Farai Dziva|Norton MP Temba Mliswa believes former Zanu PF Political Commissar Saviour Kasukuwere’ s movement is insignificant.

See Mliswa’s argument :
The story of Daniel Shumba is like that of Mutumwa Mawere.

They have become bitter, for the latter because he dabbled in politics, seeking to dictate who should run the country, telling Mugabe things and Mugabe would tell ED.

We need businessmen who get into politics to help the country, who fund and support those leaders who are doing good. Not getting embroiled in toxic political factionalism that does not advance the welfare of the people.
The politics of those who are bitter isn’t sustainable. It’s toxic& personal.

My sekuru Kasukuwere, forget about this Tyson Wabantu Movement, you have been cleared by the courts, come and do business. Let’s not attack the country from out there. @shumba327 come lets work together.

VIDEO LOADING BELOW….

Mbeki came in December. When he had arrived in Zimbabwe, he said to me I have heard of your popularity; I know you are the most popular, but why are you not agreeing with your colleague Mnangagwa?

https://youtu.be/hMaIfvxHmf4

Farai Dziva|A teacher at Njube High School has been accused of removing Emmerson Mnangagwa’s portrait from the staff room and inciting students to embark on an unlawful demonstration.

See police report below :
MEMORANDUM
TO: THE OFFICER COMMANDING BULAWAYO WEST DISTRICT
FROM: OIC NJUBE
DATED 20/01/2020
SUBJECT: DEMONSTRATION BY NJUBE HIGH SCHOOL STUDENTS
This Memo serves to inform you that:
INFORMANT
Name: Ndlovu Archford
Contacts: 0772 885 616
Residential address: Njube High School, Bulawayo
Business address: Njube High Secondary School.

ACCUSED
Name: Brian Mutsiba
NR: 08-709411-D-66
Contacts: 0771 788 104
Res: 311 Emakhandeni, Bulawayo
Business: Njube High School, Bulawayo
CIRCUMSTANCES
On the 20th day of January 2020 and at around 1000 hours, the accused incited over 153 forms one, three and six students to partake in an unlawful demonstration. In doing so, the accused removed the portrait of the President of the Republic of Zimbabwe from the staff room and went on to un-hoist the National Flag from its mast. He then exited the school gate with the students he had mobilised for the unsanctioned march.

From the school, they turned right into B.B. Burombo Road then used a footpath to connect Luveve Road.

On reaching the robots opposite Entumbane Complex, the demonstrators gathered and started chanting songs saying, Imfundo ngeyethu into oyenzayo siyayizonda amongst others. The procession then started marching along Luveve Road towards Emagetsini. They were waving placards inscribed Where is UNICEF?”, “This is for every Zimbabwean child” and “SOS serve our souls”.

The Presidents portrait and Zimbabwean flag were being carried by two students.
When they got near to the intersection of Luveve Road and Masiyephambili Road, the demonstrators grouped again and deliberately turned the portrait and the national flag upside and started making loud chants. They then knelt down facing the eastern direction and sang “Nkosi sikelela iAfrica”.

During that process, the headmaster, Mr Zibusiso Msimanga N.R. 53-042510-B-58, cell number 0772 402 047 arrived at the scene and ordered the school children to stop what they were doing and go back to school. The children complied and went back to school but along the way the accused kept on influencing the students to be defiant.

On entering the school campus, one of the pupils who had participated in the march hoisted back the flag. The children then went back to their classes. The accused disappeared from the school upon arrival from the march.

ZRP Njube attended the scene and called the pupils to assembly. The children who had participated in the demonstration voluntarily came into the open about their participation.

They were invited to write reasons for their participation in the demonstration which are—
The fees have been hiked from $92-00 to $440-00.

The teachers are earning low salaries.
Teachers not attending lessons.

Beneficiaries of the BEAM programme being made to pay half of the fees and
The general high cost of living.

1. A follow-up of the accused was made at number 311, Emakhandeni by Numbers 066556S Constable Magwira and 087615H Constable Muzvuwe. Seen was Sandra Tshuma; N.R. 79-126259-C-79, Cellphone number 0771 778 123, aged 32 years who indicated that the accused relocated to an unknown address three years back. She indicated that the accused was a fellow tenant at the house.

Preliminary investigations show that accused is a former prison officer and subscribes to ZIMTA. He is an abuser of alcohol and is staying alone.

Report has been entered on RRB 403903. The accused is being charged for Contravening section 37 (1) (a) of the Criminal Law Codification and Reform Act Chapter 9:23 {participating in a public gathering with the intent to promote public violence, breach of peace or bigotry} and also for Contravening section 6 of the Flag of Zimbabwe Act; Chapter 10:10 {insulting the flag}.

Scene was also attended by the Officer Commanding Bulawayo West District; Chief Superintendent Bizeki, members from the Presidents Office, Military Intelligence, Prison Intelligence and different media houses.
Indications are that the accused is the one who masterminded the demonstration.

The school pupils were merely following their teachers orders.

Also observed was that the spokesperson of MDC-Alliance president, Nkululeko Sibanda was seen milling around.
039730J CHIEF INSPECTOR RAMAPHOSA ZRP NJUBE

VIDEO LOADING BELOW….

https://youtu.be/hMaIfvxHmf4

By A Correspondent- Rusape Town Council has passed a resolution to borrow a staggering $6 million to buy luxury cars for senior executives, triggering a backlash from furious residents.

The residents described the planned spending spree as unnecessary and extravagant since service delivery was at the lowest ebb in the town.

The residents said RTC was prioritising luxury vehicles at the expense of perennial problems like erratic water supply, burst sewer pipes, untrafficable roads and inadequate schools in the town.

A no-holds-barred full council meeting held in December had rejected the proposal to purchase the cars for $6 million through lease financing which attracts exorbitant interest.

RTC seeks to purchase a Toyota Fortuner for town secretary Mr Solomon Gabaza and double cabs for heads of department (HODs).

Two HODs have gone for more than two years without council vehicles.

The issue has divided council with Ward 6’s Cllr Blessmore Pambureni saying council should instead borrow to finance essential services such as upgrading water and sewer reticulation infrastructure, road equipment and machinery before feting executive officials.

He said the latest move by RTC was against the directive issued by President Mnangagwa recently in Bulawayo, where he strongly warned local authorities against extravagant expenditures at the expense of service delivery.

“We have an unprecedented water crisis in Rusape and it is insensitive to the plight of residents to borrow to finance luxury. The President warned us against spending a fortune on luxurious cars, but on service delivery. We can only buy cars when service delivery and the economy have improved,” said Cllr Pambureni.

Works and planning committee chairman Cllr Ndabanenge Mataga (Ward 7) said council was seeking to appease a few individuals at the expense of the suffering masses.

“The current economic situation in the country is unfavourable for that. Yes, it’s specified in their contracts, but we cannot afford it at the moment. A husband cannot demand conjugal rights from a wife admitted in the Intensive Care Unit (ICU),” charged Cllr Mataga.

Vice chairman and Ward 10 Cllr Peter Kwesha said council could not buy luxuryedcars when revenue collection and service delivery had gone down.

“Council’s collection efficiency has drastically gone done. Let us listen to the concerns of the residents first. We should not burden the residents, but look at other options like cheaper vehicles or offsetting the cars with stands,” said Cllr Kwesha.

Ward 1 Cllr Patrick Chipere said council risks being sued for failing to honour its part of the bargain.

“There is danger of being sued. We also took the decision to protect the council fleet. If we don’t buy them these vehicles now they will use pool cars, and at the end of five years we will be forced to buy them brand new personal vehicles in fulfilment of their contracts,” said Cllr Chipere.

Council chairman Lyton Sithole last week hastily convened a special full council meeting in less than the prescribed 24 hours’ notice to railroad the resolution.

After facing resistance from some councillors, Cllr Sithole put the matter to vote and five voted for the purchase of the cars.

Residents said such borrowings should have their blessing since their rates will be used to service the debt.

They want the council to satisfactorily account for the revenue collected from them so far, before deciding to borrow from anywhere, and to reveal how the debt will be serviced and whether this will result in an increase in the rates paid by residents.

They have threatened to petition the Minister of Local Government expressing their objection to the idea of borrowing to finance luxury.

-ManicaPost

By A Correspondent- Luke Tamborinyoka, the Deputy Spokesperson of the MDC led by Nelson Chamisa has issued a statement apologising over the harassment of journalist Robert Tapfumaneyi.

We present the statement in full below.

Dear colleagues. My sincerest apologies over the way Robert Tapfumaneyi has been treated by our overzealous security personnel. I sincerely and profusely apologise on behalf of the MDC which does not condone such dastardly acts.

I have engaged and personally spoken and apologised to Robert about the whole event. In the meantime, I am engaging the security department so that stern action is taken against the responsible individuals.

Advocate Fadzayi Mahere, the Secretary for Education for the opposition MDC led by advocate Nelson Chamisa has said that the Supreme Court ruling on debts incurred before the 22nd of February 2019 has a number of negative effects.

Her remarks come after Justice Luke Malaba together with Justice Nicholas Mathonsi and Justice Susan Mavingira ruled that all the debts can be settled using the local currency at a one as to one ratio.

Before Statutory Instrument 133 of February 2019 was promulgated, the local currency was not at par with the United States dollar.

Commenting on the ruling, advocate Mahere observed that the ruling made it possible for civil servants to pay the loan back in Zim Dollars at a rate of 1:1 with the former USD value.

She added:

The flip side is that your employment contract also turns in ZWL even though it was in USD. Nobody really wins.

Debtors who accrued debt in the USD era will celebrate. However, the long term consequence of the law stipulating that USD debts are now payable in ZWL at the false rate of 1:1 is that big, patient capital won’t come to Zim because of the obvious property rights violation.

By A Correspondent- MDC leader Nelson Chamisa has implored his counterpart from Zanu Pf, Emmerson Mnangagwa to prioritise useful dialogue that is credible and genuine as a way of facilitating for a transitional authority that will pave way for reforms.

Addressing hundreds of party supporters at Stoddart grounds in Mbare, Chamisa said:

“We must return to legitimacy and democracy. Zimbabwe must have a political dialogue that is credible and genuine underwritten by the international community to facilitate a transitional authority that will pave way for reforms.

The National Transition Authority is the appropriate vehicle to turnaround this country. In 2019, we published our RELOAD document the crux of which was essentially to give peace a chance. In that document we made it clear that the resolution of the Zimbabwean crisis require dialogue, which we were to push through political pressure in all legitimate forms.

The basis and purpose of that pressure was to force the government of the day, to agree to dialogue focused on Comprehensive Reforms to be implemented through a National Transitional Mechanism.

The reality on the ground is that more than two years after November 2017, and more than 18 months after the 30 July 2018 election,
time is running out for Zimbabwe.

Impatience engulfs the nation and the real danger is that all and sundry will be engulfed by forces and processes that are intolerant to
the continued reproduction of the terrible status quo.

We remain committed to genuine dialogue. Our position will not change. What we want is useful dialogue. It is not dialogue for the purposes of accommodation, photo opportunities or political expediency.”

Watch the video downloading below for this and more……

By A Correspondent- Zimbabwe Revenue Authority has issued a statement directing individuals in charge of all vehicles to provide a list of goods and passengers to ZIMRA at least three hours before arrival at the border post.

The statement reads in part:

The person in charge of any vehicle, other than a railway train, shall submit manifest of the passengers, crew and goods being conveyed by the vehicle, signed by the person authorised to sign such manifest at the place of departure for Zimbabwe

The manifest must be transmitted to the Zimbabwe Revenue Authority at the destined port of entry, in the case where the vehicle is an omnibus or any vehicle conveying goods or passengers for profit, no later than three hours before arrival of the vehicle at the port of entry or within such shorter time as the Commissioner may allow.

The taxman added that violating this directive from the Customs and Excise Act is an offence which attracts a fine or imprisonment.

There have been reports suggesting that the “porous” borders of the country constitute a soft spot for revenue leakage

By A Correspondent- Police yesterday released 12 names of the 17 people who perished in a bus accident that occurred near Odzi along the Harare-Mutare Highway on Saturday evening.

National police spokesperson Assistant Commissioner Paul Nyathi identified 12 people while two other names are being withheld as their next of kin have not yet been notified.

He said three other victims – two females and one male – were still to be identified and urged members of the public to visit Mutare Provincial Hospital to identify the bodies.

Among the people who died in the accident are General Bande Bus driver Emmanuel Munhuwenyu from Mutare and conductor Milton Mayaveni.

Others are Aaron Jambaya, Shanel Dumbura (an infant aged 5 from Mutare), Cecil Vumbunu (54), Irvene Marware from Mutare, Francis Masonza from Mutare, Jane Chikukwa (Rusape), Tanatswa Foroma (Mutare), Zoey Nyanyiwa (65) (Mutare), Sabie Mukweza (75) Mutare, and Tawana Sigauke (Mutare).

Fourteen people died on the spot while three others died on admission at Mutare Provincial Hospital after a haulage truck which was carrying timber was involved in a head-on collision with a General Bande bus.

Police said preliminary investigations indicated that the bus driver was speeding and the bus burst its left front tyre, leading to the
accident.

Meanwhile, two people died on Sunday evening, while four others were seriously injured when a Mitsubishi Colt they were travelling in veered off the road and crashed into a tree after the driver hit a pedestrian along Luveve Road near Josiah Chinamano Primary School, Emakhandeni in Bulawayo.

Bulawayo Fire Brigade senior divisional officer Linos Phiri confirmed the accident yesterday.

“Six people, who were involved in the car accident, are Bukhosibakhe Mlilo (driver), Sibonginkosi Mpofu (24), Senzo Ndebele (32), Modester Zakariya (26), Sibusiso Nyathi, a male juvenile, Prince Ndebele (13) and the pedestrian was not identified,” Phiri said, adding that the driver, who was trapped in the car, died before the Fire Brigade could rescue him.

Bulawayo provincial police spokesperson Inspector Abednico Ncube confirmed the accident and urged drivers to exercise caution when driving on wet and slippery roads.

-Newsday

AGENDA 2020: President Chamisa’s address to the nation.

Mbeki meeting details…. pic.twitter.com/uhApncEHVc

— ZimEye (@ZimEye) January 21, 2020

Fellow Zimbabweans, Your Excellencies, Members of the Diplomatic Community, Honourable Members of Parliament, Mayors and Councillors, distinguished guests, ladies and gentlemen, it is an honour for me to present AGENDA 2020 which defines the year 2020 as the decisive year for dealing with the broad challenges facing the nation.

Today we gather here at Stodart HALL in Mbare, this great place of history, a place of hope and inspiration which has served as a revolutionary springboard for many of our country’s nationalist trailblazers, religious torchbearers as well as sports and artistic luminaries among many other leading lights who have, over the years, scaled the heights as the “Class of Stodart Hall”, in search of a Zimbabwe that the people want but which remains a pipe dream TO BE PURSUED, BUT YET TO BE ATTAINED.

Because we are meeting in January and given that it is our first time to do so this year, let me take this opportunity to extend to everyone compliments of the new year.
But as I do so, I’m alive to the fact that compliments of the new year have already been superseded by complications of the last year, which have followed us into the new year; and which are standing in the way of any prospect for a happy and prosperous year for Zimbabweans.

This year, 2020, is an important year not least because it marks the end of a decade and the start of a new one. Over the last decade, and indeed over the last two decades, Zimbabweans have not been able to realistically wish each other a happy and prosperous new year, with any credibility. The last decade, and the one before it, have seen the destruction of happiness and prosperity in our country in ways that are unprecedented.

Throughout the last decade, Zimbabweans have moved from one year to another, on a wing and a prayer while plunging from crisis to crisis and darkness to darkness, with oppression and the brutal denial of basic human rights as the order of the day.

We declare 2020 a year of breakthrough in reclaiming the people’s victory and 2020-2030 a decade of hope rapid radical transformation.

In March 1997 Zimbabwe launched Vision 2020. Vision 2020 promised:
• Housing for all by 2020,
• Healthcare for all by 2020,
• Education for all by 2020, and
• Jobs for all by 2020

Today we have none of all the promises THAT 2020 is upon us. As sure as the sunrise, time has come to test our resolve and has found us wanting.

We have no healthcare, no housing, no universal education and no jobs. 23 years later we have a rapidly deteriorating healthcare system where doctors have to protest for medicines and equipment and where teachers cannot afford to send their own children to school.

We have a beautiful AND RICH country, with talented people and a wealth of natural resources. Ours is ONLY a failure of leadership.

The Zimbabwe of today is the product of and an expression of poor leadership. The crisis in Zimbabwe is man-made. We are a broken and divided nation, led through fear, governed by force and ruled through violence.

Man-made poverty is being used as a tool of repression and oppression, while poverty has been weaponised to enrich a few. Food continues to be used as a political weapon to sow divisions, fuel hate and instill fear. This can’t be allowed to continue.

Right now, we are struggling with everything and anything education, school fees and teachers conditions of service, doctors, water, electricity, transport and social service delivery in general

People have been impoverished beyond measure, no jobs, no income, no lights, no water, no fuel, prices are escalating while incomes are plunging. It’s just hell on earth, a beautiful country and hitherto relatively prosperous country turned into a hellhole by a failed, rogue and corrupt politics and policies.

THIS IS THE SIGNAL!

The old order has failed to bring forth the new. They have shown that they possess neither the appetite nor capacity to change. They’re vacuous. Their politics is vapid, insipid and out of time.

To place any hope on the past and on yesterday’s people is an act of cruelty and a betrayal of our children’s future.

• The old order is struggling on the governance and legitimacy fronts.

• The old order is struggling on the re-engagement front.
• The old order is struggling on the national convergence platform.

• The old older is struggling on the economic front.
• The old order is struggling on the policy FORMULATION AND IMPLEMENTATION fronts.

• The old order is struggling on the credibility and integrity fronts.

THIS IS THE SIGNAL!

