Thandiwe Ndebele NkomoWe wish to retract and apologise for the wrong use of the image of THANDIWE NDEBELE NKOMO in our news article on Wednesday entitled “Nkomo Family In Trouble.”
We inadvertently used her image instead of the image of Thandiwe Nkomo the daughter of the late former Vice President Joshua Nkomo in our story.
We regret the inadvertent error and apologise to her for any inconvenience the use of her image may have caused her.
ZimEye.com editorial.
Justice Francis BereState Media|Supreme Court judge, Justice Francis Bere, who faces a tribunal for allegedly interfering with a pending court case, has been automatically suspended from duty pending the outcome of the tribunal’s investigation.
Justice Bere is accused of meddling in a civil case involving the Zimbabwe National Road Administration and his relatives.
After President Mnangagwa set up a three-member tribunal chaired by retired judge Justice Simbi Mubako to enquire into the judge’s fitness to continue holding judicial office, Justice Bere was automatically suspended in terms of constitutional provisions.
Judicial Service Commission spokesperson Mr Brian Nkiwane confirmed Justice Bere’s suspension.
“The suspension will only end after the President revokes it, following recommendations by the tribunal,” he said.
Justice Bere allegedly telephoned Zinara lawyer Mr Itai Ndudzo of Mutamangira and Associates, asking him to consider settling a civil dispute pitting Zinara and Fremus Enterprises.
Complaints against him were raised before Deputy Chief Justice Elizabeth Gwaunza during a court hearing and Mr Ndudzo was asked to make the complaint in writing.
Justice Bere denied the allegations.
In a response to the Judicial Service Commission, he said he only contacted Mr Ndudzo in the context of their personal relationship dating back to the days when they were both members of the Zimbabwe Football Association Ethics Committee.
Justice Bere described the complaint as a falsehood meant to taint his clean record.
Zacc chairperson Justice Loice Matanda-Moyo State Media|The Zimbabwe Anti-Corruption Commission (ZACC) will investigate reports of fuel hoarding by oil companies that allegedly received, in the past week, 20 million litres of diesel and almost 9 million litres of petrol, but reportedly withheld much of the fuel in the hope of forcing authorities to increase their permitted mark-ups.
Sources said the oil firms withheld fuel received between February 24 and March 1 because they wanted higher mark-ups in the formulas used by the Zimbabwe Energy Regulatory Authority (ZERA) to set the retail prices.
Speculation that the companies hoped for licences for forex service stations is less likely since such stations have to procure fuel outside the general allocation system using their own free funds with steps being taken to ensure ordinary allocations were not sold in forex service stations.
The withholding of supplies worsened shortages.
Documents seen last night showed that for diesel, Redan got almost 2,4 million litres, Billheights (Trek) 857 503 litres, Engen 1,8 million litres, Zuva 272 498 litres, Total 2,2 million litres, Petrotrade 1,1 million litres, and Pickglow (Glow) 886 646 litres.
For petrol, Redan got 1,6 million litres, Trek 34 526 litres; Engen 29 038 litres, Zuva 531 288 litres, Total 2,5 million litres, Petrotrade 546 291 litres and Glow 605 001 litres.
Much of this fuel was reportedly not sold.
The National Oil Infrastructure Company (NOIC), which distributes fuel in the general system to oil companies, confirmed allocating fuel to the oil companies.
NOIC board chairman Engineer Daniel Mackenzie Ncube said: “Yes, they were getting fuel. I can confirm that they were withholding fuel and they were claiming that the price from Zera (the Zimbabwe Energy Regulatory Authority) was sub-economic for them.
“They were just giving a number of reasons. But going forward, we will be putting in place a tracking system that shows us where a truck leaving NOIC delivers the fuel.”
Asked what evidence they had to demonstrate that oil companies withheld the fuel, Eng Mackenzie Ncube said the endless queues and complaints from consumers were enough evidence.
Zacc chairperson Justice Loice Matanda-Moyo confirmed receiving reports of hoarding by oil companies and said: “Zacc is launching investigations into the matter.”
Asked when the investigations will start, Justice Matanda-Moyo said no date had been allocated since she got the case last night.
Head of the Special Anti-Corruption Unit Mr Thabani Mpofu said they also got information pertaining to the possible hoarding in the fuel sector.
“The allegations of fuel hoarding and the illicit trading of fuel have been brought to our attention,” he said. “We have referred these to the State institutions that are charged with corruption investigations. You may want to get a comment from those.”
It is understood that yesterday there was a meeting between the Reserve Bank of Zimbabwe, Zera and the oil marketers to try and find a solution to the challenges.
Last night, Zera announced that fuel prices are going up from today, with diesel retailing at a maximum of $18,66 and petrol $18,70.
Zera’s maximum retail prices are based on the actual landed price of the fuel in US dollars, the interbank exchange rate at the time of the import, and the handling charges, taxes and mark-ups based on the landed Zimbabwe dollar price.
President Mnangagwa has banned civil servants from foreign trips and urged other Zimbabweans to restrict their travelling, especially outside Africa, as part of measures to minimise the risk of being exposed to Covid-19.
Addressing the 337th Ordinary Session of the Zanu-PF Politburo in Harare yesterday, the President said the Ministry of Health and Child Care, together with associated departments, was adequately prepared to handle any possible cases of Covid-19, but the Government wanted to minimise the risk of such cases in the first place, hence the travel ban for civil servants.
“We will continue to urge our people to minimise the risk of exposure. For those in Government, I have banned foreign travelling.
I also appeal to Zimbabweans to minimise travelling outside the country,” he said.
President Mnangagwa’s sentiments come at a time when Zimbabwe has announced that people visiting the country from areas affected by Covid-19 without valid medical certificates showing they are not infected, will be sent back at the port of entry.
But Zimbabweans cannot be refused entry to their own country.
Those returning residents who have visited the epicentre of the pandemic are automatically quarantined and tested.
Over 3 000 people around the world have died from Covid-19 following the first outbreak recorded in the Chinese City of Wuhan in Hubei Province from the more than 93 000 cases recorded.
The overwhelming majority of cases and deaths have been in China, but deaths have been reported in Iran, Italy and the United States, and authorities are considering new quarantine zones and travel restrictions.
Africa has recorded just three confirmed cases, one each in Algeria, Egypt and Nigeria, but authorities across the continent are taking precautions with assistance from the World Health Organisation.
In Zimbabwe, over 6 000 people have been screened for infection at ports of entry, mainly Robert Gabriel Mugabe International and Victoria Falls International airports and the Beitbridge Border Post.
Both persons, who arrived after visiting Wuhan, were immediately quarantined and tested, with both being released after the tests came out negative although both are among the group being continuously monitored for 21 days.
The two were detained at Wilkins Hospital where they were observed and discharged.
All Government emergency agencies, including the Department of Civil Protection, have been directed to be prepared for any Covid-19 outbreak.
Yesterday, Ecobank donated US$$30 000 to Ministry of Health and Childcare for the procurement of coronavirus testing kits as part of the national preparedness efforts.-State media
FORMER Zanu PF Youth League secretary for the commissariat Godfrey Tsenengamu has been expelled from the party for the second time in less than five years.
Tsenengamu, who becomes the first member to be expelled under the New Dispensation, was once shown the exit door during the late former President Robert Mugabe’s reign in 2015 for attacking the party leadership on social media, and abusing party resources.
His sacking follows last month’s suspension of the secretary for Youth League Pupurai Togarepi, his deputy, Lewis Matutu, as well as the former youth commissar for indiscipline.
In its first meeting of the year, the Politburo decided that Togarepi will remain a Central Committee member, while Matutu and Tsenengamu remain card-carrying members.
Matutu and Tsenengamu were suspended for 12 months and were directed to undergo rigorous training at Chitepo School of Ideology for three months before they were allowed to contest for any position in the party.
Tsenengamu defied the Politburo and continued with his rantings, while Matutu has started the ideology lectures.
Briefing journalists after the 337th session of the Politburo in Harare yesterday, Zanu PF national secretary for Administration, Obert Mpofu, said Mr Tsenengamu had been expelled for indiscipline.
“A unanimous resolution was passed by the Politburo that the former youth secretary for commissariat be expelled due to his intransigence and continued disparaging of senior party members,” he said.
Earlier on, President Mnangagwa had called on party members not toallow personal interests to threaten the unity in the party.
While addressing the 337th Ordinary Session of the Politburo, the President and First Secretary of the party, said Zanu PF cannot afford to be preoccupied with sideshows and negative noises meant to cause despondency among members.-State media
MDC-Alliance legislators yesterday defended former First Lady Grace Mugabe’s ownership of multiple farms and quashed calls by Norton legislator Temba Mliswa to repossess them.
The incident occurred in the National Assembly during the weekly question-and-answer session.
Mliswa claimed it was on record that the former First Lady had multiple farms and asked Justice, Legal and Parliamentary Affairs Minister Ziyambi Ziyambi, as leader of Government business in Parliament, when Government would start repossessing some of them.
President Mnangagwa is on record as saying the former First Family owned more than 10 farms.
“Government embarked on a land audit to see who was utilising land and who was not and for what reason and the multiple farm owners,” said Mliswa.
“It is on record that the former First Lady owns more than four farms and the Government has done absolutely nothing when the policy is one-man one-farm, one-woman one-farm.
The question is; what have they done with the land audit and why have they not repossessed land from the former First Lady.”
MDC-Alliance legislators interjected, with St Mary’s legislator Mr Job Sikhala shouting: “Mugabe akafa kare siyanai naye (referring to Mrs Mugabe) and “why do you want to abuse the widow.”
MDC-Alliance legislators briefly brought business to a halt, while Mliswa accused them of supporting Mrs Mugabe because she funded their campaigns in 2018 harmonised elections.
“Makapihwa mari naGrace muchi campaigner (you were funded by Grace during the elections campaign),” Mr Mliswa said.
Mrs Mugabe was the face of the G40 faction that was expelled from Zanu PF during Operation Restore Legacy in 2017.
The group has found a home in MDC-Alliance, with former Zanu PF Politburo members — Professor Jonathan Moyo and Patrick Zhuwao — openly throwing their weight behind the opposition party’s president Mr Nelson Chamisa and admitting that they fundraised for MDC Alliance campaign.-State media
MDC-Alliance legislators yesterday defended former First Lady Grace Mugabe’s ownership of multiple farms and quashed calls by Norton legislator Temba Mliswa to repossess them.
The incident occurred in the National Assembly during the weekly question-and-answer session.
Mliswa claimed it was on record that the former First Lady had multiple farms and asked Justice, Legal and Parliamentary Affairs Minister Ziyambi Ziyambi, as leader of Government business in Parliament, when Government would start repossessing some of them.
President Mnangagwa is on record as saying the former First Family owned more than 10 farms.
“Government embarked on a land audit to see who was utilising land and who was not and for what reason and the multiple farm owners,” said Mliswa.
“It is on record that the former First Lady owns more than four farms and the Government has done absolutely nothing when the policy is one-man one-farm, one-woman one-farm.
The question is; what have they done with the land audit and why have they not repossessed land from the former First Lady.”
MDC-Alliance legislators interjected, with St Mary’s legislator Mr Job Sikhala shouting: “Mugabe akafa kare siyanai naye (referring to Mrs Mugabe) and “why do you want to abuse the widow.”
MDC-Alliance legislators briefly brought business to a halt, while Mliswa accused them of supporting Mrs Mugabe because she funded their campaigns in 2018 harmonised elections.
“Makapihwa mari naGrace muchi campaigner (you were funded by Grace during the elections campaign),” Mr Mliswa said.
Mrs Mugabe was the face of the G40 faction that was expelled from Zanu PF during Operation Restore Legacy in 2017.
The group has found a home in MDC-Alliance, with former Zanu PF Politburo members — Professor Jonathan Moyo and Patrick Zhuwao — openly throwing their weight behind the opposition party’s president Mr Nelson Chamisa and admitting that they fundraised for MDC Alliance campaign.-State media
FORMER Zanu PF Youth League secretary for the commissariat Godfrey Tsenengamu has been expelled from the party for the second time in less than five years.
Tsenengamu, who becomes the first member to be expelled under the New Dispensation, was once shown the exit door during the late former President Robert Mugabe’s reign in 2015 for attacking the party leadership on social media, and abusing party resources.
His sacking follows last month’s suspension of the secretary for Youth League Pupurai Togarepi, his deputy, Lewis Matutu, as well as the former youth commissar for indiscipline.
In its first meeting of the year, the Politburo decided that Togarepi will remain a Central Committee member, while Matutu and Tsenengamu remain card-carrying members.
Matutu and Tsenengamu were suspended for 12 months and were directed to undergo rigorous training at Chitepo School of Ideology for three months before they were allowed to contest for any position in the party.
Tsenengamu defied the Politburo and continued with his rantings, while Matutu has started the ideology lectures.
Briefing journalists after the 337th session of the Politburo in Harare yesterday, Zanu PF national secretary for Administration, Obert Mpofu, said Mr Tsenengamu had been expelled for indiscipline.
“A unanimous resolution was passed by the Politburo that the former youth secretary for commissariat be expelled due to his intransigence and continued disparaging of senior party members,” he said.
Earlier on, President Mnangagwa had called on party members not toallow personal interests to threaten the unity in the party.
While addressing the 337th Ordinary Session of the Politburo, the President and First Secretary of the party, said Zanu PF cannot afford to be preoccupied with sideshows and negative noises meant to cause despondency among members.-State media
The ZANU PF Mashonaland West provincial disciplinary committee has recommended the suspension of Chegutu West MP Dexter Nduna for five years over a number of allegations, including dishonesty and fanning divisions in the party.
Nduna is also the party’s provincial vice chairman.
The legislator is alleged to have defied the party directive to hold primary elections for Ward 2 Chegutu urban, inciting and instigating violence during the primary elections by organising mobs to disturb the smooth running of elections and deliberately submitting a wrong name as a sole candidate for the party in the ward.
Nduna was also charged with dividing the party by misrepresenting facts of the rightful candidates to the first 2020 executive meeting, disloyalty, dishonesty and bringing the name of the party into disrepute.
Provincial youth vice chairman Joseph Nyariri confirmed the recommendation.
“We sat as the provincial disciplinary committee today (yesterday) and we deliberated on the allegations which were levelled against our vice chairman, Dexter Nduna,” he said.
“We made a quorum and the committee recommended that Nduna be given a five-year suspension upon which he will not hold any leadership position and remain a card-carrying member.”
Nduna was seen at the meeting venue, but did not attend the hearing.
Contacted for comment last night, Mashonaland West chairman Ziyambi Ziyambi said the provincial executive will sit and deliberate on the recommendations from the disciplinary committee.-state media
Two poachers drowned in Darwendale Dam after their canoe capsized around 2am on Sunday. Police were yesterday still searching for the bodies.
“We can confirm that two men drowned at Darwendale Dam on March 1, 2020 at around 0200hrs while they were fishing. The men who were in a canoe, were last heard screaming for help by another fishing party who were about 100 metres away,” said National police spokesperson Assistant Commissioner Paul Nyathi.
Last month, police retrieved bodies of two people who drowned after their boat capsized in Lake Kariba.
The bodies of Kudzanai Dewa (32), a serving member of the Zimbabwe Republic Police (ZRP) and Charles Kahara (36), an officer with the Zimbabwe Prisons and Correctional Services (ZPCS) met their fate between Kariba Lake Harvest bream cages and Nyaodza Fishing Camp.
Strong winds caused the boat which had four people to capsize and everyone temporarily managed to hang onto the boat, but Dewa later complained of being tired before letting go.
In a bid to help her, Kahara followed. but was allegedly pulled down by a panicking Dewa.
The other two were rescued about four hours later, by another crew that passed through on their way to the fishing camps.
The incident came barely two weeks after two Zimbabwe Parks and Wildlife Management Authority rangers drowned in the same lake following a scuffle with suspected Zambian poachers.
In 2008, two poachers drowned in Darwendale Dam after slipping off an inflated tube while fishing.
Jason Chitera (40) and an unidentified colleague were poaching fish when the incident occurred at around 10am. -state media/herald
Farai Dziva|MDC Youth Assembly leader Tererai Obey Sithole has dismissed as baseless claims that party youths smashed windscreens of ZUPCO Buses.
Said Sithole:
“We have always raised concern on the wild behavior often exhibited by police officers under the pretext of traffic control.
They hit screens of vehicles with their button sticks and many vehicles haven’t been spared.This
I urge all the men and women in uniform to reform and abstain from their common destructive behavior.”
The Grain Marketing Board (GMB) has suspended the Belmont depot manager in Bulawayo together with his four subordinates for allegedly diverting subsidised mealie-meal and other Silo Foods Industries products to the black market.
Sources said the depot manager, Mr Stanley Chimakira, was allegedly working with his sidekicks in the sales department, Mr Buhle Dube and Mr Vincent Gwariro, in channelling the Government-subsided roller meal to the black market.
Mr Chimakira was also allegedly working with two others employees, Mr Tashin Kamangira and Ms Samkeliso Nyathi, who are both counter sales clerks.
The underhand dealings within the parastatal were recently unearthed following an internal audit, which was preceded by an investigation into operations at Silo Foods Industries in the city by a roller meal taskforce chaired by Industry and Commerce Deputy Minister Raj Modi, who confirmed the suspensions of the five GMB employees.
The taskforce reported the matter to the Zimbabwe Anti-Corruption Commission (Zacc).
The recently constituted roller meal task force’s mandate is to ensure transparent and equitable distribution of the product throughout the entire supply chain.
Sources told The Chronicle that Mr Chimakira and Mr Dube were the ring leaders of the syndicate, which also includes some unscrupulous illegal traders who sell the roller-meal in United States dollars.
“The depot manager and people in the sales department operated as a syndicate to feed the black market with the subsidised mealie-meal. In some cases, you would see a 30-ton truck transporting mealie-meal to these pseudo shops and starving registered traders and other big supermarkets,” said the source.
The Chronicle established that soon after the maize taskforce unearthed the underhand dealings, an internal audit revealed that about 90 percent of the business transactions were not above board.
“The manager and his four subordinates at GMB Belmont depot have since been suspended indefinitely without pay and benefits pending hearings. The main reason behind their suspensions is that they were fuelling the black market by providing subsidised mealie-meal to unregistered traders in return for kickbacks,” said the source, who also revealed that a new team from Harare has been deployed to the Belmont depot.
“There is a guy from Harare who is now running the depot and he is being assisted by another one who came from the Gweru depot.”
Deputy Minister Modi said the suspensions follow investigations by his task force, which has since managed to identify syndicates causing artificial mealie-meal shortages.
“My taskforce team recently unearthed serious irregularities at the GMB depot in Belmont and the manager and his team were involved in diverting subsidised roller meal to the black market. As I speak, they have been suspended pending hearings,” he said.
“In fact, from the Government position, we are quite disturbed by what we have discovered and some of the culprits responsible for creating supply and distribution anomalies have been identified.”
Deputy Minister Modi said there are cases of Silo roller-meal in Bulawayo being sold on the black-market right in front of the Silo Shop.
“It is partly through these illegal vendors that we are conducting investigations and tracing it back to the source of the crime,” he said.
Investigations by the maize taskforce following their surprise visit to the Silo Foods Industries’ factory at the Belmont industrial area indicated that GMB employees were allegedly diverting the subsidised roller meal meant for retailers to the black market.
The taskforce also allegedly discovered an invoice book that was being used by the perpetrators of the scam.
Deputy Minister Modi said the task force is making follow-ups with major suppliers and retailers of mealie-meal. This follows critical shortages of the commodity on the market after Government re-introduced a subsidy programme to ensure that roller meal in particular, is available at an affordable price to consumers.
Zimbabwe’s annual maize consumption stands at 1,8 million tonnes. Contacted for comment yesterday, GMB general manager Mr Rockie Mutenha feigned ignorance over the suspensions.
“I am not aware of the suspensions that you are talking about. As far as I know, those people who are purported to have been suspended are actually at work as we speak and you can even go there and check for yourself,” he said.
Last month, our sister paper, The Sunday News reported that Zacc discovered that some employees were allegedly channelling as much as 10 000 bags of 20kg roller meal to the black market. Consumers have been battling to access roller meal, which is presently being subsidised by Government.
The paper also reported that there was a cartel of retailers and vendors who were hoarding mealie-meal in Victoria Falls and selling it in hard currency to Zambian cross-border vendors on the black market.
Zambian media reports indicate that mealie-meal brands from Zimbabwe have flooded the Livingstone market.
The Zimbabwean products are sold at relatively lower prices when compared to the Zambian products due to the subsidy programme.
Deputy Minster Modi said they have extended their investigations to the country’s borders where subsidised mealie meal is smuggled out of the country.
“Our routine involves checking what the suppliers get and from who, names of retailers that received the product and the customers that bought the mealie-meal,” he said.
Finance and Economic Development Minister Professor Mthuli Ncube recently revealed through the Zimpapers Television Network (ZTN) that smuggling of mealie-meal had become rampant. Besides mealie-meal, a variety of other products such as sugar, rice and juices are smuggled out of the country using both legal and illegal exit points.
According to investigations, some Government officials are said to be heavily involved in the scam.
Last month, Parliament heard that GMB senior executives were allegedly allocating subsidised maize to millers who are allegedly diverting it to the black market and countries such as the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC).- state media/herald
By Pafungeyi Gore
The black government led by Zanu PF in 1980 inherited a vibrant and functioning economy which they failed dismally to manage.
The government’s policies were not that bad in the first instance but the vultures within the ruling elite hijacked the need to emancipate the people.
Those who were resettled in the first five years after independent are indeed doing wonders in the allocated pieces of land. For instance the farmers at Mushandike irrigation scheme.
Hell broke loose when the stampede to bootlick Mugabe become the order of the day.
Bootlickers could hide behind Mugabe name (tatumwa naVaMugabe kuti tidai). The name Mugabe indeed became a feared name among the different sectors of the economy.
