remain among the living, forever guiding us along the right path until we too return to dust.
Gogo Chamisa, collapsed and died as she tended to her beloved garden. It was in this seemingly ordinary moment that the Lord decided to call this brave and courageous woman home. Although she will no longer be with us here on earth, may the seeds of her earthly labour continue to bear fruit in all who had the privilege to know her.
Rest in power Mai Mfundisi, Mai Neri!!!
Nelson Chamisa is the leader of the main opposition, MDC Alliance.
Government workers and their representatives have rejected the government’s US$13 equivalent of the 50 percent salary increment awarded last month.
Government on Tuesday awarded civil servants a 50 percent salary hike which translated loosely to US$13 as Zimbabwe’s largest labour body, the Zimbabwe Congress of Trade Unions (ZCTU) said it will embark on a strike beginning next week.
The development also comes as 13 nurses were on Monday arrested after staging demonstrations at Harare Central and Parirenyatwa Hospitals demanding higher wages saying that the current salaries were useless against the runaway inflation.
Doctors at public health centres have also vowed to join the on-going industrial action by nurses in solidarity with their arrested colleagues.
In its latest increment, the government deposited $1 290 into civil servants’ accounts but the workers are demanding salaries to be pegged in US dollars because the economy has since partially dollarized.
“Dear Minister of Finance (Mthuli Ncube); we have seen your 50% increment. What is $1 290 RTGS? What do our members use it for? Where do you guys get this nonsense, no to schools opening on 28 July,” charged the Progressive Teachers Union of Zimbabwe (PTUZ) in response to the figure.
Peter Mutasa, the president of ZCTU warned that starting next week, they will roll out massive demonstrations.
“The arrest of striking nurses shows that ours is a pariah state. Instead of shutting out genuine voices demanding fair labour conditions, the government must shut out poverty. All workers must prepare for massive peaceful protests, we have no time,” said Mutasa.
Speaking at a solidarity protest for the arrested nurses, Tapiwanashe Kusotera, a member of the Zimbabwe Hospital Doctors’ Association said they are joining the industrial action which was begun by nurses on June 18 until the arrested health workers had been released.
“For now, the government must release our nurses whom they arrested for demanding a living wage then we can start to discuss the way forward.
“You cannot arrest a nurse and expect me as a doctor to work, how? So for now release our colleagues and we are able to engage each other thereafter,” Kusotera said.
The health workers want to be paid their salaries in US dollars as they allege the local currency was valueless and not enough to sustain their wellbeing.
Enoch Dongo, the president of the Zimbabwe Nurses Association said all they are asking for was a living wage.
“We are saying to our employer pay us in US dollars or give us salaries that are equivalent to what we used to earn on 1 October 2019,” he said.
The latest industrial action comes as the country’s economy is paralysed and wages have been eroded.
The health workers had a torrid time with police officers who were against their picketing and industrial action.
The annual inflation surged to 785 percent in May from 765.57 percent in April, according to the Zimbabwe National Statistics Agency (Zimstat).
The month-on-month inflation rate in May was 15.13 percent from April’s 17.64 percent.
While many civil servants earn around $5 000, Zimbabwe’s poverty datum line (PDL) increased to $7 426 in April from $6 421 in March.
The data shows financial requirements for a family of five to live a basic comfortable life and not be deemed poor continued to go up.
“The Total Consumption Poverty Line for one person during the same period was $1 485,16 while that for an average of five persons per household stood at $7 425,81,” Zimstat said.
The rise in the cost of living reflects the impact of inflation caused mainly by exchange rate instability which has seen the local currency lose its value against the United States dollar, while prices of basic commodities skyrocket.
LONGER CLIP – "They (Mwonzora and Khupe) have exposed themselves in what they are doing. And how they have killed Mai Chamisa, tell them I have said it," says @Amaikitapic.twitter.com/Sj11mnuBQL
Zimbabwe’s coronavirus cases have jumped to 787 after 53 people – 16 returnees from South Africa, 3 from Botswana and 34 locals tested positive for the virus on Tuesday.
The Ministry of Health and Child Care notes that 29 of the local cases are contacts of known confirmed cases.
Meanwhile, 4 people recovered bringing the total number of recoveries to 201 while deaths are at 9.
To date, a total of 81 335 tests have been done.
The Ministry of Health and Child Care has also called on Zimbabweans to report any returning citizens who abscond quarantine so as “to protect yourself and others.”
Harare has the highest number of cases (250) which are mainly imported cases, while Bulawayo has recorded the highest number of local cases.
The cases so far recorded in the country, however, do not have a specific trend and are largely influenced by the volumes of returnees.
The Trump administration has notified Congress and the United Nations that the United States is formally withdrawing from the World Health Organization, multiple officials tell CNN, a move that comes amid a rising number of coronavirus cases throughout the Americas over the past week.
The withdrawal, which goes into effect next July, has drawn criticism from bipartisan lawmakers, medical associations, advocacy organizations and allies abroad. Presumptive Democratic presidential nominee Joe Biden vowed Tuesday to reverse the decision “on (his) first day” if elected.
Sen. Robert Menendez, the top Democrat on the Senate Foreign Relations Committee tweeted the news Tuesday.
“Congress received notification that POTUS officially withdrew the U.S. from the @WHOin the midst of a pandemic. To call Trump’s response to COVID chaotic & incoherent doesn’t do it justice. This won’t protect American lives or interests—it leaves Americans sick & America alone,” he wrote.
A State Department official also confirmed that “the United States’ notice of withdrawal, effective July 6, 2021, has been submitted to the UN Secretary-General, who is the depository for the WHO.” The spokesperson for Secretary-General António Guterres said he had received the notice and “is in the process of verifying with the World Health Organization whether all the conditions for such withdrawal are met.” Those conditions “include giving a one-year notice and fully meeting the payment of assessed financial obligations.”
The letter addressed to the UN is very short, around three sentences, a source briefed on the correspondence told CNN, and it triggers a one-year withdrawal timeline. However, this source also cautioned that they cannot confirm they saw the final version of the letter.
Among its current functions, the WHO is attempting to coordinate efforts to get personal safety and medical equipment, like ventilators, to hospitals around the world. Elizabeth Cousens, the president and CEO of the UN Foundation, said the organization is “indispensable” in the fight against Covid-19.
Loyce Pace, president and executive director of Global Health Council, echoed that point, telling CNN: “Thousands of people have spoken, from health experts to heads of state and heroes on the frontlines: the world needs WHO. This move signals a dangerous gamble in the midst of a pandemic we have yet to conquer, and without a viable alternative to WHO.”
Some have warned that withdrawal in the current environment could also interfere with clinical trials essential for developing vaccines, as well as efforts to trace the spread of the virus globally.
‘Short-sighted, unnecessary, and unequivocally dangerous’ President Donald Trump said he was halting funding to the organization in mid-April and announced his intention to withdraw from the WHO in May after he said it “failed to make the requested and greatly needed reforms.” Trump had denounced the US’ contribution to the WHO — $400-500 million — in comparison to China’s and consistently accused the organization of aiding China in allegedly covering up the origins of the virus and allowing its spread.
While lawmakers from both parties have long cited systemic problems with the WHO, many have also denounced the President’s decision to withdraw during a once-in-a-century global pandemic.
Democratic House Speaker Nancy Pelosi called it “is an act of true senselessness.” Republican Sen. Lamar Alexander, chairman of the Senate Health, Education, Labor and Pensions Committee, said he disagreed with Trump’s decision.
“If the administration has specific recommendations for reforms of the WHO, it should submit those recommendations to Congress, and we can work together to make those happen,” he said.
Last month, despite alleging that the World Health Organization “enabled” the Chinese government’s sweeping cover-up of the coronavirus pandemic’s origins, members of the GOP China task force urged Trump to reconsider his decision to terminate relations with the international body, arguing that the US can do more to affect change as a member.
Cousens, the head of the UN Foundation, called the decision “short-sighted, unnecessary, and unequivocally dangerous” and said that the US’ “ability to lead and shape an agenda for reform is drastically diminished when they step out of the field of play.”
“There’s no question but that working within an institution like the World Health Organization allows the United States and others to leverage their resources to have much greater impact,” she told CNN.
