State Media|A 21- YEAR- OLD gold panner allegedly fatally axed his father and brother in cold blood after accusing the elderly man of bewitching him.

Alster Chikafa, in a rampage that lasted about two hours, allegedly axed two oxen belonging to his father Mr Mathias Chikafa (62) and burnt a neighbour’s hut before committing the blood-curdling murders.

A family source from Mabharani village, Gokwe South where the incident occurred on Monday last week, said villagers teamed up and tied up Alster who appeared possessed.

“Alster was shouting that he wanted to kill more people. Many villagers were involved in the scuffle to subdue him before handing him over to the police.

“He had recently returned from his gold panning in Mazowe. He accused his father of bewitching him causing him to lead a life of poverty despite making a lot of money from gold panning,” said the source, who asked not to be named.

According to a neighbour, Mr Tymon Moyo, Alster began his death threats at around 10am.

“He was saying ‘I feel like killing someone today’ as he was brandishing an axe in a scary manner. He turned on two oxen and axed them to death,” said Mr Moyo.

“He dashed to his neighbour, Nyaradzai Nduna’s homestead and set fire to his bedroom hut. He was shouting that Nduna would die because he owes him a lot of money and had cheated him as they shared proceeds from their gold panning.”

Seeing the rising smoke at Mr Nduna’s homestead, Mr Moyo said, the elderly Chikafa rushed to the scene and Alster struck him three times on the head.

“He said he wanted to finish him off and called him the devil’s agent,” said another neighbour Mr Tabeth Musarara.

“After the attack, Mr Chikafa who was bleeding profusely, staggered to a neighbour’s homestead where he sought help.”

Villagers said Mr Chikafa’s other son Alfred (26) rushed to the scene.

“Alfred tried to calm down his brother but Alster struck him five times on the head and he died on the spot,” said Mr Moyo.

A neighbour rushed Mr Chikafa to Gokwe District Hospital where he spent two days before being transferred to Gweru General Hospital where he died on Wednesday.

Mr Chifaka is survived by wife and nine children. Alfred is survived by two children. The pair were buried on Saturday at Mabharani village.

Chief Chisina, under whose jurisdiction the area falls, yesterday confirmed the incident.

“It’s a shocking incident that has never happened in this area. Everyone is shocked following this tragedy.

“I have engaged village head (Mabharani) of the area so that we sit down with the family and local leadership to plan how the homestead can be cleansed. I would like to advise community members not to take the law into their hands. They should engage village heads or chiefs when a misunderstanding arises,” said the chief.

Ward 25 councillor, Chisina 3, Shungu Maruza, said: “I heard Alster was accusing his father of bewitching him. They were buried on Saturday but I did not attend the funeral because I was at the Zanu PF conference In Goromonzi.”

Midlands acting police spokesperson Assistant Inspector Ethel Mukwende said she was yet to receive the report on the murders.

Marry Mubaiwa — the estranged wife of Vice President Constantino Chiwenga — is expected to appear in court today on allegations of externalising US$1 million and fraudulently seeking to solemnise her marriage with neither the husband’s knowledge nor consent.

The two were customarily married, but Mubaiwa allegedly sought to upgrade the union to a civil marriage under the Marriages Act, without the consent of her husband.

The Marriages Act demands the consent of both parties in the presence of a marriage officer.

Mubaiwa was on Saturday evening arrested by the Zimbabwe Anti-Corruption Commission (ZACC) for externalising foreign currency, money laundering and the fraud case regarding the marriage.

She was locked up at Rhodesville Police Station pending her court appearance.

ZACC spokesman Commissioner John Makamure said Mubaiwa will appear in court today.

“Yes, I can confirm the arrest of Marry Mubaiwa for fraud and externalisation of foreign currency,” he said.

“She is expected to appear in court tomorrow (Monday).”State media

Watch the video below. ..

Foreign Affairs and International Trade Minister Sibusiso Moyo has taken a direct swipe at the British ambassador who has said Zimbabwe has to amend itself on the rule of law and constitutional reforms.

Zimbabwe’s efforts to rejoin the Commonwealth are on course, despite negative perceptions created by detractors,

Responding in the Senate, Minister Moyo said Zimbabwe looked forward to the forthcoming Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting in Kigali, Rwanda next year.

“There are individual member States who express their reservations in terms of their perception of what is going on in this country and who may want to link up what is going on here with whether they would take a position to support us to rejoin the Commonwealth or not,” he said.

“Nevertheless, as far as the systemic process of rejoining the Commonwealth in terms of the secretariat is concerned, so far everything is on course.”

Minister Moyo was responding to a question from Manicaland Senator Douglas Mwonzora, who wanted to know progress on Zimbabwe’s readmission to the Commonwealth in the context of concerns by British Parliament on the human rights situation in the country.

“Some Member States or some British House of Commons Members think that there were serious breaches of human rights abuses, but that is their perception,” he said.

“Whether it is true or not, that is something which is different, but I think you are aware as an Honourable Member that some of the events that characterised those periods have been investigated, subject to a Commission of Enquiry and police investigations, as well as a matrix that is dealing with various activities.”

Minister Moyo said some of the organisations claimed that Zimbabwe banned demonstrations, which was not true.

“What they say is their perception in as far as human rights abuses are concerned,” he said.
“They believe that this Government has banned demonstrations for good or something like that.

“As far as I know, it is not the policy of this Government to ban peaceful marches and demonstrations — that is not the case.” – Herald: Additional reporting

Watch video below. ..

Farai Dziva|MDC leader Nelson Chamisa has said the removal of Chief Felix Ndiweni from his throne is totally unacceptable.

“The persecution of Chief Ndiweni is unacceptable.

An attack on a chief is an attack on a people, culture and heritage. The chieftainship is rooted in a people’s identity not vindictive partisan politics and undue interference. Smith tried it but Rhodesia ultimately failed and fell.

The institution of traditional leaders and its independence should be protected through the framework defined in the constitution.

Traditional leaders serve a vital purpose in preserving our cultural heritage, must not be used against the people they represent to silence genuine concerns.

The government should play no role in the appointment of traditional leaders, but such processes should be determined by the traditions of the local community,” argued Chamisa

“A rightful leader cannot be imposed on a people. Our call for genuine reforms driven by the people’s agenda must keep growing louder & force institutional change. It is not the role of government to impose itself on the people.”

Zanu PF has declared that it will not be removed from power and will deploy any means necessary to close out other political parties.

The charge was led by the ruling party’s commissar Victor Matemadanda when he presented the state of the party subcommittee resolutions during the closing session of the 18th annual people conference that ended yesterday in Goromonzi.

“This is a revolutionary party, that liberated this country, and the only that can defend the revolution, therefore, we will fight to defend that course by any means necessary,” he said.

“Every election is a process to defend the revolution against Western imperial powers working in cahoots with local puppets.

“We will use any means necessary to defend the revolution.”

Matemadanda, also the defence deputy minister, said elections will not remove Zanu PF from power.

“If elections fail we will use any other means necessary,” he added.
MDC has refused to recognise President Emmerson Mnangagwa’s July 2018 election win, arguing that the polls were rigged.

Mnangagwa had risen to power the previous year following a coup that toppled long time ruler Robert Mugabe. The military justified Mugabe’s ouster by saying Zanu PF was in danger of losing elections the following year.

Meanwhile, Mnangagwa reinforced Matemadanda’s position when he officially closed the conference and said Zanu PF will rule forever.

“Whilst we were at war, we would ask who is the chief of this area, and they would tell us that it is Chief Chikwaka,” he said.

“We would not ask who was contesting Chief Chikwaka (Goromonzi traditional leader). If someone comes into this country and they ask who rules over Zimbabwe, its Zanu PF.”

‘People don’t ask who contests Zanu PF. Know that you are rulers. Do not think of those who contest you. Visitors who come into this country come under the leadership of Zanu PF.

“No one who comes from Japan or Russia, or Lesotho asks who will contest us. You are the rulers, you are the power of this country. You are the government of this country.

“You are the voice of this country, you are the way of this country, you are the future of this country.”

Mnangagwa claimed only Zanu PF can defend Zimbabwe’s integrity and sovereignty.

“Our heroes’ heritage in all three Chimurenga battles can only be safeguarded by Zanu PF,” he said.

“Zanu PF is the governing party, you are the rulers of this country, you are the power, you are the future of this country,” he added.

After the coup, Mangagwa promised Zimbabwe a “new unfolding democracy” as he pledged to be different from Mugabe, who was regarded as a dictator.

However, Mnangagwa has been accused of closing the democratic space through repression, which some say is worse than in Mugabe’s era. He has made Zimbabweans more poorer than they were under Mugabe.

— The Standard

Farai Dziva| Emmerson Mnangagwa has vowed to deal with illegal foreign currency dealers.

Mnangagwa declared time was now up for the illegal foreign currency dealers.

He made the remarks while addressing delegates at the ZANU PF Annual People’s Conference at Goromonzi High School in Mashonaland East.

“Those who continue to deal in money markets, I say to you all, the long arm of the law will soon catch up with you,” said Mnangagwa.

A TENSE atmosphere enveloped the Ndiweni homestead in Ntabazinduna where ousted Chief Nhlanhlamangwe Ndiweni lives with the gate locked and people inside refusing to entertain any visitors.

When Sunday News visited the Ndiweni homestead yesterday, a man who was manning the gate told the news crew that they did not want anyone in their homestead and the family was not interested in talking to any journalists.

He claimed Mr Ndiweni was not around and he was not aware where he was.

“Please go, just go, we don’t want you here, leave us, that is why we have locked the gate, so don’t trouble us,” said the man throwing his hands in the air in apparent detestation.

Questioned on whether as a family they were aware of the Government’s decision to strip Mr Ndiweni of his position, he claimed they did not recognise it and their chief remained Mr Ndiweni.

“We don’t want to know what the Government said, we don’t care, our chief remains Chief Ndiweni,” he said.

Sunday News also managed to talk to some villagers on the matter and there was a largely divided opinion with others backing the Government’s decision while others felt it had erred in its decision.

“I believe this was a right decision because in line with Nguni customs he does not qualify to be a chief. He is not the first nor last born in the family but a middle child. What we know is that if the first son is not made a chief the last born should then be made the heir. This did not happen with Ndiweni. Despite having knowledge to his background, we had accepted him as the chief but I think it’s fair that he has been removed as this will restore our cultural values,” said a villager who identified himself as Mr Masuku.

A Mr Sgidi felt Mr Ndiweni was indeed the rightful heir to the chieftainship revealing that the late Chief Khayisa had made it clear on who he wanted to succeed him.

