Sun|KIM Jong-Un has reportedly been seen for the first time in public after rumours he had died spread around the world.
The North Korean leader was reported to have had an operation that went wrong, before these claims were dismissed.
The North Korean leader is said to have been seen in public on Friday (file photo)
But today he has been seen for the first time in 20 days, says news agency Yonhap, after last being spotted in public in early April.
The agency reports he was attending the completion ceremony of Suncheon Fertilizer Plant.
Concern over his health began when he failed to appear at an important celebration on April 15, to mark the birthday of Kim Il-sung, his grandfather and the founder of the country.
And a recent viral image that supposedly showed Kim Jong-un dead in a glass coffin set off the rumours again.
The image – likely a doctored photo from his father’s 2011 funeral – appears to show Kim lying in state beneath a red blanket with his head on a pillow.
There were also rumours that he may have been seriously injured during one of his military’s controversial missile tests – a former official with links to the Workers’ Party of North Korea encouraged this speculation.
But in an effort to contradict the rumours of his death a state-run newspaper has reported that Kim sent a personal letter to builders working on a tourism project in Wonsan.
Chinese journalist Shijian Xingzou said a “very solid source” told her the North Korean leader had died.
She has 15 million followers on Chinese social media site Weibo, and she is also the niece of one of the the country’s foreign ministers.
Separately, a Japanese media outlet claimed Kim was in a “vegetative state” after undergoing heart surgery.
However South Korean president Moon Jae-in’s foreign policy advisor Chung-in Moon has said they believe Kim has been staying in Wonsan since April 13 – with “no suspicious movements”.
The head of emergencies at the World Health Organisation has stated that they believe that the cause of corona virus is natural in origin.
Dr Michael Ryan responded to claims by United States of America’s President Donald Trump suggesting that the virus may have emerged from a virology institute in China.
The United States of America’s president Donald Trump said that he is confident enough to say that the virus originated from China, and accused the World Health Organization in it’s slow response to contain the spread of the virus that has affected the whole world,with USA being the most affecting, with the highest number of infections and deaths world wide.
Most scientist across the world believe that Corona virus originated from Chinese city from a certain animal that is yet to be identified.
Dr Ryan said that the World Health Organization (WHO) teams have listened to claims by many scientists, and they have looked at the gene sequences and the virus, and they are sure that the virus is a natural origin. The Dr has insisted that it’s important to know the natural carrier of the virus for better understanding of future outbreak.
NewsDay|LEADER of Johanne Masowe eChishanu, Andby Makururu, yesterday pleaded with President Emmerson Mnangagwa to allow church leaders to meet and pray in their respective churches in a bid to find spiritual solutions and divine intervention against the coronavirus pandemic.
He made the remarks yesterday in an interview with NewsDay Weekender in Mutare.
“We are fasting and praying that our god provide solutions in the fight against the deadly coronavirus,” Makururu said.
“Firstly, I want to thank Zimbabweans for following what our President Emmerson Mnangagwa said should be done in the current lockdown.
“Today, I am just pleading for a small request to President Emmerson Mnangagwa, to give us churches a role to play in the fight against the coronavirus.
“We are saying he (Mnangagwa) should give us a chance as church leaders to meet at our respective shrines or churches to meet and pray for a small period of time weekly be it 30 minutes or one hour.”
He added: “Each church has a spiritual place, so we are saying that we should meet, at least five or 10 people who are church leaders, while also observing social distancing and also wearing personal protective equipment (PPE).
“Sometimes, it is difficult to pray at home, so if we meet as leaders, we are able to give each other strength to pray for the country. We are already praying, but I am just pleading for only church leaders to meet.”
Mnangagwa yesterday extended the lockdown by a further two weeks to preserve lives as cases of COVID-19 continue to spike in the country and now stand at 40 confirmed, including four deaths.
Makururu last month donated personal protective equipment to Mutare Remand Prison and this week donated gloves, soap and sanitisers to the same institution to boost its capacity to mitigate a possible coronavirus outbreak.
He also donated food hampers to Mutare Farm Prison.
Through his Ruvheneko Rwenyenyedzi Trust (RRT), the prophet has been donating food items to impoverished families in Mutare during the current lockdown.
Meanwhile, one of the country’s oldest churches, the Africa Apostolic Church (AAC), with a following of one million locally and three million globally, has pledged to work with government in the fight against the deadly coronavirus.
The Mutumwa Paul Mwazha-led church said it was geared to fight COVID-19 through various ways including prayer.
“As a church, we really want to play our part in fighting COVID-19. We are aware of the influence that we have as a church and feel that it must be put to good use by promoting that which safeguards the well-being of all Zimbabwean citizens,” Paul Mwazha’s son, Israel, said.
The AAC leadership, represented by bishops Patrick Mahachi, Moses Mwagura, Tawanda Mwazha and Leonard Mukumba, the owner of Inter Africa buses, recently met Mnangagwa, where they pledged to support government efforts in the COVID-19 fight.
Own Correspondent|Thirteen more South Africans have died of Covid-19 and there are now 5,951 cases in the country.
This means that there was an increase of 304 cases in the last 24 hours, and the death toll has now climbed to 116.
Health minister Dr Zweli Mkhize released the figures in a statement on Friday night. To date, 217,522 tests have been completed, 9,992 in the last 24 hours.
There had also been a recorded 2,382 recoveries.
The Western Cape remained the country’s Covid-19 epicentre, followed by Gauteng and KZN – the latter of which breached the 1,000 mark.
Directive to Freeze Bank Accounts of Attached List of Ecocash and OneMoney Customers (Agents) Suspected of Involvement in Illicit Foreign Currency Transactions and / or Money Laundering
Please find attached list of Ecocash and One Money customers suspected of involvement in illicit foreign currency transactions and / or money laundering.
You are directed to identify all accounts of the listed persons / entities that are linked either to Ecocash or to One Money (i.e. accounts that allow the customer to move funds between the bank account and the mobile money wallet, and / or vice versa) and to, immediately freeze such accounts. You are also required to submit by close of business on 3 May 2020, KYC information in respect of each customer, including (a) details of the accounts identified and frozen including balances, (b) business address of the entity, (c) names of all directors (d) name and contact details of the MD/CEO (e) list of the shareholders (f) list of the Ultimate Beneficial Owners and (g) the entity’s nature of business and source of funds. It is critical that the freezing be effected immediately as any delay can result in funds being moved from the accounts before freezing is effected.
Oliver Chiperesa Acting Director-General Financial Intelligence Unit 1 Ensuring Financial Integrity List of Ecocash Agent Accounts to be Frozen: 1 May 2020
user name CALM YIELDS LTD INTERCREST CAPITAL MICROFINANCE TREZOR INVESTMENTS LINSA INVESTMENTS MUBEREKWA INVESTMENTS SHUMBA MONEY PVT LTD VERSACE INVESTMENTS PVT LTD WALTROP INVESTMENTS TITANIUM CAPITAL PL NOMRE MOTORS BENSPEAKERS INVESTMENTS HENNYLORGEY PVT LTD CUBE QUANTUM PHAMACEUTICALS PVT LTD LIQUIFIRM PVT LTD MABHUSA INVESTMENTS (PVT) LTD CALM YIELDS PVT LTD DUO VALLEY COMMODITY BROKERS PVT LTD INTERCREST CAPITAL MR BILLS ENGINEERING AND CONSTRUCTION pv-r LTD DELONIX TRADING COASTBRIDGE INVESTMENTS PAUREDGE TOBACCO REHANDLING PVT LTD OSHUN ENTERPRISES KAY MUDONHI INVESTMENTS JURYFIN INV NT ELECTRONICS KAY MUDONHt INVESTMENTS MC MEATS 1 PVT LTD CUSHION ME pvr LTD DERIVATIVES RESOURCES PL GIGABYTE CONSULTANTS PVT LTD CHEMMODITIES TRADING PVT LTD GRACE OF ALL TIMES CAR SALES PVT LTD CUBE QUANTUM PHAMACEUTICALS PVT LTD LIQUIFIRM PVT LTD DK INVESTMENTS PBC JACK AND PRIDE ELECTRONICS CELLBASE ELECTRONICS BLUE-SKY INVESTMENTS WHIRLWYN HOLDINGS ETG PARROGATE ZIMBABWE QUEEN WEALTH INVESTMENTS
The Premier League has announced that they are willing to continue with the 2019-20 season should government allow it.
92 matches remain pending in the English top flight, which was temporarily put on hold in March owing to the escalation of the Covid-19 pandemic and despite other leagues in Europe being cancelled, the League officials announced on Friday that they are willing to continue with the seaon if given the green light to do so.
“At a meeting of Premier League Shareholders today, clubs discussed possible steps towards planning to resume the 2019/20 season, when it is safe and appropriate to do so.
It was reiterated that the thoughts of all are with those directly affected by the COVID-19 pandemic.
Furthermore, the Premier League’s priority is the health and safety of players, coaches, managers, club staff, supporters and the wider community.
The League and clubs are considering the first tentative moves forward and will only return to training and playing with Government guidance, under expert medical advice and after consultation with players and managers.
The League welcomed the creation of the Government medical working group for a return of elite sport, which met for the first time this morning.
No decisions were taken at Friday’s Shareholders’ meeting and clubs exchanged views on the information provided regarding “Project Restart”.
It was agreed that the PFA, LMA, players and managers are key to this process and will be further consulted.
The clubs reconfirmed their commitment to finishing the 2019/20 season, maintaining integrity of the competition and welcomed the Government’s support,” read a statement on the Premier League website.
I am pleased by the commendable manner in which you continue to respond to the lockdown in our quest to contain the spread of the Covid-19 pandemic. It is now 34 days since we began the national lockdown. To date, our country has had 34 confirmed cases. Of these, five have recovered, while four are late. Five of the 10 provinces have recorded positive cases. From the upward trajectory of infections, it is evident that our country is yet to reach its peak.
The pandemic has continued to put a strain on both the nation’s livelihood and on businesses. Its adverse impact on the economy and on social lives has been severe.
As we plan to slowly return to a normal way of life, it is important that we adopt a National Strategy of possible exits from the lockdown, informed by the imperatives of Zimbabwe and its peculiarities. Our priority remains to reduce transmissions of Covid-19, and to gradually re-start the economy, without undermining the efforts to contain the pandemic.
A brief study has been made on how some jurisdictions in Africa have contained the prevalence of infections and also how they are adjusting to, or exiting from their respective approaches. The results have differed from country to country, with a number witnessing varied levels of spikes in infections after easing restrictions.
In our case, the lockdown has proved to be an effective strategy to curtail the proliferation of the disease in the country. In addition, measures such as the mandatory quarantine and isolation of all returnees have been key in achieving low figures.
Due to the high rate of imported cases from returnees from the UK, we must scale up public awareness on the danger posed by our returnees from the UK and other hotspots.
Our response to the challenge of Covid-19 has been enhanced by the establishment of the Covid-19 National Taskforce to lead and manage the national response.
This structure together with the setting up of the Covid-19 Disaster Fund saw a multi-sectoral response from the private sector, donors and the international community, which enriched our collective resources, competencies and skills.
It is imperative that our nation continues to act on two fronts, namely saving people’s lives on one hand, and saving the national economy, on the other hand.
Hence, we have gradually lifted lockdown restrictions in some sectors such as mining and the marketing of tobacco.
Noticing that there is now a gradual increase of infections, the lockdown will continue for the next 14 days, however relaxed to Level 2. This entails the following adjustments:
All people must wear masks of any type, including home-made ones, outside their homes. The re-opening of industry and commence, provided that companies must ensure mandatory Rapid Diagnostic Testing of all employees, social distancing in the workplace, sanitisation and that all employees wear masks. Operating hours shall be from 8:00am to 3:00pm. For the avoidance of doubt the informal sector remains closed, except the agriculture and food supply chains (markets). All those who are vulnerable should approach the Department of Social Welfare to register for assistance. Public buses only, will be the mode of public transport. Omnibuses (kombis) and smaller taxis are still not permitted to operate. Bus operators must ensure that their buses are disinfected twice daily, and that commuters wear masks, have their temperatures checked and hands sanitised before boarding buses. Social distancing must also be maintained within all buses.
Industry, commerce and bus operators can only re-open and operate upon fulfilling the outlined requirements. Health inspection teams will immediately randomly check for compliance. Those who fail to comply will be stopped from operating. The maintenance of mandatory and quarantine protocols in line with regional and international standards will continue. Returning residents and international travellers to the country will be put on a 21-day mandatory quarantine with full testing on Day 1, Day 8 and Day 21. Churches, gyms, bottle stores, bars, beerhalls and other leisure and recreational facilities remain closed.
Gatherings of less than 50 people are to be maintained. This partial relaxing to Level 2 is designed to restart certain sectors of the economy, while recognising the compelling credence in maintaining the lockdown.
Overall, we must remain cautious for as long as the infection curve has not converged with our health delivery readiness curve. To this end, new laboratories have been identified to increase and decentralise testing. We envisage that this will further increase the numbers of people tested so as to inform transmission patterns and response strategies.
Zimbabwe’s strategy and response to the pandemic, as outlined above, has taken into account our nation’s realities. These include:
The illegal sanctions and the associated vulnerabilities and sensitivities. A large informal economy which will impact on the nature, scope and anticipated impact of our interventions. An economy which is highly import-dependent, a situation that has exposed us to the shocks of disruptions in the external supply chain as source countries imposed lockdowns, and as international freight systems are crippled. A notable Diaspora population from the red zones many of whom are opting to come back home, thereby threatening to constitute a large number of imported cases in the country.
The continued partial lockdown is therefore critical to contain the spread of the virus, and Government has seen it fit to equally mitigate the debilitating effects of the pandemic on the economy. As such, we have put in place an Economic Rescue and Stimulus Package to respond to Covid-19.
So far our response to this pandemic has seen us putting in place a ZW$18 billion Economic Rescue and Stimulus Package, which amounts to 9 percent of our Gross Domestic Product (GDP), or 28,6 percent of the 2020 National Budget. The package is proportionate to the disruption the virus has caused in our national economy.
This Economic Rescue and Stimulus Package is designed to scale-up production in all the sectors of the economy in response to the adverse effects of Covid-19.
The package will also be used to address the needs of the small-scale industries, improve health facilities, reduce poverty and hardships and assist vulnerable groups in our society.
While most countries will continue to benefit from financing packages from multilateral lenders like the IMF, World Bank and AfDB, Zimbabwe will unfortunately not benefit.
However, we remain grateful for the bilateral support we continue to receive from countries such as the People’s Republic of China, United Kingdom, India, United States of America, the United Arab Emirates, African Union and the European Union, among others. We equally commend the business community, humanitarian organisations and non-governmental organisations who are assisting the country at this time of great need.
Our Rescue and Stimulus Package of ZW$18 billion is therefore based on our aspiration to meet the diverse requirements of our national economy that include capacitating the micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs) as well as those in the informal sector. These institutions have borne the worst brunt of the lockdown due to the Covid-19 pandemic. An amount of ZW$500 million of the package has been set aside for the micro, small medium enterprise sector to assist this sector.
The lack of income for the small companies and individuals has resulted in an increased number of vulnerable households in the country.
This situation has been worsened by the ongoing drought which has led to huge food deficits requiring imports to bridge the gap of our requirements.
Government is therefore introducing a food grant programme to the tune of ZW$2, 4 billion for the rest of 2020.
This window is earmarked to protect the vulnerable members of our society, while additional resources will be allocated for the provision of social welfare services including the needs of pensioners.
Meanwhile, another amount of ZW$500 million will be set aside for the tourism and hospitality industry, a sector which has been hardest hit by the lockdown.
The mining sector is the largest foreign currency earner in our economy. In order to incentivise investment in this sector, a credit support facility of ZW$1 billion will be availed. This is designed to support large- and small-scale miners, as well as speed up the implementation of a computerised Mining Cadastral System.
To ensure employment levels are maintained or even increased where possible, an amount of ZW$3 billion will be for the manufacturing sector to assist with funding to cover capital and operational expenses.
An amount of ZW$6, 1 billion shall be dedicated to stimulate agricultural production in our quest to ensure that the country becomes self-sufficient in food production.
Over and above the efforts made to date to strengthen the health sector, Government is enhancing funding to the health sector by an additional ZW$1 billion from the facility, which will see the up-scaling of the country’s hospitals and other healthcare facilities.
The funds will also be used to procure the much needed Covid- 19 testing kits, personal protective equipment (PPEs) for the medical personnel, and for the purchase of drugs.
An income tax break is hereby instituted with immediate effect for healthcare workers and health care institutions, for at least six months.
The funds to be availed to the productive sectors of the economy that include agriculture, tourism, mining, manufacturing and the MSMEs will be accessed through normal banking channels. Concessional terms and conditions that include interest rate of 10 percent per annum, will apply. A grace period of six months and repayment periods varying from one to four years, depending on the nature and scope of business to be financed, will be applicable.
On another note, you will recall that, I held an indaba in Bulawayo last year with players in our creative cultural industry. Generally, this is an industry which thrives on crowds by way of shows, performances and exhibitions. Expectedly, the lockdown has denied this vital sector the crowds which are its vital lifeline.
I have therefore instructed the Minister of Youth, Sports, Arts and Recreation, Dr Kirsty Coventry, to make a proposal to Government on how best this sector can be helped to mitigate the impact of the Covid-19 pandemic.
We are optimistic that this ZW$18 billion Economic Rescue and Stimulus Package will re-launch the Zimbabwean economy on a strong trajectory, characterised by higher productivity and supportive of job retention and creation.
Turning to the education sector, we are all aware that the current Covid-19 pandemic has disrupted teaching and learning in schools, colleges and universities.
The ministries of Primary and Secondary Education and that of Higher and Tertiary Education, Innovation, Science and Technology Development have been in constant consultations with parents, guardians, teachers, heads of schools, principals of colleges, university vice chancellors and teachers’ unions on how to ensure the safe re-opening of schools, colleges and universities. Discussions are ongoing.
However, it is clear that our country is not yet in a position to re-open schools, colleges and universities.
A number of health conditions must be met first to guarantee the safety of pupils, students, teachers, other workers in the education systems and the entire nation.
To this end, the two Ministries of Education are working closely with the Ministry of Health and Child Care and the Ministry of Finance and Economic Development with regards to the necessary steps towards the re-opening process.
Government is aware that there are final examination classes, which are scheduled to complete their studies this year, including others who were left with a few weeks to complete their programmes.
The re-opening strategy will, thus, prioritise students who are taking their final examinations this year.
Furthermore, the two ministries are working with the Ministry of Finance and Economic Development and our cooperating partners to put in place online and distance learning facilities to ensure that the students continue having access to learning materials.
The announcement of the re-opening dates will be made at the appropriate time, but for now, schools remain closed.
I appeal to all stakeholders to continue to appreciate and recognise that the impact of the Covid-19 pandemic presents a continuously evolving health situation that requires extreme caution on the part of Government in order to protect everyone in the entire nation.
We would rather err on the side of caution and not on the side of recklessness. We are all individually and collectively responsible for the implementation of these measures. Let us all play our part.
A File Picture of a soldier assaulting a foreign journalist as the army dispersed protesters in the streets of Harare
State Media|Zimbabwe will tomorrow join the rest of the world in commemorating the World Press Freedom Day. World Press Freedom Day is an opportunity for the United Nations member states to recognise the importance of the press and to take stock of the developments in the media sector.
In a statement to mark the commemorations, Information, Publicity and Broadcasting Services Minister Monica Mutsvangwa said the media played a critical role in a society by providing the public with important information which informs decision making.
Minister Mutsvangwa said media practitioners should be allowed to operate in a democratic and conducive environment.
“Democracy is now universally acceptable as the standard and ideal form of governance,” she said. “To realise democratic rule and fulfil its ethos, the people need to be informed. That is why World Press Freedom Day is so vital as the life blood of the democratic rule.
“Reporters and journalists are the agents of searching, processing and spreading information to the general public. It is, therefore, important that their ability to carry out this task is not tampered with. They must be given the space so that they can speak truths. Safety of their working environment is very crucial.
“The threats of death, imprisonment of reporters and journalists has no place in civilised societies. It is also important to ensure that press workers’ welfare is improved through provision of decent working conditions and life rewarding salaries.”
Minister Mutsvangwa said the Government of Zimbabwe was fully committed to the principles of press freedom obtained in Article 19 of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights in the African Commission on Human and People’s Rights.
