Masvingo province has resumed Covid-19 testing after being absent from the daily test results table released by the Ministry of Health and Child Care due to a shortage of test kits.
Masvingo last appeared on the national test results diagram on April 23 when 10 of the 460 national specimens tested that day were from the province. This was then followed by an eight-day long hiatus which caused much concern until May 02 when national results showed that 68 of the 1 436 tests done on that day were from Masvingo.
Apparently, specimens that are sent to the country’s two testing centres; the National Microbiology Referral Laboratory in Harare and the National Infectious Diseases Referral Laboratory in Bulawayo are first tested at local isolation centres using Rapid Test Kits.
Currently, the province has 10 isolation centres across the seven districts but work is being done to establish the 11th one at Mashava Mine Hospital.
Specimens are then sent either to Bulawayo or Harare where confirmatory tests are done using a Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) system whose results are more reliable. This test uses sample mucus often drawn from a person’s nose or throat to trace the genetic material of coronavirus.
The first batch of Rapid Test Kits that provincial authorities received in mid-April got finished, and tests could no longer continue.
“We had run short of tests kits but we have now received another batch so we will resume testing today (May 02). Our specimens are now being sent to Bulawayo for confirmatory tests because Harare is congested,” said Provincial Medical Director (PMD) Amadeus Shamu.
There is, however, another nagging problem: the acute shortage of personal protective equipment (PPE) at all hospitals and clinics, a situation which puts nurses, doctors and other staff members at great risk.
Early last month, the body of a woman who died after exhibiting Covid-19 symptoms at Chiredzi General Hospital spent almost two days on the deathbed after nurses refused to take it to the mortuary as they were not sufficiently protected.
The woman, however, posthumously tested negative for coronavirus.
In mid-April, government pledged a ‘mass testing’ programme for citizens, promising to conduct 40 000 tests every month but that seems too hard a target considering that the daily averages of recent days have been far off the mark.
Shamu said only frontline health staff and those that met the criteria of clear suspected cases were getting tested, and the service is not yet available for random walk-ins.
Econet wireless has announced that it will be reviewing its data and sms bundles tariffs effect from Tuesday.
The giant telecom company which has recently been complaining of dwindling business made the announcement in a bulk message to all its subscribers on Monday morning.
“Dear Customer. Please take note, bundle prices for Data & SMS will be reviewed effective 5 May 2020,” read the message.
The company declared last week that its business viability is under threat because of the free-falling local currency and effects of the Covid-19 pandemic, it has emerged.
Econet pleaded with its suppliers to reduce their costs by 20% citing the unfavourable operating environment that had been worsened by the outbreak of Covid-19.
A senior official from the telecoms giant said the plea to suppliers was motivated by a realisation that the economic situation had become a threat to the business.
“The whole slowdown that has been caused by the Covid-19 pandemic has resulted in a business slow down,” the official said.
“During the lockdown, the cities were quiet and the usage of phones went down.
“Most of the phone usage business we get is from people doing business and these were mostly on WhatsApp.
“We can see that as long as most sectors of the economy are not firing, it also affects people’s usage of phones, so never mind about us talking about how we need an-economic tariff and so on.
“It will get to a point where people are not able to call because they have been laid off and that will affect us.
“In that regard, if the economy’s size, for example, was say US$10 billion and reduces to US$4 billion, it also means that our potential income will come down by that factor”.
A memo to Econet suppliers that was leaked on social media last week showed that the company was pleading with its suppliers to reduce their charges by at least 20% starting from May 1.
“As Econet we operate in a regulated industry where our tariffs are significantly trailing the upward movement in our operational costs, threatening the viability of our business,” wrote Econet chief supply chain officer, Sharon Marufu in the memo.
“We, therefore, need to take drastic measures now to safeguard the business and ensure we remain viable so that we are able to continue offering our services to our customers and to retain our suppliers.”
It is understood that the suppliers targeted in the memo provide fuel, trucks, shop space for retail outlets, and land for base stations.
The family of the late Zimbabwe radio disk jockey Peter Johns are in a dilemma.
That Johns , who died in the United Kingdom on Monday, is a legend is not in question.
However, the family cannot answer the question on where the late former Radio 3 deejay will be buried.
ZTN sources in London intimated that the family is also considering cremating him and bringing his remains back home later.
“The other issue slowing a decision on where he is to be buried is that his children are all in Europe, but in different countries,” said a family source.
“As you know a decision on where someone will be buried is a collective one and as we speak consultations are yet to fully take place. We will do the consultations and advise the world on when and where the PJ Your DJ will be buried.”
Johns (60) had been unwell for some time having suffered three strikes as well as undergoing a heart operation.
Meanwhile, tributes continue to pour in for Johns with Power FM (formerly known as Radio 3) saying: “It is with sad hearts that Powerfm heard of the passing of much loved radio DJ Peter Johns. He was affectionately known as “PJ your DJ” & “The Radio Driver”. He hosted the Midday Jam on Radio 3. He left the station in 2002 and was now based in the United Kingdom.”
“Extremely saddened to hear of the loss of DJ Peter Johns. If you’re a 90s kid, you know he was the soundtrack to our generation. His radio genius will not be forgotten – ever. He made Radio 3 magical. May he rest in peace and may his family be comforted,” tweeted lawyer Fadzai Mahere.
“I won’t forget him saying ‘This one is fresh off the AirZim flight from London’ PJ your DJ,” said sports caster Barry Manandi
South Africa recorded an additional 447 cases of Coronavirus infections on Sunday making it the highest number of cases in 24 hours in the country.
The tally of COVID -19 cases in South Africa now stands at 6,783 cases.
8 new deaths were also reported, and the total number of fatalities is 131.
The health Minister indicated that, Western Cape is the most impacted province, with 3,044 cases, followed by Guateng, where 1,624 confirmed cases has been reported since the beginning of the outbreak. KwaZulu-Natal now has 1,075 cases, and the Eastern Cape has 774 cases. Free State has now reported 122 confirmed cases, Limpopo 37, North West 36, Mpumalanga 46, and Northern Cape 24 cases respectively. A total number of 245,747 tests have been conducted to date said the Minister, Dr Zweli Mkhize.
Zimbabwe has not recorded any new coronavirus cases in three days despite testing just over 3 000 people according to briefings from the Military of Health.
The last two cases were recorded on 29 April, bringing the total to 34.
The ministry yesterday tested 920 people but it did not release results.
It has so far tested 11 647.
Zimbabwe extended its five-week national lockdown by another two weeks starting today but has relaxed some of the conditions by allowing some businesses to operate.
People are now required to wear face masks whenever they leave their homes.
State Media|Chitungwiza Municipality workers have gone for almost four years without full salaries, amid allegations that top managers were splashing millions of dollars in unnecessary trips and workshops.
Some of the workers are reportedly owed allowances from as far back as 2008 for their efforts in fighting cholera.
A recent audit revealed that some managers got two annual holiday trips to a regional destination of choice, amid a host of other benefits that do not accrue to ordinary workers.
Those owed salaries for up to 50 months are the least paid staffers, while those raking anything from $30 000 onwards have a backlog of about four months. The Council’s Workers Union president Reverend Ephraim Katsina said the salary backlog disparity between non-managerial staff and top executive raised eyebrows.
“We are in between 45 to 50 months’ salary arrears depending on grade,” he said. “Health workers are owed millions in professional and retention allowances.
“Sewerage and water workers are owed Zinwa allowances and former employees are owed more than $3 million in salary arrears. Grades 1 to 3, which is management, have less salary backlogs of between four to 12 months.”
Acting Chitungwiza town clerk Dr Tonderai Kasu confirmed the salary and allowances backlog, but said the number of months owed was exaggerated and rejected that money was being wasted on useless functions.
Dr Kasu said from January, management approved a salary increase for ordinary employees of 608 percent, while managers were yet to get a salary hike in the last two years.
He said health workers had been paid allowances for working during the first cholera outbreak, while they were trying to address the arrears for the second outbreak.
Cholera broke out in 2008 and in 2018.
“The current management team steered through council and obtained a full council resolution for the re-introduction of professional and retention allowances for health workers after these professional and retention allowances had been withdrawn by a previous management team,” said Dr Kasu.
“This full council (meeting) resolution to re-introduce professional and retention allowances for health workers is being implemented by the current management and is being effected on the pay roll.”
Netherlands coach Ronald Koeman was admitted to hospital with a heart problem on Sunday.
The news has been confirmed by his wife Bartina and agent Rob Jansen who told Dutch national broadcaster NOS.
The 57-year-old was taken to hospital in Amsterdam after falling ill at his home. He is now in a stable condition and expected to be released from hospital on Monday.
The Dutch football association, the KNVB, also issued a statement which read: “Ronald Koeman was hospitalised on Sunday evening after chest complaints. The 57-year-old national team coach of the Dutch national team has undergone a successful cardiac catheterisation and will return home tomorrow (Monday). We wish Ronald a lot of strength and improvement.”
MORE than 19 000 people have been arrested countrywide for defying lockdown regulations since the promulgation of the Covid-19-induced national lockdown on March 30.
At the same time only just over ten thousand people have been tested and mostly as contacts of previous case. If the country would test everyone being arrested, over thirty thousand could be tested by now.
According to the police, 19 317 people were arrested as at yesterday afternoon, with Bulawayo still topping the list in lockdown arrests, followed by Manicaland Province and Harare.
National police spokesperson Assistant Commissioner Paul Nyathi yesterday said police had made enough preparations and were ready to ensure that lockdown regulations under level two were followed.
“Police and other security services we are working with are ready to ensure that lockdown measures are followed in this second leg as industry and commerce are opening. We will serve the public to ensure that all lockdown regulations are duly followed,” he said.
Asst Comm Nyathi called on the transport sector to abide by the standing rules and orders of Level Two of the lockdown, which only allows public buses to operate as public service vehicles.
“People will travel within cities however intercity travel remains prohibited. We remind people that for public service vehicles, only Zupco buses will be transporting the public. We are aware that some kombis are now operating at night and we strongly warn those that are doing so that they will be arrested. We want to also warn haulage truck drivers who are abusing their positions and pirating as public service vehicles. They must know that they are breaking the law, and more so, are exposing themselves and the passengers they illegally carry to the risk of contracting Covid-19,” he said.
He called for members of the public to follow the new rules and recommendations in level two of the lockdown, especially on putting on masks when in public spaces to help reduce the risk of contracting or spreading Covid-19.
Asst Comm Nyathi said people without masks will not be allowed in public spaces.
“May we also remind the public that, as said by President Mnangagwa, they will be expected to wear face masks all the time when they are in public and those who fail to do will have to deal with law enforcement agents,” said Asst Comm Nyathi.
He said people who had to take special medication or have special conditions must liaise with their local police stations wherever possible to get assistance in putting in place modalities for their travel.
He added that further information and clarity on mobility during level two of the lockdown will be provided today after they receive clarity on the re-opening of industry and on the scrapping of exemption letters.
The Law Society of Zimbabwe (LSZ) wants the Government to allow property owners to defer payment of local authority rates, water and electricity bills on the same terms as the deferment of rent by their tenants.
According to temporary regulations made by President Mnangagwa, payments for rent of residential accommodation and mortgage payments can be deferred during the lockdown, but become due in the month following the end of the lockdown, although the back payments can then be spread over three months for each month of lockdown.
Evictions and legal action over late mortgage payments are barred, but if tenants and mortgage holders do not meet the schedule for back payments then legal action can be taken in the normal way.
Blasting Mnangagwa on the decision on residential rents, the Law Society feels that property owners needed even more than just deferred mortgage payments for the system to be fair.
Owners normally have other bills to pay out of their rent income.
In a statement yesterday, the Law Society wants public service providers such as the Zimbabwe National Water Authority, local authorities and Zesa to defer their charges in line with the rent deferments.
“The Law Society of Zimbabwe believes Government could have approached this issue in a more holistic manner to reduce the burden of Covid-19 effects on the populace,” said the Law Society in a tatement.
A police officer who was enforcing lockdown regulations along Masvingo-Mashava Road recently, is in trouble after he allegedly demanded $50 bribe to allow passage to a motorist who was taking his sick mother to hospital.
Tatenda Mtigwa (29) reportedly received the bribe in $5 denominations to facilitate passage for Rangarirai Chikozho who did not have a letter authorising him to drive into Masvingo city centre.
The policeman was arrested after he was seen receiving the money by military and police officers that were passing through.
Mtigwa has since appeared before Masvingo magistrate Mr Mbonisi Ndlovu facing criminal abuse of office charges.
He was remanded to May 26 for trial on $100 bail.
Appearing for the State, the prosecutor, Mr Edmund Mapope, alleged that on April 21 this year, Mtigwa was part of law enforcement agents comprising the military police and ZRP manning a roadblock near SIMBI Plant, just outside Masvingo city centre.
Chikozho, who was driving an unregistered Nissan Caravan, was stopped by Mtigwa, but failed to produce an exemption letter.
He was allegedly ordered by Mtigwa to turn back and he complied while pleading to be allowed to drive through with his sick mother.
Mtigwa reportedly demanded $50 and Chikozho gave him the money.
While receiving the money, two police superintendents and an army officer who were driving through the roadblock noticed it and stopped.
This allegedly prompted Mtigwa, who was standing by the roadside to quickly open the passenger door to Chikozho’s vehicle and throw all the notes inside.
One of the senior officers opened the door and recovered all the money.
Coronavirus test kits used in Tanzania were dismissed as faulty by President John Magufuli on Sunday, because he said they had returned positive results on samples taken from a goat and a pawpaw.
Magufuli, whose government has already drawn criticism for being secretive about the coronavirus outbreak and has previously asked Tanzanians to pray the coronavirus away, said the kits had “technical errors”.
The COVID-19 testing kits had been imported from abroad, Magufuli said during an event in Chato in the north west of Tanzania, although he did not give further details.
The president said he had instructed Tanzanian security forces to check the quality of the kits. They had randomly obtained several non-human samples, including from a pawpaw, a goat and a sheep, but had assigned them human names and ages.
These samples were then submitted to Tanzania’s laboratory to test for the coronavirus, with the lab technicians left deliberately unaware of their origins.
Samples from the pawpaw and the goat tested positive for COVID-19, the president said, adding this meant it was likely that some people were being tested positive when in fact they were not infected by the coronavirus.
“There is something happening. I said before we should not accept that every aid is meant to be good for this nation,” Magufuli said, adding the kits should be investigated.
As of Sunday, Tanzania had recorded 480 cases of COVID-19 and 17 deaths but unlike most other African countries, Dar es Salaam sometimes goes for days without offering updates, with the last bulletin on cases on Wednesday.
Magufuli also said that he was sending a plane to collect a cure being promoted by Madagascar’s president. The herbal mix has not yet undergone internationally recognised scientific testing.
“I’m communicating with Madagascar,” he said during a speech, adding: “They have got a medicine. We will send a flight there and the medicine will be brought in the country so that Tanzanians too can benefit.”
COVID-19 infections and fatalities reported across Africa have been relatively low compared with the United States, parts of Asia and Europe. But Africa also has extremely low levels of testing, with rates of only around 500 per million people.
Paul Nyathi|THE family of late former Vice President Joshua Mqabuko Nkomo has dismissed efforts by any organisation calling itself the Joshua Nkomo National Foundation (JNNF) of trying to bring together President Emmerson Mnangagwa and opposition MDC Nelson Chamisa through the name of the late revolutionary icon.
This comes after JNNF last week announced it was organising a lunch of Inhloko and Isitshwala for the two rival leaders to sit down and talk.
Said the late Nkomo’s elder son, Sibangilizwe in a hard hitting statement, “On behalf of the Joshua Nkomo family and the Nyongolo clan that I represent as head of the family, we have been following some disturbing events and developments where we have witnessed the abuse and political exploitation of our father and icon, Dr Joshua Mqabuko Nyongolo Nkomo’s name by some unscrupulous and dubious characters and individuals in the name of the Joshua Nkomo National Foundation to be specific.
“A gentleman by the name Mmillili Evans Tapela and his colleagues who allegedly claim that they have the blessings and approval of one of our family members and sister, Mrs Thandiwe-Ebrahim Nkomo in carrying on with their shenanigans that are not only meant to bring the good name of our late father into dispute, but selfish gains and sinister motives.”
Sibangilizwe described the foundation’s Mnangagwa and Chamisa planned meeting as mischievous.
“We just learnt with shock that the same guys at the Joshua Nkomo National Foundation (JNNF) are up to their political mischief again and this time they have notched their game higher.
“There are on–going advertisements and media reports of a proposed Political Gathering (Inhloko) whose aim is said to be bringing together, His Excellency, President Emmerson Mnangagwa and opposition leader Nelson Chamisa to be hosted by the same (JNNF).
“We believe that this is not only misleading but irresponsible on their part and is again meant to soil the Joshua Nkomo name and legacy.
“Therefore, we would like to make it categorically clear as a family and the Nyongolo clan that we are very disappointed and disgusted by these development and would like to disassociate ourselves from activities and programmes of Joshua Nkomo National Foundation (JNNF) because of these unpleasant developments,” said Sibangilizwe.
The family also accused the foundation of hijacking a memorial lecture of the late struggle icon.
“The same people in the JNNF deliberately hijacked an on-going programme to use it as a platform to settle their political scores with government.
“This is contrary to the vision and objectives of establishing the annual Joshua Nkomo Lecture Academic Memorial Lecture Series which we have successfully run on four previous occasions,” said the family.
The Law Society of Zimbawe dismissed as irrational, an order by President Emmerson Mnangagwa barring landlords from compelling tenants to pay their rentals this month due to the continuing Coronavirus Lockdown on grounds of loss of income.
The Law Society of Zimbabwe said the decree suppressed the rights of a section of society in attempts to protect those of the another.
The opening of the High and Supreme Courts, due today, will be delayed while protective equipment is sourced for all who work in these courts and with Chief Justice Luke Malaba today expected to issue a statement on the country’s courts activities and measures before the resumption of business.
The courts have been attending to urgent matters, mainly remands, bail hearings and matters deemed urgent but the bulk of legal work, civil hearings and criminal trials, have been put on hold. Judicial Service Commission secretary Mr Walter Chikwanha told The Herald yesterday, a delay in the opening of the courts is inevitable.
“The Chief Justice will tomorrow make a statement on the judiciary position. Courts cannot open to the public without necessary equipment,” he said.
“We need to acquire personal protective equipment for all the members of the judiciary who are going to man the courts including judges and magistrates, in compliance with the regulations and requirements announced by the President in this regard. As result we may delay opening courts by a few days.”
President Mnangagwa last Friday 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.
As part of the conditions for further relaxation announced by the President, it will be compulsory to wear masks in reopened businesses and outside homes, although these can be home-made.
Businesses will have to have ensure that all employees are tested by public health authorities before opening and have temperature scanners.
AN employee of the Zimbabwe Revenue Authority (Zimra) in Bulawayo, who was in self-isolation pending her Covid-19 test results and allegedly violated regulations by travelling to Gweru with four other people in her car, has tested negative.
The other four people she travelled with have also been traced, tested and put under quarantine.
In an interview yesterday, the Minister of State for Midlands Provincial Affairs and Devolution Larry Mavima confirmed the development.
Minister Mavima, who is also the Covid-19 Midlands Provincial Taskforce chairperson, said the Zimra officer’s Covid-19 results came back negative.
