Life-Saving Heart Surgery for Geoff Nyarota

We belong to the Geo Support Group whose membership comprises several senior Zimbabwean media practitioners based at home and abroad.

We have come together for a noble cause to appeal for contributions in support of our colleague, Geoffrey Nyarota. He must undergo coronary angioplasty, surg…

Forward this message to your contacts to help this campaign reach its target!

SOME service stations selling fuel in foreign currency have hiked prices, reportedly in response to the Zimbabwe Revenue Authority’s (Zimra) foreign currency duty demand for petrol and diesel sold in hard currency.

Zimra said in line with Statutory Instrument 161 of 2019, companies that imported fuel in forex since August 2019 should pay taxes in hard currency in retrospect.

Zimra said duty imports for petrol will charged at US$0,45 cents per litre for unleaded petrol and US$0,40 cents per litre for diesel.

It could not immediately be confirmed that the Statutory Instrument contributed to fuel price hikes. A survey revealed that fuel prices have gone up for most stations selling fuel in foreign currency.

Previously, diesel and petrol were being sold for between US$1,18 and US$1,36 per litre but the pump price jumped up to US$1,51 for petrol and $1,43 for diesel.

Flo service stations that were selling both diesel and petrol at between US$1,18 and US$1,25 per litre last week have increased their pump price with petrol being sold at US$1,43 and diesel at US$1,29 per litre.

At Zuva Service Station along Leopold Takawira Avenue petrol was being sold at US$1,51 per litre and US$1,36 for diesel.

A fuel attendant who requested anonymity said the price increase was due to the introduction of duty payments in foreign currency.

“This forex duty is now dipping into the pocket of profits so the price has to go up to avoid operating at a loss. The only problem is that we are paid in local currency yet we serve people in forex all day,” said the fuel attendant.

At Busuman Service Station along Fife Street between 14th and 15th Avenues, the pump price for both diesel and petrol had not changed at US$1,25 per litre.

It was the same situation at Classic Cars Station in Belmont, as it sold both petrol and diesel for US$1,25

The discrepancies in forex fuel prices had seen motorists demanding to know why it seems Government was not regulating the commodity sold in foreign currency as it does with fuel sold in local currency.

Energy and Power Development Minister Fortune Chasi last week revealed that the Zimbabwe Energy Regulatory Authority (Zera) would be announcing new fuel prices on or before the 5th of every month.

Minister Chasi said Government was still working on modalities of regulating companies selling fuel in foreign currency.

Zera acting chief executive officer Mr Eddington Mazambani, responding to Chronicle’s emailed questions, said they were still working on regulations to govern stations selling fuel in foreign currency.

“There are regulations that will deal with operators who may attempt to violate the direct fuel import facility. Zera requested all interested operators to submit their applications to be considered for licensing to sell fuel in foreign currency. The applications are being compiled and a detailed analysis and classification of sites to be licensed by province and town will be availed in due course,” said Mr Mazambani.

He said once all the regulations have been put in place operators who will violate the law, will be penalised.

“A combination of civil and criminal procedures will be applied as part of enforcing the regulations. Punitive penalties are in place,” he said.

Mr Mazambani said operators who will be granted licences to sell fuel in foreign currency will be advertised in mainstream media as well as Zera’s social media platforms.

Farai Dziva|Health Minister Obadiah Moyo has said it is not safe for the Warriors of Zimbabwe to travel to Algeria.

Moyo said : We understand that our (national football) team will be playing in Algiers.

That is where we have a problem.
They will go there and meet other people.

We understand that in Algeria there are people who are sick and they will meet those people. We have to quickly see what we can do on that issue.

They must not go, is it not? I want to thank you because I have heard you agreeing with me. I will take that word up.

The Government of Zimbabwe has announced new exams fees and the payment deadline barely weeks after reverting to 2015 fees.

According to the publication, grade 7, O level and A-Level students at Public and private schools will pay the following fees to sit for their exams:

This means that Grade Seven candidates registered at private institutions will pay a total of $264 for all their five subjects while those at public institutions will pay $125 for all subjects.

At Ordinary Level candidates will pay $190 per subject at private institutions and $90 at public institutions.

Advanced Level candidates will pay $351 and $165 per subject at private and public institutions respectively.

Those re-sitting for public examinations will also pay full examination fees.

The government has released $150 million to ZIMSEC to cushion parents who might be burdened with the exam fees hike, leaving parents to pay the remaining 53% of the fees.-State media

By A Correspondent- Some Bulawayo supermarkets on Tuesday were rejecting payment in Ecocash and swipe when residents were buying the subsidised mealie meal.

A survey done in some of the shops such as Cover Supermarket and Oceans established that the shops were accepting only cash and rejecting Eco cash and swipe much to the inconvenience of many residents who now relay on the two payment methods due to escalating cash shortages.

“I have asked the till operators here if they accepted Ecocash but they told me that they want cash only. I am stranded now and have not been having mealie meal for days now. The only method available for me is Ecocash since I do not have a bank account and the cash is difficult to get,” said one resident who was queuing for the staple product at Cover supermarket.

An one said it s high time we will make noise in these shops, these methods are provided for us by the government and financial institutions  and it is known that there is a shortage of cash, why then would some one demand payment for such a staple food in cash only,” fumed another queuing resident.

The shops have been not having mealie meal for a long time and residents who saw a truck parking in front of these shops run to queue anticipating to get something. However the product got finished while many were still in a queue.

By A Correspondent- In a disturbing development, a South African man allegedly raped his friend’s girlfriend at his house after taking advantage that his associate was not there.

The alleged rapist, Siyanda “Viper” Madubula, reportedly pounced on his friend’s girlfriend and had s.e.x with her without her consent. The matter was exposed after an audio clip allegedly recorded during the crime leaked.

On the day of the incident, Mabula is reported to have gone out for drinking spree with complainant’s boyfriend who passed out after having one too many drinks. Aware that the complainant was all alone at his friend’s house, he seized the opportunity and went there.

In the heart-rendering recording which has been making rounds on social media, the victim who refers Madubula with his moniker, Viper, begs him to stop but he turns a deaf ear to her plea and rapes her. “Viper I can’t breathe. Please don’t hurt me. Rather masturbate, you are scaring me. My boyfriend knows my story. I’ve been raped twice before and now this. You are opening old wounds.” the helpless woman can be heard.

The disturbing incident was confirmed by Eastern Cape police spokesperson Brigadier Tembinkosi Kinan who also revealed that a case had been opened against Madubula.

“We can confirm that we are aware of a voice recording in circulation on social media and it forms part of police investigation. A case of rape in relation to this incident has been opened. A 25-year-old suspect was charged with rape,” said the police spokesperson.

The victim’s sibling (name withheld) told online publication, The Star, that his sister recorded the clip so as to present it before her boyfriend to expose Madubula for making s.e.xual pursuits at her. Unfortunately for her, she was raped that very night.

“Viper is a very close friend of my sister’s boyfriend. The two had been drinking together earlier. The boyfriend passed out and Viper decided to go and attack my sister because he knew she had been waiting at her boyfriend’s house.

She recorded him after he started making s.e.xual advances at her. She wanted to use the clip to show her boyfriend that she is not cheating on him with Viper. She didn’t know that he was going to rape her,”said her sister.

The victim is a 21-year-old Walter Sisulu University student and her mobile phone has since been confiscated by the police as part of the ongoing investigations.

By A Correspondent- The government has banned hospitals from purchasing equipment from companies that do not offer after-sales services, saying it has been incurring high service costs.

Last month, the  Senior Hospital Doctors Association blasted government for purchasing US$600 000 worth of obsolete equipment, which included theatre equipment, incubators and ventilators from an Indian supplier last year.

The doctors said some of the equipment was condemned by the engineers on arrival and that the manufacturer had long discontinued the lines and no longer manufactured spares for repairs.

Health permanent secretary Agnes Mahomva made the remarks yesterday while touring Mpilo Central Hospital, United Bulawayo Hospitals (UBH) and the Joshua Mqabuko Nkomo International Airport.

She was part of the delegation which included Health minister Obadiah Moyo, Bulawayo Provincial Affairs minister Judith Ncube and Global Fund executive director Peter Sands.

“We will not be able to sort every problem and issues that you come across. Let us be clear on that, service contractors are there. That does not take away the equipment that has already been bought,” Mahomva said.

“Let us make sure that the equipment we have works, but let us be clear that the new or replaced equipment should have service providers. You (Mpilo) are a procurement unit, you should work with your service providers. They are the ones who then buy the specifications for the equipment and become part of it.

“The challenge you have is now ours because of the equipment that was bought in the past, which have no service contractors. So let us work together to make sure that those machines are functioning.”

She said she was delighted that the power challenges at Mpilo had been sorted out. Mpilo was on Sunday last week plunged into darkness after daring thieves stole power cables.

“Last week, Mpilo Hospital chief executive officer Leonard Mabhandi came to our offices in Harare speaking about the interruption of power. We are delighted that everything is finally working and that there has been a software upgrade,” Mahomva said.-Newsday

By A Correspondent- Bulawayo residents have threatened to take to the streets if maize meal shortages persist.

Residents queuing for the staple product expressed concern over the shortages, claiming that the obtaining situation was precarious and if not addressed, they would be left with no option, but to storm the streets demanding remedy.

Residents accused government of stretching their patience.

“We have been tested for too long and, believe you me, if things continue like this residents will end up taking to the streets because a hungry man is an angry man,” a Bulawayo resident, Lesley Mathe said.      

The residents appealed to the relevant authorities and retailers to address the issue of mealie meal shortages, accusing some shop owners of selling the commodity on the black market for a higher price.               

“We are sick and tired of corrupt officials working with corrupt retailers to buy mealie meal then sell it on the black market. We are now buying a 10kg of mealie meal for ZAR100 and this is beyond the reach of many,” Nombulelo Ncube of Mahatshula said.