So the ridiculous slogans about a new dispensation, open for business and second republic this and that have been shown to be superficial rhetoric and delusions of clueless regime now muddling through on the basis of directionless experimentalism hoping that somewhere along the way it will stumble on solutions to our problem. That’s not how things work. We need serious and competent leadership with a clear vision and pathway forward through structured reform, re-engagement and talks

THIS IS THE SIGNAL

We have heard you ask time and time again. What are you doing to provide an alternative, and I say to you again, we are the people’s leadership. We hold within us your deep desire for change. We are the unfulfilled expression of the people’s true will. We are you. It is you who voted for us. You, whose vote was stolen in 2018. You who WE will continue to fight with, side by side.

We will act, we will LEAD AND REPRESENT, we will speak up in parliament, we will challenge unlawfulness, we will work in every community. We will not betray the people’s vote nor let their voice be silenced. This is our Agenda in 2020.

We will walk the path of resistance. We are emboldened and resolved. Come what may. We will not be intimidated.

It is time to fight for the Zimbabwe we want and have so rightly dreamed of and worked for. In 2020 we will focus our efforts on the people’s fight:

1.The fight for a people’s government, reforms and return to legitimacy.
2.The fight for a better life, dignity and livelihoods.
3.The fight against corruption.
4.The fight for rights, freedoms, security of persons and rule of law.
5.The fight in defense of the constitution and constitutionalism.

Breaking Barriers Initiative (BBI)

This year, 2020, is the people’s year to start the people’s decade.

It is the year of the people’s action.

This is the year when something must and will give. This year is our revolutionary moment.

A new page must be turned in the making of a new Zimbabwe, whose journey was started by the MDC when the glorious movement of the people first entered Parliament in 2000. But for us to turn the required page in 2020, we must extend our hand, our open hand of peace, of democracy, of human rights and of sustainable development; to our neighbours, friends, comrades and compatriots.

The change we have sought as the MDC is not change for us as a political party but change for us as Zimbabweans. That is why we have become a people’s movement. Our political party is an instrument for change meant to benefit each and every Zimbabwean regardless of who they are, their station in life, their tribe, their national origin, their totem or even their political affiliation.

In order for the people to stamp their authority on 2020 as the people’s year to kick start the people’s decade, it is important for us to understand that where and when the people have spoken, as they did on 30 July 2018, the people must act to implement what they have said.

Politics is not about words but about action. In the best political traditions, praxis, that is action, has always defined politics. This is an existential truth. That is why, in the final analysis, we are judged not by what we say but by what we do or do not do. It is the sins of commission and omission that shall follow us.

As we christen 2020, the year of the people’s action, I’m happy to announce the launch today of the Breaking Barriers Initiative (BBI), from my office as MDC president, designed to enable the people of Zimbabwe from across the full political spectrum of our nation to act together, support each other and speak with one voice beyond political boundaries and divisions created by the mashurugwi regime which have built artificial barriers between and among Zimbabweans.

Our BBI seeks to bridge and break the negative barriers that have developed between and among us Zimbabweans over the last 40 years, and which have thus come in the way of real change, especially over the last two decades, to the detriment of the people and the advantage of the regime’s merchants of division.

The BBI has the following objectives:

• Foster and engender the development, articulation and celebration of a community-based, dynamic, multicultural, multi-ethnic, multiracial, multilingual, multi-religious, intergenerational and progressive national identity of being a Zimbabwean which has an inclusive spirit de corps;

• Facilitate structured and inclusive conversations among Zimbabweans on their welfare, well-being, livelihoods, national interest and priorities on such issues as infrastructural development, food security, job creation, water and sanitation;

• Create local and national platforms for common action in the defence of the rule of law, human rights and basic freedoms for all Zimbabweans;

• Support the development, incubation and promotion of technological and engineering solutions to fight and eradicate poverty, hunger and disease in the country; and,

• Promote the teaching, learning and application of Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics STEM in primary, secondary, tertiary and university education to empower the youth, develop a knowledge-based and technological driven economy, Artificial Intelligence, machine learning and propel Zimbabwe into the fourth industrial revolution.

• Engage Zimbabwe’s friends and cooperating partners in the international community to rationalise their humanitarian support and developmental projects to ensure they benefit the people of Zimbabwe in their communities.

These objectives are not exhaustive but are illustrative of some of the work proposed to be done under the BBI to address the people’s aspirations as an expression of the people’s year of action. To move the BBI forward, there are three important action issues that must be addressed urgently, and these are:

• Safeguarding the people’s livelihoods;
• Restoring legality and legitimacy; and,
• Asserting the people’s sovereignty.

Safeguarding People’s Livelihoods
Fundamental to all politics is the livelihood question: are people able to put food on the table for their families; do people have a roof over their heads; are people able to send their children to school; and basically, are people able to live? For an overwhelming majority of Zimbabweans, the answer is a resounding no.

In addition to threatening to cut, and actually cutting, the lives of some Zimbabweans short while endangering others, the Mashurugwi regime has virtually destroyed the livelihoods of Zimbabweans, with most no longer able to make ends meet and others living from hand to mouth. The regime’s delinquent economic policies that have destroyed the multicurrency system, adopted a Zimdollar that is not available and is presiding over an economic meltdown with the second highest inflation in the world after Maduro’s Venezuela, have impoverished everyone save for the mashurugwi cabal and its filthy rich cronies who have used corrupt schemes like command agriculture to buy overseas based private jets and to import luxury vehicles like Lexuses, Bentleys and Lamborghinis for themselves, their wives and children and unashamedly splashing ill-gotten opulence in a country that has become a poverty AND HUNGER desert.

The people have spoken enough about and against this scourge which has come about at the expense of their destroyed livelihoods. Enough is enough. This year, in 2020, the people will speak through action, against the scourge and in defence of their right to their livelihoods, which they must now begin to reconstruct for themselves and their families. In this regard, and as part of BBI, I will stand with the people and act together with them in defence of their livelihoods under the MDC’s Agenda 2020.

Restoring Legality and Legitimacy

The collapse of the people’s livelihoods, destroyed by the mashurugwi regime, is directly linked to and is a consequence of Mr. Emmerson Mnangagwa’s illegitimacy and, arising from that illegitimacy, the illegality of the framework and actions of his administration.

It is now common cause that the 2018 presidential election was stolen. The most damning and unimpeachable evidence of the audacious electoral theft has been exposed to be in the report on the 2018 harmonised elections compiled by the Zimbabwe Electoral Commission (ZEC) and tabled before the National Assembly in Parliament on 27 June 2019 by justice minister Ziyambi Ziyambi.

This is a matter that must be of great concern to everyone, especially the voters who voted in the 2018 presidential election – not just the 2,6 million who voted for me – but all the voters who are committed to the holding of free and fair elections in accordance with the Constitution of Zimbabwe.

Section 67(1)(a) and (b) of the Constitution, dealing with political rights, provides that:

Every Zimbabwean citizen has the right—

(a) to free, fair and regular elections for any elective public office established in terms of this Constitution or any other law; and

(b) to make political choices freely.

While the Constitutional Court made its determination of the application I initiated challenging the controversial ZEC declaration and announcement of Mr. Emmerson Mnangagwa, as the winner of the 2018 presidential election, and while we respected that decision as we disagreed with it, there’s now a new development after the case, coming from ZEC itself, which shows beyond any argument or doubt that the results of the 2018 presidential election were transmitted, captured and collated unlawfully, improperly and irregularly as to void the election and invalidate any result that was declared and announced following the unlawful, improper and irregular transmission, capture and collation of the results from the country’s 1,985 ward centres to ZEC’s national command centre in Harare.

The compelling evidence of how the presidential election was rigged by ZEC, is enough for anyone and all of the 2,6 million voters who cast their vote for me to go to court on grounds that their political rights enshrined in s67(1) of the Constitution were violated. There’s also now a clear and present basis for taking the matter of the 2018 presidential election to the African Court on Human and Peoples Rights. Such actions would be well within the BBI, as an expression of the people’s action to restore legality and legitimacy under the MDC’s Agenda 2020.

Those who say the 2018 presidential election should be forgotten about, and focus should now be on 2023, ain’t seen nothing yet. It’s them who should forget about covering up the giant 2018 election fraud. Especially now that ZEC itself has, perhaps inadvertently or even mischievously, come out with incontrovertible evidence that election was not conducted in substantial compliance with the law. So, first things must come first. There will be no 2023 election without resolving the 2018 election. Looking ahead to 2023, the most important electoral reform is the resolution of the 2018 presidential election. A critical and unavoidable starting point is the resignation of all ZEC commissioners and management team which is infested with seconded military, intelligence and police operatives, masquerading as politically neutral professionals when their remit is to rig elections for Zanu PF.

Asserting People’s Sovereignty

The bedrock of the BBI, and the Nation’s Agenda 2020 on the basis of which the people will speak through actions for change, is that the people have awoken to the truth that, in terms of the new Constitution adopted by the people in a referendum in 2013, sovereignty belongs to the people, and not to the State or its institutions and agencies. This is why s88(1) of the Constitution provides that “executive authority derives from the people of Zimbabwe”; s117(1) says legislative authority of Zimbabwe is derived from the people, and s162 stipulates that “judicial authority derives from the people of Zimbabwe”.

These are important constitutional imperatives whose import is that national sovereignty belongs to the people by virtue of the constitutional provisions that derive executive authority, legislative authority and judicial authority from the people.

When the institutions, agencies or offices to whom the people have vested their executive authority, legislative authority or judiciary authority; as has happened with regard to the stolen 2018 presidential election, the failure to hold accountable those behind the violent brutalisation of citizens on 1 August 2018 and between 14 and 28 January 2019; along with the destruction and erosion of the people’s livelihoods, leave the people with no constitutional choice but to assert their sovereignty.

The people have a constitutional right to directly exercise their executive authority, legislative authority and judicial authority when those vested with such authority, abdicate or repudiate their constitutional responsibilities and obligations.

Triple Action for Change

In summary, the BBI under the Nation’s Agenda 2020 translates into a model of triple action for the people to mark 2020 as the year of the people and to start the new decade as the people’s decade through revolutionary actions for change, in accordance with the Constitution of Zimbabwe.

The long and short of it is that enough is enough. A lot of damage has been done to Zimbabwe and Zimbabweans in the name of the State. There’s a difference of night and day between officeholders and the State. In a constitutional democracy, such as ours should be, the State belongs to the people, as its creators; it does not belong to its officeholders.

Ours is a National democratic struggle whose success depends on nationwide transformation and reform, Ours is a National Democratic struggle whose main facets entail different zones of struggle.

THE BATTLEFRONTS

1.Leading the struggle -The Party modernization Agenda

The party held a successful congress in 2019, ushering in new and dynamic leadership with a range of skills and competencies.

Your movement remains strong.
We have a clear ideology and a passion for change that puts the people first.
We have structures across Zimbabwe.
We have growing membership in every village, farm, township and suburb.
We have good leadership team.
We have sound, realistic policies.

Our vision is clear.

The people’s party was born out of the working-class and working people’s struggles, toil and sweat.

The people’s party has had 21 years of resilience, service and sacrifice. We continue to stand strong on the foundations of our birth and our hopes for the future. We have survived all manner of mischief because the people’s cause cannot be killed. It survives at the will of the people.

We have entered a period of renewal. Renovating our systems. Reviving our culture of excellence and sharpening our strategy.

We are taking the fight for democracy deep into the rural areas. Rural development is not an option but a necessity. In 2020 we will focus our efforts on securing rural development as a key pillar for national transformation.

We are working to revamp party administration, party communications, party discipline, funding, community projects and party candidate selection rules to make them more efficient, transparent and people-centred.

We will continue visiting and supporting political prisoners and their families.

We will also focus on the survivors of political violence and maintain a roll of honour for those who have died in the struggle for change.

We will emphasize the supremacy of strong, active grass-root structures across the country.

We are, and must be, trusted leaders of society. Fit and proper to provide everyday answers to everyday problems. Our leaders and representatives must be different, accessible, available, able, credible, dependable, reliable.

We will put more emphasis on fundraising and mobilization strategies guided by principles of accountability and transparency. We will also make party membership easier using modern systems of online registration and robust performance contracts, monitoring and evaluation frameworks for its leaders and members.

2.The Parliamentary Agenda

Fellow Zimbabweans, as part of Agenda 2020, we will deepen our role in Parliament. In 2019, our Members of Parliament continued to work hard under difficult conditions on behalf of the citizens we represent.

Our refusal to recognise illegitimacy has not compromised our mandate in Parliament. The state propaganda machine will have you believing that the MDC has abandoned the peoples’ cause. The reality is we continue to fight for transparency and accountability.

Fighting illegitimacy does not undermine our work. In all things the needs of the citizens come first. Restoring legitimacy and credibility to our executive is key among them. True change demands both electoral and perfomance legitimacy.

We are not walking out on our work. The work of our portfolio committees continues without forgetting our longer term goal of fighting for reform.

We fought a spirited battle against the adoption of the Maintenance of Peace and Order Act. This is just another POSA, if not worse in some aspects. We stood on principle. We will work harder and smarter to highlight our Member of Parliament’s contribution in various committees and portfolios.

In Parliament, we will fight even harder for the Diaspora vote. Not only was this promised to this nation, but it is the right of every citizen. My opposite number in Zanu PF made various assurances while on the election campign trail and even after in 2018 that once elections were concluded, mechanisms would be put in place to ensure the diaspora vote. To date, no steps have been taken to make this a reality. They are quick to look for diaspora money and skills but show no interest in giving the diaspora their right to truly influence the direction of Zimbabwe.

This is simply another of many examples of a tragic and failed leadership.

The party will use parliament as a theatre of struggle for a better life for Zimbabweans, struggle for democracy.

We will strengthen our debating capacity, ensuring that we have more motions that are people-centred and focus on peoples every day issues above all else.

We’ll build the capacities of our MPs through a parliamentary research unit to improve the quality of debates and contributions.

We will introduce performance scorecards for our MPs and mandatory regular Constituency Feedback Meetings will be implemented to ensure that parliamentary debate is truly representative of the communities we serve.

I am calling each and every one of you to action in your community. We have no government. The development of our communities is now left to us.

Get in touch with your local councillor, find your Member of Parliament. If there are community interventions you are interested in supporting, get involved. None but ourselves will reverse the under-development that our country continues to face. We cannot outsource this function to development partners. We can work with them, but there can be no development of Zimbabwe without us as Zimbabweans determining and driving our own agenda.

3.Local Authorities Agenda

Those who meddle in the game of propaganda want to tell you that service delivery is failing because of the MDC. They want you to believe that every problem under the sun belongs to us because they have failed.

We are going to launch the smart cities policy document that will focus on how we govern differently detailing issues to the local authority’s service delivery, infrastructure, the vision of the city.

We are also going to launch the smart villages policy that will entail our model smart homesteads smart sources of energy solar for each rural home borehole per village infrastructure for villages, schools, bridges, etc.

We are also going the emphasize on proper and true devolution, and a people-centered devolution bill in line with the spirit in the constitution.

We continue to work under sabotage. The Ministry of Local Government still appoints all town clerks, CEOs and other officials. This means they continue to sabotage our efforts for change. Government still approves and limits our budgets. We are not able to determine rates leaving us unable to make enough money to provide adequate services. We are also not exempt from very real consequences of the prevailing economic environment where sourcing forex for goods and services such as water chemicals and road equipment etc. is difficult and dependent on the charity of the Ministry of Finance. The system is broken.

Despite that we will make a greater effort in professionalising service delivery and community development.

We will work to remove the bottlenecks compromising service delivery, in particular:

• Giving procurement to local authorities as opposed to local government.

• Moving joint ventures powers back to council and away from central government.

• Removing the approval of the budget from central government in particular the local authority and residents.

• Stopping unconstitutional ministerial directives and political interference from central government.

• Removing hiring and firing of senior employees or staff in local authorities from the local government.

We will take a no nonsense approach to dealing with integrity, excellence and accountability to cleanse our leadership against corruption and incompetence in the zones we lead.

I am awaiting verified feedback from the Integrity and Accountability Panel, led by Advocate Thabani Mpofu. This panel’s work is to position our councils according to expected and acceptable standards of excellence. The corrupt will be identified and removed from office.
2020 will not be an ordinary year. It will be a year of action. Collective action.

4.Electoral Agenda

Over the years, our elections have been a bloody affair. But for us, life is more precious than politics, blood is more precious than power. No drop of blood must be lost on account of politics or elections in Zimbabwe.

As you all know, we have had a number of by elections which have been manipulated to produce a predetermined outcome.

It’s a myth that the cheating Zanu PF wins and is popular in the rural areas. What is fact is that Zanu PF cheats more in the rural areas using intimidation, fear, disinformation and food as political weapons. We must stop the cheating.

There must be a link between the delimitation process and census data to ensure transparently and a level playing field to avoid gerrymandering or manipulation of boundaries.

The Zimbabwe electoral commission must be revamped and have professional secretaries who are independent before and non-partisan.

We want a raft of electoral reforms in line with the recommendations of the International election observer mission reports as detailed in our RELOAD document we recently launched in 2019.

We are going to launch our alternative electoral bill detailing the reforms Zimbabweans are demanding. This bill is ready and has already been finalized by our elections department.

5.Governance Agenda: Re-imagining the State

The security of persons and national peace are very important to us. We take note of the lawlessness seeping through society through the activities of state protected machete gangs. No amount of propaganda can change the fact that these gangs are as a result of the lawlessness and selective application of the law that has been taken over the country.

The individuals concerned are well known in their communities. The shops and factories manufacturing the machetes and other instruments of destruction that they are using are well known. Under these circumstances, it beholds reason why they are not being brought to account.
We place the birth and origin of these machete yielding characters squarely at the doors of the elites in violent Zanu PF functionaries who in any event are the holders of the gold claims that these groups were originally created to defend.

There is a need to inquire on the circumstances of how they were born and created as well as to compensate the victims including families that have lost their loved ones. This is why, we propose the setting up of a judicial commission of inquiry into this issue as a matter of urgency.

Security services

Let me be categoric about the security services, a new government that I wil lead will not temper with the military or security services, they are not the problem. We will avail the right politics and a conducive environment for our men and women in uniform to shine and excel, a task which they know best.