She pointed to the WHO’s work in “distributing millions of pieces of personal protective equipment to medical facilities around the world, millions of diagnostic tests, tracking the virus’ spread across borders, coordinating global efforts to develop a vaccine, … coordinating research among over 100 countries … along with all of the work that they do in low resource and more humanitarian settings.”
Move comes as virus is surging The heads of the American Medical Association, American Academy of Pediatrics, American Academy of Family Physicians and American College of Physicians condemned the move to withdraw from the WHO, saying in a statement that it “puts the health of our country at grave risk.”
“This dangerous withdrawal not only impacts the global response against COVID-19, but also undermines efforts to address other major public health threats,” they said in a joint statement. “We call on Congress to reject the Administration’s withdrawal from the WHO and make every effort to preserve the United States’ relationship with this valued global institution. Now is the time to invest in global health, rather than turn back.”
The number of coronavirus cases continues to surge across the US and in various countries around the world.
There are at least 2,953,423 cases of coronavirus in the US, and at least 130,546 people have died from the virus in the country, according to Johns Hopkins University’s tally.
In the span of a week and a half, the number of US coronavirus cases reported each day has doubled, and officials are saying this is still the first wave of the pandemic.
Trump has repeatedly insisted that the rise of cases in the US is purely the result of increased testing, but a WHO official knocked down that claim on Monday.
WHO scientists and experts are scheduled to travel to China this weekend to investigate the origins of the novel coronavirus, WHO Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus announced on Tuesday.
Specifically, experts will be seeking to trace the narrative of how the coronavirus might have spread from the wild to possibly farm animals to humans, said Dr. Mike Ryan, executive director of WHO’s Health Emergencies Program.
Biden vows to reverse decision The Trump administration has already diverted funding from the WHO and the process to formally withdraw will take a year to complete. Critics of the decision hope that the withdrawal decision will be reversed if Trump loses the presidential election in November. In a tweet Tuesday, Biden vowed to do so if elected.
“Americans are safer when America is engaged in strengthening global health. On my first day as President, I will rejoin the @WHO and restore our leadership on the world stage,” he wrote.
US allies have rallied to the support of the WHO, with a top diplomat from Germany calling for global solidarity and Italy’s Health Minister criticizing Trump’s decision as “serious and wrong”.
Trump’s decision to permanently terminate the US relationship with the WHO follows a years-long pattern of railing against global organizations, with the President claiming that the US is being taken advantage of. The President has questioned US funding to the United Nations and NATO, withdrawn from the Paris climate accord and repeatedly criticized the World Trade Organization.
Speaker of parliament Jacob Mudenda has announced the recall of Chivhi South MP, Killer Zivhu after his recall from the house by Zanu PF.
Announcing his expulsion Tuesday, National Assembly Speaker Jacob Mudenda said the controversial businessman-turned-ruling party politician had ceased to be MP.
“On 1st of July, 2020, Parliament was notified by Zanu PF party that Honourable Killer Zivhu, member of the National Assembly for Chivi South Constituency had ceased to be a member of Zimbabwe African National Union (Patriotic Front) Party (Zanu-PF) and therefore, no-longer represents the interests of the party in parliament with effect from 1st July, 2020.
“Section 129 (I) (k) of the Constitution of Zimbabwe provides that, the seat of a member of Parliament becomes vacant if the member has ceased to belong to the political party of which he or she was a member when elected to Parliament and the political party concerned, by written notice to the Speaker or to the President of the Senate as the case may be, has declared that the member has ceased to belong to it.
“Pursuant to the above, I do hereby inform the House that a vacancy has arisen in the National Assembly by the operation of the law.
“The necessary administrative measures will be taken to inform His Excellency, the President of the Republic of Zimbabwe and the Zimbabwe Electoral Commission (ZEC) of the existence of the vacancy in line with Section 39(I) of the Electoral Act [Chapter 2:13], as amended.”
Firebrand MDC Alliance deputy chairperson, Job Sikhala has filed a $1,5 million lawsuit against government over his arrest and prosecution last year.
Sikhala was arrested and accused of treason after he told a rally in Masvingo July last year the MDC was going to remove President Emmerson Mnangagwa before the 2023 elections.
In his summons, he cited Kazembe, Police Commissioner General Godwin Matanga and Prosecutor General Kumbirai Hodzi as first, second and third respondents, respectively.
Others cited as respondents include officers who arrested him and some he accused of terrorising him during his detention.
His lawyers said, “The plaintiff claims, which are issued against the defendants jointly and severally the one paying the other to be absolved are for payment in the sum of $200 000, being damages for unlawful and wrongful arrest; $300 000 for pain, shock and suffering and contumelia; $200 000 being damages for unlawful and wrongful detention; $300 000 special damages for loss of income; $200 000 for malicious prosecution and $300 000 for travel, accommodation, subsistence and legal expenses incurred by the plaintiff as a result of wrongful and unlawful conduct of the defendants plus interest and costs of suit”.
Further reads Sikhala’s court papers, “The claims are arising from the unlawful arrest and detention of the plaintiff on the 9th of July 2019 and malicious prosecution of the plaintiff, caused by the defendants acting in the course of and within the scope of their employment.
“On the 9th of July 2019, the plaintiff was arrested by the sixth defendant a policeman who was acting within the course and scope of his employment as a policeman under the command and overall supervision of first and second defendants.”
Sikhala also said he was detained under inhumane and degrading conditions in which there were insufficient blankets to a point of spending the cold night without a blanket.
“There were no functional ablution facilities in the cells resulting in the entire place smelling of human excrement,” he said.
The MDC legislator also said there was no running water in the cells and no toilet paper was provided.
He said again at Bikita Police station, he was subjected to inhumane and degrading treatment also during the journey to the police station.
“He was blindfolded and a hood placed over his head.
“He suffered verbal insults and threats from the police officers who were transporting him to Bikita Police Station,” his lawyers said.
“He was denied an opportunity to relieve himself despite a specific relief to answer the call of nature.”
Sikhala said when he was in remand prison, a mentally depraved prisoner was allowed access into his cell where he would relieve himself on his blankets.
“A letter was sent to prison authorities who are yet to respond,” said his lawyers.
Sikhala also said he was maliciously prosecuted before he was acquitted by the High court on February 14 this year.
He said he lost business during the time he was forced to attend court.
Also, as a member of the National Assembly, he was entitled to allowances from parliament based on his attendance, but he missed some sessions thereby losing the allowances.
“Cumulatively, plaintiff has lost income in the sum of $300 0000 which is due and payable to him from the defendants, jointly and severally, the one paying the other to be absolved,” wrote his lawyers Mbizo, Muchadehama and Makoni Legal practitioners .
Gweru miner shot and injured by the Chinese v businessman
The Gweru mine manager, who allegedly shot and injured two of his employees following a pay dispute at the company premises a fortnight ago, has been granted $10 000 bail by Masvingo High Court judge, Justice Garainesu Mawadze.
Zihang Xuelin (50), a manager at Reden Mine, is facing attempted murder charges after he shot one of his employees, Mr Kenneth Tichaona three times on both legs before shooting at by-standers resulting in a bullet razing through the chin of another worker.
He was denied bail on his initial appearance before Gweru magistrate, Mr Edwin Marecha.
Justice Mawadze, however, consented to bail and advised Xuelin to surrender his passport and reside at his Gweru Windsor address as part of his bail conditions.
Xuelin was also ordered to report every Friday at Gweru central police Station.
Xuelin yesterday again briefly appeared before magistrate Marecha and was remanded to August 6, 2020 for a trial.
The State case against Xuelin is that on Monday June 22, 2020 at around 11 am, the complainant, Mr Tichaona was among the 30 Reden Mine employees who gathered at the mine premises where they had a pay dispute with their employer.
The court heard that the employees were demanding to be paid in hard currency while the employer insisted on paying in local currency. This did not go down well with the employees, resulting in an altercation and mini-demonstration.
The employees led by Mr Tichaona then charged towards the accused who then fired two warning shots into the air but the group continued charging towards him, the court heard.
It is the State’s case that the accused then used the company pistol that was in his possession to shoot Mr Tichaona three times on both legs, resulting in him falling to the ground.
The accused again shot at the group of employees and a bullet grazed through the chin of one employee, Mr Wendy Chikwaira, the court further heard.