“The Government’s commitment to these regional and international instruments is reinforced by our own country’s supreme law, the constitution, section 61 and 62 provides for these freedoms,” she said.
“It is, therefore, befitting to observe the day and raise awareness among our people on the importance of press freedom.”
Minister Mutsvangwa said this year’s World Press Freedom Day commemoration came at a time when Zimbabwe and the whole world were locked in a life and death combat against Covid-19.
“These are trying times and Government through the Ministry of Information, Publicity and Broadcasting Services has been consulting widely on how best to support this sector during and beyond Covid-19,” she said.
“The media plays a critical role in the fight against Covid-19 pandemic. Citizens depend on the media services for information that empowers them to adequately respond and implement the necessary measures to contain the spread of Covid-19.”
Minister Mutsvangwa said due to the critical role played by journalists, Government had seen it befitting to include them among the essential service providers and for them to be given the necessary support while carrying out their work.
“Government has also emphasised the need to ensure that journalists’ safety is guaranteed and that all media workers have access to protective clothing and equipment,” she said.
Minister Mutsvangwa implored media practitioners to practice quality and professional journalism to defeat fake news.
“On their part, journalists have to improve on the standards of the profession,” she said. “Report in an informative and analytical way. Avoid the temptation of tabloid sensationalism, this is why my Ministry with cooperating partners carried out a number of training workshops for journalists to improve on their Covid-19 reporting skills.
“Government has adopted stringent policies against the spread of false information and it is our belief that the measures put in place provide good grounds for credible journalism to thrive.”
Minister Mutsvangwa said in pursuing vision 2030, aptly articulated by President Mnangagwa, Government had been taking leadership in ensuring that it created a conducive environment for the media sector.
“Since last year, Government through the Ministry of Information, Publicity and Broadcasting Services has sponsored two Bills that will repeal the Access to Information and Protection of Privacy Act (AIPPA),” she said.
“The other law that looks at the regulation of the media and maintenance of professional standards, Zimbabwe Media Commission Bill, is at the second stage of reading in Parliament.”
Minister Mutsvangwa said Cabinet approved the principals of the other law that dealt with the right to privacy, as well as the amendment to the Broadcasting Services Act.
“To demonstrate Government’s commitment to press freedom values of access to plural and diverse media services, the Broadcasting Authority of Zimbabwe (BAZ) has opened for applications for community radio and private television stations,” she said.
A SHOPOWNER in Gwanda has been arrested after she operated an unlicensed beer outlet in defiance of the prevailing lockdown order resulting in the murder of one of the patrons at her premises.
Preceptous Amy Ngubo (31) who operates Thandabantu Store at Nyandeni Village in Mtshabezi area of Gwanda North sold beer to patrons who later engaged in a dispute resulting in the death of one of them.
Ngubo was convicted on her own plea of guilty to opening a business establishment during lockdown and operating a shop business without a licence by Gwanda magistrate, Mrs Nomagugu Sibanda. For the first count, she was fined $4 800 or sentenced to six months imprisonment in case of default. She was further sentenced to three months imprisonment which was suspended on condition that she does not commit a similar offence within the next three years.
For the second count, Ngubo was ordered to pay a $500 fine or sentenced to 60 days imprisonment in case of default. She was ordered to have paid the fine on or before June 30.
In passing the sentence, Mrs Sibanda said she had spared Ngubo jail after considering that she had a minor child.
“In passing my sentence, I considered that you are a female first offender. You are also a mother who has a minor child. The court didn’t consider a custodial sentence as it will be too harsh. The court is encouraged to give first offenders an opportunity to repent while outside prison. You are also a care giver and your imprisonment might affect the life of the child,” she said.
“The court has considered a fine and suspended sentenced as an appropriate sentence which will guard your behaviour in the future.”
Prosecuting, Miss Glenda Nare said on April 23 Ngubo who is from Salibeni Village in Gwanda opened Thandabantu Store, a general dealer shop which was not exempted to operate.
Miss Nare said Ngubo sold beer to patrons who consumed on the premises and later got drunk resulting in a dispute that left a man dead. She said Ngubo had no right to operate a shop which is not an essential service provider.
Miss Nare said while carrying out investigations, police discovered that Ngubo operated the shop without a valid licence.
The United Nations (UN) agencies namely UNESCO, UNICEF, World Food Program (WFP) with the World Bank have jointly issued guidelines which should serve as a roadmap for safe reopening of schools across the globe.
“633 million students live in countries that have announced a date for the reopening of schools,” UN tweeted on Friday.
The report noted that the covid-19 pandemic which forced schools to close still posed a greater danger to the education, well being and nutrition of children.
“We know the longer children stay out of school, the less likely they are to ever return. ; unless we prioritize the reopening of schools – when it is safe to do so – we will likely see a devastating reversal in education gains,” Henrietta Fore, UNICEF Executive Director stated.
Hence,the report urged national and local authorities to consider its practical steps before reopening schools
Below are guidelines :
POLICY REFORM:
“Policy implications address all dimensions of the guidelines, including clear policies for school opening and closure during public health emergencies, reforms needed to expand equitable access for marginalised and out of school children as well as strengthen and standardize remote learning practices.”
FINANCIAL REQUIREMENTS:
“Address the impact of COVID-19 on education and invest in strengthening education systems for recovery and resilience.
SAFE OPERATIONS:
“Ensure conditions that reduce disease transmission, safeguard essential services and supplies and promote healthy behaviour. This includes access to soap and clean water for safe handwashing, procedures on when staff or students feel unwell, protocols on social distancing and good hygiene practices.
COMPENSATING LEARNING:
“Focus on practices that compensate for lost instructional time, strengthen pedagogy and build on hybrid learning models such as integrating approaches in remote and distance education.
This must include knowledge on disease transmission and prevention.
WELLNESS and PROTECTION:
“Expand the focus on students’ well-being and reinforce the protection of children through enhanced referral mechanisms and the provision of essential school-based services including healthcare and school feeding.
REACHING THE MOST MARGINALIZED:
“Adapt school opening policies and practices to expand access to marginalised groups such as previously out-of-school children, displaced and migrant children and minorities. Diversify critical communications and outreach by making them available in relevant languages and in accessible formats.”
633 million students live in countries that have announced a date for the reopening of schools.
The World Health Organization (WHO) has annouced that the COVID19 pandemic ravaging the world is still far from being over.
The announcement came as a result of countries who gradually began to relax their lockdown measures.
Dr Tedros Ghebreyesus, who is the Director General of The World Health Organisation(WHO) announced on his Twitter handle, appealing that there is more work to be done.
The Director General revealed that countries must make sure they trace, isolate and treat infected patients properly, saying that lives will be lost if not properly handled and that every single life is very precious.
As cases begins to decline in Europe, Dr Ghebreyesus in his statement said:
“The pandemic is far from over”
“I repeat, the pandemic is far from over,”.
The Director General was concern over the alarming rate of the COVID19 pandemic in Asia, Africa, Eastern Europe, and Latin America.
He noted that if countries come together in the fight, the COVID19 pandemic can be defeated.
The DG also shows concern that the health of children was being threatened by the impact of the COVID19 emergency on vaccination programmes for other diseases.
Paul Nyathi|Secretary’ “for” Information Ndabaningi Nick Mangwana says Zimbabwe’s lockdown period started on level 4 and has been reduced to level 2 by President Emmerson Mnangagwa.
Zimbabweans had taken to social media to ask government officials what President Emmerson Mnangagwa meant by saying Zimbabwe is on stage 2.
Opposition MDC Youth Leader Discent Bajila wrote:
Once upon a time I was a serious propagandist. I hated, and continue to hate inbound attacks. However, once we did it on a particular cadre.
We wrote a flyer narrating his evil deeds and labeled it VOLUME 8. The intention was that after reading this Volume, he goes mad chasing after non existent Volumes 1 to 7.
What reminds me of this incident is today’s announcement that we are going to Level 2 of Lockdown. Its unknown whether we are coming from Level 3 or 1.
Government mouth piece Nick Mangwana has since responded indicating that Zimbabwe is on a downward slide from level four which was apparently never mentioned before.
MALEVELS: ➖Our #LockdownZim started on level 4 which was a total lockdown ➖2 weeks ago HE President @edmnangagwa downgraded it to level 3 where mines etc were allowed to operate. ➖On Monday we are moving to Level 2 where some industry and commerce is operations
Giving an update on the Covid-19 pandemic at State House Mnangagwa said the lockdown has proved to be effective in mitigating the further spread of Covid-19.
“We have gradually lifted lockdown restrictions in some sectors such as mining and the marketing of tobacco. Noticing that there is now a gradual increase of infections, the lockdown will continue for the next 14 days, however, relaxed to Level 2,” said President Mnangagwa.
Paul Nyathi|Zimbabwe on Thursday said it had recorded six more coronavirus cases, pushing the number of people that have tested positive to the flu-like disease to 40.
The six cases were recorded in the capital Harare, which had become the coronavirus or Covid-19 hotpot with 19 cases.
On Tuesday, the Ministry of Health and Child Care recorded two new cases in the second largest city of Bulawayo, which now has 12 cases.
Come Friday evening updates, the Ministry of Health and Child Care reduced the figure down to 34 after disputing the results of the six who tested positive in Harare.
All the six people in question are apparently health care workers at Parirenyatwa Hospital, three nurses, two doctors and a general hand.
A medical practitioner in Harare forewarned ZimEye.com on Friday afternoon that government was working at reducing the count.
“We are yet to get a report on the clinical errors that happened for the samples to test positive when they are negative. We hear all the six are negative and a downward adjustment on the national cumulative figure of confirmed cases is expected tonight,” Medical practitioner
Addressing the nation late Friday afternoon, before the Ministry of Health and Child Care produced its revised figures, President Emmerson Mnangagwa already said that Zimbabwe had 34 cases instead of 40 which was officially published.
The Ministry of Health and Child Care said it had carried out fresh tests on the six people that tested positive for coronavirus in Harare following an ‘unusual clustering’ of cases.
In an update of tests carried out on Thursday, which was delivered on Friday, the ministry said it was carrying out a quality assurance process.
“The ministry would like to report that following an unusual clustering of six cases that were reported as positive from Harare (on Wednesday), these results were, therefore, considered interim and hence additional tests have been conducted as part of the laboratory quality management system to validate these results in line with the laboratory standard operating procedures and protocols as well as international practices,” read part of the update.
Last week, the ministry had to revise the number of people that tested positive to the disease after a Bulawayo case was “counted twice” following a retest.
Besides the Ministry’s new figures, the world appears to have rejected the move as the official on the minute world count of Coronavirus Cases indicates that Zimbabwe still has forty cases as of Saturday morning. The global count further indicates Zimbabwe now has five recoveries while the Ministry of Health and Child Care reported four.
SEOUL, South Korea (AP) — North Korean leader Kim Jong Un made his first public appearance in 20 days as he celebrated the completion of a fertilizer factory near Pyongyang, state media said Saturday, ending an absence that had triggered global rumors that he may be seriously ill.
The North’s official Korean Central News Agency reported that Kim attended the ceremony Friday in Sunchon with other senior officials, including his sister Kim Yo Jong, who many analysts predict would take over if her brother is suddenly unable to rule.
The official Rodong Sinmun newspaper published several photos of Kim wearing black and smiling as he looked around the factory and cut a red ribbon, his sister looking from behind.
One of the photos showed him smiling and clapping with his sister and other senior officials under a sign that read “Sunchon Phosphatic Fertilizer Factory: Completion Ceremony: May 1, 2020.” Seemingly thousands of workers, many of them masked, stood in lines at the massive complex, releasing balloons into the air.
The images gave no clear sign that Kim was in discomfort. He wasn’t seen with a walking stick, like the one he used in 2014 when he was recovering from a presumed ankle surgery. However, one of the photos at the factory showed a green electric cart, which appeared similar to a vehicle he used in 2014.
It was Kim’s first public appearance since April 11, when he presided over a ruling Workers’ Party meeting to discuss the coronavirus and reappoint his sister as an alternate member of the powerful decision-making Political Bureau of the party’s Central Committee. That move confirmed her substantial role in the government.
Speculation about his health swirled after he missed the April 15 birthday celebration for his late grandfather Kim Il Sung, the country’s most important holiday, for the first time since taking power in 2011.
The possibility of high-level instability raised troubling questions about the future of the secretive, nuclear-armed state that has been steadily building an arsenal meant to threaten the U.S. mainland while diplomacy between Kim and President Donald Trump has stalled.
Some experts say South Korea, as well as its regional neighbors and ally Washington, must begin preparing for the possible chaos that could come if Kim is sidelined by health problems or even dies. Worst-case scenarios include North Korean refugees flooding South Korea or China or military hard-liners letting loose nuclear weapons.
“The world is largely unprepared for instability in North Korea,” said Leif-Eric Easley, a professor at Ewha University in Seoul. “Washington, Seoul and Tokyo need tighter coordination on contingency plans while international organizations need more resources and less controversy over the role of China.”
South Korea’s Unification Ministry, which deals with inter-Korean affairs, confirmed Kim’s visit to the fertilizer factory and said it was part of his efforts to emphasize economic development. The ministry called for discretion on information related to North Korea, saying that the “groundless” rumors of past weeks have caused “unnecessary confusion and cost” for South Korea’s society and financial markets.
South Korea’s government, which has a mixed record of tracking Pyongyang’s ruling elite, repeatedly downplayed speculation that Kim, believed to be 36, was in poor health following surgery.
The office of President Moon Jae-in said it detected no unusual signs in North Korea or any emergency reaction by its ruling party, military and cabinet. Seoul said it believed Kim was still managing state affairs but staying at an unspecified location outside Pyongyang.
The KCNA said workers at the fertilizer factory broke into “thunderous cheers” for Kim, who it said is guiding the nation in a struggle to build a self-reliant economy in the face of “head wind” by “hostile forces.”
The report didn’t mention any direct comment toward Washington or Seoul.
Speaking to reporters at the White House, Trump declined to comment about Kim’s reappearance but said he would “have something to say about it at the appropriate time.”
State media reported Kim was carrying out routine activities outside public view, such as sending greetings to the leaders of Syria, Cuba and South Africa and expressing gratitude to workers building tourist facilities in the coastal town of Wonsan, where some speculated he was staying.
It wasn’t immediately clear what caused Kim’s absence in past weeks. In 2014, Kim vanished from the public eye for nearly six weeks and then reappeared with a cane. South Korea’s spy agency said he had a cyst removed from his ankle.
Analysts say his health could become an increasing factor in years ahead: he’s overweight, smokes and drinks, and has a family history of heart issues.
If he’s suddenly unable to rule, some analysts said his sister would be installed as leader to continue Pyongyang’s heredity dynasty that began after World War II.
But others question whether core members of North Korea’s elite, mostly men in their 60s or 70s, would find it hard to accept a young and untested female leader who lacks military credentials. Some predict a collective leadership or violent power struggles.
Following an unusually provocative run in missile and nuclear tests in 2017, Kim used the Winter Olympics in South Korea to initiate negotiations with Washington and Seoul in 2018. That led to a surprising series of summits, including three between Kim and Trump.
But negotiations have faltered in past months over disagreements in exchanging sanctions relief and disarmament steps, which raised doubts about whether Kim would ever fully deal away an arsenal he likely sees as his strongest guarantee of survival.
Kim entered 2020 vowing to build up his nuclear stockpile and defeat sanctions through economic “self-reliance.” Some experts say the North’s self-imposed lockdown amid the coronavirus crisis could potentially hamper his ability to mobilize people for labor.
NIGERIAN Prophet TB Joshua is once again the talk of the town, with new tactics of ending the coronavirus pandemic.
The prophet allegedly went on a 40-day fast at a secret mountain to present the nations to God in prayer to end the virus
The Founder of Synagogue Church of All Nations (SCOAN), Prophet Temitope Balogun Joshua has shared photos and video of himself praying and fasting on a mountain for coronavirus disease to end.
This is not the first time the Synagogue Church leader has trended on the news regarding the coronavirus.
Last month, he predicted the virus would disappear on 27 March, but nothing happened.
“We ask for fresh anointing to fill every minister of the Gospel. Fill them, LORD! Fill them for the journey! Without anointing, no one can do Your work. Without anointing, our challenges will overwhelm us, overpower us.” – TB Joshua pic.twitter.com/PpeCxStTfM
Although Joshua came under heavy attack among Nigerians on social media who described his prophecy as fake, some Chinese citizens and residents comfirmed that coronavirus actually ended in Wuhan city on March 27th after several days of rainfall.
Series of photos and video circulating online shows the cleric praying on a mountain for God to heal the world of the coronavirus disease.
A 29-year-old Binga man suspected to be mentally challenged allegedly raped his uncle’s wife after she refused to give him water to drink.
Matabeleland North police spokesperson Chief Inspector Siphiwe Makonese confirmed the alleged rape and said the accused, who cannot be named to protect the identity of the complainant, was arrested.
She said the complainant aged 52, was at home having supper with her husband’s second wife when the accused arrived and asked for water.
The accused stayed at his parents’ homestead next to the complainant’s place of residence in Manjolo Village under Chief Binga.
“We received a report of rape where a man believed to be mentally disturbed arrived home at around 8PM on 25 April and asked for some water to drink. The complainant was at home in the company of her husband’s second wife as they were having supper. They told the accused that there was no water,” said Chief Insp Makonese.
The accused allegedly became angry and shouted at the top of his voice. The two women got terrified and ran in different directions, leaving their food.
“The accused person chased after the complainant and caught up with her. He allegedly tripped her and raped her once,” said Chief Insp Makonese.
Chronicle was told that the complainant screamed for help and drew the attention of the accused’s father who found his son raping the woman.
The accused fled from the scene when he saw his father approaching.
A report was made to the police leading to the arrest of the accused on the following day. The complainant was referred to Binga District Hospital for medical examination.
By Artwel Chingwara Sithole| The highly intoxicating illicit beer popularly known as Mukozodo, has been linked to outlandish behaviour by mostly young people in Chipinge.
This conclusion was reached after a network of highly intoxicated youths were linked to crimes such as cattle and goat rustling,assault, burglary and attempted rape.
Among the key suspects by the community were the Chikwendekwende brothers from Gumira village who have since been nabbed by the villagers following a tip off.
The trio brothers were caught in the act when they were skinning a stolen beast.
The three brothers have since revealed a string of other network members who are still on the run.
Since the start of the lockdown on 30 March 2020, there has been worrying cases of crime such as livestock theft ,harvesting of villagers’ maize and sorghum in the cover of the night.
Communities with the highest reported cases are Sakuinje,Matikwa Gumira,Muumbe and Konjana among others.
The nabbed Chikwendekwende brothers have linked this reporter to a web of young boys and men who are drug addicts including the mukozodo brew.There is also a myth suggesting that those who are taking muzokodo will be immune from covid-19.
The illicit mukozodo is highly intoxicating due to the ethanol component in the mixture.
Apparently, the ethanol used is also a result of loot from Greenfuel in Chisumbanje.
Our PYCD community networks who are assisting us to monitor compliance of the lockdown have confirmed that many homesteads are still gathering people who are drinking irregardless of the risk associated with gatherings during this period of Covid -19.
During these drinking sprees and binges, the young people would dance to loud music while braaing stolen meat which they also sell to the unsuspecting public and revellers.
Concern is being raised for the law enforcing agents and the public to increase surveillance for such risky activities that are exposing the communities to Covid 19
By Jane Mlambo| Opposition MDC leader, Nelson Chamisa yesterday prayed for Zimbabweans in the diaspora who tested positive to coronavirus pandemic while participating in a programme dubbed #CheckOnSomeone.
According to MDC North America Province Chairperson Tawanda Dzvokora, Chamisa took time to chat and pray with five members who are bravely fighting the deadly pandemic.
Below is the MDC North America Province COVID-19 Update
COVID19 Update
Today President Nelson Chamisa did a very good thing. The People’s President participated in our #CheckOnSomeone program. He however targeted our members who are COVID19 positive. We have five members that are bravely fighting the disease. The President took time to chat and pray with these members. Once again the feedback I got from members and the President is priceless. The biggest take away though was, not only do we have a God fearing President but a loving and caring President which are rare qualities glaringly missing from present Government.
May God bless the People’s President Advocate Nelson Chamisa
By A Correspondent| All eyes are set on the murder-accused ZANU PF strongman, and UMA institute, Cleopas Kundiona after the horrific accident that left Marondera West MP Caston Matewu with broken ribs last night.
Kundiona who lost to Matewu in the 2018 polls, has a history of murder trials that goes back to over 20 years ago, in 2000.