Contacted for comment yesterday, Grain Millers’ Association of Zimbabwe (GMAZ) spokesperson Garikai Chaunza said the association had imported 10 000 tonnes of maize from South Africa which was already in the country.

“People should not panic as GMAZ has imported 10 000 tonnes of maize from South Africa and the maize is already in the country awaiting distribution. We will continue to import more maize,” Chaunza assured.-statemedia

By A Correspondent- A Bulawayo man was this week jailed for 45 years for stealing electricity copper cables.

Prosper Tshuma (26) of Iminyela, Bulawayo, was arrested after police received a tip-off from residents.

He appeared before Bulawayo magistrate Mark Dzira on Thursday facing three counts of theft and will spend three-and-a-half decades in jail after being sentenced to 15 years in jail for each count.

He will, however, serve an effective 35 years after 10 years were suspended on condition of good behaviour.

The value for the stolen property was $484 and $460 for the first and second counts and nothing was recovered.

In the first count, the court was told that sometime in January, Tshuma connived with his friend only identified as Thabani, who is still at large, and went to Zimbabwe Electricity Transmission and Distribution ( ZETDC) substation at Queens Sports Ground where he stole 1×4 metres of copper cables and earth wires.

In the second count, during the same month, Tshuma stole 1×5 metres of copper bar and earth wires at Chicken Inn ZETDC substation at 11th Avenue and 4th Street.

He was at it again last month when he stole 10kg copper gasket bars and earth wires at Powerssales ZETDC Substation at the corner of Carthan Road and Birmingham Road.

A report made to the police led to Tshuma’s arrest.-Statemedia

By A Correspondent- The number of coronavirus infections in SA has increased to 17, the health ministry said on Thursday.

And one of the new patients, in the Free State, is the first case of local transmission of the illness.

“This is an additional four cases from [Wednesday] ,” said health ministry spokesperson Lwazi Manzi in a statement.

The Mpumalanga and Free State provinces have registered their first cases. 

In Mpumalanga, the patient is a 27-year-old woman who had travelled to the US.

“She returned to SA on the 7th March 2020,” Manzi said.

In the Free State, a 32-year-old man has tested positive.

“[He] came into contact with a Chinese businessman. This is the first case of local transmission, as all others have been by patients who had travelled abroad,” Manzi said.

Another case was registered in KwaZulu-Natal.

Manzi said the patient is a 38-year-man who is originally from Durban but now lives in Turkey. He was however, in the country, visiting his family.

“He had travelled to the UK and returned to SA on the 7th March 2020,” Manzi said.

In Gauteng, the latest infection recorded was that of a 43-year-old man.

The Johannesburg resident had travelled to New York via Dubai and returned to SA on March 8 2020.

“At this stage, all patients are in self-quarantine and have mild-to-moderate symptoms,” Manzi said.

“They are also on symptomatic treatment.”

Officials are trying to trace all the people who have come into contact with those who have since tested positive.-Statemedia

By A Correspondent- President Emmerson Mnangagwa has reserved for war veterans 20% of mining claims in the chrome, nickel and steel sectors in what is seen as an act of appeasement.

Addressing a post-Cabinet briefing on Tuesday, Information minister Monica Mutsvagwa said the decision to give mining claims to the veterans of the 1970s liberation war was reached after Mines minister Winston Chitando had proposed that claims ceded by ZimAlloys be re-allocated.

“These claims will be re-allocated to other companies which will receive mining claims to sustain and expand ferrochrome production,” Mutsvangwa said.

“As per government policy, 20% of the ceded claims, being 2 348 hectares of the total ceded claims, which are a total of 11 747 hectares, will be allocated to war veterans. The modus operandi of the distribution of claims to war veterans will be announced in due course.”

Speaking at the same briefing, Chitando confirmed the development, adding that government was working on the modalities and also working on a chrome development policy.

“In line with the US$12 billion milestone by 2023 in the mining sector, the steel and chrome sector is targeting to achieve one million tonnes of ore from the 360 000 tonnes we had in 2018.

“In the roll out of the programme, we are looking at synergies between ferrochrome producers and individuals. Government is also working on a chrome development policy that will outline the modalities,” Chitando said.

War veterans have been Zanu-PF’s main campaign cogs during elections, propping up the ruling party during the reign of the late former President Robert Mugabe.

Since Mnangagwa came to power on the back of a November 2017 coup, the war veterans have made several demands, claiming their welfare has been neglected.

Zanu-PF is also amending its constitution to incorporate war veterans, war collaborators and detainees as a wing of the party.-StateMedia

By A Correspondent- A Harare man yesterday appeared in court for allegedly trying to kill his wife with rat poison after she refused to give him her cellphone password.

The court heard that George Lovell (age not supplied), who suspected that his wife was cheating on him, went on to point a gun at her, stealing her cellphone and assaulting her.

Lovell was facing attempted murder charges when he appeared before Harare magistrate Mrs Rumbidzai Mugwagwa.

He made complaints against police whom he accused of over-detaining him.

Mrs Mugwagwa remanded Lovewell in custody and advised him to approach the High Court for bail.

The court heard that on March 6, Lovell followed his wife who was at a funeral and started shouting at her accusing her of having boyfriends yet she was married.

It is the State’s case that Lovell took a cellphone and US$200 which was in his wife’s bag and went back home.

The court heard that the complainant returned home the following day and Lovell assaulted the complainant with a belt and clenched fists all over her body demanding the phone’s password.

Lovell allegedly went on to cover the complainant’s head with a plastic bag while pointing a gun at her and continued to assault her leading the complainant to become unconscious.

After assaulting the complainant, Lovell took rat poison and forcibly opened the complainant’s mouth while was demanding her password.

The complainant then pleaded with Lovell not to end her life as she was willing to give him the password.-StateMedia

By A Correspondent- Government has slammed the United States government for placing State Security Minister Owen Ncube and Ambassador Anselem Sanyatwe on the sanctions list.

In a statement yesterday, Foreign Affairs and International Trade Minister Dr Sibusiso Moyo said the move eroded trust and confidence in the relationship between Harare and Washington.

“We once again note with regret the inclusion of Honourable Minister Owen Ncube and Ambassador Anselem Sanyatwe as specially designated nationals on the OFAC US Treasury Sanctions list,” said Dr Moyo.

“Both officials were already placed on the State department visa and travel negative list during the course of 2019. In both cases, the US cited human rights abuses and political repression as the reasons for imposing the sanctions.

“The decision can only further erode trust and confidence in the relationship between Zimbabwe and the United States at a time when, more than ever, confidence-building measures are required to sustain the ongoing process of engagement between our two countries.”

In taking this action, Dr Moyo said, the US government appears unilaterally to have charged, tried, convicted, and sentenced two very senior Zimbabwean nationals, “surely the very antithesis of justice as we understand it”.

He said the holding to account of any individual or individuals anywhere in the world for alleged human rights abuses and or political repression must be evidence-based as scrutinised in and upheld by a court of law. “Any other approach is surely in itself a violation of those individuals’ human rights,” said Dr Moyo.

“Our Government does, however, register its deep appreciation for the bilateral assistance being provided to Zimbabwe in many areas.

“The US could be of even greater assistance by moving towards the lifting of the sanctions, which it maintains in place and which it renewed last week. Contrary to US government assertions, those sanctions inflict collateral damage way beyond the individuals and entities included in the OFAC list. This impacts negatively upon every Zimbabwean.”

Dr Moyo continued: “As I have said previously, regardless of these negative developments and the lack of even-handedness in the US approach to Zimbabwe, my Government will continue to engage in meaningful dialogue with the United States. In parallel, we will continue to travel the path of reform for the benefit of our people.”-StateMedia

By A Correspondent- A farm worker in Beatrice was killed while two others were injured on Saturday evening when the driver of a tractor they were travelling in lost control near a dam on the farm.

Tinashe Chimunhu (51), a casual worker at Mudehwe Farm, died on the spot after sustaining head injuries. His body was taken to Chivhu General Hospital for post-mortem.  

The injured, Charles Mushure, who was driving without a licence and Tinei Mare, were admitted at Chitungwiza Central Hospital.

Mashonaland East police spokesperson Inspector Tendai Mwanza confirmed the incident. He said Mushure was driving the tractor within the farm with four passengers on board.

As he approached a dam wall, he lost control of the tractor, which veered off the road into the bush. The tractor then landed on its roof, trapping three passengers beneath it, resulting in the fatality.

Mwanza urged farm workers to ensure that their tractor drivers have valid permits to avoid unnecessary fatalities.

In other unrelated cases, two pedestrians were killed when they were run over by cars in separate accidents which occurred in the Beatrice area along the Harare-Masvingo Highway.

One of the victims is a 14-year-old and the other is a 38-year-old mentally challenged woman.  

Mwanza confirmed the incidents, but said the victims could not be named because their next of kins had not yet been informed.-

By A Correspondent- The Zimbabwe Congress of Trade Unions (ZCTU) has tabled before government a demand that all wages be paid in the South African rand and that the country joins the Rand Monetary Union as the Zimbabwe dollar continues to lose value.

The economic situation continues to deteriorate and workers are reeling under the crisis which has seen the Zimdollar plunging against the United States dollar with black market rates reaching 1:38 as of yesterday.

Prices of goods and services have spiked in the past week, condemning workers to poverty.

Speaking at the Gweru labour forum meeting last week, ZCTU secretary-general Japhet Moyo, said the demand for rand-pegged salaries was officially tabled before President Emmerson Mnangagwa’s administration at the National Tripartite Negotiating Forum (TNF).

“We have made it clear to government that we demand the adoption of the rand currency for salaries of all workers. We said RTGS is not money,” Moyo said.

“For us, the rand is a far much better solution for the country to adopt the rand as the mode of exchange rather than to turn to the US dollar which is sought after by all the crooks in the World.”

