ED Threatens Govt Officials

Emmerson Mnangagwa at ZANU PF Conference

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

“Electorate Demoralised”: Mliswa

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.

Mphoko Is Out To Tarnish My Image: Welshman Ncube

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.

MDC Vice President Welshman Ncube

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

ZIMRA Employee Nabbed Over US$400k Fraud

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

Welshman Ncube Fires Back At Mphoko

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.

MDC Vice President Welshman Ncube

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

Zanu PF In Bold Declaration On Elections

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.

Zanu PF commissar Victor Matemadanda

“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

Caps, FC Platinum Officials In Verbal War

The title-deciding match between CAPS United and FC Platinum turned violent during the half-time with the presidents of both sides engaging in a verbal clash at the stands.

The incident happened after Nsiala Mawete Guyve got a red card for shoving a CAPS official just as the players were about to leave the pitch for the break.

The hosts’ players had converged at the centre for a pep talk after the half-time whistle, but Guyve went there to disturb. This ensured a clash with the forward receiving a red card while the Green Machine’s goalkeeper coach Witness Mukhuli also getting his marching orders.

The chaos didn’t end there as the FC Platinum chairman Evans Mthombeni and CAPS United president Farai Jere exchanged harsh words at the stands.

The reason for the clash was not clear but it’s likely because of some black magic issues.

The match ended 1-0 in favour of FC Platinum courtesy of Perfect Chikwende’s 60th minute effort.

The result gave the Platinum Boys their third successive league triumph.Soccer24

Persecution Of Chief Ndiweni Unacceptable -Chamisa

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.”

Chamisa Accuses Mnangagwa Of Using Outdated Political Tactics To Silence Perceived Rivals

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.”

Mnangagwa Vows To Deal With Illegal Forex Dealers

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.

Drama As Small House Bashes Harare City Councillor

NATIONAL, BUSINESS, BREAKING

A former Harare City Councillor was recently humiliated in Kuwadzana by his supposed small house over money related issues.

The elderly man identified as Samuel Chinyowa was given a thorough hiding by the woman only identified as Mai Nyasha.

It is alleged that Mai Nyasha is employed by Harare City Council in the police department but attached at Kuwadzana Poly Clinic.

Chinyowa, who was a councillor for Kambuzuma in 2015, was thoroughly beaten by the woman who was using his belt as a sjambok.

The incident, which was caught on camera, attracted a lot of people who live close to the couple’s place of residence.

In the video the two were filmed wrestling each other for the belt with which the woman was using to assault Chinyowa.

A close neighbour who preferred anonymity said the whole mater started when the elder citizen refused to give the wife extra money to take one of the kids who had broken her hand to go to hospital.

“Mai Nyasha was given money to take one of the children who was injured to hospital. She was given US$100 but I think to her it was not enough.

“This did not go well with the husband who decided to leave but was manhandled by his wife leading to a fist fight,” she said.

She as added:
“I don’t know why it led to this because the two used to be an adorable couple. The husband used to come twice a day, everyday.
“Vaidana vanhu ivava”.

Another witness close to the two said it all started when Mai Nyasha discovered a text from another woman in Chinyowa’s phone.

Chinyowa was left in underpants when his pair of trousers were torn during the fight.

“We were so embarrassed to see murume mukuru akururwa hembe, trousers rakabvarurwa kusara munhu akapfeka boxer.

“People had to run around to give him something to wrap around,” another witness said.

People had to intervene to stop the two from fighting.
Mai Nyasha was contacted for comment but professed ignorance.

“I don’t know what you talking about; it’s not me,” she said before hanging up her phone.

Efforts to get a comment from Chinyowa were fruitless as his phone went unanswered.
— HMetro

NATIONAL, BUSINESS, BREAKING

Chiwenga Accuses Wife Marry Of Fronting G40 Deals

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.”

Mnangagwa Threatens To Kill More People In January 2020| NEWS REVIEW

“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

President Mnangagwa greets delegates on arrival at the ZANU-PF People’s Conference in Goromonzi yesterday. – Picture: Innocent Makawa

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 40th 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 18th 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!

OPINION: ‘ZACC Has Proven Why Its A Useless Commission’

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.

Mnangagwa Threatens To Repeat Jan Military Crackdown | NEWS REVIEW

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

VIDEO LOADING BELOW

President Mnangagwa greets delegates on arrival at the ZANU-PF People’s Conference in Goromonzi yesterday. – Picture: Innocent Makawa

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 40th 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 18th 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!

MDC NAMIBIA CONDEMNS THE PERSECUTION OF CHIEF NDIWENI BY THE CLUELESS REGIME

Chief-Ndiweni

MDC Namibia condemns the harassment, persecution and selective application of the law to our objective Chief who stands firm in criticising stomach politics practised by the clueless Zanupf Satanists. It is clear that the abuse and heckling of Chief Ndiweni must be an injury and attack on Social democracy which provides the tenets of freedom of expression, equality and diversity.

The mistreatment of our traditional Chief is an insult on the African culture in the Motherland. We all need to stand United in solidarity with the objective traditional leader who has been recently stripped off his inherited Chieftainship by the Satanic regime. Zanupf must stop manipulating and politicising traditional leaders. It is not a crime to offer constructive criticism to gross misgovernance and thugocracy punctuated by senseless and barefaced corruption.

This is a testimony of the captured judiciary system which has been reduced to a Zanupf functionary whereby critics of the ruling government are labelled terrorists. The judiciary has dismally failed to defend and protect the dignity of our culture , tradition , heritage, freedom and the constitution of Zimbabwe. They have completely reduced our beloved country into a Zanupf village.

In conclusion, Mdc Namibia resolved that this repressive system and those presiding over the rotten system must be forced to go immediately through all democratic avenues at our disposal until the Chief is reinstated.

Robson Ruhanya
Mdc Namibia Spokesperson

Zimbabwe Community In S.A. Calls For Border Officials To Clear Travellers At The Borders Quickly

Ngqabutho Mabhena

Media Statement|The Zimbabwe Community SA would like to wish the community a happy holiday season and a joyous New Year.

We however take note of the numerous road incidences which have taken lives and gave injury to fellow compatriots. We call upon all transport operators to have the best interests of our people at heart and refrain from hazardous conduct on our roads. Transport company owners must not chase profit but give their staff rest so that road incidences as a result of exhaustion are reduced.

We take note of, and pass our sincere and warmest thoughts to victims of the bus that caught fire in Fourways, as well as Toyota quantum that crashed in Musina while ferrying children of whom some lost lives. We ask that parents desist from “posting” their children via “omalayitsha” but rather accompany them.

Please DO NOT DRINK and DRIVE or WhatsApp. Take adequate rest between trips to arrive safely.

We would also call upon the authorities, particularly at ports of entry to be more efficient and fast in processing travellers past the ports of entry to afford them more time with their families. Let our community not be subjected to unnecessary long queues and frustration while processing past points of entry.

The end of the year is a time of year for remembrance. We take stock of where we came from, and have a moment to think about where we are going, as we pursue the future with hope. May your new year be all that you hope for, and may it be sprinkled with love and friendship. Happy Holidays!

Statement by:
Zimbabwe Community South Africa
Chairman – Ngqabutho Nicholas Mabhena

Contact:
Spokesperson – Bongani Mazwi Mkwananzi
The Zimbabwe Community in SA
+27 73 984 0241

Mnangagwa Mocks Jonathan Moyo, “Zimdef No Longer Buys Bicycles.”

