Farai Dziva|Transform Zimbabwe leader, Jacob Ngarivhume says he is ready to lead peaceful protests against Emmerson Mnangagwa’s administration.

According to Ngarivhume, Mnangagwa has dismally failed to revive the economy.

In a statement Transform Zimbabwe said:

Jacob Ngarivhume is a man on a mission. His vision is to liberate Zimbabwe from its former liberators who have now become its captors.

He has stepped in to fill the leadership vacuum.

Zimbabwe has been on a knife edge for some time. The economy which has been on auto pilot has finally hit rock bottom. ED’s clueless government is scratching everywhere but can not find answers. Corruption has reached unprecedented levels, with the recent Covigate which implicated and embarrassed the First family, a case in point.

Zimbabweans are fed up and are ready to confront this bloodsucking animal called ZANU PF government.

The restless and impoverished civil servants are demanding US denominated salaries.

Nurses have already downed tools. Vendors are locked down at home under this covid induced lockdown, while the cost of living continues to skyrocket.

Mthulism has surely failed the nation.

The democratic space has continued to shrink with alleged abductions every month. Rumours of an imminent coup are everywhere while the nation is being railroaded into another Constitutional amendment meant to give the incumbent almighty power.

And these are desperate times indeed.

Writing on his twitter handle, Ngarivhume issued a call encouraging citizens to unite

He also promised to lead from the front on the 31st of July 2020:

“It’s not about politicians, it’s about the nation, our children, our future.
ZANUPFmustgo”

Farai Dziva|MDC Alliance leader Advocate Nelson Chamisa will address a landmark e-rally on Sunday.

The youthful leader is expected to address the nation on the deepening economic crisis, social unrest and the rampant violation of human rights by Emmerson Mnangagwa’s administration.

The e-rally will be held under the theme, “Fight for Better Livelihoods.”

“On Sunday 5 July, we will host an e-rally under the theme “Fight for Better Livelihoods.”

The rally will start at 1400hrs. The keynote address will be at 1500hrs by President
@nelsonchamisa . Tune in on all our online channels,” the party announced.

Since the beginning of the COVID-19 induced national lockdown, Chamisa has not had an opportunity to address his party supporters on the current challenges facing the movement including the Supreme Court ruling and subsequent events that have seen a rival faction headed by Thokozani Khupe grabbing party assets while also recalling legislators.

According to MDC Alliance National Deputy Spokesperson Clifford Hlatywayo, thousands of Zimbabweans and party supporters are ready for the e-rally.

Farai Dziva|MDC Alliance deputy president, Tendai Biti, has described Emmerson Mnangagwa as a cunning and callous political figure whose record of brutality is well-known.

Biti said Mnangagwa personally hounded Dr Joshua Nkomo out of Zimbabwe.

Biti also described the recalling of MPs as an attempt by Zanu PF to destroy the popular opposition party.

“The continued expulsion of our MPs is simply illegal and unacceptable.

It is an insult to the electorate that voted MDC Alliance .

It is a violation of the right to freedom of association. It is a major assault on democracy . Emmerson you are absolutely shameless,” argued Biti.

The desperate psychotic zeal to destroy our movement will never work. In the loser of an election ends up as the leader of the party that defeated her.

Emmerson and Thokozanu’s efforts are futile It is time to end the madness and protect our struggle.It’s time to finish it off…

As we remember Joshua Nkomo let us not forgot that it was Emmerson who personally hounded him out of Zim. His autobiography has no kind words for Emmerson who planted arms on ZAPU farms and executed Gukurahundi. 30 years later Emmerson is still up to the same nonsense,” Biti added.

Alert

3 July 2020

Masvingo
State agents have besieged the residence of MDC Alliance Youth Assembly National Organiser Godfrey Kurauone who is the councillor for ward 4 Masvingo urban.

Kurauone was not available at the time they besieged his residence.

The state agents claimed they wanted to talk to him . They coerced his wife to give them details of his whereabouts and his travel and communications pattern and in the process they took the contact number of his wife.

Intimidation remains rife in the new dispensation where civic and political spaces are continuously being blocked.

Womberaiishe Nhende
MDC Alliance Youth Assembly Deputy Spokesperson

Harare – Local doctors have warned against complacency saying the fight against the coronavirus was not yet over.

These remarks were made as some considered a decline in the number of coronavirus cases recorded in Zimbabwe earlier this week to be a signal that things were normalising.

The Zimbabwe Association of Doctors for Human Rights Doctors (ZADHR) secretary Norman Matara, however, warned of the possibility of a second wave of the virus.

He added:
We need to remain extra vigilant and cautious, continue enhancing our disease surveillance and make sure the public continues to practise social distancing and good hygiene practices.

With cases of COVID-19 continuing to increase in neighbouring South Africa, and we have people returning home from that country, we should always remain on high alert. It is definitely not time to relax.

His remarks were echoed by the director-general of the World Health Organisation (WHO), Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus during his media briefing on Monday.

He said the virus still had a lot of room to move therefore the “hard reality is: this is not even close to being over.”

The Ministry of Health and Child Care reported on Wednesday that the country had 605 cases with the majority of cases being returnees from other countries including South Africa-NewsDay

By A Correspondent- Jemedza High School is reportedly forcing parents to pay for the second term online lessons in forex.

A source privy to the development confirmed that the school had sent communication to parents instructing them to pay second term fees in united states dollars.

We publish below the messages sent to parents on various platforms:

We advise you that every student is required to pay USD150 and USD165 for O level and A level respectively towards tuition for second term. Those who paid for online lessons can deduct the amount they paid and pay the balance. $2750 & $3025 were equivalent to USD 50 & 55 respectively. St Luke Jemedza High School.

ZimEye was in the process of contacting the school headmaster only identified as C Mukupe.

This is a developing story. Refresh this page for latest updates.

Nurses in public health institutions in Zimbabwe today said that they had gone on strike over what they called poor pay and incapacitation.

Zimbabwe Nurses Association president Enoch Dongo said most members had already completely used up their June pay, and were having difficulties surviving.

“All nurses have embarked on a nationwide withdrawal of labour due to incapacitation. The salary that they got in June was eroded by inflation and it cannot take them a month.

“So nurses are severely incapacitated and they have exercised their democratic right to withdraw their labour,” he said.

The government last month increased salaries for civil servants, including nurses in public health institutions, by 50 percent, and offered an additional US$75 allowance, but this is yet to be paid.

The government has said it was still working on the pay increment, and payment modalities for the US dollar allowance, which will be in effect for just three months.

But Dongo said the delay had taken a heavy financial toll on nurses, hence the strike.

He said some public health institutions were victimising the striking nurses, a claim which could not be verified.

Dongo cited Parirenyatwa Hospital where he claimed nurses were being evicted from the institution’s hostels after refusing to be at work.

-New Ziana

The leader of the Labor Economists Afrikan Democrats (LEAD) Linda Masarira has thrown her weight behind the leader of the MDC-T, Thokozani Khupe who is been accused of using her political muscle to take revenge on her former lover.

Khupe this Wednesday recalled Gideon Shoko, an MDC Alliance senator who fathered her child, for siding with her nemesis, Nelson Chamisa in the MDC leadership wrangle.

Below is Linda Masarira’s outburst against ZimEye.com on the news article revealing Khupe’s unprecedented move.

This is the highest level of mediocrity, misogyny & idiocy. I have never seen anyone bring up past lovers of male politicians in Zimbabwe. This trend is getting out of hand & its time that #ZimWomenPoliticians unite to stop this nonsense. There is nothing for women without women. pic.twitter.com/1xmX00jEAi

— Linda Tsungirirai Masarira (@lilomatic) July 3, 2020

The Zimbabwe Republic Police has said that it is investigating a shootout incident which occurred at Tarkka Forest, Manicaland where two people died.

Below is the police’s statement in full.

03 JULY, 2020, SHOOTING INCIDENT AT TARKKA FOREST, MANICALAND.

The Zimbabwe Republic Police is investigating an unfortunate shooting incident which occurred today at TARKKA forest, Chimanimani where two people died and one was injured when timber poachers clashed with Police officers.

The poachers had left a tractor and trailer when Zimbabwe Republic Police deployed members on 1st July 2020 and grouped on 3rd July 2020 before attacking police officers with a Police Sergeant being trampled upon by thirty suspects before other police officers reacted. They fired warning shots which were ignored until the three suspects were shot and taken to Rusitu Mission Hospital. Two suspects died on admission while the other one is currently admitted at the same institution.

Police are conducting comprehensive inquiries into this regrettable incident and urge members of the public to observe the law at all times.

Own Correspondent

Zimbabwe Police shot two people dead in Tarkka timber forest in Manicaland, the ZPR spokesperson has said. The two  suspects are reported to have been poaching timber in the Chimanimani forest.

The police has released the statement below after the regrettable incident:

“ZRP PRESS STATEMENT [BREAKING NEWS] 03 JULY 2020 SHOOTING INCIDENT AT TARKKA FOREST, MANICALAND.

The Zimbabwe Republic Police is investigating an unfortunate shooting incident which occurred today at TARKKA forest, Chimanimani where two people died and one was injured when timber poachers clashed with Police officers. The poachers had left a tractor and trailer when Zimbabwe Republic Police deployed members on 1st July 2020 and grouped on 3rd July 2020 before attacking police officers with a Police Sergeant being trampled upon by thirty suspects before other police officers reacted. They fired warning shots which were ignored until the three suspects were shot and taken to Rusitu Mission Hospital. Two suspects died on admission while the other one is currently admitted at the same institution. Police are conducting comprehensive inquiries into this regrettable incident and urge members of the public to observe the law at all times.”