“The results of the Zimra Bulawayo officer came out negative. The woman is said to have travelled to Gweru before her Covid-19 results came out. The four passengers she travelled with to Gweru have been contacted and had Covid-19 tests done. They are waiting for results and they have all been put in quarantine just to be sure,” he said.
The female employee is said to have travelled to Gweru after her workmate, a 27-year-old male, tested positive for Covid-19 in Bulawayo on April 29 prompting Zimra to close its Bulawayo offices and send 52 of its workers who might have been exposed to the virus for testing and mandatory self-isolation.
The female officer, who is one of the 52 workers from the Bulawayo office, allegedly disregarded self-isolation regulations and travelled to Gweru where her family is based.
It is understood that the woman who resides in Senga high-density suburb in Gweru but works in Bulawayo was told by officials from the Ministry of Health and Child Care to go under self-isolation and avoid interacting with other people but failed to comply and travelled to Gweru with four other passengers.
Her trip to Gweru was discovered after the Bulawayo Provincial Covid-19 Response Team visited her place of residence for routine check-ups. The team was then advised that she had left for Gweru, prompting it to advise the Midlands Provincial Covid-19 Rapid Response Team to look for her at the Senga family home.
Zimra Commissioner-General Faith Mazani had earlier issued a statement confirming that 52 people from the revenue authority’s Bulawayo offices have been subjected to testing and self-isolation after one of the workers tested positive.
“We were notified by the Health and Child Care Ministry that a frontline staff member of the Zimbabwe Revenue Authority tested positive for coronavirus on 29 April. As Zimra, we wish to inform our valued clients and members of the public that our Bulawayo port offices have been immediately closed pending comprehensive disinfection as well as receipt of results of 52 officers who may have been exposed to the virus. All the tested individuals have since been put under mandatory self-isolation for at least 14 days,” she said.
National police spokesperson Assistant Commissioner Paul Nyathi
State Media|As Zimbabwe swings into a more flexible level of Covid-19 lockdown, the police will be checking that the expected larger numbers on the streets and in buses are wearing masks, but want people to refuse to pay officers demanding cash payments to allow them to travel, even when they are going to permitted work.
During the first two phases of the lockdown, the levels four and three, police arrested 19 317 lockdown regulations offenders between March 30 and May 2.
National police spokesperson Assistant Commissioner Paul Nyathi told The Herald yesterday that the security for citizens was the major goal, adding that no one should pay officers to be allowed passage into town.
“Basically, as police we are there to ensure the safety and security for all,” said Asst Comm Nyathi.
“People should stick to the regulations and wear face masks in public transport and on the streets. Police will be checking on compliance at check points.”
More people are expected on the streets after President Mnangagwa last week said it was critical to balance between saving lives and keeping the economy ticking by opening up more sectors of the economy, but under strict guidelines as expected by the World Health Organisation to contain the spread of Covid-19.
Asst Comm Nyathi encouraged people to avoid paying law enforcement agents to be allowed entry into central business districts, and general travel, as long as they were part of groups of people expected at work.
Individuals who do not fall under the categories going back to work have also been advised to desist from offering bribes to police, saying they will be liable to an offence.
Police also plan to clamp down on haulage trucks, which have become the means of transport for many people travelling from city to city, since there are no buses.
Police checkpoints across the country have been activated to ensure all violating haulage truck drivers are fined, and where possible, the vehicles are impounded, said Asst Comm Nyathi.
Kombis operating at night and in
some remote areas, in violation of the lockdown regulations, have also been put on notice.
Asst Comm Nyathi said it was unfortunate that some people going to collect medicine have previously been blocked from travelling.
He said going forward, such people should always carry their documentation so that they are not inconvenienced.
Parliament will resume sitting, but briefly, tomorrow for the purposes of adjourning business to a new date following the extension of the Covid-19 lockdown by a further two weeks on Friday.
The Committee on Standing Rules and Orders, the senior committee that oversees Parliamentary business, met on Thursday last week to deliberate, among other things, the resumption of Parliament and possible alternatives to facilitate its business in the event the lockdown continued in one form or another.
“As a contingency measure, the Committee on Standing Rules and Orders resolved that both Houses sit on Tuesday May 5, 2020, the date to which they had adjourned, for the sake of formally adjourning to a date that will be informed by the Government decision on the lockdown or otherwise,” said Parliament in a statement.
“In this regard, and to comply with social distance requirements, only MPs and senators from Harare, Mashonaland East, Mashonaland West and Mashonaland Central and all ministers and deputies will attend the session on Tuesday (today).
“And even then, only members from the four provinces who are able to drive to Parliament and back to their constituencies on the same day will be required to attend.”
Parliament has taken advantage of the lockdown to put in place measures that will allow the institution to function without jeopardising members and staff in the wake of the Covid-19 pandemic.
Legislators took an early break due to concerns arising from the outbreak of the Covid-19 pandemic, but there have been issues from some that Parliament had not been actively responding to the disease.
Parliament said the outbreak heightened its resolve to accelerate the use of technologies in its work.
“The institution is thus working on setting up facilities for virtual meetings, where appropriate, without compromising the requirements of the national constitution, law and the public interest,” it said.
“During the lockdown, legislators had been exercising their representative role through educating their constituencies on the outbreak.
“Further they have been meeting with local Covid-19 taskforce structures highlighting the requirements of their constituencies.”
State Media|Companies should arrange with designated Covid-19 testing facilities to ensure their employees are tested before they resume operations from today, with a number of facilities, both Government and privately owned, now approved for rapid testing.
President Mnangagwa announced on Friday that Government was moving to Level Two of the national lockdown today, where businesses in the formal sector are allowed to resume operations under stipulated World Health Organisation (WHO) guidelines.
Facilities that have been designated for Covid-19 testing include all Government hospitals, mission hospitals and local authority institutions involved with medical examinations.
Selected private facilities have been identified and designated for rapid Covid-19 testing, including New Start Centres, Premier Service Medical Investments, Lancet laboratories and CIMAS.
Information, Publicity and Broadcasting Services Minister Monica Mutsvangwa, in her daily Covid-19 briefing at State House last night, said as announced by President Mnangagwa, the reopening of industry and commerce was premised on mandatory testing of employers and employees.
To expedite the testing process, companies are encouraged to procure Covid-19 rapid test kits for themselves, guided by the Ministry of Health and Child Care in terms of test kit specifications.
Minister Mutsvangwa said employers must arrange with designated testing facilities, public and private, for their employees to be tested at an agreed time at the facilities or at the workplace.
“For small organisations, the employees will go to the health facilities or designated testing centres for their testing. For larger organisations, arrangements will have to be made for testing to be conducted at the business premises by health officials from the testing institution, to avoid congestion at designated testing facilities.”
The Ministry of Health and Child Care would provide standardised data collection tools for use during the screening process.
The minister said businesses that fall under the formal commercial and industrial sector include those who:
Hold a shop licence or other licence from a local authority and operate the business in question from specified premises;
Lessees of premises governed by the Commercial Premises (Lease Control) Act and are registered operators for the purpose of the Value Added Tax Act;
Businesses registered as an employer for the purpose of paying employees’ tax under the Income Tax Act and are parties to a collective bargaining agreement negotiated through an employment council governing the business in question;
If any question arose as to whether a business in the commercial and industrial sector is formal or not, the business had the burden of proving to the satisfaction of a health officer that the business is formal, said Minister Mutsvangwa.
“Those who fall under the above categories are only allowed to resume work for the first time during the lockdown when the employers and employees have been screened and tested for Covid-19 at the direction of health officers using a test approved by the Ministry of Health and Child Care.”
Responding on legal matters arising from the opening of business today, Attorney-General Advocate Prince Machaya said the lockdown was still in place, but exemption letters were not a legal requirement.
He said the letters were an administrative document that could be asked for by law enforcers.
Earlier, Information, Publicity and Broadcasting Services Secretary, Mr Nick Mangwana, yesterday clarified modalities under which companies in essential services could continue operating while tests were arranged.
Those who had been going to work under the previous Level Four and Level Three of the lockdown should continue to report for duty as usual, along with those working in industry and commerce who have been tested and were negative for Covid-19.
Level Four was the original lockdown with only essential services operating. Level three was reached when mining, manufacturing and tobacco sales were authorised to resume operations.
Business leaders who spoke to The Herald yesterday welcomed the decision by Government to open the industry but warned that working capital requirements had to be sorted out in many firms and that implementation of the $18 billion rescue and recovery package announced by the President was therefore required urgently.
The package allocated $10,7 billion to the productive sectors, through the banking system, in low-interest loans, has a six-month grace period and repayments spread over one to four years depending on circumstances
Confederation of Zimbabwe Industry (CZI) president Mr Henry Ruzvidzo said industry would respond to the call to go back to work, with all stakeholders expected to facilitate, rather than impede, the return to work by many people.
“Employers will do what is necessary and required to ensure the safety of employees and to prevent spreading of the disease.”
Mr Ruzvidzo said the economy should be resuscitated and while international help was necessary, Zimbabweans should work with the available resources.
Employers Confederation of Zimbabwe president, Dr Israel Murefu, said employers welcomed decision to allow more companies to resume operations. This decision was good for the economy and protection of jobs.
“From an employment protection perspective, we think the move will save jobs and incomes of the working people in all sectors. However, companies have already borne the brunt of not generating income because of the five-week closure.
“They need assistance with working capital to be able to meaningfully start their operations at a reasonable level so that they can employ all their workers who are currently sitting at home. Without that financial assistance many companies will struggle to keep all their workers and so businesses are keenly awaiting the details of the $18 billion stimulus package announced by Government,” said Dr Murefu.
54Gene is accredited by the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control (NCDC), and has already set up labs in Lagos and in Ogun States
LAGOS, Nigeria, May 3, 2020/ — The Aliko Dangote Foundation (ADF) (www.Dangote.com/foundation/), a philanthropic endeavor of Aliko Dangote, has contracted 54Gene, a molecular diagnostics company specialized in research, and diagnostics, to immediately set up a 400 test/day capacity laboratory in Kano State.
54Gene is accredited by the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control (NCDC), and has already set up labs in Lagos and in Ogun States.
The lab, which was inaugurated yesterday – May 3rd in Kano, will start with a testing capacity of 400 tests a day, increasing to 1,000 tests a day by May 10th.
The lab will be set up at Muhammadu Buhari Hospital in Kano, where an isolation center is currently operational.
The President/Chief Executive of Dangote Group, Aliko Dangote said the foundation is directly supporting the Nigerian government’s COVID-19 containment efforts in Kano State.
According to Dangote, this new investment in support of increasing nation-wide testing, comes in addition to ADF’s support through the Private Sector Coalition Against COVID-19 (CACOVID).
He explained: “CACOVID is already setting up a 310 bed isolation center at Sani Abacha stadium in Kano. We are extending that capacity by another 150 beds at the Abubakar Imam Urology Centre in Kano, which is being converted into an isolation center now. These two centers will be operational pending the final validation by the Infection Prevention and Control team, which we expect will be completed in the coming days.”
Dangote pledged the Foundation’s commitment to reduce the number of lives lost to diseases, such as COVID-19, Ebola and other deadly viruses in the State.
He said the foundation would not relent in using its investments in health, education, and economic empowerment to help lift people out of sickness and poverty.
Speaking on the efforts of the Foundation to assist the Federal Government in curtailing the spread of COVID-19, the Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer of ADF, Zouera Youssoufou, added that ADF is also supporting the Rapid Response Teams in their work to identify suspected covid-19 cases across the healthcare centers in Kano. “ADF will immediately handover to the Kano RRT, 10 new ambulances (4 that ae immediately available and 6 over the next week), two vehicles and PPEs to support the transportation of patients from different parts of the state”, she said.
She said that the Foundation is also supporting the Kano State Covid-19 contact call center that responds to citizen queries and concerns around Covid-19 and refers people to the proper place for follow up, by providing extra phone lines and ICT infrastructure as well as training for the call center staff.
On training, she disclosed: “We are supporting training and incentives for covid-19 health workers. We will provide hazard incentives and protections for the healthcare and lab workers who are working on the covid-19 response. We are also providing training to them, initially online and via distance learning, and will complement his with in-person training in Kano under strict IPC protocols developed in conjunction with the NCDC.
“ADF will continue to provide PPEs to the Kano State Covid-19 Taskforce, which will then be distributed to the hospitals as appropriate. Items already supplied include coveralls, gloves, masks, respirators, goggles, boots and sanitizers.
“We are expanding the CACOVID communications strategy in Kano by adding more communications and advocacy around Covid-19 prevention across radio, TV and traditional and community leaders.”
Commending ADF, Kano State Governor, Abdullahi Ganduje stated: “There’s no doubt we started on a shaky foundation, with assistance of ADF, we can see that a friend in deed is a friend in need. We are very grateful for the mobile testing Centre witch will launch with 400 samples per day and after a week, increase to 1,000 tests per day.
“It is now left for us to intensify efforts to collect samples. We will ensure that all that 44 Local Government Council have collection centres. Here in the metropolitan local government, we will have 100s of collection centres because this is where the majority of the population is”.
The governor added that the state has intensify efforts to create awareness about the reality of coronavirus.
He commended the Dangote Foundation for always occupying the forefront of helping in critical times like this.
Speaking on the collaboration, the founder and Chief Executive Officer of 54gene, Dr. Abasi Ene-Obong, the 40ft structure built with container technology, provides a unique plug-and-play solution.
Ene-Obong explained that the mobile laboratory is also fully kitted with vital instruments including an autoclave, bio-safety cabinet, centrifuge, heating blocks, vortexes, pipettes, and PCR machines to support COVID-19 testing.
He stated: “Our mobile lab is fully equipped with all the vital instruments required for COVID-19 testing, and allows us to quickly offer our services to multiple states due to the ease of transport. Its unique plug and play feature eliminates the logistics of shipping samples to another location for the processing which reduces turnaround times for test results and allows clinicians to manage and treat patients accurately, sooner rather than later.”
Ene-Obong said the company has also helped build capacity by equipping molecular scientists with the necessary skill set required to handle the instruments in the mobile lab as they would in regular molecular testing laboratories.
“Our mobile lab removes the restriction imposed by permanent buildings and allows us to quickly offer our services to multiple states due to the ease of transport and the mobile capability it provides”, he added.
Own Correspondent|Tanzanian President John Pombe Magufuli shocked residents after he revealed that pawpaws and goats had tested positive for the deadly coronavirus.
Magufuli, who was addressing a congregation on Sunday, expressed his disappointment of the country’s National Referral Laboratory for what he termed as failure to be keen when doing the tests.
“We noticed that they were producing so many positive results and I asked the security officials to go and conduct an investigation of what was really going on. I suspected it could have been sabotage (to declare many positive results because this is a political war)” Magufuli said.
He went ahead to illustrate how they tricked the national laboratory by bringing in different samples of fruits and animals which were marked as human samples to confirm his assertions.
“We took samples of goats, sheep, pawpaws, car oil among other things and we took them to the laboratory without their knowledge. The car oil, for instance, we marked it with a male name of Zamsa who is 30-years-old and – this turned out negative.”
“However, when we took the sample of pawpaw and marked it ‘Elizabeth Ane, female, 26-year-old’, the results came out positive for coronavirus. This was same for birds and goats samples among other items,” an enraged Magufuli said.
Watch the video from the Facebook link below:
The number of Covid-19 cases in Tanzania on Wednesday stood at 480 after 196 more people tested positive.
RAINBOW PEANUT BUTTER ON THE MARKET By Ashley Rukudzo Kavumbura| VarsityNews | Award winning 22-year-old entrepreneur Valentine Shoti (Mai Dovi), from the capital, has stunned the public market with unique and wonderful peanut butter product that has various flavours which she discovered in form 2 during her tenure at Zengeza High School.
Growing with no parents put Mai Dovi in difficult times as she had to cater and finance for her younger sisters’ education and at the same time advancing with hers. She says she had to put self- pity aside and became strong for her sisters’ sake. However, she managed to pull through up to O’ level. In 2019, she turned her invention and innovation into a business and registered her company by the name ORGANUT private limited. ‘Mai Dovi’ followed through from her line of business which she showed expertise. ORGANUT manufactures herbal and flavoured peanut butter, and she says she formulated these formulas when she was a form 2 student at a Chitungwiza local school where she got recognized and got published in The Herald as; “teen who broke the odds in the food industry”.
The product has quite a variety which ranges from mint, ginger, cinnamon, moringa, mufandichimuka, garlic, fenugreek, vanilla among other great flavours and medicinal herbs. Mai Dovi talks about how people are suffering from ailments and other deficiencies due to lack of some of these herbs, which people shun away from because of their raw bitter taste. She says it then brought an idea to incorporate these herbs in a food product that might be consumed on a regular basis, and help curb these ailments. She envisions herself transforming Zimbabwe by bringing more health reformative formulas, as she believes that what people eat determines their lifespan.
Her recognition is widening bit by bit. She once received an award of 5000usd worth of Amazon and Google credits from Founders Live, after pitching her business, to help expand her business Mai Dovi Valentine Shoti, Founder and CEO of Organut online. She has also received special recognition and support from various institutions across the nation such as Youth Empowerment and Transformation Trust (YETT), Youth Connect Zimbabwe, Research Council Zimbabwe through the International Youth Symposium, UNDP, CBZ Youth Entrepreneurship Program, Impact Hub, Daughters of Virtue (DOV) and last but not least from the Ministry of Women Affairs Zimbabwe.
Who knew peanut butter would be such an interesting product? For ages it has been the same taste from the same recipe passed down from the ancestors, and today an innovation has come upon it from a tender young lady who aspires to make it better. Maybe in the future, the foods that we run away from today, we will be running after them some day.
As a People’s party, the MDC Alliance is extremely concerned about the lockdown restrictions that are now clearly working against the interests of the poor and marginalised people of Zimbabwe.
The People’s party is worried that when it was announced that lockdown will be extended for a further 14 days; the new restrictions seems to have favoured the rich and privileged only at the expense of the long suffering poor and marginalised masses such as those in the informal sector.
Indeed, it appears as if the lockdown restrictions have now been relaxed mostly for big business, such as mining, manufacturing and commerce. These sectors are now able to get back to work.
However the great majority of the country’s populace now survives on informal economic activities such as vegetable vending, agricultural produce and clothing selling.
By admission of the relevant national authorities, 95% of the economy is now informal.
The People’s party expected some serious consideration to be given to the informal sector but is shocked to see that this most important sector has once again been overlooked and unkindly treated by the latest policy pronouncements on lockdown.
The bias against the poor and the marginalised communities is very evident in the recently announced stage 2 lockdown.
It is indeed clear to all and sundry that the majority of the population in Zimbabwe that is now so poor can no longer afford to put even a single meal on the tables for their families.
The lockdown extension will without doubt exacerbate the plight of the majority of poor urbanites whose livelihoods are hinged on vending and other informal activities.
What makes it even worse is that the relevant authorities have made pronouncements on rentals and shut a source of livelihood for pensioners and many others whose only source of income is rentals income.
As the People’s party, the MDC Alliance strongly condemns the new lockdown pronouncements due to their blatant bias against the poor and the elderly.
We posit that this is a fight against the poor rather than against the Covid pandemic.
As the People’s party we have been consistently clear that we will join hands with everyone in any fight against COVID-19 and poverty; but we refuse to be part of a fight against the poor and marginalised communities.