Mugabe himself thought that those who called him Gushungo adore him when in actual fact the bootlicking mantra was a jamboree to get closer to the feeding trough.
Mugabe’s vision for the country indeed became blurred as he continued to implement policies that were spearheaded by bootlickers. Scandal after scandal became the order of the day, from the Willogate scandal, the ESAP misfiring and other scandals that rocked the administration.
The economy continued on the downward trend because the bootlickers were indeed difficult to arrest as they turned into cartels that are currently running the Mnangagwa government.
Back then no one could give Mugabe sound advice otherwise he or she would be branded a sell out by those who fighting to maintain their life careers in politics.
The bootlickers in Zanu PF are indeed conservative, they fear change, they don’t want to pushed because they know they will not survive far away from the feeding trough. They would rather let Zimbabweans wallow in poverty than giving others a chance.
Farai Dziva|MDC Youth Assembly Secretary General, Gift Ostallos Siziba has described threats by the army to censor social media platforms as a direct violation of freedom of expression.
A senior army official recently said there was need to censor social media platforms to combat cyber crime.
Siziba said:
“We are surely opposed and vociferously against cyber policing and unwarranted monitoring of the citizens by uniformed forces in this country.
The Movement for Democratic Change is undoubtedly a party that believes in the constitutional rights and freedoms of speech and expression, especially in as much as the discourse of politics is involved.
These attempts must be stopped forthwith.”
Dear @edmnangagwa When you got into office, a lot of people had high expectations that you would clean up the mess left by Mugabe. We expected a corrupt-free cabinet & fiscal discipline to ensure that government lives within its means.
Many corruption cases are still hanging
I hate to say this but the truth has to be said, @MthuliNcube is doing more harm than good to Zimbabwe’s economy.
The inconsistencies in his monetary policies are causing immense suffering to the people of Zimbabwe. It is either we re-dollarize or de-dollarize, we can’t do both
There is a need for political will to stop the issuing of treasury bills and to find a lasting solution to the cash crisis in Zimbabwe.
Corruption is now the order of the day yet little is being done to curb corruption
@ReserveBankZIM
We inherited a racist white supremacy corruption system from the colonial masters, were only a few individuals accumulate wealth at the expense of the generality of the masses, thereby further entrenching poverty at the same time reversing the gains of the liberation struggle.
Having been in Mugabe’s cabinet, we thought you would get rid of nepotism and create a new culture of politics and governance that was going to eradicate corruption of ‘connections.’ Only those with political connections are surviving.
#TeamZimbabwe
Tender Corruption needs to be dealt with by ensuring that all involved in tender scams face the full wrath of the law.
We realized that there is a group of corrupt tenderpreneurs who corruptly get tenders from the Government and Parastatals.
#StopCorruption
A popular example is that of Wicknell Chivhayo and the Gwanda Solar Project.
There is an urgent need to implement an open tender system which is fair and transparent. Government officials are abusing their power to steal state resources eg Prisca Mupfumira of NSSA funds.
As long as corrupt public officials remain protected by your party, there will be no efforts by willing development partners to help Zimbabwe get out of this economic quagmire we are facing. If you take the lead in ensuring stiff penalties for any corrupt activity in the whole country will follow suit.
Speaking against corruption is not enough, we want to see action, real arrests, prosecution, conviction &restitution.
Failure to do so, you might leave office without any legacy to talk of. Ideally, every president wants to leave a legacy
I suggest that you start prioritizing local investment and open Zimbabwe for business fir Zimbabweans. It is time to introduce beneficiation tax to force companies to beneficiate raw materials locally & to remove all ghost workers in civil service.
All civil servants above retirement should be retired. As citizens, we deserve to know your cabinet ministers plans and accomplishments thus far.
Most public hospitals are in a sorry state yet government prioritizes buying luxury cars for chiefs, MPs & other elected officials.
It is imperative that your government seriously considers depoliticizing state institutions, ensure media reforms and economic reforms. Local beneficiation of diamonds and other minerals should be considered if we want to get Zimbabwe out of this economic crisis.
Developing Zimbabwe should be agenda number 1 on your list of priorities.
What legacy do you want to live Mr President? You are the man in charge, show the world that you are indeed the leader of the new dispensation.
Well done for the road rehabilitation program.
Farai Dziva|Controversial politician Linda Masarira has challenged Zanu PF leader Emmerson Mnangagwa to prove that he is a new dispensation leader.
The LEAD president also accused Mnangagwa of protectingprotecting corrupt individuals.
See Masarira’s statement below:
Dear @edmnangagwa When you got into office, a lot of people had high expectations that you would clean up the mess left by Mugabe. We expected a corrupt-free cabinet & fiscal discipline to ensure that government lives within its means.
Many corruption cases are still hanging
I hate to say this but the truth has to be said, @MthuliNcube is doing more harm than good to Zimbabwe’s economy.
The inconsistencies in his monetary policies are causing immense suffering to the people of Zimbabwe. It is either we re-dollarize or de-dollarize, we can’t do both
There is a need for political will to stop the issuing of treasury bills and to find a lasting solution to the cash crisis in Zimbabwe.
Corruption is now the order of the day yet little is being done to curb corruption
@ReserveBankZIM
We inherited a racist white supremacy corruption system from the colonial masters, were only a few individuals accumulate wealth at the expense of the generality of the masses, thereby further entrenching poverty at the same time reversing the gains of the liberation struggle.
Having been in Mugabe’s cabinet, we thought you would get rid of nepotism and create a new culture of politics and governance that was going to eradicate corruption of ‘connections.’ Only those with political connections are surviving.
#TeamZimbabwe
Tender Corruption needs to be dealt with by ensuring that all involved in tender scams face the full wrath of the law.
We realized that there is a group of corrupt tenderpreneurs who corruptly get tenders from the Government and Parastatals.
#StopCorruption
A popular example is that of Wicknell Chivhayo and the Gwanda Solar Project.
There is an urgent need to implement an open tender system which is fair and transparent. Government officials are abusing their power to steal state resources eg Prisca Mupfumira of NSSA funds.
As long as corrupt public officials remain protected by your party, there will be no efforts by willing development partners to help Zimbabwe get out of this economic quagmire we are facing. If you take the lead in ensuring stiff penalties for any corrupt activity in the whole country will follow suit.
Speaking against corruption is not enough, we want to see action, real arrests, prosecution, conviction &restitution.
Failure to do so, you might leave office without any legacy to talk of. Ideally, every president wants to leave a legacy
I suggest that you start prioritizing local investment and open Zimbabwe for business fir Zimbabweans. It is time to introduce beneficiation tax to force companies to beneficiate raw materials locally & to remove all ghost workers in civil service.
All civil servants above retirement should be retired. As citizens, we deserve to know your cabinet ministers plans and accomplishments thus far.
Most public hospitals are in a sorry state yet government prioritizes buying luxury cars for chiefs, MPs & other elected officials.
It is imperative that your government seriously considers depoliticizing state institutions, ensure media reforms and economic reforms. Local beneficiation of diamonds and other minerals should be considered if we want to get Zimbabwe out of this economic crisis.
Developing Zimbabwe should be agenda number 1 on your list of priorities.
What legacy do you want to live Mr President? You are the man in charge, show the world that you are indeed the leader of the new dispensation.
Well done for the road rehabilitation program.
Please wear your brightest clothes!
Women, men and children of all ages are called to ‘Rise, take your mat and walk’ to join this day of prayer. Women of Zimbabwe have prepared this year’s service and they encourage us all to reflect on the difficulties and unrest that have plagued their country over many years. They share the challenges they have met and the hopes they have for the future. They encourage us to ‘Rise, take your mat and walk‘ with them as they continue their often turbulent journey towards full reconciliation.
World Day of Prayer is an international inter-church organization which enables us to hear the thoughts of women from all parts of the world: their hopes, concerns and prayers. The preparation for the day is vast. An international committee is based in New York and there are national committees in each participating country. Regional conferences meet to consider the service and then local groups make their plans. Finally, at a church near you on Friday 6 March 2020 (the service in St. Andrew’s, Kyrenia, will take place at 2:00pm on that day), people will gather to celebrate the service prepared by the women of Zimbabwe.
The Day of Prayer is celebrated in over 170 countries. It begins in Samoa and prayer in native languages travels throughout the world – through Asia, Africa, the Middle East, Europe and the Americas – before finishing in American Samoa more than 36 hours later.
Farai Dziva|Controversial politician Linda Masarira has challenged Zanu PF leader Emmerson Mnangagwa to prove that he is a new dispensation leader.
The LEAD president also accused Mnangagwa of protectingprotecting corrupt individuals.
See Masarira’s statement below:
Dear @edmnangagwa When you got into office, a lot of people had high expectations that you would clean up the mess left by Mugabe. We expected a corrupt-free cabinet & fiscal discipline to ensure that government lives within its means.
Many corruption cases are still hanging
I hate to say this but the truth has to be said, @MthuliNcube is doing more harm than good to Zimbabwe’s economy.
The inconsistencies in his monetary policies are causing immense suffering to the people of Zimbabwe. It is either we re-dollarize or de-dollarize, we can’t do both
There is a need for political will to stop the issuing of treasury bills and to find a lasting solution to the cash crisis in Zimbabwe.
Corruption is now the order of the day yet little is being done to curb corruption
@ReserveBankZIM
We inherited a racist white supremacy corruption system from the colonial masters, were only a few individuals accumulate wealth at the expense of the generality of the masses, thereby further entrenching poverty at the same time reversing the gains of the liberation struggle.
Having been in Mugabe’s cabinet, we thought you would get rid of nepotism and create a new culture of politics and governance that was going to eradicate corruption of ‘connections.’ Only those with political connections are surviving.
#TeamZimbabwe
Tender Corruption needs to be dealt with by ensuring that all involved in tender scams face the full wrath of the law.
We realized that there is a group of corrupt tenderpreneurs who corruptly get tenders from the Government and Parastatals.
#StopCorruption
A popular example is that of Wicknell Chivhayo and the Gwanda Solar Project.
There is an urgent need to implement an open tender system which is fair and transparent. Government officials are abusing their power to steal state resources eg Prisca Mupfumira of NSSA funds.
As long as corrupt public officials remain protected by your party, there will be no efforts by willing development partners to help Zimbabwe get out of this economic quagmire we are facing. If you take the lead in ensuring stiff penalties for any corrupt activity in the whole country will follow suit.
Speaking against corruption is not enough, we want to see action, real arrests, prosecution, conviction &restitution.
Failure to do so, you might leave office without any legacy to talk of. Ideally, every president wants to leave a legacy
I suggest that you start prioritizing local investment and open Zimbabwe for business fir Zimbabweans. It is time to introduce beneficiation tax to force companies to beneficiate raw materials locally & to remove all ghost workers in civil service.
All civil servants above retirement should be retired. As citizens, we deserve to know your cabinet ministers plans and accomplishments thus far.
Most public hospitals are in a sorry state yet government prioritizes buying luxury cars for chiefs, MPs & other elected officials.
It is imperative that your government seriously considers depoliticizing state institutions, ensure media reforms and economic reforms. Local beneficiation of diamonds and other minerals should be considered if we want to get Zimbabwe out of this economic crisis.
Developing Zimbabwe should be agenda number 1 on your list of priorities.
What legacy do you want to live Mr President? You are the man in charge, show the world that you are indeed the leader of the new dispensation.
Well done for the road rehabilitation program.
GOVERNMENT has started refurbishing the National Sports Stadium in Harare and will assist in renovating Barbourfields in Bulawayo as the battle to ensure the Warriors play their next AFCON qualifier at home this month gathered pace yesterday.
On Monday, a high-powered Government delegation, led by Local Government and Public Works Minister July Moyo, toured the country’s biggest stadium to assess areas which were flagged by CAF inspectors, before committing to upgrade the facility.
And yesterday, artisans were on the ground, attending to the pitch, whose condition was condemned by the CAF inspectors.
Acting Youth, Sport, Arts and Recreation Minister Kazembe Kazembe told journalists during a post-Cabinet briefing that renovations at the National Sports Stadium had started and was confident it could be upgraded, in the next two weeks, to bring it in line with CAF expectations.
Minister Kazembe Kazembe
Work is also expected to start at Barbourfields, the stadium which was originally set to host the match against Algeria, and has the best possible chance of being refurbished in time for that showdown, given it has fewer requirements to pass the CAF test compared to other grounds in the country.
Minister Kazembe said the Government was targeting to complete the renovations within the next two weeks and only the installation of bucket seats and electronic turnstiles were likely to be outstanding.
“We are trying to, at least, meet the deadline as we address the issues and concerns raised by CAF. We are trying to address those issues within the next two weeks. There are only two issues which we may fail to attend to, that is the issue of bucket seats and the electronic turnstiles.
“But, as we speak now, work has started at the National Sports Stadium following the meeting of stakeholders yesterday (Monday).
“The pitch is being attended to, the floodlights have already been attended to and are awaiting inspection.
“The doping, medical and changing rooms are all being dealt with and all work should be complete within the next 14 days.
The spectators’ sitting stands, and the media tribunes, are also areas which can be dealt with within 14 days, funds permitting.’’-State media
The ZANU PF Mashonaland West provincial disciplinary committee has recommended the suspension of Chegutu West MP Dexter Nduna for five years over a number of allegations, including dishonesty and fanning divisions in the party.
Nduna is also the party’s provincial vice chairman.
The legislator is alleged to have defied the party directive to hold primary elections for Ward 2 Chegutu urban, inciting and instigating violence during the primary elections by organising mobs to disturb the smooth running of elections and deliberately submitting a wrong name as a sole candidate for the party in the ward.
Nduna was also charged with dividing the party by misrepresenting facts of the rightful candidates to the first 2020 executive meeting, disloyalty, dishonesty and bringing the name of the party into disrepute.
Provincial youth vice chairman Joseph Nyariri confirmed the recommendation.
“We sat as the provincial disciplinary committee today (yesterday) and we deliberated on the allegations which were levelled against our vice chairman, Dexter Nduna,” he said.
“We made a quorum and the committee recommended that Nduna be given a five-year suspension upon which he will not hold any leadership position and remain a card-carrying member.”
Cde Nduna was seen at the meeting venue, but did not attend the hearing.
Contacted for comment last night, Mashonaland West chairman Ziyambi Ziyambi said the provincial executive will sit and deliberate on the recommendations from the disciplinary committee.-state media
The Donald Trump administration has extended sanctions against Emmerson Mnangagwa and his party Zanu PF citing that the Zimbabwean government has “accelerated its persecution of critics and economic mismanagement in the past year, during which security forces have conducted extrajudicial killings, rapes, and alleged abductions of numerous dissidents.”
BELOW WAS THE FULL ANNOUNCEMENT ON PRESIDENT TRUMP’S PORTAL:
TO THE CONGRESS OF THE UNITED STATES:
Section 202(d) of the National Emergencies Act (50 U.S.C. 1622(d)) provides for the automatic termination of a national emergency unless, within 90 days before the anniversary date of its declaration, the President publishes in the Federal Register and transmits to the Congress a notice stating that the emergency is to continue in effect beyond the anniversary date. In accordance with this provision, I have sent to the Federal Register for publication the enclosed notice stating that the national emergency declared in Executive Order 13288 of March 6, 2003, with respect to the actions and policies of certain members of the Government of Zimbabwe and other persons to undermine Zimbabwe’s democratic processes or institutions is to continue in effect beyond March 6, 2020.
In the wake of the resignation of former President Robert Mugabe in November 2017, Zimbabwe’s national elections in July 2018, and President Mugabe’s subsequent death in September 2019, Zimbabwe has had ample opportunity to implement reforms that could set the country on a constructive path, stabilize the southern African region, and open the door to greater cooperation with the United States. Unfortunately, President Emmerson Mnangagwa’s administration has yet to signal credible political will to implement such reforms. Indeed, the Zimbabwean government has arguably accelerated its persecution of critics and economic mismanagement in the past year, during which security forces have conducted extrajudicial killings, rapes, and alleged abductions of numerous dissidents.
These actions and policies by certain members of the Government of Zimbabwe and other persons to undermine Zimbabwe’s democratic processes or institutions continue to pose an unusual and extraordinary threat to the foreign policy of the United States. Therefore, I have determined that it is necessary to continue the national emergency declared in Executive Order 13288 with respect to Zimbabwe.
DONALD J. TRUMP
THE WHITE HOUSE,
March 4, 2020.
Tinashe Eric Muzamhindo writes:
The dramatic monologue entangled around proportional politics in the mdc bedroom is critical. How does an opposition deal with culmination of identity crisis is critical.
Factional politics is normal in any political institutions particularly when those political institutions did not gain power. It is very normal and health. The only important thing is how you manage opponents and factions is critical. Onething you need to understand is that we under militarized state and actually opposition would have not survived up to now under a military watchdog. Mnangagwa is just a face of a militarized state, painting civilian politics. I would not want to entangle much on the critical path to justify the military establishment. We all know what happened on August 1 ( shootings), and we all know what happened on 17 October, 2017 and we all know what transpired on 29 March, 2008. This is a political analogy which has it’s own clear indicators of a militarized state. Opposition MDC has survived that in the past and all these are phases , and come next election, they will always survive that. The honest truth, you don’t need a political scientist to define to you militarized state and we have all eyes to witness the military being in charge of all state apparatus in Zimbabwe. What is happening is very health in MDC politics. It has happened before and I have to point out the preventions and remedies of curing splits and averting them.
1. How to manage & avert splits
There is a wide belief that whoever raise his head in the mdc must be chopped, which is not necessary and wrong approach which will leave the party weakened. What Nelson Chamisa has been doing since he took over from the late founder and icon, Morgan Tsvangirai is literally wise and careful on how to handle internal rivalry. If it was during Tsvangirai times, Mwonzora and other senior leaders would have been shown the door by now. We would witnessed more drama at Harvest House, roads being sealed off and bouncers manning all entries. In the modern days in politics, this is not necessary and expected. Let me talk about what exactly might be happening? How to cure such events and managing them. It’s not necessary to dismiss people on such grounds, but rather they can be managed to keep the movement going.
2. Zanu PF is playing politics on factions
So far it is winning and to their advantage. Opposition allow themselves to be used by ruling party. Each time a perceived enemy arise within themselves they label him an enemy whilst time is moving. This is the works of the intelligence to keep ED going and soon we will be in 2023. They are simply playing politics and ensuring that you keep fighting and they will keep your minds and focus on internal fights whilst the economy is bleeding. I have earlier on pointed out that Zanu PF takes advantage of the situation on the ground and they capitalize on that. If you remember very well, few days ago media was awash with news that Nelson Chamisa received a vehicle from Kudakwashe Tagwirei, and there were a lot of storms within the party. Zanu is simply playing politics between the two factions emerging one led by Nelson Chamisa ( young generation & turkey), and one led by Douglas Mwonzora ( old generation). What they are simply doing is that they are not sponsoring anyone, they simply make you fight, loose focus and drag the drama to 2023. Opposition must dump politics of chete chete and build the movement from honest and home grown solutions. When they accused Nelson Chamisa of owning a vehicle bought by the controversial business mogul Tagwirei, the old generation reacted, we saw some adverts on social media about Tsvangirai legacy being compromised, and few days ago we saw the young generation reacting with slogans ” tengesa uone” , accusing Douglas Mwonzora of receiving 12 million USD. Where on earth would ED and Zanu PF get such kind of money when they are struggling to pay doctors and other critical civil service? Look at the headmaster who stole maize cobs from Mutoko? Look at Eskom, they are about to switch off electricity? Can someone believe that rubbish? I don’t think Nelson would believe such hogwash material. Now let’s come closer home on this one, it’s simple, the enemy is playing smart politics on opposition and it is them, the MDC which allow themselves to be used. You need to relieve yourself from such kind of politics and allow the party to be intact. Nelson is a brilliant lawyer, and do you think in your own right sense, he would allow to receive a car which he knows that it can be powdered with poison or other material or they can simply put cameras or gadgets on it? Or they can simply claim it or flight it in newspapers claiming that Nelson Chamisa stole a vehicle registration number ADE 435 026? Come on this is politics and don’t allow yourself to be used to this extend. Focus on rural strategy and resource mobilization ahead of 2023. So by now we could be seeing Douglas Mwonzora driving a new Lexus or V8 or he could be living in the splash borrowdale brook or Sandton. He is still the same Douglas Mwonzora we have known before, for the past 20 years. What you don’t realise is that you are being sold a dummy and being used and come 2023, you will certain cry and the simple arithmetic and divide and rule politics which will weaken the party’s performance ahead of 2023. If Mwonzora is kicked out , yes he may leave with a handful of people but this will weaken the party’s performance ahead of elections particularly Harare province. So dismiss these stories with contempt they deserve. This is why you see Nelson taking a backseat watching, this is what a wise leader must do. In fact this drama will not end there, more drama will come, so what is critical is for Nelson to ignore and find ways and remedies of avoiding splits and ensuring the success of the party.
3. Nelson Chamisa will prevail
It’s clear Chamisa will survive any split that may possibly come before or after 2023 elections. With events unfolding in the labour backed party, there are possible political indicators pointing to a verge of a split or some skirmish and other internal rivalry. What you need to understand is that Chamisa’ s power is not at Harvest House, neither in the standing committee, Chamisa’ s strength is on the grassroots, and the only people who will manage to protect his Presidency are from the grassroots level. What Nelson managed to do is to ensure that all structures are on his side. This is why you have seen him keeeping his blue-eyed boy Amos Chibaya, he has managed to keep his loyalists in key positions, it is very health and normal in any political settings. I don’t see anyone dethroning Nelson Chamisa from Presidency. It’s a non – starter and this will not happen anytime soon. Infact he is enjoying grassroots connectivity and support. In politics you must read the game. Within the historical context, we have empirical evidence and some case studies on how factional politics culminated into splits. In 2005, the Welshman group tried and this failed and Tsvangirai emerged stronger and managed to defeat Mugabe in the first round, and we witnessed this in 2014 with Tendai Biti and crew leading a breakaway and again they failed to remove Tsvangirai. In fact let me point out this clearly, removing Nelson Chamisa is a non starter and it will not be successful.
