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.”

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.

The Zimbabwean

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.

We are MDC Alliance, the change that delivers!

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!”

“. . . 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

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?

— ZimEye (@ZimEye) April 7, 2020

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.

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“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 @263Chat pic.twitter.com/WLMEPVW8DP

— ZimEye (@ZimEye) April 7, 2020

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?”

VIDEO LOADING BELOW…

VIDEO LOADING BELOW…

A ZANU PF MP in Chiredzi reportedly commandeered 13,4 tonnes of the subsidised roller meal from OK Triangle and distributed it to party supporters.

Farai Musikavanhu, who represents Chiredzi West, was also involved in the nocturnal distribution of mealie meal last week while he allegedly instructed Chiredzi Town Council to remove electric beds received from MDC Alliance losing MP aspirant John Manganye from the council hospital in June last year.

Masvingo Zanu PF spokesperson Ronald Ndava said the party was not involved in the distribution of maize meal in Chiredzi, saying the programme had been initiated by local MPs.

This, not a party programme. However, it’s an initiative that was done by our local leadership, MPs in particular. As Zanu PF, we have never sat down to plan how mealie-meal was going to be distributed in Chiredzi.

So if there are issues with the programme, those are your contact persons for improvement or review.

After grabbing the mealie meal delivery, Musikavanhu sent a message to all ZANU PF councillors in his constituency lamenting the fact that nine tonnes of the commodity was sold to members of the public before he had laid his hands on them.

– NewsDay

In a statement last night, President Mnangagwa said it was important for the banking sector to adapt their operations to the emergency situation spawned by the national lockdown designed to stop the spread of Covid-19.

The President’s directive comes at a time when people were struggling to access Diaspora remittances from relatives abroad.

“In view of the ongoing Covid-19-related national lockdown, and following concerns from users of money transfer services, I have now directed the Governor of the Reserve Bank of Zimbabwe (Dr John Mangudya) to immediately address constraints around this essential financial service,” he said.

Central Bank governor John Mangudya has immediately complied.

Below is the statement from the RBZ:

PRESS STATEMENT ON PROVISION OF INTERNATIONAL REMITTANCE SERVICES BY MONEY TRANSFER AGENCIES DURING THE NATIONAL COVID-19 LOCKDOWN PERIOD

Further to His Excellency the President’s Directive of 6 April 2020 on the need to provide critical services to the public during the National Lockdown period, and in light of the feedback from the recipients of diaspora remittances, the Bank wishes to advise the public that the following additional services will be provid. by Money Transfer Agencies (MIAs) during the Lockdown Period as follows: –

• MTAs with 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

• MTAs 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 and 1 500hrs. To allow for operational adjustment, this directive takes effect from Wednesday the 8th of April 2020.

The decision in respect of the extension of the above services is to allow for the receipt of foreign currency remittances which cannot be transacted on any digital or electronic platforms.

In order to prevent and mitigate the spread of Covid- 19, MTAs shall be required to spread remittance payout access points and to strictly observe the social distancing guidelines issued by the Ministry of Health and Child Care and the World Health Organisation from time to time.

John P Mangudya Governor

6 April 2020

POLICE in Gwanda District have dispersed macimbi (mopane worm) harvesters who had flocked to the area despite the prevailing 21-day lockdown.

Scores of people from different areas had flocked to the district and set up camps at various locations over the past two weeks in search of mopane worms which are now in season.

Their presence was in violation of the lockdown order that came into effect last week on Monday requiring people to stay home.

In an interview yesterday, Matabeleland South provincial police spokesperson, Chief Inspector Philisani Ndebele said they had managed to disperse most of the crowds that had gathered in the district.

He said they would continue to monitor the areas to ensure compliance.

“We received reports that people were now gathered in search of mopane worms at a time when the President has announced a 21-day lockdown. These people were even there during the time when large gatherings had been banned. We went there last week as a team comprising the police, local government, Ministry of Health and Gwanda RDC,” he said.

“We engaged these people and told them to disperse and they complied. When we left most of them had gone and there were only a few left who were looking for transport to take them back to their homes. So far, we haven’t received another report but we will continue to monitor to ensure that we don’t have people gathering to harvest mopane worms for any other reason as that is against the law.”

