Zanu PF national spokesperson, Simon Khaya Moyo has told the Herald that the party will soon be issuing its 2020 resolutions which are shaped by the party’s recently held Annual People’s Conference.

The ZANU PF conference resolved on a number of issues which the party said would be used to guide the government.

Among other things, the ZANU PF 18th Annual National People’s Conference that was held in Goromonzi, resolved to create jobs, establish gold centres and promote value addition and beneficiation.

The party also resolved that the collapsed industry needs to be revived, one of the avenues through which jobs can be created.

Zimbabwe police have banned all illegal mining activities and said anyone wishing to go into mining should obtain a relevant licence or permit.

The ban follows the killing of Constable Wonder Hokoyo by machete gangs in Kadoma on 28 December.

Police Chief Godwin Matanga said police will not tolerate acts of violence by artisanal miners and anyone who decides or attempts to disarm a police officer on duty risks being shot.

“All potential miners who are engaged in illegal mining activities should stop doing so and ensure that before they mine, they obtain the relevant licence or permit to do so in terms of the laws of the country,” he said.

“Any deviation from this will result in such miners being arrested. No one should interfere with or attack police officers who are maintaining law and order at mining sites. Anyone who decides or attempts to disarm police officers on duty risks being shot.”

Matanga said police were working with other stakeholders to ensure that incidences of gold rush in several parts of the country are swiftly dealt with.

“Let us all promote law and order and engage in lawful and regularized mining activities.  Regulating authorities will be issuing out prohibition orders barring he carrying of machetes and other weapons such as knives, catapults, iron bars and knobkerries…”

The police chief said he will ensure that police deployments in mining areas are influenced by the need to protect and preserve life and property.

“My office will therefore not stand by and allow unruly elements to attack police officers. We have also engaged the Ministry of Mines and Mining Development to ensure that all mining disputes, disused and decommissioned mines are monitored and measures put in place to curtail illegal mining activities,” he said.

TWO suspects believed to be part of a gang that allegedly killed a policeman last Saturday and seriously injured his colleague at Good Hope Mine in Battlefields have been arrested.

Police say they will now not hesitate to shoot anyone who attempts to disarm officers on duty.

The arrest comes as 17 gold panners, including one person who is on police’s most wanted list, were arrested in Kadoma yesterday.

Also, a man drowned in a river in Battlefields yesterday and police suspect that he could have been fleeing arrest.

In Mt Darwin, police on Monday arrested eight men and recovered four machetes and four Okapi knives stashed in the boot of a Toyota Wish they were travelling in.

The group is suspected to have been behind a spate of murder and robbery cases in Mashonaland Central Province.

The 17 suspects arrested in Kadoma are reported to be members of the gang known as “Team Barca”, formerly led by Taurai Mutandwa who was shot dead during the David Whitehead gold rush in Chegutu.

The recent killing and assault on police officers is suspected to be an act of revenge.

In a statement yesterday, Police Commissioner-General Godwin Matanga confirmed the arrest of the two suspected killers and said efforts were underway to arrest the outstanding suspects.

The police chief has since sent a condolence message to the family of Constable Wonder Hokoyo.

“May I take this opportunity to reiterate that the Zimbabwe Republic Police will not tolerate acts of violence by artisanal miners in any part

of the country. Anyone who therefore decides to disregard the laws of the land and cause anarchy will be dealt with severely in terms of the country’s laws.

The police will work flat out to account for perpetrators of violence and machete wielding gangs from mining sites”.

Comm-Gen Matanga warned members of the public against attacking police officers performing their duties.

“Meanwhile, all those engaged in illegal mining activities should stop doing so and ensure that before they mine, they obtain the relevant licence or permit to do so in terms of the laws of this country.

Any deviation from this will result in such miners being arrested.

“No one should interfere with or attack police officers who are maintaining law and order at mining sites. Anyone who decides or attempts to disarm police officers on duty risks being shot.

The Zimbabwe Republic Police is also working together with other stakeholders to ensure that incidences of gold rush in several parts of the country are swiftly dealt with,” he said.

He said the public should report any acts of lawlessness and violence. Comm-Gen Matanga said regulatory authorities will be issuing out prohibition orders barring the carrying of machetes and other weapons such as knives, catapults, iron bars and knobkerries, making it an offence to be found with such weapons.

“My office will ensure that police deployments in mining areas are influenced by the need to protect and preserve life and property as outlined in Section 219 of the Constitution.

My office will therefore not stand by and allow unruly elements to attack police officers.

There has been a heavy police presence at Good Hope Mine in Battlefields since the hacking to death of Cst Hokoyo.

When The Herald visited the mine yesterday, about 30 members of the ZRP Support Unit and the District Reaction Group (DRG) were at the scene.

SELF-EXILED former Zanu-PF propagandist Professor Jonathan Moyo has claimed that a coup was attempted on President Emmerson Mnangagwa in early November, but it was foiled.

Moyo says it was because of fear of another coup that the President has not chosen to go on an annual leave outside the country.

The President has been at his farm outside Kwekwe over the National Unity and Christmas holidays, before returning to the his official residence in Harare.

Further, Moyo claims the attempted coup cost the job of Central Intelligence Organisation (CIO) boss Aaron Nhepera, who was accused of not reporting on the coup early enough.

The revelations are part of Moyo’s promised threads on Twitter, which he unleashed on New Year’s Eve.

“Mnangagwa has not taken his annual leave & has not been able to leave the country because of a foiled coup in early November. The attempted coup cost Aaron Nhepera his job as CIO Deputy Director General, amid allegations he reported it late & mishandled intelligence on it!

SELF-EXILED former Zanu-PF propagandist Professor Jonathan Moyo has claimed that a coup was attempted on President Emmerson Mnangagwa in early November, but it was foiled.

Moyo says it was because of fear of another coup that the President has not chosen to go on an annual leave outside the country.

The President has been at his farm outside Kwekwe over the National Unity and Christmas holidays, before returning to the his official residence in Harare.

Further, Moyo claims the attempted coup cost the job of Central Intelligence Organisation (CIO) boss Aaron Nhepera, who was accused of not reporting on the coup early enough.

The revelations are part of Moyo’s promised threads on Twitter, which he unleashed on New Year’s Eve.

“Mnangagwa has not taken his annual leave & has not been able to leave the country because of a foiled coup in early November. The attempted coup cost Aaron Nhepera hisAdvertisementjob as CIO Deputy Director General, amid allegations he reported it late & mishandled intelligence on it!

“So Zimbabwe is in a triple crisis: (i) Mnangagwa has no legitimacy & authority to unite & inspire the nation; (ii) worse, he has lost the confidence of the armed forces; & (iii) his government is incapable of reviving the economy, which is now in an irretrievable free fall!”

Government, through information Ministry permanent secretary Nick Mangwana, recently dismissed the coup reports. Mangwana said that President Mnangagwa was unlike his predecessor Robert Mugabe who would go on annual leave in the Far East no matter the economic circumstances back home.

Jonathan Moyo, however, would not disclose who attempted the coup and on which exact date. He also proffered no information on what happened to the coup plotters, or how the State neutralized them.

MDC president Nelson Chamisa has issued a statement on New Year’s eve, encouraging the nation to be hopeful for better things in 2020. He posted the statement on his Twitter handle on Tuesday evening. The statement read:

In 2019 we have known pain, loss, devastation, struggle and tears. We also fought and celebrated the resilience of a nation whose best is yet to come. We thank God for grace. Thank you for all the encouragement. May 2020 bring opportunity, hope and happiness.

I know the hurts, setbacks, pain and despair of you have had to endure in 2019 but we have now entered a new decade, a decade of surprises, transformational changes. 2020 is a year of GREAT CHANGE in Zimbabwe. We are all in it. Eyes on the ball. #Godisinit

The cancer of child marriage continues to raise its ugly head in Makoni where 89 under-age schoolgirls have dropped out of school to get married after falling pregnant.

The statistics are contained in a report by the Ministry of Primary and Secondary Education in Makoni titled “Drop outs due to pregnancy – 2019”.

The schoolgirls fell pregnant between January and September 2019 and the figure could have been under-reported as some schools failed to submit their statistics on time.

The statistics could also have swelled in October, November and December.

So shocking and disturbing are the revelations that even juveniles in primary schools were not spared, as eight of them dropped out due to pregnancy.

Rural schools are the most affected as out of the 30 affected ones, only one is an urban school. Chiundu High tops the list with 18, followed by Inyati Mine High with 17. Nyamusosa Secondary School and Manonga have seven each while Ruombwe and Dumbamwe have six and five, respectively,

The 24 schools have statistics ranging between one and four.

The youngest girl to fall pregnant was 13 years old while out of the 89, only two are above 18. The shocking figures have left a lot of questions unanswered on whether young girls have clear understanding of abstinence, safe sex and the effectiveness of sexual and reproductive health education in schools.

It has been argued that there were serious gaps in youth sexual and reproductive health issues in rural and resettlement schools resulting in young girls being lured into risky and premature unprotected sex.

Such risky engagements expose them to devastating effects such as obstetric fistula, risk of HIV infection, physical, economic and spiritual trauma.

Makoni District National Aids Council Co-ordinator Mr Amnot Chipandamira said tremendous efforts were in place for the protection of the out-of-school girls, but results on the ground remain disturbing.

He said 1 945 girls are under the DREAMS project, but worryingly some of them were dropping out of school owing to pregnancy.

“Under the DREAMS project, 1 945 girls in primary and secondary schools are receiving funding in terms of fees, school uniforms and stationery. We are also taking drop-outs back to school so that they rebuild their lives. The programme has its fair share of success and challenges. Some girls are excelling, but we have sad scenarios where some beneficiaries are among those falling pregnant and dropping out.

“We are encouraging schoolchildren to abstain from indulging in sex before marriage. The education ministry does not allow condoms in schools as a matter of policy, so we do not educate them on safe sex methods. These girls are exposed to HIV, which is very sad. The HIV prevalence rate in the district is 11,3 percent,” he said.

Mr Chipandamira noted that out-of- school men were the main culprits targeting young girls.

“There is need to engage communities to protect young girls. Educating pupils while ignoring the community is a futile exercise. There is also need to regulate ‘bush boarding schools’ which are offering accommodation to learners close to schools. These are proving to be easy hunting grounds for child molesters,” he said.

Zimbabwe Rural Teachers’ Union president Mr Martin Chaburumunda bemoaned the situation saying there was need to engage community leaders to curb the scourge.

“It is not only peculiar to Makoni, but it is a national challenge. Schools offer Guidance and Counselling lessons where information relating to sex, diseases and general life issues is imparted to learners.

“Maybe there is need to review the content. Stakeholders must also be engaged because predators are found in their areas.

“School learners from disintegrated families are the most affected,” said Mr Chaburumunda.

Manicaland provincial education director Mr Edward Shumba was not readily available for a comment.

-State Media

CHILDREN in resettlement areas are still learning under deplorable conditions, including tobacco barns and animal shelters, Primary and Secondary Education minister Cain Mathema confirmed to Parliament. The revelation drew condemnation from legislators who said the government was not serious about education.