A legitimate Government will have no need to use the security services against its own citizens.

Our military and security services should be well fed and resourced, it is cruel to neglect the welfare of our defenders of the nation.

Ensuring the independence of institutions is a must in creating the Zimbabwe we want. At the present moment our institutions are crippled by a lack of budgetary support and excessive executive interference.

State capture has eroded most of our institutions. We therefore put firmly the proposal that the independence of institutions in Zimbabwe must be at the fore of any progressive reform agenda.

In this respect, the following Chapter 12 institutions must be prioritised: The Zimbabwe Media Commission, the Zimbabwe Human Rights Commission, Zimbabwe Anti-Corruption Commission, and the National Peace and Reconciliation Commission. These play a key role in safeguarding our democracy.

6.Constitutional Agenda

In December 2019, the government of the day gazetted Constitutional Amendment No 2 – HB23/2019.
The Bill proposes a raft of amendments to the Zimbabwean Constitution.

The Constitutional Amendment in the main seeks to restore the Imperial Presidency that we thought we had dealt with decisively in 2013 through the approval in a referendum of a new constitution.

Any Constitutional Amendment must be negotiated like the old constitution itself. We are seeing a self-serving decision to personalise the State through unnecessary Constitutional amendments.
The country is plagued by pressing issues which require measured and visionary leadership.

Instead we have those obsessed with consolidating personal power. They told the world that reforms take time. But when it comes to changing laws for their own selfish ends, they are fast.

The calls for the alignment of the constitution must ring louder than before. There should be no amendment to the people’s contract without first aligning the constitution –Alignment not amendment.

7.The Economic Agenda

The Economist’s Intelligence Unit expects inflation to average 165.5% in 2020, owing to shortages of basic goods and US dollars and sustained currency weakness. The ongoing drought will continue to constrain exports and necessitate imports in 2020.

Unemployment and joblessness remain a palpable threat to national security. Government is best that governs least. Governments don’t run companies. The best they can do is to govern and create a conducive environment for ease of doing business.

Modern defense, is not in military in nature but economic. A functioning economy is the strongest defense force for any nation.

We must return to basics.

It is important that measures be undertaken to encourage massive productivity to drag the economy out of recession. Attracting investment will be critical and to do so Zimbabwe’s ease of doing business must be attended to.

The Zimbabwean economy is in a tailspin suffocating from massive headwinds across all sectors of the economy.

The economy is not performing and therefore the country is suffering from the twin deficits of democratic legitimacy and performance legitimacy. Without these two ingredients, that constitute two ingredients of the Social Contract, the state can implode at any moment and that is why it is essential to create a soft landing through national dialogue.

Macroeconomic Stability

In the past few years, the economy has embarked on an expansionary fiscal policy characterised by huge budget deficits and excessive expenditure. We propose that fiscal consolidation must be pursued and that we should live within our means – We eat what we kill.

The Public Finance Management Act must be amended to prescribe the issuance of TBs. More importantly if government is to borrow, such borrowing should not exceed 3 percent of GDP.

Monetary Policy and Exchange Rate

In February 2019 through SI 33 of 2019, the government introduced the Zimbabwe dollars. The sudden introduction of the Zim dollar was irrational. It is not possible to issue a currency and expect that currency to survive without attending to the fundamentals. We have seen the local currency loosing value thereby undermining savings and investments. We propose therefore the repeal of SI142 of 2019, and the Finance Act number 2 of 2019. In short, we propose the redollarization of the economy in the immediate short term. In the mid-term, Zimbabwe has no choice but to join the Rand Monetary Union.

The Zimbabwean economy is so integrated with the South African economy which is its largest trading partner, due to the high cost structure imposed by the USD.

Inflation:

The mismanagement of monetary policy, the creation of money by the RBZ, an expansionary fiscal policy and the creation of treasury bills have all contributed to the return of hyperinflation in Zimbabwe. Zimbabwe’s rate of inflation standing unofficially at 700 percent and officially at 402 percent is now the second highest in the world.

Inflation needs to be addressed by a cocktail of measures which include fiscal consolidation, macroeconomic stability and proscription of the Reserve Bank’s rogue money printing activities.
Having gone through the sludge of inflation in 2008 it is not acceptable that the present government has allowed hyperinflation to bounce back, the current situation is an indictment against the present regime.

Dealing with Debt

Zimbabwe’s huge debt, upward of $11 billion to International Financial Institutions and the Paris Club of Lenders, as well as more than $18 billion of domestic debt continues to be a challenge.

Zimbabwe at this point is a failed state, there is no way to beat about the bush. It is a state that needs business rescue. That requires not only developmental funding to be made available, but equally for debt payments to be suspended for a period of 5-10 years to allow the critical work of national rebuilding to truly occur. Some kind of a negotiated debt moratorium.

Corruption

Zimbabwe has risen dramatically on the global Anti-Corruption Index. Recent work in the Public Accounts Committee has unearthed massive corruption done through the Ministry of the Finance itself.

In 2017 treasury without supporting vouchers siphoned off USD 2,9 billion ostensibly to Command Agriculture. This is captured in the Auditor General’s report. The same report of that same year shows that USD 3,3 billion was siphoned outside parliament and public finance management regulations again channelled towards command agriculture.

Immediate action must be taken to ensure that state sanctioned looting does not happen again.

The Plight of Workers

The average worker in Zimbabwe faces unmitigated suffering. Since January 2019, the Zimbabwean dollar has lost 85% of its value thereby effectively devaluing the wage of the worker. As this has been happening, massive inflation has also short up which is now in access of 700%.

The MDC thus supports, the call for a living wage being made by unions and indeed supports, the introduction of a US$ wage in respect of all civil servants and workers in the private sector.

Such a call, is consistent with our demand that Si142/2019 must be repealed and that the country must effectively redollarise.

This is the only way forward.

We will also support the call by the unions for collective job action to protect their positions.

Power and Energy

The shortage of both fuel and electricity has become a human rights issue. Zimbabwe has moved from a situation where on average 18 hour power cuts were being experienced to a situation where there are now total power blackouts in many areas of Zimbabwe.

The Constitution protects the Right to Human Dignity in Section 50. Our current power crisis is indeed an infringement of the right to human dignity and indeed the right to life.

We propose that the government must immediately scrape the huge subsidies of almost US$70 million per month that they are dishing out to cartels in the form of Trafigura and Sakunda.

The fuel subsidies should then be used to import at least 400 megawatts of energy from Eskom or HBC in Mozambique. In the long-term we propose that 2000 megawatts of energy must be found particularly from Hwange 7 and 8. We need to focus on renewable energy, methane gas and the potential 30 or so hydro stations in Manicaland. This exercise will require massive capital and therefore the resolution of Zimbabwe’s economic crisis is imperative to national development and the restoration of human dignity.

In a nutshell, A raft of measures are therefore urgent and important;
– Decisively dealing with corruption
– Fixing politics, restoring confidence and trust.
– Getting Zimbabwe to be a productive country
– Push up the productivity capacity
– Clear Vision, plans, the best people to do the job with clear KPIs.
– Strong institutions
– Dealing with livelihoods
– Smart infrastructure in particular, smart energy and alternative energy sources
– Dollarization and a basket of currencies
– Workers salaries and civil servants wages must be paid in US dollars
– Dealing with the debt crisis through HIPC
– Fees must fall
– Prices must fall

8.The Agricultural Agenda

In 2020, we face one of the most difficult years we have ever faced as a nation. The World Food Programme says Zimbabwe is one of its 2020 hunger hotspots. This is painful to every Zimbabwean, because we know we should not be in this position. We used to feed the entire region. Today we are one of the world’s biggest beggars. It is a failure to lead that brought us here.

Yes, we have a drought. We salute all the partners working to help our people. However, what kills people is not the drought, it is a failure to prepare. A failure to prepare, is a failure to lead. When people in a country as rich as ours go to bed hungry, there has been a failure to lead.

Our country is not a desert. Droughts have always been there. Having a drought is not the issue but having a drought without A plan is problematic.

If 4.1 million of your own people have to be fed by donors, while you live in luxury, there has been leadership failure. When children in a country as rich as ours are dropping out of school because they are hungry, there has been a failure to lead. When the whole country has been overtaken by violent thugs, raping women and killing each other in the mines, with no action being taken, there has been a failure to lead.

Thanks to an ecosystem of unpreparedness and lack of planning, Zimbabwe finds itself in the middle of a humanitarian crisis that the World Food Programme has described as the worst in the world.

5.5 million people are in a critical vulnerable food status across the length and breadth of the country. At the same time, as the food situation worsens, Zanu PF has privatised the distribution of food in many parts of rural Zimbabwe.

The weaponisation of food must stop and stop as a matter of urgency.

Meanwhile, as MDC we will engage the international community with a bid to ensure that the humanitarian crisis is mitigated and social safety nets are provided for. We will prioritize green and climate smart agriculture with an emphasis irrigation and issues of titles for land.

Land

Zimbabwe is for all of us. This county and this land is for all us.

Land is owned b the people of Zimbabwe. No political party owns land.

We will invest in irrigation schemes after giving new farmers title deeds.

9. The Social and Humanitarian Agenda

Health
– We will push for the 15% health support in line with the Abuja declaration.

Education

We will push for the implementation of the DAKAR FRAMEWORK 22% budget support instead of the 13 % of the budget dedicated to education.

Investing in the Youth

– We must pursue a quota system for our youth and create equal opportunities for all.

10.The Political Agenda – Resolving the Political Crisis

Giving peace a chance
Our crisis is a crisis of governance born out of a legitimacy crisis because of the rigged, stolen and disputed 2018 election. There is no credible future election without the resolution of the disputed election. The result of 2018 must be respected.

We must return to legitimacy and democracy. Zimbabwe must have a political dialogue that is credible and genuine underwritten by the international community to facilitate a transitional authority that will pave way for reforms. The National Transition Authority is the appropriate vehicle to turnaround this country.

In 2019, we published our RELOAD document the crux of which was essentially to give peace a chance. In that document we made it clear that the resolution of the Zimbabwean crisis require dialogue, which we were to push through political pressure in all legitimate forms. The basis and purpose of that pressure was to force the government of the day, to agree to dialogue focused on Comprehensive Reforms to be implemented through a National Transitional Mechanism.

The reality on the ground is that more than two years after November 2017, and more than 18 months after the 30 July 2018 election, time is running out for Zimbabwe.

Impatience engulfs the nation and the real danger is that all and sundry will be engulfed by forces and processes that are intolerant to the continued reproduction of the terrible status quo.

We remain committed to genuine dialogue. Our position will not change. What we want is useful dialogue. It is not dialogue for the purposes of accomodation, photo opportunities or political expediency.

We are a party that has learnt that the people’s struggle must not be hijacked by incomplete or captured processes that provide limited relief, improper answers and imperfect temporary remedies.

We reiterate our position that dialogue must lead to a transitional mechanism that stops the country’s slide towards total collapse. This must be followed by genuine reforms and free elections.

The Case for a Transitional National Authority: The Road to Credibility

Our opponents like to call us names. But they cannot change facts.

Our country did better when the MDC was in Government. What more if we are the government!

When we entered the GNU, inflation had reached 500 billion percent. By the time the GNU ended in 2013, inflation was just 1.63%. As soon as ZanuPF was left to run the economy, inflation started rising. Annual inflation is now over 480%. They are now trying to hide the figure.

You only have to look at your standard of living to know this truth. In 2012, a teacher was earning US300. It was not much, but they could afford basics. They could send their children to school. Today, that same teacher is being paid the equivalent of about US$40.

Before GNU, the economy shrunk 16.5% in 2008. Under GNU, the economy grew by:
• 5.4% in 2009, 11.4% in 2010, 9.3% in 2011, and 10.6% in 2012.
As soon as GNU ended, economy grew just 2.4% in 2014. In 2019, the economy fell 7.5%.

These are facts.

Fellow Zimbabweans,
Our country is at a crossroads. We stand where they stood, lets make history. Get involved.
We are the biggest shareholders of this country as citizens.

Zimbabwe was taken away from us. It must be brought back or we claim it with urgency. Freedom is not a distant phenomenon. Freedom is not far away from us. It is next to us, within is and around us. There is no greater power than a people united!

Freedom must come. If doesn’t come we must bring it. We are its vehicles and conveyancers.

If not you, then who?

Power is not somewhere remote. Power is within us, the people!

We have heard you cry for action. Action is not the responsibility of one person. Do not allow individuals to personalise the struggle for freedom. Stand with us to restore this country. It is time pull together to mend the social fabric that has been torn apart by this tragic failure of leadership.

Fellow citizens,

I would like to assure every person who has ever put their faith in this movement that we will not abandon the cause. The path ahead may seem unclear, but we are resolved and continue to work tirelessly to bring about change that transforms the lives of every woman, man and child who belongs to this soil.

Ours is an inter-generational mandate that requires each individual to look inside themselves and ask what action they can make to harness the winds of change. The time is now. If we are to achieve freedom, prosperity and equal opportunity the we have to act as one, individually and collectively.

We must be not only be bold in pointing out our problems but brave enough in solving them.

The road that lies ahead is not an easy one. There are no quick fixes. None but ourselves will deliver the change that we want.

The state of our nation is the signal. Zanu PF has given us the signal. Our pain and suffering is too much. This is the signal. Change starts with you and me. It’s time to answer the call.

We will conquer. We will win.

Isaiah 58: 12

“Your people will rebuild the ancient ruins;
you will restore the age-old foundations;
you will be called Repairer of the Breach,
Restorer of the Streets of Dwelling.”

God Bless You!
God Bless Zimbabwe.

By A Correspondent- The Supreme Court has ruled that all debts incurred before the 22nd of February 2019 shall be settled in the local currency on a one to one basis in line with the Statutory Instrument 33 of 2019.

The judgement was made by Chief Justice Luke Malaba together with Justice Susan Mavingira and Justice Nicholas Mathonsi in an appeal case involving Zambezi Gas Zimbabwe (Pvt) LTD against V.N.R.Barber and the Sherriff of Zimbabwe.

Zambezi Gas Zimbabwe had appealed against a High Court judgement which instructed the gas company to pay a debt using the date’s interbank rate in May 2018 and not 1:1 which was effected in 2019.

The court heard that V.B.R Barber offered services to Zambezi Gas Zimbabwe services in May 2018 charged at US$3 885 000.00. Following the promulgation of S.I 33 of May 2019, Zambezi Gas, paid RTGS$ 4 136 806.54, to V.B.R. Barber, being debt plus interest.

V.B.N Barber then approached the High Court to force Zambezi Gas to pay an additional US$ 3 992 018.31 arguing that RTGS$ 4 136 806.54 Zambezi Gas had paid was equivalent to US$144 778.23 as per the payment date’s interbank rate in May.

Chief Justice Malaba, however, ruled that the payment of Rtgs$ 4 136 806.54 made by the Zambezi Gas was in full and final settlement of the debt in terms of Section 4(1) (d) of the Statutory Instrument 33 of 2019.

-StateMedia

Luke Tamborinyoka, the Deputy Spokesperson of the MDC led by Nelson Chamisa has issued a statement apologising over the harassment of journalist Robert Tapfumaneyi.

We present the statement in full below.

Dear colleagues. My sincerest apologies over the way Robert Tapfumaneyi has been treated by our overzealous security personnel. I sincerely and profusely apologise on behalf of the MDC which does not condone such dastardly acts. I have engaged and personally spoken and apologised to Robert about the whole event. In the meantime, I am engaging the security department so that stern action is taken against the responsible individuals.

Fellow Zimbabweans, Your Excellencies, Members of the Diplomatic Community, Honourable Members of Parliament, Mayors and Councillors, distinguished guests, ladies and gentlemen, it is an honour for me to present AGENDA 2020 which defines the year 2020 as the decisive year for dealing with the broad challenges facing the nation.

Today we gather here at Stodart Hall in Mbare, this great place of history, a place of hope and inspiration which has served as a revolutionary springboard for many of our country’s nationalist trailblazers, religious torchbearers as well as sports and artistic luminaries among many other leading lights who have, over the years, scaled the heights as the “Class of Stodart Hall”, in search of a Zimbabwe that the people want but which remains a pipe dream TO BE PURSUED, BUT YET TO BE ATTAINED.

Because we are meeting in January and given that it is our first time to do so this year, let me take this opportunity to extend to everyone compliments of the new year.
But as I do so, I’m alive to the fact that compliments of the new year have already been superseded by complications of the last year, which have followed us into the new year; and which are standing in the way of any prospect for a happy and prosperous year for Zimbabweans.

This year, 2020, is an important year not least because it marks the end of a decade and the start of a new one. Over the last decade, and indeed over the last two decades, Zimbabweans have not been able to realistically wish each other a happy and prosperous new year, with any credibility. The last decade, and the one before it, have seen the destruction of happiness and prosperity in our country in ways that are unprecedented.

Throughout the last decade, Zimbabweans have moved from one year to another, on a wing and a prayer while plunging from crisis to crisis and darkness to darkness, with oppression and the brutal denial of basic human rights as the order of the day.

We declare 2020 a year of breakthrough in reclaiming the people’s victory and 2020-2030 a decade of hope rapid radical transformation.

In March 1997 Zimbabwe launched Vision 2020. Vision 2020 promised:
• Housing for all by 2020,
• Healthcare for all by 2020,
• Education for all by 2020, and
• Jobs for all by 2020

Today we have none of all the promises THAT 2020 is upon us. As sure as the sunrise, time has come to test our resolve and has found us wanting.

We have no healthcare, no housing, no universal education and no jobs. 23 years later we have a rapidly deteriorating healthcare system where doctors have to protest for medicines and equipment and where teachers cannot afford to send their own children to school.

We have a beautiful AND RICH country, with talented people and a wealth of natural resources. Ours is ONLY a failure of leadership.

The Zimbabwe of today is the product of and an expression of poor leadership. The crisis in Zimbabwe is man-made. We are a broken and divided nation, led through fear, governed by force and ruled through violence.

