South African President Cyril Ramaphosa has placed Minister of Communications and Digital Technologies Stella Ndabeni-Abrahams on special leave for two months – one month of which will be unpaid.
Ndabeni-Abrahams allegedly violated the lockdown regulations when she visited the home of a friend who hosted a lunch, contrary to the lockdown regulations.
Ramaphosa summoned Ndabeni-Abrahams on Tuesday where he expressed his disapproval of her actions and ordered her to deliver a public apology to the nation.
Said Ramaphosa:
The nation-wide lockdown calls for absolute compliance on the part of all South Africans. Members of the National Executive carry a special responsibility in setting an example to South Africans, who are having to make great sacrifices.
None of us – not least a member of the National Executive – should undermine our national effort to save lives in this very serious situation. I am satisfied that Minister Ndabeni-Abrahams appreciates the seriousness of what she has done and that no-one is above the law.
By A Correspondent| One of Zimbabwe’s most prominent doctors, Dr Morgan Nyakabau has died.
He was 67 and is survived by 4 children.
He was based in Harare.
He died on Saturday 4th April and his demise has left questions why the state media failed to publish it.
His first wife, Dr Anna Nyakabau confirmed the legendary medic is no more.
She described him as an outstanding man who was loving, and smart.
“It is really a great loss to the nation to an individual who did not understand, he was a great writer, he was an avid reader, he was an artist, (it is only that) for people who would have grown up in the rural areas those talents would not have been developed well. I am talking from a person who knew him.
“Yes I was no longer with him but I have a lot of respect for him,” she said.
Prominent author, Tsitai Dangarembwa said, ‘ I hear with deep sadness that Dr Morgan Nyakabau has passed on. We have lost a fine physician and a compassionate human being. I send my condolences to his family, wishing them strength and comfort, and Dr Nyakabau final rest in the arms of his Maker.”
Meanwhile, a colleague told ZimEye his body was tested at Wilkins Hospital and found to be negative of the coronavirus.
By A Correspondent- A 37-year-old Victoria Falls man who went on a housebreaking spree at night in Mkhosana suburb stealing cellphones has been arrested.
Member Mudenda residing at 1149 in Aerodrome used a metal bar with a hook on one end to force open closed doors or fish cellphones out through windows. He was arrested after investigations by the police following a housebreaking spree between 24 March and last Sunday.
Mudenda pleaded guilty to four counts of unlawful entry and another four of theft when he appeared before Victoria Falls resident magistrate Ms Lindiwe Maphosa.
The magistrate sentenced him to four years in jail for the unlawful entry counts and a further two years for the theft counts. Three years were suspended on condition that Mudenda does not commit similar offences within five years. He will serve an effective three years in jail.
Prosecuting, Mr Onias Nyathi said Mudenda used the same modus operandi to break into houses while the occupants were asleep at night.
“On the 24th day of March the complainant Ms Christine Mpofu of Mkhosana retired to bed at night leaving her property intact. During the same night the accused person proceeded to the complainant’s place of residence and inserted a hook through the bedroom window and fished out a cellphone,” said Mr Nyathi.
He said Mudenda went away without being noticed. Ms Mpofu discovered that her phone was missing in the morning and reported the matter to the police.
The following night, the court was told, Mudenda broke into Ms Eunice Dube’s place of residence in the same suburb where he used a metal bar to force open a locked door to gain entry into the sitting room. He took a cellphone and went away unnoticed.
On March 26 Mudenda broke into Mr Hillary Tshuma’s place of residence using the same modus operandi and stole a cellphone which was in the sitting room while the complainant was sleeping and went away.
Mudenda was at it again on Sunday night when he inserted the hooked metal through Mr Blessed Chamoka’s window and fished out a cellphone before disappearing into the night. He was arrested after police investigations following reports made by the complainants.
The total value of stolen property was RTGS$13 000 and all was recovered.-StateMedia
By A Correspondent- MultiChoice Zimbabwe has announced the creation of a pop-up channel on DStv dedicated for the Easter commemoration.
The new channel is aimed at Christians from all denominations and will run from Thursday, April 9, through to Easter Monday, April 13.
The channel is to be known as the African Easter Channel and is being hosted in collaboration with TBN Africa.
African Easter will be available on DStv channel 344.
The development was confirmed to a local publication by Liz Dziva, publicity and public relations manager of MultiChoice Zimbabwe.
She said:All Christians will be pleased with this special channel, which will provide a means of hearing more about the meaning and messages of Easter despite confinement during the lockdown.
The channel’s schedule will include significant input from the Methodist, Anglican and Catholic churches. Popular gospel artists such as Zimbabwean Michael Mahendere, Dr Tumi and Rebecca Malope will also feature prominently in the channel.
We are delighted that DStv can give viewers a meaningful experience of Easter at this most important time for Christians, and we are sure that people disappointed at not being able to commemorate in church the various points of worship during the Easter weekend will be pleased at this outreach opportunity, knowing they do so in fellowship with so many other Christians in their own homes.
The content for the channel is being recorded by various churches in safe conditions and will include music, sermons and services.
Good Friday marks the holiest day of the Christian calendar, while the celebration of Christ’s resurrection is on Easter Sunday.
This year Christians across Zimbabwe failed to observe Palm Sunday because of the government’s stay-at-home orders to contain the spread of the novel coronavirus (COVID-19).-Online
By A Correspondent- Tatenda Govere, 31, was shocked to see Harare streets clean as he walked from Harare Central Prison to find transport to Glen Norah last Thursday when he was released after serving four years for stealing from his brother.
One of the released inmates who benefited from the Presidential Amnesty, Govere said while prisons are still safe from coronavirus, should the disease find its way there, no- one would survive.
“Harare is totally new following the lockdown and I was shocked to find clean streets and few security guards as I walked from the prison into town,” said Govere.
“I learnt about coronavirus while in prison since we were allowed to view television programmes as well as current news.
“I want to believe that COVID-19 is still to find its way at Harare Central prison and if it happen to find a gap no one will survive due to conditions that do not allow us to distance self from the other inmate.
“Although I leave the cells free from coronavirus, I regret time I lost while serving jail sentence after I stole my brother’s money by engaging my friends to access his property.
“I stole from the hand that was feeding me and he is the same person who visited me while in prison and is the one who gave me money for transport after he learnt of my release.
“He accepted my forgiveness as well as his wife and this left me facing real facts of life and I repented.
“Prison life is bad and it’s like being buried alive that it is my prayer not to return to prison over committing crime but helping inmates,” said Govere. Govere was convicted of theft in 2015 and sentenced to eight years. He thanked His Excellency President Mnangagwa for the pardon.-StateMedia
Bulawayo City Council has extended water-rationing hours from 96 to 108 per week due to challenges being experienced at the Criterion reservoirs and at Criterion water treatment plant.
The drastic measures to conserve water are with immediate effect besides threats of a Coronavirus outbreak.
One person has already died of the mass killer disease in the City.
Market Watch|Just before COVID-19 hit our shores, rates were trending towards the 50 mark; certainly above 45! Immediately after the announcement of the 21-day lock-down, the ZWL seemed to have been strengthening and the rate went down to as low as 35 in some instances. In the last week, in the typical topsy-turvy fashion we have become accustomed to, the local currency has started weakening again.
The question is surely why is this happening when companies are supposed to be on a lock-down and therefore demand for hard currency should be diminished?
‘Dummy’ Trades? While most traders were quoting rates between 35 and 40 immediately after lockdown, it does not seem as if there was much trading going on at those levels, from a volume and value basis. In addition, our analysis revealed that while bids were quite strong at those levels from the main players, selling was very constrained due to a non-market reflective rate. If anything, the players were only buying, but not selling. Those bids were largely speculative while everyone was trying to assess the situation.
Offline trading platform? Most of the transactions in this business are largely relationship and face-to-face driven. During the early days of lockdown, everyone was unsure of the extent of the lockdown in terms of allowing movements and interactions. A very hard lockdown would have reduced interactions and therefore impacted the trading of FX. However as the situation has progressed and due to the relaxed nature of the lockdown, the players have found ways to interact and continue transacting. We have seen in some groups, traders beginning to be more innovative and now offering de-centralised transacting points in various neighbourhoods.
Everyone is a critical sector! While initially a few companies were considered critical and therefore to remain open during the lockdown, we have seen in recent days literally everyone being allowed to open as they are a ‘critical’ service. We are not qualified to comment on the impact that has on flattening the curve; so will pass. What this has done is to increase demand for hard currency as players need to retool and produce.
Did I hear you say SI 85? We are now all allowed to transact in any currency after another policy shift by RBZ. The simple question is are you better off holding ZWL and hoping to transact in local currency or seeking USD that will most likely conserve value and give you transacting flexibility? That’s a no brainer! In fact, this policy alone will push demand for FX and might lead to the death of ZWL!
Zimbabwe’s largest fresh produce market, Mbare Musika, officially reopened yesterday, but with social distancing and washing of hands not being observed.
Such measures were, however, in force at the smaller Highfield Market, a few kilometres away, with soap and water available, while officials enforced social distancing.
President Mnangagwa reclassified all produce markets as essential services and directed that farmers should be allowed to deliver their vegetables to the markets.
Police and council officials were maintaining order at Mbare Musika, but without setting and enforcement of health measures.
Health authorities, following advice of the World Health Organisation, continually urge high levels of personal hygiene, with hands being frequently washed.
Murehwa farmer, Passmore Manyere, voiced his concerns about the lack of health measures at Mbare Musika, saying people should not forget the need to stay safe and follow the recommended ways of doing business.
“We are thankful to the President for allowing us to bring our produce to the market,” he said.
“When the lockdown started some of us had a lot of ready produce and it all perished. My worry now is also on the state of this market.
“Yes, we need to make money, but there are health measures that we should strictly follow to curb the spread of Covid-19. We expected to see the city council officials here with sanitisers or water to wash our hands and also limiting the number of people entering the market at any one time so that social distancing can be observed.”
Manyere blasted Harare City Council for not cleaning the market, despite a joint operation last week by police and the council to disinfect the area.
Mr Edward Kahana of Macheke said there was need to take preventive measures since the market was well known for overcrowding.
He reported a slow start to business, despite large crowds, and thought a lot of his personal customers were observing the lockdown.
“We sell perishable products and the lockdown had affected us,” said Mr Kahana.
“Business is slow today. Our customers are locked in their homes. We hope the situation will improve as days go by.”
Mr Kahana repeated calls for Harare City to provide sanitisers and water for people to wash their hands.
To show what is possible in Harare, the nearby Highfield Market presented a quite different scene.
Officers manning the market were instructing farmers and the public to wash their hands with water and soap, which was provided by the city council.
They were controlling the number of people allowed in the market encouraging everyone to maintain social distancing.
Farmers at the Highfield market also commended the Government for allowing them to open the markets, but recognised that many normal customers were observing the lockdown.
“I am into horticulture and I have a lot of tomatoes at my farm in Mutoko,” said Mrs Mapfumo.
“When the lockdown was announced, I had a lot of tomatoes and cucumbers which were ready for the market and they all perished.
“The decision by our President to reopen our markets came at the right time and we are thankful. Some of our produce is still in the fields and ready again for market. On a normal day, we could have gone back to Mutoko by now, but we still have a lot of produce to sell.”
Beitbridge town has since reopened its four fresh produce markets, with town clerk Mr Loud Ramakgapola saying they had set opening times between 8am and 3pm.
“We have opened the Bulk Market, Mashakada, Mashavire and Dulivhadzimu,” he said.
“These are easy to monitor because they are in built up areas and their operation time has been set to match that of other essential shops, which open at 8am and close at 3pm.”
A team of municipal police and the environmental health officials is on the ground enforcing standard operational procedures as set out in the national Covid-19 response plan.
In Masvingo, the main fresh produce market, Chitima Market, was also open and set its trading hours at between 5am and 7am, bringing relief to residents seeking fresh produce.
Masvingo in conjunction with the provincial Covid-19 taskforce resolved to designate Chitima as a wholesale market operating for two hours daily to avert congestion.
Sakubva vegetable market in Mutare opened for business at 6am, as farmers from across the province brought in their produce.
It will be operating for three hours until 9am daily.
Municipal and ZRP officers were posted at strategic positions to maintain order around the open space that was identified within the market for farmers to sell from.
Farmers complied with social distancing with most of them selling their wares from their cars or trucks.
Three retail market areas in the city centre were given the nod to operate by the Mutare district Covid-19 taskforce.
All retail markets in town are expected to operate from 9am to 3pm when all the shops close for the day.
Zimbabwe Association Doctors for Human Rights has raised questions over the coronavirus case number 11 saying they are very worried at the possible exposure of both the public and health personnel who treated the Bulawayo resident who later succumbed to the disease.
I a statement yesterday, ZADHR questioned why it took so long to have the first results after samples were taken and why the patient was treated at a health institution not designated to handle infectious diseases, a situation that could have exposed medical personnel to COVID-19.
By A Correspondent| ZimEye on Monday investigated reports which alleged that truck drivers are being injected with an unknown substance since the weekend.
The reports submitted on the afternoon of the 6th April 2020, had two videos of men complaining mainly in the Shona language that they do not want to be injected.
A source told ZimEye their siblings were witnesses of a said similar incident which they said happened on Monday afternoon. They alleged that the incidents are happening at Kazungula border.
One of the videos begins with the following narration: this is how it is here at the University of Zambia. This crowd you are seeing here all of them are truck drivers, we were at Kazungula border. We were kept there for some days. Some of us entered on the 30th of March, others entered earlier than us.
“After leaving Kazungula, we were told to come down here to Lusaka because some of the drivers their papers are still with the customs officials and the police so they were told to come down here to Lusaka to get their papers but upon coming here we were told to leave our trucks, park our trucks and come here to the University of Zambia.
“We came here to the University of Zambia yesterday last night. We were told to sleep and this morning there is nothing that has happened we are just waiting for the officials to come and address us…
“I think there is one official here who is addressing; I want to see exactly what is going on here but we are being guarded like we are criminals you can see there is a lot of police.
“To our surprise it is only one border which is being targeted because our friends who are using Chirundu they are moving freely. It is only those using Kazungula and Vic Falls coming from South Africa who are the ones brought here to Lusaka. Actually the main reason for bringing us here we don’t know.
“We are yet to find out what’s the reason for bringing us here.”
In another video which is not clear where it was shot there are men dressed as doctors or nurses seen surrounding a group of drivers and a woman screaming, “aaaah, deport to our country it is better to deport us. “
Soon after that another woman then screams in the Shona language saying “these are the chemicals that are killing people. These chemicals will cause reactions in people’s bodies.”
Efforts to get a comment from the Zambian police were fruitless. ZimEye was in the process of making several telephone calls to different government offices, when we were told by at least 3 drivers that, “it is not true that they are injections. We got swabbed on the nose as part of testing for coronavirus, ” one of the drivers told ZimEye.
The other two drivers repeated just about the same response.
At the close of day there were no other direct comments from drivers, among those stranded in the neighbouring country.
VIDEO LOADING BELOW….
HAVE YOU WITNESSED CORONAVIRUS VACCINE(S) BEING ADMINISTERED? CONTACT ZIMEYE RIGHT NOW
By A Correspondent- Government is inspecting underutilised farms in Manicaland Province and those exceeding maximum sizes as it prepares to downsize them.
This follows recommendations by the Ministry of Lands, Agriculture, Water and Rural Resettlement to reduce the sizes of at least 15 farms in the province in order to boost capacity utilisation.
In 2016, four farms in Chipinge were identified for the exercise. Thirteen were identified in Makoni, two in Nyanga and six in Mutare.
No farms were identified in Buhera, Mutasa and Chinamimani districts.
The Minister of State for Manicaland Provincial Affairs, Ellen Gwaradzimba, on Monday said that Government is seized with downsizing the farms.
“We are carrying out an exercise to downsize the farms in line with the Government’s directive. We must adhere to the maximum farm size per each region.
“The land size or hectarage is based on the capacity of the farmers
Dr Gwaradzimba said the land re-allocations will prioritise those with capacity to productively utilise land.
She said war veterans, traditional leaders, women and youths would also be catered for.
“There are special groups that are also going to be allocated the land. These include the war veterans because there is a policy that states that they should be given land,” she said.
The maximum farm size in Region One, which largely covers Chimanimani, Nyanga, Mutare, Mutasa and Chipinge, was pegged at 250ha. However, this excludes timber plantations.
In Region Two, which includes parts of Mutare, Makoni and Mutasa districts, the maximum farm size is 500ha.
The farm size ceiling in Region Three, which encompasses parts of Makoni, Mutasa and Mutare districts, is 750ha.
In Regions Four and Five, which largely encompasses parts of Nyanga North, Chipangayi, Chisumbanje, Makoni South and Chipinge, the maximum farm size is 1 500ha and 2 000ha, respectively.-StateMedia
State Media|The World Health Organisation (WHO) has described views of two French scientists who last week suggested that trials for a Covid-19 vaccine could be done in Africa as “racist” and a hangover of “colonial mentality”.
Speaking to journalists during his daily virtual Press briefings on Monday, WHO director-general Dr Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus said human beings were equal.
He insisted that existing laid down procedures for trials would be adhered to in all research anywhere in the world.
“We will follow all the rules to test any vaccine or therapeutics all over the world, using exactly the same route, whether it is in Europe, Africa or wherever. We will use the same protocol,” said Dr Ghebreyesus.
He warned the scientists to stop what he described as a “hangover from colonial mentality”.
“It was a disgrace, appalling to hear during the 21st century from scientists, that kind of remark,” said Dr Ghebreyesus.
“We condemn it in the strongest terms possible, but we assure you that this will not happen in Africa and will not happen elsewhere in any country.
“Proper protocols will be followed and human beings will be treated as human beings because we are all human beings.”
The two French scientists, Dr Camille Locht, head of research at the National Institute of Health and Medical Research (INSERM) and Dr Jean-Paul Mira, head of intensive care at Cochin Hospital in Paris were having a discussion on vaccines during a televised programme, which aired on the French channel LCI last week.
The scientists both agreed that Africa was the best location for their BCG tuberculosis vaccine tests, which is currently being tried in Europe and Australia against Covid-19, because of Africa’s vulnerabilities.
“If I can be provocative, shouldn’t we be doing this study in Africa, where there are no masks, no treatments, no resuscitation,” said Dr Mira during the debate.
“A bit like it is done elsewhere for some studies on Aids. In prostitutes, we try things because we know that they are highly exposed and that they do not protect themselves.”
Dr Locht chipped in, “You are
right. We are in the process of thinking about a study in parallel in Africa.”
Dr Mira has since apologised for the wayward remarks, while INSERM said comments by one of their scientist Dr Locht had been misunderstood.