4. Politics of identity
I have always alluded to the fact that factions are normal and health in any political institutions. What is critical is how to manage them. Let this be known to Nelson, Mwonzora and team that factions are always there and you cannot expect everyone to love you and this is expected. Everyone in politics have ambitions, and this is why you see Nelson Chamisa from being a youth leader, he rose to organising secretary and later on the Vice President of the party. At one time he was the party spokesman and also a National Executive member responsible for Policy and Research. It’s normal in politics, everyone wants to climb the ladder and seen by everyone. There is nothing wrong with Mwonzora or any other person or even Biti to eye Presidency, WHAT IS IMPORTANT AND CRITICAL, IS HOW YOU MANAGE YOUR AMBITIONS, and keep your identity on course. These factional politics or occurrence are culminating from politics of identity and they can be easily managed. Options on how to manage such :
1. Either appoint Douglas Mwonzora as Head of International Relations and replace him with Gladys and keep him on watch.
2. Either appoint Douglas Mwonzora as the Special Advisor to the President responsible for Policy and Research.
3. Keep him close to the President or even appoint him to head a resource and mobilization team ahead of elections.
Honestly if you do this in one way or another you may see these factions dying a natural death. Sometimes you need to keep your enemies closer to you. This is normal, Douglas Mwonzora contested the Secretary General post together with his arch rivalry and nemesis in politics, the then Party organising Secretary and current President, Nelson Chamisa and their issues backtrack to 2014 politics. It’s expected and it is normal and what is important to manage such events and keep the party intact. One way of getting rid of this to appoint him closer to the President. Keep your enemies closer to you type of politics works for your own good. Remember Nelson Chamisa needs every vote in 2023. Presidential vote is key for him.
4. Chamisa must get rid of bootlickers around him
With the latest stance which Chamisa took is literally good . This habit of firing and dismissing people is not good, and we have seen social media awash with news calling for the dismissal of party heavyweights and this is a wrong route to take in politics. Each time they are squabbles, someone must be shown the door. This is not health for the party. Whilst these stalwarts may leave the party with a handful of people, this will strengthen Khupe’ s case ahead of the judgement coming either in few days or weeks. The judge is expected to give a verdict on Khupe’ s arguments. So Nelson would not be stupid and as a brilliant Lawyer and academic he would not be seen dragging himself in such petty politics ahead of crucial matters such as economy, human rights obligations, resource mobilization and other critical matters. This is why I have recommended that Douglas Mwonzora be either appointed to a critical position and mobilize resources for the party or other critical areas. Remember as a party, you have a judgement awaiting for you and you wouldn’t want to pose a risk on top of another risk. Onething at a time. I don’t agree with bootlickers around, who sing praises and any opposing figure must be shown the door. In fact let me make it clear that some of these bootlickers want to end up on top and the best way to clear the path is to remove all branches which might scuttle their progress. Bootlickers are dangerous and they don’t open avenues to criticism. It is health for a party to be criticized positively.
5. Pre – emptying the Khupe judgement
There is no way the judge is expected to give a verdict in favour of the Chamisa led alliance. This is a matter of fact. There are political and legal connotations evolved around the case and this might lead to Khupe and team triumphal. This has happened before and legal minds and best brains in the MDC must be working on sober decisions on how to deal with such political hurdles. This needs sober minds. The judgement will not be a walk in the path as some may expect that. The judgement awaiting them needs sober minds, it will be a political miscalculation to dismiss the forth coming judgement. Remember, you are dealing with Zanu PF , which is the face of a militarized state and they want to use this opportunity to nail the MDC and cause a split on this one. Remember there are issues of assets, money received from Parliament, we have issues of Mps and senators, whilst this might not be a real issue, few weeks down the line, the judgement may cause problems for the opposition which is already weakened financially. You are dealing with a well financially oiled machinery which can do anything to regain control. Zanu PF knows very well that winning 2023 elections is a pipe dream and the only option is to split the opposition and cause splinter groups and use divide tactics. Some people think, Zanu PF sponsors anyone, sometimes they may not even sponsor anyone, they take advantage of internal rifes within the party.
Good advice for the opposition :
1. Information department needs to be strengthened. It’s one of the best remedies to cure some of these problems. Information department is not performing well. You need a new guy in the Information department.
2. Resource mobilization is critical ahead of 2023.
3. The MDC President must shut door and put a valve on bootlickers
4. Managing factions is critical and a positive move. Every vote counts in 2023.
5. Party secrets and plans must not be splashed on social media.
6. Morgan Tsvangirai ideology is critical
7. People must work for the President. They must be given lots of work to do on the ground and some of these factions will die a natural death.
8. Opposition needs to offer alternative and must not be spectators in politics.
9. Visibility in Parliament is key.
10. MDC must be turned into a commercial brand. Empowerment is key ahead of elections. People need food on the table. No need for sloganeering. Get to the ground and work and politics of gossip will die a natural death.
11. Rural penetration is key. You need a strong rural policy.
12. Resource mobilization is critical.
13. Reshuffle is imminent. Some areas needs to be revisited.
14. Advisory council is critical comprising of technocrats.
15. Changing a ” President” is not necessary. Focus on the enemy. For now the best brand you have is Nelson Chamisa. Work and cultivate the brand.
15. The Chamisa momentum must be turned into a political dividend.
Tinashe Eric Muzamhindo is a Policy Advisor and Researcher and a leading Project Management Consultant. He is also the lead Thinker for Zimbabwe Institute of Strategic Thinking and he can be contacted at [email protected]
PhD Cand WUA
Zimbabwe State HouseA 44-year-old Harare man was arrested after he dressed up as a soldier and went to State House, demanding to have an audience with president Emmerson Mnangagwa.
Tichaona Kanengoni suited up in army regalia and masqueraded as a member of the Zimbabwe National Army before going to the state house.
Upon arrival, Kanengoni said he wanted to have a serious talk with the Head of State about the current economic situation plaguing the country.
However, Kanengoni pleaded not guilty when he appeared in court and then the presiding magistrate advised the State to allow Kanengoni to be mentally examined by medical practitioners.
He was being charged with unlawful possession of camouflage uniform, contravening the Road Traffic Act and Criminal trespass.
The facts of the case are as follows:
Kanengoni is said to have parked his Ford Ranger motor vehicle at corner Chancellor Drive and Tongogara Avenue wearing a ZNA camouflage trousers, infantry belt and combat jacket as a way of deceiving the presidential guards to gain entry in the State House.
He was then asked to produce his ZNA identity card but he failed.
As a result, Kanengoni was denied entry at the State House by soldiers who barred him but he insisted on wanting to see the President as he wanted to talk to him.
He was also asked to produce his driver’s licence but failed as he is not a holder of any licence.
Kanengoni was immediately arrested and charges were laid against him.
I-Harare
President Emmerson MnangagwaCorrespondent|Zimbabwe President Emmerson Mnangagwa today banned government officials from traveling outside Africa because of the risk of coronavirus.
According to the Zimbabwe Broadcasting Corporation the ban includes travel by Mnangagwa himself.
“I have now restricted travelling outside the country in particular outside the continent,” Mnangagwa was quoted as saying.
“We will continue to urge our people to minimise the risk of exposure. For those in government, I have banned foreign travelling. I also appeal to Zimbabweans to minimise travelling outside the country,” he said.
The flue-like coronavirus has claimed more than 3 000 lives mostly in China but has largely spared Africa.
VIDEO LOADING BELOW…
Express UK|CHINA may have covered up the true extent of the coronavirus outbreak, after a report showed a government-backed app has been censoring keywords since January 1.
The review, carried out by Toronto-based research group Citizen Lab found WeChat blocked combinations of keywords on the virus and criticism of President Xi Jinping’s response. The most popular messaging app in the county was created privately by Allen Zhang, but the government has actively supported its development and uses it as a data source to conduct mass surveillance in China. The government has censored what its people read and say online for years, but an unearthed report suggests they began blocking discussions weeks before officials acknowledged the severity of the outbreak.
The report also found that WeChat blocked more words as the outbreak grew.
On December 31, China first alerted the World Health Organisation (WHO) to the outbreak, but information was initially withheld over the number of people infected, the risks downplayed, and timely information overseen, leading some to claim the government was lying about the true extent of the virus.
Then, almost a month later, on January 20, President Xi publicly addressed the issue of the virus, saying it had to be “resolutely contained”.
It is not clear if WeChat’s keyword-blocking in this period was based on government directives, or if it was done of its own accord, as the report suggests it could be the result of companies “over-censoring in order to avoid official reprimands”.
WeChat was found to have censored 132 keyword combinations between January 1 and 31.
Among words identified were the terms “Unknown Wuhan pneumonia” and “SARS outbreak in Wuhan”.
As the outbreak continued, WeChat censored 384 new keywords between February 1 and 15.
These include criticism of Chinese leaders – including Xi – as well as neutral references to government policies on handling the epidemic and responses to the outbreak in Hong Kong, Taiwan and Macau.
Some examples of censored combinations were: “Local authorities, epidemic, cover-up” and “Wuhan, virus, human-to-human transmission”.
The deadly virus, dubbed COVID-19, has now taken the lives of 3,220 and infected more than 94,000 worldwide.
Today, the WHO admitted medical professionals are “ill-equipped” to deal with the potential looming pandemic.
Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus said that each month, the organisation estimates that about 89 million medical masks, 76 million examination gloves and 1.6 million goggles will be required globally for healthcare workers to respond to the outbreak.
He said: “Shortages are leaving doctors, nurses and other front line healthcare workers dangerously ill-equipped.
“The WHO has shipped nearly half a million sets of personal protective equipment to 27 countries, but supplies are rapidly depleting.”
The dire warning comes as China announced a further drop in new cases, raising hopes that the outbreak is beginning to level off in the hard-hit country.
But, the number of new daily infections outside the country now exceeds those insides.
Scores of Kadoma City Council workers have downed tools demonstrating against management’s decision to connive and peg its education allowances at $13 000 while the general employees are getting $380.
Further, the workers are demanding the immediate ouster of the town clerk Malvern Dondo whom they also accuse of pocketing a hefty salary of about $30 000 while the least paid worker is getting $779.
Armed police and those from the canine section had to be called to disperse the angry workers who were just loitering around the Town House. The Herald understands that there was a workers’ committee meeting held on Monday where management proposed to give workers a $300 cushion allowance, but the offer was turned down.
A mayor in a Zambian city has been removed from a powerful post in the governing party, the Patriotic Front (PF), after he refused to greet the wife of President Edgar Lungu, the state-owned Daily Mail newspaper reports.
Kitwe mayor Christopher Kang’ombe was suspended from the party last week but has now been stripped of his position as the PF’s vice-chairman in the Copperbelt Province, the report says.
Mr Kang’ombe, who still retains his mayoral post, was accused of gross indiscipline after failing to line up to greet Esther Lungu when she recently visited the area.
He was also accused of refusing to be introduced at a public event attended Mrs Lungu, and of rejecting a seat.
“During the visit of the First Lady, Kang’ombe was offered a back seat which he refused…After the church service, he refused to line up and greet the First Lady,” reads part of his suspension letter, according to the Daily Mail.
“When the First Lady’s official envoy started off, he pulled away from the convoy and instead drove away,” it adds.
The letter says he had shown disrespect for Mrs Lungu, and his actions were tantamount to gross misconduct, the newspaper reports
The BBC tried to obtain a comment from Mr Kang’ombe. But he neither took the calls nor responded to text messages.
Zimdancehall sensation Winky D yesterday released a surprise video for his hit song Ijipita, off his latest Album Njema, laden with political undertones depicting Zimbabwe’s current political and economic situation.
Ijipita music video depicts Winky D as the biblical Moses on a quest to free the children of Israel from the clutches of Pharaoh’s oppression.
Winky D explicitly portrays the children of Israel toiling, labouring and suffering under the whip of the oppressive, sadistic Pharaoh who finds pleasure in their misery.
The children of Israel’s awful suffering depicted in the music video resonates with the current excruciating political and economic injustices Zimbabweans have been exposed to by President Emmerson Mnangagwa’s administration.
Mnangagwa’s administration has come under the spotlight for the continued clampdown on anti-government protests by the main Chamisa led opposition MDC, Civic Society, and Unions.
The thwarting of anti-government protests by the state has been viewed by the international community as a deliberate attempt to close the democratic space in the country.
Christianity being the dominant religion in Zimbabwe, Winky D as a creative artiste uses biblical symbolism most Zimbabweans can decipher to cryptically lament the deteriorating economic conditions and rise of wanton unconstitutional human rights violations.
Winky D, seems to have fallen in love with biblical symbolism as last year in February 2019, he released MuGarden another hit song with biblical allegory.
Ijipita has great visuals, well-choreographed scenes and good storyline most Zimbabwean music lovers can relate to.
The music video’s climax, witnesses the children of Israel finally breaking Pharaoh’s chain of oppression as they journey to Canaan the Promised Land.
Winky D’s has previously clashed with the ZANU PF government for his other songs with political undertones like Parliament and Kasong Kejecha.
In 2018 during a show in Kwekwe Winky D was pelted by bottles by some hooligans before he could perform his controversial hit song, Kasong KeJecha forcing him to abandon playing the song in his future shows.
Ijipita is already trending rocking airwaves with more than 100 thousand views in only 24 hours.
policeCHIVHU – Four members of the police’s Criminal Investigation Department (CID) here have found themselves in trouble after a man from whom they extorted US$400 after accusing him of engaging in illegal activities, wrote to the police boss demanding his money back.
Tafirei Mark Mandizha alleges that sometime in January this year, police detectives approached his place of residence Northwood looking for him but he was away in Harare.
Mandizha’s maid informed the detectives that her boss was not home and would return the following day.
The four detectives only identified as Mazhambe, Dondo, Mupazviripo and Nezanyuta returned the following morning and found Mandizha back and allegedly searched his premises without a search warrant accusing him of engaging in illicit deals.
Mandizha alleges that the search was characterized by threats and harassments and was called outside his house by Mazhambe and Dondo who demanded US$1 000 cash for them to stop investigating him.
Mandizha alleges that he told the detectives that he only had US$100 but that offer was rejected before the detectives settled for US$400.
In a complaint letter dated February 04, 2020, and addressed to the Officer in Charge Chivhu Police, Mandizha claims that after paying the money, he was threatened with unspecified actions if the matter ever came to light.
“My wife and I were harassed in front of our maid and kids as one of the detectives was holding a gun. They searched everywhere even in my cars saying that I was partaking in deals that give me a lot of money and that their bosses had instructed them to launch the raid.
“Dondo and Mazhambe, on behalf of others, demanded US$1 000 so they could leave me alone but I told them I did not have that money. After more threats, I was terrified and told them that I only had US$100 but they rejected it and pushed the figure to US$400. We had to go to town to my nephew where I borrowed another US$300,” alleges Mandizha.
Contacted for comment, Mashonaland East provincial police spokesperson Inspector Tendai Mwanza said he had not received the letter but will make inquiries.
Australians have been panic-buying packs of condoms, believing they will help protect against coronavirus.
Thanh Thai, from Sydney, shared a picture of empty shelves after a store sold out of Durex contraceptives.
‘Can anybody please tell me what happened?’ she wrote alongside the picture.
Other mums told her that the panic-buying comes after a social media post encouraged people to use condoms to protect their fingers against the virus.
Thanh Thai took to the Ryde’s District Mum’s Facebook page to a picture of share empty shelves after a store sold out of the latex contraceptives.
‘There has been some stupid post telling people to put condoms on their fingers to press buttons etc,’ one user replied.
‘Perhaps a new marketing ploy, just use your clothed elbow to avoid more rubbish being placed in the environments,’ another added.
‘Beyond ridiculous,’ another added.
Many Australian shoppers are stocking up on groceries over fears of food shortages due to the outbreak of the virus.
Images have shown empty shelves and trolleys filled to the brim at major supermarkets such as Coles and Woolworths as people rush to fill their pantries.
Mail Online
The Reserve Bank of Zimbabwe (RBZ) has announced that for the month of March 2020, the fuel facilities administered by local banks with the support of the central Bank amount to US$120 million.
Of this amount, US$18.47 million worth of letters of credit have been confirmed for the immediate drawing of fuel by Oil Marketing Companies from NOIC depot in Msasa, Harare as follows:
See the full statement below.
A BULAWAYO motorist who failed to control his motor vehicle and fatally hit a two-year-old boy in Pumula South suburb last month has appeared in court.
John Sibanda (60) whose residential address was not revealed in court, allegedly caused the death of Luthando Ndlovu while he was driving in the wrong lane.
Sibanda pleaded not guilty to culpable homicide when he appeared before Western Commonage Magistrate MS Gladmore Mushove.
He told the court that he took all the necessary precautions expected from the driver and the accident was not due to negligence.
“Your worship, l admit that a child died after he was run over by my motor vehicle. I also acknowledge that l was driving on the wrong lane but this is because l saw a car pulling a trolly in front of me and the best possible reaction was to change lanes which I did,” said Sibanda.
“I reduced my speed to 15 kilometres per hour, checked the road to see if it was clear then afterwards went on to drive on the right lane as I wanted to overtake the car. I didn’t see the child anywhere on the road and I only stopped my car after I heard some noise coming from my right side.”
Sibanda said he kept a proper lookout under the circumstances and reduced my speed.
The prosecutor, Mr Kenneth Shava countered Sibanda’s defense saying he was speeding which led to the accident and death of the minor.
“Given this scenario, all that you have said before this court is evidence enough that you were driving at an excessive speed. You were driving on the wrong lane, you failed to see the child who was a few metres away from the road side and that on its own is enough evidence to prove that you failed to keep a proper lookout under these circumstances,” he said.
Sibanda was remanded out of custody to next Wednesday for his defense case.
Mr Shava said on February 13 this year at around 4PM, Sibanda was driving an Isuzu KB200 vehicle when he lost control of the car.
“The accused person who was driving along an unnamed road in Pumula South suburb lost control of his vehicle and hit the minor who was trying to cross the road,” he said.
The minor was rushed to Mpilo Central Hospital where he died on admission.
The post mortem report revealed that the boy suffered severe brain hemorrhages, multiple fragmented skull fractures and traumatised lungs.
The state alleges that Sibanda was negligent in his driving in that he failed to keep a proper look out under the circumstances, failed to stop or act reasonably when the accident seemed imminent.
He was driving on the wrong side and he failed to exercise the highest degree of care expected from a driver who sees children in front of him.
CremationBULAWAYO councillors have proposed “exorbitant fees” to discourage burials in the city while incentivising cremations as the local authority is running out of land.
The Bulawayo City Council has been advocating for cremations to save land but this has not found many takers as it is alien to African cultural values.
The council has even proposed double burials in the same grave for relatives but residents have flatly rejected the proposal.
Last year the council closed down the city’s biggest cemetery, West Park, after it ran out of burial space, forcing BCC to create an extension at Athlone cemetery while still utilising Luveve cemetery.
In the latest council report, the city fathers expressed concerns over the dwindling burial space in the city.
Ward 1’s Councillor Mlandu Ncube said the local authority should make it expensive for residents to bury their relatives in the city to save land.
Already council has hiked rates by up to 700 percent in the past five months,
“Burial costs in the city should be reviewed to discourage burials in the city. This would save the fast running out space for burial. More information should be given to residents regarding cremations,” said Cllr Ncube.
Alderman Clayton Zana of Ward 19 concurred with Cllr Ncube that more needs to be done to educate residents about the city’s fast running out land.
He said council should conduct campaigns to educate residents about the need to encourage cremations.
Ward 5 Cllr Felix Mhaka even proposed that council should conduct free cremations to encourage usage of the facility.
His suggestion was however shot down by Ward 4 councillor Silas Chigora.
“The service has overhead costs which should be charged accordingly. Only an incentive should be introduced. Residents should be encouraged to consider cremation. This would save land. The current statistics on cremation are very low,” said Cllr Chigora.
Ward 24’s Cllr Arnold Batirai said council should find alternative land for burials as cremation was unAfrican while Cllr Donald Mabutho of Ward 9 said the prevailing economic hardships make it difficult to bury deceased relatives in rural areas.
Ward 12 Cllr Lilian Mlilo said: “It was not prudent for council to increase burial fees. Grave service delivery should be affordable to everyone.”
Correspondent|FORMER Cabinet Minister Prisca Mupfumira and ex-Secretary for Public Service, Labour and Social Welfare Ngoni Masoka yesterday had their request to have their hearing set for May turned down.
Harare magistrate Mr Hoseah Mujaya turned down Mupfumira and Masuku’s request and ordered them to return to court on March 24.
Mupfumira and Masoka had applied for a review of Mr Mujaya’s decision to dismiss their application for exception to the corruption charges they are facing.
The High Court reserved judgment in the matter.
“Two High Court judges manning the special anti-corruption bench have reserved judgment in the matter.
“They have to look into the matter and give a ruling, which means they need time to look into these complex matters. We all seem not to know when they will make a determination. To avoid burdening the court with this matter without knowing when it will be determined at the High Court, we apply that the matter be set for May 5,” said Mupfumira through her lawyer.
She also argued that there will be no prejudice on her part and that of the State if the matter was given a longer remand date.
Masoka, through his lawyer Farai Mushoriwa, concurred with Mupfumira saying it will also reduce costs on their part.
He told the court that giving the matter a longer remand period would be fair to both parties.
The State led by Mr Loveit Masuku argued that in light of the specialised courts’ determination to expedite corruption cases, it was likely that the High Court will not take long before making a determination.
“In light of the specialised courts’ view of expediting corruption cases, this case will not take long. What if the judgment is handed down tomorrow, what will be the reason of giving it a long remand,” said Mr Masuku.