“Chief Khayisa was clear on who the rightful heir was. He gave a number of instructions even regarding on who was to be part of his body viewing where he said only old people 80 years and above could be part of the process.

“With regards to the chieftainship he said while he was meant to give it to his last born son, Douglas that could not happen as Douglas was married to a coloured woman, Chief Khayisa also dismissed Joram because he had married a German and what made this even more decisive is that his father was killed by the Germans hence he had a long-standing grudge, he therefore directed the elders to give the chieftainship to Felix Nhlanhla,” said Mr Sgidi.

He said they would rather have a chief from outside rather than have either Joram or Douglas taking over the chieftainship.

Contacted for comment Mr Ndiweni professed ignorance on the Government’s decision revealing that no official communication was made to him. He said he stood guided by a family communique released last Friday, which had noted that the family continued to recognise him as the chief of the area.

“As was the earlier suspension I have not received any communication which already reflects clumsiness in the administration process, however, we have always submitted ourselves to the law and will continue to do so. We are, contrary to many reports, working very well with the Government,” said Mr Ndiweni.

Questioned on whether he would be surrendering the various benefits including the Government issued vehicle as directed Mr Ndiweni said the benefits were for the community hence the withdrawal of the benefits will be to the community, not himself.

He further revealed that he was also in communication with his siblings, Joram and Douglas but noted that the impasse went beyond them as a family.

“Yes, I am in contact with both Joram and Douglas, who is currently lodging at a family member’s residence right next to the chief’s homestead. Sadly, the matter is simply not up to us and due diligence was done by the relevant people as regards the chieftaincy a long time ago,” said Mr Ndiweni.

On whether the family would appoint an acting chief while the matter was being resolved, he said this was not to happen as the family had already decided that he was the rightful heir to the chieftainship.

— State Media

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Jane Mlambo| When the new Zimbabwe Anti Corruption commission was appointed, it’s new chairperson Loice Matanda Moyo pitched herself as no nonsense person who had just assumed office to fight the corruption scourge and this is despite misgivings from various people who felt the board would not deliver on its mandate due to the political connectivity of corruption, the ruling party and state power.

With the arrest of the wife of vice President Constantino Chiwenga, Marry over charges of fraud, money laundering and misrepresentation, the interference of ZACC in what is clearly a domestic dispute in which the powerful couple has been fighting for some time has laid bare that the commission is captured and serving the interest of the powerful.

While ZACC had successfully shredded the relationship between Matanda Moyo and the military/executive, Marry’s case is a clear testimony that the commission chairmanship was well planned not to go far from the powerful so that they can call the shots and fix their adversaries as and when they wish.

The commission has lost moral ground to preach about its independence when it has proven beyond doubt that it can act even in clearly compromised situations like the Marry-Chiwenga marriage problems.

Despite arresting Marry for crimes she committed as early as 2018, there is no doubt that the husband could have been an accomplice as they were still in good books, getting along. So why Chiwenga is still free while his wife is being persecuted is all but proof that ZACC is ineffective and a captured institution.

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BUREAUCRATS causing unnecessary delays in implementing Government programmes should either reform or face the chop, President Emmerson Mnangagwa has said.

Officially closing the 18th Zanu-PF National People’s Conference here yesterday, the President said there is no room for laziness in both the party and Government. 

“All party members and the nation as a whole must shun retrogressive tendencies such as laziness, indiscipline, greed, corruption, selflessness and immorality, among other vices,” he said.

“I further challenge every public servant and party member to reform, reinvigorate and turn over a new leaf towards a result-oriented culture. Excuses for non-performance will no longer be tolerated.”

Persons charged with the responsibility of implementing Government programmes must deliver, he said. “Those who refuse to change and have been busy slowing down Government programmes will be changed.”

President Mnangagwa said the country’s success depended on proper organisation, including timely allocation and use of resources earmarked for projects.

“Let us shift the population towards a mindset of productivity; we will support projects across every sector of the economy. 

“The land must be productive and there is no room for cellphone farmers. The rains are pounding, let us all go back and diligently work the fields.”

President Mnangagwa called for selflessness, transparency and accountability in both the party and Government. He exhorted officials do expeditiously implement developmental projects under devolution.

“All our citizens must benefit from the resource endowments of their respective communities.

“The people must know that the party and Government will continue to support the empowerment and employment of the youth, women, SMEs (small and medium enterprises), veterans of our liberation struggle and people with disabilities, among others,” he said.

President Mnangagwa reiterated calls for Zimbabweans to promote and defend the use of the local currency, and urged the business community to promote investments and exports. 

He also challenged Zimbabweans in the diaspora to be good brand ambassadors of the country and take part in attracting investment towards the modernisation and industrialisation of the country.

-State Media

A Harare bound DNC Coaches has been involved in a road accident in South Africa.

No details have been gathered on the cause of accident and casualties.

View pictures below….

By A Correspondent|Norton legislator (Independent) Temba Mliswa has observed that the electorate in Zimbabwe is slowly becoming demoralised and have less interest in politics.

He posted on Twitter and said:

Also becoming apparent is that people are losing interest in politics, especially party politics. They are fatigued with constant attrition.

The high voter turnout in the last election was mere excitement at the novelty of an election with new faces  @nelsonchamisa  & @edmnangagwa.

In a scenario of a tired electorate, they will be a low voter turnout& this will always favour the chances for the incumbent party. Going forward  @MDCAllianceZW  must focus on reforms, @ZECzim to ensuring the same mistakes are not repeated& we don’t get held back on the same issues.

Some members of the public have pointed out that the elections are never effective in Zimbabwe and the rest of Africa since they are “always manipulated”.

Meanwhile, the opposition MDC has vowed not to participate in the 2023 elections if the current leadership of the Zimbabwe Electoral Commission is still in office saying that they have failed to run a credible election.

Authorities have indicated however that they are currently seized with the implementation of intertwined electoral, media, political, legislative and other reforms which the international community listed as a prerequisite for reengaging the struggling Southern African country.

Movement for Democratic Change vice-president Welshman Ncube has hit out at former vice-president Phelekezela Mphoko saying he is trying to tarnish his image by claiming he owes him money.

Mphoko and his son Siqokowela last week took Ncube, who is their former lawyer, to court claiming he was failing to pay them $1 452 205 he received on their behalf from Choppies Enterprises Limited.

Ncube represented the two in their legal tussle against Choppies over the ownership of the Bostwana-based company’s Zimbabwe business.

In a letter addressed to Mphoko and his son’s laywers, the former Industry minister’s legal representatives said the two had a payment plan with a debtor and he was surprised that his name was being dragged into the matter.

“When we produced to you the written instructions from Mphoko and his son, we concluded that you would hold an audience with the debtor and seek that he commits to a payment plan for him to discharge his indebtedness to them,” the lawyers wrote.

“After we advised them that we heard they met the debtor in Harare and agreed to a payment in terms of which the debtor was to pay them.

The lawyers said after Mphoko and his son met the debtor they advised Ncube not to have any further communication with the debtor as they were now in full control of the matter.

Mphoko is also said to have told Ncube that he had reached an agreement with the debtor.

“Without any notice to us you proceeded to issue summons against me in respect of the debt that you fully know is owed by someone else, who had received monies belonged to yours following specific instructions,” reads the letter.

Ncube said he was in possession of the communication between Mphoko and the debtor.

He said as late last year, the debtor acknowledged he owed the former VP money. The lawyers said Mphoko’s conduct was unprofessional.

“The conduct was unethical, unprofessional and calculated to damage the good name and his reputation,” added the later.

“On December 9 your office went to the High Court registry and had as per practice one copy of the summons date stamped and given a case number to enable you to go to the payment office to render payment for the issuance of summons.

“But you did not proceed to make that payment and left the High Court without any process and circulated the summon copy to the media.”

The lawyers challenged Mphoko’s legal representatives to ensure the case was heard urgently in order to clear Ncube’s name.

— The Standard

A 51 year old woman from Plumtree employed by the Zimbabwe Revenue Authority (Zimra) has been arrested for allegedly defrauding the authority of US$400 000.

Semkelwe Maphosa, according to police, committed the crimes between January and July this year and is facing up to 40 counts of fraud.

National police spokesperson Assistant Commissioner Paul Nyathi confirmed the arrest, saying she would soon appear in court.

“Police in Plumtree last week arrested a 51-year-old woman in connection with 40 cases of fraud which occurred between January-July 2019 at Plumtree Border Post. The suspect defrauded the revenue authority of up to US$400 000, by forging Customs Clearance Certificates of over 50 different types of vehicles. She will appear in court soon,” said Asst Comm Nyathi.

He said police would not tire from carrying out their duties and fighting against corruption.

“Such people are the root cause of crippling our economy and as police we will not relax and let them have their way. We will work towards fighting all criminal elements in our country,” said Asst Comm Nyathi.

-State Media

Movement for Democratic Change vice-president Welshman Ncube has hit out at former vice-president Phelekezela Mphoko saying he is trying to tarnish his image by claiming he owes him money.

Mphoko and his son Siqokowela last week took Ncube, who is their former lawyer, to court claiming he was failing to pay them $1 452 205 he received on their behalf from Choppies Enterprises Limited.

Ncube represented the two in their legal tussle against Choppies over the ownership of the Bostwana-based company’s Zimbabwe business.

In a letter addressed to Mphoko and his son’s laywers, the former Industry minister’s legal representatives said the two had a payment plan with a debtor and he was surprised that his name was being dragged into the matter.

“When we produced to you the written instructions from Mphoko and his son, we concluded that you would hold an audience with the debtor and seek that he commits to a payment plan for him to discharge his indebtedness to them,” the lawyers wrote.

“After we advised them that we heard they met the debtor in Harare and agreed to a payment in terms of which the debtor was to pay them.

The lawyers said after Mphoko and his son met the debtor they advised Ncube not to have any further communication with the debtor as they were now in full control of the matter.

Mphoko is also said to have told Ncube that he had reached an agreement with the debtor.

“Without any notice to us you proceeded to issue summons against me in respect of the debt that you fully know is owed by someone else, who had received monies belonged to yours following specific instructions,” reads the letter.

Ncube said he was in possession of the communication between Mphoko and the debtor.

He said as late last year, the debtor acknowledged he owed the former VP money. The lawyers said Mphoko’s conduct was unprofessional.

“The conduct was unethical, unprofessional and calculated to damage the good name and his reputation,” added the later.

“On December 9 your office went to the High Court registry and had as per practice one copy of the summons date stamped and given a case number to enable you to go to the payment office to render payment for the issuance of summons.