In a ministerial statement issued recently on his behalf in the National Assembly by Youth, Sports and Arts minister Kirsty Coventry, Mathema said poor infrastructure was one of the reasons that led to the 0% Grade 7 pass rate at some schools in Matabeleland North and South provinces.

“Teaching and learning space in some schools is still grossly inadequate. For example, some schools are still using tobacco barns and grass-thatched classrooms, animal handling facilities and other schools are operating without specialist rooms like design and technology laboratories or workshops,” Mathema said.

“More resources will also be required for the construction of teachers’ accommodation and continuous training of teachers in the competence-based curriculum.”

MPs were riled by the issue of children learning in barns and animal handling facilities.

Lindiwe Maphosa (MDC Alliance Proportional Representative MP) said it was a shame that 20 years after independence, there were children still learning in barns.

“My observation is that most of these schools with a 0% pass rate are from Matabeleland South and North provinces and that these are resettlement areas where the land reform programme happened during the 2000 era,” Maphosa said.

“There are also situations, where four classes share the same room and a teacher has to teach with four classes learning simultaneously. We need Mathema to clarify why we still have situations like that in our country 20 years after independence?”

Maphosa said this did not show that the country was serious with education and ensuring that schoolchildren from disadvantaged families have adequate learning infrastructure.
Gokwe Chireya MP Torerayi Moyo (Zanu PF) said when Mathema appears before Parliament as it resumes sitting in February, he must explain the relationship between the 0% pass rate and the poor infrastructure, where pupils learn in barns or animal shelter.

In 2017, just like in 2018, a total of 29 schools in Matabeleland North province were recorded as having a 0% Grade 7 pass rate.

In 2019, 32 schools were recorded as having attained a 0% pass rate in Matabeleland. Out of those 15 were from Matabeleland North, 10 from Matabeleland South, and seven schools from Bulawayo.

-Newsday

The State has managed to identify and position properties, including cars bought and owned by the estranged wife of Vice President Constantino Chiwenga, Marry Mubaiwa, in South Africa, the High Court heard.

This emerged today during Mubaiwa’s bail appeal in the matter in which she is facing foreign currency externalisation, money laundering and fraud charges.

The bail application was heard before Justice Pisirayi Kwenda.

Challenging a Harare magistrate Chrispen Mberewere’s decision to deny her bail, Mubaiwa through her lawyer Silvester Hashiti, said the State will have no problems in extraditing her from South Africa in the event that she crosses the border into South Africa, since her properties were already known and identified.

She also argued that she was not a flight risk, who could be detected by anyone in the event that she decides to leave the court’s jurisdiction. Mubaiwa in her bail appeal argued that the State has no reason to deny her liberty, as the offences it alleges were committed through her companies, where she is only a director.

She said the State was supposed to charge the companies and not her. Mubaiwa also denied ever fraudulently attempting to register her marriage with VP Chiwenga, saying how could she have prejudiced him when they were already in marriage. The State led by Mrs Sharon Fero and Mr Lovett Masuku argues that Mubaiwa was facing serious charges that could earn her at least 25 years in jail or be ordered to repay twice the amount she allegedly prejudiced the State.

Justice Kwenda reserved judgment in her bail appeal.

In her bail application on attempted murder charges, Mubaiwa said the allegations raised against her lack credibility and circumstances surrounding the charges were doubtful. She said the State only has circumstantial evidence as it alleges that the offence was committed when there was no one to witness the incident. Mubaiwa also said with the type of wounds and swells she has, it will be difficult for her to abscond.

She then handed the court pictures showing her wounds. The State led by Mr Lovett Masuka opposed granting her bail arguing that with the information the State has, she was likely to abscond. Although he could not tell when Mubaiwa will be tried, he said the State have overwhelming against her and extra-territorial investigations were still underway.

However, football administrator and businesman Keni Mubaiwa has volunteered to deposit title deeds to his properties at No.102 Seke Road as part of security and part of bail condition. Justice Kwenda also reserved judgment in her bail application.

SELF-EXILED former Zanu-PF propagandist Professor Jonathan Moyo has claimed that a coup was attempted on President Emmerson Mnangagwa in early November, but it was foiled.

Moyo says it was because of fear of another coup that the President has not chosen to go on an annual leave outside the country.

The President has been at his farm outside Kwekwe over the National Unity and Christmas holidays, before returning to the his official residence in Harare.

Further, Moyo claims the attempted coup cost the job of Central Intelligence Organisation (CIO) boss Aaron Nhepera, who was accused of not reporting on the coup early enough.

The revelations are part of Moyo’s promised threads on Twitter, which he unleashed on New Year’s Eve.

“Mnangagwa has not taken his annual leave & has not been able to leave the country because of a foiled coup in early November. The attempted coup cost Aaron Nhepera his job as CIO Deputy Director General, amid allegations he reported it late & mishandled intelligence on it!

“So Zimbabwe is in a triple crisis: (i) Mnangagwa has no legitimacy & authority to unite & inspire the nation; (ii) worse, he has lost the confidence of the armed forces; & (iii) his government is incapable of reviving the economy, which is now in an irretrievable free fall!”

Government, through information Ministry permanent secretary Nick Mangwana, recently dismissed the coup reports. Mangwana said that President Mnangagwa was unlike his predecessor Robert Mugabe who would go on annual leave in the Far East no matter the economic circumstances back home.

Jonathan Moyo, however, would not disclose who attempted the coup and on which exact date. He also proffered no information on what happened to the coup plotters, or how the State neutralized them.

-Online

PRESIDENT Mnangagwa yesterday declared that 2020, which begins today, will be the year of higher productivity, economic growth, job creation and satisfying the needs of the people while committing to continue being a listening leader.

Presenting his New Year message at State House in Harare yesterday, he said in the spirit of inclusivity, he will continue to engage Zimbabweans and walk hand in hand with them towards a prosperous nation. “Going forward, 2020 will be the year of higher productivity, economic growth, job creation and satisfying the needs of the people. We cannot live in the past, we can only learn from it. We must craft a future, benefiting from the wisdom of the past,” said President Mnangagwa. 

He called on Zimbabweans to shun violence in the new year and those who push for the social ill should be exposed, condemned and rejected. 

This is in reference to the violence unleashed by the opposition in January 2019 that resulted in the loss of lives, looting and destruction of property.

“Let us declare that never again shall we lose the precious lives of our fellow countrymen, women and children, for the political or monetary expediency of a few. The prosperity we so desire will be achieved only if we keep moving in unity and with purpose,” said the President. 

He said the Government will continue to put in place measures to cushion the vulnerable members of society in both rural and urban areas such as affordable transport, maize meal and other basic commodities, as well as health care. 

The President said the welfare of public sector workers will also continue to qualitatively improve.

“The fiscal discipline we have instilled under the Second Republic saw us rein in on the budget deficit. The new trend of budget surpluses will continue and resources therefrom, used to finance more public services such as health care facilities, schools, roads and related projects with a direct impact on the people’s wellbeing,” said President Mnangagwa. 

“Resources towards devolution have been increased from the 2019 figure of ZWL720 million to about ZWL3 billion in 2020. The onus is now on the various communities to accelerate the formulation and implementation of high impact projects which transform lives of our people. We must all ensure that our ongoing development drive leaves no one behind. Let us all play a part.”

The journey to entrench a democratic culture in the country, he said, will be accelerated. 

“This is right, just and for the good of our people. Hence, the re-alignment of our laws to the Constitution must be completed.

“As your Listening President and a Servant Leader, I will continue engaging with you and listening to your concerns so that we walk hand in hand, together in unity, love, peace and harmony towards a prosperous Zimbabwe,” said President Mnangagwa.

“There is indeed, much more to look forward to in the New Year. Tomorrow is a better and brighter day. I wish you a happy and prosperous New Year.”

The President reiterated that in the spirit of devolution, unity and national cohesion espoused by the Second Republic, the holding of the main Independence Day Commemorations from this year going forward will be held in various parts of the country. 

“Our Independence and freedom is for us all,” he said. 

President Mnangagwa said the reintroduction of the Zimbabwe dollar as the country’s mono currency must speedily take root calling on the nation to defend and protect it as a symbol of national pride and sovereignty.

President Mnangagwa said Zimbabweans, through unity and love for one another managed to persevere through the challenges faced in the past year.

“A few months into the year, we sadly experienced the tragic loss of life and property as a result of Cyclone Idai. The nation rallied together and friends stood with us. This, plus a devastating drought in the preceding year, had a negative impact on our economy and caused hardships to our people.  We continue to pray for our dear departed compatriots and further seek to comfort and support survivors of this disaster,” said President Mnangagwa. 

“The drought similarly restricted our potential to, guarantee food security for our people, sustain our livestock, generate adequate power and improve our healthcare. We endured as a nation and rode the storm against all odds. Painful as it is often the case, we must persevere through this rough but necessary patch on the road to growth and prosperity.”

THE World Food Programme (WFP) says the country was facing another famine after the 2020 harvest was hit hard by continued dry spells.

The WFP said it was appealing to the international community to raise over US$200 million to feed more than half the country’s population next year.

“We are ready to step up — but we urgently need the international community to step with us! More than US$200 million is still required for us to feed those in need,” WFP tweeted on Sunday.

The 2018/2019 season in Zimbabwe according to WFP, was affected by one of the worst droughts in recent history which has left about 7,2 million people in need of food aid.

Most parts of the country have received little rain over the past few weeks throwing the farming community, still reeling from last year’s drought, into panic.

Meanwhile, WFP in Zimbabwe recently completed its last cash distribution of 2019, which supported some 19 000 vulnerable residents in Harare’s sub-urban district of Epworth.

Those deemed most food insecure have been receiving monthly cash transfers from WFP since June, as part of an urban pilot project funded by the United Kingdom’s Department for International Development, and the EU’s branch of European Civil Protection and Humanitarian Aid Operations.

But WFP spokesperson, southern Africa, Gerald Bourke recently said about 60% of Zimbabweans, who have been receiving cash, now prefer food due to price hikes. According to a scale used to measure famine, or the gravity of food insecurity, about four million Zimbabweans are not far from famine.

This was the first time WFP provided assistance to an urban area in Zimbabwe.

Next year, WFP will expand its urban assistance programme across eight districts, nationwide. It will continue providing cash-based transfers on a monthly basis, to those who need it most.

As a result of this year’s severe drought, economic downturn and Cyclone Idai, around 7,2 million people were pushed into severe hunger.

Of this total, 2,2 million people live in urban areas. WFP’s revised emergency response plan hopes to provide mobile cash transfers to 200 000 people. Currently, funding for 100 000 has been secured. WFP is seeking funds to assist an additional 100 000 people.

Government last week revealed that it was planning to do cloud seeding early next year to mitigate against drought.

Correspondent|Keni Mubaiwa, father to Marry Chiwenga, has gone all the way out for the love of his daughter and offered to surrender title deeds to his upmarket house in Hatfield, Harare as surety in a bid to have her daughter granted bail at the High Court.

Marry, wife to Vice President Constantino Chiwenga was arrested early last month on charges of attempting to murder her husband.