He once appeared before the High Court after the Zanu-PF candidate for Marondera West, the late Rufaro Gwanzura’s campaign manager, was shot during the race for the June 2000 parliamentary elections.
Kundiona also appeared on trial for allegedly murdering Mr Musekiwa Mufakwadziya. More than 103 MDC supporters were killed between the years 2000 and 2002.
Yesterday, his competitor, Matewu was involved in a highly suspicious accident while on a short 7 km journey to Marondera town centre. His vehicle suddenly veered off the road and uprooted a tree, injuring all passengers inside the vehicle. (See details below). On the spot witness statements say it veered off the road on its own.
He was traveling from Rufaro Dam to Marondera.
A side report submitted last night suggests there were gunshots fired at Matewu’s car resulting in the accident.
A vehicle carrying soldiers and an unnamed Intelligence Officer was first to arrive at the scene. They assisted in getting MP Matewu to hospital, a family source told ZimEye.
VIDEO LOADING BELOW…
Update from the hospital is that Hon. Caston Matewu has 2 broken ribs on the left, George, a broken arm and Mazambani Matewu's manager has suffered 3 broken ribs. pic.twitter.com/ZxwqADs1Cf
By P Mawoyo| Opposition MDC Secretary for Public Service and So also Welfare Maureen Kademaunga addressed North American Province during an e-rally that was held in the hours leading into Workers Day.
Kademaunga commended members who are working tirelessly in the frontlines and risking their own lives daily in the struggle against an invisible enemy in this pandemic.
To date 15 Zimbabweans in America have succumbed to COVID-19, and many more are fighting for their lives.
Five NAP members have also tested positive for COVID. Hon. Kademaunga and the leadership at large is aware that the impact of the virus on families has been devastating to say the least and they stand with all those who have been affected.
The NAP has been working with the Department of Social Services within MDC-Alliance and has fostered a good relationship with the department. She acknowledged the contributions made by the NAP and highlighted that these have assisted the department in carrying out its mandate. Regarding accountability of such donations, the Party’s policy is that all funding received is documented by treasury in addition to accountability through external audits.
The COVID crisis in Zimbabwe has left many vulnerable and much of the aid from external organizations has been politicized. The ruling party has to be held accountable for failing to release aid to the population in general as this has left many Zimbabweans exposed. However, MDC-Alliance has been working through its elected officials to provide assistance not only to its members, but to the community in general.
Hon. Kademaunga spoke of the court ruling that has sparked conversation and resulted in a lot of misinformation. The party has faced and overcome similar challenges in the past and this current one is no exception. However, members should not lose heart as the party is on track with its objectives. The ultimate goal is to deliver a new Zimbabwe with better economic conditions.
By A Correspondent| Despite President Emmerson Mnangagwa extending the national lockdown by a further 14 days albeit re-opening the larger part of the economy, intercity movement remains restricted together with gymnasiums, bars and churches.
In his address yesterday afternoon, Mnangagwa said the country had moved to stage two of the national lockdown with industry and commerce allowed to resume operations after subjecting workers to temperature screening and sanitatization.
As part of the conditions for further relaxation, it will be compulsory to wear masks in reopened businesses and outside homes, although these can be home-made, and reopened businesses will have to have all staff tested by public health authorities before opening and have temperature scanners.
“All people must wear masks of any type, including home-made ones, outside their homes,” he said.
“The reopening of industry and commerce, provided that companies must ensure mandatory rapid diagnostic testing of all employees, social distancing in the workplace, sanitisation and that all employees wear masks. Operating hours shall be from 8am to 3pm,” said Mnangagwa.
On public transport system, Mnangagwa said only buses will be allowed to ferry people with kombis and smaller taxis still banned while intercity movement remain restricted.
“Public buses only, will be the mode of public transport. Omnibuses, (kombis) and smaller taxis are still not permitted to operate.
“Bus operators must ensure that their buses are disinfected twice daily, and that commuters wear masks, have their temperatures checked and hands sanitised before boarding buses. Social distancing must also be maintained within all buses,” President Mnangagwa said.
He said only those in industry and commerce and the bus operators that could fulfill these requirements would be allowed to re-open and operate.
Luck finally ran out for two suspected Norton armed robbers who had terrorised various parts of the city stealing motor vehicles, cash and other valuables amounting to US$86 455 and $193 675.
Each time the two struck in the company of their six alleged accomplices who are on the run, they would threaten to shoot their victims whom they stripped of valuables at gunpoint.
They allegedly committed the offences while armed with AK47 rifles and pistols.
George Gift Dandemutande (28) and Robson Manezho (30), both of Marshlands Norton, appeared in court on Thursday facing four counts of armed robbery and one of unlawful entry.
The two appeared before Harare magistrate Mr Richard Ramaboa, who remanded them in custody and advised them to apply for bail at the High Court owing to the gravity of their offences.
They will be back in court on May 14.
On the first count, prosecutor Mr George Manokore alleged that the eight-member gang waylaid businessman Mr Farai Mwaita just after midnight on his way home from his shop.
They held him hostage before robbing him of $2 800, US$1 100 and five mobile phones.
The gang also stole command agriculture vouchers for 6,8 tonnes Compound D fertiliser, 6,8 tonnes of Ammonium Nitrate and agriculture chemicals, which were in his car.
They allegedly took Mr Mwaita to his bar where they loaded cartons of cigarettes and crates of beer and whiskey into his Nissan Hardbody and drove off.
In total, Mr Mwaita lost cash and valuables amounting to US$30 000 and $2 800.
On March 29, at around 6pm, the gang, the court heard, went to Mr Musa Phiri’s house where it manhandled him together with his family.
One of the gang members fired a shot at Mr Phiri, which grazed part of his face.
They allegedly ransacked the house and stole US$21 785 and $200 cash.
They further stole a pistol, three laptops, seven cellphones and an assortment of groceries which they loaded into Mr Phiri’s Toyota Hilux double cab and drove away.
The value of property stolen at Mr Phiri’s house is US$56 455.
On Independence Day, the gang allegedly pounced on Ephraim Masongo at around 10pm and tied his hands and legs before stealing his mobile phone.
They broke into three shops in Norton and stole $6 600 cash, a television set, a radio set, crates of beer, cartons of cigarettes and foodstuffs valued at $42 245.
A few hours later, they robbed Pearson Mabhaudhi of cash and his vehicle, a Nissan Tilder, all valued at $137 430.
It is the State’s case that using the same method, the gang broke into Mr Luckmore Kamuteku’s butchery and went away with meat, crates of soft drinks and beers, z laptop and maize worth $11 000.
Investigations led to Dandemutande and Manezho’s arrest who were found with part of the stolen goods.
Datendemutande was found with one of the pistols which were being used during the commission of the offences.
On Thursday, two other suspected members of a nine-member gang, Sydney Chimiti (27) and Prince Gawe (25) appeared before the same courts charged with armed robbery.
The pair allegedly stole US$49 000, R9 000, $7 000 and a Toyota Mark X from a Harare family while posing as potential clients for detergents.
Another gang of robbers allegedly fed with information by an inside accomplice, robbed a Harare businessman of US$59 000, by pretending to be police officers enforcing lockdown regulations and then two of them squandered the money on Mercedes Benz vehicles.
Simba Kanyepi (24), Hemish Chagadama (32) and Shingai Mazviwanza (29) allegedly connived to rob Mr Luke Kwezera of his money, with Kanyepi keeping the robbery gang posted on Mr Kwezera’s movements with money.
They appeared in court on Monday charged with robbery.
Mashwede Holdings also recently lost over US$100 000, R42 000 and $14 000 worth of fuel coupons to five workers and nine suspected robbers, who ransacked safes at the premises before vanishing with two firearms and 20 live rounds of ammunition.
By A Correspondent| President Emmerson Mnangagwa yesterday extended the lockdown by another two weeks, but allowed formal businesses to reopen under strict conditions, while an $18 billion package to resuscitate all economic sectors and vulnerable groups was announced.
With more people going to work, exemption letters needed for travel are no longer required.
As part of the conditions for further relaxation, it will be compulsory to wear masks in reopened businesses and outside homes, although these can be home-made, and reopened businesses will have to have all staff tested by public health authorities before opening and have temperature scanners.
Mnangagwa announced the extension and the new exemptions at State House where he stated that a longer lockdown was needed given the recent gradual rise in infections.
Latest statistics on Covid-19 show that Zimbabwe now has 34 confirmed positive cases, including five recoveries and four deaths while a total of 7 642 screening and diagnostic tests have since been done.
The decision to reopen the formal sector follows calls by the business community for the Government to save the sector from possible collapse. But the informal sector outside of agriculture and farmers’ markets and some manufacturing, which were allowed to operate under previous phases of the lockdown, will remain closed.
By Jane Mlambo|Ministry of Health and Child Care has revised the number of COVID-19 confirmed cases from 40 reported on 30 April to 34 saying the six clustered cases from Harare which were taken for re-test came out negative.
In a statement yesterday evening, MoHCC said, “As at 01 May, Zimbabwe had 34 confirmed cases, including five (5) recoveries and four(4) deaths. The 6 cases from Harare previously recorded as positive on 29 April have been confirmed negative after Quality Assurance.”
The ministry reported that all tests done yesterday tested negative but the further changing of figures casts doubt on the whole process considering that test results for the 34 people who reported positive did not have another re-test opportunity afforded to the six in Harare.
The Zimbabwe Revenue Authority Commissioner General Faith Mazani released a circular to the effect that one of their staff members at the Bulawayo office tested positive for Covid-19.
In the circular, Mazani said the staff member tested positive according to the results released by the Ministry of Health and Child Care on April 29.
The affected ZIMRA official and two others were on duty on March 18 when they interacted with an external individual who later tested positive for Covid-19. Subsequently, the three stopped going to work and were on self-quarantined from March 27 to April 26 in line with the World Health Organisation guidelines.
The three returned to work on April 27 and on the same day MHCC officials carried out follow up Covid-19 tests on them and one of the results came out positive.
However, the affected staff member is currently not exhibiting any symptoms of Covid-19.
The Bulawayo local management, working in conjunction with MHCC officials, have activated several health and safety procedures to ensure the safety of the affected official, staff members and their families.
The office was immediately closed pending full disinfection and remains closed until Monday 4 May while the MHCC returned to test the balance of the officers who were at work.
The office will be disinfected today and tomorrow in time for resumption of operations on Monday.
The MHCC also visited the employee’s residence to assess the suitability for home isolation and ZIMRA will continue to work with the Ministry to provide the necessary facilities and support to the official and his family.
The Human Capital department has engaged the affected staff member to provide counseling support during the quarantine period.
The Health Ministry has screened and tested all the staff members who had contact with the staff member, and 15 officers were identified and tested and the results are still pending.
The tested employees are in self-quarantine and tests will also be extended to other external individuals who had contact with the staff member.
Mazani urged all ZIMRA officers to be vigilant and consistent in practising safety and health measures as prescribed by the WHO guidelines and as advised through the Health ministry.-H-Metro
A TEENAGE maid from Daylesford Suburb in Gweru has been arrested for allegedly indecently assaulting her employer’s seven-year-old daughter.
The 19-year-old accused who cannot be named for ethical reasons appeared briefly yesterday before Gweru Magistrate Mr Edwin Marecha facing one count of aggravated indecent assault.
She was not asked to plead and was remanded in custody to May 13.
It is the State’s case that between April 18 and April 25 at a house in Mkoba 6 Suburb in Gweru, the accused allegedly removed the complainant’s underpants, mounted her and caressed her private parts without her consent. The court heard that the complainant who is a Grade 2 pupil at a local school and the accused used to sleep in the same room and on the same bed.
On April 26, the court heard that the complainant felt pain from her private parts and told her mother.
The complainant’s mother, the court heard, reported the matter to the police leading to the arrest of her maid.-State media
A 29-YEAR-OLD Binga man suspected to be mentally challenged allegedly raped his uncle’s wife after she refused to give him water to drink.
Matabeleland North police spokesperson Chief Inspector Siphiwe Makonese confirmed the alleged rape and said the accused, who cannot be named to protect the identity of the complainant, was arrested.
She said the complainant aged 52, was at home having supper with her husband’s second wife when the accused arrived and asked for water.
The accused stayed at his parents’ homestead next to the complainant’s place of residence in Manjolo Village under Chief Binga.
“We received a report of rape where a man believed to be mentally disturbed arrived home at around 8PM on 25 April and asked for some water to drink. The complainant was at home in the company of her husband’s second wife as they were having supper.
They told the accused that there was no water,” said Chief Insp Makonese. The accused allegedly became angry and shouted at the top of his voice.
The two women got terrified and ran in different directions, leaving their food.
“The accused person chased after the complainant and caught up with her. He allegedly tripped her and raped her once,” said Chief Insp Makonese.
Chronicle was told that the complainant screamed for help and drew the attention of the accused’s father who found his son raping the woman. The accused fled from the scene when he saw his father approaching.
A report was made to the police leading to the arrest of the accused on the following day.
The complainant was referred to Binga District Hospital for medical examination.-State
A SHOPOWNER in Gwanda has been arrested after she opened her business premises in defiance of the prevailing lockdown order issued by President Mnangagwa.
Preceptous Amy Ngubo (31) who operates Thandabantu Store at Mtshabezi turn-off sold beer to patrons who later engaged in a dispute resulting in the death of a man.
Ngubo was convicted on her own plea of guilty to opening a business establishment during lockdown and operating a shop business without a licence by Gwanda magistrate, Mrs Nomagugu Sibanda. For the first count, she was fined $4 800 or sentenced to six months imprisonment in case of default. She was further sentenced to three months imprisonment which was suspended on condition that she does not commit a similar offence within the next three years.
For the second count, Ngubo was ordered to pay a $500 fine or sentenced to 60 days imprisonment in case of default. She was ordered to have paid the fine on or before June 30. In passing the sentence, Mrs Sibanda said she had spared Ngubo jail after considering that she had a minor child.
“In passing my sentence, I considered that you are a female first offender. You are also a mother who has a minor child. The court didn’t consider a custodial sentence as it will be too harsh. The court is encouraged to give first offenders an opportunity to repent while outside prison. You are also a care giver and your imprisonment might affect the life of the child,” she said.
“The court has considered a fine and suspended sentenced as an appropriate sentence which will guard your behaviour in the future.”
Prosecuting, Miss Glenda Nare said on April 23 Ngubo who is from Salibeni Village in Gwanda opened Thandabantu Store, a general dealer shop which was not exempted to operate.
Miss Nare said Ngubo sold beer to patrons who consumed on the premises and later got drunk resulting in a dispute that left a man dead. She said Ngubo had no right to operate a shop which is not an essential service provider.
Miss Nare said while carrying out investigations, police discovered that Ngubo operated the shop without a valid licence.-State media
Update from the hospital is that Hon. Caston Matewu has 2 broken ribs on the left, George, a broken arm and Mazambani Matewu’s manager has suffered 3 broken ribs. – More follows
Update from the hospital is that Hon. Caston Matewu has 2 broken ribs on the left, George, a broken arm and Mazambani Matewu's manager has suffered 3 broken ribs. pic.twitter.com/ZxwqADs1Cf
Farai Dziva|The MDC Alliance Women’s Assembly has accused Emmerson Mnangagwa’s government of being insensitive to the plight of women in the country.
Read full text below: This year we celebrate Workers Day under difficult circumstances when the whole world is under lockdown trying to fight and eliminate covid 19 pandemic.
As most workers are locked in their homes, the frontline workers in essential services are battling it all in a risky environment trying to save lives. We salute them for the sterling work that they are doing.
We celebrate this day when most of these workers are being made to work without Personal Protective Equipment (PPEs) and working under difficult conditions.
We are concerned as the Assembly of Women by the number of Women that are dying in the diaspora due to this covid 19. So far we have lost more than 40 workers of which the majority are women. We mourn with the families and friends of our beloved mothers and sister’s who died whilst trying to save lives.
We are celebrating this day today with tears on our cheeks as women are walloping in abject poverty in their homes as they cannot make ends meet.
Most women are informal traders and they have been locked down in their homes without anything to eat.
They also face rejection by the government as their stalls have been demolished whilst they are busy complying with the lockdown regulations.
The Assembly of Women denounces this barbaric act by the government and we are glad that the courts have stopped these demolitions.
Women under lockdown are faced with a myriad of problems which include hunger, water problems, electricity, no internet facilities for the children to do their school work, no access to health facilities including contraception, harassment by state securities who are beating them when they try and go out to source mealie meal which is a basic commodity.
We are deeply concerned by the quietness of the government on these harassments.
Cases of gender based violence are on the increase due to the lockdown as husbands and wives were not used to this kind of a setup where they spend a lot of time together and again with nothing to eat.
On the other hand the government did not set any safety nets for the victims as it was not prepared for this pandemic.
We urge the government to quickly look into this serious issue and protect the victims as we have already lost 3 souls due to GBV.
We would like to thank our friends in the diaspora for coming up with programmes of buying food packs and PPEs in support of the President Nelson Chamisa’s Zimlock Programme. The President has managed to donate PPEs to 3 hospitals so far and food packs to the old and vulnerable people around the country.
We continue to conscientize each other on the washing of hands, on social distancing staying at home so that we protect ourselves on this deadly pandemic. Lastly we urge the government to look after its people during this lockdown and provide them with basic needs before they die of hunger.
Happy International Workers Day to you all.
Barbara Tanyanyiwa Spokesperson MDC A. Assembly of Women
An estimated 3 460 Zimbabweans living in South Africa are in need of food assistance, while 2 191 are requesting repatriation back home. These figures were revealed by the Zimbabwean Embassy in South Africa in their latest update on how Zimbabweans in the country are faring in this Covid-19 pandemic.
In the update, the embassy says more numbers are expected. “As of April 19, 2020, 839 people had registered for assisted repatriation back to Zimbabwe, while 2 249 people signalled their desire to receive food packs instead,” said the embassy.
“As of April 30, 2020, an additional 1 352 and 1 391 people had requested for repatriation and food parcels respectively. This brings the total number of people in need of assistance to 5 831.”
The embassy said it was seized with the plight of those who have reached out and are taking measures to provide recourse.
“The embassy and two consulates are currently engaging the South African Government to obtain the necessary clearances and authorisation to undertake the repatriation process in compliance with the lockdown regulations of the country,” it said.
Some restive Zimbabweans have been constantly pressuring authorities for a quick response, something the embassy said was difficult to guarantee in the face of protocols.
“Consultations are underway with regards to the logistical arrangements for the assisted repatriation, including funding, reception and quarantine facilities upon crossing into Zimbabwe,” said embassy.
“While it is normal for people to have expected quick finalisation of the process, this has not been possible due to broad-based consultations and careful considerations being taken at every stage of the planning process.”
Zimbabwe is already making plans to accommodate citizens whose return is imminent.
Those who return will be screened at Beitbridge Border Post before being transported to quarantine centres across the country.
Initially, Government had planned to keep them in Beitbridge at various proposed centres, but changes were made this week following stakeholder consultations.
NSSA Hotel, which is being used as a quarantine and isolation centre for Beitbridge can accommodate only 400 people, while the two boarding schools, Zezani and Tongwe, which had been proposed to take the other immigrants can accommodate 250 and 280 each.
Beitbridge district medical officer, Dr Lenos Samhere recently said: “The returnees coming from South Africa will now be screened and documented in Beitbridge before being escorted to their provinces as they come.”
Public Service, Labour and Social Welfare Deputy Minister Lovemore Matuke said Government was mobilising resources to cater for the returnees from South Africa.
“Treasury has allocated resources to look after those people who are coming from other countries,” he said.
“Since the number is increasing we definitely need to increase the amount of resources to look after a more returnees.
“We need food, toiletries and even money to pay for bills such as water and electricity at the facilities where the returnees will be housed.”
Deputy Minister Matuke said accommodation would not be a problem since colleges in Masvingo can be used to house returnees. He revealed that Government made arrangements with South African authorities to allow even those without the requisite papers to pass through.
Zimbabwe has over the past few weeks been receiving citizens from all over the world and placing them in quarantine centres across the country.
The first group that came from Botswana and were quarantined in Plumtree has already been released to their families after observation as well as testing.
Some have been coming back from countries like Britain and the United States, countries that have been hard hit by Covid-19.
Some of those coming from these countries are part of the numbers testing positive to Covid-19. Herald/state media
Only wear a mask if you are ill with COVID-19 symptoms (especially coughing) or looking after someone who may have COVID-19.