What puzzled many about the two scientists’ views was that they came at a time statistics showed that far many people were being affected by Covid-19 in Western countries, as compared to African countries.
Some people were of the view that the tests of the vaccines should start in the most affected Western countries before coming to Africa where the disease has so far affected less numbers.
There is an unverified hypothesis that the BCG vaccine may give some resistance to Covid-19, or at least lessen the severity of the infection.
A proper trial has now started in Australia, using volunteer health personnel who are frequently exposed to infection, but results are not expected for some months.
Most children in Africa and most other developing countries have, in fact, been routinely vaccinated with BCG for some decades as part of the programme to eliminate tuberculosis, with only people in the developed world normally not vaccinated.
By A Correspondent- The Zimbabwe Association of Doctors for Human Rights (ZADHR) has called for an urgent investigation surrounding the death of a Bulawayo man who passed away on the 4th of April 2020 after testing positive of the deadly Coronavirus disease.
The organization said the opaque circumstances surrounding the death of the 79-year-old man.
Read the full statement below:
The Zimbabwe Association of Doctors for Human Rights (ZADHR) calls for an urgent audit of the circumstances leading to the death of patient number 11 diagnosed with COVID -19 in Zimbabwe (Ministry of Health and Child Care Coronavirus (COVID-19) Update: 07 April 2020).
ZADHR is deeply concerned by the continued lack of preparedness in handling severe COVID-19 cases in Zimbabwe. Equally, we are extremely worried about the possible exposure of health workers both in private and public facilities who are working without PPEs. We urge the health authorities to account for the following grey areas in the management of this case:
i. It took five days (from 2nd April to 7th April) to get the result of the COVID-19 test a period which is rather too long. The absence of diagnostic facilities for COVID- 19 brings to question the state of preparedness of center outside Harare. What is the government doing to improve the turn-around time for tests?
ii. The patient was treated at a local hospital. Is this an infectious diseases hospital or a COVID-19 designated facility? Previously the Minister of Health and Child Care has assured the nation that the country is ready to deal with COVID 19 cases countrywide. The lack of clarity arouses lots of questions.
iii. The inability to diagnose on time is a clear sign that health professionals attending the deceased were exposed as they lack essential protective equipment (PPEs).
iv. Does this case reflect the lack of knowledge on the case definition for suspected cases of COVID-19? The patient was first seen on 23 March and was not advised to self-quarantine, get tested for COVID-19, and managed as a suspected case.
v. What is the state of preparedness in centers outside Harare?
ZADHR believes this case and the continued demise of severe cases of COVID-19 patients mirrors the utter lack of preparedness of the health system. It also reflects the minimal focus on other regions outside Harare. Lastly, the Minister of Health and Child Care must be made to account on what he referred to when he claimed the country was prepared for COVID-19 when such regional inequities and pervasive logistical issues characterize our response to date.
By A Correspondent- Former Regency Group of Hotels director, Dr Fredrick Kasese had a terrifying and potentially deadly ordeal after discovering a huge black mamba snake in his staff quarters house in Morningside, Masvingo.
The black Mamba snake was 3.8m long.
It is said to have entered the one roomed quarter and curled on an empty sack.
Two security guards who were making a morning inspection of the room were alerted by a sudden movement in the room after opening the door.
The huge reptile immediately went on the defense and landed along a gable in the roof, ready to strike.
The security guards fled the scene in terror and went to report the matter to Dr Kasese who came armed with a 22 Hornet gun.
“There are plenty of snakes here, some bigger than this one. We live in harmony but they become dangerous once they get into houses like this and the only option is to kill it,” said Dr Kasese.
Dr Kasese said his understanding of animals helped him in handling the snake and in knowing where to shoot.
He shot the area just above its tail which he said gives it the power to move.“It dropped onto the floor and started attacking anything it could but it had no movement because it had been immobilised by the first bullet.
We moved out to safety and allowed it to bleed for five minutes.
We came back when it was now very weak and I shot it in its head and finished it off,” said Dr Kasese.
The reptile was burnt.
We had to burn it because snakes usually move in pairs. When a snake is burnt it produces a scent that drives away other snakes and our aim was to drive away the other snake which should have been in the environs of the homestead,” said Dr Kasese.
Dr Kasese, whose plot harbors a lot of wildlife said so far a python has devoured his 5 dogs.
He also said hippos and and crocodiles also live nearby as there is river close to his home.-Online
By A Correspondent- Farmers and vendors whose produce was confiscated and burnt by the police at the Sakubva vegetable market last week will be compensated.
Three tonnes of vegetables were confiscated from more than 300 farmers that had converged at the market to sell their produce.
Manicaland Covid-19 Taskforce chairperson Dr Ellen Gwaradzimba has described the incident as unfortunate and said all the affected farmers would receive part of the $600 million being extended to small businesses, vendors and the elderly by Government to compensate them for loss of income.
“The incident that happened at Sakubva market was unfortunate, especially given that we had come up with modalities on how people could continue to trade, but in an organised fashion under the watch of our forces to ensure adherence to issues of hygiene and social distancing,” she said.
“The fact that they all ran means they were aware that they were violating the conditions of the lockdown. But as a leadership with the people at heart, we understand that people were trying to find a way of survival and that they lost out on hard-earned income.”
So far, only 14 farmers have come forward and submitted their names for compensation.
Minister Gwaradzimba urged all the affected farmers to register with the provincial taskforce.-Online
The issues you have raised with reference to the allegations against the Zimbabwe National Army members who are assisting the Zimbabwe Republic Police in enforcing the lockdown are not true.
On the contrary and as a matter of fact, the broad spectrum of our citizens are complying with the lockdown without any adverse reports coming from either other security forces, government and community leaders involved on the national effort to curb the pandemic.
Our advice is that anyone who claims to be a victim must promptly report to the nearest Zimbabwe Republic Police or the Zimbabwe National Army camps.
It is futile to raise such serious allegations in the social media and/or media houses without reporting them to the relevant authorities.
By A Correpsondent| A top Zimbabwean Scientist based in London, Dr Paul Matewele has died.
Dr Matewele passed on after a battle with a Coronavirus infection, his employers said in a statement.
The below was a video just a few days ago.
Described as a “gentle giant,” Dr Paul Matewele who was a senior lecturer in microbiology immunology at London Metropolitan University, died at Barnet Hospital in London.
He had published several studies on the dangers of life-threatening bacteria being passed through cash and public transport.
He has been praised as “a larger than life character, very funny and kind.”
"We're deeply saddened that a much-loved member of our community, Dr Paul Matewele, has died following a battle with a coronavirus infection.
Staff and students have been invited to share their tributes to Paul, which will be shared on this page" – London Metropolitan Uni pic.twitter.com/YbreTIKPJx
The government is set to start a door to door COVID-19 testing exercise to curb the spread of the deadly pandemic, Health minister Dr Obadiah Moyo has said.
In an interview with a local publication, Moyo yesterday said government was hoping to decentralise the COVID-19 testing exercise before they can embark on an aggressive door-to-door campaign that would be informed by the rate at which cases would be soaring.
“We are in the process of decentralising the whole process. Currently, we have the kits for PCR (polymerase chain reaction) testing and the PCR is the definitive testing used to detect early infections,” said Dr Moyo.
“However, while it is being done just in Harare, the Ministry of Health has already entered an agreement with National University of Science and Technology (NUST) so that their equipment can be used at Mpilo, where there is a level three laboratory.
“After that, we will then increase the number of testing sites in Harare and then eventually go countrywide. This will be done in the shortest time possible,” Dr Moyo added.
He added that in exposed areas like Beitbridge, rapid testing will be the way to go.
“For rural areas like Gokwe, if a patient shows signs of the disease we have the rapid response team that is in every province and those teams will attend to any case,” said Dr Moyo.
He poured cold water on reports that the country is using defective testing kits saying they are using the definitive golden standard which takes five hours to produce results.
“The only reliable testing that is taking place in the country is being carried by the government and not private hospitals. As government, we are using the golden standard which is definitive, although this takes five hours for results to show,” added Dr Moyo.
“We hope to get more testing kits so that we come up with results early,” Dr Moyo added.
Zimbabwe is currently under a 21-day lockdown gazetted by President Emmerson Mnangagwa to curb the spread of the coronavirus pandemic.
Only nine people have tested positive to coronavirus from around 300 tests done in the country.
There are growing concerns that the number of people who have been tested is too low compared to other countries such as South Africa.
His breathing deteriorates; country declares additional 439 deaths, taking toll to 5,373 with infection figure rising to 51,608
UK Prime Minister Boris Johnson is still battling coronavirus in intensive care today with ‘no change’ in his condition overnight – amid a wave of support from across the nation.
Mr Johnson was moved to ICU at St Thomas’ Hospital in central London and given oxygen after his health deteriorated sharply over just two hours, leaving doctors fearing he will need a ventilator.
The 55-year-old was transferred to intensive care at 7pm because of breathing difficulties – forcing him to ‘deputise’ Foreign Secretary Dominic Raab to take the reins of government.
In a round of broadcast interviews this morning, Cabinet minister Michael Gove said Mr Johnson was getting the ‘best care’.
‘As we speak the PM is in intensive care being looked after by his medical team receiving the very, very best care from the team in St Thomas’s and our hopes and prayers are with him and with his family,’ he told BBC Breakfast.
Mr Gove played down concerns that the government will be paralysed with the leader out of action.
‘The Cabinet is the supreme decision making body,’ he said
The Queen is being kept informed about Mr Johnson’s condition, while Mr Raab will chair a meeting of the government coronavirus task force this morning.
Meanwhile, Donald Trump revealed he has offered to send Mr Johnson experimental drugs to treat his coronavirus.
‘I’ve asked two of the leading companies … They’ve come with the solutions and just have done incredible jobs – and I’ve asked him to contact London immediately,’ Mr Trump said. ‘The London office has whatever they need. We’ll see if we can be of help. We’ve contacted all of Boris’s doctors, and we’ll see what is going to take place, but they are ready to go.’
The PM’s sharp downturn came 11 days after he first suffered coronavirus symptoms and went into isolation. He looked increasingly unwell when glimpsed in public and in ‘selfie’ videos posted on social media, and ministers were then shocked by his grim appearance at a Zoom conference on Sunday.
Downing Street sources confirmed Mr Johnson is not yet on a ventilator – but was moved to intensive care to be near one if needed. Some medical experts forecasting this course of action is now ‘very likely’.
Two thirds of patients in intensive care with coronavirus are sedated and put on a ventilator within 24 hours of arriving as the illness attacks their lungs.
But last night, one doctor told The Times Mr Johnson was conscious and had not been intubated – the process of putting a tube in the windpipe to aid breathing. He was said to have required around four litres of oxygen rather than the 15 litres used by an average Covid-19 ICU patient.
Only two hours before his move to intensive care, No10 was insisting Mr Johnson was still spearheading the government’s coronavirus response, despite de facto deputy Mr Raab chairing the morning crisis meeting.
Yet shortly after the Foreign Secretary left the Number 10 podium following the daily 5pm press briefing, Mr Johnson, 55, suffered breathing problem.
Sir Mark Sedwill, the cabinet secretary, held an emergency video conference with the cabinet to tell them the bad news, in a moment one minister described as ‘truly shocking’.
No10 has been urged to be more ‘transparent’ about the premier’s condition, amid claims a hospital bed was being prepared for him as early as last Thursday.
Speaking last night, Mr Raab vowed that ‘government business will continue’ and said there is a strong ‘team spirit’ rallying around the leader. He also reassured that the premier was ‘receiving excellent care’ and thanked the NHS staff who were treating him and other patients across Britain.
Mr Johnson’s handing of power to Mr Raab – the second most senior cabinet minister after the PM himself – came after days of insisting he remained in the driving seat of the UK’s fightback against the virus.
But on Sunday, the tenth day of isolation in his Number 11 flat, Mr Johnson’s declining health became clear to Cabinet colleagues during a 10am Zoom video conference call.
During the 45-minute meeting with ministers including Michael Gove, Rishi Sunak and Matt Hancock, insiders described the PM as pale and strained, while some detected breathlessness as he spoke.
A Number 10 spokeswoman said last night: ‘Since Sunday evening, the Prime Minister has been under the care of doctors at St Thomas’ Hospital, in London, after being admitted with persistent symptoms of coronavirus.
‘Over the course of this afternoon, the condition of the Prime Minister has worsened and, on the advice of his medical team, he has been moved to the Intensive Care Unit at the hospital.
‘The PM has asked Foreign Secretary Dominic Raab, who is the First Secretary of State, to deputise for him where necessary.
‘The PM is receiving excellent care, and thanks all NHS staff for their hard work and dedication.’
Downing Street has been accused of downplaying the seriousness of Mr Johnson’s illness.
When he was admitted to hospital on Sunday night, Number 10 made clear he was undergoing tests as a precaution on the advice of his doctor.
But a Tory source said: ‘No 10 tried to play this down but think it through: the Prime Minister was being taken to hospital in his car at 8pm on Sunday, the precise moment the Queen was making her broadcast to the nation. It therefore cannot have been completely routine.’
Insiders on the Sunday Zoom cabinet call also claimed it was clear Mr Johnson was not well.
A senior Whitehall source said: ‘His symptoms were persisting. He was plainly not getting any better. In fact he’d got worse.’
Determined to emulate the grit of his political hero Winston Churchill, insiders said Mr Johnson was reluctant to go to hospital.
A source said: ‘Do not underestimate the macho nature of the Westminster political Establishment. Boris will not have wanted to look weak.’
However, he eventually gave ground to his doctor and travelled to St Thomas’ with bodyguards on Sunday night.
It was the first time Mr Johnson was believed to have left Downing Street since Thursday, when he stood on the steps of Number 11 to applaud NHS workers at 8pm.
This was the last time the PM has been seen in public and came amid whisperings in Westminster that he was not as well as aides were claiming.
As early as Thursday, a bed was being prepared for Mr Johnson at St Thomas’, a source told the Guardian.
The next day, wearing an open collar shirt and looking exhausted, the PM used a Twitter video to reveal he had failed to shake off his high temperature and so would continue to self-isolate, while still keeping a firm hand on the tiller.
Mr Raab is now primed to take charge of the government’s coronavirus response and deputise for Mr Johnson ‘where necessary’, although it is understood he will not be a temporary PM.
At yesterday’s Downing Street press briefing, he confirmed a further 439 coronavirus deaths, taking the toll to 5,373, while the number of patients rose by 3,802 to 51,608.
Health experts tonight appeared unanimous in their view that the PM’s admission to intensive care means he is ‘extremely sick’.
But the four litres of oxygen which the Times reports were given to Mr Johnson is below the 15-litre threshold for typical intensive care patients, suggesting he is not as ill as most in ICUs.
World leaders and politicians around the globe rallied around Mr Johnson, who received well wishers from David Cameron, Emmanuel Macron and Donald Trump.
Japan’s Prime Minister Shinzo Abe has sent a tweet saying his thoughts and prayers are with Mr Johnson this morning.
He said: ‘To my dear friend @BorisJohnson , my thoughts and prayers are with you and your family, as you fight for a swift recovery. The people of Japan stand with the British people at this difficult time.’
The Queen has also been kept informed by Downing Street about Mr Johnson’s condition, Buckingham Palace said.
Mr Raab last night vowed to keep the machines of government firing on all cylinders while the PM recovered.
The one-time Tory leadership contender said: ‘The Prime Minister is in safe hands with that brilliant team at St Thomas’ hospital, and the focus of the Government will continue to be on making sure that the Prime Minister’s direction, all the plans for making sure that we can defeat coronavirus and can pull the country through this challenge, will be taken forward.’
He added: ‘There’s an incredibly strong team spirit behind the Prime Minister, and making sure that we get all of the plans the Prime Minister’s instructed us to deliver, to get them implemented as soon as possible.
‘And that’s the way it will bring the whole country through the coronavirus challenge that we face right now.’
Senior doctors branded the PM’s admission to intensive care a ‘huge concern’ and underscores how indiscriminate the virus is.
Dr Simon Clarke, a professor on cellular microbiology at Reading University, told Sky News: ‘The NHS particularly in this moment doesn’t give up intensive care beds just for people to be looked over. It doesn’t work that way even for PMs.
‘He wouldn’t be in intensive care unless he needed to be in intensive care. Especially not at this time.’
He added: ‘It is probably about time that the press people in No10 started levelling with us about what his condition really is.’
Downing Street sources confirmed Mr Johnson is not yet on a ventilator, although medical experts forecast this course of action is ‘very likely’.
Prof Derek Hill, Professor of Medical Imaging, University College London, said: ‘As often happens with COVID-19, his condition has now deteriorated so he has been admitted to intensive care where he is very likely to have been put on a mechanical ventilator to breath for him.’
He added: ‘One of the features of COVID-19 in all countries seems to be that many more men become seriously ill than women – especially in the over 40 age group.
‘Also we know that people under about 60 seem to have a higher chance of making a recovery from critical illness with COVID-19 than older people. But there is no doubt this turn of events means Boris Johnson is extremely sick.’
Mr Johnson’s pregnant fiancée Carrie Symonds, who is due in the early summer, is self-isolating in her own Camberwell apartment with the couple’s dog Dilyn after symptoms surfaced.
The 32-year-old said on Saturday: ‘I’ve spent the past week in bed with the main symptoms of Coronavirus. I haven’t needed to be tested and, after seven days of rest, I feel stronger and I’m on the mend.’
Politicians of all stripes rallied around Mr Johnson, including from ex-prime minister David Cameron and French President Emmanuel Macron.
Scotland First Minister Nicola Sturgeon tweeted: ‘My thoughts are with the PM and his family – sending him every good wish.’
Mr Johnson fell ill with the virus on the same day as Health Secretary Matt Hancock, who has since recovered.
Alarm bells started ringing that the nerve centre of the government’s crisis response had been compromised when chief medical officer Professor Chris Whitty and top Downing Street adviser Dominic Cummings also began showing symptoms. (Mail)
By Dr Masimba Mavaza| MDC has an engine running twenty four hours. This is the engine of scheming and plotting.
As the establishment’s need to keep Mwonzora and all the senior folks away from power has grown more urgent and desperate, so has the nature of the attacks which has become physical and brutal. The debacle exposes MDC shenanigans and under hand operations in the MDC.
Ideologically Mwonzora was resolutely against the thrust of four decades of a turbo-charged neoliberal capitalism and sanctions. Mwonzora practices mature politics while Chamisa surrounded himself with those who advocate for student politics. The radicalism in Chamisa was a clashing point with the conservative veterans in the MDC. Chamisa failed to mature fast; he could not move from student politics to national politics.