Mr Tichaona was later taken to a private hospital with serious leg injuries while Mr Chikwaira sustained a minor wound on the chin. Ms Mildred Mukucha appeared for the State.
Psychology Maziwisa and Oscar Pambuka at Harare magistrates court
Jailed former Energy and Power Development Minister Samuel Undenge has no prospects of success on a second appeal against his conviction and sentence for corruption, the High Court ruled when throwing out his application for leave to appeal to the Supreme Court.
Undenge was slapped with an effective 30-month jail term after being convicted of criminal abuse of office by a Harare Magistrates’ Court for corruptly instructing the Zimbabwe Power Company, Zesa’s generation arm, to hire former President Robert Mugabe’s blue eyed boys former Highfield MP Psychology Maziwisa and former ZBC news anchor Oscar Pambuka as consultants for which they were paid US$12 659.
He appealed against both conviction and sentence to the High Court, but the two-judge bench that heard this appeal found the magistrate had acted correctly and he was then returned to the Magistrates Court where he was committed to prison.
He then applied for leave to make a second appeal to the Supreme Court, and for bail pending the outcome of that appeal, both applications made through his lawyer, Mr Alec Muchadehama, to the High Court.
But in a judgment delivered on Monday, Justice Joseph Musakwa concluded that Undenge’s prospects of success on appeal against his conviction and his sentence were nil.
This also had a bearing on the former minister’s application for bail pending appeal, which in any case, is predicated on prospects of success in the intended appeal.
A 65-YEAR-OLD man from Dete in Hwange District allegedly hanged himself at his family’s graveyard and left a suicide note saying he was tired of living with his wife.
Never Sibanda of Siamateme village under Chief Nelukoba allegedly addressed the note to his children, telling them that he had failed to live with their mother Ms Sarah Ncube (47).
Police reportedly found the suicide note in the pocket of a jacket that Sibanda was wearing when he hanged himself.
The suicide note, according to police papers reads: “Goodbye my children, stay safe. I have failed to stay with your mother. Yours father.”
The incident happened on Sunday night and Sibanda’s body was found on Monday morning hanging with a rope from a tree at the graveyard, about a kilometre away from his homestead.
Matabeleland North police spokesperson Chief Inspector Siphiwe Makonese could not comment on the matter as she was not reachable on her mobile phone yesterday.
Chief Nelukoba said he was yet to get full details of the matter.
However, he bemoaned prevalence of domestic violence cases involving women as aggressors, saying he had summoned a couple from Dopota area for a hearing at his court tomorrow after a man filed a report of being abused by his wife.
“I haven’t got full details on that one but I will investigate it. I am worried about cases of violence by women on their husbands judging by the cases I am handling. As we speak there is a man who came to report about domestic violence perpetuated by his wife and I have since summoned the couple to come on Thursday for hearing,” said Chief Nelukoba.
Police sources said Sibanda retired to bed with his wife around 9pm on Sunday before he woke up at midnight, telling her that he was failing to sleep and needed to sit outside.
Ms Ncube allegedly did not bother to check on him and she continued sleeping.
She only noticed in the morning that her husband had not returned to bed.
She informed other family members who conducted a search and they traced the now deceased’s footprints which led them to the family graveyard where they found him dead.
A report was made to the police who retrieved the body.
Matabeleland North provincial magistrate Mrs Sekai Chiwundura waived post-mortem as no foul play was suspected.
Government has repatriated 54 Zimbabweans from Mozambique, mainly cross-border traders caught up in the state of emergency declared in that country at the end of March to fight Covid-19.
While goverment is busy repatriating the poor citizens, deputy minister of industry and commerce Raj Modi has remained living in luxury in Australia for three months.
The 61-year-old was travelling on business when Australia imposed a lockdown on March 20, before Zimbabwe closed its borders to foreigners on March 30.
Modi reportedly owns three supermarkets in Australia and runs a liquor wholesale business in Bulawayo.
Government spokesman Nick Mangwana confirmed Modi’s lengthy absence.
“I can confirm that deputy minister Modi is in Australia and is making arrangements to come back home,” Mangwana said.
The 54 Zimbabweans who came on Sunday from Mozambique, take the total number of citizens assisted to return home since the outbreak of Covid-19 to 252.
The repatriation was done with cooperation from the Mozambican government.
Zimbabwe’s Ambassador to Mozambique, Douglas Nyikayaramba, confirmed the development to The Herald last night.
“I can confirm that the Embassy of the Republic of Zimbabwe to the Republic of Mozambique in Maputo is repatriating Zimbabwean nationals mainly cross-border traders who were caught up in the State of Emergency declared on 31st March 2020 by His Excellency President (Filipe) Nyusi to mitigate the spread of Covid-19 pandemic.
“To date, a total of 252 nationals have departed Maputo for Harare via Chicualacuala/Sango Border Post in five separate groups,” said Ambassador Nyikayaramba.
Zimbabwe Republic Police Spokesperson Assistant Commissioner Paul Nyathi
The Zimbabwe Republic Police has issued a stern warning to illegal commuter omnibus operators and citizens who are breaking lockdown regulations as COVID-19 cases continue to rise.
Zimbabwe Republic Police Spokesperson Assistant Commissioner Paul Nyathi issued the warning at a time when a number of illegal commuter omnibus operators have resurfaced.
This has resulted in people breaking lockdown rules especially at market places where people are crowding.
“We are on full force to ensure that lockdown regulations are adhered to as we are maintaining a heavy presence at all the places especially market places as we try to monitor and ensure that lockdown regulations are being maintained,” said Ass Comm Nyathi.
Assistant Commissioner Nyathi also expressed concern on the rising cases of people smuggling drugs to the market places, confirming they are investigating a shooting incident in Chitungwiza where a box full of drugs was confiscated.
“I can confirm that one person was shot by the police in Chitungwiza as he was trying to evade arrest by the officers on duty. Let me warn the public that as the Zimbabwe Republic Police, we have beefed up our workforce to ensure that lockdown regulations are followed as prescribed by the authorities.”
The country is slowly returning to full economic activity with an orderly reopening of the informal economy under strict lockdown conditions such as high levels of personal hygiene and social distancing.
Meanwhile, another 10 returnees, two of them COVID-19 positive, escaped from quarantine centres on Monday while police have impounded 857 kombis in a major blitz for operating in defiance of lockdown regulations.
The two COVID-19 positive returnees escaped from Pangani Training Centre in Matabeleland South, with another seven escaping from Bulawayo Polytechnic and the 10th from Mushagashe Training Centre in Masvingo.
National police spokesperson Assistant Commissioner Paul Nyathi said yesterday that the 10 brought the total of escapees to 204, with only 28 arrested so far.
“Of concern is the manner in which these people are escaping from these centres and police are, however, investigating the circumstances.
“We believe that they are taking advantage of the porous security fences and walls at some of these institutions and other surroundings that don’t have lights,” he said.
Last night, the Ministry of Health and Child Care announced another 54 confirmed cases bringing the total to 787. Of these 19 were returnees and 34 local cases, although 29 of the local cases were contacts of known patients.
In a major blitz against kombis outside ZUPCO management, police have impounded 857 kombis since Friday. Owners of around 1 000 kombis have seen their vehicles integrated into the ZUPCO fleet, but others have put their vehicles back onto the road.
Pirate kombis charge two to three times the approved Zupco kombi fares.
According to police, some of the drivers of pirate kombis were fined, while others are expected to appear in court.
Asst Comm Nyathi said police would not release the kombis that they impounded, even if the driver escaped with a fine.
He said of the 857 impounded kombis, 98 were in Gweru, 153 in Mashonaland West, 244 in Harare, 91 in Manicaland, 35 in Matabeleland South, 148 in Masvingo, 54 in Mashonaland East, 11 in Matabeleland North and 23 in Bulawayo.
In the 15 weeks since the start of the lockdown, 92 346 people have been arrested countrywide since March 30 for violating lockdown regulations, with almost all paying admission of guilt fines, although more serious offenders go to court.
1. ZIMBABWE’S RESPONSE TO THE CORONAVIRUS (COVID-19) OUTBREAK Cabinet was briefed by the Honourable Vice President K. C. D. Mohadi, as Chairman of the Ad Hoc Inter-Ministerial Task Force on the COVID-19, on the steps that were being taken to contain the spread of the pandemic.