“But you did not proceed to make that payment and left the High Court without any process and circulated the summon copy to the media.”

The lawyers challenged Mphoko’s legal representatives to ensure the case was heard urgently in order to clear Ncube’s name.

— The Standard

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Zanu PF has declared that it will not be removed from power and will deploy any means necessary to close out other political parties.

The charge was led by the ruling party’s commissar Victor Matemadanda when he presented the state of the party subcommittee resolutions during the closing session of the 18th annual people conference that ended yesterday in Goromonzi.

“This is a revolutionary party, that liberated this country, and the only that can defend the revolution, therefore, we will fight to defend that course by any means necessary,” he said.

“Every election is a process to defend the revolution against Western imperial powers working in cahoots with local puppets.

“We will use any means necessary to defend the revolution.”

Matemadanda, also the defence deputy minister, said elections will not remove Zanu PF from power.

“If elections fail we will use any other means necessary,” he added.
MDC has refused to recognise President Emmerson Mnangagwa’s July 2018 election win, arguing that the polls were rigged.

Mnangagwa had risen to power the previous year following a coup that toppled long time ruler Robert Mugabe. The military justified Mugabe’s ouster by saying Zanu PF was in danger of losing elections the following year.

Meanwhile, Mnangagwa reinforced Matemadanda’s position when he officially closed the conference and said Zanu PF will rule forever.

“Whilst we were at war, we would ask who is the chief of this area, and they would tell us that it is Chief Chikwaka,” he said.

“We would not ask who was contesting Chief Chikwaka (Goromonzi traditional leader). If someone comes into this country and they ask who rules over Zimbabwe, its Zanu PF.”

‘People don’t ask who contests Zanu PF. Know that you are rulers. Do not think of those who contest you. Visitors who come into this country come under the leadership of Zanu PF.

“No one who comes from Japan or Russia, or Lesotho asks who will contest us. You are the rulers, you are the power of this country. You are the government of this country.

“You are the voice of this country, you are the way of this country, you are the future of this country.”

Mnangagwa claimed only Zanu PF can defend Zimbabwe’s integrity and sovereignty.

“Our heroes’ heritage in all three Chimurenga battles can only be safeguarded by Zanu PF,” he said.

“Zanu PF is the governing party, you are the rulers of this country, you are the power, you are the future of this country,” he added.

After the coup, Mangagwa promised Zimbabwe a “new unfolding democracy” as he pledged to be different from Mugabe, who was regarded as a dictator.

However, Mnangagwa has been accused of closing the democratic space through repression, which some say is worse than in Mugabe’s era. He has made Zimbabweans more poorer than they were under Mugabe.

-Standard

Farai Dziva|MDC leader Nelson Chamisa has said the removal of Chief Felix Ndiweni from his throne is totally unacceptable.

“The persecution of Chief Ndiweni is unacceptable.

An attack on a chief is an attack on a people, culture and heritage. The chieftainship is rooted in a people’s identity not vindictive partisan politics and undue interference. Smith tried it but Rhodesia ultimately failed and fell.

The institution of traditional leaders and its independence should be protected through the framework defined in the constitution.

Traditional leaders serve a vital purpose in preserving our cultural heritage, must not be used against the people they represent to silence genuine concerns.

The government should play no role in the appointment of traditional leaders, but such processes should be determined by the traditions of the local community,” argued Chamisa

“A rightful leader cannot be imposed on a people. Our call for genuine reforms driven by the people’s agenda must keep growing louder & force institutional change. It is not the role of government to impose itself on the people.”

Farai Dziva|MDC leader Nelson Chamisa has said the removal of Chief Felix Ndiweni from his throne is totally unacceptable.

“The persecution of Chief Ndiweni is unacceptable.

An attack on a chief is an attack on a people, culture and heritage. The chieftainship is rooted in a people’s identity not vindictive partisan politics and undue interference. Smith tried it but Rhodesia ultimately failed and fell.

The institution of traditional leaders and its independence should be protected through the framework defined in the constitution.

Traditional leaders serve a vital purpose in preserving our cultural heritage, must not be used against the people they represent to silence genuine concerns.

The government should play no role in the appointment of traditional leaders, but such processes should be determined by the traditions of the local community,” argued Chamisa

“A rightful leader cannot be imposed on a people. Our call for genuine reforms driven by the people’s agenda must keep growing louder & force institutional change. It is not the role of government to impose itself on the people.”

Farai Dziva| Emmerson Mnangagwa has vowed to deal with illegal foreign currency dealers.

Mnangagwa declared time was now up for the illegal foreign currency dealers.

He made the remarks while addressing delegates at the ZANU PF Annual People’s Conference at Goromonzi High School in Mashonaland East.

“Those who continue to deal in money markets, I say to you all, the long arm of the law will soon catch up with you,” said Mnangagwa.

Own Correspondent| The embattled wife of vice President Constantino Chiwenga, Marry is in hot soup as she is now being accused of dining with expelled G40 members, externalising funds on their behalf.

This follows the latest revelations that Vice President Constantino Chiwenga’s wife, Marry Mubaiwa, was a cash mule for G40, moving over US$1 million to self-exiled former Zanu-PF officials while also feeding them with top-secret insider information about the goings-on in Zanu-PF.

Mubaiwa was arrested and detained yesterday at Rhodesville Police Station in Harare, on charges of money laundering and misrepresentation.

A police report on the circumstances of her arrest reads in part: “The allegations are that on period between October 2018 and May 2019 the accused externalised US$1, 000 000,00 to China and South Africa.

“The accused also misrepresented to court officials that her husband had consented to a wedding ceremony when in truth and actual fact accused knew very well that her husband was bedridden and had not consented to it thereby causing the marriage registration to be processed to the prejudice of reputation of her husband.”

High level sources within Zanu-PF say Marry was trapped and caught moving funds to G40 functionaries who fled the country in November 2017 when Robert Mugabe was toppled from power.

“She moved money for the G40, who President Emmerson Mnangagwa described at last month’s politburo meeting as a threat to national security. There are also allegations she could have poisoned the Vice President,” said a source.

Another source corroborated this, painting a picture of deep-seated fear in Zanu-PF as accusations and counter-accusations fly around.

“She was not acting alone, apparently, and the witch hunt continues,” the second source weighed in. “Another high-profile arrest is coming in the next few days, if not hours.

“However, the difficulty is that the charges are more of a political nature than criminal. It might be a tough order to secure a conviction for the other big fish in Zanu-PF who is facing arrest in the coming days. At best, maybe the person will be dealt with politically, which may entail being fired form the party.”More in Home

The police report on Marry also reveals that she and the Vice President were not wedded and were just in cohabitation. Marry Mubaiwa allegedly tried to secure a marriage certificate while her husband was bedridden in China.

“On the 14th day of December 2019 at 1705 hours officials from the Zimbabwe Anti Corruption Commission (ZACC) arrested and detained Marry Mubaiwa NR 59-033571 Z 59 aged 38 of Number 614 Nickprice Drive Borrowdale Brooke Harare, cell 0772 374 300 who is the wife of Zimbabwe‘s Vice President Constantino Guvheya Nyikadzino Chiwenga for C/S 5(1)(a)(I) of the Exchange Control Act, Chapter 22:05 ARW Section 20 (1)(b) of the Exchange control regulations, SI 109/1996 and Fraud as defined in section 136 of the code,” reads part of the report.

Speaking at the recently ended Zanu-PF 18th Annual National People’s Conference at Goromonzi High School, both President Mnangagwa and Vice President Constantino Chiwenga warned that top members of the party and Government were resisting to accept the reality of the New Dispensation.

VP Chiwenga further warned that anyone who dabbled in corruption would be arrested, “even if you know me.”

“The January nonsense and periodic mischievous activities by opposition elements such as those we witnessed this year must be nipped in the bud.- Mnangagwa”

By Farai D Hove| ZANU PF leader Emmerson Mnangagwa has threatened to repeat what he did in January this year. Speaking at the ZANU PF conference, Mnangagwa used the term “nipping in the bud” to refer to covering up evidence of using the military to crush those he claims were opposition members, a day after he personally announced fuel price rises.

The only nipping in the bud Mnangagwa did in January this year was that of killing civilians and the denying it while asking a France24 journalist, “show me the graves.”

In January 2019, 16 people were killed and scores of women raped, the latter who Mnangagwa told the same journalist that the government is going after the women who reported rape so to expose ‘their lies.’

VIDEO LOADING BELOW

It is my honour once again to address you as we come to the end of this historic and very successful 18th ZANU-PF Annual National People’s Conference. You all came from all over the country in your huge numbers, mandated by the people and with the desire to improve their quality of life as well as to accelerate the mechanisation, modernisation and growth of our economy. You had questions, you sought clarifications, debated and spoke loudly over all critical issues which will make our party stronger than ever before; and you emphasised those issues which must be undertaken to ensure that our Government delivers quality services to the majority. Together as the leadership of our revolutionary party at various levels, we have heard, we have listened and we shall act. In unity, we have made several resolutions to guide our work in 2020 and the years to follow.

It therefore goes without saying that this conference, which was held under the theme ‘Modernise, Mechanise and Grow the Economy towards Vision 2030’, has been a decisive demonstration and an eloquent expression that our party is moving ahead, is modernising and indeed the party of our future.

You have all contributed immensely to the success of this mega event. I also wish to express my heartfelt gratitude to our invited guests who demonstrated their solidarity support and friendship. We will forever cherish their cordial and fraternal relations. We are particularly encouraged by the re-assuring message from the independent churches of Zimbabwe. We appeal to the body of Christ, the church at large, to continue to intercede and pray for the party and our country.

Comrades Delegates;

As we leave this People’s Conference, let us be guided by our national aspirations and ethos in all our deeds, operations and responsibilities.  We only have one country, for which we must all work hard, serving the people wholeheartedly.

The emphatic victories we continue to score during elections demonstrate the deep faith and trust our people have in the party, its leadership, policies and programmes. We must never let them down. We are their servants; they are our masters.

We must equally remain vigilant in defence of the party and at the same time, increasing our membership as well as ensuring that our people are economically productive to grow and prosper our nation.

Those who were wavering in their loyalty to the party and backtracking in their commitment to our philosophies and ideology must introspect and re-commit themselves to the correct party line. Disloyalty and wrong deeds of any kind must be corrected. Kuchera chikomba pasi vopfira.

Comrade Delegates;

The unity, rejuvenation and strengthening of party structures must continue to be our priority. We all must recruit more members, groom and nurture them to be loyal, productive and patriotic members of our party and country.