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.

Ministries That Fail To Account For Funds To Get Slashed Allocation

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

Mthwakazi Wars Review

By Mangosuthu Mbele| I just bought my copy of Mthwakazi Wars Review by Khulu Cont. It took me 1hour 20minutes to go through the 80 paged 3usd book and below is my review.

1. For starters the book is a good initiative and such efforts must be commended and supported.

But I have the following reservations about the book.

1. To begin with, the book cover and appearance doesn’t show any seriousness at all. It has maps which have keys about Red or green colours yet the book is just a black and white print. Page 49

2. The content of the book lacks depth expected from such a great historian. This kills the spirit of parting with money to support our local artist next time.

3. The book has a lot of misleading and historically misplaced opinions which may even distort our true history. In short, it reads like wedge meant to separate Shonas and Ndebeles.

4. Khulu cont on page 43 insinuates that ZAPU was a Ndebele Party. This is misleading. ZAPU was/is a national party even in it’s national executive structure. Such efforts to regionalise ZAPU are ZANUPF tactics meant to trivialise ZAPU contribution to the independence of Zimbabwe ,and Khulu Cont is helping ZANUPF to that regard.

4. Page 57 suggests that Nehanda led the Shona struggle and was sold out by her chiefs as the whites couldn’t have identified her. That is not true. Nehanda was a great rain maker, she later killed her friend, a white man(though she denied till her death) in anger for some reason not linked to war. She started running away, finally handing her self after a year. Which explains her anger and refusal to succumb to Christianity because she mantained her innocence. She had white friends as much as Lobhengula had white friends.

5. Your book Khulu Cont actually puts a divide between Zimbabwean tribes by suggesting that ZANU was a Shona party. This is not true. ZANU had a national appeal as much as zapu had a national appeal.pg 58.

6. Like or not, there is no way one can talk of our history pre or post independence without mentioning the contribution by one RG Muage. Pg 28 makes such a mistake. Mugabe and Nkomo led parties that fought for independence of Zimbabwe. That can not be wished away.

For a 3usd investment, the book is not worth it. It sounds more like unverifiable hearsay than a book meant to enrich our culture and promote oneness of Mthwakazi. Hopefully next time you will do better.

M. Mbele
[email protected]

ZANU PF Not Going Back On Its Stone Age Bakeries

Sithembiso Nyoni

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.

Nakamba And His Villa Turning Into Whipping Boys Of The Premiership

John Fleck scored twice in the second half as Villa crumbled to their third straight Premier League defeat at Sheffield United.

Aston Villa manager Dean Smith

The former Coventry midfielder broke the deadlock five minutes after the break when he fired home from John Lundstram’s cross.

And he then doubled the advantage after capitalising on fine work from David McGoldrick.

Jack Grealish then missed a penalty to cap another difficult afternoon for Dean Smith’s team.

Analysis

The spot-kick was awarded by VAR after Matt Targett’s cross was blocked by defender John Egan.

But Grealish was unable to take advantage as he sent the spot-kick crashing against the bar.

It was a moment which summed up another hugely frustrating Villa display, as they slipped to a sixth defeat in eight Premier League matches.

Smith’s men could now end the weekend in the relegation zone, should Southampton avoid defeat against West Ham in the late Saturday evening kick-off.

Villa’s first half performance at Bramall Lane had actually been somewhat encouraging, as they displayed a discipline lacking in recent weeks to frustrate the hosts.

But they were unable to find any answers in the second period when the Blades upped their game.

Chris Wilder’s team, who were also promoted from the Championship last season, are an outfit buzzing with confidence.

Villa, right now, appear to have very little. They must find some – and quick – ahead of a vital Christmas period which starts with next Saturday’s visit of the Saints.

Villa’s team selection was arguably the most eye-opening of the season.

There were four changes in total, including three in the back four where Kortney Hause was handed a Premier League debut in place of the injured Tyrone Mings.

Hause, who had only once featured on the bench in the league thus far, was partnered at centre-back by Bjorn Engels, while Frederic Guilbert also returned at right-back. Ezri Konsa and Ahmed Elmohamady both dropped to the bench.

Yet by far the most surprising change came in midfield, where Smith opted to hand Henri Lansbury a first ever Premier League start, in place of Douglas Luiz.

The opening half was comfortably the least eventful involving Villa this season, though it is questionable whether Smith will have minded too much as his team remained disciplined and comfortably contained the hosts.

An Enda Stevens volley, which sailed comfortably over the bar, was the only shot mustered by either team.

Otherwise, the only incidents of note were two bookings, both of which went to the hosts. Norwood was the first man to see yellow after bringing down John McGinn, with Fleck following him into the book when he caught Frederic Guilbert late.

The second half began in similarly steady vain until a piece of inspiration from Norwood helped the Blades break through.

His backheel created space for Lundstram to cross and Fleck finished smartly beyond Heaton, after the delivery had taken the slightest flick off Hause.

Villa had no option but to show more adventure and Wesley had their first effort of the match when he fired high into the side netting from a tight angle.

The visitors would go even closer when Grealish headed narrowly wide at the far post from an Anwar El Ghazi cross.

But the hosts were also threatening a second and almost found it when Oli McBurnie, on as a substitute, crossed for Fleck with only the intervention of Guilbert denying the midfielder a tap in.

With 17 minutes remaining, Fleck did double the lead, as he again made the most of a piece of inspiration from a team-mate.

This time it was David McGoldrick, who flicked the ball up and over the Villa defence for Fleck to run through and fire past Heaton.

A miserable afternoon for the visitors then got even worse when Grealish missed a golden chance to get them back into the game.

For once VAR worked in Villa’s favour as Egan’s handball, missed by referee Peter Bankes, was spotted by the video official and a penalty rightly awarded.

But Grealish sent the spot-kick cannoning off the underside of the bar and in that instant any hope Villa had of salvaging something from the match seemed to disappear.

Key Moments

50 – GOAL Sheffield United break the deadlock with a fine move. Oli Norwood’s backheel creates space for John Lundstram and his cross, which takes a flick off Kortney Hause, is put home by John Fleck.

73 – GOAL Fleck doubles the home side’s lead, racing on to David McGoldrick’s flick before firing beyond Heaton.

78 – MISSED PENALTY Jack Grealish misses the chance to get Villa back into it as he sends a penalty crashing against the bar.

Teams

Sheff U (3-5-2): Henderson, Basham, Egan, O’Connell, Baldock, Lundstram, Norwood (Besic 86), Fleck, Stevens, McGoldrick (Osborn 90), Mousset (McBurnie 61) Subs not used: Freeman, Sharp, Jagielka, Moore (gk).

Villa (4-3-3): Heaton, Guilbert, Engels, Hause, Targett, McGinn, Nakamba, Lansbury (Luiz 66), El Ghazi (Trezeguet 80), Wesley (Kodjia 69), Grealish Subs not used: Elmohamady, Konsa, Taylor, Nyland (gk).

Full Text Of Mnangagwa’s Closing Address Of The ZANU PF Conference

President Mnangagwa greets delegates on arrival at the ZANU-PF People’s Conference in Goromonzi yesterday. – Picture: Innocent Makawa

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 40th 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 18th 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!