His marriage with Job and Biti stinks to the the high places. He surrounded himself with inexperienced over excited morons who can not appeal to the seasoned mature politicians like Mwonzora, Komichi and Mudzuri. So Mwonzora, Mudzuri and Komichi were singled out for expulsion. All what had to be done was wait for the opportune moment. So two distinctive factions emerged within MDC.
Chamisa had the support of Biti and Job Sikhala both Biti and Sikhala are political prostitutes who left MDC after sharp differences with Tsvangirai. Tsvangirai had to resort to violence which helped him to fire Biti and Mangoma. Job had left earlier to form MDC 99. Their rebellious behaviour did not sit well with Mwonzora hence the friction.
Mwonzora was not kin to have Biti back in the big tent.
In the latest of the interminable media “furores” about Mwonzora dating ZANU PF supposed unfitness to lead MDC it is easy to forget where we were shortly before Mwonzora became a target for cleansing. He had won the support of an overwhelming majority of MDC members to head the party’s secretariat department a position he beat Chamisa to.
In the preceding years, it was hard to contain Mwonzora whose influence was too much for Chamisa to handle. Mwonzora had reinvented himself, after years of battling rebellious attitude which Chamisa and his inner circle were introducing in the party , as a spiritual guru-cum-political revolutionary in the MDC Mwonzora gained the hatred of the youthful overzealous group then hamisa group backed by the NEC and by the vanguard.
Chamisa employed all dirty tactics to soil Mwonzora and all those who represented the old MDC guards. The recalling of Biti and Welshman NCUBE Sikhala and the crew was to see the final takeover of the MDC by Chamisa.
The senior Adviser to Chamisa, Tendai Biti does not hide his dislike of Mwonzora and he has put much pressure to have him removed from the party. It is not a secret that Biti is a schemer and he has his eyes on the throne. If he removes those he sees as obstacles it will be easy for him to elbow chamisa out. Biti is fully aware that Chamisa commands the support of the majority supporters so he is playing his cards carefully.
Biti’s fast-talking, plain-speaking criticism of the existing political order, calling it discredited, unaccountable and unrepresentative, was greeted with smirking condescension by the political and media establishment. Nonetheless, in an era before Chamisa had become president of the party which is not a party, the media were happy to indulge him for a while, seemingly believing he or his ideas might prove a ratings winner with younger audiences.
But Chamisa started to look rather more impressive than anyone could have imagined. He took on supposed party heavyweights like Mudzuri Mwonzora and Orbert Gutu he charmed and shamed them into submission – both with his compassion and his thoughtful radicalism. Even in the gladiatorial-style battle of wits he made these titans of the political world look mediocre, shallow and out of touch. He was quick to connect any descending voice with ZANU PF. With Chamisa anyone who does not support him is ZANU PF or CIO.
Rumours of these head-to-heads allegations against the old guard went viral, and Chamisa fooled and won hundreds of thousands of new followers who are youthful.
Then he overstepped the mark and assumed the dictatorial tendencies. Chamisa is a product of illegality so anything legal in his party he fights it with all his heart.
Instead of simply criticising the political system, Chamisa argued that it was in fact so rigged by the powerful, by corporate interests, that party democracy had become a charade. Elections were pointless. Our votes were simply a fig-leaf, concealing the fact that our political leaders were there to represent not us but the interests of globe-spanning corporations.
Political and media elites had been captured by unshored corporate money. Our voices had become irrelevant.
Mwonzora didn’t just talk the talk. He started committing to direct action. Mwonzora’s revolutionary words had turned into revolutionary action
But just as Chamisa’s rejection of the old politics began to articulate a wider mood, it was stopped in its tracks by the Supreme Court. After Chamisa was unexpectedly elevated to the party presidency offering for the first time in living memory a politics that did not listen to people before money, his style of rejectionism looked a little too cynical, or at least premature.
While Chamisa’s illegal victory marked a sea-change, it is worth recalling, however, that it occurred only because of a mistake. Or perhaps two.
First, a handful of NEC members agreed to nominate Chamisa for the leadership contest, scraping him past the threshold needed to get on the throne without procedures.
Most backed him only because they wanted to give the impression of an election that was fair and open. After his victory, some loudly regretted having assisted him. None had thought a representative of the tiny and besieged left wing of the parliamentary party stood a chance of winning – not after ED and his acolytes had spent more than two years remaking ZANU PF using their own version of entryism to eradicate any vestiges of socialism in the party.
Chamisa had very different ideas from most of his colleagues. Over the years he had broken with the consensus of the dominant Tsvangirai faction time and again consistently taking a minority view that later proved to be on the right side of history.
He alone among the leadership contenders spoke unequivocally against unity with ZANU PF regarding it as a way to leech away more public money to enrich the corporations and banks that had already pocketed vast sums from the public coffers – so much so that by 2018 they had nearly bankrupted the entire economic system.
And second, Chamisa won because of a recent change in the party’s rulebook – one now much regretted by party managers. The members, unlike the party machine, wanted Chamisa
Even the best designed systems have flaws, especially when the maintenance of the system’s image as benevolent is considered vitally important. It wasn’t that Chamisa’s ascendency had shown MDC’s political system was flawed and unaccountable. It was simply evidence that corporate power had made itself vulnerable to a potential accident by preferring to work out of sight, in the shadows, to maintain the illusion of democracy. Chamisa was that accident.
‘Brainwashing under freedom’
Chamisa’s success also wasn’t evidence that the power structure he challenged had weakened. The system was still in place and it still had a chokehold on the political and media establishments that exist to uphold its interests. Which is why it has been mobilising these forces endlessly to damage Mwonzora and team and avert the risk of a further, even more disastrous “accident”, such as his becoming Zimbabwean President. ..
Listing the ways the media have sought to undermine Mwonzora would sound preposterous to anyone not deeply immersed in these media-constructed narratives. But almost all of us have been exposed to this kind of “brainwashing under freedom” since birth.
The initial attacks on Mwonzora were for being poorly dressed, sexist, unstatesmanlike, a security threat, a ZANU PF spy – relentless, unsubstantiated smears the like of which no other party leader had ever faced. But over time the allegations became even more outrageously propagandistic as the campaign to undermine him intensified with Welshman Ncube Biti and Sikhala forming a force behind Chamisa aimed at Mwonzora.
As the establishment’s need to keep him away from power has grown more urgent and desperate so has the nature of the attacks.
It was difficult to attack Mwonzora directly for these positions. There was the danger that he might prove popular with voters. But Mwonzora was seen to have an Achilles’ heel. He was a life-long anti Mugabe activist and well known for his support for the rights of the long-suffering Zimbabweans. He was soon being presented as a leader happy to preside over an “institutionally” ZANU PF party.
The bad faith of the Mwonzora ZANU PF smears were particularly clear.
MDC has been typical in mischaracterising Mwonzora’s remarks not once but each time it has covered developments in his case.
That system is not impregnable, however.
As long as we colluded in the manufactured consensus of tyrant the system operated without challenge or meaningful dissent. A deeply ideological system destroying democracy was treated as if it was natural, immutable, the summit of human progress, the end of history. Those times are over. Accidents like Chamisa will happen more frequently, as will extreme climate events and economic crises.
The power structures in place to prevent such accidents will by necessity grow more ham-fisted, more belligerent, less concealed to get their way. And we might finally understand that a system designed to pacify many while a few grow rich at the expense of our children’s future and our own does not have to continue. That we can raise our voices and loudly say: “No!” The plot against Mwonzora shows that MDC can not be trusted with our nation. Too much underhand activities. The party is being run mafia style and Biti Sikhala and professor Ncube are vampires waiting to swallow our democracy. The interest Zimbabwe should have in MDC affairs is vested in the fact that our heroes fought for Democracy and died for democracy. It therefore pains them to sit and see a dictator being created under our nose.
The Zimbabwe Association of Doctors for Human Rights (ZADHR) has called for an investigation into the second COVID-19 death in the country.
Here’s the ZADHR statement in full:
STATEMENT ON SECOND COVID-19 DEATH
07 April 2020
The Zimbabwe Association of Doctors for Human Rights (ZADHR) calls for an urgent audit of the circumstances leading to the death of patient number 11 diagnosed with COVID -19 in Zimbabwe (Ministry of Health and Child Care Comnavirus (COVID-19) Update: 07 April 2020). ZADHR is deeply concerned by the continued lack of preparedness in handling severe COVID-19 cases in Zimbabwe. Equally. we are extremely worried by the possible exposure of health workers both in private and public facilities who are working without PPEs. We urge the health authorities to account for the following grey areas in the management of this case:
i. It took five days (from 2nd April to 7th April) to get the result of the COVID-19 test a period which is rather too long. The absence of diagnostic facilities for COVID-19brings to question the state of preparedness of centre outside Harare. What is the government doing to improve the turn-around time for tests?
ii. The patient was treated at a local hospital. Is this an infectious diseases hospital or a COVID-19 designated facility? Previously the Minister of Health and Child Care has assured the nation that the country is ready to deal with COVID 19 cases countrywide. The lack of clarity arouses lots of questions.
iii. The inability to diagnose on time is a clear sign that health professionals attending the deceased were exposed as they lack essential protective equipment (PPEs).
iv. Does this case reflect the lack of knowledge on the case definition for suspected cases of COVID-19? The patient was first seen on 23 March and was not advised to self-quarantine. get tested for COVID-19, and managed as a suspected case.
v. What is the state of preparedness in centres outside Harare?
ZADHR believes this case and the continued demise of severe cases of COVID-19 patients mirrors the utter lack of preparedness of the health system. It also reflects the minimal focus on other regions outside Harare. Lastly, the Minister of Health and Child Care must be made to account on what he referred to when he claimed the country was prepared for COVID-19 when such regional inequities and pervasive logistical issues chara
Botswana President Mokgweetsi Masisi says the army will defend the country against "intruders."
VOA|Botswana’s president has proposed extending a state of emergency in the southern African country to last six months.
President Mokgweetsi Masisi says the measure is needed because people are not complying with restrictions on movement to prevent the spread of the coronavirus. Critics worry the plan, if initiated, would put too much power in the hands of the president.
Botswana’s parliament will convene on Wednesday to deliberate on Masisi’s proposal.
The president wants the state of emergency, declared last week in reaction to the outbreak of the coronavirus, to last six months.
Initially, Masisi had announced a 28-day lockdown period after the southern African country recorded its first six coronavirus cases, including one death, last week.
“I will cause, therefore, to be a meeting of parliament at which I will seek the endorsement of parliament to extend the state of public emergency for a total period of six months, for the single purpose of dealing with COVID-19, totally based on the signs available and the advice we got from our experts,” he said.
Under the state of emergency, the president will hold absolute power.
Local political analyst Lawrence Ookeditse argues such a move would pose a risk to the country’s democracy.
“For a republic, for a democracy and for a country in which the leading president and the leading party won an election on the basis of the rule of law, I think it’s too long a period of time. It brings in a period of instability and uncertainty,” he said.
Masisi said the rule of law will be respected during the state of emergency.
“Those who are schooled in law advised that it is not a suspension of the constitution, neither will it be a total abrogation of rights people hold, as courts will function. Any matter can be taken to court if anybody believes their rights have been unduly oppressed,” he said.
Masisi’s ruling Botswana Democratic Party has control of the National Assembly, after winning 38 of the 57 seats in parliament in last October’s general election.
The views expressed in this article are the writer’s, they do not reflect the views of Opera News.
ILLEGAL money changers are slowly coming back to the city centre in Bulawayo while a majority are now operating from residential areas as the 21-day national lockdown entered Day 9 yesterday.
The money changers, in blatant defiance of the lockdown directive for people to stay at home, have started pushing street forex rates up again.
Government last week allowed businesses to trade in forex and pegged the US dollar at 1:25.
At the time, street rates were as high as 1:43 for electronic transfers and due to absence of money changers on the street, they went as low as 32 but had risen to around 39 yesterday.
The lockdown which started last week on Monday, is meant to mitigate against the spread of Covid-19 which has infected more than 1,3 million people globally and killed over 78 000.
In Zimbabwe, 10 have been infected and one has died.
The shutdown entails that citizens should only leave home for essential movements like seeking health services, buying food and medicines.
However, the illegal money changers who do not constitute essential services have started coming back to the streets.
Some of them are now operating in western suburbs as most citizens are not getting into the central business district.
Over the past few days, The Chronicle has observed that the number of illegal money changers is increasing by the day.
In the central business district, most of them were operating from cars in their main spots including areas surrounding Tredgold Buildings, popularly known as the World Bank for money changers. Some of them were operating along Leopold Takawira Avenue between Fort Street and Joshua Mqabuko Nkomo Street while others were operating along Jason Moyo Street between 8th and 9th Avenues.
Another spot that had illegal money changers was along George Silundika Street between 10th and 11th Avenues.
At Entumbane and Nkulumane the illegal money changers are taking advantage of increased traffic of people visiting the suburban shopping malls to buy groceries among other things. They are said to be also targeting diaspora remittances after the Reserve Bank of Zimbabwe instructed international money transfer agencies to start operating from today.
An illegal money changer who spoke on condition of anonymity said only a few money changers were operating.
“This is our way of survival. We have no option but to return to the streets. How come some people are going out to buy groceries. If we do not do this we will starve with our families,” said the illegal currency dealer.
Another one said they were getting their float from Harare but only trusted traders were being given the money as some have come up with “stories” during the 21-day lockdown period.
Bulawayo police spokesperson Inspector Abednico Ncube said police officers also observed that the money changers were coming back to the streets, defying Government lockdown measures.
“As we were doing our lockdown campaigns in the central business district, we observed that Osiphatheleni were coming back to the streets. We ordered those who were in their cars to leave town and comply with Government’s directive on lockdown. We will continue conducting raids on them,” said Insp Ncube.
“We have realised that they are taking advantage of the fact that some members of the public would be coming into town for essential services. These illegal money changers also want to take advantage of those coming into town.”
A PROPHET who caused the death of a four-year old dumb girl from Bulawayo after prescribing a herbal concoction purportedly to help her gain speech has been sentenced to a wholly suspended prison term.
Senzeni Jiyane (61) of Makokoba suburb was jointly charged for murder together with the deceased’s mother, Lindiwe Ncube (38) of Mzilikazi suburb.
They were however acquitted of murder and convicted of a lesser charge of culpable homicide by Bulawayo High Court judge Justice Thompson Mabhikwa.
The two were both sentenced to four years in jail each, wholly suspended for five years on condition that each one of them does not within that period commit a similar crime.
In passing the sentence, Justice Mabhikwa warned faith healers against experimenting with people’s lives, saying the courts have a duty to protect the sanctity of human life.
“These courts, however, and as usual, will not condone the loss of life that was so special. Traditional healers, faith healers and prophets alike will better be warned that the courts will not look aside as they at times experiment with people’s lives,” he said.
Justice Mabhikwa said the courts do not condone acts of negligence which result in loss of life.
“In casu, the child could not communicate effectively as she was dumb and the accused persons should have taken extra precaution. Negligence that leads to the death of a human being, let alone a child, will not be tolerated and both accused persons are each sentenced to four years imprisonment wholly suspended for five years,” ruled the judge.
Prosecuting, Mr Blessing Gundani said on March 5 last year, Ncube took her daughter Thabile Ncube, who was dumb, to Jiyane’s shrine for healing.
Upon arrival at the shrine, they found Jiyane conducting prayer sessions.
Ncube approached Jiyane seeking assistance for her daughter. As part of her healing, Jiyane prepared a mixture of salt, two eggs, water and an unidentified herb to serve the child.
“Jiyane prayed for the deceased’s healing after which she then prepared a concoction of eggs, salt and water and the accused person gave the child the concoction to drink,” said Mr Gundani.
The court heard that after drinking the concoction for two days, the child started screaming and bleeding from the mouth and nose.
Ncube then took her daughter to Mpilo Central Hospital where she died at the Paediatrics Casualty ward three days later.
According to the post mortem report the cause of death was aspiration pneumonitis and concoction ingestion.
A report was made to the police leading to the arrest of the two accused persons.
THE Zimbabwe Energy Regulatory Authority (Zera) says the latest fuel price increase has been caused by the recent adjustment in the forex exchange rate, which is now fixed at US$1:ZWL$25 on official platforms.
The Reserve Bank of Zimbabwe (RBZ) has also granted the greenlight for consumers and businesses to trade in foreign currency and suspended, until further notice, any increase in charges related to the provision of electronic payments.
The interventions are part of monetary measures in response to the financial vulnerabilities caused by Covid-19. In this regard Government has shelved the ‘managed floating exchange’ model and adopted a fixed exchange rate system pegged at interbank level of ZW$25 to the US dollar. This has seen Zera increasing the pump price of diesel and petrol.
“Please be advised that the fuel prices effective 05 April 2020 are as follows: maximum pump price for diesel ZWL$21,52, blend E5 ZWL$21,77 per litre.
“Operators may, however, sell at prices below the cap depending on their trading advantages,” said the energy regulator.
“The causes of the increase is the exchange rate. Remember our previous price was pegged at ZWL$18,42 and now we have got an exchange rate of ZWL$25 to the dollar (United States) and then duty on petrol.
“And duty, when we had the previous price regime (before the latest price adjustment), it was ZWL$4,26 for diesel, ZWL$4,44 for petrol, it’s now ZWL$5,82 diesel and ZWL$7,28 for petrol.”
Mr Mazambani said when looking at the prices in US dollars, the country is far below the regional comparison.
“Our prices are way below a dollar. In actual fact, if you look at the previous prices in dollars, it’s more than the prices we have now in US dollar terms.
“So, as much as the prices might have increased in RTGS form, in actual fact in US dollar terms, the prices have actually come down, which is in line with the international trade.
“It’s just that the exchange rate moved and also the duties moved,” he said.
Meanwhile, crude oil prices have plunged to US$20 per barrel, which is the lowest since 2002, on the back of low demand due to a global lockdown on coronavirus fears.
The Organisation of the Petroleum Exporting Countries (Opec), and Russia were expected to meet this week to discuss oil output cuts until Thursday.
Zimbabwe’s largest fresh produce market, Mbare Musika, reopened after it had been closed under the lockdown restrictions imposed by the government to control the spread of the coronavirus.
This followed a directive by President Mnangagwa last week that farmers should bring their produce to the markets during the lockdown period without hindrance.
However, the government has failed to ensure the safety of farmers and traders as there is no social distancing, sanitisers, medical face masks and control.
The market is open for a few hours, from 0600 hrs to 1130 hrs but the situation is considered a ticking Coronavirus time bomb.
CHAOTIC scenes were witnessed at the market place in Bulawayo yesterday as it also opened up.
It took police and soldiers to maintain law and order as people wrestled each other during the commotion.