The cumulative rapid screening and PCR tests conducted as of 6 July, 2020 are 80 654 (47 086 RDT and 33 568 PCR) inclusive of tests done at private laboratories. The country has now recorded seven hundred and thirty-four (734) COVID-19 confirmed cases. Of these 528 are active cases, with 197 recoveries and nine (9) deaths.The eighth death is of a 21-year-old female with no travel history but with co-morbidities (leukemia), while the ninth death is of a 54 year old male with co-morbidities.
Of the 734 confirmed cases, 113 are local cases. Eighty-eight (88) of the local cases can be linked to known confirmed cases, while the other 25 cannot be immediately linked to a confirmed case. Investigations are underway to establish the sources of infection. Harare has the highest number of cases (245)which are mainly imported cases, while Bulawayo has recorded the highest number of local cases (50). Local transmissionsin the country currently stand at 16% of the total casesrecorded. The cases so far recorded in the country, however, do not have a specific trend and are largely influenced by the volumes of returnees. There are currently no cases admitted in High Dependency Unit (HDU) and Intensive Care Unit (ICU).
Cabinet approved the adoption of the new Guidelines set by the World Health Organisation (WHO), which regulate the discharge of COVID-19 patients from isolation centres. This should see the easing of the situation in the quarantine and isolation centres. Implementation of the new Guidelines will lead to a reduction in the number of days that people will spend in the quarantine and isolation facilities and the number of re-tests to be conducted. According to the new Guidelines, people with symptoms will now spend a minimum of 13 days in isolation and a minimum of 10 days for asymptomatic patients instead of the 21 days following two (2) consecutive negative PCR results that are 24 hours apart. Patients who continue to test positive are presently not being discharged. Thenew WHOcriteria for discharging patients from isolation are as follows:
For symptomatic patients:they should be discharged after a minimum of 13 days. The days include a minimum of 10 days after symptom onset (fever and respiratory symptoms) and an additional 3 days without symptoms.
For asymptomatic cases: these can be discharged 10 days after they would have had a positive test for COVID-19.
The nation is being advised that examination classes (Grade 7, Form 4 and Form 6) will resume lessons on the 28 July, 2020 for both public and private schools. Private Schools should formally engage the Ministry of Primary and Secondary Education if they need further clarification on issues that are peculiar to their operations.
Under the cash transfers to the informal sector members affected by COVID-19, a total of 202 077 people had been paid cushioning allowances. The provinces have been asked to provide more names to reach the targeted one million beneficiaries.
2. UPDATE ON THE GASTROINTESTINAL DISEASE OUTBREAK IN LUVEVE, BULAWAYO
The Minister of Local Government and Public Works updated Cabinet on the Gastrointestinal disease outbreak in Luveve, Bulawayo where a total of 1 798 cases had been attended to both at home and clinic. A total of thirteen deaths been recorded to date.
Government is carrying out the following interventions: I. Waiving of water-shedding in the affected area; II. Risk communication and community engagement; III. Waiver of user fees for cases fitting the Gastro-Intestinal disease case definition; IV. Distribution of oral rehydration salts and placing neighbouring health facilities on high alert; V. Conducting house-to-house surveys to actively find more diarrhea cases; VI. Collecting water samples for analysis; and VII. Following up on community deaths with Luveve Police Station.
3. NATIONAL TOURISM RECOVERY AND GROWTH PLAN POST COVID-19 PANDEMIC
The Minister of Finance and Economic Development, as Chairman of the Cabinet Committee on National Development Planning briefed Cabinet on the Tourism Recovery and Growth Strategy, which seeks to revive and grow the Tourism Sector into a US$5 billion industry by 2023. Cabinet approved the Plan
As part of the pillars of the recovery strategies, it should be recalled that Government has already put in place a Tourism Sector Support Scheme under the Stimulus Package, whose key aspects are as follows: a Government Guarantee Facility of ZW$500 000 000.00; a ZW$20 000 000.00 Tourism Revolving Fund; a waiver of Value Added Tax (VAT) on domestic tourism; deferment of liquidation of foreign currency paid by international clients;support for Zimbabwe Tourism Authority; and payment of money owed to Tourism Operators by various Government Institutions. The financial support will enable the sector to expand, refurbish and modernise their facilities in line with international standards.
The strategies will involve Domestic Tourism Promotion; Regional Tourism Promotion; Destination Branding and Image Transformation; Digital Marketing Campaign; Diaspora Tourism Promotion and International Tourism Promotion. The other strategies also include Promotion of Meeting Incentives Conferences and Events (MICE) Tourism; Wide Scale Roll-out of the Service Excellence Programme; Tourism Health, Safety and Hygiene Protocols; and the development of a Tourism Communication Plan.
4. PROPOSAL ON THE 2020 WINTER MAIZE PRODUCTION PROGRAMME
Cabinet considered and approved the 2020 Winter Maize Production Programme, which was presented by the Minister of Lands, Agriculture. Water and Rural Resettlement, as Deputy Chairman of the Cabinet Committee on Food Security and Nutrition. The Programme is targeting to put 4000 hectares under winter maize in Zimbabwe’s low-lying areas of Masvingo, Matebeleland North and Mashonaland West. A cost-benefit analysis of the Programme reveals that it will result in substantial savings in comparison to importing the same amount of maize. Other benefits of the Programme include the following: maximization of land use; ensuring food supply sufficiency as most countries are not likely to export due to the COVID 19 pandemic; employment creation for locals along the whole value chain of maize production; and reduction of the burden of support on Treasury since the programme is run on a cost-recovery basis.
5. REPORT ON PHASE I OF THE COMPREHENSIVE NATIONAL AGRICULTURAL LAND AUDIT
The Minister of Lands, Agriculture, Water and Rural Resettlement presented a Report on Phase I of the Comprehensive National Agricultural Land Audit, which was adopted by Cabinet. Phase I covered eighteen thousand six hundred and forty-six (18 646) land units, representing 6% of the estimated three hundred thousand (300 000) total land units to be audited. Phase II covering 38 000 land units has already been undertaken and the report will soon be presented. Phase III will cover 242 000 units. Arising from today’s presentation, the following key decisions were made: (i) That the issuance of tenure documents will be expedited; (ii) That married beneficiaries will be given joint tenure documents to protect spouses on land ownership; (iii) That the 255 abandoned land units and 112 vacant land units will be re-allocated to deserving applicants; (iv) That 24 farms under multiple farm ownership will be withdrawn and re-allocated to deserving applicants; (v) That the 71 identified farms exceeding the maximum gazetted sizes will be downsized and measures are being put in place to safeguard production thereof.
Allocation of land will be in line with the gazetted policy quotas with respect to War Veterans, Women, Youths and People living with Disabilities.
6. MBUYANEHANDA MEMORIAL MONUMENT
Government has approved the erection of a statue of the iconic and gallant heroine of the 1stChimurenga/Umvhukela MbuyaNehanda. Befittingly the monument will be located at the intersection of Samora Machel Avenue and Julius Nyerere Way. Work has already started and is being implemented by an inter-agency team which is supervised by Honourable Vice President Chiwenga. The Agencies are drawn from the Ministries of Transport and Infrastructural Development; Local Government and Public Works; and Home Affairs and Cultural Heritage.
Civil works and fabrication are already in progress, while the statue is already being moulded by a Zimbabwean artist. Construction is expected to be completed within two months.
Meanwhile, traffic will be re-routed by City of Harare Technicians and other partners.
Cabinet has this Tuesday approved the adoption of the new guidelines set by the World Health Organisation (WHO), which regulates the discharge of COVID-19 patients from isolation centres.
Announcing the development in a post-cabinet press briefing the Minister for Information, Publicity and Broadcasting Services, Senator Monica Mutsvangwa said, “implementation of the new guidelines will lead to a reduction in the number of days that people will spend in the quarantine and isolation facilities and the number of re-tests to be conducted.”
This is expected to ease the situation in the quarantine and isolation centres.
According to the new Guidelines, people with symptoms will now spend a minimum of 13 days in isolation and a minimum of 10 days for asymptomatic patients instead of the 21 days following two (2) consecutive negative PCR results that are 24 hours apart.