It is our considered view that the social safety nets should be immediately upscaled so as to help in catering for the people whose livelihoods have been destroyed by a combination of COVID-19, and bad socio-economic policies and lack of care.
And these intervention should , we emphasize, be transparent and non’partisan.
In the meantime, the MDC Alliance is calling upon all of us as a nation to stand in support of each other, maintain high levels of hygiene, practice social and physical distancing so as to beat the spread of the deadly Corona virus ,and protect ourselves, family and friends .
Sesel Zvidzai Secretary for Projects Livelihoods and Entrepreneurship MDC Alliance
Jose Mourinho admits he cried after his Real Madrid side lost a Champions League semi-final encounter to Bayern Munich back in 2012.
Madrid were defeated on penalties after the tie had ended 3-3 on aggregate. Cristiano Ronaldo, Kaka and Sergio Ramos all missed from 12 yards as La Liga giants lose it.
Mourinho who now coaches Tottenham told Marca: “That is also football. Cristiano, Kaka, Sergio Ramos. They are three monsters of football, there is no doubt about that.
“But they are also human. That night is the only time I have ever cried after a football match.
“I remember it well: me and Aitor [Karanka] parked in the car in front of my house, crying. It was very hard to take because in that 2011-12 season we were the best team in Europe.”
In their league campaign, Madrid had an outstanding season, who won the championship with 100 points, nine more than Barcelona, setting the record for a single top-flight season in Spain.-Soccer24
An employee of the Zimbabwe Revenue Authority (Zimra) in Bulawayo, who was in self-isolation pending her Covid-19 test results and allegedly violated regulations by travelling to Gweru with four other people in her car, has tested negative.
The other four people she travelled with have also been traced, tested and put under quarantine. In an interview yesterday, the Minister of State for Midlands Provincial Affairs and Devolution Larry Mavima confirmed the development.
Minister Mavima, who is also the Covid-19 Midlands Provincial Taskforce chairperson, said the Zimra officer’s Covid-19 results came back negative.
“The results of the Zimra Bulawayo officer came out negative. The woman is said to have travelled to Gweru before her Covid-19 results came out. The four passengers she travelled with to Gweru have been contacted and had Covid-19 tests done. They are waiting for results and they have all been put in quarantine just to be sure,” he said.
The female employee is said to have travelled to Gweru after her workmate, a 27-year-old male, tested positive for Covid-19 in Bulawayo on April 29 prompting Zimra to close its Bulawayo offices and send 52 of its workers who might have been exposed to the virus for testing and mandatory self-isolation.
The female officer, who is one of the 52 workers from the Bulawayo office, allegedly disregarded self-isolation regulations and travelled to Gweru where her family is based.
It is understood that the woman who resides in Senga high-density suburb in Gweru but works in Bulawayo was told by officials from the Ministry of Health and Child Care to go under self-isolation and avoid interacting with other people but failed to comply and travelled to Gweru with four other passengers.
Her trip to Gweru was discovered after the Bulawayo Provincial Covid-19 Response Team visited her place of residence for routine check-ups. The team was then advised that she had left for Gweru, prompting it to advise the Midlands Provincial Covid-19 Rapid Response Team to look for her at the Senga family home.
Zimra Commissioner-General Faith Mazani had earlier issued a statement confirming that 52 people from the revenue authority’s Bulawayo offices have been subjected to testing and self-isolation after one of the workers tested positive.
“We were notified by the Health and Child Care Ministry that a frontline staff member of the Zimbabwe Revenue Authority tested positive for coronavirus on 29 April. As Zimra, we wish to inform our valued clients and members of the public that our Bulawayo port offices have been immediately closed pending comprehensive disinfection as well as receipt of results of 52 officers who may have been exposed to the virus. All the tested individuals have since been put under mandatory self-isolation for at least 14 days,” she said. State Media/Chronicle
‘Parliament will resume sitting, but briefly, tomorrow for the purposes of adjourning business to a new date following the extension of the Covid-19 lockdown by a further two weeks on Friday.
The Committee on Standing Rules and Orders, the senior committee that oversees Parliamentary business, met on Thursday last week to deliberate, among other things, the resumption of Parliament and possible alternatives to facilitate its business in the event the lockdown continued in one form or another.
“As a contingency measure, the Committee on Standing Rules and Orders resolved that both Houses sit on Tuesday May 5, 2020, the date to which they had adjourned, for the sake of formally adjourning to a date that will be informed by the Government decision on the lockdown or otherwise,” said Parliament in a statement.
“In this regard, and to comply with social distance requirements, only MPs and senators from Harare, Mashonaland East, Mashonaland West and Mashonaland Central and all ministers and deputies will attend the session on Tuesday (today).
“And even then, only members from the four provinces who are able to drive to Parliament and back to their constituencies on the same day will be required to attend.”
Parliament has taken advantage of the lockdown to put in place measures that will allow the institution to function without jeopardising members and staff in the wake of the Covid-19 pandemic.
Legislators took an early break due to concerns arising from the outbreak of the Covid-19 pandemic, but there have been issues from some that Parliament had not been actively responding to the disease.
Parliament said the outbreak heightened its resolve to accelerate the use of technologies in its work.
“The institution is thus working on setting up facilities for virtual meetings, where appropriate, without compromising the requirements of the national constitution, law and the public interest,” it said.
“During the lockdown, legislators had been exercising their representative role through educating their constituencies on the outbreak.
“Further they have been meeting with local Covid-19 taskforce structures highlighting the requirements of their constituencies.”-Herald/state media
Farai Dziva|A Non Governmental Organisation, ICOD Zimbabwe has written a petition to the Speaker of Parliament, Jacob Mudenda, expressing concerns about “gross abuse of human rights by the police force.”
ZRP Cops have been accused of assaulting civilians during the lockdown.
See part of the petition written by ICOD Zim:
ACKNOWLEDGING that the Constitution of Zimbabwe Amendment (No. 20) Act, 2013 (Constitution) mandates Parliament of Zimbabwe to make laws, carry out executive oversight and discharge a representative role, as well as protect the Constitution and democratic governance in Zimbabwe;
COGNISANT that in the exercise of its legislative function and authority Parliament can in fact initiate, prepare, consider or reject any legislation; RECOGNISING that the State and all institutions and agencies of government at every level are accountable to Parliament; AWARE that Section 210 (Independent complaints mechanism) of the Constitution peremptorily requires:
An Act of Parliament must provide an effective and independent mechanism for receiving and investigating complaints from members of the public about misconduct on the part of members of the security services, and for remedying any harm caused by such misconduct; MINDFUL of the following peremptory provisions of the Constitution [t]he national security of Zimbabwe must be secured in compliance with this Constitution and the law.
Section 206(2) (National Security) [i]n particular, the protection of national security must be pursued with the utmost respect for (a) the fundamental rights and freedoms and the democratic values and principles enshrined in this Constitution; and (b) the rule of law. Section 206(3) (National Security); [t]he security services are subject to the authority of this Constitution, the President and Cabinet and are subject to parliamentary oversight. Section 207(2) (Security Services); [m]embers of the security services must act in accordance with this Constitution and the law.
Section 208(1) (Conduct of members of security services); and [n]either the security services nor any of their members may, in the exercise of their functions violate the fundamental rights or freedoms of any person.
Section 208(2)(d) (Conduct of members of security services) CONCERNED that close to seven years since the adoption of the Constitution in 2013, no tangible action has been taken towards realising the constitutional imperative of an effective and independent mechanism for receiving and investigating complaints from members of the public about misconduct on the part of members of the security services, and for remedying any harm caused by such misconduct; DISTURBED by reports of assault, corruption and other misconduct by members of the security services during the national lockdown that was announced by H.E. the President of the Republic of Zimbabwe and provided for in Statutory Instrument 83 of 2020 – Public Health (COVID-19 Prevention, Containment and Treatment) (National Lockdown) Order, 2020 from 30th of March, 2020, to the 19th of April, 2020;
AWARE that although the High Court of Zimbabwe, on April 16, 2020, granted an interim order – in a case that challenged torture, inhumane and degrading conduct, disregard of human dignity and violation of the Constitution by members of the Police Service and the Zimbabwe National Army – requiring members the security services to respect human rights, dignity and fundamental freedoms when enforcing the National Lockdown regulations, such an order does not provide for the investigation of complaints against misconduct and the remedying harm caused by such misconduct.
WORRIED that the absence of an effective and independent mechanism envisaged under Section 210 deprives members of the public a constitutionally prescribed avenue for redress; MINDFUL that asking members of the public to report complaints about misconduct on the part of members of the security services and expect remedies any harm caused by such misconduct to internal mechanism provided by the security services is woefully inadequate to satisfy the dictates of Section 210 which requires an effective and independent mechanism.
NOW THEREFORE your petitioner beseeches the Parliament of Zimbabwe to exercise its constitutional role and address the following issues of public concern:
Ensure the promulgation of an Act of Parliament envisaged by Section 210 of the Constitution to provide an effective and independent mechanism for receiving and investigating complaints from members of the public about misconduct on the part of members of the security services, and for remedying any harm caused by such misconduct; Ensure the protection of the public through Parliament’s oversight functions vis-à-vis the aforesaid mechanism; Subject the relevant mechanism to such oversight as may be provided in the relevant Act of Parliament; and Inquire, using its constitutionally provided oversight function, into reports of assault and other misconduct by members of the security services during the national lockdown.
PETITIONER’S PLEA AND PRAYER:
The petitioners beseech the Parliament of Zimbabwe to exercise its constitutional mandate to give effect to Section 210 of the Constitution and inquire into reports of assault and other misconduct by members of the security services during the national lockdown.
WHEREFORE, we pray that your Honourable House will be pleased to take this case into favourable consideration, and grant any other such relief as it may deem fit,
AND your petitioner, as in duty bound, will ever pray.
Former Zimbabwe international striker Alois Bunjira has formally thrown his name into ring for the battle for the 2022 ZIFA presidency.
He becomes the second aspirant after United Kingdom-based Ellen Chiwenga. Benjani Mwaruwari, the former Warriors captain, has also been touted as a possible challenger for the post.
Incumbent ZIFA president, Felton Kamambo, has not officially announced he will seek a second term.
Bunjira took to Facebook to announce his candidature and said he has always believed he had a lot to offer to Zimbabwe football.
“Deep down I have always believed I have a lot to offer to Zimbabwe football,’’ he wrote. “I may as well take it up and contest. Yes, I am up for it 2022.
“Football, indeed, needs to be sorted out guys. With the support of everyone involved, Zimbabwe football can rise again, yes ,manifesto is coming soon.
“Lets go for it.’’
Contacted yesterday, Bunjira, who started his club football with Darryn T before moving to Blackpool and later CAPS United, confirmed penning the Facebook post.
Bunjira will have to convince the 60 members of the congress who vote that he has what it takes to take Zimbabwean football to a higher level.
Before that, however, the electoral court has to be satisfied that he meets the requirements of Article 32 sub section 4 of the ZIFA Constitution that says candidates for the office of ZIFA presidency must have been active in football administration for at least five years .
During his playing career, Bunjira was a speedy and dribbling wizard, who left many a defender looking foolish, while trying their level best to stop him.
It has to be seen if he will be able to dribble his way into the top echolens of Zimbabwean football in 2022.
Already, Didier Drogba, the finest Ivorian footballer of all-time, is finding it difficult to win the presidency of his country’s football controlling body.
The former Chelsea hitman did not get a vote from his former counterparts in the national team.
Meanwhile, former Ghana Football Association vice-president, Fred Pappoe, has said that the GFA cannot share the stimulus package yet to come from FIFA to the clubs.
The GFA are set to receive US$500,000 as stimulus package from FIFA. The money is expected to be used as operational cost of the FA for the year 2019/20 season.
Some club administrators have been demanding for a share of the money from the GFA, but Pappoe said the GFA cannot give out the money without permission from FIFA.
“The money is for FA operational expenses and there are clearly guidelines on what the money can be used.
“It makes it difficult if clubs are demanding for a share of the money. “The prescription and guidelines which accompanies the money will not allow the GFA to do that”, Pappoe told Happy 98.9 FM.
“The monies given to the GFA will be accounted for and there will be auditing as well by FIFA”. State Media/Herald
By Dr Masimba Mavaza | The Zimbabwean UK and Western World expatriates money sent for the upkeep of families in Zimbabwe regularly. This makes them the breadwinners for their families.
This expat community made up mainly of professionals in health & social care are on the frontline of the COVID-19 pandemic. To date almost 40 Zimbabweans are known to have died in the line of duty. These heroic unsung soldiers have died together with the help they give to their families in Zimbabwe and the nation at large.
There are a lot factors which will change the economic face of the economy. Coronavirus has caused an interruption of business and income and an inability to move around to access points of transactions (although cashless solutions are increasingly being put in Zimbabweans abroad sent home billions in cash every year. The Corona virus will reduce this drastically and half of those in the frontline and abroad will be incapacitated by death or long effects of the Corona virus.
If there is little or no impact in the economy of our key corridors (which is unlikely) and there is an impact on the economy of Zimbabwe due to slow down in business and resulting unemployment, then the demand for assistance would grow, but the source of this income will be as said dead or indeed incapacitated.
The money which has been sent to Zimbabwe has helped the nation in many ways. This cash is vital for local communities and economies. The disruption caused by coronavirus could have a significant impact on these remittance flows.
As the coronavirus pandemic hits jobs and wages in many sectors of the global economy that depend on migrants, a slowdown in the amount of money these workers send back home to their families looks increasingly likely.
These international remittances will be crucial in transmitting the unfolding economic crisis in richer countries to poorer countries. They will fundamentally shape how, and the pace at which, the world recovers from coronavirus.
Remittances shelter a large number of poor and vulnerable households, underpinning the survival strategies of over four million Zimbabweans surviving on them. While the majority of remittances are small sums of money, spent by recipients on everyday subsistence needs including food, education and health, this has lifted a heavy burden on the shoulders of the government and its social service department.
The World Bank has predicted that within five years, diaspora remittances will outstrip overseas aid and foreign direct investment combined, reflecting the extent to which global financial flows have been reshaped by migration. The deaths of Zimbabwean bread winners abroad will impact the nation more than they can imagine.
Again the social distancing and lockdown measures used to contain the spread of coronavirus have led to a global economic slump, with the International Monetary Fund predicting the global economy will contract by 3% in 2020. This means Zimbabwe’s economy will face a double edged sword. This will be the effect of the lockdown and the loss of the bread winners. The deaths of these Zimbabwean frontline soldiers in the foreign land is not only a loss to their relatives but a loss to Zimbabwe as a whole. These issues make this looming crisis particularly salient for the diasporas who generate remittances.
The greatest threat to Zimbabwe and its migrant breadwinners is that diasporan workers tend to work in sectors that are particularly vulnerable at times of an economic downturn and have less employee protections.
They are also more likely to be self-employed as they plunge themselves into the danger zone. This has resulted in such a high number of the deaths among the Zimbabwean health workers abroad. Those who have survived the virus and have lost their employment the access they have to public funds is with some exceptions specifically restricted as a condition of their visas. So it’s uncertain whether they will be able to access the already limited government interventions to mitigate the effects of the pandemic.
Some Zimbabweans who are registered as self employed do not pay taxes. So accessing public fund depends on their tax returns. This spells doom to the self employed and indeed all those who rely on them. In order to close the gap, the Zimbabwean workers abroad adopt a series of strategies or tactics to cope. They often continue to work in compromised circumstances, such as in jobs with lower wages, poor working conditions and, in the current crisis, exposure to infection. They also restrict their spending – and contemplate a return back home.
In the UK, some migrants are hyper-visible NHS doctors and nurses. Their labour has been somewhat belatedly acknowledged by the government, and their importance to the health service demonstrated by the Home Office’s decision to extend all visas of health workers coming up for renewal by a year.
But many some Zimbabwean migrants are hidden and largely unsung heroes who continue to work in so-called semi-skilled or unskilled jobs in sectors such as food manufacturing and delivery, social care and cleaning. High rates of infection among these sectors are partly attributable to their concentration in these “close-contact” professions where home working is not an option. This includes public transport drivers delivery drivers plumbers electricians housing managers shop keepers and many other jobs which requires brushing sides with the public.
Early predictions of the impact of coronavirus on remittances detail significant declines.
While there is a lot of money promised to the world by the IMF this money will not reach house holds. Most of it will fatten the pockets of the corrupt power holders and In contrast, remittances often reaches its destination and constitute a significant safety net for vulnerable households.
With African culture and the Zimbabwean spirit of Ubuntu as Hon Nyati, Shurugwi MP mentions that “remittances don’t just reach immediate household members but are also distributed among extended family and friends, and they also support local economies through family payments to shopkeepers and construction workers.”
Hon. Nyathi went on to say the remittances will pay maids herd boys, some have started small businesses which are supported by diaspora all these will fall down on the death of one diasporans who is behind such remittance”.
Another Member of Parliament and deputy minister of Defence who is the National Political Commissar Cde Victor Matemadanda said “Zimbabwe pays great respect to our diaspora. They are heroes and heroines in their way. They have sustained Zimbabwe for a long time and we salute each one of them.” Cde Matemadanda lamented the demise of many of these heroes particularly in the health sector.
He said “ our tears will never dry, we mourn these gallant heroes and heroines they have done well and we will bury them with owner they deserve. Zimbabwe has lost a lot in them and may it comfort their relatives that their relations did not die in vain.
“They have sustained the nation when the nation was set to fail by the sanctions our own children held fort for us. May their souls rest in peace”. Matemadanda said.
Zimbabwean households are heavily dependent upon remittances, any disruption in flows sent by these heroes further exacerbate food insecurity and poverty in our people.
Zimbabwe does not take pride in poverty it was therefore a sacrifice by these fallen nurses doctors and health and essential staff who perished in diaspora to leave the comfort of their country to be treated as second class in foreign land all for their national pride.
“We as a country will return the favour and we indeed honour these heroes. We thank them all across any political barriers they are Zimbabweans and Zimbabwe is the only country they can call theirs.”
Cde Ronald Robson Nyathi MP urged the richer nations to respond to the current crisis with the full knowledge that this will have significant economic ramifications for countries dependent on remittances. Richer nations must adopt inclusive economic policies which both protect the livelihoods of migrants and reduce the socio-economic impacts of the pandemic. Their jobs are linked to the survival of millions of others.
Cde Tapedza nhamo Kapfunde of United Kingdom said “ the Coronavirus will have long lasting impacts like loss of family income with a greater one on general family upkeep, rented housing eviction due to rent arrears despite the SI 96 2020. Again with the demise of these bread winners due to schoolfee non payment will be high and families will also struggle to pay for their health bills.
There will be an abrupt stop to residential building projects which were funded from UK. There are those who were buying properties by instalments this will be stopped with great loss to many. The Impact will be felt by wide community:
Shops, Schools, Transporters Hardware.”
So COVID is indeed horrible but its evil rage is left for all to see.
Farai Dziva|A Non Governmental Organisation, ICOD Zimbabwe has written a petition to the Speaker of Parliament, Jacob Mudenda, expressing concerns about “gross abuse of human rights by the police force.”
ZRP Cops have been accused of assaulting civilians during the lockdown.
