The Confederation of African Football (CAF) has postponed the 2020 Total African Nations Championships (CHAN), set for Cameroon next month.
In a statement, CAF said the decision was made in order to avoid risking the health of players, officials, partners and fans. The statement read in part:
A delegation made up of members of the Caf Medical Committee carried out an inspection visit to Cameroon for an update of the preventive measures being taken, as part of the preparations for the Total African Nations Championship (Chan), in light of the evolving nature of the Coronavirus (Covid-19) across the world.
They also had discussions with the World Health Organisation representative in Cameroon during their mission which lasted 14-15 March 2020.
… in order to avoid risking the health of players, officials, partners and fans, Caf in consultation with the relevant Cameroonian authorities (Local Organising Committee) has decided by mutual agreement, to postpone the Chan initially planned for 4-25 April 2020 to a later date.-State media
South Africa’s Sports Minister Nathi Mthethwa has given the ABSA Premiership the go ahead to continue amid coronavirus fears after confirming that matches can be played behind closed doors.
61 cases of the diseas were announced by the country’s head of state Cyril Ramaphosa during his address to the nation on Sunday, in which he also prohibited gatherings of at least 100 people.
“They will finish their matches but without spectators til the end of the season,” Mthethwa told reporters.-Soccer 24
Zanu PF MPs have gone all out to disrupt Parliament business by seeking to ensure that all committees chaired by MDC legislators do not conduct meetings until the party accepts the illegitimate Mr Dambudzo Emerson Mnangagwa as the duly elected President of Zimbabwe.
Yesterday, various committee meetings were disrupted that included the Environment committee chaired by Hon. Concilia Chinanzvavana, the ICT Committee chaired by Hon Charlton Hwende while there was also an attempt to disrupt the Higher Education Committee chaired by Hon. Daniel Molokele.
On Friday, rowdy Zanu PF MPs disturbed the Public Accounts committee chaired Hon Tendai Biti as well as the thematic committee chaired by Sen Spiwe Ncube and the one chaired by Sen Morgan Femai.
These rowdy MPs insist that for the committee meetings to proceed uninterrupted, the MDC MPs must first recognize Mr Mnangagwa, who stole the 2018 elections.
In a desperate bid to coerce us to endorse illegitimacy, they have since set up the Privileges committee to investigate us and they said the probe team will release its findings in May. In addition before setting up the committee they actually docked our six months outstanding allowances for our right to protest the illegitimacy of Mr E D. Mnangagwa. We are therefore disturbed as to why committee meetings should be disrupted when our so-called unbecoming conduct is still under investigation.
As the Chief Whip of the MDC party in parliament, I will today raise a point of privilege as the Speaker certainly needs to respond to this needless drama of disrupting the legitimate business of Parliament while investigations are still underway.
As a country, we are faced with mammoth challenges for which the people are awaiting cogent and robust responses.
But Zanu PF is busy playing kindergarten games in the people’s House while the country is in a huge mess.
As the MDC parliamentary caucus, we are very much disturbed by government’s lack of prudent action on COVID-19, which other countries across the globe and in Africa are taking seriously. When the people’s lives are under threat, it is no time for games. To this end, we also express our utter revulsion at the reckless utterances by one Oppah Muchinguri who appears to be playing cheap political games by publicly celebrating the loss of innocent lives in other countries.
Zanu PF is simply not serious about the lives of the people as well as the business of Parliament, which is the true theatre of the people’s business. We will not relent until government begins to take the nation’s concerns seriously.
Hon. Prosper Chapfiwa Mutseyami
Chief Whip
Movement For Democratic Change
Farai Dziva|Zimbabwe Online Health Centre, a digital platform for health awareness, has urged the nation to remain watchful as COVID-19 continues to ravage the world.
Cases of COVID-19 have been confirmed in South Africa.
See below a statement compiled by Zimbabwe Online Health Centre director, Dr Ellane Simon:
The COVID-19 virus is crown shaped.
It affects both animals and humans and can be transmitted from animals to humans. Anyone anywhere can be infected by the virus. It infects people through coughing and sneezing, touching an infected person’s hands or face or touching infected objects an infected person has touched.
It is like all the other viruses that cause common cold and is common in winter.
Symptoms include a runny nose, headache, cough, sore throat, fever and a feeling of being unwell. In people with an immunocompromised immune system such as children, elderly, those with heart diseases they might develop respiratory tract infections such as pneumonia or bronchitis.
There are ways one can protect themselves from catching the virus. Prevention methods include: washing hands with soap and water or using a hand rub always. Avoid touching the eyes, nose or mouth with unwashed hands.
Avoid close contact with infected people. Those infected should also cover their nose, mouth when coughing.
However, if infected one needs plenty of rest, lots of fluids and management of symptoms such as sore throat, fever.
If there is pneumonia or bronchitis one should also receive appropriate treatment for that respiratory tract infection.
Because this is a communicable virus it spreads fast therefore always protect yourself and your community.
Prevention is always better than cure.
Compiled by Zimbabwe Online Health Centre
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Coronavirus modes of transmission (see chart)
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By Dorrothy Moyo| Chief Felix Ndiweni’s Mother has passed away.
She was 96.
A family announcement was made Wednesday morning saying: “Our mother has left us May Her Soul Rest in Peace.”
In their statement following the death of ugogo uMasuku Chief Felix Nhlanhla Ndiweni’s mother, the family further said:
“It is with deep sadness that we announce the passing of Indlovukazi yethu,uMadlenya, uZikode,uMasuku.Gogo uMasuku passed on in her sleep in the early hours of today after a short illness. She was 96 years old.
A prayerful woman whose faith and labor had nourished society in Ntabazinduna and further afield.Since her children are abroad arrangements will be made known made known once they have been put in place.
May we pass our thanx and appreciation to those who assisted during her illness and all those mourning this sad loss with us.
Siyabonga bakwethu”
EFF ZIMBABWE DEMANDS OPPAH MUCHINGURI KASHIRI TO STEP DOWN AND GOVERNMENT TO TAKE ACTION ON THE CORONA PANDEMIC IMMEDIATELY
EFF Zimbabwe is appalled by the recent statements on CoronaVirus by the Zimbabwe Minister of Defence and Security, Oppah Muchinguri-Kashiri.
Oppah Muchinguri’s insinuation on Covid 19 reveals her arrogance, cluelessness and incompetence.
She failed to consider the impact of her utterances in the event the virus hits us tomorrow.
She has disgraced this country with her incompetent behaviour and EFF Zimbabwe calls upon
Oppah Muchinguri Kashiri to immediately step down and pave way for leaders who will put urgent emergency measures in place to protect our people from the global pandemic, the only way to redeem ourselves from the international embarrassment invited to us by the so-called Minister.
COVID-19 is an international concern and for such a highly placed member of the Zimbabwe government to utter such reckless statements is shameful, to say the least. It is also very alarming given that cases of COVID-19 continue to rise in our neighbouring country where most Zimbabweans reside as economic refugees.
Instead of commiserating with those affected by the virus and stepping up health measures against this virus, a whole Minister makes a bad joke of it.
This habit of taking serious matters lightly has been the hallmark of the not so new dispensation and as EFF Zimbabwe we find it alarming and disturbing.
Only recently Joseph Chinotimba was on social media claiming Sodom and Gomorrah were not destroyed by fire but by CoronaVirus, yet another disgusting example of how lightly the government is taking this international pandemic.
These are the jokers we have in the driving seat of a country with more porous borders than any other known African country along with a collapsed health system that cannot even provide basic health services for simple ailments yet the leaders are joking about a deadly pandemic that has claimed human life across the globe.
As EFF Zimbabwe we call on the government to release its Minister immediately and issue a public apology on such shameful, cold recklessness by one of its own.
In addition, we demand under no uncertain terms that the government swiftly take steps on information dissemination and protect our people from COVID-19.
At this point, people do not feel safe in our country because of a lack of factual information and a lack of faith in the capacity of our health system to deal with the virus effectively.
Only recently a suspected bearer of the virus escaped Wilkins Hospital, the only one in the country with some capacity to test the virus and this has resulted in widespread agitation amongst our countrymen.
It is clear we do not have the facilities and equipment to deal with COVID-19 and the least our government can do is to stop making such reckless statements and find how best to mobilise resources towards the efficient functioning of our health system so that lost confidence can be restored and our people are safe in their own homeland.
WE DEMAND ACTION RIGHT NOW!!!!
ISSUED BY ECONOMIC FREEDOM FIGHTERS ZIMBABWE
Vimbai Mupunga (National Spokesperson)
The Speaker of Parliament Jacob Mudenda has suspended Parliamentary proceedings due to Coronavirus.
Farai Dziva|Opposition party Economic Freedom Fighters has slammed Zanu PF for joking with sensitive matters.
See full statement below :
EFF ZIMBABWE DEMANDS OPPAH MUCHINGURI KASHIRI TO STEP DOWN AND GOVERNMENT TO TAKE ACTION ON THE CORONA PANDEMIC IMMEDIATELY
EFF Zimbabwe is appalled by the recent statements on CoronaVirus by the Zimbabwe Minister of Defence and Security, Oppah Muchinguri-Kashiri.
Oppah Muchinguri’s insinuation on Covid 19 reveals her arrogance, cluelessness and incompetence.
She failed to consider the impact of her utterances in the event the virus hits us tomorrow.
She has disgraced this country with her incompetent behaviour and EFF Zimbabwe calls upon
Oppah Muchinguri Kashiri to immediately step down and pave way for leaders who will put urgent emergency measures in place to protect our people from the global pandemic, the only way to redeem ourselves from the international embarrassment invited to us by the so-called Minister.
COVID-19 is an international concern and for such a highly placed member of the Zimbabwe government to utter such reckless statements is shameful, to say the least. It is also very alarming given that cases of COVID-19 continue to rise in our neighbouring country where most Zimbabweans reside as economic refugees.
Instead of commiserating with those affected by the virus and stepping up health measures against this virus, a whole Minister makes a bad joke of it.
This habit of taking serious matters lightly has been the hallmark of the not so new dispensation and as EFF Zimbabwe we find it alarming and disturbing.
Only recently Joseph Chinotimba was on social media claiming Sodom and Gomorrah were not destroyed by fire but by CoronaVirus, yet another disgusting example of how lightly the government is taking this international pandemic.
These are the jokers we have in the driving seat of a country with more porous borders than any other known African country along with a collapsed health system that cannot even provide basic health services for simple ailments yet the leaders are joking about a deadly pandemic that has claimed human life across the globe.
As EFF Zimbabwe we call on the government to release its Minister immediately and issue a public apology on such shameful, cold recklessness by one of its own.
In addition, we demand under no uncertain terms that the government swiftly take steps on information dissemination and protect our people from COVID-19.
At this point, people do not feel safe in our country because of a lack of factual information and a lack of faith in the capacity of our health system to deal with the virus effectively.
Only recently a suspected bearer of the virus escaped Wilkins Hospital, the only one in the country with some capacity to test the virus and this has resulted in widespread agitation amongst our countrymen.
It is clear we do not have the facilities and equipment to deal with COVID-19 and the least our government can do is to stop making such reckless statements and find how best to mobilise resources towards the efficient functioning of our health system so that lost confidence can be restored and our people are safe in their own homeland.
WE DEMAND ACTION RIGHT NOW!!!!
ISSUED BY ECONOMIC FREEDOM FIGHTERS ZIMBABWE
Vimbai Mupunga (National Spokesperson)
Zanu PF MPs have gone all out to disrupt Parliament business by seeking to ensure that all committees chaired by MDC legislators do not conduct meetings until the party accepts the illegitimate Mr Dambudzo Emerson Mnangagwa as the duly elected President of Zimbabwe.
Yesterday, various committee meetings were disrupted that included the Environment committee chaired by Hon. Concilia Chinanzvavana, the ICT Committee chaired by Hon Charlton Hwende while there was also an attempt to disrupt the Higher Education Committee chaired by Hon. Daniel Molokele.
On Friday, rowdy Zanu PF MPs disturbed the Public Accounts committee chaired Hon Tendai Biti as well as the thematic committee chaired by Sen Spiwe Ncube and the one chaired by Sen Morgan Femai.
These rowdy MPs insist that for the committee meetings to proceed uninterrupted, the MDC MPs must first recognize Mr Mnangagwa, who stole the 2018 elections.
In a desperate bid to coerce us to endorse illegitimacy, they have since set up the Privileges committee to investigate us and they said the probe team will release its findings in May. In addition before setting up the committee they actually docked our six months outstanding allowances for our right to protest the illegitimacy of Mr E D. Mnangagwa. We are therefore disturbed as to why committee meetings should be disrupted when our so-called unbecoming conduct is still under investigation.
As the Chief Whip of the MDC party in parliament, I will today raise a point of privilege as the Speaker certainly needs to respond to this needless drama of disrupting the legitimate business of Parliament while investigations are still underway.
As a country, we are faced with mammoth challenges for which the people are awaiting cogent and robust responses.
But Zanu PF is busy playing kindergarten games in the people’s House while the country is in a huge mess.
As the MDC parliamentary caucus, we are very much disturbed by government’s lack of prudent action on COVID-19, which other countries across the globe and in Africa are taking seriously. When the people’s lives are under threat, it is no time for games. To this end, we also express our utter revulsion at the reckless utterances by one Oppah Muchinguri who appears to be playing cheap political games by publicly celebrating the loss of innocent lives in other countries.
Zanu PF is simply not serious about the lives of the people as well as the business of Parliament, which is the true theatre of the people’s business. We will not relent until government begins to take the nation’s concerns seriously.
Hon. Prosper Chapfiwa Mutseyami
Chief Whip
Movement For Democratic Change
Farai Dziva|Zanu PF MPs have declared that no MDC MP shall chair Parliamentary Portfolio Committee meetings until the opposition party recognizes Emmerson Mnangagwa as the legitimate President of Zimbabwe.
See the Movement for Democratic Change statement below :
Zanu PF MPs have gone all out to disrupt Parliament business by seeking to ensure that all committees chaired by MDC legislators do not conduct meetings until the party accepts the illegitimate Mr Dambudzo Emerson Mnangagwa as the duly elected President of Zimbabwe.
Yesterday, various committee meetings were disrupted that included the Environment committee chaired by Hon. Concilia Chinanzvavana, the ICT Committee chaired by Hon Charlton Hwende while there was also an attempt to disrupt the Higher Education Committee chaired by Hon. Daniel Molokele.
On Friday, rowdy Zanu PF MPs disturbed the Public Accounts committee chaired Hon Tendai Biti as well as the thematic committee chaired by Sen Spiwe Ncube and the one chaired by Sen Morgan Femai.
These rowdy MPs insist that for the committee meetings to proceed uninterrupted, the MDC MPs must first recognize Mr Mnangagwa, who stole the 2018 elections.
In a desperate bid to coerce us to endorse illegitimacy, they have since set up the Privileges committee to investigate us and they said the probe team will release its findings in May. In addition before setting up the committee they actually docked our six months outstanding allowances for our right to protest the illegitimacy of Mr E D. Mnangagwa. We are therefore disturbed as to why committee meetings should be disrupted when our so-called unbecoming conduct is still under investigation.
As the Chief Whip of the MDC party in parliament, I will today raise a point of privilege as the Speaker certainly needs to respond to this needless drama of disrupting the legitimate business of Parliament while investigations are still underway.
As a country, we are faced with mammoth challenges for which the people are awaiting cogent and robust responses.
But Zanu PF is busy playing kindergarten games in the people’s House while the country is in a huge mess.
As the MDC parliamentary caucus, we are very much disturbed by government’s lack of prudent action on COVID-19, which other countries across the globe and in Africa are taking seriously. When the people’s lives are under threat, it is no time for games. To this end, we also express our utter revulsion at the reckless utterances by one Oppah Muchinguri who appears to be playing cheap political games by publicly celebrating the loss of innocent lives in other countries.
Zanu PF is simply not serious about the lives of the people as well as the business of Parliament, which is the true theatre of the people’s business. We will not relent until government begins to take the nation’s concerns seriously.