He added: “If we say we want our salaries in US dollars, that will have a problem in the future because there are those people from other countries who can come to mop up the money.

“So we are saying the US dollar is risky because it can be mopped by outsiders if we are to be paid in the currency. But the rand is a stable currency. If we look at the past three years, the rand has lost maybe three or four points against the major currencies. So it’s a stable currency in our view.”

However, Moyo revealed that government, represented by the then Labour minister Sekai Nzenza and the incumbent, Paul Mavhima, has not been keen on the proposal.

Mavhima, however ,denied that he was non-committal, saying discusssions with labour were underway in the NTF.

“This is not true. Our discussions take place within the context of the TNF. Our next meeting will be next week on Monday. You should have followed TNF developments from last meeting in February,” Mavhima said.

But Moyo insisted: “The government has been non-committal on adopting the rand. The business community, has meanwhile, asked for more time  for government to stabilise the economy before it is pressured into adopting the rand.

“The people in business have also been saying they have trillions of dollars in their accounts and so they cannot allow for a change of currency overnight. However, as the ZCTU, we are pushing for all workers to be paid in the rand currency,” the ZCTU secretary-general said.

During the inclusive government, the then Finance minister Tendai Biti also called for the adoption of the rand, but Zanu-PF officials opposed the call, saying Zimbabwe would lose its sovereignty by using money from a neighbouring country.

Last year, government passed Statutory Instrument 142 which outlawed a multi-currency system it adopted in 2009 after the Zimdollar was driven out of circulation by hyperinflation..

Moyo revealed that the ZCTU had petitioned Nzenza to ask Cabinet to repeal SI 142, but she did not do so.

He revealed that the new minister Mavima has also rejected rand salary demands.

“Mavima, through a government technical committee at the NTF, has also said the workers cannot be paid in rands because changing the currency is now an issue that should be addressed by Parliament because S1 142 which introduced the Zimdollar as a mono-currency is now a law that would need to be repealed by legislators if need be. However, we are continuing to push government because the Zimbabwe dollar salaries are making all workers poorer because the currency keeps tumbling,” Moyo said.

By the time of going to print, Mavima had not responded to questions sent to him via WhatsApp and his phone was unreachable since Sunday.

Information secretary Ndavaningi Mangwana was also not responding to messages and calls.-Newsday

By A Correspondent- Amalgamated Rural Teachers’ Union of Zimbabwe (Artuz) secretary-general Robson Chere has dumped his new school in rural Marondera, saying he could no longer work on an empty stomach after government froze his salary last year.

Chere, a science teacher was moved from Arcturus High School to Dimbe Secondary School in Marondera East constituency this year in a suspected politically-motivated transfer.

The firebrand trade unionist had his salary frozen by government after he was accused of indiscipline following his arrest during the January 2019 fuel protests.

In a letter seen by NewsDay, dated March 10, addressed to Dimbe Secondary School head one Mrs Zenda and copied to the provincial education director, Chere said he will only return to  work after government releases his 14 months’ salary.

“I write informing you of my incapacitation to carry out my duties due to financial constraints to cater for my welfare. I have suffered severe emotional, psychological and social stress due to this problem. It has been 14 months since my salary was unlawfully ceased and I am finding it difficult to survive in this harsh economic condition,” read the letter.

Through his lawyers, Mtetwa and Nyambirai law firm, Chere has since approached the courts challenging the freezing of his salary,  arguing that government had no basis to act in such a manner.

In the letter, Chere revealed that he has been surviving on hand outs from well-wishers. -Newsday

By A Correspondent- Government has announced new 2020 public examinations fees and released $150 million to Zimbabwe School Examination Council (Zimsec) to subsidise fees for those learning at Government schools, local authority and not-for-profit mission schools.

The Ministry of Primary and Secondary Education announced the new examination fees structure and payment deadlines yesterday. As a way of cushioning parents and guardians, Government will subsidies candidates at government schools, local authority and not-for-profit mission schools by paying 53 percent of the total examination fees while learners from private institutions will pay the full amount.

This means that Grade Seven candidates registered at private institutions will pay a total of $264 for all their five subjects while those at public institutions will pay $125 for all subjects.

At Ordinary Level candidates will pay $190 per subject at private institutions and $90 at public institutions while Advanced Level candidates will pay $351 and $165 per subject at private and public institutions respectively. Those re-sitting for public examinations will also pay full examination fees.

After Zimsec increased examination fees last month, Government ordered it to revert to fees that were approved in 2015 when O-Level candidates were paying $15 per subject and $26 for A-Level. In a statement, Primary and Secondary Education Minister Cain Mathema said the new examination fees were arrived at after wide consultations with stakeholders in the education sector.

“Government is releasing RTGS $150 million to Zimsec with immediate effect to get the preparations for the 2020 June and November examinations going and will avail the balance to Zimsec once the total candidature from the public schools for the June and November examinations is ascertained,” said Minister Mathema.

When asked if those who had already paid following the 2015 fees structure as directed last month will have to top up to reach the new examination fees announced yesterday, the Minister declined to comment. He, however, said Government was subsidising examination fees to ensure that no learner fails to sit for public examinations.

“I would like to advise all parents and guardians of candidates in Grade 7, O and A-levels that, in 2020, Government will be contributing 53 percent of the examination fees for candidates in public schools while parents and guardians will take up 47 percent. All candidates from private schools and colleges at Grade 7, O and A-levels will meet the full cost of the examination fees,” said Minister Mathema.

“The public schools where 53 percent of the examination fees will be paid by Government are: government schools, local authority schools and not-for-profit mission schools.”

He said candidates who will register for the same subjects in June and November examinations, will bear the full costs for the November examination. Minister Mathema urged education stakeholders to support pupils as schools lay the foundation for their future.

“As we prepare our learners for life and work, I would like to exhort all who have a contribution to make to the success of our children to do everything possible so that they are sufficiently equipped to make a telling contribution to the sustainable development of our country.

Getting it right at primary and secondary education level will give the nation the confidence that we are building from a solid foundation,” said Minister Mathema. -StateMedia

By A Correspondent- President Emmerson Mnangagwa has advised citizens to maintain excellent levels of hygiene in the wake of the deadly coronavirus.

Mnangagwa issued the advise amid revelations by the Zimbabwe Association of Doctors for Human Rights secretary-general Norman Matara that Zimbabwe does not have basic equipment required in the identification of the coronavirus also known as Covid-19.

Matara said the country only had two World Health Organisation-recommended diagnostic computerised tomography (CT) scans adding that there were no adequate ventilators for continuous supply of oxygen needed by coronavirus patients.

Said Mnangagwa:

“I urge my fellow Zimbabweans to maintain excellent levels of personal hygiene. Wash your hands thoroughly with soap, cover your nose and mouth with a tissue when you cough, and avoid unnecessary travel abroad. We must keep our nation, safe, secure and healthy.”

By A Correspondent- Woes mount for former First Lady Grace Mugabe’s business empire after a Mazowe gold miner she allegedly displaced during her late husband, former President Robert Mugabe’s rule applied for a spoliation order to repossess the farm and equipment where his mine is located.

The “spoliation order” is a common law remedy whose purpose is to promote the rule of law and to serve as a shield against cases of “self-help”, where parties take the law into their own hands and exercise “power” which they do not have.

The miner, Langton Chapungu, whose case was already in the High Court seeking the eviction of the former First Lady; together with two other individuals who were only identified in court papers as Tongai and Jemwa, made an application for spoliation order last week.

In the application dated March 5, 2020, Chapungu is seeking an order that Grace returns to him vehicles and farm equipment she allegedly grabbed from him along with the farm.

In his founding affidavit, Chapungu said sometime in 2008, Grace unlawfully dispossessed him of his property and said her actions were unlawful.

“Pursuant to the above, I am advised that a spoliation order is an order for repossession of property which had been unlawfully disposed using illicit means,” he submitted.

“I was in lawful possession and the possession was despoiled by the respondent (Grace). The applicant (Chapungu) wishes to submit before this honourable court that the respondent used her political muscles as a former President’s wife who was immune to prosecution, hence she decided to unlawfully take the law onto her hands.”

Chapungu said in spite of the knowledge that the property belonged to him, Grace proceeded to unlawfully grab it.

“There’s no other remedy which will afford applicant the same relief as that afford by spoliation. A spoliation order will be the only way to ensure that applicant can fully exercise his right over the property in question,” he said.

“The applicant is, therefore, justified in approaching this honourable court seeking an order of spoliation as per draft order. Wherefore it is on these humble respectful submissions that I pray that such despoiled property be returned to the applicant.”

Since Mugabe’s ouster from power in a November 2017 coup, the former First Family has not enjoyed peace.

Several lawsuits have been filed against Grace by farmers and miners who claim she dispossessed them of their land.

The family is facing similar threats from Harare property owners who were displaced to pave way for expansion of Mugabe’s Blue Roof mansion in Borrowdale.

The eviction bid comes after Mashonaland Central provincial mining director Tariro Ndhlovu, through a memo dated September 18, 2019, called on all mining claim owners in Manzou, Surtic, Smithfield, Arnold, Yarrowdale, Foyle Estate, Brecon, Bandari, Brundret, Maggiesdale and Glenbervile farms, some of which were owned by Grace, to get back on the farms.

Grace also risks losing one of her properties that form part of her family’s Blue Roof mansion in Borrowdale following a High Court ruling in June to let go of the land in favour of the applicants, Farai and Nyasha Chitsinde.

Grace had until today to move off the contested land.-Newsd

By A Correspondent- President Emmerson Mnangagwa has advised citizens to maintain excellent levels of hygiene in the wake of the deadly coronavirus.

Mnangagwa issued the advise amid revelations by the Zimbabwe Association of Doctors for Human Rights secretary-general Norman Matara that Zimbabwe does not have basic equipment required in the identification of the coronavirus also known as Covid-19.