See part of the petition written by ICOD Zim:
ACKNOWLEDGING that the Constitution of Zimbabwe Amendment (No. 20) Act, 2013 (Constitution) mandates Parliament of Zimbabwe to make laws, carry out executive oversight and discharge a representative role, as well as protect the Constitution and democratic governance in Zimbabwe;
COGNISANT that in the exercise of its legislative function and authority Parliament can in fact initiate, prepare, consider or reject any legislation; RECOGNISING that the State and all institutions and agencies of government at every level are accountable to Parliament; AWARE that Section 210 (Independent complaints mechanism) of the Constitution peremptorily requires:
An Act of Parliament must provide an effective and independent mechanism for receiving and investigating complaints from members of the public about misconduct on the part of members of the security services, and for remedying any harm caused by such misconduct; MINDFUL of the following peremptory provisions of the Constitution [t]he national security of Zimbabwe must be secured in compliance with this Constitution and the law.
Section 206(2) (National Security) [i]n particular, the protection of national security must be pursued with the utmost respect for (a) the fundamental rights and freedoms and the democratic values and principles enshrined in this Constitution; and (b) the rule of law. Section 206(3) (National Security); [t]he security services are subject to the authority of this Constitution, the President and Cabinet and are subject to parliamentary oversight. Section 207(2) (Security Services); [m]embers of the security services must act in accordance with this Constitution and the law.
Section 208(1) (Conduct of members of security services); and [n]either the security services nor any of their members may, in the exercise of their functions violate the fundamental rights or freedoms of any person.
Section 208(2)(d) (Conduct of members of security services) CONCERNED that close to seven years since the adoption of the Constitution in 2013, no tangible action has been taken towards realising the constitutional imperative of an effective and independent mechanism for receiving and investigating complaints from members of the public about misconduct on the part of members of the security services, and for remedying any harm caused by such misconduct; DISTURBED by reports of assault, corruption and other misconduct by members of the security services during the national lockdown that was announced by H.E. the President of the Republic of Zimbabwe and provided for in Statutory Instrument 83 of 2020 – Public Health (COVID-19 Prevention, Containment and Treatment) (National Lockdown) Order, 2020 from 30th of March, 2020, to the 19th of April, 2020;
AWARE that although the High Court of Zimbabwe, on April 16, 2020, granted an interim order – in a case that challenged torture, inhumane and degrading conduct, disregard of human dignity and violation of the Constitution by members of the Police Service and the Zimbabwe National Army – requiring members the security services to respect human rights, dignity and fundamental freedoms when enforcing the National Lockdown regulations, such an order does not provide for the investigation of complaints against misconduct and the remedying harm caused by such misconduct.
WORRIED that the absence of an effective and independent mechanism envisaged under Section 210 deprives members of the public a constitutionally prescribed avenue for redress; MINDFUL that asking members of the public to report complaints about misconduct on the part of members of the security services and expect remedies any harm caused by such misconduct to internal mechanism provided by the security services is woefully inadequate to satisfy the dictates of Section 210 which requires an effective and independent mechanism.
NOW THEREFORE your petitioner beseeches the Parliament of Zimbabwe to exercise its constitutional role and address the following issues of public concern:
Ensure the promulgation of an Act of Parliament envisaged by Section 210 of the Constitution to provide an effective and independent mechanism for receiving and investigating complaints from members of the public about misconduct on the part of members of the security services, and for remedying any harm caused by such misconduct; Ensure the protection of the public through Parliament’s oversight functions vis-à-vis the aforesaid mechanism; Subject the relevant mechanism to such oversight as may be provided in the relevant Act of Parliament; and Inquire, using its constitutionally provided oversight function, into reports of assault and other misconduct by members of the security services during the national lockdown.
PETITIONER’S PLEA AND PRAYER:
The petitioners beseech the Parliament of Zimbabwe to exercise its constitutional mandate to give effect to Section 210 of the Constitution and inquire into reports of assault and other misconduct by members of the security services during the national lockdown.
WHEREFORE, we pray that your Honourable House will be pleased to take this case into favourable consideration, and grant any other such relief as it may deem fit,
AND your petitioner, as in duty bound, will ever pray.
The Ministry would like to report that all the PCR tests done in Harare and Bulawayo on the 1st of May 2020 were negative for COVID- 19.
Today a total of 1 436 tests were done giving a total of 10 727 screening and diagnostic tests done to date Results to follow tomorrow.
Therefore to date, Zimbabwe has thirty-four confirmed cases. including five recoveries and four deaths.
The Ministry continues to be on HIGH alert to the COVID-I9 pandemic and would like to remind the nation to remain vigilant in the prevention of COVID-19 The most effective ways to protect yourself and others against COVID-19 are to practise good personal hygiene and exercise social distancing including.
Washing of hands frequently with soap and water or make use of of an alcohol-based hand-rub Covering your mouth with tissue paper when coughing or sneezing Avoid contact with people who are sick. coughing or sneezing Maintaining at least 1 metre sidtance between yourself and others.
SCHOOLS that have unilaterally hiked fees and those charging foreign currency without approval risk deregistration, Government has warned.
Primary and Secondary Education Minister Ambassador Cain Mathema yesterday said schools should strictly adhere to current regulations.
The second term was supposed to begin this week but President Emmerson Mnangagwa indicated that conditions are not yet conducive for a safe learning environment, especially in the wake of growing coronavirus cases.
Despite being closed, most private schools are demanding upwardly reviewed fees, which have raised the ire of parents and guardians, who view them as exorbitant.
Minister Mathema said schools that intend to hike their fees should seek approval first, while those demanding foreign currency should stop the practice forthwith.
“I must warn them that I will not hesitate to deregister those out of line. We need as many schools open as possible, but regulations must be adhered to,” he said.
“Some schools even have the guts to charge in US dollars, openly, in broad daylight — we are saying that is not good. It must stop!”
Amb Mathema said the Education Act provides for the approval of any changes in school fees for both private and public institutions.
“I have seen some invoices but as Government, we don’t think this is the right time for people to be asking about money when everyone else is worried about human life.
“Having said that, I would like to emphasise that all fees increases have to be approved by the Permanent Secretary (Mrs Thabela Tumisang) and there are no such applications at the ministry yet.”-State media
SCHOOLS that have unilaterally hiked fees and those charging foreign currency without approval risk deregistration, Government has warned.
Primary and Secondary Education Minister Ambassador Cain Mathema yesterday said schools should strictly adhere to current regulations.
The second term was supposed to begin this week but President Emmerson Mnangagwa indicated that conditions are not yet conducive for a safe learning environment, especially in the wake of growing coronavirus cases.
Despite being closed, most private schools are demanding upwardly reviewed fees, which have raised the ire of parents and guardians, who view them as exorbitant.
Minister Mathema said schools that intend to hike their fees should seek approval first, while those demanding foreign currency should stop the practice forthwith.
“I must warn them that I will not hesitate to deregister those out of line. We need as many schools open as possible, but regulations must be adhered to,” he said.
“Some schools even have the guts to charge in US dollars, openly, in broad daylight — we are saying that is not good. It must stop!”
Amb Mathema said the Education Act provides for the approval of any changes in school fees for both private and public institutions.
“I have seen some invoices but as Government, we don’t think this is the right time for people to be asking about money when everyone else is worried about human life.
“Having said that, I would like to emphasise that all fees increases have to be approved by the Permanent Secretary (Mrs Thabela Tumisang) and there are no such applications at the ministry yet.”-State media
By A Correspondent- A suspected group of thieves in one night in Bulawayo stole a total of 60 taps in Njube suburb.
The incident reportedly occurred on Friday night and was confirmed by the Bulawayo police spokesperson, Inspector Abednico Ncube who said:
Investigations are in progress and we believe the thieves could be people who live within the community so we urge those that might have information which might assist the police solve the crimes to come forward.
People reportedly woke up to find their taps missing the following day and according to Inspector Ncube, only 8 residents have reported the midnight raid that was allegedly targeting brass taps.-StateMedia
By A Correspondent- Up to date, 380 people who were contacts of COVID-19 cases in Bulawayo have been successfully traced, and necessary testings and follow-ups have been conducted.
This was revealed by Bulawayo mayor Councillor Solomon Mguni who spoke to the publication and said:
A total of 380 contacts of all the positive cases have since been identified, classified and followed up. As it stands at least 11 cases are due to active local transmission. Efforts to prudently implement effective outbreak containment measures are ongoing.
The city has also conducted testing of at least 101 residents of the gated community and all the RT-PCR and RDT tested negative for the pandemic. In Event Based Surveillance the seven Rapid Response Teams activated on 27 February 2020 have been following up rumours of possible suspected cases of Covid-19 since then
Bulawayo has recorded 12 COVID-19 cases including one death so far. However, 2 people have so far violated self-isolation in the City, a Matar Dei Nurse aide who attended to the city’s fatality and a ZIMRA employee who was placed on self-isolation after hee colleague tested positive for the virus.-StateMedia
By A Correspondent- The government is considering chartering a plane to repatriate Zimbabweans in China who have indicated they want to come back home.
This was revealed by Foreign Affairs and International Trade Deputy Minister David Musabayana who said this to the state media:
Then we have about 200 people in China who have expressed their interest to come back home and the Government is working out the best way possible to evacuate them
We are thinking of chartering a plane to bring them home. That issue is now before the taskforce together with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (and International Trade) to work out modalities on how those people can be evacuated
This comes amid reports that close to 4000 Zimbabweans in other countries have indicated that they want to come back home as they face lockdown induced hardships in other countries.
By A Correspondent- The Zimbabwean government is not amused by the unprocedural manner in which Botswana is deporting Zimbabwean citizens.
Vice President Kembo Mohadi said that Botswana was not giving Zimbabwe a notice when carrying out the exercise, presenting challenges on quarantining the deportees.
Mohadi, who is the National Chairman of the Ministerial Taskforce on Covid-19, was speaking on the sidelines of a tour of isolation and quarantine centres in Plumtree Town on Saturday.
He said:
I am not hearing this for the first time, we even heard that complaint at the national level that Botswana is not advising us in advance on how many people they will be bringing.
Mangwe District Social Welfare Officer Mr Sicelo Nyathi said deportees from Botswana were also complaining that they were mistreated in the neighbouring country.
Said Nyathi:
We had a woman who came in her nightdress and it was fortunate that we had received a donation of clothes so we were able to provide clothes to those that didn’t have.
Plumtree High School and Allen Redfern primary school have been set aside In Plumtree Town for isolating and quarantining returnees.-StateMedia
By A Correspondent- MDC legislator for Bulawayo East Ilos Nyoni has said the problem of limited subsidised mealie meal is hampering the coronavirus fight as people ignore social distancing while queuing for the scarce commodity.
Nyoni said:
“Despite the covid19 pandemic people ignore the recommended social distancing in search of the staple food. The major question is what is the way forward? Suggestions have been made that to limit these crowds that are not in compliance with social distancing mealie meal should be delivered at door steps of each resident. It is doubtful if this is possible,” he said.
“We are all aware that food shortages and water challenges are a result of the current drought. The remedy in the short term is for the relevant authorities to avail adequate funding to import enough maize, then flood the shops with subsidised mealie meal as this is a clear case of supply and demand.”
By A Correspondent- Health experts have warned government against complacence in the enforcement of the new stay-at-home order, especially regarding the informal sector amid fears any slip-up could boomerang with disastrous consequences.
This comes as President Emmerson Mnangagwa announced on Friday an extension of the country’s Coronavirus (Covid-19) lockdown, albeit with relaxed conditions, that will see more businesses reopening to balance the people’s health needs and national economic interests.
While the Senior Hospital Doctors Association (SHDA) hailed the decision by government saying it was informed by the need to alleviate hunger among the poor in the informal sector and that they were happy with the restoration of the quarantine days from eight back to 21 days, they were still concerned about its capacity to control the informal sector.
In announcing the lockdown extension Mnangagwa made it mandatory for citizens to always wear face masks outside their homes to curtail the spread of the virus.-DailyNews
By A Correspondent- Vice President Kembo Mohadi who is also the chairperson of the Ad-Hoc Inter-Ministerial Taskforce committee met the Bulilima and Mangwe district Taskforce teams to check the state of preparedness in the district in terms of mitigating the spread of Covid-19.
He toured Plumtree High School which has been turned a quarantine Centre for returnees from Botswana and Plumtree Hospital which has been earmarked as an isolation Centre.
VP Mohadi urged the nation to unite during this pandemic and work in ensuring the virus is contained.
Dingumuzi Phitu said as Bulilima West legislator, he represented the community l serve and we continue to mobilise resources such as PPEs, sanitisers and masks which are to be distributed to the rural clinics and a rural hospital in the constituency.
“Last week as l was delivering infrared thermometers l observed that the rural clinics and one rural hospital on the constituency have put in measures to ensure there are ready to attend to suspected Covid-19 cases,” he said.
“In the coming week we expect to have sourced enough sanitisers to be donated to the health sector, business centres among other places in the constituency.”-online
Below is state media evidence showing that Emmerson Mnangagwa has entered into a military contract with Mozambique’s Phillip Nyusi.
It comes as Government spokesman Nick Mangwana sought to claim that Zimbabwe is not at all deploying soldiers to assist Mozambique fight militants in that country’s northern province.
By ZBC Reporter
PRESIDENT Emmerson Mnangagwa and his Mozambican counterpart Filipe Nyusi have strongly condemned acts of terror being perpetrated in the provinces of Cabo Delgado, Manila and Sofala as they undermine efforts towards peace and development.
President Mnangagwa, who chairs the SADC organ on politics, defence and security cooperation left Harare this Thursday morning for a one-day working visit to Mozambique where he held a bilateral meeting with his counterpart President Filipe Nyusi who is the deputy chairperson of SADC.
A joint communique issued after the meeting outlines a number of issues that the two leaders discussed, among them the security situation in Cabo Delgado province and parts of Manica and Sofala. Cabo Delgado is home to Africa’s three largest liquid natural gas projects namely the Mozambique LNG project, total and Rovuma LNG project.
However, local communities are now facing increasing violence with the armed groups reportedly carrying out attacks, murders and destruction of public and private property. The leaders strongly denounced the acts which undermine efforts towards peace and development.
On another note, the two leaders were satisfied with bilateral cooperation in the political, defence and security fields which they both agreed have progressed positively and within the framework of current legal instruments.
They also shared and exchanged views on the political, economic and social situation prevailing in the two countries, the southern African region and the world at large.
Joint actions to strengthen the political, economic and social cooperation between the two friendly nations were also outlined during the meeting.
The SADC region has remained relatively calm and the two leaders stressed the need for greater cooperation in addressing challenges arising from the less favourable macro-economic environment.
The two leaders made an appeal to multilateral and other financial institutions to continue to support countries in the region to cope with Covid-19 and its harmful socio-economic bearing.
A call was also made by the two leaders for the immediate lifting of illegal sanctions imposed on Zimbabwe by the west and its allies so as to enable the country to focus on development without any hindrances.
The two southern African countries are fighting the Covid-19 pandemic, with Mozambique having recorded 76 positive cases of Covid-19 as of this Wednesday and no deaths, while Zimbabwe has recorded 40 positive cases, 5 recoveries and four deaths.
President Mnangagwa and his counterpart welcomed progress achieved in the implementation of their governments’ programmes.
Zimbabwe and Mozambique are committed to upgrading the framework of bilateral cooperation from the Joint Permanent Commission on Cooperation to a Bi-National Commission, as the two countries move to strengthen economic ties.
The two leaders pledged to hold the next meeting of the joint permanent commission on cooperation as soon as the current threat brought about by Covid-19 allows, but bilateral interaction at all levels using information communication technologies like teleconferencing will be carried out.
Harare and Maputo are exploring ways of deepening economic relations and in the meeting the two heads of state undertook to work together to harness the potential in the two countries to roll out concrete projects that will involve private sectors from both countries.
President Nyusi extended an invitation to President Mnangagwa for a state visit as soon as the situation allows and president Mnangagwa accepted the invitation.
Mnangagwa was accompanied by Minister of Defence and War Veterans Affairs Cde Oppah Muchinguri Kashiri and were joined in the meeting by Zimbabwe’s ambassador to Mozambique retired lieutenant general Douglas Nyikayaramba and staff from the president’s office.
VP Mohadi, who is the National Chairman of the Ministerial Taskforce on Covid-19, was speaking on the sidelines of a tour of isolation and quarantine centres in Plumtree Town yesterday at Plumtree High School and Allen Redfern primary school.
Vice President Kembo Mohadi has said the deportation of Zimbabweans from Botswana was not being done procedurally as the neighbouring country was not giving the Government a notice when carrying out the exercise, presenting challenges on quarantining the deportees.
The VP who was accompanied by the Minister of Environment, Climate, Tourism and Hospitality Industry, Cde Mangaliso Ndlovu and Member of Parliament for Bulilima West and Deputy Minister of Information, Communication Technologies, Postal and Courier Services
Dingumuzi Phuthi among others said it was unfortunate that the process was not being carried out in a systematic manner. “I am not hearing this for the first time, we even heard that complaint at the national level that Botswana is not advising us in advance on how many people they will be bringing,” said VP Mohadi.
VP Mohadi said he has concluded the tour of all provinces to assess the country’s preparedness to Covid-19. Turning to the state of facilities in Matabeleland South, VP Mohadi said the places were habitable.
“You recall that this is the first place that takes people we receive from Botswana and we had some challenges there, we didn’t even have the beds to provide those people. But as of now we have mattresses and blankets and people are being well-fed, there is no problem in terms of food. Water reticulation is in place and the sewer system is in place, so I’m very much impressed on the progress that has taken place,” he said.
Mangwe District Social Welfare Officer Mr Sicelo Nyathi said deportees from Botswana were also complaining about how they were treated in Botswana.
“We had a woman who came in her nightdress and it was fortunate that we had received a donation of clothes so we were able to provide clothes to those that didn’t have. We received blankets from the Zimbabwe Revenue Authority and the Ministry (Public Service, Labour and Social Welfare) also bought some, we do not have any challenges now in terms of blankets.
Food is enough, people are being fed and we are receiving advice from our nutritionist in terms of our diet. In terms of toiletries, everything has been provided as well as sanitary wear for women and pampers for babies. Social workers are also present in all the facilities to offer psycho-social support to the deportees.”
Below is state media evidence showing that Emmerson Mnangagwa has entered into a military contract with Mozambique’s Phillip Nyusi.
It comes as Government spokesman Nick Mangwana sought to claim that Zimbabwe is not at all deploying soldiers to assist Mozambique fight militants in that country’s northern province.
By ZBC Reporter
PRESIDENT Emmerson Mnangagwa and his Mozambican counterpart Filipe Nyusi have strongly condemned acts of terror being perpetrated in the provinces of Cabo Delgado, Manila and Sofala as they undermine efforts towards peace and development.
President Mnangagwa, who chairs the SADC organ on politics, defence and security cooperation left Harare this Thursday morning for a one-day working visit to Mozambique where he held a bilateral meeting with his counterpart President Filipe Nyusi who is the deputy chairperson of SADC.
A joint communique issued after the meeting outlines a number of issues that the two leaders discussed, among them the security situation in Cabo Delgado province and parts of Manica and Sofala. Cabo Delgado is home to Africa’s three largest liquid natural gas projects namely the Mozambique LNG project, total and Rovuma LNG project.
However, local communities are now facing increasing violence with the armed groups reportedly carrying out attacks, murders and destruction of public and private property. The leaders strongly denounced the acts which undermine efforts towards peace and development.