The incident has caused disgruntlement from citizens who believe the police could have been more cautious not to kill the pair.

NewsDay

NELSON Chamisa’s MDC Alliance has vowed to block Thokozani Khupe and her party from replacing proportional representation (PR) legislators and senators recalled by the MDC-T from Parliament over the past month as the battleground shifts to the Zimbabwe Electoral Commission (Zec).

This followed the MDC-T’s recall yesterday of four councillors from Harare City Council in a bid to chip away at Chamisa’s support in the opposition party.

Denford Ngadziore, Grisot Mandere, Jaison Kautsa and Tonderai Chakeredza received their marching orders from Local Government minister July Moyo in a letter dated June 26 delivered to them yesterday.

MDC Alliance secretary-general Chalton Hwende said the party was waiting for Zec to declare the vacancies so that it moves to stop Khupe and her team from usurping the mandate of the people.

“The battle is far from over, we won’t let the mandate of the people be hijacked. The process of replacing the senators and PR MPs is not that simple. First there has to be a gazette, then nominations, which are then opened to objections. We will object at every turn if the proper procedures are not followed,” he said.

The MDC Alliance said Zec knew that they registered the party for election purposes and was further aware that it was the MDC-T that recalled legislators from Parliament, yet only Chamisa’s party could replace those MPs.

“We want to see who they will invite to fill the vacancies because Zec knows that MDC-T only has two legislators and they can’t replace MPs on behalf of the MDC Alliance, so it is on that basis that we will block Khupe and her cabal,” he said.

Zec, in its process to replace recalled senators and PR legislators, allows for objections to be made by voters and the political party involved.

“Notify the public of the nomination to fill the vacancy in the Gazette … afford any person who is a voter to lodge any written objection (together with reasons for the objection) to nominate within a specified time from the date of the publication,” part of Zec’s procedures in replacing senators and PR MPs states.

MDC-T said it would replace those recalled at the right time and would not be stopped by Chamisa or any of his members.

“We have not yet replaced those who were recalled because we are waiting for processes by Zec, we will replace them within that context when the time is ready. There is a Supreme Court ruling and it’s very clear who is in charge,” MDC-T deputy spokesperson Khalipani Phugeni said.

Moyo, in a letter addressed to town clerk Hosea Chisango, wrote: “I wish to inform you that I am in receipt of a letter from the Movement for Democratic Change stating that Cllr Ngadziore ward 16, Cllr Grisot Mandere ward 44, Cllr Jaison Kautsa ward 37 and Cllr Tonderai Chakeredza ward 31 have been expelled from that party.”

He said following the expulsion of the four councillors from their party, they were no longer councillors and, therefore, vacancies be declared in their wards.

“In terms of section 278(1) of the Constitution of Zimbabwe, as read with section 129(1)(k), ward 16, ward 44, ward 37 and ward 31 of Harare City Council are now vacant,” the minister wrote.

Khupe, who is hoping to rope Ian Makone into her corner, spared him from recall even though he was appointed secretary of elections in Chamisa’s standing committee and also signed an affidavit declaring the MDC Alliance the legitimate occupants of the party headquarters, Morgan Richard Tsvangirai House.

Ngadziore said he was not moved by the recall and would continue to serve his ward even outside chambers as his party continues to search for a response to Khupe’s assault.

“You voted for me as your councillor under the MDC Alliance, yet I am being recalled by MDC-T and one Douglas Mwonzora. This did not come as a surprise to me and I am not regretting as you are the ones who gave me the mandate through the MDC Alliance. I will continue providing necessary leadership at community level until such a time we meet again,” he wrote to his ward.

Reuters

ZIMBABWE’S Landela Mining Venture has reached agreements to take over and revive four idle state-owned gold mines and is in talks to buy more assets from a privately-owned bullion producer, its chief executive said on Friday.

Unlisted Landela is majority-owned by Kudakwashe Tagwirei, an adviser to President Emmerson Mnangagwa and one of the most prominent business people in the country.

Commodities trader Trafigura partnered with Tagwirei in the lucrative fuel sector until buying him out earlier this year. Landela has been on a buying spree of local mining assets since 2019.

Chief executive David Brown, former Impala Platinum Holdings CEO, told Reuters that Landela’s takeover of gold mines run by state-owned Zimbabwe Mining Development Corporation (ZMDC) would be funded through debt and equity.

The mines were put up for sale in 2018 but the government cancelled the process last year without giving a reason.

“Agreements are in place, but a close-out of the process is still subject to being finalised with the appropriate authorities,” Brown said in e-mailed responses to questions.

“I would expect it to be completed in Q3 and will be funded through a mixture of debt and equity.”

The four mines have a capacity to produce at least 85,000 ounces a year, according to ZMDC.

Gold is the single biggest forex earner in Zimbabwe and controlling its production gives Landela greater access to dollars, which are in short supply in the country.

Brown said Landela last month restarted operations at the 21,000 ounces a year Shamva mine after buying it from Metallon Corporation, owned by South African businessman Mzi Khumalo.

Landela plans a bigger open pit mine at Shamva and is in talks to purchase Metallon’s three other gold mines, said Brown.

A Metallon spokeswoman declined to comment.

Until 2017, Metallon was Zimbabwe’s largest gold miner, producing 100,000 ounces a year. A 2016 estimate showed Metallon had a mineral resource of 8.3 million ounces of gold.

“If we can have time to develop the assets properly with the appropriate amount of capital, this will be a significant business,” Brown said.

Last year Landela became partner of Russia’s Vi Holding in the Darwendale platinum project and bought Freda Rebecca gold mine.

Own Correspondent

The British Embassy in Harare has dismissed as fake a document circulating on social media which suggests that the United Kingdom government imposed sanctions on Zimbabwe to propel the opposition Movement for Democratic Change (MDC) into power.

The document is believed to be from ZANU PF circles who have over the years argued that the MDC approached the UK and begged for sanctions on the country.

The document circulating on social media reads:

MINISTRY OF DEFENCE WHITEHALL LONDON 

12/11/2001

SECRETARY OF STATE

MO 7/11/ZB

Dear Scott,

I have received the communication from Mr Morgan Tsvangirai’s party, the Movement for Democratic Change (MDC) and these are my recommendations:

1) That we mobilise more funds to get the party more liquid than it is at the moment. 

2) That we immediately disengage with Mr Mugabe’s government and lobby the EU to take a common position on sanctions. High Commissioner Briann Dornelly has met with Messrs Morgan Tsvangirai, Tendai Laxton Biti and David Coltart. The latter two are lawyers who are assisting in the drafting of the sanctions document and are giving great insights on what our role should be in the upcoming 2002 Presidential Elections.

3) It is important that we maintain momentum and pressure on Mr Mugabe, whose party has suffered loses in the parliamentary elections. The MDC has 57 parliamentary seats, so Mr Tsvangirai can win the presidential election if we support him financially.

4) We should also mobilise the civic movement in the country for civil disobedience if Mr Mugabe wins in 2002 presidential elections.

If the MDC does not win the next presidential election or the 2005 parliamentary elections, there will be no prospect of getting into power at any other time as ZANU-PF will get even tougher with the opposition.

These matters are, therefore, very urgent. 

G Hoon Esq

In response, the British Embassy said:

It has been brought to our attention that a photo is being shared online pretending to show a UK government document from 2001. This document is a fake and should be dismissed as such. 

Mpilo Central Hospital acting chief executive officer Dr Solwayo Ngwenya yesterday said it was important for people to use the cases of new mystery infections as a wake-up call and to start acting in a manner that matches the prevailing situation.

“It is worrying that people continue to walk around wearing masks with the nose sticking out. If people are finding masks uncomfortable, they must know that there is nothing comfortable in using a ventilator. They won’t like it. The worst is yet to come. The country does not have enough resources. We cannot have our hospitals filled with sick Covid-19 patients needing care. It will result in deaths and untold suffering for people. Some people must act responsibly so that we make efforts to contain the virus. These source-unknown infections must teach us something,” said Dr Ngwenya.

A PRIVATE hospital in Bulawayo is charging massive amounts of money – in foreign currency – for Covid-19 treatment.

With government hospitals ill-equipped, and with doctors and nurses on strike, the only hope available for those needing treatment is private care – something beyond the reach of many.

“Kindly be advised that all Covid patients are required to pay USD (American dollars) deposits, US$60 for casualty, US$3,000 for General Ward and US$5,000 for ICU (Intensive Care) hospitalisation,” Obedience Ncube, credit controller for the Catholic run Mata Dei Hospital in Bulawayo, said in a statement.

A government worker earns the equivalent of US$30, which is about half the fee for a basic Covid-19 test at a private hospital.

MYSTERY local Covid-19 transmissions whose source cannot be traced are worrying health experts in the country.

Most Covid-19 cases in the country have been accounted for as either from returning residents or have been linked to confirmed Covid-19 cases.

The Ministry of Health and Child Care has reported eleven local transmissions, also known as community infections in the health field, whose sources of infection are unknown.

On Monday, the ministry reported a Covid-19 case who died but the source of infection is not yet known.

A similar report was made on Tuesday that two more cases with unknown sources of infection had been reported in the country, now they have escalated to 11.

Globally, infections are closing in on the 1,1 million mark and deaths have topped 520 000.

In Zimbabwe 605 infections and seven deaths have been recorded.

Health experts have expressed concern over porous borders and the issue of Covid-19 patients escaping from isolation and quarantine centres and going into communities, which they have pointed out as a major potential source of untraceable community infections.

The Zimbabwe Medical Association (Zima) has since called for naming of people escaping from the centres to protect citizens.