Disposable face mask can only be used once. If you are not ill or looking after someone who is ill then you are wasting a mask. There is a world-wide shortage of masks, so WHO urges people to use masks wisely.
WHO advises rational use of medical masks to avoid unnecessary wastage of precious resources and mis-use of masks.
The most effective ways to protect yourself and others against COVID-19 are to frequently clean your hands, cover your cough with the bend of elbow or tissue and maintain a distance of at least 1 meter (3 feet) from people who are coughing or sneezing.
How to put on, use, take off and dispose of a mask
Remember, a mask should only be used by health workers, care takers, and individuals with respiratory symptoms, such as fever and cough.
Before touching the mask, clean hands with an alcohol-based hand rub or soap and water
Take the mask and inspect it for tears or holes.
Orient which side is the top side (where the metal strip is).
Ensure the proper side of the mask faces outwards (the coloured side).
Place the mask to your face. Pinch the metal strip or stiff edge of the mask so it moulds to the shape of your nose.
Pull down the mask’s bottom so it covers your mouth and your chin.
After use, take off the mask; remove the elastic loops from behind the ears while keeping the mask away from your face and clothes, to avoid touching potentially contaminated surfaces of the mask.
Discard the mask in a closed bin immediately after use.
Perform hand hygiene after touching or discarding the mask – Use alcohol-based hand rub or, if visibly soiled, wash your hands with soap and water.
Credit: World Health Organisation
Inserted by Zimbabwe Online Health Centre
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By Dr Masimba Mavaza | In order to protect the masses from the iron jaws of the Coronavirus which has savagely ravaged the world, claiming hundreds of thousands of people in the process, the government has enacted the Statutory Instrument 96 of 2020.
S.I. 96 of 2020 (CAP. 10:20
This is the Presidential Powers (Temporary Measures) (Deferral of Rent and Mortgage Payments During National Lockdown) Regulations, 2020. This Statutory instrument is meant to protect tenants from eviction if they fail to pay on time for the period of the Coronavirus lockdown. This is to ensure that anyone struggling with rental payments due to the coronavirus induced lockdown.
The statutory instrument does not absolve tenants from paying rent but do give them a relief and allow them to spread the payment. This is a way to alleviate the burden on the masses. It is indeed a bold move by the President to get involved in the lodgers landlord affairs. In order to help the land lords on mortgage the lenders are requested not to repossess the houses of those who are behind in their payments. To make sure that this is followed the government instructs courts to to grant any application for repossession or for eviction.
So sink with this noble idea President Mnangagwa has invoked his temporary powers to allow rent payments for residential property and mortgage payments to be deferred during the lockdown because many people are not earning income during the period. During lockdown means only the period of lock down should be spread across the six month to cover the debt or to catch up with the backlog.
Section 3 subsection 1 a to b iv
3. (1) Notwithstanding anything to the contrary in any other law (statutory or non-statutory), for the duration of the national lockdown (and any extension thereof), but subject to this section, a person occupying rented accommodation for residential purposes—
(a) is hereby granted a deferral in terms of these regulations of the obligation to pay such rental during the period of the national lockdown; subsection b prohibits courts from making any order for eviction or ejectment. So these being presidential powers they bind all courts therefore to refrain from admitting on the role and to even preside over a case of rentals which cover the period of the lockdown. This statutory instrument delays the payment it gives the tenants time to get the money for rent and giving land lords the negotiating instrument for easy repayment scheme.
Deferred rent for residential property or deferred mortgage payments have to be made when the lockdown ends, but in three equal monthly payments for each month of lockdown. This means that an arrear of one month must be paid in three months on equal payments. Making it easier if rent is 60 dollars a month you will pay 20 dollars for three months to cover the full rent of the lockdown month. While you are paying your back log your current month out of lock down is due. This means that if you are paying 60 pounds a month rent you will then top up with the 20 dollars to offset your arrears of the lockdown back log.
These payments become due in the month immediately following the month during which, or at the end of which, the lockdown ends, but legal proceedings can only start 14 days after the due date.
The tenants have been celebrating for an offside score. They believed they are exempted from making payments for the period of lockdown. This confusion has led to some tenants believing that they do not need to pay rent. It is simply an adjournment of the paying proceedings and when lockdown is over Noma ndiyo ndiyo.
While the law gives a holiday a break from payment it does not stop those who can pay to make a payment.
Any amount available can be paid and will then be topped up after the lockdown. So the President has cast a thick protective instrument around tenants not to be evicted for none payment of rent during lockdown. They should be seen to be willing to pay when the Corona dust clears. The other interesting point is that evictions are banned for any other reason which is not rent related. This means noisy tenants and drunk boozers will stagger in and out their lodgings with no fear of reprisals but for a night. This means those nosey landlords and bullies overriding landlords will have to chill for a while.
And it does not matter whether the residential accommodation is rented in terms of a statute law or a contract.
Now the problem is this holiday ends exactly fourteen days after the lockdown payment will be due and wheels of courts will be turning and the party will be over.
The rules are clear, rent payments must be maintained where possible, This must be very clear and tenants must not assume that they have been given a right not to pay rent.
“What it does allow is that where a tenant is having genuine difficulty in meeting their rent payment because of a loss of income, landlords have much greater flexibility to agree a mutually acceptable plan with the tenant to defer the rent due.
“This is not a green light to tenants everywhere to stop paying their rent.”
Now the purpose of the Statutory instrument while very noble has a lot of holes. How on earth and in our economy will a tenant who lost income during lock down will recover in fourteen days. This does not make sense.
The relief must be reasonable and not tantalising. There is no point in prolonging the suffering of the tenants or setting them in the path of marauding mean landlords who will feel unleashed on the defense less tenants whose protection has been lifted.
Considering that fifty percent of the tenants are informal traders and while on lockdown their places of business were razed down.
The city and town councils did not sympathise with the traders who were staying at home to protect the nation in a fight against COVID 19.
Furthermore it is not practical to increase the rent by a third in an income starved populace.
The effects of the Corona is not only health it touches every aspect of the livelihood of the nation.
The nation is in a declared state of disorder and it needs each person to work.
The only problem the good statutory instrument have is it has no a penal section. It does not tell you what will happen to you if you breach such an instrument. It does not have an enforcement section to force compliance. This makes it a toothless bull dog. Fierce but no force. It is a noble instrument but no full stop. No cutting edge and looks sharp but can not cut.
Today (May 1) is Workers Day and the MDC Alliance takes this occasion to salute ordinary Zimbabweans for their unstinting effort in bringing food and dignity to their homes under very difficult circumstances.
Indeed, this year’s May Day commemorations are taking place under a global lockdown which has meant dislocated livelihoods and massive starvation in the homes, particularly for the majority of Zimbabweans who live by hustling and sweating it out in this highly informalised economy.
The government has cared little about the millions of starving families that are locked down inside their homes.
The government has given no support whatsoever in terms of food rations and other basics during this lockdown as other countries are doing. . Some citizens have been bashed and brutalised for breaking down the lockdown rules by daring to go out of their homes in a legitimate quest to fend for their hungry kids.
As a party borne out of the sweat, blood and tears of labour, we take this day to reflect on our genesis as a working people’s movement and the unwavering support we continue to get from all the working people of this country. We salute both the few still in formal employment and the millions eking out a living on the streets and the country’s pavements which have become zones of high transactional activity in this informal economy .
To Zimbabweans in the informal sector whose vending stalls have been demolished by this uncaring regime, we salute you. We know you are being punished for choosing a life of honesty under these trying times.
To the country’s civil servants and our uniformed forces sweating it out without adequate remuneration, we salute you. To the country’s dedicated health personnel working on the frontline in this pandemic to save lives without the requisite protective clothing, we doff our cap to you.
To all those Zimbabweans in the villages, on the mines and on the farms, we salute you. To the artisanal miners burrowing the dangerous earth for a living, this is your day as well.
All Zimbabweans across the length and breadth of the country; the ordinary women working hard in the rural areas to bring food on the table, this is your day. All those children looking after their siblings in our child – headed families, we salute your dedication.
Today, we pay tribute to all Zimbabweans slugging it out in foreign lands.
Your hard work has brought a modicum of dignity to the families back home while your remittances have given some breath to our otherwise comatose economy. Your contribution deserves mention and indeed, we salute you today.
This is a special day to you Zimbabwe. As a party, we appreciate the sweat and toil that you expend every day to feed families and to send children to school. We know it takes courage, resilience and unmatched fortitude to simply wake up alive in this punishing economy.
Let us just remind each other that there is just one momentous task still to be done by all of us this year. Together, we have agreed that 2020 is the year of action. Together, we must and we will deliver on that collective pledge.
Indeed, we take the occasion of this year’s Workers’ Day to remind each other of this outstanding work that we still have to do in our overwhelming numbers this year. That one task is to express our displeasure at the deteriorating situation in the country and to call for a people’s government, for reforms and for a return to legitimacy.
The crisis of legitimacy is at the core of our collective predicament and together, we have pledged to express ourselves in a big way around that major national grievance.
We urge every Zimbabwean to stay safe and to take the requisite precautionary measures in order to stay alive in the wake of this global pandemic.
Farai Dziva|Controversial Masvingo based preacher, Isaac Makomichi, says he is ready to facilitate the much anticipated dialogue between political rivals Emmerson Mnangagwa and MDC Alliance president Nelson Chamisa.
Makomichi claims he is the right man to facilitate negotiations between the two political rivals.Makomichi is the leader of Calvary Prayer Group.
Last month Makomichi claimed the late former President Robert Mugabe’s soul was restless as a result of the political standstill in the country.
Makomichi also argues dialogue involving Mnangagwa, Chamisa and former Zanu PF Political Commissar, Saviour Kasukuwere is the lasting solution to the country’s economic quagmire.
In a statement on Friday Makomichi said:
“The economic crisis in the country requires a spiritual solution.As I have always said, dialogue is the way to go.
I am ready to facilitate dialogue between President Mnangagwa and MDC leader Nelson Chamisa. The two must find each other so that the country can move forward.
I am not trying to undermine POLAD in any way but to be frank, the two need each other .
I will invite the two to my house for dinner after the lockdown to discuss the way forward. I hope President Mnangagwa and Mr Chamisa will come to my house for a crucial meeting that will mark the beginning of the much anticipated economic turnaround.
I have been praying for the issue for a long time.
I also humbly appeal to Zimbabweans in general to appreciate President Mnangagwa’ s efforts to revive the economy.
Saviour Kasukuwere is a key figure and he should be part of political negotiations in the country.”
Mnangagwa insists there will be no dialogue outside POLAD while Chamisa argues the Zanu PF leader must admit he “stole the people’s victory in the 2018 Presidential plebiscite.”
Fellow Zimbabweans, Today is MAYDAY, a day which we, alongside the United Nations, have dedicated to honouring workers. The United Nations set aside this day out of a recognition of the critical role which the workforce plays worldwide, be it in families, in our communities and in our nation.
Indeed outside what God created in the beginning, all things great and small, come from human creativity, labour and effort. At the centre of that universal creative effort is the worker: those men and women we today honour and celebrate. Happy Workers’ Day, Dear Zimbabweans! I address you at a time when labour relations and labour protection have assumed grave, life-threatening dimensions worldwide. Whereas in the past we used to worry about fair wages for a day’s work or worry about skills and unemployment; yes, worry about the life of a worker beyond its active, productive phase, that is, in retirement, today we face a menace of unimaginable proportions. We face an overbearing global threat from a highly infectious, contagious disease we now know as coronavirus. The pandemic continues to blight millions of lives, claiming hundreds of thousands worldwide. As I address you, more than 3,2 million cases have been reported worldwide; and of these, over 225 000 have since succumbed. Recoveries stand at slightly over 1 million worldwide. What breaks my heart is that many from these staggering numbers of infections and deaths draw from the global workforce, prominently our workers in the health sector. In our case, infections now stand at 40, with four deaths recorded since the outbreak, and five recoveries so far. By global comparison, we are still fortunate, even though the pain from lost loved ones is great and as acute as anywhere in the affected world. The pandemic is real, and its spread is extremely rapid. We, therefore, are at great risk. As your President, I wake up every morning, agonising over the daunting prospect of an ailing workforce, or to a frightful, yet real grim chance of one more worker, having succumbed to the pandemic. We have to avoid this at all cost. We cannot afford any more loss of life than we have already borne. This is why your Government has had to take very tough, yet unavoidable measures, to safeguard life. Those measures may have brought our nation to a complete standstill and our economy to virtual shutdown. The challenges for you, our workers, and for your families, have grown bigger and harsher. You have had to endure them with utmost pain. There is more to the virus in relation to the worker. Not only has it stolen more lives, but daily threatens your jobs and thus your livelihoods. Families are in distress, as is also our entire economy. The greater part of the workforce stays at home, often without income. By extension, social life has been on total lockdown, making life very difficult for everyone. I empathise greatly but dread the inevitable horror of any let-up. We have to stay the course until we flatten the curve, slow down the spread, and eventually overtake the pandemic.
Today, no one can plausibly argue that capital alone creates wealth or that technology alone manufactures wealth. Indeed that natural resources, important as they may be, cannot alone pass for wealth.
That, too, means at the heart of national policy must be the sustenance of this key cog in the social production of life itself, namely the worker.
The worker must be able to reproduce his and her life so he continues to work for humanity. That means giving him a living wage, one by which he can sustain himself and his family. This has to be the primary goal of any government, including our own. True, we often come short of this key goal, but the commitment to support and sustain the worker should and must always be there. Since last year, Government has continued to adjust your earnings, with a view to making them living wages. Yet the goal of taming inflation and the general cost of living has largely remained elusive, an ungraspable mirage.
Elusive, because of the successive droughts which continue to visit us, making our nation a net importer of food. Elusive because of punitive, illegal sanctions which continue to beset us, closing possibilities for our economy. And now, even more elusive, because of the global Covid-19 pandemic which has thrown us and the rest of the world, off the rail, into a severe recession. Predictably, our economy will close the year in the negative territory. So, too, will economies of the world, including the strongest ones.
For us, agriculture, which is the mainstay of our economy, and the biggest employer of our workforce, must recover and be sustained, to make us a food-secure nation. Government continues to unveil a number of initiatives, including Smart Agriculture, Presidential Input Support Scheme and greater thrust on irrigation development, to ensure precious jobs in the agricultural sector are secured and expanded. We must step up irrigation, both small and large-scale, for climate-proofed agriculture, and thus create jobs. We have targeted 80 000 hectares for irrigation under A2, and another 20 000 hectares under A1 and for communal areas. In the interim, and in view of the successive lean years we have had, Government continues to import more food for distribution to all our people, including to workers and their families, be they in rural or urban areas. We have expanded food distribution into urban areas to take care of our workforce especially in these distressful times. The silver lining is that the prices of maize on the global grain market continue to soften, with some of our neighbours who had better rains than us, reporting significant surpluses. Apart from agriculture, the mining sector is key to overall job creation. Even at the height of the Covid-19 pandemic, we shielded this critical sector which kept many families going, and our economy afloat. As with agriculture, there is lots of self-employment, principally in the subsector of artisanal mining. Now that security concerns in that sub-sector have been stabilised, Government will move resolutely to ensure clearer claims and mining rights, and to support artisanal miners financially, technologically and by way of better marketing mechanisms, especially in the area of gold production. I am happy that while platinum prices have softened, those of iridium, rhodium and palladium continue to firm up, with the last two tradings at about US$8 000 and US$1 962 per ounce, respectively. This means what we lose on the swings of low prices for gold and platinum, we regain on the roundabouts of firming prices of other PMG metals. The message is thus clear: production, production, production for more jobs, better earnings, and for the rapid recovery of our economy. Mindful of the need to ensure the safety of our workers from Covid-19 infections, we have now cleared the way for the opening of our tobacco floors. The measures we have taken to safeguard the safety of our workforce, include a decentralised marketing mechanism, enforcement of screening and observance of social distance during trading. We have also put in place bookings and deliveries which limit the numbers that gather around our floors on any one trading day. However important tobacco is to our economy, we should put the life of the worker above profit. While the global focus may be on workers in formal employment, our own peculiar economic circumstances require that we place greater focus on small-to-medium enterprises, and on the broad informal sector. These subsectors have sustained the greater number of national livelihoods as our nation battles myriad adversities, whether natural or man-made. This means our programmes aimed at defending and sustaining worker welfare must put these two subsectors at the heart of our policies. Already, Government has decided to include special, well-tailored packages for SMEs and the informal sector in its overall Post-Covid-19 Stimulus Recovery Measures which I shall announce shortly. The Covid-19 global pandemic has been a wake-up call, which has shaken us all out of complacency. As a long-term measure against any such pandemics in future, we have to reorganise our SMEs and informal markets, large and small, so that both are public health-compliant. That means spacing units and markets in line with requirements of public health standards which must become a mandatory part of all our human activity and settlements. This is one big takeaway from the pandemic, and one with a direct bearing on the worker. As I conclude my address, let me share with you my thoughts on ensuring greater security and satisfaction to our workforce. Both because of Covid-19 and because of the sheer instability of our economy for the foreseeable future, a paradigm shift in respect of worker welfare has become more than necessary and urgent. We must think beyond wages. FIRST, we must ensure our workplaces meet WHO public health standards. No sector or sub-sector must be exempt from this requirement which must be enforced both in the interest of workers, and that of a greater society. Going forward, public health yardstick will be foremost in the way we organise our business, all business premises and work stations. SECOND, we must ensure proper personal protection equipment and facilities at all workstations. Again, this must be in line with WHO standards which our health inspectors must enforce vigorously. The health inspector shall be a key persona in industrial relations, and at all places of work which must be repurposed towards public health exigencies and goals. THIRD, we must include in the workman and woman package issues of healthcare giving. That makes the issue of disease and virus containment and cure much more than a private, family affair. It is as much an issue for the employee as it is for employer and Government. Our issue together! All our health facilities must match the demand for health services by our nation, both by way of numbers and by way of capabilities. Again this puts the worker at the centre. FOURTH, a well-housed workforce is a bulwark against epidemics and pandemics. Good, well-spaced residential housing schemes are the best panacea against diseases. In saying this, I am not shooting down high-rise residential projects; rather, I am emphasising that such housing schemes should not translate into untidy, overcrowded and unhygienic settlements devoid of proper public spaces, adequate amenities and recreational spaces and facilities. FIFTH, delivery of public utilities and services in both urban and rural areas must match up and meet public health standards. To that end, our planned urban renewal programmes I mooted in Mbare, and subsequently launched in Mutare’s Sakubva high-density suburb, should henceforth receive attention and matching resources. They are, after all, habitats of our workforce, which deserve nothing short of liveable conditions which approximate the wealth they create for our society. A broad, multifaceted, all-encompassing social programme must be put on the table, with the private sector involvement being enlisted and encouraged through various incentives. Above all, our municipalities and rural authorities must rise to the occasion, so we make our built-up environments liveable. SIXTH AND LAST, from a consolidation of all of the above, every employer, in whatever sector of our economy, must and should think beyond the weekly or monthly wage. Over the years, we have realised how easily erodible wages are, especially in times of economic shocks, destabilisations and instability. Now we have this new, dreadful factor of a global viral pandemic. Clearly, the years ahead show all these as the conditioning norm for global businesses, in which case we are best advised to cushion the worker through a more resilient, shock-proof system of reward and resilience. The bottom line is that the worker must have food, shelter, and must be able to afford health services while being able to send his/her children to school. This, dear compatriots must be the new thrust and ethic for us all, whatever sector we play in. Before I conclude, let me say a word or two regarding one sector we have barely paid attention to. Sometime last year I held an indaba in Bulawayo with players in our creative industry — the artists. Generally, this is an industry which thrives on crowds: by way of musical shows, performances, markets, etc, etc. Expectedly, the extended national lockdown has denied this vital sector the crowds which are its lifeline. I am therefore instructing Minister Kirsty Coventry to make a proposal to Government on how best this sector can be helped, post-Covid-19. Let me conclude by again thanking our workforce for producing and sweating for our nation. Without your dedication to work, our economy can never recover. In the same vein, I want to thank you all for abiding by the very difficult measures we put in place to safeguard our nation and, with it, your families which were at great risk from the Covid-19 pandemic. The battle is not yet won and we should not lower our guard. Let me also heartily thank all our employers for standing by, and supporting our entire workforce during the national lockdowns. This makes for good industrial relations, indeed for stability at workplaces. Above all, to thank employers most heartily for generously contributing to the national response to the Covid-19 challenge. You rose to the occasion in a true Zimbabwean fashion, thus making the load a lot lighter for our Government. Let the lot of the worker continue to receive our utmost attention and support. I thank you and once more, Happy Workers’ Day Zimbabweans!