Man-made poverty is being used as a tool of repression and oppression, while poverty has been weaponised to enrich a few. Food continues to be used as a political weapon to sow divisions, fuel hate and instill fear. This can’t be allowed to continue.

Right now, we are struggling with everything and anything education, school fees and teachers conditions of service, doctors, water, electricity, transport and social service delivery in general

People have been impoverished beyond measure, no jobs, no income, no lights, no water, no fuel, prices are escalating while incomes are plunging. It’s just hell on earth, a beautiful country and hitherto relatively prosperous country turned into a hellhole by a failed, rogue and corrupt politics and policies.

THIS IS THE SIGNAL!

The old order has failed to bring forth the new. They have shown that they possess neither the appetite nor capacity to change. They’re vacuous. Their politics is vapid, insipid and out of time.

To place any hope on the past and on yesterday’s people is an act of cruelty and a betrayal of our children’s future.

• The old order is struggling on the governance and legitimacy fronts.

• The old order is struggling on the re-engagement front.
• The old order is struggling on the national convergence platform.

• The old older is struggling on the economic front.
• The old order is struggling on the policy FORMULATION AND IMPLEMENTATION fronts.

• The old order is struggling on the credibility and integrity fronts.

THIS IS THE SIGNAL!

So the ridiculous slogans about a new dispensation, open for business and second republic this and that have been shown to be superficial rhetoric and delusions of clueless regime now muddling through on the basis of directionless experimentalism hoping that somewhere along the way it will stumble on solutions to our problem. That’s not how things work. We need serious and competent leadership with a clear vision and pathway forward through structured reform, re-engagement and talks

THIS IS THE SIGNAL

We have heard you ask time and time again. What are you doing to provide an alternative, and I say to you again, we are the people’s leadership. We hold within us your deep desire for change. We are the unfulfilled expression of the people’s true will. We are you. It is you who voted for us. You, whose vote was stolen in 2018. You who WE will continue to fight with, side by side.

We will act, we will LEAD AND REPRESENT, we will speak up in parliament, we will challenge unlawfulness, we will work in every community. We will not betray the people’s vote nor let their voice be silenced. This is our Agenda in 2020.

We will walk the path of resistance. We are emboldened and resolved. Come what may. We will not be intimidated.

It is time to fight for the Zimbabwe we want and have so rightly dreamed of and worked for. In 2020 we will focus our efforts on the people’s fight:

1.The fight for a people’s government, reforms and return to legitimacy.
2.The fight for a better life, dignity and livelihoods.
3.The fight against corruption.
4.The fight for rights, freedoms, security of persons and rule of law.
5.The fight in defense of the constitution and constitutionalism.

Breaking Barriers Initiative (BBI)

This year, 2020, is the people’s year to start the people’s decade.

It is the year of the people’s action.

This is the year when something must and will give. This year is our revolutionary moment.

A new page must be turned in the making of a new Zimbabwe, whose journey was started by the MDC when the glorious movement of the people first entered Parliament in 2000. But for us to turn the required page in 2020, we must extend our hand, our open hand of peace, of democracy, of human rights and of sustainable development; to our neighbours, friends, comrades and compatriots.

The change we have sought as the MDC is not change for us as a political party but change for us as Zimbabweans. That is why we have become a people’s movement. Our political party is an instrument for change meant to benefit each and every Zimbabwean regardless of who they are, their station in life, their tribe, their national origin, their totem or even their political affiliation.

In order for the people to stamp their authority on 2020 as the people’s year to kick start the people’s decade, it is important for us to understand that where and when the people have spoken, as they did on 30 July 2018, the people must act to implement what they have said.

Politics is not about words but about action. In the best political traditions, praxis, that is action, has always defined politics. This is an existential truth. That is why, in the final analysis, we are judged not by what we say but by what we do or do not do. It is the sins of commission and omission that shall follow us.

As we christen 2020, the year of the people’s action, I’m happy to announce the launch today of the Breaking Barriers Initiative (BBI), from my office as MDC president, designed to enable the people of Zimbabwe from across the full political spectrum of our nation to act together, support each other and speak with one voice beyond political boundaries and divisions created by the mashurugwi regime which have built artificial barriers between and among Zimbabweans.

Our BBI seeks to bridge and break the negative barriers that have developed between and among us Zimbabweans over the last 40 years, and which have thus come in the way of real change, especially over the last two decades, to the detriment of the people and the advantage of the regime’s merchants of division.

The BBI has the following objectives:

• Foster and engender the development, articulation and celebration of a community-based, dynamic, multicultural, multi-ethnic, multiracial, multilingual, multi-religious, intergenerational and progressive national identity of being a Zimbabwean which has an inclusive spirit de corps;

• Facilitate structured and inclusive conversations among Zimbabweans on their welfare, well-being, livelihoods, national interest and priorities on such issues as infrastructural development, food security, job creation, water and sanitation;

• Create local and national platforms for common action in the defence of the rule of law, human rights and basic freedoms for all Zimbabweans;

• Support the development, incubation and promotion of technological and engineering solutions to fight and eradicate poverty, hunger and disease in the country; and,

• Promote the teaching, learning and application of Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics STEM in primary, secondary, tertiary and university education to empower the youth, develop a knowledge-based and technological driven economy, Artificial Intelligence, machine learning and propel Zimbabwe into the fourth industrial revolution.

• Engage Zimbabwe’s friends and cooperating partners in the international community to rationalise their humanitarian support and developmental projects to ensure they benefit the people of Zimbabwe in their communities.

These objectives are not exhaustive but are illustrative of some of the work proposed to be done under the BBI to address the people’s aspirations as an expression of the people’s year of action. To move the BBI forward, there are three important action issues that must be addressed urgently, and these are:

• Safeguarding the people’s livelihoods;
• Restoring legality and legitimacy; and,
• Asserting the people’s sovereignty.

Safeguarding People’s Livelihoods

Fundamental to all politics is the livelihood question: are people able to put food on the table for their families; do people have a roof over their heads; are people able to send their children to school; and basically, are people able to live? For an overwhelming majority of Zimbabweans, the answer is a resounding no.

In addition to threatening to cut, and actually cutting, the lives of some Zimbabweans short while endangering others, the Mashurugwi regime has virtually destroyed the livelihoods of Zimbabweans, with most no longer able to make ends meet and others living from hand to mouth. The regime’s delinquent economic policies that have destroyed the multicurrency system, adopted a Zimdollar that is not available and is presiding over an economic meltdown with the second highest inflation in the world after Maduro’s Venezuela, have impoverished everyone save for the mashurugwi cabal and its filthy rich cronies who have used corrupt schemes like command agriculture to buy overseas based private jets and to import luxury vehicles like Lexuses, Bentleys and Lamborghinis for themselves, their wives and children and unashamedly splashing ill-gotten opulence in a country that has become a poverty AND HUNGER desert.

The people have spoken enough about and against this scourge which has come about at the expense of their destroyed livelihoods. Enough is enough. This year, in 2020, the people will speak through action, against the scourge and in defence of their right to their livelihoods, which they must now begin to reconstruct for themselves and their families. In this regard, and as part of BBI, I will stand with the people and act together with them in defence of their livelihoods under the MDC’s Agenda 2020.

Restoring Legality and Legitimacy

The collapse of the people’s livelihoods, destroyed by the mashurugwi regime, is directly linked to and is a consequence of Mr. Emmerson Mnangagwa’s illegitimacy and, arising from that illegitimacy, the illegality of the framework and actions of his administration.

It is now common cause that the 2018 presidential election was stolen. The most damning and unimpeachable evidence of the audacious electoral theft has been exposed to be in the report on the 2018 harmonised elections compiled by the Zimbabwe Electoral Commission (ZEC) and tabled before the National Assembly in Parliament on 27 June 2019 by justice minister Ziyambi Ziyambi.

This is a matter that must be of great concern to everyone, especially the voters who voted in the 2018 presidential election – not just the 2,6 million who voted for me – but all the voters who are committed to the holding of free and fair elections in accordance with the Constitution of Zimbabwe.

Section 67(1)(a) and (b) of the Constitution, dealing with political rights, provides that:

Every Zimbabwean citizen has the right—

(a) to free, fair and regular elections for any elective public office established in terms of this Constitution or any other law; and

(b) to make political choices freely.

While the Constitutional Court made its determination of the application I initiated challenging the controversial ZEC declaration and announcement of Mr. Emmerson Mnangagwa, as the winner of the 2018 presidential election, and while we respected that decision as we disagreed with it, there’s now a new development after the case, coming from ZEC itself, which shows beyond any argument or doubt that the results of the 2018 presidential election were transmitted, captured and collated unlawfully, improperly and irregularly as to void the election and invalidate any result that was declared and announced following the unlawful, improper and irregular transmission, capture and collation of the results from the country’s 1,985 ward centres to ZEC’s national command centre in Harare.

The compelling evidence of how the presidential election was rigged by ZEC, is enough for anyone and all of the 2,6 million voters who cast their vote for me to go to court on grounds that their political rights enshrined in s67(1) of the Constitution were violated. There’s also now a clear and present basis for taking the matter of the 2018 presidential election to the African Court on Human and Peoples Rights. Such actions would be well within the BBI, as an expression of the people’s action to restore legality and legitimacy under the MDC’s Agenda 2020.

Those who say the 2018 presidential election should be forgotten about, and focus should now be on 2023, ain’t seen nothing yet. It’s them who should forget about covering up the giant 2018 election fraud. Especially now that ZEC itself has, perhaps inadvertently or even mischievously, come out with incontrovertible evidence that election was not conducted in substantial compliance with the law. So, first things must come first. There will be no 2023 election without resolving the 2018 election. Looking ahead to 2023, the most important electoral reform is the resolution of the 2018 presidential election. A critical and unavoidable starting point is the resignation of all ZEC commissioners and management team which is infested with seconded military, intelligence and police operatives, masquerading as politically neutral professionals when their remit is to rig elections for Zanu PF.

Asserting People’s Sovereignty

The bedrock of the BBI, and the Nation’s Agenda 2020 on the basis of which the people will speak through actions for change, is that the people have awoken to the truth that, in terms of the new Constitution adopted by the people in a referendum in 2013, sovereignty belongs to the people, and not to the State or its institutions and agencies. This is why s88(1) of the Constitution provides that “executive authority derives from the people of Zimbabwe”; s117(1) says legislative authority of Zimbabwe is derived from the people, and s162 stipulates that “judicial authority derives from the people of Zimbabwe”.

These are important constitutional imperatives whose import is that national sovereignty belongs to the people by virtue of the constitutional provisions that derive executive authority, legislative authority and judicial authority from the people.

When the institutions, agencies or offices to whom the people have vested their executive authority, legislative authority or judiciary authority; as has happened with regard to the stolen 2018 presidential election, the failure to hold accountable those behind the violent brutalisation of citizens on 1 August 2018 and between 14 and 28 January 2019; along with the destruction and erosion of the people’s livelihoods, leave the people with no constitutional choice but to assert their sovereignty.

The people have a constitutional right to directly exercise their executive authority, legislative authority and judicial authority when those vested with such authority, abdicate or repudiate their constitutional responsibilities and obligations.

Triple Action for Change

In summary, the BBI under the Nation’s Agenda 2020 translates into a model of triple action for the people to mark 2020 as the year of the people and to start the new decade as the people’s decade through revolutionary actions for change, in accordance with the Constitution of Zimbabwe.

The long and short of it is that enough is enough. A lot of damage has been done to Zimbabwe and Zimbabweans in the name of the State. There’s a difference of night and day between officeholders and the State. In a constitutional democracy, such as ours should be, the State belongs to the people, as its creators; it does not belong to its officeholders.

Ours is a National democratic struggle whose success depends on nationwide transformation and reform, Ours is a National Democratic struggle whose main facets entail different zones of struggle.

THE BATTLEFRONTS

1.Leading the struggle -The Party modernization Agenda

The party held a successful congress in 2019, ushering in new and dynamic leadership with a range of skills and competencies.

Your movement remains strong.
We have a clear ideology and a passion for change that puts the people first.
We have structures across Zimbabwe.
We have growing membership in every village, farm, township and suburb.
We have good leadership team.
We have sound, realistic policies.

Our vision is clear.

The people’s party was born out of the working-class and working people’s struggles, toil and sweat.

The people’s party has had 21 years of resilience, service and sacrifice. We continue to stand strong on the foundations of our birth and our hopes for the future. We have survived all manner of mischief because the people’s cause cannot be killed. It survives at the will of the people.

We have entered a period of renewal. Renovating our systems. Reviving our culture of excellence and sharpening our strategy.

We are taking the fight for democracy deep into the rural areas. Rural development is not an option but a necessity. In 2020 we will focus our efforts on securing rural development as a key pillar for national transformation.

We are working to revamp party administration, party communications, party discipline, funding, community projects and party candidate selection rules to make them more efficient, transparent and people-centred.

We will continue visiting and supporting political prisoners and their families.

We will also focus on the survivors of political violence and maintain a roll of honour for those who have died in the struggle for change.

We will emphasize the supremacy of strong, active grass-root structures across the country.

We are, and must be, trusted leaders of society. Fit and proper to provide everyday answers to everyday problems. Our leaders and representatives must be different, accessible, available, able, credible, dependable, reliable.

We will put more emphasis on fundraising and mobilization strategies guided by principles of accountability and transparency. We will also make party membership easier using modern systems of online registration and robust performance contracts, monitoring and evaluation frameworks for its leaders and members.

2.The Parliamentary Agenda

Fellow Zimbabweans, as part of Agenda 2020, we will deepen our role in Parliament. In 2019, our Members of Parliament continued to work hard under difficult conditions on behalf of the citizens we represent.

Our refusal to recognise illegitimacy has not compromised our mandate in Parliament. The state propaganda machine will have you believing that the MDC has abandoned the peoples’ cause. The reality is we continue to fight for transparency and accountability.

Fighting illegitimacy does not undermine our work. In all things the needs of the citizens come first. Restoring legitimacy and credibility to our executive is key among them. True change demands both electoral and perfomance legitimacy.

We are not walking out on our work. The work of our portfolio committees continues without forgetting our longer term goal of fighting for reform.

We fought a spirited battle against the adoption of the Maintenance of Peace and Order Act. This is just another POSA, if not worse in some aspects. We stood on principle. We will work harder and smarter to highlight our Member of Parliament’s contribution in various committees and portfolios.

In Parliament, we will fight even harder for the Diaspora vote. Not only was this promised to this nation, but it is the right of every citizen. My opposite number in Zanu PF made various assurances while on the election campign trail and even after in 2018 that once elections were concluded, mechanisms would be put in place to ensure the diaspora vote. To date, no steps have been taken to make this a reality. They are quick to look for diaspora money and skills but show no interest in giving the diaspora their right to truly influence the direction of Zimbabwe.

This is simply another of many examples of a tragic and failed leadership.

The party will use parliament as a theatre of struggle for a better life for Zimbabweans, struggle for democracy.

We will strengthen our debating capacity, ensuring that we have more motions that are people-centred and focus on peoples every day issues above all else.

We’ll build the capacities of our MPs through a parliamentary research unit to improve the quality of debates and contributions.

We will introduce performance scorecards for our MPs and mandatory regular Constituency Feedback Meetings will be implemented to ensure that parliamentary debate is truly representative of the communities we serve.

I am calling each and every one of you to action in your community. We have no government. The development of our communities is now left to us.

Get in touch with your local councillor, find your Member of Parliament. If there are community interventions you are interested in supporting, get involved. None but ourselves will reverse the under-development that our country continues to face. We cannot outsource this function to development partners. We can work with them, but there can be no development of Zimbabwe without us as Zimbabweans determining and driving our own agenda.

3.Local Authorities Agenda

Those who meddle in the game of propaganda want to tell you that service delivery is failing because of the MDC. They want you to believe that every problem under the sun belongs to us because they have failed.

We are going to launch the smart cities policy document that will focus on how we govern differently detailing issues to the local authority’s service delivery, infrastructure, the vision of the city.

We are also going to launch the smart villages policy that will entail our model smart homesteads smart sources of energy solar for each rural home borehole per village infrastructure for villages, schools, bridges, etc.

We are also going the emphasize on proper and true devolution, and a people-centered devolution bill in line with the spirit in the constitution.

We continue to work under sabotage. The Ministry of Local Government still appoints all town clerks, CEOs and other officials. This means they continue to sabotage our efforts for change. Government still approves and limits our budgets. We are not able to determine rates leaving us unable to make enough money to provide adequate services. We are also not exempt from very real consequences of the prevailing economic environment where sourcing forex for goods and services such as water chemicals and road equipment etc. is difficult and dependent on the charity of the Ministry of Finance. The system is broken.

Despite that we will make a greater effort in professionalising service delivery and community development.

We will work to remove the bottlenecks compromising service delivery, in particular:

• Giving procurement to local authorities as opposed to local government.

• Moving joint ventures powers back to council and away from central government.

• Removing the approval of the budget from central government in particular the local authority and residents.

• Stopping unconstitutional ministerial directives and political interference from central government.

• Removing hiring and firing of senior employees or staff in local authorities from the local government.

We will take a no nonsense approach to dealing with integrity, excellence and accountability to cleanse our leadership against corruption and incompetence in the zones we lead.

I am awaiting verified feedback from the Integrity and Accountability Panel, led by Advocate Thabani Mpofu. This panel’s work is to position our councils according to expected and acceptable standards of excellence. The corrupt will be identified and removed from office.
2020 will not be an ordinary year. It will be a year of action. Collective action.

4.Electoral Agenda

Over the years, our elections have been a bloody affair. But for us, life is more precious than politics, blood is more precious than power. No drop of blood must be lost on account of politics or elections in Zimbabwe.

As you all know, we have had a number of by elections which have been manipulated to produce a predetermined outcome.

It’s a myth that the cheating Zanu PF wins and is popular in the rural areas. What is fact is that Zanu PF cheats more in the rural areas using intimidation, fear, disinformation and food as political weapons. We must stop the cheating.

There must be a link between the delimitation process and census data to ensure transparently and a level playing field to avoid gerrymandering or manipulation of boundaries.

