Below is the Pretoria embassy’s response on allegations of cyclone donations being stuck since early last year.

People have been saying the goods could be put to good use if sent towards the Binga flood crisis.

One Admore Chamanga complained on the twitter website saying, “We donated lots of food, water, blankets, mealie meal for cyclone Idai last year through the Embassy of Zimbabwe.

“It’s still packed the same way it was at the embassy in Pretoria Marton street yet people are suffering. Cant they give a waiver totakura tega over 30 tonnes of food.”

Responding, Ambassador Hamadziripi told ZimEye:

We managed to send some of the donations to Zimbabwe last year.

“We have been looking for transport for the remainder of the goods. It’s not as if we are deliberately keeping the donation at the Embassy.

“If you are aware of any potential provider of transport, let him or her get in touch with Mrs Sibanda at the Embassy.”

Former War Veterans minister Tshinga Dube has slammed the suspension and silencing of Zanu PF youth leaders who spoke out against graft, adding that the named cartels should prove their innocence and source of wealth.

Zanu PF suspended youth secretary Pupurai Togarepi, his deputy Lewis Matutu and national political commissar Godfrey Tsenengamu after they accused businessmen Kudakwashe Tagwirei, Billy Rautenbach and Tafadzwa Musarara of running cartels that were bleeding the economy.

Speaking to journalists after delivering a public lecture at the Solusi University campus in Bulawayo on Sunday, Dube said he was of the opinion that suspending the youth leaders was not the answer without the named cartel leaders proving their innocence.

“Personally, I was a bit disappointed that there is still some restriction on what people can say. I always have respect for young people who do something about what they think is not right. We should not hinder them from free thought,” Dube said.

“These people, who have been said to be cartels, are there. Let them defend themselves. Let them say we are not cartels. Let them say we have not caused any hardships on the Zimbabwean economy.

“Let them explain that they acquired their wealth the right way. Then those young men, who have accused them, should also come forward and prove their allegations. I think that will be the right way.”

The naming of the cartel leaders by the youth leaders came as no surprise as a number of Zanu PF officials and businesspersons with links to the ruling party have been accused of graft before but there has been little appetite for arrest and prosecution — even during the days of the late former President Robert Mugabe.

Where there have been arrests, issues of factionalism — not new in the ruling party — have come up.

“I am expressing my personal opinion not that of the party which I belong to. The so-called cartels should be given a chance to cleanse themselves and prove they are not as bad as the youths alleged. They must explain the source of their wealth,” Dube thundered.

— NewsDay

https://twitter.com/Jamwanda2/status/1227835329043976194?s=19

https://twitter.com/Jamwanda2/status/1227835334760828929?s=19

https://twitter.com/Jamwanda2/status/1227836200641351681?s=19

In fact, this is incorrect. This was not a WFP truck, but one contracted by the Government of Zimbabwe for its own food deficit mitigation programme. WFP is on the ground ready to assist and to ensure necessary food aid reaches those in need.

— WFP Zimbabwe (@WFP_Zimbabwe) February 12, 2020

FORMER War Veterans minister Tshinga Dube has slammed the suspension and silencing of Zanu PF youth leaders who spoke out against graft, adding that the named cartels should prove their innocence and source of wealth.

Dube said he was of the opinion that suspending the youth leaders was not the answer without the named cartel leaders proving their innocence.

“Personally, I was a bit disappointed that there is still some restriction on what people can say. I always have respect for young people who do something about what they think is not right. We should not hinder them from free thought,” Dube said.

“These people, who have been said to be cartels, are there. Let them defend themselves. Let them say we are not cartels. Let them say we have not caused any hardships on the Zimbabwean economy.

“Let them explain that they acquired their wealth the right way. Then those young men, who have accused them, should also come forward and prove their allegations. I think that will be the right way.”

The naming of the cartel leaders by the youth leaders came as no surprise as a number of Zanu PF officials and businesspersons with links to the ruling party have been accused of graft before but there has been little appetite for arrest and prosecution — even during the days of the late former President Robert Mugabe.

Where there have been arrests, issues of factionalism — not new in the ruling party — have come up.

“I am expressing my personal opinion not that of the party which I belong to. The so-called cartels should be given a chance to cleanse themselves and prove they are not as bad as the youths alleged. They must explain the source of their wealth,” Dube said.

NewsDay

MDC-T leader Thokozani Khupe allegedly received funding from Zanu PF to destabilise the MDC Alliance and oil her party activities including the legal battles towards the 2018 general elections, party insiders have revealed.

Former party spokesperson Linda Masarira, said during the time she was at the helm of the party, she got to discover that Zanu PF was funding activities of the MDC-T through Khupe, who had failed to win the leadership battle in the MDC.

“We were receiving money from Zanu PF. I don’t know who was the direct contact person who was bringing the money, but we got funding for the party from Zanu PF,” she alleged.

“We were not a real opposition, this is why I took a picture of myself wearing Zanu PF regalia in Zambia and posted it on social media because I wanted to tell a story.”

The MDC led by Nelson Chamisa, has been accusing Zanu PF of funding projects to destabilise the party and even withholding financial resources in what opposition secretary-general Chalton Hwende said was a scotched earth policy by the ruling party.

Masarira was fired by the party for wearing regalia of the ruling Zanu PF party ahead of that of her own party at a time Khupe was leading other opposition entities at the Political Actors Dialogue (Polad).

“I just wanted to show people that we are being forced to fight over nothing. Zanu PF was funding the MDC-T and I asked questions. They did not want the questions I asked. But you can see from the events (Polad) that are happening now, that they were just a project,” Masarira said.

Insiders confirmed that Khupe received money from Zanu PF for campaign material, fuel and legal fees for court cases against Nelson Chamisa’s MDC in a grand scheme to give the ruling party an upperhand in the elections.

The source said there was discontent in the party because the only person who appeared to be benefiting from the liaisons with Zanu PF was Khupe, while other members were getting nothing.

“There is no grassroots activities in the MDC-T all you see is Khupe and inner circle going to Polad receiving allowances and travelling around the country, this has left many who believed in the party unhappy,” a source said.

Another source said then vice-president Obert Gutu left the party because he was being forced to use his money to fund programmes of the MDC-T, while Khupe was getting money from Zanu PF and not declaring it and just using it to fund a lavish lifestyle.

But party secretary-general Nickson Nyikadzino dismissed the allegations by Masarisa saying the party had not received money from Zanu PF.

“We have not received any funding from anyone. We do not wish to receive funding from anyone except ourselves. The only funding that we have received is the 48 000 votes which we got from the people of Zimbabwe and we wish to remain an independent democratic party set up to serve the people of Zimbabwe,” Nyikadzino said.

Zanu PF also dismissed Masarira’s allegations as “utter rubbish”, saying the party had its own challenges as it was struggling to fund its own activities.

“That is utter rubbish. I am the party’s secretary for finance and I can tell you that we have not funded any other party,” Zanu PF secretary for finance Patrick Chinamasa said.

“We are struggling to finance our own party. Where would we get money to pay other people, and we have no appetite to undermine anyone or any party. The MDC is doing a good job undermining themselves. How can a party just have one policy to bring sanctions against the people.”

The MDC has insisted that Polad is a grouping of “Zanu PF lite political parties” and they will therefore not join the dialogue which they allege is not genuine.

Already two opposition leaders Brian Mteki and Ambrose Mutinhiri have rejoined Zanu PF since Polad started and the revelations by Masarira leaves Polad’s reputation hanging.

— NewsDay

The government spokesperson Nick Mangwana was early Thursday morning taken to task by news readers over the States promise to go head on against the Corona virus.

Below were snippets of the engagement:

VIDEO LOADING BELOW…..

…

……

…….

No Paracetamol In Country And Govt Says We’re Ready To Go Head On With CoronaVirus | TRUTH or TOTAL NONSENSE? https://t.co/kKxgRPksHr v

— ZimEye (@ZimEye) February 13, 2020

ORIGINAL ARTICLE BELOW…

By A Correspondent| The Information Minister, Monica Mutsangwa says government is ready to deal with the Coronavirus outbreak.

Speaking during the cabinet briefing yesterday, Mrs Mutsvangwa said, “Government wants to assure the nation that it is ready to tackle the Coronavirus scourge head-on, and there is no need for Zimbabweans to panic, as the situation is under control. ”

Watch video below :

Own Correspondent|Zimbabwe is now able to test for and diagnose the coronavirus after obtaining the necessary test kits.

