A popular Kadoma prophet and leader of the Royal Family International Ministries had an extra marital affair with one of his congregants whom he reportedly dumped after having his child.
Prophet Charles Pintec had the illicit affair with one Grace whom he then decided to neglect after having his child prompting her to expose the secret affair she had with the man of God.
Charles Pintec with Grace
According to a source who spoke to H-Metro, Prophet Pintec fell madly in love with Grace to the extent of impregnating her but when the woman gave birth, the man of God decided to dump her.
Out of anger and bitterness, the woman is said to have started spreading pictures of her and Pintec during their good days on social media so as to expose Pintec to his congregants and the whole world.
“Prophet Pintec of Royal Family Church is a well-respected man by his congregants but his actions have proved otherwise.
“He had secret extra marital affair with one of his congregants Grace to the extent of siring a child with her and he decided to quit the relationship after the birth of the child.
“This did not go down well with Grace so she started exposing the Prophet by sending pictures of her and the man of God during the subsistence of their relationship so the man is now the talk of the town,” said the source.
When H-Metro contacted Pintec to get his side of the story, he pleaded guilty to the accusations and apologised to everyone who might have stumbled upon the pictures of him and Grace during their good days.
“What you heard is very true but it is part of my past and it was a moment of madness which I regret a lot as a man of God.
“It is a regrettable past and I would like to apologise to everyone who came across those pictures.
“It has been seven months now since I parted ways with the lady in question and it is also true that I had a child with her but it is past now and I do not know why people would want to bring this up now.H-Metro
Farai Dziva|Controversial MDC deputy president Obert Gutu has said those calling for the disbanding of POLAD are daydreaming
“Legitimacy? What legitimacy? Dream on! You will soon wake up from your horrible and terrible nightmare! POLAD rocks,” wrote Gutu on Twitter.
“President Thabo Mbeki appreciates the remarkable achievements made by POLAD.
We outlined to him POLAD’s achievements profile & he was impressed. To expect Cde.Mbeki to advocate for the disbanding of POLAD is like wishing that one day Lucifer will conquer Heaven. It won’t happen.”
Farai Dziva|Controversial MDC deputy president Obert Gutu has said those calling for the disbanding of POLAD are daydreaming
“Legitimacy? What legitimacy? Dream on! You will soon wake up from your horrible and terrible nightmare! POLAD rocks,” wrote Gutu on Twitter.
“President Thabo Mbeki appreciates the remarkable achievements made by POLAD.
We outlined to him POLAD’s achievements profile & he was impressed. To expect Cde.Mbeki to advocate for the disbanding of POLAD is like wishing that one day Lucifer will conquer Heaven. It won’t happen.”
The below is a response to our reader complaints. 2 Zimbabweans have complained against the news article that hails a Zimbabwean nurse for giving Queen Elizabeth’s husband, Phillip a warm treatment, seen on camera, yesterday. VIDEO LOADING BELOW….
Farai Dziva|Professor Jonathan Moyo has said there is nothing to celebrate on Christmas day.
“On this bleak Christmas day for most Zimbabweans, it’s hard to find merry words for the occasion save to ask God to bless and favour everyone affected with the promise of a better day tomorrow,” Moyo tweeted.
He also attacked Emmerson Mnangagwa for despising the suffering people of Zimbabwe.
“Kubata musana while talking to people, especially pamusika, is rude behavior which is tantamount to looking down on the masses.”
Farai Dziva|Professor Jonathan Moyo has said there is nothing to celebrate on Christmas Day.
“On this bleak Christmas day for most Zimbabweans, it’s hard to find merry words for the occasion save to ask God to bless and favour everyone affected with the promise of a better day tomorrow,” Moyo tweeted.
He also attacked Emmerson Mnangagwa for despising the suffering people of Zimbabwe.
“Kubata musana while talking to people, especially pamusika, is rude behavior which is tantamount to looking down on the masses.”
Farai Dziva|Emmerson Mnangagwa has called for unity among Zimbabweans during the Christmas season.
See full statement :
Fellow Zimbabweans, during this time when we celebrate the life of Jesus Christ, let us internalise the values he left for us.
The values of loving our neighbours, of protecting and caring for the poor, and of peace and unity.
Since the beginning of the new dispensation, we have worked hard daily, guided by these values.
Indeed, at all times we must be guided by Holy Scripture, by a desire and determination for justice, peace and prosperity for all.
This Christmas, let us look forward not backward; inwards not outwards. Let us focus on how best we can look after our families, our communities and our nation.
I know that many of you still suffer.
I am not blind to your situation, nor am I deaf to your cries. I commit to you that we will continue to reform with an eye on the long term; for we must not reform only for ourselves, but for our children and our children’s children. We are undertaking deep, broad, and meaningful reforms.
We are continuing to open up the political and media spaces. We are clamping down on corruption. And we are building a new Zimbabwe where the people come first.
Whilst we have much more work to do, my promise to you is that we will continue to work with modesty and humility, guided by our faith and scripture, day and night, to build a better future for all.
God Bless you all and God Bless the nation of Zimbabwe.
Farai Dziva|The leader of a new political party, the Independence of Zimbabwe African Organisation of People’s Power Pinda Panyanga United Front (IZAOPPOPP UNF), Mr Edson says his party respects the values of the liberation struggle.
The existence of the party was confirmed by the Zimbabwe Electoral Commission’s chief elections officer, Utoile Silaigwana who in a letter to acknowledge the party’s existence said:
The Zimbabwe Electoral Commission (ZEC) acknowledges receipt of your party profile documents, the contents of which have been noted. Your organisation has been included on ZEC’s stakeholder database and mailing list for notification when appropriate meetings that require your input arise.
The party leader, Mr Edson, quoted by The Herald said he formed the “nationalist and pan-Africanist” party to enhance democracy in the country.
“What we want is a democratic Zimbabwe and we respect the liberation struggle.
Our party will be nationalist and pan-Africanist.
We simply want to use other avenues through a structure like a political party to advocate for the citizens’ interests,” he said.
Farai Dziva|Emmerson Mnangagwa has called for unity among Zimbabweans during the Christmas season.
See full statement :
Fellow Zimbabweans, during this time when we celebrate the life of Jesus Christ, let us internalise the values he left for us.
The values of loving our neighbours, of protecting and caring for the poor, and of peace and unity.
Since the beginning of the new dispensation, we have worked hard daily, guided by these values.
Indeed, at all times we must be guided by Holy Scripture, by a desire and determination for justice, peace and prosperity for all.
This Christmas, let us look forward not backward; inwards not outwards. Let us focus on how best we can look after our families, our communities and our nation.
I know that many of you still suffer.
I am not blind to your situation, nor am I deaf to your cries. I commit to you that we will continue to reform with an eye on the long term; for we must not reform only for ourselves, but for our children and our children’s children. We are undertaking deep, broad, and meaningful reforms.
We are continuing to open up the political and media spaces. We are clamping down on corruption. And we are building a new Zimbabwe where the people come first.
Whilst we have much more work to do, my promise to you is that we will continue to work with modesty and humility, guided by our faith and scripture, day and night, to build a better future for all.
God Bless you all and God Bless the nation of Zimbabwe.
Farai Dziva|The leader of a new political party, the Independence of Zimbabwe African Organisation of People’s Power Pinda Panyanga United Front (IZAOPPOPP UNF), Mr Edson says his party respects the values of the liberation struggle.
The existence of the party was confirmed by the Zimbabwe Electoral Commission’s chief elections officer, Utoile Silaigwana who in a letter to acknowledge the party’s existence said:
The Zimbabwe Electoral Commission (ZEC) acknowledges receipt of your party profile documents, the contents of which have been noted. Your organisation has been included on ZEC’s stakeholder database and mailing list for notification when appropriate meetings that require your input arise.
The party leader, Mr Edson, quoted by The Herald said he formed the “nationalist and pan-Africanist” party to enhance democracy in the country.
“What we want is a democratic Zimbabwe and we respect the liberation struggle.
Our party will be nationalist and pan-Africanist.
We simply want to use other avenues through a structure like a political party to advocate for the citizens’ interests,” he said.
Fellow Zimbabweans, during this time when we celebrate the life of Jesus Christ, let us internalise the values he left for us. The values of loving our neighbours, of protecting and caring for the poor, and of peace and unity.
Since the beginning of the new dispensation, we have worked hard daily, guided by these values.
Indeed, at all times we must be guided by Holy Scripture, by a desire and determination for justice, peace and prosperity for all.
This Christmas, let us look forward not backward; inwards not outwards. Let us focus on how best we can look after our families, our communities and our nation.
How we can make Zimbabwe a better place for all.
I know that many of you still suffer.
I am not blind to your situation, nor am I deaf to your cries. I commit to you that we will continue to reform with an eye on the long term; for we must not reform only for ourselves, but for our children and our children’s children. We are undertaking deep, broad, and meaningful reforms.
We are continuing to open up the political and media spaces. We are clamping down on corruption. And we are building a new Zimbabwe where the people come first.
Whilst we have much more work to do, my promise to you is that we will continue to work with modesty and humility, guided by our faith and scripture, day and night, to build a better future for all.
God Bless you all and God Bless the nation of Zimbabwe.
I urge motorists not to drink and drive and avoid speeding, especially considering the state of some of our roads and the volume of traffic which is currently experienced on major highways. Some roads are also under construction and as such drivers should proceed with caution.
Above all, motorists should be observant and be on the lookout for animals, pedestrians and other obstacles.
My office has implored police officers to take stern action against touts and people hanging precariously on the back of commuter omnibuses or mushikashika vehicles.
Commuter omnibus drivers who allow this conduct will also be held accountable.
They should not overload their vehicles and stick to the stipulated loads in terms of a vehicle’s carrying capacity. All defective vehicles will be impounded by the police.
May I therefore urge motorists to cooperate with police officers at various check points and roadblocks.
Drivers should reduce speed and stop whenever they are directed by police officers to do so.
It is an offence for anyone to drive past a police checkpoint, disregarding police signals to stop
Police officers will also be conducting patrols in all residential, industrial areas and places where the public will be gathered during the holiday. Let us all be crime conscious and alert during the holiday.
The Zimbabwe Electoral Commission (ZEC) has acknowledged the formation of a new political party called the Independence of Zimbabwe African Organisation of People’s Power Pinda Panyanga United Front (IZAOPPOPP UNF).
A letter signed by ZEC’s chief elections officer, Mr Utoile Silaigwana, reads: “The Zimbabwe Electoral Commission (ZEC) acknowledges receipt of your party profile documents, the contents of which have been noted. Your organisation has been included on ZEC’s stakeholder database and mailing list for notification when appropriate meetings that require your input arise.”
In an interview with The Herald, the party’s leader, Mr Edson Rupondo, said he formed the party to be “the voice of the voiceless”.
Mr Rupondo said his party would be nationalist in nature and would uphold Zimbabwe’s national interests, ideals and ethos. “What we want is a democratic Zimbabwe and we respect the liberation struggle. Our party will be nationalist and pan-Africanist,” he said.
“We simply want to use other avenues through a structure like a political party to advocate for the citizens’ interests.”
He said that constitutionalism was an important part of the party as every Zimbabwean citizen must act in accordance with the law.
“My thinking is informed by the fact that the law is a social institution which may be improved by intelligent human efforts or otherwise the spirits of our liberation heroes will not be pleased by the direction the country will be taking,” said Mr Rupondo.
IZAOPPOPP UNF will lock horns with Mnangagwa’s Zanu PF and Nelson Chamisa’s MDC Alliance in 2023 watershed elections.
By Own Correspondent| Activity has heightened at border posts, with Beitbridge handling over 500 000 entries and exits since the beginning of this month.
The development has seen Plumtree border post temporarily adopting a 24-hour shift to help ease the congestion at the border.
A total of 503 932 travellers have used Beitbridge Border Post to access either Zimbabwe or South Africa since the beginning of December.
An estimated 65 000 vehicles have passed through the border post which is open 24 hours a day.
-StateMedia
By A Correspondent| Below was the first LIVE documentary which began last night when it was explored how Gen Constantino Chiwenga and his wife estranged Marry were poisoned last year.
The program saw the Mubaiwa [Marry’s] family being handed the bundle of evidence on what military sources say affected their daughter around the time of the white City incident on 23rd Jun 2018.
VIDEO LOADING BELOW…
This series of LIVE documentaries will run all the way to the year end, on ZimEye.com
A Chinese doctor at the centre of this investigation, is now being connected to the Mubaiwa family through this ZimEye program.
While her husband ended up being airlifted to China in July, after suffering from a host of symptoms, Marry developed a swelling of her hands.
The common symptoms from the poisoning are: mutochira (a side effect such as boils, fevershness, feeling ver very cold, or feeling very very hot.
The first stage is to wake up with a swelled up body.
Migrane headache.
Second stage is cramps, when you want to move you start having cramps. You also stary having ceavings for things such as sugar.
Eye problems.
The third stage is losing skin colour, it turns black or it starts peeling, or very very black the way Morgan Tsvangirai.
Kubuda rute, or masiriri (overflowing saliva).
Starting to lose weight, or you start not wanting to feed.
The effect of it is that the more medication you take in, you make the suffering worse.
In many cases they will start saying you are ill of cancer. In your body you starts developing clots (because everything in your body starts kubikana – getting hot).
You start hallucinating. If you killed someone you start confessing.
This is the stage Chiwenga was at when he was flown to China in July 2019.
By A Correspondent| At the age of 98 Prince Phillip leaves hospital walking without a walking stick, he is quickly met by a group of bodyguards to an army of TV cameras celebrating his health; but no one talks about the Zimbabwean female nurse at his side, who he personally thanks.
When Sibonokuhle Sibanda relocated to the UK, she had no idea she would one day serve the royal family as a nurse.
The Zimbabwean has been filmed at a prestigious hospital attending to Queen Elizabeth’s husband, as ZimEye reveals.
She was filmed by Sky News escorting Prince Phillip out of the hospital while interacting with him. See the below video.
While ZimEye could not interview Mrs Sibanda due to restrictions on her profession, her featuring on camera has added weight to the successes some Zimbabweans have made of their hard work in the UK. Records seen by ZimEye show that she began practicing in 2002.
Dressed in a suit and tie, Prince Philip had left King Edward VII’s hospital in central London at 8.49am following treatment for a pre-existing medical condition, before being driven to Buckingham Palace and then flown by helicopter Sandringham in Norfolk, arriving at 9.40am.