The Zimbabwe electoral commission must be revamped and have professional secretaries who are independent before and non-partisan.

We want a raft of electoral reforms in line with the recommendations of the International election observer mission reports as detailed in our RELOAD document we recently launched in 2019.

We are going to launch our alternative electoral bill detailing the reforms Zimbabweans are demanding. This bill is ready and has already been finalized by our elections department.

5.Governance Agenda: Re-imagining the State

The security of persons and national peace are very important to us. We take note of the lawlessness seeping through society through the activities of state protected machete gangs. No amount of propaganda can change the fact that these gangs are as a result of the lawlessness and selective application of the law that has been taken over the country.

The individuals concerned are well known in their communities. The shops and factories manufacturing the machetes and other instruments of destruction that they are using are well known. Under these circumstances, it beholds reason why they are not being brought to account.
We place the birth and origin of these machete yielding characters squarely at the doors of the elites in violent Zanu PF functionaries who in any event are the holders of the gold claims that these groups were originally created to defend.

There is a need to inquire on the circumstances of how they were born and created as well as to compensate the victims including families that have lost their loved ones. This is why, we propose the setting up of a judicial commission of inquiry into this issue as a matter of urgency.

Security services

Let me be categoric about the security services, a new government that I wil lead will not temper with the military or security services, they are not the problem. We will avail the right politics and a conducive environment for our men and women in uniform to shine and excel, a task which they know best.

A legitimate Government will have no need to use the security services against its own citizens.

Our military and security services should be well fed and resourced, it is cruel to neglect the welfare of our defenders of the nation.

Ensuring the independence of institutions is a must in creating the Zimbabwe we want. At the present moment our institutions are crippled by a lack of budgetary support and excessive executive interference.

State capture has eroded most of our institutions. We therefore put firmly the proposal that the independence of institutions in Zimbabwe must be at the fore of any progressive reform agenda.

In this respect, the following Chapter 12 institutions must be prioritised: The Zimbabwe Media Commission, the Zimbabwe Human Rights Commission, Zimbabwe Anti-Corruption Commission, and the National Peace and Reconciliation Commission. These play a key role in safeguarding our democracy.

6.Constitutional Agenda

In December 2019, the government of the day gazetted Constitutional Amendment No 2 – HB23/2019.
The Bill proposes a raft of amendments to the Zimbabwean Constitution.

The Constitutional Amendment in the main seeks to restore the Imperial Presidency that we thought we had dealt with decisively in 2013 through the approval in a referendum of a new constitution.

Any Constitutional Amendment must be negotiated like the old constitution itself. We are seeing a self-serving decision to personalise the State through unnecessary Constitutional amendments.
The country is plagued by pressing issues which require measured and visionary leadership.

Instead we have those obsessed with consolidating personal power. They told the world that reforms take time. But when it comes to changing laws for their own selfish ends, they are fast.

The calls for the alignment of the constitution must ring louder than before. There should be no amendment to the people’s contract without first aligning the constitution –Alignment not amendment.

7.The Economic Agenda

The Economist’s Intelligence Unit expects inflation to average 165.5% in 2020, owing to shortages of basic goods and US dollars and sustained currency weakness. The ongoing drought will continue to constrain exports and necessitate imports in 2020.

Unemployment and joblessness remain a palpable threat to national security. Government is best that governs least. Governments don’t run companies. The best they can do is to govern and create a conducive environment for ease of doing business.

Modern defense, is not in military in nature but economic. A functioning economy is the strongest defense force for any nation.

We must return to basics.

It is important that measures be undertaken to encourage massive productivity to drag the economy out of recession. Attracting investment will be critical and to do so Zimbabwe’s ease of doing business must be attended to.

The Zimbabwean economy is in a tailspin suffocating from massive headwinds across all sectors of the economy.

The economy is not performing and therefore the country is suffering from the twin deficits of democratic legitimacy and performance legitimacy. Without these two ingredients, that constitute two ingredients of the Social Contract, the state can implode at any moment and that is why it is essential to create a soft landing through national dialogue.

Macroeconomic Stability

In the past few years, the economy has embarked on an expansionary fiscal policy characterised by huge budget deficits and excessive expenditure. We propose that fiscal consolidation must be pursued and that we should live within our means – We eat what we kill.

The Public Finance Management Act must be amended to prescribe the issuance of TBs. More importantly if government is to borrow, such borrowing should not exceed 3 percent of GDP.

Monetary Policy and Exchange Rate

In February 2019 through SI 33 of 2019, the government introduced the Zimbabwe dollars. The sudden introduction of the Zim dollar was irrational. It is not possible to issue a currency and expect that currency to survive without attending to the fundamentals. We have seen the local currency loosing value thereby undermining savings and investments. We propose therefore the repeal of SI142 of 2019, and the Finance Act number 2 of 2019. In short, we propose the redollarization of the economy in the immediate short term. In the mid-term, Zimbabwe has no choice but to join the Rand Monetary Union.

The Zimbabwean economy is so integrated with the South African economy which is its largest trading partner, due to the high cost structure imposed by the USD.

Inflation:

The mismanagement of monetary policy, the creation of money by the RBZ, an expansionary fiscal policy and the creation of treasury bills have all contributed to the return of hyperinflation in Zimbabwe. Zimbabwe’s rate of inflation standing unofficially at 700 percent and officially at 402 percent is now the second highest in the world.

Inflation needs to be addressed by a cocktail of measures which include fiscal consolidation, macroeconomic stability and proscription of the Reserve Bank’s rogue money printing activities.
Having gone through the sludge of inflation in 2008 it is not acceptable that the present government has allowed hyperinflation to bounce back, the current situation is an indictment against the present regime.

Dealing with Debt

Zimbabwe’s huge debt, upward of $11 billion to International Financial Institutions and the Paris Club of Lenders, as well as more than $18 billion of domestic debt continues to be a challenge.

Zimbabwe at this point is a failed state, there is no way to beat about the bush. It is a state that needs business rescue. That requires not only developmental funding to be made available, but equally for debt payments to be suspended for a period of 5-10 years to allow the critical work of national rebuilding to truly occur. Some kind of a negotiated debt moratorium.

Corruption

Zimbabwe has risen dramatically on the global Anti-Corruption Index. Recent work in the Public Accounts Committee has unearthed massive corruption done through the Ministry of the Finance itself.

In 2017 treasury without supporting vouchers siphoned off USD 2,9 billion ostensibly to Command Agriculture. This is captured in the Auditor General’s report. The same report of that same year shows that USD 3,3 billion was siphoned outside parliament and public finance management regulations again channelled towards command agriculture.

Immediate action must be taken to ensure that state sanctioned looting does not happen again.

The Plight of Workers

The average worker in Zimbabwe faces unmitigated suffering. Since January 2019, the Zimbabwean dollar has lost 85% of its value thereby effectively devaluing the wage of the worker. As this has been happening, massive inflation has also short up which is now in access of 700%.

The MDC thus supports, the call for a living wage being made by unions and indeed supports, the introduction of a US$ wage in respect of all civil servants and workers in the private sector.

Such a call, is consistent with our demand that Si142/2019 must be repealed and that the country must effectively redollarise.

This is the only way forward.

We will also support the call by the unions for collective job action to protect their positions.

Power and Energy

The shortage of both fuel and electricity has become a human rights issue. Zimbabwe has moved from a situation where on average 18 hour power cuts were being experienced to a situation where there are now total power blackouts in many areas of Zimbabwe.

The Constitution protects the Right to Human Dignity in Section 50. Our current power crisis is indeed an infringement of the right to human dignity and indeed the right to life.

We propose that the government must immediately scrape the huge subsidies of almost US$70 million per month that they are dishing out to cartels in the form of Trafigura and Sakunda.

The fuel subsidies should then be used to import at least 400 megawatts of energy from Eskom or HBC in Mozambique. In the long-term we propose that 2000 megawatts of energy must be found particularly from Hwange 7 and 8. We need to focus on renewable energy, methane gas and the potential 30 or so hydro stations in Manicaland. This exercise will require massive capital and therefore the resolution of Zimbabwe’s economic crisis is imperative to national development and the restoration of human dignity.

In a nutshell, A raft of measures are therefore urgent and important;
– Decisively dealing with corruption
– Fixing politics, restoring confidence and trust.
– Getting Zimbabwe to be a productive country
– Push up the productivity capacity
– Clear Vision, plans, the best people to do the job with clear KPIs.
– Strong institutions
– Dealing with livelihoods
– Smart infrastructure in particular, smart energy and alternative energy sources
– Dollarization and a basket of currencies
– Workers salaries and civil servants wages must be paid in US dollars
– Dealing with the debt crisis through HIPC
– Fees must fall
– Prices must fall

8.The Agricultural Agenda

In 2020, we face one of the most difficult years we have ever faced as a nation. The World Food Programme says Zimbabwe is one of its 2020 hunger hotspots. This is painful to every Zimbabwean, because we know we should not be in this position. We used to feed the entire region. Today we are one of the world’s biggest beggars. It is a failure to lead that brought us here.

Yes, we have a drought. We salute all the partners working to help our people. However, what kills people is not the drought, it is a failure to prepare. A failure to prepare, is a failure to lead. When people in a country as rich as ours go to bed hungry, there has been a failure to lead.

Our country is not a desert. Droughts have always been there. Having a drought is not the issue but having a drought without A plan is problematic.

If 4.1 million of your own people have to be fed by donors, while you live in luxury, there has been leadership failure. When children in a country as rich as ours are dropping out of school because they are hungry, there has been a failure to lead. When the whole country has been overtaken by violent thugs, raping women and killing each other in the mines, with no action being taken, there has been a failure to lead.

Thanks to an ecosystem of unpreparedness and lack of planning, Zimbabwe finds itself in the middle of a humanitarian crisis that the World Food Programme has described as the worst in the world.

5.5 million people are in a critical vulnerable food status across the length and breadth of the country. At the same time, as the food situation worsens, Zanu PF has privatised the distribution of food in many parts of rural Zimbabwe.

The weaponisation of food must stop and stop as a matter of urgency.

Meanwhile, as MDC we will engage the international community with a bid to ensure that the humanitarian crisis is mitigated and social safety nets are provided for. We will prioritize green and climate smart agriculture with an emphasis irrigation and issues of titles for land.

Land

Zimbabwe is for all of us. This county and this land is for all us.

Land is owned b the people of Zimbabwe. No political party owns land.

We will invest in irrigation schemes after giving new farmers title deeds.

9. The Social and Humanitarian Agenda

Health
– We will push for the 15% health support in line with the Abuja declaration.

Education

We will push for the implementation of the DAKAR FRAMEWORK 22% budget support instead of the 13 % of the budget dedicated to education.

Investing in the Youth

– We must pursue a quota system for our youth and create equal opportunities for all.

10.The Political Agenda – Resolving the Political Crisis

Giving peace a chance

Our crisis is a crisis of governance born out of a legitimacy crisis because of the rigged, stolen and disputed 2018 election. There is no credible future election without the resolution of the disputed election. The result of 2018 must be respected.

We must return to legitimacy and democracy. Zimbabwe must have a political dialogue that is credible and genuine underwritten by the international community to facilitate a transitional authority that will pave way for reforms. The National Transition Authority is the appropriate vehicle to turnaround this country.

In 2019, we published our RELOAD document the crux of which was essentially to give peace a chance. In that document we made it clear that the resolution of the Zimbabwean crisis require dialogue, which we were to push through political pressure in all legitimate forms. The basis and purpose of that pressure was to force the government of the day, to agree to dialogue focused on Comprehensive Reforms to be implemented through a National Transitional Mechanism.

The reality on the ground is that more than two years after November 2017, and more than 18 months after the 30 July 2018 election, time is running out for Zimbabwe.

Impatience engulfs the nation and the real danger is that all and sundry will be engulfed by forces and processes that are intolerant to the continued reproduction of the terrible status quo.

We remain committed to genuine dialogue. Our position will not change. What we want is useful dialogue. It is not dialogue for the purposes of accomodation, photo opportunities or political expediency.

We are a party that has learnt that the people’s struggle must not be hijacked by incomplete or captured processes that provide limited relief, improper answers and imperfect temporary remedies.

We reiterate our position that dialogue must lead to a transitional mechanism that stops the country’s slide towards total collapse. This must be followed by genuine reforms and free elections.

The Case for a Transitional National Authority: The Road to Credibility

Our opponents like to call us names. But they cannot change facts.

Our country did better when the MDC was in Government. What more if we are the government!

When we entered the GNU, inflation had reached 500 billion percent. By the time the GNU ended in 2013, inflation was just 1.63%. As soon as ZanuPF was left to run the economy, inflation started rising. Annual inflation is now over 480%. They are now trying to hide the figure.

You only have to look at your standard of living to know this truth. In 2012, a teacher was earning US300. It was not much, but they could afford basics. They could send their children to school. Today, that same teacher is being paid the equivalent of about US$40.

Before GNU, the economy shrunk 16.5% in 2008. Under GNU, the economy grew by:
• 5.4% in 2009, 11.4% in 2010, 9.3% in 2011, and 10.6% in 2012.
As soon as GNU ended, economy grew just 2.4% in 2014. In 2019, the economy fell 7.5%.

These are facts.

Fellow Zimbabweans,
Our country is at a crossroads. We stand where they stood, lets make history. Get involved.
We are the biggest shareholders of this country as citizens.

Zimbabwe was taken away from us. It must be brought back or we claim it with urgency. Freedom is not a distant phenomenon. Freedom is not far away from us. It is next to us, within is and around us. There is no greater power than a people united!

Freedom must come. If doesn’t come we must bring it. We are its vehicles and conveyancers.

If not you, then who?

Power is not somewhere remote. Power is within us, the people!

We have heard you cry for action. Action is not the responsibility of one person. Do not allow individuals to personalise the struggle for freedom. Stand with us to restore this country. It is time pull together to mend the social fabric that has been torn apart by this tragic failure of leadership.

Fellow citizens,

I would like to assure every person who has ever put their faith in this movement that we will not abandon the cause. The path ahead may seem unclear, but we are resolved and continue to work tirelessly to bring about change that transforms the lives of every woman, man and child who belongs to this soil.

Ours is an inter-generational mandate that requires each individual to look inside themselves and ask what action they can make to harness the winds of change. The time is now. If we are to achieve freedom, prosperity and equal opportunity the we have to act as one, individually and collectively.

We must be not only be bold in pointing out our problems but brave enough in solving them.

The road that lies ahead is not an easy one. There are no quick fixes. None but ourselves will deliver the change that we want.

The state of our nation is the signal. Zanu PF has given us the signal. Our pain and suffering is too much. This is the signal. Change starts with you and me. It’s time to answer the call.

We will conquer. We will win.

Isaiah 58: 12

“Your people will rebuild the ancient ruins;
you will restore the age-old foundations;
you will be called Repairer of the Breach,
Restorer of the Streets of Dwelling.”

God Bless You!
God Bless Zimbabwe

Watch the video below for the full text of this and more…..

By A Correspondent- Advocate Fadzayi Mahere, the Secretary for Education for the opposition MDC led by advocate Nelson Chamisa has said that the Supreme Court ruling on debts incurred before the 22nd of February 2019 has a number of negative effects.

Her remarks come after Justice Luke Malaba together with Justice Nicholas Mathonsi and Justice Susan Mavingira ruled that all the debts can be settled using the local currency at a one as to one ratio.

Before Statutory Instrument 133 of February 2019 was promulgated, the local currency was not at par with the United States dollar.

Commenting on the ruling, advocate Mahere observed that the ruling made it possible for civil servants to pay the loan back in Zim Dollars at a rate of 1:1 with the former USD value.

She added:

The flip side is that your employment contract also turns in ZWL even though it was in USD. Nobody really wins.

Debtors who accrued debt in the USD era will celebrate. However, the long term consequence of the law stipulating that USD debts are now payable in ZWL at the false rate of 1:1 is that big, patient capital won’t come to Zim because of the obvious property rights violation.

Farai Dziva|A teacher at Njube High School has been accused of removing Emmerson Mnangagwa’s portrait from the staff room and inciting students to embark on an unlawful demonstration.

See police report below :
MEMORANDUM
TO: THE OFFICER COMMANDING BULAWAYO WEST DISTRICT
FROM: OIC NJUBE
DATED 20/01/2020
SUBJECT: DEMONSTRATION BY NJUBE HIGH SCHOOL STUDENTS
This Memo serves to inform you that:
INFORMANT
Name: Ndlovu Archford
Contacts: 0772 885 616
Residential address: Njube High School, Bulawayo
Business address: Njube High Secondary School.

ACCUSED
Name: Brian Mutsiba
NR: 08-709411-D-66
Contacts: 0771 788 104
Res: 311 Emakhandeni, Bulawayo
Business: Njube High School, Bulawayo
CIRCUMSTANCES
On the 20th day of January 2020 and at around 1000 hours, the accused incited over 153 forms one, three and six students to partake in an unlawful demonstration. In doing so, the accused removed the portrait of the President of the Republic of Zimbabwe from the staff room and went on to un-hoist the National Flag from its mast. He then exited the school gate with the students he had mobilised for the unsanctioned march.

From the school, they turned right into B.B. Burombo Road then used a footpath to connect Luveve Road.

On reaching the robots opposite Entumbane Complex, the demonstrators gathered and started chanting songs saying, Imfundo ngeyethu into oyenzayo siyayizonda amongst others. The procession then started marching along Luveve Road towards Emagetsini. They were waving placards inscribed Where is UNICEF?”, “This is for every Zimbabwean child” and “SOS serve our souls”.

The Presidents portrait and Zimbabwean flag were being carried by two students.
When they got near to the intersection of Luveve Road and Masiyephambili Road, the demonstrators grouped again and deliberately turned the portrait and the national flag upside and started making loud chants. They then knelt down facing the eastern direction and sang “Nkosi sikelela iAfrica”.