Health minister Obadiah Moyo told journalists during a tour of Sally Mugabe Hospital in the capital Harare that the country would be conducting tests at the National Health Laboratory Services housed at the institution.

“The reagents are now in the country. We can now do the tests locally. We do not have to send to South Africa anymore,” Moyo said.

“You can either test it through blood or nasopharyngeal swab. I was happy to hear that they can do quite a lot of samples in a short space of time.”

Moyo said one of the machines could produce up to 96 results within two hours, adding: “We want to move further. We are sourcing for test kits that will enable us to get results within 15 minutes.”

Zimbabwe initially relied on neighbouring South Africa to diagnose suspected cases of the coronavirus, now known as the Covid-19, which emanated from China, as its laboratories were not equipped to do so.

China’s ambassador to South Africa, Lin Songtian, was due to address journalists in Cape Town on ongoing efforts to stop the deadly disease from being imported into Africa, the mission said.

Chinese news agency Xinhua reported that 4,740 patients infected with the virus had now recovered and been discharged from hospital.

At least 744 people were discharged on Tuesday, including 417 in Hubei province, where the disease originated.

Data on Tuesday showed 1 113 people had so far died of the disease, while confirmed cases of infection had soared to 44,138.

KWEKWE Central MP Masango Matambanadzo popularly known as Blackman said he was flown to China last year for treatment after his skin turned yellow when he fell ill following suspected food poisoning.

Mr Matambanadzo is a former artisanal miner and self-trained street photographer, and is often seen on the streets meeting and chatting with his former peers in those trades.

Speaking in Parliament Tuesday, Matambanadzo looked frail as he thanked fellow parliamentarians for their moral support while he was recuperating in China.

“My body changed into yellow in one day when I fell sick,” Matambanadzo who is extremely dark that his colleagues nicknamed him “Blackman,” said.

“I want to thank you for your support and prayers. I did not imagine the kind of support that I received.”

Matambanadzo, a former Zanu PF member was expelled from the ruling party Zanu PF in 2017 on charges of belonging to the G40 faction.

In 2018, he went on to stand as parliamentarian candidate for the National Patriotic Front (NPF) for Kwekwe Central and won.

Matambanadzo is the only NPF MP in Parliament.

— Zimbabwe Voice

MDC Alliance president Mr Nelson Chamisa on Tuesday threw former Bulawayo deputy mayor, Mr Gift Banda under the bus when he declared that his party will investigate circumstances leading to him acquiring a 3,5-hectare piece of land at Ascot race course.

The former deputy mayor who is now the MDC Alliance Member of Parliament for Njube-Lobengula constituency, bought the piece of land in 2015 and was cleared of any wrong doing by an independent tribunal. He has since built town houses on the land.

Responding to questions from journalists on Tuesday, Adv Chamisa while professing ignorance on the purchase, said he was shocked that Mr Banda was allowed to go ahead as this was against the principles of the opposition party.

He revealed that they will investigate the circumstances leading to the purchase.

The latest sentiments by Adv Chamisa come at a time when Mr Banda is out on bail in a case where he is accused of conniving with a local real estate company to forge signatures to sell a residential stand in Selbourne Brooke in Bulawayo.

“Going forward, within the party, certain elements have to be subjected to interrogation and enquiries so that we maintain the highest of standards, so there will be no sacred cows. Now that I am aware that is what the former deputy mayor did, we shall get to the bottom of it.

“Actually, all local authorities are going to be subjected to this integrity and accountability tests. We now have hotlines where if our councillors or mayors have crossed the line, we won’t hesitate to throw them out,” Adv Chamisa.

He blasted councillors from his party for focusing on self-enrichment, forgetting their mandate of serving the communities that elected them.

“I have told our councillors that their duty is to become centres of excellence and sources of a difference in our politics. Most of the councillors from our party now think MDC is an employment agency where people are employed in local authorities or Parliament

“Integrity is what we demand hence the Banda issue has to be investigated. I am honestly shocked that part of the race course was sold to an individual, it’s bizarre, we want to understand the circumstances, especially when you are saying it was the former deputy mayor, perhaps it was a legal transaction but there is a clear conflict of interest,” he said.

Mr Chamisa said there were rules that will help deal with the former deputy mayor.

“In the MDC we have implemented a new rule where we are saying all our leaders must sign the real change code of ethics and values, where we saying one is not allowed to benefit from positions. I know in Africa we have a saying that says a goat eats where it is tied, but the same goat is slaughtered at that same position, which is how we will be dealing with such people because it is a bad tendency,” he said.

Adv Chamisa said in some cases there was a significant change in the life styles of MDC-A councillors and MPs. “That is not proper because the essence of representation is not self-improvement but improve the communities that you represent,” said Adv Chamisa.

No Paracetamol In Country And Govt Says We’re Ready To Go Head On With CoronaVirus | TRUTH or TOTAL NONSENSE? https://t.co/kKxgRPksHr v

— ZimEye (@ZimEye) February 13, 2020

ORIGINAL ARTICLE BELOW…

By A Correspondent| The Information Minister, Monica Mutsangwa says government is ready to deal with the Coronavirus outbreak.

Speaking during the cabinet briefing yesterday, Mrs Mutsvangwa said, “Government wants to assure the nation that it is ready to tackle the Coronavirus scourge head-on, and there is no need for Zimbabweans to panic, as the situation is under control. ”

Watch video below :

JUNIOR Parliamentarians have petitioned the Government to consider reducing the examination fees which were hiked by more than 1 200 percent by the Zimbabwe School Examinations Council (Zimsec) last week.

In an interview yesterday, Junior Member of Parliament who is also the Junior Minister of Youth, Sport Arts and Recreation Tinashe Ngirandi said Zimsec should have consulted widely on the issue.

“Yesterday (Tuesday) as the Junior Parliament of Zimbabwe, we petitioned the Ministry of Primary and Secondary Education to reduce examination fees that were set by Zimsec because they are unreasonable and beyond the reach of many. The new structure of exam fees is an infringement on the Zimbabweans’ right to education,” said Ngirandi.

He said the new examination fees will result in many pupils failing to sit for examinations.

“Last year I was in Shurugwi where I saw many pupils struggling to pay for five subjects when the fees were at $15. Imagine what would be the situation now that the fees have been increased by such margins.

“More children won’t sit for the examinations. How can they afford to pay that kind of money when they are struggling to pay school fees of $130 per term,” he said.

The Junior MP said Zimsec should have consulted children’s organizations before increasing the examination fees.

“As the Junior Parliament these are the issues that were supposed to be brought to us for discussion before Zimsec increased the fees,” said Ngirandi.

In their petition the Junior MPs said they were against the new fees and called on the Ministry to intervene.

“Junior Parliament and Council is not supporting these fees and we are therefore asking the Ministry to review them considering section 81 subsection (1) paragraph (f) of the Constitution of Zimbabwe. Looking towards a favourable response before the end of the week,” read the petition.

Last week Zimsec increased examination fees to $190 per subject from $15 for Ordinary Level candidates and $351 per subject from $26 for Advanced Level candidates.

The $190 per subject for O’ Level will apply to both public and private candidates and the same applies to A’ Level fees.

Closing dates for payments and submission of entries for June examinations is February 28 while the closing date for November is March 27.

Late entries will close on May 15.

Meanwhile, Zimsec Board Chairman, Professor Eddie Mwenje defended the new development saying it was cost driven and they approved it after getting the necessary justification from the examination board’s management.

“Yes, the examination fees were reviewed. This comes after we did not review them last year. It is an expense to run an examination and we are cognisant of the fact that children should have a right to education,” he said.

The Minister of Primary and Secondary Education Cain Mathema could not comment saying he was yet to receive the petition from Junior MPs.

“I have not yet received the the petition you are talking about,” he said.

GOVERNMENT has approved the Bulawayo City Council (BCC) 2020 budget which has seen the local authority increasing tariffs and other service charges by more than 400 percent with effect from February 1.

In a statement yesterday, the council said Government had approved its $2,8 billion budget.

“The City of Bulawayo would like to advise members of the public and other stakeholders that the 2020 municipal budget has been approved together with increased tariffs and other service charges (approved 31 January 2020). The new approved charges are effective from 1 February 2020,” reads the statement.

Council encouraged residents to come up with new payment plans before the end of next month.