The Duke thanked medical staff and shook the hand of his nurse, the Zimbabwean Sibonokuhle Sibanda, as he left the hospital where he had spent four nights, before walking to his car unaided.
Flight tracking records reveal he was picked up in London at around 9.05am by a Sikorsky S-76 helicopter which whisked him up to the 20,000-acre Royal estate, flying at speeds of up to 175mph at a height of 3,300ft.
Philip’s return to Sandringham will have added significance for his family because while most people open their presents on Christmas Day, the royal family still keep to the German practice of unwrapping their gifts on Christmas Eve.
Traditionally the Queen, duke and other royals congregate in the White Drawing Room at Sandringham House around a 20ft tree, cut from the estate, for the exchange of presents displayed nearby on a white linen-covered trestle table.
Philip’s flight directly into the grounds of Sandringham was in contrast to the flight which took him into hospital, cloaked in secrecy.
There is an estimated 500,000 total official number of Zimbabweans in UK. VIDEO LOADING BELOW
The traditional jostling and bustling festive atmosphere has been stolen for most Zimbabweans.
Many have failed to travel to see relatives and friends during this Christmas period due to a myriad of reasons such as lack of fuel, lack of money to spare and lack of cash at the banks. Most parents are already worrying about January to send their kids back to school so they have decided to forego Christmas festivities and save for “Back to School”. Prices of goods and services have gone up beyond reach of many and our civil servants are bearing the most brunt.
Traditionally, the Christmas period has been associated with receiving, giving and sharing among relatives, friends, churchmates and workmates. A period of thanksgivings.
This has all been stolen by government austerity measures which has driven everyone, except the well-connected, into abject poverty! The Zimbabwean spirit of Christmas has been lost in this maze of socioeconomic challenges.
The year has been very brutal as the government austerity measures took their toll on many people. Salary increments have not caught up with price increases of commodities.
The economy remained in the informal sector with most service providers completely ignoring the government’s call to outlaw the use of foreign currency for local trading.
Nothing else but the grace of God has brought us to the end of 2019 as a nation. Each passing day came with a new heavy load upon our shoulders. It is the year that brought us the most debilitating loadshedding. We saw the complete collapse of the healthcare system as government offloaded its medical experts into the open arms of other countries. The drought situation did not help matters and more than 50% of the population were pronounced food insecure.
The late president Robert Mugabe had set the bar so low that all president Mnangagwa had to do was show up at his office but alas, we are worse off. People are lamenting and wishing that Mugabe days were better. There can never be any bigger disapproval than for people to call Mugabe days better than what president Mnangagwa has done so far.
We remain hopeful as Zimbabweans that in the not-so-far-away future, Zimbabwe will have leaders with people at heart. Leaders who will be soft as wool and leaders who actually listern to the people.
This dry season will pass. Meanwhile, let’s all remember the less privileged during this period. Let’s all be careful and to motorists, let’s all exercise extreme caution on the roads. Drivers of public transport, let’s be patient on the national highways. The status of most roads pose a great risk to both motorists and pedestrians. Let us be each brother’s keeper this Christmas,
Happy holidays, merry Christmas and a happy new year. May 2020 be a bigger year than 2019. May you all rise above all challenges that you may encounter,
A 45-year-old inmate has attained all his academic qualifications while serving a nine-year jail term for rape.
Charles Zifa started his grade one level at the age of 39 following his imprisonment in 2013.
“I was uneducated when I was imprisoned. I started from grade one up to form four.
Imagine a 39-year-old starting to learn the vowels and how to write his own name.
“It was not an easy journey but I am glad I made it despite the challenges,” Zifa said.
He added that he has professional qualifications though he failed to get sponsorship to write his O’ Level.
He said given the opportunity he would like to pursue his education.
“I did not manage to write my ordinary level due to financial issues but I am positive that if I am to sit for the exams I will pass with flying colours.
“I am now eager to learn and I am using my time in prison to further my studies although it is difficult sometimes because of limited resources in prison.
“It has been an interesting journey and I have learnt to appreciate the importance of education,” he said.
Zifa appealed for help from well-wishers for him to continue with his education.
“Various inmates fail to write exams because they cannot afford examination fees but they want to go forward with their education.
“If we get help from well-wishers I am sure, we will be a better people,” he said.
The inmate was among the graduands who attained certificates last week.
“After failing to write ordinary level examinations I then started wood technology and I have faced various challenges but I am happy that I graduated.
“It was not an easy road. I studied very hard and the lecturers really helped us.
“With these skills I am sure I have prepared myself for life after prison.
“Life in prison has taught me that education is key.”H-Metro
Zimbabwe gathered much hope at independence when Mugabe promised unity, forgiveness and opportunities for every Zimbabwean irrespective of colour, religion or political affiliation.
He preached democracy, Hope and deliverance for our society. The message was emphatic and inspiring to be a Zimbabwean.
We all had hope and some of us never imagined we would get into politics for I was mostly focused in entrepreneurship and investing into my people.
The dynamics and definition of our Hope was changed by the advocation of a One Party State.
We had not really prepared for that for we expected the government to take scrutiny objectively and be prepared to act on some of the important issues to do with the people and our country as a nation. That was the kind of politics that we cherished and hoped to bring unity, cohesion and good governance in developing our country.
Zimbabwe had already started going on a positive developmental path and our currency had remained competitive and strong.
Anywhere that prompted the referendum and the formation of MDC. Concerns were now raised about the land reform and distribution program.
Everything lost the unity, purpose and the interest of our people.
It started to be defined by politicking, racism, nepotism and partisanship which resulted in poor planning and distribution of land. I delve into that history for I believe history can help us sort out what’s happening today, and reassure us that there is reason for hope. This was the birth of tyranny on a restrained mode.
The birth of a credible and genuine opposition with a vision for the people brought a precedence that there is a possibility of change of government, and that fear of losing power through an open vote based on manifestos and hope for deliverance increased the experience of tyranny on a large scale.
I had expected our society to have taken a leaf from different categories of tyrannies that had emerged over the years and were classified and condemned together with other exploitative forms of authority. This should have encouraged us to develop a system of government that would thwart any possibility of tyrant or full scale tyranny by encouraging self governing societies through civic society and other pressure groups.
Our challenge is very complex in that we have a totalitarian type of tyranny involving in genocide against citizens,unleashing the army to brutalise those protesting and abductions to instil fear in every citizen, using some kind of collectivist utopia. The Mnangagwa error has come with shared similar Utopian aims, using the same genocidal means and imperialistic expansion. Our society is now totally traumatised and disconnected.
His tyranny is now being experienced on a large scale than ever imagined. Our society has always been concerned about avoiding tyranny, either from a single politician or a majority mob.
It appears we are now under a typical majority mob tyranny who are disguising as the people’s revolutionaries yet their rule is accompanied by cruelty and hedonism, from Mugabe’s autocratic perversions of Gaddafi.
It would have been better if he was that type of a tyrannical autocrat who want to build large, powerful and prosperous state with some benefits for ordinary people, but he is cruel and punishing more the ordinary people. He doesn’t seem to be a rational actor open to bargain with foreign adversaries for national honour, economic prosperity and infrastructure development. He is only interested in his on influence and prestige.
What we have to understand as a nation and be inspired and given hope is that such demagogical threats to our freedoms have been dealt with before by countries which went through similar challenges and I am convinced that a different way will emerge and we will continue to deal with this threat.
Despite the widespread concerns about the loss of our freedoms, genuine pluralism and loss of our sovereignty to these group mob tyrants and elites, our vulnerability can inspire us by uniting us to be more resisting the extreme reaches of tyranny and repression.
We have to continue to make our voice more multinational and aspiring to supranational authorities such as the United Nations and regional bodies.
We also need to continue advocating for genuine reforms and a working political system that ensures the independence of each branch of government over the others through checks and balances. For this to happen we need patriots with independent minds and interests vested in the people and our country.
Once we establish such a system no one indeed will be able to act on his demagogical inclinations fully for other branches of government will resist resulting in people winning on that principle of self governing.
Firmness and steadiness compounded with clarity and consistency of purpose is needed in this fight. Mnangagwa must be made to understand that he has no claims to his Tyrannical rule for he has no consent of us the governed.
Despite his wish to rule on claims of his liberation war credentials, Mnangagwa must be made to understand that he cannot descend our country into obscurity because of his selfish agenda.
As from the observation of Mnangagwa’s conduct and behaviour, he is capable of continuing to present the gravest challenge to our democracy and our sovereignty.
He appears he doesn’t just want power, riches or national pride for I believe if after the coup had he allowed democracy and the country’s interests to prevail, he would have earned all accolades of Nationalism and Heroism. Now it appears what he wants to force every citizen to submit to him as a master because of his liberation history.
This should not be cause for despair as history of tyranny has always been clear through its eventual defeat.
Tyrants and tyrannies can be frightening from the outside, but are often brittle from within. We just need to persevere and continue revisiting our strategies to ensure pressure is increased at all times.
Our citizens and followers of democracy who are themselves living in fear of the monsters ruling them, are eager to escape.
However, with perseverance and realism, aided and inspired by our history and the determination of our people for a free government, the hope of our democracy to meet that challenge can be instilled again.
Soccer fans have expressed their anger at Juventus forward, Cristiano Ronaldo who responded angrily to their loss at the hands of Lazio in the Italian Super Cup.
Ronaldo took off the silver medal off his neck immediately after it was given to him and he also ditched the second official who had offered his hand out.
Responding to Ronaldo’s gesture, some soccer fans said Ronaldo was disrespectful whilst others described his behaviour as toxic.
@TonioG91 said:
A champion also knows how to lose. He doesn’t.
@PinSport said:
Ronaldo allergic to silver medals
The loss should have come as both a shock and disappointment to the former Real Madrid striker who had not lost a final since 2013.
Over that period, he went to 14 straight finals without defeat for Real Madrid, Portugal, and Juventus in various competitions.
Meanwhile, Juventus coach, Sarri speaking on the loss said that there was anger over the loss but “crying over it doesn’t solve the problems.”
Fadeaway World
By Own Correspondent| Former Higher Education Minister Professor Jonathan Moyo has slammed President Emmerson Mnangagwa for “looking down on the masses”
Mnangagwa this Monday visited and bought eats from vendors. He got off from his motorcade and headed straight towards the marketplace and bought groundnuts, snot apples (matohwe) and maize cobs. Commuters, kombi crews and vendors jostled to catch a glimpse of the President. The President took time to listen to concerns raised by vendors.
He was accompanied by State Security Minister Owen Ncube.
Patricia Moyo a vendor, who sold groundnuts to President Mnangagwa, said he paid using local currency and asked her about the challenges she was facing.
“We heard his motorcade and suddenly he appeared. I was elated when he headed straight to my market where he asked how much I was charging. After I told him, he took money out his pocket and paid. I even gave him change,” she said.
She was happy to have told her problems to the highest office in the land.
“I am hoping that he is going to address the challenges that we face as vendors. I, for one, told him the problems we are facing and he promised to look into them,” said an elated Moyo.
Professor Moyo has responded to Mnangagwa’s posture saying it signified disrespect of the masses.
“Kubata musana while talking to people, especially pamusika, is rude behavior which is tantamount to looking down on the masses!” Moyo tweeted.
Kubata musana while talking to people, especially pamusika, is rude behavior which is tantamount to looking down on the masses!
Farai Dziva|The MDC Youth Assembly has applauded party leader Nelson Chamisa for refusing to join POLAD.
Below is a statement written by MDC Youth Assembly spokesperson Stephen Chuma:
The MDC Youth Assembly would like to applaud President Advocate Nelson Chamisa for refusing to join Emmerson Mnangagwa’s pulverized political monologue, POLAD.
As President Chamisa rightly opines, joining POLAD is akin to betrayal and selling out millions of this generation who yearn for real change.
It is not mendacious that real change can only be ushered in through genuine dialogue on reforms and not some extravagant banquet at Mnangagwa’s farm.
It is quite regrettable that the public media whose critical role is to inform has chosen to misinform the public by running propaganda bent on framing President Nelson Chamisa as anti- dialogue when in actual fact it is Mnangagwa who detests dialogue in favor of monologue.
As far as we are concerned, POLAD is nothing more than a club of the vanguished whose common goal is underlined by bitterness, thievery, extravagance and an unquenchable desperate desire for a social contract with the masses.
Even if we are to combine Emmerson Mnangagwa’s 33% presidential vote with less than 1% paltry votes garnered by his POLAD acolytes in 2018 elections, still they will be far short of the 50% threshold as per our constitutional provisions.
Dialogue by its very nature and definition is for warring parties and as far as POLAD is concerned, it is very clear that Thokozani Khupe, Lovemore Madhuku and cabal are in total agreement with Mnangagwa hence can not be part of any meaningful dialogue.
Given such circumstances, joining POLAD in its current state is akin to a fly following a corpse right into a dark grave.
The consequences of such is trouble for citizens!
It is the aggrieved winner of the 2018 Presidential vote, Nelson Chamisa, trade unions, under siege civil society, churches and of course the pepertrator, Emmerson Mnangagwa who must be at table of any meaningful dialogue to avert the current crisis.
It is against that background that we believe POLAD is nothing more than a circus and child’s play and as such it is not going to cure the legitimacy question which is the bedrock of the current crisis.
As MDC Youth Assembly, we once again reiterate our support to the People’s President Advocate Chamisa for his wisdom not to join Mnangagwa’s grave train dubbed POLAD.
Stephen Sarkozy Chuma MDCYouthAssemblyNationalSpokesperson
Farai Dziva|The MDC Youth Assembly has applauded party leader Nelson Chamisa for refusing to join POLAD.
Below is a statement written by MDC Youth Assembly spokesperson Stephen Chuma:
The MDC Youth Assembly would like to applaud President Advocate Nelson Chamisa for refusing to join Emmerson Mnangagwa’s pulverized political monologue, POLAD.
As President Chamisa rightly opines, joining POLAD is akin to betrayal and selling out millions of this generation who yearn for real change.
It is not mendacious that real change can only be ushered in through genuine dialogue on reforms and not some extravagant banquet at Mnangagwa’s farm.
It is quite regrettable that the public media whose critical role is to inform has chosen to misinform the public by running propaganda bent on framing President Nelson Chamisa as anti- dialogue when in actual fact it is Mnangagwa who detests dialogue in favor of monologue.
As far as we are concerned, POLAD is nothing more than a club of the vanguished whose common goal is underlined by bitterness, thievery, extravagance and an unquenchable desperate desire for a social contract with the masses.