In Huchu Village under Chief Makumbe, near MUDZAMIRI Primary & Secondary Schools there is a villager who is now deceased who was identified as Upenyu MHONDIWA who passed away on Saturday 25 April 2020. (His age was not given).
Mhondiwa had malaria-like symptoms but delayed presenting himself to Health authorities until after some few days of illness.
On 25 April, Mhondiwa was taken to GANDACHIBVUWA MISSION HOSPITAL for treatment by his wife and relatives. Unfortunately, it is reported that health authorities at this Hospital claimed they did not have the capacity to treat malaria and also suspected that the patient could have been Covid-19 positive.
It is reported that poor Mhondiwa was referred to MURAMBINDA HOSPITAL where he was pronounced dead on arrival. It is further alleged that Murambinda Hospital did not take any samples for Covid-19 sampling since the hospital claimed that they did not have Covid-19 Testing Kits and relatives were ordered to take the deceased back home for burial.
It is further reported that a fully-fledged funeral was held at Huchu Village for the late Mhondiwa who was only buried two days later on Monday 27 April 2020 at the village cemetery in Buhera.
More frightening, three days after Mhondiwa’s burial, today the 30th of April 2020, MHONDIWA’s widow, (name & age not supplied) also passed on after complaining of chest pains and feeling dizzy.
Another fully-fledged funeral wake is on right now at Huchu Village in Buhera for the late gogo Mhondiwa whose remains are lying in state and is set to be buried tomorrow the 1st of May 2020 at the village.
Authorities may not detect these suspicious cases since the deceased is not being taken to mortuary.
Villagers attending the funeral have no PPE and social distance is not being observed
It is very important that Covid-19 surveillance team be swiftly activated & rise to the occasion and eliminate the possibility of these cases being Covid-19.
For more information please contact 0772 348 *** who is brother to the late Mhondiwa and is also still to be screened for Covid-19.
POLICE have arrested over 17 000 people countrywide for breaches of lockdown regulations, says Home Affairs and Cultural Heritage Minister Kazembe Kazembe.
He told a Press conference in Harare yesterday that arrests had reached 17 171 and expressed dismay over people still organising parties and operating and visiting shebeens.
“Besides the arrests, security agents are conducting awareness campaigns in all parts of the country to conscientise people on the need to comply with Covid-19 safety measures,” Minister Kazembe said.
“Let us take note that the movement restrictions under Covid-19 lockdown are meant to ensure that Zimbabweans are safe, healthy and protected from the coronavirus.
“On the other hand, I have directed the Commissioner-General of Police (Godwin Matanga)to ensure that security officers on deployment observe the tenets of human rights and tighten security at isolation centres,” he said.
Minister Kazembe said Government was aware of the need to provide personal protective clothing to police officers working on the frontline.
“May I take this opportunity to express the ministry’s appreciation to various partners and stakeholders who have availed PPEs and other resources to the security services.
“My office is currently seized with the acquisition of the relevant tools of the trade to enable police officers and other security services to perform their duties under Covid-19 lockdown effectively,” he said.-State media
Opposition MDC Member of Parliament for Marondera Central Caston Matewu was this evening involved in a horrific accident while coming from a COVID-19 taskforce meeting.
Matewu reportedly sustained injuries but is in a stable condition.
Details are still sketchy but we will update once we get more information.
Below are pictures of Matewu’s Toyota Fortuner after the accident.
THE recent statement attributed to South African Finance Minister Tito Mboweni advocating for the catering industry to be a preserve for locals is the latest in a series of divisive utterances by politicians each time the country lurches into crisis.
Mboweni was quoted in the media saying after the lockdown against coronavirus (COVID-19), local industries, particularly the restaurant sector must put the workforce of the country first.
This comes as Africa’s most advanced economy experiences strain.
Mboweni claimed “almost all restaurant staff” in South Africa are not locals and this must change under the so-called new economy.
“The proportion of South Africans working in a restaurant must be greater than that of non-South Africans,” Mboweni stated.
There were fears this could leave foreign nationals currently employed in the sector jobless.
Luke Zunga, the Johannesburg-based economist, noted this was the latest in a trend by politicians to appease their disillusioned citizens and appeal for votes.
“There is no new policy here. The minister’s statement, which I did not read, did not spell new policy at all because the laws governing labour and migration already exist,” argued Zunga.
Zunga, the chairman of the Zimbabwe Diaspora Development Chamber (ZDDC), added, “The fact is that politicians have nothing to offer to their restless citizenry and resort to controversial statements to try and please the voters.”
He noted such sentiments have been made during previous crises such as the xenophobic violence and service delivery protests.
Zunga asked why South African politicians had a tendency of making such statements but were mum on them during international forums.
“Why don’t they talk that language when they meet at the AU (African Union) or SADC (Southern African Development Community)?”
Zunga mentioned the catering and restaurant industry thrived because of the presence and diligent workforce of foreign nationals.
“In the recent years restaurants and service industry blossomed. There is considerable catering and restaurant businesses owned by the foreign nationals themselves,” he said.
The economist added the rapid growth of this industry would not have impossible without a workforce tolerant to the odd and difficult work environment of foreign nationals.
Grievances include late and long working hours, distance from residential places and low wages.
“Some (waiters) live off tips only,” he pointed out.
“The minister’s assertion, if any, is regressive if it is of the view that foreign nationals are taking away jobs from South Africans. In fact they are enablers of the industry and its resurgence can take a lovely blend of employees, local and migrants labour force.”
Zunga spoke amid reports foreign nationals had been denied their benefits under the Unemployment Insurance Fund (UIF).
He said most of the foreign nationals were not paid out because they were not registered while some were contributing to the employer but the employer did not submit the payment to UIF.
Zunga said in such a case, the employer should organise to pay the workers from own pocket.
“So, the onus is still on the employer to try their best to pay the short falls. Understandably coronavirus has brought huge burden for employers and some may not be able to pay wages, even if they are willing.”
Despite the ongoing challenges posed by COVID-19, Zunga said most people were positive about the future but “the main problem is that the politicians do not know what is arriving in their departments.”
“South African citizens are actively suggesting solutions but the politicians allow themselves to hide behind the curtains, allowing bureaucrats to rule the country,” the economist said.
“Tito Mboweni is not in charge and his statements are really empty,” he added.
“If he were to read what is arriving in his department from ordinary citizens, and not rely on the technocrats to selectively feed him with tea spoons, he would realize that he can fix the problems,” Zunga equipped.
In Huchu Village under Chief Makumbe, near MUDZAMIRI Primary & Secondary Schools there is a villager who is now deceased who was identified as Upenyu MHONDIWA who passed away on Saturday 25 April 2020. (His age was not given).
Mhondiwa had malaria-like symptoms but delayed presenting himself to Health authorities until after some few days of illness.
On 25 April, Mhondiwa was taken to GANDACHIBVUWA MISSION HOSPITAL for treatment by his wife & relatives. Unfortunately, it is reported that health authorities at this Hospital claimed they did not have the capacity to treat malaria & also suspected that the patient could have been Covid-19 +ve.
It is reported that poor Mhondiwa was referred to MURAMBINDA HOSPITAL where he was pronounced dead on arrival. It is further alleged that Murambinda Hospital did not take any samples for Covid-19 sampling since the hospital claimed that they did not have Covid-19 Testing Kits & relatives were ordered to take the deceased back home for burial.
It is further reported that a fully-fledged funeral was held at Huchu Village for the late Mhondiwa who was only buried two days later on Monday 27 April 2020 at the village cemetery in Buhera.
More frightening, three days after Mhondiwa’s burial, today the 30th of April 2020, MHONDIWA’s widow, (name & age not supplied) also passed on after complaining of chest pains & feeling dizzy.
Another fully-fledged funeral wake is on right now at Huchu Village in Buhera for the late gogo Mhondiwa whose remains are lying in state and is set to be buried tomorrow the 1st of May 2020 at the village.
Authorities may not detect these suspicious cases since the deceased is not being taken to mortuary.
Villagers attending the funeral have no PPE and social distance is not being observed
It is very important that Covid-19 surveillance team be swiftly activated & rise to the occasion and eliminate the possibility of these cases being Covid-19.
For more information please contact 0772 348 *** who is brother to the late Mhondiwa and is also still to be screened for Covid-19.
By A Correspondent- A couple in Penhalonga, Manicaland went through a traumatic ordeal, after 3 machete wielding robbers broke into their house and robbed them, before proceeding to take turns to ra_pe the woman.
The three robbers got away with cash, household property worth $6 000 before se_xually violating the woman.
The trio is said said to have physically assaulted the man with a machete, before tying him up with a rope.
After ra_ping the man’s wife, (name withheld for confidentiality purposes) the robbers then fled into the dark of the night.
The trio of robbers is still at large.
The police have now launched a manhunt for the robbers and have appealed to the public for information on the whereabouts the suspects.
Manicaland provincial police spokesperson, Inspector Tavhiringwa Kakohwa confirmed the incident to a local publication.
“The three robbers gained entry into the couple’s bedroom door through an unlocked door.
One of the robbers covered the man with a blanket and demanded money from him.
“The man surrendered $50 to them and told them that they had no money in the house. The three men heavily assaulted the couple,” said Inspector Kakohwa.
He said after they rap_ed the woman, the robbers blindfolded her and proceeded to ransack the house.
They robbed the household property including a Phillips DVD player, a silver gas tank, a Nokia cellphone and a Mobicell cellphone, among other things.
Inspector Kakohwa revealed that the stolen items are all valued at $6 765.
The traumatized couple then reported the matter to the police.
The ra_pe victim was taken to Victoria Chitepo Provincial Hospital for medical examinations.
Investigations are still in progress and no recoveries have been made to date.-ManicaPost
Today as we commemorate workers day, I want to reiterate the words of the great Mahatma Gandhi which says “The best way to find yourself is to lose yourself in the service of others” My message to all workers as we honor you on your especially important, is a message of hope.
I know you are all going through a tough time ,but do not despair, there is hope for a brighter tomorrow. It is a sad reality that the value of your salaries and wages has been eroded , enduring the pain of going to work knowingly that at the end of the day you will find it difficult to provide for your families.
On this occasion of Labor Day, I salute those at the frontlines of the battle against COVID-19, ranging from healthcare and supply-chain workers to migrants and informal workers. The heads that uplift human dignity and carry the cross deserves the crown of excellence. You are the heroes of our time .I salute you . We commemorate workers day today in the wake of a global crisis, a global pandemic which has threatened jobs and economic survival of our people.
World over, our country included, thousands upon thousands are losing their jobs and the means for survival. As the fight against Covid-19 continues I send a message of hope to you all, we will win this fight. I extent my sincere condolences to all families who have lost their loved ones to Covid-19.
I am also aware of my brothers and sisters who succumbed to COVID-19 in the diaspora. All over the world our brothers and sisters are front line heroes against this pandemic. I salute you all, I am looking forward to a day not so far away when we all will be back in our country Zimbabwe and collectively rebuild it to its former glory.
On this day as we commemorate workers day, I send a message of hope to all our young people. I know your pains and struggles my young brothers and sisters, I make a commitment to you today, in this lifetime I will sacrifice my own life to create a bright future for us. Do not despair yet, do not lose hope, your dreams will come true.
My brothers and sisters in the next coming days light will shine again on all of us. Neither silver nor gold was the ransom for our living standard; congratulations, your sweat paid the price. HAPPY WORKERS DAY Revolutionary regards.
CITE|A constitutional law expert, Kucaca Phulu, says the Minister of Health and Child Care Dr Obadiah Moyo breached the country’s Public Health Act, by failing to provide resources meant to beef up infectious diseases hospitals across the country.
The Public Health Act (Chapter 15:17) is administered by the Minister of Health of Child Care who is responsible for the health of the population by protecting, promoting, improving and maintaining public health.
According to the law, the health minister, must equitably prioritise and allocate resources to the country’s health services provided by the state.
Due to lack of adequate resources, the government has over time, not fully resourced the country’s hospitals nor properly remunerated health workers.
But Phulu, a Member of Parliament for Nkulumane Constituency, said failure to provide resources to infectious disease hospitals is a breach of the law.
Phulu’s remarks come on the backdrop of the fight against COVID-19 where he noted that the government was supposed to have reacted fast to contain and even blunt the impact of coronavirus as per Sections 66, 67 and 68 of the Public Health Act.
In an interview with CITE on the sidelines of a donation held at Thorngrove Infectious Disease Hospital Tuesday, Phulu said although it was good that both the public and private sector were scrambling to respond to the fight against COVID-19, the government had been slow to act on making sure infectious diseases hospitals in the country were well equipped.
“We are at Thorngrove, we are seeing the rehabilitation of the road and renovations due to COVID-19 and that pleases us because this is a good development. Anyone will be pleased to see the work being done here but we must take cognisance of this fact – if you go to the Public Health Act, the minister of health must make sure each local authority has an infectious diseases hospital,” he said.
“It’s a requirement in terms of the Public Health Act and that is why Bulawayo has Thorngrove, Harare has Wilkins Infectious Diseases Hospital and so forth.”
But, the law expert lamented that the minister has not been allocating funds to the hospitals.
“It’s a requirement that the minister provides these local authorities with funds but for all these years they have not been doing so, this is why we are finding ourselves in this a situation,” said Phulu, who is also the MDC Secretary for Constitutional and Parliamentary Affairs.
He highlighted that lack of such action by the state was “a consistent and repeated breach of the Public Health Act, so when this fight against COVID is over we must make sure they continue assisting and making sure these hospitals are running and functioning.”
“It’s dangerous to stay without an infectious diseases hospital that is not up to scratch. This must be a lesson to us,” Phulu said.
Institutions such as Thorngrove are ideal facilities especially in the emergence of COVID-19, as these are hospitals where patients are quarantined and treated to avoid spreading the disease to others.
However, worldwide, health experts said over the years, countries either destroyed or revamped their infectious hospitals as they moved to cater for other conditions such as non-communicable diseases.
Own Correspondent|One of the few African countries without any reports of coronavirus has now confirmed its first case.
Comoros’ President Azali Assoumani said the patient is a man who came in contact with a French-Comorian national who’d recently travelled to France before being hospitalised on April 23.
His condition is improving and the authorities are tracing those who came into contact with him, President Assoumani said.
Lesotho is the only remaining African country that hasn’t reported any cases.
“On this day of April 30, 2020, the government declares the first case of COVID-19 on the Comoros,” President Azali Assoumani said during an address to the nation on Thursday.
The case involves a man in his 50s who came into contact with a French-Comorian national with recent travel history to France.
“The patient’s medical condition is gradually improving,” Azali assured, adding that his contacts were being traced.
No full lockdown The president said the priority would now be to shield the healthcare system from overload, which would force the government to adopt “even more draconian measures” to protect the population of some 832,000.
“While other countries who were hit earlier are preparing to go back to normality, our country is entering a critical phase,” Assoumani warned.
A nightly curfew came into force last week to limit the chances of coronavirus spreading in the country.
Assoumani said he had not imposed a full lockdown because most of the population lives off informal work.
“At this stage of the pandemic, we cannot afford to adopt measures that could lead to social and economic drama,” he added.
A healthcare worker who did not wish to give her name told AFP news agency the announcement came “rather late”.
“Only one positive case? The president is funny. The [real] number is much higher,” she said.
There have been reports of people dying from “respiratory distress” in Comoros, but the president last week said no case had been registered in the country’s three islands
Tanzania president John Pombe Magufuli has been silent for a while. During his period of absence from the public eye, corona virus cases in Tanzania rose to 480 while the number of deaths rose to 16. President John Magufuli decided to address the coronavirus pandemic during the labor day speech on Friday 1st May.
“During this moment the world is struggling with coronavirus pandemic, I want to encourage us Tanzanians to continue doing our work, this disease should not be the reason for us to backtrack. I believe the Almighty God will see us through,” Said president John Pombe Magufuli.
According to president Magufuli, there is no cause of alarm and hence Tanzanians should carry on with their normal businesses as usual. He wants the citizens to observe measures put in place by the government but not to shun away from their normal source of livelihood. However, many expected him to introduce tougher rules considering the souring cases.
President John Magufuli has turned out to be the only president in east Africa who has relaxed the coronavirus measures in his country. President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni of Uganda had to totally lock down the country in the effort to contain the spread. Other countries in east Africa like Kenya, Rwanda and Burundi has had stringent measures put in place.
In east Africa, Tanzania is the most affected country with 480 confirmed cases of coronavirus disease and 16 deaths. Kenya is the second most affected country in east Africa with 411 cases of coronavirus disease and 21 deaths. Rwanda comes third with 243 confirmed cases but no single death from the covid-19 disease. Uganda is the fourth with 83 cases and no death. Burundi is the least affected country in east Africa with 11 cases and 1 death.
Police are set to increase their patrols in parts of the country amid concerns a lot of people were violating government lockdown measures against the spread of coronavirus.
This was said by Home Affairs Minister Kazembe Kazembe in Harare Thursday while addressing the media on the country’s security situation during the current lockdown period.
“My Ministry is however concerned with some members of the public who are disregarding the lockdown measures by continuing to gather around Central Business Districts and shopping malls, parties in their homes, operating shebeens and some drinking beer in groups whilst closing themselves inside bars and bottle stores,” said Kazembe.
“So, we are appealing to people to stay indoors.
“If they have to go out then there has to be a good reason as prescribed in the Statutory Instrument. Going forward, people must be responsible because this is a question of life and death. You do not need anybody to remind you to look after your own self.”
Minister Kazembe said police will also intensify awareness campaigns among locals living in high density areas as more people continue to violate lockdown measures.
He also urged locals to report acts of corruption among security forces reportedly demanding bribes at checkpoints in order to allow passage among those prohibited from leaving the vicinity of their localities.
“Report any acts of corruption by members of the police force and bring any evidence,” he said.
Zimbabwe’s lockdown period has since been extended by another two weeks.
Didier Drogba with Didier Sonora on national duty.
Didier Zokora, has revealed that the Association of Former Players in Cote d’Ivoire rejected Didier Drogba’s candidacy for the country’s FA President because of a lack of respect shown to them by the former his former teammate.
None of the 14 members of the Association voted for Drogba in the recent polls, with 11 of them backing his rival, league president Sory Diabate, while three persons abstained.
According to Zokora who also played in the Premier League with Drogba, though he featured for North London club Tottenham, Drogba has consistently disrespected them despite being the Association’s honorary President.
He added that Drogba has never attended a single one of the Association’s meetings nor did he inform them of his intention to contest for the Football Federation’s Presidency.
“What we are saying is that Didier Drogba, as honorary president of the Association has never been present at a single meeting. He did not even inform us of his candidacy for the presidency of Fif. It’s a huge disrespect,” Zokora is quoted as having said on Radio Jam by Afrik Foot.
He added that Drogba’s ideas were not convincing and would not benefit Ivorian football.
According to him, Sory’s experience in football administration made him a more qualified candidate as Drogba had not even surrounded himself with people who have in-depth knowledge about the game in the country.
“Drogba’s program is not convincing because it doesn’t make the most of Ivorian football. Mr Sory Diabaté offered us a very interesting project and that’s why we support him. Also, Drogba is not even surrounded by people who have deep knowledge of Ivorian football. Mr Sory Diabaté has a better grasp of the subject than Didier Drogba,” Zokora added.
The results of the election, which was done via video conferencing, has reportedly sparked a massive debate in the Ivory Coast.
Drogba had been the massive favourite going into the polls, particularly after experienced administrator Eugene Diomande withdrew from the race and publicly backed the former Ivorian captain.
He had also been endorsed by 48 professional clubs in the country.
According to Afrik Foot, Drogba will hope to have better luck when members of the Active Footballers Association, the coaches, referees and the physios also cast their votes.
“I want to get more involved. I think more and more about it. I know Ivorian football, I have played in selection for years and I invested in Ivorian football lately,” Drogba recently said about his ambitions.
The three are vying to replace Augustin Sidy Diallo as President.
The Ordinary General Assembly of the Ivorian Football Federation (Fif) is set for Saturday, May 16, 2020.
Donald Trump claims to have seen evidence to substantiate the unproven theory that the coronavirus originated at the Wuhan Institute of Virology, despite US intelligence agencies’ conclusion that the virus was “not manmade or genetically modified”.