“Customers who made payment arrangements with the City of Bulawayo are encouraged to visit the nearest Revenue Office to update their debt payment arrangement to incorporate the new charges and continue enjoying benefits that go with such arrangements. The opportunity to review your payments arrangements is available up to 31 March 2020,” said council.

In an interview, the city’s Finance and Development Committee chairperson councillor Mlandu Ncube said the approved budget will see rates going up by 416 percent.

“Yes, the budget has been approved and tariffs will go up by 416 percent as was proposed by council,” said Clr Ncube.

He said council was encouraging owing residents to take advantage of its payment plan scheme.

Council is owed $183 million by both residents and businesses.

Residents on payment plans are spared when council disconnects water supplies to defaulting ratepayers.

In a media briefing on Tuesday, Bulawayo Town Clerk Mr Christopher Dube said it was important for ratepayers to pay their bills to enable council to effectively provide services.

Mr Dube said council had resolved to stick to its 2020 budget.

“I don’t see any reason why we should review our budget downwards as proposed by some residents. In fact, if you look at the costs build- ups and the inflation now, costs are going up,” said Mr Dube.

State Media|Heavy rains have caused extensive damage to infrastructure in Binga and Chimanimani where they destroyed 181 homes and swept away two bridges.

They have also severely damaged roads and homes, rendering the areas inaccessible.

A man died in Binga on Tuesday while two more are reportedly missing.

A detour bridge in the Biriiri area of Chimanimani was swept away on Tuesday, leaving Bumba, Biriiri and Chimanimani inaccessible.

Engineers and workmen from JR Goddard swiftly repaired the damaged detour bridge at Biriiri and got it back into operation by yesterday afternoon.

The damage to the bridge threatened the work of aid agencies who are still providing relief services in Chimanimani after Cyclone Idai hit the district last March.

The rains have also slowed down road repairs.

Department of Civil Protection director Mr Nathan Nkomo yesterday confirmed the damage.

In Binga, most pupils failed to attend Nsungwale Primary School this week after Nandobe Bridge was swept away.

Yesterday, only 40 out of 286 registered pupils were able to attend Nsungwale Primary School.

Said Mr Nkomo: “Forecasts from the Meteorological Services Department indicate that more incessant rains were expected up to today (yesterday) and our prayers are that they will subside to normal falls from there onwards.

“Some parts of Chimanimani, which are still recovering from the devastating effects of Cyclone Idai, have so far received more than 50 millimetres of rain and if this continues, many households will be affected.”

The Skyline area, which was badly damaged by Cyclone Idai, has not been affected by the current heavy rains, and workmen from Masimba Construction were yesterday carrying out repairs to Chimanimani Village.

In Binga, Mr Nkomo said the Rapid Assessment Team yesterday visited all the 13 affected villages and confirmed that 181 homes had been affected.

“Of the 181 homes, 37 of them were completely destroyed. Our relief and psycho-support sub-committee has availed 110 bags of maize and we have instructed them to assist in the milling. We will meet all the costs.

“The district civil protection unit is in the process of identifying a suitable place to temporarily settle the affected families.

“One of the identified areas, which is about 3km to 5km from the affected area, is a virgin piece of land with no water.

“We need an area where there is easy access to water and sanitation facilities so that we will not expose the affected families to water-borne diseases. Our health sub-committee is also on high alert given the prevailing situation,” he said.

Mr Nkomo said the Zimbabwe National Water Authority (Zinwa) had provided two water bowsers for the benefit of the families.

“As Government, we will also send money for use in coordinating the relief efforts in all affected areas. We have sourced two bales of blankets, 11 bales of clothes, boxes of laundry soap, shoes and tents to assist the families.

“We are also grateful for the support we are getting from development partners and we hope more will come on board to avail food and non-food items to the families,” he said.

Mr Nkomo said there will be a meeting today with other stakeholders, including the Air Force of Zimbabwe, to scale up disaster preparedness.

Chief Sinakoma said the floods, which were preceded by heavy rains between Saturday and Monday morning, had never been experienced in the area before.

He said villagers lost grain, livestock, blankets, clothes, medication and cooking utensils after they were washed away by floods.

“This has never happened in my lifetime and it’s sad that we have people who lost their property and other belongings due to floods. Most villagers will not recover after this devastating natural phenomenon,” he said.

Chininga Bridge linking Siabuwa and Binga Centre has been extensively damaged and could cut off the community if not attended to.

There were fears that three children had been swept away by the floods when CPU held its morning briefing yesterday.

The community was relieved when the mother Ms Ndubeko Muzamba (24) emerged with her children.

“I grabbed my three children aged 3, 5 and 13 and rushed to a place of safety when I discovered that the water levels were rising. The water levels had reached knee level when we sought shelter at a nearby homestead which is on higher ground,” she said.

Maneta 3 Village head Mr Petros Kembo (64) said he lost 10 goats, 40 chickens and five bags of maize after they were swept away by the floods.

Ms Janet Munsaka said all her kitchen utensils were swept away.

Acting Binga District Development Coordinator Mr Farai Marinyame said the water levels had subsided, but they will continue to monitor the situation.

He said food aid was needed to avert starvation.

Mr Marinyame said key stakeholders were mobilising resources to assist the affected families.

Matabeleland North Provincial Affairs Minister Richard Moyo is today expected to visit the affected communities where he would also distribute food and non-food items to affected families.

Early this week, the Meteorological Services Department forecast heavy rains in some parts of the country, but these were expected to subside from yesterday.

State Media|Higher and Tertiary Education, Innovation, Science and Technology Development Minister Professor Amon Murwira has defended State university fees of between $3 500 and $5 000 per semester, saying they were meant to uphold quality education.

This was after he was subjected to a barrage of questions in the National Assembly yesterday where members sought to know whether the Government had considered what ordinary workers were earning.

Legislators told Prof Murwira during the question and answer session that ordinary workers were earning $800.

Pegging State university fees at $5 000, they said, had the effect of excluding most of them as the majority of parents could hardly afford the new fees.

But Prof Murwira defended Government’s decision, saying the fees were reasonable and meant to uphold quality education that Zimbabwe was known for.

He said State universities intended to hike the fees by more than double what was now set, prompting central Government to intervene and moderate their demands.

“We determined the level of fees based on people’s income, and we followed procedures. We are saying we have to access quality education. Our last ordinance of 2019 was in United States dollars. This is the first time that we are putting ordinances in Zimbabwean dollar. We are talking of levels of fees and not increases. We just determined the fundamentals of quality education,” said Prof Murwira.

“We cannot have a class without chemicals and equipment. That can only be a populist policy to destroy the education system. The state of the economy of the country is determined by the state of its higher education.

“We cannot politick with higher and tertiary education. If we politick with it, we are politicking with our future.”

He said Government had introduced student loans to cater for those who could not afford the fees.

Legislators were however, not convinced by Prof Murwira’s explanation as they felt the fees were out of sync with what ordinary persons were earning.

Buhera South legislator Joseph Chinotimba (Zanu PF) said workers were earning far less than the fees and asked how they were expected to afford.

Others said Government had recently gazette wages for domestic worked pegged at less than $200 and the fees would mean that they would not be able to send their children to tertiary institutions.

State Media|Coupons will be issued within a week to targeted households to buy subsidised roller meal, with the database of beneficiaries at an advanced stage, a Cabinet minister has said.

The coupon system for roller meal is expected to ensure that the vulnerable people whom subsidies were supposed to benefit will access the subsidised maize-meal without problems.

The existing system of subsidies paid to millers on all roller meal produced has seen the bulk of the product diverted to the black market by people willing to stand in queues all day or by unscrupulous smaller retailers.

Finance and Economic Development Minister Professor Mthuli Ncube, who recommended the switch to coupons in Cabinet yesterday, adjusted the price of subsidised roller meal on Tuesday to $70 from $50 to discourage retailers and connected sections of society from diverting the roller meal to the black market where it fetches between $120 and $200 for a 10kg bag.

The Grain Millers Association of Zimbabwe (GMAZ) had submitted that $50 was no longer sustainable for a 10kg bag of maize-meal because of the high cost of importing maize and the attendant transport costs.

Addressing journalists after yesterday’s Cabinet meeting, Information, Publicity and Broadcasting Services Minister Monica Mutsvangwa said the decision to introduce the coupon system followed recommendations by Prof Ncube in his briefing to Cabinet in the last meeting on the action taken to normalise roller meal supplies.

Minister Mutsvangwa said Cabinet had noted that the previous $50 price for a 10kg bag of roller meal provided arbitrage opportunities for some unscrupulous people.