She is also facing separate charges of money laundering, forgery and externalisation.

During her bail applications Tuesday, Mubaiwa came to the rescue of his daughter by offering to deposit title deeds to his properties at No.102 Seke Road in Harare as part of security and bail conditions.

However, Justice Pisirai Kwenda reserved judgement in both bail applications.

Through her lawyers, Marry argued that she was not a flight risk as anyone could identify her when leaving the country.

However, the State led by Lovett Masuku said Marry should not be granted bail as she was facing serious charges that could earn her 25 years in jail.

He said the former model was also likely to abscond adding the State had overwhelming evidence against her and and that extra-territorial investigations were still underway

Video from Bustop TV

THE World Food Programme (WFP) says the country was facing another famine after the 2020 harvest was hit hard by continued dry spells.

The WFP said it was appealing to the international community to raise over US$200 million to feed more than half the country’s population next year.

“We are ready to step up — but we urgently need the international community to step with us! More than US$200 million is still required for us to feed those in need,” WFP tweeted on Sunday.

The 2018/2019 season in Zimbabwe according to WFP, was affected by one of the worst droughts in recent history which has left about 7,2 million people in need of food aid.

Most parts of the country have received little rain over the past few weeks throwing the farming community, still reeling from last year’s drought, into panic.

Meanwhile, WFP in Zimbabwe recently completed its last cash distribution of 2019, which supported some 19 000 vulnerable residents in Harare’s sub-urban district of Epworth.

Those deemed most food insecure have been receiving monthly cash transfers from WFP since June, as part of an urban pilot project funded by the United Kingdom’s Department for International Development, and the EU’s branch of European Civil Protection and Humanitarian Aid Operations.

But WFP spokesperson, southern Africa, Gerald Bourke recently said about 60% of Zimbabweans, who have been receiving cash, now prefer food due to price hikes. According to a scale used to measure famine, or the gravity of food insecurity, about four million Zimbabweans are not far from famine.

This was the first time WFP provided assistance to an urban area in Zimbabwe.

Next year, WFP will expand its urban assistance programme across eight districts, nationwide. It will continue providing cash-based transfers on a monthly basis, to those who need it most.

As a result of this year’s severe drought, economic downturn and Cyclone Idai, around 7,2 million people were pushed into severe hunger.

Of this total, 2,2 million people live in urban areas. WFP’s revised emergency response plan hopes to provide mobile cash transfers to 200 000 people. Currently, funding for 100 000 has been secured. WFP is seeking funds to assist an additional 100 000 people.

Government last week revealed that it was planning to do cloud seeding early next year to mitigate against drought.

The Ministry of Health and Child Care has reviewed hospital fees with effect from 1 January 2020.

This was announced by the Permanent Secretary in the Ministry, Dr Agnes Mahomva in a statement on Tuesday.

She said the decision to increase the fees was reached after taking into consideration the plight of the general populace, as well as the inflationary environment currently prevailing.

Some of the adjustments are as follows:

At Parirenyatwa Hospital, adults will pay $200.00 while children below the age of 5 will pay $100.00 in the General Ward, while at Central Hospitals the fees will be $160.00 & $80.00, at Provincial Hospitals – $120.00 & $60, and at District/General Hospitals the fees will be $80.00 & $40.00 for adults and children respectively.

Maternity Ward

– Ante-natal, General Ward per day: Parirenyatwa Hospital – $200.00; Central Hospitals – $160.00; Provincial Hospitals – $120.00; District/General Hospitals – $80.00
– Post-natal, General Ward per day: Parirenyatwa Hospital – $200.00; Central Hospitals – $160.00; Provincial Hospitals – $120.00; District/General Hospitals – $80.00.
– Caesarian: Parirenyatwa Hospital – $2 500.00; Central Hospitals – $2 500.00; Provincial Hospitals – $1 500.00; District/General Hospitals – $1 000.
– Normal Vertex Delivery – Parirenyatwa Hospital – $600.00; Central Hospitals – $600.00; Provincial Hospitals – $360.00; District/General Hospitals – $240.00

— Pindula

Correspondent|Keni Mubaiwa, father to Marry Chiwenga, has gone all the way out for the love of his daughter and offered to surrender title deeds to his upmarket house in Hatfield, Harare as surety in a bid to have her daughter granted bail at the High Court.

Marry, wife to Vice President Constantino Chiwenga was arrested early last month on charges of attempting to murder her husband.

She is also facing separate charges of money laundering, forgery and externalisation.

During her bail applications Tuesday, Mubaiwa came to the rescue of his daughter by offering to deposit title deeds to his properties at No.102 Seke Road in Harare as part of security and bail conditions.

However, Justice Pisirai Kwenda reserved judgement in both bail applications.

Through her lawyers, Marry argued that she was not a flight risk as anyone could identify her when leaving the country.

However, the State led by Lovett Masuku said Marry should not be granted bail as she was facing serious charges that could earn her 25 years in jail.

He said the former model was also likely to abscond adding the State had overwhelming evidence against her and and that extra-territorial investigations were still underway.

Own Correspondent|Lawyers representing wife of Vice President Constantino Chiwenga have pleaded with the High Court to release her on bail as she is not a flight risk of any nature.

This emerged in the High Court yesterday during Mubaiwa’s bail appeal in the matter in which she is facing foreign currency externalisation, money laundering and fraud charges.

The bail appeal was brought before Justice Pisirayi Kwenda, who also heard Mubaiwa’s bail application on attempted murder charges.

Challenging Harare magistrate Mr Chrispen Mberewere’s decision to deny her bail, Mubaiwa’s lawyer Sylvester Hashiti said the State would have no problems extraditing her from South Africa in the event that she crossed the border, since her properties were already identified.

He argued that Mubaiwa was not a flight risk and could be recognised by anyone in the event that she decided to leave the court’s jurisdiction.

“The court a quo failed to deal with compelling reasons as to why appellant was not a proper candidate for bail,” said Mr Hashiti. “She is not a flight risk as she is not a stranger to anyone. 

“She cannot pass through any point without detection. She is a mother to four minor children with strong ties to this jurisdiction which are documented. The properties in South Africa have already been identified and on that basis she can be extradited and brought back home.” 

Mubaiwa, in her bail appeal, argued that the State had no reason to deny her liberty, as the offences it alleged were committed through her companies, where she was only a director.

She said the State was supposed to charge the companies and not her.

Mubaiwa denied ever fraudulently attempting to register her marriage with VP Chiwenga, saying she could not have prejudiced him when they were already in a marriage.

She said that there was no way she could interfere with witnesses as some of them occupied high offices, including the Judge President of the High Court.

The State led by Mrs Sharon Fero and Mr Lovett Masuka, in its response, argued that Mubaiwa was facing serious charges that could earn her at least 25 years in jail or being ordered to repay twice the amount she allegedly prejudiced the State.

“The appellant was a shareholder and director of the companies and she was clearly the person who directed movements of funds,” said Mrs Fero. 

“It will be the choice of the State to jointly charge her with the companies, but at this time in point it is clear that allegations warrant a remand. The State also managed to establish a reconcilable charge of money laundering and the offences seem to be well calculated and well planned.” 

Justice Kwenda reserved judgment in the bail appeal.

In her bail application on attempted murder charges, Mubaiwa said the allegations against her lacked credibility and circumstances surrounding the charges were doubtful.

She said since the State alleged that the offence was committed when no one was present, there was no circumstantial evidence.

Mubaiwa said with the type of wounds and swelling she had, it would be difficult for her to abscond.

Mr Hashiti then handed the court pictures showing her wounds.

The accused’s father Mr Keni Mubaiwa volunteered to deposit title deeds to his property at No.102 Seke Road as part of his daughter’s security and bail conditions.

Justice Kwenda reserved judgment in the bail application, meaning she will spend more time in remand prison.

State Media|PRESIDENT Mnangagwa yesterday declared that 2020, which begins today, will be the year of higher productivity, economic growth, job creation and satisfying the needs of the people while committing to continue being a listening leader.

Presenting his New Year message at State House in Harare yesterday, he said in the spirit of inclusivity, he will continue to engage Zimbabweans and walk hand in hand with them towards a prosperous nation. “Going forward, 2020 will be the year of higher productivity, economic growth, job creation and satisfying the needs of the people. We cannot live in the past, we can only learn from it. We must craft a future, benefiting from the wisdom of the past,” said President Mnangagwa. 

He called on Zimbabweans to shun violence in the new year and those who push for the social ill should be exposed, condemned and rejected. 

This is in reference to the violence unleashed by the opposition in January 2019 that resulted in the loss of lives, looting and destruction of property.

“Let us declare that never again shall we lose the precious lives of our fellow countrymen, women and children, for the political or monetary expediency of a few. The prosperity we so desire will be achieved only if we keep moving in unity and with purpose,” said the President. 

He said the Government will continue to put in place measures to cushion the vulnerable members of society in both rural and urban areas such as affordable transport, maize meal and other basic commodities, as well as health care. 

The President said the welfare of public sector workers will also continue to qualitatively improve.

“The fiscal discipline we have instilled under the Second Republic saw us rein in on the budget deficit. The new trend of budget surpluses will continue and resources therefrom, used to finance more public services such as health care facilities, schools, roads and related projects with a direct impact on the people’s wellbeing,” said President Mnangagwa. 

“Resources towards devolution have been increased from the 2019 figure of ZWL720 million to about ZWL3 billion in 2020. The onus is now on the various communities to accelerate the formulation and implementation of high impact projects which transform lives of our people. We must all ensure that our ongoing development drive leaves no one behind. Let us all play a part.”

The journey to entrench a democratic culture in the country, he said, will be accelerated. 

“This is right, just and for the good of our people. Hence, the re-alignment of our laws to the Constitution must be completed.

“As your Listening President and a Servant Leader, I will continue engaging with you and listening to your concerns so that we walk hand in hand, together in unity, love, peace and harmony towards a prosperous Zimbabwe,” said President Mnangagwa.

“There is indeed, much more to look forward to in the New Year. Tomorrow is a better and brighter day. I wish you a happy and prosperous New Year.”

The President reiterated that in the spirit of devolution, unity and national cohesion espoused by the Second Republic, the holding of the main Independence Day Commemorations from this year going forward will be held in various parts of the country. 

“Our Independence and freedom is for us all,” he said. 

President Mnangagwa said the reintroduction of the Zimbabwe dollar as the country’s mono currency must speedily take root calling on the nation to defend and protect it as a symbol of national pride and sovereignty.

President Mnangagwa said Zimbabweans, through unity and love for one another managed to persevere through the challenges faced in the past year.

“A few months into the year, we sadly experienced the tragic loss of life and property as a result of Cyclone Idai. The nation rallied together and friends stood with us. This, plus a devastating drought in the preceding year, had a negative impact on our economy and caused hardships to our people.  We continue to pray for our dear departed compatriots and further seek to comfort and support survivors of this disaster,” said President Mnangagwa. 

“The drought similarly restricted our potential to, guarantee food security for our people, sustain our livestock, generate adequate power and improve our healthcare. We endured as a nation and rode the storm against all odds. Painful as it is often the case, we must persevere through this rough but necessary patch on the road to growth and prosperity.”