“We’re going to see where it comes from,” Trump said at a White House event on Thursday. “We have people looking at it very, very strongly. Scientific people, intelligence people, and others. We’re going to put it all together. I think we will have a very good answer eventually. And China might even tell us.”
Pressed to explain what evidence he had seen that the virus originated in a Chinese lab, Trump responded, “I can’t tell you that. I’m not allowed to tell you that.”
Prior to the White House event, the Office of the Director of National Intelligence, the clearinghouse for the web of US spy agencies, issued a statement asserting that the intelligence community “concurs with the wide scientific consensus that the Covid-19 virus was not manmade or genetically modified”.
“The intelligence community will continue to rigorously examine emerging information and intelligence to determine whether the outbreak began through contact with infected animals or if it was the result of an accident at a laboratory in Wuhan,” the statement added.
Trump’s comments came as global infections passed 3.25 million, a third of which were in the US, and where the death toll was approaching 63,000. Recoveries worldwide have passed 1 million.
US intelligence agencies under pressure to link coronavirus to Chinese labs The US president is increasingly making Beijing’s handling of the outbreak a major issue for his November re-election campaign and has repeatedly threatened retaliation against Beijing.
The president and his allies have repeatedly touted the theory – for which there is no evidence – that an infectious disease lab in Wuhan, the center of the Chinese outbreak, was the source of the global pandemic that has killed more than 220,000 worldwide.
The World Health Organization’s representative in China, Gauden Galea, said the organisation has made requests of Chinese authorities to join research into the origins of the virus. “We know that some national investigation is happening but at this stage we have not been invited to join,” he told Sky News in remarks published on Thursday.
Zimbabwe remains in the grip of severe food insecurity, with millions of people already requiring humanitarian assistance due to prolonged drought, climate-related shocks, economic deterioration and the situation set to worsen as the COVID-19 pandemic spreads, according to the new Global Food Crisis Report Forecast (GFCRF).
The joint report, released by the European Union, FAO, OCHA, UNICEF, USAID and WFP anticipates a worsening food insecurity situation in 2020 with an estimated 4.3 million rural Zimbabweans, including children, are in need of urgent action. On top of environmental factors, this is mainly due to the current economic crisis including hyperinflation, shortage of currency, fuel and prolonged power shortages; widespread poverty; high levels of HIV/AIDS; and low agricultural output as drivers of the crisis.
“Millions of Zimbabweans are already struggling to put food on the table, having faced prolonged drought and economic hardship for some time. It is imperative that we unite, to fight the COVID-19 pandemic in Zimbabwe and provide urgent food assistance safely to prevent an already vulnerable population from slipping deeper into this hunger crisis,” said WFP Country Director and Representative Eddie Rowe.
More than half of the children experiencing malnutrition are living in countries affected by the food crisis. The GFCRF estimates that 75 million children worldwide are stunted and 17 million are wasted.
Zimbabwe is also one of 10 countries where fewer than 20% of children between 6-23 months received a minimally adequate diet further compromising their lifelong quality of life, according to the new report. In addition, Zimbabwe’s Multi Indicator Cluster Survey (MICS) 2019, revealed about 1 in 4 children, under 5 were stunted and at risk of impaired physical and cognitive growth.
“Food crises have a major impact on the quality, frequency and diversity of children’s diets and this is compounded by the inability for families across the country to provide adequate childcare during these increasingly challenging times,” said UNICEF Representative, Laylee Moshiri. “During this COVID-19 pandemic we must act decisively to continue essential nutrition and health services for all children.”
FAO Representative Jocelyn Brown Hall said, “Measures to curb the further spread of COVID-19 have the potential to impact negatively on the food system in Zimbabwe, such as through restricted access to markets by both farmers and consumers, and a glut of perishable nutritious foods like fruits and vegetables. Deliberate measures are needed to prevent and mitigate against these.”
Globally the report states that in 2019, 135 million people across 55 countries and territories experienced acute food insecurity. These same countries’ food systems are highly vulnerable to the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic which will result in compromised health due to hunger which can increase the risks of exposure to the virus. The World Food Programme’s Executive Director, David Beasley, who interacted with communities throughout Zimbabwe during an August 2019 visit, told the UN Security Council last week that the world was on the verge of a hunger pandemic caused by the Coronavirus. “If we don’t act now, we could be facing multiple famines of biblical proportions within a few short months,” Beasley said.
The COVID-19 pandemic is affecting all countries across the globe, including the OECD countries and other high-income countries. This is making it increasingly difficult to prioritise the needs of populations typically affected by food crises. This has put an increased challenge on the attainment of Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 2, towards the eradication of hunger and malnutrition.
The Global Report on Food Crises is the flagship publication of the The Global Network Against Food Crises, an alliance of humanitarian and development actors united by the commitment to tackle the root causes of food crises and promote sustainable solutions through shared analysis and knowledge, strengthened coordination in evidence-based responses and collective efforts across the Humanitarian, Development and Peace (HDP) nexus.
. Distributed by APO Group on behalf of World Food Programme (WFP).
Own Correspondent|Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) Commissar Mbuyiseni Ndlozi has cautioned South African President Cyril Ramaphosa that he is going to cause more Deaths by loosening up lockdown guidelines.
President Ramaphosa declared that from the first of May a couple of lockdown guidelines will be relaxed with certain organizations set to be re-opened. Ndlozi accepts the move is inappropriate and will cause disorder in the nation.
“Mr Cyril Ramaphosa you are going to purposely commit the greatest dangerous Covid19 error by relaxing the lockdown and opening the economy. Epidemiological proof from this week alone says every day disease nearly significantly increased from 50 to 170, at that point nearly multiplied from 170 to 318”
Mr. Cyril Ramaphosa would you be able to accept the nation into certainty regarding what advises your choice to unwind the lockdown? Your own specialist, Prof Karim said lockdown must NOT be relaxed if “normal every day… cases is; 90+”. This week we’v seen more than 100, at that point more than 300 day by day cases!” – tweeted Mbuyiseni Ndlozi
The EFF founder likewise stated that the quantity of those infected kept on rising, implying that the nation is set out toward the more regrettable conceivable situation.
“This evening, the Minister of health, Dr Zweli Mkhize has detailed more than 200 new cases. Please Mr. Cyril Ramaphosa let us know, what is your inspiration to relax the Lockdown? Certifiable information about the circumstance on the ground is just kicking in now. It shows that we are setting out toward the most exceedingly atrocities”.
Own Correspondent|Zimbabwe on Friday said it had carried out fresh tests on six people that tested positive for coronavirus in Harare following an ‘unusual clustering’ of cases.
The previous day, the Ministry of Health and Child Care had announced that the number of people that tested positive for the virus that causes the flu-like Covid-19 disease had risen to 40 following the additional Harare cases.
In an update of tests carried out on Thursday, which was delivered on Friday, the ministry said it was carrying out a quality assurance process.
“The ministry would like to report that following an unusual clustering of six cases that were reported as positive from Harare (on Wednesday), these results were, therefore, considered interim and hence additional tests have been conducted as part of the laboratory quality management system to validate these results in line with the laboratory standard operating procedures and protocols as well as international practices,” read part of the update.
On Thursday, the ministry carried out 672 cases that all turned out negative, bringing the number of people tested for coronavirus to date to 8 314.
Last week, the ministry had to revise the number of people that tested positive to the disease after a Bulawayo case was counted twice following a retest.
Critics say the government is not testing enough people to slow down the spread of the disease that was first detected in China late year.
Four people have died since the first case was recorded on March 20 while five have recovered.
The disease is spreading rapidly throughout the world and Zimbabwe’s neighbour, South Africa is one of the hardest hit on the continent.
A Bindura resident (name withheld) for fear of further victimisation got his hand broken by rowdy soldiers last week.
The victim said he was assaulted in Chipadze subarb in Bindura on his way to the market place.
“I was assaulted by soldiers last week on my way to the market here in Chipadze and got my hand broken since they used an iron bar on me,” explained the victim.
The soldiers who are currently enforcing the country’s lockdown in the mining town are reportedly to be bitter following the killing of their colleague by artisanal miners before independence day last year in a commercial sex worker dispute.
The victim filed a police report but no action has been taken so far.
Public Service, Labour and Social Welfare Minister Professor Paul Mavima
State Media|GOVERNMENT has said it is illegal to force workers to go on unpaid leave during the Covid-19 lockdown down period, any consideration of such should be through collective bargaining and also subject to agreement with the concerned workers.
The statement comes as Zimbabwe today joins the rest of the World in commemorating the Workers Day.
Public Service, Labour and Social Welfare Minister Professor Paul Mavima said any measures contrary to the agreed terms of employment should be mutually agreed.
“There should be no unlawful terminations or procedural retrenchments during the lockdown period. My ministry stands to provide technical advice on issues regarding workplaces measures to cope with Covid-19,” Minister Mavima emphasised.
The Ministry, Minister Mavima said has dispatched officers to upscale joint inspections across the country with representatives of the workers and employers to ensure that fair labour standards are observed during the lockdown and that general compliance to Covid-19 measures are adhered to at all workplaces operating during the lockdown.
“We welcome information from stakeholders on specific establishments, sectors and issues that our inspectorate should focus on as they perform their duties. The stakeholders have a role to perform by being ears and eyes of our inspectorate and will respond swiftly to any such reports. I also expect my officers to execute their duties professionally, any acts of corruption must be reported for the law to take its course,” expressed the Minister.
In addition, he said: let us point out that Works Council and the National Employment Councils (NEC) remain effective engagement platforms for workers and employers to engage and agree on measures that take into consideration respective peculiarities of establishments and NECc as we craft work place measures to mitigate the effects of Covid-19. We should in these engagements, keep at the back of our minds the dictates of fundamental principles and rights at the work place as enshrined in our Labour Act (28:01) as they are sacrosanct and should be respected at all times’’.
The Tripartite Negotiating Forum (TNF), he said is expected to engage and review the situation regarding the period of May 2020 and beyond as the Covid-19 situation evolves.
It is very clear that the Covid-19 pandemic has challenged us to reflect on our work practices as the need to embrace new forms of work that allow workers to work from home and away from the employer’s premises. Indeed, we need to engage in conversation to ensure that we are ready for the future of work and the demands of the 4th Industrial Revolution,” revealed the minister.
He however, noted that industrial performance in the country has remained depressed.
This year’s commemorations come as the world is fighting the spread of Covid-19 pandemic.
The Ministry of Finance says it has noted with concern an increase in payment runs requesting for funding for processing of domestic allowances narrated as COVID-19 payments for staff on duty during the lockdown period.
In a letter directed to heads of ministries, Secretary for Finance George Guvamatanga said, “As you are aware, the pronouncement of the lockdown through Statutory Instrument 81 and 82 clearly called for mitigatory measures to prevent the spread of the Corona Virus and involved limited or no movement across cities and towns, and hence reduces domestic travel expenses.
“Whilst Treasury appreciates the need to incentivize staff who are reporting for duty and risking their health to infection by the Corona Virus, payment of such an allowance should be guided by the Committee on the Harmonisation of Conditions of Service and approved by Treasury.”
Guvamatanga said all minuistries should stop processing any domestic allowance.
“However, line Ministries are now prioritizing payment of allowances despite the call by Treasury in its letter dated 20 March 2020, requesting Accounting Officers to identify non-wage savings (operations and capital) from their respective Votes to be ring-fenced towards COVID-19 pandemic interventions.
“In this regard, Treasury is directing all line Ministries to stop processing of domestic allowances and to reverse all transactions processed in the PFM system and redirect such resources towards COVID-19 interventions.”
Farai Dziva|Emmerson Mnangagwa has today extended the lockdown by two weeks, though under level 2.
The relaxation of the lockdown comprises the following aspects :
All people must wear masks (including homemade) outside homes.
The reopening of industry and commerce, provided employers provide rapid testing, social distance and sanitisation Operating hours from 8 am to 3 pm.
Informal sector remains closed except agriculture and food supply taxis and combis are still not permitted. Buses will operate, but with social distancing, sanitisation, masks and temperature checks.
Returning residents and international travellers will be put on 21-day mandatory quarantine with full testing on day 1, day 8 and day 21.
Churches, gyms, bars, bottle stores and other recreational facilities remain closed. Schools and tertiary institutions will remain closed for now, with an announcement for their reopening expected to be made in due course.
Mnangagwa has maintained saving lives should be prioritised although measures have been put in place to revive the struggling economy.
On International Workers Day, Zimbabwe Lawyers for Human Rights (ZLHR) stands in solidarity with the working and unemployed masses in Zimbabwe in calling for a better and more dignified life for all.
Observed globally every year on 1 May, International Workers Day celebrates the accomplishments and contributions that workers make towards efforts to achieve the sustainable development of the world and presents an opportunity to reflect on the challenges faced by workers.
In 2020, International Workers Day is being commemorated at an extremely distressing moment when workers, employers, governments and societies worldwide are grappling with the massive challenge of combating the coronavirus epidemic, which has resulted in some fatalities and drastically affected people’s working routines and at times their ability to work.
In the face of the coronavirus, ensuring safety and health at work is indispensable in the management of the deadly pandemic and to prevent and control the risk of contagion, psycho-social risks and other work-related safety and health risks associated with the epidemic.
In Zimbabwe, it is saddening that ZLHR had to resort to instituting legal action to compel government to provide personal protective equipment, clothing, and other accessories to frontline medical workers and other supporting workers who are working tirelessly in helping to combat the spread of coronavirus.
Over the last year, in curtailment of their fundamental rights and freedoms, several trade union leaders have been prosecuted and persecuted as authorities disregard workers’ rights.
In both the public and private sector, government and employers have been notorious for turning their backs on workers as they continue to earn slave wages that do not allow them and their families to live above the poverty datum line.
The informal sector, which has absorbed the bulk of former and potential workers, who have failed to secure employment in the formal sector over the years, is under unprecedented threat as local and central government actors team up to summarily demolish some informal traders’ market stalls without following the principles of natural justice thereby depriving them of their only source of livelihood.
The actions by local and central government operatives are in clear violation of the law as the authorities have not given the required notice to informal traders in terms of the Urban Councils Act, and have not given them an opportunity to contest the legality of the actions through courts of law.
While local and central government bureaucrats have advanced a whole miscellany of reasons and official explanations behind the demolitions, the timing and magnitude is morally and legally wrong.
Moreover, notwithstanding the legality or otherwise of these actions, the manner of the demolitions is grossly and unjustifiably inhumane, and amounts to inhuman or degrading treatment of citizens in contravention of section 53 of the Constitution.
The actions by local councils and government have precipitated a humanitarian crisis at a time when workers and their families are grappling with the coronavirus pandemic, where people’s livelihoods are severely compromised with severe food shortages and rising unemployment levels.
Instead of guaranteeing the right to tenancy of informal traders, who in some instances are licensed and have been paying levies, local authorities have negated their contractual obligations and have in fact been complicit in the open and criminal facilitation of the demolition of vendors’ market stalls and the concomitant destruction of livelihoods.
The deprivation of the right to property guaranteed under section 71 of the Constitution and the violation of the right to freedom of profession, trade or occupation provided in section 64 of the Constitution under the veil of “helping to prevent the spread of coronavirus” violates the economic and social rights of informal traders and their families, as they are being deprived of their only source of income and livelihood. In addition Article 22 of the African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights, to which Zimbabwe is a state party, guarantees all people the right to economic and social development.
Accordingly, ZLHR calls upon;
• Government to fully implement the High Court order and provide personal protective equipment, clothing, and other accessories to frontline medical practitioners;
• Local and central government to immediately halt all the demolitions of informal traders’ market stalls and workspaces until such time as a planned and humane relocation can take place;
• Government to allow a full and independent audit of the consequences of the demolitions and to investigate all allegations of unlawful deprivation of property and to prosecute all alleged offenders;
• Local and central government to provide full compensation to all persons whose property was demolished;
• All employers and government to pay all workers a minimum living wage above the Poverty Datum Line and improve their working conditions including access to health-care.
• Government and the legislature to immediately align all labour laws with the Constitution, which has been outstanding for several years.
• Government to stop the prosecution and persecution of bonafide trade unionists for exercising their labour rights and fundamental rights and freedoms.
Qina Sisebenzi Qina! Shinga Mushandi Shinga! Long live Zimbabwean Workers!
The 2020 Workers’ Day commemorations, being held under the theme “Stop The COVID-19 Pandemic – Scale Up Social Protection and Dialogue, Save Jobs and Pay a Living Wage”, come at a time when the world is grappling with the COVID–19 pandemic that is threatening lives and sources of livelihoods. It comes at a time when, the majority of Zimbabwe’s population, who are involved in the informal sector, faces immediate danger of having their livelihoods destroyed by the effects of COVID–19.
The ACBOs noted with grave concern, a circular dated 8 April 2020, in which the Ministry of Local Government and Public Works ordered rural and urban local authorities to comply with the 9th Cabinet Meeting resolution whose effect is aimed at taking advantage of the ongoing national lockdown to, “clean up Small to Medium Enterprises (SMEs) and informal trader’s workspaces”. Following this ministerial directive, we have learnt through our membership that, some local authorities in Matabeleland South and North, Manicaland, Mashonaland Central, East and West, Midlands, Bulawayo and Harare, have demolished informal sector workspaces without reasonable notice and allowance for those affected to remove their property, while some have issued ultimatums requiring citizens to remove their market stalls pending demolitions. The timing coupled with failure to consult, render such actions unlawful and administratively unfair.
While the health of our citizen’s matters, the continued unilateral formulation and implementation of public policy without the involvement of citizens is worrisome and does more harm than address key challenges. We wish to remind the government of Zimbabwe that the existence of the informal traders’ workspaces is attributed to poverty and formal unemployment, all of which stem from poor governance systems and structures, creating room for and perpetuating gender inequity and social exclusion. Therefore, informal trade plays a significant role in combating the menacing threats of unemployment, and has become an alternative to sustain livelihoods for communities.
The informal sector consists of economic endeavors of a subsistence nature such as retail trade, restaurants, repair services, financial inter-mediation, food and non-food wares and other personal services. These have sustained livelihoods of families in an economic environment characterised by high levels of policy inconsistence and uncertainty, the informal sector has become the new normal. The informal traders’ workspaces are therefore, important hubs for innovation, service delivery and economic activity. However, the current set up of informal traders’ workspaces, arise from inadequate infrastructure, failure by government to fully embrace the sector and a serious lack of targeted investments in such economic areas.
In order to holistically address the challenges confronting the informal sector, the ACBOs, calls upon the government and local authorities to;
• As a matter of urgency, immediately stop the ongoing and scheduled demolitions • Embrace the informal sector, urgently engage in dialogue and implement a universal social protection model that will guarantee the fundamental social services and rights of informal traders. • Focus on and direct resources towards ensuring the provision of information and training on occupational safety and health and provision of personal protective equipment supplies to include masks, gloves, hand sanitizer, soap and water among others as part of prevention and control measures.
George Guvamatanga, the Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Finance and Economic Development With Minister Mthuli Ncube.
Paul Nyathi|The Zimbabwe Anti-Corruption Commission (Zacc) recently warned that it will take drastic action against officers who misuse COVID-19 funds.
Before the ink could even dry since the statement was made several senior government officials including a ZACC one have been found looting the funds paying themselves unwarranted allowances.
In a statement, Zacc chairperson Loice Matanda-Moyo warned against fraudulent activities on the funds saying those found on the wrong side of the law would be dealt with accordingly.
“The Commission would like to warn individuals against embarking on any corrupt and fraudulent activities. Those found on the wrong side of the law will be dealt with accordingly”.
Indeed these should not empty threats by the Zacc chairperson.
She issued the statement against the background of highly publicised incidences, in the past, where donated items towards the cyclone Idai emergency were looted by greedy and corrupt elements.
“The commission is aware that the Ministry of Health and Child Care has received donations of money, medical equipment and medication donated by individuals, business community, non-governmental organisations, international organisations and donor community on behalf of the government of Zimbabwe. In the past, there have been incidences of failure by the relevant authorities to account for donations of similar calamities,” she said.
“The commission, therefore, implores responsible individuals in the Ministry of Health, from the accounting officers, those in charge of hospitals, clinics and pharmacies to put in place systems that ensure transparency, accountability and fair distribution of all the said donations.”
A leaked letter from the Ministry of Finance has revealed that senior government officials have already been diverting funds meant for the coronavirus (Covid-19) interventions into their own pockets as Allowances.