Matara said the country only had two World Health Organisation-recommended diagnostic computerised tomography (CT) scans adding that there were no adequate ventilators for continuous supply of oxygen needed by coronavirus patients.

Said Mnangagwa:

“I urge my fellow Zimbabweans to maintain excellent levels of personal hygiene. Wash your hands thoroughly with soap, cover your nose and mouth with a tissue when you cough, and avoid unnecessary travel abroad. We must keep our nation, safe, secure and healthy.”

MNANGAGWA RETIREMENT: I would like to propose that on this topic of retirement of people who are 70 and above, Mr Mnangagwa who is 76 be added to the list. – @mdczimbabwe pic.twitter.com/7pLD5MxW4e

— ZimEye (@ZimEye) March 12, 2020

Hon Murisi AKA Huchi in Parliament yesterday @Mavhure @edmnangagwa @nelsonchamisa @mdczimbabwe @ProfJNMoyo @zimlive @ZimEye @matigary @nickmangwana @BitiTendai pic.twitter.com/0g7xrlR3hL

— Chalton Hwende MP Chairperson Public Accounts (@hwendec) March 12, 2020

State Media|Foreign exchange will be traded freely among banks as Zimbabwe’s financial authorities upgrade official forex trading by bringing in an electronic trading platform, allowing a managed float of the Zimbabwe dollar, introducing measures to mop up excess corporate liquidity, spreading Government disbursements evenly to prevent bulges in money supply and curbing black market trading.

Announcing the new raft of measures yesterday as part of Government efforts to stabilise foreign exchange trading, exchange rates and inflation, Finance and Economic Development Minister Prof Mthuli Ncube said a broad-based taskforce will oversee the package of new policy measures designed to open markets in a phased manner.

He told bankers and journalists that the taskforce will be spearheaded by his ministry and the Reserve Bank of Zimbabwe (RBZ) and will include members of the Monetary Policy Committee (MPC) and the Presidential Advisory Council (PAC).

The planned policy interventions were part of the de-dollarisation roadmap and come as a result of a recent surge in the black market exchange rates driven by a bulge in Zimbabwe-dollar holdings by a small group of corporates and an official foreign exchange trading platform that needed to be more transparent and effective.

The high liquidity by the small number of corporates, with 200 holding about half of Zimbabwe’s total money supply according to the latest RBZ report, was interacting with a limited pool of free funds largely fed by Diaspora transfers, pushing up black market rates.

The programme is designed to prevent the bulges in holdings, mop up some of the corporate liquidity and ensure the official market is more responsive and open.

RBZ Governor Dr John Mangudya, said the measures to stabilise the exchange rate were critical given its pass through effect on inflation.

Minister Ncube said Government was cognisant of the fact that unrestrained money supply was one of the fundamental causes of inflation and depreciation of the exchange rate, as happened prior 2009.

“In order to stabilise the exchange rate and hence to lower inflation, the Government has decided to implement a holistic package of key policy measures. In this regard, currency taskforce has been set up,” Minister Ncube said.

He said Zimbabwe will introduce a managed floating exchange rate trading system and an electronic forex trading platform, which will allow foreign exchange to be traded freely among banks to determine a true market exchange rate.

The minister said the country had no transparent and effective foreign exchange trading platform, which resulted in official rates not being effectively determined, giving rise to a thriving black market.

The official exchange rate stood at $18,5 to the US dollar.

Bureaux de Change will also participate on the electronic platform. The minister said the Bureaux de Change rules were being liberalised so that they can conduct a wide range of transactions including financing importers.

On its part, the RBZ will provide liquidity to stabilise the exchange rate where necessary, which will be accessed at the market determined interbank exchange rate.

The interbank market has been using the mid-rate to determine the daily exchange rate since September last year to avoid free-fall of the domestic currency.

Treasury will maintain cash budgeting, thus severely limiting growth in local currency money supply, as part of the measures to stabilise the rate and inflation. It will also smooth expenditure disbursements so that large payments do not disrupt the forex market. Treasury Bills will be pre-planned to cover the whole year with approval by the Monetary Policy Committee.

It is now accepted by many in the markets that some of the surges in black market rates are driven by those who have received a large payment and want to lock it into foreign exchange.

The RBZ will mop up excess liquidity held by corporates and other large holders of Zimbabwe dollars in the banking system by introducing short-term corporate bills.

Minister Ncube said to ensure success of the policy measures, Government was implementing certain regulatory changes that will be effected as a matter of urgency.

“Our laws and enforcement regime are not as effective as they should be when it comes to crimes relating to foreign exchange and financial fraud. The current legal and institutional framework relating to curbing of trading on the parallel market is quite inadequate.

“Government will be reviewing all the laws and institutional framework in order to bring them in line with international best practices and more importantly monitor the effectiveness of institutions charged with implementing the laws,” he said.

By Farai D Hove| The government has for a while published claims that Emmerson Mnangagwa did not conduct a bloody military coup against his former boss.

But over 600 soldiers were killed during the coup that removed former President Robert Mugabe, the late ZANU PF leader’s party spokesman, Jealousy Mawarire has alleged.

Mawarire made the allegations while arguing on the Twitter website. He said President Mugabe attended his last graduation ceremony “… as a hostage, he hadn’t even changed clothes for 3 days; he had new army security. “

He then said the killings were the hallmarks of a real military coup.

“His top aide, Albert Ngulube had been bludgeoned, another, Peter Munetsi, had been killed & 600 more, mainly soldiers, had been killed, wonzwa munhu achiti hapana coup – then you hear someone saying it was not a coup.”

Mawarire had not at the time of publishing revealed the names of the soldiers he alleges were killed in November 2017.

RGM attended the graduation as a hostage, he hadn't even changed clothes for 3 days, he had new army security, his top aide, Albert Ngulube had been bludgeoned, another, Peter Munetsi, had been killed & 600 more, mainly soldiers, had been killed, wonzwa munhu achiti hapana coup. https://t.co/laz0y7Xd2O

— mawarire mbizvo jealousy (@mawarirej) March 11, 2020

Fox News|Federal immigration authorities in Boston last week arrested a Zimbabwean national who had allegedly overstayed his visa by 20 years and is charged with felony rape, U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) announced Monday.

Alois Mutare, 42, was arrested by ICE’s Enforcement and Removal Operations (ERO) as part of a wider crackdown on illegal aliens, illegal reentrants and other immigration violators in the New England area.

Mutare, a Zimbabwean citizen, legally entered the U.S. in 1999, but violated the terms of his admission and overstayed his visa by near 20 years, according to a press release from ICE.

Boston police arrested Mutare in December 2019 on felony rape charges. Mutare was indicted on those charges earlier this month, ICE said.

ICE agents arrested Mutare after he was released from a local criminal court on March 4.

He remains in ICE custody pending immigration proceedings before a federal immigration judge, ICE said.

ICE officers have arrested more than 200 immigration offenders in recent weeks. More than half of those individuals had convictions or pending criminal charges for rape, drug trafficking, sexual assault and assault during the enforcement efforts, ICE said.

Todd M. Lyons, acting field office director for ERO Boston, said the multitude of arrests demonstrates the “threat that sanctuary policies pose to our communities.”

“Our officers will continue to arrest public safety threats that are released back to the communities, even as we remain committed to working with our local law enforcement partners to keep communities in the region safe,” Lyons said.

https://twitter.com/ZimEye/status/1237970934541225984?s=19

This govt which has been running our country since 1980 they don't respect the view that the constitution is higher than other laws. They take the view that the constitution is like any other law… And here I am speaking as Lovemore Madhuku the citizen – @ProfMadhuku @HealZim pic.twitter.com/P513ICAvtR

— ZimEye (@ZimEye) February 20, 2020

https://youtu.be/cUGW86RgYkk

– ORIGINAL ARTICLE BELOW –

By A Correspondent| As government goes ahead to push through constitutional amendments to turn Emmerson Mnangagwa into a monster leader with powers far greater than President Robert Mugabe’s, just what type of a country is this lovely nation about to turn into? Hard Video V11s show the ZANU PF leader saying he believes that all election winners are mere corpses, literally.

In a chilling warning during the same function where he said if he were God, he would deprive all MDC supporters of oxygen, Mnangagwa told a Masvingo gathering in May 2015, democracy is only found among corpses.

He spoke in the Shona vernacular saying, “to all of us here I always ask where are the majority, among the living or among the corpses?

“They are among the dead.

“Democracy says we must go to the majority. That’s why there is death on earth.

“It’s democracy, those who win elections are the majority.”

"All of us here I always ask where are the majority, among the living or among the corpses? They are among the dead. Democracy says we must go to the majority. That's why there is death on earth. It's democracy, those who win elections are the majority" – Mnangagwa. @TeamZim3 pic.twitter.com/87CIBvLGZ3

— ZimEye (@ZimEye) March 11, 2020

BANKS and Bureaux De Change operators can now freely trade foreign exchange subject to market forces after Government liberalised the forex trading market as part of measures to arrest exchange rate volatility and inflation.

To buttress the decision, Treasury has with immediate effect introduced an electronic forex trading platform based on the Reuters system, which allows registered financial institutions to freely trade foreign exchange.

A broadly constituted Currency Stabilisation Taskforce has since been set up part of measures to arrest persistent exchange rate distortions and help create a true market exchange rate.

The interventions are meant to enhance transparency and effective foreign exchange trading on the formal channels, which have trailed behind the parallel market. This comes at a time when the country is experiencing price escalation largely driven by speculative parallel market activity. In the past few days the exchange rate volatility has seen US$1 hovering around ZW$40 for electronic transfer and ZW$25 for cash compared to US$1: ZWL$18 on the interbank market.

The rand has also jumped to ZW$2,50 for mobile money from about 1:1 at the beginning of the year.