Zima president Dr Francis Chiwora said escapees were a leading cause of the rise in mystery infections in communities and warned that if not addressed properly, Covid-19 infections and deaths could soar.

He said mystery infections were worrisome as contact tracing was difficult and infections could quickly multiply unchecked in communities.

He said porous borders and Covid-19 positive patients escaping from quarantine centres were the most probable source of the mystery infections and called on Government to strengthen security systems at quarantine centres and the country’s borders.

“What we are having are these community infections that are very problematic. You cannot easily trace them unlike the others we have been dealing with from the returning residents and from people linked to already known Covid-19 patients. These ones are showing us that Covid-19 is scattered out there and it is very difficult to follow up on them, because honestly where do you start.

“Suppose a positive person infects people at a supermarket in town. Each of those people go back to their respective suburbs and infects more people. The contact tracing is very difficult and this is worrying because we are not conducting enough tests as a country. If we were testing a lot, it would be better as we would be able to pick on more of these cases,” said Dr Chiwora.

Dr Chiwora called on Government to consider deferring the opening of schools.

“I think it’s worrisome that schools have opened, considering that children may not be the best group to observe Covid-19 prevention measures. We call on Government to defer schools opening especially when considering what has happened in countries such as South Korea and France where after they opened schools, they started recording new cases which escalated rapidly. Those schools had better resources but were still forced to close, what of us?” he asked.

Dr Chiwora called for behaviour change as he said that people were no longer taking necessary precautions to protect themselves in public spaces.

“The community infections cases are showing us that Covid-19 is real. When it is not related to returning residents or known confirmed cases, then it means that there are potentially lots more such cases out there. Quarantine escapees are a major source of this crisis as they are obviously interacting with communities wherever they go,” said Dr Chiwora.

Own Correspondent

Thokozani Khupe has decided to use her newly acquired position to hit back at her ex-lover, Gideon Shoko through recalling him from the Senate.

Shoko was Bulawayo Metropolitan senator and was expelled on Wednesday with other seven legislators.

According to well-placed sources, Shoko and Khupe had a romantic relationship some years ago which led to the birth of a girl.

Khupe, a former senior official in the ZCTU with late MDC founding leader Morgan Tsvangirai, left the labour group with other leaders 1999 to form MDC.

It was during the time Shoko is said to have sired a daughter with the now opposition leader.

MDC-T deputy spokesperson Khaliphani Phugeni dismissed the allegations.

“These recalls have nothing to do with Khupe as they are decided at party level. So far many MPs and senators have been recalled regardless of past relationships,” he said.

Khupe’s fights with Shoko first came to the public domain in 2017 when she clashed with the late MDC-T founding leader Morgan Tsvangirai who snubbed her to appoint then national executive member Shoko to the Senate to replace the late Victor Mapungwana.

The move was inspite of a reported spirited attempt by Khupe then Tsvangirai’s deputy, to block the appointment of Shoko.

VIDEO LOADING BELOW….

Emmerson Mnangagwa has been given up to the 7th July to act or face imminent action. The ultimatum was issued by the ZANU PF youth who has a reputation of paving the way for coups, Godfrey Tsenengamu. Tsenengamu spoke during his press address during the week. His presser came just as the military Commander Valerio Sibanda complained about corruption and what he termed the selfishness of some who have betrayed the founding principles of the liberation struggle. Gen Sibanda went to the point of even hinting that the One Man One Vote principle has been violated.

VIDEO LOADING BELOW

https://youtu.be/Smypo1oxC5k

State Media

Following the successful launch of the US$51 million facility for farm mechanisation, United States-headquartered company John Deere now wants to expand the programme to US$250 million to include the supply of mining and road construction equipment.

The present US$51 million deal with the company was officially launched by President Mnangagwa last week and is testimony of the success of the Government’s re-engagement drive, which saw the first batch of the equipment arriving in Zimbabwe early this year.

Now in a letter to Permanent Secretary for Finance and Economic Development, Mr George Guvamatanga, John Deere financial managing director for Sub Saharan Africa Mr Antois van der Westhuizen, after praising the way the Government was implementing the first deal, said the company wanted to expand the operation.

The offer to the Government includes an additional US$49 million for farm mechanisation, US$100 million for construction and mining equipment and US$50 million for road making equipment, taking the total to US$250 million.

He added that the offer would be subject to final credit approval by John Deere Financial if accepted by Government.

“John Deere has embraced confidence in the imminent recovery of the Zimbabwean economy through these three key sectors and our partnership will go a long way in achieving the economic recovery targets,” he said.

The present deal that is already easing equipment shortages among serious farmers, was signed following President Mnangagwa’s engagement with John Deere Agriculture Worldwide president Mr Mark von Pentz, who expressed his willingness to partner the Government in boosting the agriculture sector through mechanisation.

The facility through a local agent, Afgri Zimbabwe, will unlock 1 300 tractors, 80 combined harvesters, 600 planters, 200 disc harrows, 100 boom sprayers and 100 trailers.

It will be used by 5 000 farmers under the National Agriculture Recovery Plan, while the selection of beneficiaries will be based on creditworthiness of the farmers as assessed by CBZ and Stanbic Bank.

Agribank will establish a special equipment leasing vehicle for the purposes of mechanisation service provision, especially for combine harvesters.

In his letter to Mr Guvamatanga, Mr van der Westhuizen expressed his appreciation for the working relationship they have established with Government.

“The US$51 million facility for optimisation of farm mechanisation in Zimbabwe is in progression and the due diligence processes being conducted by the Government of Zimbabwe to guarantee the sustainability of this facility is captivating and absolutely depicts high levels of proficiency hence a successful programme is inevitable,” he said.

Mr Guvamatanga confirmed receipt of the letter but could not provide further comment.

Transport and Infrastructure Development Minister Joel Biggie Matiza welcomed the proposed offer saying it would go a long way in boosting road construction projects being carried out countrywide.

“We have CMED that deals in equipment and hires out equipment to our departments including the private sector. We did put out a statement that we want to see it fairly capacitated.

“As you can see the potential and the massive road construction projects going on countrywide need efficient equipment and more of it,” he said.

John Deere local representative, Mr Graham Smith said the deal was a testimony of the excellent working relationship with Government and would further develop the mining sector and road construction projects in the country.

Watch the video loading below…..

Own Correspondent

Members of the Senate have taken Finance Minister Mthuli Ncube to task accusing him of being a security threat in the country with his policies.

The senators said the foreign currency trading system, introduced by the Reserve Bank of Zimbabwe (RBZ) last week, was a serious threat as prices of goods and commodities are spiralling every week.

Masvingo MDC Alliance Senator Tichinani Mavetera accused Ncube of implementing policies that were threatening the country’s stability and security.

“As we heard from the minister, the policy he introduced has become a security risk to the country. This is because we are seeing strikes in all sectors of the economy which is a real threat to the stability of Zimbabwe,” said Mavetera.

In response, Ncube dismissed Mavetera’s assertions.

“Security risk to the country is not the policies we have introduced but the speculators, those who are dealing in the parallel market and involved in illicit activities,” Ncube said.

He added there was nothing government could do more for civil servants as the public workers were recently covered by a 50% salary hike and a US$75 Covid-19 cushioning allowance.

“The other point is that for the civil servants, we are doing various things. We have increased their salaries by 50% and this a temporary cushioning allowance during this Covid-19 period while we negotiate for a normal call adjustment.

“We have added another allowance of US$75 for all civil servants to cushion them from inflation during this difficult time. Negotiations are going on as we speak. This is just a gesture from the employer. To be clear the saboteur is the person on the parallel market.”

Ncube said the government had allowed the floating of free funds to bring transparency and efficiency in the trading of foreign currency and extinguish the thriving foreign currency black market.

“There is only one exchange rate. We allowed for the use of free funds to give consumers and citizenry flexibility when they go for shopping and paying for goods and services and to manage money supply by allowing circulation and easy transaction activity and stabilise our currency,” he told the senators.

By A Correspondent- Two Zimbabwe Republic Police (ZRP) officers stationed at Chombira, Chiweshe were arrested recently after they allegedly fought for a gun.

Luiz Manhezho (36) and Bernard Chibundu (30) are set to appear before Concession magistrates courts on July 10.

Sources close to the investigations allege that on March 3 the two police officers exchanged harsh words during the hand over take over of a gun.

Manhezho picked a heater and assaulted Chibundu on the face and in retaliation Chibundu assaulted Manhezho with a chair.

They were subsequently arrested and were not medically examined.

-online

The Zimbabwe Electoral Commission has advised its stakeholders that it is developing a policy to guide the holding of elections during the coronavirus pandemic.

We present the statement in full below.

The Zimbabwe Electoral Commission is currently developing a COVID 19 Policy on Elections to guide its operations during this lockdown period. In view of the important role stakeholders play in the entire electoral process, the Commission is calling for your inputs to this draft policy docurnent. All contributions addressed to the Chief Elections Officer should reach the Commission no later than 8 July 2020.

State Media

Firewood sellers should brace for tough times following yesterday’s launch of a nationwide blitz that will see offenders being fined up to $14 500 or face a two-year jail term.

The two weeks’ national blitz code-named “Operation Huni Dzabvepi”, which was launched yesterday in Mbare, Harare by the Forestry Commission, the Environmental Management Agency (EMA) and the Zimbabwe Republic Police (ZRP), saw eight people being arrested and fined $14 500 each.

People cutting down trees for commercial purposes or selling firewood need authority from the Forestry Commission. Residents can still cut trees on their premises and may burn the timber for domestic use, but cannot sell the wood without permission.