Patients who continue to test positive are presently not being discharged.
The new WHO criteria for discharging patients from isolation prescribes that symptomatic patients be discharged after a minimum of 13 days.
The days include a minimum of 10 days after symptom onset (fever and respiratory symptoms) and an additional 3 days without symptoms.
Asymptomatic cases can be discharged 10 days after they would have had a positive test for COVID-19.
Minister Mutsvangwa also announced that examination classes (Grade 7, Form 4, and Form 6) will resume lessons on the 28th of July, 2020 for both public and private schools.
Private Schools have been told to formally engage the Ministry of Primary and Secondary Education if they need further clarification on issues that are peculiar to their operations.
Under the cash transfers to the informal sector members affected by COVID-19, Senator Mutsvangwa said a total of 202 077 people had been paid cushioning allowances.
The government is targeting one million beneficiaries and provinces have been asked to provide more names.
Meanwhile, Cabinet also approved a plan presented by The Minister of Finance and Economic Development, as Chairman of the Cabinet Committee on National Development Planning on the Tourism Recovery and Growth Strategy, which seeks to revive and grow the Tourism Sector into a US$5 billion industry by 2023.
“As part of the pillars of the recovery strategies, it should be recalled that Government has already put in place a Tourism Sector Support Scheme under the Stimulus Package, whose key aspects are as follows: a Government Guarantee Facility of ZW$500 000 000.00; a ZW$20 000 000.00 Tourism Revolving Fund; a waiver of Value Added Tax (VAT) on domestic tourism; deferment of liquidation of foreign currency paid by international clients; support for Zimbabwe Tourism Authority; and payment of money owed to Tourism Operators by various Government Institutions.”
“The financial support will enable the sector to expand, refurbish, and modernise their facilities in line with international standards.”
The strategies will involve Domestic Tourism Promotion; Regional Tourism Promotion; Destination Branding and Image Transformation; Digital Marketing Campaign; Diaspora Tourism Promotion and International Tourism Promotion. The other strategies also include Promotion of Meeting Incentives Conferences and Events (MICE) Tourism; Wide-Scale Roll-out of the Service Excellence Programme; Tourism Health, Safety and Hygiene Protocols; and the development of a Tourism Communication Plan.
Fifty-three people tested positive for COVID-19 this Tuesday bringing the total number of positive cases to 787.
In a COVID-19 daily update, the Ministry of Health and Child Care said the people who tested positive include nineteen returnees and thirty-four (34) local cases.
“53 cases tested positive for COVID-19 today. These include sixteen returnees from South Africa, three from Botswana, and thirty-four local cases who are all isolated,” the Ministry said.
29 of the local cases are contacts of known confirmed cases, and investigations are underway to establish the source of infection for the other 5 local cases.
New recoveries were reported in Bulawayo (2) and Mashonaland East (2).
The total number of confirmed cases stands at 787, with 201 recoveries, 577 active cases, and 9 deaths since the beginning of the outbreak in Zimbabwe on the 20th of March 2020.
To date, a total of 81 335 tests have been done.
The Ministry of Health and Child Care has also called on Zimbabweans to report any returning citizens who abscond quarantine.
“To protect yourself and others, report to health authorities any suspicious returning citizens or residents that might not have gone through quarantine.”
Harare has the highest number of cases (250) which are mainly imported cases, while Bulawayo has recorded the highest number of local cases.
The cases so far recorded in the country, however, do not have a specific trend and are largely influenced by the volumes of returnees.
There are currently no cases admitted in the High Dependency Unit (HDU) and Intensive Care Unit (ICU).
President Mnangagwa has consoled MDC-Alliance leader Mr Nelson Chamisa following the sudden death of his mother on Monday.
In a message on microblogging site Twitter, the President said he was saddened by the death of Gogo Chamisa who passed away at her Gutu rural home in Masvingo.
“I was sad to hear of the passing of Ambuya Chamisa, the mother of Nelson Chamisa. Our thoughts and prayers are with @nelsonchamisa and the Chamisa family at this difficult time,” he said.
Foreign Affairs and International Trade Minister Dr Sibusiso Moyo also extended his condolences to Mr Chamisa.
“Allow me to express my deepest condolences on the untimely passing on of Gogo Chamisa, your dear mother. May Advocate @nelsonchamisa find comfort in the word of God and may her departed soul rest in eternal peace,” he said.
Setting aside their political difference, MDC-T acting president Dr Thokozani Khupe also consoled Mr Chamisa.
“My deepest condolences to the Chamisa family. I pray that the Lord comforts you in this difficult time. MHSRIP,” she posted on her Twitter page.
Energy and Power Development Minister Fortune Chasi also commiserated with Mr Chamisa saying, “The passing on of a parent, particularly when it’s sudden, is a very painful development. So sorry @nelsonchamisa.”
Reports indicate that Gogo Chamisa collapsed and died while in her garden.
On Monday, the 6th of July 2020, 12 nurses were arrested in Harare for exercising their democratic right to demonstrate.
The government responded to wailing nurses by sending the riot police to suppress their voices in a clear indication that they are not concerned about our lives.
The MDC Alliance Students’ Council is gravely concerned about the government’s response to the nurses’ strikes.
The nurses are only asking for their lives to be taken into consideration through provision of adequate protective clothing during the COVID 19 pandemic and an increment of salaries to commensurate the high cost of living.
COVID -19 cases are shooting on a daily basis and our health workers cannot be forced to work in such a risky environment for meagre salaries.
It is touching to note that a country that is rich with minerals and has miles of arable land has such a poor health system.
The once envied health system of Zimbabwe has dwindled as a result of corruption by ZANU PF officials.
It’s time for us the people of Zimbabwe to completely get rid of an illegitimate government that is corrupt and clueless when it comes to running a country. If we do not rise now to fight a corrupt ZANU PF government we shall wake up when our beloved Zimbabwe is completely in flames. Our self-imposed leaders do not care about us and we can’t tolerate them anymore.
MDCA SOUTH AFRICA PROVINCE JOINS THE CHAMISA FAMILY AND THE REST OF THE MDCA FAMILY IN MOURNING GOGO CHAMISA
7 JULY 2020
It is with great shock and sadness, as MDCA South Africa Province, that we learnt of the passing on of our President, Nelson Chamisa’s mother, yesterday.
As a Province, we extend our heartfelt condolences to our President, the Chamisa family and the MDC Alliance family .
We will remember Gogo Chamisa for giving us a fearless leader, God fearing, charismatic as he is, and a democratic fighter, in the name of Nelson Chamisa. May heavens open for her soul to rest in eternal peace.
Innocent Nsingo (MDCA SOUTH AFRICA PROVINCIAL SPOKESPERSON) 0731355093
A total of 91 250 people have been arrested countrywide since March 30 for violating lockdown regulations, with the bulk of them paying fines.
The offences include failure to wear masks, liquor-related offences, violation of the Road Traffic Act, unnecessary movements, illegal gatherings, opening businesses without proper documentation.
Police said most of the people were arrested for not wearing masks and for unnecessary movements.
National police spokeperson Assistant Commissioner Paul Nyathi said Harare continued to have the highest number of arrests with 18 562 followed by Manicaland with 17 632 arrests while Bulawayo had 14 048.
“Yesterday (Sunday) we arrested a total of 1001 people countrywide and the highest number of arrests was for unnecessary movements which had a total of 443 while those arrested for failing to wear masks were 266,” he said.
He said 349 people had also been arrested for border jumping and smuggling since May 16.
The number of people who escaped from quarantine centres was 194 and police had arrested 28 of them.
Last Thursday, two people escaped from NSSA Hotel Beitbridge quarantine centre and Beatrice Rehabilitation Centre in Mashonaland East province.
At least 71 drivers were also arrested for ferrying passengers in violation of Covid-19 lockdown regulations.
Asst Comm Nyathi traffic police would remain deployed to arrest pirate taxi and commuter omnibus drivers that were prohibited from operating.
“Police checkpoints, roadblocks and patrols will remain being activated to account for all errant drivers who have now resorted to breaking the country’s laws during this period. We will not hesitate to impound the vehicles and arrest the drivers”-The Herald
A 19-YEAR-OLD teenager has been arrested after he allegedly killed his neighbour during a dispute over age difference.