Meanwhile, the State has indicated that it intends to merge the docket of the current case and another in which Mupfumira is appearing on separate corruption charges with former NSSA general manager Elizabeth Chitiga.
The case involves a housing tender scam for $31 million. Allegations facing Chitiga are that she misrepresented to the NSSA board’s investments committee that the parastatal required money to invest in five projects.
She reportedly lied that the NSSA board had approved the projects. It is the State case that NSSA and the National Building Society (NBS) convened a strategic meeting in September 2016.
In their resolutions, they mandated NBS to ensure the provision of 10 000 low-cost houses countrywide.
The court heard that NBS conducted road shows headed by Engineer Silas Mukono with a view to identifying willing partners.
By A Correspondent| Emmerson Mnangagwa’s regime never gives up on pursuing unconstitutionalism, it has emerged.
The state has launched an appeal against the acquittal of Zengeza MP Job Sikhala for treason by the High Court in Masvingo last month.
The development is revealed in the court appeal documents in possession of ZimEye.com.
ZimEye will do a short live discussion over the matter.
COMMENT:
We are still in the good olden days of Robert Mugabe where the courts are used as an instrument to persecute the opposition!
This delegitimises this regime, something that it has been trying hard to deceive the world of, Legitimacy!
This abuse of process by the regime confirms Advocate Thabani Mpofu’s argument;
That REAL freedom will not come through negotiations or court battles or the ballot box;
But from the streets using the constitutional right to protest whether granted or otherwise!
T
Daily News|THE 2021 Africa Cup of Nations (Afcon) qualifier between the Warriors and Algeria is very likely to be staged here in Zimbabwe following the intervention of Cosafa president Philip Chiyangwa.
All of the country’s match venues — the National Sports Stadium, Mandava Stadium and Barbourfields — were deemed unfit to host international assignments by the Confederation of African Football (Caf).
As a result, the Zimbabwe Football Association (Zifa) had been forced to find an alternative venue outside the country to host the Warriors and Desert Foxes’ clash on March 29.
However, Chiyangwa, a former Zifa president, intervened in his role as Cosafa president and asked his Caf counterpart Ahmad Ahmad to look into the matter.
At the same time, government has also assured Warriors fans they would not need to travel to a foreign country to watch their favourite team play a home game.
“As the Cosafa bloc, me as the president and the actors I work with, our mission is that we cannot have this happening in the Cosafa region,” Chiyangwa told the Daily News yesterday.
“It sends a bad signal and sets a bad precedence; this amounts to interfering with the sovereign rights of all the Cosafa nations. As a patriot, a Zanu PF cadre and a legislator, I think I would have lost it if I did not step in. This undermines a lot of things which I stand for as a person.
“That was something that shouldn’t have reached this current levels where Caf bans our stadia; it means there is no more football to talk about.
“What is a FA president when you cannot play international football in your own country? What purpose is my regional presidency if my own country is not able to play international football at home?
“I would have lost it; what would the other leaders around me in Cosafa say if I had allowed that to happen? That is how I approached this matter and started talking to the president of Caf and asked him ‘what is this?’”
After Cosafa queried the de-homologation of Zimbabwe’s stadia, it has since emerged that the Caf inspection team used stringent requirements when coming up with the decision.
“For instance in the case of Zimbabwe, they used the standards they would normally require for a country that is about to host a big tournament like the Afcon or the Chan,” Chiyangwa said.
“The standards for hosting such a huge tournament are not as comprehensive as the standards of just hosting a single international game.
“When we looked at what was required of Zimbabwe, in terms of the various things, we then picked up that Caf had applied a more stringent test model which should only apply when a country is being reviewed for hosting a major tournament.”
Chiyangwa is confident that after Cosafa had pointed out the anomaly in Caf’s double standards when dealing with Zimbabwe’s venues Barbourfields will be passed fit following a second inspection.
“We are already at a point where it is probably 80 percent certain (that the game will be played at Barbourfields); that is what I know,” he said.
“The rest is just academic and a fulfilment of what I said would happen. The Caf inspector should be coming here in seven or 10 days’ time and I’m sure this time they will use the right criteria.”
Meanwhile, acting Sports minister Kazembe Kazembe told journalists during a post-Cabinet briefing work at the National Sports Stadium is currently underway to ensure that the country hosts international matches.
“It is very difficult to give a precise time frame of when all renovations will be completed, but what we are trying to do is to meet the two-week deadline,” he said.
“Most of the issues or concerns raised by Caf, we are able to deal with them within the next two weeks. There are only two areas which are difficult to achieve within the set time frame. We are working closely with Caf and having dialogue with them and we hope and trust that they will be kind enough to lift the ban after we have achieved 75 to 85 percent of the issues raised.
“The only two issues that we may not be able to fix within the next couple of weeks, we are expected to have bucket seats because these are the international standards as opposed to the concrete floors we use and we are also supposed to have electronic turnstiles.”
The former Dynamos secretary-general also spoke on the progress of renovations at Barbourfields which has a higher probability of hosting the game.
“With regards to the state of Barbourfields, a meeting took place today and I’m yet to get feedback. As you would appreciate it’s managed by the Bulawayo City Council but as government we will intervene to ensure that we give them the necessary assistance,” Kazembe said.
“From what I gather, the issues raised at Barbourfields are manageable compared to the National Sports Stadium. So whichever stadium is ready, what we are simply trying to do is to ensure that as a country we host that match.”
HIGHLANDER’s Under-16 and 18 coach Sizabantu Khoza has parted ways with the Bulawayo giants to join ambitious Zifa Bulawayo province Division Two side Nabals as its technical manager.
His departure comes a few days after the junior coaches staged an industrial action over unpaid salaries for the past two months and the club’s failure to renew the coaches’ contracts that expired at the end of December 2019.
Khoza, a lively winger during his heydays at Highlanders, says while the club’s failure to engage them in contract renewals had a bearing on his eventual departure, it was also the zeal to grow as a coach that made him leave.
“I hold no hard feelings as one day I might return and I hope they (Highlanders management) are not cross with this decision.”
Government has released $13 million to be used for renovating Barbourfields Stadium in Bulawayo, the Chronicle has reported.
The venue was condemned by CAF last month, casting doubts on possible hosting of the Afcon qualifier against Algeria on home soil.
But following the release of the money, through the Ministry of Local Government and Public Works, the match could still be played here, provided the work is done before the game which is scheduled for end of this month.
Bulawayo Mayor Solomon Mguni confirmed the developments to the publication.
“I’m pleased to say that the Ministry of Local Government (and) Public Works has confirmed the release of a $13 million grant, which we had applied for, for remedial works at Barbourfields Stadium,” he said.
“In addition, the ministry has procured a contractor, who will work on Barbourfields and National Sports stadiums.
‘‘The contractor will start as soon as possible in preparation for the next inspection by CAF and the international match. I’m advised the contractor should be in Bulawayo this (yesterday) afternoon.’’
The grant will address “short-to-medium remedial works”.
What needs urgent attention are the teams’ dressing rooms, referees’ changing rooms, doping and first aid rooms.
Work should also be done on the stadium’s floodlighting system and a media tribune.
Acting Sports Minister Kazembe Kazembe told the cabinet on Tuesday that renovations would take 14 days.-Soccer 24
President Emmerson Mnangagwa has banned his cabinet members and government officials from travelling outside the continent to minimize exposure to coronavirus.
Mnangagwa has also stopped his globetrotting escapades due to the deadly disease.
Addressing his party Politburo meeting in Harare this morning, Mnangagwa said the Ministry of Health and Child Care, together with associated departments are adequately prepared to handle any possible cases of COVID-19.
“I have now restricted travelling outside the country in particular outside the continent. We will continue to urge our people to minimise the risk of exposure. For those in Government, I have banned foreign travelling. I also appeal to Zimbabweans to minimise travelling outside the country,” he said.
President Mnangagwa’s sentiments come when Zimbabwe has announced that people visiting the country from areas affected by coronavirus (Covid-19) without valid medical certificates showing they are negative will be sent back at the port of entry.
More than 3 000 people have succumbed to coronavirus following the first outbreak recorded in the Chinese City of Wuhan in Hubei Province. Over 6 000 people have been screened of the virus at ports of entry, mainly Robert Gabriel Mugabe and Victoria Falls international airports.
President Mnangagwa also ordered the government and the party’s departments to ensure implementation of programs promised in the party’s manifesto during the 2018 election campaigns.
He said that he expects the various departments to produce results on the progress made and highlighting where projects lag behind for intervention strategies to be proffered.
“Each department of the party must ensure our progress in the implementation of programmes laid therein. We expect reports highlighting concrete milestones achieved to date. Those targets, within the Manifesto, that are lagging behind must be highlighted and intervention strategies proffered. The party must deliver its promises.” he said.
President Mnangagwa also assured the public that the government is ensuring adequate grain imports to guarantee food security. He said a coupon system is soon to be rolled out. He also appealed to stakeholders to desist from corruption in distributing and selling mealie meal.
The Zanu PF Politiburo has expelled former Youth League Commissar Godfrey Tsenengamu following his refusal to attend classes at the Chitepo College of Ideology.
More to follow…
Zimbabwean coach Norman Mapeza is reportedly wanted by ABSA Premiership side AmaZulu.
The 47-year-old former Warriors coach left Chippa United on Monday under unclear circumstances and even though the Chilli Boys are still said to be trying to convince Mapeza to change his mind, Usuthu are weighing in the possiblity of him replacing current coach Jozef Vukusic, whom they placed on “special leeve” on Monday.
“We can confirm that AmaZulu head coach, Jozef Vukusic, has been placed on special leave until further notice,” posted the club on their website.
In the wake of Mapeza’s departure, Usuthu are believed to be following the situation with the aim of having the Zimbabwean tactician replace Vukusic.
Ironically, the two sides clashed in Port Elizabeth over the weekend, with Chippa prevailing via a 1-0 scoreline.-Soccer 24
Sharif Mussa could bounce back in the Warriors fold following indications that he is the favourite to land the post of team manager.
Zifa is looking to appoint a new manager after Wellington Mpandare’s mandate expired following the dissolution of the technical team in August last year due to Sunday Chidzambwa’s resignation.
The association has already started the process of filling the vacancy which should be done before the national team starts its preparations for the Afcon qualifier against Algeria scheduled for the end of this month and the Chan finals set for April.
Mussa previously held the position and resigned soon after the Warriors’ 2017 Afcon campaign.
Other confirmed applicants include Mpandare who re-applied for the job and Chicken Inn midfielder Clement Matawu.
Matawu recently graduated with a Bachelor of Science Honours Degree in Sports Science and Coaching at NUST University.
Meanwhile, new head coach Zdravko Logarusic is expected to play a big role in the appointment of the manager.-Soccer 24
Liverpool manager, Jurgen Klopp, has said his side are out of the FA Cup, after making “two massive mistakes” during their 2-0 defeat at Chelsea on Tuesday night.
The Blues progressed to the quarter-finals, thanks to goals from Willian and Ross Barkley.
Adrian fumbled Willian’s speculative shot into his net, before Barkley drove forward and buried his effort into the bottom corner.
It means Liverpool have now lost twice in a row for the first time this season.
“Losing 2-0 is not cool, but in this case it is relatively easy to explain – we made two massive mistakes around the goals.
“Adrian made a super save a second or two seconds before and then this ball, a really good shot from Willian and he could not make that save.
“But before that we lost the ball and that’s a problem. It was not the biggest shock because it is football.
“We conceded a second one and that didn’t help obviously and it was then a bit more difficult to take,” Klopp told reporters after the match. Daily Post
Zimbabwe Online Health Centre
On the 3rd day of March, the nation commemorates and raises awareness on how to prevent deafness and hearing disorders – to promote hearing across the world.
This day shall be celebrated under the theme; “Hearing for life.don’t let hearing loss limit you.An ear is the organ for hearing.
In monkeys, cats, and dogs the vestibular inner part of the ear also plays a definite role in the postural fixation of the head, orientation of the animal in space and reflexes accompanying locomotion and less in human where the vestibular organs are sometimes called the sense organs of balance.
Sound energy is transmitted into the ear through air as a disturbance of air molecules which means without the air molecules and such disturbance there is no sound to be heard.
When these disturbances take place we call it sound wave; for a brief overview of the anatomy and physiology.
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By Jane Mlambo| MDC Councillor for Harare ward 16, Denford Ngadziore has been arrested at the Mbare Magistrates Court where he had gone to answer charges of participating in a demonstration that took place at Rotten Row court in September last year.
According to Ngadziore, the police accused him of participating in another demonstration held in Harare CBD a few weeks ago.
“I have just been arrested at Mbare Magistrates Court as I had gone to attend a court case over over a demonstration that happened in September 2019 at Rotten Row Court.
“The CID Law and Order detectives have said they are arresting me over another demonstration that happened last week but one in Harare CBD. From here they are taking me to Harare Central Police Station,” said Ngadziore.
He will be represented by Jeremiah Bamu of the Zimbabwe Lawyers for Human Rights.
I have just been arrested at Mbare Magistrates Court as I had gone to attend a court case over over a demonstration that happened in September 2019 at Roten Row Court.
The CID Law and Order detectives have said they are arresting me over another demonstration that happened last week but one in Harare CBD.
From here they are taking me to Harare Central Police Station.
I am represented by Jeremiah Bamu of Zimbabwe Lawyers for Human Rights.
Cllr Denford Ngadziore ward 16
Struggle Continues
Compiled by Zimbabwe Online Health Centre
The day is commemorated all over the world on the 3rd of March.
It is a day set aside to raise awareness on the serious global problem and call for more surveillance, prevention, care and research to help babies and children.
Birth defects contribute to child mortality and in some families may cause divorce or even family separation.
Many birth defects are preventable but once a baby is born with them curing them is difficult.
Prevention: Couples can avoid unnecessary emotional trauma of having a baby with congenital birth defects by: Planning a pregnancy in advance and talk to your doctor about what one should be doing.
This include taking supplements, vaccinated, stop smoking and alcohol intake, stop all teratogenic drugs or switch to other drugs, make sure chronic conditions like Hypertension, Diabetes Mellitus are well controlled. All this helps reduce the incidence of birth defects.
During pregnancy regular visits to the doctor or health practitioner for checkups is also important. If problems are to arise they are detected early and medical interventions can also be done early. Health seeking behavior is also important.
Pregnancy comes with its physiological changes and for the first pregnancy one might not be able to tell the normal from the abnormal but if you visit a health facility one might be advised on what to do early.
Husbands and even relatives at home should support pregnant women. Stressful environment is not good and might also affect the mother affecting the foetus and might contribute to birth defects. If one is not sure whether they are pregnant or not always notify when new drugs are prescribed or when an X-ray is offered as exposure to these also contribute to birth defects. The most crucial months of all are the first three to four months (1st Trimester). This is the period the foetus is developing therefore any disturbance to this process causes birth defects.
Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) developed by World Health Organization (WHO) goal 3 says: Good health and well being for people. It aims to reduce under five mortality in every country. Birth defects contributes a percentage to those deaths therefore fighting against birth defects is fighting for well being. Prevention is better than cure.
Let’s fight birth defects.
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Zimbabwe Online Health Centre
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BY DR MASIMBA MAVAZA.
Some youths have become the prisoners of erratic selfish morons known for demanding loyalty and recognition but not famous for repaying it.
ZANU PF through President Emmerson Mnangagwa has empowered the youth in many aspects.
Sadly some youths are too quick to be drunk with power and and obscenely point at their mothers with their tiny little manhoods. This is revulsive obscene and indeed flabbergasting and deeply depressing.
The behaviour of some of the youths is indeed knee shacking, disgusting and indeed obnoxious.
One cannot rule out a third force aimed against ZANU PF and Zimbabwe.
As the action wound to a climax on the social media with Mukupe becoming the latest prodigal son Matemadanda the behaviour of Mukupe was “tearing this country apart”.
Then, just to be sure, they put the crowbar in and pulled at the breach, declaring that by taking to the social Media attacking the party Terrence Mukupe is seeking to “disenfranchise” everyone who voted for the President in 2018.
Matemadanda called for a moment of silence to “remember the voices of the millions of voters Mukupe today are wanting to silence by his devilish predictions that ED will lose to Chamisa today if elections are are to be held now.
Mukupe has criticised the President of Zimbabwe calling him a dictator who trampled on the constitution of the party without shame.
Mukupe accuses Mnangagwa of violating the Constitution by appointing the politburo members who command no public support at all. In his social media audio Mukupe singles out Obert Mpofu.
Cde Kashiri as losers who will never attract two voters to their side. He stated clearly that Oppah Muchinguri Kashiri was beaten in the primaries and only bounced back through cronyism.
Mukupe attributed his failure to win his seat to the betrayal by the police and prison guards who did not want Mnangagwa.
In his subsequent interview Mukupe blasted ZANU PF far causing the suffering of the people by appointing Mthuli as the minister of Finance.
If there is a political price to be paid by The youth for taking on the party they are determined to exact it. But in the process, they revealed themselves to be prisoners of a wounded, erratic system known for demanding loyalty and recognition but not famous for repaying it. As the youth erratic behaviour unfolded, it led to a party heading into the 2023 election never more obedient to Its cause and it’s leadership.
Cde Matemadanda in response insisted, that ZANU PF embodies everyone who LOVES THE PARTY and cherishes the freedom we have while the errant misguided youths stood for no one, or at best for a disembodied elite, or politically irrelevant classes who live in parts of the country that somehow don’t count.
“This lawless partisan outbursts by Mukupe and those he represents is a political suicide march engaged by the bunch of losers picking Mukupe as their mouth piece.
Cde Matemadanda has declared that ZANU PF is not in a losing path.
Currently the party is calling all progressive Zimbabweans to rally around the party in order to achieve the goals in the best interest of the people of Zimbabwe.
If one of Zimbabwe’s major political parties is marching toward its political doom, it might just be the one that saw, in any allegation of wrongdoing by its leader, an existential threat to millions of voters – the party that under Its youthful leaders has been steadily shrinking, ageing and being drained of all colour.
The anxiety of the Mukupe and his team’s position was palpable during their efforts to present their minority case as the majority case, and in their strenuous sales pitch of uncouth betrayal of the party as a form of populism.
This new behaviour by the few who are sponsored by the enemies within the party is meant to undermine the efforts of the Commissariat department. But ZANU PF is not threatened by the footsteps of the cockroaches.
“There’s been a lot of talk about the economic meltdown Little talk about the recovery and improvements in many sectors of our lives and economy.
“One day in the not too distant future Mukupe and those supporting him will be watching in iwe as the ZANU PF train will pass through roll in March on in the victory rhythm “ZIMBABWE will wake up and say, “We did this for OUR good and our future.
Matemadanda challenges Mukupe to bring his concerns to the party if they were genuine and not the result of a crusade to destroy ZANU PF.
“For most reasonable Zimbabweans the waffling by Mukupe and his team doesn’t make a dime’s worth of difference,” Matemadanda said.
While support for a fight against corruption has grown radically since the new dispensation, people were right about the country being divided. But having seen the fight being supported by the president the noise being made by Mukupe is pregnant with disdain and scorn.
“This social media crazy stampeed by Mukupe Tsengenamu and their handlers has divided this nation without any concern for the repercussions.
The division predated the corruption fight But the repercussions have yet to fall.
People are confusing the fight against corruption with political delinquency.
ZANU PF has always respected the rule of law and always been the champions of human rights.
Matemadanda states that ZANU PF is not at its weakest point now as Mukupe has stated. This thought is the figment of Mukupe’s shallow imagination.
If a whole man like Mukupe blames the police for his loss then he needs his brains to be examined.
Terrence was appointed deputy minister of Finance and his impact was absent. All he could say was the position of a deputy minister is useless and thus not effective.
Grapes are not good syndrome.
While ZANU PF is battling serious challenges in the nation this does not spell doom for ED.
ED has shown his statesmanship he has invited all stake holders to discuss a way forward. The belief that Chamisa is the only person in opposition is clearly a sponsored narrative which Mukupe is selling to the people. Zimbabwe will never be a colony again and 2023 ED will lead us to victory.
As for Mukupe and those around him they have to wait and see the wheels of freedom rolling across the nation.
Farai Dziva|Zanu PF bigwigs have castigated Terrence Mukupe for “disrespecting President Emmerson Mnangagwa.”
Dr Masimba Mavaza and Zanu PF Political Commissar, Victor Matemadanda described Mukupe as “an ungrateful child.”
See part of Dr Mavaza’s argument :
Some youths have become the prisoners of erratic selfish morons known for demanding loyalty and recognition but not famous for repaying it.
ZANU PF through Comrade Emerson Mnangagwa has empowered the youth in many aspects of political stages and are still in the process of such empowerment.
Sadly some youth are too quick to be drunk with power and and obscenely point at their mothers with their tiny little manwoods. This is revulsive obscene and indeed flabbergasting and deeply depressing.
The behaviour of some of the youth is indeed knee shacking disgusting and indeed obnoxious.
One cannot rule out a third force aimed against ZANU PF and Zimbabwe.
As the action wound to a climax on the social media with Mukupe becoming the latest prodigal son Cde Matemadanda the behaviour of Mukupe was “tearing this country apart”.
Then, just to be sure, they put the crowbar in and pulled at the breach, declaring that by taking to the social Media attacking the party Terrence Mukupe is seeking to “disenfranchise” everyone who voted for the President in 2018.
Comrade Matemadanda called for a moment of silence to “remember the voices of the millions of voters Mukupe today are wanting to silence by his devilish predictions that ED will lose to Chamisa today if elections are are to be held now.
Mukupe has criticised the President of Zimbabwe calling him a dictator who trampled on the constitution of the party without shame.
Mukupe accuses Mnangagwa for being unconstitutional by appointing the politburo members who command no public support at all. In his social media audio Mukupe singles out Obert Mpofu.
VIDEO LOADING BELOW…
Farai Dziva|MDC Youth Assembly leader Tererai Obey Sithole has dismissed as baseless claims that party youths smashed windscreens of ZUPCO Buses.