Long winding queues were the order of the day as people from all walks of life thronged various fruit and vegetable shops. In some shops, elderly persons could be seen pleading with shop employees to get first preference.
Anti-riot police and soldiers kept a close eye as they continually monitored the potentially volatile situation characterised by an exchange of harsh words, particularly from vendors who accused each other of attempting to jump queues during the melee.
Farmers whose produce was destroyed by Mutare city’s health department at the Sakubva vegetable market last week will be compensated.
Three tonnes of vegetables were confiscated from more than 300 farmers that had converged at the market to sell their produce.
Manicaland Covid-19 Taskforce chairperson Dr Ellen Gwaradzimba has described the incident as unfortunate and said all the affected farmers would receive part of the $600 million being extended to small businesses, vendors and the elderly by Government to compensate them for loss of income.
“The incident that happened at Sakubva market was unfortunate, especially given that we had come up with modalities on how people could continue to trade, but in an organised fashion under the watch of our forces to ensure adherence to issues of hygiene and social distancing,” she said.
“The fact that they all ran means they were aware that they were violating the conditions of the lockdown. But as a leadership with the people at heart, we understand that people were trying to find a way of survival and that they lost out on hard-earned income.”
So far, only 14 farmers have come forward and submitted their names for compensation.
Minister Gwaradzimba urged all the affected farmers to register with the provincial taskforce.
Zimbabwe’s 11th confirmed Covid-19 case and second death is that of Bulawayo man (79), who died on Saturday after being initially admitted to hospital for pneumonia.
In a statement last night, the Ministry of Health and Child Care said the patient first saw his own doctor on March 23 with a sore throat and fever. When he did not improve on the oral antibiotics prescribed, he was hospitalised in Bulawayo last Thursday showing the symptoms of a cough, difficulty in breathing, sore throat and fever.
He had not travelled outside Zimbabwe, but had visited a tourist resort in Hwange from March 14 to 16.
He was admitted for clinical management of bacterial pneumonia. But his condition deteriorated on Thursday and he was moved into the intensive care unit and management in isolation under a specialist physician. The Bulawayo Covid-19 response team took samples and sent these to the national laboratory in Harare.
While awaiting the results, his medical team continued to treat him both for pneumonia and Covid-19, but his condition continued to deteriorate until he died, said the Ministry. His contacts are now being traced.
The 23-year-old Bikita woman who was tested for Covid-19 has had her results back and they show she is negative.
Ministry of Health and Child Care CORONAVIRUS (COVID-19) UPDATE: 07 APRIL 2020 The Ministry would like to report that today, the National Microbiology Reference Laboratory (NMRL) tested 21 samples.
One of these, tested positive for COVID-19 bringing to eleven the number of confirmed COVID-19 cases reported to date.
However, this eleventh case passed away in hospital on Saturday 4th April 2020.
The eleventh case was a 79-year-old-male resident of Bulawayo who initially presented to a General Practitioner on the 23rd of March 2020 with a history of cough, sore throat and fever. When he did not improve on oral antibiotic treatment, he presented to a local hospital on Thursday 2 April 2020, where he was admitted.
At the time of admission, he had presented with cough, difficulty in breathing, sore throat and fever but no reported history of travel outside Zimbabwe.
He however indicated that he had been to a tourist resort in Hwange from the 14. to le March 2020. He was therefore admitted for clinical management as a case of bacterial Pneumonia with an underlying comorbidity.
His condition deteriorated during the evening of the day of admission and he was transferred to the Intensive Care Unit (ICU) for critical care and management in isolation under a Specialist Physician. The local COVID-19 Rapid Response Team was called in and samples were collected and sent to the NMRL for COVID-19 testing.
Whilst waiting for the COVID-I9 test results, the patient continued to receive intravenous antibiotics and additionally, he received medical treatment as a clinical case of COVID-19.
On Saturday the 4th April, his condition continued to deteriorate despite management in ICU until he deceased.
Contact tracing for the above case is in progress and the Ministry continues to be on HIGH alert to the COVID-I9 pandemic.
Meanwhile, the Ministry would like to remind the nation that, the most effective ways to protect yourself and others against COVID-I9 are to practise good personal hygiene and social distancing.
For assistance, please call the COVID-I9 toll free hotline number: 2019.
DYNAMOS founder member and board chairman Bernard Marriot has rubbished as unfounded reports that The Glamour boys were mooting a sensational pull-out from the Premier Soccer League in protest over what they claimed was meagre sponsorship from Delta Beverages.
Sources had claimed that the country’s most successful club had raised the red flag over the PSL package from Delta Beverages which they felt was too little compared to the mileage that the beverages manufacturer, through their Castle brand, was getting. “DeMbare are not happy and they want to pull out.
At the moment they also want their biggest rival Highlanders to buy into the idea then other smaller teams will naturally follow. DeMbare wanted, from the sponsorship package, Delta Beverages to cover such issues as playing uniforms and quarterly grants,” a source had claimed to this publication.
The same source said some ambitious Division One teams would also be approached in what would initially be a 14-team league with a mobile phone operator as well as a leading financial institution being earmarked to bankroll the league that would be called Zimbabwe Super League (ZSL).
Highlanders chairman Kenneth Mhlophe recently told an online publication that the Bulawayo giants have no intention of breaking away from the PSL.
In 1975 Highlanders pulled out of the then Rhodesia National Football League over ill-treatment and dissatisfaction with the national administration led by John Madzima.
In 1979 a number of Harare-based teams saw the wisdom behind Bosso action and joined them leading to the formation of the National Professional Soccer League.
However, in an interview yesterday Marriot said such talk is the imagination of enemies of progress as they were happy with the work being done by the Premier Soccer League. “I wonder where all this talk is coming from.
People must remember that it was Dynamos together with teams like Black Rhinos and Chapungu that started organised football way back in the 1960s and if we are not happy with the way things are done in the league, we will approach them directly, why should we be cowards and pull out?
“As Dynamos we are happy with our participation in the PSL,” said Marriot.-State media
Ministry of Health and Child Care CORONAVIRUS (COVID-19) UPDATE: 07 APRIL 2020 The Ministry would like to report that today, the National Microbiology Reference Laboratory (NMRL) tested 21 samples. One of these, tested positive for COVID-19 bringing to eleven the number of confirmed COVID-19 cases reported to date.
However, this eleventh case passed away in hospital on Saturday 4th April 2020.
The eleventh case was a 79-year-old-male resident of Bulawayo who initially presented to a General Practitioner on the 23rd of March 2020 with a history of cough, sore throat and fever. When he did not improve on oral antibiotic treatment, he presented to a local hospital on Thursday 2 April 2020, where he was admitted.
At the time of admission, he had presented with cough, difficulty in breathing, sore throat and fever but no reported history of travel outside Zimbabwe.
He however indicated that he had been to a tourist resort in Hwange from the 14. to le March 2020. He was therefore admitted for clinical management as a case of bacterial Pneumonia with an underlying comorbidity.
His condition deteriorated during the evening of the day of admission and he was transferred to the Intensive Care Unit (ICU) for critical care and management in isolation under a Specialist Physician. The local COVID-19 Rapid Response Team was called in and samples were collected and sent to the NMRL for COVID-19 testing.
Whilst waiting for the COVID-I9 test results, the patient continued to receive intravenous antibiotics and additionally, he received medical treatment as a clinical case of COVID-19.
On Saturday the 4th April, his condition continued to deteriorate despite management in ICU until he deceased.
Contact tracing for the above case is in progress and the Ministry continues to be on HIGH alert to the COVID-I9 pandemic.
Meanwhile, the Ministry would like to remind the nation that, the most effective ways to protect yourself and others against COVID-I9 are to practise good personal hygiene and social distancing.
For assistance, please call the COVID-I9 toll free hotline number: 2019.
ILLEGAL money changers are slowly coming back to the city centre in Bulawayo while a majority are now operating from residential areas as the 21-day national lockdown entered Day 9 yesterday.
The money changers, in blatant defiance of the lockdown directive for people to stay at home, have started pushing street forex rates up again.
Government last week allowed businesses to trade in forex and pegged the US dollar at 1:25.
At the time, street rates were as high as 1:43 for electronic transfers and due to absence of money changers on the street, they went as low as 32 but had risen to around 39 yesterday.
The lockdown which started last week on Monday, is meant to mitigate against the spread of Covid-19 which has infected more than 1,3 million people globally and killed over 78 000.-State media
Farai Dziva|MDC Youth Assembly chairperson Tererai Obey Sithole has dismissed reports that Senator Douglas Mwonzora is now in charge of Morgan Tsvangirai House.
“The news that one Douglas Mwonzora has taken over our party HQ is fake and remains fake!!!
I was not only at the HQ but I was in my office, having conversations with some members of the staff manning our offices during this lockdown period.
Stay calm, President Nelson Chamisa is in charge,” Sithole wrote on Facebook.
“Just finished a very fruitful meeting with the MDC Alliance North America Province Youth Assembly leadership.
Their support remains unwavering, their message is very clear, Nelson Chamisa is our President. Locally & abroad shoko ndiro ndiro, Chamisa Chete Chete!”
MDC Alliance co-vice president Welshman Ncube has said the Thokozani Khupe-led MDC-T will not be able to hold an extraordinary congress as it lacks the required quorum.
In an interview with CITE , Ncube said Khupe, Douglas Mwonzora and Morgen Komichi cannot implement the Supreme Court judgement which declared that Khupe is the legitimate MDC-T acting president because the 2014 structures are no longer there. The majority of the people who were in the structures are now within the MDC Alliance structures.
Said Ncube: Unless they create fake structures they are incapable of implementing that Supreme Court judgement because those 2014 structures in 2018 they didn’t exist.
If they go to individuals to say we want to put you in structures those individuals will say we don’t want because they are members of the MDC Alliance, they are not interested in this Zanu PF project, it is an impossibility it can’t be done.
They can’t convene a meeting of the National Council with a quorum, they cannot hold a congress without a quorum.
Remember that congress will require two-thirds of congress members for you to have congress.
Where are they going to get it from? Mwonzora is however on record saying if people decided to boycott the congress, a decision will be made on their behalf by others.-CITE
Farai Dziva|Former MDC- T vice president Obert Chaurura Gutu has vowed to sabotage MDC president Nelson Chamisa’s 2023 Presidential bid.
In an interview with an online publucation, Gutu described his homeboy as a “young dictator.”
Gutu also boasted of blocking Chamisa’s path.
However, political observers believe Gutu’s remarks are loaded with emotional overtones.
According to NewsDay senior reporter, Blessed Mhlanga, Gutu’s latest remarks indicate that Khupe’s party does not want State power or to serve the people but to stop Chamisa from becoming the president of Zimbabwe.
“Gutu has just spilt the beans – they don’t want state power or to serve the people noooo. They just want to stop @nelsonchamisa.
The truth is only @nelsonchamisa and @edmnangagwa have a plan of getting into power.”
Farai Dziva|Former MDC- T vice president Obert Chaurura Gutu has vowed to sabotage MDC president Nelson Chamisa’s 2023 Presidential bid.
In an interview with an online publucation, Gutu described his homeboy as a “young dictator.”
Gutu also boasted of blocking Chamisa’s path.
However, political observers believe Gutu’s remarks are loaded with emotional overtones.
According to NewsDay senior reporter, Blessed Mhlanga, Gutu’s latest remarks indicate that Khupe’s party does not want State power or to serve the people but to stop Chamisa from becoming the president of Zimbabwe.
“Gutu has just spilt the beans – they don’t want state power or to serve the people noooo. They just want to stop @nelsonchamisa.
The truth is only @nelsonchamisa and @edmnangagwa have a plan of getting into power.”
The thoughts in this shot piece are my own and reflect my personal feelings towards this pandemic.
The Novel Coronavirus COVID-19 that has ravaged the world has brought the world to a standstill.
The virus was first detected in late 2019 in Wuhan, China.
The world has experienced virus outbreaks in the past such as the Ebola virus and the SARS virus.
What is scary about this latest virus is how contagious it is and how easy it is to pass from one person to another. We live in a globalised world where it is now easy to get to the four corners of the world very fast; the readily available air transport has meant that the virus can easily be transported from one country to another.
There is a huge debate about how to best prepare for any outbreak in the future and what we must do now to halt the spread of the virus.
A lot of conspiracy theories and fear mongering is now the order of the day.
I have a lot of respect for Prophet Makandiwa but his assertions are nothing but misleading.
The ideas mooted by Bill Gates for a Universal vaccine are spot on and here is why.
Our bodies have a natural defence system against any diseases that attack us; the soldiers that fight on our behalf are called antibodies.
Antibodies are specific to a particular type of infection so those who will have defeatd the Coronavirus will now have those antibodies should the disease attack again. A universal vaccine will be the best thing to ensure that we are all safe from any future attacks of this Coronaviruses. I do not support a chip but a proper vaccine like the polio vaccine that is injected to each individual whilst young. If we are injected then we can be assured that no one will pass it to another person again.
The vaccine must be generic so that if any other type of flu virus comes it will be stopped abruptly. The conspiracy theorists are somehow linking 5G technology and the Universal vaccine which is very ridiculous.
For the record I don’t support the fact that the vaccines must be tested in Africa first but we as Africans must also be vaccinated should an appropriate vaccine be found
A universal vaccine remains our best chance to defeat any other virus in the future.
The thoughts in this shot piece are my own and reflect my personal feelings towards this pandemic.
The Novel Coronavirus COVID-19 that has ravaged the world has brought the world to a standstill.
The virus was first detected in late 2019 in Wuhan, China.
The world has experienced virus outbreaks in the past such as the Ebola virus and the SARS virus.
What is scary about this latest virus is how contagious it is and how easy it is to pass from one person to another. We live in a globalised world where it is now easy to get to the four corners of the world very fast; the readily available air transport has meant that the virus can easily be transported from one country to another.
There is a huge debate about how to best prepare for any outbreak in the future and what we must do now to halt the spread of the virus.
A lot of conspiracy theories and fear mongering is now the order of the day.
I have a lot of respect for Prophet Makandiwa but his assertions are nothing but misleading.
The ideas mooted by Bill Gates for a Universal vaccine are spot on and here is why.
Our bodies have a natural defence system against any diseases that attack us; the soldiers that fight on our behalf are called antibodies.
Antibodies are specific to a particular type of infection so those who will have defeatd the Coronavirus will now have those antibodies should the disease attack again. A universal vaccine will be the best thing to ensure that we are all safe from any future attacks of this Coronaviruses. I do not support a chip but a proper vaccine like the polio vaccine that is injected to each individual whilst young. If we are injected then we can be assured that no one will pass it to another person again.
The vaccine must be generic so that if any other type of flu virus comes it will be stopped abruptly. The conspiracy theorists are somehow linking 5G technology and the Universal vaccine which is very ridiculous.
For the record I don’t support the fact that the vaccines must be tested in Africa first but we as Africans must also be vaccinated should an appropriate vaccine be found
A universal vaccine remains our best chance to defeat any other virus in the future.
Illegal money changers are slowly coming back to the city centre in Bulawayo while a majority are now operating from residential areas as the 21-day national lockdown entered Day 9 yesterday.
The money changers, in blatant defiance of the lockdown directive for people to stay at home, have started pushing street forex rates up again. Government last week allowed businesses to trade in forex and pegged the US dollar at 1:25.
At the time, street rates were as high as 1:43 for electronic transfers and due to absence of money changers on the street, they went as low as 32 but had risen to around 39 yesterday.
The lockdown which started last week on Monday, is meant to mitigate against the spread of Covid-19 which has infected more than 1,3 million people globally and killed over 78 000.
In Zimbabwe, 10 have been infected and one has died. The shutdown entails that citizens should only leave home for essential movements like seeking health services, buying food and medicines.
However, the illegal money changers who do not constitute essential services have started coming back to the streets.
Some of them are now operating in western suburbs as most citizens are not getting into the central business district.
Over the past few days, The Chronicle has observed that the number of illegal money changers is increasing by the day.
In the central business district, most of them were operating from cars in their main spots including areas surrounding Tredgold Buildings, popularly known as the World Bank for money changers. Some of them were operating along Leopold Takawira Avenue between Fort Street and Joshua Mqabuko Nkomo Street while others were operating along Jason Moyo Street between 8th and 9th Avenues.
Another spot that had illegal money changers was along George Silundika Street between 10th and 11th Avenues.
At Entumbane and Nkulumane the illegal money changers are taking advantage of increased traffic of people visiting the suburban shopping malls to buy groceries among other things. They are said to be also targeting diaspora remittances after the Reserve Bank of Zimbabwe instructed international money transfer agencies to start operating from today.
An illegal money changer who spoke on condition of anonymity said only a few money changers were operating.
“This is our way of survival. We have no option but to return to the streets. How come some people are going out to buy groceries. If we do not do this we will starve with our families,” said the illegal currency dealer.
Another one said they were getting their float from Harare but only trusted traders were being given the money as some have come up with “stories” during the 21-day lockdown period.
Bulawayo police spokesperson Inspector Abednico Ncube said police officers also observed that the money changers were coming back to the streets, defying Government lockdown measures.
“As we were doing our lockdown campaigns in the central business district, we observed that Osiphatheleni were coming back to the streets. We ordered those who were in their cars to leave town and comply with Government’s directive on lockdown. We will continue conducting raids on them,” said Insp Ncube.
“We have realised that they are taking advantage of the fact that some members of the public would be coming into town for essential services. These illegal money changers also want to take advantage of those coming into town.” -State Media/Chronicle
Chaotic scenes were witnessed at the market place in Bulawayo yesterday as it was teeming with people, mostly vendors who jostled to buy fresh produce.
It took police and soldiers to maintain law and order as people wrestled each other during the commotion, which was witnessed by a Chronicle news crew.
Long winding queues were the order of the day as people from all walks of life thronged various fruit and vegetable shops. In some shops, elderly persons could be seen pleading with shop employees to get first preference.
Anti-riot police and soldiers kept a close eye as they continually monitored the potentially volatile situation characterised by an exchange of harsh words, particularly from vendors who accused each other of attempting to jump queues during the melee.
Market places had been closed when the lockdown came into effect last week on Monday but reopened following a directive by President Mnangagwa that farmers should bring their produce to the markets during the lockdown period without hindrance, so as to feed the nation.
When a Chronicle news crew visited selected fruit and vegetable suppliers, security personnel comprising ZRP and ZNA members were having a torrid time as they tried to control long winding queues punctuated by chaotic scenes as people failed to maintain social distancing.
People who spoke to Chronicle were generally excited following the decision by Government to reopen the market place.