“Government has thus moved in to redress the situation using a two-pronged approach,” she said.

“Firstly, it was decided that the price be raised to $70 per 10kg bag of maize-meal from $50. Secondly, a targeted coupon scheme for the

vulnerable is in the offing with the compilation of a database at an advanced stage.”

Minister Mutsvangwa said the coupon system was not new and was practised in other jurisdictions across the world.

She said when the roller meal subsidy was introduced in December last year after President Mnangagwa expressed concern over the then prevailing high prices.

It was meant to protect vulnerable groups.

“However, the wide gap between the market and subsidised prices has created undesirable arbitrage opportunities for some unscrupulous players, resulting in the market and supply distortions,” she said.

“In view of this situation, the Government had no choice but to review the prices upwards to bring the subsidised price to the market price of $70.”

She said the Government remained mindful of the concerns of the citizens hence keeping the increase at $20.

Minister Mutsvangwa said the ministries of Finance and Economic Development and Public Service, Labour and Social Welfare were setting up a database of vulnerable groups of people qualifying for the coupon system.

Deliveries of roller meal would be taken to the districts for people to buy the product at the subsidised price.

“In terms of knowing who are vulnerable, we have the data; it is a question of going through all the districts and get the names of all the vulnerable. This is what Government is doing at the moment,” she said.

The High Court has dismissed an application filed by Vice President Constantino Chiwenga’s estranged wife Marry Mubaiwa in which she was seeking to have access to her children and matrimonial home pending the hearing of an appeal filed at the Supreme Court.

VP Chiwenga recently challenged High Court Judge Justice Christopher Dube Banda’s ruling that gave Mubaiwa the green light to reside at the Borrowdale mansion and have access to the couple’s children and properties pending trials of the numerous charges she is facing.

The charges are attempted murder, fraud, assault and money laundering.

However, the Supreme Court appeal is expected to be heard next month. High Court judge, Justice Judith Mushore handed down the ruling today on behalf of Justice Owen Tagu indicating that her arguments lacked weight.

“The application for leave to execute pending appeal is hereby dismissed. The order (Banda’s) will not be operational until the case is heard.

The applicant is also ordered to pay the cost of the suit,” said the judge.

Last week, High Court upheld the appeal made by Vice President Chiwenga for variation of her bail, particularly that she lives in a different house from the Vice President and that she surrenders her diplomatic passport. -State media

By A Correspondent| The Information Minister, Monica Mutsangwa says government is ready to deal with the Coronavirus outbreak.

Speaking during the cabinet briefing yesterday, Mrs Mutsvangwa said, “Government wants to assure the nation that it is ready to tackle the Coronavirus scourge head-on, and there is no need for Zimbabweans to panic, as the situation is under control. ”

Watch video below :

Farai Dziva|Youthful MDC leader Nelson Chamisa has said he is fully aware of Emmerson Mnangagwa’s antics such that he will not fall into the Zanu PF leader’s trap.

Chamisa made the remarks during the party’s provincial assembly meeting in Masvingo on Sunday.

Said Chamisa:”When dealing with the crocodile you have to be careful.You don’t have to venture into the river because it will attack you.
We will remain outside the pool -on dry ground and the crocodile will be rendered powerless.

We know how to tame the crocodile,” said Chamisa.

Chamisa also addressed a provincial meeting in Lupane:

I’m in Lupane, Matebeleland North meeting with opinion leaders and grassroots structures party representatives. I’ve been told of the hunger,starvation and food shortages in this area.The suffering and marginalization is too deep.People want this suffering to end now.”

Health Minister Obadiah Moyo has been taken to task by Parliamentarians over coronavirus..

Watch video below. …

By A Correspondent- The trial of Genius ‘Ginimbi’ Kadungure on tax evasion charges failed to start yesterday amid revelations that his lawyer was engaged at the Supreme Court.

Kadungure, who is also representing his company Piko Trading as the second accused in the matter appeared before Deputy Chief Magistrate Chrispen Mberewere and was represented by Brighton Pabwe, who was standing in for Jonathan Samkange.

Pabwe made a two-fold application for postponement on the basis that Ginimbi’s lead counsel, Samkange, was held up in the Supreme Court where he was representing Joseph Chinotimba.

Magistrate Mberewere granted the postponement saying that in as much as they wanted the trial to commence, it was the court’s duty to uphold the rights of an accused person by allowing him to be represented by his counsel of choice. The matter was remanded to February 28 for trial commencement

By A Correspondent- Falcon College Bus was involved in a head-on collision with a Honda Fit today along the Bulawayo-Gwanda Highway and the driver of the Honda fit died on the spot while Falcon College staff members escaped with minor injuries.

According to eyewitnesses who spoke to a local publication, the Honda Fit driver was driving on the wrong lane in the misty weather when the accident occurred.

A statement issued by Falcon college school head Mr Dave van Wyk said:

One of the Falcon College buses was involved in an accident this morning.  Some of our workers who were on the bus sustained minor injuries; no students or teachers were on the bus.

A Honda Fit, travelling in the wrong lane (overtaking on a blind rise in wet, misty conditions) smashed head-on into our 27-seater bus.  The Honda driver who was, mercifully, the only occupant of the car, died instantly.  I have personally just returned from the accident scene.-Statemedia

Correspondent|One person is reported dead after a Falcon College bus was involved in a head-on collision with a Honda Fit vehicle along the Bulawayo-Gwanda road on Wednesday.

Eyewitnesses said the driver of the Honda Fit vehicle, who was allegedly driving on the wrong lane in misty weather, died on the spot.

The Falcon College bus was carrying five members of staff who all escaped with minor injuries.

Falcon college school head Mr Dave van Wyk in a statement issued to parents said he had already been to the crash scene.

“One of the Falcon College buses was involved in an accident this morning. Some of our workers who were on the bus sustained minor injuries; no students or teachers were on the bus. A Honda Fit, travelling in the wrong lane (overtaking on a blind rise in wet, misty conditions) smashed head-on into our 27-seater bus. The Honda driver who was, mercifully, the only occupant of the car, died instantly. I have personally just returned from the accident scene,” said Mr van Wyk.

More details to follow…

FORMER vice president Joice Mujuru turned down calls to return to the ruling party arguing she is comfortable watching from the terraces, the Daily News can report.

This comes as the ruling party is keen to mend broken relations with its erstwhile comrades who left at the height of the ugly factional wars that ravaged Zanu PF between 2013 and 2017.

Zanu PF secretary for the commissariat Victor Matemadanda recently appealed to former party officials to return to the party saying the past is now buried.

It also comes as Mujuru recently met with several top Zanu PF officials, including Central Intelligence Organisation (CIO) boss Isaac Moyo and discussed her welfare and possible return to the ruling party.

According to people close to her, the former vice president, in meetings with several Zanu PF officials, raised concern on the manner she was being treated by government since her unceremonious departure in 2014 after she was alleged to be plotting to remove the late Robert Mugabe through a coup.

In an interview with the Daily News yesterday, Mujuru said she wants to rest.

“It is now five years since there were allegations that I am corrupt, ask those in power why I am not under arrest. I am not thinking of joining politics anytime now because I am enjoying watching from the stands and will not be coming back anytime soon. I am enjoying watching from afar,” said Mujuru.

Last year during an interview, Mujuru said she was keeping her options open after the Daily News had reported that she had held a meeting with Moyo.

“I have been quiet for a long time but I don’t see anything wrong if … I meet (President Emmerson) Mnangagwa or (Zanu PF chairperson Oppah) Muchinguri. In fact, that is the proper way of doing things.

“No matter how daft I might look in the eyes of some people, I know something about this country. You cannot throw away 34 years of experience.

“People should learn to listen to me and also to listen to other voices. It is important for me to meet and share ideas with the president because there is nothing wrong in seeing our leaders.

“Those are the people who are leading us and they should also listen to us. I have been meeting a lot of people whether in Zanu PF or not and whatever we have been discussing is good for Zimbabwe. I have met hordes of people,” said Mujuru.

Zanu PF’s mission to woo former party members has so far produced mixed fortunes.

Notable party officials who have heeded calls to return to Zanu PF include stalwarts such as Didymus Mutasa and Ambrose Mutinhiri while former party spokesperson Rugare Gumbo, just like Mujuru, has refused to go back to the former liberation struggle movement.

“I cannot go back; you know some of us are fine where we are. They should probably ask the youths they expelled to reapply, not me.