Parliament adjourned last week, with the National Assembly passing many Bills that are in line with Government’s reform agenda.

Some of the laws passed included the Maintenance of Peace and Order Act (MOPA), Companies and Other Entities Act, Consumer Protection Act and Zimbabwe Investment Development Agency (ZIDA) Bill.

MOPA repealed the Public Order and Security Act (POSA) and provides mechanisms to regulate the conduct of demonstrations.

It also opens up democratic space protecting everyone’s rights.

The Companies and Other Entities Act makes the ease of doing business much easier by modernising the 1951 legislation.

Parliament also passed the Microfinance Amendment Act which reduces the types of institutions that can do microfinance business to credit-only micro financiers and deposit-taking micro financiers, omitting money-lenders.

The Zimbabwe Investment Development Agency Bill, which is designed to attract the much-needed foreign direct investment, is modelled along success stories in other countries like Rwanda and Botswana.

The ZIDA Bill is in line with the Transitional Stabilisation Programme, which is underpinned by the call to undertake structural reform measures to mitigate the challenges and risks faced by the economy, in particular, the low investment due to perceived bad laws.

It combines the mandates of three existing pieces of legislation that deal with investment, namely the Zimbabwe Investment Authority Act, the Special Economic Zones Act and the Joint Ventures Act, into one.

The Consumer Protection Bill is expected to provide for the establishment and functions of the Consumer Protection Agency (CPA), whose principal role is to protect the rights of consumers.

Functions of the CPA will be centred on the protection of consumers from unjust, unreasonable, improper and unacceptable, deceptive, unfair and fraudulent trading practices.

The agency shall also promote fair business practices by coordinating and networking consumer activities.

When Parliament adjourned for the festive season, it was considering the Marriages Bill, the Zimbabwe Media Commission Bill and the Freedom of Information of Bill.

Parliament will resume sitting on February 11.

MDC president Nelson Chamisa has issued a statement on New Year’s eve, encouraging the nation and to be hopeful for better things in 2020. He posted the statement on his Twitter handle on Tuesday evening. The statement read:

In 2019 we have known pain, loss, devastation, struggle and tears.We also fought and celebrated the resilience of a nation whose best is yet to come. We thank God for grace.Thank you for all the encouragement. May 2020 bring opportunity, hope and happiness.

I know the hurts, setbacks, pain and despair of you have had to endure in 2019 but we have now entered a new decade, a decade of surprises, transformational changes. 2020 is a year of GREAT CHANGE in Zimbabwe. We are all in it. Eyes on the ball. #Godisinit

At least 91 people perished while 414 others were injured in 1 141 road accidents which have so far occurred this festive season, the Zimbabwe Republic Police (ZRP) has said.

In a statement, the ZRP said the major causes of these accidents were speeding, reversing errors and inattention, among others.

National Police Spokesperson Assistant Commissioner Paul Nyathi said the number of road accidents for this year dropped, compared to that of 2018, however the total number of deaths remained the same.

“A total of 1 141 road traffic accidents were recorded during the period extending from December 15 to 29, 2019. Of these, 63 were fatal and claimed 91 lives while 414 were injured.

“The major causes of the accidents were speeding, reversing errors, following too close and inattention,” he said.

Last year during the same period, 1605 road traffic accidents occurred of which 67 of these were fatal compared to 1 141 recorded this year with 63 of them being fatal. In the same period last year, 621 people were injured while 414 were injured this year, in both cases, 91 people perished.

Meanwhile, the police has released names of the three people who perished in a road accident at the 221 kilometre peg along Harare Bulawayo Road, at the Redcliff-Kwekwe blind rise over the weekend. They are, Simon Zimbangu Mukunzve (53), Pamela Zimbangu (17) and Primrose Zimbangu (10) all from ZRP Rose Camp in Bulawayo.

Ass-Comm Nyathi implored all road users to be considerate and responsible on the roads to avoid unnecessary loss of lives.

“As we prepare for the New-Year, let us be responsible and considerate on the roads. Drivers should safeguard lives and avoid overtaking in situations which are not conducive, they should not speed and above all should comply with set road rules and regulations.

“Motorists should not be overexcited as they drive on the highways. Public service vehicles should not over-load and be exemplary on the roads,” he said.

The exiled Professor Jonathan Moyo has alleged that there was a coup attempt against Emmerson Mnangagwa in November 2019.

What he wrote appeared to confirm a ZimEye investigation that questioned why Mnangagwa has not taken his annual leave ever since the day his deputy Constantino Chiwenga returned to Zimbabwe, and responding to this, the government spokesman Nick Mangwana has said his boss decided in his own when he goes for vacation.

Meanwhile, writing up his December 31 Twitter thread Jonathan Moyo said Mnangagwa was not on holiday because of an attempted coup that supposedly happened in early November.

He said:

14/24 Mnangagwa has not taken his annual leave & has not been able to leave the country because of a foiled coup in early November. The attempted coup cost Aaron Nhepera his job as CIO Deputy Director General, amid allegations he reported it late & mishandled intelligence on it!

…16/24 So Zimbabwe is in a triple crisis: (i) Mnangagwa has no legitimacy & authority to unite & inspire the nation; (ii) worse, he has lost the confidence of the armed forces; & (iii) his government is incapable of reviving the economy, which is now in an irretrievable free fall!

PRESIDENT Emmerson Mnangagwa reportedly cancelled his Mashonaland Central visit for the third time this year after he was scheduled to commission Pembi Bridge in Mvurwi last week.

Zanu PF Mashonaland Central provincial chairperson Kazembe Kazembe confirmed the incident saying he was called by the ministry of transport postponing the visit to a later date.

“We were expecting His Excellency in the province and preparations were at an advanced stage as we had a successful mobilization meeting people were so excited to host the president and everyone was working tirelessly with the preparations, but l received a call from the Ministry of Transport saying HE’s schedule is so tight that he advised let us move the commissioning to after holiday on the date to be advised,” said Kazembe.

Mnangagwa only visited Mashonaland Central once to grace Bindura University of Science Education graduation ceremony and has been postponing his rallies in the province due to poor turnout despite scooping all the eighteen parliamentarian seats in the province.Meanwhile, the completion of Pembi bridge months ago has divided Zanu PF supporters who are fighting over who should take credit between Mashonaland Central Provincial Affairs minister Monica Mavhunga and her predecessor Martin Dinha.

The bridge which is just before Mvurwi town replaced the narrow and now dilapidated bridge constructed in 1977 which had become a black spot for motorists.

However reports are that its official opening was being delayed due to factionalism in Zanu PF camp.

“All is not well in the province there is a lot of fighting and people are jostling for positions ahead of the looming District Coordinating Committee (DCC) hence a lot of people are sabotaging the party and as you know Mash Central is the backbone of Zanu pf the leadership is afraid of dissolving the province as that will creat more harm than good,” said a source who declined to be named.

Source – Stephen Jakes

President Emmerson Mnangagwa today promised higher productivity, economic growth and job creation in the coming year adding that there will be no going back on the Zimbabwe dollar as the country’s sole currency for trading locally.
In his New Year message, Mnangagwa said people should not live in the past but must learn from it.

“We must craft a future, benefitting from the wisdom of the past. Therefore, in this coming year, let us all shun violence. Those that propagate violence must be exposed condemned and rejected,” he said.

“Let us declare that never again shall we lose the precious lives of our fellow countrymen, women and children for the political or monetary expedience of a few. The prosperity we so desire will be achieved only if we keep moving in unity and with purpose.”

2019 kicked off with violence as people went on the rampage protesting against fuel price increases. There was massive looting and at least a dozen people were killed.

Hundreds more lost their lives, or disappeared never to be found, after Cyclone Idai hit Chimanimani and Chipinge in Manicaland.

Mnangagwa also said there is no going back on the Zimbabwe dollar which was reintroduced this year.

“Our own currency, the Zim dollar introduced during the last quarter of the year must speedily take root. There is no going back on the mono currency. Let us individually and collectively defend and protect it as our symbol of national pride and sovereignty,” he said.

Although the currency seems to have stabilized on the interbank market, there have been complaints that the interbank market is not as free as it should be.

There have been reports of disharmony between central bank governor John Mangudya and Finance Minister Mthuli Ncube.

Julius Malema has done away with the usual niceties and opted for a stern New Year’s message

The EFF leader urged Mzansi to enjoy the festivities responsibly in his speech to mark the occasion

The politician clearly wants South Africa to survive beyond tonight’s celebrations

Julius Malema wants Mzansi to live long enough to see 2020, according to his New Year’s address.

In a stern message to his supporters, the Economic Freedom Fighter cautioned against reckless behaviour:

“We call upon all of you who are travelling to be safe, to not speed, to not drink and drive. When you drink and drive you are already intending to kill someone on the road.”
Being a responsible citizen, according to Malema, is a way of practising self-love at a time where it’s easy to get carried away.

Parents were urged to keep a watchful eye over their children and the youth were advised to steer clear of illicit substances:

“We don’t want you to die out of being irresponsible. We want you to live long to realise economic freedom in our lifetime.”
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1VTjsBCqMj8
The Red Beret founder warned against making reckless financial decisions as well, taking a jab at those who were too eager to party their pay away:

“Next year is going to be a crisis for you and your family and you will be irritating us with social media statuses which say ‘when days are dark, friends are few’. When it was you, out off dancing to music and festivities, you acted in a manner that is unacceptable. Remember January is still coming, you have to pay the rent, you have to pay the fees. Have that at the back of your mind as you go.”

VIDEO LOADING BELOW…

Sudanese court found former President Omar al-Bashir with crimes money laundering and corruption, and sentenced to serve two years in prison.

This is the first decision was decided in a series of court charges against al-Bashir, who Criminal Court ICC World sought on war crimes and genocide in connection with the violence that occurred in Darfur in 2000.

The decision comes a year after protesters in Sudan began revolting against al-Bashir’s government. After more than 30 years in power, Sudan has been listed by the United States as a sponsor of international terrorism, and the country’s economy has been decayed for years due to inadequate operations. and US sanctions against the country.

Al-Bashir has been in custody since April, when the army overthrew his government following months of protests across the country. Gradual conflicts and instability forced the treaty of government between the military and civilian.

The trial for corruption of ousted president Omar El-Bashir, in power for three decades, opened on Monday in Sudan, where the process of transition to civilian power is still awaiting its first concrete act with the appointment of members of the sovereign council.

The former head of state, deposed by the army on April 11 in response to mass protests, arrived in the morning before a court in Khartoum, escorted by an imposing military convoy, found an AFP journalist. .

Omar El-Béchir, 75, detained in a Khartoum prison, was informed by the prosecution that he was facing charges of “possession of foreign currency, corruption” and trading in influence.

The trial of the former president was to begin on Saturday, the day of the signing of a historic transition agreement between the Military Council in power since April and the dispute. But it had been postponed indefinitely.

Brigadier Ahmed Ali, the investigative officer, told the court that Mr. Béchir had received $ 90 million from the Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman.

