Emmerson Mnangagwa’s hometown hit by Murambatsvina :

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

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.

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.

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.

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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.

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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

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Watch President Emmerson Mnangagwa announce the extension of National lockdown by a further 14 days…

President Emmerson Mnangagwa is addressing the nation on the way forward after extended lockdown.

Watch video downloading below.

Emmerson Mnangagwa’s hometown shattered by Murambatsvina -watch video :

Watch the live video loading below as opposition leader Nelson Chamisa issues his May Day Address to Zimbabwe.

MDC Alliance President Nelson Chamisa makes his workers day address under the theme Restoring Workers Rights, Dignity and Livelihood

WATCH VIDEO LOADING BELOW…

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.”

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.

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?

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VIDEO LOADING BELOW…

ZimEye.com

Zimbabwe Congress of Trade Union (ZCTU) President Peter Mutasa presents his International Workers Day statement on behalf of workers

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LEAD President Worker’s Day Statement

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

Zimbabwe Consolidated Diamond Company (ZCDC) board members have resigned en-masse in alleged protest over government’s decision to award part of Chiadzwa diamond fields to Chinese firm, Anjin, citing lack of consultation.

Anjin Investments, jointly owned by Anhui Foreign Economic Construction Company Ltd of China and Matt Bronze, an investment vehicle controlled by the army is expected to resume diamond extraction in July this year after being controversially barred from operating in the resource-rich Chiadzwa area in 2016.

Business Times is reliably informed that the decision to award Portal B (rich in resource), which is part of Chiadzwa diamond fields, was communicated through Mines and Mining Development Minister Winston Chitando.

In protest to the decision by the Ministry, the ZCDC board members led by chairman Killian Ukama tendered their resignations citing lack of consultation.

They said the unilateral action undermined the authority of the board.

“ZCDC board members resigned recently registering their displeasure over the parcelling out of Portal B in Marange to Chinese Anjin.

The directive is said to have come from President Mnangagwa through Mines Minister Chitando after his trip to China in 2018,” the source said.

The ZCDC board consisted of Ukama (chairman), Ellah Muchemwa, Elizabeth Nerwande Chibanda, Zenzo Nsimbi, Esau Chiadzwa, Alexander Mukwekwezeke and Niya Mtombeni.

Ukama referred all questions to the Mines and Mining Development Ministry.

“I cannot comment on that issue because the appointment of boards is the prerogative of the ministry through the minister,” Ukama said.

Mines and Mining Development minister Winston Chitando told Business Times that the Ministry was currently reviewing board composition in all its parastatals and companies under its wing, adding that a “statement will be issued when the process is complete”.

Asked whether the resignation of the board relates to the awarding of mining concession to the Chinese firm, Chitando said: “There is a section in the mining concession which will be developed with a share scheme involving the Chiadzwa community.

This was approved by Cabinet and announced last year so there is no relationship between the two.”

Business Times is informed that a new interim board for the statediamond miner will be announced soon.

Last year, villagers complained that they have been observing in dismay unregistered diamond mining activities taking place in Chiadzwa by Anjin Diamond Company, particularly in Ward 30.

The affected villages in the Portal Q were Chiadzwa, Mwaora, Makotame, Tinoingana and Vimbai.

The recent resignation of board members comes after they had ordered a probe into the operations of the state-controlled diamond miner as they wanted to ascertain the correct standing of the company.

The state diamond miner has been running under stewardship of Roberto De Pretto in an acting capacity while the board was in the process of searching for a new chief executive.

This came after the diamond producers last year fired seven executives including then CEO Moris Mpofu as it moved to rebuild public and market confidence following allegations of rampant corruption and abuse of office by the executive team.

The debt ridden state controlled enterprise has been haunted by scandals and under-performance ever since its formation leading to perennial loses of more than US$50m in the period between April 2015 and May 2016 alone. According to the AMG Global audit report on the diamond firm, the company has been operating at a loss since its inception in 2015.

At its peak in 2012, Zimbabwe produced 12m carats, but in 2018 production was low as 2.8m carats. Zimbabwe is believed to have the potential to account for 25% of the global diamond production and it is targeting to expand its diamond industry to 10m carats by 2023.

By A Correspondent- A defective getaway vehicle led to the arrest of two of four robbers that allegedly robbed a Hatfield man of US$200 and a cellphone while he was walking home.