The party constitution obligates us all, in Article 3, Section 21, sub-sections 2 to 4 to observe and abide by the policies, rules and regulations of the party; to strive continuously to raise the levels of his or her own political social consciousness and undertaking of party policies; and to also strengthen, promote and defend the party and popularise its policies among the people.

I challenge us, therefore, to be pro-activate in this regard and initiate educative and informative dialogue and discussions on all media platforms and across social sectors and levels.

I exhort you to be vigilant in the coming year and going forward. Keep your eyes and ears open. The January nonsense and periodic mischievous activities by opposition elements such as those we witnessed this year must be nipped in the bud.

Never again should we allow the loss of the precious lives of our countrymen to feed the agenda of a notorious few. Let us, therefore, expose their lies and fake news by always preaching the truth and the message of hope among our people. Every citizen must keep their eyes on the ball, and the ball is productivity, unity, peace and harmony.

We are a revolutionary party which has proved over the years that our programmes and activities are people-oriented. Victory in the next harmonised general elections in 2023 should never be seen as an end in itself, but merely as a means to ensure that the will, development and prosperity of the majority of our people is guaranteed for perpetuity. Besides being the party of liberation, we are the party of our future.

 The legacy of our heroic forefathers is safe in the hands of Zanu-PF. Hazvivhunzwi kuti arikutonga ndiani. Zviripachena iZanu-PF.

As we go to our respective provinces, districts and wards, I challenge us all to accelerate the implementation of developmental projects in line with devolution.

All our citizens must benefit from the resource endowments in their communities. The people must know that the party and Government will continue to support the empowerment and employment of the youth, women, SMEs, veterans of our liberation struggle and people with disabilities, among others.

Let us shift the population towards a mindset of productivity. We will support projects, projects and more projects across every sector of the economy.

The land must be productive and there is no more room for cellphone farmers. The rains are pounding, let us all go back and diligently work the fields.

The success of our nation depends on how well we are organised; how well we allocate our resources and how well we use our time.

As we execute our responsibilities all of us must strive to be honest, disciplined, transparent, selfless and accountable in our activities inside and outside the party.

The principles of servant leadership must be upheld. These are values and national ethos which must be embedded in us and bequeathed in future generations.

All party members and the nation as a whole must shun retrogressive tendencies such as laziness, indiscipline, greed, corruption, selfishness and immorality, among other voices.

I further challenge every public servant and party member to reform, reinvigorate and turn over a new leaf towards a result-oriented culture. Excuses for non-performances will no longer be tolerated.

Persons charged with the responsibility of implementing Government programmes must deliver. Those who refuse to change and have been busy slowing down Government programmes will be changed.

 The responsible departments should move swiftly to prepare for our landmark 40^th National Independence. Commemoration, to be held away from the capital city, Harare.

Let us go out and be with the people. After all, our independence is for all Zimbabweans, no matter where they live.

As I said during my opening address to this conference yesterday, let us promote and defend the use of our own currency, the Zimbabwe dollar. To our business community, I urge you to promote investments and experts. The business forums we are making should inspire you to be more productive and improve your efficiencies.

Meanwhile, our Diaspora membership should go back with vigour, to establish, strengthen and consolidate our party structures with the various jurisdictions.

We are one people and our citizens in the Diaspora must be mobilised to drive investment as well as the modernisation and industrialisation of our party and country. All those in the Diaspora must be good brand ambassadors of Zimbabwe.

As we come to the end of this mega event, let these resolutions we have made here embolden us and inspire action. These conferences are not a talking show; we must deliver on our promises. To this, we must remain focused, united in purpose, guided by our party constitution.

Comrades Delegates;

On behalf of the party and the Central Committee, allow me to once again commend you for your support, dedication, loyalty and commitment to the party.

Let us continue to preach the message of unity, peace, discipline, productivity and hard honest work. Tolerance, patience and love for one another to continue to be the hallmark of our party.

Vision 2030 shall be a reality; we must each play our part mu Zanu-PF. Iwe neni tinebasa.

What message will you carry home?

As we close this 18^th National People’s Conference, I wish you a safe journey to your respective provinces, districts and wards. Go back home and tell the people that the party is alive; that the party is solid and united. Go home and urge the people to work, to be productive, to love one another and to love their country. The Zimbabwe we all want is possible. Victory is certain! I wish you all a merry Christmas and a prosperous New Year. God bless you all! God bless Zimbabwe!

State Media|President Emmerson Mnangagwa has commended the Zimbabwe Manpower Development Fund (ZIMDEF) for introducing a new work ethic that focuses on its mandate of enhancing skills development at various institutions of higher and tertiary education in the country.

The Zimbabwe Manpower Development Fund (ZIMDEF) was established in 1984 to enhance the development of skilled manpower in Zimbabwe with funding coming from a levy charged on all registered companies operating in the country.

With so much money-spinning off this noble arrangement, former Higher Education Minister Professor Jonathan Moyo, allegedly pilfered these proceeds and bought bicycles for Tsholotsho community leaders to fulfill a selfish political agenda.

That is a thing of the past, stated President Emmerson Mnangagwa after touring exhibition stands at the Annual Zanu Pf National People’s Conference Business Expo currently in Goromonzi, Mashonaland East province.

Beyond the new times rolling at Zimdef, President Mnangagwa also commended seed companies for promoting the uptake of small grains which are drought tolerant in the face of negative effects of climate change.

The President, who was accompanied on the tour by the First Lady Amai Auxillia Mnangagwa, Vice Presidents Retired General Constantino Chiwenga and Cde Kembo Mohadi, National Chairperson Oppah Muchinguri-Kashiri and other senior government and party officials, took his time interacting with exhibitors showing zeal to understand their operations.

By A Correspondent| The Finance Minister has proposed to reduce allocation to ministries that fail to account for funds disbursed to them by treasury in the national budget.

Ncube said this while responded to questions raised by the National assembly:

In terms of budgeting in my previous job we used to cut back on budgets for departments that did not account in full on how they had used resources or badly used resources because we had a performance-based budgeting process. But in a sense, this is what we have migrated to.

Auditor General Miriam Chiri’s audit exposed serious anomalies on how funds allocated to some ministries are used.

-Standard

MORE than 3 000 community bakeries have been established in various remote areas in the country as part of Government efforts to increase the production of confectionery products, including bread, at affordable prices to rural communities.

Women Affairs, Community, Small and Medium Enterprises Development Minister Dr Sithembiso Nyoni said the Government was satisfied with the progress undertaken to roll out community bakeries in rural communities dotted around the country.

“As a Ministry and Government, we are very much excited by the developments taking place with regards to the establishment of community bakeries. There are now over 3 000 bakeries where mostly women and youths are involved in the baking of bread and buns for sale and recently, we were able to distribute flour to each province in the country and there was no district that did not receive its allocation. Shortage of bread in most rural communities during the festive season will be a thing of the past,” she said.

The Women’s Bank facilitated the allocation of a tonne of flour to each community bakery throughout the country on a loan.

“Community bakeries are getting a tonne each through a loan facility by the Women’s Bank and the fact that they are receiving it in the form of a loan enables them to value their projects as a business as they will be obliged to ensure they operate profitably so as to repay,” said Dr Nyoni. 

The Government launched the community bakeries project in July to protect communities from the high cost of basic commodities. The programme is also expected to avail opportunities for economic empowerment of rural women and youths who will own and operate the bakeries while creating employment for other villagers.

“As Government we noticed that the price of basic commodities, especially that of bread, was increasing from time to time and as such we had to come up with an intervention and we implored women to reopen community bakeries. Some of the bakeries had been in existence in the past but we also facilitated for the establishment of others. The increase in the price of bread has a negative impact on the people’s livelihoods. 

“However, it is important to note that the increase in price has become a blessing in disguise for some as they have since found alternatives. I wish as a people we should learn to find opportunities where there are challenges instead of grumbling. The community bakeries concept has opened the ministry’s world-view, that issues of food security should be let in the hands of women failure of which we risk creating dependency syndrome tendencies and hunger in families,” said Dr Nyoni.

Bakers not guaranteeing bread during festive season 

Meanwhile, bakeries are saying they will not guarantee the availability of bread during the festive season owing to a myriad of challenges facing the industry.

National Bakers Association of Zimbabwe president Mr Denis Wala said the bread and confectionery industry’s capacity utilisation had dropped significantly due to the ever-escalating costs of production and shortage of strategic inputs.

“The availability of bread depends on the availability of resources needed in its production. If these resources are available bread will also be available. The sector is currently operating at 35 to 40 percent capacity,” he said.

Bread is the second most consumed product after mealie-meal and it is one of the most sought-after food during the festive season.

Mr Wala said the price of fuel and electricity, as well as rolling power cuts that forced producers to use diesel generators, had pushed up the cost of producing bread. 

“We have no strategies at the present moment as we can’t control Zesa (power cuts) and the availability of fuel at service stations,” he said.

The country has been forced to impose rolling blackouts that last up to 18 hours a day while fuel supplies are erratic due to the prevailing liquidity crunch. 

Bakeries have been forced to factor the high cost of production onto their products culminating in the increase of the price of bread and other confectioneries over the past months.

The price of bread has been on an increasing mode from RTGS1,80 dollars a loaf in January to $18,50 to date. 

The soaring price of bread and confectioneries have forced bakeries to scale down their production due to low demand on the market as consumers resort to other alternatives.

The shortage of power and fuel over the past two years are the latest challenges to be faced by the baking industry as it has suffered acute wheat shortages for over a decade.

Zimbabwe imports most of its annual requirement of 400 000 tonnes of wheat, but acute shortages of foreign currency have constrained imports.

It is my honour once again to address you as we come to the end of this historic and very successful 18th ZANU-PF Annual National People’s Conference. You all came from all over the country in your huge numbers, mandated by the people and with the desire to improve their quality of life as well as to accelerate the mechanisation, modernisation and growth of our economy. You had questions, you sought clarifications, debated and spoke loudly over all critical issues which will make our party stronger than ever before; and you emphasised those issues which must be undertaken to ensure that our Government delivers quality services to the majority. Together as the leadership of our revolutionary party at various levels, we have heard, we have listened and we shall act. In unity, we have made several resolutions to guide our work in 2020 and the years to follow.

It therefore goes without saying that this conference, which was held under the theme ‘Modernise, Mechanise and Grow the Economy towards Vision 2030’, has been a decisive demonstration and an eloquent expression that our party is moving ahead, is modernising and indeed the party of our future.