On another note, the two leaders were satisfied with bilateral cooperation in the political, defence and security fields which they both agreed have progressed positively and within the framework of current legal instruments.
They also shared and exchanged views on the political, economic and social situation prevailing in the two countries, the southern African region and the world at large.
Joint actions to strengthen the political, economic and social cooperation between the two friendly nations were also outlined during the meeting.
The SADC region has remained relatively calm and the two leaders stressed the need for greater cooperation in addressing challenges arising from the less favourable macro-economic environment.
The two leaders made an appeal to multilateral and other financial institutions to continue to support countries in the region to cope with Covid-19 and its harmful socio-economic bearing.
A call was also made by the two leaders for the immediate lifting of illegal sanctions imposed on Zimbabwe by the west and its allies so as to enable the country to focus on development without any hindrances.
The two southern African countries are fighting the Covid-19 pandemic, with Mozambique having recorded 76 positive cases of Covid-19 as of this Wednesday and no deaths, while Zimbabwe has recorded 40 positive cases, 5 recoveries and four deaths.
President Mnangagwa and his counterpart welcomed progress achieved in the implementation of their governments’ programmes.
Zimbabwe and Mozambique are committed to upgrading the framework of bilateral cooperation from the Joint Permanent Commission on Cooperation to a Bi-National Commission, as the two countries move to strengthen economic ties.
The two leaders pledged to hold the next meeting of the joint permanent commission on cooperation as soon as the current threat brought about by Covid-19 allows, but bilateral interaction at all levels using information communication technologies like teleconferencing will be carried out.
Harare and Maputo are exploring ways of deepening economic relations and in the meeting the two heads of state undertook to work together to harness the potential in the two countries to roll out concrete projects that will involve private sectors from both countries.
President Nyusi extended an invitation to President Mnangagwa for a state visit as soon as the situation allows and president Mnangagwa accepted the invitation.
President Mnangagwa was accompanied by Minister of Defence and War Veterans Affairs Cde Oppah Muchinguri Kashiri and were joined in the meeting by Zimbabwe’s ambassador to Mozambique retired lieutenant general Douglas Nyikayaramba and staff from the president’s office.
In a leaked letter, Mthuli Ncube acknowledged there are necessary reforms President Emmerson Mnangagwa’s government must undertake, including contentious political reforms.
Zimbabwe’s finance minister, Mthuli Ncube, has issued an impassioned plea to international finance institutions, laying bare the country’s battered economy and saying it faces “catastrophe” if it does not access critical bailout funding to fight the combined impact of crippling drought and the coronavirus pandemic.
In a leaked letter, the authenticity of which has been confirmed by a senior government official, Ncube wrote to the International Monetary Fund, the World Bank and other international institutions, saying the country faced record poverty levels.
Ncube said without a transformative arrears clearance and re-engagement plan, Zimbabwe could “suffer a health and economic catastrophe” and the economy could contract by as much as 20%.
“This is a massive contraction with very serious social consequences,” that could “raise poverty to levels not seen in recent times,” reads part of the letter.
Zimbabwe, which cleared its debts with the IMF, still owes other international lenders more than US$9 billion, and has, since 2009, struggled to restructure these debts.
No support forthcoming
The debt arrears have contributed to Zimbabwe being unable to access any global funding to combat the impact of the Covid-19 pandemic.
At this year’s spring meetings, IMF Director: African Department, Abebe Aemro Selassie, told a press conference that Zimbabwe was not eligible for international support.
“Unfortunately, Zimbabwe continues to have arrears to the World Bank and AfDB which is a constraint on our ability to lend to the country,” Selassie said.
Not enough money locally
In his letter, however, Ncube said domestic resources to mitigate the impact of the pandemic were insufficient.
This is at a time the Covid-19 pandemic is expected to have a devastating health, humanitarian and economic impact on Zimbabwe, he added.
Ncube said there was simply no fiscal space to intervene, meaning there could be a drastic increase in already-unmanageable inflation rates, and the exchange rate could be destabilised.
Promise of reforms
In an unexpected move, he acknowledged that there are necessary reforms President Emmerson Mnangagwa’s government must undertake, including contentious political reforms.
In return, Ncube is hoping for a debt rescheduling of 15 years, or cancellation of all official bilateral arrears.
The eventual normalisation of financial relationships will make Zimbabwe eligible for various support facilities available to fragile countries.
After giving conflicting statements on exemption letters under Covid-19 lockdown Level Two guidelines announced by President Emmerson Mnangagwa on Friday, government spokesperson Ndavaningi Nick Mangwana has attempted to clarify the new official position.
In an interview with Sunday News, Mangwana said the exemption letters were not part of the law but police may ask for them for administrative purposes. Said Mangwana:
The exemption letters were not part of the law as such but what will prevail is that the police will ask people just to produce proof of where they are going.
For example, when people are going to a funeral, the police may ask for the proof, which is for administrative purposes but the policy will then be the number of people meant to attend a funeral.
The police may ask people to prove that they work under the category of industry and commerce. People can then produce these exemption letters, in some cases, this can take the form of company identification documents.
Meanwhile, the Deputy Minister for Information, Publicity and Broadcasting Services, Energy Mutodi has said members of the public who will venture into the Central Business District, shops or public places without masks will be arrested. He tweeted:
“With effect from tomorrow Monday 4 May, police will arrest anyone seen without putting on a mask in the CBD, entering shops or any public places.”
The family of the late staunch Dynamos fan Freddy ‘Pasuwa’ Mugadza is seeking assistance to bring his remains back home for burial.
Mugadza succumbed to a heart attack in the United States of America on the 13th of April.
His child Tanyaradzwa Mugadza, wrote to seek assistance for the late Mugadza’s body to repatriated back to Zimbabwe.
“My name is Tanyaradzwa Mugadza, I am 19 years old. My beloved father Freddy “Pasuwa” Mugadza who I last saw when I was very young recently sadly passed away in the USA.
My father was one of the best men I knew with the biggest heart ever. He was always thinking about others and was well known for uniting all around him, family members friends and many others.
There never was a moment that went by when he wasn’t phoning or messaging someone to try make sure they were ok or just talk and reassure.
It is with this same love and unity that I’m asking for help in raising funds to have his body repatriated to Zimbabwe for burial so not only myself and his family members can say goodbyes but also his many friends who he regarded as family can also pay their last respects.
Any donation will be greatly appreciated and will go a long way I sincerely thank you in advance for you generosity.
God bless you all,” reads the statement.
Legendary former Dynamos skipper Memory Mucherahowa, speaking from his base in Slough, United Kingdom, urged the DeMbare family to assist the Mugadza family.
“I was not aware that is the situation at hand but regardless, I urge the Dynamos family to be with his family the same way they were always with him.
It’s in times like these we need to unite and assist each other, I know times are hard but if we unite and contribute towards the cause, we can help in bringing his body back home,” Mucherahowa said.-Soccer 24
Jose Mourinho admits he cried after his Real Madrid side lost a Champions League semi-final encounter to Bayern Munich back in 2012.
Madrid were defeated on penalties after the tie had ended 3-3 on aggregate. Cristiano Ronaldo, Kaka and Sergio Ramos all missed from 12 yards as La Liga giants lose it.
Mourinho who now coaches Tottenham told Marca: “That is also football. Cristiano, Kaka, Sergio Ramos. They are three monsters of football, there is no doubt about that.
“But they are also human. That night is the only time I have ever cried after a football match.
“I remember it well: me and Aitor [Karanka] parked in the car in front of my house, crying. It was very hard to take because in that 2011-12 season we were the best team in Europe.”
In their league campaign, Madrid had an outstanding season, who won the championship with 100 points, nine more than Barcelona, setting the record for a single top-flight season in Spain.-Soccer24
The Ministry would like to report that all the PCR tests done in Harare and Bulawayo on the 1st of May 2020 were negative for COVID- 19.
Today a total of 1 436 tests were done giving a total of 10 727 screening and diagnostic tests done to date Results to follow tomorrow.
Therefore to date, Zimbabwe has thirty-four confirmed cases. including five recoveries and four deaths.
The Ministry continues to be on HIGH alert to the COVID-I9 pandemic and would like to remind the nation to remain vigilant in the prevention of COVID-19 The most effective ways to protect yourself and others against COVID-19 are to practise good personal hygiene and exercise social distancing including.
Washing of hands frequently with soap and water or make use of of an alcohol-based hand-rub Covering your mouth with tissue paper when coughing or sneezing Avoid contact with people who are sick. coughing or sneezing Maintaining at least 1 metre sidtance between yourself and others.
The Zimbabwean government is seeking to charter a jumbo jet to fly the corpses of COVID victims from the United Kingdom, an official has said.
The official who is from Foreign Minister SB Moyo’s office, said the government wants to assist diasporans struggling under the pandemic, and asks for people to submit their full names and contact data.
Those wishing to fly their loved ones to their resting place ‘ekhaya’ back home, may submit their names here, or directly to the Zim embassy in London. [a full statement was underway at the time of writing]
Farai Dziva|A Non Governmental Organisation, ICOD Zimbabwe has written a petition to the Speaker of Parliament, Jacob Mudenda, expressing concerns about “gross abuse of human rights by the police force.”
ZRP Cops have been accused of assaulting civilians during the lockdown.
See part of the petition written by ICOD Zim:
ACKNOWLEDGING that the Constitution of Zimbabwe Amendment (No. 20) Act, 2013 (Constitution) mandates Parliament of Zimbabwe to make laws, carry out executive oversight and discharge a representative role, as well as protect the Constitution and democratic governance in Zimbabwe;
COGNISANT that in the exercise of its legislative function and authority Parliament can in fact initiate, prepare, consider or reject any legislation; RECOGNISING that the State and all institutions and agencies of government at every level are accountable to Parliament; AWARE that Section 210 (Independent complaints mechanism) of the Constitution peremptorily requires:
An Act of Parliament must provide an effective and independent mechanism for receiving and investigating complaints from members of the public about misconduct on the part of members of the security services, and for remedying any harm caused by such misconduct; MINDFUL of the following peremptory provisions of the Constitution [t]he national security of Zimbabwe must be secured in compliance with this Constitution and the law.
Section 206(2) (National Security) [i]n particular, the protection of national security must be pursued with the utmost respect for (a) the fundamental rights and freedoms and the democratic values and principles enshrined in this Constitution; and (b) the rule of law. Section 206(3) (National Security); [t]he security services are subject to the authority of this Constitution, the President and Cabinet and are subject to parliamentary oversight. Section 207(2) (Security Services); [m]embers of the security services must act in accordance with this Constitution and the law.
Section 208(1) (Conduct of members of security services); and [n]either the security services nor any of their members may, in the exercise of their functions violate the fundamental rights or freedoms of any person.
Section 208(2)(d) (Conduct of members of security services) CONCERNED that close to seven years since the adoption of the Constitution in 2013, no tangible action has been taken towards realising the constitutional imperative of an effective and independent mechanism for receiving and investigating complaints from members of the public about misconduct on the part of members of the security services, and for remedying any harm caused by such misconduct; DISTURBED by reports of assault, corruption and other misconduct by members of the security services during the national lockdown that was announced by H.E. the President of the Republic of Zimbabwe and provided for in Statutory Instrument 83 of 2020 – Public Health (COVID-19 Prevention, Containment and Treatment) (National Lockdown) Order, 2020 from 30th of March, 2020, to the 19th of April, 2020;
AWARE that although the High Court of Zimbabwe, on April 16, 2020, granted an interim order – in a case that challenged torture, inhumane and degrading conduct, disregard of human dignity and violation of the Constitution by members of the Police Service and the Zimbabwe National Army – requiring members the security services to respect human rights, dignity and fundamental freedoms when enforcing the National Lockdown regulations, such an order does not provide for the investigation of complaints against misconduct and the remedying harm caused by such misconduct.
WORRIED that the absence of an effective and independent mechanism envisaged under Section 210 deprives members of the public a constitutionally prescribed avenue for redress; MINDFUL that asking members of the public to report complaints about misconduct on the part of members of the security services and expect remedies any harm caused by such misconduct to internal mechanism provided by the security services is woefully inadequate to satisfy the dictates of Section 210 which requires an effective and independent mechanism.
NOW THEREFORE your petitioner beseeches the Parliament of Zimbabwe to exercise its constitutional role and address the following issues of public concern:
Ensure the promulgation of an Act of Parliament envisaged by Section 210 of the Constitution to provide an effective and independent mechanism for receiving and investigating complaints from members of the public about misconduct on the part of members of the security services, and for remedying any harm caused by such misconduct; Ensure the protection of the public through Parliament’s oversight functions vis-à-vis the aforesaid mechanism; Subject the relevant mechanism to such oversight as may be provided in the relevant Act of Parliament; and Inquire, using its constitutionally provided oversight function, into reports of assault and other misconduct by members of the security services during the national lockdown.
PETITIONER’S PLEA AND PRAYER:
The petitioners beseech the Parliament of Zimbabwe to exercise its constitutional mandate to give effect to Section 210 of the Constitution and inquire into reports of assault and other misconduct by members of the security services during the national lockdown.
WHEREFORE, we pray that your Honourable House will be pleased to take this case into favourable consideration, and grant any other such relief as it may deem fit,
AND your petitioner, as in duty bound, will ever pray.
The MDC Alliance Assembly of Women today met the North America Province structures in a virtual meeting to console them, showing solidarity during the Covid -19 outbreak.
The leadership comprised the National Chair, Hon Paurina Mpariwa, Vice Chair Hon Mugido, Acting Secretary Monica Mukwada, Organising Secretary Hon Muradzikwa and the Communications Secretary Barbara Tanyanyiwa.
They gave messages of condolences to the relatives and friends of the deceased Zimbabweans in America who succumbed to covid 19. A total number of 15 Zimbabweans have died so far.
She also gave a message of hope to the survivors of the pandemic and all frontline workers, majority of whom are Zimbabweans.
The meeting was the first of its kind to be done under lockdown as virtual meetings are now the order of the day.
She concluded by thanking the ladies for helping the hungry Zimbabweans with food packs and donations of Personal Protective Equipment (PPEs) to local hospitals.
Mai Mpariwa thanked the organisers of the meeting and said more meetings of that nature would be done with other External Assemblies in order for them to stay connected to the National leadership.
Barbara Tanyanyiwa MDC Alliance Assembly of Women Spokesperson
As a People’s party, the MDC Alliance is extremely concerned about the lockdown restrictions that are now clearly working against the interests of the poor and marginalised people of Zimbabwe.
The People’s party is worried that when it was announced that lockdown will be extended for a further 14 days; the new restrictions seems to have favoured the rich and privileged only at the expense of the long suffering poor and marginalised masses such as those in the informal sector.
Indeed, it appears as if the lockdown restrictions have now been relaxed mostly for big business, such as mining, manufacturing and commerce. These sectors are now able to get back to work.
However the great majority of the country’s populace now survives on informal economic activities such as vegetable vending, agricultural produce and clothing selling.
By admission of the relevant national authorities, 95% of the economy is now informal.
The People’s party expected some serious consideration to be given to the informal sector but is shocked to see that this most important sector has once again been overlooked and unkindly treated by the latest policy pronouncements on lockdown.
The bias against the poor and the marginalised communities is very evident in the recently announced stage 2 lockdown.
It is indeed clear to all and sundry that the majority of the population in Zimbabwe that is now so poor can no longer afford to put even a single meal on the tables for their families.
The lockdown extension will without doubt exacerbate the plight of the majority of poor urbanites whose livelihoods are hinged on vending and other informal activities.
What makes it even worse is that the relevant authorities have made pronouncements on rentals and shut a source of livelihood for pensioners and many others whose only source of income is rentals income.
As the People’s party, the MDC Alliance strongly condemns the new lockdown pronouncements due to their blatant bias against the poor and the elderly.
We posit that this is a fight against the poor rather than against the Covid pandemic.
As the People’s party we have been consistently clear that we will join hands with everyone in any fight against COVID-19 and poverty; but we refuse to be part of a fight against the poor and marginalised communities.
It is our considered view that the social safety nets should be immediately upscaled so as to help in catering for the people whose livelihoods have been destroyed by a combination of COVID-19, and bad socio-economic policies and lack of care.
And these intervention should , we emphasize, be transparent and non’partisan.
In the meantime, the MDC Alliance is calling upon all of us as a nation to stand in support of each other, maintain high levels of hygiene, practice social and physical distancing so as to beat the spread of the deadly Corona virus ,and protect ourselves, family and friends .
Sesel Zvidzai Secretary for Projects Livelihoods and Entrepreneurship MDC Alliance
In the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic, Zimbabwe responded with measures to reduce its spread and impact on all citizens.
These include the declaration of a national lockdown which commenced on 30th March 2020 and was effective for an initial 21 days before it was extended by a further 14 days to May 3rd 2020.
In order to mitigate the impact of the national lockdown, on April 29th, 2020, the President promulgated, Presidential Powers (Temporary Measures) Deferral of Rent and Mortgage Payments During National Lockdown) Regulations Statutory Instrument 96 of 2020. The statutory instrument was gazetted in terms of Section 2 of the Presidential Powers (Temporary Measures) Act. SI 96 of 2020 defers payment of rentals in respect of residential premises and all mortgage repayments. This in the view of the Law Society of Zimbabwe, brings about an unjustifiable scenario where a commercial landlord who benefits from a deferment of mortgage repayments can still legitimately demand rental payments from his tenants of the same commercial premises.
In the preamble to the Statutory Instrument it is stated that the instrument was made in the interest of health and public safety, as provided in Section 2 of the Act.
The preamble then goes on to elaborate the situation forming the basis for the Statutory Instrument in the following terms, “on account of the lockdown many people are on forced leave from employment and therefore unable to earn the income necessary to pay for among other things, rentals for residential accommodation and mortgage repayments.”
It is the Law Society of Zimbabwe’s considered view that the above basis as stated in the preamble to the regulations does not meet the criteria set out in Section 2 of the Presidential Powers (Temporary Measures) Act. The situation as given above does not address, the interest of defence, public safety, public order, public morality, public health, the economic interest of Zimbabwe or the general public interest. The situation describes an economic difficulty in respect of a section of the population and only in respect of a section of the national economy. In this regard therefore the Law Society believes the regulations are ultra vires the enabling Act.
Given the foregoing the Society also believes that SI 96 of 2020 would therefore be irrational when measured against the principal law from which it draws its authority. It also fails to take into account the effect of loss of income that would result from the implementation of the SI for individuals who solely rely on rental income. At the same time, the individuals whose property rights are being interfered with, are still liable to pay rates, insurance premiums and other expenses for the same properties. They are also suffering the negative effects of the lockdown. Instead of holistically solving the burden brought about by the lockdown, the SI seeks to take the burden from one citizen and thrust it upon another who may also be suffering the consequences of the lockdown.
It is the expectation of the Law Society of Zimbabwe, its membership and the general populace that government will cause public service providers like Zinwa, Local Authorities and ZESA to suspend or defer charging for their services which are basic needs if the inspiration behind S1 96 of 2020 was to cushion the public against the negative effects of the COVID-19 pandemic.
The Law Society is deeply concerned that SI 96 of 2020 only interferes with contracts between parties in relation to residential properties and leaves out the contracts in respect of commercial properties for no apparent reason. The LSZ believes Government could have approached this issue in a more holistic manner if indeed the rationale was to reduce the burden of COVID-19 effects on the populace.