In late April, the head of the Transitional Military Council, General Abdel Fattah Al-Burhane, said that the equivalent of more than $ 113 million had been seized in cash from the ex-president’s residence in Khartoum.

In May, the attorney general also said that Mr. Bashir had been charged with murders during anti-regime protests that led to his ouster, without knowing when he will be charged with the charge.
International arrest warrants

Amnesty International warned last week that his corruption trial should not distract from the heavier charges he faces in The Hague.

Members of the public wishing to launch fireworks and firecrackers during the crossover into 2020 are obliged to first notify neighbours and secure police clearance, the Zimbabwe Republic Police (ZRP) has said.

ZRP spokesperson Assistant Commissioner Paul Nyathi told ZTN News that offenders risk being fined ZWL$600, six months’ imprisonment or both. He said:

The law is very clear. Anyone who wants to use fireworks must notify the police in advance and get the necessary clearance. They should also notify their neighbours well in advance.

These are dangerous and may lead to serious harm. In recent years, we have dealt with cases in which minors have been seriously injured; and we are trying to avoid this.

People are advised to buy (firecrackers) from registered retail outlets as they sell firecrackers that are not harmful to users.

Fireworks are hand-crafted devices made of chemicals and paper, which produce visual and audible effects for entertainment purposes; while a firecracker is a small explosive charge usually enclosed in a heavy paper casing

Source: ZTN News

The State has managed to identify and position properties, including cars bought and owned by the estranged wife of Vice President Constantino Chiwenga, Marry Mubaiwa, in South Africa, the High Court heard.

This emerged today during Mubaiwa’s bail appeal in the matter in which she is facing foreign currency externalisation, money laundering and fraud charges.

The bail application was heard before Justice Pisirayi Kwenda.

Challenging a Harare magistrate Chrispen Mberewere’s decision to deny her bail, Mubaiwa through her lawyer Silvester Hashiti, said the State will have no problems in extraditing her from South Africa in the event that she crosses the border into South Africa, since her properties were already known and identified.

She also argued that she was not a flight risk, who could be detected by anyone in the event that she decides to leave the court’s jurisdiction. Mubaiwa in her bail appeal argued that the State has no reason to deny her liberty, as the offences it alleges were committed through her companies, where she is only a director.

She said the State was supposed to charge the companies and not her. Mubaiwa also denied ever fraudulently attempting to register her marriage with VP Chiwenga, saying how could she have prejudiced him when they were already in marriage. The State led by Mrs Sharon Fero and Mr Lovett Masuku argues that Mubaiwa was facing serious charges that could earn her at least 25 years in jail or be ordered to repay twice the amount she allegedly prejudiced the State.

Justice Kwenda reserved judgment in her bail appeal.

In her bail application on attempted murder charges, Mubaiwa said the allegations raised against her lack credibility and circumstances surrounding the charges were doubtful. She said the State only has circumstantial evidence as it alleges that the offence was committed when there was no one to witness the incident. Mubaiwa also said with the type of wounds and swells she has, it will be difficult for her to abscond.

She then handed the court pictures showing her wounds. The State led by Mr Lovett Masuka opposed granting her bail arguing that with the information the State has, she was likely to abscond. Although he could not tell when Mubaiwa will be tried, he said the State have overwhelming against her and extra-territorial investigations were still underway.

However, football administrator and businesman Keni Mubaiwa has volunteered to deposit title deeds to his properties at No.102 Seke Road as part of security and part of bail condition. Justice Kwenda also reserved judgment in her bail application.

-State Media

1/24 Compatriots, much as I would like to, sadly I’m unable to wish you a happy & prosperous new year not because of anything personal but because happiness & prosperity are no longer possible in Zimbabwe due to the live coup against the will of the people!

2/24 There can’t be happiness & prosperity where the will of the people is stolen & brutally crushed. While this is bad enough, it’s worse when the assualt on the will of the people is cynically presented as a new dispensation & second republic amid dead silence from the people!

3/24 It is a biblical truth, supported by human experience, that where there’s no vision the people perish. The new year, 2020, presents a new opportunity for Zimbabweans to find each other, speak with one voice & act together to oppose what’s wrong in support of what’s right!

4/24 While there are many wrongs surrounding Zimbabweans today, a particularly insidious wrong that’s crying out for righting is the stolen 30 July 2018 presidential election, preceded by the 15 Nov 2017 military coup & followed by brutal massacres on 1 Aug 2018 & 14-28 Jan 2019!

5/24 I’ll return to the stolen 2018 election in a bit. When I signalled here a few days ago that I would be doing this thread today, some paranoid & desperate attention seekers said I had no right to vision for Zimbabwe or to speak for ZanuPF etc. I need to address this nonsense!

6/24 It’s notable that the paranoid & desperate attention seekers used my TL to bark their nonsense. Do they have a right to do that? Let freedom ring. I said I’ll thread about, not for, myself, ZanuPF, @ZECzim, the 2018 presidential election or Zimbabwe because enough is enough!

7/24 I wish to make it clear for the umpteenth time that I’m done with ZanuPF. My differences with ZanuPF are existential & permanently irreconcilable, come rain or shine. In 2005, ZanuPF deemed me to have expelled myself from itself by running as an Independent in Tsholotsho!

8/24 While it’s true that ZanuPF murderers used military violence to boot me out of what they declared to be their thing (“chunhu chedu”) in Nov 2017, John Mangudya knew I was exiting ZanuPF & politics in Dec 2017 when I asked for his help over a mining loan I sought in Aug 2017!

9/24 I was done with ZanuPF when I gave my blue ocean video to the politburo in July 2017. I knew then that a military coup was loading & that President Mugabe would not be able to stop it. But I did not know the coup would target me as enemy No.1, a fact in the coup minutes!

10/24 Since Nov 2017, I have sought to understand why, after using Zimpapers, Zacc & the NPA against me with unprecedented malice & after seizing State power, Mnangagwa & Chiwenga still made sure they sent special forces to attack my home with AK47s, explosives & stun grenades!1

11/24 I now have an explanation. But before I share it, let me highlight a huge challenge we have as Zimbabweans. Although we have not been credited for it, because we are not functionally literate as a society, we, not Trumpians in the US, are the inventors of alternative facts!

12/24 Most Zimbabweans don’t care for facts. To them & we see it daily in these streets, facts are what they manufacture in their heads, hearts, dreams, nightmares, fears, likes, dislikes & hallucinations. No wonder, public discourse in Zimbabwe is not fact based or fact driven!

13/24 Last week there was widespread chatter, fueled by quarters that ought to know better, that Mnangagwa was self-marooned, unable take his annual leave or to leave the country, “fearing a Chiwenga coup” when Chiwenga was back in China to resume his treatment & recuperation!

14/24 Mnangagwa has not taken his annual leave & has not been able to leave the country because of a foiled coup in early November. The attempted coup cost Aaron Nhepera his job as CIO Deputy Director General, amid allegations he reported it late & mishandled intelligence on it!

15/24 The aftermath of the attempted coup has left Mnangagwa holed up, fearing fear itself, and has engendered panic in his inner circle which has alarmed & embarrased Sadc by turning POLAD election losers into a foreign policy tool; on the eve of Ramaphosa becoming AU chairman!

16/24 So Zimbabwe is in a triple crisis: (i) Mnangagwa has no legitimacy & authority to unite & inspire the nation; (ii) worse, he has lost the confidence of the armed forces; & (iii) his government is incapable of reviving the economy, which is now in an irretrievable free fall!

17/24 As the post-2017 coup dispensation is crumbling under the weight of its the triple crisis, it is sad that the people are speaking in tongues & acting at cross purposes; with the result of widening political divisions, when they should be bridging them under a shared vision!

18/24 Looking back over the last 20 years, the people have squandered three opportunities for real change in 2000; then 2009 to 2013; and in 2017 when ZanuPF & the Army dug their own grave only for the people to fail to bury the two. Now there’s yet another opportunity: 2020!

19/24 On 30 July 2018, the people voted for @nelsonchamisa. He got 66% of the vote against Mnangagwa’s 33%. The unassailable evidence for this I present in Excelgate. Soldiers were sent to attack my home for many reasons, including that they knew I know how they steal elections!

20/24 I studied electoral politics in Zimbabwe: 1985-92 & published VOTING FOR DEMOCRACY. In 2000 I managed ZanuPF election campaign as a consultant; in 2002 as information minister & in 2013 as a campaign manager. In 2018 I used my contacts & experience to write EXCELGATE!

21/24 While VOTING FOR DEMOCRACY is about the voter, I had no access to the system; EXCELGATE is on the administration & conduct of elections, I had 20 years of access to the system. Now I can authoritatively say how elections have been rigged in Zimbabwe, including against me!

22/24 Here’s a sample of how the military used Fairhaven’s Africom & CIO’s Chiltern Trust to get @ZECzim to hijack & steal the results of the 2018 presidential election from all ward centres to manipulate in Harare; against peremptory provisions of s37C(4) of the Electoral Act!

23/24 On 31 July 2018, after the Army got @ZECzim to invent an illegal route & destination for the transmission, capture & collation of the presidential results, Priscilla Chigumba sent shocking WhatsApp msgs confirming rigging, using V11s & not the critical V23Bs. Ngati nyoo!

24/24 It’s 2020, 40 years later. Back to the future. Ian Smith’s internal settlement sellouts have resurrected as POLAD puppets. A new patriotic front beckons. The old must give way to the young & the will of the people stolen in 2018 must be restored otherwise No Happy New Year!

By Patrick Guramatunhu- There are many, many reasons why Zimbabwe is in this mess and stuck, cannot get out. One of those reasons has to be the country’s fixation with ill-advised solutions, especially when they promise quick returns with little or no effort on the nation’s part. 

“2020 is a defining year on whether Zanu PF will sink itself and Zimbabwe with the crisis or whether it shall rise to the task and do what everyone expects it to do, reach out to the MDC Alliance and its leader Nelson Chamisa to map the way forward. All realities are pointing to serious negotiations and dialogue desperately needed to rescue Zimbabwe from the current precipice, regardless of  pontification and bravado that Zanu PF protagonists otherwise display in public,” said one political analyst Alexander Rusero.

“I hope when (former South African President Thabo) Mbeki completes his power analysis, he will find the wisdom to include in his dialogue framework civil society and representatives of the commissioned commanders of the Zimbabwe National Army, who wield immense power behind the scenes,” said Phillan Zamchiya, another political analyst.

All these people who have been calling for dialogue between Mnangagwa and Chamisa have all argued that this will be the panacea to the nation’s teething economic and political problems but have all failed to say how that would happen. 

By failing to stamp out corruption and, worst of all by failing to keep his promise to hold free, fair and credible elections Mnangagwa has confirmed that Zimbabwe is still a pariah state, same as Mugabe days. Getting Mnangagwa and Chamisa will not change the political reality of Zimbabwe being a pariah state, for example! 

Chamisa has often said he has the key to economic recovery, but he has never said how he was going to achieve this fit. Before the July 2018 elections Chamisa claimed that “MDC has stringent measures to stop Zanu PF rigging the elections!” Zanu PF blatantly rigged last year’s elections, as we all know. Take it from me, Chamisa has no clue what to do to revive the economy.