Hon. Prosper Chapfiwa Mutseyami
Chief Whip
Movement For Democratic Change
VIDEO LOADING BELOW…
Roger Mayweather, uncle and trainer of Floyd Mayweather, has died at the age of 58.
Before becoming a trainer, Roger was a world champion in his own right, holding titles at featherweight and welterweight in the 1980s.
He began working with Floyd in the late 1990s, with the nephew going on to be unbeaten in 50 fights and earning a reputation as one of the best pound-for-pound fighters of all time.
No cause of death has been confirmed.
Mayweather Promotions said on Twitter: “We are saddened with the recent news of Roger Mayweather’s passing.
“Our hearts go out to the Mayweather family and we will keep you in our thoughts and prayers. We thank you all for the outpouring of love and support during this time. Roger’s spirit lives on with us forever.”
It is the second tragedy to hit Floyd Mayweather this month after Josie Harris, the mother to three of boxing superstar Floyds children, was found dead in her car in California on 11 March.-BBC
Roger Mayweather, uncle and trainer of Floyd Mayweather, has died at the age of 58.
Before becoming a trainer, Roger was a world champion in his own right, holding titles at featherweight and welterweight in the 1980s.
He began working with Floyd in the late 1990s, with the nephew going on to be unbeaten in 50 fights and earning a reputation as one of the best pound-for-pound fighters of all time.
No cause of death has been confirmed.
Mayweather Promotions said on Twitter: “We are saddened with the recent news of Roger Mayweather’s passing.
“Our hearts go out to the Mayweather family and we will keep you in our thoughts and prayers. We thank you all for the outpouring of love and support during this time. Roger’s spirit lives on with us forever.”
It is the second tragedy to hit Floyd Mayweather this month after Josie Harris, the mother to three of boxing superstar Floyds children, was found dead in her car in California on 11 March.-BBC
ZANU PF MPs today disrupted a Parliamentary Portfolio Committee meeting chaired by MDC Secretary-General Chalton Hwende looking into the alleged corruption at the state company, NetOne.
There was chaos when Emmerson Mnangagwa’s MPs began violently banging tables.
While it was alleged that ZANU PF MPs did this to protest against the Committee on Information Communication Technologies (ICTs) chairperson Chalton Hwende and his party for refusing to recognise Emmerson Mnangagwa as the legitimate president of Zimbabwe, the latest development appeared unique in that the agitation was more towards defending the alleged NetOne misuse of public funds.
The committee is hearing oral evidence from NetOne bosses. – video credit – OpenParly
The embattled President Peter Mutharika who is refusing to fire electoral commission officials, has however fired the Commander of the Malawi Defence Force (MDF) General Vincent Nundwe, and has shaken up the military.
Nundwe has been replaced with Major General Peter Andrew Lapken Namathanga who has also been promoted to the rank of full General.
The Malawi leader has also fired Deputy Commander of the Malawi Defence Force, Lieutenant General Clement Namangale. He has replaced Namangale with Major General Davis Sesatino Mtachi who has also been promoted to the rank of Lieutenant-General.
Mutharika has further appointed Brigadier General Elias Mpaso as Army Commander (Land Forces) and Brigadier General Ian Macleod Chirwa as Air Force Commander while Brigadier Francis Blessings Kakhuta-Banda remains Maritime Force Commander but has been promoted to the rank of Major General.
Mpaso and Chirwa have also been promoted to the rank of Major General.
In other appointments, Colonel Harrison Kandula is now Air Force Deputy Commander while Colonel Desmond Chawanda has been appointed Deputy Army Commander (Land Forces).
According to a statement from the Office of President and Cabinet (OPC), the appointments and promotions are with immediate effect.
The OPC has further said that General Nundwe (Rtd) and Lieutenant General Clement Namangale (Rtd) will be assigned other duties in the Public Service.
The shakeup in the military comes after Mutharika ordered the MDF to use force against protesters who plan to March to the State House on March 25. – Malawi24
By Jane Mlambo| Barely a day after banning public gatherings of over 100 people due to the coronavirus pandemic, President Emmerson Mnangagwa is currently in Manicaland where he is set to address thousands of party supporters in what shows his lack of seriousness in tackling the virus that has claimed thousands of lives worldwide.
According to the Herald, Mnangagwa is in Manicaland where he just commissioned a new pump house for the Nyakomba irrigation Scheme, Nyanga.
He will proceed to address a Zanu-Pf rally at Bumhira Secondary School where thousands of supporters are already gathered.
Mnangagwa was accompanied by Defence Minister Cde Oppah Muchinguri-Kashiri, Media and Broadcasting Services Minister Cde Monica Mutsvangwa, Agriculture Minister Cde Perrance Shiri and Manicaland Minister of State for Provincial Affairs Dr Ellen Gwaradzimba.
Suspiciously the Japanese Ambassador who was expected to also address the Nyanga North community did not show up with Shiri reading his speech.
By A Correspondent- The number of confirmed cases of Covid-19 have reached 116 in South Africa – an increase of 31 new cases since Tuesday.
This was announced by Health Minister Zwelini Mkhize on Wednesday morning. He added that a further six local transmission cases had been reported.
He said:
As part of tracking and tracing, we have collated background information on how these patients were infected. We will provide information to the public, so as to give a sense of how these local transmissions occur. We will however not disclose full details, as this information is subject to patient confidentiality which we are bound by.-News24
President Cyril Ramaphosa and party leaders are expected to address the media after the meeting which is taking place at Tuynhuys in Cape Town.
Meanwhile, schools have been closed until 14 April and, while no travel ban is in place, South Africans have been advised to limit their movements.
By A Correspondent- A Female traditional healer who was part of a 16-member group that visited Murewa to perform rituals at the weekend jumped into Nyaguwe River and drowned, but her fellow sangomas have camped at the river claiming she would resurface in three days.
In an incident that has left villagers shocked, the traditional healers are currently camped at the scene of the incident, singing and dancing, saying they were communicating with the lady who they say will today “return” to the land of the living.
The matter was reported at Musami Police Station. According to witnesses, the traditional healers were not moved by the incident as they claim they were in constant contact with their colleague, a female who is believed to be from Dzivarasekwa in Harare.
Mashonaland East provincial police spokesperson Inspector Tendai Mwanza yesterday said he was yet to receive the report.
Murewa West legislator Phillip Sewera confirmed the incident, saying he visited the scene before filing a police report.
“A group of traditional healers or spirit mediums invaded Domborembudzi Hills near Cross on Friday. However, this did not go down with local traditional leaders who asked them to follow proper channels if they wanted to perform some rituals in the hills,” Sewera said.
“The team, numbering 16 then trooped down the hill on Sunday towards Nyaguwe River, singing and beating their traditional drums. Upon arrival, one of them, a woman jumped into the water and waved goodbye to her colleagues. The sangomas have since camped at the scene saying one of theirs will come back after three days.”
He added that the sangomas pleaded with people not to involve the police in the matter since they were communicating with the drowned woman.
“I attended the scene and found them camped, performing some rituals while waiting for their colleague to emerge from the water. We filed a police report at Musami and we are expecting them to visit the area today (yesterday).
The river is also known for being infested with crocodiles.
Blessingmiles Tendi| When I was there, the Zimbabwean army was good. They were disciplined. There was no hint of the army being political. I wrote regular reports for the UK government and do not recall ever writing anything particularly negative about the Zimbabwean army. I do not understand how the Zimbabwean army just changed. We especially liked Philip Sibanda [current commander of the Zimbabwe Defence Forces]. He was very professional, not political at all, and had been to the British Army’s Staff College.”
These are the disenchanted reflections of Major General Garry Barnett, commander of the British Military Advisory Training Team in Zimbabwe from 1991 to 1993. Barnett made these comments in 2013, when I interviewed him about former Zimbabwean army commander Solomon Mujuru (nom de guerre, Rex Nhongo), the subject of my recently published biography. Barnett felt let down by some members of the Zimbabwean army because of their increasingly political conduct.
For example, when former president Robert Mugabe lost the first round of the 2008 presidential election to Morgan Tsvangirai, Zimbabwean army generals stepped in to support Mugabe’s re-election bid through a campaign of political violence. Today, the Zimbabwean army looks even less like the force Barnett helped to professionalise. In 2017, the army staged a coup d’état that removed Mugabe from power. Sibanda, once regarded as an apolitical and professional soldier, was one of the key players in effecting the coup.
The British Military Advisory Training Team (BMatt) began integrating, training and professionalising Zimbabwe’s two liberation armies (Zipra and Zanla) and the colonial army in 1980. A year later, Nhongo, a hero of Zimbabwe’s liberation war, became the first black commander of independent Zimbabwe’s national army. Nhongo is the Zimbabwean general who supported BMatt’s work the most. Nhongo “let me just get on with my work. He wanted a more professional army. He would ask how things were going at the Staff College. He was very interested in building up highly capable officers,” Barnett remembers.
After the construction of the Zimbabwean army’s Staff College in 1985 Nhongo insisted, against the preferences of the then minister of defence, that the BMatt commander (1985 to 1987) Major General Bob Hodges become the inaugural commandant because he believed the professional Hodges would instil a high standard in the Zimbabwe National Army officer corps.
After Hodges left Zimbabwe, Nhongo continued his practice of appointing professional BMMatt commanders as commandants of the Staff College. Only at the close of the 1980s did Nhongo finally overturn this tradition by appointing Sibanda, then a professional soldier, as the first Zimbabwean commandant of the Staff College. When Nhongo retired in 1992, the Zimbabwean army had attained a high degree of conventional training, education, discipline and fighting effectiveness. It was the second-best conventional combat force in Southern Africa, only because the South African army was better resourced.
However, towards the end of the 1990s, Zimbabwe staged a military intervention in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC). Zimbabwe was embroiled in the DRC war for years, at great cost to the national economy. The Zimbabwean army incurred considerable losses in military hardware, some of which was never replaced. The DRC war was a watershed moment in the decline of the Zimbabwean army’s operational capacity. Moreover, a United Nations panel of experts released a report on the Illegal Exploitation of Natural Resources and Other Forms of Wealth of the DRC, in which it identified some top Zimbabwean army officers as being involved in the looting of Congolese natural resources, further undermining the army’s professional ethos. The retired Nhongo advised Mugabe against involving the Zimbabwean army in the DRC war but by the late 1990s, he had lost his influence with the president.
The rise of the Movement for Democratic Change (MDC) as a potent challenge, from 1999 onwards, to the governing Zanu-PF party’s incumbency saw Mugabe increasingly politicise the army to protect his rule. Army officers had agency in this politicisation process. For instance, many soldiers with experience in the 1970s liberation war believed they were duty-bound to offer political support to Zanu-PF, the party of independence.
Others subscribed to politicisation in exchange for patronage, with many commanders benefiting from land reform, alluvial diamond mining in eastern Zimbabwe and the government’s command agriculture scheme. When the 2017 coup occurred, some of these beneficiaries in the army were motivated by the need to shield themselves from possible prosecution for corrupt commercial activities.
Unlike his successors in the army, Nhongo never sought political leadership when he was a serving army general. Nhongo saw himself essentially as a soldier and believed that his limited education and speech impediment made him unsuited for high political office. He had none of the hubris that incited politically ambitious soldiers to stage coups d’état in a range of independent African countries — Zimbabwe included.
Consequently, this is an opportune time for my biography of Nhongo to be published, as Zimbabwe contends with the reality that its army set a coup precedent in 2017. At the same time, the prospect of additional coups and civil strife lingers because of worsening socioeconomic conditions and the ruling civilian-military coalition government’s poor performance.
Nhongo appears to his successors in the army as a looking glass. His successors need to recover the professional ethos Nhongo tried to forge in the national army’s formative years. They need to relearn the first commandment of a professional army’s training — that the army does not act against its own government. After retirement, Nhongo entered active politics as an MP until 2000.
During his time in Parliament, Nhongo stood against partisanship and its accompanying enmity politics. The coming together of deeply partisan Zimbabwean politicians to mourn Nhongo when he died in a suspicious fire in 2011, underlined that he had been above partisanship. With Zimbabwe in crisis once again and solutions in short supply, the moment calls for nonpartisanship and a meeting of progressive minds to chart a way out of the present crisis.
Blessing-Miles Tendi is an associate professor of African politics at Oxford University and the author of The Army and Politics in Zimbabwe: Mujuru, the Liberation Fighter and Kingmaker (Cambridge University Press)
Westend Hospital has suspended theatre procedures due to unavailability of stocks and sundries.
Below is a notice from Westend Hospital
By A Correspondent- ZimRights says the situation in the country has become dire and there was compelling need for all stakeholders to come together outside the political actors to address the crisis which it claims has reached boiling point.
The national director of the human rights defender Dzikamai Bere yesterday told journalists on the sidelines of the media thematic training by Cultural Information Trust in Harare that the situation was out of hand and needed everyone’s involvement to ensure a lasting solution is found.
He said millions of Zimbabweans were affected by the economic crisis that needs immediate attention.
“The dire situation for the people of Zimbabwe currently is the economic situation and the failure by the leadership to resolve the issue of dialogue,” he said.
“I think we have reached a very desperate stage where we continue to call for national dialogue, an inclusive national dialogue and not just dialogue that involves certain political actors of a certain political persuasion.
We need everyone involved including those who are directly affected by the crisis in the country.”
Mnangagwa set up the Political Actors Dialogue platform that has been snubbed by main opposition leader Nelson Chamisa who said he would not be part of a “monologue”.
Chamisa is pressing for inclusive dialogue with neutral and trusted mediation, a position supported by Western diplomats who have advised that former South African President Thabo Mbeki should come in as mediator.
Mbeki was in Harare last December and met Mnangagwa and Chamisa separately to try and bring them together. He had promised to return for further engagements before year end, but failed.
Bere said the imposition of sanctions on State Security minister Owen Ncube and Zimbabwe’s Ambassador to Tanzania, Anselem Sanyatwe, who is a former army commander was a no-confidence vote by the West in Mnangagwa’s administration’s reform claims.
Bere said sanctions were not the solution and urged the Zanu PF regime to respect human rights.
“It is certainly not a solution, but also is a vote-of-no-confidence on whatever measures being put in place and you know that the US delivered its human rights report last week.
“It paints a very bad picture and is corroborated by other reports coming from other civic society organisations like the Zimbabwe Peace Project and the NGO Forum. What we are recording from the communities is the increasing state of desperation,” Bere said.
The US released the state of human rights report on Zimbabwe last week and accused the Mnangagwa administration of failure to respect people’s rights as well as account for those involved in shootings of civilians in August 1 2018 and January 2019.-Newsday
By Court Correspondent| There was drama at the Harare Magistrates Court when the prolific MDC President Nelson Chamisa’s lawyer, Thabani Mpofu turned up to represent a fraudster who allegedly forged a birth certificate and national identity documents to acquire a residency permit in Zimbabwe.
The late property mogul Edward Pfugari’s son who only came to Zimbabwe when he was a grown up man known as Edward Bayiti Rwendela is being represented by Adv Mpofu.
Rwendela, who in South Africa uses the knickname, Foreman allegedly forged a birth certificate and created a fake educational profile so that he can obtain a residency permit in Zimbabwe.
The South African Pfugari sibling only turned up after 39 years when his father was old and not well to begin claiming 50 percent shares of his father’s properties appeared at court with his co accused, one Daniso Jamu who acted as his agent.
Property mogul and businessman Edward Pfugari passed away last year in February.
Rwendela was however hauled to court after it was discovered that he forged a birth certificate and national identity document and other educational certificates to acquire a residency permit.
ZimEye however can authoritatively reveal that Rwendela was born and bred in South African and never acquired his education in Zimbabwe as he is alleging.
He also forged company documents to demand a 50% stake in the late property mogul’s entire business empire, pushing away 4 other surviving children.
Adv Mpofu was once billed to represent the same Pfugari siblings he is now opposing, on the same case. Having adulterated his robe, as it were, Adv Mpofu today told the court Edward Bayiti might have committed fraud but he remains the son of the late businessman.