During that process, the headmaster, Mr Zibusiso Msimanga N.R. 53-042510-B-58, cell number 0772 402 047 arrived at the scene and ordered the school children to stop what they were doing and go back to school. The children complied and went back to school but along the way the accused kept on influencing the students to be defiant.

On entering the school campus, one of the pupils who had participated in the march hoisted back the flag. The children then went back to their classes. The accused disappeared from the school upon arrival from the march.

ZRP Njube attended the scene and called the pupils to assembly. The children who had participated in the demonstration voluntarily came into the open about their participation.

They were invited to write reasons for their participation in the demonstration which are—
The fees have been hiked from $92-00 to $440-00.

The teachers are earning low salaries.
Teachers not attending lessons.

Beneficiaries of the BEAM programme being made to pay half of the fees and
The general high cost of living.

1. A follow-up of the accused was made at number 311, Emakhandeni by Numbers 066556S Constable Magwira and 087615H Constable Muzvuwe. Seen was Sandra Tshuma; N.R. 79-126259-C-79, Cellphone number 0771 778 123, aged 32 years who indicated that the accused relocated to an unknown address three years back. She indicated that the accused was a fellow tenant at the house.

Preliminary investigations show that accused is a former prison officer and subscribes to ZIMTA. He is an abuser of alcohol and is staying alone.

Report has been entered on RRB 403903. The accused is being charged for Contravening section 37 (1) (a) of the Criminal Law Codification and Reform Act Chapter 9:23 {participating in a public gathering with the intent to promote public violence, breach of peace or bigotry} and also for Contravening section 6 of the Flag of Zimbabwe Act; Chapter 10:10 {insulting the flag}.

Scene was also attended by the Officer Commanding Bulawayo West District; Chief Superintendent Bizeki, members from the Presidents Office, Military Intelligence, Prison Intelligence and different media houses.
Indications are that the accused is the one who masterminded the demonstration.

The school pupils were merely following their teachers orders.

Also observed was that the spokesperson of MDC-Alliance president, Nkululeko Sibanda was seen milling around.
039730J CHIEF INSPECTOR RAMAPHOSA ZRP NJUBE

Watch video below. ..

VIDEO LOADING BELOW….

https://youtu.be/gdoG7rdM2Ps

By A Correspondent- The leading opposition party in Zimbabwe has said people have not revolted against the political and economic woes in Zimbabwe simply because people were trying to give dialogue a chance.

The MDC took the time to remind the ruling party that time was also running out because sooner or later people would rise up against misrule.

This was said by MDC Alliance’ Nkululeko Sibanda who was speaking ahead of today’s MDC Agenda 2020 event to be held in Mbare.

Dr Sibanda said:

Zanu PF is operating under some misconception that it will not face the wrath of the people, now or later. President Chamisa will remind them that people can and will come out, the only reason they so far haven’t is that he was giving dialogue a chance, but that window is closing fast

The president will call for action, across the political divide, towards making this country a better place. What you will see is a determined leader laying out preparations, the building blocks to recapacitate the party and remobilising the mass of our support

Chamisa will address his party supporters in Mbare‘s Stoddart Hall today.

By A Correspondent- The prosecutor in charge of prosecuting Marry Chiwenga wants Marry to submit the remaining 2 passports that her husband claims she has.

For her bail conditions, Marry was told to submit her passport and she submitted one diplomatic passport before the VP let the cat out of the bag that she had retained 2 more passports.

According to the publication:

The State has been informed there is a second diplomatic passport, expiring on December 11 this year, and an ordinary passport expiring on February 21, 2022.

The prosecution wants all three passports in the custody of the court until the trial is over.

Marry’s arrest has ignited interest in some Zimbabweans as one opinionist said it has beamed the light on Zimbabwean politics and witchcraft. 

-StateMedia

We bring you live broadcast of Nelson Chamisa’s SONA Address At Stodart Hall in Mbare High Density Suburb.

Watch video downloading below:

By A Correspondent- The United States has started to supply Zimbabwe with the new HIV drug that was approved in 2013.

According to the state media, the US has supplied 2,1 million bottles of Dolutegravir (DTG), which is a new antiretroviral drug with better results in viral suppression and has fewer side effects.

In a statement about the drug supplier USAID said:

The United States Government USAID’s supply chain and procurement project has delivered 2,1 million bottles of Tenofovir Lamivudine Dolutegravir (TLD) to support the transition to this new treatment regiment.

According to the ministry of health, 90% of HIV infected people in Zimbabwe are on treatment.

-StateMedia

Own Correspondent|Hundreds of MDC supporters have already started trickling into the open air space outside Stodart Hall in Mbare High Density Suburb of Harare where opposition MDC leader Nelson Chamisa is expected to deliver a critical message on the direction the opposition party will be taking in the new year and beyond.

See pictures below:

By A Correspondent- Former Bulilima West legislator Norman Mpofu has accused government of being inactive in dealing with economic crisis which has impoverished the majority of citizens.

The country is currently rocked by serious economic crisis which has seen the local currency losing value at the same time basic goods prices have escalated to affordably for the majority poor.

“The greatest problem with this government is that of doing nothing until things get into a crisis. I am made to understand a Mealie meal tracker system is now put in  place to monitor subsidised mealie meal,” he said.

“This is not going to work because the majority of businesses that have access to this subsidised mealie meal  are owned by Zanu PF members. Monitors are Zanu PF. To expect a result is like expecting a baby from a homosexual couple.”

Mpofu said it is very difficult to enforce the law in Zimbabwe because Zimbabwean criminals are smart.

“Before committing a crime just join Zanu PF then you are immune to law. Police officers are afraid of Zanu PF members. All Zanu PF officials are refereed to as shef what ever it means. A shef is above the law.”

Mpofu said it is these shefs who have access to this cheap mealie meal and are enriching themselves at the expense of the poor who are the targets of the subsidy.

“At Gain cash n carry in Plumtree you are forced to buy 2 cases of Mirinda a Pepsi drink before you buy 10x10kgs of mealie meal. This conditional selling has been reported to Plumtree Officer In Charge but the crime goes on,” he said.

“Plumtree Save More shop at Dingumuzi has large quantities of this subsidised mealie meal but the poor can not afford it. A 10 kgs is selling at $70 and to make it worse its strictly cash. Thus a clear violation of the law. Other goods at save more you can swipe not this mealie meal from government. What an irony.”

“Where do people get cash from when banks don’t have. Just another puff of hot air from the government. Criminals laugh all the way to the bank.”

By A Correspondent- Relatives of the people who died in a road accident that claimed 16 lives along the Harare-Mutare highway at the weekend have been collecting bodies of the deceased for burial while two of the victims are yet to be positively identified.

Acting Manicaland Provincial Development Coordinator, Edgar Seenza says 14 of the 16 people who perished in Saturday’s accident along Harare Mutare highway have been positively identified with relatives already preparing for burial.

The provincial development coordinator appealed to the public and relatives of the deceased to assist in the identification of the remaining two victims.

“I want to advise that as of today the number of deaths still stands at 16 and of the 16, 14 have been positively identified. I want to appeal to our people to please with the police on their whereabouts of their relatives who are missing. By yesterday 9 of the deceased have been cleared to be taken for burial while the remainder of the identified bodies are being collected,” said Seenza.

The accident has left residents of Mutare disturbed by the high rate of such disasters.

“My message to motorists is let us value life and take defensive driving seriously. Let’s not over speed, yet the roads might not be good but if people travel at safe speeds, they avoid accidents. Our appeal is for the church to pray against the spirit of accidents and disasters affecting the province,” added Seenza.

Meanwhile, 17 people who were admitted at Mutare provincial hospital have been discharged while 23 are still receiving treatment.

The bus belonging to General Bande Bus Company side-swiped with a haulage truck and the Zimbabwe Republic Police (ZRP) National Spokesperson, Assistant Commissioner Nyathi confirmed the accident saying the deceased include the bus driver and conductor.

Assistant Commissioner Nyathi said the bus driver was speeding and the accident occurred when he tried to overtake resulting in a head-on collision with the oncoming truck.

-StateMedia

By A Correspondent- People in Midlands‘ Vungu district which also covers Gweru‘s Woodlands Park were seen yesterday removing property and food from flooded homes as it reportedly rained heavily and damaged roads and flooded homes this past weekend.

Speaking to a local publication, Vungu Rural District Council ward 16 councillor Parirenyatwa Nyika said:

Some residents actually spent the night standing in their homes as there was water everywhere. Schoolchildren had their books and stationery destroyed by the water, while household property was affected. It is a bad situation

Nyika also called for assistance as he said people are traumatised by the distraction:

The people who were affected right now are distressed and traumatised. We call upon people and organisations with a heart to help us. They can come down here to witness the problem. Some affected families said a stream from Mkoba had burst its banks, directing its waters into their homes during the time it was raining.

-Newsday

By A Correspondent- President Emmerson Mnangagwa’s spokesperson George Charamba says his boss should not be blamed for acts of theft by soldiers. 

This follows the arrest of two soldiers at the weekend by members of the Sigola community outside Bulawayo for cattle rustling. 

The two army sergeants were caught red handed with the carcass of the cow they had stolen. 

After their arrest, the carcass was taken by police as an exhibit. 

After a lot of comments on social media blaming Mnangagwa for the soldiers’ actions, Charamba came in defence of his boss. 

“I have tried to restrain myself from commenting on this bald tweet. Now that sense is taking too long to settle in, I may have to. Just what is the story here and how by the remotest of stretches does it get linked to the President of Zimbabwe,” said Charamba. 

“A rogue individual who is alleged to be linked to our Defence Forces breaks the law by rustling cattle; a citizen arrest is effected, as indeed should in a country where rule of law is upheld to levels where even citizens feel confident to help the police; police come in to complete the process, blame goes to the President based on an impromptu, medically sound advice he gave several weeks ago on an unrelated occasion? Zvonzi imi murikudya nenyama; nekuti paita mbavha yemombe? Come on guys, tipei maserious if you want us to take you seriously.”

By A Correspondent- A teacher who was the director of ceremonies at the VP’s nephew’s funeral this past weekend in Beitbridge drew both praise and sympathy from mourners as he knelt down to beg VP Mohadi to influence teachers’ pay hike.

Poloko Malapela, a teacher at Dulivhadzimo Primary School, knelt down and presented his “passionate” plea to the VP by saying:

I have a request Vice-President Mohadi, I am going to kneel down to drive home this important message to you.

We are suffering and life has become hard and can you please put word for us so we can have a salary raise.

Mourners reportedly cheered as Malapela made this gesture. However, the VP at the same funeral had reportedly said a significant salary hike would result in inflation.

Own Correspondent|Tensions and excitement are high in Harare this morning ahead of MDC President Nelson Chamisa presentation of the party’s State of the Nation Agenda (SONA) 2020 road-map at the historic Stodart Hall in Mbare High Density Suburb of Harare.

The rally was moved from its original set venue at Mai Musodzi Hall also in Mbare last week after police barred Chamisa from holding the launch claiming they were busy with the opening of schools for 2020.

Schools opened last week Tuesday.

The party then rescheduled the meeting to Tuesday this week at Stodart Hall in the same suburb.

Responding to the banning of his address last week, Chamisa furiously twitted he would in future, defy attempts by the police to bar him from holding public gatherings.

Thousands of MDC supporters are expected to attend the rally which will make the hall too small for the gathering.

According to party spokesperson Luke Tamborinyoka, SONA is an MDC plan of action for 2020.

“From here, the tempo of our democratic struggle rises. President Chamisa will be laying bare to the people of Zimbabwe our cogent plan of action, our cogent plan in order of prosecution of the democratic struggle and programme of action of how we are going to reclaim the people’s struggle,” he said.

Jane Mlambo| MDC Harare Province Deputy Youth Treasurer & Epworth Alliance Cllr Kudakwashe Chatambudza was arrested early this morning by police from Harare Central Police Law and Order.

He is currently detained at Harare Central Police Station and is acaused of making a Petrol bomb.  

By A Correspondent- Two men who were part of a 15 men gang armed with machetes, axes and logs have been arrested for allegedly raiding and stealing gold ore at a mine in Colleen Bawn.

Mqhelisi Moyo (26) and Edmore Zulu (32) both from Spitzkop Medium Suburb were not asked to plead when they appeared before Gwanda magistrate, Mrs Nomagugu Sibanda facing a robbery charge.

They were remanded in custody to January 26 for trial. Prosecuting, Miss Glenda Nare said Moyo and Zulu, who were in the company of 13 others who are still at large, invaded Poly 4 Mine which belongs to Ms Grace Dube on December 4 at around 2AM.

They allegedly stole 60 by 50kg bags of gold ore, a car battery and two cellphones all valued at US$1 110.

“On 4 December at around 2AM the two accused persons in the company of 13 others who are still at large drove to Poly 4 Mine in Colleen Bawn in two vehicles armed with machetes, logs and axes.

“They found mine workers asleep in the open while others were asleep inside some make shift tents. The gang began to assault the mine workers using machetes and logs and the workers fled in different directions,” she said.

Miss Nare said the accused persons then loaded 60 by 50kg of gold ore into the two vehicles and also took a car battery and two cell phones before fleeing the scene.

She said the matter was reported to the police who conducted investigations leading to Moyo’s arrest.

Miss Nare said Moyo was arrested after he was identified by one of the workers as the driver of one of the two vehicles that were used in the raid.

She said Moyo then implicated Zulu leading to his arrest. She said the stolen property is worth US$1 101 and nothing was recovered.

Machete gangs have been terrorising people in gold-rich mining towns like Gwanda, Kwekwe, Kadoma, Bindura and Chegutu, where they are killing and sexually abusing gold miners and civilians.

Special courts have since been set up countrywide to deal specifically with organised machete gang attackers.

Speaking during the opening of the 2020 Legal Year last week, Chief Justice Luke Malaba said the specialised courts are expected to clamp down speedily and decisively on the machete gang menace following grisly murders, including that of a Kadoma police officer, robberies and vicious assaults.

Chief Justice Malaba strongly warned rogue elements behind the wave of machete and knife violence.  

“As we speak, the country is gripped by another spate of violence perpetrated by the so-called machete gangs. The Judiciary acknowledges the work being undertaken by law enforcement agencies in bringing perpetrators of that violence to book,” he said.

Own Correspondent|Acting President Constantino Chiwenga made a toast to “the revival of Air Zimbabwe and the revamping of our tourism” on Monday as Air Zimbabwe received a long-haul Boeing 777-200 bought from Malaysia Airlines.

Instead of sipping the champagne presented by Air Zimbabwe staff, Chiwenga in clear caution of another poisoning decided to splash the champagne on the floor.

The drinks were opened by Air Zimbabwe catering crew and handed to the senior officials who included Transport Minister Joel Biggie Matiza as well as Air Zimbabwe bosses.

The Acting President, who is still smarting from treatment in China over a case of suspected poisoning, opted to pouring the drink on the floor, much to the amusement and laughter of the audience and media personnel.

Minister Matiza and other officials, however, gulped down their drinks.

Watch video downloading below:

Some members of the ZNLWVA are reportedly scared stiff of joining the ruling ZANU PF as a wing arguing that the development would take away their independence.

A senior official of the ZNLWVA from Mashonaland East who spoke to the Daily News on condition of anonymity said that the move will take away their voice. The official said:

Some of us are not really excited about the development because it is meant to placate us.

They know that once we become members of the party, then we cannot be vociferous regarding welfare issues because we will be bound by the party’s code of conduct.

We need to remain independent of the party or else we are finished.

Meanwhile, the association’s chairperson in the province, Daniel Sigauke, said that the development had been welcomed by the former freedom fighters as provides them with a platform to directly interact with the party.

The most recent ZANU PF’s People’s Annual Conference resolved that Zimbabwe National Liberation War Veterans Association and the Zimbabwe Liberation War Collaborators (Ziliwaco) were to be incorporated into the ruling party as a wing not “an appendage for political elites” or affiliates as they have been previously.

Source: Daily News/Pindula

Own Correspondent|Top wings of the police force and state security were Monday called in to deal with a demonstration by students at Bulawayo’s Njube High School in protest over a recent steep increase in tuition fees.

The children took down the school’s national flag and also brandished President Emmerson Mnangagwa’s portrait as they marched into the busy Luveve Road in Bulawayo’s High Density Suburbs.

The demonstration was also a show of disgruntlement by the young learners over the shortage of textbooks, learning material and continued absence of teachers at the government owned institution.

The students, who were singing and dancing to songs that claimed that President Emmerson Mnangagwa was failing them, marched for hundreds of metres from the school yard to a petrol station along the busy Luveve highway where the march was dispersed by the headmaster under instruction of anti riot police and state security agents.

The students retreated to the school yard where they were screened by the police and Ministry of Education officials.

Those who were implicated as ring leaders of the protest were asked to write on pieces of paper why they took part in the protest.

The students were also asked to state the names of persons who pulled down the national flag and the President’s portrait during the demonstrations.

According to a police Memorandum from the Officer In Charge Njube Police to the Officer Commanding Bulawayo, the students who took part in the demonstration volunteered to give statements on the demonstration.

“ZRP Njube attended the scene and called the pupils to assembly. The children who had participated in the demonstration voluntarily came into the open about their participation,” said the police.

“They were invited to write reasons for their participation in the demonstration which are—

• The fees have been hiked from $92-00 to $440-00.
• The teachers are earning low salaries.
• Teachers not attending lessons.
• Beneficiaries of the BEAM programme being made to pay half of the fees and
• The general high cost of living.

“Scene was also attended by the Officer Commanding Bulawayo West District; Chief Superintendent Bizeki, members from the Presidents Office, Military Intelligence, Prison Intelligence and different media houses,” wrote the police proving how intimidating the state security delegation was to the children.

“The reason why we took part in the walk is that we want our education. We do not have enough textbooks to learn. The fees have gone high and our parents cannot afford the fees,” read one statement from a student.

“Save our soul,” another student wrote in her statement.

“This is for every Zimbabwean children. UNICEF where are you? We have suffered a lot. All we need is if you help Ubuntu,” another student wrote on her statement.