In an interview yesterday, Forestry Commission operations manager Mr Lewis Radzire said the operation is targeting hotspots.

“The deforestation has reached alarming levels so as the lead agency as far as the conservation of forests and natural resources is concerned, we have put our hands together with our partners to try to reduce this rampant deforestation that is taking place,” he said.

“With the rising cost of energy, especially electricity, people in major cities are resorting to the environment which they perceive to be defenceless.”

Mr Radzire said there was a booming poultry industry which is specifically looking for charcoal, which is being used for breeding chicks. There is rampant charcoal production mainly in Muzarabani and partly from Mhondoro-Ngezi.

For one to produce a tonne of charcoal, they would need 10 tonnes of firewood. Highways have also seen a strong presence of firewood sellers, leaving massive deforestation.

Mr Radzire warned people purporting to be clearing land for arable purposes, saying there was a procedure to be followed for one to extract firewood from the forest as provided for by the Forest Act.

The Forestry Commission is conducting awareness campaigns to ensure people minimise the wanton cutting down of trees. EMA Harare Metropolitan environmental manager, Mr Robson Mavondo, said resettlement and communal areas around urban areas were largely responsible for cutting trees as source of livelihoods.

By A Correspondent- A nurse at Mater Dei Hospital, a private hospital in Bulawayo has resigned after the hospital victimised him for taking a picture of a memo saying COVID-19 patients will pay US$3 000 for ward admissions and US$5 000 for the ICU.

Xolani Sibanda had reportedly been vocal asking why staff were being paid in RTGS dollars whilst the hospital charged for its services in foreign currency.

Sibanda’s resignation came after the hospital’s management instructed him to write and submit a report this Wednesday giving reasons why he should not be arraigned before a disciplinary committee.

The letter that written to Sibanda by the hospital’s human resources manager M. Tembo which prompted his resignation reads:

It has been brought to the attention of Management that while you were rendering your services on the 15th July 2020 in the high dependency unit at 22.00 hours, you were captured on the Closed Circuit Television (CCTV) camera taking a photograph of an internal memorandum, that was put up on the staff notice board which is located at the Nurses Station using your personal cellphone.

A review of the entire hospital footage was done and it shows that you were the only individual who photographed the confidential document on that day.

May you explain in writing why you took a photograph of a document that is strictly meant internal purposes?

The picture of the document is currently circulating on social media platforms and you are therefore required to submit your written explanation and show cause why disciplinary action should not be taken against you.

Your written report should be submitted to the human resources department tomorrow morning at 08.00 hours.

-online

The City Of Harare has issued a public notice indicating that the section along Samora Machel Avenue between Leopold Takawira Street and First Street and Julius Nyerere Way between Sam Nujoma Street and Kwame Nkurumah Avenue will be temporarily closed between the 25th of June 2020 to the 28th of August 2020.

Council said the closure of the road will allow for the construction of a monument at the busy prime spot in the city.

City of Harare further said alternative routes will be recommended by use of informative signs. Council said:

“It is most important to note that during this period Leopold Takawira Street will be two – way up to Nelson Mandela Avenue from Samora Machel Avenue and a section of Kwame Nkrumah Avenue between First Street and Julius Nyerere Way will be one – way for traffic due west.”

The site of the construction is where ZANU PF elements have for a long-time been calling for the setting up of a statue of late former President Robert Mugabe.

Conscious that at 93, Robert Mugabe was to serve a full term if he won the 2018 presidential election ZANU PF officials ordered two statues that were to be erected in his honour when he dies.

The statues remained stuck in North Korea and are rumoured to have since arrived in the country.

The two giant bronze effigies were meant to be erected in Mr Mugabe’s home district of Zvimba and in the Harare at the spot that the City Of Harare is working on.

They were commissioned from a North Korean statue maker, Mansudae Art Studio, whose socialist-realist monuments are spread across the pariah state but have also become a common sight in Africa, where they offered imposing commemorations of the continent’s strongmen for a knockdown price.

2/5 We need to strengthen our surveillance systems by increasing the number of people being tested in the community, as well as conduct a robust contact tracing process.

— ZADHR_DrsHumanRights (@ZadhrDoctors) July 3, 2020

4/5 The long queues for basic commodities like mealie-meal and sugar, where people cannot practise social distancing, is a huge problem.

— ZADHR_DrsHumanRights (@ZadhrDoctors) July 3, 2020

5/5 Health workers also need to be equipped with PPE and be well remunerated so that they are able to do their job well, and properly screen and diagnose Covid-19 suspected cases.

— ZADHR_DrsHumanRights (@ZadhrDoctors) July 3, 2020

Farai Dziva|MDC Alliance leader Advocate Nelson Chamisa will address a landmark e-rally on Sunday.

The youthful leader is expected to address the nation on the deepening economic crisis, social unrest and the rampant violation of human rights by Emmerson Mnangagwa’s administration.

The e-rally will be held under the theme, “Fight for Better Livelihoods.”

“On Sunday 5 July, we will host an e-rally under the theme “Fight for Better Livelihoods.”

The rally will start at 1400hrs. The keynote address will be at 1500hrs by President
@nelsonchamisa . Tune in on all our online channels,” the party announced.

Since the beginning of the COVID-19 induced national lockdown, Chamisa has not had an opportunity to address his party supporters on the current challenges facing the movement including the Supreme Court ruling and subsequent events that have seen a rival faction headed by Thokozani Khupe grabbing party assets while also recalling legislators.

According to MDC Alliance National Deputy Spokesperson Clifford Hlatywayo, thousands of Zimbabweans and party supporters are ready for the e-rally.

Farai Dziva|MDC Alliance deputy president, Tendai Biti, has described Emmerson Mnangagwa as a cunning and callous political figure whose record of brutality is well-known.

Biti said Mnangagwa personally hounded Dr Joshua Nkomo out of Zimbabwe.

Biti also described the recalling of MPs as an attempt by Zanu PF to destroy the popular opposition party.

“The continued expulsion of our MPs is simply illegal and unacceptable.

It is an insult to the electorate that voted MDC Alliance .

It is a violation of the right to freedom of association. It is a major assault on democracy . Emmerson you are absolutely shameless,” argued Biti.

The desperate psychotic zeal to destroy our movement will never work. In the loser of an election ends up as the leader of the party that defeated her.

Emmerson and Thokozanu’s efforts are futile It is time to end the madness and protect our struggle.It’s time to finish it off…

As we remember Joshua Nkomo let us not forgot that it was Emmerson who personally hounded him out of Zim. His autobiography has no kind words for Emmerson who planted arms on ZAPU farms and executed Gukurahundi. 30 years later Emmerson is still up to the same nonsense,” Biti added.

Farai Dziva|Transform Zimbabwe leader, Jacob Ngarivhume says he is ready to lead peaceful protests against Emmerson Mnangagwa’s administration.

According to Ngarivhume, Mnangagwa has dismally failed to revive the economy.

In a statement Transform Zimbabwe said:

Jacob Ngarivhume is a man on a mission. His vision is to liberate Zimbabwe from its former liberators who have now become its captors.

He has stepped in to fill the leadership vacuum.

Zimbabwe has been on a knife edge for some time. The economy which has been on auto pilot has finally hit rock bottom. ED’s clueless government is scratching everywhere but can not find answers. Corruption has reached unprecedented levels, with the recent Covigate which implicated and embarrassed the First family, a case in point.

Zimbabweans are fed up and are ready to confront this bloodsucking animal called ZANU PF government.

The restless and impoverished civil servants are demanding US denominated salaries.

Nurses have already downed tools. Vendors are locked down at home under this covid induced lockdown, while the cost of living continues to skyrocket.

Mthulism has surely failed the nation.

The democratic space has continued to shrink with alleged abductions every month. Rumours of an imminent coup are everywhere while the nation is being railroaded into another Constitutional amendment meant to give the incumbent almighty power.

And these are desperate times indeed.

Writing on his twitter handle, Ngarivhume issued a call encouraging citizens to unite

He also promised to lead from the front on the 31st of July 2020:

“It’s not about politicians, it’s about the nation, our children, our future.
ZANUPFmustgo”

The United Kingdom embassy in Zimbabwe has taken to social media to dismiss as fake a letter from Secretary of State acknowledging communication from the late opposition MDC leader Morgan Tsvangirai who apprised him on the situation in Zimbabwe.

According to the fake letter, the UK government recommended funding for civic groups to pile pressure on the Zanu PF administration.

In a Twitter, post, UK in Zimbabwe said the letter was fake and should be dismissed.

“It has been brought to our attention that a photo is being shared online pretending to show a UK government document from 2001. This document is a fake and should be dismissed as such.”

Reports coming in suggest that ZANU PF Midlands province has resolved to readmit seven (7) of the party’s expelled members thereby creating a regional hegemony.

Among the readmitted are former ministers of Sports, Arts and Culture and Labour and Social Services deputy minister, in that order, Makhosini Hlongwane and Tapiwa Matangaidze who had written to the Midlands province seeking to be reinstated in the party structures.

Most of the members were expelled on allegations that they belonged to party factions, Gamatox – led by expelled ex-vice president Joyce Mujuru, and or G40 allegedly ed by the former first lady, Grace Mugabe.

Below is the full list of the readmitted officials.

1. Rugare Gumbo
2. Francis Nhema
3. Jaison Machaya
4. Flora Bhuka
5. Makhosini Hlongwane
6. Tapiwa Matangaidze
7. Annastacia Ndlovhu

This is happening when Zanu PF Harare province has also lifted the suspension of Godfrey Gomwe, the Harare District Coordinating Committee chairperson.