He asked the court to throw out the case on the basis that it had no merit.
He said:
“For the purposes of the trial… the allegations are crafted, based on a story top and they do not and cannot disclose an offence….
Like my friend (prosecutor) has said…i am asking that we consider the matter ….under the circumstances as an application for exception… and we will be moving that the matter be moved as an application for exception which will be filed by 26 March 2020.”
By A Correspondent- Two police officers from Chikurubi Support Unit were last week arrested for abuse of office after escorting a team of illegal miners to prospect for gold at Stories Mine in Mazowe.
Tawanda Kokera and Festan Mutangirwa pleaded not guilty to the charge before Concession magistrate Ruth Moyo, who remanded them in custody to March 23.
The State alleges that on March 9, the pair were manning a roadblock on Masamba Road to Jumbo Mine where they intercepted a team of illegal miners abode a Toyota Hiace registration number AEU3193.
The leader of the illegal miners, Mandlenkosi Siziba, took Kokera’s mobile number and arranged to be escorted to Stories Mine to carryout their mining activities.
Siziba and his crew picked the police officers the following day at Jumbo Mine and went to Stories Mine where they were illegally mining.
On the same day, a team of senior cops was doing routine checks around Jumbo Mine and found the duo at the mine, guarding the illegal miners.
They were immediately arrested and taken to court.
Munyaradzi Nengomasha prosecuted.-Newsday
By A Correspondent- Sakunda Holdings which is owned by Kudakwashe Tagwirei, an alleged ally of President Emmerson Mnangagwa, has denied receiving US$3 billion for the Command Agriculture Programme between 2016 and 2019.
Appearing before the Tendai Biti-led Parliamentary Public Accounts Committee (PAC) to answer to allegations that his organisation could not account for US$3 billion it received from the central bank, Sakunda Holdings chief operations officer Charles Chitambo said:
We only got US$1,010 billion between June 2016 and May 2019 and it did not come in one instalment. The US$3 billion was for other programmes including the presidential input scheme.
There were reports suggesting that the company misused the money. This comes when the country has a huge shortage in mealie-meal prompting others to say that the US$3 billion could have helped the country head off starvation.
The 2019/20 rainy season was also poor causing and that means starvation will linger for a little longer unless there are some interventions.
Zimbabwe’s agriculture sector, like other sectors, has been underperforming since the turn of the millennium when the country embarked on the fast track land reform programme.
The programme coincided with climate change which has resulted in natural disasters including floods, cyclones and droughts.-Newsday
By A Correspondent- The University of Zimbabwe (UZ) has dismissed as fake a message circulating on social media advising students and lecturers that the university shall be on recess from Friday the 20th of March to the 14th of April.
In a statement, UZ Acting Director for Information and Public Relations Mrs Ndai. I. Nyamakura urged stakeholders to ignore the message. She said:
We are advising all University of Zimbabwe Students, Staff, Partners and the general public, that the currently circulating messages on social media on COVID-19 (Coronavirus), purportedly written by (1) the SRC Secretary-General and (2) the Registrar, Dr N.A. Mutongoreni, are falsehood. They should, therefore, be ignored as with all fake news.
The University has, to date, not recorded any cases and measures have been put in place for surveillance in line with national efforts.
One of the messages that circulated widely on social media reads:
UNIVERSITY OF ZIMBABWE
NOTICE TO ALL STUDENTS AND STAFF
The University of Zimbabwe wishes to inform all Uz students and staff that the university shall be on recess from Friday the 20th of March to the 14th of April, as a precautionary measure to curb the spread of Coronavirus (COVID19). This comes after one student and a staff member who had flue like symptoms tested positive to coronavirus. The two have since been quarantined and everyone they came across on campus.
Please note that:
Any inconvenience caused is sincerely regretted.
1. This statement is issued by the Zimbabwe Revenue Authority (“ZIMRA/the Authority”) and seeks to correct the false article published in the Standard Newspaper on 15 March 2020, on page 12, written by Tawanda Majoni, titled “Zimra bosses are fuelling corruption” (“the Article”).
2. Article flagrantly states that:
“While the rank and file is getting paltry RIGS packs, the executives are helping themselves to the good money, the US dollar. Far thousands in forex paid as salaries and allowances.”
3. ZIMRA is not paying any of its employees (executives included) salaries and/or allowances denominated in United States Dollars or any other foreign currency as alleged or at all. The current compensation and remuneration for ALL ZIMRA staff is all in Zimbabwean dollars.
4. The Article is not only untrue but also malicious and is calculated to harm and damage the integrity and esteem of ZEMRA, its Board Executives and general staff.
5. The failure by the writer of the article to seek commentary from ZIMRA goes against basic ethical, editorial and journalistic principles, which afford the subject of a story the opportunity to respond before a story is published.
6. The Authority wishes to put the record straight and will pursue other remedies to cleanse its reputation
7. It has become necessary to publish this Statement for the benefit of our stakeholders, the taxpayers and the general public.
The current bank exchange rates for the ZWL$ today are as follows:
Data according to the Reserve Bank of Zimbabwe
Black Market Rates:
More: marketwatch.co.zw
By A Correspondent- There was pandemonium in South Africa after a coronavirus infected family fled from a hospital and refused to be quarantined.
The Independent reports that A Gauteng family who tested positive for Covid-19 and fled from the hospital has been nabbed by the police after the provincial health department approached the courts to quarantine the family.
The family had refused to be quarantined after they were confirmed to be have been infected with the coronavirus.
Kwara Kekana, a spokesperson for the Gauteng Department of Health, said the department approached the court on Monday night to ensure that the family was forced into quarantine.
“The department approached the court on Monday night requesting an urgent order to ensure that we don’t interfere with the constitutional rights of the patients without a court order. The court order was granted around 1am this morning in favour of the department,” said Kekana.
The department then alerted the police to trace the family and on Tuesday just after midday, the police located the family.
“We are pleased that the family was found around 12h30 this afternoon and is currently being attended to at a designated health facility,” said Kekana.
Health authorities are appealing with South Africans to co-operate with health workers as the country grapples with containing the coronavirus outbreak.
More than 190 000 people around the world have been infected with coronavirus, with more than 7500 deaths around the world.
More than 80 000 people have recovered from the virus.
In South Africa, there are more than 85 people who have tested positive for Covid-19 and there have been no deaths since the first patient tested positive last Thursday.
Kekana said the family, a wife and her daughter, had tested positive and the husband had refused to be tested, leaving the hospital without swabs being retrieved from him.
“We wish to commend the South African Police Service for swiftly attending to the matter.
“As stated by President Cyril Ramaphosa on Sunday we need to work together to fight this pandemic,” said Kekana
LATEST CONFIRMED CASES OF COVID-19
17 March 2020
Fellow South Africans, I wish to announce that as of today, South Africa now has 85 confirmed cases of COVID-19. This means there has been an increase of 23 from yesterday’s announcement.
The breakdown per province is as follows:
GAUTENG: 14
-A 45-year-old male who had travelled to Belgium, UK, France and the US
-A 37-year-old male who had travelled to the UK -A 54-year-old female who had travelled to the USA
-A 52-year-old male who had travelled to the UK
-A 25-year-old male who travelled to the UK
-A 52-year-old female who had travelled to Italy
-A 59-year-old male who travelled to the UK and Dubai
-A 57-year-old male who travelled to the USA
-A 60-year-old male who travelled to the USA
-A 37-year-old female who travelled to Italy and Dubai
-A 21-year-old female with no travel history
-A 34-year-old male with no international travel history
-A 26-year-old female with no international travel history
-A 32-year-old female with no international travel history
KWAZULU-NATAL: 4
-A 48-year-old male who travelled to Dubai
-A 59-year-old female with no international travel history
-A 5-year-old male with no international travel history
-A 3year old male with no international travel history
WESTERN CAPE: 5
-A 3-year-old male who travelled to the UK
-A 58-year-old male who travelled to the UK and Austria
-A 2-year-old male with no international travel
-A 62-year-old female who travelled to the UK and Ethiopia
-A 71-year-old female who travelled to the UK
It is notable that there are 6 cases of local transmission. I must inform the public that there was a debate with clinicians, epidemiologists, virologists on when we, as government must release results to the public. These experts raised an issue of an ethical obligation to immediately alert patients as soon as the results become available.
This, therefore, means that by the time a confirmation test is conducted in public laboratories, patients would have been notified of their initial results.
This clarification is important because as government, we had announced to the public that all positive results will be verified through our public laboratories and the NICD.
In our efforts to ensure transparency, we have decided to release results as they are submitted by both public and private labs.
In instances where our confirmation tests give contrary results, we will inform the public, make reference to that specific result previously announced and give the outcome of the confirmation results.
Whilst we respect that private laboratories have the capacity to test and on their own issue results, our intention and approach is to ensure that there is credibility in the information and results given to the public.
Whilst we appreciate the importance of being transparent with South Africans, we will not do so irresponsibly and not take into account all clinical and any other broader implications of the information we give to you.
TEST RESULTS OF CITIZENS REPATRIATED FROM WUHAN
It gives us great pleasure to also announce to South Africans that all the citizens from Wuhan were tested and their results came back negative for COVID-19.
We continue to keep them in quarantine for the prescribed period and will thereafter initiate the process of reunifying them with the community
Dr Zwelini Mkhize
Minister of Health
End.
The current bank exchange rates for the ZWL$ today are as follows:
Data according to the Reserve Bank of Zimbabwe
Black Market Rates:
More: marketwatch.co.zw
By A Correspondent- President Emmerson Mnangagwa yesterday told travellers from coronavirus hotspots to stay away from Zimbabwe for a month and cancelled independence celebrations and the Zimbabwe International Trade Fair as part of measures to prevent the outbreak of the disease.
He also banned gatherings of more than 100 people and suspended sporting events until further notice, but schools, scheduled to close in a fortnight, will remain open for now.
Borders will also remain open along with the airports without restrictions, but Mnangagwa ordered tighter screening.
“Government has curtailed unnecessary travel outside the country, especially to destinations in countries
affected by the virus,” Mnangagwa said yesterday in his address to the nation, where he also declared the virus a national disaster.
“That position remains in force. Travellers from high-risk countries are encouraged to postpone their travel arrangements to Zimbabwe for the next 30 days, starting from March 20, 2020.”
Globally, the virus, which originated in Wuhan, China, has killed more than 7 000 and infected almost 182 000 others, according to the World Health Organisation (WHO).
WHO last week declared the deadly novel virus a global pandemic after spreading to over 140 countries, 26 of them in Africa.
Neighbouring South Africa has 62 confirmed cases, but no fatalities, and President Cyril Ramaphosa declared a national state of disaster on Sunday.
Zimbabwe has not yet recorded confirmed cases of COVID-19 and so far, all suspected cases have been negative, but the country’s porous borders and lackadaisical screening have triggered fears the virus could easily find its way into the country with a health system compromised by years of neglect, lack of medicine and equipment and regular strikes by doctors and nurses.
It is also still tracing contacts after a United Kingdom tourist who visited Victoria Falls between March 7 and 10 tested positive for coronavirus on return to their home country.
Mnangagwa’s ban on all public gatherings will affect churches and sporting activities, and puts paid to plans by the opposition MDC party, the Zimbabwe Congress of Trade Unions and civic organisations for a mega protest over his handling of the economy.
“Equally, Zimbabweans are discouraged from travelling to, through and from high-risk countries during the same period. All designated small border crossings will stand closed from now until further notice,” Mnangagwa said.
“With immediate effect and for a unified and co-ordinated effort, I have directed that the national disaster management machinery extends its mandate and focus to dealing with the pandemic, with the Ministry of Health and Child Care as the lead agency.”
Mnangagwa said key bilateral projects in many sectors, mostly transport and infrastructures, have either been slowed down or coming to a complete halt.
“Travel and tourism has taken a knock from curtailed human movements, in our case on the back of two successive droughts. While we have not recorded cases as yet, the economic impact of the pandemic is already being felt, threatening our vision 2030,” he said.
“We have worked out a comprehensive response strategy, buttressed by strong measures which ensure we remain protected and secure as a nation and in step with appropriate measures being taken by the rest of the world.”
“To reduce the likelihood of infections and spread of the coronavirus, government has decided to postpone, curtail or cancel public events, gatherings and activities. In that respect, government has postponed the Zimbabwe International Trade Fair, all national independence celebrations previously planned, and pending international sporting fixtures until the threat of coronavirus recedes.”
Added Mnangagwa: “Government has now put all hospitals and health facilities on high alert for COVID-19. Kits and other accessories for screening, handling, testing and treatment continue to be availed. More isolation and treatment centres are being identified, designated and equipped appropriately.
“With immediate effect, all government premises must be equipped for screening procedures. In view that schools are only two weeks away from the end of the first term, government has decided to keep them open, with standard screening precautions being taken daily. Dates for reopening of all schools will be announced, taking into account realities on the ground.”
Mnangagwa said a national communication taskforce on the virus and for disseminating accurate information and raising general national awareness on the pandemic would be immediately constituted.
“Should the situation escalate, government will not hesitate to take further and even more drastic measures for our common good,” he said.-Newsday
President Emmerson Mnangagwa’s spokesperson has celebrated that the corona virus outbreak will prevent MDC-Alliance and he Zimbabwe Congress of Trade Unions from holding political demonstrations.
MDC Alliance leader Nelson Chamisa is on record accusing the Zanu-PF government of blocking their planned demonstrations in 2019 and 2020 protesting what they say is Mnangagwa’s mismanagement of the country’s failing economy.
The police blocked the demonstrations on the basis that Chamisa’s party wanted to overthrow Mnangagwa’s government.
A day before Mnangagwa’s government banned public gatherings of more than 100 people for the next two months as part of preventive measures against corona virus, Charamba posted on Twitter celebrating that the opposition will no longer be holding demonstrations.
“CORONA VIRUS LOCKDOWN: No more political demonstrations/marches/protests!!! MDC-ZCTU muriko hereeeee!!!!!”
Peter Moyo said the demos were not about MDC and Zctu but about the people of Zimbabwe.
Charamba responded, “Which is why demonstrations for foreign interests must come under lockdown.”
Stacey Fadzayi said it was stupid for Charamba to celebrate the corona virus outbreak.
“Celebrating suppression of our humans right with the outbreak of such a medical pandemic that will bring catastrophic results to the whole. Is definitely beyond stupidity,” she said.
Charamba was adamant, “What rights surpass that of being alive and thus human?? How come you look clever??? Nxa!!!”
Opposition Movement for Democratic Change (MDC) Member of Parliament for Glen View south, Vincent Tsvangirai has moved away from his party position after admitting that economic sanctions imposed on Zimbabwe by the west are hurting ordinary people.
The MDC has insisted on corruption and not sanctions as the reason behind the country’s economic crisis.
Responding to oral evidence presented by an organisation named Broad Alliance Against Sanctions who petitioned parliament over the western embargo, Tsvangirai said whilst there may be proposals for the Patriotic Act there was need to protect citizens.
The group has been campaigning for a Patriotic Act to deal with those perceived to have invited the restrictive measures but Tsvangirai said it was not necessary to go that route.
“My fear is that it (Patriotic Act) may sound good to put an act like that, for one, I am a patriotic person who believes that sanctions do hurt ordinary persons but at the same time making an act like that I believe sometimes you may end up opening citizens to further harm.
“There are other ways like you said they are targeted sanctions correct, we want to find out who are the targeted people on those sanctions. Then are they economic sanctions and what are they dealing with those economic sanctions (sic). I believe they should go in this day and age they don’t help anything if you look at every other countries out there in the world. Look at all the statistics that are out there they don’t help with anything, you may target one person but that person is never targeted and that person will continue with their lives,” said Tsvangirai
He was however, quick to say whilst sanctions must go there are multiple wrongs happening in the country.
“At the same time there are multiple wrongs happening in this country and those cannot be avoided as well. I do feel for the ordinary people that are getting hurt at the same time let us not rush as if things are not happening in the country” he said
Tsvangirai is son to founding president of the country’s main opposition MDC.