Even if we are to combine Emmerson Mnangagwa’s 33% presidential vote with less than 1% paltry votes garnered by his POLAD acolytes in 2018 elections, still they will be far short of the 50% threshold as per our constitutional provisions.
Dialogue by its very nature and definition is for warring parties and as far as POLAD is concerned, it is very clear that Thokozani Khupe, Lovemore Madhuku and cabal are in total agreement with Mnangagwa hence can not be part of any meaningful dialogue.
Given such circumstances, joining POLAD in its current state is akin to a fly following a corpse right into a dark grave.
The consequences of such is trouble for citizens!
It is the aggrieved winner of the 2018 Presidential vote, Nelson Chamisa, trade unions, under siege civil society, churches and of course the pepertrator, Emmerson Mnangagwa who must be at table of any meaningful dialogue to avert the current crisis.
It is against that background that we believe POLAD is nothing more than a circus and child’s play and as such it is not going to cure the legitimacy question which is the bedrock of the current crisis.
As MDC Youth Assembly, we once again reiterate our support to the People’s President Advocate Chamisa for his wisdom not to join Mnangagwa’s grave train dubbed POLAD.
Stephen Sarkozy Chuma MDCYouthAssemblyNationalSpokesperson
The traditional jostling and bustling festive atmosphere has been stolen for most Zimbabweans.
Many have failed to travel to see relatives and friends during this Christmas period due to a myriad of reasons such as lack of fuel, lack of money to spare and lack of cash at the banks. Most parents are already worrying about January to send their kids back to school so they have decided to forego Christmas festivities and save for “Back to School”. Prices of goods and services have gone up beyond reach of many and our civil servants are bearing the most brunt.
Traditionally, the Christmas period has been associated with receiving, giving and sharing among relatives, friends, churchmates and workmates. A period of thanksgivings.
This has all been stolen by government austerity measures which has driven everyone, except the well-connected, into abject poverty! The Zimbabwean spirit of Christmas has been lost in this maze of socioeconomic challenges.
The year has been very brutal as the government austerity measures took their toll on many people. Salary increments have not caught up with price increases of commodities.
The economy remained in the informal sector with most service providers completely ignoring the government’s call to outlaw the use of foreign currency for local trading.
Nothing else but the grace of God has brought us to the end of 2019 as a nation. Each passing day came with a new heavy load upon our shoulders. It is the year that brought us the most debilitating loadshedding. We saw the complete collapse of the healthcare system as government offloaded its medical experts into the open arms of other countries. The drought situation did not help matters and more than 50% of the population were pronounced food insecure.
The late president Robert Mugabe had set the bar so low that all president Mnangagwa had to do was show up at his office but alas, we are worse off. People are lamenting and wishing that Mugabe days were better. There can never be any bigger disapproval than for people to call Mugabe days better than what president Mnangagwa has done so far.
We remain hopeful as Zimbabweans that in the not-so-far-away future, Zimbabwe will have leaders with people at heart. Leaders who will be soft as wool and leaders who actually listern to the people.
This dry season will pass. Meanwhile, let’s all remember the less privileged during this period. Let’s all be careful and to motorists, let’s all exercise extreme caution on the roads. Drivers of public transport, let’s be patient on the national highways. The status of most roads pose a great risk to both motorists and pedestrians. Let us be each brother’s keeper this Christmas,
Happy holidays, merry Christmas and a happy new year. May 2020 be a bigger year than 2019. May you all rise above all challenges that you may encounter,
FIRST Lady Auxillia Mnangagwa, through her Angel of Hope Foundation, this week distributed small grains and rolled out a donkey project in Matabeleland South as part of measures to augment draught power and boost food security in the province.
Matabeleland South Province is located on the edge of the Kalahari Basin, giving it an arid climate.
Its economy is dominated by agriculture, with 83 percent of employed people in the province working in farming. Cattle ranching and tourism also contribute to the economy.
Small grains are drought-tolerant and disease resistant while donkeys are key animals in drought-prone areas because of their sheer power and ability to withstand harsh weather conditions.
They are also used as traction animals in rural areas by small-scale farmers.
In these days of fuel challenges, donkeys can ferry perishables like milk and vegetables to the market thereby saving on fuel costs.
The First Lady was represented by Ms Getrude Manyimo from her office as she had other engagements across the country.
Amai Mnangagwa has a passion for Zimbabwe”s economic revival and has been touring the length and breadth of the country promoting agricultural production and setting up income-generating projects for communities.
Her major strength is that she provides solutions that are specific to the needs of a particular area.
She has also been providing seed and initiating income-generating projects for vulnerable communities.
The current programme has seen the First Lady distributing small grain seeds in Tsholotsho, Bulilima and Binga Simatelele, where a goat rearing project has also been introduced.
Small grains, Amai Mnangagwa said, were important since they did not require much water and farmers were assured of harvesting something even in seasons of low rainfall.
The Angel of Hope Foundation patron has this year distributed small grain seeds to farmers across all the country’s provinces to ensure they achieve food self-sufficiency and have at least surplus to send their children to school.
The Doma community in Kanyemba also benefited as they received the small grain seeds
Farai Dziva|MDC T deputy president has hit back at critics saying he did not join POLAD for tea and scones.
“We don’t do POLAD because we want to have tea & scones! No! We ain’t bragging but the fact of the matter is that we can buy our own tea & scones & in fact, we can afford to book ourselves in any hotel that we want! We do POLAD simply because we love Zimbabwe!
Scream all the abuse & trash that you like about POLAD, we don’t give a damn! We’re resolute & focused. We’re strategic & we’re excited that just about everyone in & out of Zimbabwe is now talking & even dreaming about POLAD. We have got a viable game plan,” tweeted Gutu.
“Some people are always complaining that life in Zimbabwe is extremely difficult.
Surprisingly, the very people who complain the loudest are not willing to profer solutions to the myriad socio-economic challenges facing Zim. Be pro-active! Don’t just complain…” he added.
World Wrestling Entertainment boss Vince McMahon has stunned all and sundry after claiming that “Zimbabweans are mentally challenged.”
In a video footage McMahon likens the look on Oklahoma natives to that of Zimbabwe “natives” in which he says looks like that of mentally challenged people.
“When I look into the eyes of all these Oklahoma natives, it’s no different than looking into the eyes of Zimbabwe natives.
I have been to Zimbabwe, I know, I saw the same vacant stare on Zimbabwe natives that I see in your eyes tonight.
You know, that stare like maybe you are not right all there, upstairs, you not what I am saying,”said McMahon.
Farai Dziva|MDC T deputy president has hit back at critics saying he did not join POLAD for tea and scones.
“We don’t do POLAD because we want to have tea & scones! No! We ain’t bragging but the fact of the matter is that we can buy our own tea & scones & in fact, we can afford to book ourselves in any hotel that we want! We do POLAD simply because we love Zimbabwe!
Scream all the abuse & trash that you like about POLAD, we don’t give a damn! We’re resolute & focused. We’re strategic & we’re excited that just about everyone in & out of Zimbabwe is now talking & even dreaming about POLAD. We have got a viable game plan,” tweeted Gutu.
“Some people are always complaining that life in Zimbabwe is extremely difficult.
Surprisingly, the very people who complain the loudest are not willing to profer solutions to the myriad socio-economic challenges facing Zim. Be pro-active! Don’t just complain…” he added.
By A Correspondent| President Emmerson Mnangagwa has wished Zimbabweans a merry christmas promising to work round the clock to assist farmers and small businesses.
He said this shortly after making an impromptu stop at a market in Kwekwe Monday.
He said:
“Yesterday I made an impromptu stop in Kwekwe market to buy fresh, Zimbabwean produce and to talk with vendors and hear the challenges they are facing.
We will continue to work around the clock to help our farmers and small businesses. Merry Christmas!”
Matabeleland North Senator Alice Dube yesterday condemned Zimbabweans killing each other in foreign lands instead of working to improve themselves.
Dube was speaking in Bulawayo’s North End suburb soon after attending a funeral service for South Africa-based Zimbabwean businessman Bheki Ndlovu who was gunned down last week
Ndlovu’s funeral wake was held at North End suburb yesterday in the morning before proceeding to his rural home in Tsholotsho for burial today.
In an interview with the Chronicle Dube said she learnt with deep shock of Ndlovu’s brutal murder
“When we first heard about his death, we thought maybe it was one of those random murders considering the crime rate in the neighbouring country. However, my heart sank when I learnt of how he died.
It’s saddening to hear about our children committing crime in the neighbouring country. When they leave here, we expect that they are going there to seek jobs to better their lives. But to hear that they are turning against each other, killing each other, it’s worrying. Why can’t they continue observing the law and respecting the sanctity of humanity as they do while they are here?” asked Due.
She said it was heart-breaking to see pictures of Ndlovu’s wife Nomazwe with another man on social media.
Dube said she felt sorry for the Ndlovu family when she started receiving the photos, as she showed the news crew some of them.
Bheki Ndlovu’s wife, Nomazwe, with her lover Jabulani Ncube
“To me Bheki is a son. We watched him as he grew up. I even attended his wedding with his wife. They were my neighbours in Pumula South before they moved to this house. I
I’m actually shocked to see her pictures while she is cosy with another man. It’s actually surprising to learn that she (Mrs Ndlovu) came with her lawyers and bouncers for the burial of her husband. As we speak, she has already left. What was the point of bringing a lawyer and bouncers here? What was she trying to prove? We have learnt a lot about her in the past few days maybe some of the things his family does not know,” she said.
Part of the team that were accompanying the hearse wore black T-shirts inscribed “Rest in Peace Bheki” with his photograph.
Zambian President Edgar Lungu told U.S. officials he would no longer work with the American diplomat.
Dec. 24 (UPI) — The United States has recalled its ambassador to Zambia after he waded into a dispute over gay and lesbian rights with the president of the southern African nation.
The U.S. State Department confirmed Monday it has recalled diplomat Daniel Foote after it was told Zambian President Edgar Lungu would no longer work with him.
Saying they were “dismayed” by Lungu’s stance, U.S. officials conceded Foote’s position in Zambia was “no longer tenable” after the American envoy last month criticized 15-year prison sentences handed down to two gay men convicted of having sex. Sexual relations among gay Zambians, even consensual, is outlawed.
The department said there are no immediate plans to send another diplomat to Zambia, Bloomberg reported.
“Despite this action, the United States remains committed to our partnership with the Zambian people,” a State Department spokesperson said, emphasizing that the United States “firmly opposes abuses against” lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and intersex persons.
Zambian Foreign Minister Joseph Malanji first registered displeasure with Foote last month after the U.S. ambassador said he was “horrified” at the long prison terms imposed on the gay men.
Malanji said the government strongly disagreed with Foote’s view, and concluded that his questioning Zambian courts “is tantamount to questioning the Zambian Constitution.”
THE National Peace and Reconciliation Commission (NPRC) has opened an office in Bulawayo while finalising how exhumations of Gukurahundi victims for decent burials would be conducted.
In an interview yesterday, NPRC Commissioner Leslie Ncube said tackling of Gukurahundi was a matter of priority in Matabeleland region for the commission as it works towards peace building across the country.
He said NPRC wants to be accessible to the public hence opening of an office in the province.
The Bulawayo office is housed at First Mutual Building at the corner of Joshua Mqabuko Nkomo Street and 9th Avenue.
“There is a lot that needs to be done in Matabeleland and it would be highly conflictual for someone from Bulawayo, from Matabeleland South or Matabeleland North to go to Harare to report a complaint to the commission. The commission has to come to the people and this is the thrust. And what we have done, at the present moment, we have an office in Harare and we have opened an office here in Bulawayo at the First Mutual Building on the 6th Floor,” he said.
“We feel strongly that members of the public should be well informed that the commission is here to serve them. We have actually come to Bulawayo primarily before we cascade to other provinces, because this office will be servicing the region. We encourage the public to come and utilise the office and get advice in terms of conflictual issues that they have. The office is ready to assist with trained personnel that we have.”
Comm Ncube said the NPRC is sensitive to challenges faced in the region and it recruited staffers who understand the challenges of people from Matabeleland region and some parts of Midlands province. “Though we are in the process of increasing staff, we have a complement of staff that has started receiving people in terms of their challenges and complaints. We have four employees at the present moment. We are also sensitive in terms of our employment policy to make sure that we employ people from the region. We employed people who understand the dynamics of the area and above all who are also conversant in terms of language(s),” he said.
Comm Ncube said the commission has scheduled to start public hearings next year where witnesses will give testimonies on how Gukurahundi affected them.
He said the truth telling process will pave way for exhumations that should have started before this year end.
Some of the Gukurahundi victims have raised concerns that the exhumation process has taken too long to be implemented and were worried that they could die before giving decent burials for their relatives.
Correspondent|ONE of Bulawayo’s most popular socialites and staunch Highlanders supporter, Thabani Ncube has died.
According to his nephew, Makhosi Sibanda, a journalist who is also the family spokesperson, Ncube passed on at his home in Bellevue suburb yesterday morning from suspected Blood Pressure related complications.
“We are waiting for the post-mortem results but he had issues with BP, which is a historical health complication in the family. At the time of his death he was managing this complication through taking medication and there was nothing major or serious, which seemed to be affecting him prior to his death,” said Sibanda.
Ncube was 44.
Ncube was a staunch Highlanders fan and a club member since the late 1990s who hardly missed a Bosso game.
He made his mark as one of the founding members of Izinsizwa Football Club, a social football team which is one of the off-shoots of social clubs around Highlanders.
Because of his character, Ncube was part of the disciplinary committee of the Golden Oldies Social League.
A Zimbabwean researcher based in South Africa says there is need for the southern African nation to address Gukurahundi atrocities of the 1980s if the nation wants to succeed.
Cynthia Chigwenya, who made these remarks recently when she delivered her speech at the 2019 TedxLyttleton Women event held in Johannesburg, compared Zimbabwe to Rwanda. Chigwenya highlighted how Rwanda went through a genocide in 1994 and addressed it, a move that she believes led to the nation’s economic boom.
According to Chigwenya, there could be significant development in the country if Zimbabwe addresses the Gukurahundi massacres.
“Most of the governments focus on economic development without bearing much to the fact that for an economy to be built, it has its foundation on the society, and once the society is divided because of injustice that is perpetrated by the government, it needs to redress that. Rwanda took the initiative to redress the mass killings of 1994. If you look at their economic development, it is one of the most rapid growing economies in Africa right now. That is owed to redressing the 1994 genocide an injustices that occurred.”