It also comes when President Emmerson Mnangagwa has given the recently expelled Chivi South MP Killer Zivhu the nod to continue with his “empowerment” programmes since he “graciously” accepted his expulsion.

Meanwhile, some have said the opposition MDC which is currently submerged under a prolonged leadership crisis, should emulate the ruling party that readmits its members.

MDC-T leader Thokozani Khupe has recently been recalling and expelling MDC Alliance Members of Parliament and Councillors for giving allegiance to her nemesis Nelson Chamisa.

Pindula

A nurse at Mater Dei has resigned after the hospital victimised him for taking a picture of a memo saying Covid patients will pay US$3000 for ward admissions & US$5000 for the ICU.
Xolani Sibanda had been vocal asking why staff were paid in Bond Notes whilst Mater Dei charged USD.

THE officer commanding police in Harare yesterday appealed to Zimbabwe Republic Police commanders to provide transport and accommodation to junior officers who are facing eviction from their rented accommodation and missing work because their salaries can no longer meet their needs.

In a leaked radio addressed to commanders, seen by NewsDay, titled “Welfare of Members,” the police boss noted that junior officers were earning poor salaries which could no longer meet their needs and that many of them were facing eviction for failure to pay rentals.

Police officers earn an average of $3 000 per month and will this month be getting a COVID-19 allowance of US$75 in their nostro accounts plus an extra $1 500 at a time the Zimbabwe Congress of Trade Unions says the breadbasket is now hovering around $20 000 and subject to change every week following the introduction of the foreign currency auction system.

Officers, who spoke to NewsDay on condition they were not named, said they were facing challenges reporting for duty, while some of their peers were actually collapsing at work due to hunger.

“Presentations have been made to bosses that the situation is now dire, members are struggling with paying rentals, which are being indexed to US dollars. Most police officers face eviction and are failing to buy food and meet basic expenses while we watch our bosses drive top-of-the-range vehicles, stay in plush houses and get benefits that include fuel, airtime and accommodation,” the police officer said yesterday.

Police were also angry that while they were at the forefront of suppressing opposing voices and protecting the ruling elite, they remained poor and neglected.

“They promised us garrison shops, they even said they would get us cheaper mealie-meal and sugar, but none of that is happening, yet it’s us with batons and tear smoke protecting the ruling elite,” another officer said.

In February, government promised to set up subsidized shops in cantonment areas to cushion restive members of the uniformed forces from the rising cost of living, but is yet to fulfill that pledge.

In the communication to commanders, the police boss wrote: “Addressees are being encouraged to continue addressing welfare issues of members under their command, especially during the prevailing phase of unstable economic environment exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic. Commanders, therefore, should have keen interest and the zeal to assist members where possible.”

Commanders were being urged to ensure that they provide accommodation and transport to officers under their command as many struggled to get to work and face eviction for failure to pay rentals.

“The provision of transport and accommodation on transfers and those staying away from stations, among other pertinent issues, as provided for in the standing orders and regulations, should be prioritised. Impartiality and empathy must be exercised when addressing issues to do with the welfare of subordinates,” the communication read.

On June 21, 1 111 police officers successfully challenged transfers by Police Commissioner-General Godwin Matanga saying they were incapacitated and could not fund relocation.

Justice Benjamin Chikowero granted them relief pending determination of the transfer matter.

Police spokesperson Assistant Commissioner Paul Nyathi said while he could not comment on the issues without getting first-hand information, he was aware that Matanga had appeared before a parliamentary portfolio committee and presented the challenges faced by his officers.

“I am not aware of the issues that you raise, but I know that the Commissioner-General appeared before the relevant parliamentary portfolio committee and told them what is needed in the police service. I will need to access the radio and verify it before I comment on other issues,” he said.

Nyathi also requested the leaked radio so that he could verify its authenticity to which he later responded: “The police signal availed to the media is, in fact, a confidential document in terms of the Official Secrets Act. It was internally intended for police commanders as a reminder to do their work as articulated in Police Regulations and Standing Orders. Remember, the CommissionerGeneral of Police recently appeared before the Parliamentary Portfolio Committee on Defence and Security, where he articulated the challenges faced by the Zimbabwe Republic Police in policing. The government has made it clear that it is currently addressing issues to do with members’ conditions of service.”

Last week, Defence minister Oppah Muchinguri also revealed before Parliament that morale was low in military barracks, with hungry soldiers, particularly those manning border posts in the wake of COVID-19, now tempted to engage in corrupt activities to sustain themselves.

-Newsday

Opposition MDC Alliance President Nelson Chamisa will this Sunday address an e-rally, the party has announced.

The e-rally will be held under the theme, “Fight for Better Livelihoods”

“On Sunday 5 July, we will host an e-rally under the theme “Fight for Better Livelihoods.” The rally will start at 1400hrs. The keynote address will be at 1500hrs by President @nelsonchamisa. Tune in on all our online channels,” the party announced.

Since the beginning of the COVID-19 induced national lockdown, Chamisa has not had an opportunity to address his party supporters on the current challenges facing the movement including the Supreme Court ruling and subsequent events that have seen a rival faction headed by Thokozani Khupe grabbing party assets while also recalling legislators.

By Own Correspondent| Outspoken Norton legislator Temba Mliswa has hit back at the Speaker of Parliament Jacob Mudenda following his six sittings suspension saying he is being put under pressure by Zanu PF to act in a dictatorial manner.

Below is Mliswa’s Twitter thread…

1/ Whilst we’re aware I was ejected from Parly & banned for the next 6 sittings, I believe it’s important when one is in office to comply with the very same rules that you have to preside over. When you don’t, it creates anarchy & dictatorial tendencies emerge

2/ I have a great respect for The Speaker but he is often unnecessarily put under pressure by @ZANUPF_Official. As one who has always advised me to have a comprehensive understanding of the Standing Rules and Orders, I have taken this advice to heart & am as such well versed

3/As a legislator, it’s important to understand the rules that govern the institution you belong to as well as the Zim Constitution. I’ve also taken time to consult with one of the most brilliant constitutional minds I know, @BitiTendai. I’m subsequently going to make a decision

4/My decision will be targeted towards ensuring that the independence of the institution remains intact. It will also assist in dispelling the prevailing fear that institutions become personalised. Parly becomes weak if members are compromised. I’m thinking & looking deep into it

5/ So far from what I’ve gleaned, the decision to ban me for 6 sittings should actually have been 4. These are decisions that may seem small in isolation but have the propensity to add up & tarnish an otherwise impeccable character, due to party pressure.

6/ As a former Chairperson, they worked against me to remove me to protect their own. Just because one has the majority, it shouldn’t mean you abuse the advantage; introspection is needed.

THE High Court in Masvingo will on Monday next week preside over the hearing and determination of an application seeking the release on bail from prison of Ephraim Muthombeni, the Director of Masvingo Centre for Research Advocacy and Community Development (MACRAD), who was committed to prison after he was arrested last week and charged with undermining authority of or insulting President Emmerson Mnangagwa.

The 28 year-old Muthombeni was denied bail on Monday 29 June by Masvingo Magistrate Mbonisi Ndlovu, who ruled that the MACRAD leader is a flight risk and could escape from standing trial.

Muthombeni, who is represented by Martin Mureri of Zimbabwe Lawyers for Human Rights (ZLHR) had applied for his release on bail after he was arrested by Zimbabwe Republic Police (ZRP) members on Sunday 28 June 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.”

Business Times

The Reserve Bank of Zimbabwe (RBZ) should beef up foreign c u r r e n c y
inflows in order to stabilise the exchange rate instead of suspending the mobile money platforms, analysts have said.

The reactions to new government measures come barely a week after the
government suspended all mobile payment platforms and the Zimbabwe Stock Exchange to pave way for investigations for illicit financial transactions.

Parallel forex market hovers between 1:80 and 1:100 with official bank rate standing at 1:63.7.

Since the closure of mobile money platforms the parallel forex rate has not moved instead it has slightly retreated by ZWL$5.

Economists argued that the government was not sincere in dealing with perpetrators of illicit foreign currency dealers as it has left other avenues for underhand financial dealings.

Economist Persistence Gwanyanya told Business Times that more needs to be done to stabilise the forex rate as the illicit forex dealers are known for improvising thereby evading new restrictions.

“The monetary authorities should reinforce foreign currency inflows in order to stabilise the forex rate and one way to do so is to instill confidence in the market to unlock US$1bn exporters’ money locked in the FCA account,” he said.

“The closing of mobile payment platforms is only one piece of the puzzle
which will not solve the forex challenges as a wholesome approach is needed to deal with this complex situation.

Confidence issues are the ones affecting the rates day and night.”

In a snap survey carried out by the Business Times, most forex exchange dealers were not operating payment platforms like Ecocash and One Wallet.
Those dealing with Ecocash were trading at 1:80 and One Wallet at 1:90 but are using personal lines to transact.

The illegal forex traders are using more than five personal lines to trade on the parallel market.

Another economist John Robertson said the mobile money payment platforms have somehow contained illegal forex dealers as very some amounts limited to social transactions are transacted to buy groceries and utilities payment.

“We expect more forex to come through the forex auction trade system in the next three to four weeks as the dollar will be trading higher.

The prices of commodities will continue to rise as long as the rate hasn’t stabilised,” Robertson said.

“We hope that the commodities prices will stabilise soon after the importers have recovered the money they have used to buy forex from the auction system from as high as 1: 100.”

He said the parallel market will lose steam once the auction system gains
momentum.

RBZ has implored all holders of foreign currency to sell their money through the apex bank’s auction market at their preferred prices, to
enhance the efficiency and effectiveness of the new platform.