Chief Insp Ndebele said they had also engaged plot holders to ensure that they do not entertain people intending to harvest macimbi as most of them had set up camps at their properties.

He said the majority of the people that had camped were from areas in Masvingo province. He said they had set their camps in different locations from Colleen Bawn Tollgate, West Nicholson right up to Makhado.

Gwanda District Development Coordinator, Ms Kiliboni Ndou said they went to the camps as the District Civil Protection Unit response team following reports from community members.

She said community members were concerned that the mopane worm harvesters could cause the spread of Covid-19 as they were in transit and were constantly in contact with a number of people.

Zanu-PF Matabeleland South provincial commissar, Cde Japhet Dube is one of the community members who raised concern as some of the mopane worm harvesters had set a camp on his farm.

“We are concerned as people from Gwanda as people coming from other districts and provinces have invaded our area and they have set up camps in search of mopane worms. Some of them have invaded my farm. With the prevailing Covid-19 we fear that having these people gathered and flocking the district will endanger us so could relevant authorities do something quickly,” he said.

During this time of the year scores of people from various districts flock to Gwanda and surrounding districts in search of mopane worms for sale.

President Mnangagwa recently announced a 21-day lockdown which is in its second week. During the period people have been ordered to remain in their homes and shops that do not sell essentials have been ordered to close.

The former advisor to late MDC president Mr Morgan Tsvangirai has suggested that his ex-boss in 2016 ignored advice on the 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.

The MDC Constitution was changed 4 times between 2008 and 2016. In 2009, two amendments were approved to the effect 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. 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?

— ZimEye (@ZimEye) April 7, 2020

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. 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.

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There have been reports of police officers soliciting bribes at check points while controlling movement during the Covid-19 lockdown.

In a tweet, Permanent Secretary for the Ministry of Information, Publicity and Broadcasting Services Mr Nick Mangwana said police officers were reportedly soliciting for bribes during the Covid-19 operations, calling them “Risk Allowances”.

“(We are) getting a lot of calls during this #Lockdown Zim, so we are establishing a helpline to deal with non-clinical queries,” he said.

National police spokesperson Assistant Commissioner Paul Nyathi said anyone soliciting for a bribe should inform the police to ensure the arrest of corrupt police officers.

“Bribery is a serious offence and we do not condone corruption in our rank and file,” he said.

Asst Comm Nyathi said the police command will monitor the officers on the ground to curb such practices.

“All those found on the wrong side of the law, will be arrested,” he said.

There have been other problems between the public and police.

At the weekend, there was chaos at Lusaka Market in Highfield after police reportedly locked the farmers outside, with some farmers accusing the police of taking their money.

Asst Comm Nyathi appealed to the farmers who lost their money to report the matter to the Officer Commanding Harare South district or to the police provincial head for Harare.

“We urge all aggrieved farmers to come forward and make a police report,” he said.

“However, we are already investigating the case.”

AN estimated 100 homeless people in Harare have been moved to centres on the outskirts of the city as part of measures to contain the spread of the Covid-19 pandemic by ensuring this highly vulnerable group has shelter.

The people are being accommodated in Mt Hampden, Ruwa Rehabilitation Centre and Jamaica Inn.

Secretary for Information, Publicity and Broadcasting Services Mr Nick Mangwana confirmed the development on his twitter handle.

“As part of social protection of the vulnerable, Government through the Department of Social Services, moved hundreds of homeless males to Mt Hampden, dozens of boys living and working on the streets to Ruwa Rehabilitation Centre and females are accommodated at Jamaica Inn during the lockdown,” Mr Mangwana said.

The relocation of the homeless people is part of measures that have been adopted by Government to mitigate the plight of vulnerable groups.

Public Service, Labour and Social Welfare Minister Professor Paul Mavima also confirmed the development, adding that the homeless were at high risk of contracting Covid-19 since they lack sanitary resources required to fight the devastating disease.

“In Harare, we have established three centres where we are housing these homeless people so that they have somewhere they can call a home,” he said.