EFF Fired Cadres Who Failed To Pay Tithe To Julius Malema

EFF leadership, from left, national chairperson Dali Mpofu, treasurer-general Leigh-Ann Mathys, president Julius Malema, deputy president Floyd Shivambu, secretary-general Godrich Gardee and deputy secretary-general Hlengiwe Mkhaliphi sing during party's national assembly on Saturday. Many of the top 6 didn't return to their posts.
EFF leadership, from left, national chairperson Dali Mpofu, treasurer-general Leigh-Ann Mathys, president Julius Malema, deputy president Floyd Shivambu, secretary-general Godrich Gardee and deputy secretary-general Hlengiwe Mkhaliphi sing during party’s national assembly on Saturday. Many of the top 6 didn’t return to their posts.


Image: ANTONIO MUCHAVE/SOWETAN

Fraud, defaulting on tithes and a failure to garner more than 100 votes are some of the key reasons the EFF had to fire some of its “fighters”.

This is contained in the party’s organisational report, delivered by secretary-general Gordrich Gardee during the EFF national elective conference, dubbed the National People’s Assembly (NPA), on Saturday night.

The cases were mainly against the party’s public representatives from three provinces. They have appeal to the NPA to have their expulsions and suspensions overturned.

In one case, Amanda Kupa, from the Eastern Cape, wanted to be reinstated after she was sacked by the party for refusing to resign after she got less than 100 votes in an election.

Another case is that of Sandile Shange, who continued to receive a salary as an employee of the department of health in KwaZulu-Natal despite being an elected a councillor.

“Mr Shange is a full-time employee of the department of health who contravened the Public Representative Code of Conduct in that he received two remunerations without prior authorisation by the MEC of health in terms of the Public Service Act, or by the organisation,” reads the report.

Another KZN councillor, Khulezwa Hlabisa, committed a similar offence. Hlabisa continued to receive a salary as a teacher after becoming a councillor.

Cosmos Mabona from the Western Cape was sacked after failing to pay party levies 14 times.

Another EFF councillor from the eThekwini municipality, Lungile Mnguni, was kicked out of the party after being found guilty for accessing and misappropriating constituency funds.

“She never attended her disciplinary hearing and was accordingly found guilty in absentia, and a sanction of expulsion was imposed,” reads the report.

Addressing the media on Saturday night, Gardee said all the cases will be reviewed by a special committee to be set up by the NPA.

He said the committee’s decision would then be heard by an NPA plenary, after which it will take a decision on whether to rescind or uphold the expulsions.

“We have tabled the appeals before plenary and they will be referred to a special committee … and the committee will advise as to what outcome should be communicated to the appellants. Once that is done it will be communicated to the whole world,” said Gardee.

Times Live

Former President Sentenced To Two Years At Reform Facility For Corruption

A Sudanese court convicted former president Omar al-Bashir on corruption charges and sentenced him to two years of detention in a reform facility. File picture

Khartoum – A Sudanese court on Saturday convicted former president Omar al-Bashir on corruption charges and sentenced him to two years of detention in a reform facility, the first ruling against the ex-leader ousted by mass unrest.

The presiding judge said Bashir, 75, who was deposed by the military in April following months of street protests against his three-decade rule, was being sent to the reform facility, rather than a prison, on account of his age.

He also ordered the confiscation of millions of euros and Sudanese pounds found in Bashir’s residence when he was toppled.

Bashir’s prosecution is a test of how fast and how far military and civilian authorities now sharing power in Sudan will act to overturn his legacy.

Ahead of Saturday’s verdict, hundreds of supporters of the Islamist ex-president gathered in streets near the presidential palace in the capital Khartoum.

Troops and military vehicles were deployed in the area, blocking access to the palace and the Defence Ministry, and there was a heavy security presence at the court.

Bashir is also wanted by the International Criminal Court, which issued arrest warrants against him in 2009 and 2010 on charges of genocide, war crimes and crimes against humanity in Sudan’s restive Darfur region.

Dressed in traditional white robes and a turban, Bashir watched silently from inside a metal defendant’s cage while the judge, Al-Sadiq Abdelrahman, read out the verdict on Saturday.

“The convict, Omar al-Bashir, is consigned to a social reform facility for a period of two years. The sums of foreign and national currency that were seized are confiscated,” Abdelrahman said.

Ahmed Ibrahim al-Tahir, Bashir’s lead defence lawyer, said he would appeal. “The judge made the ruling based on political motives, but despite that we still have confidence in the Sudanese judiciary,” Tahir told reporters.

Several other judicial cases have been launched in Sudan against Bashir. In May he was charged with incitement and involvement in the killing of protesters, and this week he was summoned for questioning over his role in the 1989 military coup that brought him to power.

Authorities running Sudan under a three-year, power-sharing deal struck in August are eager to demonstrate progress in the country’s political transition ahead of the first anniversary of the start of the uprising against Bashir.

On Thursday, the Sudanese military officer in charge of removing the powers of the old regime announced that Sudan’s bar association and trade union governing bodies were being dissolved, according to state news agency SUNA.

He also announced that a committee was being formed to dissolve the assets of Bashir’s National Congress Party.

Protests triggered by a deepening economic crisis began to spread across Sudan on December 19, 2018.

Nearly four months later, a group of military generals removed Bashir from power and jailed him in Khartoum’s Kobar prison where he had incarcerated thousands of opponents of his repressive rule. 

SUNA

Labour Party Leader Announces Resignation Plans After Losing British Elections

UK General Elections Results 2019: Jeremy Corbyn Announces Resignation As Labour Party Leader Following Defeat to Boris Johnson’s Conservatives
File image of Jeremy Corbyn

After a crushing defeat in the UK General Elections 2019, socialist Jeremy Corbyn has announced his plans to step down as leader of the Labour Party. Addressing people after his re-election as an MP for Islington North, Corbyn said that he would remain in position while the party “reflected” on the result but will not lead the party in next general elections.

“I will not lead the party in any future general election campaign. I will discuss with our party to ensure there is a process now of reflection on this result and on the policies that the party will take going forward. I will lead the party during that period to ensure that the discussion takes place as we move on into the future,” Corbyn said. Exit Poll Predicts PM Boris Johnson’s Victory, Pound Hits Fresh High on Election Outcome.

According to reports, Keir Starmer, Rebecca Long-Bailey, Angela Rayner are considered as favourites for the leader of the Labour Party after Corbyn’s exit. Starmer is currently Shadow Secretary of State for Exiting the European Union (EU).

Meanwhile, Boris Johnson-led Conservative Party is on course of landslide victory after the exit polls forecast Tories to win a whopping 368 seats out of 650 seats.

“Zanu Pf Is Alive, Solid And United”: Mnangagwa

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 40th 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 18th 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!

Mnangagwa Grants Russian Company 70% Of Zim Diamonds.

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

Full Outline Of Marry Chiwenga Arrest

Marry Chiwenga

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.

Students From 87 Rural Schools Fail Their Grade 7 Exams

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

Chamisa Remembers Vimbai Tsvangirai – Pictures

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

Food Distribution In Limbo As Fuel Crisis Worsens

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

Shameless Bulawayo Man Arresting For Raping His Two Daughters Since 2013

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

Presidential Scholarship Student Electrocuted After Illegal Connection Went Wrong

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

ED Feels Unsafe Around His Close Associates

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

Warriors Star Leaves Wales To Play In Moldova

Zimbabwe’s Mudimu leaves Wales to join East European club

Warriors man Alec Mudimu has jetted out of Wales to play his football in Moldova.