This week, RBZ governor John Mangudya said holders of hard currency among them exporters, non-governmental organisations, bureaux de
change and receivers of remittances can participate on the auction market directly by selling at preferred prices their funds to the RBZ.

The dollar is trading at 1:63.7 after the second auction held on Tuesday
from 1:57.3 at the inaugural auction held last week

Own Correspondent

There appears to be confusion in the lower house of parliament after the Senate President announced a new Chief Whip for the opposition party on Wednesday.

The Senate announced Masvingo Senator Tichinani Mavetera as the opposition Chief Whip against Chamisa’s appointment of Eric Murai as the Acting Chief Whip also on Wednesday.

MDC Alliance secretary general Chalton Hwende announced the party’s appointments in a letter addressed to the speaker of Parliament Jacob Mudenda.

“Please be advised that our party MDC Alliance has appointed the following members as the party’s leadership in parliament,” reads part of the letter.

“Honourable Lynnet Karenyi- Acting leader of opposition in parliament, Eric Murai (Acting chief whip, lower house) and Jasmine Toffa (acting deputy chief whip lower house).”

The Senate President however made a different announcement without disclosing the source of her appointment.

“I have to inform the Senate that Hon. Sen. Dr. Mavetera has been appointed as the new MDC Chief Whip in the Senate,” she said.

Both MDC sides the MDC-T and the MDC Alliance have not commented on the issue.

Own Correspondent

Parirenyatwa Group of Hospitals has given three months’ notice to striking nurses who are resident at the hospital to vacate its flats.

Parirenyatwa Group of Hospitals Chief Executive Officer E. T Manyawu wrote the letters top to the nurses.

The letter reads as below:

This letter serves to notify you of the termination of your lease with effect from the end of day 30 September 2020. You are hereby given notice which will commence 1st July 2020.

You are aware that your stay in hospital accommodation was on the understanding that you avail yourself in times of emergencies that may be occasioned by disasters, stay-aways, industrial action and any other such disturbances.

The hospital has experienced numerous emergencies and industrial action in the last 12 months. Despite the calls for emergency cover in those situations you have not been forthcoming in spite of the fact that you are resident in hospital accommodation.

On its part, the hospital has ensured that you pay rentals of less than ZWL 100.00 per month which translate to US$1.75 (at 1:57 rate) on accommodation with no transport fares, free water and uninterrupted electricity both for your convenience and to enable you to attend to duty at short notice during emergencies.

The hospital will be entering into new lease agreements with those nurses who, due to the convenience and proximity of hospital accommodation are agreeable to assisting patients during times of emergencies.

You are therefore expected to prepare to vacate the aforementioned flat/room on or before the 30th September 2020, failure of which you will be evicted without any further notice.

Daily News

The government has not yet decided on the school calendar even though schools are scheduled to reopen this month.

Primary and Secondary Education minister Cain Mathema told the Daily News on Wednesday that while everyone would want to know the school calendar, due to the coronavirus crisis, it was difficult to plan for the future. He said:

We are going to plan according to the trend of COVID-19. Nobody knows what will happen so how do you expect us to tell what will happen in the future?

Yes, people want to know, but you and I are some of the people who want to know. Nobody invited COVID-19, it is all over the world and schools were closed all over.

Schools were forced to close early in late March as the government put in place lockdown measures to combat the spread of SARS-CoV-2, the novel coronavirus which causes COVID-19.

Under normal circumstances, the school calendar has three, four-month terms in which the fourth month is a holiday.

The government has announced a phased reopening of schools starting on July 28 and the Zimbabwe Schools Examination Council (ZIMSEC) examinations for June commenced this week.

However, parliamentarians and various teachers’ unions have urged the government to provide basics like running water, personal protective equipment, and basic screening equipment before schools reopen for the safety of teachers and learners.

More: Daily News

Former Chief of Staff in the late former Prime Minister Tsvangirai’s office, Alex Magaisa has suggested that the Reserve Bank of Zimbabwe governor, John Mangudya might have breached corporate governance principles.

Below is Magaisa’s Twitter thread.

ZAMCO-Mangundya-AfreximBank 1. Last week I did a thread on the RBZ-ZAMCO-CBZ axis of corruption & showed how the bank formerly headed by RBZ Governor Mangundya was the principal beneficiary of the ZAMCO scheme that he set up upon taking office. Today, it’s about @afreximbank

2. One of the banks that sold non-performing loans is AfreximBank, the only non-Zimbabwean financial institution in the list. @afreximbank is based in Cairo. It has a regional office in Harare. I was surprised to see it on the list of banks from whom NPLs were bought by ZAMCO.

3. AfreximBank doesn’t just give loans to the likes of Tom, Dick & Harry. Whoever got these loans & failed to repay is no small person. @afreximbank made reckless lending decisions. Didn’t it ask for collateral? Why should the Zim taxpayer pick the cost of their recklessness?4. This is why it’s important to know who is on the list of borrowers who got loans from @afreximbank but failed, refused or neglected to pay them back. It is because of that failure that they became NPLs & now the Zimbabwean taxpayer is carrying the cost #ZAMCOlist

5. RBZ Governor John Mangundya is a board member of @afreximbank and has been for a long time. This places Mangundya at the centre of 2 relationships with ZAMCO, 1st as CBZ CEO, which sold US$698 million NPLs & 2nd as AfreximBank Director which sold US$42,7 million NPLs.

6. This presents a prima facie case of conflict of interest & demands full transparency. This is to ensure that Governor Mangundya did not abuse his position to benefit himself or those with whom he was/is associated. If there’s nothing to hide the #ZAMCOlist should be disclosed.

More: Alex Magaisa/Pindula

Reports coming in suggest that ZANU PF Midlands province has resolved to readmit seven (7) of the party’s expelled members thereby creating a regional hegemony.

Among the readmitted are former ministers of Sports, Arts and Culture and Labour and Social Services deputy minister, in that order, Makhosini Hlongwane and Tapiwa Matangaidze who had written to the Midlands province seeking to be reinstated in the party structures.

Most of the members were expelled on allegations that they belonged to party factions, Gamatox – led by expelled ex-vice president Joyce Mujuru, and or G40 allegedly ed by the former first lady, Grace Mugabe.

Below is the full list of the readmitted officials.

1. Rugare Gumbo
2. Francis Nhema
3. Jaison Machaya
4. Flora Bhuka
5. Makhosini Hlongwane
6. Tapiwa Matangaidze
7. Annastacia Ndlovhu

This is happening when Zanu PF Harare province has also lifted the suspension of Godfrey Gomwe, the Harare District Coordinating Committee chairperson.

It also comes when President Emmerson Mnangagwa has given the recently expelled Chivi South MP Killer Zivhu the nod to continue with his “empowerment” programmes since he “graciously” accepted his expulsion.

Meanwhile, some have said the opposition MDC which is currently submerged under a prolonged leadership crisis, should emulate the ruling party that readmits its members.

MDC-T leader Thokozani Khupe has recently been recalling and expelling MDC Alliance Members of Parliament and Councillors for giving allegiance to her nemesis Nelson Chamisa.

Pindula

A Bulawayo woman was arrested at Mncumbata Secondary on 30/07/20 after conniving to write ZIMSEC examinations for a friend. An alert invigilator verified the candidate number and the name leading to the arrest of the suspect. #notocrime

— Zimbabwe Republic Police (@PoliceZimbabwe) July 2, 2020

The ruling ZANU PF has said that current squabbles in the opposition Movement for Democratic Change (MDC) was weakening the party adding that it was also a blow to democracy in the country.

This comes when the MDC is divided into two warring factions – one led by Nelson Chamisa and the other led by Thokozani Khupe, since the demise of the party’s founding leader, Morgan Tsvangirai in 2018.

Posting on Twitter, ZANU PF said:

Democracy thrives on strong opposition‼️

We pray MDC will soon fix their problems.

MDC’s current factional fights are also affecting service delivery in urban areas, ZANU PF supporters like every other urbanites are equally affected by the chaos holding in opposition. pic.twitter.com/Im9dBHQR3u

— ?? ZANU PF PATRIOTS ?? (@zanupf_patriots) July 2, 2020

Zimbabwe’s coronavirus cases rose to 617 after 12 people tested positive on the 2nd of July. The development was announced by the Ministry of Health and Child Care in a statement that also indicated that 10 new cases were returnees from South Africa while 2 were local.

The statement also indicated that authorities had initiated investigations to establish the sources of oca infections.

Seven (7) people recovered from the virus bringing the total number of recoveries to 173.

The nurses at Parirenyatwa Group of Hospitals have staged a demonstration in response to a notice to evict them from government accommodation.

The government gave the nurses three months notice (July 1 to September 30) to vacate their flats because they are on strike against poor working conditions and low wages.

Watch the video below:

Daily News

MORE than three million cross-border traders will breathe a sigh of relief after the Cross-border Traders Association managed to lure various South African businesses to sell their products at Beitbridge Border Post in order to mitigate the impact of coronavirus (Covid-19) on the country’s economy.

The Cross-border Traders’ Association chairperson Killer Zivhu told the media in Harare yesterday that there was no need to travel to South Africa to buy goods for their businesses.

“We are opening a people’s shop at Beitbridge starting next week. We have engaged various South African businesspeople who have agreed to come with their goods at Beitbridge. This will enable all cross-border traders to buy commodities at the border.

“They will get these goods at the same price they were getting them in South Africa and due to the Covid-19 pandemic, there is no need for all cross-border traders to travel to South Africa. We have more than three million cross-borders in Zimbabwe who are going to benefit from this development. There is no need to travel to Messina or Johannesburg anymore,” Zivhu said.