“The reopening of the market is good news for us considering that unscrupulous traders were capitalising on the situation to charge exorbitant prices for basic commodities like tomatoes and vegetables,” said Ms Nomatter Ndlovu.
A Chronicle news crew observed that although shop attendants were hand sanitising customers at the entrance, hygienic standards were not being maintained as evidenced by rotten tomatoes, vegetables and banana peels strewn all over the area.
“I came early in the morning and joined the queue to buy tomatoes for resale. There was commotion as everyone jostled to buy. Police and soldiers really assisted in maintaining order although the principle of social distancing isn’t practicable,” said Zaniah Sibanda of Pumula East.
Another resident, Mr Ronald Sibanda said the elderly were not getting preferential treatment in terms of queues.
“I am here intending to buy ginger and garlic, which I use for health purposes, but now am forced to queue despite my old age and with the issue of Corona virus, we are more susceptible, especially taking into consideration that the issue of social distancing is not being practised in such a public place,” he said.
A vendor, Ms Dorcas Rwodzi said there was a need for shop owners to maintain hygienic standards in light of Covid-19.
A shop attendant at Fresh Route Fruit and Vegetables, who declined to be named said they are allowing a limited number of customers at a given time.
“Customers are getting inside the shops in small numbers as we’re trying to limit the numbers and maintaining social distancing as part of measures to curb the spread of Covid-19,” he said
The Chronicle news crew also visited Willsgrove, Sizani Fruit and Vegetables and Lee Market and noticed that there were queues with people failing to adhere to the principle of social distancing.
In Gwanda and Gweru, market places were still closed yesterday. In Victoria Falls, vegetable vendors were back to their vending stalls.
The municipality disinfected the three vegetable markets namely Mkhosana Shopping Centre, Old Market and Chinotimba yesterday morning before vendors could occupy them.
A snap survey around the markets showed that some vendors had started selling outside the stalls.
Some tippy taps, which are hand washing devices made up of a water container suspended on a horizontal pole and tied to a pedal using a string which when tipped by foot, releases water for one to wash hands, had been set up at the markets’ entry points.
Hwange District Medical Officer Dr Fungai Mvura said a limited number of vendors will be allowed to maintain the recommended social distancing.
“Yes we met with the residents association and the municipality was tasked to sanitise the stalls while vendors themselves must have sanitisers at any given time. The vendors are not supposed to go to the market at once but will give each other chances by way of rotating so that the stalls are not congested,” said Dr Mvura.
Combined Victoria Falls Residents Association (Vifacora) chairman Mr Morgen Gazza Dube urged the informal traders to abide by health guidelines.
“While essential service providers like shops remained open, vegetable markets are no exception as they provide similar services which are even more affordable to the ordinary citizens.
“We have engaged authorities and I therefore urge vegetable vendors to return to their stalls. However, we are all reminded to guard against the spread of Covid-19 and sell only on designated vegetable markets, provide sanitary material and maintain social distancing between stalls and customers,” he said. Chronicle/state media
But I think when people watch this video 5 years from hence, they will appreciate that I was in the right. History will absolve me.- @DMwonzora – credit @TechMagTVpic.twitter.com/dStDccGoOC
Farai Dziva|Controversial Masvingo based clergyman, Isaac Makomichi has irked sex workers in and around the city of Masvingo after introducing what he calls “the anointed love portion herb.”
Makomichi is distributing the anointed love portion herb to women and girls across the country.
Sex workers who spoke to ZimEye.com on Monday accused the young preacher of attempting to “destroy their flourishing business.”
“Why is that the so called love portion herb is distributed to women only? Does it mean men do not want to bring back their lovers as well?
This is a direct violation of our personal and constitutional rights.It is clear that he( Makomichi) is targeting our work as sex workers,” declared one lady who identified herself as Tina.
Makomichi claims the love portion herb has the power to bring back lost lovers.
He also claims women are mainly using it as it will stop their husbands from cheating.Girls who use the love portion herb will also “win instant marriages”- according to Makomichi.
“I am distributing the love portion herb to disgruntled women and girls for free.
“One has to go to a mango tree, kneel under it and pray.
As one prays one mentions the name of the person she loves. After that one picks up a handful of soil under one’s shadow.
One then mixes the soil with water and sugar.One can then takes a bath.
After taking a bath one drinks the anointed oil.After that if you are a girl, everyone who sees you will be attracted to you.
Women who want the love portion herb can contact me on: 0777469342,” said Makomichi.
A woman who spoke to ZimEye.com on Sunday said:
“Cheating men are in trouble because of the love portion herb. I am already using the love portion herb and it is just magnificent.”
Farai Dziva|Controversial Masvingo based clergyman, Isaac Makomichi has irked sex workers in and around the city of Masvingo after introducing what he calls “the anointed love portion herb.”
Makomichi is distributing the anointed love portion herb to women and girls across the country.
Sex workers who spoke to ZimEye.com on Monday accused the young preacher of attempting to “destroy their flourishing business.”
“Why is that the so called love portion herb is distributed to women only? Does it mean men do not want to bring back their lovers as well?
This is a direct violation of our personal and constitutional rights.It is clear that he( Makomichi) is targeting our work as sex workers,” declared one lady who identified herself as Tina.
Makomichi claims the love portion herb has the power to bring back lost lovers.
He also claims women are mainly using it as it will stop their husbands from cheating.Girls who use the love portion herb will also “win instant marriages”- according to Makomichi.
“I am distributing the love portion herb to disgruntled women and girls for free.
“One has to go to a mango tree, kneel under it and pray.
As one prays one mentions the name of the person she loves. After that one picks up a handful of soil under one’s shadow.
One then mixes the soil with water and sugar.One can then takes a bath.
After taking a bath one drinks the anointed oil.After that if you are a girl, everyone who sees you will be attracted to you.
Women who want the love portion herb can contact me on: 0777469342,” said Makomichi.
A woman who spoke to ZimEye.com on Sunday said:
“Cheating men are in trouble because of the love portion herb. I am already using the love portion herb and it is just magnificent.”
POLICE have arrested more than 2 100 people for violating lockdown regulations while three officers have appeared in court for allegedly assaulting residents in Victoria Falls with chains and batons, accusing them of flouting shutdown requirements.
The country is under a 21-day lockdown which started last week on Monday to prevent the spread of coronavirus.
The World Health Organisation has said the global pandemic has infected more than 1,2 million people worldwide with more than 70 000 of them succumbing to the deadly virus.
Zimbabwe has tested 320 for the virus and nine tested positive while one patient has died.
Under the country’s lockdown measures, all citizens are expected to stay at home, except for essential movements to seek health services, buy food, medicines, other essentials and critical services.
The military has been roped in to complement the police to ensure that the public strictly abides to lockdown regulations that include maintaining social distances and self-isolating.
National police spokesperson Assistant Commissioner Paul Nyathi said the defiance has seen 2 191 people being arrested for lockdown violations since President Mnangagwa issued the stay-at-home order.
“The number includes some people who were violating the Liquor Act, operating businesses that are not exempted, illegally transporting members of the public without being cleared, loitering without valid reasons and various crimes under the Miscellaneous Act,” said Asst Comm Nyathi., “What is apparent is that the public is taking for granted the messages that are being sent to prevent the spread of Covid-19. There are those who think that because the virus has not seriously impacted on the country they will not be affected.
They are not observing social distancing and self-isolation as prescribed to prevent the spread of the virus.
We encourage them to heed the Government’s measures to prevent the spread of the virus.”
Asst Comm Nyathi said police have scaled up awareness campaigns to sensitise the public to adhere to Government’s measures.
“While we are enforcing the law by arresting those violating regulations, we are also involved in social responsibility programmes where we educate the public about the need to observe the coronavirus prevention measures.
We have also partnered with local authorities that are involved in fumigation of public places.
While local authorities provide fumigation materials we provide vehicles used to implement the actual process,” said Asst Comm Nyathi.
Meanwhile, three policemen who allegedly assaulted residents with chains and batons in Victoria Falls accusing them of defying the Government order to stay indoors have been charged with assault.
Emmanuel Anesu Buzhiwa (30) of Mkhosana and Givemore Masokose (26) residing at ZRP Victoria Falls Camp were not asked to each plead to five counts of assault before Victoria Falls resident magistrate Ms Lindiwe Maphosa yesterday.
Jimson Zano (29) of Aerodrome appeared separately before the same court for two counts of assault following incidents where the three constables, allegedly beat up residents in Mkhosana and Chinotimba suburbs last Friday for being outdoors.- State media
POLICE have arrested more than 2 100 people for violating lockdown regulations while three officers have appeared in court for allegedly assaulting residents in Victoria Falls with chains and batons, accusing them of flouting shutdown requirements.
The country is under a 21-day lockdown which started last week on Monday to prevent the spread of coronavirus.
The World Health Organisation has said the global pandemic has infected more than 1,2 million people worldwide with more than 70 000 of them succumbing to the deadly virus.
Zimbabwe has tested 320 for the virus and nine tested positive while one patient has died.
Under the country’s lockdown measures, all citizens are expected to stay at home, except for essential movements to seek health services, buy food, medicines, other essentials and critical services.
The military has been roped in to complement the police to ensure that the public strictly abides to lockdown regulations that include maintaining social distances and self-isolating.
National police spokesperson Assistant Commissioner Paul Nyathi said the defiance has seen 2 191 people being arrested for lockdown violations since President Mnangagwa issued the stay-at-home order.
“The number includes some people who were violating the Liquor Act, operating businesses that are not exempted, illegally transporting members of the public without being cleared, loitering without valid reasons and various crimes under the Miscellaneous Act,” said Asst Comm Nyathi., “What is apparent is that the public is taking for granted the messages that are being sent to prevent the spread of Covid-19. There are those who think that because the virus has not seriously impacted on the country they will not be affected.
They are not observing social distancing and self-isolation as prescribed to prevent the spread of the virus.
We encourage them to heed the Government’s measures to prevent the spread of the virus.”
Asst Comm Nyathi said police have scaled up awareness campaigns to sensitise the public to adhere to Government’s measures.
“While we are enforcing the law by arresting those violating regulations, we are also involved in social responsibility programmes where we educate the public about the need to observe the coronavirus prevention measures.
We have also partnered with local authorities that are involved in fumigation of public places.
While local authorities provide fumigation materials we provide vehicles used to implement the actual process,” said Asst Comm Nyathi.
Meanwhile, three policemen who allegedly assaulted residents with chains and batons in Victoria Falls accusing them of defying the Government order to stay indoors have been charged with assault.
Emmanuel Anesu Buzhiwa (30) of Mkhosana and Givemore Masokose (26) residing at ZRP Victoria Falls Camp were not asked to each plead to five counts of assault before Victoria Falls resident magistrate Ms Lindiwe Maphosa yesterday.
Jimson Zano (29) of Aerodrome appeared separately before the same court for two counts of assault following incidents where the three constables, allegedly beat up residents in Mkhosana and Chinotimba suburbs last Friday for being outdoors.- State media
By Jane Mlambo| Zimbabwe’s fight against Coronavirus is in shambles amid unconfirmed reports that the country has been operating with on only 500 test kits with the 20 000 from Alibaba Foundation and Jack Ma not usable due to some missing reagents.
A classified document circulating on social media shows that Zimbabwe only received 500 and 20 000 tests kits from the World Health Organisation and Alibaba Foundation respectively while consignments donated by Ecobank, Global Fund and HDF-UNICEF still to be delivered.
Government has not procured any test kits on its own but is relying on donations something that explains why the number of tested persons remain very low as compared to other countries.
Government is also running one testing centre which is situated by Harare Central hospital where samples collected all over the country are brought for testing which takes about five hours to produce results against global standard kits that only require 15 minutes.
Below is the classified document showing the number of test kits available and those waiting delivery.
By Jane Mlambo| President Emmerson Mnangagwa has written to British Prime Minister Boris Johnson appreciating the kind gesture his government has extended to Zimbabwe towards the fight against COVID-19 as well as wishing him a speedy recovery.
In his letter, Mnangagwa acknowledged Johnson’s timely assistance to Zimbabwe in the form of £35.4 million towards procurement of Personal Protective Equipment to be used in fighting Covid-19.
“On behalf of my government and the people of Zimbabwe and indeed on my own behalf, I extend to you our heartfelt wishes to you for a speedy recovery,” said Mnangagwa.
He added that he had put in place measures to ensure the British donation is not abused but put to good use.
By Jane Mlambo| Zimbabwe has recorded one more COVID-19 confirmed case to take the total number of infected persons to 11 with the last confirmed person reported to have succumbed to the ailment.
According to Ministry of Health and Child Care, the 11th case is a 79 year-old Male from Bulawayo who passed away of Saturday 4 April 2020.
“The eleventh case was a 79 year old Male resident of Bulawayo who initially presented to a General Practitioner on the 23rd of March 202o with a history of cough sore throat and fever. When he did not improve on oral antibiotic treatment, he presented to a local hospital on Thursday 2 April 2020, where he was admitted,” noted the ministry of health.
The government said the deceased indicated that he has at some point visited a resort town in Hwange sometime in March.
By A Correspondent- Zimbabwe has recorded its second COVID-19 death following the death of a 79-year old Bulawayo man. The man died on Saturday, 4 April.
At the time of his death, however, his test COVID-19 status was yet to be known. His test results came out today, 7 April 2020, confirming he was positive.
He was the 11th confirmed COVID-19 patient in Zimbabwe.
In its coronavirus (COVID-19) update on 7 April 2020, the Ministry of Health and Child Care revealed the details.
The statement by the Health Ministry reads:
Ministry of Health and Child Care CORONAVIRUS (COVID-19) UPDATE: 07 APRIL 2020
The Ministry would like to report that today, the National Microbiology Reference Laboratory (NMRL) tested 21 samples. One of these, tested positive for COVID-19 bringing to eleven the number of confirmed COVID-19 cases reported to date.
However, this eleventh case passed away in hospital on Saturday 4th April 2020.
The eleventh case was a 79-year-old-male resident of Bulawayo who initially presented to a General Practitioner on the 23rd of March 2020 with a history of cough, sore throat and fever.
When he did not improve on oral antibiotic treatment, he presented to a local hospital on Thursday 2 April 2020, where he was admitted.
At the time of admission, he had presented with cough, difficulty in breathing, sore throat, and fever but no reported history of travel outside Zimbabwe.
He, however, indicated that he had been to a tourist resort in Hwange from the 14th of March 2020. He was therefore admitted for clinical management as a case of bacterial Pneumonia with underlying comorbidity.
His condition deteriorated during the evening of the day of admission and he was transferred to the Intensive Care Unit (ICU) for critical care and management in isolation under a Specialist Physician.
The local COVID-19 Rapid Response Team was called in and samples were collected and sent to the NMRL for COVID-19 testing.
Whilst waiting for the COVID-I9 test results, the patient continued to receive intravenous antibiotics and additionally, he received medical treatment as a clinical case of COVID-19.
On Saturday the 4th of April, his condition continued to deteriorate despite management in ICU until he deceased.
Contact tracing for the above case is in progress and the Ministry continues to be on HIGH alert to the COVID-I9 pandemic.
Meanwhile, the Ministry would like to remind the nation that, the most effective ways to protect yourself and others against COVID-I9 are to practice good personal hygiene and social distancing.
For assistance, please call the COVID-I9 toll free hotline number. 2019
The Air Force of Zimbabwe says it is ready to assist with the transportation and distribution of food and medical supplies in the fight against the COVID-19 pandemic.
Speaking on the sidelines of a presentation on the strategic role of air power as a force multiplier at the Zimbabwe Defence University this Tuesday, Commander Air Force of Zimbabwe, Air Marshal Elson Moyo pledged his organisation’s commitment to help fight against the deadly COVID-19.
“We are ready to assist the nation in case of any eventualities in the distribution of food and medical supplies to the need. We can provide air transport when asked to do so.”
Air Marshal Moyo also said the AFZ has embarked on rigorous air craft recovery programme to bring most of its grounded platforms back online using its qualified personnel.
“We are in the process of bringing back our grounded equipment back on line so that we can react quickly in times of need” The AFZ has been responsive to various crises in the country, including spearheading rescue operations during floods.
Mthuli Ncube with the Managing Director of the IMF, Ms Christalina Georgieva.
The International Monetary Fund (IMF) has warned that Zimbabwe needs urgent aid as the Covid-19 coronavirus pandemic exacerbates the effects of a food shortage following the worst drought in nearly four decades.
The latest Covid-19 coronavirus coverage The Southern African nation needs hundreds of millions of dollars in foreign aid in coming months to fend off a humanitarian crisis that’s likely to leave more than half of the population hungry, the Washington-based institution said.
“The outbreak has greatly amplified uncertainty and downside risks around the outlook,” the IMF said in an Article IV report, released on Friday. To date, Zimbabwe has nine confirmed infections and, like much of the region, the government has imposed a lockdown to halt the spread of the virus.
An economic crisis marked by a dire shortage of foreign currency and power supply, coupled with the drought has increased the number of poor people in what was once one of Africa’s most industrialised countries. The fund estimates that the economy contracted 8.3% in 2019. The report was largely compiled before the virus reached Zimbabwe.
“Absent a scaling-up of donor support, the risks of a deep humanitarian crisis are high,” the IMF said. Only half of the humanitarian aid requested by the UN to help about eight-million people has been pledged, it said.
President Emmerson Mnangagwa, who promised far-reaching political and economic reforms after replacing Robert Mugabe in 2017, hasn’t moved fast enough to strengthen the rule of law, fight corruption and improve the business climate, the IMF said.
Without additional donor support in the first half of 2020, pressure will increase on the central bank to revert to printing money, which would in turn result in even higher inflation and loss of confidence in the new currency, the IMF said. Zimbabwe’s annual inflation rate is currently 540%.
Zimbabwe is also struggling to clear $16.9bn in arrears, while external public debt is expected to jump more than 10 percentage points in just four years to 52% of GDP in 2020, according to the IMF.
Individuals/Families who rely on remittances where caught between a rock and a hard place when it was announced that money transfer agents would not be exempt from lockdown.
Whilst this decision was made to safeguard the health of the general public, it meant that a significant number of Zimbabweans who rely on remittances were cut off from their only source of funds at a time they need to stock up on food and other vital resources.
RBZ has decided to loosen its grip on money transfer agents like Western Union and other remittance services, allowing them to reopen from the 8th of April.
Money Transfer Agents (MTAs) branches operating in retail outlets shall, with effect from Wednesday the 8th of April 2020, operate daily within the timelines prescribed for opening of retail outlets or shops; and Money Transfer Agents owned by banks and those with own banking halls and branches outside banks and retail outlets or shops, shall open for business three times a week, that is on Tuesday to Thursday between 0900 hours to 1500 hours with effect from 8 April Whilst the RBZ has urged MTAs to observe social distancing guidelines and to spread remittance access points in order to try combat spread of Coronavirus, this directive is indicative of one thing. A number of African governments simply cannot enforce a full lockdown because of the social context of Africa.