Said Sithole:
“We have always raised concern on the wild behavior often exhibited by police officers under the pretext of traffic control.
They hit screens of vehicles with their button sticks and many vehicles haven’t been spared from such madness.
I urge all the men and women in uniform to reform and abstain from their common destructive behavior.”
Farai Dziva|MDC Youth Assembly leader Tererai Obey Sithole has dismissed as baseless claims that party youths smashed windscreens of ZUPCO Buses.
Said Sithole:
“We have always raised concern on the wild behavior often exhibited by police officers under the pretext of traffic control.
They hit screens of vehicles with their button sticks and many vehicles haven’t been spared.This
I urge all the men and women in uniform to reform and abstain from their common destructive behavior.”
By Pafungeyi Gore
The black government led by Zanu PF in 1980 inherited a vibrant and functioning economy which they failed dismally to manage.
The government’s policies were not that bad in the first instance but the vultures within the ruling elite hijacked the need to emancipate the people.
Those who were resettled in the first five years after independent are indeed doing wonders in the allocated pieces of land. For instance the farmers at Mushandike irrigation scheme.
Hell broke loose when the stampede to bootlick Mugabe become the order of the day.
Bootlickers could hide behind Mugabe name (tatumwa naVaMugabe kuti tidai). The name Mugabe indeed became a feared name among the different sectors of the economy.
Mugabe himself thought that those who called him Gushungo adore him when in actual fact the bootlicking mantra was a jamboree to get closer to the feeding trough.
Mugabe’s vision for the country indeed became blurred as he continued to implement policies that were spearheaded by bootlickers. Scandal after scandal became the order of the day, from the Willogate scandal, the ESAP misfiring and other scandals that rocked the administration.
The economy continued on the downward trend because the bootlickers were indeed difficult to arrest as they turned into cartels that are currently running the Mnangagwa government.
Back then no one could give Mugabe sound advice otherwise he or she would be branded a sell out by those who fighting to maintain their life careers in politics.
The bootlickers in Zanu PF are indeed conservative, they fear change, they don’t want to pushed because they know they will not survive far away from the feeding trough. They would rather let Zimbabweans wallow in poverty than giving others a chance.
Farai Dziva|MDC Youth Assembly Secretary General, Gift Ostallos Siziba has described threats by the army to censor social media platforms as a direct violation of freedom of expression.
A senior army official recently said there was need to censor social media platforms to combat cyber crime.
Siziba said:
“We are surely opposed and vociferously against cyber policing and unwarranted monitoring of the citizens by uniformed forces in this country.
The Movement for Democratic Change is undoubtedly a party that believes in the constitutional rights and freedoms of speech and expression, especially in as much as the discourse of politics is involved.
These attempts must be stopped forthwith.”
Dear @edmnangagwa When you got into office, a lot of people had high expectations that you would clean up the mess left by Mugabe. We expected a corrupt-free cabinet & fiscal discipline to ensure that government lives within its means.
Many corruption cases are still hanging
I hate to say this but the truth has to be said, @MthuliNcube is doing more harm than good to Zimbabwe’s economy.
The inconsistencies in his monetary policies are causing immense suffering to the people of Zimbabwe. It is either we re-dollarize or de-dollarize, we can’t do both
There is a need for political will to stop the issuing of treasury bills and to find a lasting solution to the cash crisis in Zimbabwe.
Corruption is now the order of the day yet little is being done to curb corruption
@ReserveBankZIM
We inherited a racist white supremacy corruption system from the colonial masters, were only a few individuals accumulate wealth at the expense of the generality of the masses, thereby further entrenching poverty at the same time reversing the gains of the liberation struggle.
Having been in Mugabe’s cabinet, we thought you would get rid of nepotism and create a new culture of politics and governance that was going to eradicate corruption of ‘connections.’ Only those with political connections are surviving.
#TeamZimbabwe
Tender Corruption needs to be dealt with by ensuring that all involved in tender scams face the full wrath of the law.
We realized that there is a group of corrupt tenderpreneurs who corruptly get tenders from the Government and Parastatals.
#StopCorruption
A popular example is that of Wicknell Chivhayo and the Gwanda Solar Project.
There is an urgent need to implement an open tender system which is fair and transparent. Government officials are abusing their power to steal state resources eg Prisca Mupfumira of NSSA funds.
As long as corrupt public officials remain protected by your party, there will be no efforts by willing development partners to help Zimbabwe get out of this economic quagmire we are facing. If you take the lead in ensuring stiff penalties for any corrupt activity in the whole country will follow suit.
Speaking against corruption is not enough, we want to see action, real arrests, prosecution, conviction &restitution.
Failure to do so, you might leave office without any legacy to talk of. Ideally, every president wants to leave a legacy
I suggest that you start prioritizing local investment and open Zimbabwe for business fir Zimbabweans. It is time to introduce beneficiation tax to force companies to beneficiate raw materials locally & to remove all ghost workers in civil service.
All civil servants above retirement should be retired. As citizens, we deserve to know your cabinet ministers plans and accomplishments thus far.
Most public hospitals are in a sorry state yet government prioritizes buying luxury cars for chiefs, MPs & other elected officials.
It is imperative that your government seriously considers depoliticizing state institutions, ensure media reforms and economic reforms. Local beneficiation of diamonds and other minerals should be considered if we want to get Zimbabwe out of this economic crisis.
Developing Zimbabwe should be agenda number 1 on your list of priorities.
What legacy do you want to live Mr President? You are the man in charge, show the world that you are indeed the leader of the new dispensation.
Well done for the road rehabilitation program.
Farai Dziva|Controversial politician Linda Masarira has challenged Zanu PF leader Emmerson Mnangagwa to prove that he is a new dispensation leader.
The LEAD president also accused Mnangagwa of protectingprotecting corrupt individuals.
See Masarira’s statement below:
Dear @edmnangagwa When you got into office, a lot of people had high expectations that you would clean up the mess left by Mugabe. We expected a corrupt-free cabinet & fiscal discipline to ensure that government lives within its means.
Many corruption cases are still hanging
I hate to say this but the truth has to be said, @MthuliNcube is doing more harm than good to Zimbabwe’s economy.
The inconsistencies in his monetary policies are causing immense suffering to the people of Zimbabwe. It is either we re-dollarize or de-dollarize, we can’t do both
There is a need for political will to stop the issuing of treasury bills and to find a lasting solution to the cash crisis in Zimbabwe.
Corruption is now the order of the day yet little is being done to curb corruption
@ReserveBankZIM
We inherited a racist white supremacy corruption system from the colonial masters, were only a few individuals accumulate wealth at the expense of the generality of the masses, thereby further entrenching poverty at the same time reversing the gains of the liberation struggle.
Having been in Mugabe’s cabinet, we thought you would get rid of nepotism and create a new culture of politics and governance that was going to eradicate corruption of ‘connections.’ Only those with political connections are surviving.
#TeamZimbabwe
Tender Corruption needs to be dealt with by ensuring that all involved in tender scams face the full wrath of the law.
We realized that there is a group of corrupt tenderpreneurs who corruptly get tenders from the Government and Parastatals.
#StopCorruption
A popular example is that of Wicknell Chivhayo and the Gwanda Solar Project.
There is an urgent need to implement an open tender system which is fair and transparent. Government officials are abusing their power to steal state resources eg Prisca Mupfumira of NSSA funds.
As long as corrupt public officials remain protected by your party, there will be no efforts by willing development partners to help Zimbabwe get out of this economic quagmire we are facing. If you take the lead in ensuring stiff penalties for any corrupt activity in the whole country will follow suit.
Speaking against corruption is not enough, we want to see action, real arrests, prosecution, conviction &restitution.
Failure to do so, you might leave office without any legacy to talk of. Ideally, every president wants to leave a legacy
I suggest that you start prioritizing local investment and open Zimbabwe for business fir Zimbabweans. It is time to introduce beneficiation tax to force companies to beneficiate raw materials locally & to remove all ghost workers in civil service.
All civil servants above retirement should be retired. As citizens, we deserve to know your cabinet ministers plans and accomplishments thus far.
Most public hospitals are in a sorry state yet government prioritizes buying luxury cars for chiefs, MPs & other elected officials.
It is imperative that your government seriously considers depoliticizing state institutions, ensure media reforms and economic reforms. Local beneficiation of diamonds and other minerals should be considered if we want to get Zimbabwe out of this economic crisis.
Developing Zimbabwe should be agenda number 1 on your list of priorities.
What legacy do you want to live Mr President? You are the man in charge, show the world that you are indeed the leader of the new dispensation.
Well done for the road rehabilitation program.
Jane Mlambo| Self-exiled former cabinet minister Professor Jonathan Moyo has denied claims by State security minister Owen Mudha Ncube that he is now the opposition MDC leader Nelson Chamisa’s advisor.
Posting on Twitter today, Moyo dismissed Mudha’s claims as fake news adding that Zanu PF had deployed its Moles to push the narrative on social media.
“Today I woke up to the fake news that the CIO’s murderous mashurugwi minister, Owen Mudha Ncube, has appointed me Presidential Advisor to @nelsonchamisa. This is not being done for the first or last time. The #CIO has tasked its varakashi on @Twitter to announce the appointment,” said Moyo.
Recently, Moyo revealed that they helped the opposition MDC in the run-up to the July 2018 harmonised elections.
Letter to the Editor
AGRIBANK RUSHINGA MUST BE INVESTIGATED.
I write to inform the would be authorities to investigate the rot at the BANK.
We know of the shoddy deals happening between the manager (name supplied) and one member of parliament for the area.
The manager is fueling cash shortages in the bank by supplying the legislator with cash which is latter sold on the black market at between 35 and 40 %.
Rescue us please !
Concerned Resident
Banks and money transfer agencies traded accusations in Parliament on Monday over an uneven playing field.
Bankers Association of Zimbabwe (BAZ) accused money transfer agencies such as EcoCash, One Money and Telecash of enjoying an unfair advantage over financial institutions.
This came out during a meeting convened by the Parliamentary Portfolio Committee on Budget and Finance chaired by Chikomba Central MP Cde Felex Mhona (Zanu PF), who had invited banks, money transfer agencies, business and industry to hear their views on how the economy could be improved.
During the meeting, BAZ chief economist Dephine Mazambani said money transfer agencies were regulated by the Postal and Telecommunications Regulatory Authority of Zimbabwe, while banks were regulated by the Reserve Bank of Zimbabwe (RBZ), but yet both provided similar services of collecting and dispensing money.
“Money transfer agencies and banks are not regulated the same way,” she said. “We are regulated by the RBZ while they are regulated through Potraz.
“Our regulation terrain is different, but one of the key challenges is that while we are regulated differently, sometimes you see that we offer similar or the same products or services which creates an uneven playing field and sometimes pose a risk to the financial sector, seismic risks. It is the regulatory environment that we are hoping that can be levelled.”
Cassava Smartech Zimbabwe chief executive Mr Eddie Chibi, which owns EcoCash, said Mrs Mazambani’s views were misdirected.
“EcoCash is under the direct oversight of RBZ,” he said.
“We are regulated under the National Payment System Act and we make as frequent returns and engagement with the central bank as any other financial services sector in Zimbabwe, including banks.
“For certain services, we are also regulated by the RBZ Financial Intelligence Unit where we submit all our suspicious transactions reports and other general issues which we pick. We have invested in a robust system which tracks transaction in terms of any suspicions of fraud and money laundering which we share with the RBZ on a regular basis.
“In terms of our remittances services, we also get regulated by the Exchange Control division of the RBZ, including the licence which we have for the EcoCash Bureau de Change.”
Zimbabwe National Chamber of Commerce representative, Mr Archie Dongo called on Government to narrow the gap between cost of subsidised products and the price on the market to avoid arbitrage.
He said while subsidies were meant to address affordability of products and services, there was need to rationalise the cost of the end product and how much the market was charging.
“We fully understand the thrust of subsidising certain products for the benefit of the general populace, particularly in an era of austerity,” said Mr Dongo.
“The demand that has been created by lowering of prices is quite high, but the supply has been reduced or is inadequate, for example, when you use Zupco, the queue will tell a story that not everybody who wants to use Zupco will be able to use it.
“The gap between subsidised price and market price is rather wide. The gap is creating very lucrative arbitrage opportunities for some people.”
-State Media
By A Correspondent- Outspoken suspended Zanu-PF youth leader Godfrey Tsenengamu’s life in the party hangs in the balance as Zanu-PF meets.
This comes amid reports that Zanu-PF’s highest decision making body in between congresses, the politburo is meeting to discuss the proposal to expel Tsenangamu.
Last week Zanu-PF Mashonaland Central province endorsed the expulsion of Tsenengamu.
This week Tsenengamu defied the ruling party directive to go to the Chitepo School of Ideology.
Writing on his Facebook wall on Monday, Tsenengamu reacted to the invitation to attend the Chitepo school of ideology: “Instructed to attend 5 day Basic Course at Chitepo Ideological College from today till Friday before the 3 month course in April. My response – HANDIDI.”
The directive comes as a recommendation by ZANU-PF’s Politburo after Tsenengamu and former deputy Youth Affairs Secretary Lewis Matutu held a press conference accusing President Emmerson Mnangagwa’s close allies of corruption
On his micro blogging Facebook handle, Tsenengamu rejected the invitation to a one week orientation programme.
“Ideologically I am up there, which is why I was elevated to the position I had. We cannot use Cde Chitepo’s name to protect corrupt elements. I am not going there. Those that made the recommendation should be the ones going to the school of ideology.”
Tsenengamu said he does not see where he and Matutu wronged the party.
“I do not see where we wronged the party. They said we flouted procedure yet they are the ones who tampered with the party constitution by failing to serve us with formal communication and give us an opportunity to defend our position before a disciplinary committee,”-ZimMorningPost
By A Correspondent- Health and Child Care minister Obadiah Moyo has said Zimbabwean students stranded in China after the coronavirus outbreak should stay in the Asian country because their return might be “dangerous”, inadvertently confirming the government’s lack of preparedness to handle the fast-spreading deadly virus.
Speaking at an inter-ministerial meeting held in Harare to map the way forward on containing the virus, Moyo said the fight to stop the coronavirus entering into Zimbabwe was giving government sleepless nights.
“We have our students in China and this meeting has agreed and feels they are better off in China at this stage,” he said.
“We have had conversations with the students and they have indicated they prefer to be in China at this moment because if they were to fall sick, there is already some treatment which has been applied which is successful. They are better off rather than coming here. We haven’t even tried any treatment at all, so they are better off in China at this very stage.”
Government, however, is reluctant to institute travel bans to people coming from China and areas affected by the virus.
“We realise that the incidence of the disease is increasing everywhere around the world. We called this meeting particularly realising it’s no longer confined to China. We also needed to highlight the fact that our airlines, Kenyan Airways and Emirates, are not flying from China, but it is the Ethiopian Airlines which is flying into Zimbabwe from China,” Moyo said.
He said as government, they were working on containing the virus at all costs.
“We do not want it to come, but sometimes when you see the trend, you just can’t go to sleep, you wake up and be prepared. If it was to arrive in your home, how will you deal with it? That is what we are doing,” Moyo said.
To date, only two suspected cases of the virus have been recorded in the country, with Moyo expressing confidence on their current testing mechanism.
He said a new testing regime was on the cards to do away with delayed release of results.
Parents of students in China yesterday met Chinese embassy officials to get an appreciation of the state of affairs regarding their children’s safety in the wake of the deadly virus. About 2 000 Zimbabwean students are studying in China.
Speaking to the parents, Chinese deputy ambassador to Zimbabwe, Zhao Baogang said his country was prepared to assist those who wanted to evacuate their children should they choose to do so.
He, however, said it was not advisable to evacuate foreign nationals from China, saying it may further complicate the situation.
India, Germany and Iran have reported new cases of the coronavirus, while the World Health Organisation (WHO) has warned that the world was in “uncharted territory”.
WHO said more than 90 000 cases had been confirmed globally, with deaths reaching 3 110 yesterday.
Meanwhile, local financial institution, Ecobank has responded to the current efforts to curb and control the transmission of coronavirus by donating test kits to the Health ministry.
The donation of US$30 000 will go towards the procurement of rapid testing kits that will be deployed at all ports of entry including airports and border posts to strengthen efforts to break the virus’ transmission chain after the disease was discovered in China and now has been spreading to other parts of the world.
In handing over the donation, Ecobank managing director Moses Kurenjekwa said the financial institution was alive to the potential business and human threat posed by the virus globally.
“We are taking these steps at a local level as a show of our commitment to this country,” he said.
“It is our hope that we can come together as a nation and deal collectively with this serious threat to social and economic progress.”
Cabinet yesterday resolved that all visitors from countries that had reported coronavirus should hold valid medical clearance certificates issued by a government health institution.
Speaking during yesterday’s Cabinet briefing, Moyo said visitors without the certificate would be immediately deported at the port of entry.
“You don’t have a certificate, we have no choice, but send you back to where you are coming from,” he said.
Information minister Monica Mutsvangwa urged all government emergency agencies, including the Department of Civil Protection, to be prepared in the event of the virus spreading to Zimbabwe.-Newsday
By A Correspondent- High Court judge Jacob Manzunzu has removed from the roll an application filed by the widow of the late chief justice and national hero Godfrey Chidyausiku.
The widow is seeking an order compelling the pension master to process and transfer into her bank account, all the pension and terminal benefits from the Judiciary.
Manzunzu ruled yesterday that Farai Chidyausiku (nee Kunaka)’s court papers were not in order.
Chidyausiku died in May 2017, barely two months after retiring from his position and was buried at the National Heroes’ Acre in Harare.
Kunaka who was not mentioned in Chidyausiku’s inheritance claimed she was customarily married to the late judge and that her brother received US$1 000 as bride price.
She further told the court after the pride price was paid in Bhora, Murewa, she even changed her surname and started using the Chidyausiku family name, adding that she was the only surviving spouse and as such was entitled to all pension and terminal benefits.
Kunaka further told the court that Musunga & Associates Legal Practitioners assisted in changing her name on the basis of her marriage to the late Chidyausiku.
She wanted the court to direct the Judicial Services Commission (JSC) and the pension master to speedily process and pay her the amounts due, in an application in which she also cited Justice minister Ziyambi Ziyambi as a respondent.
Kunaka said during Chidyausiku’s tenure, she used to enjoy the benefits of a married woman, adding that she was even issued with a diplomatic passport. -DailyNews
By A Correspondent- The Bulawayo City Council (BCC) yesterday said government had availed $13 million towards the refurbishment of Barbourfields Stadium.
The country’s football stadia were banned from hosting Confederation of African Football (Caf) matches and BCC and the government are battling to spruce up Barbourfields and the National Sports Stadium in Harare to try and persuade Caf to allow Zimbabwe to host international matches.
Zimbabwe is scheduled to host Algeria on March 29 in an Africa Cup of Nations (Afcon) qualifier and the government is working to avert a threat of that match being played outside the country
Bulawayo mayor Solomon Mguni confirmed that the local authority had received communication from government on the funding.
“I am pleased to say that the Ministry of Local Government has confirmed the release of a $13 million grant which we had requested for short to remedial works at Barbourfields. The ministry has identified a contractor who will work at Barbourfields and the National Sports Stadium.
The contractor will start as soon as possible in preparation for the next Caf inspection and the next international match. I am advised that the contractor should be in Bulawayo this afternoon,” Mguni said.
Council housing and community services director Dictor Khumalo said they were working flat out to fulfil Caf’s demands.
He said the lighting and installation of bucket seats will be done at a later stage.
“We are working flat out and have done the necessary quotations. As far as the Algeria match is concerned, I am sure Zifa will deal with this issue depending on how we progress with the renovations that we are currently seized with,” Khumalo said.
He said the budget for the renovations was $58 million and the council was working on capacitating its architects to align with the architecture of modern-day stadia to meet the required standards.
The council also received 100 bags of cement and a refrigerator from former Premier Soccer League fixtures secretary Beadle Musa Gwasira, who was represented by Eddie Chivero, while Herentals also pledged to upgrade the dressing rooms as well as the installation of an air conditioner.
Gwasira’s donation was said to be worth $45 000.
At the National Sports Stadium, work continued on the facility with groundsmen working on the grass which Caf said should be trimmed to a much lower level than what the authorities had preferred over the years.
The authorities have also been working on the lighting which was deemed poor. The government is working on a crash programme to rectify the anomalies at the stadium in the hope that the Caf ban is lifted ahead of the next match.-Newsday
Gospel musician Olinda Marowa, who lost her first husband in 2017, has remarried.
The gospel songbird told NewsDay Life & Style yesterday that her new husband, Mike Mapiya, paid lobola to her family in Harare last month, but they were yet to finalise the wedding date.
“We are working on the wedding now, but the dates are not yet finalised,” she said.
The musician said she would relocate to the United Kingdom where her husband — who is a sound engineer by profession — is based.
“He is into music but not as a singer. He does sound engineering,” she said. “Musically, he is very supportive, bringing in ideas on how to push the music ministry and more of a cheerleader.”
Marowa said the church she co-founded with her late husband Michael Mufaro Ziwenga in Gweru, Grace Life Covenant, would continue to run under the auspices of local pastors while she would focus on expanding it abroad.
The musician’s first husband-cum-manager Ziwenga, died at West End Hospital in Harare in 2017.
One of the country’s finest female gospel music talents, Marowa’s discography is made up of five offerings — Nyasha (2007), Mufaro Wangu (2011), Jehovah Tshuvah (2014), Moyo Wangu (2017) and Yahweh (2019).
She has won a number of awards including the Permican for Best Female Gospel Musician in 2015 and Best Contemporary Gospel Musician at the Midlands Music Awards.
-Newsday
By A Correspondent- Councillor Felix Mhaka of Bulawayo’s Ward 5, had to dig deep and summon his athletic abilities to survive a run-in with his enraged mistress after she accosted him while he was with his new flame at a shopping complex in the city.