“Of course, I am prepared to talk to Mnangagwa, just to give him advice but not to rejoin the party. But I certainly cannot be seen running around trying to rejoin Zanu PF, which Zanu PF?” asked the former Cabinet minister.

Zanu PF is keen to expand its power base as well as counter former party officials who want to form their own parties riding on tribal grounds and Mujuru, who hails from Mashonaland Central province, is viewed as a popular figure who can win the ruling party some votes.

Daily News

VIDEO LOADING BELOW…

Correspondent|Reports coming from Malawi have confirmed that the Constitutional Court has dismissed all applications by President Peter Mutharika and the Malawi Electoral Commission (MEC)  to stay and suspend enforcement of the court ruling of February  3 which ordered that new elections should be held.

The constitutional court threw out arguments of costs likely to attached to running of an election as well campaign for the candidate, saying democracy is an inherently expensive process.

Mutharika’s lawyer Charles Chidongondo Mhango said he accepts the ruling by the apex court.

Holding of new election in Malawi is to cost Malawi Electoral Commission (MEC) about US$60 million.

MEC chair, Jane Ansah had tried to tell the court that holding of the polls in July this year, as directed by the Constitutional Court, could be impossible, saying there is need to gather enough resources and preparations for it to be successful.

This is a developing story…

REF: ACKNOWLEDGEMENT OF RECEIPT OF ADVICE ON ACTS OF MISCONDUCT ALLEGEDLY HAPPENING IN SCHOOLS

I…………EC No………. have on this day, 10 February 2020 have been made aware that the following actions are not permissible and constitute acts of misconduct as defined In statutory instrument 1 of 2020: Public service regulations as amended.

(i) That no extra lessons in whatever name or time will be conducted in the school without Ministry approval.

(ii) No teacher is allowed to sell items within the school premises; be they sweets, snacks, school uniform items etc.

(iii) That no teacher is allowed to demand items such as bond paper, tissues and other goods without permission to do so.

(iv) That no teacher is allowed to collect money from parents.

I have read the above and I declare that I will comply as stated.

ZIFA lawyer, Chenaimoyo Gumiro, says the association president, Felton Kamambo, gave a warned-and-cautioned statement to the police in Harare yesterday.

This is part of investigations into allegations of bribery. Gumiro said reports, which were circulating on social media that Kamambo had been arrested, were not true.

The allegations relate to the ZIFA elections in December 2018 when Kamambo emerged as the leader of domestic football after beating Philip Chiyangwa to the post.

Allegations have flown for a while that police were investigating allegations whether 28 councillors, who made the panel of voters, could have been influenced by some payments. Kamambo has constantly dismissed the allegations as false and an attempt to destabilise the smooth-running of domestic football.

The case, which was first investigated by the Commercial Crimes Unit, who said they had been advised by the National Prosecuting Authority they could not press charges because “of lack of evidence,’’ is now being handled by the Suburban Division.

“He (Kamambo) was not arrested, but we were called to Harare Central Police Station, and they recorded a warned and cautioned statement, on allegations relating to bribery charges,” said Gumiro.

“It is not a new case but the same allegations that we were previously called for, the bribery allegations during the ZIFA election period.

“Last time the case was at the CCD, and today he recorded a warned-and-caution statement taken by the Suburban Division.

“Now we wait for further instructions from the police but, for the record, he has not been arrested and there is no warrant of arrest against him, he is at home.’’

ZIFA spokesperson, Xolisani Gwesela, also provided a statement dismissing reports Kamambo had been arrested.

“The Zimbabwe Football Association wishes to respond to several enquiries that have inundated our offices regarding our president Felton Kamambo,’’ Gwesela said in his statement.

“The Association wishes to inform the football loving public that Mr Kamambo has neither been detained nor placed under police custody as is being peddled in certain quarters.

“Mr Kamambo was invited to the Surbuban section at Harare Central Police station where a warned-and-cautioned statement was recorded on allegations of election bribery on a matter reported to the Commercial Crimes Unit of police by Hon Dr Philip Chiyangwa.

“The ZIFA president was never detained or harassed by the police and is actually at home with his family.

“While the matter is subjudice, ZIFA would like to assure the football community that all shall be well and justice shall prevail.

“As per the 2020 motto, ZIFA will let “football do the talking” as we are pencilled for exciting football times ahead.

“We urge all football stakeholders to remain calm and allow the law to take its course.’’

Kamambo has, of late, been on a charm offensive asking for the feuding parties in domestic football to bury their differences and fight to develop the game.

State Media

Own Correspondent|Zimbabwe has been swindled of forex by a well known convicted Kenyan crook, Kamlesh Pattni. Pattni is the same man who brought down the Kenyan economy in the 1990s selling fake minerals to that government.

This matter, exclusively exposed by ZimEye last year, involves Pattni, several Zimbabwe Revenue Authority officials, Fidelity Printers officers and several bank employees.

While ZANU PF Youth run amok exposing corruption in the country, they have kept quiet about this man and his corruption that is milking the country.

Watch video downloading below on the man destroying the country and Godfrey Tsenengamu and Lewis Matutu exposures that are biased.

Naming and shaming successful business people perceived to be corrupt breeds fertile ground for extortionists, Zanu PF acting secretary for administration Patrick Chinamasa has said.

Chinamasa said where any citizen has evidence of corruption against any person the correct procedure is to report to Zimbabwe Anti-Corruption Commission (ZACC), Zimbabwe Republic Police or Prosecutor General so that the allegations can be investigated.

“Naming and shaming that targets perceived successful business people be they black or white, breeds fertile ground for extortionists, rent seeking behaviour and will have one outcome, that is haunting such people out of the country into exile which will not help this economy whose growth must be driven by local business people.

“It is on the back of the local business people that foreign investors will invest in Zimbabwe and will feel that Zimbabwe is open for business. What this country needs for its economic success is entrepreneurship. If we can help to grow 10 or so Strive Masiyiwas in each of our 10 provinces we would be on the road to meeting our President’s Vision 2030 target of becoming an upper middle income country, whose growth must be driven by local business people,” he said.

In addition, he said Zanu PF cadres especially those in leadership positions can never be said to speak in public in their individual or personal capacities.

“If such leaders hold any personal views on politics and public affairs and such personal views differ from the Party’s position and policies, they can only express such contrary views at their homes. Otherwise they are not justified to complain where consequences follow their actions. Cadres in leadership positions cannot articulate in public statements which are contrary to party policies and positions.”

A CHIKOMBA acting headmaster died after hanging himself with a belt a few hours before the school held its annual general meeting (AGM).

Irvine Manjengwa, the acting headmaster at Masvaure Primary School, was found dead in his house last week after attending a heated schools development committee (SDC) meeting in preparation for an annual general meeting scheduled to be held on the day he committed suicide.

Efforts to get a comment from Mashonaland East provincial police spokesperson Inspector Tendai Mwanza were fruitless as he was reportedly said to be out of office.

In a statement, Progressive Teachers’ Union of Zimbabwe (PTUZ) provincial co-ordinator Tapiwa Chengeta confirmed Manjengwa’s death, urging the government to improve the welfare of teachers to avoid stress-related deaths.

“As PTUZ, we learnt with deep sorrow the death of the acting headmaster for Masvaure Primary School in Chikomba — Mr Manjengwa. Young and energetic as he was, the nation has lost a real future leader. It is even more painful that the suicide is coming at a time life is so difficult for teachers due to low salaries. Depression and stress is contributing to the shortening of lifespan for many in the profession due to challenging economic hardships,” he said.

NewsDay is reliably informed that Manjengwa was stressed after the SDC meeting, with reports that his relationship with parents had gone sour over maladministration.

His death follows another incident at Simukai Primary School in the same district recently, where parents withdrew their children from the institution accusing the head of arrogance as well as maladministration.

TWO people are missing after they were swept away by floods that hit Matabeleland North’s Binga district on Monday.

So far one person has been reported dead as the Civil Protection Unit (CPU) continues rescuing and evacuating marooned villagers.