“We have identified a training institute for the Ministry of Youth in Mount Hampden where we have moved in those who are in families. At Ruwa Rehabilitation Centre we have taken in boys who are below 18.

“At Jamaica Inn along Mutare Road, we have taken in women above 18 and we are also going to put in girls. So, we have about 42 going to the boy’s facility, 45 coming in as families and six women at Jamaica Inn.”

Prof Mavima had told the Department of Social Welfare to look for more such facilities across the country to house the homeless.

The ministry was using its current budget, but would need more funding from Government since Covid-19 is a national health emergency.

Blankets, clothing and mattresses for the shelter homes are available and more are expected from the Zimbabwe Revenue Authority (Zimra). Prohibited and smuggled goods, including blankets, are seized by Zimra and can be disposed of by auction or any approved way.

Said Prof Mavima: “We are taking the homeless people from the streets in the fight against Covid-19. We are doing something. We are using funds from our current budget and I know we will get something from Treasury soon since this is a national disaster. Homeless people in Bulawayo, Gweru, Mutare and across the country should be placed in shelters where they can be monitored.”

Government has set aside over $600 million to cover one million vulnerable households under a cash transfer programme for the next three months.

The funds will be distributed through the structures of the Department of Social Welfare.

Treasury has also provided $500 million to fight Covid-19 and is ready to attend to more requests.

A further $50 million was provided to Premier Service Medical Aid Society (PSMAS) to prepare for Covid-19 and to cater for the health requirements of civil servants who are the majority of the Society’’s members.

To enhance preparedness to fight coronavirus and guided by the United Nations Covid-19 Medical Supplies, Treasury has suspended duty and tax on various goods and services related to testing, protection, sterilisation, and other medical consumables.

Government has also unfrozen over 4 000 health sector posts and created an additional 200 medical posts with a view of scaling up the response to the Covid-19 pandemic.

The Covid-19 National Disaster Fund has also been established to enable well-wishers donate towards the fight against the disease.

State Media|The Zimbabwe Teachers Association (Zimta) has proposed the postponement of the June and November 2020 examinations owing to the failure by teachers to travel to their nearest centres to administer the registration process because of the 21-day lockdown.

Zimta, an association representing over 40 000 teachers in Zimbabwe, wants an informed analysis of the impact of Covid-19 to be done before pupils sit for examinations.

The teachers’ body is calling on Government to provide Covid-19 testing kits in all schools ahead of the Second Term to curtail the spread of the deadly virus.

“Zimta is calling on the Government of Zimbabwe to consider postponing the sitting of June and November examinations until a well-informed analysis of the impact of Covid-19 has been done.

“As educators, we stand ready to work with the Government of Zimbabwe in combating and eradicating the Covid-19 pandemic amongst educators, learners and parents.

“Educators look forward to the Government’s support in achieving this vital goal,” said Zimta in a statement yesterday.

Zimsec recently said exams were going ahead unless a directive came from Government.

Zimta said during the lockdown, it had documented complaints against Zimsec’s administration, whose directive to teachers appeared to work against the lockdown regulation.

The association added that some school heads were demanding that teachers travel to school offices to attend disciplinary hearings.

Teachers, said Zimta, were under distress from the effects of Covid-19, just like many citizens.

Some schools have since adopted distance learning to fight the spread of coronavirus.

However, there are fears that some teachers might lose their jobs and Zimta wants Government to ensure employment was guaranteed.

“It is critical for Government to provide and protect qualified teachers who will remain key ingredients to the provision of quality public education in Zimbabwe,” reads the statement.

President Mnangagwa received two consignments of protective equipment and an offer to drill two hospital boreholes with police now joining health staff and also being allocated donated masks and gloves.

The latest donations were received by the President at State House in Harare with Vice Presidents Dr Constantino Chiwenga and Kembo Mohadi present.

President Mnangagwa said some of the face masks that are part of the donation have already been allocated to the Zimbabwe Republic Police to ensure officers’ safety while at work.

“There are sanitisers for hand washing and spraying buses and streets in town, medical gowns, masks and gloves some of which we have already given to the police,” said President Mnangagwa.