“Most of our parents were struggling to pay the old fees, let alone the new fees. While our parents continue to pay those huge fees, we are not provided with any textbooks and other learning materials,” said an A’ level student who refused to be named for fear of victimisation.

The Acting District Schools Inspector for Khumalo, Inspector Zanele Muyambo addressed the students and assured them they will not be victimised.

She also assured the students that the Ministry of Primary and Secondary Education was going to look into some of their grievances.

Additional Reporting: all Africa.com/News Agents

Own Correspondent|Just three days after he actively participate in lobola negotiations for his niece, a 55 year old Gwanda man committed suicide by hanging himself from a tree along a river which is behind his homestead under very unclear circumstances.

Matabeleland South provincial police spokesperson Chief Inspector Philisani Ndebele confirmed the incident which occurred in Bethel Village on Friday at around 5AM.

He said Lovemore Dube was found hanging after he had left a note telling his family where they would find his body.

“I can confirm that we recorded a case of suicide by hanging which occurred in Bethel Village. Lovemore Dube woke up at around 5AM and didn’t tell anyone where he was going and he went to a river which is behind his homestead where he hanged himself from a tree with a rope. His nephew woke up preparing to go to school when he saw a letter on the table written by his uncle saying they would find him at a river behind their kraal.

“The nephew showed the letter to his brother and they went to the river and found their uncle hanging from a tree. The matter was reported to the police who attended the scene. The reason for the suicide is yet to be established,’’ he said.

Just a couple of days before Dube committed suicide he had been party to lobola negotiations for his brother’s daughter who lives just across from him.

In a strange act, the family lost all of the R55 000 which was lobola they had received after four masked armed robbers pounced on them a day after the payment of the bride price.

The suspects who are still at large invaded two homesteads which family members were sleeping in.

The family lost the lobola as well as other personal money.

Deputy National police spokesperson Chief Superintendent Blessmore Chishaka confirmed the incident which occurred on Sunday.

“I can confirm that we recorded an armed robbery case which occurred in Bethel Village. On Saturday morning the complainants received R55 000 from their in-laws as bride price for their daughter. The first complainant who is the father took R47 500 to his homestead and gave his other relatives R7 500 which they shared amongst themselves,” he said.

“At around 3AM, a gang of four men who had their faces covered and were armed with a pistol, hammer and a log broke the door to the first complainant’s house and gained entry.

“They held a gun to his head and demanded cash and he surrendered a bag containing R47 500 and US$400. They also took four cell phones which belong to him and his wife.”

Chief Supt Chishaka said the gang that was travelling in an unidentified vehicle went to a nearby homestead where other family members were sleeping and ordered them to hand over their money. He said they took US$300, R3 110, $1 900 and three cell phones.

Chief Supt Chishaka said the gang punctured tyres of vehicles that were parked in the homestead and drove away in their vehicle which was parked about 200 metres away.

The family suspects that a family member masterminded the attack.

Kenneth Ndlovu (66), whose daughter got married to a Bulawayo man on Saturday said his family was still shaken by the incident which has seen them suffer a great loss.

He said they suspect that the armed robbery mastermind was a family member as the culprits appeared to be well informed about the amount and location of the money.

Family members who spoke to ZimEye.com in confidence expressed concern over Dube’s sudden unexplained suicide hinting that he may have suffered from a guilty conscience over the missing money and thought of killing himself.

According to the family members, some of the witnesses in the robbery incident had already started hinting that they saw someone who resembled Dube helping the unknown robbers around the homesteads probably directing them to where the money was kept on the fateful night.

The villagers expressed disappointment at how police refused to link the suicide to the missing money and allowed the Dube family to speedily allow for burial just a day after the suicide without carrying out investigations on the possible cause of the death.

“It’s sad that police would not believe that there was a possible link between Dube’s suicide and the missing money, ” said a relative.

Chief Insp Ndebele said most cases of suicide were recorded as a result of problems faced by people. He urged members of the public to desist from committing suicide but rather engage counsellors.

If people have problems they should talk to pastors, community leaders, family elders, professional counsellors or anyone who can assist them instead of committing suicide, he said.

MORE than 150 pupils from Njube High School in Bulawayo yesterday staged a demonstration against school fees increase and poor working conditions for their teachers, marching to Entumbane complex while waving placards amid claims that they were incited by one of their teachers.

The science teacher, Mr Brian Mutsiba, who allegedly incited the students to protest that their teachers had abandoned lessons due to poor salaries, has since been arrested.

The pupils protested against the increase in school fees from $92 to $440 per term.

The pupils left their school located in Njube suburb, marched to siyephambili Drive before heading towards the city using Luveve Road singing “Mnangagwa int’ oyenzayo siyayizonda,” (President Mnangagwa we don’t like what you are doing.)

They made a U-turn near Entumbane Complex after their headmaster ordered them to do so.

The incident occurred at about 10AM.

Sources said Mr Mutsiba removed President Mnangagwa’s portrait that was in the school’s staff room before handing it to the pupils.

Prior to taking to the streets, the pupils are said to have removed the country’s flag from the school and used it to wipe their shoes before waving it around during their over 30 minutes demonstration.

Bulawayo acting Provincial Education Director Mrs Olicah Kaira said she would have to brief her superiors before commenting about the protests.

“I’m yet to make a report to the Permanent Secretary (Mrs Tumisang Thabela) following today’s events. However, part of what is circulating on social media (about learners demonstrating) is true. But I have to follow procedures and communicate to headquarters before commenting to the Press. However, I want to assure the public that the situation was dealt with before it got out of control,” said Mrs Kaira.

She dismissed claims that teachers had abandoned pupils to harvest amacimbi.

“The teachers are in schools. We don’t have amacimbi in Bulawayo and teachers are professionals, they would not leave pupils to harvest the mopane worms. I was in a meeting with the school heads today at Masotsha High School who confirmed that teachers are in schools doing their work. Whoever originated the message that our teachers are not in school just wants to taint our image as a province, we don’t know for what reasons,” said Mrs Kaira.

Bulawayo police spokesperson Inspector Abednico Ncube referred questions to national police spokesperson Assistant Commissioner Paul Nyathi, whose cellphone rang unanswered.

However, police sources said 153 Form One, Form Three and Form Six pupils participated in the demonstration.

“The teacher is now facing charges of participating in a public gathering with intent to promote public violence, breach of peace or bigotry. He is also facing charges of Contravening Section 6 of the Flag of Zimbabwe, Chapter 10:10, in short insulting the flag,” said the police source.

Parents who spoke to state media said they did not understand why their children were demonstrating.

A vendor who sells her wares by the school gate, Mrs Catherine Moyo, said she observed the pupils’ uncharacteristic behaviour when they left the school.

“We just saw them coming out of the school at around 10AM. This was an unlikely time. They were not making any noise, they seemed organised. But we are now told that they went as far as Entumbane Complex. What is worrying is that we are being told that they were influenced by a teacher.

“We are here trying to raise fees yet a teacher who is supposed to be teaching them was inciting them to protest. What if one of them was hit by a car during the process, who would have been answerable?” asked Mrs Moyo.

Another vendor operating near the intersection of Siyephambili Drive and Luveve Road said she was shocked to see the pupils waving President Mnangagwa’s portrait.

“We just saw pupils from Njube High School coming from the school’s direction singing and chanting songs like into oyenzayo siyayizonda (we don’t like what you are doing.) They claimed they were protesting against school fees increase saying it was just too much and their parents were struggling to raise the funds,” she said.

Source: State Media

State Media|The State wants Marry Mubaiwa, the estranged wife of Acting President Constantino Chiwenga, to surrender into court custody as part of her bail conditions all three valid Zimbabwean passports reportedly issued to her and to live at a different address from the matrimonial Borrowdale home she shared with her husband.

She is on remand for attempted murder, fraud and money laundering.

Mubaiwa surrendered one diplomatic passport as a bail condition set by the High Court.

The State has been informed there is a second diplomatic passport, expiring on December 11 this year, and an ordinary passport expiring on February 21, 2022.

The prosecution wants all three passports in the custody of the court until the trial is over.

The application has been set for hearing today before Justice Pisirayi Kwenda.

Acting President Chiwenga, who is accusing his estranged wife of performing rituals at his Borrowdale home and bringing in “witch doctors”, opposes Mubaiwa’s request to reside at 614 Nick Price Drive, Borrowdale Brooke.

Through his lawyers, Manase & Manase Legal Practitioners, the Acting President argued that the prosecution was not aware of the issue when bail was argued.

He contends that Mubaiwa, being an accused person, could not share the house with the Acting President, who is the complainant in two of the cases for fear of interference.

Meanwhile, Justice Christopher Dube-Banda, is expected to preside over the civil case in which Mubaiwa wants custody of the couple’s three children.

The matter was last week deferred to give them a chance to hammer out a settlement.

Paul Nyathi|Acting President Constantino Chiwenga on Monday led a Government delegation that received an Air Zimbabwe Jet from Malaysia at Robert Gabriel Mugabe International Airport.

After receiving the aircraft, the Acting President handed it over to the Airzim management led by company administrator Mr Reggie Saruchera.

Amidst all the fun and flare at the ceremony, Chiwenga and his entourage deliberately ignored to mention that the plane which was being tagged as a new delivery for Air Zimbabwe was not being delivered into the country for the first time.

The 300-seater plane, which touched down at Robert Gabriel Mugabe International Airport yesterday, is the same plane that was received by former finance Minister Patrick Chinamasa on April 11, 2018 then on behalf of a newly established government wholly-owned special purpose vehicle, Zimbabwe Aviation Leasing Company, which, in turn, was said to be leasing the aircraft to another new government owned company, Zimbabwe Airways.

Government had decided to lease out the planes to its newly-created firm, Zimbabwe Airways, in order to allow Airzim — then saddled with a $300 million debt — time to recover.

“Zimbabwe Aviation Leasing Company, which is 100 percent owned by the Government, is leasing the new Boeing 777 to Zimbabwe Airways, which is also wholly owned by the Government,” said Chinamasa at the time.

In June of the same year, the new Boeing 777 bought using state funds was returned to Malaysia without making a single flight.

The purchase of the plane and three others from Malaysian Airways was negotiated by late former president Robert Mugabe’s son-in-law, Simba Chikore.

The national carrier Air Zimbabwe was at the time not chosen to take on the new planes, not least because it was bankrupt.

Government with advise from Chikore had set up Zimbabwe Airways to operate the new aircraft believing that the new company would not inherit the state airline’s massive debts.

Malaysia Airlines lost two of its B777s months apart in 2014 – one shot down by a missile over Ukraine and another which vanished off the radar and crashed into the sea through what investigators concluded were the deliberate actions of the captain.

While the accidents were not the plane’s fault, Malaysian Airlines could not believe their bad luck with the B777s and decided to retire them in March 2016.

Zimbabwe negotiated to buy four of the planes at a total cost of $70 million.

The Zimbabwe Airways’ formation was something of a scandal in Zimbabwe. For a long time, the government had claimed that it was a private company – before ministers finally admitted that the company was state-owned.

The government had planned to hide its interest in the airline to avoid creditors attaching the aircraft. Zimbabwe Airways would have taken over overseas routes long abandoned by the ailing Air Zimbabwe, including Harare-London and Harare-Beijing.

Transport Minister Joel Matiza announced that Zimbabwe Airways would be merged with Air Zimbabwe, but within days of that announcement, Air Zimbabwe went into administration. The administrator then announced that Air Zimbabwe, wholly owned by the government, was looking for private investors.

Talks about merging the two airlines had collapsed after a nominee shareholder in Zimbabwe Airways demanded to be paid US$2 million by the government.

Harare lawyer Phillipa Phillips, who was listed as a Zimbabwe Airways director, wrote to the Transport Ministry informing them that the merger would not proceed unless she is paid US$2 million.

A nominee shareholder is an ostensible or registered owner who holds shares on behalf of the actual owner (beneficial owner) under a custodial agreement. It was not immediately clear who in this case the actual owner was.

Seeing problems with Zimbabwe Airways, government tried to cancel the deal for the four planes with Malaysia but Malaysian Airlines turned down the request to reverse a deal for the purchase of two Boeing 777 planes and threatened to take legal action for breach of contract.

Government initially entered into a deal in 2017 for the purchase of four jetliners, but later wanted to negotiate for two after failing to raise US$70 million for all of them.

The planes, which were initially sourced for Zimbabwe Airways (ZimAirways), are now the same planes that are being set towards the revival of the troubled flag carrier Air Zimbabwe.

Transport minister Joel Biggie Matiza travelled to Kuala Lumpur earlier last year to try and sell the new government position to the Malaysian Airlines executives without success.

He later told a media briefing in Harare that government would now proceed with the original deal for the four planes.

Harare had paid for one plane in full and made a 10% deposit for the other. It had not commenced payments for the remaining two.

Matiza’s proposal was shot down by Malaysian Airlines, which said government has no choice but to honour the subsisting contract or risk facing legal action for breach of contract.

“The issue is that the Malaysians did not want the original agreement altered and insisted on honouring the contract. Even before the trip to Malaysia was made, everyone knew that there was a high possibility for the authorities there to threaten legal action,” a government source said. “They were told that the 2017 sale agreement was legally binding and Zimbabwe risked blacklisting by foreign airlines if it does not revert to the original plan.”

The planes are now being delivered into the country in the name of Air Zimbabwe and not Zimbabwe Airways.

What, however, baffles the mind is how in all this, the Zimbabwe Anti Corruption Commission remains silent and watches government play around with people’s minds claiming delivery of the same plane twice.

In November last year, ZACC briefly arrested former Transport Minister Joram Gumbo for criminal abuse of office over the Zimbabwe Airways deal which saw Government losing millions of dollars.

The arrest appears to have since fizzled into thin air.

Genius Kadungure must pay an additional US$58 000 excise duty for one of his recently imported top-of-the-range vehicles, a Bentley Continental GT, that he had undervalued on its arrival.

The vehicle is under an embargo, although being kept at Kadungure’s house.

He is expected to pay up by Friday under the order issued last Friday by High Court judge Justice Webster Chinamora.

He had previously paid US$82 450 as duty.

Explaining matters, Kadungure’s lawyer Mr Brighton Pabwe said: “Zimra did its reconciliations and my client Kadungure was ordered to top up duty by US$58 469,09.

“Initially, he had paid US$82 450. The car remains on embargo at his house until duty is paid before or by 24 January.”

The development comes after Kadungure had approached the High Court last week seeking an order to prohibit the Commissioner-General of the Zimbabwe Revenue Authority (Zimra) from confiscating the vehicle that is valued at R1,9 million.

Zimra officials and police officers from the Vehicle Theft Squad (VTS) visited Kadungure’s Domboshava residence last week to impound the vehicle.

Kadungure told the court that he bought the vehicle from a South African company through his courier and clearing agents and took delivery of it on January 5.

Kadungure was also suing Finance and Economic Development Minister Professor Mthuli Ncube in his official capacity.

He was contesting the constitutionality of the Customs and Excise Act section that prohibits any civil proceedings to be taken against Zimra without giving six months’ notice in terms of the State Liabilities Act.State media

Farai Dziva| MDC leader Nelson Chamisa has said Zanu PF has surpassed the colonial government’s terror levels.

Chamisa told Daily News:
These are terror tactics. Even the Rhodesians did not go to the extent of raiding Zanu offices during the war.

What they (the government) want is to control and capture the opposition … There is no government that behaves like that…

Zanu PF is shooting itself in the foot. In their eyes we are not MDC, we are a rebellious movement.

We have a big problem on our hands … I will not reveal our next course of action, but we are obviously alarmed by the behaviour of Zanu PF.

Farai Dziva|MDC leader Nelson Chamisa will on Tuesday speak on the party’s agenda for 2020 -as the nation grapples with the biting economic crisis.

See statement below :

All roads lead to Stodart Hall in Mbare in Harare on Tuesday as the police have sanctioned the MDC’s Agenda 2020 programme that will be officially unveiled by the People’s President Advocate Nelson Chamisa.

Everyone is free to attend the event and the police have since officially notified the party that the bumper event can go ahead without State inhibition.

Tomorrow, President Chamisa will launch the party’s Agenda 2020 in which the MDC will spell out to Zimbabweans and the world the party’s programme of action for the year.

Zimbabweans are wallowing under a debilitating political and economic crisis and are looking up to the MDC’s competent leadership for direction.

Tomorrow, the party will provide direction by enunciating the party’s programme of the year in when President Chamisa spells out how the party intends to address the multi-layered legitimacy and socio-economic crisis that has arrested the nation.

Zimbabweans can barely survive; civil servants are suffering while villagers are facing imminent starvation with the clueless and illegitimate Zanu PF government failing to provide solutions.

Tomorrow, the MDC will publicly spell out the way forward for the nation and every Zimbabwean is free to attend the event.

Luke Tamborinyoka
Deputy National Spokesperson

Farai Dziva|Terror gangs known as MaShurugwi brutally killed MDC vice president Lynnette Karenyi -Kore’s relative last week.

See statement below :

The Zanu PF-sponsored vigilante groups popularly as MaShurugwi have wreaked havoc in the countryside with top MDC leadership losing their close relatives to the politically-connected militia which is certainly enjoying protection from high offices in government.

The machete-wielding vigilante groups have run amok in the countryside and many Zimbabweans have had their kinsmen callously beheaded by the notorious group.

Some in the MDC’s top leadership have lost their close relatives to the vigilante groups who are going around the country demanding money and other largesse from innocent Zimbabweans.

Vice President Lynnette Karenyi Kore has lost her 41-year old uncle Liberty Dadirai Chimwoyo who was murdered in the Hot Springs area near Odzi River in the Nenhowe area of Chimanimani in Manicaland province.

He sustained fatal head injuries following machete-attacks by youths linked to the MaShurugwi terror gangs that have gone on a nation-wide rampage and plunged Zimbabwe into a deep state of national insecurity. VP Kore is currently attending the funeral of his uncle in Chimanimani.

The party’s vice national chairperson, Hon. Job Sikhala has had two of his uncles brutally attacked by these machete-wielding Zanu PF apparatchiks.