More details to follow…

“ARREST OF MEMBERS OF ZRP MARONDERA TRAFFIC FOR PERFOMING DUTY IN AN IMPROPER MANNER”.
This memo serves to inform the command that:

1. On 11 February 2020 at around 0900hrs and 71Km peg along Harare- Mutare Highway Road block site 7 members of ZRP Marondera Traffic were arrested for performing duty in an improper manner by PGHQ Team led by Commissioner Tayengwa.
2. Circumstances are that on the date, place and time mentioned above I Bere was heading a roadblock team comprising of number Sgt Masiye, Cst Ndlovu, Cst Zhou, Cst Gono, Cst Magunda and Cst Pisirai when a team of Senior Officers from PGHQ comprising of Commissioner Tayengwa, A/Commissioner Paul Nyathi, Chief Supt Thebe and Chief Supt Kureva arrived.
3. Whilst at the road block, the Senior Officer observed a white Toyota Hiace Vehicle Registration Number ADC 3067 (PSV) which was being driven by Kudzai Ziwengwe NR: Not held, a male adult aged 36 of Nyagadza Farm,Virginia, Macheke heading towards Harare being stopped at the road block site.
4. The motor vehicle pulled off the road and the conductor Daniel Mutanga a male adult aged 47 disembarked and ran to Cst Zhou. He handed Cst Zhou ZW$20 and was not issued with a receipt. When he was about to return to his combi, that is when the Senior Officers summoned both Cst Zhou and the conductor leading to the recovery of the ZW$20 from Cst Zhou.
5. The Senior Officers then carried out a search on all members who were manning the road block and recovered ZW$9 from Cst Zhou’s riot trousers’ pocket and the money was not declared in the declaration register.
6. Further searches were then carried in the tent which is at the site leading to the recovery of ZW$125 and US$45 in a purse belonging to Cst Zhou. The money was also not declared in the declaration register. Another ZW$87 was also found abandoned under the tree which is at the road block site.
7. A further search inside the road block tent led to recovery of the following cellphones which were in the bag belonging to the I.C Road block A/I Bere , but were not declared:
   i.Itel Cellphone
   ii.KGtel Cellphone with a buddie line,
   iii.Gtel Vivo 4 Cellphone with netone line and buddie line,
   iv.Lenovo Cellphone with netone line,
   v.Samsung Cellphone
8. The team also learnt that the road block had started at 0600hrs and the road block team had only 4 arrests and ZW$300 cash in respect of these arrests as reflected in the Z69J book number 06/20 from S/N 0188106-109.
9. The Senior Officers then handed over the defaulters to Chief Supt Phuti who is Officer Commanding Marondera District for disciplinary action.
10. Members were charged for Performing Duty in an Improper Manner under the Police Act.
    COMMENT
    Members are urged to desist from corrupt activities as this is contrary to the organizational ethics and its rebranding efforts in the second republic.

Correspondent|The High Court has today dismissed an application filed by Vice President Constantino Chiwenga’s estranged wife Marry Mubaiwa in which she was seeking to have access to her children and matrimonial home pending the hearing of an appeal filed at the Supreme Court.

VP Chiwenga recently challenged High Court Judge Justice Christopher Dube Banda’s ruling that gave Mubaiwa the green light to reside at the Borrowdale mansion and have access to the couple’s children and properties pending trials of the numerous charges she is facing.

The charges are attempted murder, fraud, assault and money laundering.

However, the Supreme Court appeal is expected to be heard next month. High Court judge, Justice Judith Mushore handed down the ruling today on behalf of Justice Ephraim Tagu indicating that her arguments lacked weight.

“The application for leave to execute pending appeal is hereby dismissed. The order (Banda’s) will not be operational until the case is heard. The applicant is also ordered to pay the cost of the suit,” said the judge.

Last week, High Court upheld the appeal made by Vice President Chiwenga for variation of her bail, particularly that she lives in a different house from the Vice President and that she surrenders her diplomatic passport. Justice Pisirayi Kwenda agreed that Mubaiwa should not return to their matrimonial Borrowdale home, which was a condition of her bail in the earlier charges, until all matters before the courts were finalised, since it would be impossible for the couple to co-exist peacefully, as VP Chiwenga is the complainant in the attempted murder case.

She was ordered to reside at her parents’ home in Glen Lorne. Mubaiwa, was also granted another $1500 bail by the High Court after she allegedly assaulted the family’s maid named Delight Munyoro at Hellenic School in Borrowdale following an altercation over custody of children a fortnight ago.

By A Correspondent- Junior parliamentarians here have pleaded with government to review downwards the recently announced examinations fees arguing that the figure is way beyond the reach of many especially rural children.

In a letter dated February 11 2020 and signed by Tinashe Ngirandi, the junior legislators said:

The above matter serves, As the Junior Parliament and Junior Council it has come to our concem that ZIMSEC hikes registration fees with immediate effect without approaching any children’s body in Zimbabwe.

Furthermore, as we represent the interests of the Zimbabwean child, we received many complains about the new prices which are not favorable to anyone.

Rural students were failing to pay 15 rtgs and now its almost 100rtgs whilst they are not able to pay 130rtgs school fees. So in short junior parliament and council are not
supporting these prices. Therefore we are asking the Ministry to review these prices again considering Part Section 81 subsection (1) paragraph () of the Constitution of Zimbabwe.

Looking forward to your favorable response.

Yours Faithfuly.
Hon. Tinashe Ngirandi
Cc Hon, Mugayi

Information Minister Monica Mutsvangwa says government is ready to deal with the Coronavirus scourge-watch video below :

Farai Dziva|Youthful MDC leader Nelson Chamisa has said he is fully aware of Emmerson Mnangagwa’s antics such that he will not fall into the Zanu PF leader’s trap.

Chamisa made the remarks during the party’s provincial assembly meeting in Masvingo on Sunday.

Said Chamisa:”When dealing with the crocodile you have to be careful.You don’t have to venture into the river because it will attack you.
We will remain outside the pool -on dry ground and the crocodile will be rendered powerless.

We know how to tame the crocodile,” said Chamisa.

Chamisa also addressed a provincial meeting in Lupane:

I’m in Lupane, Matebeleland North meeting with opinion leaders and grassroots structures party representatives. I’ve been told of the hunger,starvation and food shortages in this area.The suffering and marginalization is too deep.People want this suffering to end now.”

Farai Dziva|Zanu PF leader Emmerson Mnangagwa has become a liability to the entire nation, opposition party MDC has said.

See full statement below :
Failed and illegitimate Emmerson Mnangagwa risks a serious and massive public outburst of anger from the masses due to his failure to solve the taunting economic question.

From every facet of the economy there is a bold signpost to Mnangagwa’s leadership failure.

Clearly the capacity to rig elections do not always translate to the ability to rig economy as our founding President Dr Morgan Tsvangirai rightly said in his famous quote that, “You can rig elections but you cannot rig the economy”.

As MDC Youth Assembly, we reiterate President Advocate Nelson Chamisa’s position that the current economic crisis is a direct result of the political crisis birthed from the rigged presidential election.

We would like to reverberate that the current stinging economic malaise stalking the nation was born on 01 August 2018 when Mnangagwa chose the bullet over the ballot!

The hunger, starvation, poverty, high prices and shortage of basic commodities which has become the hallmark of Mnangagwa’s misrule is a clear manifestation of leadership failure born out of illegitimacy.

Cartels and corruption syndicates which ZANU PF quislings purport to fight are a direct offspring of leadership failure by Emmerson Mnangagwa.

It is not mendacious that whenever ZANU PF subverts the people’s will by stealing elections, what follows after is a serious economic turmoil.

Clearly Mnangagwa has successfully reinvented another 2008 and now the chickens are coming home to roost!

Our staple food has since become a luxury beyond reach of the ordinary!

What is worrisome is that those with keys to the armory do not have keys to the granary hence the people suffer!

If anything, Emmerson Mnangagwa has become a threat to national peace and security in this country as he has created an unstable environment where public anger is heightened everyday.

If the Zimbabwe Republic Police (ZRP) is serious about security issues in this country, then they should swiftly move with pace and arrest the man who has become an anathema to our stability as a country.

Likewise we also implore the Zimbabwe National Army (ZNA) to deal effectively with this national threat inorder to safeguard citizens interests if they are genuine about professionalism and ‘restoring legacy’.

As an Assembly we would like to strongly warn that any continued attempts by Emmerson Mnangagwa to impose himself on people amid crisis breeds danger to national peace and stability.

Our message to Mnangagwa is very clear, resign or face public wrath!

#PeoplePower!

Stephen Sarkozy Chuma
MDC Youth Assembly National Spokesperson

VIDEO LOADING BELOW….

Farai Dziva|The MDC Youth Assembly has said cornered Zanu PF Emmerson Mnangagwa must concentrate on reviving the comatose economy instead of trying to change the Constitution.