Chigwenya giving a Tedtalk in Johannesburg
When asked why she chose to focus on the 1994 Rwanda genocide and the Gukurahundi massacres, Chigwenya stressed her aspirations for reconstruction and development in Zimbabwe regarding the Gukurahundi massacres.
“The reason why I chose to revisit this period of conflict is the fact that in contemporary affairs, we are having an economic crisis and we tend to forget that there is an injustice that occurred during this period. This injustice is not owed to the colonial regime, but was an injustice that was perpetrated after Zimbabwe gained its independence. This is something that we as a nation need to redress.”
Chigwenya urges Zimbabwean youth to use their access to social media to their advantage to break communication barriers that older generations had and talk about the Gukurahundi massacres and formulate a way forward for Zimbabwe.
TedxLyttleton Women is an annual three-day event held in Johannesburg, South Africa, which seeks to not only provide a platform to some of the world’s most inspired thinkers allowing them to engage each other, but it also targets promoting women and girls to become creators and change-makers.
Cynthia Chigwenya is a South Africa based researcher, who is currently pursuing a postgraduate degree in development studies with a focus on post-conflict reconstruction and development. In 2018, Chigwenya spent some time in Rwanda studying the effects of the 1994 genocide.
The talk given by Chigwenya, which left a predominantly South African crowd looking to learn more about Zimbabwean history and the Gukurahundi massacres, will soon be made available on Youtube on the TedxLyttleton Women page. For more details, either message Cynthia on Facebook or follow her on Twitter under the username cy_chigwenya.
Over 20,000 people were killed during the height of the Gukurahundi atrocities in the 1980s resulting in the signing of a unity agreement between then bitter rivals, PF Zapu and Zanu PF.
Mnangagwa feeds fish at his dam with Thokozani Khupe as they commemorate Unity Day – Video.
Own Correspondent|President Emmerson Mnangagwa and his erstwhile POLAD partner Thokozani Khupe of the splinter MDC-T spent part of the “precious” POLAD time on National Unity Day affectionately feeding fish at his farm.
The partners’ momentus time come hot in the heels of social media speculation that the two may just be a thing as they are always appearing very close to each other during POLAD gatherings more than all the other partners would do.
Watch video below:
Fish symbolise rebirth, transformation, health, abundance, serenity, intelligence, happiness, strength, and endurance, they represent the deeper awareness of the unconsciousness. President @edmnangagwa feeds fish at his water reservoir as he commemorates National Unity Day pic.twitter.com/pcBsLbEsrx
Former Finance Minister and MDC vice president Tendai Biti said that the re-introduction of the Zimbabwe dollar to replace the multi-currency regime has failed to yield the desired results.
Speaking to the Daily News on Saturday, Biti likened the Zimbabweans’ loss of trust in the Zimbabwe dollar to a wife who has lost faith in a cheating husband. He said:
“De-dollarisation has failed … All of this is the sum of total idiocy of the government while its cheerleaders continue to applaud it.
“The local currency is … like a wife who catches her husband with his pants down. Trust will never be fully restored.”
Businesses and ordinary people have been ravaged by their own currency twice, so it’s a question of reality … self-defence.
There is nowhere in the world where a country that involuntarily dollarised has gone back to adopt its own currency. Cuba a few weeks ago went back to the American dollar.
Zimbabwe ditched the multi-currency system in June this year after businesses had started to accelerate informal re-dollarisation.
However, the local currency has been sliding in value exponentially since its introduction, with the government demanding taxes from certain sectors in foreign currency.
Correspondent|Civil Servants have learnt who Finance Minister Mthuli Ncube is after the Ministry failed to pay them their December salary package as agreed putting into disarray all Christmas plans that had been made.
In a move that has left civil servants angry and disheartened the on the 11th hour has reneged on its promise to give civil servants a cushioning allowance for the festive season.
This was revealed by the Apex Council’s secretary-general David Dzasukwa who said:
“We were all frustrated and angry because we expected that the government had come with a proposed figure, but we were shocked when the employer announced to us that in fact they had nothing for us because the budget had already been done without factoring in the Cola.”
“We were told by the employer that the only time an adjustment to our conditions of service was posible is January next year so we are going to be meeting early next month as the National Joint Negotiating Council (NJNC) to consider that.”
FIRST Lady Auxillia Mnangagwa, through her Angel of Hope Foundation, this week distributed small grains and rolled out a donkey project in Matabeleland South as part of measures to augment draught power and boost food security in the province.
Matabeleland South Province is located on the edge of the Kalahari Basin, giving it an arid climate.
Its economy is dominated by agriculture, with 83 percent of employed people in the province working in farming. Cattle ranching and tourism also contribute to the economy.
Small grains are drought-tolerant and disease resistant while donkeys are key animals in drought-prone areas because of their sheer power and ability to withstand harsh weather conditions.
They are also used as traction animals in rural areas by small-scale farmers.
In these days of fuel challenges, donkeys can ferry perishables like milk and vegetables to the market thereby saving on fuel costs.
The First Lady was represented by Ms Getrude Manyimo from her office as she had other engagements across the country.
Amai Mnangagwa has a passion for Zimbabwe”s economic revival and has been touring the length and breadth of the country promoting agricultural production and setting up income-generating projects for communities.
Her major strength is that she provides solutions that are specific to the needs of a particular area.
She has also been providing seed and initiating income-generating projects for vulnerable communities.
The current programme has seen the First Lady distributing small grain seeds in Tsholotsho, Bulilima and Binga Simatelele, where a goat rearing project has also been introduced.
Small grains, Amai Mnangagwa said, were important since they did not require much water and farmers were assured of harvesting something even in seasons of low rainfall.
The Angel of Hope Foundation patron has this year distributed small grain seeds to farmers across all the country’s provinces to ensure they achieve food self-sufficiency and have at least surplus to send their children to school.
The Doma community in Kanyemba also benefited as they received the small grain seeds
An elderly woman consoles Vice President Kembo Mohadi when he broke down at the burial of his nephew Abel Muleya.
Correspondent|Vice President Kembo Mohadi broke down on Tuesday morning during the burial of his nephew Abel Muleya (49) who became the 6th member in the Mohadi clan to be buried at their Mtetengwe shrine this year.
Some senior women in the family had to spend much of the time consoling the Vice President.
Muleya died at his home in Beitbridge on Friday afternoon and is survived by two children. Addressing over 500 mourners, Mohadi said it was sad that he was one of the surviving elders who has buried most family members after the death of his father a few years ago.
Citizen|Reports going rounds are that Andile Gumbi’s 4-year-old son has accidentally shot himself in the lower part of the body after getting access to a gun, and is currently recovering in hospital.
The incident is said to have happened on Sunday.
The Isibaya actor Andile died in October this year after suffering a heart attack while working on a musical in Israel.
Speaking to The Daily Sun, Andile’s mother, Phindile Gumbi, told The Daily Sun that the minor had been taken from her custody by Andile’s wife, Hlengiwe Ngcongo, last Friday prior to the unfortunate incident. She went on to explain that she got a frantic call from Hlengiwe in the early hours of the morning, claiming that the child was carrying the boyfriend’s bag when he dropped it and the gun inside “went off.”
Speaking to Channel24 Gauteng police spokesperson, Captain Mavela Masondo, confirmed the reports, saying that on Sunday at approximately 22:50, a 35-year-old man was with the boy and his mother when he left his loaded firearm in a bag, placed it on the TV cabinet and went outside to his vehicle.
“He heard a gunshot going off inside the house. It is then that they realised that the boy allegedly shot himself in the lower body when he was handling the firearm that he took out of the bag,” said Capt Masondo
Meanwhile, the police have since opened a case of failure to safeguard a firearm, and negligent handling of a firearm against the owner of the gun after a four-year-old boy allegedly shot himself in the lower body. The boy was hurried to hospital where he is recovering.
Christmas Message By President Emmerson Mnangagwa|Fellow Zimbabweans,
During this time when we celebrate the life of Jesus Christ, let us internalise the values he left for us. The values of loving our neighbours, of protecting and caring for the poor, and of peace and unity.
Since the beginning of the new dispensation, we have worked hard daily, guided by these values. Indeed, at all times we must be guided by Holy Scripture, by a desire and determination for justice, peace and prosperity for all.
This Christmas, let us look forward not backward; inwards not outwards. Let us focus on how best we can look after our families, our communities and our nation. How we can make Zimbabwe a better place for all.
I know that many of you still suffer. I am not blind to your situation, nor am I deaf to your cries.
I commit to you that we will continue to reform with an eye on the long term; for we must not reform only for ourselves, but for our children and our children’s children.
We are undertaking deep, broad, and meaningful reforms. We have put the economic fundamentals in place. We have balance the budget. We are engaging the world. We are continuing to open up the political and media spaces. We are clamping down on corruption. And we are building a new Zimbabwe where the people come first.
Whilst we have much more work to do, my promise to you is that we will continue to work with modesty and humility, guided by our faith and scripture, day and night, to build a better future for all.
I wish you all a peaceful and merry Christmas. God Bless you all and God Bless the nation of Zimbabwe.
Farai Dziva|Norman Mapeza is set to wield the axe on Chippa United’s longest serving player.
The player in question, midfielder Andile Mbenyane (31), has been with the Port Elizabeth-based side for a decade but is according to Kick Off,set to be shown the exit door before the January transfer window commences.
Mapeza, who has masterminded a remarkable turnaround at the Chilli Boys since taking over, told reporters point blank two games into his tenure that he was not happy with the squad and it needed reinforcements, paving way for a an overhaul.
More players are likely the leave the club in January, including veteran goalkeeper Patrick Tignyemb.
Herentals have been forced to put their celebrations for surviving relegation on hold after another match-fixing charge was laid on them recently.
The Students are being accused of manipulating the game against Bulawayo Chiefs which saved them from relegation on the last day of the campaign. They have another similar case which is still pending after allegedly “buying” the 3-0 win against Black Rhinos in October.
Chiefs are claiming that an official from the Harare-based club first made overtures to “bribe” coach Thulani Sibanda before turning to the players after the gaffer dismissed their approaches.
The game ended 1-0 in favour of Herentals.
PSL chief executive officer Kennedy Ndebele told the Chronicle that a verdict will be passed after the holidays.
“As for the outcome of the Herentals disciplinary hearing for the alleged match manipulation against Black Rhinos, we are still waiting for the disciplinary committee to deliver its verdict,” said Ndebele.
“It’s also true that investigations are ongoing after Bulawayo Chiefs raised match-fixing allegations against Herentals after the final match of the season. The league will release a statement soon after the holidays.”
If found guilty in any of the two cases, Herentals are likely to be docked points which will leave them in the relegation zone.Soccer 24
President Mnangagwa yesterday morning took people at Kwekwe Long Distance Bus Terminus by surprise when he visited unannounced and bought eats from vendors, personally.
He alighted from his motorcade and pulled a shocker when headed straight towards the market place and bought a packet of roasted groundnuts, snot apples and maize cobs.
This triggered a stampede from vendors, commuters, bus drivers and everyone else.
As a “listening President”, he also got to listen to some challenges facing vendors.
Commuter omnibus operators who ply local routes mobbed the President who was accompanied by State Security Minister Owen Ncube.
After President Mnangagwa bought a few items, he left in his motorcade.
Patricia Moyo, who sold groundnuts to President Mnangagwa, said he paid using local currency and asked her about challenges she was facing.
“We heard his motorcade and suddenly he appeared. I was elated when he headed straight to my market where he asked how much I was charging. After I told him, he took money out his pocket and paid.
I even gave him change,” she said.
Afterwards, she was so relieved to have articulated her problems to the highest office in the land.
“I am hoping that he is going to address our challenges like he promised. I, for one, told him the problems we are facing and he promised to look into them,” said Moyo.
A commuter omnibus operator, Thabani Sibanda, said he never thought the President would visit a market place and bus terminus.
“Well, we were all dumbfounded when he appeared. We could not resist rushing towards him. All of a sudden, he was mobbed. But we were also happy that we talked to him,” said Sibanda.
In March, OK Supermarket in Kwekwe closed doors for security reasons after the President entered the shop for his usual groceries.
In June last year, President Mnangagwa made a surprise stop at Chicken Inn in Chegutu to buy a “Two Piecer” meal.
— Chronicle
Farai Dziva|Highlanders star striker Prince Dube is linked with a transfer to China.
According to NewsDay, a yet-to-be named Chinese club is interested in the 22-year old and there have been constant communication between the player’s handlers and the Bulawayo giants.
The publication also claims Dube is set to travel to Asia this week.
The forward returned from South Africa at the end of last year but had a slow start in the 2019 Castle Lager Premiership season. He only picked up in the second half of the campaign and was instrumental in Bosso’s successful Chibuku Super Cup triumph.
Dube also had a good run in the national team, particularly in the 2020 CHAN Qualifiers.
A 45-year-old inmate has attained all his academic qualifications while serving a nine-year jail term for rape.
Charles Zifa started his grade one level at the age of 39 following his imprisonment in 2013.
“I was uneducated when I was imprisoned. I started from grade one up to form four.
Imagine a 39-year-old starting to learn the vowels and how to write his own name.
“It was not an easy journey but I am glad I made it despite the challenges,” Zifa said.
He added that he has professional qualifications though he failed to get sponsorship to write his O’ Level.
He said given the opportunity he would like to pursue his education.
“I did not manage to write my ordinary level due to financial issues but I am positive that if I am to sit for the exams I will pass with flying colours.
“I am now eager to learn and I am using my time in prison to further my studies although it is difficult sometimes because of limited resources in prison.
“It has been an interesting journey and I have learnt to appreciate the importance of education,” he said.
Zifa appealed for help from well-wishers for him to continue with his education.
“Various inmates fail to write exams because they cannot afford examination fees but they want to go forward with their education.
“If we get help from well-wishers I am sure, we will be a better people,” he said.
The inmate was among the graduands who attained certificates last week.
“After failing to write ordinary level examinations I then started wood technology and I have faced various challenges but I am happy that I graduated.
“It was not an easy road. I studied very hard and the lecturers really helped us.
“With these skills I am sure I have prepared myself for life after prison.
“Life in prison has taught me that education is key.”H-Metro
Soccer fans have expressed their anger at Juventus forward, Cristiano Ronaldo who responded angrily to their loss at the hands of Lazio in the Italian Super Cup.
Ronaldo took off the silver medal off his neck immediately after it was given to him and he also ditched the second official who had offered his hand out.
Responding to Ronaldo’s gesture, some soccer fans said Ronaldo was disrespectful whilst others described his behaviour as toxic.
@TonioG91 said:
A champion also knows how to lose. He doesn’t.