The solution to Zimbabwe’s worsening economic situation and political paralysis lays in, first of all, acknowledging the reality that the July 2018 elections were flawed and illegal. 

“The electoral commission lacked full independence and appeared to not always act in an impartial manner. The final results as announced by the Electoral Commission contained numerous errors and lacked adequate traceability, transparency and verifiability,” stated the EU Election Mission final report.

“As such, many aspects of the 2018 elections in Zimbabwe failed to meet international standards.”

The regime denied 3 million Zimbabweans in the diaspora the vote compare this to the 2.4 million Mnangagwa says he garnered to win the presidency. 

ZEC failed to produce a verified voters’ roll, a common sense and legal requirement. This was something as essential to elections as bee wax is to a bee hive!

Second, acknowledging that an election process that lacks transparency, cannot be traced or verified and is so flawed and illegal it has failed to meet international standards on elections cannot still produce a legal and legitimate result. 

At the very heart of Zimbabwe’s pariah state status is the profound statement: a state who government has no democratic mandate to govern and is per se illegitimate. 

President Mnangagwa has managed to get all the country’s opposition parties, except for MDC and one or two others, to public endorse him and his Zanu PF party as the winners of the 2018 election and therefore the legitimate government. As we can see that has had no effect. Zimbabwe is a pariah state and shun as one. 

All those calling for political dialogue between Mnangagwa and MDC are holding that a public endorsement of Mnangagwa and Zanu PF as the winner of the July 2018 elections will help remove the pariah state stigma. Again, this is just wishful thinking. 

To remove the pariah state stigma, country’s illegitimate governing party, Zanu PF, must be publicly denounced as such and asked to step down. A caretaker administration will then be appointed and tasked to implement the democratic reforms necessary for free, fair and credible elections. 

Those clamouring for political dialogue in which Zanu PF is to play a role acknowledge the regime is illegitimate and are searching for a way of granting it legitimacy through the back door. This is just a waste of time because political legitimacy can only be conferred by the people in a free, fair and credible elections. There is no provision for backdoor deals with corrupt and incompetent opposition leaders desperate for a seat on the gravy train. 

Worst of all, any solution in which Zanu PF is allowed to return power is a waste of time because the party will use the power to block the implementation of the reforms. If Zanu PF is in office come 2023 elections, then we can be 100% the party will rig those elections too! 

If Zimbabwe’s corrupt and incompetent opposition had not given the July 2018 elections some modicum of credibility by participating in the flawed elections and then by endorsing the result as legitimate; there is no doubt that Zanu PF’s claim as the legitimate government would have fizzled to nothing by now. People like Zamchiya with their foolish suggestions are encouraging Mnangagwa to hang on and thus delaying the resolution of this mess. 

Zimbabwe’s economic meltdown has reached crisis point. 90% of our people are poor with 34% of them living in extreme poverty, according to a recent WB report. 

Zimbabwe cannot afford to waste time and treasure on gimmick solution like political dialogue to appease Zanu PF. Zanu PF is illegitimate and must step down! Period!

Mbuthwakazi, Mahlabezulu, Lina boMhlahlandlela.

2019 has been another difficult year in the 126 years for the People of uMthwakazi since the demise of the Royal Kingdom of uMthwakazi…

I am aware you have gone through critical periods with endurance, calm, conscience and appropriate reasoning, yet the whole world turned a blind eye.

It is only through God that we can pin our hopes, prosperity, and self-determination on.

As we get into 2020, a New Year, I want to take this opportune opportunity to graciously wish you all the happier, prosperity, good health, encouragement, and focused period going forward.

As a servant of God and your King I promise to walk with you and confront all challenges with patience, precision and commitment for the sake of our Freedom.

Enjoy your New Year, Happy 2020.         

By Engineer Jacob Kudzayi Mutisi- Mashurugwi !! Is this not another form of ISIS or Al-Shabaab.

All wars around the world are started by terrorist organizations like Mashurugwi let’s stop them NOW.

To stop these Zimbabwean terrorist organizations, we need strong men and women in the security ministries not civilians like we currently have.

We need people with a strong military background. They can then be deputised by civilians. I know we would like to transform our security to be more people friendly but the emergence of these terrorist gangs requires decisive action. Rhetoric will not work.

If someone has the audacity to kill or attack our Zimbabwean police force in broad day light how can an ordinary law abiding citizen feel safe? Zimbabweans should stop idolising and not rejoice when some try and give an impression that these thugs are attacking money changers. No these are terrorist thugs. T

hese thugs are hungry and looking for money and they will attack anyone who has it no matter what. So Zimbabwe let’s unite and fight this scourge before it consumes us all and end up being a terrorist organization.

If this trend continues Zimbabwe’s citizens will soon resort to organising their own security. In mining communities there is a perception that our law enforcement agency are no longer providing their services as required by the constitution of Zimbabwe.

Moving forward Zimbabwe will soon have village militias protecting the populace just like in Somalia and Northern Kenya.

Minister Owen Ncube Where is our national security?

God save Zimbabwe. 

By A Correspondent- Independent legislator for Norton Temba Mliswa has challenged the opposition political parties and legislators to improve their oversight role and hold government to account during the year 2020.

Said Mliswa in a tweet:

“In 2020 the opposition should come up with smart politics that increases oversight and accountability on the governing party. Hold it to account and push it to fulfill what it has promised. Being opposition isn’t about destructive interference but constructive opposition.”

By A Correspondent- President Emmerson Mnangagwa reportedly cancelled his Mashonaland Central visit for the third time this year after he was scheduled to commission Pembi Bridge in Mvurwi last week.

Zanu PF Mashonaland Central provincial chairperson Kazembe Kazembe confirmed the incident saying he was called by the ministry of transport postponing the visit to a later date.

“We were expecting His Excellency in the province and preparations were at an advanced stage as we had a successful mobilization meeting people were so excited to host the president and everyone was working tirelessly with the preparations, but l received a call from the Ministry of Transport saying HE’s schedule is so tight that he advised let us move the commissioning to after holiday on the date to be advised,” said Kazembe.

Mnangagwa only visited Mashonaland Central once to grace Bindura University of Science Education graduation ceremony and has been postponing his rallies in the province due to poor turnout despite scooping all the eighteen parliamentarian seats in the province.

Meanwhile, the completion of Pembi bridge months ago has divided Zanu PF supporters who are fighting over who should take credit between Mashonaland Central Provincial Affairs minister Monica Mavhunga and her predecessor Martin Dinha.

The bridge which is just before Mvurwi town replaced the narrow and now dilapidated bridge constructed in 1977 which had become a black spot for motorists.

However reports are that its official opening was being delayed due to factionalism in Zanu PF camp.

“All is not well in the province there is a lot of fighting and people are jostling for positions ahead of the looming District Coordinating Committee (DCC) hence a lot of people are sabotaging the party and as you know Mash Central is the backbone of Zanu pf the leadership is afraid of dissolving the province as that will creat more harm than good,” said a source who declined to be named.

By A Correspondent- MDC Alliance deputy president Tendai Biti has described as cursed President Emmerson Mnangagwa’s administration for attempting to ban Winky D’s latest album from the airwaves. 

Winky D is set to launch the album “Njema” at the Harare International Conference Centre on December 31 with indications that state agents were planning to block it. 

The album features a song titled “Ijipita” which state agents, Zanu-PF and Government officials feel is a criticism of Mnangagwa’s failure to address Zimbabwe’s economic challenges. 

At the beginning of Mnangagwa’s reign Zimbabweans were hopeful for changed fortunes but two years into his Presidency, Zimbabweans have lost hope in the Zanu-PF leader with some saying he is actually worse than his predecessor Robert Mugabe. 

Biti said Mnangagwa’s government was exposing its hypocrisy by trying to ban Winky D’s music yet they allowed Jah Prayzah’s music that praises the Government to receive airplay. 

“Music and indeed art is the essence of humanity .Music transcends time , space, pain and love. That this terrible regime, which claims paternity from a liberation struggle oiled by the voices of Chinx, Mukanya & Mtukudzi et al now seeks to ban Winky D’s work is total madness.

“The irony is that when it suits same the regime has abused  art & music for its nefarious purposes.

Jah Prayzah’s ” Mudara achauya” was used to prepare for  the coup and  his ” Kutonga Kwaro” was sound track to the coup. The regime is a curse and  it’s time to purge this curse,” said Biti.

By A Correspondent- Zimdancehall artiste Winky D has promised fireworks tonight at the launch of his latest album, Njema, at the Harare International Conference Centre (HICC).

Writing on the microblogging social media site Twitter, the “Kasong Kejecha” hitmaker said:

Musaone ndinyerere ndikurova mapress ups kuitira manheru, it’s going to be flames. Let us do it tonight.

The launch of the album has generated controversy, with some reports claiming that the government at one point mulled banning it because of alleged political undertones.

However, Home Affairs Minister Kazembe Kazembe on Tuesday morning dismissed the reports, saying that the Zimbabwe Republic Police’s (ZRP) meeting with the artiste’s management team on Monday was meant to ensure that proper procedure was followed.

By A Correspondent- The Zimbabwe Republic Police (ZRP) has warned members of the public against blind dates and indulging in beer binges.

This follows the alleged r_pe of a 24-year-old woman in Harare after she spent the day getting drunk with a man introduced to her by a friend.

The ZRP issued a caution through a post on its Twitter handle. The statement reads: Members of the public are being warned against blind dates and indulging in beer drinking binges. This follows the r_pe of a 24-year-old woman in Harare on 28/12/19 after she spent the day getting drunk with a man introduced to her by a friend.

In an unrelated incident, the ZRP has warned citizens against attacking police officers who will be performing their duties. It said in another Twitter post:

In Chitungwiza on 29/12/19 three men were arrested after they assaulted a police officer who had gone to attend a scene where the men were fighting.

Members of the public are warned against attacking police officers who will be performing their lawful duties.

By A Correspondent- A mother and her daughter from Kensington plots on the outskirts of Bulawayo died after allegedly drinking a poisonous concoction they got from a self-proclaimed prophet.

Ms Thokozani Ncube (51) and Ms Sithandazile Nyathi (30) died shortly after drinking a ‘cleansing’ concoction they allegedly got from a prophet named Brian Mpofu from Cowdray Park suburb.

The incident occurred on Sunday morning at about 6.30AM with the pair dying within 15 minutes of taking the deadly poisonous concoction. 

Ms Ncube’s sister, Ms Elizabeth Ncube said the family could have lost three members as a 15-year-old boy was supposed to drink the same cleansing concoction but the prophet later stopped him from taking it.

“We were not there when this occurred but what we have been told is that they went to consult a prophet in Cowdray Park on Saturday. S’tha is the one who sought the services of  the prophet and requested her mother to accompany her. They went there with our 15-year-old nephew who narrated to us what really transpired. 

“He said the prophet gave the three of them some substance to induce vomiting claiming that he was casting out a bad spell. After that he gave them a concoction consisting of bluestone, aloe vera and lemon which he said they were going to drink at home the following day before eating anything,” said Ms Ncube.