In a press statement, Finance and Economic Development Minister, Professor Mthuli Ncube, lamented the absence of a transparent and effective foreign exchange trading platform as he acknowledged that official rates have not been effectively determined amid a seemingly thriving parallel market. He said the trend has translated into unsustainable levels of inflation.

“To correct this anomaly, an electronic forex trading platform based on the Reuters system is being immediately put in place. This platform will allow foreign exchange to be traded freely amongst the banks and permit a true market exchange rate to be determined,” said Prof Ncube.

“The Bureaux de Change, will also participate on this platform through their authorised dealers. The trading rules of the Bureaux de Change are being liberalised so that they can conduct all wider range of transactions. This mechanism will be immediately operational.”

However, the minister said the Reserve Bank of Zimbabwe (RBZ) would continue to be a significant player in the market by providing liquidity to stabilise the exchange rate, where necessary.

Prof Ncube said that Government was taking measures to stabilise the runaway exchange rate and bringing down inflation to sustainable levels in order to achieve macro-economic stability.

“To stabilise the exchange rate and hence, lower inflation, Government has decided to implement a holistic package of key policy measures. In this regard, a Currency Stabilisation Taskforce has been set up,” he said.

The taskforce will be spearheaded by the Ministry of Finance and Economic Development and the RBZ and will include members of the Monetary Policy Committee (MPC) and Presidential Advisory Committee (PAC). Prof Ncube would chair the taskforce, scheduled to meet at least once a week to review the conditions in the markets, monitor the behaviour of key variables such as the exchange rate and inflation, and to ensure that outlined measures are expeditiously implemented.

The taskforce has the mandate to put in place additional policy measures, where necessary so as to enhance macro-economic stability, which is an essential component of the Transitional Stabilisation Programme (TSP) – a critical blue-print for economic growth and achievement of the goals Vision 2030.

As such, Prof Ncube said several specific steps and measures will be taken by Government and key stakeholders to ensure the success of the new system. For instance, the interbank market for commercial banks will be operationalised based on the Reuters system whose trading rules have already been agreed to. Prof Ncube said the Reuters system will generate a daily exchange rate and that banks will charge thin margins on Bureaux de Changes on transactions that are routed through them as authorised dealers. Similarly, Bureaux de Changes will be immediately liberalised as per RBZ rules, which are ready for implementation.

“There will be no limit on bureaux ability to finance importers…They can trade foreign exchange at +/- 5% of daily,” said Prof Ncube.

“Bureaux shall have a minimum float of USD20,000 and have access to physical cash available from RBZ subject to daily limits. Cash purchases can be paid for in ZWL at 1:1 or USD at daily exchange rate. All bureaux requirements shall be demand driven.”

The minister said the RBZ would monitor daily exchange rate and intervene where necessary so as to maintain a fully operationalises Reuters trading desk. Furthermore, the use of free funds for importation of goods and services will remain liberalised as is the case with direct fuel imports.

President Mnangagwa yesterday swore in a three-member tribunal to inquire into the suitability of suspended Supreme Court judge, Justice Francis Bere, to continue holding office.

This follows allegations that he interfered with a pending civil court case involving the Zimbabwe National Roads Administration (Zinara) and his relatives.

Justice Bere was suspended last week.

This prompted President Mnangagwa to set up a tribunal chaired by retired judge Justice Simbi Mubako and comprises Advocate Takawira Nzombe and Mrs Rekayi Maphosa.

President Mnangagwa said he appointed the tribunal after receiving a letter from the Judicial Services Commission (JSC) dated January 15, 2020.

He said the letter advised him that the question of the removal from office of Justice Bere ought to be investigated.

“Now, therefore, I Emmerson Dambudzo Mnangagwa, the President of Zimbabwe, by virtue of powers vested in me, call upon Retired Justice Simbi Veke Mubako (Judge of Appeal) to take the oath of office,” said President Mnangagwa.

Speaking after the swearing-in ceremony yesterday, Justice Mubako said the tribunal would start work next week, but could not disclose how long it will take to complete the mandate.

“We are just going to start setting up our programme and we do not know how long it is going to take. It will depend on the evidence that is going to come and the complexities of the case. We do not know it yet,” said Justice Mubako.

He said a lot was expected of a judge, adding that they are supposed to be fit and proper.

Judges are required to uphold the dignity of the court and of justice in general and must have virtue.

Justice Mubako said President Mnangagwa wished the tribunal all the best of luck, and advised the members that he was confident they would deliver.

“We are starting work today (yesterday) laying the foundation, but proper work may start any time this week or next week,” he said.

It is alleged that Justice Bere telephoned Zinara lawyer Mr Itai Ndudzo of Mutamangira and Associates, asking him to consider settling a civil dispute pitting Zinara and Fremus Enterprises (owned by the judge’s relatives).

The complaint was first raised before Deputy Chief Justice Elizabeth Gwaunza during a court hearing before Mr Ndudzo was asked to complain in writing.

State Media|Women should grab opportunities in previously male-dominated fields including driving public service vehicles, and stamp their authority as equally gifted, First Lady Auxillia Mnangagwa has said.

She decried the low representation of women in business, politics and a host of other areas and said it was time women came out of their shells and prove that they were able-bodied.

Women, she said, must apply themselves fully in all the things they do to achieve results.

Yesterday, Amai Mnangagwa obtained a Class One driver’s licence after undergoing a training course which she said was a big challenge to women adding that she decided to acquire it during the month of March which celebrates achievements by women globally.

This was after she had also taken her defensive driving course from the first session to the eighth, diligently and made sure she mastered the concepts through asking questions and reading.

The First Lady effortlessly reversed the 65-seater bus, engaged her gears and took off and braked with ease just like any other competent driver.

She drove from the Vehicle Inspectorate Department (VID) yard into the Harare central business district (CBD) with ease under the instruction of her examiners who acknowledged her competency and awarded her the licence.

Yesterday’s test came barely a week after Amai Mnangagwa launched the country’s first ever driver safety training programme in conjunction with Traffic Safety Council of Zimbabwe (TSCZ) targeting women and youths as part of broad-based measures to reduce carnage on the country’s roads.

The First Lady who is the patron of the National Transport and Drivers Association (NTDA) said she was leading other women by example.

“I usually want to talk about things that I do and lead from the front. I want people especially women to see that these things can be done and it will not be difficult for me to encourage them. Women are able to compete for jobs that are done by men despite their biological make up.

“We are worried by the spate of road accidents countrywide and I am convinced women can play a big role in reducing these,” she said.

The First Lady said her door was open to all women and youths wishing to acquire defensive driving certificates and driver’s licences to improve the quality of driving on the roads and curb accidents.

She said she was willing to share her story with them and show them the way.

This comes amid reports that the Zimbabwe United Passenger Company (Zupco) had recorded 22 accidents, three of which were fatal and claimed 13 lives.

After a retest of all the 113 Zupco drivers, only 64 passed the first time and the rest were being subjected to theory and practical tests. Those that fail to make the grade will have their contracts terminated.

Mr Tatenda Chinoda and Mrs Tsungai Mukwaiwa from the Traffic Safety Council of Zimbabwe took the First Lady through a vigorous defensive driving course.

TSCZ acting managing director Mr Clifford Gobo who was also present throughout the whole process said it was encouraging to have senior members of society and people who are in leadership positions taking the initiative to promote road safety.

“We have always said defensive driving is important. Secondly, we have been restricting it to public transport drivers, but now here is a private driver who is also taking the initiative, so it will be a challenge to other members of the leadership.

“We are going to take her as an ambassador and then she will also challenge other people in leadership to come forward and participate in this activity,” he said.

A manager at Easy-Go Driving School through which the First Lady acquired her Class One licence, Mr Edmond Usayiwevhu said they were excited to have taken the First Lady through the theory and practical training.

“Today, we have experienced our First Lady going through defensive driving certificate training which has given us an insight into how you protect other road users, how you protect yourself as a driver, how you take care of your vehicle and ensure that there is maximum road safety on our roads. She also did very well on the road during the class one road test,” said Mr Usayiwevhu.

He said the First Lady did her driving lessons with Easy-Go Driving School.

Mr Chinoda said as TSCZ they were privileged and honoured to have had Amai as their student for the defensive driving course.

The instructor said they had not minimised any standards for the particular course and the First Lady had taken it all through from session one to session eight.

“She passed the exam that goes with that particular course and was certified as a defensive driver. After all, when it has started with the First Family, other families at provinces, the ministers, the members of parliament must take this example and do the course. We need to preserve the lives of our people by taking the initiative as people who use the road,” he said.

VID depot manager, Mr Onesimo Bumhira who was the driving examiner said the First Lady deservedly got the Class One licence saying she observed all road rules and competently drove her way throughout the city.

The Zimbabwe Anti-Corruption Commission (ZACC), in conjunction with the International Centre for Asset Recovery (ICAR) of Switzerland, is conducting a four-day training workshop in Harare for stakeholders in the anti-graft fight and money laundering.

About 30 officers drawn from ZACC, Zimbabwe Republic Police (ZRP), Zimbabwe Revenue Authority (Zimra), National Prosecuting Authority (NPA), the Reserve Bank of Zimbabwe’s Financial Intelligence Unit, Judicial Service Commission (JSC) and the Attorney-General’s Office (AG) are taking part.

The ICAR officials — Mr Tom Walugombe, Mrs Simon Marsh and Ms Phyllis Atkinson — are at the request of ZACC are helping in technical capacity building.

ZACC chairperson Justice Loice Matanda-Moyo said the participants will share knowledge, skills and expertise.

“I am also advised that the objective of the scoping mission is to gather information regarding the legal system of Zimbabwe, its criminal justice and legal institutional frameworks concerning the fight against corruption, money laundering and other financial crimes, the recovery of stolen assets and mutual legal assistance,” she said.