You have all contributed immensely to the success of this mega event. I also wish to express my heartfelt gratitude to our invited guests who demonstrated their solidarity support and friendship. We will forever cherish their cordial and fraternal relations. We are particularly encouraged by the re-assuring message from the independent churches of Zimbabwe. We appeal to the body of Christ, the church at large, to continue to intercede and pray for the party and our country.

Comrades Delegates;

As we leave this People’s Conference, let us be guided by our national aspirations and ethos in all our deeds, operations and responsibilities.  We only have one country, for which we must all work hard, serving the people wholeheartedly.

The emphatic victories we continue to score during elections demonstrate the deep faith and trust our people have in the party, its leadership, policies and programmes. We must never let them down. We are their servants; they are our masters.

We must equally remain vigilant in defence of the party and at the same time, increasing our membership as well as ensuring that our people are economically productive to grow and prosper our nation.

Those who were wavering in their loyalty to the party and backtracking in their commitment to our philosophies and ideology must introspect and re-commit themselves to the correct party line. Disloyalty and wrong deeds of any kind must be corrected. Kuchera chikomba pasi vopfira.

Comrade Delegates;

The unity, rejuvenation and strengthening of party structures must continue to be our priority. We all must recruit more members, groom and nurture them to be loyal, productive and patriotic members of our party and country.

The party constitution obligates us all, in Article 3, Section 21, sub-sections 2 to 4 to observe and abide by the policies, rules and regulations of the party; to strive continuously to raise the levels of his or her own political social consciousness and undertaking of party policies; and to also strengthen, promote and defend the party and popularise its policies among the people.

I challenge us, therefore, to be pro-activate in this regard and initiate educative and informative dialogue and discussions on all media platforms and across social sectors and levels.

I exhort you to be vigilant in the coming year and going forward. Keep your eyes and ears open. The January nonsense and periodic mischievous activities by opposition elements such as those we witnessed this year must be nipped in the bud.

Never again should we allow the loss of the precious lives of our countrymen to feed the agenda of a notorious few. Let us, therefore, expose their lies and fake news by always preaching the truth and the message of hope among our people. Every citizen must keep their eyes on the ball, and the ball is productivity, unity, peace and harmony.

We are a revolutionary party which has proved over the years that our programmes and activities are people-oriented. Victory in the next harmonised general elections in 2023 should never be seen as an end in itself, but merely as a means to ensure that the will, development and prosperity of the majority of our people is guaranteed for perpetuity. Besides being the party of liberation, we are the party of our future.

 The legacy of our heroic forefathers is safe in the hands of Zanu-PF. Hazvivhunzwi kuti arikutonga ndiani. Zviripachena iZanu-PF.

As we go to our respective provinces, districts and wards, I challenge us all to accelerate the implementation of developmental projects in line with devolution.

All our citizens must benefit from the resource endowments in their communities. The people must know that the party and Government will continue to support the empowerment and employment of the youth, women, SMEs, veterans of our liberation struggle and people with disabilities, among others.

Let us shift the population towards a mindset of productivity. We will support projects, projects and more projects across every sector of the economy.

The land must be productive and there is no more room for cellphone farmers. The rains are pounding, let us all go back and diligently work the fields.

The success of our nation depends on how well we are organised; how well we allocate our resources and how well we use our time.

As we execute our responsibilities all of us must strive to be honest, disciplined, transparent, selfless and accountable in our activities inside and outside the party.

The principles of servant leadership must be upheld. These are values and national ethos which must be embedded in us and bequeathed in future generations.

All party members and the nation as a whole must shun retrogressive tendencies such as laziness, indiscipline, greed, corruption, selfishness and immorality, among other voices.

I further challenge every public servant and party member to reform, reinvigorate and turn over a new leaf towards a result-oriented culture. Excuses for non-performances will no longer be tolerated.

Persons charged with the responsibility of implementing Government programmes must deliver. Those who refuse to change and have been busy slowing down Government programmes will be changed.

 The responsible departments should move swiftly to prepare for our landmark 40^th National Independence. Commemoration, to be held away from the capital city, Harare.

Let us go out and be with the people. After all, our independence is for all Zimbabweans, no matter where they live.

As I said during my opening address to this conference yesterday, let us promote and defend the use of our own currency, the Zimbabwe dollar. To our business community, I urge you to promote investments and experts. The business forums we are making should inspire you to be more productive and improve your efficiencies.

Meanwhile, our Diaspora membership should go back with vigour, to establish, strengthen and consolidate our party structures with the various jurisdictions.

We are one people and our citizens in the Diaspora must be mobilised to drive investment as well as the modernisation and industrialisation of our party and country. All those in the Diaspora must be good brand ambassadors of Zimbabwe.

As we come to the end of this mega event, let these resolutions we have made here embolden us and inspire action. These conferences are not a talking show; we must deliver on our promises. To this, we must remain focused, united in purpose, guided by our party constitution.

Comrades Delegates;

On behalf of the party and the Central Committee, allow me to once again commend you for your support, dedication, loyalty and commitment to the party.

Let us continue to preach the message of unity, peace, discipline, productivity and hard honest work. Tolerance, patience and love for one another to continue to be the hallmark of our party.

Vision 2030 shall be a reality; we must each play our part mu Zanu-PF. Iwe neni tinebasa.

What message will you carry home?

As we close this 18^th National People’s Conference, I wish you a safe journey to your respective provinces, districts and wards. Go back home and tell the people that the party is alive; that the party is solid and united. Go home and urge the people to work, to be productive, to love one another and to love their country. The Zimbabwe we all want is possible. Victory is certain! I wish you all a merry Christmas and a prosperous New Year. God bless you all! God bless Zimbabwe!

VIDEO LOADING BELOW

It is my honour once again to address you as we come to the end of this historic and very successful 18th ZANU-PF Annual National People’s Conference.

You all came from all over the country in your huge numbers, mandated by the people and with the desire to improve their quality of life as well as to accelerate the mechanisation, modernisation and growth of our economy.

You had questions, you sought clarifications, debated and spoke loudly over all critical issues which will make our party stronger than ever before; and you emphasised those issues which must be undertaken to ensure that our Government delivers quality services to the majority.

Together as the leadership of our  revolutionary party at various levels, we have heard, we have listened and we shall act. In unity, we have made several resolutions to guide our work in 2020 and the years to follow.

It therefore goes without saying that this conference, which was held under the theme ‘Modernise, Mechanise and Grow the Economy towards Vision 2030’, has been a decisive demonstration and an eloquent expression that our party is moving ahead, is modernising and indeed the party of our future.

You have all contributed immensely to the success of this mega event. I also wish to express my heartfelt gratitude to our invited guests who demonstrated their solidarity support and friendship.

We will forever cherish their cordial and fraternal relations. We are particularly encouraged by the re-assuring message from the independent churches of Zimbabwe. We appeal to the body of Christ, the church at large, to continue to intercede and pray for the party and our country.

Comrades Delegates;

As we leave this People’s Conference, let us be guided by our national aspirations and ethos in all our deeds, operations and responsibilities.  We only have one country, for which we must all work hard, serving the people wholeheartedly.

The emphatic victories we continue to score during elections demonstrate the deep faith and trust our people have in the party, its leadership, policies and programmes. We must never let them down. We are their servants; they are our masters.

We must equally remain vigilant in defence of the party and at the same time, increasing our membership as well as ensuring that our people are economically productive to grow and prosper our nation.

Those who were wavering in their loyalty to the party and backtracking in their commitment to our philosophies and ideology must introspect and re-commit themselves to the correct party line. Disloyalty and wrong deeds of any kind must be corrected. Kuchera chikomba pasi vopfira.

Comrade Delegates;

The unity, rejuvenation and strengthening of party structures must continue to be our priority. We all must recruit more members, groom and nurture them to be loyal, productive and patriotic members of our party and country.

The party constitution obligates us all, in Article 3, Section 21, sub-sections 2 to 4 to observe and abide by the policies, rules and regulations of the party; to strive continuously to raise the levels of his or her own political social consciousness and undertaking of party policies; and to also strengthen, promote and defend the party and popularise its policies among the people.

I challenge us, therefore, to be pro-activate in this regard and initiate educative and informative dialogue and discussions on all media platforms and across social sectors and levels.

I exhort you to be vigilant in the coming year and going forward. Keep your eyes and ears open. The January nonsense and periodic mischievous activities by opposition elements such as those we witnessed this year must be nipped in the bud.

Never again should we allow the loss of the precious lives of our countrymen to feed the agenda of a notorious few. Let us, therefore, expose their lies and fake news by always preaching the truth and the message of hope among our people. Every citizen must keep their eyes on the ball, and the ball is productivity, unity, peace and harmony.

We are a revolutionary party which has proved over the years that our programmes and activities are people-oriented. Victory in the next harmonised general elections in 2023 should never be seen as an end in itself, but merely as a means to ensure that the will, development and prosperity of the majority of our people is guaranteed for perpetuity. Besides being the party of liberation, we are the party of our future.

 The legacy of our heroic forefathers is safe in the hands of Zanu-PF. Hazvivhunzwi kuti arikutonga ndiani. Zviripachena iZanu-PF.

As we go to our respective provinces, districts and wards, I challenge us all to accelerate the implementation of developmental projects in line with devolution.

All our citizens must benefit from the resource endowments in their communities. The people must know that the party and Government will continue to support the empowerment and employment of the youth, women, SMEs, veterans of our liberation struggle and people with disabilities, among others.

Let us shift the population towards a mindset of productivity. We will support projects, projects and more projects across every sector of the economy.

The land must be productive and there is no more room for cellphone farmers. The rains are pounding, let us all go back and diligently work the fields.

The success of our nation depends on how well we are organised; how well we allocate our resources and how well we use our time.

As we execute our responsibilities all of us must strive to be honest, disciplined, transparent, selfless and accountable in our activities inside and outside the party.

The principles of servant leadership must be upheld. These are values and national ethos which must be embedded in us and bequeathed in future generations.

All party members and the nation as a whole must shun retrogressive tendencies such as laziness, indiscipline, greed, corruption, selfishness and immorality, among other voices.

I further challenge every public servant and party member to reform, reinvigorate and turn over a new leaf towards a result-oriented culture. Excuses for non-performances will no longer be tolerated.

Persons charged with the responsibility of implementing Government programmes must deliver. Those who refuse to change and have been busy slowing down Government programmes will be changed.

 The responsible departments should move swiftly to prepare for our landmark 40^th National Independence. Commemoration, to be held away from the capital city, Harare.

Let us go out and be with the people. After all, our independence is for all Zimbabweans, no matter where they live.

As I said during my opening address to this conference yesterday, let us promote and defend the use of our own currency, the Zimbabwe dollar. To our business community, I urge you to promote investments and experts. The business forums we are making should inspire you to be more productive and improve your efficiencies.