She said tragedy struck at home when the two women drank the concoction.

“Prior to drinking the mixture, we are told that the prophet sent them a message, instructing them not to give it to the boy but share his dosage. Soon after drinking the mixture they started complaining that it was making them bleary, complaining of stomach cramps. S’tha instructed the boy to give her a bucket so that she could induce vomiting.

My sister was of the view that probably that was how the medicine worked and she did not attempt to induce vomiting. When they boy brought the bucket, S’tha was already struggling to breathe prompting the boy to call his uncle who is my late sister’s husband.

We are told before my sister’s husband could attend to S’tha, he discovered that his wife (my sister) was not responding when he called her in her bedroom and when he went in to check on her he discovered that she had white fluids coming out through her mouth and nose.”

She said they called a nurse who lives nearby who tried to administer first aid but the pair was already dead.

Ms Ncube said they called police who attended to the scene and confirmed the two were dead before ferrying their bodies to United Bulawayo Hospitals for post mortem.

Another aunt Seyiso Ncube, said S’that had returned from Durban, South Africa on Christmas Eve and was in contact with the prophet she located while still in the neighbouring country through WhatsApp. She said they did not know why S’tha needed the services of a prophet.

However, sources claimed that S’tha sought a prophet’s services after ‘feeling pressures’ that she was not getting married.

Meanwhile,the family said it is appealing for assistance to bury the two.

“We can’t say when they will be buried as police are still conducting investigations but we are appealing for help to enable us to bury my sister and her daughter,” said Ms Ncube.

Bulawayo police spokesperson Chief Inspector Precious Simango said investigations were in progress.

“Yes, we received a case where mother and her daughter died after drinking some poisonous substance they were given by a self-proclaimed prophet. I can’t say much at the moment as it could jeopardise our investigations. We have however, arrested a suspect in connection with the pair’s death,” said Chief Insp Simango

-StateMedia

By A Correspondent- An ex-police officer in Bulawayo, who was fired after he was convicted on a charge of domestic violence, has taken Home Affairs and Cultural Heritage Minister Kazembe Kazembe and Commissioner-General Godwin Matanga to court challenging his dismissal.

Ex-Constable Mthulisi Moyo, who was stationed at Donnington Police Station, was discharged on November 8 this year for misconduct in terms of the Police Act. He had been in the police service for 16 years.

The charge arose from his conviction by Western Commonage magistrate Ms Tancy Dube on his own plea of guilty to physical abuse.

Moyo was sentenced to 15 months imprisonment of which six months were conditionally suspended for three years. The remaining nine months were further suspended on condition that he performs 315 hours of community service. 

He is seeking an order nullifying his dismissal, saying it was unlawful and irrational.

Moyo, through his lawyers Tanaka Law Chambers, filed an application for review at the Bulawayo High Court citing Minister Kazembe, Comm-Gen Matanga and the Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Home Affairs and Cultural Heritage Mr Aaron Nhepera as respondents.

Moyo, in his founding affidavit, said the decision by his bosses to fire him was unlawful and ought to be set aside.

He argued that the offence he was charged and subsequently convicted of was not a serious one to warrant Comm-Gen Matanga to fire him in terms of section 48 (a) of the Police Act.

“I consider that the decision of the first respondent (Comm-Gen Matanga) was irrational and unreasonable under the circumstances, particularly if one looks at the circumstances surrounding the case, and more so the powers which first respondent has under section 48 (a) of the Police Act,” he said.

Moyo argued that section 48 (a) of the Police Act exonerates persons who were given community service as a sentence from the option of a discharge from the police service.

“There was never a proper use of the judicial powers by the first respondent in that he acted irrationally and did not apply the law properly. The decision to discharge me was in the circumstances too harsh and not supported by the facts before the first respondent,” he said.

“The first respondent ought to have considered the facts of the case, my clean work record and the circumstances surrounding the case and the submission made. I therefore submit that the decision and conduct of the first respondent cannot be countenanced and as such I should be granted the relief sought.”

Sometime this year, Moyo was involved in a domestic dispute with his wife and he assaulted her.

The matter was reported to the police leading to Moyo’s arrest.

He was taken to the magistrate’s court on a charge of physical abuse in terms of Domestic Violence Act and convicted.

The respondents are yet to respond.

-StateMedia

By A Correspondent- Zanu PF has set its eyes on infiltrating school development committees and creating relations with teacher organisations which they describe as fertile hunting grounds for opposition parties.

According to the Education department report, the ruling party said it was moving in to ensure control of school development committees and making sure party cadres get priority in recruitment in colleges.

“Recruiting of party cadres in school development committees is an on-going activity of the department. It is to ensure that the party establishes and/or maintains presence in these important institutions,” the report reads.

“Efforts towards establishing cordial relations with teachers’ organisations are in progress since this is a fertile recruitment ground for opposition political parties,” the report added.

The department also said that the party was working towards ensuring the ruling party cadres benefit for enrolment in teachers colleges and for apprenticeship and training in polytechnic colleges.

A report of the commissariat department also stated that the party was doing well in colleges where they have a good working relationship with the Zimbabwe Congress of Students Union.

Zanu PF has set its sight on victory in 2023. The party has already endorsed President Emmerson Mnangagwa as its candidate despite the elections being four years away.

The school development committees were put in place for parents to have a say in the running of schools.

In the strategy to create relations with teacher organisations, observers said Zanu PF was pushing to silence vocal teacher organisations perceived to be linked to the opposition.
-Newsday

By A Correspondent| As ridiculous as it sounds, the Zimbabwe Republic police has banned the new years party. Thousands of Zimbabweans in the Nelson Chamisa’s MDC had already slaughtered cattle in Highfield, Harare waiting to cross over when they were delivered the below letter.

Highfield West MP Happymore Chidziva told ZimEye of his disappointment in the below short interview…

By A Correspondent- The State has managed to identify and position properties, including cars bought and owned by the estranged wife of Vice President Constantino Chiwenga, Marry Mubaiwa, in South Africa, the High Court heard.

This emerged today during Mubaiwa’s bail appeal in the matter in which she is facing foreign currency externalisation, money laundering and fraud charges.

The bail application was heard before Justice Pisirayi Kwenda.

Challenging a Harare magistrate Chrispen Mberewere’s decision to deny her bail, Mubaiwa through her lawyer Silvester Hashiti, said the State will have no problems in extraditing her from South Africa in the event that she crosses the border into South Africa, since her properties were already known and identified.

She also argued that she was not a flight risk, who could be detected by anyone in the event that she decides to leave the court’s jurisdiction. Mubaiwa in her bail appeal argued that the State has no reason to deny her liberty, as the offences it alleges were committed through her companies, where she is only a director.

She said the State was supposed to charge the companies and not her. Mubaiwa also denied ever fraudulently attempting to register her marriage with VP Chiwenga, saying how could she have prejudiced him when they were already in marriage.

The State led by Mrs Sharon Fero and Mr Lovett Masuku argues that Mubaiwa was facing serious charges that could earn her at least 25 years in jail or be ordered to repay twice the amount she allegedly prejudiced the State.

Justice Kwenda reserved judgment in her bail appeal.

In her bail application on attempted murder charges, Mubaiwa said the allegations raised against her lack credibility and circumstances surrounding the charges were doubtful.

She said the State only has circumstantial evidence as it alleges that the offence was committed when there was no one to witness the incident. Mubaiwa also said with the type of wounds and swells she has, it will be difficult for her to abscond.

She then handed the court pictures showing her wounds. The State led by Mr Lovett Masuka opposed granting her bail arguing that with the information the State has, she was likely to abscond.

Although he could not tell when Mubaiwa will be tried, he said the State have overwhelming against her and extra-territorial investigations were still underway.

However, football administrator and businesman Keni Mubaiwa has volunteered to deposit title deeds to his properties at No.102 Seke Road as part of security and part of bail condition. Justice Kwenda also reserved judgment in her bail application.

-StateMedia

By A Correspondent- Suspected members of marauding machete gangs have been arrested in Mt Darwin.

Pictures of the men in handcuffs who are suspected to be part of a gang of “MaShurugwi”, the general name for violent illegal gold panners who have been accused of acts of terrorism across the country are doing the rounds on social media.

Last week, a yet to be identified gang of MaShurugwi murdered a police officer leaving another one nursing serious injuries.

Below are the pictures of the gang:

By A Correspondent- The ZRP has warned citizens against attacking police officers who will be performing their duties.

Said the ZRP in a Twitter post:

In Chitungwiza on 29/12/19 three men were arrested after they assaulted a police officer who had gone to attend a scene where the men were fighting.

Members of the public are warned against attacking police officers who will be performing their lawful duties.

By A Correspondent- Members of the Political Actors Dialogue (Polad) have told President Emmerson Mnangagwa that they want government to fund their 2020 operations which include money for all-terrain vehicles and sitting allowances.

Polad which brings together the ruling Zanu PF party and leaders of fringe parties that participated in the 2018 presidential elections — in their report presented to Mnangagwa after feasting at his farm last weekend, say it was critical to get funding from government since there has not been any since the formation of the platform in May this year.

Nixon Nyikadzino, the secretary-general of the Thokozani Khupe-led MDC-T party, in his brief said:

“Of course, in any engagement and any intervention, you face challenges and it is a reality. One of the difficulties we noticed was around funding issues. It’s something that we need to quickly work around and say this is how Polad is going to be funded and ensuring that those who attend Polad can actually say this is our project and with resources available can trace targets till 2022.

“So that is a challenge you may need to engage Your Excellency and find ways of dealing with the issue of funding this big and national project.”

Mnangagwa pledged to fulfil the demands.

“In May thereabout when we created Polad, we had no direct funding. But now this is a platform which government must support because it brings harmony, it brings peace, it brings development in the country. Development, modernisation and industrialisation has a cost, so I am not averse to funding Polad because it brings convergence of political and economic views for our country to move forward,” Mnangagwa said.

He did not say how he intends to raise funding for the platform seen by many as a talk shop with no political or economic benefit.

Eighteen political parties were represented at the Unity Day meeting including the National Constitutional Assembly led by Lovemore Madhuku, People’s Rainbow Coalition leader Lucia Matibenga and MDC-T lead by Thokozani Khupe.

These parties garnered less than 2% of total votes in the 2018 elections.

Zimbabwe’s biggest opposition party MDC and a few small parties have refused to take part in Polad talks.

The demands come at a time when government is struggling to deal with Zimbabwe’s biggest economic crisis in a decade. The southern Africa country’s economy is seen contracting by 7,2% this year and has shortages of everything from fuel, electricity and medicines. It also faces labour unrest after inflation rose to 480% in November, leading to frequent price hikes while wages have remained stagnant.

-Newsday

By A Correspondent- Children in resettlement areas are still learning under deplorable conditions, including tobacco barns and animal shelters, Primary and Secondary Education minister Cain Mathema confirmed to Parliament.

The revelation drew condemnation from legislators who said the government was not serious about education.

In a ministerial statement issued recently on his behalf in the National Assembly by Youth, Sports and Arts minister Kirsty Coventry, Mathema said poor infrastructure was one of the reasons that led to the 0% Grade 7 pass rate at some schools in Matabeleland North and South provinces.