On the list is ZACC Acting Secretary Charity Matumbu who has also been ordered to pay back the funds.
The letter from the treasury is dated 28 April 2020 and was signed by George Guvamatanga, the Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Finance and Economic Development.
Guvamatanga who is clearly not pleased with the development ordered all the ministries to stop the processing of the allowances and to reverse all transactions which had been done. He further ordered that the money should be redirected towards Covid-19 interventions.
Part of the letter reads,
RE: CONCERNS OVER THE INCREASE IN UNAUTHORISED PAYMENT OF COVID-19 DOMESTIC ALLOWANCES BY LINE MINISTRIES
The above subject refers.
Treasury has noted with concern an increase in payment runs requesting for funding for processing of domestic allowances narrated as COVID-19 payments for stuff on duty during the lockdown period.
As you are aware, the pronouncement of the lockdown through Statutory Instrument 81 and 82 clearly called for mitigatory measures to prevent the spread of the Corona Virus and involved limited or no movement across cities and towns, and hence reduces domestic travel expenses.
Whilst Treasury appreciates the need to incentivize staff who are reporting for duty and risking their health to infection by the Corona Virus, payment of such an allowance should be guided by the Committee on the Harmonisation of Conditions of Service and approved by Treasury.
However, line Ministries are now prioritizing payment of allowances despite the call by Treasury in its letter dated 20 March 2020, requesting Accounting Officers to identify non-wage savings (operations and capital) from their respective Votes to be ring-fenced towards COVID-19 pandemic interventions.
In this regard, Treasury is directing all line Ministries to stop processing of domestic allowances and to reverse all transactions processed in the PFM system and redirect such resources towards COVID-19 interventions.
Your urgent attention to this matter will be greatly appreciated.
G T Guvamatanga
SECRETARY TO THE TREASURY
Cc Hon. Prof. M. Ncube, Minister of Finance and Economic Development Dr. M.J.M. Sibanda, Chief Secretary to the President and Cabinet
Leaked Letter Exposes Senior Govt OfficialsLeaked Letter Exposes Senior Govt OfficialsLeaked Letter Exposes Senior Govt Officials
The effects of the coronavirus on football are escalating on the African continent as 3 countries announced that they had cancelled their respective leagues due to the pandemic.
Kenya, Angola and Guinea have all made a uniform decision to cancel their leagues due to lockdown restrictions ushered-in by various governments in Africa to flatten the curve of the disease.
The president of the Kenyan FA, Nick Mwendwa, confirmed that owing to the stoppage of the leagues due to the effects of Covid-19, Gor Mahia, having led the standings at the midseason point, and with the league having not been played up to 75%, will be crowned winners, while City Stars are promoted.
Guinea football authorities cancelled the 2019-20 Ligue 1 season without even communicating on which team would represent the country in the next edition of the CAF Champions League.-Soccer 24
Farai Dziva|Former England and Manchester United right back Gary Neville has warned football authorities in England to not rush to bring back the Premier League as they would be inviting danger to the players.
The English top division, together with all the other football leagues in the United Kingdom, was put on hold amid lockdown restrictions to flatern the curve of the novel coronavirus, whch has led to 21678 fatalities there.
The Premier League was temporarily suspended on March 13 but it’s officials are ‘desperate’ to complete the 92 remaining games, an idea which Neville insists should not be rushed.
“The Fifa medical officer said that football should not take place before September. I think if it was a non-economic decision there would be no football for months,” he told Sky Sports.
“People are now assessing risk. How many people have to die playing football in the Premier League before it becomes unpalatable? One? One player? One member of staff goes into intensive care? What risk do we have to take? The discussion is purely economic.
“There will be people who will view it as a risk factor. Players themselves will want to go and play. Players at the lower levels will want to go play and 1,400 players are out of contract,” he added.
“We are yet to get a report on the clinical errors that happened for the samples to test positive when they are negative. We hear all the six are negative and a downward adjustment on the national cumulative figure of confirmed cases is expected tonight,” Medical practitioner
French Ligue 1 side Olympique Lyon, new home to Zimbabwean striker Tinotenda Kadewere, has threatened to take legal action over the French football authorities’ decision to cancel the division prematurely.
The LFP, France’s football governing body, announced on Thursday that Ligue 1 and Ligue 2 have been cancelled due to the Coronavirus crisis, awarding them to PSG and Loriente respectively.
The board’s decision means that Lyon, who were 7th on the table when football was suspended, will not be playing Champions League football next season.
“Olympique Lyonnais has taken note of the decision proposed by the bureau of the Ligue de Football Professionnel and ratified this afternoon by its Board of Directors, to end the 2019/20 season of Ligue 1 and Ligue 2, based on the remarks made by Prime Minister Edouard Philippe during his speech to the National Assembly on the conditions of deconfinement.
This government position did not seem to impose such a definitive ban on Ligue 1 and Ligue 2 as of today, as the Minister of Sports Roxana Maracineanu had previously indicated the possibility of playing in August if the evolution of the health situation allowed it.
Olympique Lyonnais then proposed as early as Tuesday that the league study an alternative solution that would allow the championship to end and thus preserve the fairness inherent in any sporting competition and be in line with UEFA’s proposals based on sporting merit according to objective, transparent and non-discriminatory principles.
This solution, shared by other clubs, was based on the principle of play-offs and play-downs, a championship title acquired by PSG, with a calendar limited to three weeks consistent with health constraints, and an innovative formula that could normally have interested broadcasters, currently short of content, as well as sports betting and all the other economic players in the football sector. This solution made it possible to meet UEFA’s desire to see national competitions through to the end.
In view of today’s decision by the French Ligue 1 Championship, Olympique Lyonnais reserves the right to appeal against that decision and claim damages, in particular in respect of loss of opportunity and in the light of the case-law of other professional sports which is currently under way, since the damage to the club amounts to several tens of millions of euros.
Olympique Lyonnais would sincerely like to congratulate the title winners, PSG in Ligue 1 and Lorient in Ligue 2, who were proclaimed champions today, and hope that OL Féminin can soon have the same consecration,” reads a statement on the club’s website.-Soccer 24
Zimbabwe international Tinotenda Kadewere has capped off an unforgettable season by finishing on top of the French Ligue 2 top goal scorers chart.
The former Prince Edward pupil started the season like a house on fire by scoring in six consecutive games and despite injury setbacks along the way, he is the division’s top marksman with 20 goals and 4 assists.
Kadewere’s goalscoring prowess earned him a mega move to Ligue 1 side Olimpique Lyon for a deal amounting to €15 million though he was loaned back to Havre as they still had a mathematical chance of gaining promotion to the French top-tier division before football was brought to a halt worldwide due to coronavirus.
The cancellation of Ligue 1 and Ligue 2 means the gunslinger finishes the season on top of the goalscoring chart and Le Havre congratulated him on their Twitter page.
“End of the season, Tino Kadewere with 20 goals finishes at the top of the top goal scorers chart of @DominosLigue2 . Back on the achievements of our gunner!,” they wrote.-Soccer 24
This year we celebrate Workers Day under difficult circumstances when the whole world is under lockdown trying to fight and eliminate covid 19 pandemic. As most workers are locked in their homes, the frontline workers in essential services are battling it all in a risky environment trying to save lives. We salute them for the sterling work that they are doing.
We celebrate this day when most of these workers are being made to work without Personal Protective Equipment (PPEs) and working under difficult conditions. We are concerned as the Assembly of Women by the number of Women that are dying in the diaspora due to this covid 19. So far we have lost more than 40 workers of which the majority are women. We mourn with the families and friends of our beloved mothers and sister’s who died whilst trying to save lives.
We are celebrating this day today with tears on our cheeks as women are walloping in abject poverty in their homes as they cannot make ends meet. Most women are informal traders and they have been locked down in their homes without anything to eat. They also face rejection by the government as their stalls have been demolished whilst they are busy complying with the lockdown regulations. The Assembly of Women denounces this barbaric act by the government and we are glad that the courts have stopped these demolitions.
Women under lockdown are faced with a myriad of problems which include hunger, water problems, electricity, no internet facilities for the children to do their school work, no access to health facilities including contraception, harassment by state securities who are beating them when they try and go out to source mealie meal which is a basic commodity. We are deeply concerned by the quietness of the government on these harassments.
Cases of gender based violence are on the increase due to the lockdown as husbands and wives were not used to this kind of a setup where they spend a lot of time together and again with nothing to eat.
On the other hand the government did not set any safety nets for the victims as it was not prepared for this pandemic. We urge the government to quickly look into this serious issue and protect the victims as we have already lost 3 souls due to GBV.
We would like to thank our friends in the diaspora for coming up with programmes of buying food packs and PPEs in support of the President Nelson Chamisa’s Zimlock Programme. The President has managed to donate PPEs to 3 hospitals so far and food packs to the old and vulnerable people around the country.
We continue to conscientize each other on the washing of hands, on social distancing staying at home so that we protect ourselves on this deadly pandemic. Lastly we urge the government to look after its people during this lockdown and provide them with basic needs before they die of hunger.
Happy International Workers Day to you all.
Barbara Tanyanyiwa Spokesperson MDC A. Assembly of Women
Only wear a mask if you are ill with COVID-19 symptoms (especially coughing) or looking after someone who may have COVID-19.
Disposable face mask can only be used once. If you are not ill or looking after someone who is ill then you are wasting a mask. There is a world-wide shortage of masks, so WHO urges people to use masks wisely.
WHO advises rational use of medical masks to avoid unnecessary wastage of precious resources and mis-use of masks.
The most effective ways to protect yourself and others against COVID-19 are to frequently clean your hands, cover your cough with the bend of elbow or tissue and maintain a distance of at least 1 meter (3 feet) from people who are coughing or sneezing.
How to put on, use, take off and dispose of a mask
Remember, a mask should only be used by health workers, care takers, and individuals with respiratory symptoms, such as fever and cough.
Before touching the mask, clean hands with an alcohol-based hand rub or soap and water
Take the mask and inspect it for tears or holes.
Orient which side is the top side (where the metal strip is).
Ensure the proper side of the mask faces outwards (the coloured side).
Place the mask to your face. Pinch the metal strip or stiff edge of the mask so it moulds to the shape of your nose.
Pull down the mask’s bottom so it covers your mouth and your chin.
After use, take off the mask; remove the elastic loops from behind the ears while keeping the mask away from your face and clothes, to avoid touching potentially contaminated surfaces of the mask.
Discard the mask in a closed bin immediately after use.
Perform hand hygiene after touching or discarding the mask – Use alcohol-based hand rub or, if visibly soiled, wash your hands with soap and water.
Credit: World Health Organisation
Inserted by Zimbabwe Online Health Centre
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Farai Dziva|Controversial Masvingo based preacher, Isaac Makomichi, says he is ready to facilitate the much anticipated dialogue between political rivals Emmerson Mnangagwa and MDC Alliance president Nelson Chamisa.
Makomichi claims he is the right man to facilitate negotiations between the two political rivals.Makomichi is the leader of Calvary Prayer Group.
Last month Makomichi claimed the late former President Robert Mugabe’s soul was restless as a result of the political standstill in the country.
Makomichi also argues dialogue involving Mnangagwa, Chamisa and former Zanu PF Political Commissar, Saviour Kasukuwere is the lasting solution to the country’s economic quagmire.
In a statement on Friday Makomichi said:
“The economic crisis in the country requires a spiritual solution.As I have always said, dialogue is the way to go.
I am ready to facilitate dialogue between President Mnangagwa and MDC leader Nelson Chamisa. The two must find each other so that the country can move forward.
I am not trying to undermine POLAD in any way but to be frank, the two need each other .
I will invite the two to my house for dinner after the lockdown to discuss the way forward. I hope President Mnangagwa and Mr Chamisa will come to my house for a crucial meeting that will mark the beginning of the much anticipated economic turnaround.
I have been praying for the issue for a long time.
I also humbly appeal to Zimbabweans in general to appreciate President Mnangagwa’ s efforts to revive the economy.
Saviour Kasukuwere is a key figure and he should be part of political negotiations in the country.”
Mnangagwa insists there will be no dialogue outside POLAD while Chamisa argues the Zanu PF leader must admit he “stole the people’s victory in the 2018 Presidential plebiscite.”
Comrades and Friends and All the working class in Zimbabwe.
We have this May Day today under very difficult conditions facing workers in the country and where for the first time in 130 years workers around the world will not be able to celebrate May Day in the streets and stadiums but under lockdown.
Where workers of the world that are classified as essential services are in the frontline sweating it out to combat the deadly pandemic Covid-19.Some are loosing their lives serving their communities and their own beloved ones. Workers are doing this despite poor and in adequate health and safety standards,lack of testing facilities for themselves and those they are taking care of,poor working conditionns,no testing kits and poor contact tracing strategies. We salute all these frontline workers.
Comrades, it would be a disservice if we fail to mention those that are not in essential services that are locked up in their homes and dwellings with their families,relatives and all their beloved ones facing loss of incomes,retrenchments, casualisation of labour and non renewal of fixed term contracts.
These workers are facing a bleak future which if rescue packages are not put in place there will be chaos which will lead to destabilisation of family lives and society at large and the nation might be faced with suicides,many divorcees and many other societal ills.
To avert all these challenges mentioned above, there should be a people’s Government which should therefore :
1.improve conditions of work for all frontline workers that are taking care of the sick.
2 Purchase adequate equipment to fight the Covid pandemic
3 Improve occupational safety and health standards for frontline workers and 4 establish testing facilities for workers and the general public
5.Immediate removal of the 2% tax 6.Offer tax exemption for frontline workers such as nurses and doctors, security agents, key administration staff in Government.
7.Raise and expand the tax bracket by 300% with a view to leave workers with more income since the poverty datum line has risen to $5300 for a family of five per month.
8.Pay workers in hard currency( $US) 9.Introduce comprehensive political and economic reforms to resolve the governance crisis in Zimbabwe.
The people’s government would also create a conducive environment that should be able to ameliorate the situation of those workers that were affected by retrenchments, closures of factories and industries,and loss of wages during the Lockdown period and those that are in the informal sector.
The informal sector workers are facing a bleak future as their livelyhoods were destroyed during the Second Murambatsvina where their wares were destroyed and their shelters were raised down.
The people’s government would therefore need to put strong safety nets to cater for a wide range of informal workers.
We urge workers in the formal and informal sectors to organize and unite in order to face this bleak and imminent threat in Unison. Aluta continua.
As a worker-conscious people’s party, we urgently call for the scaling up social protection and dialogue, saving of jobs and paying of a living wage.
In our Agenda 2020 statement, we put forward the five fights that we, the working people of Zimbabwe must pursue this year.They are as follows; • The fight for a people’s government, reforms and return to legitimacy. • The fight for a better life, dignity and livelihoods. • The fight against corruption. • The fight for rights, freedoms, security of persons and rule of law. • The fight in defence of the constitution and constitutionalism.
The above mentioned shall form the core of all working people struggles this 2020.We stand with all workers in these struggles.
Workers of the world unite.Workers shall triumph.Victory is certain!
Aluta continua.
Gideon Shoko MDC-Alliance Secretary Labour and Social Security
Farai Dziva|The MDC Alliance Youth Assembly has launched its first edition of The Vanguard Newsletter as part of frantic efforts to “push for real change in country.”
MDC Alliance Youth Assembly national spokesperson, Stephen Sarkozy Chuma said in a statement on Thursday :
Fellow comrades, revolutionaries and all progressive citizens, I am happy to announce that the MDC Alliance Youth Assembly has released its first installment of The Vanguard, our official newsletter.
The publication is going to be an authentic source of all Youth Assembly related stories.
Like all social democratic movements before us, we strongly believe information is key especially in this information superhighway era.
Indeed social democracy is possible in our lifetime.
The Ministry would like to report that following an unusual clustering of the six cases that were reported as positive from Harare yesterday, these results were therefore considered interim and hence additional tests have been conducted as part of the Laboratory Quality Management System to validate these results in line with the Laboratory Standard Operating Procedures and protocols as well as international best practices.
The Ministry will update the nation of the results of this Quality Assurance involving the entire testing process preanalytical, analytical (testing) and post-analytical processes.
In the meantime, today, a total of 672 tests were done as shown in table 1 below giving a total of 8318 screening and diagnostic tests done to date.
All the PCR tests done in Bulawayo today were negative for COVID-19.
Results for the tests done in Harare today were still pending at the time of print.
Mat South – 17 Mat North – 20 Bulawayo – 208 Harare – 261 Mash Central – 37 Midlands – 4 Manicaland – 125 Total – 672 Therefore, to date, Zimbabwe has forty confirmed cases, including five recoveries and four deaths. Six of these cases are undergoing quality review.
Mat North – 1 Bulawayo – 12 Harare – 19 Mash East – 5 Mash West – 3 Total – 40 he Ministry continues to be on HIGH alert to the COVID-19 pandemic and continues to be guided by the COVID-I9 containment strategy which is based on intensified active surveillance, timely use detection, testing, isolation and management of all COVID-19 cases.
Further, the Ministry would like to remind the nation, that the most effective ways to protect yourself and others against COVID-19 are to practise good personal hygiene and exercise social distancing.
By A Correspondent- Olinda Chapel has responded to Shadaya Knight’s twitter mockery describing him as a lad with a confused face.
Said the UK based Zimbabwean socialite in a video which has since gone viral:
“your nostrils…..we need to pray for you because if you catch coronavirus and sneeze, you will infect the whole of Zimbabwe. Please help us by quarantining that lad at the army barracks otherwise we are in soup….,” said Olinda while laughing.
Farai Dziva|Controversial Masvingo based preacher, Isaac Makomichi, says he is ready to facilitate the much anticipated dialogue between political rivals Emmerson Mnangagwa and MDC Alliance president Nelson Chamisa.
Makomichi claims he is the right man to facilitate negotiations between the two political rivals.Makomichi is the leader of Calvary Prayer Group.
Last month Makomichi claimed the late former President Robert Mugabe’s soul was restless as a result of the political standstill in the country.
Makomichi also argues dialogue involving Mnangagwa, Chamisa and former Zanu PF Political Commissar, Saviour Kasukuwere is the lasting solution to the country’s economic quagmire.
In a statement on Friday Makomichi said:
“The economic crisis in the country requires a spiritual solution.As I have always said, dialogue is the way to go.
I am ready to facilitate dialogue between President Mnangagwa and MDC leader Nelson Chamisa. The two must find each other so that the country can move forward.
I am not trying to undermine POLAD in any way but to be frank, the two need each other .
I will invite the two to my house for dinner after the lockdown to discuss the way forward. I hope President Mnangagwa and Mr Chamisa will come to my house for a crucial meeting that will mark the beginning of the much anticipated economic turnaround.
I have been praying for the issue for a long time.
I also humbly appeal to Zimbabweans in general to appreciate President Mnangagwa’ s efforts to revive the economy.
Saviour Kasukuwere is a key figure and he should be part of political negotiations in the country.”
Mnangagwa insists there will be no dialogue outside POLAD while Chamisa argues the Zanu PF leader must admit he “stole the people’s victory in the 2018 Presidential plebiscite.”
Due to coronavirus pandemic, borders have been closes all overs the world.
In South Africa, no foreign national departing from these countries will be allowed to enter the Republic of South Africa
Germany
Italy
South Korea
Spain
United Kingdom
United States of America
France
Switzerland
Visas issued to persons from the following countries in terms of section 10(9) of the Immigration Act, 2002, has been cancelled with immediate effect:
Iran
People’s Republic of China
In terms of Section 10A(4)(c) of the Immigration Act, 2002, the Visa Exemption of passport holders of the medium risk countries has been withdrawn:
Hong Kong
Portugal
Singapore
South African citizens, PR holders and Refugees of South Africa returning from identified risk countries will be subjected to extensive screening on arrival.
Any foreign national who is already present in the Republic and originates from a country which is affected by the COVID-19 outbreak or who, in order to reach such destination of origin needs to transit a country which is affected by COVID-19, and whose temporary residence visa is due to expire or has already expired, will be allowed to re-apply for such a visa provided they meet all the prescribed requirements. Visas valid until 31 July 2020 may be issued to such applicants.
Any foreign national who originates from a country which is affected by the COVID-19 outbreak or who, in order to reach such a destination of origin needs to transit a country which is affected by the COVID-19, and who is the holder of a temporary visa which expired since 01 December 2019 and those which will be expiring up to 31 March 2020 will be allowed to re-apply for such a visa without the need to first obtain FORM 20 (Authorisation for an illegal foreigner to remain in the country pending an application for status)
These are temporary measures and is applicable until further notice.