After robbing the man, the four were forced to flee on foot after their car failed to start. One of the robbers, Nelson Ndakawadini Mawoyo (24) of Budiriro, later returned to collect the car and was arrested. He then implicated Mike Chimombe (20).

The two appeared before magistrate Mr Richard Ramaboa on Tuesday charged with robbery. They were granted $1 000 bail and ordered to report to the police once a week, not to interfere with witnesses and to reside at their given addresses until the matter is finalised.

Prosecuting, Mr Lawrence Gangarahwe alleged that on April 26, at around 10pm Mr Daniel Ngawambe was walking home from work along Kilwinning Road in Hatfield, Harare, when he saw a VW Jetta parked in the middle of the road with flashing lights just after passing Kilwinning shops.

Mr Ngawambe then saw two people walking towards him while two others were coming up from behind. When they got to him Mawoyo, Chimombe and their alleged accomplices that are still at large, threatened to stab the complainant with knives if he did not surrender his money and cellphone.

Mr Ngawambe handed over US$200 and a Samsung A10 cellphone. The gang the dashed back to their vehicle but it failed to start, prompting the four to abandon it and flee on foot.

It is alleged Mawoyo later returned to collect the vehicle, leading to his arrest. -Statemedia

By A Correspondent- Some residents of Chipangali district in Zambia are reportedly using a locally brewed alcoholic spirit commonly known as Kachasu, as a hand sanitizer to protect themselves from coronavirus (COVID-19).

This came to light when the department of health held a COVID-19 sensitization meeting at Kasenga rural health centre in Chipangali on Friday.

The villagers said they had no access to recommended hand sanitizers hence decided to use Kachasu as a hand sanitizer. They have since requested government to distribute hand sanitizers to rural areas.

Kachasu, also known as Lutuku, is an illegal traditional distilled beverage from Zambia, Zimbabwe, DR Congo and Malawi consumed mainly in rural parts and poor urban suburbs.

It is normally brewed from maize though finger millet and various fruits like banana peels can also be used. The process involves adding brewers’ yeast together with the carbohydrate sources such as maize husks to warm water and heating the mixture for a few minutes. The product is then distilled after it has fully fermented.

Kachasu’s alcoholic content can vary significantly, depending on the strength of the brew and a research on the composition and safety of it conducted in 2001 by the University of Zambia – UNZA academics, found that it contained about 20 to 30% ethanol. Other studies on the beverage have found alcohol contents as high as 70%.

Chipangali District Senior Environmental Health Officer, Agripa Zulu urged those who own shops in rural areas should stock hand sanitizers so that residents could buy.

Mr. Zulu encouraged communities to observe high hygiene measures and all directives given by government. He said they should work with the Environmental Health Technologists (EHTs) to help domesticate actions put in place by government.

Mr. Zulu further encouraged villagers to report suspects who could have been in contact with people infected with the disease or had just come from high risk countries.

The community thanked the department of health for sensitisation them about the disease and providing Information Education and Communication (IEC) materials which have helped them acquire more knowledge about COVID-19.-Online

Today 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.

Together, we will overcome.

Luke Tamborinyoka
Deputy National Spokesperson

By A Correspondent- The leader of opposition National Constitutional Assembly (NCA), Professor Lovemore Madhuku has hailed workers saying they make the world revolve.

In his May Day message that was posted on social media via his twitter handle, Madhuku said:

Today is a special day to honour the working class. On workers day, we say: “Thank you, without your labour, the world is nothing”.

We dedicate 2020 to our health workers as they lead the fight against Covid-19. In return, we must give adequate pay and maximum safety at work.

NCA was once a political non-governmental organisation that pushed for constitutional reforms before it was transformed into a political party.

Back then, the organisation was closely associated with labour movements including the Zimbabwe Congress of Trade Union.

It also had good relations with the Movement for Democratic Change (MDC) party that emerged from workers’ trade unions.

By A Correspondent- Residents from Mutare’s Sakubva suburb have cried out for help saying they are being tormented by unseen assailants who use invisible objects.

Residents from the OTS section revealed that the mysterious happenings have terrorized them for the past three years.