He said currently many people have nothing to do due to the obtaining lockdown.

“Most people want to pay school fees and half of the parents who pay school fees are cross-borders. This move will enable people to re-start their businesses.

“People are suffering … so we want to help our government during this difficult time of Covid-19. We are negotiating with the government so that they can provide Zupco buses to transport traders from different places.”

He added that the government must assist cross-borders with funds to re-open their businesses.

“Most people are being raped and killed while they are trying to cross borders through illegal entry points during this lockdown and most of them will not be tested. So, this is another way of dealing with the spread of the disease.

“We are saying people are going to be tested by private companies regularly. Cross-borders must first register like what the government said and after that they must come to us.

“However, we can also facilitate their registration. We urge the government to provide funds for cross-borders through the SME facility which they announced recently. We are also calling upon all people with free funds to come forward,” Zivhu said.

This comes as the government has promised to avail funding to cushion informal and small-scale enterprises that have not been spared by the global pandemic.

THE ongoing expulsion of MDC-Alliance officials who are refusing to toe the MDC-T line has extended to municipalities, with the axe yesterday falling on four Harare councillors.

This follows the Wednesday recall of eight senators aligned to troubled opposition leader Nelson Chamisa by Dr Thokozani Khupe, who was confirmed MDC-T leader by the Supreme Court in March this year on the grounds that the former assumed power illegally.

Dr Khupe, who is due to convene an extraordinary congress to elect the substantive leader of the MDC-T following the death of Morgan Tsvangirai in 2018, has wasted no time in recalling officials who are refusing to play ball.

So far she has recalled 21 parliamentarians, with her axe swinging above the heads of legislators who are refusing to accept the Supreme Court ruling that made her the interim president of the MDC-T which deployed the highest number of candidates in the 2018 elections on the MDC-Alliance ticket.

In a letter to Harare town clerk Engineer Hosiah Chisango, Local Government and Public Works Minister July Moyo said the recall of the four councillors namely; Denford Ngadziore (Ward 16) Girisoti Mandere (Ward 44), Jaison Kautsa (Ward 37) and Tonderai Chakeredza (Ward 31), by the MDC-T means they can no longer perform council duties.

“I wish to inform you that I am in receipt of a letter from the Movement for Democratic Change stating that councillors have been expelled from that party. In terms of Section 278 (1) of the Constitution of Zimbabwe, as read with Section (1) (k), Ward 16, Ward 44, Ward 37 and Ward 31 of Harare City Council are now vacant.”

Minister Moyo said in terms of Section 121 of the Electoral Act, Harare City Council must inform the Zimbabwe Electoral Commission of the vacancies.

Meanwhile, councillor Ngadziore has responded to the recall.

Dear Ward 16 Residents

This afternoon I received a letter of recall from Minister of Local Government July Moyo after he has received a letter from one Douglas Mwonzora of MDC-T the Party you rejected. You voted for me as your Councillor under MDC Alliance.
This did not come as a surprise to me and I am not regretting as you are the one who gave me the mandate through MDC Alliance. I will continue providing the necessary leadership at Community level till such a time we meet again.

I want to thank you for your support in our community work to develop ward 16.

I remain

The People’s Councillor
Denford Ngadziore ward 16

Police in the Midlands have launched a manhunt for a Mberengwa man who fatally assaulted a woman for turning down his love proposal.

The man, Jabulani Mutengwa, of Rashika Village under Chief Mataruse allegedly beat up 60-year-old Shanangurai Chomwise resulting in her death.

Police provincial spokesperson Inspector Joel Goko confirmed the development to B-Metro saying they had since launched a manhunt for the suspect.

“We are investigating a case of murder of a 60-year-old woman who was beaten to death by the suspect for turning down his love proposal,” he said.

Inspector Goko said the deceased had gone to visit her relative when the incident happened.

“Chomwise was at Mwembe Business Centre under Chief Mataruse where she had gone to visit her relative Reason Gumbo who worked at Madambu shop,” he said.

Inspector Goko said Mutengwa, whose age could not be ascertained, followed Chomwise and proposed to her.
“Upon leaving, accused approached the now deceased and proposed love and she turned him down.

“This did not go down well with the accused who grabbed Chomwise’s hand and twisted it and she fell,” said Inspector Goko.
Mutengwa armed himself with a stick and assaulted the woman.

“The accused picked up a stick and assaulted Chomwise on the right side of the ribs until she became unconscious.”

She was ferried to Mnene Hospital where she died on 28 June. Inspector Goko appealed to the public who might have knowledge on
Mutengwa’s whereabouts to report to their nearest police station.

“The suspect is still at large so we are appealing to anyone who might have knowledge on his whereabouts to quickly contact the nearest police station.
He also appealed to the public to desist from violence.

“As police, we continue to appeal to citizens to stop violent behaviour as it usually results in unnecessary loss of lives.”-B-Metro

Farai Dziva|MDC Alliance National National Vice Chairperson Job Sikhala says he is unmoved by Zanu PF’ s threats to arrest him.

Sikhala also warned of an impending wave of revolution that will be unstoppable.

See full statement :
By Hon Job Wiwa Sikhala:
MDC Alliance National Vice Chairman.

Dear Zimbabweans,

If we all remember some days ago the ZANU PF regime through Kazembe Kazembe, issued lies packaged as security and intelligence alert to the nation about the spread of a coup rumour.

In those lies, he specifically mentioned myself, Apostle Talent Chiwenga, Gambakwe Media, ZimEye, Nehanda Radio, Saviour Kasukuwere, civic society organizations and some Prophet in the United States of America whose name I don’t remember as culprits. A few days ago Oppah Muchinguri, told Parliament of Zimbabwe that the government is going to arrest all those persons who were mentioned in the lies. Let me set the record straight from the onset, to Oppah Muchinguri, please bring it on. I am not afraid of the threats because this country cannot be governed on the basis of lies and manufacturing of falsehoods against those who are standing against the evils of your government because this country does not belong to anyone’s mother.

I am briefed that the threat by Oppah Muchinguri is targeting at arresting me and Apostle Talent Chiwenga as soon as possible.

The brief I received which is quite detailed, says, sooner rather than later after our arrest, journalist Hopewell Chin’ono will also be immediately nabbed. Among the institutions and individuals they targeted during their Press Conference, it is only myself and Apostle Talent Chiwenga who are in Zimbabwe.

As a clampdown operation all those whom they target for persecution will be nabbed and thrown into jail, thus including silencing Hopewell Chin’ono. I gather that they are all aware that Saviour Kasukuwere is exiled somewhere, the operator of Gambakwe media is in SA, ZimEye operates from UK so is Nehanda Radio, hence the only ones in Zimbabwe are Job Sikhala and Apostle Talent Chiwenga.

So all that noise and threats is all about the appetite by the regime to come and have their hands on me and Apostle Chiwenga.

Let me be unequivocal. I will not tolerate any persecution on my person anymore. Don’t dare again. Like their threat to come and invade my home on the 29th of February 2020 which turned into a nightmare, I have mobilised the entire population to trigger a revolution in the event of carrying out their threat. I am a practical man. I will never be persecuted because of my resolute stance against this evil regime.

My Masvingo Treason trial will be a pick nick. This time the wave will be unstoppable. I don’t make empty threats. I am not that character. I also urge Apostle Chiwenga to activate his constituency. It’s a do or die situation. We deserve our peace and happiness. These idiots can not just create a lie to justify their evil intentions against certain persons. This is my country. I have every right like any other citizen to express myself on the deficit on how our public affairs are conducted. Inga you have deployed 24 hours surveillance on me and you have noticed I have never been intimidated to the dot.

Idiots governing our country should take responsibility for their failures. Trying to use other people as scapegoats is dangerous to its very survival. I have obtained detailed information about all your intentions Oppah Muchinguri. Bring it on.

The wheels of the revolution continue to travel.

Aluta Continua.

Own Correspondent |
Zimbabwe Prison and Correctional Services details at Masvingo Remand Prison are denying Macrad Trust Director Epraim Mutombeni access to food.

It has come to the attention of ZimEye.com that prison officers are citing Covid-19 restrictions as the main reason why Mutombeni has been denied food for the past 2 days.

ZPSC officers also forcibly dismissed Mutombeni’s lawyer Martin Mureri who had come to see his client falsely accusing him of using the opportunity to see his client as a way of bringing food for Mutombeni.

However, it appears they were under instruction from their superiors .

Mutombeni (28) was charged with undermining the authority of the President as defined in section 33(2)(a) (i) of the Criminal Law (Codification and Reform )Act and was remanded in custody to the 13th of July 2020 with his bail application denied .

The arrest of Mutombeni comes in the background of a visit by a high powered delegation of the Zimbabwe Human Rights Commission to Masvingo Province to conduct an inquiry into the evictions of the Shangaan people in Chiredzi District’s Chilonga and Masivamele areas. He was supposed to present crucial evidence to the Zimbabwe Human Rights Commission, on the eve of his arrest as such this has raised the ire of civil society leaders across Zimbabwe as it is clear to them that the state is using trumped up charges to ensure that Mutombeni and other civil society actors in Masvingo Province are deterred from campaigning against the land rights of the Shangaan people in Chiredzi District.

His arrest was preceeded by days of key MACRAD staff members being trailed by unknown individuals in vehicles without number plates.

Mutombeni a Shangaan clansman himself has for the past 2 months been the most vocal critic against these eviction and his organization Masvingo Centre for Research Advocacy and Development released a damming report that implicated and exposed the government of Zimbabwe for not following the correct procedures and trying to forcibly relocate the Shangaan people from their ancestral land .