Almost all Harare traffic officers on the roads were yesterday seen wearing white gloves and face masks after the President intervened. There was a public outcry over police’s lack of protective gear in the first week of the lockdown, with many worried about the safety of both the officer and the public they dealt with.

National police spokesperson Assistant Commissioner Paul Nyathi hailed President Mnangagwa for the gesture, saying the President availed substantial quantities of protective equipment to the police.

“The majority of police officers in Harare now have the equipment and the distribution is cascading to other provinces to ensure all of them get at least gloves, masks and sanitisers,” he said.

Asst Comm Nyathi said Home Affairs and Cultural Heritage Minister Kazembe Kazembe and police Commissioner General Godfrey Matanga were also sourcing more equipment for the officers.

“As we speak, there are several efforts being made by Comm Gen Matanga and Minister Kazembe to ensure that officers have the requisite protective equipment.”

Social media reports last week showed police officers in lorries and pick-up trucks, at times numbering over 50, with no protective clothing. In some videos people were questioning whether or not the police were immune to Covid-19.

State Media|The Reserve Bank of Zimbabwe (RBZ) has been directed to ensure that money transfer service systems are working efficiently and are accessible to the public, especially for processing of financial international remittances.

In a statement last night, President Mnangagwa said it was important for the banking sector to adapt their operations to the emergency situation spawned by the national lockdown designed to stop the spread of Covid-19.

The President’s directive comes at a time when people were struggling to access Diaspora remittances from relatives abroad.

“In view of the ongoing Covid-19-related national lockdown, and following concerns from users of money transfer services, I have now directed the Governor of the Reserve Bank of Zimbabwe (Dr John Mangudya) to immediately address constraints around this essential financial service,” he said.

“The environment arising from the national lockdown has increased our people’s dependence on remittances, which also have the added advantage of reaching directly the most marginalised members of our nation.

“Because of the necessary national lockdown, livelihoods in the informal sector have been disrupted, thus forcing many households to depend on the support from their loved ones abroad. It is thus critical for our financial service institutions to adapt their operations to the new emergency situation.”

International remittances are important in improving Zimbabwe’s foreign currency position.

Zimbabwe received US$635 million in Diaspora remittances last year, up 2,6 percent from US$619 million that came through in 2018.

President Mnangagwa paid tribute to citizens abroad who continue to demonstrate abundant compassion by assisting their families back home through various interventions, including financial remittances.

He also saluted Zimbabweans for exercising self-discipline during the national lockdown, adding that the road to completing the 21-day national lockdown was long, but necessary.

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

UNITED States of America-based former Highlanders and national team captain Thulani “Biya” Ncube says he is safe, but extremely frightened by the Covid-19 pandemic that has so far infected more than 340 000 Americans.
The US has recorded about 10 000 deaths due to the pandemic.

In Indiana, where the Highlanders’ legend is based, 4 500 people have been infected, with the death toll standing at 127 as of yesterday and this is what’s giving Ncube, the MC United junior football coach, sleepless nights.

“Look this is no mean play; this virus is exterminating humankind and it’s really scary. I am safe for now, staying at home as ordered by authorities,” said Ncube.

Ncube, who was part of the trailblazing Highlanders’ squad that had many talented players such as Dazzy Kapenya, Bekithemba Ndlovu, Gift Lunga Jr, Sizabantu Khoza, Blessing Gumiso, the late Amon Chimbalanga, Zenzo Moyo, Thabani Masawi, Masauso Phiri, Alexander Phiri and Melusi “Mabaleka” Sibanda, among others, said he spends his time at home researching and exercising to remain fit.

“Since this pandemic requires people to stay at home, I am likewise doing the same. At home I watch television and also do some workouts in my gym to stay fit.

This has been my template ever since the pandemic became a global concern,” he said.

Ncube also runs an academy in Bulawayo, Biya and Friends, that caters for talented youngsters both boys and girls.

The academy plays in the Zifa Bulawayo Province League.- State media

Please note that the statetement below was released on Sunday

CORONAVIRUS (COVID-19)

UPDATE: 05 APRIL 2020
Today is day 7 of the 21-day TOTAL LOCKDOWN period in Zimbabwe.