“Teaching and learning space in some schools is still grossly inadequate. For example, some schools are still using tobacco barns and grass-thatched classrooms, animal handling facilities and other schools are operating without specialist rooms like design and technology laboratories or workshops,” Mathema said.

“More resources will also be required for the construction of teachers’ accommodation and continuous training of teachers in the competence-based curriculum.”

MPs were riled by the issue of children learning in barns and animal handling facilities.

Lindiwe Maphosa (MDC Alliance Proportional Representative MP) said it was a shame that 20 years after independence, there were children still learning in barns.

“My observation is that most of these schools with a 0% pass rate are from Matabeleland South and North provinces and that these are resettlement areas where the land reform programme happened during the 2000 era,” Maphosa said.

“There are also situations, where four classes share the same room and a teacher has to teach with four classes learning simultaneously. We need Mathema to clarify why we still have situations like that in our country 20 years after independence?”

Maphosa said this did not show that the country was serious with education and ensuring that schoolchildren from disadvantaged families have adequate learning infrastructure.
Gokwe Chireya MP Torerayi Moyo (Zanu PF) said when Mathema appears before Parliament as it resumes sitting in February, he must explain the relationship between the 0% pass rate and the poor infrastructure, where pupils learn in barns or animal shelter.

In 2017, just like in 2018, a total of 29 schools in Matabeleland North province were recorded as having a 0% Grade 7 pass rate.

In 2019, 32 schools were recorded as having attained a 0% pass rate in Matabeleland. Out of those 15 were from Matabeleland North, 10 from Matabeleland South, and seven schools from Bulawayo

-Newsday

By A Correspondent- While fireworks are quite normal for human beings and are a way of celebrating the new year, they are quite bad for animals, especially dogs.

When fireworks go off, most dogs are scared and feel trapped. The dogs then try to run from the fireworks and they end up on the streets where they risk being run over. Some also get lost.

All around the country, dogs get lost and hurt after New Year’s fireworks.

Twala Trust Animal Sanctuary a Goromonzi based non-profit that helps animals commented on the issue:

We rescued Bruno almost a year ago, after he was found injured and terrified on the streets of Harare after a fireworks display. Please think of all the animals that suffer because of fireworks. On 1 January every year, the shelters and vet surgeries are full of injured and lost dogs and cats, many of whom are never claimed by their owners.

Birds abandon their nests and wild animals are killed and injured fleeing from fireworks. Please don’t set off fireworks this new year – it is such an easy thing NOT to do, with such a positive impact.

If you have pets please stay home with them and keep them safe. Wishing you and your pets a safe and peaceful New year.

-TwalaTrust

By A Correspondent- Informal traders (vendors) operating from the streets of Harare have vowed to stay put until the government creates employment opportunities for them.

Vendors Initiative for Social and Economic Transformation (VISET) executive director, Samuel Wadzai, said that forcing vendors off the streets without offering sustainable solutions would not end the problem.

He said:

Our country has become so informal due to the current economic hardships and as a result, many people are relying on street vending to feed their families.

… street vendors are not criminals but ordinary people seeking livelihoods and must be allowed to fend for their families, especially when the government has failed to provide jobs in the economy.

The Zimbabwe Republic Police (ZRP), working in collaboration with Harare municipal police, has intensified raids on illegal street vendors.

The vendors are accused of obstructing the smooth flow of traffic and littering the streets in the Central Business District (CBD)

-DailyNews

By A Correspondent- Addressing the media at the High Court Tuesday afternoon, Marry Mubaiwa Chiwenga’s lawyer revealed that his client was not a flight risk as alleged by the state revealing that his client’s bail application was now being treated as an urgent matter despite the court withholding determination regarding the matter.

Her  lawyer Advocate Sylvester Hashiti, instructed by Taona Nyamakaro of Mtetwa & Nyambirai Legal Practitioners said:

“We had two matters in the court the first matter was an appeal against the decision of the magistrate which denied Mrs Mubaiwa bail.

The second one was a bail application on the attempted murder charge. On the first matter, we were arguing that all charges do not show how she was personally involved. All charges point to a company being involved so on that basis there is little that links her to the offence.

Secondly, she is not a flight risk as there are personal circumstances that force her to face trial and justice in Zimbabwe if need be and there is nothing that stops anyone from ensuring her availability for standing trial. She will face trial.

The other matter for attempted murder is a completed matter. The offence as alleged by the state has already been completed. There is nothing that stops her from standing trial and appearing in court over that matter. And all the witnesses that the state is relying on are very high powered individuals which she will not interfere with in any event.

Those are people protected by the state agents, they are protected by state resources. She cannot access them. She cannot interfere with them and that she can interfere with them is clearly a baseless assumption and we have also argued that she is presumed innocent… her personal situations, the manner in which she is alleged to have committed the offences all point to her being at her worst, she can only be a witness and she cannot stand accused as alleged by the state.

We await judgement. We will wait to hear what the court will say, we will not pre- empty what the court will say, we will not comment on an issue the court has reserved judgement on.

We can only comment on what we say are documents in the public domain. So we wait for the court to give its judgement and they have said they are treating the matter as an urgent matter we await the urgent determination of the matter.”

By A Correspondent- Suspected members of marauding machete gangs have been arrested in Mt Darwin, it has emerged.

Pictures of men in handcuffs who are suspected to be part of a gang of “MaShurugwi” are doing the rounds and they are allegedly suspected to be part of the violent illegal gold panners who have wrecked havoc nationally.

Below are the pictures of the men:

Zesa Holdings has been set tough performance standards and goals in both energy supply and administrative efficiency, with the Government taking an active role in monitoring progress.

This was detailed in the charge to the new board by Energy and Power Development Minister Fortune Chasi yesterday.

Among other measures, which include energy security and supply expansion, the new board will simplify its administration drastically, especially at top level, by consolidating the four operational subsidiaries and the holding company back into a single entity.

Outlining the terms of reference for the new Zesa board, Minister Chasi said Government required the board to implement a robust turnaround plan.

Dr Sydney Gata leads the nine-member Zesa board.

Setting the goals, Minister Chasi said the board should work out plans that see restoration of energy security and supply balance and the reintroduction of an operation reserve of at least 10 percent.

“Government expects the development of a business strategy that will ensure a viable utility,” he said.

Reversing the unbundling of Zesa was on the list, with the board charged to “consolidate the ZESA Group into one entity.”

This, said Minister Chasi, should result in a consolidated balance sheet that can underwrite new investments and develop a bigger electricity sector.

“The board must review the existing staff structure to optimal levels and ensure that the staff quality and

complement is sufficient to drive the strategy through retrenchments, retiring, transfers or rotations where necessary,” he said.

“Give place to technology of all types and to ensure adoption of ICTs to achieve operational efficiency.”

Further, the board is required to ensure the generation of a system development plan and work closely with the Rural Electrification Agency in the implementation of the rural energy master plan to ensure universal access to energy by 2030.

The board should embrace and participate in the development of all types of renewable energy technologies including rooftop solar, on-and off -grid systems, net metering and be receptive to innovative ideas as the energy sector is in transition.

-State Media

By A Correspondent- The family of Constable Hokoyo expressed their deep sadness over the slain cop’s death.

Family members that spoke to the publication said Constable Hokoyo who died at 27 grew up an orphan and he was hardworking and keen to uplift his family.

His younger brother spoke to the state media and said:

Being the young brother of Wonder who has mysteriously passed on in Battlefields, I am still finding it difficult to accept his passing on because he was the elder brother who was taking care of us.

His father in law said:

I was actually waiting for him to come home, only to receive a phone call that he had been attacked by these machete wielding thugs.

My son-in-law died on duty, protecting the people of Zimbabwe. Now he is no more. He was still young and left behind his wife and a little child.

The family visited the crime scene and were accompanied by Officer Commanding Kadoma District and Battlefields ZRP Member In Charge.

-StateMedia

By A Correspondent- An 8-year-old girl died from drowning at Queens Sports Club swimming pool on Friday.

Alexis Ncube was playing with her friends when they went to the deep end and started struggling to stay afloat.

Narrating the ordeal, a source that spoke to the publication said:

Two of the children were pulled out by a worker at the club while the third disappeared under the murky water. No one dared to go in after her and someone had to call for help from a person who was passing by

The Incident was confirmed by Bulawayo Police Spokesperson Chief Inspector Precious Simango.

-StateMedia

By A Correspondent| Minister of Finance and Economic Planning, Professor Mthuli Ncube has urged farmers to depend on irrigation that weather patterns to end hunger and starvation in the country.

Ncube made the remarks in the Senate during debate on the Finance (No. 3 Bill) on the 2020 budget.

He said in order to climate proof agriculture, there was need to invest more on irrigation, adding that a budget of $500 million was allocated towards that. In 2020, Ncube allocated $11,3 billion towards agriculture.

“We have set aside a budget of the order of $500 million for irrigation because we wish to climate proof our agriculture,” Ncube said.

“We have also set aside a budget of the order of $250 million to deal with dam construction, but also to acquire meteorological equipment for us to track weather patterns. Everyone knows that the drought has been severe and it has depressed agriculture by as much as 18% of gross domestic product (GDP) and overall GDP of minus 6,5%,” he said.

The Finance minister said financing agriculture could be through partnering with banks, and also crowd sourcing in the private sector.

“To achieve this we need to deal with the issue of the 99-year leases which have not been accepted by banks,” he said.

Rejoice Timire (Senator representing people with disabilities) then asked Ncube to explain what he will do to ensure that there is enough water in the country to support agriculture.
“Dams are a long term relief to irrigation, but Zimbabwean people are suffering because there is no water. Women are suffering because they are getting water from faraway places. Even in urban areas there are long queues of people trying to look for water,” Timire said.

Ncube said to alleviate water problems, the 2020 budget allocates $233 million to the District Development Fund (DDF) for the purpose of drilling boreholes, mainly in the rural areas.
“We have another budget for about $45 million for the Zimbabwe National Water Authority (Zinwa) to do likewise because they have different capacities. Zinwa is capacitated to drill deeper boreholes, especially in the drier areas, but we are aware that the Chinese have also given us aid for drilling boreholes where they pay contractors to drill boreholes,” he said.

On perennial water crisis in the urban areas, Ncube said: “In the budget we have allocated resources for chemicals and for upgrading the infrastructure in the urban areas,” adding that some of the devolution resources must focus on funding water and sanitation.

-Newsday

By A Correspondent- Social media is a awash with messages of other drivers warning other motorists to be cautious when driving along Seke Road which, they say is now a death trap due to its many potholes.

According to the publication:

The most notable potholes are near the rise towards St Mary’s Police Station after passing Chikwanha, with some near Chinhamo Filling Station, at the Koala Park Butchery and Abattoir turn-off, near the Zororo Memorial Cemetery area and on a stretch of a few kilometres before the Coke Corner.

The road is jointly managed by the ministry of transport and Harare and Chitungwiza councils. Speaking to the publication, Chitungwiza Mayor said they were urgently addressing the issue.

-StateMedia