@PinSport said:
Ronaldo allergic to silver medals
The loss should have come as both a shock and disappointment to the former Real Madrid striker who had not lost a final since 2013.
Over that period, he went to 14 straight finals without defeat for Real Madrid, Portugal, and Juventus in various competitions.
Meanwhile, Juventus coach, Sarri speaking on the loss said that there was anger over the loss but “crying over it doesn’t solve the problems.”
Fadeaway World
Farai Dziva|World Wrestling Entertainment boss Vince McMahon has stunned all and sundry after claiming that “Zimbabweans are mentally challenged.”
In a video footage McMahon likens the look on Oklahoma natives to that of Zimbabwe “natives” in which he says looks like that of mentally challenged people.
“When I look into the eyes of all these Oklahoma natives, it’s no different than looking into the eyes of Zimbabwe natives.
I have been to Zimbabwe, I know, I saw the same vacant stare on Zimbabwe natives that I see in your eyes tonight.
You know, that stare like maybe you are not right all there, upstairs, you not what I am saying,”said McMahon.
Farai Dziva|World Wrestling Entertainment boss Vince McMahon has stunned all and sundry after claiming that “Zimbabweans are mentally challenged.”
In a video footage McMahon likens the look on Oklahoma natives to that of Zimbabwe “natives” in which he says looks like that of mentally challenged people.
“When I look into the eyes of all these Oklahoma natives, it’s no different than looking into the eyes of Zimbabwe natives.
I have been to Zimbabwe, I know, I saw the same vacant stare on Zimbabwe natives that I see in your eyes tonight.
You know, that stare like maybe you are not right all there, upstairs, you not what I am saying,”said McMahon.
Zimbabwe gathered much hope at independence when Mugabe promised unity, forgiveness and opportunities for every Zimbabwean irrespective of colour, religion or political affiliation.
He preached democracy, Hope and deliverance for our society. The message was emphatic and inspiring to be a Zimbabwean.
We all had hope and some of us never imagined we would get into politics for I was mostly focused in entrepreneurship and investing into my people.
The dynamics and definition of our Hope was changed by the advocation of a One Party State.
We had not really prepared for that for we expected the government to take scrutiny objectively and be prepared to act on some of the important issues to do with the people and our country as a nation. That was the kind of politics that we cherished and hoped to bring unity, cohesion and good governance in developing our country.
Zimbabwe had already started going on a positive developmental path and our currency had remained competitive and strong.
Anywhere that prompted the referendum and the formation of MDC. Concerns were now raised about the land reform and distribution program.
Everything lost the unity, purpose and the interest of our people.
It started to be defined by politicking, racism, nepotism and partisanship which resulted in poor planning and distribution of land. I delve into that history for I believe history can help us sort out what’s happening today, and reassure us that there is reason for hope. This was the birth of tyranny on a restrained mode.
The birth of a credible and genuine opposition with a vision for the people brought a precedence that there is a possibility of change of government, and that fear of losing power through an open vote based on manifestos and hope for deliverance increased the experience of tyranny on a large scale.
I had expected our society to have taken a leaf from different categories of tyrannies that had emerged over the years and were classified and condemned together with other exploitative forms of authority. This should have encouraged us to develop a system of government that would thwart any possibility of tyrant or full scale tyranny by encouraging self governing societies through civic society and other pressure groups.
Our challenge is very complex in that we have a totalitarian type of tyranny involving in genocide against citizens,unleashing the army to brutalise those protesting and abductions to instil fear in every citizen, using some kind of collectivist utopia. The Mnangagwa error has come with shared similar Utopian aims, using the same genocidal means and imperialistic expansion. Our society is now totally traumatised and disconnected.
His tyranny is now being experienced on a large scale than ever imagined. Our society has always been concerned about avoiding tyranny, either from a single politician or a majority mob.
It appears we are now under a typical majority mob tyranny who are disguising as the people’s revolutionaries yet their rule is accompanied by cruelty and hedonism, from Mugabe’s autocratic perversions of Gaddafi.
It would have been better if he was that type of a tyrannical autocrat who want to build large, powerful and prosperous state with some benefits for ordinary people, but he is cruel and punishing more the ordinary people. He doesn’t seem to be a rational actor open to bargain with foreign adversaries for national honour, economic prosperity and infrastructure development. He is only interested in his on influence and prestige.
What we have to understand as a nation and be inspired and given hope is that such demagogical threats to our freedoms have been dealt with before by countries which went through similar challenges and I am convinced that a different way will emerge and we will continue to deal with this threat.
Despite the widespread concerns about the loss of our freedoms, genuine pluralism and loss of our sovereignty to these group mob tyrants and elites, our vulnerability can inspire us by uniting us to be more resisting the extreme reaches of tyranny and repression.
We have to continue to make our voice more multinational and aspiring to supranational authorities such as the United Nations and regional bodies.
We also need to continue advocating for genuine reforms and a working political system that ensures the independence of each branch of government over the others through checks and balances. For this to happen we need patriots with independent minds and interests vested in the people and our country.
Once we establish such a system no one indeed will be able to act on his demagogical inclinations fully for other branches of government will resist resulting in people winning on that principle of self governing.
Firmness and steadiness compounded with clarity and consistency of purpose is needed in this fight. Mnangagwa must be made to understand that he has no claims to his Tyrannical rule for he has no consent of us the governed.
Despite his wish to rule on claims of his liberation war credentials, Mnangagwa must be made to understand that he cannot descend our country into obscurity because of his selfish agenda.
As from the observation of Mnangagwa’s conduct and behaviour, he is capable of continuing to present the gravest challenge to our democracy and our sovereignty.
He appears he doesn’t just want power, riches or national pride for I believe if after the coup had he allowed democracy and the country’s interests to prevail, he would have earned all accolades of Nationalism and Heroism. Now it appears what he wants to force every citizen to submit to him as a master because of his liberation history.
This should not be cause for despair as history of tyranny has always been clear through its eventual defeat.
Tyrants and tyrannies can be frightening from the outside, but are often brittle from within. We just need to persevere and continue revisiting our strategies to ensure pressure is increased at all times.
Our citizens and followers of democracy who are themselves living in fear of the monsters ruling them, are eager to escape.
However, with perseverance and realism, aided and inspired by our history and the determination of our people for a free government, the hope of our democracy to meet that challenge can be instilled again.
The traditional jostling and bustling festive atmosphere has been stolen for most Zimbabweans.
Many have failed to travel to see relatives and friends during this Christmas period due to a myriad of reasons such as lack of fuel, lack of money to spare and lack of cash at the banks. Most parents are already worrying about January to send their kids back to school so they have decided to forego Christmas festivities and save for “Back to School”. Prices of goods and services have gone up beyond reach of many and our civil servants are bearing the most brunt.
Traditionally, the Christmas period has been associated with receiving, giving and sharing among relatives, friends, churchmates and workmates. A period of thanksgivings.
This has all been stolen by government austerity measures which has driven everyone, except the well-connected, into abject poverty! The Zimbabwean spirit of Christmas has been lost in this maze of socioeconomic challenges.
The year has been very brutal as the government austerity measures took their toll on many people. Salary increments have not caught up with price increases of commodities.
The economy remained in the informal sector with most service providers completely ignoring the government’s call to outlaw the use of foreign currency for local trading.
Nothing else but the grace of God has brought us to the end of 2019 as a nation. Each passing day came with a new heavy load upon our shoulders. It is the year that brought us the most debilitating loadshedding. We saw the complete collapse of the healthcare system as government offloaded its medical experts into the open arms of other countries. The drought situation did not help matters and more than 50% of the population were pronounced food insecure.
The late president Robert Mugabe had set the bar so low that all president Mnangagwa had to do was show up at his office but alas, we are worse off. People are lamenting and wishing that Mugabe days were better. There can never be any bigger disapproval than for people to call Mugabe days better than what president Mnangagwa has done so far.
We remain hopeful as Zimbabweans that in the not-so-far-away future, Zimbabwe will have leaders with people at heart. Leaders who will be soft as wool and leaders who actually listern to the people.
This dry season will pass. Meanwhile, let’s all remember the less privileged during this period. Let’s all be careful and to motorists, let’s all exercise extreme caution on the roads. Drivers of public transport, let’s be patient on the national highways. The status of most roads pose a great risk to both motorists and pedestrians. Let us be each brother’s keeper this Christmas,
Happy holidays, merry Christmas and a happy new year. May 2020 be a bigger year than 2019. May you all rise above all challenges that you may encounter,
Farai Dziva|Opposition leader Jacob Ngarivhume has bemoaned the manner in which Zanu PF has ruined the Christmas period.
See Ngarivhume’s statement below :
The traditional jostling and bustling festive atmosphere has been stolen for most Zimbabweans.
Many have failed to travel to see relatives and friends during this Christmas period due to a myriad of reasons such as lack of fuel, lack of money to spare and lack of cash at the banks. Most parents are already worrying about January to send their kids back to school so they have decided to forego Christmas festivities and save for “Back to School”. Prices of goods and services have gone up beyond reach of many and our civil servants are bearing the most brunt.
Traditionally, the Christmas period has been associated with receiving, giving and sharing among relatives, friends, churchmates and workmates. A period of thanksgivings.
This has all been stolen by government austerity measures which have driven everyone, except the well-connected, into abject poverty! The Zimbabwean spirit of Christmas has been lost in this maze of socioeconomic challenges.
The year has been very brutal as the government austerity measures took their toll on many people. Salary increments have not caught up with price increases of commodities.
The economy remained in the informal sector with most service providers completely ignoring the government’s call to outlaw the use of foreign currency for local trading.
Nothing else but the grace of God has brought us to the end of 2019 as a nation. Each passing day came with a new heavy load upon our shoulders. It is the year that brought us the most debilitating loadshedding. We saw the complete collapse of the healthcare system as government offloaded its medical experts into the open arms of other countries. The drought situation did not help matters and more than 50% of the population were pronounced food insecure.
The late president Robert Mugabe had set the bar so low that all President Mnangagwa had to do was show up at his office but alas, we are worse off. People are lamenting and wishing that Mugabe days were better. There can never be any bigger disapproval than for people to call Mugabe days better than what President Mnangagwa has done so far.
We remain hopeful as Zimbabweans that in the not-so-far-away future, Zimbabwe will have leaders with people at heart. Leaders who will be soft as wool and leaders who actually listern to the people.
This dry season will pass. Meanwhile, let’s all remember the less privileged during this period. Let’s all be careful and to motorists, let’s all exercise extreme caution on the roads. Drivers of public transport, let’s be patient on the national highways. The status of most roads pose a great risk to both motorists and pedestrians. Let us be each brother’s keeper this Christmas,
Happy holidays, merry Christmas and a happy new year.
May 2020 be a bigger year than 2019. May you all rise above all challenges that you may encounter,
The MDC Youth Assembly would like to applaud President Advocate Nelson Chamisa for refusing to join Emmerson Mnangagwa’s pulverized political monologue, POLAD.
As President Chamisa rightly opines, joining POLAD is akin to betrayal and selling out millions of this generation who yearn for real change.
It is not mendacious that real change can only be ushered in through genuine dialogue on reforms and not some extravagant banquet at Mnangagwa’s farm.
It is quite regrettable that the public media whose critical role is to inform has chosen to misinform the public by running propaganda bent on framing President Nelson Chamisa as anti- dialogue when in actual fact it is Mnangagwa who detests dialogue in favor of monologue.
As far as we are concerned, POLAD is nothing more than a club of the vanguished whose common goal is underlined by bitterness, thievery, extravagance and an unquenchable desperate desire for a social contract with the masses.
Even if we are to combine Emmerson Mnangagwa’s 33% presidential vote with less than 1% paltry votes garnered by his POLAD acolytes in 2018 elections, still they will be far short of the 50% threshold as per our constitutional provisions.
Dialogue by its very nature and definition is for warring parties and as far as POLAD is concerned, it is very clear that Thokozani Khupe, Lovemore Madhuku and cabal are in total agreement with Mnangagwa hence can not be part of any meaningful dialogue.
Given such circumstances, joining POLAD in its current state is akin to a fly following a corpse right into a dark grave.
The consequences of such is trouble for citizens!
It is the aggrieved winner of the 2018 Presidential vote, Nelson Chamisa, trade unions, under siege civil society, churches and of course the pepertrator, Emmerson Mnangagwa who must be at table of any meaningful dialogue to avert the current crisis.
It is against that background that we believe POLAD is nothing more than a circus and child’s play and as such it is not going to cure the legitimacy question which is the bedrock of the current crisis.
As MDC Youth Assembly, we once again reiterate our support to the People’s President Advocate Chamisa for his wisdom not to join Mnangagwa’s grave train dubbed POLAD.
Stephen Sarkozy Chuma MDCYouthAssemblyNationalSpokesperson
Farai Dziva|MDC T deputy president has hit back at critics saying he did not join POLAD for tea and scones.
“We don’t do POLAD because we want to have tea & scones! No! We ain’t bragging but the fact of the matter is that we can buy our own tea & scones & in fact, we can afford to book ourselves in any hotel that we want! We do POLAD simply because we love Zimbabwe!
Scream all the abuse & trash that you like about POLAD, we don’t give a damn! We’re resolute & focused. We’re strategic & we’re excited that just about everyone in & out of Zimbabwe is now talking & even dreaming about POLAD. We have got a viable game plan,” tweeted Gutu.
“Some people are always complaining that life in Zimbabwe is extremely difficult.
Surprisingly, the very people who complain the loudest are not willing to profer solutions to the myriad socio-economic challenges facing Zim. Be pro-active! Don’t just complain…” he added.
Farai Dziva|MDC T deputy president has hit back at critics saying he did not join POLAD for tea and scones.
“We don’t do POLAD because we want to have tea & scones! No! We ain’t bragging but the fact of the matter is that we can buy our own tea & scones & in fact, we can afford to book ourselves in any hotel that we want! We do POLAD simply because we love Zimbabwe!
Scream all the abuse & trash that you like about POLAD, we don’t give a damn! We’re resolute & focused. We’re strategic & we’re excited that just about everyone in & out of Zimbabwe is now talking & even dreaming about POLAD. We have got a viable game plan,” tweeted Gutu.
“Some people are always complaining that life in Zimbabwe is extremely difficult.
Surprisingly, the very people who complain the loudest are not willing to profer solutions to the myriad socio-economic challenges facing Zim. Be pro-active! Don’t just complain…” he added.