With those accessing remittances now allowed to go and access their money because they need it to survive, next informal workers who live from hand to mouth can also argue (rightfully so) that they’ll need to work on some days in order to make the bear minimum they need to survive and the chain goes on and on.
If anything, this should be a wake-up call to African governments to ensure that in future their countries can stand on their own to avoid endangering citizens lives because of a failure to provide an economy that can
But I think when people watch this video 5 years from hence, they will appreciate that I was in the right. History will absolve me.- @DMwonzora – credit @TechMagTVpic.twitter.com/dStDccGoOC
Government has quarantined 287 people including 15 foreign nationals at various places across the country as a precautionary measure against the spread of the Covid-19 diseases.
The 287 include seven locals who returned from the US, 265 who were in Botswana and 15 suspected Ethiopian nationals.
Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Information, Publicity and Broadcasting Services, Mr Nick Mangwana confirmed the development on his twitter handle.
“Government takes the risk of potential imported transmission seriously. We have 7 returnees who arrived from the US including 6 cruise ship workers who are in compulsory quarantine at a lodge in Harare. Those from Botswana are at Plumtree High and ZIPAM will be used for new arrivals,” Mr Mangwana said.
Speaking in an interview, Mr Mangwana said the people would be tested for the diseases and quarantined for 21 days.
“The 265 people that returned from Botswana are quarantined at Plumtree High School and St Christopher Primary School, the 15 suspected Ethiopian nationals that were intercepted in Gwanda are at Guyu Training Centre awaiting verification from the Ethiopian Embassy on their citizenship status. There is a possibility that some of them could be from Eritrea or Somalia,” he said.
Mr Mangwana added that the people were being looked after by the Department of Social Welfare and thanked the Zimbabwe Revenue Authority and Silo Foods Industries for providing blankets and food for the quarantined people.
He said a number of centres, including facilities at the Zimbabwe Institute of Public Administration and Management in Darwendale would be opened to cater for returning residents while they are in quarantine.
“We can’t stop Zimbabweans from coming home. Our constitution does not permit. But we can protect others by compulsorily quarantining them for 21 days before allowing them to mingle,” he said.
Apart from quarantining those coming from abroad, Government has also moved hundreds of homeless people in Harare to various centres on the outskirts of the city as part of measures to contain the spread of the Covid 19 disease.
The people are being accommodated in Mt Hampden, Ruwa Rehabilitation Centre and Jamaica Inn while plans are afoot to open more such centres across the country to to cater for homeless people.
A man’s been arrested in the Western Cape for posting a video claiming that coronavirus test kits were contaminated.
In the video posted on Facebook, he urged people to refuse testing.
He gave no evidence to support his claims.
The 55-year-old was taken into custody on Monday.
Authorities have repeatedly warned the public against disseminating fake news about the COVID-19 pandemic because it could spark needless panic.
He has been charged in terms of the Disaster Management Act.
Police Minister Bheki Cele said that eight people had been arrested for disseminating false information about the COVID-19 pandemic in the country.
The minister was in Secunda on Tuesday morning where he’s evaluating the implementation of the lockdown regulations.
Authorities have repeatedly warned the public against disseminating fake news about the pandemic because it could spark needless panic.
Those found guilty of the crime could be charged in terms of the Disaster Management Act.
Cele said that South Africans should put their differences aside to tackle the virus.
“These are the times that must we all work together and walk in unison. These are the times that we must put aside any form of enmity. We have an enemy that has the capability of destroying and killing us together.”
The number of coronavirus, or SARS-CoV-2, cases in South Africa increased to 1,749, with 13 reported deaths, health minister Zweli Mkhize confirmed on Tuesday afternoon.
This reflects an increase of 63 from Monday, after an increase of 31 on Sunday.
Concerns have been raised over the low levels of testing which has been completed in South Africa, which thus far have predominantly been completed by private laboratories.
Mkhize has bluntly warned against celebrating a relatively low apparent increases in the number of known cases of the novel coronavirus until widespread screening and testing is online.
The public health sector has promised to massively scale up its testing from this week, including launching a nation wide community testing drives for “hotspots”.
Deputy chief Secretary to the President and Cabinet who is also Presidential spokesperson, Mr George Charamba, dismissed as fake news a statement attributed to President Mnangagwa purporting to direct property owners on rentals.
Mr Charamba said the statement has nothing to do with the President or his Office, and actually passes for criminal conduct.
The fake statement was notifying landlords and land ladies not to collect rent from any Zimbabwean for a period of three months from the day of the 21-day lockdown.
PRESIDENT Mnangagwa joined other world leaders in wishing UK Prime Minister Boris Johnson a speedy recovery after the British leader was diagnosed with the coronavirus.
PM Johnson (55) tested positive for Covid-19 on Friday, just hours after participating in a G20 teleconference call with world leaders on how to confront the global pandemic, which has so far claimed more than 74 000 lives and infected more than 1,3 million.
In his official Twitter Page, President Mnangagwa said his Government stood in solidarity with the British people during this period.
“On behalf of the people of Zimbabwe, I wish Prime Minister @BorisJohnson a speedy recovery and return to good health. We stand in solidarity with him and the British people during these challenging times,” he said.
Mr Johnson was admitted to St Thomas’ Hospital in London on Sunday evening.
The Queen has been kept informed about Mr Johnson’s health by No 10, according to Buckingham Palace.
According to British media reports, the prime minister was given oxygen late on Monday afternoon, before being taken to intensive care. He has not been put on a ventilator.
A No 10 statement read: “The prime minister has been under the care of doctors at St Thomas’ Hospital, in London, after being admitted with persistent symptoms of coronavirus.
The British leader had said he had developed mild symptoms and would continue working from home in self-isolation. He has since been moved to intensive care in hospital after his coronavirus symptoms “worsened”.
His infection means he will need to stay apart from new fiancée Carrie Symonds who is pregnant and at a higher risk.
US President Donald Trump said Americans “are all praying for his recovery.”
He described Mr Johnson as “a very good friend of mine and a friend to our nation” who is “strong” and “doesn’t give up.”
Mr Johnson was initially taken to hospital for routine tests after testing positive for coronavirus 10 days ago. His symptoms included a high temperature and a cough.
Earlier on Monday, he tweeted that he was in “good spirits.”
Scotland’s First Minister Ms Nicola Sturgeon said she was “sending Mr Johnson every good wish”, while Northern Ireland’s First Minister Ms Arlene Foster added she was “praying for a full and speedy recovery”.
Wales’ First Minister Mr Mark Drakeford called it “concerning news”.
Mr Johnson’s predecessor, Mrs Theresa May, and former Labour leader Mr Jeremy Corbyn both said their thoughts were with him.
Mrs May noted that the “horrific virus does not discriminate.”
The Taoiseach (Irish Prime Minister) Mr Leo Varadkar wished Mr Johnson “a rapid return to health,” and French President Mr Emmanuel Macron said he hoped he “overcomes this ordeal quickly.”
European Commission President Ms Ursula von der Leyen also wished him a “speedy and full recovery.”
For Archbishop of Canterbury Justin Welby, the news “deepens our compassion for all who are seriously ill” and those looking after them.
Health Secretary Matt Hancock, who also tested positive for the virus and spent time in self-isolation, offered “all possible best wishes to Boris Johnson and his loved ones.”
Farai Dziva|Veteran journalist and former Zimbabwe Union of Journalists(ZUJ) president, Matthew Takaona has been arrested by overzealous police details in Masvingo.
Takaona was arrested and detained on Tuesday as he was assessing the implications of a government directive to reopen the popular Chitima Vegetable Market in Masvingo.
“Matthew Takaona, former president of the Zimbabwe Union of Journalists (ZUJ), currently working as a consultant with The Mirror, was arrested and detained by police in Masvingo today as he was assessing the effects of a Government order to reopen vegetable markets in the midst of the ravaging COVID-19,” The Mirror reported.
Zimbabwe, under your wise counsel, began its 21-day COVID-19 lockdown journey on March 30 as efforts by the country to fend off the deadly pandemic got underway countrywide.
The initial – almost watertight – COVID-19 guidelines have been abandoned and replaced with a lenient regime which makes it look like the lockdown has now been lifted.
One of the most dangerous and dirtiest destinations in Zimbabwe, Mbare Musika, has been declared open to trade.
Lockdown: Mbare Musika resumes operations
The result, Mr President, has been the movement of both legitimate goods and contraband in to one of the oldest vegetables markets in Zimbabwe – literally from all over the country.
I am, however, heartened Mr President, after learning that you recently toured several high density suburbs of Harare on a familiarisation tour.
I now humbly challenge you, Your Excellency, to do the same with Mbare Musika and witness first hand the chaotic scenes obtaining there.
In my opinion, Mr President, Mbare Musika is now in a worse status than it was previously, making it just what the devil would order as a COVID-19 compliant facility.
Both the human and traffic congestion at Mbare Musika, Your Excellency, comparatively makes scenarios in apartheid South Africa’s Soweto township look like child’s play.
Conditions at Mbare Musika now, Mr President, are just the sort of under which COVID-19 would thrive under.
Mbare Musika is now the place to be for makoronyera (vegetables middlemen), illegal foreign currency dealers, mishikashika (illegal taxis), kombis, among others.
Your Excellency, in my humble submission, opening Mbare Musika is the last thing we need as a country at this juncture.
The entire world is now treating us like one very big joke, Sir!
Farmers from various provinces thronged Mbare market today to sell their produce.
The reopening of markets follows a directive by President Mnangagwa last week that farmers should bring their produce to the markets during the lock down period without hindrance, so as to feed the nation. It was a hive of activity at Mbare musika this morning with farmers trading their produce to the public.
However, farmers bemoaned poor business saying most of their customers could not come to the market due to the lock down directive.
“We thank the President for allowing us to bring our produce to markets. We sell perishable products and the lock down had affected us.
“However business is low today. Our customers are locked in their homes. We hope the situation will improve as days go by,” said Edward Kahana a farmer from Macheke who had brought in tomatoes to the market.
The Supreme Court ruled that the MDC-T must revert to its 2014 congress structures.
If that is to be the case then Morgen Komichi is wrongly positioning himself as the chairman of the party according to the ruling. Lovemore Moyo, not Morgan Komichi, was the then Chairperson of the MDC-T, and only resigned in 2018.
So if the Court ordered the MDC-T to return to its 2014 structures, why does Morgan Komichi think he is the Chairman. And why does Advocate Douglas Mwonzora concur with that fraudulent claim by Komichi. Or was it the Court which mentioned Morgan Komichi by name in its judgement?
Lovemore Moyo is still alive, and can so take over the chairman position and silence Komichi.
An African media watchdog charged Monday that Zimbabwean police had assaulted a journalist and forced him to delete pictures of them enforcing a Covid-19 lockdown.
Freelance journalist Panashe Makufa “was beaten up by members of the Zimbabwe Republic Police” in Harare’s Kuwadzana township “while undertaking his professional duties,” the Media Institute of Southern Africa (MISA) Zimbabwe office said.
Makufa told the media rights watchdog he was taking pictures Sunday of police as they dispersed people to enforce a stay-at-home order.
“Four police officers ordered Makufa to get into their truck where he was assaulted by two officers and forced to delete his pictures before he was dropped off,” MISA said in a statement.
‘No formal report’
Police spokesperson Paul Nyathi said they had received no formal report about the incident.
“We don’t condone the assault of people going about the legitimate work but we have had incidents of people who commit offences and then say they were arrested while performing their duties,” he told AFP.
“We are appealing to the journalist Makufa to come and make a formal report if indeed such an incident happened,” he said.
Makufa’s assault came after the arrest last week of two other journalists in separate incidents.
Police briefly detained freelance reporter Kudzanai Musengi in the central city of Gweru accusing him of working with an expired accreditation card, according to MISA.
In another case, the police arrested Voice of America (VOA) correspondent Nunurai Jena and charged him with disorderly conduct after he took pictures of police at a roadblock, the media watchdog said.
He appeared before a magistrate’s court and was released on bail.
Zimbabwe began a three-week total lockdown a week ago.
The southern African country says it has so far recorded nine Covid-19 cases, including one fatality.
Russia have given the thumbs up to the election of the Zimbabwean duo of Kirsty Coventry and Anna Mguni to the World Anti-Doping Agency standing committees.
Coventry, who is also the Minister of Youth, Arts, Sport and Recreation, was last week unveiled as a member of the WADA Athlete Committee while veteran administrator and Zimbabwe Olympic Committee chief executive Mguni will serve in the Education Committee.
“The Embassy welcomes the election of the Minister of Youth, Sports, Arts and Recreation of the Republic of Zimbabwe, an outstanding athlete, multiple winner and runner-up of Olympic Games Hon. Kirsty Coventry to the Athletes Committee of the World Anti-Doping Agency,” the Embassy said in a tweet this morning.
“The Embassy of the Russian Federation in the Republic of Zimbabwe also welcomes the election of the Chief Executive Officer of Zimbabwe Olympic Committee Mrs. Anna Mguni to WADA Education Committee.”
The appointments come as a huge vote of confidence in Zimbabwe’s sports administrators. Coventry is also an International Olympic Committee Executive Board Member and an IOC Athlete Commission Chairperson. She will be part of a 12-member WADA Athlete Committee led by three-time Olympian Ben Sandford of New Zealand.
The Education Committee, where Mguni is now a member, provides expert advice, recommendations and guidance to organisation’s management with respect to short-term education strategies and activities, and longer-term approaches to WADA’s education programs. The Committee is also involved in the selection process of WADA-funded social science research projects.
Deputy Minister of Sports Tino Machakaire is optimistic the country will host the World Cup qualifiers as efforts to renovate local stadiums remain high.
Barbourfields and the National Sports Stadium failed a preliminary inspection carried last month by CAF and Zimbabwe has until June 15 to finish the refurbishment before the second inspection.
Speaking to the Daily News, Machakaire said: “I’m very much confident that we will be ready when CAF return for the second inspection in June. It’s just that much of our progress was hindered by coronavirus which affected the whole world, otherwise, we could have covered a lot of ground.
“We will see how things progress in the following weeks. As soon as things normalise, we will put our efforts together to make sure the stadiums meet the minimum requirements. For now, it’s important to prioritise the health of everyone from the virus.”
Zimbabwe were supposed to host the March Afcon qualifiers on foreign soil, and fortunately, the games were suspended due to coronavirus.- Soccer 24
Ngezi Platnum Stars have announced their squad for 2020 Castle Lager Premier Soccer League season.
The 29-man selection include the bulk of players that featured prominently for the team in the last campaign. These include Frank Mukarati, Keith Murera, Kelvin Bulaji, Micheal Charamba, Tichaona Mabvura, Bruno Mtigo and James Nguluve.
Notable new faces in squad are Devon Chafa, Denver Mukamba who joined the side from Chapungu and former Maritzburg United striker Junior Zindoga.
Here is the squad:
Goalkeepers: Nelson Chadya, Issah Ali, Chang Marion.
Defenders: Munashe Katondo, Kudzai Chigwida, Quadir Amini, Frank Mukarati, Keith Murera, Polite Moyo, Ariel Makopa, Wayne Makuwa, Kelvin Bulaji.
Farai Dziva|UEFA president Aleksander Ceferin believes the Reds deserve to be awarded the title if the season is cancelled.
League action is currently suspended in England due to the coronavirus outbreak and Jurgen Klopp’s side is holding a 25-point lead over second-placed Manchester City on the EPL table. The Reds need just two more wins to secure the championship.
Speaking to EkipaSN, a sports newspaper in his native Slovenia, Ceferin said: “I can’t see a way Liverpool could be left without a title.
“Theoretically it’s not all over, but practically Liverpool are on the verge of it.
“If it could not be played, it would still be necessary to announce the results in some way and then the champions should be determined.
“And of course, again I do not see a scenario in which that would not be Liverpool. I understand that fans will be disappointed if it happens in an empty stadium or even at a table, but I believe they will win the title in one way or another.”
Remittances are of great importance to the Zimbabwean economy. According to the Reserve Bank of Zimbabwe (RBZ), the country receives almost $1 billion in remittances each year.
Pardon Mujakachi – WorldRemit, Regional Head for Sub Sahara Africa.
This money flows directly into the local economy, accounting for 11% of the country’s GDP. WorldRemit data shows that this money helps Zimbabweans to pay for food, school fees and medical bills, whilst giving support in times of emergency. WorldRemit, the market-leading money transfer provider, has revealed that Zimbabwe was one of the top 5 recipient countries in Africa for remittances in 2019, and continues to grow rapidly.
With Zimbabwe on a mandatory lockdown since March 30th and all banks closed, cash pick-up services have been greatly impacted leaving many Zimbabweans who are dependent on remittances for survival in a difficult position.
The presidential directive on money transfer services announced on 6th April, brought a huge relief to millions of households who depend on the support from their loved ones abroad. We spoke to Pardon Mujakachi, Country Director, Zimbabwe at WorldRemit, who answered the most commonly asked questions. Mr. Mujakachi spoke to us about how the London-headquartered, leading online money transfer company is supporting its customers and explained the options available to both senders and receivers.
WorldRemit allows senders in 50 countries to instantly send money via the app or online to receivers in 150 countries, including Zimbabwe and other countries across Africa. Your sender can access WorldRemit online on www.worldremit.com or by downloading the app on an iOS or Android device.
Can my friends and family still send money to me during the pandemic?
Yes! These are challenging times for everyone around the world, but I’d like to reassure you that we continue to provide a 24/7 global money transfer service for our customers.
Can I still collect cash during the Covid-19 pandemic?
Great news! The Government of Zimbabwe has just announced that cash pick up services will resume on Wednesday April 8th. Our partners in Zimbabwe will be open for cash pick up from Tuesday through to Thursday every week. Please continue to check our website on cash pick-up locations & availability.
Don’t forget, we’ve also created other great ways for you to send money which include to bank accounts, mobile money and airtime in Zimbabwe. Thank you for your patience and for sending money with WorldRemit!
Is this the case elsewhere, considering it’s a global pandemic?
Overall, cash pickup services throughout the global remittance industry are on a general downward trend at this moment due to social-distancing measures introduced by governments. People simply aren’t going out of their homes and are shifting more of their transactions and work online.
In some countries where we operate, we have seen a 100% swing to digital payout methods such as bank accounts, mobile money or airtime top up – for example in Thailand and Fiji. But it’s still too early to tell whether or not we are looking at a 100% cashless world in the future. Cash is still king to many people around the world.