The incident which entertained shoppers and vendors happened on Tuesday at around 7.30 pm and lasted for about 20 minutes just in front of the shopping complex which is situated at corner Jason Moyo and Fourth Avenue.
Cllr Mhaka’s close friend who requested not to be named revealed that Mhaka — who is married to Memory Ngwenya — was busy pampering his new lover Sithatshisiwe (Sitha) Hlabangana, who runs a boutique which is situated along Jason Moyo Street between 14th and 15th Avenue when his other lover, Sane, pitched up unexpectedly.
“While Mhaka was busy spoiling Sitha with groceries and other nice things Sane arrived at the complex. Mhaka panicked when he saw her and tried to slink back into the shop. He was at the entrance pushing a trolley to his car when he saw her.
She asked who the lady (Sitha) was but Mhaka who looked jittery mumbled and uttered something incoherent,” said Mhaka’s close friend.
The friend added: “ It happened so fast as we saw Sane slapping Mhaka on his cheek. He tried to block it but she caused a scene as she shouted accusing him of being in the habit of cheating on her.”
Mhaka failed to put his foot down to control the fuming Sane, who it is said has been in love with him for a couple of months and is bulging with his seed.
The source said:
“After several failed attempts to escape from her tight grip, eventually Mhaka managed to free himself and showed a clean pair of heels much to the entertainment of the crowd that had gathered to watch the free ‘movie’.”
Onlookers had to thank their gods after they picked groceries which the fuming Sane threw on the ground.
“There was no way I could leave beef when everyone who had a chance was picking a share,” said a vendor who requested not to be named. The drama went a gear up as the two ladies in question exchanged blows while hurling insults at each other much to the excitement of the crowd.
It took the intervention of a security guard who works at the supermarket to stop the fierce fight. Sane drove off in Mhaka’s car.
The source said Mhaka later on bounced back accompanied by two police officers claiming that his car had been stolen.
“He tried to lie to the police saying his car had been stolen but the intelligent police officers soon summoned their investigative skills and gathered that his girlfriend Sane was with the car and that the Cllr was trying to cover up for the love triangle drama,” said his close friend.
Contacted for a comment the cagey Cllr Mhaka said: “On the day in question I was out of town. I’m shocked at what you are talking about and I don’t know the ladies you are talking about.”
Sane said: “Who told you that? Yes, we fought and what do you want to do with it? Were you sent by Mhaka to torment me, please go away, you are disturbing me?”
Sitha said, “ I can’t comment on that. Leave me alone.”
She then hung up.
Government has repossessed for public service minister and late former president Robert Mugabe’s nephew Patrick Zhuwao’s farm in what had been described as an act of bitterness on the part of the President Emmerson Mnangagwa administration.
Below is the letter written to Zhuwao.
By A Correspondent- Government is set to extend the schools feeding scheme to secondary schools in line with the country’s education policy to improve school attendance and completion rates.
The feeding scheme is meant to keep learners in class while improving nutrition.
Government introduced the feeding scheme in 2016 starting with infants but it was later extended up to Grade Seven.
The introduction of the schools feeding programme is in line with the African Union resolution to promote inclusive education by providing meals at school.
During the 26th AU Summit in January 2016, the Heads of States decided to adopt homegrown school feeding programmes as a continental strategy to enhance retention and performance of children in schools and to boost income-generation and entrepreneurship in local communities.
The decision saw March 1 being declared “Africa Day for School Feeding”. Yesterday, Bulawayo province commemorated four years since Government launched the feeding scheme.
During the commemorations, held at Josiah Chinamano Primary School in Emakhandeni suburb, there were performances by pupils showing the effects of attending lessons while hungry that include sleeping in class and failure to concentrate.
Addressing parents, teachers and pupils during the event, Bulawayo acting provincial education director Mrs Ollicah Kaira said modalities were underway to introduce the schools feeding programme up to high school.
“The Ministry (of Primary and Secondary Education) is now working towards the third phase (of schools feeding) where it will be introduced in the secondary school level. Why the schools feeding programme? Is it really necessary? One would ask. The home-grown schools feeding programme has been adopted by the Government of Zimbabwe as a strategy to ensure optimal enrolment, improve school attendance, retention and completion rates. It is envisaged that it will enhance learning outcomes and achieve positive nutrition and health outcomes for all,” said Mrs Kaira.
She said the programme is anchored on home-grown solutions meaning schools have to depend on what they can easily produce or provide at cheaper costs.
The Government supports the initiative through providing grain and parents chip in with the relish.
Parents and guardians cook for the children ensuring the successful implementation of the programme. At Josiah Chinamano Primary School children are fed porridge, amahewu, as well as isitshwala with beans, vegetables or meat. Mrs Kaira said communities should take ownership of the feeding programme as it can also benefit them.
“It is anticipated that communities will assume ownership of the programme. We appreciate the community gardens that have taken root in almost all the suburbs in the city and we see these as potential sources of relish. There are small scale farmers situated on the outskirts of Bulawayo who could be a source of maize meal and vegetables too,” said Mrs Mrs Kaira.
“This, therefore, promotes the socio-economic growth which is part of the Government thrust towards a middle-income economy by 2030. Schools have gardens and we have seen them feeding their learners with beans, vegetables, butternut to name but a few from the gardens.
“Some have even established poultry and rabbit keeping projects.”
Mrs Kaira warned school authorities against using pupils for labour in their nutritional gardens saying learners should only go there when conducting practical lessons for Agriculture.
She urged parents and guardians to play a leading role in protecting schools’ infrastructure and theft as some of it is being stolen by community members.
Josiah Chinamano Primary School’s head Ms Jean Sibanda said some thieves were stealing vegetables they were growing.
Ms Sibanda said the school was also selling some of its surplus produce to the nearby community. She said the school is planning to introduce a poultry project to boost children’s nutrition.
The Chronicle news crew observed learners being provided with isitshwala and beans. Zimbabwe Teachers’ Association (Zimta) chief executive officer, Dr Sifiso Ndlovu said the feeding programme was a noble initiative that should be supported. He said Government, parents and guardians should work hand in hand to ensure that the programme does not suffer sustainability challenges as a result of donor dependency.
“For starters, the feeding scheme ensures that children are in schools. A child would not be motivated to go to school on empty stomachs especially those in rural areas who are always hard hit by drought. With school feeding programme their attendance increases and that also improves their concentration levels. So, Government should ensure there is sustainability in the programme,” he said.
Dr Ndlovu said Government should also ensure that the food is secured in schools as cases have been reported that some school staff were looting the foods to feed their families.-statemedia
By A Correspondent- Social media users have expressed outrage over reports suggesting that Parirenyatwa’s radiotherapy was impounded by the Zimbabwe Revenue Authority over unpaid duty.
This came after Solomon Harudzibwi, the Chief Executive Officer at the iPark had posted on Twitter suggesting that the equipment has spent months in a warehouse at the airport. He said:
The radiotherapy at Parirenyatwa hospital has been down for the past 8 months. Government ordered the spares & they arrived on the 26th of December 2019. 2 months down they are lying in a warehouse by the airport due to unpaid duties. @Zimra_11@MoHCCZim What’s going on?
Members of the public said that institutions importing equipment or anything meant to promote the public good should be awarded tax holidays.
Others expressed disappointment over the reports observing that vehicles belonging to political elites in the country were being imported duty-free but life-saving equipment was being impounded.
By A Correspondent- The Zimbabwe Energy Regulatory Authority (Zera) has invited more fuel companies to sell fuel in foreign currency in yet another clear sign that the economy was fast redollarising.
Last month, authorities came under fire for giving Zuva Petroleum the greenlight to sell fuel in foreign currency despite government having banned last year the use of US dollar in the market.
“Petroleum companies are requested to submit proposed sites to sell in foreign currency procured through free funds based on the following criteria: A maximum of two sites in Harare and Bulawayo per petroleum company and a maximum of one site in all other town and cities,” Zera said in a statement.
“Please note that selected sites will be expected to do 100 direct fuel imports. For companies that do not hold procurement licences, the submissions should include the name of the supplier of the fuel to be traded in foreign currency. Petroleum companies are advised to make submissions before end of day on Tuesday 3 march 2020.”
Questions have already been raised as to why Zuva Petroleum has more than two sites in Harare selling in forex while other dealers have been restricted to only two sites.
Zera was not available for comment as its acting chief executive Eddington Mazambani did not respond to questions sent via email and WhatsApp.-Newsday
By A Correspondent- Cabinet yesterday approved a general amnesty that will see a minimum of 5 000 inmates test freedom in a bid to decongest the prisons currently holding in excess of 22 000 prisoners against a carrying capacity of 17 000.
Addressing a post-Cabinet briefing, Information minister Monica Mutsvangwa said the amnesty, to benefit specified categories of prisoners, would decongest the country’s prisons and alleviate challenges being experienced by the Zimbabwe Prisons and Correctional Services (ZPCS).
“Cabinet considered and approved the proposal to have a general amnesty as presented by the Minister of Justice, Legal and Parliamentary Affairs,” Mutsvangwa said.
“Cabinet noted that the country’s prison population currently stands at 22 000 against an official holding capacity of 17 000. The general amnesty, which will be for certain specified categories of prisoners, will decongest the country’s prisons and alleviate challenges being experienced by the Zimbabwe Prisons and Correctional Services.”
Justice minister Ziyambi Ziyambi said about 5 000 to 6 000 imamates would be released to reduce the number of inmates to match the prisons’ carrying capacity.
“We will reduce the number of inmates to match the carrying capacity of our prisons, which stands at 17 000. So 5 000 to 6 000 will be freed,” he said.
Zimbabwe is experiencing economic problems which have made feeding the inmates a tall order in the face of hyperinflation and shortage of goods triggered by lack of foreign currency.
Cabinet also said it received a report on the 25th Conference of Parties which the Environment minister Mangaliso Ndlovu attended in Madrid, Spain, from December 2 to 13, 2019.
Parties at the conference agreed to reduce greenhouse gas emissions in line with the Paris Agreement through their nationally determined contributions, to be achieved by 2030, and this would mean the banning of coal, which has been a huge source of energy to Zimbabwe.
“Zimbabwe, together with other developing countries, are concerned by the call to phase out coal usage in thermal energy generation and other industrial processes. This is in view of the dwindling water resources in the country owing to recurrent droughts which in turn constrain hydroelectric power generation,” Mutsvangwa said.
“The country will, however, continue to explore alternatives and renewable sources of energy in place of coal. Dialogue will also need to be initiated with Sadc member States on the implications of the call to phase out the use of coal in order to arrive at a common position which can be articulated at International fora.”
Cabinet was also briefed by Sports minister Kirsty Coventry on the inspection tour of the National Sports Stadium to assess Zimbabwe’s preparedness to host international matches.
“Cabinet noted that corrective action is in progress and all effort is being made to ensure that the country hosts international matches, in particular Confederation of African Football (Caf),” she said.
Zimbabwe might be forced to play away from home on its home games after Caf condemned all local stadiums.-Newsday
THE Nelson Chamisa-led MDC has threatened to take action against its deputy secretary for international affairs, Douglas Mwonzora, for taking party issues to social media, in apparent reference to his recent outburst over statements by self-exiled former Zanu PF minister Jonathan Moyo.
Mwonzora took to Facebook and Twitter to express his anger on Monday over utterances by Moyo that he, together with then party treasurer Theresa Makone, flew to South Africa allegedly at the behest of the late party leader Morgan Tsvangirai to meet Moyo in 2018 ahead of the elections.
Moyo also accused Mwonzora of working together with Zanu PF-linked businessman Kudakwashe Tagwirei to influence the outcome of a court case where the party president Nelson Chamisa was fighting for control of party assets with Thokozani Khupe.
The former MDC secretary-general took to Facebook and micro-blogging site Twitter to use Tsvangirai’s words to subtly attack those he said were dividing the party.
This did not go down well with the party’s top leadership.
“We note with concern that you continue to discuss party business in the media notwithstanding the decision of the party to restrict such to authorised offices. You also continue to discuss party business on social media in violation of our social media policy,” MDC secretary-general Chalton Hwende wrote.
“As a member, you are entitled to redress in the event that you feel aggrieved by the actions or utterances of other members as provided for in our constitution which you are bound by. This letter serves as a final warning to you that such conduct will not be tolerated by the party.”
Mwonzora last night said he was yet to be served with the letter.
“I am just seeing a letter floating on the same social media that I am being alleged to be removed from. Until I am served with that letter, I have not received anything,” Mwonzora said.
“At any rate, I have never been called to any hearing of any sort, so for me, it is a non-event. Warnings are not written that way.”
Observers said the latest development was clear indication of deep-rooted factionalism and fights within the MDC since Mwonzora is viewed as a threat after daring to challenge Chamisa during the party congress last year.More in Home
In the social media postings, Mwonzora accused Moyo of wanting to divide the party, saying: “A desperate smear campaign has started against my person. The aim of the smear campaign is to keep the party internally focused, divided and weak. Unfortunately, the peddlers of these falsehoods do not understand the nature of our party.”
He refuted claims that he had received money from Tagwirei and assured party members that he would never betray the struggle.
“There are people who yesterday beat us up and murdered our brothers and sisters who now want to masquerade as our friends. We cannot allow them to divide us. I will never kiss the hand that murdered our youngsters, including Tonderai Ndira, Beta Chokururama and Godfrey Kauzani, and many others for any reason whatsoever.”
-Newsday
By A Correspondent- Gweru’s chief fire officer Emmanuel Musemwa has died.
He was 62.
Council spokesperson Vimbai Chingwaramusee yesterday confirmed that Musemwa died at Midlands Private Hospital on Saturday night.
“He was a dedicated, professional and hardworking cadre of the City of Gweru. It is a big loss to us as a local authority and the void he has left at council and at the fire station, in particular, will be difficult to fill,” she said.
“At this stage, what we can confirm is that our late cadre passed on after a long illness. During his time in hospital, several medical tests were carried out, but the doctors were yet to find out (what) was afflicting him.”
Musemwa joined the City of Gweru on January 4, 2001 as a fire officer.
On April 4, 2004, he was appointed the chief fire fighter, a position he held until the time of his death.
Chingwaramusee said Musemwa will be buried in Chaka village in Chirumanzu on a date to be announced.
Several events have been lined up to honour the late Musemwa, including a fire ladder parade around town. -Newsday
By A Correspondent- A man who allegedly kidnapped and tortured two men over 70 grammes of gold shortfall leading to the death of one of the victims, has been arrested.
Acting Midlands Provincial Spokesperson Assistant Inspector Ethel Mukwende yesterday confirmed the arrest of Willard Mugadza for allegedly kidnapping the pair.
“I can confirm the arrest of Willard Mugadza of Gweru in connection with the murder of one Fabian Mabhugu and abduction of one Lenny Hwehwe,” she said.
Insp Mukwende said that it is alleged that Mabhugu and his workmate stole gold from Mugadza who was their employer.
“Mugadza hired some people who kidnapped and tied both men to trees while assaulting them,” she said.
Insp Mukwende said the duo was abducted last week on Tuesday and taken to Chirumhanzu by thugs allegedly hired by Mugadza. She said the now deceased Mabhugu sent a message to his relatives informing them about their abduction and a report was made to the police leading to their rescue.
“The two were then rushed to Gweru Provincial Hospital where Mabhugu died on Sunday at around 3PM,” said Insp Mukwende.
The current bank exchange rates for the ZWL$ today are as follows:
Data according to the Reserve Bank of Zimbabwe
Black Market Rates:
More: marketwatch.co.zw
By A Correspondent- The Zimbabwean government has announced that all visitors from countries which are affected by the novel coronavirus (COVID-19) must hold valid medical certificates which show that they tested negative to the virus.
This was announced by the Minister of Information and Broadcasting Services, Senator Monica Mutsvangwa during a Cabinet briefing held in Harare on Tuesday.
This has prompted analysts to say that, contrary to what authorities’ claim, the country is not prepared to prevent and or contain the virus.
Some say that the country has no equipment to even test the virus that is why authorities have requested that all visitors bring medical reports.
Only recently, a suspected case was quarantined and released after authorities had concluded that she was negative of the virus. A week later, the woman was, however, re-quarantined after showing signs and symptoms related to those of the virus.
Authorities cleared her again and said they will continue to monitor her.
This also happens when the World Health Organisation (WHO) Africa has said that Zimbabwe like several other African countries had limited capacity to deal with the virus.
By A Correspondent- A Bulawayo man will rue the day he decided to help himself to someone else’s property after he was sentenced to 12 months imprisonment for stealing a jerrycan valued at $725 from a parked vehicle.
Thabani Sibanda (29) from Emakhandeni suburb stole from Mr Alvis Ncube (62) of Barbourfields suburb. Sibanda had pleaded guilty to theft before Bulawayo magistrate Mr Lizwe Jamela.
Three months of the sentence were suspended for five years on condition that he does not commit a similar offence within the period.
A further nine months were suspended on condition that he does 315 hours of community service at Emakhandeni Primary School from March 9.
Sibanda told the court that he survives by baking cupcakes and making potato fritters so he stole the jerrycan to buy flour because his wares were confiscated by police.
Prosecuting, Mr Terrence Chakabuda said on February 25 this year, Sibanda stole the 20-litre jerrycan from Mr Ncube’s car, which was parked near Choppies Supermarket along Fort Street.
“The complainant spotted the accused person and through the aid of police officers who were on patrol, managed to apprehend the accused person and the jerrycan was recovered,” said Mr Chakabuda. -Statemedia
By Fanuel Chinowaita- MDC Youth Assembly National Secretary for the Disabled Muslin Hwiza has accused the Zanu pf run government of failure to fulfil the needs of the disabled in the country.
Hwiza blasted Zanu Pf of being masters of “empty promises” most of which are given towards election time.
“Zanu pf have failed to maintain the needs for the disabled, it promised to offer good services to the institutions that we thought would take us far such as Jairos Jiri, St Giles, the hospitals, Schools, Roads ,toilets etc.
“It promised to offer good services but nothing has improved, even the taxes the government is getting for the disabled, it is used for other purposes which are not for us”, said Hwiza.
The Secretary for the disabled also said that the government had failed in ensuring that the disabled get befitting infrastructure
She said:
“Even most buildings in the country have got stairs and no access for those who are on wheelchairs, are visually impaired and those who limp.”
Hwiza vowed to fight for the disabled people in the country. She urged other disabled people to stop supporting the current government which she said always looked down upon them. She urged them to support MDC which she said had disabled people at heart.
“Disabled people’s rights are suppressed, I therefore want to raise a voice for the disabled.
“I have hope and therefore I urge my fellow disabled friends that new government in waiting, of MDC will not only improve but change our lives. It will be sweet.”
Further more, MDC Youth Assembly National Secretary for the disabled has urged other disabled to be strong and be able to fight for what rightfully belongs to them. She said they must be also very active in politics because it is their constitutional right also.
Muslim also encouraged other disabled people to stop just crying and do some projects which gives them money.
“My advise is don’t be sympathy seekers but be bold and stand for your rights. Let’s all show our other side of life and also participate in politics.
“Ndakakura ndichinzi politics is dirty but its us people and those greedy people who makes it dirty. When I first joined politics was scared and worried on how I was going to do it. So I asked God to help me and he is still doing so it was tough I don’t want to lie but you should be committed and listen to other people’s advices.
“Let’s engage ourselves in projects, fulfilling our dreams wake up and smell the coffee, think from outside the box not from inside the box.
“Simplicity makes you whole and humility pays. I pledge, wish , fight for our right as the disabled.
“Disability is not inability you and me can make it. We can change someone’s life through endurance”, said Muslin Hwiza.
By A Correspondent- Luke Tamborinyoka, the deputy spokesperson of the opposition MDC led by advocate Nelson Chamisa has said that the party has not received any cent from anyone other than its members.
These remarks come a few weeks after exiled former Minister of Higher Tertiary Education, Professor Jonathan Moyo claimed that Patrick Zhuwao the nephew of former President Mugabe funded the party’s 2018 elections campaign.
There were also allegations, which Chamisa refuted, that Sakunda boss, Kuda Tagwirei also funded the party’s campaign.
Below is the full text issued by Tamborinyoka:
The MDC is a mammoth organization with countrywide endorsement that has been funded solely by ordinary Zimbabweans who have always toyed with the idea of change over the years.In the last election, the 2, 6 million votes received by President Nelson Chamisa came from the entire nation and from across the political parties.
But there has been a negative campaign against a broad and united front of Zimbabweans, united solely by a common desire for justice, equality, freedom and democracy.
That emerging common front of diverse Zimbabweans has been actively encouraged by the illegitimate regime’s unbridled incompetence. We will not pander the whims of those against the emerging united front fighting for democracy and transformation in this country.
We will not close our doors to any Zimbabwean who wishes to join the train of change; this rolling change juggernaut that has shaken this regime to the core.
The nation is tired of the patently false narrative that the MDC is funded by the so-called G-40. That is a red-herring. We are not shamed to state that the MDC has not received any cent from anyone other than its members who have unstintingly supported the cause.
We are a proud people’s movement that has survived for two decades from the support of ordinary Zimbabweans who have braved murder and violence for wanting the best for their country.
A new Zimbabwe is definitely on the horizon.
Luke Tamborinyoka
Deputy National Spokesperson
One of the favorites to win the FA Cup was ousted right before the quarterfinal round. On Tuesday night at Stamford Bridge, Liverpool lost 2-0 to Chelsea in the fifth round thanks to goals from Willian and Ross Barkley. The Reds, reeling from the 3-0 loss at Watford on Saturday that snapped the team’s 44-game unbeaten streak in the Premier League, have now lost back-to-back games and can’t seem to find their consistent scoring touch.
A team used to winning by multiple goals, Liverpool has not won comfortably in any of its last six games, losing three of them, and it struggled mightily against Frank Lampard’s team on Tuesday. Liverpool had five shots on goal but all were saved by a Kepa Arrizabalaga, including three in the matter of seconds in the first half.