Matabeleland South provincial police spokesperson Chief Inspector Philisani Ndebele confirmed the incident which occurred in Collen Bawn on Sunday at around 8PM.
He said Hebert Jamara who works at Sally Mine in Collen Bawn had a dispute with Mr Abel Mbomo over their ages. Kudakwashe Dube intervened and Jamara struck him with a brick on the head.
“Kudakwashe Dube was at his home drinking at home with his friends when Jamara arrived and joined them.
Jamara then had a misunderstanding with Mr Abel Mbomo over who was older and who had the most strength.
Jamara then threatened to assault Mr Mbomo and Dube intervened and rebuked Jamara for his actions,” he said.
“Jamara then turned on Dube and threatened to assault him. He went outside and returned shortly with a brick and struck Dube several times on the head before fleeing the scene.
Dube was rushed to Gwanda Provincial Hospital where he was pronounced dead upon arrival.”
Chief Insp Ndebele said the matter was reported to the police who conducted investigations leading to Jamara’s arrest.
He raised concern over an upsurge of assault cases over petty issues that were being recorded in the province. He said some of these incidences resulted in murder cases or serious assault cases.-Chronicle
BARCELONA. — Neymar’s proposed return to Spanish football giants Barcelona has essentially been ruled out by club president Josep Bartomeu, who says the transfer market will be negatively impacted by the coronavirus crisis.
Barca lured Neymar to Camp Nou from Santos in 2013 and he went on to help the club win eight major trophies, including two La Liga titles and the Champions League.
The 28-year-old scored 105 goals in 186 appearances for the Blaugrana in total, while forming a deadly attacking trinity alongside Lionel Messi and Luis Suarez.
However, Neymar decided to leave Catalonia in the summer of 2017, with it suggested he was looking to emerge from Lionel Messi’s shadow and stake a claim for the Ballon d’Or award.
The Brazil international became the world’s most expensive player when he swapped Barca for PSG in a €222 million deal, but has since struggled to live up to that hefty price tag.
Injuries and off-field issues have overshadowed Neymar’s time in the French capital, and he admitted last year that he would like to go back to Camp Nou to rediscover his love for the game.
Barca failed to re-sign their former talisman in 2019 but continue to be linked with the PSG forward ahead of the summer transfer window, with Quique Setien’s current squad lacking a spark in the final third of the pitch.
When asked if Neymar will be targeted when the market reopens, Bartomeu attempted to dismiss the ongoing speculation by insisting that the Covid-19 pandemic is likely to prevent any big-money deals from taking place.
The 57-year-old told RAC 1: “Such an operation is unlikely because the situation of all the clubs in Europe is very difficult.”
Bartomeu went on to address the criticism Barca have faced for selling Arthur Melo to Juventus in exchange for Miralem Pjanic, insisting the Bosnian midfielder had long been on the club’s radar.-Goal.com
Bulawayo is now leading in terms of Covid-19 deaths after a 54-year-old Zimbabwe Revenue Authority (Zimra) manager succumbed to the virus at a private hospital on Sunday, forcing the closure of its Mhlahlandlela Government Complex offices yesterday.
The city has so far recorded four deaths followed by Harare where three people have died of Covid-19.
Mashonaland East and Midlands provinces recorded one death each bringing the total number of Covid-19 deaths in Zimbabwe to nine.
Following the death of the Zimra manager Mr Thabani Sibanda on Sunday, the Mhlahlandlela offices have been closed for disinfection and will reopen on Monday.
When Chronicle visited the offices yesterday, the main entrance at the reception area was under lock and key and on the notice board there was a notice notifying clients of the temporary closure.
“The Zimbabwe Revenue Authority (Zimra) hereby wishes to advise its valued clients that the offices will be closed from July 7, 2020 to July 11, 2020. Staff will be working from home and during this period there will be limited services,” read part of the notice.
In an internal circular, Zimra Commissioner-General Ms Faith Mazani said the Ministry of Health and Child Care has started testing their staff at Mhlahlandlela Building for Covid-19. She said all the tested staff members will be required to go on a mandatory quarantine for 14 days.
“We encourage all staff members to remain vigilant and consistent in practising safety and health measures as prescribed by the WHO guidelines and as advised through the Ministry of Health and Child Care,” she wrote.
Zimra spokesperson Mr Francis Chimanda declined to comment on the cause of Mr Sibanda’s death.
“Zimra cannot provide comment on an individual’s health issues. All I can say is that we have temporarily closed offices at Mhlahlandlela Complex in Bulawayo from Tuesday, 7 July 2020 and will reopen on Monday, 13 July 2020 to allow full disinfection of the premises,” he said.
A family spokesperson said Mr Sibanda was buried yesterday, but could not give further details.
Sources at Zimra and health officials who declined to be named said Mr Sibanda had succumbed to Covid-19.
In its update on Covid-19, the Ministry of Health and Child Care said: “As at 06 July 2020, Zimbabwe had 734 confirmed cases, including 197 recoveries and nine deaths. We regret to report the death of a male aged 54 from Bulawayo province who tested positive on Sunday and had no travel history.”
Bulawayo provincial medical director Dr Welcome Mlilo said Bulawayo now has four Covid-19 deaths.
“I can confirm that we have recorded a fourth Covid-19 death in Bulawayo metropolitan province after a 54-year-old man with comorbidity succumbed at a health facility over the weekend,” he said.
“The Covid-19 prevention measures remain unchanged. We continue to encourage good hygiene especially hand washing as well as observing social distancing and wearing of face masks in public space.”
In May, Zimra closed its city centre offices in Bulawayo after a member of staff tested positive for Covid-19.
The employee was one of three employees who served an infected client at the Zimra’s Bulawayo port offices on March 18.
Having received the information that the client had tested positive for Covid-19, the three officers then proceeded to self- quarantine from March 27 to April 26.
Upon returning to work on April 27, the three officers were tested and one of the results came out positive while the other two tested negative and management decided to briefly close the offices for disinfection. -Chronicle
Farai Dziva|The burial of Gogo Alice Chamisa, the mother of MDC Alliance leader Advocate Nelson Chamisa is scheduled for Wednesday July 8 at the family homestead in Gutu.
See statement below:
Update on Gogo Chamisa Burial
The details of the funeral are as follows:
Venue: Chidyamakuni Village, Makwirivindi area of Chiwara Date: 08 July 2020 Time: 1000hrs
Directions
From Harare via Chivhu then Gutu. Turn left dust road just before Maungwa Business Centre. That’s Chiwara road. 32km to Makwirivindi Business Centre then ask for Chidyamakuni Village. It will be 3-4km away.
From Masvingo or Mutare turn at Bikita Minerals into Chiwara area of Gutu South to Makwirivindi Business Centre. It’s abt 6-7km along the dust road from Bikita minerals.
Together in solidarity, we shall deliver a new Zimbabwe.
Hon Amos Chibaya MDC Alliance National Organising and Party Building Secretary
Farai Dziva|The burial of Gogo Alice Chamisa, the mother of MDC Alliance leader Advocate Nelson Chamisa is scheduled for Wednesday July 8 at the family homestead in Gutu.
See statement below:
Update on Gogo Chamisa Burial
The details of the funeral are as follows:
Venue: Chidyamakuni Village, Makwirivindi area of Chiwara Date: 08 July 2020 Time: 1000hrs
Directions
From Harare via Chivhu then Gutu. Turn left dust road just before Maungwa Business Centre. That’s Chiwara road. 32km to Makwirivindi Business Centre then ask for Chidyamakuni Village. It will be 3-4km away.
From Masvingo or Mutare turn at Bikita Minerals into Chiwara area of Gutu South to Makwirivindi Business Centre. It’s abt 6-7km along the dust road from Bikita minerals.
Together in solidarity, we shall deliver a new Zimbabwe.
Hon Amos Chibaya MDC Alliance National Organising and Party Building Secretary
Farai Dziva|MDC Alliance leader, Advocate Nelson Chamisa has described his late mother, Gogo Alice Chamisa as an industrious lady who taught him to inculcate the principles of discipline and respect.
Gogo Chamisa collapsed and died in Gutu on Monday.
“She toiled to educate me just like all mothers do for families.
She taught me industry,respect,discipline,integrity and hardwork.