The news was excitedly announced by the Moldovan side – FC Sheriff – on their social media in the early hours of this morning. The 24-year-old midfielder leaves behind Welsh Premier League side Cefn Druids.

”The management of FC Sheriff and the Welsh club Kevn Druids agreed on the transfer of Zimbabwean midfielder Alec Takund Mudimu,” wrote the club.

Additionally, it was also confirmed that the deal is an early January transfer deal which will see the Zimbabwean will meet his teammates on the 20th of next month.

“The footballer will become part of the large family of FC Sheriff on January 20 next year.”

“Zimbabwe national team player Alec Mudimu was born in the Zimbabwean capital Harare on April 8, 1995. He spent his entire adult life in the UK, and received his football education at Sheffield Wednesday. Mudimu’s last club was the Welsh Cefn Druids, for which he played 48 matches and scored two goals,” added the club’s statement.

Mudimu’s new club currently lead the Moldovan league with 17 points and are 17-time champions. Three other Africans at the club include Senegal central defender Ousmane N’Diaye, Burkinabe right-back Wilfried Balima and Cameroon striker Robert Tambe.

Yadah Miraculously Survives Relegation

Chapungu, TelOne relegated
Chapungu

Chapungu and TelOne will join Hwange and Mushowani Stars to Division One after they got relegated on the final day of the 2019 Castle Lager Premier Soccer League season.

The Wifi Boys who got promoted into the top-flight last year finished the season in the 15th place after losing 4-1 to Chicken Inn.

Waru Waru, also from the Midlands, drew 2-2 with Highlanders and the result wasn’t enough for them to survive the chop.

This leaves Bulawayo Chiefs, Yadah, Harare City and Herentals who were all facing the relegation ahead of the final round safe.

LATEST: Marry Chiwenga Arrested For Exposing Chiwenga’s Insufficiency In The Bedroom

Marry Chiwenga

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.

“Mphoko Driven By Malice, Confusion And Desperation,” Welshman Ncube

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

Citizens Mobilise To Buy Ndiweni A New Car| Full Text

CHIEFFelix Nhlanhlayamangwe Ndiweni of Ntabazinduna

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.

Heavy And Potentially Distractive Rains To Hit SADC Region This Week.

SADC-CSC report|Zimbabwe and other parts of Southern Africa were expected to experience heavy and above normal rains from mid-this week to Tuesday next week, meteorological reports indicate.

The Southern African Development Community (SADC) Climate Services Centre (SADC-CSC) in Gaborone, Botswana warned of possible floods in some areas within the SADC region.

The centre said countries to be affected by heavy downpours included northern and southern Tanzania, most of eastern DRC, Angola, Zambia and Mozambique.

It also predicted a high probability of most of Madagascar and Seychelles receiving above 50mm of rainfall during the December 11 to 17 forecast period.

“National meteorological and hydrological services are urged to closely monitor these events and update relevant institutions such as Disaster Risk Management Agencies at SADC member states level to support preparedness and actions taken to protect lives and property,” the SADC-CSC report said.

Heavy rains caused the deaths of 44 people in Tanzania in late September, with another 1,100 people displaced as houses, roads, bridges and crop farms were destroyed.

The Tanzania Meteorological Authority (TMA) warned in its latest Climate Outlook Report that heavy rains were expected to hit at least 14 key administrative regions of the country as the Christmas and New Year season approached, with key economic areas such as mining, wildlife, agriculture and overland transport expected to be affected.

Four Artisanal Miners Trapped In An Esigodini Mine

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

Ndiweni Family Under Lock And Key

Felix Ndiweni

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.

Zanu PF Resolves That Only “Green Bombers”Are To Be Employed By Govt

ZANU PF National Youth League has adopted a resolution that all youths intending to work for the government must first attend a mandatory paramilitary National Youth Service Training.

The resolution was announced by ZANU PF Secretary for Youth Affairs in the Politburo Pupirai Togarepi when he was giving a report to the ZANU PF Peoples Conference on Saturday.

The National Youth Service which was introduced in the year 2000 by the late Minister of Youth Border Gezi received widepread condemned in the West and in Africa for gross human rights violations on behalf of the ZANUPF party.

The graduates of the service were known pejoratively as Green Bombers after the fatigue uniforms they wore.

In August this year, Primary and Secondary Education Minister Professor Paul Mavima7 said. Prof Mavima said Government will reintroduce the National Youth Service which has since been rebranded to Life skills Orientation Programme, Primary and Secondary Education Minister Professor Paul Mavima has said.

Prof Mavima, who was speaking during a guidance and counselling workshop in Kwekwe  said the programme was rebranded to also instil cultural values, norms and discipline to the youths.

“We have to inculcate the philosophy of ubuntu/hunhu in our education system. This is why we are seriously considering coming up with a robust system of discipline now that we know we cannot use corporal punishment within schools.

“We are having Life skills Orientation Programme which is a rebranded National Youth Service,” he said.

Pure Platinum Play, FC Platinum Clinch Third Championship

Champions

CAPS United……………………………….0

FC Platinum………………………………..1

YOU have to give it to them.

From the onset they looked like they wanted it more and in the end it was 10-man FC Platinum who etched their name in Zimbabwean football’s folklore at the National Sports Stadium yesterday.

It had to be the unheralded Perfect Chikwende who delivered the perfect hat-trick of league titles for the Zvishavane side who now comfortably sit on the same table with Dynamos and Highlanders as the only teams to have achieved such a feat.

The pint-sized forward grabbed the decisive goal on the hour with a first time shot that confused CAPS United goalkeeper Tonderai Mateyaunga and silenced the vociferous Makepekepe fans housed in the famous Bay 14.

A journey that was started by Norman Mapeza was completed by his erstwhile assistant Lizwe Sweswe and the former must be smiling from his new base at Chippa United in South Africa.

Many doubted Sweswe’s capacity, given the big shoes he was filling, but yesterday the former Tsholotsho gaffer delivered the sucker-punch that left the green half of the capital city greening with envy.

“Yes people will doubt me and say whatever they want to say, but I have been in this industry for a long time. It’s not my first time to be in this kind of scenario (pressure),” an elated Sweswe told the media soon after the final whistle.

Doubters or no doubters, Sweswe guided FC Platinum to the 2019 Castle Lager Premier Soccer League championship podium and he showed some tactical nous as he outwitted his opposite number Darlington Dodo.

Dodo was tipped by many to carry the day for Makepekepe.

History and statistics favoured CAPS United.

Makepekepe had never lost to Pure Platinum Play in Harare since 2011 when the Zvishavane side made their debut top-flight season.

In fact, CAPS United had lost once to their opponents in the 17 meetings since 2011 and all seemed to point to a Makepekepe party.

They walked into the National Sports Stadium as potential champions, but after the final whistle they walked away not even as silver medallists, but as the third best team following Chicken Inn’s emphatic 4-1 victory over TelOne at Barbourfields.

It would have been an embarrassing scoreline had FC Platinum not squandered numerous chances that came their way in the first half.