Chelsea got a fortunate goal 13 minutes in as Adrian failed to handle Willian’s rocket shot that went right at him before Ross Barkley put it away 64 minutes in. The England international was able to gain possession of the ball after fantastic defensive work by Pedro, and Barkley marched nearly the entire attacking half before drilling a shot past his defender and past Adrian. Take a look:
Liverpool coach Jurgen Klopp brought on Roberto Firmino and Mohamed Salah to try and get back into it, but the Reds lacked precision in the final third with Chelsea focusing on holding onto the lead, doing is successfully.
Chelsea was without N’Golo Kante, Christian Pulisic and Tammy Abraham, and the Blues also lost Mateo Kovacic to injury in the first half but managed to dominate a Reds team even with two shots hitting the crossbar.
The Blues move on to the quarterfinals where they’ll find out their opponent during the draw on Wednesday which is set for 4:50 p.m. ET.
For the Reds, they remain in contention in the Champions League and are just weeks away from likely winning the Premier League title.
Tuesday, millions of Americans headed to the polls.
It’s one of the biggest election days of the year, second only to November’s presidential election.
Here’s your really simple guide to Super Tuesday.
Americans of both parties will head to the polls to vote in presidential primaries — the process to decide who will contest the 2020 presidential election.
All of the focus will be on the Democrats, because US President Donald Trump will be the Republican nominee.
Republicans are technically holding a 2020 primary, but the winner will be Donald Trump.(AP: Evan Vucci)Americans in 14 states — Alabama, Arkansas, California, Colorado, Maine, Massachusetts, Minnesota, North Carolina, Oklahoma, Tennessee, Texas, Utah, Vermont, and Virginia — will head to the polls.
The first polls will close at 11:00am AEDT. The last will close at 3:00pm AEDT. Results will come in until well into this evening.
Because it’s the day when the largest group of Americans will make a choice for the person they think is best to take on Mr Trump.
Winning on Super Tuesday awards a huge number of delegates as well. To become the Democratic nominee, a candidate needs 1,990 delegates.
On Super Tuesday, 1,357 delegates are up for grabs — the single biggest bounty in the entire primary process.
Success on Super Tuesday can literally make or break a campaign.
Once the dust has settled we’ll have the clearest idea yet of who will be the person taking on Mr Trump in November.
Pay attention to the number of delegates each candidate is winning. The more delegates they have, the better they’re doing.
There are also two states you want to pay attention to — California and Texas. They’re the most populous US states, and they also have the two biggest delegate prizes (415 for California and 228 for Texas).
Texas has been a Republican stronghold in the south for generations, but changing demographics mean it’s slowly turning Democratic.
Who Texan Democrats vote for in the primary, and how many of them actually show up to vote, will give us a fascinating insight into one of the key states at the November election.
Michael Bloomberg has shaken up the race by spending millions on television and radio ads./(AP: John Locher)Finally, everyone will be talking about billionaire Michael Bloomberg. It’s the first chance anyone has had to vote for him, so it’s worth seeing if spending hundreds of millions of dollars on television ads will pay off for him.
There might be multiple winners. And multiple losers.
Until now only one state has voted at a time, so it’s been very easy to say “Bernie Sanders won Nevada”.
We may not have a good idea of who has “won” Super Tuesday on the day itself.
Postal votes, particularly in Texas, will be counted for days to come. And with its huge bounty of 228 delegates, who wins in Texas will be very important.
More voting!
Despite how important Super Tuesday is, it still arrives very early in the primary process.
There will be more primaries and caucuses running all the way until June. It’s likely we’ll know who the nominee is before that though.
But, make sure you tune in next week. Another six states hold their own votes on what is sometimes called Super Tuesday II.
Press Statement|MDC family and all Zimbabweans who cherish justice, freedom, liberty and democracy are hopeful that Tungamirai Madzokere and Last Maengahama who have languished in prison for many years will be freed at last.
Their Appeal was heard by the Supreme Court today the 3rd of March 2020. Although the Court reserved Judgment, we hope that there will be no inordinate delay which sometimes happens in our courts as the matter is very clear and straight forward.
The High Court convicted them of murder in a highly flawed judgment relating to the unfortunate events in Glen View where they and 25 others were accused of murdering a police officer Petros Mutedza. This was persecution of the highest order and it was the police who were responsible for the mayhem that ensued after unjustifiably interfering with the rights of people who were peacefully gathered at Glen View 3 shopping centre.
While the majority were eventually freed when charges were either dropped before the trial and others at the close of the State case or at the conclusion of the trial, the duo have suffered the brunt of State repression after a political judgment bereft of legal logic was delivered. As the MDC we were delighted by the brilliant articulation of the issues by their lawyers and in our view, the State had no answers.
Apart from misdirecting itself on factual issues in finding corroboration where there were contradictions, the Court based the Conviction on the doctrine of common purpose which has not found its way into the Criminal Law Codification and Reform Act. Our prayer is that the Court will do the right thing and uphold the appeal and find all the Appellants not guilt. We trust that this will be sooner rather than later, Justice delayed is Justice denied.
There are also other cases where there have been unjust convictions for instance that of Tonderai Samu and Others which was postponed to the 16th of March 2020 .The State’s house was not in order, they failed to file Heads of Argument in time. We demand Justice for all our leaders and other Zimbabweans who are victims of political persecution by an Illegitimate regime.
Innocent Gonese
MDC Secretary for Justice and Legal Affairs
Media Statement|On Saturday 28 February 2020, Zimbabwe Human Rights Associations (ZimRights) members in Chitungwiza witnessed disturbing incidences of violence which resulted in the destruction of property and seven arrests and assaults of civilians by the Zimbabwe Republic Police. ZimRights spoke to four victims of police brutality, including one who was very critical.
ZimRights notes with concern that this violence was triggered by increasing hate speech from a group calling itself Concerned Citizens Forum, which over the years has been targeting civil society organisations in an anti-rights crusade. Reports from ZimRights community monitors confirm that Concerned Citizens Forum last week started circulating posters on social media threatening to invade the homes of opposition leaders whom it accused of calling for sanctions and causing suffering on Zimbabweans. In a pre-emptive act, opposition youths moved to offer protection to their targeted leaders, leading to violent scenes that were recorded in Chitungwiza.
ZimRights is concerned with these developments upon a population that is carrying an overwhelming economic burden and calls on Concerned Citizen Forum to stop its hate speech which is threatening to trigger anarchy in the country. Real concerned citizens know the sources of their suffering and are doing their best to remain patient in the face of provocative elements.
Zimrights further notes with concern, the police’s heavy-handed response of effecting random beatings of residents, which has further stoked the already simmering tensions.
Zimrights continues to urge the state security agents to exercise restraint and to ensure the safety of people in accordance with their mandate
ZimRights notes that the developments in Chitungwiza are evidence of the tensions in the country which have reached frightening levels. Already, thousands of Zimbabweans are on a stampede to leave the country as the situation looks as hopeless as ever. It thus becomes imperative on the leadership of Zimbabwe to find lasting solution to the current challenges before the situation gets out of control.
ZimRights calls on the leadership of Zimbabwe to urgently begin genuine and inclusive dialogue to resolve the country’s challenges.
ZimRights, a broad grassroots movement of ordinary people across Zimbabwe, remains ready to support authentic dialogue that changes the situation of ordinary people. Equally so, ZimRights will radically stand in opposition of private entities, political parties and individuals who seek an elite pact of leaders without an inclusive transformative agenda.
ZimRights membership across the country will continue to monitor the situation in the hope that a peaceful solution will be found as soon as possible before the country is set ablaze.
Issued by the ZimRights Information Department
Email – [email protected]
THE Herentals match-fixing soap opera is set to come to its final episode as the Zifa appeals committee sits to hear the case tomorrow.
The club will edge closer to discovering its fate in the top-flight after being found guilty of manipulating games by a Premier Soccer League (PSL) disciplinary committee.
The club lost three points for allegedly fixing the match against Black Rhinos.
After losing the three points, Herentals would be relegated and Chapungu would benefit by bouncing back after they had finished in the drop zone last term.
Zifa spokesperson Xolisani Gwesela confirmed the association’s appeals committee meets tomorrow.
“I can confirm the hearing of the Herentals appeal is on March 5,” he said.
The matter was supposed to be heard two weeks ago, but was postponed because the appeals committee members did not constitute a quorum.
Herentals was unsatisfied with the PSL disciplinary committee’s judgment over match-fixing allegations and it took the matter to the Zifa appeals committee, hoping for a favourable ruling.
The Students felt the PSL disciplinary committee erred because the judgment was not signed by all the three members of the committee as should be the case and that one of them even signed it twice.
The PSL disciplinary committee’s judgment slapped the Harare side with a $300 000 fine for the alleged offence. Herentals beat Black Rhinos 3-0 during the match in question which saw a team official from the army side, Gift Kamuriwo coming forward to testify he had been given money to fix the match.
The PSL side, however, feels the evidence was not compelling enough to nail them and questioned why if they had indeed committed an offence, Black Rhinos was spared punishment.
There have been genuine fears, the postponement of the matter could derail the start of the 2020 campaign.
PSL has, however, insisted that the start of the league programme would only be announced after its annual general meeting scheduled for Friday.
Meanwhile, Gweru-based side Chapungu are optimistic that the decision by the Zifa appeals committee in the match-fixing case would result in their elevation into the top-flight.
Bulawayo Chiefs have also complained that Herentals might have manipulated the outcome of their season finale.
Chapungu vice-chairman Patrick Chikwanda said they are expecting Zifa to uphold the PSL ruling.
“We believe that PSL made the right decision and the Zifa appeals committee will follow suit. Football must be the winner at the end of the day,” he said.
“We have never doubted the integrity of the justice system in our football, hence we believe the decision will take football forward, not backwards. Our fingers are crossed and we hope to be back in the top-flight.
“We owe the Gweru community a lot because we have let them down in the past season, but this year we promise that the good old days are back under new coach Moses Chunga and they should get excited,” Chikwanda added.
Correspondent|Government says it has thrown its full weight behind a last ditch refurbishment of the National Sports Stadium (NSS) in a bid to avoid the embarrassment of hosting Zimbabwe’s African Cup of Nations (Afcon) match against Algeria in a neighbouring country.
This comes after the Confederation of African Football (Caf) last week condemned all the country’s stadiums as unfit to host international matches.
Speaking after the Cabinet Tuesday briefing, Acting Sport minister Kazembe Kazembe said work on the NSS started on Tuesday to align it with the requirements of Caf.
He said engineers and architects are on the ground.
Kazembe said in two weeks the stadium will be 75 percent complete following renovations and other work underway at the National Sports Stadium.
“As we are speaking right now there are people who are working on the National Sports Stadium,” he said.
“They started this morning. Yesterday, there was a meeting of all stakeholders at the National Sports Stadium, a similar meeting took place in Bulawayo.”
George Charamba Correspondent|President Emmerson Mnangagwa’s spokesperson George Charamba has dismissed reports that Zimra was holding on to dialysis equipment belonging to Mpilo Hospital in Bulawayo.
Charamba said the equipment was long released after the provision of duty free certificates by the hospital to clear its movement.
“This is plain untrue and poor lies; the equipment has long been released after duty-free certificate was provided by relevant authorities. It is standard to withhold imported stuff until production of duty free certificate for tax exemption. The key thing is applying in time,” said Charamba.
Government came under fire after reports that Zimra was holding on to the donated equipment meant to save lives.
The dialysis equipment was donated by the International Society of Nephrology.
Zimra demanded £3000 to release the equipment meant for an ongoing training programme for doctors and nurses at the hospital.
“Whatever the purpose, documentation has to be provided for tax compliance. Don’t kick a fuss as if ignorance is an excuse. Find out beforehand. Government offices are within reach, not this cheap bad-mouthing of Government, Nxa!,” said a furious Charamba.
Lebogang MaileCorrespondent|The ANC has proposed the creation of a unity government in Tshwane to save the city from collapse. But the DA says Gauteng Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs MEC Lebogang Maile should take action against the ANC and EFF for walking out of a council meeting last Friday.
The sitting was meant to extend the contract of the acting city manager. The capital city is now without a city manager and the DA says it won’t be long before residents feel the impact of the failed council sittings. The city won’t stop functioning but if this continues for another three or four weeks, we will experience a degradation of services being delivered,” said DA Caucus Chairperson Randall Williams.
Williams wants Maile to take action against the ANC and the EFF. In terms of the code of conduct — which is an annexure to the municipal systems act –, they are acting unlawfully. And the person that’s supposed to take action against them is the MEC,” Williams said.
However, the ANC says the DA should take the blame and the impasse can be resolved with a unity government. We are asking for the sake of our people, parties must calm down,” said ANC Caucus Chairperson Kgosi Maepa.
“Whoever wants to lead can lead, but the ANC is asking with humility, that we sit down together and form a unity government because the DA has failed with their coalition partners.
With a stalemate in council, urgent action is now needed to prevent a total collapse of services. Meanwhile, all councillors and residents are waiting to see whether Maile will place Tshwane under administration. Maile is due to meet with Cogta Minister Nkosazana Dlamini-Zuma this week to decide Tshwane’s fate.
A BULAWAYO man was sentenced to 12 months imprisonment for stealing a jerrycan valued at $725 from a parked vehicle.
Thabani Sibanda (29) from Emakhandeni suburb stole from Mr Alvis Ncube (62) of Barbourfields suburb.
Sibanda had pleaded guilty to theft before Bulawayo magistrate Mr Lizwe Jamela.
Three months of the sentence were suspended for five years on condition that he does not commit a similar offence within the period.
A further nine months were suspended on condition that he does 315 hours of community service at Emakhandeni Primary School from March 9.
Sibanda told the court that he survives by baking cupcakes and making potato fritters so he stole the jerrycan to buy flour because his wares were confiscated by police.
Prosecuting, Mr Terrence Chakabuda said on February 25 this year, Sibanda stole the 20-litre jerrycan from Mr Ncube’s car, which was parked near Choppies Supermarket along Fort Street.
“The complainant spotted the accused person and through the aid of police officers who were on patrol, managed to apprehend the accused person and the jerrycan was recovered,” said Mr Chakabuda.
Correspondent|A MAN who allegedly kidnapped and tortured two men over 70 grammes of gold shortfall leading to the death of one of the victims, has been arrested.
Acting Midlands Provincial Spokesperson Assistant Inspector Ethel Mukwende yesterday confirmed the arrest of Willard Mugadza for allegedly kidnapping the pair.
“I can confirm the arrest of Willard Mugadza of Gweru in connection with the murder of one Fabian Mabhugu and abduction of one Lenny Hwehwe,” she said.
Insp Mukwende said that it is alleged that Mabhugu and his workmate stole gold from Mugadza who was their employer.
“Mugadza hired some people who kidnapped and tied both men to trees while assaulting them,” she said.
Insp Mukwende said the duo was abducted last week on Tuesday and taken to Chirumhanzu by thugs allegedly hired by Mugadza.
Mabhungu was stripped naked and tied to a tree with webbing. He was whipped, punched and kicked for several hours on end until he lost consciousness.
Hwehwe was also so severely beaten doctors fear he will require a catheter to pass urine for the rest of his life.
She said the now deceased Mabhugu sent a message to his relatives informing them about their abduction and a report was made to the police leading to their rescue.
“The two were then rushed to Gweru Provincial Hospital where Mabhugu died on Sunday at around 3PM,” said Insp Mukwende.
Hwehwe was discharged from hospital on Monday, and was due to give a statement to the police.
He told reporters: “I’m in pain. We were abducted and assaulted over missing gold by our boss. That’s all I can say now.”
He said they were abducted on February 25 and savagely beaten for the next two days until they were freed on Thursday, reportedly after police began questioning ‘Dread’.
Fabian’s aunt, Theresa Mabhugu, said ‘Dread’ and his savage enforcers wanted the two artisanal miners to admit to stealing the gold, and reveal where they hid it.
She said Fabian and Hwehwe were returned to them on Thursday and they took them to Gweru Provincial Hospital where her nephew succumbed to his injuries.
“We have been to the police to file a report and we are also awaiting a post-mortem report,” she said.
Brutality against artisanal miners by mine owners is a common occurrence around Zimbabwe.
Last year, police arrested Kadoma miner Litten Chikowore after video emerged on social media showing him repeatedly striking a hapless man with a truncheon next to what appears to be a mine shaft.
barbourfields-stadiumState Media|THE iconic Barbourfields Stadium in Bulawayo will play host to the 40th Independence celebrations next month, the first time since 1980 that the main programme is being held outside the capital, Harare.
Preparations for the historic celebrations are already at an advanced stage with various committees set up to make sure the celebrations are a success.
In an interview yesterday, Bulawayo provincial coordinator Mrs Khonzani Ncube said Barbourfields was selected because it can accommodate many people that include visitors from the other nine provinces.
“We have started preparations for the celebrations for the main Independence Day celebrations that will be held in Bulawayo and for the first-time outside Harare. The committees are working flat out to make sure that the celebrations are a success. We have included an additional committee to deal with accommodation to cater for visitors from outside Bulawayo,” said Mrs Ncube.
“We settled for Barbourfields because it has a bigger capacity compared to White City Stadium and again, we considered the catchment from Makokoba, Mzilikazi, Nguboyenja suburbs among others close to the stadium.”
Mrs Ncube said residents living far from Barbourfields would be provided with transport to the venue and back.
“We are also expecting visitors from the other nine provinces who are coming to join us in celebrating this milestone. Bulawayo is known for its hospitality and we will pull all stops to make sure that everyone feels welcome,” she said.
“We are greatly honoured to be the first province to host the celebrations out of Harare, it doesn’t put any pressure on us but it is an inspiration for us hence we want to make the celebrations historic and memorable.”
Matabeleland North Provincial Affairs Minister Richard Moyo said they will provide transport to those living close to Bulawayo.
“We will be holding our own provincial celebrations but will assist those who live in areas close to Bulawayo like parts of Umguza district with transport so that they join others in Bulawayo for the celebrations,” he said.
The Matabeleland South provincial coordinator, Ms Thandiwe Ncube, yesterday said they will hold a meeting today to discuss modalities.
The Government last year resolved to rotate among provinces the holding of the main programme of the Independence Day celebrations that had since 1980 been held in Harare in a move to further promote unity and inclusivity.
Speaking during a meeting with civil society organisations from Matabeleland region at State House in Bulawayo last month, President Mnangagwa said this year’s main Independence Day celebrations will be held in Bulawayo for the first time in recognition of the role the city played in the liberation war history.
“We have already made a decision that beginning this year we will be holding our National Independence Day celebrations outside the City of Harare. For 39 years, independence main celebrations were held in Harare but I realised that Independence is not for Hararians. As a result of that we have now chosen to celebrate our 40th year of independence in the City of Bulawayo,” he said.
“The nationalism of this country was here, the likes of Burombo (Benjamin) were from here.
“Furthermore, Bulawayo is the second largest city in our country. I’m counting on all stakeholders in Bulawayo and the greater Matabeleland region to ensure that our 40th Independence Day celebrations are historic and a memorable success.”
State Media|THE country’s electricity supply has improved in the past few weeks with consumers confirming the reduction in the power outages.
While complaining about what they view as “steep” charges, following an upward review of power tariffs last week, individual consumers and corporates have said they are now experiencing slight relief from prolonged power cuts of up to 16 hours a day that dominated year 2019.
The improvement in supplies means that businesses now have more productive hours and reduces costs incurred in sourcing alternative power such as generators.
As of yesterday, the Zimbabwe Power Company (ZPC) indicated that existing power stations were generating a combined 694MW, slightly above previous months, with Kariba Hydro and Hwange Power Stations increasing production.
The combined output, however, remains far below the national demand for power estimated at above 1 500MW and much lower than installed capacity of above 2 000MW. A combination of reduced water levels due to climate change and ageing equipment in major thermal stations, hampered adequate power generation.
According to the ZPC daily generation update, Kariba is generating 372MW, Hwange 305MW while Munyati is producing 17MW. Bulawayo and Harare Thermal Power are off the grid.
Confederation of Zimbabwe Industries (CZI) vice president, Mr Joseph Gunda, said the drop in outages was real.
“We notice that in both domestic and industry there has been some kind of improvement. But I suppose it’s a result of the hike in tariffs. Perhaps Zesa is generating a lot of revenue because of that,” he said.
“The hike in tariffs for uninterrupted supply of power is good for the industry but its magnitude was a bit on the high side. It could have been discussed and there should have been input from industry.”
Mr Gunda, who is also general manager for General Beltings, said while the power utility seeks to improve supplies, there has to be consideration on the “cost effect” of tariff reviews.
“If Zesa increases tariffs, we as well increase charges. Who can absorb them, the industry cannot absorb them? So, they also have to factor all those things into our production processes,” he said.
Last week Zesa increased electricity tariffs by 19,02 percent from 41c/kwh to 49c/kwh, citing the upward movement in exchange rates and inflationary pressures at macro-economic level. The new cost means 50kw/hr will now cost $24,50. The power utility is already implementing a stepped prepayment tariff system, which penalises those who consume more power.
Zimbabwe National Chamber of Commerce (ZNCC) Matabeleland regional chairman, Mr Golden Muoni, said the supply side has shifted for the better but industry still needs more.
“We see a slight improvement in power supply, because of some improvement in power generation. The availability of power is that sometimes it’s there in the morning until the end of the day, but not all of the days where you have that,” he said.
“We are saying it is better than the last quarter of 2019 where there was no guarantee of production time, which was lost. You could maybe get four or five hours of production time,” he said.
Bulawayo Chamber of Small to Medium Enterprises chairperson, Mr Energy Majazi, said that electricity supply has greatly improved their operations.
“Power is now available most of the times, but we are not saying that Zesa is perfect. At times we may not have it, but it is better than in the past, we realise that now we go for days without power cuts,” he said.
“The situation has improved a lot and we are grateful and hope this status will remain.”