Meanwhile, our Diaspora membership should go back with vigour, to establish, strengthen and consolidate our party structures with the various jurisdictions.

We are one people and our citizens in the Diaspora must be mobilised to drive investment as well as the modernisation and industrialisation of our party and country. All those in the Diaspora must be good brand ambassadors of Zimbabwe.

As we come to the end of this mega event, let these resolutions we have made here embolden us and inspire action. These conferences are not a talking show; we must deliver on our promises. To this, we must remain focused, united in purpose, guided by our party constitution.

Comrades Delegates;

On behalf of the party and the Central Committee, allow me to once again commend you for your support, dedication, loyalty and commitment to the party.

Let us continue to preach the message of unity, peace, discipline, productivity and hard honest work. Tolerance, patience and love for one another to continue to be the hallmark of our party.

Vision 2030 shall be a reality; we must each play our part mu Zanu-PF. Iwe neni tinebasa.

What message will you carry home?

As we close this 18^th National People’s Conference, I wish you a safe journey to your respective provinces, districts and wards. Go back home and tell the people that the party is alive; that the party is solid and united. Go home and urge the people to work, to be productive, to love one another and to love their country. The Zimbabwe we all want is possible. Victory is certain! I wish you all a merry Christmas and a prosperous New Year. God bless you all! God bless Zimbabwe!

Own Correspondent|The Zimbabwean government is set to give 70% of Zimbabwe’s diamonds to a Russian diamond company Alrosa.

ZBC has reported that the Russian diamond producer Alrosa says its two-year exploration in Zimbabwe would cost around $12 million. A joint venture, in which Alrosa plans to finalize a stake of 70% in December, has applied for a number of greenfield licences.

In July this year, Alrosa signed a deal to explore and mine diamonds in Zimbabwe, as the country seeks to leverage its mineral resources to boost the country’s ailing economy.

Zimbabwe has large diamond reserves but mining of the precious stones has been chaotic with shady dealings rampant and policy flip-flops by the government a turn-off for investors.

In an interview with journalists after the signing ceremony, Alrosa CEO Sergey Ivanov said his company will invest an initial $12m in the venture.

“We are hoping that exploration will start in September. We see a lot of potential and we will invest more in the coming years depending on the outcome of the exploration,” he said.

Speaking after the signing of the deal between Alrosa and the Zimbabwe Consolidated Diamond Company (ZCDC), mines and mining development minister Winston Chitando said there was a lot of scope for investment.

“This is a joint venture between Alrosa and the ZCDC. It will look at greenfield and brownfield projects. So there will be exploration in new areas that are not known to have diamonds and there will also be work in areas such as Marange and Chimanimani which are known to have diamonds. This is part of our vision to produce 10-million carats annually and to earn $1bn every year from diamonds,” he said.

President Emmerson Mnangagwa said the deal had come to fruition owing to his country’s excellent relations with Russia.

In January Mnangagwa travelled to Russia to seek funding for mining investments in the country.

Russian investors  also committed to invest $3bn for platinum production in Zimbabwe under a joint venture with government but the deal is yet to take shape — with concerns over shareholding demands by the government holding back the deal.  

In 2018 Zimbabwe scrapped its controversial indigenisation policy that forced all foreign investors to cede 51% shareholding in all investments but reserved platinum and diamond as the only sectors where investors are obliged to partner with government.

News Agents

MEMORANDUM

TO​​: OCHARARE SUBURBAN
​​​
FROM​​: OIC RHODESVILLE

DATED​: 14/12/19
​
SUBJECT​: ​CRIMINAL MATTERS: ARREST AND DETENTION OF VICE PRESIDENT CHIWENGA’S WIFE-MARRY MUBAIWA​​​​

CIRCUMSTANCES

On the 14th day of December 2019 at 1705 hours officials from the Zimbabwe Anti Corruption Commission (ZACC) arrested and detained Marry Mubaiwa NR 59-033571 Z 59 aged 38 of Number ***************** who is the wife of Zimbabwe ‘s Vice President Constantino Guvheya Nyikadzino Chiwenga for C/S 5(1)(a)(I) of the Exchange Control Act, Chapter 22:05 ARW Section 20 (1)(b) of the Exchange control regulations, SI 109/1996 and Fraud as defined in section 136 of the code.

The allegations are that on period between October 2018 and May 2019 the accused externalised US$1 000 000,00 to China and South Africa.

The accused also misrepresented to court officials that her husband had consented to a wedding ceremony when in truth and actual fact accused knew very well that her husband was bedridden and had not consented to it thereby causing the marriage registration to be processed to the prejudice of reputation of her husband.

The accused is detained under ZACC REF RR98/11/19 and Rhodesville D/B 811/19 refers.

By A Correspondent| Students that sat for their grade 7 examinations in 87 primary schools failed, the state media reports.

At least 87 schools mainly in the rural areas performed badly and the ministry is said to be investigating the root cause for that.

The newly appointed Primary and Secondary Education Minister Cain Mathema commented on the issue and said:

And as a ministry, we are in the process of finding out why they failed. We want to find out from headmasters, inspectors, district education officers, from everyone who is involved in the education of our children.

We can look for someone to blame but all of us, from Government, parents, school development committees (SDCs), Members of Parliament (MPs) and teachers, have a part to play.

We cannot expect our students to perform better when teachers are sharing houses, when the students are learning in mud-and-pole blocks. We have a collective responsibility to address these things.

In contrast to urban schools, the publication noted that there is a huge disparity between rural and urban schools performance when it comes to these exams.

-StateMedia

By Nelson Chamisa|Vimbai Tsvangirai Java Memorial…Like the Iconic Dr MT, Apostle & Hon V. Tsvangirai Java boldly responded to the call of service above self. Her life was embodiment of service and sacrifice. The desire to serve. As we remember this compassionate leader, may her life be an example to those who follow that our actions hold promise for the future .#dutytoserve

ERRATIC fuel supply is hampering food aid distribution in Matabeleland North, Provincial Affairs Minister Richard Moyo said yesterday.

He said the livelihood of villagers was under threat as deliveries were being delayed owing to diesel shortages across the country. 

“Fuel is scarce of late and you may find probably just one or two service stations have fuel. This has really affected the drought relief programmes such as food aid distribution as there would be no fuel across town,” said the Minister in a telephone interview.

He said he had since pleaded for supplies from players in the fuel sector to be able to carry out drought relief programmes and the tillage programmes for vulnerable communities before it was too late into the planting season. 

“I have been writing letters to all Redan Service Stations across the province, pleading with them to at least allow us to buy diesel so that we can get food to the people as they are on the verge of starvation yet government has ensured that grain is available,’ he said.

He said the business community and some members of the public were keen to assist with transport for grain to different districts but were unable to do because of the fuel shortage.

“Members of the public have been forthcoming and have tried to assist us with transport. However, their spirits have also been dampened by the fact that they also would not be able to fuel their cars.  Even if they have the money, fuel is not available,” he said. 

He said the tillage programme was also struggling to cultivate farming land for people at a time when the cropping season was in full swing, due to the prevailing fuel shortages. 

“We have also faced challenges with our District Development Fund (DDF) Tillage programme also owing to the fuel challenges. By now we should have had covered a lot of ground tilling land for vulnerable communities but these diesel shortages have also stalled our projects,” Minister Moyo said.

-State Media

A MAN from Bulawayo has been arrested for allegedly raping his two minor daughters since 2013.

It is alleged that the man (48), from Manningdale suburb habitually sneaked into his daughters’ bedroom once a month and sexually abused them during his wife’s absence. 

The court heard that the abuse got worse when the man’s wife died in 2016.

The man yesterday appeared before Western Commonage magistrate, Ms Gladmore Mushove, facing rape charges and he pleaded not guilty. He was remanded in custody to December 24. 

For the State, Mr Kenneth Shava said the man allegedly raped his two daughters between 2013 and 2019 when they were aged 10 and 17 years. 

-State Media

A 20-YEAR-OLD university student from Lupane who benefited from the Presidential scholarship was allegedly electrocuted after he stepped on an illegally connected electric wire at his parents’ house.

Matabeleland North acting police spokesperson, Sergeant Namatirai Mashona, confirmed the electrocution of Auren Bekezela Nyathi in his family’s fowl run where the illegal connection had been made.

Chronicle was told that Nyathi was second year student at the University of Witwatersrand in South Africa where he enrolled under the Presidential scholarship for an Actuarial Science degree. 

The source said a police report was made by Zesa electricians after Nyathi’s mother, Mrs Fungai Nyathi, had allegedly attempted to conceal the matter.

“We can confirm that police attended an incident where a 20-year-old was electrocuted on 8 December in Lupane. 

“At about 7PM, Auren Bekezela Nyathi of Old Stands was at home in the company of his mother. He got into the fowl run to feed chickens,” said Sgt Mashona.

Sgt Mashona said when he was about to leave the fowl run after feeding the chickens, Nyathi got into contact with a naked wire and suffered an electric shock.

“He fell down unconscious and his mother informed some neighbours before rushing him to Lupane Medical Centre where he was later transferred to St Luke’s Hospital because of the seriousness of the injuries,” said Sgt Mashona.

Nyathi reportedly died on admission as his condition deteriorated.

Mrs Nyathi did not report the matter to the police and took her son’s body to a funeral parlour in Bulawayo.

Zesa electricians who attended the scene allegedly reported the matter to the police.

No-one has been arrested for the connection, which is a criminal offence. Nyathi was buried yesterday in Lupane. 

Sgt Mashona warned citizens against illegally connecting electricity saying besides being arrested, they risked losing their lives.

“We would want to urge and warn people against making illegal electric connections at home or any other place. 

“We can’t be losing lives unnecessarily because of something we can avoid. People should also report such cases so that we avoid loss of life,” said Sgt Mashona.

-State Media

PRESIDENT Emmerson Mnangagwa has revealed that unnamed power hungry officials within the rank and file of the ruling party are out to destabilise his leadership.

Addressing the 112th ordinary session of the party’s central committee in Harare, Mnangagwa said party members should not allow themselves to be swayed from the ideals of the ruling party by power-hungry individuals.

“I exhort you to exercise uttermost vigilance in the face of the shenanigans of our perennial detractors. Let us not allow ourselves to be enticed away from the ideals of our great party by self-seeking individuals with brute political ambition,” he said.

There has been jittery moments in Zanu PF over the resurgence of G40, a faction which almost grabbed power with the help of former late President Robert Mugabe before he was ousted in a November 2017 coup.