It is important that during these difficult times and at all times, that every State action must be lawful, transparent, compassionate and conform to domestic and international human rights standard.
By A Correspondent- African remittance company, Mukuru, has pledged to support the relatives of a Zimbabwean National Health Service (NHS) mental health worker who died from Covid-19 – leaving her 12-year-old daughter orphaned in the United Kingdom with no family.
According to the Daily Mail, Rutendo Mukotsanjera, a 45-year-old single mother, who lived in Uttoxeter, Staffordshire, passed away from coronavirus on April 10 after a two week battle with the infection.
Rutendo left her 12-year-old daughter Chiedza, known as Chichi, alone in Britain where she is now being cared for by members of the Renew Church in Uttoxeter, where her mother worshipped.
The Daily Mail further revealed that Rutendo used to work weekends and evenings to regularly send money back home to Zimbabwe through Mukuru, to help her loved ones including her 22-year-old son Shungu Shaun and her mother.
According to her sister Rumbidzai, Rutendo was helping her son by renting him a place in the country’s capital Harare and paying his school fees so he could complete his Secondary education.
Mukuru has now pledged to continue supporting her son and mother by matching her monthly sends from the past year for the next 12 months – roughly £2,300.
The company’s CEO Andy Jury said:
Miss Mukotsanjera was the very embodiment of a Mukuru customer – hardworking, selfless, and the backbone of the family she supported. We were so saddened to hear of Miss Mukotsanjera’s passing.
We would like to continue to support her son in Zimbabwe over the next 12 months, to ensure he is able to continue along the path his mother paved for him.
By Own Correspondent| MultiChoice Zimbabwe has sent out a reminder to existing and potential DStv viewers that they should make use of only accredited installers and agents when they need installations or other technical support services.
Several customers have reported being given defective or substandard products and inadequate support from people posing as DStv installers and agents, but who on investigation turn out to be illegal service providers whose activities are unknown and cannot be guaranteed as safe or worthy.
Liz Dziva, publicity and public relations manager of MultiChoice Zimbabwe, strongly urged all DStv customers and would-be customers to use only those installers and agents whose business names appear on the official and authorised list of DStv accredited installers and agents. “Over the years we have regularly warned that using unauthorised installers could result in loss of money, inadequate service and even exposure to fraudulent activity,“ she said.
“Our message is clear: check first to see who is accredited and who therefore offers services of a known high standard and who can be follow-up on if something were to go wrong.”
DStv accredited installers receive training from qualified technicians and other experts within the MultiChoice organisation, and they liaise closely with in-house technical and administrative staff. Their work is monitored and if a problem arises can be guided to a satisfactory resolution of the problem.
“They use proper equipment, have the necessary know-how and are regularly updated on all relevant information from the MultiChoice organisation,” said Ms Dziva.
“We have no jurisdiction over the illegal operators and customers will lose out, financially and in other ways, if they are mishandled.”
The list of accredited installers and agents can be found at www.dstv.com or www.facebook.DStvZimbabwe.com. “It is unlikely that an accredited installer will provide an unsatisfactory service, but should that happen it can be reported to MultiChoice Zimbabwe and action can be taken to resolve the matter for the customer,” said Ms Dziva.
What president Mugabe said a few months before his last breath: "we call for our return to constitutionality, our return to legality, our return to freedom for our people, an environment in which our people will live freely…" @PeoplesPartyZim@mdczimbabwe@ZANUPF_Officialpic.twitter.com/80f0FrHVeG
By Jane Mlambo| Government has denied reports that it has deployed soldiers to Mozambique to help in the fight against Islamic insurgency.
There were widespread reports that soldiers had been deployed to Mozambique without the blessing of parliament which according to the new constitution enacted in 2013 should approve such a plan, but Nick Mangwana who is the Permanent Secretary in the ministry of information, media and Broadcasting services said Zimbabwe had not deployed any troops.
“We are getting a lot media enquiries on weather Zimbabwe has deployed the Zimbabwe Defence Forces(ZDF) in Mozambique. The answer is that Zimbabwe has not deployed any troops in Mozambique,” said Mangwana.
Last week, President Emmerson Mnangagwa sneaked out of the country to Mozambique where he met his counterpart Fillipe Nyusi to discuss among other things the Islamic insurgency.
Thought a communique from the meeting did not indicate a decision to support Mozambique with troops, there were fears that they could have agreed to such a move.
ZIMBABWE, which is losing a staggering US$3 billion annually as a result of rampant corruption, recovered $1,9 billion during the first quarter of 2020 that could have been lost through leakages,a report by revenue authorities shows.
Bold steps have been taken by the Zimbabwe Revenue Authority (Zimra) to plug massive resource leakages and curtail sleaze following disclosures by the country’s anti-corruption body that the country is being prejudiced of $3 billion every year by cartels and graft.
The bulk of the pilfered resources are spirited away and stashed in foreign jurisdictions with friendly tax laws such as South Africa, Virgin Islands and the United Kingdom (UK).
Currently, Zimra and the Zimbabwe Anti-Corruption Commission are trying to repatriate looted resources from a number of tax havens around the world.
According to Zimra’s 2020 quarterly revenue performance report, the taxman recovered much of the resources as a result of a combination of strategies that included tightening anti-smuggling systems and comprehensive audits.
The report indicates that US$1,9 billion was recovered through curtailing smuggling while a further US$84 million was recouped from robust audit trails.
The recoveries followed revelations that anti-graft bodies were investigating the potential loss of US$1 billion over the past decade as a result of the smuggling of haulage trucks and goods from Zimbabwe and into the region.
In the report on the authority’s performance for the 2020 quarter, Zimra board deputy chairperson Josephine Matambo said a range of measures were introduced to curtail revenue leakages.
“The authority is intensifying efforts to plug revenue leakages through closing of smuggling loopholes, analysing suppliers and IMMT returns,” Matambo said.More in Home
“The authority worked on risk based projects to plug revenue leakages during the quarter.
“The projects include anti-smuggling, verification of suppliers’ compliance and the IMTT.
“On the anti-smuggling project, the authority carries out various post importation audits to verify the accuracy of the declarations made…’’
During the period under review, revenue collections surged by 10.42% to $13, 88 billion against the set target of $12, 57 billion.
The authority raked $1,9 billion during the same comparative period last year.
Individual tax remittances amounted to 17%, companies and Value Added Tax (Vat) on local sales weighed in by 14% while Vat on imported goods stood at 11%.
With cumulative annual revenue collections projected to dip as a result of the raging coronavirus that will see the global economy shrink by 3%, Zimra highlighted that a raft of measures would be rolled out to boost collections.
Zimbabwe’s economy, buffeted by severe economic headwinds that include recurrency volatility, prolonged power cuts and widespread company closures is seen contracting by 7,4% as the devastating effects of coronavirus which causes the Covid-19 respiratory disease become more pronounced.
By year end, Atlas Mara forecasts inflation, currently hovering around 600% to gallop to 1000% due to Covid-19 induced pressures.
By A Correspondent- The women who were quarantined first at Plumtree border post before being taken to a Bulawayo quarantine centre exposed military brutality at the facility where soldiers and the police are called to beat them up for querying their over detention.
The women, said efforts to engage social welfare officials over access to sanitary pads and even paracetamol also hit a snag revealing that menstrual blood flows on the blankets while they are sleeping.
The women said while they are not given the sanitary pads at the quarantine centre, efforts to get the officials at the quarantine centre to purchase the commodity for them also hit a snag.
Said one of the women:
“… Menstrual blood is flowing and spoiling our blankets because we are not given sanitary pads neither do we have access to go and buy them. The officials also refuse to touch our money when we ask them to go and buy pads for us at the shops.”
Added another returnee:
“I asked one of the social welfare officers to go and buy some medicine for me but they refused… this was after they also refused for me to go and buy it for myself. Instead, they told me to get someone from home to bring it for me but i explained to them that i have noone because all my relatives are far but they would hear none of it…”
Narrated another woman:
“… we are sharing a bar of soap amongst 7 people and a tube of colgate is shared by 5 people….All those arriving are also coming here and we mix and mingle when getting our meals. It is confusing how someone who came after us is let go while we are detained even after completing our 21 day quarantine.”
Added another woman:
“We have overstayed our quarantine but the officials here are not forthcoming regarding the way forward. We have been tested but it shocking why the results are not coming but several people that came after us have already left while we are still being detained.”
By A Correspondent- The government on Saturday gazetted Statutory Instrument 99 of 2020 to clarify the Level Two national lockdown announced by President Emmerson Mnangagwa on Friday.
SI 99 of 2020 describes businesses that are expected to open during Level 2 of the national lockdown. It says:
. . . business in the formal commercial and industrial sector means any business, industry, trade or occupation . . . in goods or services for the generation of income or the making of profits, the formalisation of which is evidenced in any one or more of the following ways:
(a) the holding of a shop or other licence from a local authority enabling it to operate the business in question from a specified premises; or
(b) being the lessee of premises governed by the Commercial Premises (Lease Control) Act [Chapter 14:04]; or
(c) being a registered operator for the purposes of the Value Added Tax Act; or
(d) being a registered as an employer for the purpose of paying employees’ tax under the Income Tax Public Health (Covid-19 Prevention, Containment and Treatment) (National Lockdown) (Amendment) Order, 2020 (No. 5) 554 Act, or otherwise making a regular return of income for the purposes of that Act;
(e) being a party to a collective bargaining agreement negotiated through an Employment Council governing the business in question.
Individuals or businesses that fail to comply with the new regulations face hefty penalties of up to $36 000 or a year in jail [in the case of individuals].
It says:
Any person who fails to comply with an order of an enforcement officer given under this section, or who hinders or obstructs an enforcement officer from having the access referred to in subsection (6), shall be guilty of an offence and liable to fine not exceeding level twelve or to imprisonment for a period not exceeding one year or to both such fine and such imprisonment.
By A Correspondent- In the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic, Zimbabwe responded with measures to reduce its spread and impact on all citizens.
These include the declaration of a national lockdown which commenced on 30th March 2020 and was effective for an initial 21 days before it was extended by a further 14 days to May 3rd 2020.
In order to mitigate the impact of the national lockdown, on April 29th, 2020, the President promulgated, Presidential Powers (Temporary Measures) Deferral of Rent and Mortgage Payments During National Lockdown) Regulations Statutory Instrument 96 of 2020.
The statutory instrument was gazetted in terms of Section 2 of the Presidential Powers (Temporary Measures) Act. SI 96 of 2020 defers payment of rentals in respect of residential premises and all mortgage repayments.
This, in the view of the Law Society of Zimbabwe, brings about an unjustifiable scenario where a commercial landlord who benefits from a deferment of mortgage repayments can still legitimately demand rental payments from his tenants of the same commercial premises.
In the preamble to the Statutory Instrument, it is stated that the instrument was made in the interest of health and public safety, as provided in Section 2 of the Act.
The preamble then goes on to elaborate the situation forming the basis for the Statutory Instrument in the following terms, “on account of the lockdown many people are on forced leave from employment and therefore unable to earn the income necessary to pay for among other things, rentals for residential accommodation and mortgage repayments.”
It is the Law Society of Zimbabwe’s considered view that the above basis as stated in the preamble to the regulations does not meet the criteria set out in Section 2 of the Presidential Powers (Temporary Measures) Act.
The situation as given above does not address, the interest of defence, public safety, public order, public morality, public health, the economic interest of Zimbabwe or the general public interest.
The situation describes an economic difficulty in respect of a section of the population and only in respect of a section of the national economy. In this regard, therefore, the Law Society believes the regulations are ultra vires the enabling Act.
Given the foregoing, the Society also believes that SI 96 of 2020 would, therefore, be irrational when measured against the principal law from which it draws its authority.
It also fails to take into account the effect of loss of income that would result from the implementation of the SI for individuals who solely rely on rental income.
At the same time, the individuals whose property rights are being interfered with, are still liable to pay rates, insurance premiums and other expenses for the same properties. They are also suffering the negative effects of the lockdown.
Instead of holistically solving the burden brought about by the lockdown, the SI seeks to take the burden from one citizen and thrust it upon another who may also be suffering the consequences of the lockdown.
It is the expectation of the Law Society of Zimbabwe, its membership and the general populace that government will cause public service providers like Zinwa, Local Authorities and ZESA to suspend or defer charging for their services which are basic needs if the inspiration behind S1 96 of 2020 was to cushion the public against the negative effects of the COVID19 pandemic.
The Law Society is deeply concerned that SI 96 of 2020 only interferes with contracts between parties in relation to residential properties and leaves out the contracts in respect of commercial properties for no apparent reason.
The LSZ believes the Government could have approached this issue in a more holistic manner if indeed the rationale was to reduce the burden of COVID-19 effects on the populace.
It is important that during these difficult times and at all times, that every state action must be lawful, transparent, compassionate and conform to domestic and international human rights standard.
Former Cabinet minister Walter Mzembi reportedly sold one of his Vainona houses to a Harare businessman (name withheld) to fund his political party, The Zimbabwe Sun can exclusively reveal.
Mzembi, one of the G-40 kingpins, was deposed in November 2017 in a military operation code-named Operation Restore Legacy.
“His business empire has crumbled and now he has sold his house to fund his political party. He has not been in the country since 2018 and things are falling apart,” a source revealed.
The former tourism minister, ensconced in exile, launched his political outfit People’s Party in January this year.
Already some of its members have resigned citing irregularities in the party.
“The party had no direction because of monetary issues, forcing some members to resign. Now he had to sell some of his properties to fund party activities,” he added.
Yesterday outspoken Gokwe-Nembudziya MP Justice Mayor Wadyajena sensationally claimed that Mzembi received US$1 million, though he could not divulge where it came from.
The exposure was inadvertently made while he was urging another exiled politician Professor Jonathan Moyo to move on.
“I hear you Prof. In the humble opinion of a concerned youngster, you took politics way too personally. Your allies are (at)home; Chipanga, Chombo, Grace…Kasukuwere invested, Mzembi recently received US$1 million yet life’s still unfair to you. You have young girls (and) they need their dad,” he tweeted.
Party treasurer-general Agrippa Bopela Masiyakurima, however, claimed on twitter no such funds had found their way into party accounts.
“As The Treasurer General @PeoplesPartyZim,i never received money from @zanupf patriots as @JusticeMayorW is waffling about.We just know that Zanu Pf tried to infiltrate us thru @TysonWabantu coming in thru back door.If @waltermzembi received money,it was for his personal use,” Masiyakurima said.
By A Correspondent- The government will enforce price reductions as some shops were not adhering to the price moratorium which they had committed to following a multi-sectoral stakeholders agreement last month.
This was said by Vice President Kembo Mohadi on Friday at Gwanda Provincial Hospital during a visit to monitor progress in fighting Covid-19. He said:
We had a moratorium where we agreed that prices had to revert to the prices of 25 March.
Some have observed that and some haven’t but since it’s something that we didn’t coerce anyone into as they signed voluntarily, we will have to enforce it to see that it’s done.
It’s not price control, it was a mutual understanding that we need to help people.
The price moratorium seeks to reverse recent steep increases in prices of basic goods including bread, super-refined maize meal, cooking oil, flour and sugar to March 25.
Some retailers have not only failed to reduce the prices but have actually increased them.-statemedia
We shall shortly approach the Zim military for them to explain why Zimbabweans in quarantine are being physically abused amid women in Bulawayo being detained since 7th April 2020.- Follow https://t.co/RMz9FsvEJW / this handle for the updates.
African remittance company, Mukuru, has pledged to support the relatives of a Zimbabwean National Health Service (NHS) mental health worker who died from Covid-19 – leaving her 12-year-old daughter orphaned in the United Kingdom with no family.
According to the Daily Mail, Rutendo Mukotsanjera, a 45-year-old single mother, who lived in Uttoxeter, Staffordshire, passed away from coronavirus on April 10 after a two week battle with the infection.
Rutendo left her 12-year-old daughter Cheidza, known as Chichi, alone in Britain where she is now being cared for by members of the Renew Church in Uttoxeter, where her mother worshipped.
Rutendo used to work weekends and evenings to regularly send money back home to Zimbabwe through Mukuru, to help her loved ones including her 22-year-old son Shungu Shaun and her mother.
According to her sister Rumbidzai, Rutendo was helping her son by renting him a place in the country’s capital Harare and paying his school fees so he could complete his Secondary education.
Mukuru has now pledged to continue supporting her son and mother by matching her monthly sends from the past year for the next 12 months – roughly £2,300.
The company’s CEO Andy Jury said:
Miss Mukotsanjera was the very embodiment of a Mukuru customer – hardworking, selfless, and the backbone of the family she supported.
We were so saddened to hear of Miss Mukotsanjera’s passing.
We would like to continue to support her son in Zimbabwe over the next 12 months, to ensure he is able to continue along the path his mother paved for him. -Daily Mail
By A Correspondent- The Government is set to increase the cost of cheaper electricity a household can buy per month.
This was reportedly revealed by the Energy Minister Fortune Chasi who said;
We are going to review and increase the amount soon. It is true the allocation may not be enough but we are looking into it
This means the 200 units that were going for $186 dollar will cost consumers more adding fuel to the fact that households require over $1000 for electricity only these days which is beyond the reach of many.-Standard
By A Correspondent- Children in Gweru are reportedly using masks and gloves picked from a local dumpsite in Woodlands Park.
This was confirmed by Obert Rupanga, the Woodlands Park suburb’s ward development committee chairperson who relayed his discomfort about the whole scenario.
Rupanga said:
Actually, some children pick up used personal protective equipment like face masks and gloves dumped from hospitals.
They wear these when playing and take them to their homes. We need help because we are at a great risk of the Covid-19 pandemic.
We have approached the Gweru City Council and they said money to relocate the dumpsite is on this year’s budget but we are concerned that, in the meantime, people may easily perish.
The poor waste disposal mechanism had left households in Gweru at risk of contracting the deadly virus. However, the province has so far not recorded a single case of COVID-19.-Standard
By A Correspondent- Zimbabwe tested a record 1 436 people for the coronavirus bringing the total of people tested so far to 10 727 but it failed to publish the results saying they will be released today.
No reasons were given, but last week the Ministry of Health said six people in Harare had tested positive but later retested them and they all turned negative.
The number of positive cases that had risen to 40 was revised downwards to 34.
Tests for Harare and Bulawayo for 1 May whose results were pending all tested negative.
Zimbabwe has declared a seven week lockdown though it has eased some of the restrictions from tomorrow.
By A Correspondent- COVID-19 has claimed yet another Zimbabwean based in the United Kingdom.
Popular broadcaster Ezra Tshisa Sibanda, who is also based in the UK, announced the death of Irvin Fantie Moyo in Chelmsford through coronavirus.
He described the late Moyo as “one of the nicest Zimbabweans” based in the UK.
Moyo’s death follows those of many other UK based Zimbabweans, the majority being professionals employed in the British health sector and have been part of the frontline staff battling the world pandemic.
While there has been no deliberate tracing of Zimbabweans dying of coronavirus in the UK by authorities, the Zimbabwean embassy to the rich European country announced over a week ago that at least 29 citizens had succumbed to Covid-19.
UK remains one of the world countries worst affected by the pandemic.