A hardworking, multi-talented woman.A prayer warrior and pillar in the faith.
Collapsed in her garden and went to be with the Lord. Rest in power Mai Nerison,” said President Chamisa.
Following our Press Conference on the 26th of June 2020 in Harare under the theme “Zimbabwe At Crossroads – The Way Forward” where we urged and challenged fellow citizens to start dialogue and conversations from the 27th of June to the 6th of July 2020 around what has to be done in order to stop the on-going bleeding, corruption and looting in Zimbabwe, we are happy to give feedback that citizens have been engaging in different ways and different platforms and there is consensus that we have to ACT as citizens to extract ourselves from the current crisis which is affecting everyone across the divide.
After engagements, conversations and consultations with fellow citizens and progressive organisations, we have agreed that we have to ACT and the day is 31 JULY 2020 This, therefore, sets aside the initial proposal for ACTION from the 7th to the 10th of July 2020.
The Front for Economic Emancipation in Zimbabwe (FEEZ) also known as the GREEN REVOLUTION being a non-partisan economic movement of the united citizens that fight against corruption, looting and demands transparency and accountability is, therefore, redirecting all progressive citizens and stakeholders towards the 31st of JULY as announced by fellow citizen, esteemed brother and leader Mr Jacob Ngarivhume.
We are the people let’s get it done. A united people knows no defeat. We are stronger together. Victors do not bicker.
Front for Economic Emancipation in Zimbabwe (FEEZ)
Following our Press Conference on the 26th of June 2020 in Harare under the theme “Zimbabwe At Crossroads – The Way Forward” where we urged and challenged fellow citizens to start dialogue and conversations from the 27th of June to the 6th of July 2020 around what has to be done in order to stop the on-going bleeding, corruption and looting in Zimbabwe, we are happy to give feedback that citizens have been engaging in different ways and different platforms and there is consensus that we have to ACT as citizens to extract ourselves from the current crisis which is affecting everyone across the divide.
After engagements, conversations and consultations with fellow citizens and progressive organisations, we have agreed that we have to ACT and the day is 31 JULY 2020 This, therefore, sets aside the initial proposal for ACTION from the 7th to the 10th of July 2020.
The Front for Economic Emancipation in Zimbabwe (FEEZ) also known as the GREEN REVOLUTION being a non-partisan economic movement of the united citizens that fight against corruption, looting and demands transparency and accountability is, therefore, redirecting all progressive citizens and stakeholders towards the 31st of JULY as announced by fellow citizen, esteemed brother and leader Mr Jacob Ngarivhume.
We are the people let’s get it done. A united people knows no defeat. We are stronger together. Victors do not bicker.
Front for Economic Emancipation in Zimbabwe (FEEZ)
Two people were killed by marauding elephants while one person was severely injured…
See full report below:
Marauding elephants killed two people and seriously injured another one in Muzarabani and Mbire on Wednesday last week.
The incident was confirmed by Mashonaland Central police spokesperson Inspector Milton Mundembe.
He said: I can confirm that two brothers from Nyamaro village, Muzarabani, were working in a field when an elephant charged at Tinashe Dzoro (10) who was trampled to death while his brother Solomon (12) escaped with serious injuries. In another incident, a 22-year-old man from ward 12 Mbire district was trampled to death, while working in his field.
Mbire legislator Douglas Karoro said that four people have been killed by wild animals in ward 2 alone in less than 12 months.
He appealed to the Department of National Parks and Wildlife and the Rural District Council to erect a fence to separate the communal area from the zone of the national park- NewsDay
Two people were killed by marauding elephants while one person was severely injured…
See full report below:
Marauding elephants killed two people and seriously injured another one in Muzarabani and Mbire on Wednesday last week.
The incident was confirmed by Mashonaland Central police spokesperson Inspector Milton Mundembe.
He said: I can confirm that two brothers from Nyamaro village, Muzarabani, were working in a field when an elephant charged at Tinashe Dzoro (10) who was trampled to death while his brother Solomon (12) escaped with serious injuries. In another incident, a 22-year-old man from ward 12 Mbire district was trampled to death, while working in his field.
Mbire legislator Douglas Karoro said that four people have been killed by wild animals in ward 2 alone in less than 12 months.
He appealed to the Department of National Parks and Wildlife and the Rural District Council to erect a fence to separate the communal area from the zone of the national park- NewsDay
While the Zimbabwe Electoral Commission (Zec) is setting rules to allow by-elections to be held safely during what it sees as a long-term Covid-19 pandemic, Parliament has pushed ahead for an early census and new delimitation of seats to enable constituencies in the 2023 reflect the present population distribution.
Zec originally suspended voting during the lockdown, but now considers that the public health emergency is likely to be the “new normal” and so is putting in new voting rules.
Under these rules, voters will check online to see if their names are on the voters roll, will be screened for temperature before entering a polling station, and will even have to bring their own pen to mark the ballot papers.
Meanwhile, Zec is ready for filling of proportional representation seats in the Senate and National Assembly, since there is no extra voting in this regard, the results of the 2018 election being used.
When the President of the Senate or the Speaker of the House of Assembly notifies the commission of a vacancy, this will be gazetted and the political party holding the seat will be invited to nominate a replacement.
For the 2023 harmonised elections, the Census and Statistics Amendment Bill sailed through the Senate on Thursday and awaits the President’s assent before becoming law.
Under this new law, there will be an early census, in July next year, instead of waiting for 2022, giving Zec time to delimit all 120 constituency boundaries in time for the Presidential, Parliamentary and local government elections using up-to-date census data-The Herald
While the Zimbabwe Electoral Commission (Zec) is setting rules to allow by-elections to be held safely during what it sees as a long-term Covid-19 pandemic, Parliament has pushed ahead for an early census and new delimitation of seats to enable constituencies in the 2023 reflect the present population distribution.
Zec originally suspended voting during the lockdown, but now considers that the public health emergency is likely to be the “new normal” and so is putting in new voting rules.
Under these rules, voters will check online to see if their names are on the voters roll, will be screened for temperature before entering a polling station, and will even have to bring their own pen to mark the ballot papers.
Meanwhile, Zec is ready for filling of proportional representation seats in the Senate and National Assembly, since there is no extra voting in this regard, the results of the 2018 election being used.
When the President of the Senate or the Speaker of the House of Assembly notifies the commission of a vacancy, this will be gazetted and the political party holding the seat will be invited to nominate a replacement.
For the 2023 harmonised elections, the Census and Statistics Amendment Bill sailed through the Senate on Thursday and awaits the President’s assent before becoming law.
Under this new law, there will be an early census, in July next year, instead of waiting for 2022, giving Zec time to delimit all 120 constituency boundaries in time for the Presidential, Parliamentary and local government elections using up-to-date census data-The Herald
Zimbabwe’s ruling Zanu PF party on Monday accused exiled former minister Jonathan Moyo of agitating for “mass uprising” in the country and called for his extradition from Kenya.
Zanu PF secretary for administration Obert Mpofu, in a video statement rebleased by the party, claimed opposition parties and other groups had formed an “unholy alliance” whose aim was to topple President Emmerson Mnangagwa through an uprising.
Mpofu charged: “Our party detractors continue with their anti-establishment agendas. The party is aware of the plan for mass protests (on July 31) being organised by the MDC Alliance renegades: Tajamuka, the Front for Economic Emancipation of Zimbabwe being led by the expelled youth commissar Godfrey Tsenengamu and other media protagonists.
“Our security departments should constantly alert us on this clear and present danger of the activities of this unholy alliance.”
Zimbabwean prosecutors last week wrote to the Kenyan government requesting Moyo’s extradition on allegations that he improperly spent over US$200,000 from the Zimbabwe Manpower Development Fund. Acting Deputy Prosecutor-General Nelson Mutsonziwa assured Kenyan authorities that Moyo “will not be prosecuted for any offence other than fraud, based only upon the facts stated in this request.”
But Mpofu appeared to reveal a political motive behind the request, accusing Moyo of subversive conduct by whipping-up anti-regime sentiment through his Twitter account which has more than half-a-million followers.
“We take note and welcome the Prosecutor General’s efforts for the extradition of Professor Jonathan Moyo from Kenya as he is the figment of the external demonisation of our leadership and extorting (sic) mass uprising in the country,” Mpofu said.