Mnangagwa recently tasked the Zanu PF youth league to be on the lookout for remnants of the G40 bent on destabilising his leadership of the party and government.

Reports that self-exiled former G40 frontman Saviour Kasukuwere, was heading back home to contest for presidency, has unsettled bigwigs in Zanu PF at a time there wassimmering discontent and division as a result of the economic meltdown.

But Mnangagwa said he was taking Zimbabwe in the right direction which will eventually pay off for the millions struggling to put food on the table.

“The course we have taken as a party and government to resuscitate and reform our economy is the correct one. Never be swayed from it,” Mnangagwa said.

Zimbabwe is facing a deteriorating socio-political and economic environment with inflation reaching hyperinflation levels. Mnangagwa blames all the economic ills on Mugabe’s mistakes which he claims he is now correcting.

“We must strengthen our resolve to correct the past wrong decisions we made with regards to our economy. Populist policies and initiatives for short-term benefits have dire long-term implications,” Mnangagwa said.

Preaching austerity since coming into power, Mnangagwa announced the era of tightening belts had come to an end because his government had achieved economic fundamentals to drive growth and development.

Zanu PF buoyed by victories in by elections and huge crowds at its rallies, declared that it was growing stronger.
“We meet against the backdrop of a very eventful year which saw the Party reassert its dominance on the political landscape. Our victories in recent parliamentary and council by- elections are reflective that we remain the people’s party and party of choice,” said Mnangagwa.

Mnangagwa will lead the party through its 18th people’s congress in Goromonzi today and tomorrow.

–Newsday

2018 Presidential candidate Brian Muteki has traced back his ZANU PF roots and joined the party. Watch him speak on why he joined the party he challenged in the last election.

Zimlive|The Zimbabwe Anti-Corruption Commission (ZACC) arrested Vice President Constantino Chiwenga’s estranged wife, Marry, on Saturday – a day after a stormy family meeting.

A furious Chiwenga allegedly ordered his wife’s arrest on money laundering and fraud charges following a testy meeting on Friday which was called to discuss the collapse of their customary marriage.

Marry, according to sources, was in combative mood in the meeting, repelling accusations of infidelity and telling elders from both their families that their sex life was dead.

“She was very hostile, she even described Chiwenga’s inadequacies in bed in shocking detail. It was the stuff no man wants to hear. She drove Chiwenga up the wall,” a source briefed on the meeting told ZimLive.

Sixty-three-year-old Chiwenga, who has been attempting to evict Marry from their Borrowdale home, immediately took custody of their three children aged eight, seven and five after she was arrested. Two other children from the 38-year-old former model’s past relationships were sent to her mother.

During the meeting on Friday, Chiwenga also accused Marry of trying to force him to marry her from his South African hospital bed while he was battling for life from suspected poisoning in July.

Chiwenga suggested that Marry thought he was dying – and was more interested in securing her stake in his estate.

At around the same time, Marry allegedly bought a house in Pretoria and two Range Rover SUVs for millions of rand.

The property acquisitions and the alleged attempts to force a marriage – allegedly after misrepresenting to the acting chief magistrate Munamato Mutevedzi by claiming it was Chiwenga’s wish – form part of the charges that ZACC have laid against the former model.

Marry maintains that she bought the house in South Africa to guarantee them privacy, which they did not have when booking into hotels on medical trips to the neighbouring country.

ZACC spokesman John Makamure was not reachable for comment but Marry was reported to be detained at Rhodesville Police Station. She is expected to appear in court on Monday.

Chiwenga returned from lengthy treatment in China early this month, but did not go to the home he shared with Marry. He immediately initiated moves to end his marriage.

The retired army general is reported to have ordered Marry to leave the matrimonial residence in Borrowdale, and also not to take the children with her. Marry engaged lawyers to fight her eviction, which further infuriated Chiwenga.

The two were customarily married in 2011 after Chiwenga divorced his first wife, Jocelyn, and Marry left her footballer husband, Shingayi Kaondera.

PROFESSOR Welshman Ncube has accused his former client and beleaguered ex-Vice-President Phelekezela Mphoko and his son, Siqokoqela of being driven by malice, confusion and desperation when they caused the issuance of summons claiming he allegedly squandered part of the US$2,9 million they got as shares from Choppies Enterprises after they exited the company.

The Mphokos wanted Prof Ncube to pay them about US$1,5 million being the outstanding balance of the money they received as shares from Choppies including a five percent interest calculated from 16 January 2019 to the date of full payment.

Prof Ncube, however, seems to suggest that the allegations were either a sign of confusion and desperation or a calculated ploy to tarnish his image through falsehoods and abusing court process to achieve their malice-laced objectives. 

Through his lawyers, Webb, Low and Barry Attorneys, Prof Ncube who was the Mphokos’ lawyer in their shareholding legal battle for Choppies Enterprises after they were bought out of the business argued that he was dismayed by the manner that the Mphokos were twisting the facts to suit them while dragging his reputation through the mud by misrepresenting the truth.

He argued that he was still bound by the agreement that they had after their meeting in Harare when the Mphokos advised him not to deal with the debtor — Choppies in any way in connection with the debt as they were in full control of the matter.

He, through his lawyers, refutes handling and squandering any money paid to the Mphokos by Choppies saying they clearly expressed the desire and wish to be the sole point of contact in the matter and he complied.

In papers written by Webb, Low and Barry Attorneys to the Mphokos’ current lawyer, Mr Zibusiso Ncube of Ncube and Partners Legal Practitioners that the Sunday News is in possession of, Prof Ncube’s lawyers said their client was in no way indebted to the Mphokos. 

“We write on behalf of our client, Professor Welshman Ncube trading as Mathonsi Ncube Law Chambers, who are the defendants in the said suit, to express our grave concern and dismay in the manner that you have proceeded in this matter. Your decision on behalf of your clients, to cause to be issued process in a debt collection against our client, when you are fully aware that our client is in no way indebted to yours as your clients have in fact entered into a payment plan with the true debtor to discharge the indebtedness to your client,” reads part of the response by Professor Ncube’s lawyers.

They argued that they were convinced that the Mphokos were driven by other reasons in their actions other than the settling of their matter with their debtor as their debtor had in many occasions acknowledged his indebtedness and pleaded for more time to settle what they owe.

“You also communicated with us that you had reached an understanding and settlement of the matter with the debtor and advised that our client was accordingly out of the picture in the matter as you would look to the debtor for the due payment of the debt to your clients,” argued Prof Ncube through his lawyers.

His counsel said they were taken aback that without any notice to them or Prof Ncube, the Mphokos proceeded to issue summons against their client in respect of a debt that they were fully aware was owed by someone who had received money belonging to the Mphokos following specific written instructions that the monies be paid to them.

He said it defied logic why the Mphokos decided to issue summons to him instead of proceeding with litigation against the debtor after they failed to meet the deadline and asked for an extension of time to pay.

“The above conduct is unethical, unprofessional and calculated to cause irreparable damage to the good name of and reputation of our client. We therefore highlight the lack of professional courtesy and ethics in the manner and circumstances in which you caused the summons to be issued. 

“On Monday, 9th December 2019, your office went to the High Court registry and had, as per practice, one copy of the summons date stamped and given a case number to enable you to go to the payment office to render payment for issuance of the summons.

“You did not proceed to make any payment, nor did you return to the registry to produce proof of payment but left the High Court without any process having been issued and circulated to the media copies of the single copy of summons which have the date stamp of the registry and allocated case number,” reads the response suggesting that the intention was to maliciously feed the media with falsehoods to injure the reputation of Prof Ncube.

The Mphokos exited Botswana-based Nanavac Investments, trading as Choppies Supermarkets Zimbabwe, in January after offering to be bought out of the company to end a protracted ownership wrangle and it was in the dispute that Prof Ncube was the Mphokos’ legal representative before their relationship somehow turned sour, leading to them suing him. Sunday News

A Go Fund Me account has been set up to buy expelled traditional leader, Chief Ndiweni a car after the government stripped him of the vehicle and other benefits after his removal from the post by president Emmerson Mnangagwa. The administrators of the account posted saying:

Chief Ndiweni of Ntabazinduna is the only living Chief after his father who has constructively criticized the Government of Zimbabwe for its use of repression, violence against citizens, corruption, incompetence, nepotism and mismanagement.

For that reason, he has courted the ire and heavy-handedness of the ZANU-PF Government of Emmerson Mnangagwa.

The Emmerson Mnangagwa Government of Zimbabwe had him thrown into Khami prison recently and the Chief was also abused by their State media outlets.

The Emmerson Mnangagwa Government of Zimbabwe has now stripped Chief Ndiweni of the Ndiweni Chieftainship, something that in itself is unprocedural.

The Emmerson Mnangagwa Government of Zimbabwe has ordered the return of Chief Ndiweni’s Government-issued vehicle.

For that reason, as citizens, we felt we have a moral obligation to make sure that this is not used as an example to other Chiefs by setting up a citizen initiative to get a car for Chief Ndiweni.

We have set up a Go Fund Account for that purpose and we also want this to be a precedent for any other Chief in Zimbabwe who is stripped of their Chieftainship for standing with the people!

This will allow other Chiefs to speak freely knowing that they have nothing to lose for doing so, something that the Emmerson Mnangagwa Government and Robert Mugabe and Ian Smith Governments before it have used to get the traditional leaders to tow the undemocratic line

Let us come together and show our solidarity with Chief Ndiweni in this cause.

We thank you all.

A TEAM of rescuers yesterday retrieved three bodies of four artisanal miners trapped in a disused mineshaft at Young Mine in Esigodini, Matabeleland South.

Four artisanal miners, aged between 41 and 86 years, were buried underground on Tuesday morning at Young Mine when the surface beneath their ironsheet cabin weakened and collapsed into a disused mineshaft.

Matabeleland South provincial mines deputy director Khumbulani Mlangeni said: “We have retrieved three bodies since morning and they have been accounted for. The rescue operation is underway and it is difficult to tell if by the end of the day we will have managed to account for the other person.”

Zimbabwe Miners Federation (ZMF) spokesperson Dosman Mangisi said a team of rescuers from the Mines ministry, in partnership with those from How Mine and other stakeholders, were involved in the retrieval exercise.

In February, 24 illegal miners died at Battlefields Mine, 175km west of Harare when underground shafts were flooded by rain water.

— NewsDay

State Media|A TENSE atmosphere enveloped the Ndiweni homestead in Ntabazinduna where ousted Chief Nhlanhla Ndiweni lives with the gate locked and people inside refusing to entertain any visitors.

A man who was manning the gate told the news crew that they did not want anyone in their homestead and the family was not interested in talking to any journalists.