Justice Matanda-Moyo said the ICAR team will conduct meetings with stakeholders in the criminal justice system to understand the practices and challenges faced by professionals when investigating, prosecuting and adjudicating on crimes and recovery of stolen assets.

State Media|Global Fund has extended a US$500 million grant to Zimbabwe for the next round of funding towards fighting HIV, tuberculosis and malaria, with US$25 million expected to be channelled towards the country’s preparedness to fight coronavirus.

Briefing the media on arrival from Geneva, Switzerland, yesterday afternoon, Global Fund executive director Mr Peter Sands said they were finalising the grant and would complete all modalities in the next few days.

“The Global Fund has a long-standing effective partnership with Zimbabwe, which has seen the grant increasing from US$477 million currently to US$500 for the next three years. We are in the process where the specific programme submissions are being made around how the US$500 million is going to be invested,” he said.

Mr Sands said he was glad to be in the country during this important time.

“It is a very timely moment for me to be here because essentially the decisions are being made now about how to commit this significant amount of money.

“I am also conscious that Zimbabwe is one of the top 10 countries that Global Fund funds in the world and I think I am the first executive director of the Global Fund to ever visit Zimbabwe and the first to visit Bulawayo and I am delighted to do this,” he said.

Mr Sands said what they had seen in Zimbabwe was very significant progress in fighting TB, HIV and malaria.

“Zimbabwe is one for the very few countries on the continent that have succeeded in getting to 95 percent of HIV positive people on Antiretroviral treatment. That is a significant achievement.”

Zimbabwe’s success rate of TB treatment stands at 88 percent and it compares very favourably with some of the most advanced health care systems in the world.

“If you look at the story of malaria, we have seen an 84 percent reduction of malaria incidence and a 75 percent reduction in malaria deaths. These are achievements that partners, the Global Fund and the Government of Zimbabwe should be proud of. These are achievements that are making an enormous difference in the lives of Zimbabweans,” emphasised Mr Sands.

He, however, said the battle was not won yet.

“Malaria and TB are formidable adversaries if you are not winning against them, you are losing because they fight back. There are still too many new infections of HIV, there are still too many cases of drug resistant TB, people are still dying from it yet there are much smaller numbers of people dying from malaria.

“So, the focus in the next three-year cycle of our partnership will be very much on reducing the incidences of news cases of HIV and trying to effectively eliminate malaria — that is the ambition. We will also focus on the drug resistant strains of TB,” he said.

Mr Sands is set to visit Global Find Projects in Umguza and Nyamandlovu in Matabeleland North province on today (Thursday) to have an appreciation of the actual work that is being done.

“It is really important for us back in Geneva not to be just reading power point presentations and slides where people describe things but to have a feel of things on the ground.”

In October 2019 the Global Fund raised a fund that would enable them to finance the next round for the next three years of programming and raised a record sum of US$14 billion at the replenishment conference.

Mr Sands said Zimbabwe had also played two roles — an advocacy role to persuade donors to pledge funds and also pledged US$1 million itself.

Mr Sands said it was indicative of Zimbabwe’s commitment to the people and also to be a contributor to the Global Fund and not only a recipient.

State Media|Government will pay 53 percent of June and November examination fees for all candidates in public schools following an outcry over increases by the Zimbabwe School Examinations Council (Zimsec).

Parents will have to pay 47 percent.

Primary and Secondary Education Minister Cain Mathema yesterday said the Government had since released $150 million towards exam preparations.

Government’s intervention, the minister said, would benefit candidates at Government, local authorities and mission schools.

Those in private schools and colleges will pay the full amount.

“Government is releasing $150 million to Zimsec with immediate effect to get the preparations for the 2020 June and November examinations going and will avail the balance to Zimsec once the total candidature from the public schools for the June and November examinations is ascertained,” said Minister Mathema.

“I would now like to advise all parents and guardians of schoolchildren in Grade 7, Ordinary and Advanced levels that in 2020, Government will be contributing 53 percent of the examination fees for candidates in public schools, while parents and guardians will take up 47 percent.”

Grade 7 candidates at public schools will pay $125, while the Government will pay $139 to take the total to $264 per subject. For candidates sitting O-Level examinations, Government will pay $100 per subject while the candidate pays $90. Candidates sitting for A-Level examinations will pay $165 per subject while Government comes in with $186 to take the total to $351 per subject.

Candidates from private schools and colleges will meet the full cost of the examination fees.

“Candidates at private schools and colleges, including candidates who are resitting examinations will pay the total examination fees and those currently at public schools who get Government support for a subject for the June examination will pay the full fees for the same subject

if they enter for it again for the November examination,” he said.

The new deadlines for the payment of examination fees are March 30, 2020 for the June examinations and April 9, 2020 for the November examinations.

Said Minister Mathema: “As we prepare our learners for life and work, I would like to exhort all those who have a contribution to the success of our children so that they are sufficiently equipped to make a telling contribution to the sustainable development of our country. Getting it right at primary and secondary level will give the nation the confidence we are building from a solid foundation.”

A Harare man yesterday appeared in court for allegedly trying to kill his wife with rat poison after she refused to give him her cellphone password.

The court heard that George Lovell (age not supplied), who suspected that his wife was cheating on him, went on to point a gun at her, stealing her cellphone and assaulting her.

Lovell was facing attempted murder charges when he appeared before Harare magistrate Mrs Rumbidzai Mugwagwa.

He made complaints against police whom he accused of over-detaining him.

Mrs Mugwagwa remanded Lovewell in custody and advised him to approach the High Court for bail.

The court heard that on March 6, Lovell followed his wife who was at a funeral and started shouting at her accusing her of having boyfriends yet she was married.

It is the State’s case that Lovell took a cellphone and US$200 which was in his wife’s bag and went back home.

The court heard that the complainant returned home the following day and Lovell assaulted the complainant with a belt and clenched fists all over her body demanding the phone’s password.

Lovell allegedly went on to cover the complainant’s head with a plastic bag while pointing a gun at her and continued to assault her leading the complainant to become unconscious.

After assaulting the complainant, Lovell took rat poison and forcibly opened the complainant’s mouth while was demanding her password.

The complainant then pleaded with Lovell not to end her life as she was willing to give him the password.-State media

Farai Dziva|Finance Minister Mthuli Ncube says government is implementing a raft of measures set to control the exchange rate.

Read full statement below :
PRESS STATEMENT
STATEMENT BY HON. PROF. MTHULI NCUBE, MINISTER OF FINANCE AND ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT ON ESTABLISHMENT OF THE CURRENCY STABILISATION TASK FORCE
MEASURES TO STABILISE THE EXCHANGE RATE AND REDUCE INFLATION

Distinguished Captains of Banking and Industry, Members of the Press, Ladies and Gentlemen.

I am addressing you today against a background of recent exchange rate volatility, which has translated into unsustainable levels of inflation.

In this regard, Government is taking measures to stabilise the exchange rate and top bring down inflation to sustainable levels in order to achieve macro-economic stability.

Macro-economic stability is an essential component of the Transitional Stabilisation Programme, critical for economic growth and the achievement of the goals set out in H.E.’s Vision 2030.

In order to stabilise the exchange rate and hence, to lower inflation, the Government has decided to implement a holistic package of key policy measures. In this regard, a
Currency Stabilisation Task Force has been set up. This will be spear-headed by the Ministry of Finance and Economic Development and the Reserve Bank of Zimbabwe, and will include members of the MPC and PAC.

The Task Force will be chaired by the Minister of Finance and will meet at least once a week to review the conditions in the markets, monitor the behaviour of key variables such as the exchange rate and inflation, and to ensure that the measures that I outline below are expeditiously implemented.

The Task Force will put in place additional policy measures, where necessary.

Let me now give you a broad outline of the measures that have been agreed to and that are currently under implementation:

I. FOREIGN EXCHANGE MANAGEMENT AND INTRODUCTION OF A MANAGED FLOATING EXCHANGE RATE SYSTEM:
Zimbabwe has had no transparent and effective foreign exchange trading platform for a long time.

Consequently, official rates have not been effectively determined, while a thriving parallel market has developed.

To correct this anomaly, an electronic forex trading platform based on the Reuters system is being immediately put in place. This platform will allow foreign exchange to be traded freely amongst the banks and permit a true market exchange rate to be determined.

The Bureaux de Change, will also participate on this platform through their Authorised Dealers.

The trading rules of the Bureaux de Change are being liberalised so that they can conduct all wider range of transactions.

The RBZ will continue to be a significant player in the market, providing liquidity to stabilise the exchange rate, where necessary. This mechanism will be immediately operational. All the foreign exchange requirements will be available through the interbank market which will use a market determined exchange rate.

The specific steps and measures to be taken by Government and key stakeholders to ensure the success of this system are as follows:

1. COMMERCIAL BANKS:
   a. INTERBANK MARKET WILL BE OPERATIONALISED BASED ON REUTERS SYSTEM. ALL BANKS ARE INVITED TO JOIN AND MARKET WILL BE STARTED BY “COALITION OF WILLING”. THE TRADING RULES FOR THE FUNCTIONING OF
   THIS MARKET HAVE ALREADY BEEN AGREED TO.

b. BANKS WILL BE THE MARKET MAKERS. THE REUTERS SYSTEM WILL GENERATE A DAILY EXCHANGE RATE IN AN A.M. AND P.M. FIX.
c. BANKS WILL CHARGE BUREAUX VERY THIN MARGINS ON TRANSACTIONS WHICH ARE ROUTED THROUGH THEM AS THE AUTHORISED DEALERS.

1. BUREAUX DE CHANGE:
   a. BUREAUX ARE TO BE IMMEDIATELY LIBERALISED AS PER RBZ RULES WHICH ARE READY FOR IMPLEMENTATION. THERE WILL BE NO LIMIT ON BUREAUX ABILITY TO FINANCE IMPORTERS.
   b. BUREAUX WILL BE MARKET TAKERS.