Rodwell Chinyengetere had a chance after only 50 seconds, but the former Soccer Star of the Year headed meekly after he was set up by DR Congo import Guyve Nsiala who turned villain when being red-carded at half time for assaulting referee Prince Matumo of Bulawayo.

Chikwende raced away from an otherwise disorganised CAPS defence in the 14th minute, but his shot went over.

Chinyengetere’s glancing header off a corner, was saved on the line by an alert Mateyaunga three minutes later.

CAPS’ real chance came after 36 minutes when Blessing Sarupinda squeezed a shot that was dealt with by an impressive Francis Tizayi.

In the end, it was FC Platinum who ruled and they did it in style.

As the Pure Platinum Play players danced to the 2010 World Cup song by Shakira — Waka Waka (This Time for Africa), local football historians were recording another statistic.

FC Platinum became the third club to win a hat-trick of league titles in the history of Zimbabwe’s top flight football.

Dynamos were the first, when they won four league titles from 1980 to 1983.

Highlanders then replicated the feat between 1999 and 2002 before Dynamos did it again under the record breaking Kalisto Pasuwa from 2011 to 2014.

“It was a tough match, we came here knowing it was going to be a match. But we knew we had the experience, we did not want a draw, and we wanted an outright win.

“We came here to attack, that was the key and it worked for us,” said the FC Platinum coach, Sweswe.

The moment those models hired by the Premier Soccer League started trickling down from the VVIP Stand, holding flowers, with five minutes to go and CAPS United trailing, it was clear the championship was heading to Zvishavane again.

When Makepekepe conceded a corner in the 94th minute, when they were supposed to be attacking, it was clear their coach Dodo had lost this battle.

Dodo tried to play his cards though.

Sensing that his side lacked the attacking guile, he threw in Dominic Chungwa for the defensive Dominic Mukandi and Ronald Chitiyo for Kelvin Ndebele in the last 30 minutes of the game.

He also sent on John Zhuwawu for skipper Hardlife Zvirekwi after 71 minutes, but still the Harare giants could not penetrate the Zvishavane miners.

In the end, it was so near, yet so far for CAPS United who finished the race with 58 points, four behind FC Platinum and one behind Chicken Inn.However, Dodo refused to bury his head into the sand.

“It’s heart breaking, after all the good effort that we put from the beginning of the season up to today and its very unfortunate that we have failed to achieve what we wanted to achieve on the last day,” said Dodo.

“The boys tried to give their best, we did not really rise to the expectations that we wanted. There were times when we were really vulnerable, and also when we got possession we quickly lost it again, it cost us a lot.

“But, I will encourage the boys, they had a very good season, it’s unfortunate, it’s one of those things. As much as we wanted to win the league, maybe God had other plans for us.

“These boys have given a lot for the team, they have given a lot for me as well. They have done their part, it’s unfortunate we lost but we didn’t want to,” said Dodo.

His employer Farai Jere seemed to throw his weight behind Dodo.

“It’s something which was expected that the league would go either way. FC Platinum are a competitive team, they have been playing in the Champions League, and you could see their experience.

“He did very well, if you look at where he (Dodo) took the team from. If he was not a competent coach, he could have crumbled long back.

“He did very well, he won very critical matches and he gave us the hope. He gave us all this excitement which we had today,” said Jere.

Perhaps the CAPS United family will look back at two games – the 2-2 draw against Yadah Stars in November and the 1-1 draw against Herentals in October as the moments when they lost it.

But, that is a story for another day.

For now, Fc Platinum midfielder Devon Chafa can enjoy his seventh league medal and he is the only one to have achieved that feat in the local Premiership.

“Firstly I want to thank God, but we do this as a team. We have been travelling for the past two years, we haven’t rested.

“I want to thank everyone, Dynamos for those titles and Caps for that one title,” said Chafa.

He won four with Dynamos, one with CAPS United and now two with FC Platinum.

FC Platinum skipper Gift Bello hinted at retirement in his moment of glory.

“I will see how it goes, maybe I will play another season and then see from there,” he said.

TEAMS

CAPS United: T. Mateyaunga, S. Masunda, J. Jangano, H. Zvirekwi (J. Zhuwawu 71st), D. Mukandi (D. Chungwa 62nd), J. Ngodzo, P. Bamusi, B. Sarupinda, K. Ndebele (R. Chitiyo 65th), N. Sianchali, V. Musarurwa

FC Platinum: F. Tizayi, R. Muduviwa, G. Bello, W. Stima, T. Chikore, K. Madzongwe, N. Tigere (H. Magaya 89th), R. Chinyengetere, G. Mbweti, G. Nsiala, P. Chikwende (R. Pavari 68th)

Julius Malema Retains EFF Leadership As Most Of His Top Leaders Fall

The EFF now has a 50-50 male-female split in its top ranks.

Own Correspondent|The top six officials of the Economic Freedom Fighters saw major change on Saturday night at Nasrec in Johannesburg with four new faces sweeping into what the party calls its Central Command team.

Leader Julius Malema was elected to another term as president, unopposed, with Floyd Shivambu still his deputy. He was challenged by former chairperson Advocate Dali Mpofu, who however did not reach the threshold of nominations to stand.

The new national chairperson is Veronica Mente, replacing Mpofu.

The new secretary-general is Marshall Dlamini, replacing Godrich Gardee. It was a position also contested by Mandisa Mashego, but Dlamini was understood to be Malema’s first choice.

His deputy is Poppy Mailola, replacing Octavia Mkhaliphi.

The new treasurer-general is Omphile Maotwe. Precedecesor Leigh-Anne Mathys declined to stand for re-election.

The party is holding its second National People’s Assembly. Its leadership structure is modelled on one similar to the ANC’s, and terms are also five years.

After its first elective conference in Bloemfontein the result was marred by some members decrying the results and quitting the party.

The party’s elective conference got off to a dramatic start from the first day of registration on Friday, as issues around media freedom arose after certain publications were not accredited to cover it.

There have also been reports of the exorbitant amounts that the party said it would be spending on the conference. Almost R32m has been spent on the conference, to give delegates from across the country VIP treatment, Mathys told journalists on Friday during the first media briefing.

Speaking on the costs, Malema said the R32m was not an exact amount: “It can be more, it can be less.”

He said guests in the Business Lounge had contributed money towards the conference, adding that the social evening, to be held on Sunday evening, was being funded by money raised from guests in the business lounge.

“Maybe there will be some change, and the new leadership will see what we do[with it],” he said.

The plenary is also expected to discuss and adopt the party’s constitution.

(Background reporting, News24 Wire)

Marry Chiwenga Fighting Forged Divorce One Side And Fighting Forged Marriage On The Other.

Marry Chiwenga

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.

UK: 2 Zimbabweans Jailed For Several Counts Of Fraud

Two Zimbabwean men from Nottingham have been jailed for fraud offences.

Ephraim Chivunga, 38, of Ransom Road, St Ann’s and Tonderai Murungu, 39, of Bathley Street, Meadows pleaded guilty to a number of counts of fraud and handling stolen goods.

Murungu received two years imprisonment and Chivunga was jailed for two years and nine months at Nottingham Crown Court yesterday (12 December 2019).

The first count of fraud related to an online application for a credit card obtained in the victim’s name. When the card was delivered it was stolen from a rural mailbox along with the PIN and used on multiple occasions at various locations, including withdrawals of cash from ATMs in Southwell, Lenton and Canning Circus.