One of them, Yeweight Senzere, died on the spot last week in Mvuma and Hon. Sikhala is attending Senzere’s funeral in Chivi in Masvingo province.

Hon. Sikhala’s other uncle, Elvis Matsikidze, is battling for his life in the intensive care unit at Gweru General Hospital.

The machete-toting vigilante groups have gone on the rampage in the country, amid reports of a serious fall-out between Mr Emmerson Mnangagwa and his deputy Constantine Chiwenga, with the former reported to be banking on Mashurugwi as a personal army to serve personal political interests.

Mnangagwa is reportedly suspicious of the allegiances of the rank and file in the army, despite picking the entire command element of the security forces from his Midlands province.

Zimbabwe Defence Forces Commader Philip Valerio Sibanda, Zimbabwe National Army commander Edzai Absolom Chanyuka Chimonyo, the Air Force of Zimbabwe’s Air Marshall Elson Moyo and the Central Intelligence Organization’s boss Isaac Moyo all hail from the Midlands province.

They are also reported to be Mnangagwa’s close relatives.

MaShurugwi have wrought serious insecurity and if the menace is not stemmed, the country could plunge into chaos. What Zimbabweans desperately need is a true people’s government that can guarantee their personal security, which security is enshrined in the country’s Constitution, which Constitution the people made themselves and affirmed in a referendum.

Luke Tamborinyoka
Deputy National Spokesperson

WATCH VIDEO LOADING BELOW……

https://www.facebook.com/ZimEye/video/501392430514213/

By A Correspondent| Hannington Mubaiwa has warned his in-law, VP Constantino Chiwenga to be vigilant against being set up adding that the former army general risked being set up by shrewd people within the system.

Mubaiwa said:

So how could he put together such a flimsy thing(criminal charges)?

Somebody very smart very shrewd, very astute, within the system has sacrificed Constantino Chiwenga.

Cde Mukwasha, I think you are being set up up. Not that I want you to continue to be married to our daughter to my niece.

I don’t think so, I think you need to think, what you are doing, you are tying a noose for yourself.

You are digging a political grave for yourself, you are digging a hole in which you are going to push yourself into it. Think!”

On 15/1/20 ZRP Plumtree arrested 3 Armed Robbery suspects and recovered various property. The accused persons were positively identified by some of their victims and they have since appeared in court. The accused persons waylaid unsuspecting members of the public along the

— Zimbabwe Republic Police (@PoliceZimbabwe) January 20, 2020

Harare City Council has suspended three senior water engineers as it moves to align its service delivery mandate with the residents.

The suspension is without benefits.
The suspended engineers are Simon Muserere (wastewater , Richard Kunyadini (distribution) and Artwell Ruhukwa (water production).

Chief Chemist Mr Teddy Mafuko is part of the suspended group.

The four face allegations of misconduct in the perfomance of their ​duties.

According to letters written to the four their ​charges border on incompetency, inefficiency, habitual and substantial neglect of duties arising from inaction on issues relating to their duties.

They are expected to appear before a hearing within the next 14 days and in the meantime they have been asked to surrender all council equipment in their possession.

By A Correspondent| Opposition MDC leader Nelson Chamisa has said Zanu PF has surpassed the colonial government’s terror levels.

Chamisa told a local publication:

“These are terror tactics. Even the Rhodesians did not go to the extent of raiding Zanu offices during the war.

What they (the government) want is to control and capture the opposition … There is no government that behaves like that…

Zanu PF is shooting itself in the foot. In their eyes we are not MDC, we are a rebellious movement.

We have a big problem on our hands … I will not reveal our next course of action, but we are obviously alarmed by the behaviour of Zanu PF.”

1/2 The ZRP is aware of a message circulating on social media concerning purported conduct by police officers at Mzilikazi police station. The message is false as nothing of that sort occurred.

— Zimbabwe Republic Police (@PoliceZimbabwe) January 20, 2020

Read part of the message doing the rounds:

“50 anti-riot junior officers refused to take orders from their superiors while on parade to go for an unnamed operation in Makokoba, Nguboyenja, Entumbane, Thorngroove and Mzilikazi Thursday morning. They expressed displeasure that they are forced to spend more than 12 hours in full anti-riot gear with baton sticks and helmets under hot temperatures with no time for rest.”

By A Correspondent- Police said yesterday they had gunned down a notorious smuggler of second hand clothes into the country at the weekend, while also arresting six other people in Mutare.

This comes as government has launched a nationwide crackdown on the smuggling of bales of second hand cothing and other basic consumer goods into Zimbabwe.

One person was shot dead, while six others were arrested after police intercepted truckloads of smuggled bales of second-hand clothes in Vumba on Saturday night.

The gang, which had a fleet of vehicles, resisted arrest and attempted to run over a police officer, prompting other alert officers to open fire.

Police intercepted a convoy comprising two (7-tonne) trucks, three kombis with bales of clothes and four small escort cars, recovering 170 bales of clothes.

National police spokesperson Assistant Commissioner Paul Nyathi confirmed the incident.

“The Zimbabwe Republic Police has intercepted a convoy of two-seven tonne trucks, three commuter omnibuses and four small vehicles laden with bales of smuggled goods along Vumba Road after a shooting which resulted in the arrest of six suspects and the death of one of the suspects,” he said.

“A crack team of detectives picked information as the convoy approached Vumba and laid an ambush. The vehicles were signalled to stop, but the drivers ignored the police directive as the four small vehicles were being used as smugglers’ escort.”

Police fired warning shots before shooting the wheels of one of the trucks which then stopped.

“In the process, a VW Polo, registration number ADA 5492, which was part of the smugglers escort fleet made a U-turn, sped off towards a police officer who ducked and fired some shots,” said Asst Comm Nyathi.

“The VW Polo driver and passenger were injured in the process as they tried to flee. The passenger died on admission at Mutare Provincial Hospital, while the driver is admitted under police guard.”

Asst Comm Nyathi said police recovered 170 bales of smuggled clothes from some of the intercepted vehicles.

-DailyNews

Metro buses are predominant in cities such as London, (see pics) but you would never see such in areas like Seke, Zimbabwe.

But well, it is Monday morning, 20 January 2020 at 8:55am along Seke road. This is a Metro bus owned by ZUPCO, carrying commuters from Chitungwiza to Harare.

WATCH VIDEO- It is Monday morning, 20 January 2020 at 8:55am along Seke road, this is a Metro bus carrying commuters from Chitungwiza to Harare. pic.twitter.com/zbn5BKnqxo

— ZimEye (@ZimEye) January 20, 2020

By A Correspondent- In a very embarrassing development, a male boarding master at Washington High School was recently exposed of trying to prey on female students after he allegedly fondled a 15-year-old pupil’s breasts at their rendezvous.

Alouis Mhondiwa was recently convicted of indecent assault after the victim of his sexual pursuits spilled the beans.

Appearing before Harare magistrate Mrs Sharon Rakafa, Mhondiwa was sentenced to 18 months in prison.

She suspended eight months on condition that the accused does not commit a similar offence and the remaining 10 months on condition that Mhondiwa performs 350 hours of community service at Waterfalls Clinic.

During the trial the girl said:

The first day we had gone to the dining hall for studies and a female guard sent me with her phone to the accused person. That was when we arranged how we would meet later that night.

I managed to sneak out of the hostels with three of my friends that were also going to meet their boyfriends. I went to his house. He began touching me and I started feeling different and requested to leave. When I returned to the hostels I told my friend about the incident and planned to return back to the accused person’s residence.

The school authorities heard of the matter and the incident was reported to the police, leading to Mhondiwa’s arrest.

However, the information provided from the trial does not reveal how the alleged indecent assault sexual assault came to light and also whether the complainant and the accused were in a relationship since the complainant had hatched the plan together with her friends to sneak out of their hostels and see their ‘boyfriends’.

Talkmore Muganhiri prosecuted the case.

-StateMedia

By A Correspondent- The City of Gweru has run out of mealie-meal with major supermarkets failing to restock, leaving hundreds of people stranded.

The dire situation has opened avenues for black market merchants in the down town areas where the commodity is selling it at exorbitant prices.

While a 10kg pack of roller meal is supposed to sell at $50, according to government gazetted prices following a subsidy arrangement, on the black market the commodity is being sold for $120. The unscrupulous businesspeople are not accepting all modes of payments like swipe and mobile money transfers, but demanding cash only.

Last week, Bulawayo residents also accused some retail shop owners of abusing the subsidised mealie-meal facility by forcing consumers to buy other goods in order to be able to purchase the scarce commodity.

Residents told Southern Eye that supermarket owners forced them to buy other goods worth over $20 in order to buy a 10kg mealie-meal bag. There has been haggling between the government and millers over registration of firms meant to receive the subsidy, which sources yesterday said was the reason for the acute shortage of the basic food commodity.

“There has not been a fair supply of subsidised grain to millers as the scheme seems to be benefitting a few who are close to the powers that be. That is the reason we have reached this stage whereby there is virtually no mealie-meal in Gweru. The Ministry of Finance and Grain Marketing Board are not doing the right thing. They are corruptly handling the grain subsidy scheme,” said a source.

Grain Millers Association of Zimbabwe spokesperson, Garikai Chaunza referred questions to Andrew Bvumbe, a Finance ministry official in charge of the grain subsidy programme.

“He is the one who is running the roller meal subsidy programme,” Chaunza said.

However, Bvumbe refused to shed light on the shortages of mealie-meal in Gweru or reveal if millers have received disbursements from his ministry to sell the commodity at subsidised prices.

“A statement was issued that it is the Ministry of Industry and Commerce that is in charge of that programme,” Bvumbe curtly said.

— NewsDay

By A Correspondent- Home Affairs deputy minister Mike Madiro’s son allegedly torched his parents’ eight-roomed farmhouse at Odzi Farm on Friday following an argument over the sale of two oxen.

On Saturday, Shingirai (23) appeared before Mutare magistrate Tamara Chibindi, who remanded him to January 30 on $1 000 bail.

It is the State’s case that on the day in question, Shingirai, who was reportedly stopped from selling the family’s two oxen, threatened his parents with death.

His parents then ran for dear life after which he torched the family’s house, destroying property worth $90 000.

Shingirai is denying the charge.

-NewsDay

By A Correspondent- Harare City Council has suspended four senior officials for alleged dereliction of duty and contributing to the water crisis in the city.

The axe fell on head of city chemistry, production manager and water distribution manager and their alleged transgressions include failure to act decisively on leakages, arrogance and taking long to attend to faults, among others.

Mayor Herbert Gomba confirmed the development, saying the move was meant to improve service delivery and get rid of non-performers.

“As we are working together as Zimbabweans and residents of Harare in particular, we have discovered that some among us are not playing ball in as far as the transformation of the city is concerned. We have managers who are reposed with the mandate to deliver services, but are not doing so according to expectation.

“Managers are supposed to visit the areas where work is supposed to be. A chemist or production manager and distribution manager should be on the ground to ensure work is done. Facts are that they are not and we will act to protect our residents under the mantra ‘residents first’,” he said.

Gomba read the riot act at a high-level meeting held at Town House last week where he also ordered the council’s water department to vacate a rented building they were using in the city and make use of either Cleveland or Rowan Martin, both council premises.

Council sources said all divisional failing to perform their duties will be taken before a disciplinary committee.

It was also revealed that most workers at the council’s biggest water treatment plant, Morton Jaffray Waterworks, were spending most of their time running personal errands, including selling fish at the ratepayers’ expense

-Newsday

Own Correspondent|Police in Bulawayo have dragged MDC President Nelson Chamisa’s spokesperson Nkululeko Sibanda into the demonstration by students from Prince Njube Memorial High School in Bulawayo on Monday morning.

In a memorandum to the Officer Commanding Bulawayo, the Officer In Charge Njube Police made a sensational claim that the MDC Presidential Spokesperson was seen milling around the demonstrating students.

The police made the revelation as they incriminated a biology teacher at the school Brian Mutsiba for inciting the 180 students to demonstrate discrediting President Emmerson Mnangagwa.

“Indications are that the accused is the one who masterminded the demonstration. The school pupils were merely following their teachers orders. Also observed was that the spokesperson of MDC-Alliance president, Nkululeko Sibanda was seen milling around,” wrote the police.

The Full Police outline is as below:

MEMORANDUM

TO: THE OFFICER COMMANDING BULAWAYO WEST DISTRICT
FROM: OIC NJUBE
DATED 20/01/2020
SUBJECT: DEMOSTRATION BY NJUBE HIGH SCHOOL STUDENTS
This Memo serves to inform you that:
INFORMANT
Name: Ndlovu Archford
Contacts: XXXXXXXX
Residential address: Njube High School, Bulawayo
Business address: Njube High Secondary School.

ACCUSED
Name: Brian Mutsiba
NR: XXXXXXXX
Contacts: XXXXXXX
Res: XXXXX, Bulawayo
Business: Njube High School, Bulawayo
CIRCUMSTANCES
On the 20th day of January 2020 and at around 1000 hours, the accused incited over 153 forms one, three and six students to partake in an unlawful demonstration. In doing so, the accused removed the portrait of the President of the Republic Zimbabwe from the staff room and went on to un-hoist the National Flag from its mast. He then exited the school gate with the students he had mobilised for the unsanctioned march.

From the school, they turned right into B.B. Burombo Road then used a footpath to connect Luveve Road. On reaching the robots opposite Entumbane Complex, the demonstrators gathered and started chanting songs saying, Imfundo ngeyethu into oyenzayo siyayizonda amongst others. The procession then started marching along Luveve Road towards Emagetsini. They were waving placards inscribed Where is UNICEF?”, “This is for every Zimbabwean child” and “SOS serve our souls”. The Presidents portrait and Zimbabwean flag were being carried by two students.

When they got near to the intersection of Luveve Road and Masiyephambili Road, the demonstrators grouped again and deliberately turned the portrait and the national flag upside and started making loud chants. They then knelt down facing the eastern direction and sang “Nkosi sikelela iAfrica”. During that process, the headmaster, Mr Zibusiso Msimanga N.R. XXXXXXXX, cell number XXXXXX arrived at the scene and ordered the school children to stop what they were doing and go back to school. The children complied and went back to school but along the way the accused kept on influencing the students to be defiant.

On entering the school campus, one of the pupils who had participated in the march hoisted back the flag. The children then went back to their classes. The accused disappeared from the school upon arrival from the march. ZRP Njube attended the scene and called the pupils to assembly. The children who had participated in the demonstration voluntarily came into the open about their participation. They were invited to write reasons for their participation in the demonstration which are—

The fees have been hiked from $92-00 to $440-00.
The teachers are earning low salaries.
Teachers not attending lessons.
Beneficiaries of the BEAM programme being made to pay half of the fees and
The general high cost of living.

1. A follow-up of the accused was made at number XXX, Emakhandeni by Numbers 066556S Constable Magwira and 087615H Constable Muzvuwe. Seen was Sandra Tshuma; N.R. XXXXX, Cellphone number XXXXXX, aged 32 years who indicated that the accused relocated to an unknown address three years back. She indicated that accused was a fellow tenant at the house.
   Preliminary investigations show that accused is a former prison officer and subscribes to ZIMTA. He is an abuser of alcohol and is staying alone. Report has been entered on RRB 403903. The accused is being charged for Contravening section 37 (1) (a) of the Criminal Law Codification and Reform Act Chapter 9:23 {participating in a public gathering with the intent to promote public violence, breach of peace or bigotry} and also for Contravening section 6 of the Flag of Zimbabwe Act; Chapter 10:10 {insulting the flag}.

Scene was also attended by the Officer Commanding Bulawayo West District; Chief Superintendent Bizeki, members from the Presidents Office, Military Intelligence, Prison Intelligence and different media houses.

Indications are that the accused is the one who masterminded the demonstration. The school pupils were merely following their teachers orders. Also observed was that the spokesperson of MDC-Alliance president, Nkululeko Sibanda was seen milling around.

039730J CHIEF INSPECTOR RAMAPHOSA ZRP NJUBE

By A Correspondent- Sate security operatives reportedly pounced on Progressive Teachers’ Union of Zimbabwe (PTUZ) leader, Takavafira Zhou’s office on Thursday last week following reports of his involvement in the planned national shutdown.

The majority of PTUZ members across the country are reportedly boycotting classes citing incapacitation, while the Zimbabwe Congress of Trade Unions and the main opposition MDC party have threatened a national shutdown protest over the deteriorating economy.

Unsettled by these developments, three Central Intelligence Organisation (CIO) operatives pounced at Zhou’s offices in Masvingo, while others called him from Kwekwe in a bid to thwart the impending shutdown.

“They were trying to the link teachers’ strike with threats of a shutdown and we informed them that our struggle is a dispute with the employer in which the employer unilaterally (devalued) teachers’ salaries from US$500 to US$35. That is tantamount to unfair labour practice,” Zhou told NewsDay on Saturday.

“I explained to the CIOs that the shutdown of shops is not part of our agenda, but staying away from work because of incapacitation. They also interrogated us on our 2014 banner, whose other writing thread demanded ‘accountability over diamonds and other minerals’ and I explained our expectation of responsible leadership that should judiciously use minerals for the benefit of all Zimbabweans as opposed to self-aggrandisement and economic banditry.”

Zhou also revealed that police from the Central Investigations Department (CID) contacted him over the stayaway by teachers in President Emmerson Mnangagwa’s hometown of Kwekwe.

“I also received a phone call from CID in Kwekwe, who wanted to know why PTUZ teachers have not reported for work and I also explained to them that teachers’ incapacitation was the modus operandi,” he said.

Last year, Amalgamated Rural Teachers Union of Zimbabwe (Artuz) president Obert Masaraure was abducted by suspected CIO operatives, who tortured him for leading a strike.

Zhou said he was still assessing the situation in order to measure his safety.

National police spokesperson Assistant Commissioner Paul Nyathi yesterday said he was not aware whether or not the police were investigating Zhou as he was out of office.

“I am currently out of office as it is a weekend. I am, therefore, unable to comment on that one because I can’t look for the facts at the moment,” he said.

— NewsDay