THEY CAN TRADE FOREIGN EXCHANGE AT +/- 5% OF DAILY FX FIX.
c. BUREAUX SHALL HAVE A MINIMUM FLOAT OF USD 20,000.

d. BUREAUX SHALL HAVE ACCESS TO PHYSICAL CASH AVAILABLE FROM RBZ SUBJECT TO DAILY LIMITS. CASH PURCHASES CAN BE PAID FOR IN ZWL AT 1:1 OR USD AT DAILY EXCHANGE RATE. ALL BUREAUX REQUIREMENTS SHALL BE DEMAND DRIVEN.

e. BUREAUX CAN USE EXCESS USD TO PURCHASE ZWL CASH FROM RBZ.

1. RESERVE BANK OF ZIMBABWE:
   a. WILL MONITOR DAILY EXCHANGE RATE AND INTERVENE AS NECESSARY.
   b. SHALL RELEASE FX INTO THE INTERBANK MARKET BASED ON A WELLDEFINED FX STABILISATION POLICY.

c. SHALL MAINTAIN A FULLY OPERATIONALISE REUTERS TRADING DESK IN TRADING ROOM SO THAT BIDS/OFFERS BY BANKS ON REUTERS SYSTEM CAN BE MONITORED AND INFLUENCED IF REQUIRED.

d. WILL LIBERALISE USE OF FREE FUNDS FOR IMPORTATION OF GOODS AND SERVICES. THIS PROCESS HAS ALREADY COMMENCED WITH DIRECT FUEL IMPORTS.

OTHER MEASURES TO LIBERALISE THE USE OF FREE FUNDS ARE BEING CONSIDERED.

e. SHALL RELEASE ANY SURPLUS FUNDS BEYOND WHAT IS REQUIRED FOR SERVICING ESSENTIAL DEBT AND OTHER PRIORITY GOVERNMENT USES INTO THE INTERBANK MARKET ON A DAILY BASIS.

f. SHALL PROVIDE THE MINISTRY OF FINANCE AND MPC WITH PRECISE DATA ON DAILY/WEEKLY FOREX INFLOWS AND ESTIMATED AMOUNTS AVAILABLE FOR RELEASE INTO THE INTERBANK MARKET.

g. WILL DISCONTINUE USE OF LC’S GRADUALLY AND ENCOURAGE ALL IMPORTERS, INCLUDING FUEL IMPORTERS, TO ACCESS FX THROUGH THE INTERBANK MARKET. IN THE INTERIM ALL LC’S SHOULD BE ISSUED AT DAILY
INTERBANK RATE.

h. WILL WORK WITH MAJOR IMPORTERS TO ASSESS AND SMOOTH THEIR FX DEMAND.

i. WILL WORK WITH SMALL BANKS WHO DO NOT HAVE SIGNIFICANT EXPORTER CLIENTS TO ACCESS FOREX FROM THE INTERBANK MARKET.

II. SUPPORTING MEASURES RELATING TO MONEY SUPPLY, LIQUIDITY MANAGEMENT AND INTEREST RATES:
To support the success of the new foreign exchange management system, the following measures are to be put in place. It should be noted that all these measures are part of our de-dollarization Road Map. So they will be introduced in a phased but time bound manner.

Government is cognisant of the fact that unrestrained increases in money supply are one of the fundamental causes of inflation and the depreciation of the exchange rate. Indeed, hyperinflation prior to 2009 was caused precisely by this factor. In view of this the existing framework of fiscal and monetary discipline will reinforced as follows:

1. MINISTRY OF FINANCE:
   a. WILL MAINTAIN CASH BUDGETING FRAMEWORK TO MINIMISE FISCAL DEFICIT.

IN LINE WITH THIS GOAL. IT SHOULD BE NOTED THAT GOVERNMENT HAS A CASH SURPLUS OF OVER ZWL3 BILLION.
b. WILL PROJECT REVENUE AND EXPENDITURE FOR THE FULL FINANCIAL YEAR AND ANNOUNCE ITS TB ISSUANCE CALENDAR, IF SUCH FINANCING IS REQUIRED.

c. ENSURE THAT ALL TB ISSUANCE FOR OPEN MARKET OPERATIONS WILL BE APPROVED BY THE MONETARY POLICY COMMITTEE.

d. WILL SMOOTHEN EXPENDITURE DISBURSEMENTS SO THAT LARGE OR LUMPY
ZWL PAYMENTS ARE NOT BUNCHED WHICH WOULD DISRUPT THE FOREIGN
EXCHANGE MARKET.

e. UNDERPIN THE USE OF THE ZWL BY IMPLEMENTING THE PAYMENT OF ALL TAXES, DUTIES, FEES AND OTHER GOVERNMENT CHARGES IN ZWL IN A PHASED BUT TIME BOUND MANNER.

1. RESERVE BANK OF ZIMBABWE:
   a. WILL TERMINATE THE GOLD INCENTIVE FACILITY ONCE THE REUTERS SYSTEM BECOMES FULLY FUNCTIONAL AND A UNIFIED EXCHANGE RATE IS UNIFIED.

b. INTRODUCE MINIMUM INTEREST RATES ON ALL DEPOSITS, INCLUDING TRUST ACCOUNTS UNDERPINNING MOBILE BANKING WALLETS, TO INCENTIVIZE SAVINGS AND ENCOURAGE HOLDING OF THE DOMESTIC CURRENCY.

c. MOP UP EXCESS LIQUIDITY BEING HELD BY CORPORATES AND OTHER LARGE HOLDERS OF ZWL IN THE BANKING SYSTEM BY INTRODUCING SHORT TERM OMO CORPORATE BILLS WITH ATTRACTIVE FEATURES.
III. OTHER REGULATORY MEASURES:
To ensure the success of the economic measures outlined above, certain regulatory changes will also be put into effect as a matter of urgency:
a. PENALTIES: Our laws and enforcement regime are not as effective as they should be when it comes to crimes relating to foreign exchange and financial fraud.

The current legal and institutional framework relating to curbing of trading on the parallel market is quite inadequate.

Government will be reviewing all the laws and institutional framework in order to bring them in line with international best practices and more importantly, monitor the effectiveness of institutions charged with implementing the laws.

The sanctions framework for illegal foreign exchange trading, will be enhanced to provide for a range of effective proportionate and dissuasive sanctions, including more stringent criminal, civil and administrative penalties.

b. MOBILE MONEY PLATFORMS: While mobile money platforms have made a significant contribution to facilitating trade and payments in the country, they have also become an instrument which is being used by unscrupulous businesses to illegally trade foreign exchange and undermine the economy.

The RBZ is, therefore, currently reviewing all the regulations covering such platforms. In particular, it is intended to:
Place limits on daily bulk payer transactions.
Ensure compliance with the 2% IMTT on bulk payers.

Additionally, the daily returns being submitted by the mobile platforms to the Financial Intelligence Unit of the RBZ will be scrutinised very carefully by the Currency Stabilisation Task Force to ensure that all transactions are legitimate and are in accordance with the financial regulations in place.

Finally, I would like to state that as the financial authorities of the country, it is our duty to undertake a strong communications drive to explain all the measures we are introducing, and their intended outcomes.

Otherwise, misinformation from the social media begins to rule the day.

I can assure you that it is the determination of this Government under the strong leadership of H.E. E.D. Mnangagwa, to work closely with all stakeholders to achieve
exchange rate stability, reduce inflation, and by the end of this year put in place all the necessary building blocks to achieve high rates of growth, poverty reduction, and the other goals of Vision 2030.

MINISTRY OF FINANCE AND ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT
11 March 2020

Farai Dziva|Senator Morgen Komichi has distanced himself from a purported resignation letter written in his name last week.

See MDC statement below :

MDC Mobilises Zimbabweans For Political Action

The MDC National Standing Committee (NSC) met today(Tuesday) and restated the Congress resolutions of May 2019 – pursuant to the big five fights as articulated in #Agenda2020.

The party is currently mobilising Zimbabweans across the country for a big political action to push for a people’s government.

The people’s party resolved to work with all progressive forces in pushing for a peaceful and non-violent people’s action meant to return the country to legitimacy and democracy.

The people’s party took hours deliberating on the deteriorating situation across the country, the threat of the corona virus, hunger and starvation, the collapsed social services sector, the sky-rocketing fees and food prices, the power and fuel shortages and the general high cost of living that has affected every household in Zimbabwe.

To this end, it was resolved that, a big political action be mobilised and organised.

The NSC also noted that the people’s party’s call and quest for genuine and sincere dialogue to resolve the national situation has been spurned and turned down by Mr. Mnangagwa.

The people’s party has therefore drawn a line in the sand until the possibility of dialogue becomes a viable and available option.

The NSC received a report of the state, health and hygiene of the people’s party. In this regard the NSC discussed the persistent and desperate machinations by the illegitimate regime to portray the people’s party as a house in turmoil by manufacturing fake letters and false communication in the names of certain of our leaders.

To this end, Senator Morgen Komichi, a respected people’s party leader himself, took advantage of today’s meeting to dismiss the false communication manufactured in his name.

He also reaffirmed his unstinting faith and loyalty to the party and its leadership and expressed his undying faith in the MDC as the sole repository of hope for the people of Zimbabwe.

The people’s party leadership also discussed and noted the need for message discipline and consistency and emphasized that all communication be done by its relevant designated officials.

The people’s party notes with extreme concern the deteriorating health situation in the country and in particular the threat of the corona virus, and has since directed the Secretary for Health and Child Welfare, Dr Henry Madzorera to actively state the position of the people’s party on the matter.

Zimbabweans are demanding for a people’s government, an improvement of their livelihoods and restoration of their dignity, a decisive end to corruption, respect of human rights and a return to constitutionalism and democracy.