Investigations by ZimEye.com have revealed that a company named Dendiary Pvt Ltd which is believed to be Chinese fronted as the major beneficiary of these relocations and apparently in a recent visit to the area by VP Chiwenga local people embarrassed the Vice-President as they demonstrated in front of him with state security agents aso identifying Mutombeni as the individual who might have led these demonstrations .

Mutombeni is being represented by the Zimbabwe lawyers for Human Rights and his application for removal from remand at the High Court of Masvingo is set to be heard on Friday 4 July 2020.

Farai Dziva|Zanu PF has barred MDC Alliance councillor for ward 34, Gutu Central, Wickliff Matindike from carrying out his official duties.

Masvingo Minister Of State, Ezra Chadzamira has imposed a Zanu PF losing candidate, Susan Samatanga as the councillor for ward.

Samatanga is now carrying out all the official duties as the councillor for the ward.

Speaking to ZimEye.com in an interview on Wednesday, Matindike said he was struggling to carry out his official duties because of Zanu PF stalwarts were determined to frustrate him.

“I am facing some challenges in my ward, it’s true.

A Zanu PF losing candidate in the ward is now in charge of everything. She is literally performing all the duties of an elected official.

They are blocking me from accessing food aid from the Social Welfare on behalf of the residents in my ward.

Everything has been politicized.Samatanga is also attending key meetings on behalf of the residents,” said Matindike.

“She meets all Government officials who come to the ward and has access to the District Development Co-ordinator’s office at anytime- which the MDC Alliance councillor doesn’t have,” a concerned resident said.

ZANU PF Secretary for Commissariat Victor Matemadanda has disowned a Twitter account in his name, which he claims was engineered by his enemies bent on tarnishing his image.

This follows a message circulating on social media purportedly posted by Matemadanda where he is threatening to deal with those who try to create two centres of power within the ruling party.

According to the twitter handle, he said a leader is elected by the congress not those who are power hungry trying to dethrone the President unconstitutionally.

Matemadanda said he did not have a Twitter account.

“I do not have a twitter account.

Let it be known that Matemadanda does not have a twitter account.

The twitter account is a creation of my enemies who are trying to destabilise the party and soil my name,” he said.

He said those behind the fake Twitter handle were shameless impostors bent on soiling his image for cheap political gain.

He added that no amount of smearing will break Zanu PF party-The Herald

https://twitter.com/ZimEye/status/1278754310113898497?s=20

The High Court in Masvingo will on Monday 6 July 2020 preside over the
hearing and determination of an application seeking the release on
bail from prison of Ephraim Muthombeni, the Director of Masvingo
Centre for Research Advocacy and Community Development (MACRAD), who was committed to prison after he was arrested last week and charged
with undermining authority of or insulting President Emmerson
Mnangagwa.

The 28 year-old Muthombeni was denied bail on Monday 29 June 2020 by
Masvingo Magistrate Mbonisi Ndlovu, who ruled that the MACRAD leader
is a flight risk and could escape from standing trial.

Muthombeni, who is represented by Martin Mureri of Zimbabwe Lawyers
for Human Rights (ZLHR) had applied for his release on bail after he
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.”

-ZLHR

A soldier and a police officer are undergoing trial after they were
arrested and charged for assaulting a Bulawayo resident Weston
Chandomba during the national lockdown period.

Obvious Nkomo aged 35 years, who is a soldier based at Induna Barracks
and is employed as a corporal in the Zimbabwe National Army and
Sergeant Dennis Maturi aged 45 years, who is employed by Zimbabwe
Republic Police appeared before Magistrate Jaconiah Ncube at Western
Commonage Court in Bulawayo on Friday 26 June 2020 to answer to
charges of assault as defined in section 89(1)(a) of the Criminal Law
(Codification and Reform) Act.

Prosecutors told Magistrate Ncube that Nkomo and Maturi assaulted the
33 year-old Chandomba 33, who is employed as a mechanic on 1 May 2020
in Bulawayo’s Njube high-density suburb by slapping him with open
hands and a butt of a riffle intending to cause bodily harm.

Prosecutors said Nkomo and Maturi were on duty escorting a truck
selling maize meal and conducting routine checks when they quarreled
with Chandomba and accused him of causing or behaving in a disorderly
manner before assaulting him.

After assaulting Chandomba, prosecutors said Nkomo and Maturi
handcuffed him together with other persons and ordered them to sit
down on the tarmac before taking them to Njube Police Station, where
he was detained for several hours until he was released without any
charges preferred against him.

Prosecutors told Magistrate Ncube that Chandomba sustained a damaged
right ear from the assault by Nkomo and Maturi.

Nkomo and Maturi are the first publicly known security services
personnel to be arraigned before the courts charged with violating
citizens’ rights during the national lockdown period.

Several people across the country have endured harassment, assault and
torture at the hands of soldiers and police officers during the
national lockdown period which was declared by President Emmerson
Mnangagwa in March in a bid to combat the spread of coronavirus, which
has affected more than 500 people in Zimbabwe.

In April, Zimbabwe Lawyers for Human Rights (ZLHR), had to approach
the High Court to secure court orders to stop soldiers and police
officers from harassing, assaulting and violating citizens’ rights
while enforcing regulations during the national lockdown period.

Already, several people across the country represented by ZLHR are
suing soldiers and police officers for violating their fundamental
rights during the ongoing national lockdown period.

-ZLHR

Cash amounting to US$ 30 000 was stolen from a parked motor vehicle in Byo CBD on 30/06/20 at about 0800. The Complainant had parked his vehicle and entered a supermarket to buy some foodstuffs. Police are investigating the case.

— Zimbabwe Republic Police (@PoliceZimbabwe) July 2, 2020

THE Bulawayo City Council has identified a site it intends constructing a new state of the art Stadium that conforms to Fifa and Caf standards.

It has also emerged that installation of new bucket seats at Barbourfields Stadium will see its carrying capacity reducing to 12 000.

An assistant director in the department of housing and community services confirmed the development in a report in the latest council minutes.

He said considerations for a new stadium were already underway and a new site for the facility had been identified, although the exact location of the site was not mentioned.

He was responding to an inquiry by councillor Felix Mhaka on refurbishment works being done at Barbourfields Stadium so that it meets Fifa and Caf standards.

Mhaka had suggested that council either demolishes Luveve or White City Stadium to build a new stadium.

A senior official with the Zimbabwe Energy Regulatory Authority (ZERA), Engineer Nobert Matarutse has clarified the cost of blending unleaded petrol and ethanol saying the blending was justified as it reduces the foreign currency obligation by 20 percent for E20, and by 10 percent for E10. His clarification comes at a time the motoring public has condemned the use of ethanol arguing that it made our petrol more expensive and it if damaging people’s vehicles.

Motorists say that a litre of petrol no longer meets the expected distance travelled on consumption, meaning more fuel is consumed per kilometre travelled beyond their comprehension.

Engineer Matarutse, ZERA’s Consumer Services Manager gave the clarification during an intense engagement meeting held on the Harare Residents’ Trust (HRT) Residents’ Dialogue whatsapp interactive platform comprising of academics, residents’ leaders, local and national policymakers and bureaucrats, media personnel and civil society leaders. Forum participant Albert Chandaengerwa facilitated the discussion and probed on the ethanol issues.

Engineer Matarutse said: “In terms of blending we are currently at 20 percent hence our petrol is referred to as E20. Whilst the litre of Ethanol costs RTGS$54.5763 only 200ml of that one litre is what is added to unleaded fuel (800ml) to make a litre. The 200ml of ethanol costs RTGS$10.91526.

This explained sounded more technical for the understanding of ordinary residents, so Engineer Matarutse had to further simplify the message.

“Let me take this opportunity to advise colleagues that Ethanol, which is a by-product of the production of sugar, is a fuel,” he said. “In Zimbabwe, just like in many other countries, a decision was made to mix unleaded petrol with Ethanol in order to save on foreign currency (which no doubt is in short supply) and also to reduce pollution. So when the unleaded petrol, 95% which comes by pipeline from Beira to Msasa, is received at Msasa, it is Blended (mixed with Ethanol) by NOIC (National Oil Infrastructure Company) at Msasa, 800ml (unleaded petrol) + 200ml (Ethanol) = 1 litre Petrol (E20).”

From the given explanation, this means that one litre of ethanol can blend five litres of petrol.

Foreign currency is therefore required for the 800 millilitres of imported petrol and local currency is needed for the 200ml in order to procure 1000ml, which makes up the one litre E20 petrol that is eventually sold in Zimbabwe, according to the ZERA official.

Jonathan Muringani, another participant said: “Engineer Matarutse, the science of ethanol has not changed. What has changed are the criminals who have a monopoly thorough political patronage.

While you are just an employee, the political trickster and their professional appendages are living on borrowed time as they extract excessive rents on the population like stationary bandits (Mancur Olson).”

To this Engineer Matarutse said Muringani’s comments were outside his mandate at ZERA.

Other contributions came from participants who wanted to understand why then service stations selling petrol in USD did not factor in the ZWL component in their costing, because they all demanded payment in USD. Several service stations in Harare are selling their fuel in foreign currency, and very rarely is the precious commodity sold in the local currency.

Before the latest price increases by ZERA, petrol was largely trading at around one USD to US$1.05 at most service stations, but ZERA pegged the fuel at US$128, way beyond what was prevailing in the market.

Zimbabwe’s motorists continue to experience fuel shortages, and spent valuable productive time in petrol and diesel queues with no solution in sight. Concerns however remain that ethanol has contributed to the high cost of fuel in Zimbabwe with critics of the government’s move demanding the end to ethanol blending in the country.