Public Service, Labour and Social Welfare Minister Professor Paul Mavima The Tripartite Negotiating Forum (TNF) yesterday reached a deadlock over salaries and wages, for the third time in two months.
Government and labour are on the same side regarding the position of a minimum wage, but business continues to reject the proposal.
TNF chairperson and Public Service, Labour and Social Welfare Minister Professor Paul Mavima could not be drawn into comment.
Zimbabwe Congress of Trade Unions (ZCTU) secretary-general Mr Japhet Moyo confirmed there was a stalemate.
“There is nothing that came out of the meeting,” he said.
“There is a dispute that was there in our last meeting, which was referred to Cabinet and the same issues have been brought back today (yesterday), but nothing has materialised.”
Mr Moyo said the matter had since been referred to Cabinet for further deliberations.
“We are going to meet again after Cabinet meets hoping that this will break the impasse,” he said.
A source from the meeting said business remained firm on its own side.
“Finance and Economic Minister Mthuli Ncube and the labour side were very clear on what they want and they are agreed to the same position, but business is disputing,” said the source.
West End Hospital has announced the suspension of elective theatre procedures due to the unavailability of adequate stocks and sundries in their theatre and hospital.
Read the full statement below.
EIGHT villagers have been arrested in Tsholotsho after they allegedly fatally assaulted a 60-year-old man accusing him of stealing 20 litres of fuel.
Matabeleland North police spokesperson Chief Inspector Siphiwe Makonese confirmed the arrest of Bismarck Nkomo (30), Bhekimpilo Ncube (24), Mthokozisi Mlotshwa (21), Bekezela Moyo (18), Mthokozisi Ndlovu (22), Mthetheli Moyo (19), Mthulisi Moyo (19) and Tafana Ncube (22), all from Mkhono line under Chief Gampu.
She said the eight were arrested over the weekend after allegedly assaulting Thuku Moyo of Delele line in Malila area on Saturday.
Chief Insp Makonese said investigations are underway while the accused persons will appear in court for murder.
“I can confirm that we received a report about some villagers who teamed up to assault a fellow villager in a bushy area in Mkhono line. On 14 March at around 6AM Bismarck Nkomo noticed that his petrol which was in a 20-litre container had been stolen and alerted the co-accused. They all traced footprints of the suspect which led them to the now deceased’s homestead,” said Chief Insp Makonese.
MDC top official Tapiwa Mashakada has questioned the rational of the government bringing in Chinese engineers to construct bridges when the country has expert engineers to do the same.
“I am one person who believes that Zimbabwean Engineers can build our roads and low cost bridges thereby creating jobs. Why do we need Chinese to do our roads and airports?” he said.
“Zimbos are building airports in other countries. The OR Rambo airport was designed and built by Zimbabwe engineers and other engineers. We have trained engineers so let us utilize them. I see the Beitbridge Chirundu road was parcelled to various construction companies some of whom do not have wheel barrows.”
He said it will take ages to build that road and corruption will gobble huge resources without progress.
“Look at the works after Chichi, I do not see any progress. I hope I am wrong. Recently I drove along the Harare Beitbridge road it’s all potholes and dangerous. That road is a death trap but where is the sense of urgency by authorities. In some countries that road can cost a party election victory,” he said.
Exiled former minister Professor Jonathan Moyo has congratulated President Emmerson Mnangagwa for declaring coronavirus a national disaster along with strategies to prevent its spread in Zimbabwe.
The message from Prof Moyo, one of Mnangagwa’s fiercest critics, came as a surprise and shock to many including the Presidents’ spokesperson George Charamba.
Prof Moyo however, insists that cases of coronavirus have been recorded in Zimbabwe contrary to claims by government that they have zero infections so far.
Charamba retweeted Moyo’s message and commenting “Huu???”
Tapiwa Mkurazhizha asked Charamba if Prof Moyo’s account could have been hacked to which he responded: “No, he is a reasonable critic/opponent.”
Mnangagwa on Tuesday announced that the independence celebrations and the Zimbabwe international trade fair had been cancelled due to the coronavirus. He also said public gatherings had been banned.
Mthuli Ncube Reuters| Zimbabwe has suspended the transfer of local shares in dual-listed companies to foreign bourses, one of the main ways citizens and businesses have been able to obtain dollars as inflation wipes out the local currency.
Zimbabwe reintroduced a currency, the Zimbabwe dollar, last June, ending a decade of dollarization. But with no foreign or gold reserves to back it up, its value has plunged while inflation soared to an annual rate of 540.16% in February.
Foreign and Zimbabwean investors aiming to obtain foreign currency have been buying shares in Old Mutual (OMUJ.J), Pretoria Portland Cement (PPCJ.J) and SeedCo (SEED.ZI) (SCIL.BT) on the Zimbabwe Stock Exchange and selling them on foreign exchanges.
Old Mutual and PPC are listed in Johannesburg while SeedCo is also listed in Botswana.
In a government notice on Sunday, Finance Minister Mthuli Ncube said the practice had been suspended for 12 months. The national treasury said this was “part of broad and bold measures to weed out some of the visible sources of currency instability.”
The Zimbabwe dollar was officially trading at 18.4283 to the U.S. dollar on Monday and at 40 on the black market. Many investors use what is known as the Old Mutual Implied Rate (OMIR) to asses what they say is the true value of the local currency.
This compares share prices of Old Mutual in Harare and in Johannesburg to determine the exchange rate. The OMIR was at 60.77 on Friday, according to currency tracking website MarketWatch.
In 2008 at the height of hyperinflation, Zimbabwe also suspended the transfer of dual-listed shares but this did not stem the crash of the local currency.
Ziyamb ZiyambiState Media|The Freedom of Information Bill and the International Treaties Bill sailed through their final stages in Parliament yesterday and now await the assent of the President before they become law.
The two Bills went through their third readings in the Senate yesterday, the final steps in the Parliamentary process that began with their first readings in the National Assembly.
The Freedom of Information Bill is one of the three laws drafted in a lengthy process that involved consultation with a wide range of opinions and significant input from the relevant Parliamentary portfolio committee, one of the committees chaired by an opposition MP.
The three proposed laws are to replace the Access to Information and Protection of Privacy Act, generally regarded as seriously deficient, so giving impetus to the media reforms that the Second Republic led by President Mnangagwa have embarked upon.
Other Bills in the pipeline are the Zimbabwe Media Commission Bill and the Broadcasting Services Amendment Bill.
Once all three are law the old law will be totally repealed.
The International Treaties Bill will establish a uniform procedure for the consideration and approval of international treaties by the Cabinet and Parliament before their ratification by the President.
Justice, Legal and Parliamentary Affairs Minister Ziyambi Ziyambi steered the International Treaties Bill and did the same with respect to Freedom of Information Bill, while standing in for Information, Publicity and Broadcasting Services Minister Monica Mutsvangwa.
Speaking soon after its passage, Minister Ziyambi said the Bill was one of the legal instruments that were subjected to wide consultations by stakeholders.
“If there is a Bill that has gone through wide consultation, it is the Freedom of Information Bill,” said Minister Ziyambi.
He commended Parliament for passing the Bill in unison.
“We had problems with AIPPA,” said Minister Ziyambi. “This day has been historic. This Senate will go into the history of our country for having given effect to the right to information.”
Minister Ziyambi said it was critical to note that the National Assembly had acceded to some amendments that were moved by Parliament’s portfolio committee on Information, Publicity and Broadcasting Services chaired by a member of the opposition, MDC Alliance to show unity of purpose.
Binga North MP Mr Prince Dubeko Sibanda chairs the committee.
Acting Senate president Chief Fortune Charumbira said the new dispensation had gone a long way in repealing contentious pieces of legislation such as the Public Order and Security Act and it was doing away with AIPPA.
“This Bill is linked to good governance, democracy and human rights. The passage has been unanimous. So we should congratulate ourselves as a country,” said Chief Charumbira.
Freedom of Information Bill seeks to give effect to Section 62 of the Constitution which provides for the right to access to information as enshrined in the Declaration of Rights.
The drafting process involved, at an early stage, input from the relevant Parliamentary portfolio committee.
Chief Charumbira
The Bill sets out the procedure of access to information held by public institutions or information held by any person, which is necessary for the exercise or protection of a right.
It also sets out considerations for making available, on a voluntary basis by entities, certain categories of information thereby removing the need for formal requests for such information.
The Bill also sets out the scope of limitations on the right of access to information, the rights of third parties, the role of principal officers of entities and information officers in its implementation, procedures for internal and court appeals in respect to requests for access to information and the time limits within which these processes must be carried out.
State Media|Russia has cancelled an international business conference set for June in Moscow, where a Zimbabwean delegation comprising legislators was expected to attend, due to the coronavirus pandemic.
Local businessmen ranging from engineers, scientists, researchers and academics were due to converge in Moscow to explore opportunities.
The conference was supposed to take place between June 3 and 6.
Russia Ambassador to Zimbabwe, Mr Nikolai Krasilnikov yesterday paid a courtesy call on Senate President Mabel Chinomona to advise her of the cancellation of the St. Petersburg International Economic Forum.
“We discussed a lot of bilateral issues with our Russian Ambassador, but he also brought communication about the cancellation of a business conference that we were supposed to attend. I had actually gathered a team comprising businessperson who include Members of Parliament. The cancellation is due to the coronavirus pandemic and it was done as a precautionary measure,” said Cde Chinomona.
“During our meeting, we also discussed bilateral relations between our two countries as you know Russia and China as permanent members in the United Nations Security Council have stood by us.”
Cde Chinomona said while the cancellation of the conference was unfortunate, it was necessary, given the effect of the pandemic. She said the Russia diplomat had expressed satisfaction about several measures being taken by Zimbabwean authorities to deal with the pandemic.
Mr Krasilnikov said Russia was encouraged by several measures the Government was taking to contain the disease.
“We exchange views during our meeting as the international community take necessary measures to contain the spread of the disease. We are also impressed by the measures being taken by the Government of Zimbabwe in this regard,” said Mr Krasilnikov.
He hailed the bilateral relations between Zimbabwe and Russia.
“We had a wonderful meeting with Senate President. We discussed development in various fields of our bilateral relations. You know that the relation is deep-rooted. We are happy with the state of our interaction. We stand by the Republic of Zimbabwe in many instances and we support each other in United Nations, International Parliamentary Union and other platforms,” said Mr Krasilnikov.
The pandemic has seen several people from Asia, Europe and Africa testing positive to the disease.
Zimbabwe has not recorded cases of the pandemic and continue to take precautionary measures.
State Media|POLICE in Bulawayo have arrested more than 150 illegal forex dealers in a blitz aimed at restoring sanity in the CBD including the area surrounding Tredgold Buildings which has been dubbed the “World Bank’’.
Bulawayo police spokesperson Inspector Abednico Ncube yesterday said police were acting on the warning they issued on Monday that they would pounce on illegal forex dealers.
There was mayhem and chaos at the area surrounding Tredgold yesterday at around noon when police officers arrived in a number of vehicles into which they bundled Osiphatheleni caught in the act.
“As promised, we are working to restore sanity in the city and today we have arrested more than 150 people for illegal forex dealing. This is an operation by a team under the command of Chief Superintendent Marshal Dube, of Bulawayo Central District. The team arrested more than 150 Osiphatheleni and many others who were blocking the pavement,” he said. “We are going to sustain our raids. We believe Bulawayo people are reasonable and we hope that the message will be heard. We want to protect property and life. We must all make Bulawayo a better place. Such levels of lawlessness cannot be tolerated.”
Illegal forex dealers nabbed in a police raid and a story published by Chronicle yesterday in which police warned the illegal forex dealers
During a tour of Tredgold Buildings last week, Chief Justice Luke Malaba warned Osiphatheleni and other people involved in illegal activities around the building which houses the Bulawayo Magistrates Courts, saying there was an urgent need for them to be permanently flushed out of the area.
In 2018, Chief Justice Malaba also bemoaned the illegal foreign currency exchange activities around the environs of Tredgold Buildings while commissioning three additional courtrooms at the Bulawayo High Court resulting in police clamping down on the money changers.
At that time, police sealed off the parking area around the building but the operation was short-lived and illegal forex dealers made a triumphant return.
Correspondent|President Cyril Ramaphosa’s announcement to close most border crossings has been met with disappointment from neighbouring ESwatini.
While South Africans commend the move, giving credit to the president for acting swiftly at a time that needs decisiveness, the countries bordering the rainbow nation, however, seem to be taking a major economic blow from the border closures.
ESwatini, a country surrounded by South Africa, an MP questioned the strength of the relationship between the kingdom and South Africa. The MP voiced his concern over the inconsiderate closing of borders without giving warning.
The kingdom of eSwatini has hundreds of students studying in South Africa and the issue of their safety was also raised in parliament. It was suggested by one parliamentarian that all emaSwati studying in South Africa should be brought home by the authorities.
Some emaSwati travel to SA for medical reasons as the kingdom lacks certain medical facilities and professionals. These people are at a great risk because their physical livelihood depends on travelling to the Republic. Business is also at a limbo in the constitutional kingdom as emaSwati employed in the Republic are not able to attend work. Retailers in the kingdom are also devastated because some of them stock up in SA where prices are more reasonable.
Those living close to the borders are suffering from hunger as they rely on getting cheap food from neighboring SA. Mealie-meal, a staple food among emaSwati, is no longer accessible to them at the affordable price they are used to and they might have to start making their own.
Between the Gege, Sicunusa and Nsalitje borders, which are all trapped in SA, there are about 14, 000 travellers crossing on a daily basis. Most of these are businesspeople that have employees counting on their success for survival.
Travel is a fundamental freedom enshrined in the constitutional values that SA stands for. It will be interesting to see how national security stands side-by-side with virtues like compassion and empathy. How will these be balanced? How can SA nurse itself back to health without breastfeeding? We’ll just have to see how it all plays out, won’t we?
The Gauteng Department of Health was forced to turn to a court of law when a mother and daughter refused to be quarantined after testing positive for Covid-19.
The pair, who could not be identified, tested positive after undergoing tests. The woman’s husband refused to be tested.
The woman, her husband and daughter were traced by police in the afternoon after the department obtained a court order in the early hours of Tuesday morning.
Health Department spokesperson Kwara Kekana confirmed that the family refused to be quarantined.
“They left the hospital without swabs being taken. The department then approached the court last night on an urgent basis in order to ensure that we didn’t interfere with the constitutional rights of the patients without a court order. A court order was granted around 01:00 on Tuesday in favour of the department.
“The matter was reported to SAPS to trace the family. We are pleased that the family was found around 12:30 and is currently being attended to at a designated health facility,” Kekana said.
The department pleaded with the public to cooperate with healthcare workers during this difficult period of dealing with the coronavirus.
– News24
The Roman Catholic church in Zimbabwe has outoaced protestants in the fight against COVID 19 to cancel all mass and begin holding church via the internet.
The development is revealed in the below public statement. FULL TEXT:
In the wake of the global outbreak of Covid-19, we wish to add our voice to the many other voices, including WHO, our own Government and, in particular, the President and Ministry of Health, on the pandemic. Prevention is better than cure. ZCBC fully supports the various calls to take serious and drastic measures to prevent the spread of Corona Virus in the country, whose urgency cannot be overemphasized. At present, prevention proves to be a fundamental weapon to fight the virus and it is even more essential in our country where hospital structures are not fully-equipped to support the influx of a great number of seriously ill people.
Own Correspondent|South Africa has 23 new Covid-19 cases, pushing the total to 85, Health Minister Zweli Mkhize announced in a statement late on Tuesday night.
This as the country takes drastic steps to curb a possible coronavirus outbreak with travel restrictions set to be implemented on Wednesday, as well as school and university closures.
“It is notable that there are 8 cases of local transmissions,” said Mkhize.
Gauteng recorded four local transmissions, followed by three in KwaZulu-Natal and one in the Western Cape.
In total, Gauteng has 45 cases, the Western Cape has 21, KZN has 16, Mpumalanga has 2 and Limpopo has 1 recorded case.