Impeccable military sources tonight reveal to Marry Chiwenga's family how she was poisoned together with her husband, Constantino on the same day. Time: 9pm – Harare time; 7pm London time LIVE program on https://t.co/RMz9FsvEJWpic.twitter.com/mXzk9mPKfq
Farai Dziva|The MDC Youth Assembly has applauded party leader Nelson Chamisa for refusing to join POLAD.
Below is a statement written by MDC Youth Assembly spokesperson Stephen Chuma:
The MDC Youth Assembly would like to applaud President Advocate Nelson Chamisa for refusing to join Emmerson Mnangagwa’s pulverized political monologue, POLAD.
As President Chamisa rightly opines, joining POLAD is akin to betrayal and selling out millions of this generation who yearn for real change.
It is not mendacious that real change can only be ushered in through genuine dialogue on reforms and not some extravagant banquet at Mnangagwa’s farm.
It is quite regrettable that the public media whose critical role is to inform has chosen to misinform the public by running propaganda bent on framing President Nelson Chamisa as anti- dialogue when in actual fact it is Mnangagwa who detests dialogue in favor of monologue.
As far as we are concerned, POLAD is nothing more than a club of the vanguished whose common goal is underlined by bitterness, thievery, extravagance and an unquenchable desperate desire for a social contract with the masses.
Even if we are to combine Emmerson Mnangagwa’s 33% presidential vote with less than 1% paltry votes garnered by his POLAD acolytes in 2018 elections, still they will be far short of the 50% threshold as per our constitutional provisions.
Dialogue by its very nature and definition is for warring parties and as far as POLAD is concerned, it is very clear that Thokozani Khupe, Lovemore Madhuku and cabal are in total agreement with Mnangagwa hence can not be part of any meaningful dialogue.
Given such circumstances, joining POLAD in its current state is akin to a fly following a corpse right into a dark grave.
The consequences of such is trouble for citizens!
It is the aggrieved winner of the 2018 Presidential vote, Nelson Chamisa, trade unions, under siege civil society, churches and of course the pepertrator, Emmerson Mnangagwa who must be at table of any meaningful dialogue to avert the current crisis.
It is against that background that we believe POLAD is nothing more than a circus and child’s play and as such it is not going to cure the legitimacy question which is the bedrock of the current crisis.
As MDC Youth Assembly, we once again reiterate our support to the People’s President Advocate Chamisa for his wisdom not to join Mnangagwa’s grave train dubbed POLAD.
Stephen Sarkozy Chuma MDCYouthAssemblyNationalSpokesperson
Farai Dziva|The MDC Youth Assembly has applauded party leader Nelson Chamisa for refusing to join POLAD.
Below is a statement written by MDC Youth Assembly spokesperson Stephen Chuma:
The MDC Youth Assembly would like to applaud President Advocate Nelson Chamisa for refusing to join Emmerson Mnangagwa’s pulverized political monologue, POLAD.
As President Chamisa rightly opines, joining POLAD is akin to betrayal and selling out millions of this generation who yearn for real change.
It is not mendacious that real change can only be ushered in through genuine dialogue on reforms and not some extravagant banquet at Mnangagwa’s farm.
It is quite regrettable that the public media whose critical role is to inform has chosen to misinform the public by running propaganda bent on framing President Nelson Chamisa as anti- dialogue when in actual fact it is Mnangagwa who detests dialogue in favor of monologue.
As far as we are concerned, POLAD is nothing more than a club of the vanguished whose common goal is underlined by bitterness, thievery, extravagance and an unquenchable desperate desire for a social contract with the masses.
Even if we are to combine Emmerson Mnangagwa’s 33% presidential vote with less than 1% paltry votes garnered by his POLAD acolytes in 2018 elections, still they will be far short of the 50% threshold as per our constitutional provisions.
Dialogue by its very nature and definition is for warring parties and as far as POLAD is concerned, it is very clear that Thokozani Khupe, Lovemore Madhuku and cabal are in total agreement with Mnangagwa hence can not be part of any meaningful dialogue.
Given such circumstances, joining POLAD in its current state is akin to a fly following a corpse right into a dark grave.
The consequences of such is trouble for citizens!
It is the aggrieved winner of the 2018 Presidential vote, Nelson Chamisa, trade unions, under siege civil society, churches and of course the pepertrator, Emmerson Mnangagwa who must be at table of any meaningful dialogue to avert the current crisis.
It is against that background that we believe POLAD is nothing more than a circus and child’s play and as such it is not going to cure the legitimacy question which is the bedrock of the current crisis.
As MDC Youth Assembly, we once again reiterate our support to the People’s President Advocate Chamisa for his wisdom not to join Mnangagwa’s grave train dubbed POLAD.
Stephen Sarkozy Chuma MDCYouthAssemblyNationalSpokesperson
The ruling Zanu PF party fears that the worsening economic crisis could be used to as an excuse to overthrow the President Emmerson Mnangagwa’s administration by “foreign sponsored anti-government campaigns”.
Mnangagwa creates Political Actors Dialogue (Polad), and tells the economy they are not at all actors but "party leaders" | ED IS SMART OR STUPID?
Zimbabwe is in the throes of its worst economic crisis in a decade characterised by shortages of cash, medicines, fuel and rolling power cuts of up to 20 hours a day.
Inflation rocketed to 481,5% in November, a new post-dollarisation high, eroding earnings and decimating pensions, while Zimbabweans have to grapple with constant price increases.
Meanwhile, salaries have remained depressed, with consumer spending severely curtailed.
Hopes of a quick economic turnaround when Emmerson Mnangagwa took over from long time ruler, the late Robert Mugabe, in November 2017 quickly faded after a disputed election last year, with Mnangagwa failing to address the crisis.
In its report, Zanu PF’s Chitepo School of Ideology claimed that there was a sustained global campaign targeting “undemocratic” governments, including Malawi, Venezuela, Hong Kong and Zimbabwe.
“On the international front, we have witnessed a global phenomenon of well-organised pro-Western anti-government mass protests targeting governments portrayed by the west as ‘undemocratic’ with a determined view to unseat them,” the report read.
Referring to the violence that gripped the country after the July 30 elections, when security forces shot and killed six civilians, the report said: “That sad chapter in our recent history marked the beginning of a well-organised, meticulously co-ordinated and generously funded campaign of economic sabotage and misinformation designed to mislead both the Zimbabwean population as well as the international community with the ultimate aim of overthrowing the elected government.
“The reaction of countries of the West to the events of 1 August 2018, 14 January 2019 and many other anti-government activities have demonstrated, in no uncertain terms, that these countries have not changed in their decision to remove Zanu PF from power through the mantra of regime change.”
The report said the party was disturbed by the continued economic sanctions against Zimbabwe and negativity by Western embassies against Zimbabwe.
According to the report, activists have been trained in foreign lands by intelligence forces on how to organise and apply strategies to undermine the government and its economic policies.
“This is meant to render the country ungovernable and incite the population to revolt and overthrow a legitimate government.”
Seven rights activists were hauled before the courts early this year on allegations of plotting to subvert the Zanu PF government.
Frank Mpahlo, Beauty Rita Nyampinga, Sithabile Dewa, George Makoni, Tatenda Mombeyarara, Gamuchirai Mukura, Nyasha Mpahlo and Farirai Gumbonzvanda were accused of participating in a meeting held in Maldives, where they allegedly underwent a training workshop organised by a Serbian non-governmental organisation, Centre for Applied Non-violent Action and Strategies, aimed at subverting constitutionally-elected governments through civil disobedience.
In its report, Zanu PF has blamed everyone, but itself for the crisis in the country, including the West, the MDC, saboteurs, G40 remnants and natural disasters.
THE OUTSPOKEN Ntabazinduna chief Nhlanhlayamangwe Felix Ndiweni has reiterated his suggestion that an interim transitional government (ITG) of technocrats must be put in place to abolish the bond note and implement a raft of political and economic reforms.
Ndiweni said Zimbabwe does not need a government of national unity (GNU), adding any dialogue process among the country’s political actors will only result in another unity government, which he said would be a waste of time.
There have been calls for dialogue to unlock the country’s political and socio-economic logjam with former South African president Thabo Mbeki also visiting the country last week to ostensibly lay the groundwork.
Ndiweni, however, argued the same process will not solve the country’s crisis such as a democracy deficiency.
“The mechanism for resuscitating our democracy is an ITG. This is not a GNU,” he said in a press release.
“A GNU is not capable of resuscitating our democracy.
“We had a GNU before and here we are again in not only economic meltdown but with the total collapse of democracy engineered by an emboldened politically corrupt establishment.
“Hence let us not waste time on a GNU.
“The dialogue being championed by the current administration is also a waste of time because it is designed to ultimately lead to a GNU.
“An ITG is a highbrid government that has a fixed short term and has a specific job description. In our case, its remit is to resuscitate democracy in our country,” he said.
How come you ignore the breakdown of law and order in Zimbabwe where the state has used live ammunition killing 25 civilians and raped women? What msg are you sending to investors when you ignore these realities for which you neither profer solutions? @ZadhrDoctors@ZLHRLawyers
In 365 days Mr Emmerson Mnangagwa sends exactly the same message to the same people. How long should it take for you to address such small issues like cash crisis, fuel crisis, etc? pic.twitter.com/WApT32HE7N
By A Correspondent- Rusape residents have raised concern over the cruel manner in which the local authority is putting down stray dogs, that council is saying are a health threat.
Rusape Town Council (RTC) mayor Lyton Sithole confirmed the operation to a local publication yesterday, saying they would not stop until residents comply with by-laws.
However, some residents claim that they have lost their vaccinated dogs in the operation.
“Currently, I don’t have a figure of how many dogs have been shot, but the operation of eliminating stray dogs is ongoing until we are satisfied that all our residents are complying with the laws,” Sithole said.
“Currently, I am yet to receive a complaint from any dog owner. Maybe they will come.”
Rusape Concerned Residents Trust member Godfrey Mufuranhewe said dogs were being killed in an inhumane manner.
“(The) operation of killing stray dogs is going ahead. Yesterday (Saturday), they killed my dog at the gate. It was very unfortunate my dog died a painful death. I think the method of elimination is inhuman. They are supposed to use traps not bullets,” he said “My dog Blackie was vaccinated a few months ago. It was a good dog, they killed a pet with good communication skills, friendly to my children. The method of elimination lacks accuracy.
How can you shot a dog three times? It affected me, even my neighbours. Why shoot my dog less than a metre from my gate.”
Another resident said council should change the way it is putting down dogs.
But another resident, Resident Tapiwa Murombo, welcomed the move, saying his wife was once attacked by a stray dog.
“I welcome the move by RTC because recently my wife was bitten by a dog while she was coming from work. So keep your dogs inside your fence or security walls,” he said.
By A Correspondent- Analysts who spoke to a local publication said President Mnangagwa’s dialogue platform a waste of time and resources if it does not involve Nelson Chamisa, the leader of the largest opposition party.
Political analyst Alexander Rusero also described Polad as a charade that Mnangagwa created.
“You can’t sit around with a bunch of electoral losers and pretend to be talking and in the process, leave out your main rival,” Rusero said.
“For starters, it is Mnangagwa who is setting the pace, agenda and at times venue to conduct the ‘dialogue’ meetings. That must not be the case. Real dialogue with real players will come, only after Zimbabwe has reached the mutually hurting stalemate like what happened in 2008.”
United Kingdom-based Zimbabwean lawyer and political analyst Alex Magaisa said attempts to trivialise Chamisa’s consent to dialogue were futile.
“They have already tried it with the Political Actors’ Dialogue. Without the biggest opposition leader, Polad was a sham from the beginning,” Magaisa wrote on his blog on Saturday.
“It has since proved to be no more than a group of enablers desperate to align with Mnangagwa and using attacks on Chamisa and the MDC Alliance to buy their way onto the gravy train.
Polad was presented as an inclusive dialogue, but for Mnangagwa, it is just a platform to trivialise and dilute his main rival, Chamisa.”
He added that Chamisa would lose credibility among his party’s followers if he joins Polad, adding even if they gave it a new name, it would still be foul.
Transport operators plying rural routes have increased fares to capitalise on an increase in the number of people travelling to their homes to spend Christmas with their families.
A snap survey by The Chronicle yesterday revealed that buses plying the Bulawayo-Nkayi route are now charging $80 for a single trip from $60 while those using kombis have to part with at least $120 from $100 for the same distance.
Kombis plying the Bulawayo-Tsholotsho route charge $70.
Previously they charged $50. Buses are charging $100 for a trip from Bulawayo to Lupane while those travelling to Binga will have to fork out $200 from $150 for a single trip.
A trip to Halisupe in Gwanda district and Maphisa in Matobo district now costs $100 from $80.
Some transport operators who spoke to The Chronicle attributed the hike to an acute shortage of diesel at service stations which is forcing them to resort to the informal traders who are charging exorbitant prices.
At filling stations, diesel is going for $18,89 a litre while on the black market the commodity is sold for US$2 per litre (about $32 using the interbank rate).
“Usually during this time of the year, we increase fares due to demand, but in this case, the push factor is a shortage of diesel, which we are now sourcing from the black market at an exorbitant price. Unfortunately, we are then left with no other option but to pass the buck to our passengers,” said Mr Benson Gumede, a driver of a Nkayi-bound bus.
Mr Luckmore Ndlovu, a kombi driver who plies the Bulawayo-Brunapeg route, said they were charging $150 from the previous $100.
When a Chronicle news crew visited Renkini Bus Terminus and Entumbane Country Bus Terminus yesterday, there was a hive of activity as scores of travellers jostled to catch buses to their rural homes ahead of the Christmas holiday.
However, bus conductors and kombi drivers said this year the number of travellers was down compared to the previous year during the same period.
“We normally handle a huge influx of travellers during this time of the year as people will be travelling home for Christmas. However, this time the numbers have gone down and this could be attributed to the prevailing economic challenges,” said Mr Lazarus Ndebele who plies the
Bulawayo-Maphisa route.
Mr Lungile Mlotshwa, a vendor who operates at Renkini Bus Terminus concurred with Mr Gumede.
“I have been operating in this place for the past five years and usually it becomes busy during this time as most people will be travelling to their rural homes for Christmas. This year, it is less busy and my business has been adversely affected due to the decline in the number of travellers,” he said.
The Traffic Safety Council of Zimbabwe (TSCZ) has deployed 20 teams nationwide that are conducting periodic road safety awareness campaigns to reduce carnage on the roads during the festive season. The awareness campaigns started on December 16 and will run to January 3, 2020.