ChangeThatDelivers

MDC Communications

Farai Dziva|Former Government Minister Jonathan Moyo has threatened to sue the Permanent Secretary in The Ministry of Information, Nick Mangwana for misinterpreting his remarks about “a planned coup” against Emmerson Mnangagwa.

Moyo also questioned Mnangagwa’s “mental fitness” following the remarks he made during the official open of a mortuary at Gutu District Hospital on Friday.

Mnangagwa stunned all and sundry when he said the first family members who place the body of their deceased relative in the mortuary should win a prize.

Moyo said :

The macabre comments made by Mnangagwa in Masvingo only last week constitute a prima facie case for an inquiry into his mental fitness to be in the office that he holds. No sane person will make fun of the death of another person’s loved one; in the manner Mnangagwa did!

Iwe @nickmangwana
you quote me in today’s #Herald claiming I said “there will be a coup in Zimbabwe in February 2020” & the #KwekweAgreement “is supposed to be consummated on March 7, 2020”.

I give you 48 hours to put the evidence of the quotes here. If you fail, I’LL SUE YOU,” declared.

Farai Dziva|Former Government Minister Jonathan Moyo has threatened to sue the Permanent Secretary in The Ministry of Information, Nick Mangwana for misinterpreting his remarks about “a planned coup” against Emmerson Mnangagwa.

Moyo also questioned Mnangagwa’s “mental fitness” following the remarks he made during the official open of a mortuary at Gutu District Hospital on Friday.

Mnangagwa stunned all and sundry when he said the first family members who place the body of their deceased relative in the mortuary should win a prize.

Moyo said :

The macabre comments made by Mnangagwa in Masvingo only last week constitute a prima facie case for an inquiry into his mental fitness to be in the office that he holds. No sane person will make fun of the death of another person’s loved one; in the manner Mnangagwa did!

Iwe @nickmangwana
you quote me in today’s #Herald claiming I said “there will be a coup in Zimbabwe in February 2020” & the #KwekweAgreement “is supposed to be consummated on March 7, 2020”.

I give you 48 hours to put the evidence of the quotes here. If you fail, I’LL SUE YOU,” declared.

Farai Dziva|Former Government Minister Jonathan Moyo has threatened to sue the Permanent Secretary in The Ministry of Information, Nick Mangwana for misinterpreting his remarks about “a planned coup” against Emmerson Mnangagwa.

Moyo also questioned Mnangagwa’s “mental fitness” following the remarks he made during the official open of a mortuary at Gutu District Hospital on Friday.

Mnangagwa stunned all and sundry when he said the first family members who place the body of their deceased relative in the mortuary should win a prize.

Moyo said :

The macabre comments made by Mnangagwa in Masvingo only last week constitute a prima facie case for an inquiry into his mental fitness to be in the office that he holds. No sane person will make fun of the death of another person’s loved one; in the manner Mnangagwa did!

Iwe @nickmangwana
you quote me in today’s #Herald claiming I said “there will be a coup in Zimbabwe in February 2020” & the #KwekweAgreement “is supposed to be consummated on March 7, 2020”.

I give you 48 hours to put the evidence of the quotes here. If you fail, I’LL SUE YOU,” declared.

A SCHOOL in Lupane District, Matabeleland North, is nearly deserted after pupils claimed to have been assaulted by goblins, district school inspector Lovemore Ncube has said.

Ncube said parents and guardians withdrew their children from Mhlanga Mlambo Primary School to protect them from being attacked by suspected goblins.

Lessons were suspended on February 10 and only resumed last Friday, but only a few children turned up.

“The school was closed on February 10 when parents decided to protect their children from being attacked by goblins. However, on Friday we had about 90 children attending lessons. The school has an enrolment of over 180 so I am expecting a report from the school head on the progress,” said Ncube.

Ncube said traditional leaders with the blessing of Chief Mabhikwa engaged the services of a traditional healer who cleansed the school and surrounding homesteads.

“Parents and the traditional leadership engaged the services of a traditional healer who cleansed the school and the surrounding areas; so that is why lessons have resumed,” he said.

A teacher who spoke on condition of anonymity said she was alerted by a Grade Three pupil who came running to the staff room saying they were being beaten by “invisible things” while playing at the school grounds.

She rushed to the grounds where two Grade Four pupils were wriggling on the ground while others were frothing on the mouth.

The pupils were taken to the clinic where they were treated and discharged.

She added that the problem persisted the following day when more pupils were seen rolling on the ground after they were tripped by “things” believed to be goblins.

A red flag was then raised by the community leading to the closure of the school and the subsequent cleansing ceremony where parents contributed $10 per household towards paying the traditional healer.-State media

THE government yesterday hiked ZBC listeners’ licence fees for a car radio to $600 a quarter and also legalised the payment of the fees in foreign currency.

This was contained in Statutory Instrument 63 of 2020 gazetted yesterday.

“A listener may pay any fee referred to in Subsection (1) in euros, British pounds, South African rand or Botswana pula at the international cross rate of exchange of the currency in question for the ZWL dollar, rounded downwards or upwards to the nearest multiple of ten.

“The Broadcasting (Listeners’ Licences) (Fees) Notice, 2009, published in Statutory Instrument 19 of 2009, is repealed.”

The SI 63 of 2020 also increased the licence fees.

“The Zimbabwe Broadcasting Holdings, with the approval of the minister of Information, Publicity and Broadcasting Services, hereby makes the following notice, in terms of section 38B(2) of the Broadcasting Services Act [Chapter 12:06]:

“The fee payable for a licence issued to a listener for a receiver in terms of the licences regulations, or for the renewal of such a licence, shall be — in the case of a listener’s licence (sound-rural), 25 ZWL dollars per quarter or part.

“In the case of a listener’s licence (sound-urban), 50 ZWL dollars per quarter or part thereof; in the case of a listener’s licence (sound and television), 100 ZWL dollars per quarter or part.

Those who want listener’s licences for business premises will fork out $450 per quarter or part.

“In the case of a listener’s licence (television-business premises), 1 000 ZWL dollars per quarter or part thereof; in the case of a listener’s licence (sound-private vehicle), 300 ZWL dollars per quarter or part thereof; Broadcasting (Listeners’ Licences) (Fees) Notice, 2020

“In the case of a listener’s licence (sound-employer-owned vehicle), 600 ZWL dollars per quarter or part thereof; in the case of a listener’s licence (sound and television vehicle), 1 000 ZWL dollars per quarter or part,” the gazette reads.

Own Correspondent|The ZBC reports that First Lady, Auxillia Mnangagwa has passed a Class One Driver’s Licence which will allow her to drive a passenger vehicle with twenty passengers and above.

The state broadcaster claims that Mrs Mnangagwa was motivated to train as a bus driver due to the high carnage on the roads caused by male bus drivers.

The report says that the training of female drivers has been identified as key in reducing road carnage and preserving the sanctity of human life.

“The number of female drivers in the public transport sector remains low despite the general sentiment that women are careful drivers and Mrs Mnangagwa has since moved in to inspire other women by upgrading her driver’s licence to Class One,” they reported.

Mrs Mnangagwa, received her Class One driver’s licence in Harare this Wednesday, and encouraged other women to take up the profession to reduce road carnage as well as get employment.

“Women are the most careful drivers and I have done it so I urge women to also consider taking class one and save the lives of people on the roads. I have done it and women can do it ,” she said.

Vehicle Inspection Department Eastlea Depot Manager, Onesmo Bumira applauded the First Lady for being a careful driver.

“She has passed the test and am happy that she is a careful driver. Women are generally good drivers and I urge other women to follow suit,” he said.

The report said Auxillia had earlier on taken lessons in defensive driving which were conducted by the Traffic Safety Council of Zimbabwe.

By A Correspondent- A three member tribunal has been sworn in by His Excellency, President Emmerson Mnangagwa to enquire into the Supreme Court Judge, Francis Bere’s fitness to continue holding judicial office following his suspension over allegations that he interfered with a pending civil court case involving the Zimbabwe National Road Administration (Zinara) and his relatives.

Retired Judge Simbi Mubako was appointed as chair of the tribunal and the other members of the tribunal are Advocates Rekai Maphosa and Takawira Nzombe.

Speaking after the ceremony, the chair of the tribunal, Rtd. Judge Mubako said they have hit the ground running.

“We are starting today laying the foundation but proper work will start anytime this week or next week,” said Retired Judge Mubako.

He said the completion of the investigations will depend on the complexity of the case.

“We are do not know how long it will take. It will depend on evidence attained from the investigations and since we are just starting now, we do not know how complex the case is,” added Retired Judge Mubako.

Mubako also spoke about the key tenets of a judge, emphasizing on some of the things that his team will look into during the inquiry.

“A lot is expected of a judge. A judge is supposed to be a fit and proper person who upholds the dignity of the court and the dignity of justice in general meaning the person should be leading in virtue,” he said

Justice Bere faces allegations of interfering with a pending court case and was automatically suspended from duty pending the outcome of the tribunal’s investigation.

Justice Bere reportedly of meddled in a civil case involving the Zimbabwe National Road Administration and his relatives.

The supreme court judge is said to have telephoned Zinara lawyer, Itai Ndudzo of Mutamangira and Associates, asking him to consider settling a civil dispute pitting Zinara and Fremus Enterprises (owned by the judge’s relatives).

The complaint was first raised before Deputy Chief Justice Elizabeth Gwaunza during a court hearing before Ndudzo was asked to make the complaint in writing.-StateMedia

Government is going to pay 53 percent of the June and November examination fees for all candidates in public schools, Primary and Secondary Education Minister Cain Mathema has said.

Minister Mathema said Government had already released $150 million towards preparations of the examinations. Parents will foot the remainder. He said Government, Local Authority and non-profit mission schools will be the only ones to benefit.

“I would now like to advise all parents and guardians in Grade 7, Ordinary and Advanced levels. Government will be contributing 53 percent of the examination fees in public schools while parents and guardians will take up 47 percent,” he said.