Citizens from Wuhan gets the clear
He also added that all of the South Africans who returned from Wuhan tested negative for Covid-19.
“We continue to keep them in quarantine for the prescribed period and will thereafter initiate the process of reunifying them with the community.”
The 104 South Africans are in quarantine at The Ranch Resort in Polokwane where they will be monitored for up to 21 days.President Cyril Ramaphosa declared a state of disaster in light of the coronavirus pandemic, which has already claimed about 7 300 lives worldwide.
Correspondent|Stores like Woolworths in Durban KwaZulu Natal have already shut down.
Following the President Cyril Ramamphosa announcement to declare coronavirus a national disaster some stores in Durban have already shut down, more are expected to follow.
The President announced that gatherings of more than 100 people are now prohibited across the country in light of the escalation of coronavirus.
” The South African government has put measures in place to treat those infected.” Ramamphosa said.
As it is said that there should be no gatherings of more than 100 people and people should also limit contact between person. In the retail environment it is impossible to do so and that endangers the workers and customers lives.
The infection count today is 62 but on the message doing rounds on social media, it is said that the South African government is not telling the people the truth about the infection count.
Apparently many people are infected which will lead to a total shutdown. Retail stores will have to operate once a week for three months.
This might be the reason whites South Africans have been buying food in bulks since yesterday.
MDC President Nelson Chamisa on a recent visit to Coronavirus quarantine centre in Harare. Nelson Chamisa|As the world battles the #COVID19 pandemic,our prayers and sympathies are with the victims,families and their loved ones.We wish strength to the health &social services workers on the frontlines.Thank you world leaders for your efforts and leadership in these trying times!Zimbabweans let us do our best to inform, educate and act to defeat this pandemic!
Tafadzwa MugwadiZanu PF has appointed Tafadzwa Mugwadi as director of Information and Publicity.
He takes over from Danny Musukuma, who was relieved of his duties sometime last year.
Zanu PF secretary for Finance Patrick Chinamasa confirmed the appointment yesterday.
“Yes, I can confirm that Mugwadi is now the party’s director of Information and Publicity,” he said. “He officially started his duties on Monday.”
Before his appointment, Mugwadi was part of the Zimpapers’ Knowledge Centre team. He resigned from Zimpapers this week and promises to revamp Zanu PF’s information department. Cde Mugwadi holds an BSc Honours Political Science and a Master of Science Degree in International Relations from the University of Zimbabwe.
He is also a PhD candidate.
Said Mugwadi: “It’s time to get down to serious business. It’s a position of trust and responsibility and yes, I will do my best to fulfil the expectations of the party leadership and our membership.
“There are seniors at the party to learn from.” Zanu PF Mashonaland West Youth League chairperson Vengai Musengi hailed the appointment.
He said it showed that Zanu PF had confidence in young blood. “We are happy because youths are now being given positions of trust,” said Musengi.
Fellow Zimbabweans,
In the wake of the coronavirus which is now a global pandemic, and thus a concern for all nations and all peoples of the world, we as Zimbabwe have to play our part.
We have worked out a comprehensive response strategy, buttressed by strong measures which ensure we remain protected and secure as a nation, and in step with appropriate measures being taken by the rest of the world.
While we are relieved that our country is still free from this virus which continues to spread elsewhere across persons, communities, countries and continents, we stand in full solidarity with all peoples and nations of the world so far affected by the pandemic. Nations of the world have to stand together as one.
Already, many lives have been lost; many more people have succumbed or are unwell; precious resources are being diverted towards the control and containment of the pandemic.
We are under no illusion that what befalls our global neighbours today may eventually hit us and also affect our communities tomorrow. We thus must join hands with the rest of the world in tackling this pandemic collectively, even before it crosses our own border.
We have to take preventive steps and all precautions thatare necessary. We have to be ready with remedial interventions in case of actual outbreaks. Indeed, we have to have a National Response Plan for containing the pandemic once it reaches us.
Dear Zimbabweans,
What makes the problem even more challenging is that more still needs to be known about this virus whose spread within and between communities, countries, regions and continents, is proving very rapid and exponential.
Humanity is at risk and stands at hazardous crossroads.
Worldwide, the pandemic’s impact on national health systems has been enormous. Even developed health systems feel the strain; those of fragile, developing economies are struggling to cope. The trans-border trajectory of the virus thus makes us all neighbours, turn us all into each other’s keepers. Above all, it recommends global partnerships across old divides that may have set us apart. We now have to join hands against this global threat, while acting in unison within our immediate national neighbourhoods.
To date, national responses have been varied, with nations most affected or at greatest risk taking drastic, even draconian measures.
These include complete lock-down of communities, towns and cities, in order to contain and check the spread of the virus.
The social and psychological toll on communities has been unimaginable. Yet those measures are necessary.
Impact on national economies, on international relations, and on trade, has been severe and continue to escalate daily. Today signs of national and global economic recession and crises are already in evidence. We thus have to act decisively.
In our case, we have seen key bilateral projects in many sectors, most notably in transport and infrastructures, either being slowed down or coming to a complete halt. Travel and tourism has taken a knock from curtailed human movements, in our case on the back of two successive droughts. While we have no recorded cases as yet, the economic impact of the pandemic is already being felt, threatening our Vision 2030.
The key challenge we all face is balancing effective measures that are necessary and have to be taken, against the need to ensure our societies and economies continue to function optimally for common, collective good. This is no easy balance.
Government has been seized with this matter for quite some time and our response and state of readiness to date has included the following measures:
l Creating Systems for National Alertness and rapid response to any suspected cases of the virus;
l Strengthening screening and testing capacities both at various ports of entry, and inside the country for early detection and rapid responses;
l Creating isolation centres where suspected cases are examined and/or treated safely;
l Contact tracing and screening to guard against the spread through into-country infections and in-country transmissions;
l Reinforcing National Health Systems and institutional framework for an effective response;
l Improving community hygiene awareness and citizen action, including self-isolation and voluntary travel bans;
l Information dissemination and general national awareness;
l Creating a Special Fund to enhance measures against the pandemic;
l Transnational cooperation and collaboration in line with World Health Organisation rules, regulations and pronouncements;
l In our small way, encouraging interdisciplinary research into this pandemic for a more scientific understanding of the problem.
Dear Citizens, the pandemic has reached our region and we now have to escalate our national response. Above all, we must readjust our lives and behaviours, including foregoing certain fixtures, activities and practices we had grown accustomed to, in order to keep the pandemic at bay. This holds true at all levels: personal, community and national.
Today, Government deliberated on this looming threat, and has decided to take additional measures to ensure that our national response is effective, comprehensive and complete.
This allows Government to mobilise resources and take necessary measures in dealing with the pandemic. With immediate effect and for a unified and coordinated effort, I have directed that our National Disaster Management Machinery extend its mandate and focus to deal with the pandemic, with the Ministry of Health and Child Care as the lead agency.
Weekly reports will have to be made to Cabinet. We thank our local, bilateral, international and multilateral partners for offering a helping hand, including additional funding, training, and the upgrading and equipping of designated Health Facilities for effective response.
Travellers from high risk countries are encouraged to postpone their travel arrangements to Zimbabwe for the next 30 days, starting from 20th March, 2020.
Equally, Zimbabweans are discouraged from travelling to, through and from high risk countries duringthe same period. Non essential travel must be avoided or discouraged by all of us;
All designated small border crossings will stand closed from now until further notice;
Dates for reopening of all schools will be announced, taking into account realities on the ground;
Should the situation escalate, Government will not hesitate to take further and even more drastic measures for our common good.
Going forward, our monthly National Clean-Up Exercise must, henceforth incorporate heightened awareness on the virus, including measures which experts recommend to ensure highest standards of public health.
Fellow Zimbabweans,
Now is the time to show unity and purpose in our nation. We have to reach out to one another in fighting this deadly pandemic.
It knows no political party; no ideological boundary; no colour; no creed, no nationality. We either unite in fighting it, or it forces us togetherin shared grief.
The choice is that stark, and ours to make.
That choice has to be made now while there is still time.
I count on your full supportso we work towardsa virus-freeZimbabwe.
I thank you and Good Day.
Watch video downloading below:
https://www.facebook.com/709844565772844/posts/2814505805306699/
Dr Masimba Mavaza| Zimbabwe will not survive the Corona virus if God allows it to ravage our beautiful country. It is painful that some idiots are literally hoping that the virus be found in Zimbabwe. We have insane people who actually think it’s fashionable to have the virus in Zimbabwe.
The president of MDC A Nelson Chamisa visited Wilkins hospital to see and assess the virus. He grabbed a chance to publicise his dying party through the Coronavirus. This is a contagious virus which cannot be used for political gains. It is however not a suprise that the drama queen Nelson Chamisa jumps to any thing for his own glory. Remember he highjacked Tsvangirai’s funeral to grab power. He tried to highjack Oliver Mutukudzi’s funeral for his own benefit. His last stance with the Corona virus is irresponsible. This is the man who rushed to Chimanimani during cyclone Idai and he never went back, to date. He just went with Mikoro to take photos and exploit the situation to his advantage. The time for acting is over, Corona virus is real. MDC A must find time to tame their wild cat in Chamisa. Chamisa is not the only one who is not taking the virus lightly. There are hoardes of people who are literally praying for the virus to settle in Zimbabwe. They are hoping to find some political gains from this epidemic. Some think that the failure to contain the virus will expose ZANU PF and show that it has failed. This disease is natural and not political. It does not respect gender or political affiliation. It is a disaster.
People must realise that after decades of sanctions, mismanagement and corruption, Zimbabwe is in economic trouble. It will not be able to stand the vicious effects of the Corona virus. We must cry loudly if that day comes.
Zimbabwe struggles with Cholera over five thousand people died of cholera in Zimbabwe. There was no family or street which was not touched by the cholera epidemic. This time Zimbabweans are groaning under economic curse. They are poor and hungry and can not make ends meet. In a country that was once among Africa’s most industrialised, electricity is a very rare occurrence if it comes it will be for only a few hours a night. Industries , companies factories and bakeries are only but the shadows of their former selves. Water has become a thing of the past life in Zimbabwe is a struggle and indeed the country is on its knees. With all this suffering in the country of plenty some people celebrate the problems of the nation by wishing that the Corona virus be found in Zimbabwe. Myopic people believe that the Zimbabwean government can be removed by a mere virus.
Countries with stronger economies are on their knees now so how can ZIMBABWE stand.
Zimbabweans are no longer enjoying the quality of life, their sleeping partner has changed. Now there is this virus hovering above the nation and we have some people who think Corona virus is meant for the elite. No it will touch all it will touch you and me. Every Zimbabwean has been turned to become a night worker people wake up in the middle of the night to cook or iron their shirts or just to charge their phones or other electric gadgets. What time would they wake up to cater for the stricken.
Water no longer runs down the water pipes. People have resorted to boreholes for fresh water.
We thank God for smiling over Zimbabwe. Most of the borehole waters are sixty percent row sewage. The boreholes are sunk in towns the ever blocking sewage always sips in the soil and finds its way in the water tables and finally the raw sewage is found in the kitchens of almost all Urban dwellers. The situation in Zimbabwe is best described as dog’s breakfast. Tendai Biti, an opposition MP and former finance minister, complains that life has gone back to colonial times: “I’m washing in a bucket, my friend, as if it is Southern Rhodesia in 1923.” But he forgot to say he is the one who made a trip of shame to America to beg for sanctions against Zimbabwe. Biti has the mentality that if its not him no one can have it. He is like a bully herding cattle. Who sets the cows in someone’s field because he has not been given his lunch.
Or the boy who runs away with the football because his team has lost. The opposition has played a greater role in the suffering of the ordinary Zimbabweans. Now with the remaining industries being forced to close down our fragile economy will be dragged down the drain. Zimbabwe will be doubly hit if this Corona ravages Zimbabwe we are doomed
To make things worse for Zimbabwe the country has faced a severe drought and the rains came very late. But the real problem is corruption and the failure to prosecute those suspected of corruption. Illicit money traders on the streets of Harare have substituted the banks. People will have no money for medical treatment.
There is no budget put aside for this Corona Virus. Measures which are announced can not be standing alone. Zimbabwe needs funding for this problem. Banking system has collapsed and the mattress bank has taken over. So stringent rules must be put in place in order to make the impact of the Corona Virus manageable.
Zimbabwe reached comic book levels of inflation in 2008, when hyperinflation became well established at a peak of 79.6 billion percent. After completely wiped out the value of the local currency, Zimbabwe effectively “dollarized” and switched to different currencies such as the dollar and the South African rand.
Corona virus will predictably exacerbate already existing shortages and further hastened Zimbabwe’s economic debacle.
Zimbabwe’s vaunted agricultural sector will experience a notable implosion, as food shortages will be worsened and will be a burden on agriculture.
The Corona virus road will not be a walk in the park given that rich countries are on their knees. Although Zimbabwe has left the realm of hyperinflation, it continues to have structural problems that impede market reforms.
This is often the case in developing countries, where the succeeding government despite all its promises and vows to break free from the preceding government’s corruption ends up breaking down because of incompetence and corruption in its ranks.
A large portion of high-ranking officials in Zimbabwe have been instructed in these schools of thought at Western universities abroad where strange ideas are being fully implemented to the detriment of the realistic economic policies. However, many developing countries are fertile soil for destructive policies and this has destroyed our economy.
Widespread wealth gaps between the politically connected haves and the disconnected have-nots, general ignorance about the implications of interventionism among the public, and a predatory political class that is shielded from popular backlash makes these countries susceptible to mass intervention. When the West can’t implement some of its economically illiterate ideas at home, it finds willing importers in the developing world.
Zimbabwe must from now on have a ministry dedicated to national disasters and set aside funds in times like this.
Suffice to say, nothing short of an economic darkness awaits us. Based on what President Mnangagwa has come out it does seem that Zimbabwe is actually serious about making tough measures to prevent or contain this virus. But the stubbornness of the opposition and the bankruptcy in reasoning will drag us dipper in the mud.
The country bleeds and both the opposition and ruling party members a busy fattening their pockets. Zimbabwe deserves better it can not remain in the doldrums of poverty for this long. We need a better country better policies better nation. We need to work together regardless of our political beliefs. We need to remain united against this disease. This is not the times to grand stand. We need marturity and reason. Zimbabwe needs that unity of purpose now. Italy is in morning. Zimbabwe must be very afraid. This is not the time to play politics. Oh Father God Forgive for Zimbabwe will not stand she is already weak and in serious pains.
The government is planning to lease out the jumbo jet (the Boeing 777-200ERs acquired from Malaysia) previously ascribed to the late President Robert Mugabe’s son in law as Simba Chikore’s jet.
The development was revealed in a state media interview citing Air Zimbabwe’s assistant administrator, Mr Tonderai Mukubvu of Grant Thornton.
The state report says nine airlines have shown interest in leasing Air Zimbabwe’s two long-haul jet in a deal expected to generate up to US$400 000 a month.
Ethiopian Airlines is said to be leading the pack in lease negotiations.
Mukubvu was yesterday quoted saying leasing the planes and using the revenue to acquire smaller aircraft to re-establish strong domestic and regional services made more sense at the moment than rushing to establish international routes that are expensive to develop.
Mr Mukubvu reportedly: “Government has not made any decision on the final lessee, but we have nine suitors that have shown interest. We are at advanced stages of discussions with all suitors and they all seem capable to lease the planes from a financial capacity perspective.”
Air Zimbabwe was placed under reconstruction on October 5, 2018, under reconstruction of State-Indebted Insolvent Companies Act.
The company is operating one plane, a Boeing 767 — servicing Harare-Bulawayo; Harare-Victoria Falls and the Harare-Johannesburg and Harare-Dar es Salaam routes.
A 60-YEAR-OLD man from Bulawayo has been arrested for allegedly raping his 19-year-old maid.
The man from North End suburb whose name has been withheld to protect the identity of the victim, allegedly raped the girl in the morning when she was doing her house chores.