Police are also urging motorists to observe road regulations when driving and have mounted roadblocks on most roads to check whether or not vehicles are roadworthy and stamp out speeding and other road offences.
Jane Mlambo| Zanu PF Twitter mole Kudzai Mutisi has fired shots at POLAD members for always hammering MDC Alliance saying they should have targets that seek go do good for Zimbabweans so that they can be appreciated.
Posting on Twitter, Mutisi said the business of attacking and judging the MDC leader Nelson Chamisa should be left to Zimbabweans.
“On POLAD:
Do not justify your existence, do good for Zimbabweans, they will see & appreciate.
Have definite goals/targets – shouldn’t be an open ended program
Leave @mdczimbabwe & @nelsonchamisa alone, dialogue is VOLUNTARY. Zimbos will judge him on their own
Asante,” said Mutisi.
POLAD members in particular Obert Gutu and Thokozani Khupe have never missed an opportunity to hit back at Chamisa whom they accuse of snatching power following the death of party founding leader Morgan Tsvangirai in February last year.
Mutisi is one of the countless Zanu PF activists deployed on Twitter to push the ruling party agenda and counter opposition narrative.
His post seems to be a divergence from what his fellow colleagues do everyday on Twitter, attacking Chamisa and MDC with reckless abandon.
"Chamisa must do the right thing and join POLAD", @ChronicleZim 23/12/19
Losing an election is strength only in Zimbabwe. The idea that the cheated winner can be weakened by being stampeded into joining losers in a coalition of the weak is preposterous!https://t.co/ZewqjoeAF5
By Jane Mlambo- The opposition Movement for Democratic Change led by Advocate Nelson Chamisa has announced the passing on of its Chegutu Ward 2 Councilor Memory Banda.
In a Twitter message posted on MDC Mashonaland West handle, the party said they had lost Banda, Ward 2 councilor since 2013.
Said the party :
“The MDC Mashonaland West Province regrets to inform you all that we have lost Chegutu Ward 2 Councilor Memory Banda. She was our councilor for Chegutu ward 2 since 2013.
Our deepest condolences go to her family. May her soul rest in eternal peace.”
The party however did not disclose the cause of her death.
By A Correspondent- The Chicken Inn Couple, Makhosana Mguni and Belinda Nyoni, set to wed on boxing day have said preparations are at an advanced stage and they can’t wait to say their I dos.
A local publication spoke to the bride and groom who expressed their joy and said:
This has been a hectic time organising the wedding, but with the help from our relatives, it has been less stressful. Makho and I are ready for the big day and I can’t wait to say I do – Belinda
My suit which was bought by Pride Tendy, a Zimbabwean based in Turkey is ready and I can’t wait for the wedding day – Makhosana
Makhosana and Belinda trended on social media when Makhosana was initially ridiculed for proposing at a Chicken inn drive through till Chicken Inn stepped up and made them brand ambassadors and well-wishers started pledging to help them with their wedding preparations.
By A Correspondent- Analysts who spoke to a local publication recently called President Emmerson Mnangagwa’s dialogue platform a waste of time and resources if it does not involve Nelson Chamisa, the leader of the largest opposition party.
Political analyst Alexander Rusero also described Polad as a charade that Mnangagwa created.
“You can’t sit around with a bunch of electoral losers and pretend to be talking and in the process, leave out your main rival,” Rusero said.
“For starters, it is Mnangagwa who is setting the pace, agenda and at times venue to conduct the ‘dialogue’ meetings. That must not be the case. Real dialogue with real players will come, only after Zimbabwe has reached the mutually hurting stalemate like what happened in 2008.”
United Kingdom-based Zimbabwean lawyer and political analyst Alex Magaisa said attempts to trivialise Chamisa’s consent to dialogue were futile.
“They have already tried it with the Political Actors’ Dialogue. Without the biggest opposition leader, Polad was a sham from the beginning,” Magaisa wrote on his blog on Saturday.
“It has since proved to be no more than a group of enablers desperate to align with Mnangagwa and using attacks on Chamisa and the MDC Alliance to buy their way onto the gravy train.
Polad was presented as an inclusive dialogue, but for Mnangagwa, it is just a platform to trivialise and dilute his main rival, Chamisa.”
He added that Chamisa would lose credibility among his party’s followers if he joins Polad, adding even if they gave it a new name, it would still be foul.
By A Correspondent- A 36 year old man has been taken to court for defrauding a homeseeker of US$13 000.
Lawrence Marinye appeared before Harare magistrate Victoria Mushamba, who remanded him to January 25, 2020 on $1 000 bail pending finalisation of investigations.
Allegations are that Marinye posted a message on a WhatsApp group that he was selling a stand in Tynwald.
The court heard that the complainant got interested and requested to meet Marinye with the intention of viewing the stand.
They are said to have met in the company of Valerie Muzonzini, who masqueraded as the registered owner of the stand and the complainant expressed interest and was told to deposit US$13 000.
It is alleged that an agreement of sale was prepared by Blessed Jairos of Kanoti and Partners Legal Practitioners.
The offence came to light on December 13 after the complainant received information that Marinye and Muzonzini did not own the stand.
The complainant filed a report to the police, leading to Marinye’s arrest.
By A Correspondent- A field orderly at Camsasa Clinic in Guruve was last week arraigned before the courts for possession of two elephant tusks.
Last Chaatama (39) pleaded not guilty to the charge and was remanded in custody to December 31 by Guruve resident magistrate Shingirai Mutiro.
Prosecutor Albert Mazhindu alleged that on December 17, a team comprising Zimbabwe National Parks and Wildlife Management Authority officials and police officers were tipped that Chaatama had some ivory and they visited his homestead at night.
On arrival, they found a minor who advised them that the accused was not at home.
The team conducted a search at the residence in the presence of the minor and found the ivory weighing 4,8kg valued at US$1 200 hidden in a sack in a tobacco ban.
The minor told the officers that the ivory belonged to Chaatama, who was later apprehended.
In another case, a 19-year-old Chiweshe robber was sentenced to four years in jail by a Concession magistrate for robbing two women of cash.
Takudzwa Banda, of Mupandenyama Village in Chiweshe, was convicted by magistrate Nyasha Machiriori, who conditionally suspended two years of the sentence.
Prosecutor Kumbirai Nyamvura told the court that on September 24, Banda and two accomplices assaulted Shylet Midzi and Caroline Midzi before snatching a handbag, which contained some money and three cellphones.
By A Correspondent- Fresh details have emerged on the Herentals FC Match Fixing allegations levelled against them by Bulawayo Chiefs.
The state media reports that an official from Herentials reportedly first approached The Twitter Kings’ coach and when they were unsuccessful they then approached players.
According to the publication:
Chiefs reportedly notified the PSL about Herentals’ alleged underhand dealings, claiming that an official from the Students (name withheld) and another from a Bulawayo-based club (name withheld) first made overtures to “bribe” coach Thulani Sibanda before turning to the players after the Chiefs gaffer dismissed their approaches.
Herentals on the last matchday came 1 hour late to their last match of 2019 despite the PSL directive that all games were to kick off at the same time to reduce match-fixing dealings. Herentals is also in another match-fixing storm after Black Rhinos reported them to PSL.
By A Correspondent- The Defence and War Veterans ministry and commander of the Zimbabwe National Army (ZNA) Edzai Chimonyo have filed court papers challenging a $340 000 suit filed by a Harare man who claimed he was assaulted by soldiers during the January fuel hike protests.
Slyden Zvinowanda is seeking compensation from the army after claiming he was attacked by soldiers in Mufakose, Harare.
However, the Defence ministry and Chimonyo have filed an appearance to defend before making a request for further information.
In order to fully respond to the claim, the ministry demanded Zvinowanda’s address, his full name and a copy of his national identity card.
The ministry also demanded to know if Zvinowanda received any medical treatment, the name of the hospital that attended to him, if he reported the alleged assault to the police, if there are any witnesses and a justification of the amount being demanded.
Zvinowanda is demanding $200 000 for shock, pain and suffering as well as $140 000 for contumelia.
on the very day of Mbeki's arrival, he subtly declared that @nelsonchamisa has caused all the killings, lootings, vote rigging, and 3 things must now happen: US sanctions on ED must be removed, Chamisa must give up complaining about killings, vote rigging, he must join Poladites pic.twitter.com/GIOqnx3bz3
By A Correspondent- In a move that has left civil servants angry and disheartened the govt on the 11th hour has reneged on its promise to give civil servants a cushioning allowance for the festive season.
This was revealed by the Apex Council’s secretary-general David Dzasukwa who spoke to the publication and said:
We were all frustrated and angry because we expected that the government had come with a proposed figure, but we were shocked when the employer announced to us that in fact they had nothing for us because the budget had already been done without factoring in the Cola.
We were told by the employer that the only time an adjustment to our conditions of service was possible is January next year so we are going to be meeting early next month as the National Joint Negotiating Council (NJNC) to consider that.
Own Correspondent|ZANU PF politburo member Retired Colonel Tshinga Dube says that President Emmerson Mnangagwa though not offended by his book, he questioned him on why he opted to write and release a book his life, ‘Quiet Flows The Zambezi, while still alive.
Contrary to many Zimbabwean politicians, particularly from the old guard that fought the country’s war of independence, often seek to have their books published by posterity when they are gone for fear of a backlash from those they may have offended in their writings.
Dube feels he had to break tradition and pen his own story when he was still alive.
“…So I thought I should put just a little bit in my biography, sharing my story and not what I heard from others.
“Even our President (Mnangagwa) asked me, he said how do you write a book when you are still alive but if I leave it until I am dead, I won’t be able to defend the book,” said the politician.
Dube added, “Zimbabwe has a lot of stories to tell. We lost thousands of people during the liberation war…those stories are told passively. We (former combatants) are the people to tell those stories in detail for the benefit of young people.
“The story of our liberation is so big.”
In his book, Dube shows his disapproval for a lost opportunity by President Emmerson Mnangagwa to embrace his MDC rivals just when then national leader Robert Mugabe was ousted in a popular military coup November 2017.
The Zanu PF top official says President Mnangagwa has not been offended by his candid comments.
“We are in new dispensation. I don’t think anyone has been offended by what I wrote,” he said.
A former DR Congo prime minister and opposition leader on Monday called for the government to wage war on neighbouring Rwanda as a way to end militia violence. The Democratic Republic of Congo was at the heart of two bitter regional wars between 1997-2003 involving its neighbours Rwanda and Uganda. Kinshasa accused Rwanda and Uganda of trying to destabilise the DR Congo while its neighbours said militias opposed to their governments had used DR Congo as a rear base for attacks.
“We have to wage war on Rwanda to restore peace in our country. Rwanda influences our politics. So does Uganda,” former premier Adolphe Muzito said at a press conference in Kinshasa. “We can only make peace by threatening Rwanda, by occupying its territory if possible by annexing it,” he said. Two other leaders of Lamuka, the country’s main opposition, Moise Katumbi and Jean-Pierre Bemba, distanced themselves from Muzito, saying they were “surprised” by his comments.
AFP was unable to immediately reach the government for reaction. For a quarter of a century, the eastern part of the DRC has been plagued by insecurity due to the presence of dozens of local and foreign armed groups. Earlier this year five Great Lakes countries — the Democratic Republic of Congo, Burundi, Rwanda, Tanzania and Uganda — decided to combine their military operations in the region.
Zambian State House has said that President Edgar Edgar Lungu is deeply saddened by the death of a Solwezi woman in a tragic accident involving a Police Service vehicle on Saturday.
According to a statement released to the media by his Press Aide, Mr. Isaac Chipampe, the President said that he had learned of the accident with extreme sadness.
“Death of any kind is regrettable. But death arising from an accident and involving a young person is deeply saddening,” said the President.
President Lungu said he is grieving with the bereaved family.
“At this moment my thoughts are with the bereaved family,” the President said.
And President Lungu wished the other victim of the accident quick recovery.
Tawanda Majoni|The day Vice-President Constantino Chiwenga decided to press criminal charges against his wife, Marry, was the day when an otherwise domestic standoff became a national issue.
Precisely because this matter is a big statement on the political leadership we are burdened with.
Marry will next week spend probably her most miserable Christmas in the past 38 years she has lived.
After her arrest last week, she has been remanded in custody to December 30, facing a slew of charges that include trying to murder her then ill husband, externalizing a million greenbacks and fraudulently attempting to solemnize her marriage while the VP was critically ill.
In her legal hurl-back at the court, Marry says all the charges are fabricated. For her, the VP concocted the charges in order to gain an unfair advantage in their ongoing divorce proceedings. Her prosecution will press poor Marry against the wall and force her to make reluctant concessions. That’s the implication in this line of defense.
Well, Marry remains innocent until the courts prove her guilty. In other words, whether she is guilty or innocent is a matter for the official courts to decide.
But, quite frankly, the court of public opinion travels ahead of the official courts all the time. It has already ruled that the attempted murder charge is a huge bag of goo. And it has reserved judgment on the externalization and marriage fraud bits. So, if the court of public opinion had its way by the end of the day, Marry would be out there, as free as a lark, with her children.
Don’t undervalue the power of the court of public opinion. They say matters that are pending in the official courts are sub-judice.
This means you must keep your mouth shut as the judges and magistrates do their work and use factual evidence to prove things beyond a reasonable doubt. But the law was born an ass, and born an ass, always an ass, according to the popular court of public opinion.
The judges can proceed as they like, as far as that is possible, considering that the politicians are always making them sweat under those funny medieval wigs.
After all, the sub-judice principle is also an ass, perhaps the thickest of asses. It’s unconstitutional because it violates provisions on freedom of expression and conscience. Well, freedom of assembly at the court of public opinion too. Judges and magistrates must rely on hard facts. That means opinions and utterances made in the Zupco buses, kombis and bars mustn’t matter at all.
The verdict is already out. We have rotten leadership, simple. That’s how the court of public opinion sees things. Here is why. First, the Marry issue shows that we are suffering a vindictive leadership.
The timing of the charges says it all. It’s now common cause that Chiwenga and Marry are no longer the best of friends if they ever were. The VP wants out because of things that must have stuck to the bedroom but are now subject to public speculation.
Whether Marry is going to be found guilty or innocent doesn’t matter for the court of public opinion.
The court of public opinion thinks that the VP brought up the charges as a way of fixing Marry because the two now have issues. That’s the narrative you get in the Zupco kombis and bars. Worse, the court of public opinion strongly suspects that Chiwenga is abusing his office to settle personal scores. And it’s not amused by that. Because, you see, it’s saying if the VP can abuse his office in a matter relating to his wife, what will happen if he decides to settle scores with people he doesn’t even know?