Goods were also purchased from Stores within Victoria Shopping Centre, Nottingham and the card was used to pay for a stay at Bestwood Lodge Hotel. The men spent the entire credit limit of £4,000 in just a few days.

The pair stole a European Diesel Card from a second rural location which was used on numerous occasions to obtain fuel from filling stations across the County. Both men pleaded guilty to fraud and handling stolen goods in relation to these offences, which occurred between December 2017 and January 2018.

Prior to these offences, Chivunga was stopped and arrested in Warwickshire in October 2017 for driving offences, the vehicle he was using was subsequently found to contain hundreds of pounds worth of fake retail vouchers. He was subsequently charged with this offence and pleaded guilty to possessing articles to be used in fraud.

Officers gathered a large amount of CCTV footage, examined fingerprints and collected DNA samples to link the pair to the offences.

Chivunga was arrested in Nottingham on 9 January 2018 at a City Centre hotel, whilst Murungu was located and arrested on 28 February 2018 after a warrant was executed at his address in the Meadows, Nottingham.

Detective Constable Matt Butler said: “Both men showed complete disregard to the victims and we are delighted that both are now behind bars, they targeted mailboxes in rural locations to steal personal information and credit cards, using these as though they were their own.

“This was a lengthy and complex investigation. I’d like to thank and praise my fellow colleagues for their hard work to ensure this good result.

“I’d also like to thank the victims for their total co-operation throughout the investigation.” – British Police

Chiwenga Declares That Mnangagwa Has The Final Say And Everyone Must Listen To Him.

Vice President Constantino Chiwenga

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.

All Citizens Must Benefit From Our Resources -Mnangagwa

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.”

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.”

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.State media

Consumer Protection Bill Signed Into Law

State Media|Businesses that engage in multi-tier pricing, charge unfair prices or display unpriced goods are now liable to hefty fines after President Emmerson Mnangagwa signed the Consumer Protection Bill into law last week.

Consumers are also now entitled to be fully refunded for defective or sub-standard goods as espoused in the new law that replaced the Consumer Contracts Act.

Aggrieved consumers can now individually approach the courts for redress or refer their complaints to the Consumer Protection Commission, which will be born out of the new Act.

According to the new law — published in an Extraordinary Government Gazette dated December 10 2019 — unfair pricing practices will attract a Level 5 fine ($600) or imprisonment for a period not exceeding three months, or both.

“Whereupon more than one price is advertised or displayed concurrently, the lowest shall be considered as the price of the goods or service,” reads the Act.

Other offences that attract deterrent penalties include fraudulent offers, failure to label products properly and the disclosure of consumers’ personal information to third parties.

The new regulations, which have been described by market players as in line with international best practice, will be enforced by the Consumer Protection Commission through investigators and inspectors who will be deployed across the country.

The commission will be aided by consumer advocacy organisations such as the Consumer Council of Zimbabwe (CCZ) who, through a Statutory Instrument that will soon be crafted, will be designated to conduct conciliation and arbitration of disputes between parties.

A Consumer Protection Fund will be established concurrently with the commission to fund its operations.

Automatic Warranty

Under the new Act, consumers may automatically enjoy six months

implied warranty for certain goods or services they purchase, which means they can now return goods to the supplier and receive a full refund of the amount they paid if the goods fail to satisfy the purpose communicated to the supplier.

“In any transaction or agreement pertaining to the supply of goods or services to a consumer, there is an implied provision that the producer, importer, distributor or the retailer each warrant the goods or services comply with the requirements and standards,” reads part of the Act.

It adds: “Within six months after the delivery of any goods to a consumer, the consumer may return the goods to the supplier, without penalty and at the supplier’s risk and expense, if the goods fail to satisfy the requirements and standards.”

The law further provides that a supplier, at the direction of the consumer, shall repair or replace the failed, unsafe or defective goods or refund the consumer the amount paid for the goods.

“If a supplier repairs any particular goods or any component of any such goods, and within three months a further failure, defect or unsafe feature is discovered, the supplier at his or her expense shall replace the goods or refund the consumer the amount paid by the consumer for the goods.”

In addition, for repaired goods, a service provider warrants every new or reconditioned part installed during any repair or maintenance work, and the labour required to install it, for a period of six months after the date of installation or such period as the service provider may specify in writing.

CCZ executive director Ms Rosemary Siyachitema described the Act as a milestone in protecting the interests of the consumer.

“We have joined the league of nations that have laws which promote good consumer protection practices,” she said.

“The United Nations guidelines on consumer protection actually spell out that member states should enact laws that specifically protect consumers, so we welcome the Act.

“It has been a long time coming, but we are happy that we now have a law which empowers our operations because for a long time we have been labelled as toothless bulldogs.”

Standards Association of Zimbabwe executive director Dr Eve Gadzikwa said the Act will complement efforts to standardise goods and services.

“It is a big achievement as a nation because for a long time we did not have a legislative framework that protects consumers,” she said.

“This is going to complement our efforts of standardising goods and services because previously we had our expectations but we would not enforce them because there was no legal framework.”

Confederation of Zimbabwe Retailers president Mr Denford Mutashu said such kind of legislation “was long overdue”.

“The Act was long overdue, but with the intervention of His Excellency President Mnangagwa, he delivered it,” he said.

“Consumers now have a shelter that can protect them from all malpractices that are in the sector.

“They now have a channel to air their grievances, and the Act is going to reactivate consumerism in the country.”

Consumers felt disempowered as they were mainly at the receiving end of wanton price increases, among many malpractices, by retailers.

The Chartered Institute of Customer Management (CICM)’s latest edition of the National Customer Satisfaction Index shows that Zimbabwe had an overall customer satisfaction rating of 63,1 percent, down from 67,1 percent last year.

ED Says Some Power Hungry Officials Within The Party Are After Him

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

Mnangagwa: We Will Deliver Our Promises

Emmerson Mnangagwa at ZANU PF Conference

ZANU-PF will deliver on promises it made to the people, as the party’s just-ended indaba was not a talk show, Emmerson Mnangagwa said yesterday.

Addressing over 5 000 delegates at the 18th National People’s Conference at Goromonzi High School, Mashonaland East, Mnangagwa said the party was very much alive and united.

“We must each play our part in Zanu-PF. Tinoti iwe neni tine basa. “What message will you carry home? . . . Go back home and tell the people that: one, the party is alive, Zanu-PF imhenyu. Two, Zanu-PF is united, imhenyu, yakabatana.

“As we come to the end of this mega event, let these resolutions that we have made here embolden us and inspire action.

“These conferences are not talking shows. We must deliver on our promises. To this we must remain focused, united and guided by our party constitution.”

Added Mnangagwa: “We have reached the end of this conference. This conference is the biggest conference of any political party that may come into your mind, if there is any, please tell me.”

He reiterated that elements bent on destabilising the country through violence would not be tolerated.

“I exhort you to be vigilant in the coming year and going forward. Keep your eyes and ears open,” he said.

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

“Never again should we allow the loss of precious life of our countrymen and countrywomen in order to fulfil the agenda of a notorious few.”

The emphatic victories that the ruling party had scored throughout the years, Mnangagwa added, demonstrate the deep faith and trust people have in Zanu-PF.

He said the party leadership would not let the people down and would continue to develop people-oriented policies and programmes.