Musician Tongai Gwaze, better known as Greatman, has received a timely boost after Chivi South legislator Killer Zivhu donated $2 000 and 40kg maize-meal on Wednesday to cushion him from the effects of the Covid-19 lockdown.
Zivhu, through his Killer Zivhu Foundation, pledged to give the “Pandakazvarwa” hitmaker $2 000 weekly, and other necessary supplies for his upkeep until the end of the lockdown.
The donation followed signs of distress shown by Greatman when he posted pictures on social media showing how he was trying to raise money through selling tomatoes along a road in his suburb.
Zivhu, who has helped Greatman before, said he was touched by the musician’s plight and decided to chip in through his foundation.
“In these times of Covid-19, the best way is to stay indoors so that one avoids being infected, and it is not proper that Greatman is seen at that table out there selling tomatoes,” he said. “He is a well-known musician and a celebrity in his own right.
This means many people will throng to his stall, not to buy tomatoes, but to just see him and sometimes demand selfies with him. There is no way he would deny his fans such an opportunity, and in the process he will end up being infected with Covid-19.”
Zivhu said he understood the plight of musicians during the lockdown period when they cannot book shows, which are the major source of their income.
He said he would continue helping Greatman in different ways to ensure he concentrates on his musical career without other distractions.
Greatman thanked Zivhu, who last year helped him shoot a video, for his timely intervention.
“My wife and I are very grateful to you Sir for chipping in at a time we needed some help.
I was being forced by the circumstances to sell those tomatoes. But now there will be no need for me to be out there. This gesture will help me pull through this Covid-19 lockdown.”
Greatman criticised some musical promoters for discriminating against him when it comes to show performances.-State media
Today (May 1) is Workers Day and the MDC Alliance takes this occasion to salute ordinary Zimbabweans for their unstinting effort in bringing food and dignity to their homes under very difficult circumstances.
Indeed, this year’s May Day commemorations are taking place under a global lockdown which has meant dislocated livelihoods and massive starvation in the homes, particularly for the majority of Zimbabweans who live by hustling and sweating it out in this highly informalised economy.
The government has cared little about the millions of starving families that are locked down inside their homes.
The government has given no support whatsoever in terms of food rations and other basics during this lockdown as other countries are doing. . Some citizens have been bashed and brutalised for breaking down the lockdown rules by daring to go out of their homes in a legitimate quest to fend for their hungry kids.
As a party borne out of the sweat, blood and tears of labour, we take this day to reflect on our genesis as a working people’s movement and the unwavering support we continue to get from all the working people of this country. We salute both the few still in formal employment and the millions eking out a living on the streets and the country’s pavements which have become zones of high transactional activity in this informal economy .
To Zimbabweans in the informal sector whose vending stalls have been demolished by this uncaring regime, we salute you. We know you are being punished for choosing a life of honesty under these trying times.
To the country’s civil servants and our uniformed forces sweating it out without adequate remuneration, we salute you. To the country’s dedicated health personnel working on the frontline in this pandemic to save lives without the requisite protective clothing, we doff our cap to you.
To all those Zimbabweans in the villages, on the mines and on the farms, we salute you. To the artisanal miners burrowing the dangerous earth for a living, this is your day as well.
All Zimbabweans across the length and breadth of the country; the ordinary women working hard in the rural areas to bring food on the table, this is your day. All those children looking after their siblings in our child – headed families, we salute your dedication.
Today, we pay tribute to all Zimbabweans slugging it out in foreign lands.
Your hard work has brought a modicum of dignity to the families back home while your remittances have given some breath to our otherwise comatose economy. Your contribution deserves mention and indeed, we salute you today.
This is a special day to you Zimbabwe. As a party, we appreciate the sweat and toil that you expend every day to feed families and to send children to school. We know it takes courage, resilience and unmatched fortitude to simply wake up alive in this punishing economy.
Let us just remind each other that there is just one momentous task still to be done by all of us this year. Together, we have agreed that 2020 is the year of action. Together, we must and we will deliver on that collective pledge.
Indeed, we take the occasion of this year’s Workers’ Day to remind each other of this outstanding work that we still have to do in our overwhelming numbers this year. That one task is to express our displeasure at the deteriorating situation in the country and to call for a people’s government, for reforms and for a return to legitimacy.
The crisis of legitimacy is at the core of our collective predicament and together, we have pledged to express ourselves in a big way around that major national grievance.
We urge every Zimbabwean to stay safe and to take the requisite precautionary measures in order to stay alive in the wake of this global pandemic.
@MthuliNcube Govt has received sizeable donations towards COVID-19. How about a report on how the donations have been accounted for on a daily basis much as @MoHCCZim is doing with the test results……?
— Sabhuku Temba P. Mliswa (@TembaMliswa) May 1, 2020
By A Correspondent- Independent legislator for Norton Temba Mliswa has called on government to account for donated COVID-19 funds.
Mliswa’s statement comes amid revelations by the government of Zimbabwe that it has not yet disbursed relief funds that were set aside for vulnerable groups in the country.
“Vulnerable” individuals were supposed to get ZW$200 each as a cushion allowance against effects of the national lockdown imposed to stop the spread of the coronavirus pandemic.
The Minister of Public Service, Labour and Social Welfare, Paul Mavima, however, indicated that the government was yet to disburse the funds.
During a Zoom Video meeting organised by the Debt and Development (ZIMCODD) which ran under the theme Impact of COVID-19: Future of work and Public Finance Management issues,
Mavima said:
You have not seen any beneficiaries because no disbursement has been done as of now. I have told you that my expectation was that we were going to start disbursements before the end of April but there is supposed to be a wider intervention which is going to be announced by the President.”
Addressing the media last at a post cabinet briefing, Finance minister Mthuli Ncube said government was using a special algorithm to identify beneficiaries of the fund.
However, he did not reveal how the fund will also be accessed and ensure inclusivity of those who do not have bank accounts or mobile phones.
Simba Chikanza interview with the Chinese ambassador (video at bottom of article).
As ZimEye’s Simba Chikanza pushes to interview Chinese President Xi Jinping, the Asian country’s deputy ambassador has made an initial response on the thorny subject of the country’s alleged colonisation of Zimbabwe and the rest of Africa. This follows an exclusive expose’ by ZimEye over the paying of black workers in coins, by a Norton based Chinese company (video below- 12 million views to date, the most viewed online video in Zimbabwean history).
(Readers please note that ambassador Zhao has in the last 2 days asked to have this interview briefer kept from the public eye as he threatened saying its disclosure would amount to what he termed a breaking of journalism rules.)
We however release it for both public safety as well as legal reasons seeing the ongoing COVID-19 health risks that have seen Chinese visitors (potentially infected with coronavirus) being unleashed into the community without medical safety procedures such as quarantining. Another worry is the death of nearly 200 people from what the government claims is malaria, one of which is of a 7 year old COVID female patient of whom the state on Wednesday instructed doctors to certify as of malaria.
Furthermore the embassy has been given ample time since Sunday evening.
“….do we do it by force? Do we come here to take over the land? Do we kill people? Okay? Anyway, I think you should have your standards to make the judgement.”
ZB: – “Do you know how Zimbabwe is colonised?”
SC – Errm, are you saying is colonised or was colonised?
ZB: – “Errm, I mean do you know how Zimbabwe was colonised by the UK or by the Rhodes’ forces?”
SC – Oh, that was by force, that was definitely by both force and coercion. So it was a combination of force.
ZB: – “They killed. A lot of Zimbabweans were killed, and in the first Chimurenga, right? And, so I have several standards to judge whether it is colonisation or not, first do we do it by force? Do we come here to take over the land? Do we kill people? Okay? Anyway, I think you should have your standards to make the judgement, anyway, so we can set another date.”
Date: 26 April 2020
TRANSCRIPT BRIEF WITH CHINESE AMBASSADOR ZHAO BAOGANG
Simba Chikanza (SC) with ambassador Zhao Baogang (ZB) at 6pm
SC – My interview with President Xi Jinping seeks to look into the future and the welfare of both Zimbabwean and Chinese citizens, locally and internationally. SC – Are you happy with the general treatment of Chinese citizens by the government of Zimbabwe? I am looking into the future of both Zimbabweans and Chinese people, as currently Chinese citizens are being allowed into the country while locals are subjected to mandatory quarantining.
SC – Do the Self quarantine luxuries currently guaranteed Chinese citizens by the Zim govt, not create a looming-disaster against both the people and the government of China in the future?
ZB: – “Can we do it this way, you can send me a list of questions then I will think about it, then we could have some appointment, then we answer your questions, is that okay?”
SC – How much in value are the repayable loans that China has given Zimbabwe since the 2017 coup?
ZB: – “You can write down the questions and if I am in a position to answer the questions I will answer you then you have to check with others, that would be the most appropriate thing to do.
SC – Is China colonising Zimbabwe and Africa at large?
ZB: – “Eh, I think, all these are noted, and then I will think about it and how to answer your question. And do you know what is colonisation?”
SC – Colonisation is the takeover of a country by a foreign government whether that is done by force or done by coercion.
ZB: – “Do you know how Zimbabwe is colonised?”
SC – Errm, are you saying is colonised or was colonised?
ZB: – “Errm, I mean do you know how Zimbabwe was colonised by the UK or by the Rhodes’ forces?”
SC – Oh, that was by force, that was definitely by both force and coercion. So it was a combination of force.
ZB: – “They killed. A lot of Zimbabweans were killed, and in the first Chimurenga, right? And, so I have several standards to judge whether it is colonisation or not, first do we do it by force? Do we come here to take over the land? Do we kill people? Okay? Anyway, I think you should have your standards to make the judgement, anyway, so we can set another date.”
SC – There is also one which comes from a group of our community that is interested in wildlife and tourism. They are asking about – What measures President Jinping has taken to stop illegal trade of Wild animals between China and Zimbabwe. And amid allegations that the Chinese government is involved in this illegal trade.
ZB: – “It is already, no trade in wildlife between Zimbabwe and China now, no wildlife trade. So then anyway, you can send me the list of questions and we can set another date for the interview. Okay?
Zimbabwe offers undoubtedly the best environmental conditions favouring not only human settlement but world class infrastructural and industrial development.
It took not only the war of liberation but also the land reform program to forcibly drive out the colonialists. It is in light of this background that Labour Economists and Afrikan Democrats (LEAD) was formed to defend the rights and interests of the workers on the economic, social and political front.
LEAD has become the largest if not the only labour party in Zimbabwe dedicated to the democratization agenda of Zimbabwean politics and reintroduction of the Pan Afrikan ideologies in a bid to defend and uphold the African Agenda.
This process of positive development and growth is underpinned by a set of common principles that promote labour value in political and public administration alongside the social value and public relevance of the Pan Afrikan Labour politics.
As we commemorate Workers’ Day on this 1st Day of May 2020 it is very unfortunate that 40 years after regaining our political independence we have shown little commitment to progress and ensure sustainable human development within our labour sector.
Our workers are still surviving mainly from a hand to mouth principle with little if not nil savings. The government has done nothing to protect workers with it being an accomplice in the fight to degrade workers from professionals to paupers.
It is sad to realize how our government presided over by those who experienced the brutal colonial practices which forced them to take up arms against the colonialists has turned itself into perpetrators of injustice towards workers whom they struggled to free.
It is also worrying to realize that over the years several democratic parties have been established with one of their aims being the need to cure the ills in this important sector but history has exposed them times without numbers to be accomplices in the neo-colonial project to bleed out our work force in the interests of the rich imperialists.
Because of the harsh economic conditions during the colonial era in the reserves, native Zimbabweans had few survival options and had no choice but to turn to the whites for wage labour. To keep the Africans coming the whites not only treated these workers as subhuman but offered them very low wages.
As early as 1910 Africans began to organize themselves to challenge not only the low wages but the whole idea of having to be treated as subhuman yet they were the means by which the white economy grew.
In 1922, there was a referendum on whether to have ties with South Africa but only 60 out of the 900 000 African workers and their families were eligible to vote. In response Abraham Twala a Zulu Anglican teacher wrote: “Experience has taught us that our salvation does not lie in Downing Street.”
Surprisingly, it’s now over 100 years and yet, we the African workers are still yoked to the same forces that forced Twala to sound these words of protest. Experience should be teaching us that our salvation does not lie at the factory door but it lies in parliament.
Experiences should be teaching us that our salvation does not lie at the tripartite negotiating table but lies in the August house that fashion the laws.
In August 1955 the workers’ revolutionary crescendo took a pitch higher when four young workers, James Chikerema, George Nyandoro, Edson Sithole and Dunduza Chisiza formed the City Youth League which later changed to the African National Youth League (ANYL). This grouping later emerged as political and military leaders bent on and propelled by the desire to see the total emancipation of the Zimbabwean workers.
Feeling the heat, the settlers declared a State of Emergency in 1959. Shockingly, in the same spirit we still have such responses from a government presided over by blacks with scenarios such as the issuing of a show cause order to the NRZ workers who had gone for more than a year without getting their salaries. This exposed the level of hypocrisy, not worthy to lead and failures by our two major political parties.
It is unfortunate that our people have become too vulnerable to be rational when interpreting such events and they have surrendered their thinking abilities to politicians who in turn feed them with non-existing propaganda.
The right to work has at least two significant social functions: It is a source of livelihood and income. It is a source of dignity and self-realization.
For it to be a source of livelihood, everyone must have access to work which in turn must provide a just and favourable remuneration ensuring for them and their family an existence worthy of human dignity.
To be a source of dignity and self realization it must be work which a person freely chooses or accepts and he or she must enjoy safe and healthy working conditions and equal opportunity to be promoted to appropriate high levels subject to no considerations other than those of longevity and competence.
Section 14(2) of the Constitution of Zimbabwe Amendment 13 of 2013 postulates that, “At all times the state and all institutions and agencies of government at every level must ensure that appropriate and adequate measures are undertaken to create employment for all Zimbabweans, especially women and youths.” Section 65(1) provides that every person has the right to fair and safe labour practices and standards and to be paid a fair and reasonable wage.
It is also in light of this that section 65(4) entitles every employee to just, equitable and satisfactory conditions of work.
It is in light of this that LEAD is fighting for income fairness and distributive fairness. Nearly everybody wants a fair society but the question is what we mean by fairness.
A lot of people think that those who earn high incomes should be allowed to keep the fruits of their labour; there’s no reason why the state or the local authority should deduct heavy taxes in order to increase fairness in society. The greatest fairness we can have is when we are allowed to keep as large a part of our incomes as possible. Social democrats by contrast consider it just to distribute what work produces in a fairer way.
We think it’s reasonable that those who have high incomes should be included in society by paying for more of its collective benefits than those who have lower incomes. That is what we are advocating for under distributive justice.
Today, we stand in solidarity with all informal traders who had their places of work demolished. We demand starter packs for them to be able to re-establish their work after the lockdown. Some decisions made by our government are retrogressive and violates our right o work and to create income for self-sustenance.
As the LEAD President, I implore government to ensure that they work on building stalls for vendors and to allocate our furniture industry proper buildings to work from.
In conclusion, we give special thanks to all frontline workers in the world who are tirelessly working to treat Corona virus patients. We salute you, we love you and may God protect you during this trying time. Happy workers day Zimbabwe. Amandla ngawethu! Shinga Mushandi Shinga.
TogetherWeCan restore the dignity of workers in Zimbabwe.
Mambokadzi Linda Tsungirirai Masarira LEAD President
By A Correspondent- Two self-styled prophets and a traditional healer have been arrested for allegedly causing the death of a patient who died from burns sustained during a botched healing session.
Ms Aniless Anisha Mugwede visited the two self-proclaimed prophets —Purity Ephraim (32) and Kerina Kwaka (46) — complaining of a severe headache.
They failed to cure her ailment and allegedly referred her to an Epworth-based self-styled traditional healer, Lovemore Notisi (44), who performed a traditional procedure that scalded the woman’s face. She later died as a result of the burns.
Giving details, national police spokesperson Assistant Commissioner Paul Nyathi said:. “In order to cleanse the spirit the traditional healer mixed some herbs and boiling water and asked the victim to cover herself with a blanket and inhale while he held the blanket tightly (over her head) and the victim sustained serious facial burns.
“She died after being admitted at a local hospital,” Asst Comm Nyathi said.
He said investigations were still underway.
Earlier this year, another self-styled prophet appeared in court on allegations of causing the death of one of his clients during a cleansing ceremony. The client allegedly died after the prophet dipped his head three times in Mukuvisi River while taking snuff.-StateMedia
By A Correspondent- Marondera Central legislator Caston Matewu (MDC Alliance) has divided Zanu-PF structures in the district after he recently joined First Lady Auxillia Mnangagwa to hand over a donation to needy communities in Mahusekwa.
NewsDay claims that it is reliably informed that the party members wanted their shadow MP, Cleopas Kundiona, to be part of the proceedings, instead of Matewu, with the latter also facing criticism from a section of opposition supporters accusing him of double-dipping.
Kundiona, a Zanu-PF godfather in Marondera, lost to Matewu in the 2018 general elections.
Auxillia’s philanthropic arm, Angel of Hope, reportedly invited all the district’s three MPs, including Matewu, to bring the elderly to Mahusekwa, where they received grocery donations.
This did not go down well with other Zanu-PF supporters who felt their own elderly party supporters were sidelined, while those from the opposition party benefitted.
Some Zanu-PF party officials have reportedly approached their district leaders and local government officials to complain over the matter.
“Last week, some Zanu-PF supporters and leaders in Marondera openly said that they were not happy with Matewu being part of the First Lady’s delegation to Mahusekwa, saying they could have chosen their own. They have since approached higher offices in the district over the matter,” a top party official, who refused to be named, said.
“They are also angry over how some government officials allowed Matewu to bring MDC party supporters as beneficiaries.”
Efforts to get a comment from Mashonaland East provincial chairperson Joel Biggie Matiza were fruitless yesterday.
Pictures of Matewu and the elderly whom he brought from central Marondera as beneficiaries went viral on social media, angering the ruling party members in the process.
The MDC Alliance in Mashonaland East province has since defended Matewu, saying there is no need to politicise food aid.- Newsday
By A Correspondent- A Chiredzi man was nabbed by the police, after he allegedly forced his 5 year old daughter to put her hands on a hot stove as punishment.
The man was furious after his daughter ate the sadza left for him, from the previous evening.
This follows the increasing complaints in the country that hunger has taken its toll on many families in Zimbabwe, with most running out of food during the lockdown.
After he burnt his child’s hands, the man is said to have tied them at the back.
He also accused the child of eating food from the neighbors’ houses.
According to reports by Masvingo Mirror, the Chiredzi man was apprehended by the police on Thursday after attempting to flee arrest for the better part of the day.
The police were not available for comment at the time of going to press.
Chiredzi Ward 5 councillor, Blessings Mazinyani, however confirmed the incident.
He said it happened in Magwaza, Chiredzi and the child in question was left with serious injuries as a result.MasvingoMirror
Zimbabwe yesterday said it is conducting additional tests to validate the results of six positive cases of coronavirus recorded in Harare on Wednesday.
The Ministry of Health said this quality assurance check was in line with Laboratory Standard Operating Procedures and protocols as well as international best practices.
The results, which pushed the number of positive cases to 40, were therefore being considered as interim.
The ministry yesterday tested 672 people raising the number to 8 314. All 208 cases from Bulawayo were negative but results for 261 cases in Harare were still pending.
Zimbabwe has so far recorded four deaths and five recoveries.
A national lockdown declared by the government ends on Sunday.
By A Correspondent- A Harare family allegedly lost US$49 000, R9 000, $7 000 and a Toyota Mark X vehicle to nine armed robbers who pounced on them at their house pretending to be customers.
The robbers also went away with 10 mobile phones, two laptops, clothes, bags and toiletries.
Two members of the gang, Sydney Chimiti (27) and Prince Gawe (25), were arrested and appeared in court charged with armed robbery.
They were remanded in custody to May 14.
It is the State’s case that the gang went to Mr Chari’s house driving a Toyota Raum, pretending being potential clients for detergent chemicals.
They suddenly pulled pistols and force-marched Mrs Chari back into the house and one of them fired a gunshot at Mr Chari, but missed.
The gang used cables to tie hands and legs of those who were in the house before ransacking it.
They loaded their loot into one of Mr Chari’s vehicles and also took keys for two other cars and drove away.
Chimiti and Gawe were arrested two days after the robbery.-StateMedia