He has kids with Marry. Never mind the fact that the court of public opinion is already claiming that the VP has doubts over his paternity of the three kids.
In this age of fake news and faking social media, it’s to be expected. Officially, the kids are his. That means there is a bond, an intimacy, between the VP and Marry that will survive beyond their graves. Imagine what is going through the kids’ minds and hearts right now. They are having nightmares, literally, during the day and when they go to bed. They may not say it to anyone, but they are going through a very tormenting phase. And that’s the kind of torment they will live with for a long, long time. They will grow up bitter, sore and with a feeling of disillusionment. Most of the time, kids blame the father when things happen that way.
For a good reason too. As we speak, the grandma and other paternal relatives may be feeding them with all sorts of hate stuff. It happens more often than not. They are likely saying, “Look at your brutal father. He is using his position as a VP to torment your mother. What kind of father does that on his wife and children?” It’s called perception, and perception is a hard fact of life.
This may not have occurred in the VP’s mind, but that perception of vindictiveness has a national, and then international implication. It spawns fear, then revulsion, among the Zimbabwean citizenry. Because, in the court of public opinion, a man who does that on his wife — guilty or not guilty — can do worse on the citizenry. The international community will ask itself if it must have any business to do with a leadership that is so vindictive.
Take potential investors for instance. They are probably wondering if it would ever make sense to invest in Zimbabwe. Money is a coward. It doesn’t want to go where it feels it can be harmed any time because the leadership is vindictive. That’s an economic conversation now. So, take it or leave it, the decision to press charges against Marry has the potential of scaring potential investors. It’s something that doesn’t come too obviously, because, more often than not, potential investors will not say we can’t come to Zimbabwe because your VP caused his wife to be locked up. They will just say Zimbabwe is an uncertain investment destination.
And there, President Emmerson Mnangagwa is implicated in the court of public opinion. Have a look, the late ex-president Robert Mugabe had a messy domestic life by all standards. But he was well-known for one thing. He had a poor regard for lieutenants who were publicly known to run messy domestic affairs. It seems contradictory, but that was the fact. Quite a number of his ministers got demoted for merely divorcing their wives or washing their dirty bedroom linen in public. Check the records.
Now, the court of public opinion will say, “So what’s the president doing about his own VP?” Mnangagwa is damned if he doesn’t intervene, and damned too if he does. If he does, it would look like he is interfering with court issues. It would also bring him to loggerheads with his VP, who many out there think he is pretty afraid of. Where does it happen for a president to be afraid of his VP?
Normally, you expect the VP to consult his boss even in matters personal. It’s not clear if that happened. If that happened, it means that what the court of public opinion is accusing the VP of, it will accuse the president of. The rotting buck will be cut in two and shared between the two of them. So, what started off of as a domestic Chiwenga dispute is quickly manifesting as a condemnation of the president. That’s how damned the president will become if he doesn’t talk to his guy so that a domestic matter is settled in the bedroom.
After all, chaps who will be regular participants this Christmas at the public courtroom will be asking a whole range of other questions in cross-examination of the VP in absentia. At what stage did you discover that Marry had externalized a million bucks?
Why didn’t you act then? Is that all the money that was in your home, in cash? Did you not keep more cash on yourself? Is it true that you also took millions, in cash, from Chiadzwa through Anjin as Global Witness alleged in 2012? Why were you keeping many guns in your cabinet that you allege your other former wife, Jocylene Mauchaza, stole? What war did you have in mind? Why are you in the habit of settling domestic issues in court? What kind of a VP do you think you are? What has Zimbabwe done to deserve you?
l Tawanda Majoni is the Information for Development Trust (IDT) national coordinator and can be contacted on [email protected]
Matebeleland North Provincial Administrator, Lastiso Dlamini seeking has been dragged by Siboniso Lesley Maseko the wife of the Zimbabwe National Army (ZNA) Brigadier–General Simo Maseko over allegations of an adulterous relationship with the army boss.
Mrs Maseko, through her lawyer, Godfrey Nyoni is seeking $500 000 as compensation for the alleged affair. In her court papers, Siboniso said:
On diverse occasions and at various places including but not limited to Dlamini’s place of residence, the defendant committed and still continues to commit adultery with my husband, Simo Maseko.
I have further demanded that the defendant desists from continuing with her adulterous affair with my husband. Despite such demands, the defendant has continued with her actions.
She claims that she suffered damages for continued disrespect, loss of comfort, society, companionship and services of her husband in the combined sum of $500 000 which she says Dlamini should pay with an interest of five percent from the date of issue of summons to the date of full payment.
Cletus Mushanawani Senior Writer FUEL supplies have improved with shorter queues than seen recently at service stations that had received deliveries.
A survey at some of the service stations along the Harare-Mutare Highway showed that motorists were not queuing for long periods.
In Rusape and Headlands queues were short, while at one of the service stations, there was fuel, but it was not being sold since there was no electricity.
Energy and Power Development Minister Fortune Chasi said measures had been put in place to ensure that supplies were improved.
“Like we said last week, we tried as much as possible to ensure that supplies are improved. Most service stations have the commodity and we want to ensure that they are comfortable this festive season.
“People should enjoy their holidays with enough supplies. I drove around the city today (yesterday) and I witnessed relatively short queues. I don’t have the quantities of supplies off hand, but I can assure the nation that enough stocks are there even beyond the festive season,” said Minister Chasi.
Last week, Government announced that it was speeding up the issue of Letters of Credit to indigenous fuel suppliers to maximise fuel deliveries.
Presenting the 45th Cabinet Matrix Decision, the last one for 2019, Information, Publicity and Broadcasting Services Minister Monica Mutsvangwa said: “The Minister of Energy and Power Development updated Cabinet on the fuel supply situation. Cabinet assures the nation that necessary steps are being taken to ensure that the fuel situation is normalised during the festive season and beyond.”
Transport operator, Mr Decent Rimbi who plies the Harare-Mutare route, confirmed the improvement of fuel supplies.
“The fuel situation has greatly improved and we are accessing it from fuel service stations. Queues are also short. We are servicing our routes very well and we did not review our fares. For the Harare-Mutare route we are charging $100. We are encouraging our employees to charge the same fare regardless of what form of payment a passenger will be using.
“When we were buying fuel on the black market, our fares would vary, but now we are getting it from service stations, there is no need to hike the fares,” said Mr Rimbi.
A motorist at one of the service stations in Harare, Mr Josphat Mabuto, said fuel supplies had improved during the past few days.
“I did not spend much time in a queue unlike in the past where long and winding queues were the order of the day. I can now enjoy the festive season with my family as we intend to travel to our rural home,” he said.
Passengers Association of Zimbabwe president Mr Tafadzwa Goliati said fewer people were travelling this festive season due to the high fares being charged by most operators.
“I am in Kadoma right now, but have observed that there are fewer buses on the road compared to previous years. Some of the people I spoke to said they would rather save whatever money they have for school fees next year.”
LIVE Murder investigation on at 7pm London time concerning the killing of 2 Zimbabweans in a bomb explosion; ft -Tezvara waChiwenga. For over 6 years ZimEye has assisted British Police carrying out sophisticated probes including one in which Gibson Mazikana convicted for murder pic.twitter.com/fznr11ZNUI
Own Correspondent |A Zambian presidential motorcade hit and killed one person in North West of the country where President Edgar Lungu was touring, state radio reported.
“A 40-year-old female employee of Kachema Butcheries in Solwezi has been killed after being run over by one of the police vehicles in the Presidential convoy. This was when she tried to cross the dual carriage way on Independence Avenue,” it reported quoting a police statement.
North Western Province Police Commissioner Hudson Namachila said Muyunda Mboma sustained “fatal injuries and died on the way to a local hospital”.
A statement from State House said President Lungu “is deeply saddened by the death of a Solwezi woman in a tragic accident involving a Police Service vehicle on Saturday”.
President Lungu has learnt of the accident with extreme sadness, it added.
It was not clear whether the President was in the convoy at the time of the accident.
News of The South – Zimbabwe is now in a situation where the Diaspora needs to stand up and be counted. The Diaspora action is not seen in big government projects where Diaspora names are called.
Diaspora must assist by starting helping their families nucleus and extended. Where ever is possible as humans we must help each other. Watching your parents suffer can be a scary prospect, especially as they get to the point where they will need more help from you. It can be difficult to help your parents out financially if you are struggling with bills in Diaspora and providing for your own family. However, it is important to make a plan to communicate with your parents so you can determine what needs to be done, and how you can help.
It is true that it is difficult to make ends meet in Zimbabwe these days people are literally suffering. It is now a luxury to have two meals a day. Most families are surfing on one meal a day. The draught did not help things at all.
John Timba of Manchester was asked by his friend to go and give a phone to a relative in Murehwa. After spending few days in Harare John took a trip to Murehwa. Murehwa is just Under hundred kilometres from Harare. John arrived at Zaranyika village around 12 midday. He was ushered in a round kitchen which is common in Murehwa. There was a house which was a bit bigger but visitors will grace the round hut first. John noticed the dried pieces of meat hanged on a meat drier just above the traditional stove.
After introducing himself to the old lady who was at the house John saw a gloom smile flickering from the lady. He at the same time noticed a tear or two racing down the dried chicks of this frail woman. She confirmed she was the mother of Mr X who had sent John. The woman told a very chilling story. She last had a normal meal five days ago at funeral in the village. life was hard. If her son sends her money he usually sends ecocash but by the time she gets to use the money a great chunk of the percentage will have been taken by Ecocash costs and taxes.
She said her son sends her 500 bond ecocash. It will get to her phone at 490 bond. She goes to the shops to buy where she is asked to pay a fee for using ecocash. By the time she gets home she is minus 100 bond in taxes, fines and under pocket charges. She has no strength to negotiate.
She can not get any cash at all so she has to do with ecocash. Sometimes she arrives at the shop and is told that there is no ecocash. She has to walk back home empty handed. By the time she gets lucky ecocash charges have taken half of her allowance. At the end of the day she has used 200 bond of 500 bond sent to her by her son. She asked John to hand her a bucket which was at the back of the door. She tilted it to show the contents. That was the mealie meal bucket it was empty. She said we are dying slowly here my son.
John was about to leave when about six children covered in dust came in. He was told they were children of her dead son the brother of John’s friend. they were visibly hungry and they were coming from picking up (derere) okra.
This time tears were in John’s eyes. he took a chunk of notes from his pocket he gave it to the old lady and said to her mother take this buy some maize. He walked to his car wondering what the parent with no child in the Diaspora was surviving on.
Most of us in Diaspora we concentrate on expensive big cars designer clothes throwing extravagant parties but our parents survive on the straw.
One in five Diasporans provide financial support to their parents, often by putting their own finances at risk. If you can afford to help your parents financially, please do not hesitate. Zimbabweans in Zimbabwe are suffering and your help will go a long way.
Posting your photos in Dubai and contesting your status with photos of over dressed self is witch craft if your parents are eating with pigs. Parents fighting for food with goats is a pathetic sight.
Misheck from Milton Keynes was driving from Masvingo to Harare. He saw people lining the road picking up maize grains which were spilled by a passing lorry. This is what we have become. You cannot lie that things are better in your family. Families need your help. They need you. Ask yourself when last did you send food to you brothers and sisters in Zimbabwe.
The media makes it seem like all Diaspora mooch off their parents. But an increasing number of families are finding themselves in the opposite situation.
One can assume that medical bills are taking a lot of monies sent to the parents but nearly three quarters of the financial aid goes towards general living expenses like food and housing.
If you are human you wouldn’t let your parents starve or live on the streets. Half of those giving their parents money should be shocked to find out just how much money their parents needed. We naturally assume our parents have saved enough for retirement. But many didn’t, or lost a lot of it during the recession. On average, the young adults who find themselves taking care of their parents have their own problems. but these must not be above the lives of those who brought you to this world.
Helping out your parents does not stop you from fulfilling own dreams. Because of the money you are giving away to your parents God will reward you. Want to know the weirdest part of this whole thing? Only about half of the people supporting their parents have even talked to them about what’s going on!
That’s right. Everyone involved — the parents and the children — are so uncomfortable about the situation that they’d prefer not to talk about it at all.
Why are they avoiding the conversations? When you reach a certain age, you become aware of everything your parents did for you during your childhood. And you’ll do anything to help them during their time of need. But you need to think about yourself, and your old age, too.
If you’re supporting your parents (or think you may have to one day), you may have some questions about how to deal with sticky situations that pop up.
Families in Zimbabwe desperately needs our help. After all is done most of us will be back to our families. We need to support people back home they need your help.
This holiday season its not late to send help to your parents. Here in England we know that you are baba London. You are a big man you travel in Range Rover 2019. But just for this year make you parents proud of you. Do something for them. Remember them.
A GRANNY (84) from Bulawayo’s Emganwini suburb was burnt to death after the room she was sleeping in caught fire when a lit candle allegedly fell on her bed during Zesa load shedding on Sunday.
An ambulance crew pronounced Elizabeth Mguni dead upon arrival at her family’s home following a distress call.
The incident occurred at about 9PM while the suburb was also without water due to the Bulawayo City Council’s water shedding exercise.
Mguni’s nephew Mr Loveson Mguni said his aunt had retired to bed while the rest of the family was still killing time in the lounge.
“She went to bed early and the rest of us were still chatting in the lounge. Due to Zesa load shedding we had placed a lit candle in her room and also lit a mosquito coil. We don’t even know how the fire broke out. But I just saw my wife who was lying on the couch suddenly screaming and dashing to her room. She said she smelt smoke,” said Mr Mguni.
He said the granny had already been burnt on the face as well as back.
“The fire was concentrated on her pillow. But she was seriously burnt on her back and her face. We suspect she could have died due to suffocation.
“There was just too much smoke that was coming from her room. We managed to pull her out of the room while our neighbours reported the incident to emergency services and an ambulance was called. By the time it arrived we had managed to put out the fire. However, the ambulance crew pronounced her dead on arrival,” he said.
Mr Mguni said they also called police.
He said they put out the fire before it spread to other rooms.
“If it wasn’t for that little water that was stored in the house, we could be telling a different story. We didn’t have running water in the house due to water shedding,” he said.
Bulawayo police spokesperson Chief Inspector Precious Simango said the matter was being treated as a sudden death.
“There is no foul play suspected in this case and we are treating the matter as a sudden death. We however, want to appeal to members of the public to avoid leaving lit candles especially around children and the elderly,” said Chief Insp Simango.