Mnangagwa chastised sections of the media for speaking ill about the country, Zanu-PF and its leadership.

“There are others who are not here who write from wherever they are after smoking dagga,” he said.

“Let them write and smoke as we do our work in peace, as we look for ways to ensure we develop this country.

“Doing so in peace to ensure that the war that we fought to free this country and the legacy that we gave to our people be guarded, and that there is no enemy to take that legacy away from you.

“No one will take the legacy of freeing the country from Zanu-PF.”

Mnangagwa appealed to the party members to be guided by national aspirations and ethos in all their deeds and operations.

Party members who were wavering in their loyalty to the party have to introspect and recommit themselves to the correct party line, he said. “Disloyalty and raw deeds of any kind must be corrected.

“The unity, rejuvenation and strengthening of party structures must continue to be our priority. We all must recruit more members.

“We must groom and nurture those who join us — allow them to be loyal, productive and patriotic members of our party.

“On behalf of the party and Central Committee allow me to once again commend you for your support, your dedication, your loyalty and commitment to the party and leadership.” -Sunday Mail

Mushurugwi Kills Own Lover, Hides Body In Kitchen Hut

State Media – a bizarre incident an artisanal miner from Shurugwi allegedly killed his girlfriend, wrapped the body in a white cloth and stashed it in a kitchen hut.

Acting Midlands provincial police spokesperson Assistant Inspector Ethel Mukwende confirmed the incident which occurred last week on Monday when an artisanal miner only identified as Sibanda killed his girlfriend Nhamo Marara (40) and went on to wrap her body with a white cloth.

“Police in Shurugwi are investigating a case of murder which occurred at Plot 11 Beacon Kopje, Shurugwi where a 40-year-old woman was found dead in her hut.

“It is alleged that prior to the incident, the man and his girlfriend Nhamo Marara, were last seen together on Friday going to Johanne Masowe Church,” she said.

Asst Insp Mukwende said the following day Sibanda was seen by the plot owner, Mr Kidwell Muchimwe carrying a bag and a sack, leaving the house.

“On December 7 around 7am Mr Kidwell Muchimwe who is the owner of the plot saw the suspected killer Sibanda carrying a Monarch bag and a sack with pots and dishes leaving the house.

“Muchimwe asked Sibanda about Nhamo’s whereabouts and he said she had gone to Nhema Base Mill to process her gold ore,” she said.

Asst Insp Mukwende said Marara’s body was discovered the following day by a neighbour, Tariro Mbenjani who had visited her intending to pay back her money.

“On 8 December, Mbenjani visited Marara intending to give her money which she owed her. Upon arrival she was greeted by an unpleasant smell coming from the hut and some flies on the door and she informed Mr Muchimwe.

“They went together to the hut and looked inside through a small window and saw the body wrapped in a white cloth. The matter was reported to the police who attended the scene.

“They found the body wrapped with a white cloth lying on the floor in a state of decomposition. The body was ferried to Shurugwi District Hospital mortuary for a post-mortem,” she said.

Asst Insp Mukwende appealed to members of the public who might have information leading to Sibanda’s arrest to report to any nearest police station. Sunday Mail

State Media Says Chief Ndiweni Was Dethroned Because He Has A German Wife | FULL TEXT

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.

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. -Sunday News

Govt Wants To Impose Heavy Fines For Piracy

NATIONAL, BUSINESS, BREAKING

The Government has proposed that fines in respect of copyright infringement should be charged per each CD or product pirated just as in stocktheft cases as a means to deter would-be offenders and to protect the works of artistes in the country.

Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Justice, Legal and Parliamentary Affairs Mrs Virginia Mabhiza said this following the Emmerson Mnangagwa’s interface with artistes from Bulawayo recently where they aired out their concerns including lack of seriousness by the authorities in dealing with the scourge of piracy.

Mrs Mabhiza said it was important to protect the works of local artistes who were eking out a living out of sales of their music and film. She said her ministry was aware of its role in protecting intellectual property rights.

“In the case of infringement of those rights our Act provides for several remedies, they provide for recourse in cases of infringement for example damages, where the infringed party can sue for damages, it also provides for an account of profits and also penalties that are found under this Act. Anyone found guilty of violating copyright laws will be liable to a fine not exceeding level 10 or imprisonment for a period not exceeding two years,” she said.

She went on.“This is very deterrent in our view and what we are supposed to do is enforcement. We need our courts to split the sentence, to say for example where someone is caught with pirated CDs in passing sentence it should be two years per CD. This is what we must do in keeping up with sentencing like the fines, the monetary aspects.”

Mrs Mabhiza implored other stakeholders such as the police to take up the challenge and support the initiative to curb the scourge of piracy that she said had impoverished artistes.

In order to keep up with the rising cost of services and inflation, Mrs Mabhiza said her ministry has been issuing statutory instruments from time to time to increase the fines to make them more meaningful.

The Government increased fines for criminal offences in October this year by up to 200 percent in a new scale of fines announced in terms of the Finance Act and the Criminal Law (Codification and Reform) Act.

The new fines were published in the Government Gazette under Statutory Instrument 209 of 2019 (Criminal Law Codification and Reform Act) (Standard Scale of Fines) Notice, 2019. A level 10 offence now carries a fine of $6 000. National Arts Council of Zimbabwe director Mr Nicholas Moyo said the artistes were worried about the interpretation of the law by the justice system.

“The issue is interpretation of the law, if a person is found with 100 pirated CDs from 10 artistes, they should be charged for those 10 counts because it is in respect of different artistes, each count being two years making it 20 years imprisonment. When it is like this it is very deterrent, unlike making it one count of piracy,” he said.

Mr Moyo said those who pirate CDs seldom sell music from one artiste so accordingly they have to be charged for all the artistes that they would have infringed upon.

He said once such things were enforced then artistes would have the monopoly of selling their products at the correct prices and realising profits as piracy would have been curbed. Furthermore, he said the Ministry of Justice should be oriented on Intellectual Property Rights so that they could then pass sentences accordingly.

Mr Moyo who is currently in Colombia said he was pleased to see how people operate in that country.

“I was on the streets yesterday and I was impressed to see that there were street vendors that sell original books, they get the books from the authorities and are able to sell them in an organised and legal manner. The books are not pirated and everyone benefits,” he said.

Relevant authorities in the country have been accused by artistes of ignoring piracy which has affected their careers as the fines are considered too measly and offenders get away with their crimes easily. This has led to a situation where artistes were putting up solo efforts in the fight against piracy with Chase Skuza having running battles with pirates in Bulawayo a few years ago.

The Zimbabwean Publishers Association has also not been spared as books are also being pirated at an alarming rate with schools having been caught on the wrong side of the law after being found with pirated books. Sunday News

ZANU PF Plots 5 million Voters By 2023

Zanu-PF is poised to garner the envisaged five million votes in the 2023 elections if party structures work together to achieve the goal, President Mnangagwa has said.

In his foreword to the Central Committee report tabled at the official opening of the 18th National People’s Conference here on Friday, President Mnangagwa said the party was determined to self-introspect, rejuvenate and modernise as it revitalises structures, strategies, policies, programmes and policies.

He said the party had already reintroduced District Coordinating Committees and established the War Veterans League as a fully fledged branch of Zanu-PF to ensure that the organisation is in touch with the people.