The victims of the mysterious happenings have approached the authorities for help on numerous occasions but it has all been in vain. Residents of about 10 households get pelted with unseen objects by unseen assailants usually at night. Some of the houses in the area, as well as properties such as cars, have been damaged as a result.

One of the residents who spoke to The Weekender said:

“Yesterday I was sitting in the kitchen when I heard the sound of a stone hitting the roof hard. It was around 7 pm. I had heard about these issues before so I panicked and ran out of the house.

“I could not see anyone outside. I am renting this house and I have heard about this issue, but all along I had never encountered it.”

Another resident confirmed the mysterious occurrences saying:

“We have been experiencing this for close to three years now. It all started at Number 311, where occupants of that house would actually see fire being lit by an invisible person.

“Later on, they would hear sounds of stones being thrown onto the roof. The owner of the place (name supplied) has since relocated to Chinyausunzi, here in Sakubva.

“Then we also started experiencing the same mysterious incidents at our apartments. More than 10 households are experienced this and it is scary,”

Another resident also revealed how the had consulted a traditional leader after realising that the authorities were not helping.

“My husband would go out to try and investigate but he would find no one. The objects continue raining on us. Our car’s windscreen was smashed by those things.

“We went to council and approached the police, but we are yet to get any assistance.”

“After [consulting a traditional healer], the attacks stopped for about six months, before resuming again,”

Residents have called on the government to intervene in the matter because they are being traumatized by mysterious beings.

“We are passionately appealing to Government and Mutare City Council to help us find a solution, otherwise we will continue living in fear. Our children will be traumatised as long as this thing persists.”

However, the Zimbabwe Traditional Healers’ Association (Zinatha) president, George Kandiero said that the matter can be resolved by a spiritually gifted person without the need for government intervention.

Standard|Zimbabwean doctors has expressed concern over the government’s decision to reduce the number of days returning residents are spending in mandatory quarantine from 14 to eight, which they say is contrary to scientific evidence.

The government had been putting hundreds of residents returning from the United Kingdom, Botswana, South Africa, Namibia and Zambia, among other countries, in mandatory quarantine for two weeks to slow down the spread of coronavirus since the country went into a lockdown on March 30.

Obadiah Moyo, the Health and Child Care minister, however, announced last week that the quarantine period had since been reduced to eight days as the government did not have enough resources.

The Senior Hospital Doctors Association (SHDA) said although it welcomed the mandatory testing and quarantining of all returnees coming from coronavirus hotspots, it was worried about Zimbabwe’s deviation from World Health Organisation standards.

“We are concerned with the reduction of the quarantine period to an effective eight days, which is contrary to the scientific evidence and is outside the World Health Organisation recommendations,” the SHDA said in a letter to Vice President Kembo Mohadi, who chairs the Covid-19 Taskforce dated April 29.

“The quarantine period is clearly guided by the incubation period of the virus, which has been proven scientifically to between two and 14 days,” the SHDA added.

The doctor said regionally the mandatory quarantine for travellers from Covid-19 hotspot countries ranges between 14 to 21 days.

South Africa, which has the highest coronavirus cases in Africa, has a 21 day mandatory quarantine period.

A number of Zimbabweans returning from the United Kingdom have tested positive for the flu-like disease that was first detected in China late last year and has since spread to almost every country in the world.

The government has said it expects hundreds of Zimbabweans to return from neighbours such as South Africa and Botswana in coming days as they struggle to survive under lockdowns in their host countries.

As of Thursday Zimbabwe had recorded 40 coronavirus with four deaths and five recoveries.

Zimbabwe Consolidated Diamond Company (ZCDC) board members have resigned en-masse in alleged protest over government’s decision to award part of Chiadzwa diamond fields to Chinese firm, Anjin, citing lack of consultation.

Anjin Investments, jointly owned by Anhui Foreign Economic Construction Company Ltd of China and Matt Bronze, an investment vehicle controlled by the army is expected to resume diamond extraction in July this year after being controversially barred from operating in the resource-rich Chiadzwa area in 2016.

Business Times is reliably informed that the decision to award Portal B (rich in resource), which is part of Chiadzwa diamond fields, was communicated through Mines and Mining Development Minister Winston Chitando.

In protest to the decision by the Ministry, the ZCDC board members led by chairman Killian Ukama tendered their resignations citing lack of consultation.