The accused person was not asked to plead to rape when he appeared before Bulawayo magistrate Ms Adelaide Mbeure.
He was remanded on $500 bail to March 30.
The prosecutor, Mr Denmark Chihombe, said on Friday last week at around 7AM, the complainant was approached by the accused person from behind.
“The complainant was doing her household chores when she was grabbed on the waist by the accused person.
He threw her onto a sofa in the sitting room facing upwards before undressing her.
The accused person then raped the complainant once while using a condom,” he said.
It is alleged that the girl narrated her ordeal to an unidentified neighbour.
The matter was reported to the police leading to the accused person’s arrest.-State media
A Gauteng family of three – two of whom had tested positive for coronavirus – had to be tracked down by police after refusing to be quarantined.
The husband refused to take the test after his wife and daughter tested positive for the novel Covid-19 yesterday and left the health facility.
It was not immediately clear whether they had recently travelled but the Gauteng health department obtained an urgent court order in the early hours of Tuesday morning to track down the family.
According to the department’s spokesperson Kwara Kekana, the court order was taken to the police who tracked down the family around midday today.
“We can confirm that there was a family that refused to be quarantined. The wife and daughter tested positive to the virus while the husband refused to be tested and left the hospital without swabs taken,” Kekana said.
“The department approached the court last night on an urgent basis… the court order was granted at 1am this morning. As a result the matter was reported to the SAPS to trace the family. We are pleased that the family was found around 12h30 this afternoon and is currently being attended to at a designated health facility.”
As it stands a total of 62 people have tested positive for coronavirus in the country, 31 of whom are Gauteng residents.
The highly contagious virus that is currently spreading across the country has been declared a national disaster by President Cyril Ramaphosa.
Health minister Zweli Mkhize last week said that people who refused to be quarantined may be taken to court. – Sowetan
JOHANNESBURG. — The Premier Soccer League looks set to resume despite the COVID-19 threat following a meeting between football leaders and Minister of Sport Nathi Mthethwa.
SAFA and PSL bosses, Danny Jordaan and Irvin Khoza, along with other major sports federations, on Tuesday met with Mthethwa to resolve the challenges coronavirus has posed against football in the country.
The PSL on Monday announced the suspension of all matches for this week in compliance with President Cyril Ramaphosa’s declaration of a national disaster over the increased spread of the deadly virus.
However, following lengthy deliberations, the minister has since announced that the PSL will be allowed to resume with all matches under special circumstances.
“It is not in two weeks or a week, it is now. We have said that, firstly we need the chairman and others in the leadership of sport to raise their voices against this pandemic,” said Mthethwa.
“Therefore, they will continue with their matches, which will be without spectators, and they will finish the season.
“The most important thing for us, as they do that, is they will be spreading the message to fight against this pandemic.
“So, there is no confusion.
Even if we are going to reach a point where there are no matches, that will be gradually phased in.-Kickoff
Over 80 tertiary students from poor households doing their first year at various South African learning institutions received laptops at the weekend donated by Zimbabwean company Zororo-Phumulani to help with their studies.
South African-based funeral insurance and repatriation service provider Zororo-Phumulani runs an annual programme to assist needy students.
The students from the University of Johannesburg, Wits Universit, Tshwane University of Technology and the University of KwaZulu-Natal received new laptops under an iniative that Zororo-Phumulani’s founder and chief executive Edwin Anderson said was inspired by “fees must fall” protests a few years ago demanding affordable tertiary education for all.
“We are doing this because as a company we believe so much in youth development and empowerment and there is not better way of doing this but through education and sports,” Anderson said.
“We know by donating these laptops it will not take away all the problem students face at the university, but it will definitely reduce pressure that comes with studying at a higher level.”
Zimbabwe’s ambassador to South Africa David Hamadziripi commended Zororo-Phumulani for extending its generosity for three consecutive years.
“I wish to commend you … for not only your consistency in the laptop giving initiative but for also increasing the number of recipients. It is my hope that we will see the same trajectory in the coming years,” he said.
Recipients included 18-year-old Zimbabwean Ashleigh Mabaire, a first year student at the University of Johannesburg who is studying computer science and said getting a laptop had motivated her to work harder.
“I really want to thank the company for giving me this opportunity and congratulate everyone who received a laptop because I know they worked really hard and had sleepless nights,” Mabaire said.
“One day we want to come back and show the company what we made from this initiative.”
– African News Agency (ANA)
Despite President Emmerson Mnangagwa banning government officials from travelling outside the country, his immediate deputy Constantino Chiwenga was airlifted to China as his health woes resurfaced.
The Vice President was airlifted to the coronavirus-hit nation on Sunday after his health took a turn for the worse.
According to online publication, Zimlive.com, Chiwenga left Harare shortly after mid-day Sunday on a Dubai-registered private jet, a Boeing 737-7AK (BBJ), which is regularly used by President Emmerson Mnangagwa. The President even uses the same private plane when he is travelling locally.
However, Presidential spokesperson George Charamba downplayed the event saying that it was just a routine medical checkup. Charamba told the publication,
“I can confirm that the vice president left for China for his medical check-up. Obviously, we can’t say how long that will take because that will depend on what experts say. But he is out of the country.”
Chiwenga had not been seen in public for the two weeks leading up to his flight from China. The vice president’s absence from the public eye had sent tongues wagging with some quarters opining that this signalled a major fallout between Chiwenga and Mnangagwa, who have long been speculated to have a tense relationship.
Chiwenga missed the monthly national clean-up exercise on March 6, when he was due to officiate in Mvurwi. This was followed up by the Vice President missing the national field day held at President Emmerson Mnangagwa’s Pricabe Farm in Kwekwe where he was supposed to be guest of honour. Chiwenga was supposed to be the guest of honour at the event, but this honour was later given to Minister of Defence and War Veterans Oppah Muchinguri.
However, Charamba denied reports on any fallout over the weekended, dismissing the allegations as nonsense. He said that Chiwenga was absent because he was not feeling well and had been ordered to rest by his doctors.
“He was not feeling too well and he wanted a bit of rest. That’s the real issue. Speculation that there’s bad blood between him and the president… is nonsense,” Charamba said.
Vice President Chiwenga spent more than four months in China last year getting treated for an undisclosed ailment which he claimed would have certainly killed him if it was not for the intervention of the Chinese. There was speculation that Chiwenga may have got sick after being poisoned. At one point he was being attended to by medical experts from Zimbabwe, South Africa, India and China.
There has been speculation, that the Vice President was a victim of a poisoning plot, to rule him out of the succession race. Only last month, there were reports that Chiwenga was collapsed in his office and had to be airlifted to South Africa, because of the risk of the deadly coronavirus in China. The fact that Chiwenga has been airlifted to China in the middle of the coronavirus pandemic indicates that he may be facing a medical emergency.
-Online
Farai Dziva|MDC president Nelson Chamisa has call on Zimbabweans to do their best to defeat Coronavirus.
“I visited Wilkins hospital. So encouraging to see how the City of HARARE leaders & staff are working to enhance training, capacity and preparedness in dealing with COVID-19.I was taken through the processes.We must all do our best to be fight this pandemic,” tweeted Chamisa.
“As the world battles the COVID19 pandemic,our prayers and sympathies are with the victims,families and their loved ones.
We wish strength to the health &social services workers on the frontlines.Thank you world leaders for your efforts and leadership in these trying times,”he added.
Farai Dziva|The bail application ruling on the case of Stephen Chuma and MDC members who were arrested in Chitungwiza is set for Friday March 20.
See below the opposition party’s statement on the matter:
The matter of Stephen Sarkozy Chuma and others v The State was heard today(Tuesday) before Justice Chitapi.
After powerful presentation by lawyer Tapiwa Muchineripi assisted by Job Sikhala the Judge agreed with the arguments of the two counsels. The State was taken to task on how they classified a finable offense to be serious.
Secondly, the Judge asked the reasoning of the Magistrate who denied our comrades bail on the grounds that they were arrested at the scene of the commission of the alleged offense when they were long arrested doing nothing before the outbreak of violence.
The State became hopeless when one Mapfuwa for the State lied to the Court that the comrades were caught with catapults and knives when such evidence was never produced at the Court aquo.
After being grilled by the Judge, he embarrassingly conceded that there were no grounds to deny our comrades bail. He then suggested that they be admitted to bail on 300 rtgs each the submission vehemently opposed by the lawyers.
The lawyers said bail should be measured by the ability of an accused person to pay.
They are only able to pay 100 rtgs suggested by the Applicants.
The judge advised that he will give the judgement on Friday as he wants to deal with the two reasons in a comprehensive manner the Magistrate cited to deny the Applicants bail.
But in short, the State has conceded the granting of bail to the comrades and we wait for the full judgement of their freedom on Friday the 20th of March 2020.
The Zimbabwe National Statistics Agency (ZIMSTAT) has announced that Zimbabwe’s annual inflation was, as of February 2020, at 540.16 percent while the month on month inflation was at 13.52 percent.
The rate at which inflation rose is alarming considering that annual inflation was 59.39% in February 2019.
Analysts attribute the rise to low production in the country which forces locals, individuals, businesses and government, to import almost everything from other countries.-Xinhua
Farai Dziva|The country’s main opposition party, MDC has said public transport operators must go through training on how to combat Coronavirus.
Read full statement below :
Zimbabwe’s Public Transport system is a key element to be considered amid the Coronavirus (Covid-19) pandemic.
Trains, Buses and Airplanes are our modes of mass public transport and these are mostly overloaded and often unhygienic.
The conditions prevalent in mostly buses, kombis and pirate taxis (mshikashika) can prove to be catalysts during such outbreaks.
Cognisant of this problem, the MDC urges transport operators to sanitise public transport systems to improve the hygiene conditions.
Cleanliness is next to Godliness.
Staff operating these mass transport systems must go through compulsory training on how to keep high standards of hygiene.
Personal Protective Equipment for the crew must be worn appropriately and at all times. Hand sanitizers must be provided in all public transport systems and must be used by travellers.
Disinfectants must be sprayed in the buses and kombis at regular intervals to guard against conditions that promote survival of the coronavirus.
The MDC calls upon private companies to assist in the fight against Coronavirus through facilitating the acquisition of disinfectants and training the operators as well as provision of personal protective equipment for staffers.
The government is for the first time expected to put to good and appropriate use the USD26 million facility availed by the Global Fund in the fight against Covid19.
Zimbabweans remain skeptical as to the capacity of our government to be accountable since other such grants have been abused in the past at the expense of Public Safety.
The MDC family would like to thank President Adv Nelson Chamisa for providing leadership by inspecting the Harare Coronavirus Isolation Centre which is Wilkins Hospital. Leadership at all levels is expected to be alive to the challenges facing our institutions so that practical solutions can be arrived at from an informed position.
The MDC urges those that have been advised to self-quarantine to religiously follow all steps as advised by Health Authorities so as to avoid possible spread of the virus.
Prevention is better than cure and as such we applaud all Health Staffers who are taking all precautionary measures to ensure that the COVID19 pandemic is kept in check.
Hon Settlement Chikwinya. (MP)
National Secretary for Transport and Logistics
Farai Dziva|The country’s main opposition party, MDC has said public transport operators must go through training on how to combat Coronavirus.
Read full statement below :
Zimbabwe’s Public Transport system is a key element to be considered amid the Coronavirus (Covid-19) pandemic.
Trains, Buses and Airplanes are our modes of mass public transport and these are mostly overloaded and often unhygienic.
The conditions prevalent in mostly buses, kombis and pirate taxis (mshikashika) can prove to be catalysts during such outbreaks.
Cognisant of this problem, the MDC urges transport operators to sanitise public transport systems to improve the hygiene conditions.
Cleanliness is next to Godliness.
Staff operating these mass transport systems must go through compulsory training on how to keep high standards of hygiene.
Personal Protective Equipment for the crew must be worn appropriately and at all times. Hand sanitizers must be provided in all public transport systems and must be used by travellers.
Disinfectants must be sprayed in the buses and kombis at regular intervals to guard against conditions that promote survival of the coronavirus.
The MDC calls upon private companies to assist in the fight against Coronavirus through facilitating the acquisition of disinfectants and training the operators as well as provision of personal protective equipment for staffers.
The government is for the first time expected to put to good and appropriate use the USD26 million facility availed by the Global Fund in the fight against Covid19.
Zimbabweans remain skeptical as to the capacity of our government to be accountable since other such grants have been abused in the past at the expense of Public Safety.
The MDC family would like to thank President Adv Nelson Chamisa for providing leadership by inspecting the Harare Coronavirus Isolation Centre which is Wilkins Hospital. Leadership at all levels is expected to be alive to the challenges facing our institutions so that practical solutions can be arrived at from an informed position.
The MDC urges those that have been advised to self-quarantine to religiously follow all steps as advised by Health Authorities so as to avoid possible spread of the virus.
Prevention is better than cure and as such we applaud all Health Staffers who are taking all precautionary measures to ensure that the COVID19 pandemic is kept in check.
Hon Settlement Chikwinya. (MP)
National Secretary for Transport and Logistics
Vice President Constantino Chiwenga was last week forced to abandon his official duties on the advice of his doctors.
Chiwenga failed to attend a field day that was hosted at President Emmerson Mnangagwa’s Precabe farm in
Kwekwe , fuelling speculation that he had snubbed the event.
It has turned out that ill-health forced the former army general to skip the show.
Presidential spokesperson
George Charamba confirmed to the Daily News on Sunday that Chiwenga was on temporary medical leave.
Said Charamba:
“What I know is that he complained of fatigue and is resting at home.
He is in the country. He was not feeling too well and he wanted a bit of rest … that is the real issue.
Now, he is much, much better. I spoke to him and he is doing well, not that speculation that there is bad blood between him and the president.
That is nonsense.”
Chiwenga was airlifted to India, South Africa and China last year due to ill health.
He spent about four months in a Chinese hospital and has been embroiled in a messy divorce with his ex-model wife Marry since his return in November.-Daily News
Vice President Constantino Chiwenga was last week forced to abandon his official duties on the advice of his doctors.
Chiwenga failed to attend a field day that was hosted at President Emmerson Mnangagwa’s Precabe farm in
Kwekwe , fuelling speculation that he had snubbed the event.
It has turned out that ill-health forced the former army general to skip the show.
Presidential spokesperson
George Charamba confirmed to the Daily News on Sunday that Chiwenga was on temporary medical leave.
Said Charamba:
“What I know is that he complained of fatigue and is resting at home.
He is in the country. He was not feeling too well and he wanted a bit of rest … that is the real issue.
Now, he is much, much better. I spoke to him and he is doing well, not that speculation that there is bad blood between him and the president.
That is nonsense.”
Chiwenga was airlifted to India, South Africa and China last year due to ill health.
He spent about four months in a Chinese hospital and has been embroiled in a messy divorce with his ex-model wife Marry since his return in November.-Daily News
Vice President Constantino Chiwenga was last week forced to abandon his official duties on the advice of his doctors.
Chiwenga failed to attend a field day that was hosted at President Emmerson Mnangagwa’s Precabe farm in
Kwekwe , fuelling speculation that he had snubbed the event.
It has turned out that ill-health forced the former army general to skip the show.
Presidential spokesperson
George Charamba confirmed to the Daily News on Sunday that Chiwenga was on temporary medical leave.
Said Charamba:
“What I know is that he complained of fatigue and is resting at home.
He is in the country. He was not feeling too well and he wanted a bit of rest … that is the real issue.
Now, he is much, much better. I spoke to him and he is doing well, not that speculation that there is bad blood between him and the president.
That is nonsense.”
Chiwenga was airlifted to India, South Africa and China last year due to ill health.
He spent about four months in a Chinese hospital and has been embroiled in a messy divorce with his ex-model wife Marry since his return in November.-Daily News
VICE President Chiwenga has said the court cannot place his three minor children in the custody of his estranged wife, Marry Mubaiwa, who requires to be under constant care of a surgeon, physician and a psychiatrist.