What other options do I have to receive money besides cash pick ups?
In addition to cash pick up, you can receive money directly into a bank account or mobile money wallet from your sender.
The sender can also send you Airtime directly to your phone, helping you stay connected to loved ones.
How can I send money to mobile money accounts in Zimbabwe?
Transfers to EcoCash are unaffected and running as usual. Your recipient can receive their money in USD and choose to convert to local currency by dialing *150# and selecting Option 1 for Bureau de Change.
Mobile Money Cash pick up with EcoCash is guaranteed. We have selected Econet shops guaranteeing cash for those who would like to receive cash in USD.
You can buy goods and services in USD from the FCA mobile wallet. As per the Government circular on Friday 27th March, USD can be used to purchase goods and services or send money to family and friends across the country.
Bank Transfers
Bank transfer services are available. You can send money to your family and friends with FCA bank accounts in Zimbabwe. Please ensure that your beneficiaries provide the correct FCA bank account details to avoid any inconvenience. If the beneficiary is not sure about the type of bank account for a USD deposit, they should contact their bank.
What is airtime top up?
When you connect a mobile phone to a telecoms network, you need to purchase credit to enable you to use that telco network’s airtime. Airtime allows you to access the network’s services.
Direct airtime top-ups via WorldRemit are critical at this time when people are asked to work from home and stay indoors, since it allows for purchase of Internet data bundles, which support work, entertainment and keep local internet-based companies as well as SMEs in business.
If I still want a cash payout, how long will the Covid-19 situation impact movement?
Governments all around the world recognize the importance of remittances and are doing their best to make sure you can access money safely. As a company, we are also doing everything possible to minimize disruption.
Is there anything else you would like to tell our readers?
We support the government directive on remittances. We know our money transfer service is crucial in allowing you to help friends and family in areas impacted by the virus. We want you to stay safe, so where possible we ask you to choose to receive money to bank accounts or via mobile money.
At times like these, we know distances can feel greater than ever before. Our hearts go out to everyone who is being affected by the coronavirus, either directly or indirectly.
Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola’s mother died after contracting COVID-19, the club announced Monday. She was 82.
“The Manchester City family are devastated to report the death today of Pep’s mother Dolors Sala Carrió in Manresa, Barcelona, after contracting coronavirus,” Manchester City wrote in a public statement.
The 49-year-old Guardiola donated more than $100,000 to aid the fight against coronavirus in Spain last month and appeared on a team video urging fans to stay at home.
Spain has been badly affected by the pandemic with more than 13,000 deaths reported. Manchester City’s rival, Manchester United, sent condolences on Twitter, writing:
“Everyone at Manchester United is saddened to hear this terrible news.
We send our heartfelt condolences to Pep and his family. #ACityUnited.”- USA Today
MDC Alliance co-vice president Welshman Ncube has said the Thokozani Khupe-led MDC-T will not be able to hold an extraordinary congress as it lacks the required quorum.
In an interview with CITE , Ncube said Khupe, Douglas Mwonzora and Morgen Komichi cannot implement the Supreme Court judgement which declared that Khupe is the legitimate MDC-T acting president because the 2014 structures are no longer there. The majority of the people who were in the structures are now within the MDC Alliance structures.
Said Ncube: Unless they create fake structures they are incapable of implementing that Supreme Court judgement because those 2014 structures in 2018 they didn’t exist.
If they go to individuals to say we want to put you in structures those individuals will say we don’t want because they are members of the MDC Alliance, they are not interested in this Zanu PF project, it is an impossibility it can’t be done.
They can’t convene a meeting of the National Council with a quorum, they cannot hold a congress without a quorum.
Remember that congress will require two-thirds of congress members for you to have congress.
Where are they going to get it from? Mwonzora is however on record saying if people decided to boycott the congress, a decision will be made on their behalf by others.-CITE
Zimbabwe’s power crisis will not be resolved – as long as the ED led illegitimate regime continues to sleep at the wheel.
As the economy is ravaged by incessant power shortages – which have not only crippled private homes, but the entire business sector, rendering the country unfit for any meaningful investment – the illegitimate regime pretends as if everything is alright, as they stubbornly continue in their slumber, without any regard for the adverse effects bedeviling the nation.
The Zimbabwe power generation sector – which, has not seen any significant investment ever since the country attained independence from Britain in 1980 – remains one the most neglected and under-capitalized sectors, thereby, further dashing any hopes for the government’s envisaged ‘Vision 2030’ dream – that, is fast turning into a ferocious nightmare.
The country desperately requires an average 2200 MW – a bare minimum, just to sustain a relatively ‘normal’ economy and livelihood – yet, only produces a pathetic 1100 MW of electricity, due to an aged and inefficient transmission and distribution network.
However, if the country is to attract the much needed foreign direct investment – to boost the economy, and create significant jobs for the ever-suffering population – there is urgent need for power generation to be increased to at least 4000 MW by the year 2023, and 6000 MW by 2029.
This is the vision that the People’s party, the Movement for Democratic Change Alliance (MDC-A) has – as espoused in the SMART blueprint – being the only true panacea for this perennial problem that has dogged the nation for the past 40 years, apparently with no end in sight, at the hands of the incompetent and inept illegitimate regime
This will, however, not come cheap, as such expansion and recapitalization would cost an estimated USD 4.33 billion – which, obviously requires genuine political will, vision, innovation, and sound policies – all of which are glaringly missing from the current government.
The most immediate requirement is to address transitional challenges that the power utility (Zimbabwe Electricity Supply Authority – ZESA) is faced with, by empowering them to import at least 400 MW from South Africa’s Eskom, or HBC. Nonetheless, this demands dollarization, and ZESA levying in the greenback, for them to be able to facilitate such imports – as we can never run away from the fact that, unless the power utility is capacitated through drastic measures, there will never be any hope for this country, and its people and businesses.
As the saying goes, “prevention is cheaper (or better) than curing” – Zimbabwe now is faced with a daunting and very expensive task, due to the authorities’ seemingly uncaring and apathetic approach to responsibility and duty over the past 40 years.
The country’s power generation and distribution facilities had to be constantly and efficiently managed and maintained over the years, yet there have been neglected ever since Rhodesia ceased to exist.
What the People’s party urges is the rehabilitation and modernization of Hwange 1 to 6 power stations, speedy and serious construction of Hwange 7 and 8 thermal stations, construction of a 2000 MW hydro-power station at Batoka Gorge to be shared with Zambia, construction of a coal-fired power plant at Gokwe Senga and the Lupane Gas Projects, construction of at least 30 small hydro-power stations throughout the country, and rehabilitation and modernization of Bulawayo, Harare, and Sanyati power stations.
Furthermore, as the globe moves towards sustainable and renewable power sources, Zimbabwe should never be found wanting, thus, there is urgent need to exploit such green alternatives as solar, wind, degradable biomass energy, as well as the promotion of cleaner fossil energy products, liquid bio fuels as ethanol, and methane gas in Matebeleland North province.
The underlying uncompromising principle to the fulfilment of all these programs is: “unwavering dedication, commitment, and transparency” – facets which have been grossly missing in the current administration’s approach to their responsibilities demanded by the citizenry, for a better and more prosperous Zimbabwe.
Zimbabwe’s national grid requires an injection of at least USD 300 million, for its modernization. Furthermore, each household should be installed with solar energy panels, that will power such implements as geysers, with incentives being provided to citizens who migrate to alternative sources of energy.
To ensure that the nation’s power generation is always at its peak, pre-paid meters should be rolled out to every sector, including agriculture and industry – to avoid the current scenario, whereby, the power utility is prejudiced million and millions of US dollars, due to these entities’ failure in fulfilling their energy bills.
Genuine incentives should also be awarded to all massive power users, such as the industrial sector, to adopt alternative power generation – as the status quo fails to adequately attract such ventures.
The promotion of Independent Power Producers (IPPs) must be accelerated, as the surest way for the nation’s energy challenges to be speedily resolved in the shortest possible time – whereby, as in other countries, private players are permitted to compete with ZESA in the provision of electricity, a scenario that would inevitably result not only in increased production and availability of power, but at much affordable tariffs, due to the advancement in technology and economies of scale.
The People’s party knows fully well that, unless and until, these policies are implemented without any wavering and deceitfulness, there is absolutely no reason why Zimbabwe can not permanently resolve its power challenges – thereby, ensuring that every household and business operates effectively and efficiently – but, becomes a regional energy powerhouse.
For the moment, the illegitimate regime is sleeping at the wheel, but with the citizens’ resolve, those in power should be made to account for their occupation of those offices.
Jasmine Toffa MDC Alliance Secretary for Energy and Power Development
Farai Dziva|Emmerson Mnangagwa and his ilk are desperate to create a one party state as they know they are unelectable, MDC Youth Assembly spokesperson, Stephen Chuma has said.
Below is Chuma’s full statement :
The MDC Alliance Youth Assembly under the able stewardship of Commander Obey Sithole reiterates its support and commitment to complete the National Democratic Struggle under the leadership of Commander in Chief, Advocate Nelson Nelson.
As the vanguard of the movement, our position is very clear that President Nelson Chamisa is the only compass that gives direction to the democratic revolutionary wagon.
Advocate Nelson Chamisa is the encyclopedia of our revolution with a clear vision and bank of knowledge acquired from many years of walking side by side with our founding icon, Dr Morgan Tsvangirai.
The leadership question of the MDC was put to rest during the Gweru 2019 Congress where our structures gave a five year mandate to the current leadership led by Advocate Nelson Chamisa.
Any summersault via the Supreme Court by bitter Congress losers is betrayal and we can not accept black market leadership imposed on us by ZANU PF.
It is clear that Emmerson Mnangagwa knows that he is unelectable hence his latest attempt to create a one party state through dismantling a genuine and formidable political alternative.
As the MDC Youth Assembly we urge all progressive young people to rally behind the People’s President, Advocate Nelson Chamisa as we complete the change.
Farai Dziva|MDC Youth Assembly chairperson Tererai Obey Sithole has dismissed reports that Senator Douglas Mwonzora is now in charge of Morgan Tsvangirai House.
“The news that one Douglas Mwonzora has taken over our party HQ is fake and remains fake!!!
I was not only at the HQ but I was in my office, having conversations with some members of the staff manning our offices during this lockdown period.
Stay calm, President Nelson Chamisa is in charge,” Sithole wrote on Facebook.
“Just finished a very fruitful meeting with the MDC Alliance North America Province Youth Assembly leadership.
Their support remains unwavering, their message is very clear, Nelson Chamisa is our President. Locally & abroad shoko ndiro ndiro, Chamisa Chete Chete!”
Farai Dziva|MDC Youth Assembly chairperson Tererai Obey Sithole has dismissed reports that Senator Douglas Mwonzora is now in charge of Morgan Tsvangirai House.
“The news that one Douglas Mwonzora has taken over our party HQ is fake and remains fake!!!
I was not only at the HQ but I was in my office, having conversations with some members of the staff manning our offices during this lockdown period.
Stay calm, President Nelson Chamisa is in charge,” Sithole wrote on Facebook.
“Just finished a very fruitful meeting with the MDC Alliance North America Province Youth Assembly leadership.
Their support remains unwavering, their message is very clear, Nelson Chamisa is our President. Locally & abroad shoko ndiro ndiro, Chamisa Chete Chete!”
Farai Dziva|Former MDC- T vice president Obert Chaurura Gutu has vowed to sabotage MDC president Nelson Chamisa’s 2023 Presidential bid.
In an interview with an online publucation, Gutu described his homeboy as a “young dictator.”
Gutu also boasted of blocking Chamisa’s path.
However, political observers believe Gutu’s remarks are loaded with emotional overtones.
According to NewsDay senior reporter, Blessed Mhlanga, Gutu’s latest remarks indicate that Khupe’s party does not want State power or to serve the people but to stop Chamisa from becoming the president of Zimbabwe.
“Gutu has just spilt the beans – they don’t want state power or to serve the people noooo. They just want to stop @nelsonchamisa.
The truth is only @nelsonchamisa and @edmnangagwa have a plan of getting into power.”
The MDC Alliance Youth Assembly under the able stewardship of Commander Obey Sithole reiterates its support and commitment to complete the National Democratic Struggle under the leadership of Commander in Chief, Advocate Nelson Nelson.
As the vanguard of the movement, our position is very clear that President Nelson Chamisa is the only compass that gives direction to the democratic revolutionary wagon.
Advocate Nelson Chamisa is the encyclopedia of our revolution with a clear vision and bank of knowledge acquired from many years of walking side by side with our founding icon, Dr Morgan Tsvangirai.
The leadership question of the MDC was put to rest during the Gweru 2019 Congress where our structures gave a five year mandate to the current leadership led by Advocate Nelson Chamisa.
Any summersault via the Supreme Court by bitter Congress losers is betrayal and we can not accept black market leadership imposed on us by ZANU PF.
It is clear that Emmerson Mnangagwa knows that he is unelectable hence his latest attempt to create a one party state through dismantling a genuine and formidable political alternative.
As the MDC Youth Assembly we urge all progressive young people to rally behind the People’s President, Advocate Nelson Chamisa as we complete the change.
The thoughts in this shot piece are my own and reflect my personal feelings towards this pandemic.
The Novel Coronavirus COVID-19 that has ravaged the world has brought the world to a standstill.
The virus was first detected in late 2019 in Wuhan, China.
The world has experienced virus outbreaks in the past such as the Ebola virus and the SARS virus.
What is scary about this latest virus is how contagious it is and how easy it is to pass from one person to another. We live in a globalised world where it is now easy to get to the four corners of the world very fast; the readily available air transport has meant that the virus can easily be transported from one country to another.
There is a huge debate about how to best prepare for any outbreak in the future and what we must do now to halt the spread of the virus.
A lot of conspiracy theories and fear mongering is now the order of the day.
I have a lot of respect for Prophet Makandiwa but his assertions are nothing but misleading.
The ideas mooted by Bill Gates for a Universal vaccine are spot on and here is why.
Our bodies have a natural defence system against any diseases that attack us; the soldiers that fight on our behalf are called antibodies.
Antibodies are specific to a particular type of infection so those who will have defeatd the Coronavirus will now have those antibodies should the disease attack again. A universal vaccine will be the best thing to ensure that we are all safe from any future attacks of this Coronaviruses. I do not support a chip but a proper vaccine like the polio vaccine that is injected to each individual whilst young. If we are injected then we can be assured that no one will pass it to another person again.
The vaccine must be generic so that if any other type of flu virus comes it will be stopped abruptly. The conspiracy theorists are somehow linking 5G technology and the Universal vaccine which is very ridiculous.
For the record I don’t support the fact that the vaccines must be tested in Africa first but we as Africans must also be vaccinated should an appropriate vaccine be found
A universal vaccine remains our best chance to defeat any other virus in the future.
By A Correspondent- A bride-to-be who showed up at the Bulawayo Civil Court housed at Tredgold Building on Tuesday morning in formal wedding clothes and was turned away at the door, shared her heartbreak and anger after she was forced to cancel her much hyped once-in-a-lifetime moment because of Covid-19.
Helen, who did not want her last name used for privacy reasons, told a local publication that she was absolutely gutted but later felt safety was a priority.
“I was initially disappointed because I spent so much time and effort planning this over the past year. But it later dawned on me that I should not worry much because my health and that of my friends and relatives is more important than a wedding event. With my loved one we are, however, willing to work around whatever obstacles come our way,” she said.
Helen was not the only bride-to-be whose search for love in the time of the coronavirus was cancelled in Zimbabwe after Chief Justice Luke Malaba on Monday directed the country’s civil courts to cancel all pre-booked weddings.
Couples, some from far away places and even from outside the country, had turned up to tie the knot but were turned away after being told that no marriages were taking place.
In a statement on Monday, CJ Malaba said as part of social distancing, courts were limiting attendance with all persons accessing court buildings now required to be sanitised and those seeking services maintaining a distance of at least two metres in the queues.
CJ Malaba said those who had booked for their weddings would need to rebook after two months.
“All weddings are cancelled and parties may approach the courts for rebooking after a period of two months,” said CJ Malaba.
The cancellation of weddings came as Zimbabwe recorded its first Covid-19 death on Monday after a patient who was admitted to Wilkins Hospital in Harare died on Monday morning.
The victim, Zororo Makamba (30), was the second person to test positive for Covid-19 after travelling to New York in the United States of America on February 29 and returning home on March 9 via Johannesburg.
Sources at the Civil Court at Tredgold in Bulawayo said they were of late limiting bookings for weddings to five on Tuesday and another five on Friday, meaning in the two months up to 80 weddings could have been cancelled excluding the Western Commonage courts, where vows are also exchanged.
Weddings at the magistrates’ courts take place on Tuesdays and Fridays, although most couples prefer Fridays so that they go partying afterwards.
“We got a directive to suspend marriages until further notice. We even phoned some of the couples soon after getting the directive but we were surprised to see some of them in the morning today (Tuesday) in their formal wedding clothes,” said a judicial officer, who declined to be named.
According to statistics obtained from the Bulawayo High Court the number of couples who had their marriages solemnised by magistrates at the Bulawayo’s Tredgold Building increased to 1 267 in 2019 compared to the previous year when 1 192 couples exchanged marriages vows.
In Zimbabwe, the marriage institution is treated with great respect and people pour in large sums of money in preparations.
Research has also revealed that although it’s hard to evaluate how much effect will last over time, missing on these types of once-in-a-lifetime experiences such as weddings can have a negative psychological impact in one’s life.- StateMedia
By A Correspondent- The Daily Social Distancing show host Trevor Noah says he has been receiving death threats after he interviewed Microsoft Founder and philanthropist Bill Gates to discuss coronavirus testing, accelerating vaccine development and how the world will rebound.
In a tweet on Sunday Noah said:
“Now I see why I’ve been getting death threats for interviewing Bill.”
His tweet was ignited by News24 which issued an apology after reporting that Gates wanted to use Africans to test a new vaccine for Coronavirus.
When businessman Ali Naka told Trevor to take the vaccines first he said:
“Where in this entire interview do you hear either of us saying a vaccine will be tested in Africa? Are you confusing us with those French doctors or are you just trying to get retweets?”
The interview irked African soccer star Didier Drogba who urged African leaders to stand up and defend their citizens against being used as guinea pigs.
“It is totally inconceivable we keep on cautioning this. Africa isn’t a testing lab. I would like to vividly denounce those demeaning, false and most of all deeply racists words. Helps us save Africa with the current ongoing Covid 19 and flatten the curve.” Drogba fumed.
“Let us save ourselves from this crazy virus that is plummeting the world economy and ravaging populations health worldwide. Do not take African people as human guinnea pigs! It’s absolutely disgusting.