By A Correspondent- The Zimbabwe Republic Police will arrest everyone leaving their homes without wearing masks starting tomorrow.
This was revealed by the Information Ministry’s secretary Nick Mangwana.
Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Information, Publicity and Broadcasting Services Mr Nick Mangwana told Sunday News that wearing face masks in public was now law, after a Statutory Instrument was gazetted by the President yesterday.
This was after the president extended the lockdown by 2 weeks but downgraded it to stage 2 and allowed the industry to operate between 8 AM and 3 PM.
By A Correspondent- A Mazowe man is in trouble for allegedly trying to kill his sister-in-law using a machete after she attempted to stop him from beating his wife.
Samuel Manyuchi (38) of Amatora Farm, appeared before Bindura magistrate Moreblessing Makati yesterday facing attempted murder charges and was remanded in custody to June 11.
Prosecutor Vincent Marunya told the court that on April 23 Manyuchi had a misunderstanding with his wife Shupikai Sande.
The complaint Esther Sande (24) tried to intervene, but Manyuchi took a machete from his hut, which he used to strike the complainant twice on the head.
Sande sustained two deep cuts and filed a police report leading to the arrest of the accused.
By A Correspondent- A Gwanda man has been arrested on charges of killing a fellow imbiber following a dispute over beer.
Police spokesperson Assistant Commissioner Paul Nyathi confirmed the arrest of Vusa Mathuthu on murder charges while his three accomplices are still at large.
He said the body of the deceased, Victor Dube (25) was discovered near Thandabantu general dealer shop at Mtshabezi turn off in Gwanda under chief Masuku on April 25.
“One suspect has been arrested in connection with the murder case, which occurred near Mtshabezi turn off. The other three alleged accomplices, who are still at large were identified as Mthandazo Ndlovu, Gift Bhiyana known as Mtshana and Blessing Maseko,” Nyathi said.
“The now deceased Dube and Maseko went aside to talk which resulted in an argument and they came back to join others they were drinking with.
“Maseko reported their dispute to the colleagues and they ganged up on Dube assaulting him with stones.”-Standard
By A Correspondent- A Madziva man allegedly struck his wife twice with an axe following a misunderstanding over money before committing suicide.
Robert Sirani (25) of Musenga village Chief Nyamaropa, drank a pesticide after striking his wife, Memory Kanyera (22) with an axe in the face and ribs.
Mashonaland Central police spokesperson Inspector Milton Mundembe said Sirani savagely attacked the complainant over the misuse of $50 and US$1.
He tried to poison his wife by sprinkling temik poison in her relish, but she saw it and did not eat the food. Sirani then struck her twice with an axe, breaking two of her teeth in the process.
Sirani disappeared into the dark after the attack.
His wife was rushed to Madziva Hospital and a police report was filed. But Sirani was found unconscious in the bush and was rushed to hospital where he was pronounced dead upon admission.-Standard
Zimbabwe yesterday tested a record 1 436 people for the coronavirus bringing the total of people tested so far to 10 727 but it failed to publish the results saying they will be released today.
No reasons were given, but last week the Ministry of Health said six people in Harare had tested positive but later retested them and they all turned negative.
The number of positive cases that had risen to 40 was revised downwards to 34.
Tests for Harare and Bulawayo for 1 May whose results were pending all tested negative.
Zimbabwe has declared a seven week lockdown though it has eased some of the restrictions from tomorrow.
POOR communication by the government has caused confusion over the next phase of the countrywide lockdown to control the spread of the coronavirus that kicks in tomorrow with conflicting statements on the use of clearance letters.
President Emmerson Mnangagwa on Friday extended the lockdown that began on March 30 by two more weeks, but said big businesses will reopen under supervision.
Informal markets will remain closed and the majority of transport operators are still barred from operating.
Explaining the measures announced by Mnangagwa, the government spokesperson Nick Mangwana initially said exemption letters for movement of people were no longer needed.
When he was asked to elaborate, Mangwana said “from Monday you no longer need to be carrying an exemption letter to go into town or be in public, but you need to put on a mask.”
After he was put to task, he said “administratively authorities policing the measures may ask for evidence of your right to be up and about or be going where you are going, that can be anything from death certificates for a funeral to exemption letters.”
Mangwana yesterday insisted that exemption letters were no longer necessary.
“Exemption letters work when a few are exempted from going to work,” he told The Standard in an interview.
“But as we move to level two, the majority will be going to work. Banks will be open, all industry will be open, so writing letters would be a mammoth task.
“What will be there is an administrative issue of police manning roadblocks to satisfy themselves with whether one has to be where they say they are supposed to be.”
Japhet Moyo, the Zimbabwe Congress of Trade Unions (ZCTU) secretary-general, feared that there would be chaos tomorrow as government had not properly communicated the new measures.
“What we are missing at the moment are the details, do we have or has anyone put in place mechanism to supervise resumption of business?” Moyo asked.
“Would the security checkpoints be friendly to allow workers passage to work, because last weeks, it was a nightmare for many workers?
“Police had their own understanding of the relaxation and people with special permit letters found themselves unable to report to work.”
The ZCTU said it would also be dangerous for workers to report for work tomorrow without proper screening.
“Workers were not screened,” Moyo said.
“There were no inspections and to some employers, it became business as usual.
“No social distancing at work, no masks, just nothing different and that might be dangerous.”
MDC leader Nelson Chamisa said the new measures were introduced without any consultation, hence the confusion.
“It was ill thought out, lacked national consensus and did not stand on solid ground,” Chamisa said in an interview.
“Any decisions of that magnitude should have been on solid ground, guided by science and methodology.
“It should have been a product of national consensus, after wide consultations with business, workers, the informal sectors and the alternative like us.”
Chamisa said the first phases of the lockdown should have been used to improve surveillance for the disease with intensified testing.
He said at the moment the government had no credible data to make sound decisions on efforts to control the spread of the highly infectious disease.
“We should have used the first 21 days for mass testing, isolation and preparing for a time when we would need to reopen, but after close to two months we have arrested more people, than we have tested,” he said.
“We are just relaxing and extending the lockdown without any plan in place.
“One can’t just say stay in Mbare or Mabvuku without a plan on how these people will survive, where they will get food and how workers will be cushioned.”
Confederation of Zimbabwe Retailers Association president Denford Mutashu said the country should remain on high alert despite the relaxation of the lockdown.
“The country should remain on high alert and all companies opening should comply with government and World Health Organisation guidelines,” he said.
“It is a contentious balance between the health of the nation and the economy.
“We are between a hard place and a rock and it remains a catch 22 situations.
Israel Murefu, the Employers’ Confederation of Zimbabwe president, said they were happy with the relaxed conditions of the lockdown, but needed more clarity on some of Mnangagwa’s pronouncements.
“The partial lockdown is a positive development for both business and the economy as it will save many jobs and support spending by consumers as they will have some income,” Murefu said.
“We also welcome the $18 billion stimulus package and would want government to be open about the funding and distribution of the funds to borrowers.
“A clear criteria and procedure for accessing the funds is necessary to avoid what may be viewed as favouritism or unfairness.
“So we keenly await the details so that businesses can start now to access the funds for working capital and generally coming back to life.”
As of Friday, Zimbabwe had recorded 34 Covid-19 cases with four deaths and five recoveries.
VICE-President Kembo Mohadi says Zimbabwe has to avoid cross border infections at all costs as it is poorly equipped to handle infections.
Mohadi, who chairs the Covid-19 national taskforce, made the remarks on Friday during a tour of the Beitbridge isolation centre, which is expected to receive thousands of Zimbabweans returning from South Africa in the coming days.
“Get the people to understand this disease is real and we will all die if we allow people through the porous border line from Shashi to Chikwarakwara,” he warned.
“As a country, we are not equipped to fight the scourge, which has even failed the likes of advanced countries with trillions of dollars in their economies like the United States of America.
“Having realised we had no capacity, we resorted to prevention and that is what we must do or we will all perish,” he said, adding that his observation had nothing to do with politics.
There are reports of a surge in the number of Zimbabweans crossing into South Africa using a number of illegal crossing points along the Limpopo River.
The locals allegedly sneak into the South African border town of Musina where they buy basic commodities that are in short supply in Zimbabwe.
They also smuggle contraband such as cigarettes and alcohol, which is banned in the neighbouring country as one of the ways to control the spread of the coronavirus.
In March, South Africa started constructing a 40km border fence in Beitbridge, to control the spread of the virus through illegal migration.
The fence, however, has since been vandalised with scores of Beitbridge residents allegedly crossing into South Africa to smuggle groceries.
South Africans allegedly also sneak into Zimbabwe to buy alcohol.
Mohadi said more tests would be done countrywide following the delivery of test kits.
Meanwhile, last week the Zimbabwe embassy in South Africa said 2 191 Zimbabwean nationals in the neighbouring country had registered to be repatriated back home.
They will be quarantined in Beitbridge for 21 days before they are allowed to go home.
South Africa imposed a lockdown at the end of March to control the spread of the coronavirus, leaving thousands of Zimbabweans that rely on informal jobs stranded.
Parliament has been petitioned to reject government’s fresh bid to amend the constitution following the gazetting of Constitutional Amendment Bill No 2 that seeks 27 changes to the country’s supreme law.
The Zimbabwe Human Rights NGO Forum submitted a petition to speaker of the National Assembly Jacob Mudenda pleading with him to exercise his powers and throw away the proposed amendments.
President Emmerson Mnangagwa’s government approved the changes to the constitution, which among other proposals, seek to remove the clause on the presidential running mate and consolidate power in the president’s office.
The proposals also seek to whittle down the powers of Parliament by limiting the executive’s accountability to legislators, among others issues.
But The Forum, a coalition of 20 human rights groups, said the amendments were retrogressive and would erode the tenets of democracy.
The rights lobby groups argued that it would be morally wrong for government to propose changes for the second time to the 2013 constitution, which has not yet been fully implemented.
The Constitutional Court last month ruled that Constitutional Amendment No 1 of 2017, which sought to give Mnangagwa more powers in the appointment of the chief justice and his deputy, was unconstitutional.
“Noting that the constitution has an enduring characteristic in terms of which it is made for posterity,” the forum wrote in a letter to Mudenda dated April 30.
“It is unlike ordinary legislation that can be amended to suit existing circumstances.
“Further noting that, while the constitution has a provision allowing for its amendment in section 328; the section betrays a rigid constitution such that it should not be resorted to easily and can only be amended in the event of absolute necessity.”
The Forum said government had not been confronted with any pressing need to justify amendment of the constitution.
“As an enduring piece of law, which reflects the basic values of the society of Zimbabwe as a whole, and enacted at great public expense, it is self-evident that the constitution should be amended only when it is absolutely necessary to do so,” the Forum added.
“Absent absolute necessity, the constitution should not be changed with munificent abandon.
“Great care and consideration should be taken before any decision to amend it is taken.
“Consequently, the petitioners pray that you exercise your powers and turn down any proposals by the government to amend the constitution of Zimbabwe.”
The Forum noted with concern that despite the significance of the changes being sought through the Constitutional Amendment Bill, there had been no attempts by the government to explain why it was a necessity to tinker with the constitution.
“Some of the provisions being amended have not even seen the light of the day,” The Forum added “The people of Zimbabwe have not been given the opportunity to experience fully the constitution, which they adopted through a decisive referendum in 2013. “This move by the government disregards the wishes and aspirations of the people of Zimbabwe.
“Parliamentarians and the executive must hold sacrosanct the will of the people and not undermine it.”
The human rights lobby groups said the constitution was a reflection of the wishes of majority of the people of Zimbabwe, which made it necessary to consult them before any changes to the supreme law were made.
Zambian Inspector General of Police, Kakoma Kanganja, has directed traffic police officers to resume foot and motorised patrols and ensure that there is sanity on the road.
The officers will however, for the time being, not enforce the provisions of the law relating to Road Tax and Road Service Licences (identity certificate).
The Inspector General has also directed all traffic police officers to observe all measures that have been spelt out by authorities as a response to Covid-19. He has further directed them to enforce the regulation of mandatory wearing of masks on public transport motor vehicles in line with Statutory Instrument number 21 and 22 of 2020.
Any public transport motor vehicle where a passenger or passengers will be found without wearing a mask shall be impounded by law enforcement officers and will only be released once unmasked occupants mask up. He has appealed to all road users to cooperate with the law enforcement officers.
The permanent secretary in the Information, Publicity and Broadcasting Services Nich Mangwana has said the government has not deployed the army to Mozambique.
Writing on Twitter Mangwana said;
Zimbabwe has not deployed the Zimbabwe Defence Forces(ZDF) in Mozambique.
By Ibbo Mandaza|Since 2016 the Platform for Concerned Citizens (PCC) has argued consistently for a process leading to the establishment of a National Transitional Authority (NTA). We have done this for no ulterior motive, despite the insinuations that there was a political motivation behind the PCC, but in the realisation that the national crisis then, and even more so now in the Covid-19 crisis, required a broad national effort to avoid what we termed a “hard landing”.
Zimbabwe has landed harder than anyone could have imagined in 2016, or in any subsequent year. We now live in a “broken” country, with a regime collapsing in on it, and political parties more concerned with the struggle for power and internecine conflicts than addressing a national crisis. We even see Finance minister Mthuli Ncube going with the begging bowl to the international finance institutions, admitting the complete failure of the government’s economic policies. Even captains of industry are asking for international bailouts, seemingly oblivious of the main problem, the broken politics, as Alex Magaisa put so succinctly recently.
Covid-19 may be a unique problem being faced by the country, but it is superimposed on all the problems that existed prior to the epidemic. It is a moot point whether Zimbabwe was fragile or failed prior to Covid-19: what is unarguable is that the state was broken already, reeling from, an absence of visionary leadership, incoherent policies (even admitted by the Finance minister), a broken economy, broken state services, and the spectre of mass hunger and starvation. Zimbabwe was in the deepest trouble it could be, even before Covid-19.
Behind all the problems lies the failure of governance and political leadership, and the latter is not exclusive to Zanu PF, but bedevils all political parties without exception. It is this realisation that prompted the Zimbabwe Heads of Christian Denominations (ZHCoD) call for the Sabbath, the establishment of the National Convergence Platform (NCP) last year, and the call for political settlement, national dialogue and a transitional arrangement. This call is now more urgent than ever in the face of the apparent inability of the government to address the Covid-19 crisis. The contrast between South Africa and Zimbabwe in managing this new crisis is stark in the extreme, not explained by sanctions, but by bad governance.
The call for an NTA has had many critics. Politicians and diplomats have argued that this kind of arrangement only follows revolutions, forgetting the local precedent of Lancaster House. It is not true that transitional arrangements only follow military conflict or revolution. Since 1998, and across the world, 58% of transitions and transitional arrangements have been negotiated, either led by the ruling regime or an opposition: only 15% emerged from civil war or the collapse of the state. This trend is no different for Africa. It is the political and economic problems that can no longer be managed by the state, and the loss of consensual support from citizens that determine the move to a transition: we merely need to point to South Africa and Zimbabwe itself to make this point.
We do not labour the extent of the current crisis, or the inability of the government and the political parties to address the problems. This is evident to every single Zimbabwean, but what is the solution?
We reject any suggestion that a government of national unity is a realistic solution. The previous experience was an exercise only in temporary stabilisation, but mostly a respite to allow the political parties to position themselves for elections. The only outcome was a short period of lessening the hardship for the ordinary people, but followed by sustained economic decline, vicious political infighting in the main political parties, a coup and the consolidation of the securocrat state, a flawed election, and the re-emergence of political violence. There is no reason to believe that a new government of national unity will be any different.
The partial solutions to previous crises — Lancaster House, the Unity Accord, the Global Political Agreement and the coup — did not address the fundamental problem: the politics and the lack of a genuine, people-centred social contract. National crises require National solutions, which is the reason for the continual demand by the PCC for an NTA.
We submit that it is a matter of the greatest urgency that the country adopt the following strategy:
l Mediated negotiations between the political parties leading to a political settlement;
l In parallel, a national dialogue of the kind suggested by the NCP with all stakeholders outside the political parties to determine the nature of a genuine social contract and the new rules of the game for politics;
l A mediated engagement between the representatives of the national dialogue and the political parties to determine the structure and function of the NTA; l The establishment of the NTA for a defined period of existence, and undertaking the reforms necessary for political, economic, social stability, and bona fide, uncontestable elections.
The PCC has stressed throughout that the driving force behind the NTA must be a non-partisan council, establishing a technocratic executive capable of running the day-to-day affairs of the state, but a particular emphasis upon the following:
l Managing the health crisis;
l A political and economic reform agenda: the restoration of constitutional rule;
l The restoration of national institutions, including the return of the soldiers to the barracks, reform of the public service, and the restoration of independence in the judiciary;
l Regional and international scaffolding in the form of an international rescue plan; namely, the establishment of a US$10 billion sovereign/rescue fund, to be held in London or New York, but with the objective of stabilising the economy, engendering international confidence and investment, and securing a national currency;
l A social development fund: to attend to the urgent needs in education and healthcare; revival of agriculture, industry, and employment creation; and the establishment of programmes designed to rescue the population from the scourge of poverty, as well as the re-institution of rural development;
l The engagement of the diaspora, as both investors (in such programmes as the privatisation of parastatals) and joint venture partners with external factors Today Zimbabwe stands on the edge of the precipice, and it is no time for prevaricating, but one for action. The political crisis must be addressed with urgency, and we can see no other way than the steps we have outlined.
l Ibbo Mandaza and Tony Reeler are co-convenors of the Platform for Concerned Citizens.
THE Reserve Bank of Zimbabwe (RBZ) has launched an internal investigation into the conduct of some of its senior officials following a tip-off from a whistleblower at alleged underhand dealings regarding the issuance of bureaux de change licences, according to top central bank sources.
This comes in the wake of recent swoops on seven bureaux de change suspected to be involved in illicit foreign currency transactions.
RBZ governor John Mangudya on Thursday last week announced that the operating licences of two private companies, Shons Finance Services and Superdeal Enterprises, which trades as Kwik Forex, had been suspended on allegations that they have not been declaring, or have been under-declaring their foreign currency transactions in breach of the law.
This came after the suspension of bureau de change licences of two other companies, Cash Twenty-Four and Crediconnect, earlier this month. The financial institutions had their bank accounts frozen on similar allegations a fortnight ago. Cash Twenty-Four has since admitted to the offence and paid an administrative fine of ZW$2,5 million.
The central bank also swooped on three other bureaux de change companies, namely Stallion Financial Services, Forbes Financial Services and Juso Global, which were allegedly operating without the required licences.
The RBZ and financial services sector sources said the central bank’s Financial Intelligence Unit (FIU) were investigating how the institutions’ licences were issued since February last year when the government liberalised the exchange rate.
According to the sources, a whistleblower alerted the RBZ to possible corruption by central bank officials, which could have resulted in some companies that did not qualify, being allegedly licenced.
The sources said questions were also being raised about the lack of due diligence on the part of those charged with granting licences.
“There was an anonymous correspondence to the FIU early this month alleging that some RBZ officials could have had their palms greased in exchange for these bureau de change licences, which explains why there is this mess. So, in addition to investigating these companies’ operations, the FIU is also interrogating the processes of issuance of licences,” a source at the bank said.
In written responses to the Zimbabwe Independent, Mangudya said the so-called whistleblower should come forward with this information so that they can institute investigations into the matter.