He claimed Mr Ndiweni was not around and he was not aware where he was.

“Please go, just go, we don’t want you here, leave us, that is why we have locked the gate, so don’t trouble us,” said the man throwing his hands in the air in apparent detestation.

Questioned on whether as a family they were aware of the Government’s decision to strip Mr Ndiweni of his position, he claimed they did not recognise it and their chief remained Mr Ndiweni.

“We don’t want to know what the Government said, we don’t care, our chief remains Chief Ndiweni,” he said.

Sunday News also managed to talk to some villagers on the matter and there was a largely divided opinion with others backing the Government’s decision while others felt it had erred in its decision.

“I believe this was a right decision because in line with Nguni customs he does not qualify to be a chief. He is not the first nor last born in the family but a middle child. What we know is that if the first son is not made a chief the last born should then be made the heir. This did not happen with Ndiweni. Despite having knowledge to his background, we had accepted him as the chief but I think it’s fair that he has been removed as this will restore our cultural values,” said a villager who identified himself as Mr Masuku.

A Mr Sgidi felt Mr Ndiweni was indeed the rightful heir to the chieftainship revealing that the late Chief Khayisa had made it clear on who he wanted to succeed him.

“Chief Khayisa was clear on who the rightful heir was. He gave a number of instructions even regarding on who was to be part of his body viewing where he said only old people 80 years and above could be part of the process.

“With regards to the chieftainship he said while he was meant to give it to his last born son, Douglas that could not happen as Douglas was married to a coloured woman, Chief Khayisa also dismissed Joram because he had married a German and what made this even more decisive is that his father was killed by the Germans hence he had a long-standing grudge, he therefore directed the elders to give the chieftainship to Felix Nhlanhla,” said Mr Sgidi.

He said they would rather have a chief from outside rather than have either Joram or Douglas taking over the chieftainship.

Contacted for comment Mr Ndiweni professed ignorance on the Government’s decision revealing that no official communication was made to him. He said he stood guided by a family communique released last Friday, which had noted that the family continued to recognise him as the chief of the area.

“As was the earlier suspension I have not received any communication which already reflects clumsiness in the administration process, however, we have always submitted ourselves to the law and will continue to do so. We are, contrary to many reports, working very well with the Government,” said Mr Ndiweni.

Questioned on whether he would be surrendering the various benefits including the Government issued vehicle as directed Mr Ndiweni said the benefits were for the community hence the withdrawal of the benefits will be to the community, not himself.

He further revealed that he was also in communication with his siblings, Joram and Douglas but noted that the impasse went beyond them as a family.

“Yes, I am in contact with both Joram and Douglas, who is currently lodging at a family member’s residence right next to the chief’s homestead. Sadly, the matter is simply not up to us and due diligence was done by the relevant people as regards the chieftaincy a long time ago,” said Mr Ndiweni.

On whether the family would appoint an acting chief while the matter was being resolved, he said this was not to happen as the family had already decided that he was the rightful heir to the chieftainship.

Own Correspondent|Marry Chiwenga who was arrested by the Zimbabwe Anti Corruption Commission on Saturday must be the most dramatic person in the country at the moment.

Former wife to footballer Shingi Kaondera, Marry, is caught up in two situations where she is in both accused of forging signatures in order to sort out her marriages to the two men.

Marry first has to defend a $700,000 damages claim filed by her ex-husband Kaondera, who accuses her of forging his signature and deceiving a court to grant her a divorce.

The couple’s divorce was finalised in May 2011, just weeks before Marry, nee Mubaiwa, was customarily married to Chiwenga, then the commander of the Zimbabwe Defence Forces.

Kaondera now says Chiwenga’s marriage to Marry should never have happened because she obtained the divorce through deception.

The former national team midfielder said in his damages claim filed on July 15 that he was never served with divorce summons. His lawyers said he was in Cyprus at the time.

Marry, according to Kaondera, “fraudulently caused a return of service to be issued by the Deputy Sherriff at Harare falsely claiming that plaintiff (Kaondera) had been personally served with the summons on the 22nd of June at Harare.”

“Further to that, defendant also fraudulently issued the Honourable Court a consent paper dated 7th July 2010 wherein the plaintiff’s signature was forged. Plaintiff never entered into a consent paper with the defendant regarding the divorce proceedings,” Kaondera’s lawyers said.

They said Marry had also submitted before a judge “an affidavit of waiver which purported to have been deposed by the plaintiff.” The signatures, the lawyers said, were forged.

In her latest saga, where she has had to spend a night in police cells, the Zimbabwe Anti Corruption Commission is charging Marry Chiwenga with misrepresentation saying she approached the Judge President George Chiweshe & said her husband wanted a marriage officer to solemnise their marriage and purportedly forged his signature.

Chiwenga and Marry have been living separately after the Vice-President moved into another house on arrival from China, where he was hospitalised for four months, before staging a remarkable recovery.

Chiwenga and Mary are reported to have crossed swords after the latter asked for a Marriage Act (Chapter 5:11) union as the 63-year-old battled for his life in a Pretoria hospital. Chiwenga customarily married Mary in 2011 when he paid a whopping US$47 000 as the bride price, but the couple were yet to solemnize the marriage under the country’s Marriage Act Chapter 5:11.

Zanu-PF should take a cue from President Mnangagwa’s message as the direction that the party is taking going forward, Vice President Dr Constantino Chiwenga has said.

He made the remarks as he introduced the President to make his closing remarks at the just-ended Zanu-PF 18th National People’s Conference in Goromonzi yesterday.

“We have had a very successful meeting, there is no one who will go home disgruntled about the deliberations that we have held.

“The President was listening very carefully to the proceedings and, of course, the resolutions which came out from the various thematic committees and from the provinces.

“Delegates should know that the President’s address is the course that we will take after this conference going forward. That is what I have come to tell you . . .” he said.

He paid tribute to party delegates for vibrant deliberations and exercising discipline during the indaba.

“We want to thank all delegates for the discipline that they displayed during their discussions and being attentive to the address by the leaders.”

Vice President Chiwenga also introduced Brian Mteki, who re-joined Zanu-PF last week after having challenged President Mnangagwa as one of the 23 presidential aspirants in the 2018 harmonised elections.

Mteki was warmly welcomed by the over 5000 delegates who attended the conference.

PRESIDENT Emmerson Mnangagwa has revealed that unnamed power hungry officials within the rank and file of the ruling party are out to destabilise his leadership.

Addressing the 112th ordinary session of the party’s central committee in Harare, Mnangagwa said party members should not allow themselves to be swayed from the ideals of the ruling party by power-hungry individuals.

“I exhort you to exercise uttermost vigilance in the face of the shenanigans of our perennial detractors. Let us not allow ourselves to be enticed away from the ideals of our great party by self-seeking individuals with brute political ambition,” he said.

There has been jittery moments in Zanu PF over the resurgence of G40, a faction which almost grabbed power with the help of former late President Robert Mugabe before he was ousted in a November 2017 coup.

Mnangagwa recently tasked the Zanu PF youth league to be on the lookout for remnants of the G40 bent on destabilising his leadership of the party and government.

Reports that self-exiled former G40 frontman Saviour Kasukuwere, was heading back home to contest for presidency, has unsettled bigwigs in Zanu PF at a time there wassimmering discontent and division as a result of the economic meltdown.

But Mnangagwa said he was taking Zimbabwe in the right direction which will eventually pay off for the millions struggling to put food on the table.

“The course we have taken as a party and government to resuscitate and reform our economy is the correct one. Never be swayed from it,” Mnangagwa said.

Zimbabwe is facing a deteriorating socio-political and economic environment with inflation reaching hyperinflation levels. Mnangagwa blames all the economic ills on Mugabe’s mistakes which he claims he is now correcting.

“We must strengthen our resolve to correct the past wrong decisions we made with regards to our economy. Populist policies and initiatives for short-term benefits have dire long-term implications,” Mnangagwa said.

Preaching austerity since coming into power, Mnangagwa announced the era of tightening belts had come to an end because his government had achieved economic fundamentals to drive growth and development.

Zanu PF buoyed by victories in by elections and huge crowds at its rallies, declared that it was growing stronger.
“We meet against the backdrop of a very eventful year which saw the Party reassert its dominance on the political landscape. Our victories in recent parliamentary and council by- elections are reflective that we remain the people’s party and party of choice,” said Mnangagwa.

Mnangagwa will lead the party through its 18th people’s congress in Goromonzi today and tommorrow.

-Newsday

The introduction of a local currency marked a turning point in Zimbabwe’s monetary regime and the country will not revert to the basket of multi-currencies, the President has said.

The mono-currency system will see those dealing in forex illegally and manipulating the money market being dealt with in terms of the law.

Zimbabwe adopted the use of multiple currencies in 2008 to contain runaway inflation.

However, the arrangement was not economically sustainable.

After stabilising the budget deficit through austerity measures adopted last year, the Government subsequently introduced a local currency to guarantee economic development.

Further, President Mnangagwa said there was no going back on economic reforms taken by the Government.

Officially opening the 18th Zanu-PF Annual National People’s Conference at Goromonzi High School in Mashonaland East Province yesterday, President Mnangagwa said no country could develop without its own currency.

“The austerity measures that we introduced in the course of the year were meant to bring back the economy on its rails,” said President Mnangagwa.

“No progressive nation can develop without its own currency.

The introduction of our own currency will undoubtedly enhance our economic stability, growth and competitiveness.

“However, we have some amongst our people who fight this decision.

Every single country, every single economy has its own currency. We are not an exception.

“Those who continue to deal in the money market, I say to you all, the long hand of the law will catch up with you. We will not revert back to a basket of currencies.”

Added President Mnangagwa: “Measures have been put in place to ensure adequate cash supply to our populace.

“The law enforcement agents will move in to deal with those who are hoarding cash and causing artificial shortages of cash.

“The illegal trading in foreign currency must be stopped in line with our laws.

It is incumbent upon all citizens of our great country and party members in particular, to protect and defend our currency as a symbol of national sovereignty and pride.”

Measures to arrest high prices and the establishment of social safety nets that Government was putting in place, the President said, were meant to cushion the citizens.

He said Government was concerned with the prevailing high prices charged by some retailers of basic commodities.

“As Government, we will continue to put social safety nets to cushion the vulnerable members of our society such as subsidised mealie-meal, Zupco buses for transport and the removal of duty on selected food commodities,” said President Mnangagwa.

“Retailers should not sell subsidised basic commodities in bulk to ensure equitable access to the products by vulnerable communities.”State media

Watch the video below. ..