They said the unilateral action undermined the authority of the board.

“ZCDC board members resigned recently registering their displeasure over the parcelling out of Portal B in Marange to Chinese Anjin.

The directive is said to have come from President Mnangagwa through Mines Minister Chitando after his trip to China in 2018,” the source said.

The ZCDC board consisted of Ukama (chairman), Ellah Muchemwa, Elizabeth Nerwande Chibanda, Zenzo Nsimbi, Esau Chiadzwa, Alexander Mukwekwezeke and Niya Mtombeni.

Ukama referred all questions to the Mines and Mining Development Ministry.

“I cannot comment on that issue because the appointment of boards is the prerogative of the ministry through the minister,” Ukama said.

Mines and Mining Development minister Winston Chitando told Business Times that the Ministry was currently reviewing board composition in all its parastatals and companies under its wing, adding that a “statement will be issued when the process is complete”.

Asked whether the resignation of the board relates to the awarding of mining concession to the Chinese firm, Chitando said: “There is a section in the mining concession which will be developed with a share scheme involving the Chiadzwa community.

This was approved by Cabinet and announced last year so there is no relationship between the two.”

Business Times is informed that a new interim board for the state diamond miner will be announced soon.

Last year, villagers complained that they have been observing in dismay unregistered diamond mining activities taking place in Chiadzwa by Anjin Diamond Company, particularly in Ward 30.

The affected villages in the Portal Q were Chiadzwa, Mwaora, Makotame, Tinoingana and Vimbai.

The recent resignation of board members comes after they had ordered a probe into the operations of the state-controlled diamond miner as they wanted to ascertain the correct standing of the company.

The state diamond miner has been running under the stewardship of Roberto De Pretto in an acting capacity while the board was in the process of searching for a new chief executive.

This came after the diamond producers last year fired seven executives including then CEO Moris Mpofu as it moved to rebuild public and market confidence following allegations of rampant corruption and abuse of office by the executive team.

The debt-ridden state-controlled enterprise has been haunted by scandals and under-performance ever since its formation leading to perennial loses of more than US$50m in the period between April 2015 and May 2016 alone. According to the AMG Global audit report on the diamond firm, the company has been operating at a loss since its inception in 2015.

At its peak in 2012, Zimbabwe produced 12m carats, but in 2018 production was low as 2.8m carats. Zimbabwe is believed to have the potential to account for 25% of the global diamond production and it is targeting to expand its diamond industry to 10m carats by 2023.

ZCDC was formed in March 2015 after a government decree to consolidate all diamond mining companies in Zimbabwe to form a wholly-owned State firm.

• Business Times

President Emmerson Mnangagwa has made an early morning address to the nation on Workers Day.

Will he speak on the Coronavirus Lockdown?

Watch his live broadcast in the video downloading below:

President Emmerson Mnangagwa reportedly chartered a jet from Dubai, the United Arab Emirates to perform a 30-minute flight to Mozambique this Thursday.

The Jet is known to be associated with Vice President Constantine Chiwenga as his preferred flight. Baba Jukwa once reported that it is normally used to transport the diamond loot.

After the coup on former President Robert Mugabe, Mnangagwa told a movie like episode on how he escaped the country and travelled into Mozambique on feet after he was dismissed from government by Mugabe.

On Thursday, Mnangagwa visited Chimoio, which was the headquarters of ZANU’s military wing, ZANLA, during the 1970s war of independence against the racist settler regime.

Mnangagwa met Mozambican President Filipe Nyusi during his short visit, with the two leaders condemning acts of banditry and terrorism being perpetrated by Islamic fundamentalists in the provinces of Cabo Delgado, Manila and Sofala.

The two leaders also reviewed bilateral economic relations and compared notes on the world-wide fight against Covid-19, the disease caused by the novel coronavirus.

Mozambique has recorded 76 positive cases of Covid-19 as of Wednesday and no deaths, while Zimbabwe has recorded 40 positive cases, 5 recoveries and four deaths.

President Mnangagwa chairs the SADC organ on politics, defence and security cooperation while President Nyusi is the deputy chairperson of SADC.

The Zimbabwean President was accompanied by his Minister of Defence and War Veterans Affairs Oppah Muchinguri Kashiri and were joined in the meeting by Zimbabwe’s ambassador to Mozambique Douglas Nyikayaramba and staff from the president’s office.