High Court judge, Justice Christopher Dube-Banda, early this year granted Mubaiwa custody of the children and restrained the VP from interfering with her access to the Borrowdale Brooke home.
But VP Chiwenga said Mubaiwa should be in hospital for the intricate and life-saving treatment.
This emerged during the appeal in which VP Chiwenga is challenging the High Court decision to allow Mubaiwa to have custody of the couple’s three minor children.
Through his lawyer, Advocate Lewis Uriri, instructed by Mr Wilson Manase of Manase and Manase, VP Chiwenga, told the court that having relied on her medical affidavit to secure her freedom, and without alleging that the condition had been resolved, the balance of convenience was tilted against her.
Mubaiwa was granted bail after submitting a sworn statement confirming that she “must be under the care of surgeon, physician and a psychiatrist”.
“The court cannot as uppermost guardian of the children endanger them in the circumstances,” argued Adv Uriri.
“The court saw the affidavit. Its attention was specifically drawn to it. It is the uppermost guardian of the child.
“It should, once it decided to assume jurisdiction, enquire into the matter and make findings in the interest of the children.”
The three judge panel-led by Deputy Chief Justice Elizabeth Gwaunza heard that the court was mandated by the Constitution to take into account the best interests of the children.
Adv Uriri urged the court to have custody of the children placed on VP Chiwenga on the strength of Mubaiwa’s medical report.
In the High Court, Mubaiwa sought an order of spoliation, claiming VP Chiwenga abducted the couple’s children.-State media
VICE President Chiwenga has said the court cannot place his three minor children in the custody of his estranged wife, Marry Mubaiwa, who requires to be under constant care of a surgeon, physician and a psychiatrist.
High Court judge, Justice Christopher Dube-Banda, early this year granted Mubaiwa custody of the children and restrained the VP from interfering with her access to the Borrowdale Brooke home.
But VP Chiwenga said Mubaiwa should be in hospital for the intricate and life-saving treatment.
This emerged during the appeal in which VP Chiwenga is challenging the High Court decision to allow Mubaiwa to have custody of the couple’s three minor children.
Through his lawyer, Advocate Lewis Uriri, instructed by Mr Wilson Manase of Manase and Manase, VP Chiwenga, told the court that having relied on her medical affidavit to secure her freedom, and without alleging that the condition had been resolved, the balance of convenience was tilted against her.
Mubaiwa was granted bail after submitting a sworn statement confirming that she “must be under the care of surgeon, physician and a psychiatrist”.
“The court cannot as uppermost guardian of the children endanger them in the circumstances,” argued Adv Uriri.
“The court saw the affidavit. Its attention was specifically drawn to it. It is the uppermost guardian of the child.
“It should, once it decided to assume jurisdiction, enquire into the matter and make findings in the interest of the children.”
The three judge panel-led by Deputy Chief Justice Elizabeth Gwaunza heard that the court was mandated by the Constitution to take into account the best interests of the children.
Adv Uriri urged the court to have custody of the children placed on VP Chiwenga on the strength of Mubaiwa’s medical report.
In the High Court, Mubaiwa sought an order of spoliation, claiming VP Chiwenga abducted the couple’s children.-State media
By A Correspondent- The Chinese Ambassador to the Republic of Zimbabwe Guo Shaochun has dismissed Defence minister Oppah Muchinguri’s statement alleging that the virus is God’s punishment on Western countries that imposed sanctions on Zimbabwe.
Speaking at the press conference held in Harare yesterday Shaochun said the virus was a pandemic that had struck the world which needed unity of everyone globally.
“I do not agree with the notion that this is God’s punishment rather it a natural disaster that could hit anywhere henceforth there is need for us to unite and strategize enough vetting systems at all border post,” he said.
He further testified that there is no Zimbabwean residing in China that has been affected by the virus yet.
Speaking at the same press conference minister of Home Affairs and Cultural Heritage Kazembe Kazembe said there is no need to panick because there is no danger for Zimbabwe as far as the virus is concerned.
Muchinguri on Saturday slammed an inference against China and other nations over the ongoing Coronavirus pandemic, COVID-19.
It is a known fact that COVID-19 began in China and Zimbabwe’s ally’s economy has been worst hit.
Speaking in Chinhoyi, Muchinguri said coronavirus is punishment for sanctions put against members of her party, ZANU PF. Even though in her message she at the first mentioned US President Donald Trump, she also broadened the inference to other nations.
Her comments also came after Chinese banks blacklisted Zimbabwe not because of any sanctions, but bad credit history.
She said, “these are sanctions brought by nations that impose sanctions on us.
“God is punishing them, they’re now trapped inside their houses.
“Nowhere to go.
“Their economies are now screaming, the same way they are making ours suffer.
Said Muchinguri in full: This Coronavirus which has come is a result of sanctions.
These are sanctions brought by nations that impose sanctions on us.
God is punishing them,
They’re now trapped inside their houses.
Nowhere to go.
Their economies are now screaming, the same way they are making ours suffer.
Trump must know he is not God.
You are squeazing us expecting us to go where?
May you be squeazed as well by Coronavirus, until you understand the pain of how it feels!
SEVENTH MEETING DECISIONS MATRIX:
17th MARCH 2020
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ITEM CABINET DECISION
The Minister advised that while more cases and deaths are being reported in Europe, 26 countries in Africa, have confirmed cases of COVID-19. Of these countries, four are from the SADC region, namely: South Africa, Eswathini, Namibia and the Democratic Republic of Congo. South Africa, in particular, has reported local spread of COVID-19, while the other three countries have reported imported cases largely from Europe. His Excellency the President has already provided more detail on this.
Furthermore, a number of measures have been put in place to deal with the outbreak chief among which are the following:
• Developing standard operating procedures (SOPs) to guide implementation in the following key areas: points of entry; self-isolation, surveillance; rapid response teams; and case investigation; laboratory case management, logistics, and infection prevention and control. The SOPs aim to achieve efficiency, quality output and uniformity of performance in COVID-19 preparedness and response.
• Strengthening the capacity of identified isolation centres to be able to manage severe cases throughout the country. Work has begun to upgrade Wilkins Hospital with support from the Chinese.
• Procuring confirmatory test kits for COVID-19 with some having been received as donations from partners, such WHO, Africa CDC, DFID, and the Chinese Government.
• Procurement of COVID-19 Rapid Diagnostic Test kits (RDTs) for use at ports of entry is in progress.
• Discouragement of Zimbabweans from travelling to and through high risk affected countries as well as cancelling all non-essential travel.
• Immediate suspension of all gatherings of more than 100 people, such as 2020 Independence Anniversary Celebrations, church gatherings, weddings and burial ceremonies for a period of 60 days.
Government also urges the citizenry to rely on official reports from the Ministry of Health and Child Care only. Details on the operationalization of the directives will be announced in due course.
• to provide for the establishment of a Pension Fund whose objective shall be to provide for the payment of pension, gratuities and other benefits;
• to provide for the management of the Fund by a Board of Trustees whose function shall include but not limited to the administration of the Fund; and
• to provide for contributions made by members towards the Fund. The rates of contribution by both the employer and the members will be outlined. Furthermore, the pension benefits that will be payable to members in the employment of the State shall be fixed in the members’ conditions of employment.
a) that the pre-planting winter wheat producer floor price be pegged at ZW$11 786.44 per metric tonne at a margin of 20%, assuming a yield of 4 metric per hectare;
b) that the premium price for Grade A wheat be set at ZW$14 143.73 which is 20% above the wheat producer floor price;
c) that the soya bean floor price be set at ZW$12 833 per metric tonne at a 20% margin, assuming a yield of 2 metric tonnes per hectare;
d) that, going forward, the cost build-up plus margin model should be used in the determination of producer prices; and
e) that the growing of sesame and sunflower be promoted to increase feedstock for cooking oil production and as an import substitution strategy.
HARARE, —President Mnangagwa today said pandemics like coronavirus (Covid-19) cannot be blamed on anyone since they have a scientific explanation, and called on Zimbabweans to empathise with those affected.
In a statement, the President sent his condolences and solidarity to all those who were already suffering due to the effects of the deadly virus.
“Pandemics of this kind have a scientific explanation and knows no boundary, and like any other natural phenomenon cannot be blamed on anyone,” he said.
“We have all witnessed the tragic scenes in China, Iran, Italy and other countries around the world. We stand with our friends in the international community. My Government empathises with the affected people around the globe and stands ready to assist in whatever ways within our capacity.”
The President’s statement comes in the wake of remarks by Defence and War Veterans Affairs Minister Oppah Muchinguri-Kashiri who at the weekend insinuated that COVID-19 was God’s response to countries that imposed sanctions on Zimbabwe.
Muchinguri described the coronavirus as God’s way of punishing the United States and other western countries for imposing sanctions on Zimbabwe, prompting the president to issue a statement Monday restating his government’s commitment to fighting COVID-19.
Mnangagwa said Zimbabwe stands by the international community in fighting the Covid-19, and that it was time to look after each other, especially the weak and vulnerable.
He said even though the virus was yet to strike in Zimbabwe, it was important not to “rest on our laurels”.
COVID-19, said the President, was the worst global pandemic, and perhaps the greatest threat to humanity since the great wars of the last century.
“My Government empathises with the affected people around the globe and stands ready to assist in whatever ways within our capacity. As a nation we must stand strong. Strong and united. Strong and vigilant. We must act early and we must act sensibly.”
Oppah Muchinguri, the defense minister, appeared to mock Western nations while addressing a group of ruling party supporters at the weekend.
“This coronavirus that has come are sanctions against the countries that have imposed sanctions on us. God is punishing them now and they are staying indoors now while their economy is screaming like what they did to ours by imposing sanctions on us,” Muchinguri said at a rally in Chinhoyi, about 120 kilometers (75 miles) northwest of the capital, Harare, according to local reports. A video of her statement has gone viral.
“(Donald) Trump should know that he is not God. They must face the consequences of coronavirus so that they also feel the pain,” she said in the local Shona language.
Muchinguri’s utterances prompted massive criticism from opposition politicians, humanitarian organizations and ordinary Zimbabweans on social media.
Zimbabwe has not yet recorded a case of COVID-19 but neighboring South Africa has more than 60 cases. Across Africa, 30 of the continent’s 54 countries have confirmed cases.
President Emmerson Mnangagwa issued a statement Monday saying his government “empathizes with the affected people around the globe.” He did not mention Muchinguri by name, but the statement published in the state-run Herald newspaper appears to modify her criticism of the U.S.
“Pandemics of this kind have a scientific explanation and know no boundary, and like any other natural phenomenon cannot be blamed on anyone,” Mnangagwa said.
Relations between Zimbabwe and Western countries have been icy for the past two decades after sanctions were imposed on Zimbabwe over alleged human rights abuses.
The U.S, the European Union and Britain, however, remain Zimbabwe’s biggest donors, routinely helping the troubled southern African country fight widespread hunger, cholera and other afflictions by providing food aid and medicines to millions of people.
The main opposition Movement for Democratic Change party on Monday described Muchinguri’s statement as “reckless, morbid and inhuman.”
Others on social media did not miss the irony that the COVID-19 originated in and is heavily affecting China, one of Zimbabwe’s biggest political allies. Muchinguri did not mention China in her weekend address.
“How does she face her Chinese counterparts, where the pandemic began when she makes such insulting and insensitive statements?” queried Alex Magaisa, a government critic and law lecturer at the University of Kent in the United Kingdom.
It’s come to our knowledge that the Econet has started introducing remote work for certain staffers – with around 50% of their staff now instructed to work from home due to the Coronavirus pandemic.
Whilst Zimbabwe hasn’t had an officially confirmed case, the telecommunications has reacted proactively and minimized the risk that staff and by extension the wider society would have if people keep to their daily routines as if things are normal.
We are also reliably informed that a few weeks ago some employees were given face masks and hand sanitizers as precautionary measures against the virus.
Liquid Telecom also recently postponed their EduZones Campaign event that was supposed to start tomorrow with invited press members receiving the following email;
Good Day
Due to concerns about the potential spread of COVID-19 (corona virus) the Liquid Telecom Zimbabwe Eduzone Campaign slated for the 18th of March 2020 has been postponed in the interest of public safety. A new launch date will be announced in due course.
We apologise for any inconveniences caused. Email from Liquid Telecom
Most Zimbabwean companies – especially the likes of Econet who are among the largest local companies will no doubt have to deal with the logistical nightmare that is remote working at a moment’s notice.
With the current power situation locally and the fact that some employees might not have laptops, it might prove difficult to ensure that productivity stays at the level Econet would normally want but in all fairness, this isn’t a normal situation.
Maybe these challenges are why some of the staff is still required to come in and maybe those with less critical roles or those who are prepared to work from home have been cleared to work outside their normal offices.
UEFA has suspended the Champions League and Europa League finals because of the Coronavirus pandemic.
The association then announced new final dates for the two competitions as follows:
The UEFA Champions League had reached the last 16-second leg level when the association suspended all matches.
Some of the matches, including PSG Vs Dortmund match, had been played in empty stadiums as authorities feared that public gatherings would further worsen the situation.-Transfer News Live
A SENIOR police officer and his subordinate were arrested in Shurugwi on Saturday after they released a gold ore theft suspect nabbed during the ongoing Operation Chikorokoza Chapera.
According to a leaked police memo, one Inspector Banga and his junior, Constable Zhou were on assignment on Saturday at Show Mining Claims in Shurugwi.
During the operation, they arrested Patrick Maredza who had fled from them in an earlier raid driving an unregistered Honda Fit car.
They searched him and his vehicle and discovered 200kg of gold ore and ZW$4 000. Their boss, Chief Superintendent Tom ordered Banga and Zhou to escort Maredza to Show Business Centre and the impounded vehicle.
The pair, together with other police officers Constable Chipato and Kabvundura escorted him to the business centre.
On arrival, Zhou advised Banga that Maredza was offering a ZW$10 0000 bribe for his release. Banga allegedly ordered him to facilitate the release.
Zhou is said to have advised his colleagues to offload the gold ore which was in Maredza’s vehicle and put it in Banga’s vehicle. Maredza handed US$300 to Zhou and was released.
The offence came to light when Tom returned to Shurugwi Police Station and wanted to account for Maredza and the impounded vehicle.
He phoned Banga to inquire about Maredza and the vehicle’s whereabouts. However Banga in turn texted him back allegedly advising him that his share of the bribe was ready for collection, leading to their arrest.
The US$300 was recovered and Maredza re-arrested.
THREE suspected armed robbers are on the run after they allegedly robbed a 35-year-old Beitbridge illegal money changer of R76 000 and US$838 at a gunpoint.
The suspects threatened the osiphatheleni with a firearm after one of them stopped him saying he wanted to conduct a transaction.
The suspects then assaulted and robbed him.
National police spokesperson Assistant Commissioner Paul Nyathi confirmed the incident which occurred on Monday at around 6PM.
“I can confirm that we received a report of three unknown armed robbers who allegedly assaulted an illegal money changer before robbing him of cash amounting to R76 000 and US$838 at gunpoint. No arrests have been made so far and investigations are underway,” he said.
Asst Comm Nyathi said the complainant was driving a Toyota Kia on his way from a soccer match when one of the accused persons allegedly stopped him at a service station in Beitbridge.
The suspect allegedly said he wanted to change US$100 into Rands.
“During the transaction two more accused persons emerged. The third suspect who had a pistol forced the complainant at gunpoint to drive them to a secluded area where they started attacking him with fists before robbing him of cash,” said Asst Comm Nyathi.
He said after the robbery the accused persons fled from the scene leaving the complainant who rushed to Beitbridge police station and reported the matter.
Asst Comm Nyathi urged members of the public to desist from engaging in illegal foreign currency dealings, saying they risk arrest or losing their money to fraudsters.
He said money changing on the streets was illegal and police would not hesitate to arrest culprits.
Recently, four suspected armed robbers allegedly attacked and robbed a Beitbridge illegal money changer of US$4 000, R6 000, $80 and a cellphone at a gunpoint.
The incident occurred at a garage along the Beitbridge-Bulawayo highway.