During this Lockdown period, and in line with guidance from WHO, the Ministry is prioritizing, finding, testing, isolation, and treatment of every case in the country as well as tracing every contact as key strategies to identify all suspected cases and minimize community spread of COVID-19.

The Ministry would like to report that today, the National Microbiology Reference Laboratory tested 9 samples.

All of them tested negative for COVID-19.

Therefore, to date, Zimbabwe has 9 confirmed cases, including one death.

The Ministry continues to be on HIGH alert to the COVID-19 pandemic and would like to remind the nation that, the most effective ways to protect yourself and others against COVID-19 are to;
frequently clean your hands with soap and water or use an alcohol-based hand
rub.
cover your nose and mouth with tissue paper or flexed elbow when coughing and sneezing.

maintain a distance of at least 1 meter from people who are coughing or
sneezing.

avoid touching your eyes, nose and mouth.

The Ministry would like to advise the nation that masks are effective only when used in combination with frequent hand-cleaning with alcohol-based hand rub or soap and water.

If you decide to use a mask, cover your mouth and nose, and make sure that there are no gaps between your face and the mask.

Avoid touching the mask while using it; if you do, clean your hands with alcohol-based hand rub or soap and water.

If masks are not used correctly, they can be a source of infection.

Farai Dziva|Residents of the ancient city of Masvingo are finding it difficult to purchase prescribed medicine because police are forcing pharmacies to close at 1 pm.

Police officers in Masvingo say they are following orders from their superiors.

“We are simply following instructions from our bosses,” said one police officer.

Zimbabwe is currently under a 21- day lockdown meant to curb the spread of the deadly Coronavirus.

“Masvingo residents are finding it difficult to buy medicine after 1 pm because police have instructed pharmacies in the city to operate for only four hours; from 9am to 1pm every day,” a COTRAD official said on Sunday.

On Friday, overzealous cops attacked residents in Rujeko Suburb, accusing them of breaching lockdown restrictions.

Farai Dziva|Residents of the ancient city of Masvingo are finding it difficult to purchase prescribed medicine because police are forcing pharmacies to close at 1 pm.

Police officers in Masvingo say they are following orders from their superiors.

“We are simply following instructions from our bosses,” said one police officer.

Zimbabwe is currently under a 21- day lockdown meant to curb the spread of the deadly Coronavirus.

“Masvingo residents are finding it difficult to buy medicine after 1 pm because police have instructed pharmacies in the city to operate for only four hours; from 9am to 1pm every day,” a COTRAD official said on Sunday.

On Friday, overzealous cops attacked residents in Rujeko Suburb, accusing them of breaching lockdown restrictions.

A Zanu PF official says the ruling party is too busy to be bothered by opposition factional battles :

Farai Dziva|Controversial Masvingo based clergyman, Isaac Makomichi is distributing what he calls the anointed love portion herb.

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.”

Meanwhile sex workers in the ancient city of Masvingo have dismissed Makomichi’s love portion herb.

“We will demonstrate against Makomichi’s love portion herb because he wants to destroy our business,” declared one young lady.

A ZANU PF official and council chairman for Chikomba District, Israel Dhikinya is reportedly under fire from the party’s leadership in the district for allegedly working with councillors from the opposition MDC.

A letter dated March 24, 2020, has been sent to Joel Biggie Matiza, the party provincial chairperson, copied to the President’s Office and the district development co-ordinator notifying him of the resolution to bar Dhikinya from serving as the council chairman.

Dhikinya is accused of assigning an unnamed MDC Alliance councillor to distribute food to Zanu PF supporters during the official handover of government houses to Cyclone Idai victims in Masasa recently.

It reads in part:
We have resolved in the meeting of the Chikomba Zanu PF leadership that Cde Dhikinya, who is the chairman of the Chikomba Rural District Council, stops to operate as the chairman of the council representing Zanu PF as he is causing damage to the name of the party (sic) .

Dhikinya is also accused of denouncing the party and refusing to give council residential stands to Zanu PF youths for free.

The development was confirmed by ZANU PF provincial member in Chikomba District, Moses Matarutse.-NewsDay