The clemency order issued in March has been amended by President Mnangagwa to allow more prisoners to go home almost immediately with a broadening of the clemency provisions to cut sentences, generally for non-violent crimes, to time served.

All juveniles, all bed-ridden prisoners, all who have served at least 20 years of a life sentence, all blind prisoners and all who are so seriously disabled that they cannot be properly looked after in jail can be released immediately, with sentences cut to time served.

Those serving life sentences include those originally sentenced to death with the sentence commuted to life imprisonment, and the time spent on death row counts towards the 20 years.

Bed-ridden, blind and seriously disabled prisoners need to be seen by a correctional medical officer or Government medical officer and be certified that they fall within the categories.

All women prisoners can now be released with sentences cut to time served unless they were convicted of specified offences, in general of committing violent crimes, and all men over 60 unless they are in jail for the same specified offences or have been sentenced to life imprisonment or death.

Finally, prisoners serving effective sentences of 36 months or less and who have completed at least a quarter of their sentence by yesterday can now be released with the rest of their term remitted, unless they are excluded by the sort of offence they committed or because they were previously released on an amnesty, were sentenced by a court martial, have a record of escaping.

Under the original amnesty order, women had to have served at least half their sentence and juveniles at least a third before being released, lifers had to have served 25 years, the old age benefit for men was set at 70, and even then they had to have served at least half their sentence, and those with shorter sentences of 36 months or less had to have served half.

Those convicted of specified offences, unless they are juveniles, lifers, bed-ridden, blind or disabled cannot benefit from a shorter sentence and have to serve their full term. The specified offences are murder, treason, rape or any sexual offence, car-jacking, robbery, stock theft or public violence.

The broadening of the clemency action is expected to release a far larger batch of prisoners than the 1 680 of the original order, with more trickling out since as they meet the conditions of how much of their sentences they have served.

Prison authorities were hoping the original amnesty would have allowed the immediate release of 5 000 to bring the prison population down to below 17 000, the designed capacity of the system, with the health dangers of overcrowding being of special concern during the Covid-19 pandemic.

The released prisoners have not been pardoned and their criminal convictions are still on record and if they had a part of their original sentence suspended, that portion can still be added to any new sentence if they are re-convicted.

What the President has done is to use the lesser power given to him by the constitution to reduce a court sentence, while still retaining the conviction.

State Media|Workers should be given a living wage, while employers should think of other sustainable ways of supporting employees that are not easily eroded, and those in the informal sector must be included in economic recovery plans, President Mnangagwa has said.

In his message to mark this year’s Workers Day celebrations, President Mnangagwa said the Covid-19 pandemic was a wake-up call, and one that stressed the need to include small and medium enterprises and the informal sector in all economic recovery measures and plans to proceed after the emergency.

Since last year, the Government had been adjusting workers’ earnings with a view to making them living wages.

Although it might come short of this key goal, the President said, the commitment to support and sustain the worker should and must always be there.

“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 rail, into a severe recession. Predictably, our economy will close the year in the negative territory. So, too, will the economies of the world, including the strongest ones,” said the President.

This year’s Workers Day celebrations, he said, came in the wake of the Covid-19 pandemic and the Government could not afford any more loss of life to the virus than the country had already borne.

So Government took tough yet unavoidable measures to safeguard life, although these might have brought the nation to a complete standstill and the economy virtually to a shutdown.

“From a consolidation of all this, 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.”

President Mnangagwa underlined that the bottom-line was that the worker must have food, shelter, and must be able to afford health services, while being able to send children to school.

“This, dear compatriots, must be the new thrust and ethic for us all, whatever sector we play in,” he said.

In view of the successive difficult years the country had experienced, the President added, Government continued to import more food for distribution to all the people, including to workers and their families in rural and urban areas.

Government expanded food distribution into urban areas to take care of the workforce especially in these distressful times.

While the global focus might be on workers in formal employment, Zimbabwe’s situation required the country to 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 sub-sectors 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,” said thePresident.

He said the Covid-19 pandemic had been a wake-up call, which had shaken all out of complacency.

As a long-term measure against any such pandemics in future, President Mnangagwa said, the Government had to reorganise SMEs and informal markets so that both were compliant with public healthneeds.