See statement below :
The move by Emmerson Mnangagwa to repeal a constitutional provision on running mates is a clear indication that the panic stricken ZANU PF leader intends to insulate his position from the ambitious Constantine Chiwenga to make sure he never succeeds him.

It is very regrettable that ZANU PF is abusing its majority in parliament to tear apart and patch up our only home made constitution which was born out of rigorous consultation with masses under trees, in hill tops and community halls.

The repeal is a clear factional battle and unfortunately it does not help to solve the current political and economic crises in the country.

We as MDC youths condemn changes that do not deal with food shortages, unemployment and school fees hikes.

As citizens we had enough of this ZANU PF factional nonsense at the expense of national interests!

Tampering with the constitution -to pursue a petty parochial agendas is certainly going to be resisted with equal force.

Hands off our constitution!

Stephen Sarkozy Chuma
MDC Youth Assembly National Spokesperson

The MDC notes with concern that the government has gazetted paltry wages of 160 RTGS per month for all domestic workers, contrary to representations and agreements the government had reached with the relevant sector.

Given the parlous state of the economy, that figure is not enough to buy a bundle of vegetables.

Domestic workers are the lowliest paid in Zimbabwe and the Industry is very much unregulated as they do not fall under an Employment Council.

Their wages are negotiated under a Labour Advisory Board, mostly with the Zimbabwe Domestic Allied Workers Union and with some Employers of Domestics picked by the government.

The Domestics representatives had a very plausible figure of ZWL$1200 and after negotiations, they settled for the following figures

1. Gardener ZWL$385
2. Housekeeper ZWL$400

All with an Allowance of ZWL $385.00 for transport, accommodation and other ancillaries. The figures that have been published are not the ones agreed upon between the Parties at the Advisory Board.

The MDC is disappointed that we have a government that has no empathy with the poor, they are simply not as trustworthy as they change goal posts after agreeing with workers representatives.

Figures which they had agreed with workers representatives were higher than what government eventually gazetted.

The present situation on the ground shows that rentals for a room in high-density areas costs an average of ZWL$200 while a kilogramme of economy beef is going for ZWL$120.

Only a people’s government is able to improve the dignity of the citizen and to care for their livelihoods.

Hon Gideon Shoko
Secretary for Labour & Social Security
Movement For Democratic Change

By A Correspondent- A village head in Chivi was recently seriously assaulted by a fellow villager after the latter wife’s names were removed from the social welfare beneficiaries list.

This is revealed in the Zimbabwe Peace Project latest report.

“The kraal head of Gwenyaya Village Jairos Gwenyaya of Ward 16, Chivi Central was assaulted by Saratiel Tasarira at his homestead after Tasarira’s wife Felistas Chiwara was removed from the Social Welfare beneficiaries list. Tasarira is said to have assaulted the kraal head accusing him of unfair and nepotistic distribution of government aid,” ZPP reported.

“The matter was allegedly reported to police at Chivi Turn-Off Police Base.

By A Correspondent- The Meteorological Services Department (MSD) said that the reason why the usually drought-prone Binga district experienced floods recently is that it is in a flood plain which is more of a low-lying area.

MSD Principal Meteorologist James Ngoma said Binga will likely experience flash flooding whenever there is heavy rainfall on either the Zimbabwean or Zambian side.

Said Ngoma:

Despite receiving the least amount of rainfall Binga experienced flash floods because it is in a flood plain which is more of a low-lying area.

It is where the sources of water along areas such as Gokwe, Lupane as well as Hwange going to Zambezi Valley pass through.

Therefore, if heavy rains occur either on the Zambian side or the Zimbabwean side Binga will still be prone to flash floods as a low-lying area.

An elderly man was swept away by the floods while 34 families were evacuated after they were marooned for several hours.

The death and evacuation occurred in Nsungwale area under Chief Sinakoma.-Statemedia

By A Correspondent- Finer details of how Herentals fixed a league game against army side Black Rhinos last October have emerged after the Premier Soccer League (PSL) released the full judgment.

Herentals, who were fined ZWL$300 000 and relegated from the topflight league, are contesting the verdict.

The club, which has since been ordered to pay the costs of the hearing, would also be banned from any football-related activities for the next 10 years if the fine remained unpaid by January 31, twelve days ago.

Manager Oliver Chirenga, who the club denies is a club official, was fined ZWL$20 000 and banned for 10 years from all football-related activities while the US$300 exhibit produced during the hearing was forfeited to the PSL.

The case is premised on an affidavit deposited by Black Rhinos player Kudzanai Gift Saunyama, who claimed that Chirenga had approached him to fix the match between the two sides, which he communicated to his coach Hebert Maruwa.

Maruwa is said to have asked Saunyama, who is a former Herentals player, to accept the money which would be used as an exhibit.

“On the same day and at the appointed time, Chirenga approached Saunyama at his home and true to Saunyama’s suspicion he requested him to organise the fixing of the Black Rhinos vs Herentals match which was set to be played on October 19, 2019 at the National Sports Stadium,” part of the judgment read.

“The affidavit states that Chirenga stated that he was looking for three or five players from Black Rhinos whom he would pay US$200 each or more if they successfully fix the match. He says he falsely agreed to assist him and promised to give him feedback the following day. On the following day, the 16th of October 2019, Saunyama reported what had happened to his head coach and told him that Chirenga had proposed to meet him again at his home for purposes of making a down payment of the money that was to be used to pay the players.

The balance of the figure, which was yet to be agreed upon, was to be paid after the match. The coach advised Saunyama to accept the money and bring it to the club so that it can be used as an exhibit. Chirenga did not turn up with the money as had been agreed. He did not call and there was no further communication from him.”

According to the judgment, the match was played and Black Rhinos lost 3-0 and the army side made its own investigations where players and officials were interviewed.

Black Rhinos manager Gift Kamuriwo is said to have confessed receiving US$300 from Chirenga at the intersection of Samora Machel and Chinhoyi Street on October 18 to be shared equally among three players for them to influence the results of the match with a balance of US$300 to be paid after the game.

“This (defeat) prompted an investigation into the match-fixing allegations at Black Rhinos Football Club. According to Kamuriwo, players and officials were subjected to questioning by the Zimbabwe National Army’s unit known as SIB. The questioning took place over a few days at One Commando Barracks.

As the investigations continued, Kamuriwo decided to own up and confessed that he had been approached and had indeed received money to fix the match. He says what motivated him to confess was that he could not bear the sight of players being wrongly accused of having been paid to fix the match when it was him who had received the money.

He handed over to the investigators the US$300 which had been paid to him. He decided to confess on his own before being interviewed. His narration of events is contained in an affidavit dated November 15, 2019,” the verdict says.

Kamuriwo, however, said he did not influence the outcome of the game, but converted the US$300 balance to his own use.

Black Rhinos wrote a letter of complaint to the PSL and on November 25, Herentals were summoned to appear before a disciplinary committee.

Herentals had denied the charges, arguing that Chirenga was only a supporter and did not hold any other position within the club structures.-Newsday

1/5 Ultimately, it is the voters who decide. If anyone wants power, they must stand for election. No citizen can say so and so is disqualified. That said, I certainly have no ambition to join the MDC, nor does Prof Moyo, but we want to see opposition politics done competently.

2/5 In the 2018 elections, we ended up having to intervene to do radio, print, social media and television adverts for the MDC. Why? Because nobody was doing the work and Chamisa was the best foot forward. Where did the money come from? It was raised by Professor Jonathan Moyo.

3/5 One unknown fact is that Jonathan Moyo did not want to publicly support the MDC in 2018, preferring to watch from the terraces. It took me four months, January to April 2018, to persuade him to help actively, after which #KwekweHim, #KutongwaKwaro, #Excelgate etc were born.

4/5 MDC stockholders need to stop worrying about sharing power that it does not have and focus on action. What is the plan? Waiting for 2023? When are the protests coming? How do you sustain them Sudan-style? These are the serious political questions that remain unanswered.

5/5 A PRAYER FOR ZIMBABWE: One of my favourite ads from the 2018 election, which was done for Chamisa by so-called Zanu PF infiltrators. ZBC ended up forcing the MDC to edit out ED and Chiwenga!

The Meteorological Services Department (MSD) has predicted heavy rainfall in all Mashonaland provinces, Harare Metropolitan and northern parts of Matabeleland North until Thursday.