“Our security departments’ role in jealously guarding the integrity and the reputation of the party is critical.”
Mpofu claimed that a man had been arrested in Harare’s Kuwadzana suburb while printing Zanu PF and Central Intelligence Organisation cards, linking the discovery to planned mass protests on July 31.
“The level and sophistication of such an act points to the fact that there are leakages and gross breaches of our internal party systems which would be thoroughly investigated,” Mpofu said.
An economic crisis under President Mnangagwa has revived memories of the hardships of more than a decade ago when hyperinflation wiped out savings and pensions and forced the country to dump its currency in favour of the U.S. dollar.
Zimbabwe reintroduced its local currency last year after a decade of official use of the U.S. dollar but the local currency rapidly lost value, sending prices rocketing and raising fears of renewed hyperinflation.
The inflation rate stands at 785 percent, one of the highest in the world, while businesses charge in U.S. dollars and use black market rates to calculate prices in the local currency, making goods too expensive for many.
The crisis has stoked public anger against Mnangagwa, and triggered strikes. Police arrested 12 nurses protesting outside Harare Hospital on Monday demanding to be paid in U.S. dollars.
Opposition parties and activists are mobilising for nationwide protests on July 31 – the second anniversary of a presidential election narrowly won by Mnangagwa amid accusations of electoral fraud.
Mnangagwa has previously used the army and police to crush protests, but analysts say poorly-paid middle and lower ranks soldiers and police officers now also pose a threat to his regime which came to power on the back of a military coup that ousted the late former president Robert Mugabe in November 2017.
The government last month denied that the military was plotting another coup. Home Affairs minister Kazembe Kazembe called an unprecedented news conference where, with security chiefs sat behind him, he declared: “The government would like to unequivocally debunk and dismiss these rumours. For the avoidance of doubt, there is no coup in the making.”
By A Correspondent- The trial of former Vice President Phelekezela Mphoko has been postponed to the 21st of this month.
Mphoko, who is facing allegations of criminal abuse of office, appeared in court this Tuesday after he applied for exception of charges.
In postponing the matter, the state represented by Mr Lavock Masuku and Andrew Kumire told the court that the Magistrate dealing with the matter Mr Trynos Utahwashe is on another assignment.
Mphoko is alleged to have stormed Avondale Police Station and instructed junior police officers to release two Zimbabwe National Road Administration (Zinara) officials who were in custody.
Elsewhere, the trial of former Zimbabwe Broadcasting Cooperation Chief Executive Officer, Mr Patrick Mavhura and Director Human Resources and Administration, Ms Benania Shumba failed to kick off this Tuesday as the Magistrate dealing with the matter was out of town.
The two are facing charges of criminal abuse of office for allegedly swindling thousands of dollars from the national broadcaster.
Mavhura and Shumba will be back in court on the 21st of this month for commencement of trial.
The Zimbabwe dollar today fell by just over $2 against the United States dollar at today’s auction.
The average rate was $65.88 down from $63.74 last week and $57.36 at the first auction.
The lowest rate offered was $30 and the highest $90 but the lowest rate accepted was $55.
The highest rate offered continues to decline from $100 in the first auction, to $92 in the second and $90 today.
The lowest rate of $55 that was accepted should set the trend for future bids.
According to the Reserve Bank of Zimbabwe 264 bids were accepted and 92 rejected.
A total of US$13.6 million was allotted, down fromU$16.3 million last week but total bids for this week were only U$15.9 million while those for last week were almost US$19 million.
Manufacturing got the highest amount of US$5.6 million followed by retail and distribution which got US$1.9 million.
Zimbabwe’s deputy minister of industry and commerce Raj Modi has been stranded in Australia for three months after the coronavirus outbreak disrupted international travel, ZimLive can reveal.
The 61-year-old was travelling on private business when Australia imposed a lockdown on March 20, before Zimbabwe closed its borders to foreigners on March 30.
Modi reportedly owns three supermarkets in Australia and runs a liquor wholesale business in Bulawayo.
Government spokesman Nick Mangwana confirmed Modi’s lengthy absence.
“I can confirm that deputy minister Modi is in Australia and is making arrangements to come back home,” Mangwana said.
Modi had not responded to questions left for him on his WhatsApp.
The 61-year-old Bulawayo South MP (Zanu PF) was born in India. Aged 22, he met his Zimbabwe-born future wife, Parul Kothari, and eventually settled in Bulawayo.
By A Correspondent- The government has barred the MDC-T’s court-ordered extraordinary congress that was scheduled for the 31st of this month.
In response to MDC-T leader, Thokozani Khupe’s letter to the Ministry of Health and Child Care which sought clearance to hold the congress, authorities cited the coronavirus pandemic as the reason why the opposition party should not have the congress.
The acting permanent secretary in the ministry of Health and Child Care, Gibson Mhlanga responded to the letter:
Your request for clearance to hold an extraordinary congress on 31 July 2020 is not approved.
We are in a Covid-19 lockdown and one of the requirements is that there must not be any public gatherings of more than 50 people. The delegates that you are indicating exceed the recommended number.
Based on this requirement, it is, therefore, impossible to hold the meeting in this environment.
The congress was expected to have 4500 delegates. Meanwhile, Khupe’s spokesperson Khaliphani Phugeni told the Daily News that the party was consulting its lawyers to chart the way forward
DRAX International representative Delish Nguwaya, who recently landed in the dock over a US$60 million drugs procurement scandal, has been freed on $50 000 bail by High Court judge, Pisirayi Kwenda.
Nguwaya is accused of misrepresenting facts to the government in order to win a drug procurement tender.
Nguwaya with Emmerson Mnangagwa (left side of him)
He contends he is not guilty and approached the High Court after he was denied bail by a Harare magistrate.
Kwenda upheld Nguwaya’s arguments and rules that he cannot be held accountable for what happened, before granting him bail.
The judge said Nguwaya is a businessman and cannot be blamed for approvals made by government officials adding that when his offer for due diligence, in the drug supplying deal was presented, “the State officials packaged it as a ‘loan facility’ for the ‘funding of the health sector development’, whereas the company (Drax International) was not offering financial assistance but to sell medicines which would and did result, in the disbursement of US$2 million by the Zimbabwean Treasury”.
“In that event, the procurement may have been tainted. It is such deception or conduct short of the transparency required in administering public funds which would be of concern to the Anti-Corruption Court. The duty to safeguard public funds and property is bestowed on government agencies/employees,” Justice Kwenda said.
“However, the appellant (Nguwaya) had no role to play in that apparent deception or in administration of public funds. The appellant was not part of the procurement process undertaken by the State officials.
“The appellant is charged with fraud and its seriousness should be assessed based on the extent of the alleged potential or actual prejudice occasioned by the misrepresentation attributed to him.”
The judge further said Nguwaya is alleged to have misrepresented that the Drax Consult Sagl and Drax International LLC were medicine manufacturers thereby inducing some State officials to strike deals with his companies to the prejudice of good governance.
However, the judge said exaggerated marketing/business talk commonly referred to as ‘puffery’, is in a way, misrepresentation but a person who engages in exaggerated business talk would only be guilty of fraud if the other party acted on the misrepresentation to his/her/its prejudice.
“It is not the State’s case that the appellant actions caused financial prejudice. If there was any other form of deception which resulted in financial prejudice, then that could only have been as a result of a flawed procurement process.
“The appellant is not a State official. The fact that the medicines were overpriced should have been picked by the State officials during due diligence or a competitive bidding process,” the judge said.
“The financial prejudice ensuing from lack of diligence cannot be blamed on the appellant but, perhaps, on the persons who procured on behalf of the State. This court and the court a quo have no authority to prosecute or investigate crime. The courts only deal with the charge(s) before them. It is up to the Prosecutor General to direct the ZRP to investigate or the Zimbabwe Anti-Corruption Commission to investigate any other anomalies that may be affecting the procurement.”
As part of his bail conditions, Nguwaya was also ordered to reside at 148 Sandton, Mt Hampden, Harare until his trial is concluded, not interfere with State witnesses, to surrender all his travel documents to the Clerk of court at Harare magistrates Court and to provide surety in the form of his immovable property ordinarily known as 148 Mt Hampden, Harare and the Title Deed duly registered in his name.