The business leaders said the recent increase in power tariff has added a burden in their operations. “The challenge comes on the tariff side, as you know SMEs don’t have their own space and depend on property owners.
“So, we get higher bills there and they determine how much SMEs should pay. This is hard for us,” said Mr Majazi.
Consumer Council of Zimbabwe (CCZ) regional manager, Mr Comfort Muchekeza said while the electricity situation had slightly improved, more needs to be done to ensure adequate supplies.
He urged consumers to self-regulate when using of power due to high tariffs. While Zesa officials could not be reach for comment, the Zambezi River Authority recently reported that water levels at Lake Kariba had increased, giving impetus for improved generation capacity. The giant power station has a combined 1 050MW capacity following the commissioning of Kariba South units.
The Supreme Court has reserved judgement in the high profile matter in which two jailed opposition MDC activists Last Maengahama and Tungamirai Madzokere are appealing against their 2016 conviction on charges of murdering police Inspector Petros Mutedza.
Chalton Hwende, Douglas Mwonzora and Innocent GoneseThe duo were arrested in 2014 and convicted in September 2016. They were jailed 20 years each. On Tuesday the duo submitted their appeal to the Supreme Court.
In a statement seen by Nehanda Radio, MDC Secretary for Justice and Legal Affairs, Innocent Gonese said the opposition party was hopeful that Maengahama and Madzokere would be freed at last because the matter was clear and “straightforward.”
“The MDC family and all Zimbabweans who cherish justice, freedom, liberty and democracy are hopeful that Tungamirai Madzokere and Last Maengahama who have languished in prison for many years will be freed at last.
“Their Appeal was heard by the Supreme Court today the 3rd of March 2020. Although the Court reserved Judgment, we hope that there will be no inordinate delay which sometimes happens in our courts as the matter is very clear and straightforward.
“The High Court convicted them of murder in a highly flawed judgment relating to the unfortunate events in Glen View where they and 25 others were accused of murdering a police officer Petros Mutedza.
“This was persecution of the highest order and it was the police who were responsible for the mayhem that ensued after unjustifiably interfering with the rights of people who were peacefully gathered at Glen View 3 shopping centre,” Gonese said.
Maengahama and Madzokere, together with Yvonne Musarurwa, were convicted in September 2016. Musarurwa was released in 2017 after benefiting from a presidential amnesty aimed at easing congestion in the country’s prisons.
In September 2016, Justice Chinembiri Bhunu handled the case which had been fraught with controversy and slapped Madzokere, Musarurwa and Maengahama with jail sentences after they were convicted of murder with actual intent.
“While the majority were eventually freed when charges were either dropped before the trial and others at the close of the State case or at the conclusion of the trial, the duo have suffered the brunt of State repression after a political judgment bereft of legal logic was delivered.
“As the MDC we were delighted by the brilliant articulation of the issues by their lawyers and in our view, the State had no answers.
“Apart from misdirecting itself on factual issues in finding corroboration where there were contradictions, the Court based the Conviction on the doctrine of common purpose which has not found its way into the Criminal Law Codification and Reform Act.
“Our prayer is that the Court will do the right thing and uphold the appeal and find all the Appellants not guilt. We trust that this will be sooner rather than later, Justice delayed is Justice denied,” Gonese said.
Below is a summary of the grounds of appeal
The MDC has bemoaned what it called “political persecution by an Illegitimate regime” of the citizens of Zimbabwe. “There are also other cases where there have been unjust convictions for instance that of Tonderai Samu and Others which was postponed to the 16th of March 2020.
“The State’s house was not in order, they failed to file Heads of Argument in time. We demand Justice for all our leaders and other Zimbabweans who are victims of political persecution by an Illegitimate regime,” Gonese added.
– Nehanda Radio
TWELVE beneficiaries of residential stands being developed by the late Vice-President Dr Joshua Mqabuko Nkomo’s family have gone to court over the family’s alleged failure to service their stands and provide title deeds.
The 12 families, who bought the residential stands between 2002 and 2005, said despite having fully paid for the properties, ANZAC Investments, a company owned by the Nkomo family and led by Dr Nkomo’s daughter Ms Thandiwe Nkomo, has not yet serviced the area in breach of the agreement of sale entered between the parties.
Peter Anthony Johnson, Ryan Campbell Johnson, Courtney Johnson, Bekezela Ndlovu, Rosemary Ndlovu, Vuyani Ndlovu, Barnabas Dube, Agnella Maphala, Busiso Maphala, Edson Maporisa, Pretty Maporisa and Zinhle Ndlovu, through their lawyers Vundhla-Phulu and Partners, filed summons at the Bulawayo High Court citing ANZAC Investments and its director, Ms Nkomo, as defendants.
They want an order directing the defendants to comply with the terms of the agreement of sale by transferring the properties into their names.
The plaintiffs also want the defendants to service the area by connecting a water reticulation system and constructing access roads in line with the provisions of the subdivision permits issued by the Bulawayo City Council.
The lawyers said despite their clients having finished paying for the properties, the defendants have neglected and failed to transfer the stands into their names in violation of the terms of the contract.
“ANZAC Investments breached the agreements of sale by failing and neglecting to fulfil the conditions imposed by the Bulawayo City Council to provide a reticulated water supply to the properties concerned from the city’s water reticulation system and piped culverts to the entrances of the properties as well constructing access roads to the specification approved by the city’s director of engineering services,” said the lawyers.
“The second defendant (Ms Nkomo) acted unlawfully and with gross negligence when upon receipt of funds by ANZAC Investments, she failed to ensure transfer of the respective stands to the purchasers some of whom have since developed the stands and are now residing on those plots without title deeds.”
The plaintiffs also want the defendants to pay the legal costs.
The defendants are yet to respond.
In October 2016, Ms Nkomo indicated that Anzac Investments was struggling to raise close to US$5 million for the servicing of land for constructing houses at Mqabuko Heights.
The project involved the development of two upmarket suburbs — Mqabuko Heights and Whitestone — comprising of residential stands, open spaces, a commercial centre, primary and secondary school sites.
Ms Nkomo, at the time, told council that the company wanted to engage the municipality or a private player in a joint venture in selling the remaining stands. Council, however, rejected her request, saying it was going to set a wrong precedent.
While some countries have started the evacuation of their citizens from China due to the coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak, the Zimbabwean government has no plans to repatriate students from China.
This was revealed by the country’s Health and Childcare Minister Obadiah Moyo who said the students are better off in China than in Zimbabwe. Said Moyo:
“We have discussed the issue of our students based in China and as a Government, we appreciate that the students are better off in China than here.
“In the event that one gets infected, they stand better treatment opportunities in China than Zimbabwe.
China has already been through the treatment journey with treatment successes having recorded so we have agreed that the students stay in China.”
Moyo was speaking to reporters after an inter-ministerial meeting on Monday.
Meanwhile, China and Zimbabwe have agreed on warning their respective nationals against unnecessary travels as the globe frantically fights to contain the virus.
Reserve Bank of Zimbabwe State Media|The Reserve Bank of Zimbabwe (RBZ) has earmarked US$120 million this month to import around 200 million litres of fuel for the general local currency market, with US$18,5 million letters of credit confirmed for immediate draw-downs.
The allocation is about 20 percent higher than the normally required US$100 million a month to help end recent shortages.
RBZ manages the foreign currency required for importing fuel while for the general local currency market.
Oil import companies buy the forex through their banks to pay the cost of landing the fuel in Zimbabwe, a cost that hovers around US$0,60 a litre.
The energy regulator then sets the maximum retail Zimbabwe dollar price.
Those licensed to sell petrol and diesel in foreign currency need free funds to import fuel.
The development follows several weeks of fuel shortages that have seen long queues, a flourishing black market and many kombi operators pushing up their fares.
RBZ Governor Dr John Mangudya said in a statement last night that eight oil companies can start collecting their allocations from the National Oil Infrastructure Company depot today.
Under normal circumstances, he said, the allocated funding, administered by local commercial banks with help from the RBZ, should result in the disappearance of long winding fuel queues and end the shortages.
Allocations of the initial US$18,5 million are US$9,5 million, more than half the total, to Trafigura which supplies Puma, Trek and Genesis service stations, with Total allocated US$2,5 million, IMIG US$1,52 million, Petrotrade US$,1,25 million, Engen US$700 000 and Raven Energy US$500 000.
Dr Mangudya expected that fuel imported using free funds under the direct fuel import facility would significantly improve fuel supplies.
“To ensure that the DFI facility is not abused, the Zimbabwe Energy Regulatory Authority (Zera) and the bank’s exchange control division are finalising the establishment of a robust system to monitor all filling stations designated by Zera to sell under the DFI facility,” he said.
Dr Mangudya said the US$120 million facility earmarked for fuel procurement, was more than enough to cover Zimbabwe’s fuel needs, especially for March.
Ordinarily, he said, Zimbabwe required US$100 million to pay for fuel imports enough to take through the country for a month.
Dr Mangudya, said the US$18,47 million availed under LCs facility can purchase a week’s supply.
Energy and Power Development Minister Fortune Chasi said Government was constantly making efforts to improve the supply of fuel in the country.
“Now, we will be able to know for example who accessed what and in what currency they sold that fuel because there are situations where people access our foreign currency on the formal system or formal allocation and they do whatever they want with that fuel without reference to the national interest,” he said.
Minister Chasi said the new framework would enable Government to monitor and tighten the regulatory framework through ZERA.
He said while information asymmetry was not the only bottleneck, this latest approach will help deal with some of the malpractices.
Minister Chasi said the environment was characterised by opacity of information.
A NATIONAL CAUSE . . . Businessman Eddie Chivero (with dreadlocks) shakes hands with Bulawayo Mayor, Solomon Mguni, who was accompanied by Chamber Secretary Sikhangele Zhou and Director of Housing and Community Services Dictor Khumalo, at a function at Bulawayo’s City Hall yesterday where the former Zimbabwe National Soccer Supporters leader presented 100 bags of cement and a refrigerator, on behalf of ex-Premier Soccer League fixtures secretary, Beadle Musa Gwasira, to be used in the renovation of BarbourfieldsGOVERNMENT has released $13 million to be used for refurbishing parts of Barbourfields to ensure the stadium is ready to pass a CAF inspection and host the Warriors’ 2021 AFCON qualifier against the Desert Foxes of Algeria at the end of this month.
The Bulawayo City Council need $58 million to give Barbourfields a full facelift to meet all CAF requirements to host international matches without having to worry about CAF inspectors raising red flags.
Bulawayo City Council officials said the release of the $13 million grant by the Government, through the Ministry of Local Government and Public Works, will address “short-to-medium remedial works” at Barbourfields.
What needs urgent attention, to restore CAF’s conditional clearance to stage international matches, especially the Warriors next match against the Algerians, are the teams’ dressing rooms, referees’ changing rooms, doping and first aid rooms.
Work should also be done on the stadium’s floodlighting system and a media tribune.
CAF last week revoked Barbourfields’ temporary clearance to stage international football matches and this left ZIFA facing the possibility of hosting the Warriors’ 2021 AFCON qualifier against African champions, Algeria, in one of the neighbouring countries.
But, with the Government moving in to rescue an embarrassing situation for domestic football, where both the Warriors and national Under-20 women’s team faced the sad reality of playing their home matches in neighbouring countries, BCC are now determined to move “mountains” to get Barbourfields ready.
A team of workers has been dispatched to Barbourfields as council prepares for the “real work” to start.
A Government contractor, who will work hand-in-hand with the local authority, was expected to meet BCC director of housing and community services, Dictor Khumalo, yesterday.
Yesterday, former PSL fixtures secretary, Beadle Musa Gwasira, set the tone for the nation to fully back the Government, and the BCC, in their renovation of Barbourfields, by donating 100 bags of cement and a refrigerator to be used in the stadium’s doping room.
Gwasira, who used to own former PSL club Lengthens, said he was only trying to make a difference, as a proud citizen.
His donation was handed over to BCC officials by former Zimbabwe National Soccer Supporters Association Southern Region leader, Eddie Chivero, at a function in the City of Kings yesterday.
Herentals Group of Colleges, who own Harare Premiership side Herentals, also committed themselves, at the same function, to renovate the dressing rooms at Barbourfields, which were also condemned by the CAF inspectors.
Mguni commended Gwasira and Herentals’ gesture, encouraging more partners to come on board.
“I’m pleased to say that the Ministry of Local Government (and) Public Works has confirmed the release of a $13 million grant, which we had applied for, for remedial works at Barbourfields Stadium,” said Bulawayo Mayor Solomon Mguni.
“In addition, the ministry has procured a contractor, who will work on Barbourfields and National Sports stadia.
‘‘The contractor will start as soon as possible in preparation for the next inspection by CAF and the international match. I’m advised the contractor should be in Bulawayo this (yesterday) afternoon.’’
Khumalo was busy supervising preparations at Barbourfields, which will also host Zimbabwe’s 40th Independence celebrations on April 18.
“As you can see, it’s not that we’ve not been doing anything while waiting for the Government grant. We have been working on improving the pitch condition so that the surface is even,’’ said Khumalo.
‘‘We’ve also been working on internal renovations. Most of the things needed require procurement and fitting. Except the bucket seats, and floodlights which we categorised under long-term projects, the rest of the requirements will be addressed with speed to make the venue playable for the Algeria game.’’
Council has already identified a supplier to replace the steel goalposts with aluminium ones and the company, which was not named, will provide the movable aluminium goalposts ahead of the next CAF inspection expected before March 20.
Two of the 12 showers in each of the teams’ dressing rooms will be destroyed to accommodate three toilets as required by CAF.
Lockers will also be added to the dressing rooms as well as the referees’ changing rooms. If BCC move with speed, and acquire equipment early, remedial work at Barbourfields should be done by March 20, with floodlights and bucket seats remaining as the only outstanding requirements.
State Media- Thousands of prisoners serving sentences for a range of non-violent crimes will be released next month under a general reduction of jail terms granted by President Mnangagwa, in a move aimed at de-congesting prisons and alleviating challenges faced by the Zimbabwe Prisons and Correctional Services (ZPCS).
The move was approved by Cabinet yesterday. The country’s correctional facilities hold around 22 000 inmates against a maximum holding capacity of 17 000.
The prisoners will be released anytime this month once the President approves the proposal and exercises his constitutional powers to reduce sentences.
Addressing journalists at a post-Cabinet briefing in Harare yesterday, Information, Publicity and Broadcasting Services Minister Monica Mutsvangwa said the sentence reduction will be for defined categories of offences and will not include all prisoners.
“Cabinet approved the proposal to have a general amnesty for prisoners,” she said. “This report was presented by the Justice, Legal and Parliamentary Affairs Minister Ziyambi Ziyambi.
“Cabinet noted that the country’s prison population currently stands at 22 000 against an official holding capacity of 17 000. The general amnesty, which will be for certain specified categories of prisoners, will certainly de-congest the country’s prisons and alleviate challenges being experienced by the Zimbabwe Prisons and Correctional Services.”
The President, under the Constitution, has powers to substitute lesser sentences than those imposed by the courts. It is this power that has been used in the past, using a formula to ensure equal treatment. The prisoners still have criminal records, which will count against them if they repeat the offence, and their convictions stand. So they are not pardoned, a process that nullifies the conviction, but are let out of prison early.
In an interview, Justice, Legal and Parliamentary Affairs Minister Ziyambi Ziyambi said the date and the categories will be announced in the Government Gazette once President Mnangagwa approves the sentence reduction in terms of the constitutional section dealing with his power of mercy.
“We have listed the categories of the prisoners and they are nine categories,” he said. “Our target is to reduce the number of prisoners so that the numbers will be within our carrying capacity. The aim is to reduce them from 22 000 to about 17 000 or 16 000, preferably.”
In 2018, President Mnangagwa cut the sentences of 3 000 prisoners across the country in a bid to de-congest prisons and improve the living conditions of those who remain.
The President, in terms of the section, then cut sentences under his mercy powers in the Constitution in several categories.
All convicted female prisoners and all juvenile prisoners under 18 had their prison terms reduced to time served and so were released immediately, regardless of their offence.
In other categories in March 2018, prisoners sentenced for 36 months or less who had served at least a quarter of their sentences had sentences cut to time served provided they were not in the “excluded category”.
But any habitual criminal serving a term of extended imprisonment; any person previously released on amnesty; any person serving a sentence imposed by a court martial; any person, who escaped from lawful custody and was still at large by the date of gazetting the order; and any person convicted of a specified offence — such as murder, treason, rape or any sexual offence, car-jacking, armed robbery among others — were excluded from the special reduction in sentence.
All terminally ill prisoners serving long terms irrespective of offences committed were released in 2018.
Prisoners aged 60 and above, who would have served one third of their sentences, were freed save for those sentenced to life imprisonment or death.
All prisoners serving a term of imprisonment at the open prison, as well as prisoners serving a sentence of imprisonment for stock theft, who would have served one third of their sentence by the gazetted date were set free.
Male prisoners sentenced to life imprisonment before February 28, 1998 and female prisoners sentenced for the same on or before December 31, 2010 were also released, while commutation of death sentence to life imprisonment was granted to all prisoners who had been on death row for 10 years and above.
Physically disabled prisoners — who relied on other persons to be moved around the prison or who made use of their hands to move around the prison — were released, while an additional one quarter remission of the remaining effective period of imprisonment had been granted to all those prisoners sentenced to imprisonment for a period of more than 36 months and had served at least one third of the effective term of imprisonment. -state media/Herald
State Media|Banks and money transfer agencies traded accusations in Parliament on Monday over an uneven playing field.
Bankers Association of Zimbabwe (BAZ) accused money transfer agencies such as EcoCash, One Money and Telecash of enjoying an unfair advantage over financial institutions.
This came out during a meeting convened by the Parliamentary Portfolio Committee on Budget and Finance chaired by Chikomba Central MP Felex Mhona (Zanu PF), who had invited banks, money transfer agencies, business and industry to hear their views on how the economy could be improved.
During the meeting, BAZ chief economist Dephine Mazambani said money transfer agencies were regulated by the Postal and Telecommunications Regulatory Authority of Zimbabwe, while banks were regulated by the Reserve Bank of Zimbabwe (RBZ), but yet both provided similar services of collecting and dispensing money.
“Money transfer agencies and banks are not regulated the same way,” she said. “We are regulated by the RBZ while they are regulated through Potraz.
“Our regulation terrain is different, but one of the key challenges is that while we are regulated differently, sometimes you see that we offer similar or the same products or services which creates an uneven playing field and sometimes pose a risk to the financial sector, seismic risks. It is the regulatory environment that we are hoping that can be levelled.”
Cassava Smartech Zimbabwe chief executive Mr Eddie Chibi, which owns EcoCash, said Mrs Mazambani’s views were misdirected.
“EcoCash is under the direct oversight of RBZ,” he said.
“We are regulated under the National Payment System Act and we make as frequent returns and engagement with the central bank as any other financial services sector in Zimbabwe, including banks.
“For certain services, we are also regulated by the RBZ Financial Intelligence Unit where we submit all our suspicious transactions reports and other general issues which we pick. We have invested in a robust system which tracks transaction in terms of any suspicions of fraud and money laundering which we share with the RBZ on a regular basis.
“In terms of our remittances services, we also get regulated by the Exchange Control division of the RBZ, including the licence which we have for the EcoCash Bureau de Change.”
Zimbabwe National Chamber of Commerce representative, Mr Archie Dongo called on Government to narrow the gap between cost of subsidised products and the price on the market to avoid arbitrage.
He said while subsidies were meant to address affordability of products and services, there was need to rationalise the cost of the end product and how much the market was charging.
“We fully understand the thrust of subsidising certain products for the benefit of the general populace, particularly in an era of austerity,” said Mr Dongo.
“The demand that has been created by lowering of prices is quite high, but the supply has been reduced or is inadequate, for example, when you use Zupco, the queue will tell a story that not everybody who wants to use Zupco will be able to use it.
“The gap between subsidised price and market price is rather wide. The gap is creating very lucrative arbitrage opportunities for some people.”
State Media |PEOPLE visiting Zimbabwe from countries affected by coronavirus (Covid-19) without valid medical certificates showing they are negative, will be sent back at the port of entry as the country strengthens its fight against the spread of the virus.
The stringent measures were approved by Cabinet yesterday.
Coronavirus originated from the Chinese city of Wuhan and has spread to various parts of the world, recording a death toll of over 3 000.
The medical clearance certificates should show that the visitors were examined for symptoms and tested for Covid-19 at a Government-designated institution in their home country.
Those who fail to produce the certificates will be immediately deported, Cabinet resolved.
So far, over 6 000 people have been screened of the virus at ports of entry, mainly Robert Gabriel Mugabe International Airport.
Responding to questions from journalists during a post-Cabinet briefing in Harare yesterday, Health and Child Care Minister Dr Obadiah Moyo said the Government was taking the tough measures to ensure Zimbabwe was not affected by the virus.
“Those who come without medical certificates showing that they were examined by Government doctors from their countries of origin, we will simply say ‘thank you for the visit, but we are sending you back,” said Dr Moyo.
“We are doing this to ensure that we don’t have people who bring coronavirus into our country. We will take all stringent measures to ensure that we don’t have coronavirus in Zimbabwe.”
Information, Publicity and Broadcasting Services Minister Monica Mutsvangwa gave a detailed brief on Cabinet deliberations on Covid-19.
Zimbabwe has not yet recorded any case of Covid-19. The minister said the two suspected Covid-19 patients isolated so far tested negative and had been discharged, adding that Government would continue to monitor them.
All Government emergency agencies, including the Department of Civil Protection, have been directed to be prepared for Covid-19 outbreaks.
She said spot checks on visitors on the 21 self-quarantine period should continue to be enhanced.
“There was a report that was given by the Minister of Health and Child Care which was an update on the national preparedness and response progress regarding the 2019 Coronavirus/Covid-19 virus,” said Minister Mutsvangwa.