Hot and humid conditions giving rise to the possibility of afternoon and evening isolated thunderstorms are expected in Masvingo, Manicaland, Midlands, Matabeleland South and Bulawayo provinces. The MSD said in a statement:

It is expected to be largely humid with thunderstorms that may extend well into the evening in most areas and torrential rains and flash flooding is expected in localised areas.

Downstream flooding is also a potential hazard and such thundery phenomenon is usually superseded by lightening, this poses a potential threat to the tallest objects such as trees, poles, isolated sheds and even people in an open field.

The MSD also revealed that the western areas of the country for the past three days received significant rainfall with a maximum of 49mm in some areas and a minimum of 25mm in other areas.

By A Correspondent- A Harare magistrate has dismissed an application for removal from remand filed by 10 vendors, who were brutalised by the police while in custody, resulting in the death of their colleague, Hilton Tamangani in October last year.

The vendors, who were charged with assaulting a peace officer, had filed an application to be removed from remand, saying the State had failed to provide them with a trial date within a reasonable period.

But presiding magistrate Rumbidzai Mugwagwa dismissed their application, saying there was no inordinate delay by the State to provide them with a trial date as the prosecution had provided the court with details of the progress of the investigations.

“There has not been an inordinate delay in prosecuting the matter. There has clearly been progress in the matter and what is just needed now are minor clarifications,” Mugwagwa said.

However, the police are yet to furnish the court with a written report on the death of Tamangani in police custody.

On the last remand date, the State had indicated that the police were delaying to bring the report so that an inquest could be carried out.

Tamangani was arrested together with Evans Chinyanga (39), Tichaona Mazia (22), Petros Kayesa (44), Adoration Tafadzwa Madziwa (23), Lovemore Chitengo (42), Robson Mutseta (31), Hillary Nyawasha (29), Wambo Denford (41), Blessing Chirodza (41) and David Tawanda Tekere (35).

They were accused of assaulting a law enforcement agent and fleeing into the basement of a city building from where several police helmets were allegedly recovered.-Newsday

By A correspondent- Bulawayo City Council (BCC) has unveiled a credit control and debt collection policy that seeks to maintain predictable cashflows and allow for improved management of debtors, among others.

Council is owed about $221 million as of December 2019 broken down to $100 million by domestic debtors, $44 million by government, industry and commerce $72 million and $5 million by parastatals.

Council argues that failure by its debtors to clear outstanding payments is affecting its ability to provide efficient services and clear its debts with various creditors.

The local authority owes various creditors $256 794 852 for the month of January, up from $223 440 579 in December.

The policy does not spare even BCC staff and councillors as it insists on forced deductions from their salaries if they have outstanding bills.

“Any person receiving a salary or allowances from the city may not be in arrears to the city for rates and consumer service charges for a period longer than three months (unless suitable arrangements have been made for the payment of arrears) and council may deduct any outstanding amounts from the person’s salary after this period,” the 25-paged document read.

“The city shall liaise with the relevant persons referred to in 59 above and their departmental representatives and issue the necessary salary deduction instruction where appropriate after compliance with the provisions of the Labour Relations Act.”

Council has been operating without a documented credit control and debt collection policy. It has been relying on resolutions, the Urban Councils Act, the water and sewage by-laws and other pieces of legislation.

“The FD (finance director) shall be the implementing authority: (a) implement and enforce the city’s credit control and debt collection policy and any by-laws enacted in terms of the Urban Councils Act;

“(b) In accordance with the credit control and debt collection policy and any such by-laws establish effective administrative mechanisms, processes and procedures to collect money that is due and payable to the city,” it adds.-Newsday

1/3 It is a call to action when the country’s Prosecutor General confirms that cartels have captured state institutions.This reflects a captured and compromised state and that the regime is not fit for purpose.Politics aside,we must now unite in this BIG fight against corruption.

2/3The PG confirms the serious and systemic nature of rot permeating the State. As ever, the fish rots from the head.If the top prosecutor is moved to make such public complaints then he is not getting support from the political leadership to perform his constitutional role.

3/3 The anti-corruption rhetoric is a mere facade designed to hoodwink Zimbabweans and the world. Over the past two years,the level of corruption & state capture has escalated to obscene levels.There can not be sustainable prosperity when national wealth is in the hands of a few.

OPPOSITION leader Nelson Chamisa will today meet the party’s divided structures in Bulawayo, as part of efforts to mend rifts which have cost them votes in the past elections, Southern Eye has learnt.

MDC Bulawayo spokesperson Swithern Chirowodza told the Southern Eye that the party president would also apprise the structures on his recent international engagements and the way forward.

“It’s a meeting of the structures … also he will touch on developments within the party. One of the issues up for discussion is to do with the holding of rallies, a solidarity rally for (Ntabazinduna dethroned Chief Nhlanhlayamangwe) Ndiweni realising that the police seems to have outlawed the party’s rallies,” Chirowodza said yesterday.

“Also, he is going to be giving feedback to the leaders of the province on his recent international engagements.”

Chamisa was in South Africa recently seeking diplomatic support towards solving the country’s deepening socio-economic, political crises.

In December, South African President Cyril Ramaphosa expressed concern over the country’s crisis, pledging his governments’ support to a churches’ initiative towards finding a lasting solution.

Ramaphosa was meeting the World Council of Churches general-secretary Olav Fykse Tveit, Zimbabwe Council of Churches general-secretary Kenneth Mtata, among other delegates where the Zimbabwe question was also discussed.

-Newsday

Zimbabwe and South Africa are set to fully operationalise a one-stop border post at Beitbridge in 2024 that will fast-track trade between the two neighbouring countries.

This was revealed by South African Home Affairs Minister Aaron Motsoaledi in an interview with Bloomberg. He said:

We all know the frustration of travellers when they go through Beitbridge: the long queues, the long waiting times, the congestion.

Now, the one-stop border post is going to do away with all that because it involves massive infrastructural changes, not just operational changes.

Beitbridge Border Post is one of Africa’s busiest land borders, with about 25,000 people and 500 trucks passing through daily.

A one-stop border would harmonize customs clearance procedures between the two countries, resulting in expedited clearance from customs officials.

Reports indicate that currently, it takes up to four days to be cleared due to the long queues, the long waiting times, and congestion.

Motsoaledi told the publication that the process will include the construction of a building for immigration officials and separate traffic lanes for commercial, private and public vehicles as well as a pedestrian pathway.

-Bloomberg

President Emmerson Mnangagwa’s government has increased salaries of members of the police with assistant commissioners expected to get a gross salary of over 7,000 Zimbabwe dollars while the lowest paid constabularies are set to receive just over 3,200 dollars per month.

In a circular dated February 6, 2020, and signed by the chief staffing officer in the Zimbabwe Republic Police headquarters, senior members were informed that the pay increases will be backdated to January 1, 2020.

The circular reads in part, “Please be kindly advised that the Police Service Commission has approved with Treasury concurrence the payment of Cost of Living Adjustment (COLA) to all Zimbabwe Republic Police members with effect from 01 January 2020.

“… Please be advised that the January 2020 back pay will be paid over a period of 4 months. Matters pertaining to salaries are confidential and are treated as such.”

Members of the police were earning almost half of the salaries and allowances they have been offered by the Police Service Commission.

Police spokesperson Senior Assistant Commissioner Paul Nyathi was not reachable for comment as he was not responding to calls on his mobile phone.

The government recently announced wage scales of domestic workers with the highest paid taking home less than 200 Zimbabwe dollars per month.

By A Correspondent- A Zanu PF official said that the ruling party is the only party that is people-centred, listens to people’s concerns and is interested in meeting them.

ZANU PF acting secretary for Administration Patrick Chinamasa told the state media that the main challenger, MDC leader Nelson Chamisa, spends his time organising disruption demonstrations and lobbying for more sanctions to be imposed on the country.

He said:

It is like Zanu PF is the only party interested in meeting the people.

I do not see any other party which seems interested in meeting the people, addressing their concerns, listening to them and seeking to find solutions to their concerns.

Currently, no other party in Zimbabwe is people-centred, except Zanu PF. The main challenger is a party which spends most of its times organising demonstrations, travelling all over the world lobbying for the imposition of sanctions.

Chinamasa urged Chamisa to abandon his ‘antics’ and participate in meaningful dialogue under the Political Actors Dialogue (POLAD).

The ZANU PF politburo member added that although sanctions had caused untold suffering to the people since their imposition two decades ago, the ruling party would not tire until their effects were mitigated.-Statemedia