“African leaders have a responsibility to protect their populations from those horrendous conspiracies. May god protect us!”
By A Correspondent- Deputy Government Spokesperson Energy Mutodi says the government recognizes Prophet Emmanuel Makandiwa as a true Man of God and pleaded with him sand other Prophets to lead the nation in praying to God for His intervention amidst the deadly Coronavirus pandemic.
On Sunday the UFIC leader was angry after the media branded him as a false prophet who lied that he prophesied the coming of the Coronavirus.
Said Mutodi:
“We have no doubt that prophet Emmanuel Makandiwa is a true man of God. In the midst of the COVID-19 crisis, His Excellency President ED Mnangagwa is calling upon all prophets to intercede for the nation and save our great country Zimbabwe.”
We have no doubt that prophet Emmanuel Makandiwa is a true man of God. In the midst of the COVID-19 crisis, His Excellency President ED Mnangagwa is calling upon all prophets to intercede for the nation & save our great country Zimbabwe.
In an emotionally charged up sermon delivered on Sunday through social media, Prophet Emmanuel Makandiwa said it is him who saved Mnangagwa’s life prophetically and he went on to appoint small boys who should be grateful to him instead of fighting him.
By A Correspondent- Pandemonium broke out on Monday at two Kuwadzana OK outlets as police on duty in the area fired tear smoke to disperse crowds that had begun gathering to buy subsidised mealie meal.
Police fired the tear gas on the pretext that they intended to enforce lockdown restrictions only to buy the maize meal themselves.
A local publication reported that it later emerged that the officers had connived with OK Kuwadzana management stores to scatter members of the public so that they could buy the mealie meal all by themselves.
Said sources privy to developments:
Upon delivery of the mealie- meal at the OK outlets, the police suddenly started firing teargas in efforts to cause a commotion and disperse the crowds so they could buy the mealie meal all by themselves. They are in this together with management at both the OK supermarket outlets in Kuwadzana.
Reports from Bulawayo have also claimed that police officers are involved in the thriving black market trade in subsidised mealie meal.
They allegedly used their proximity to the supply chains to divert the product from the formal to the parallel market where is sold strictly for cash at exorbitant prices.-ZimMorningPost
By A Correspondent- An 18 year old woman and her 11 month old baby died in a crocodile attack recently in Onapathali in Mhangura.
Esnath Mavhangira was fetching water for her garden while carrying her daughter, Susan Chiwanza, on her back when the crocodile attacked. She was dragged into the dam where both she and the baby drowned.
The bodies have since been retrieved.
Efforts to get a comment from Mashonaland West’s provincial police spokesperson Assistant Inspector Ian Kohwera were futile.
Mhangura constituency legislator Cde Precious Chinhamo Masango confirmed the deaths and said the attack underscored the urgent need for Zimbabwe National Parks and Wildlife Authority to respond promptly to human-wildlife conflicts.
The request comes after farmers in her constituency reported lions were threatening livestock and elephants were destroying crops. ZimParks spokesperson Mr Tinashe Farawo confirmed the crocodile attack but could not shed more light on the lion and elephant menace saying he was waiting for reports from rangers on the ground.
“We have since deployed a team of rangers to capture or drive away from the animals. We hope to bring the situation to normalcy in no time.”-StateMedia
Responding to MDC leader Nelson Chamisa’s tweet wishing British Prime Minister Boris Johnson a speedy recovery, Kate Hoey also extended her best wishes to ‘Zimbabweans fighting the pandemic with no regular water and electricity as well as those in fear of dictatorship.’
Below is Chamisa’s tweet and Johnson’s response….
Chamisa: Wishing PM @BorisJohnson a full & speedy recovery.Our thoughts & prayers are with all those whose families & loved ones are affected by COVID19.We must remain vigilant & play our part. Social distance, wash your hands & report suspected cases.COVID19 must fall!
Kate Hoey: Best wishes to all Zimbabweans fighting this pandemic especially those with no regular water supply and electricity or in fear of dictatorship #prayforzimbabwetoo
By A Correspondent- The Zimbabwean government’s spokesperson Nick Mangwana has dismissed a statement purportedly issued by the Office of the President instructing landlords not to demand rentals from their tenants for three months in response to the coronavirus pandemic.
Mangwana said President Mnangagwa “has not issued a moratorium on the payment of rentals”. The COVID-19 Taskforce discussed this request from some citizens and concluded that the government cannot interfere with civil contracts under current law, Mangwana explained.
Below is the statement dismissed by Mangagwana as fake:
Due to Coronavirus that is now a pandemic and it’s causing a lot of damage to our economy. I direct to notify all the Landlords and Landladies in Zimbabwe not to collect rent from any Zimbabwean for the period of 3 Months (90 days) from the day of Lockdown. This will include residential and Business premises, Farms and Garages.
Kindly note that for those who have received any payment as a rental for the said period must return full amount without delay by 10th of April 2020.
This is to allow Zimbabweans to stay home as we fight this war of the Corona Virus. There is a possibility to add lockdown days in Zimbabwe since we are receiving more cases of Corona Virus from other Countries as well as in Zimbabwe.
Failure by any of the Landlords and Landladies to abide by this will face the Law. Please let’s fight this Virus together and follow precautions of washing your hands and not greeting people.
By A Correspondent- Socialite Olinda Chapel has told her ex baby father Tytan Skhokho to leave her alone as she is just doing fine.
Chapel, said this in a live Instagram video updating viewers on the latest developments between her and baby daddy Tytan after their divorce.
The video which by the way has opened a can of worms for both parties saw Chapel dissing her ex that she was ok and did not need him in her life after his betrayal.
Last month, Tytan revealed that Olinda Chapel is HIV positive and exposed her status with his lawyer in an interview soon after the divorce.
From the latest videos from Olinda she claims Tytan is forcing her to reply to some emails he is sending to her.
The duo have a daughter named Nandi.
Watch the video below where Olinda tells Tytan to back off…..
“. . . As it has turned out, Tsvangirai’s decision (to appoint Chamisa and Mudzuri) was legally incorrect, as the courts have established, but if he were around today, he would probably still be sure that he took the right political decision…” – Magaisa
Alex Magaisa
The former advisor to late MDC president Mr Morgan Tsvangirai has suggested that his ex-boss in 2016 ignored advice on what he terms “illegality” of the appointment of Mr Nelson Chamisa and Engineer Elias Mudzuri as his deputies.
VIDEO LOADING BELOW
Commenting on the Supreme Court judgment made against current MDC leader Nelson Chamisa in an article “Critical Analysis of the Supreme Court Judgment” at the weekend, Alex Magaisa said Tsvangirai did not heed the advice given after appointing Chamisa and Eng Mudzuri.
Magaisa’s comment comes despite the fact that Tsvangirai did this using a clear constitutional amendment even acknowledged by Chamisa nemesis Thokozani Khupe.’
The MDC Constitution was changed 4 times between 2008 and 2016. In 2009, two amendments were approved effected that removed term limits on Tsvangirai who was supposed to step down by the year 2011.
In 2014, another amendment was effected which dethroned the party’s Secretary General of powers of succession (replacing the President).
In 2016, the MDC -T party changed the constitution again this time to give Tsvangirai powers to appoint deputies. Thokozani Khupe’s party would 2 years later remove this clause saying it created a one centre of power, resulting in a leadership dispute blamed for the split with Nelson Chamisa’s party. Khupe’s secretary-general, Nixon Nyikadzino has said the Khupe-led MDC-T has since amended the party constitution to do away with the one centre of power he says was abused by the late Tsvangirai.
“Also, we are simply giving back powers of constitutional amendments to the congress. We are simply ensuring that we do not have a one centre of power in the constitution of the MDC-T,” said Nyikadzino.
Magaisa whose analysis has been relied upon by the Emmerson Mnangagwa state media, commented criticising his own boss’ successor. He is not new to attacking his senior and in 2014, he loudly claimed he was same level with the man he worked for, Tsvangirai, and was paid a huge lumpsum including perks. (See his article reprinted below).
This time Magaisa now claims Tsvangirai’s appointment of two deputies, Nelson Chamisa and Elias Mudzuri was illegal, saying it was a clash of politics and law.
As Khupe's Sec General says it was perfectly constitutional (2016 amendment), Alex Magaisa who has in writing loudly claimed he was same level with Tsvangirai while working as his advisor, says Chamisa @nelsonchamisa 's appointment by Tsvangirai was illegal | WHO IS LYING?
Back then, he did not publicly criticise the move which Khupe’s party confirms was via a constitutional amendment now needing to be repealed
“Technically, it is difficult to fault the finding concerning the 2016 appointments. Questions were raised at the time of the appointments (including in this column) but the advice was not heeded. If supposing that a challenge had been successfully brought to court at the time, there is every chance that a court might have reversed the appointments,” writes Magaisa.
He continues saying:
“Those of us who raised caution in 2016 derive no pleasure at the turn of events. Another lesson is the problem of not challenging leaders when they are wrong.”
He says the outcome of the case brought to the fore the clash between law and politics.
“Any lawyer who has worked in politics or with politicians understands the difficulty of persuading politicians when laws stand in the way of political objectives. Politicians know they must follow the law, but they also know that their stock-in-trade is to make political decisions to drive political objectives.
“Advisers know that politicians must follow the law but they are also sensitive to the realities of political life. Sometimes decisions just have to be made.
“. . . As it has turned out, Tsvangirai’s decision was legally incorrect, as the courts have established, but if he were around today, he would probably still be sure that he took the right political decision. If you ask his many supporters, they also still believe it was the correct political move particularly given the direction that his would-be successors have taken since his death,” adds Magaisa.
“. . . Likewise, Chamisa’s ascendancy to the leadership may have been legally deficient as the courts have stated, but his multitude of supporters remain convinced that it was the right political move,” said Magaisa.
While Magaisa has focused on this, other scholars said there is no problem and no need for confusion. The South Africa based Legal expert Dr Tapiwa Shumba said a political party has its legs at the Zimbabwe Electoral Commission. He was also commenting on claims by Douglas Mwonzora that there is no party called MDC Alliance. Below was his full text:
By Dr Tapiwa Shumba | There is no reason for any confusion. It is the MDC trading politically as MDC Alliance. It’s been like that ever since. We were MDC trading as MDC-T and noone ever asked why everything about us was still MDC. Noone has ever seen an MDC-T constitution. We always celebrated MDC Anniversary and used MDC in our communications. It has always been MDC but MDC T started as far back as 2008 (before elections).
It’s a choice we make to connect to our history and traditions as we continue to renew, transform and grow on the other hand. It is the transacting name, which is the most relevant in Zimbabwe political context, that changes depending on the electoral market and dynamics. That’s why there is nothing trading as MDC currently. There is no MDC Councillor or MP. Many people don’t understand that MDC is now almost like our nickname or better still mutupo/totem in the Zim political context. Riri pachitupa now is MDC Alliance – it used to be MDC-T. Where our identity is requested for official reasons i.e ZEC and Parliament, Council we use the official name for the electoral cycle – now MDC Alliance. Hakuna chinhu chinonzi MDC kwese ikoko.
I say this because I see people asking. 1) Where is the MDC Alliance Consitution saka? (In fact you are not required to have any constitution in Zim). 2. Why did you celebrate 20 years Anniversary? 3. Why did you have 5th Congress? 4. Why are you stil using Harvest House HQ.
Until you understand that in Zimbabwe a Party only exists at ZEC, Parliament and Government you will continue to get confused about the MDC and MDC Alliance, the former being a street name at the latter being an official name. We will always officially transform to adapt to the political and electoral realities of the day but the soul will remain MDC, yet officially speaking, the MDC (our MDC) ceased to exist as an official electoral entity in 2008. The official MDC-T was abandoned when Thokozani Khupe abused it.
The transformation that takes place with the MDC in every electoral cycle is the fundamental reason why it is first class nonsense for anyone to say the Party must revert to a pre-electoral state. Pre-electoral state of the MDC are footsteps, hakuna chinhu, kunosara mutupo iwoyu unonzi MDC chete. That’s why there is this confusion, yet in truth, there is nothing new in the transformation of political parties. Consider this question – how old is ZANU-PF – and what is ZANU in all this – does ZANU-PF say it started in 1987 – but why do they claim and celebrate the 70s heroes and victories of ZANU when ZANU-PF started in 1987? Lastly, don’t be stupid.
By A Correspondent- The suspected CIO operative who was pictured inside a car with MDC-T self proclaimed Chairman, 2 days after Morgen Komichi broke away from the MDC Alliance party last week, Felix Chiroro spoke to ZimEye on Tuesday morning.
He denied any links with the state security revealing that he runs a horticulture business.
MR Chiroro also stood his ground to defend Komichi’s actions saying they are both legal and constitutional.
He said Chamisa cannot reject Justice Patel’s ruling on the basis that it refers to Khupe’s faction and Chamisa leads a new MDC, because according to him, it is not at all new.
He told ZimEye in part: “if Chamisa’s party is a different one altogether from the one left by Tsvangirai, then why are they using the headquarters?
“How did they transfer the building ownership or occupancy from the “old” party to the new?”
By A Correspondent- National Patriotic Front spokesperson Jealousy Mawarire says one of the reasons why MDC Alliance leader Nelson Chamisa got more votes in the 2018 presidential election that Morgan Tsvangirai attained in any presidential election he participated is that the former received votes from Zanu Pf.
Mawarire claimed that Chamisa’s votes were boosted by the late former President Robert Mugabe’s supporters.
He was speaking in response to former MDC-T spokesperson Obert Gutu’s claim that Chamisa performed well in the election because he was riding on the Tsvangirai brand.
Below is Mawarire’s full Twitter thread:
Ask Obert Gutu the highest number of votes Tsvangirai got in any of the three presidential elections he participated in.
Why is it that he NEVER hit the 2 million mark that Nelson Chamisa got? So the brand got lesser votes than the one benefitting from it? Mamwe malawyer so!
Granted, Tsvangirai founded MDC but his highest number of votes in any presidential election he participated in is 1.2 million in 2002, almost 1 million fewer votes than the 2.1 million that ZEC gave Nelson Chamisa after the 2018 electoral fraud.
I hold no brief for any of the feuding parties in the Junta-PF-MDC drama but as a student of Zim electoral politics, I believe there is ANOTHER factor which made Nelson Chamisa get 1 million more votes than Tsvangirai at his best and that factor is the MUGABE supporters.
It is a FACT that the late President Mugabe gave Nelson Chamisa his endorsement and many so-called G40s heeded and voted for the young man, that’s why he got more votes than MDC the party, or the Tsvangirai brand if u like to call it.
You have to be an incorrigible dunderhead not to see that plain FACT. The Junta-PF knows it, that’s why they have been planting confusionists to scuttle any efforts Nelson Chamisa is making to form a broader alliance with former G40 members.
The Junta might use dunderhead 3rd class lawyers to dismiss the role played by former Zanu-PF members in making Nelson Chamisa get 1m more votes than MT in any of the 3 elections he participated in because of fear of a repeat in 2023 but that can never obliterate the RGM factor.
What Junta-PF isn’t aware of is that they will NEVER get the Mugabe vote, a time shall come, and it has come,that RGM supporters will regroup,it doesn’t necessarily have to be around Chamisa,but surely a true,united and democratic alliance is in the horizon and Junta-PF days are numbered
“Those are lies by Douglas Mwonzora, but as as you can see I am actually leaving my office, I have just been in the office, the party remains safe, the properties also remain safe I was in the office since morning, as you can see,” said MDC Youth Leader, Tererai Obey Sithole . VIDEO:
Those are lies by Douglas @DMwonzora , but as as you can see I am actually leaving my office, I have just been in the office, the party remains safe, the properties also remain safe I was in the office since morning, as you can see." -. @TereraiSithole – video credit @263Chatpic.twitter.com/WLMEPVW8DP
The man pictured inside a car with the self proclaimed MDC-T Chairman, who MDC members accuse of being a CIO agent, 2 days after Morgen Komichi broke away from the MDC Alliance party last week, Felix Chiroro spoke to ZimEye on Tuesday morning.
He runs a horticulture business and has refuted allegations that he is a state agent.
On another note, Mr Chiroro also stood his ground to defend Komichi’s actions saying they are both legal and constitutional.
He said Chamisa cannot reject Justice Patel’s ruling on the basis that it refers to Khupe’s faction and Chamisa leads a new MDC, because according to him, it is not at all new.
He told ZimEye in part: “if Chamisa’s party is a different one altogether from the one left by Tsvangirai, then why are they using the headquarters?
“How did they transfer the building ownership or occupancy from the “old” party to the new?”
By A Correspondent| ZimEye on Monday investigated reports which alleged that truck drivers are being injected with an unknown substance since the weekend.
The reports submitted on the afternoon of the 6th April 2020, had two videos of men complaining mainly in the Shona language that they do not want to be injected.
A source told ZimEye their sibling were witnesses of a said similar incident which they said happened on Monday afternoon. They alleged that the incidents are happening at Kazungula border.
One of the videos begins with the following narration: this is how it is here at the University of Zambia. This crowd you are seeing here all of them are truck drivers, we were at Kazungula border. We were kept there for some days. Some of us entered on the 30th of March, others entered earlier than us.
“After leaving Kazungula, we were told to come down here to Lusaka because some of the drivers their papers are still with the customs officials and the police so they were told to come down here to Lusaka to get their papers but upon coming here we were told to leave our trucks, park our trucks and come here to the University of Zambia.
“We came here to the University of Zambia yesterday last night. We were told to sleep and this morning there is nothing that has happened we are just waiting for the officials to come and address us…
“I think there is one official here who is addressing; I want to see exactly what is going on here but we are being guarded like we are criminals you can see there is a lot of police.
“To our surprise it is only one border which is being targeted because our friends who are using Chirundu they are moving freely. It is only those using Kazungula and Vic Falls coming from South Africa who are the ones brought here to Lusaka. Actually the main reason for bringing us here we don’t know.
“We are yet to find out what’s the reason for bringing us here.”
In another video which is not clear where it was shot there are men dressed as doctors or nurses seen surrounding a group of drivers and a woman screaming, “aaaah, deport to our country it is better to deport us. ”
Soon after that another woman then screams in the Shona language saying “these are the chemicals that are killing people. These chemicals will cause reactions in people’s bodies.”
Efforts to get a comment from the Zambian police were fruitless. ZimEye was in the process of making several telephone calls to different government offices, when we were told by at least 3 drivers that, “it is not true that they are injections. We got swabbed on the nose as part of testing for coronavirus, ” one of the drivers told ZimEye.
The other two drivers repeated the same response.
At the close of day there were no other direct comments from drivers, among those stranded in the neighbouring country.