— Herald
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NORTON MP, Temba Mliswa has accused Finance Minister Mthuli Ncube of crashing the national economy through the continuous introduction of unpopular policies which often result in economic upheaval.
In a Twitter post Tuesday, Mliswa urged Ncube to stop introducing policies that have proven to worsen the country’s dire economic situation than the opposite.
“Each time Mthuli Ncube makes any policy intervention, the Zimbabwean dollar rate against the United States Dollar tumbles. Malume, why don’t you keep quiet for a year maybe the rate will go down. Just go on Sabbatical, lecture somewhere and come back after a year. Things will be sort themselves out,” said Mliswa.
In a recent policy pronouncement, Ncube ‘floated’ the US dollar in attempts to create a system he said would properly predict exchange rates.
Ncube (pictured below) succeeded Patrick Chinamasa after being appointed by President Emmerson Mnangagwa in September 2018.
The following year, he banned the United States dollar, a currency credited for stabilising the Zimbabwean economy since dollarisation in 2009.
Emmerson MnangagwaPRESIDENT Emmerson Mnangagwa has declared the coronavirus a national disaster and further decreed a ban on weddings, church gatherings and foreign travels to countries worst affected by the rampaging disease.
In a special address to the media at State House this Tuesday afternoon, Mnangagwa also moved to suspend this year’s Independence Day celebrations which were scheduled for Bulawayo on 18 April and this year’s edition of the Zimbabwe International Trade Fair.
He maintained Zimbabwean schools shall remain open until their initially scheduled closing at the beginning of next month.
“Dates for school opening will be announced,” he said.
Any gathering of people of over 100 people has been banned for the next 60 days.
Sporting events have also been suspended with immediate effect.
More to follow…
Emmerson MnangagwaGovernment has postponed the Zimbabwe International Trade Fair and the independence celebrations until the the threat of corona virus recedes, President Mnangagwa has announced.
In his State of the Nation Address at State House this afternoon, President Mnangagwa says all activities will resume once Government is satisfied that the country is no longer at risk.
“Government has decided to postpone, curtail or cancel public events, gatherings and activities,” he said.
“In that respect, Government has postponed the Zimbabwe International Trade Fair, all national independence celebrations previously planned, and pending international sporting fixtures until the threat of corona virus recedes.”
“We must join hands working with the rest of the world on fighting this virus even though it has not yet crossed our borders. We must have a national response plan. Humanity is at risk and stands at hazardous crossroads,” said President Mnangagwa.
Zimbabwe Football Association has advised the Premier Soccer League that all Harare venues are not eligible to host the upcoming league season due to their poor state.
Harare has National Sports Stadium, Rufaro and Gwanzura as the main stadiums but they have all failed the initial inspection.
The city hosts several teams in the Castle Lager Premier Soccer League including giants Dynamos and CAPS United, Harare City, Black Rhinos and Yadah.
According to a letter sent to the PSL by Zifa, only six venues have been approved to host top-flight games in the 2020 campaign. These are Bulawayo’s Barbourfields and Luveve Stadiums, Gibbo in Triangle, Vengere in Rusape, Zvishavane’s Mandava and Baobab Stadium in Mhondoro.
However, there is still a chance for all banned stadiums to host the league provided they meet the minimum standards before the re-inspection.-Soccer 24
Farai Dziva|Coronavirus has claimed it’s first football victim following the death of Spanish coach Fransisco Garcia.
Garcia (21), a youth team coach at Malaga-based Atlético Portada Alta, had a previously undiagnosed form of leukemia that made him more vulnerable to the dangerous epidemic and was pronounced dead on Monday.
“We are still in a state of shock. They called me at 7 p.m. on Sunday saying that he was stabilized after they had admitted him on Friday. And an hour later…,” Pep Bueno, the club’s president told Spanish media.
“The coronavirus and a bad thing came together,” he said. “I’m not believing it. I don’t believe it. It seems impossible to me.”
Farai Dziva|Coronavirus has claimed it’s first football victim following the death of Spanish coach Fransisco Garcia.
Garcia (21), a youth team coach at Malaga-based Atlético Portada Alta, had a previously undiagnosed form of leukemia that made him more vulnerable to the dangerous epidemic and was pronounced dead on Monday.
“We are still in a state of shock. They called me at 7 p.m. on Sunday saying that he was stabilized after they had admitted him on Friday. And an hour later…,” Pep Bueno, the club’s president told Spanish media.
“The coronavirus and a bad thing came together,” he said. “I’m not believing it. I don’t believe it. It seems impossible to me.”
The South African Premier Soccer League has suspended all ABSA Premiership matches scheduled for mid-week and the weekend after the cases of coronavirus rose sharply in the past days.
The outbreak has seen over 60 locals infected and on Sunday, President Cyril Ramaphosa declared it a national disaster.
The PSL has followed up by putting on hold the games until further notice, as part of the efforts to curb the spreading of the deadly virus.
This was confirmed by the League’s chairman Ivan Khoza at a press conference on Monday. The boss also said they will hold another meeting on Thursday to make a final decision regarding the remainder of the season.
Several top-flight leagues including the Serie A, French Ligue 1, EPL, La Liga, Bundesliga and UEFA’s inter-clubs competitions were all suspend in the wake of coronavirus.
CAF follow suite by postponing all Afcon qualifiers which were scheduled for this month-end.-Soccer 24
The Zimbabwe National Statistics Agency (ZIMSTAT) has announced that Zimbabwe’s annual inflation was, as of February 2020, at 540.16 percent while the month on month inflation was at 13.52 percent.
The rate at which inflation rose is alarming considering that annual inflation was 59.39% in February 2019.
Analysts attribute the rise to low production in the country which forces locals, individuals, businesses and government, to import almost everything from other countries.-Xinhua
Farai Dziva|Musician Greatman, whose real name is Tongai Gwaze says he is happily married -contrary to reports of squabbles with his wife.
See below Greatman’s statement :
A pleasant evening to all my fans, I have to say I’m honored to annonce that I’m happily married to Silibaziso Masara.
I know a lot has been said about her character by some who have a belief that she has other intentions but honestly as unbelievable as it seems or as hilarious as some of you think it is, the indisputable fact is what brought us together is unconditional love.
So we’re going to do everything within our power to try and give a blind eye to all the negative comments and appreciate those who are suppotive.
I want to be clear on one thing; my condition doesn’t make me useless, I’ve proven in most cases to be worthy of being called human among humans so I take such negativity as nothing but discrimination.
My wife loves me for who I am not because of what I can do for her. I don’t mean to brag but there is true love out there. I’ve seen some are further investigating my sexual issues which I find very desturbing and unnecessary.
I’m not going to waste my time explaining myself on that,,, as I said before, what humans can do, Greatman can do so I’m sorry but what’s keeping us going is the power of love, hence they say love conquers everything.
I’ve heard some commenting about the things that she used to say as a kid. How could someone try to excavate the unknown and try to weigh it with reality. To be frank enough, everyone has a past and if we dig deeper some are murderers but we moved on because such are phases of life.
Moreover whatever happened before I met my wife is none of my business, I dont live in the past so I’m concerned about the current Silibaziso because she is the one that I know.
The character that you’re depicting is your own and I really do not worry about that one because I don’t know her.
Thank you for your support but to nail this hot issue, Greatman is HAPPILY MARRIED, so we will keep you posted…
Farai Dziva|Musician Greatman, whose real name is Tongai Gwaze says he is happily married -contrary to reports of squabbles with his wife.
See below Greatman’s statement :
A pleasant evening to all my fans, I have to say I’m honored to annonce that I’m happily married to Silibaziso Masara.
I know a lot has been said about her character by some who have a belief that she has other intentions but honestly as unbelievable as it seems or as hilarious as some of you think it is, the indisputable fact is what brought us together is unconditional love.
So we’re going to do everything within our power to try and give a blind eye to all the negative comments and appreciate those who are suppotive.
I want to be clear on one thing; my condition doesn’t make me useless, I’ve proven in most cases to be worthy of being called human among humans so I take such negativity as nothing but discrimination.
My wife loves me for who I am not because of what I can do for her. I don’t mean to brag but there is true love out there. I’ve seen some are further investigating my sexual issues which I find very desturbing and unnecessary.
I’m not going to waste my time explaining myself on that,,, as I said before, what humans can do, Greatman can do so I’m sorry but what’s keeping us going is the power of love, hence they say love conquers everything.
I’ve heard some commenting about the things that she used to say as a kid. How could someone try to excavate the unknown and try to weigh it with reality. To be frank enough, everyone has a past and if we dig deeper some are murderers but we moved on because such are phases of life.
Moreover whatever happened before I met my wife is none of my business, I dont live in the past so I’m concerned about the current Silibaziso because she is the one that I know.
The character that you’re depicting is your own and I really do not worry about that one because I don’t know her.
Thank you for your support but to nail this hot issue, Greatman is HAPPILY MARRIED, so we will keep you posted…
By Court Correspondent| There was drama at the Harare Magistrates Court this morning when the prolific MDC President Nelson Chamisa’s lawyer, Thabani Mpofu turned up to represent a fraudster who says he is the late property mogul, Edward Pfugari’s son.
Adv Mpofu is representing Mr Edward Bayiti Rwendela, who in South Africa uses the knickname, Foreman.
Edward Bayiti has forged a fake birth certificate and created a fake educational profile so that he can obtain a residency permit in Zimbabwe.
The South African man only turned up after 39 years to begin claiming that he is the son of the late businessman who passed away last year in February, and in the latest development he has forged company documents to demand a 50% stake in the man’s entire business empire, pushing away 4 for surviving children.
Adv Mpofu was once billed to represent the same Pfugari siblings he is now opposing, on the same case. Having adulterated his robe, as it were, Adv Mpofu today told the court Edward Bayiti might have committed fraud but he remains the son of the late businessman.
He asked the court to throw out the case. – MORE TO FOLLOW…
President Emmerson Mnangagwa is expected to address the nation on the country situation with regards to coronavirus.
Follow ZimEye for live updates…
15:06hrs- Nations together have to stand as one.
15:06hrs- We are under no illusion that what befall other nations will come to us.
15:07hrs- We have to take preventive and precaution steps
15:07hrs- We have to have a national response plan once the pandemic reaches us.
15:08hrs- More still needs to be known about the virus, humanity is at risk, worldwide the pandemic’s impact on national health system has been enomous
15:09hrs- We now have to join hands against this global threat
15:10hrs- We have seen key bilateral trade being stopped or being halted, travel and tourism have been the most affected
15:11hrs- The economic impact of coronavirus is being felt threatening our vision 2030
15:12hrs- Govt has been seized with this matter for some time, our measures include -Rapid response to any suspected cases, creating isolation centres where suspected cases are being monitored and tested, reinforcing national health systems, improving hygiene systems, information dissemination and national awareness, creating a special fund against the pandemic
15:14hrs government taking additional measures, including declaring the pandemic coronavirus a national disaster
15:16hrs- Travel ban for the next 30 days. Zimbabweans are discouraged from travelling to, through coronavirus affected countries.
15:17hrs- Zimbabwe will not close any of its entry points but will upscale screening
15:18hrs- All public gatherings have been suspended including the independence celebrations
15:18hrs- Government has cancelled the independence day celebrations and ZITF
15:19hrs- money for independence celebrations will be redirected towards fighting the coronavirus pandemic
15:24hrs- Question and Answer Session
15:24hrs- Asked if tertiary institutions will close, Mnangagwa says he does not follow social media reports
15:32hrs- Mnangagwa says they have completely closed out undesignated entry points into the country
Farai Dziva|Zimbabwe Online Health Centre, a digital platform for health awareness, has urged the nation to remain watchful as COVID-19 continues to ravage the world.
Cases of COVID-19 have been confirmed in South Africa.
See below a statement compiled by Zimbabwe Online Health Centre director, Dr Ellane Simon:
The COVID-19 virus is crown shaped.
It affects both animals and humans and can be transmitted from animals to humans. Anyone anywhere can be infected by the virus. It infects people through coughing and sneezing, touching an infected person’s hands or face or touching infected objects an infected person has touched.
It is like all the other viruses that cause common cold and is common in winter.
Symptoms include a runny nose, headache, cough, sore throat, fever and a feeling of being unwell. In people with an immunocompromised immune system such as children, elderly, those with heart diseases they might develop respiratory tract infections such as pneumonia or bronchitis.
There are ways one can protect themselves from catching the virus. Prevention methods include: washing hands with soap and water or using a hand rub always. Avoid touching the eyes, nose or mouth with unwashed hands.
Avoid close contact with infected people. Those infected should also cover their nose, mouth when coughing.
However, if infected one needs plenty of rest, lots of fluids and management of symptoms such as sore throat, fever.
If there is pneumonia or bronchitis one should also receive appropriate treatment for that respiratory tract infection.
Because this is a communicable virus it spreads fast therefore always protect yourself and your community.
Prevention is always better than cure.
Compiled by Zimbabwe Online Health Centre
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Coronavirus modes of transmission (see chart)
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By Dr Tapiwa Mashakada
Political stability depends on the role of the military in civilian affairs.
In the case of Zimbabwe the military is meddling in politics because the philosophy is that the gun guides politics.
In 2002 the securocrats sent the clearest signal that they would determine who occupies State House when they declared that the position of the President was a strait jacket only occupied by someone with liberation war credentials.
Therein lies the problem. It means that elections do not mean anything.
For instance In 2008 Tsvangirai won elections but did not win power. The same contestation replayed itself in 2018. What is clear is that the Zimbabwe military is playing the midwifery role in any transition.
They are political players too. In other jurisdictions the army stays in the barracks and defends their constitutional role to protect the sovereignty of the country. In other countries the army does not involve itself in elections.
Whoever wins the ballot becomes the President. In other words they respect the will of the people.
The MDC respects the army which is one of the best in Africa and assures them that they have nothing to fear under an MDC government.
Their welfare,interests and conditions of service will be improved.
The military will continue to play a pivotal role in the development of the country as they uphold the Constitution and promote better Civil-Military Relations. Obrigado.
Farai Dziva|MDC president Nelson Chamisa has call on Zimbabweans to do their best to defeat Coronavirus.
“I visited Wilkins hospital. So encouraging to see how the City of HARARE leaders & staff are working to enhance training, capacity and preparedness in dealing with COVID-19.I was taken through the processes.We must all do our best to be fight this pandemic,” tweeted Chamisa.
“As the world battles the COVID19 pandemic,our prayers and sympathies are with the victims,families and their loved ones.
We wish strength to the health &social services workers on the frontlines.Thank you world leaders for your efforts and leadership in these trying times,”he added.
Farai Dziva|The bail application ruling on the case of Stephen Chuma and MDC members who were arrested in Chitungwiza is set for Friday March 20.
See below the opposition party’s statement on the matter:
The matter of Stephen Sarkozy Chuma and others v The State was heard today(Tuesday) before Justice Chitapi.
After powerful presentation by lawyer Tapiwa Muchineripi assisted by Job Sikhala the Judge agreed with the arguments of the two counsels. The State was taken to task on how they classified a finable offense to be serious.
Secondly, the Judge asked the reasoning of the Magistrate who denied our comrades bail on the grounds that they were arrested at the scene of the commission of the alleged offense when they were long arrested doing nothing before the outbreak of violence.
The State became hopeless when one Mapfuwa for the State lied to the Court that the comrades were caught with catapults and knives when such evidence was never produced at the Court aquo.
After being grilled by the Judge, he embarrassingly conceded that there were no grounds to deny our comrades bail. He then suggested that they be admitted to bail on 300 rtgs each the submission vehemently opposed by the lawyers.
The lawyers said bail should be measured by the ability of an accused person to pay.
They are only able to pay 100 rtgs suggested by the Applicants.
The judge advised that he will give the judgement on Friday as he wants to deal with the two reasons in a comprehensive manner the Magistrate cited to deny the Applicants bail.
But in short, the State has conceded the granting of bail to the comrades and we wait for the full judgement of their freedom on Friday the 20th of March 2020.