He also said he had not been alerted of the whistleblower’s correspondence.
The central bank boss, however, said the bank had sufficient mechanisms to deal with any corrupt officials.
“If there is anyone involved in corrupt activities, the bank takes very stern measures against such malpractice and the socalled informer should approach the bank with the necessary information,” Mangudya said.
He also dismissed allegations that the central bank does not carry out proper due diligence exercises when granting bureau de change operating licences, saying the RBZ sticks to stringent procedures laid down by the law. He said the current cases were a result of market indiscipline.
“Bureaux de change are licenced in terms of the Exchange Control (Authorised Dealer with Limited Authority) Order published in the Statutory Instrument 104 of 2015 which is complemented by Operational Guidelines for Bureaux de Change. The Operational Guidelines for Bureaux de Change provide for specific requirements and incorporates operational improvements to the framework that is done through Exchange Control Directives and Circulars,” Mangudya said.
“The operational guidelines detail the licensing framework and include an application form which guides the applicant as to the information required to enable Exchange Control to assess the suitability of the applicant for a Bureau de Change licence. Any applicant who meets the set minimum licencing criteria is eligible for a bureau de change licence.
“We should not confuse market indiscipline with the method of granting operating licences. The bank’s surveillance team is seized with the matter to ensure total compliance with rules and regulations and will not hesitate to deal with unscrupulous behaviour of some bureau de change,” he added.
The minimum criteria include a probity test where the applicant is required to provide: Zimbabwe Republic Police clearance of directors and officers of bureaux de change; Zimbabwe Revenue Authority (Zimra) tax clearance certificate; antimoney money laundering certificate and declarations by the shareholders/directors of the bureau de change that they have not received any criminal or regulatory penalty on matters relating any financial activity.
Corruption allegations related to foreign currency dealings have stalked the RBZ for a long time now.
The late Jabu Khanyile’s first born son, Nkanyiso has died.
The founder of music group Muzart, died on Friday night.
According to a source close to the musician, Nkanyiso suffered from an undisclosed illness and died in hospital. Some sources indicated that it could have been a Coronavirus infection though confirmation is still to be made.
Tributes poured on social media for the young music producer as news of his death broke.
Musawenkosi Mahlangu, a close friend, took to Facebook and wrote: “When they say life is too short, akudlalwa (its no joke). Just 2 weeks ago we were talking and now he is no more! He was one of the coolest friends I had. Never judged, always wanted the best for me, taught me alot and now he is gone.
“Jabu Khanyile Junior, first born, son, brother and a friend to many. Founder of the Muzart group and a producer. I remember when you were so excited of recording your new project and even wanted to feature me in one of your tracks. Those were the good times. RIP Nkanyiso Khanyile. May your soul rest in peace buddy. Will love and miss you always,” said Mahlangu.
Dumisani Mkhangaza wrote: “Lala ngoxolo ntwana yami (rest in peace my friend). Having your life cut short is a tragedy we won’t soon forget. Forever jolly, friendly with everybody and bowunga pheli moya is how we will always remember you… ngiyaku ncanywa njayami. Lala ngoxolo Nka.”
In 2015 the pop group, Muzart disbanded and regrouped. This after two of its members, Jabu Jnr and guitarist Sol Stringer, broke away to form a new group called Smiley Freaks.
The remaining members include Metro FM radio presenter, Rorisang Thandekiso, Refentse ‘Vic’ Chauke and Tazzy Lehutso.
Former President Jacob Zuma has finally spoken out on his long-awaited Arms Deal trial.
Zuma spoke exclusively to Independent Media on the trial which was set to resume on May 6 but has now been postponed to June 23. Insiders say this move has little to do with the Covid-19 pandemic but the courts’ “last minute hustle to remove KPMG from with witness list”. Zuma has told Independent Media that he is ready to show South Africans the real thieves.
“I’ve always said I wanted my day in court. It is time for South Africans to hear the truth. It is time. My silence has always been to keep unity but it is now time,” Zuma said.
On Wednesday, the Jacob Zuma Foundation confirmed to Independent Media that the Constitutional Court had approved Zuma’s withdrawal of his bid for a permanent stay of prosecution. According to Zuma’s foundation, Zuma had not wanted a stay from prosecution, even though his previous lawyer pushed for one.
“The former president wants to air his part. The court should allow him to do that. This case has been pending for the last 20 years. There shouldn’t be these delaying tactics against him. This case can no longer be politicised, as it has been from the very beginning. What we want is a fair and just process”, the foundation said.
The withdrawal of the bid for a permanent stay of prosecution happened after Zuma axed his long time attorney Daniel Mantsha and replaced him with Eric Mabuza attorneys – an attorney in close links to Advocate and EFF member, Dali Mpofu.
According to insiders, Zuma’s family was aggrieved, feeling that Mantsha had “dropped the ball”. The sources also revealed that the National Prosecuting Authority had ‘silently’ instituted an investigation into accounting firm KPMG. It is believed that KPMG was going to take the witness stand against Zuma but may face Mabuza’s brunt in court since the firm’s grave reputational damage in the recent years.
In a letter Independent Media is in possession of, Mabuza Attorneys wrote to the court to seek clarity on why the state has instituted an investigation into KPMG in the eve of the trial.
The letter reads:
“1. Our client was naturally taken aback to learn that some 15 years later and more so on the eve of the trial the State is still gathering or putting together evidence to be used in the trial. This literally means that despite what it previously communicated to our client and the public the State is nowhere near ready for the trial.
2. The fact that we have not been given all the evidence which will be used in the trial is gravely prejudicial against our client in that our client cannot finalise his request for further particulars let alone start preparing for the trial. In our respectful view this will have a material bearing on the pre-trial activities which may need to be finalisedbefore the next court appearance on 23 June 2020. In this regard our client reserves his rights.
3. Be that as it may, now that the State has formally admitted on record that it is compiling new forensic report(s) to be used in the trial we accordingly request the State to explain and/or provide the following information:
– Will the new forensic report(s) have any bearing or relevance on the case against our client? If so Why were we not formally notified that the State is compiling new forensic report(s)? A full and proper explanation is required.
– Does the State intend to abandon or withdraw or supplement the KPMG Forensic Investigation Report dated 2 September 2006? If so, why and what are the reasons for doing so? We need a full and proper explanation in this regard.
– We need a copy of the request for particulars filed by Thales which allegedly prompted the State to consider preparing new forensic report(s) including any response thereto, if any. Mabuza’s letter to the court has thrown a spanner in works, arguing that the court is proving prejudice to Zuma.
While Zuma’s new lawyer is pushing for his day in court, his relationship with Mantsha is said to have gone sour after the Pietermaritzburg High Court issued a warrant of arrest for Zuma after missing a court appearance.
Zuma missed the January court appearance when receiving medical treatment in Cuba for a recurring chest condition. The rift between Zuma and Mantsha is said to also been exaggerated by comments made by EFF leader Julius Malema when he said “it was not the responsibility of Zuma’s lawyers to defend the sick note but it was the responsibility of his doctors”.
Zuma’s foundation declined to answer on whether some of the witnesses had also withdrawn their statements. “We can’t speak for anyone. That is not our place. If other witnesses have suddenly withdrawn their statement, the court must be very concerned about that”. KPMG has not responded to questions.
Sun|North Korea fired multiple gunshots towards South Korea early Sunday morning, the South’s Joint Chiefs of Staffs (JCS) said in a statement.
A series of gunshots were fired from North Korea at 7:41 am local time towards a guard post in South Korea that borders the North, the JCS said.
News of the attack came just one day after North Korea leader Kim Jong-Un resurfaced amid escalating reports he had died.
South Korea responded by firing two shots back towards North Korea, the JCS said.
The South is taking action to try to ‘grasp the detailed situation’, it said.
‘We are taking actions via inter-Korean communication lines to grasp the detailed situation and to prevent any further incidents,’ the JCS statement read.
‘And we also maintain a necessary readiness posture.’
No injuries have been reported on either side.
Tensions between the two nations comes as Kim Jong-Un was seen for the first time in three weeks on Friday.
Speculation concerning the controversial leader’s health began to gain momentum after he failed to turn up at the celebration of his grandfather’s birthday on April 13, one of the country’s biggest calendar events.
Rumours and reports grew that he had died.
But North Korea’s supreme leader then emerged alive, as he was pictured cutting the ribbon at the opening of a fertilizer factory Friday.
He ‘attended the ceremony’ on Friday and ‘all the participants broke into thunderous cheers of ‘hurrah!” when he appeared, the Korean Central News Agency said.
There continues to be speculation over why he has not been seen in such a long time, including that he had complications after heart surgery or was suffering from the coronavirus.
By Eddie Cross|Every time you think you have seen everything that the world can throw at you along comes something else, completely unexpected. For the past 5 weeks I, like billions of others, have been in lock down at home.
Former BULAWAYO South MDC-T legislator, Eddie Cross
Not a great sacrifice for someone like me whose life comprises talking and meeting others and planning the way forward, I can do all of that from my home office. Thanks to Skype and Zoom and the glorious internet.
Like others around the world I have never seen anything like this – I am a news fanatic and watch several news services on a continuous basis, but there is no news – just one subject, this damned virus. And then this eerie atmosphere – no traffic sounds, silent roads and empty buildings, no sport, no school functions, no Church meetings. It is almost as if life itself is at a standstill.
Like others I am fed up with news and advice about the thing, everyone is an expert and yet no one seems to know what exactly it is or how things will pan out. But right now my main concern is that our reaction to the pandemic is going to be much worse than the disease itself.
It’s not that we have not been here before. Our history is littered with new diseases that seemed overwhelming at the time but were eventually dealt with and with which we learned to live. I do not think that this new virus is any different and we need to urgently revise our approach to dealing with it as a new health threat – joining all the other diseases we still have to contend with.
I am old enough to remember Polio and Tuberculosis. Diseases that loomed large and affected millions. When I was born my parents took me to a clinic where I was given an inoculation against TB and then at school I was treated for Polio by a drop of something on my tongue.
But in their day they were terrifying. So what is different about Covid 19 We will eventually get a medical response, but this global panic These sweeping decisions and the enforced shut down of everything that actually makes this world work (to some extent).
We have, in the past 200 years been able to reduce poverty on a scale never seen in history, we have created a world economy that enables us to live longer than at any other time, eat better, enjoy things that were unimaginable for even my parents.
It is all now under threat from a bug we cannot see or control. We have reached for the skies and beyond, we have gone to places where man has never been and we hold in our hands weapons so powerful that they could destroy the world, but we are running from a bug so vulnerable it cannot survive heat or common soap. Come on world, wake up!
I live in Africa, in Zimbabwe, and we have almost zero capacity to deal with the virus and its side effects in any significant way for the majority. If you present yourself here with Covid symptoms, they will send you home – you are much more of a threat to the health workers themselves and they can do little to help you. We are mostly on our own in this hand to hand fight with the virus.
We cannot even test on any sort of scale so here we are fighting a disease which our leaders say has killed 4 people with 23 cases confirmed!! Our death rate from normal things is probably several hundred people a day, but we die from Aids or Aids related problems, Tuberculosis, Malaria, Cholera, Diabetes, Cancer and even poverty and malnutrition. We need perspective.
Intensive care for someone who cannot breathe because of the virus costs thousands of dollars every day – we cannot afford that for anyone except the wealthy or the powerful, the rest of us must fight this battle at home. Most of our people have no savings, they live from hand to mouth, hunger is a daily problem, many only eating once a day.
Tens of thousands sleep rough or in crowded accommodation where whole families live in a single room. Water is a problem everywhere, let alone clean water. Our State schools, when they open, have over 50 kids per classroom – I have seen classes so crowded they sit on the floor because we cannot get furniture and kids into the space available.
Did you see the millions trying to leave the urban areas in India, not because they fear infection, but because the shutdown has denied them the only way they can make a living! After registering the lowest rate of unemployment in recent history in the USA, tens of millions in the States are unemployed and unable to even feed themselves. For these people the Covid 19 threat is the least of their problems.
Our next deadline for a decision on the lockdown in the 4th May. We have to start thinking about how we get back to work and school. Schools are due to reopen on the 5th May and personally I see no way in which we can sustain the lockdown for much longer. I do not really think we have any choice but to start to gradually go back to work.
Clearly everyone has to alter their personal habits – no hand shaking, no direct contact, regular hand washing, sit in the sunshine for half an hour every day, eat the right foods, increase your vitamin c intake and wear a mask when in public and meeting people you do not know.
If you get the bug, go home and deal with the side effects and rest, self-isolate. At school all I can see us doing is to get the kids to wash hands and faces regularly and take their temperature on arrival and if they have a spike in temperature, send them home until the all clear.
We have little choice but to rely on our own defence mechanisms and the capacity of our bodies to fight back, perhaps with a bit of help from the medical cabinet. For 95 percent of us this should be adequate. Of course we will see deaths but that is part of life and all of us have to prepare for that day. If we think otherwise we delude ourselves.
I was astonished, for example, to read last week that the overall death rate in the UK at about 12 000 a week has not increased to any extent. The virus is an accelerator and we need to understand that this new challenge once again reminds us of our vulnerability and not to take our health for granted. Exercise, eat properly, avoid excesses, stop smoking.
If we do, it may actually help us to avoid many health challenges that have become so common it is scary. The next issue is post Covid recovery. I think that given the situation in almost every major economy around the world, that it is going to be at least until the end of 2020 before we can really expect things to start to get back to ‘normal’, whatever that represents.
It is clear that major damage to our global economic system is unavoidable. I doubt if we can get away with less than a ten per cent decline in our formal GDP.
But the situation sector by sector is very different – the tourism industry is going to be hardest hit, the travel industry even more so. It now looks as if SAA is going to go to the wall, something that seemed impossible until recently. Many other companies in this sector will follow.
But we have many things in our favour. First is that we are a very resilient country. We have been to hell and back in recent years – economic collapse is something we have all seen and experienced.
I look back on 2000 to 2008 and ask myself how on earth did we survive So we know how to white water raft in economic terms. Then we have little personal debt. Our homes and cars are all owned without bond liabilities or lease charges. Our National Debt has not been serviced for years and no one expects us to start anytime soon.
We do not have the resources to help anyone in trouble, so we all know we have to ‘make a plan’ and when things do start to recover, we will be in a good position to take advantage. But it is going to be tough.
Eddie Cross is a former opposition MDC MP for Bulawayo South and an economist. You can follow his blog African Herd
While the greater part of the country is battling to get Covid-19 equipment and interventions, some senior civil servant have been claiming as much as $400 in terms of daily risk allowances on unwarranted errands on Coronavirus business.
Junior staff members working on the programme on the ground have only been receiving lunches in the form of pieces of chicken and portions of chips.
In an internal memo sent to all secretaries in line ministries Friday, Treasury expressed, “concern over increase in an unauthorised payment of COVID-19 domestic allowances by line ministries”.
Finance Ministry secretary, George Guvamatanga said all transactions processed already must be reversed.
“Treasury has noted with concern an increase in payment runs request for funding for processing domestic allowances narrated as COVID-19 payments for staff on duty during the lockdown period,” Guvamatanga said in correspondence also copied to the chief secretary to the President and Cabinet, Misheck Sibanda.
“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 coronavirus and involve limited or no movement across cities and towns, and hence reduce domestic travel expenses.
“Whilst Treasury appreciates the need to incentivise staff who are reporting for duty and risking their health through infection by Coronavirus, payment of such allowances should be guided by the Committee on the Harmonisation of Conditions of Service and approved by Treasury.
“However, line Ministries are now prioritising 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 towards COVID-19 interventions.”
Gweru residents have raised an alarm after reports that children are retrieving used face masks and other surgical waste from a dumpsite close to the new Woodlands Park suburb in the City.
Obert Rupanga, the Woodlands Park suburb’s ward development committee chairperson said that children stray into the dumpsite and pick materials to play with.
“Actually, some children pick up used personal protective equipment like face masks and gloves dumped from hospitals,” Rupanga said.
“They wear these when playing and take them to their homes.
“We need help because we are at a great risk of the Covid-19 pandemic.
“We have approached the Gweru City Council and they said money to relocate the dumpsite is on this year’s budget but we are concerned that, in the meantime, people may easily perish.”
It is possible that waste from homes occupied by those in self-isolation is finding its way to the dumpsite, a popular playground for children and hunting ground for informal traders specialising in waste recycling, Rupanga added.
The Gweru municipality has been demolishing unapproved structures at the popular Kudzanayi bus terminus and green market and dump the rubbish at the Woodlands site, also raising fears that the virus could be on the rubble.
Plans to relocate the dumpsite to a farm along Lower Gweru was stalled after the ouster of former president Robert Mugabe in a coup in 2017.
Council reportedly wants to set up a new suburb known as Mkoba 21 where the Woodlands dumpsite is located.
Chiundura constituency Member of Parliament, Livingston Chimina said he was aware of the Covid-19 risk in Woodlands Park.
“I have been there to witness the challenges and I am going to take the matter up with relevant authorities,” Chiundura said.
“There is too much hunger there so people are failing to observe social distancing and are not staying at home as they have to earn a living.”
One of Zimbabwe’s largest listed companies, Econet Wireless Zimbabwe’s business viability is under threat because of the free-falling local currency and effects of the Covid-19 pandemic, it has emerged.
Econet last week pleaded with its suppliers to reduce their costs by 20% citing the unfavourable operating environment that had been worsened by the outbreak of Covid-19.
A senior official from the telecoms giant said the plea to suppliers was motivated by a realisation that the economic situation had become a threat to the business.
“The whole slowdown that has been caused by the Covid-19 pandemic has resulted in a business slow down,” the official said.
“During the lockdown, the cities were quiet and the usage of phones went down.
“Most of the phone usage business we get is from people doing business and these were mostly on WhatsApp.
“We can see that as long as most sectors of the economy are not firing, it also affects people’s usage of phones, so never mind about us talking about how we need an-economic tariff and so on.
“It will get to a point where people are not able to call because they have been laid off and that will affect us.
“In that regard, if the economy’s size, for example, was say US$10 billion and reduces to US$4 billion, it also means that our potential income will come down by that factor”.
A memo to Econet suppliers that was leaked on social media last week showed that the company was pleading with its suppliers to reduce their charges by at least 20% starting from May 1.
“As Econet we operate in a regulated industry where our tariffs are significantly trailing the upward movement in our operational costs, threatening the viability of our business,” wrote Econet chief supply chain officer, Sharon Marufu in the memo.
“We, therefore, need to take drastic measures now to safeguard the business and ensure we remain viable so that we are able to continue offering our services to our customers and to retain our suppliers.”
It is understood that the suppliers targeted in the memo provide fuel, trucks, shop space for retail outlets, and land for base stations.
The official, who spoke to Standardbusiness, said if the suppliers refused to reduce their prices, Econet might choose not to renew their contracts once they expired.
Econet is pushing for mobile operators to be allowed to charge tariffs pegged to the United States dollar.
“Our biggest concern is that some of the guys do not even get it in this government,” said the official.
“They do not understand the extent of how much trouble they are in.
“Since last year, although the local currency has been devalued by up to 25 times our tariffs have not increased by the same rate.
“Even inflation has gone up and they are currently talking about nearly 680%, but our tariffs are regulated and have not tracked the exchange rate while costs from the suppliers keep going up.”
By ZBC Reporter