“This is necessary for a revolutionary mass party. Indeed, ‘the people are the sea and we are the fish swimming in the sea.’ Such an approach will see us dominating elections in perpetuity.

“The Commissariat Department, working in liaison with the Women’s League, the newly formed War Veterans’ League, the Youth League and the Herbert Chitepo School of Ideology, has the onerous responsibility of mass mobilisation towards economic development and in readiness for the 2023 elections. The party can certainly achieve the envisaged five million voters as targeted by our Commissariat Department,” said the President.

“To this end, we must put in place robust mobilisation programmes that are directed by scientific methods to guide the factual growth of our membership from cell to the national level. These mobilisation techniques must be pragmatic, realistic and responsive to the realities of today’s society. However, this membership projection can only be realised when unity, peace, love and tolerance are embraced by all cadres of the party. Vices such as factionalism, regionalism, tribalism, intolerance and corruption have no place in our party.”

President Mnangagwa said corruption remains one of the major challenges to Zimbabwe’s efforts towards accelerated economic recovery and as such, Zanu-PF has strengthened its institutions both at party and Government levels to fight the scourge.

He said transparency and accountability were key in the Second Republic, and the ruling party had set up a commission of inquiry constituted by distinguished personalities in the party to investigate cases of corruption.

The Zimbabwe Anti-Corruption Commission had been strengthened to deal with graft, he added.

“The scourge of corruption remains a monumental challenge in our society requiring the party to strengthen its watchdog role to enhance the efficient and effective use of the resources in our country.

“A commission of inquiry was appointed in the party, which is made up of eminent elders of high integrity who will handle all cases relating to the eradication of this vice.

“Meanwhile, the reconstituted Zimbabwe Anti-Corruption Commission is working diligently to ensure the filthy practice is eliminated.

“This demonstrates our party’s unequivocal commitment to cleaning society of this cancer. The Second Republic espouses constitutionalism, good governance, transparency, accountability, integrity, honesty and hard work. These virtues should be firmly embedded in all our people and shall be exhibited when we deal with the public affairs in both the party and Government.”

President Mnangagwa said the party was supreme to the Government and in line with that policy, all cadres deployed to Government would be held accountable.

Government and party officials, he added, should acquire relevant and modern skills that are needed to serve the people.

The Transitional Stabilisation Programme (TSP) had managed to refocus the country’s economy towards sustainable growth, he said.

“The necessary policies and institutional reforms to transform the country to a private sector-led economy have been introduced, with positive results now beginning to show. Government has also put in place comprehensive policy instruments which will accelerate the empowerment of women, youths, SMEs as well as ensure the development of vibrant rural industry systems. The innovation, incubation and commercialisation of locally developed products are being supported to stimulate our manufacturing sector.”

He said the Zanu-PF Government also took deliberate measures to incentivise all sectors of the economy to increase their productive capabilities.

President Mnangagwa said the conviction and determination to succeed and prosper should originate from within. Sunday News

Zim Dollar Will Enhance Economic Stability -Mnangagwa

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

Emmerson Mnangagwa

No Going Back On Mono- Currency, Declares Mnangagwa

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

“Your (UK PM) Focus Is Brexit, Mine Is Reforms” Said Mnangagwa – 1 Month, Brexit Done; Reforms, Never Ever, Ever

Boris Johnson and Mnangagwa’s Finance Portfolio Head (Politburo) Patrick. Chinamasa

By Wilbert Mukori| Mnangagwa’s continued democratic reformer pretensions are an insult to all Zimbabweans and will not fool UK Prime Minister Boris Johnson!

“Your re-election to this high office (Prime Minister) is testimony of the tremendous trust and confidence that the people of the United Kingdom have in you,” wrote Mnangagwa in his congratulatory letter.

Mnangagwa knows the result of the elections was the true reflection of the democratic wish of the people of the United Kingdom. Neither the defeated Labour party nor anyone else have cause to complain about the elections being anything else other than a free, fair and credible elections.

indepth...Wilbert Mukori
indepth…Wilbert Mukori

Everything in the election process, from the voter registration, the campaigning, voting and counting of the votes; every step was transparent, traceable and verifiability. The same could not be said of Zimbabwe’s last year elections.

Everyone, the Americans, the Commonwealth, the EU and even Zimbabwe’s own Human Rights Commission condemned Zimbabwe’s elections as a farce.

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

“Finally, the restrictions on political freedoms, the excessive use of force by security forces and abuses of human rights in the post-election period undermined the corresponding positive aspects during the pre-election campaign. As such, many aspects of the 2018 elections in Zimbabwe failed to meet international standards.”

3 million Zimbabweans in the diaspora were denied the vote; a very significant number considering Mnangagwa was elected by 2.4 million.

ZEC failed to produce something as basic to democratic elections as a verified voters’ roll! Of course, this was a deliberate and calculated move, Zanu PF did not want a transparent, traceable and verifiable electoral process.

“It is understandable, Right Honourable Prime Minister, that you resume your occupancy of this office as you primarily focus on completing the Brexit process that you commenced earlier on,” continued Mnangagwa.

“Zimbabwe continues to implement Political, Economic, Legislative and Electoral Reforms designed to open up political space, improve the ease of doing business and facilitate the return of Zimbabwe to the family of the progressive Global Community. It is our fervent hope therefore that these Reforms will also enable your new Government to support Zimbabwe’s return to the Commonwealth Organisation.”

Mr Mnangagwa you promised to implement the democratic reforms “to open up political space, improve the ease of doing business, etc.” soon after the November 2017 military coup, two years ago now. You have not implemented even one token reform. Not one!

Indeed, you keep talking about opening up the democratic space by day and closing it by night. “Those who we fought during the liberation struggle, the whites, are still fighting so they can claim power again … Our enemies are not resting,” said Mnangagwa addressing his supporters.

“We don’t want violence, so I said soldiers go and silence these people, they were silenced. The Legion. Sort them out … We will crush our enemies, and they are being crushed.”

The Legions were the innocent Zimbabweans who had dare to protest the soaring cost of living in January 2019. The protestors were “sorted out” alright; 17 were shot died, hundreds were injured and there followed two weeks of wanton violence in which hundreds of thousands were arrested, beaten and/or raped.

Two weeks ago, UK Ambassador to Zimbabwe, Melanie Robinson, made is clear that Zimbabwe’s re-engagement and application to join the Commonwealth were on the back burners and there they will stay until there is democratic changes in Zimbabwe.

Zanu PF will never implement any meaningful reforms; with its checked economic and political record of decades of corruption and tyrannical oppression, the party will never win free, fair and credible elections. So Zanu PF will never reform itself out of office.

The only way forward is for Zanu PF to step down to allow the country to appoint a body that will implement the reforms and finally give the nation a chance for a clean and democratic start.

Prime Minister Boris Johnson will get the Brexit process done and dusted in one month’s time! And you, Mr Mnangagwa will never ever implement any meaningful democratic reforms so the people of Zimbabwe can finally freely choose their leaders and not have leaders imposed on them in rigged elections.

Every thinking Zimbabwean welcomed Ambassador Melanie Robinson’s firm and no nonsense stance on Zimbabwe and there is no reason to doubt that Prime Minister Boris Johnson will do anything else! Indeed, freed from the EU restrains, one hopes that PM Johnson will move swiftly and decisively reinstate the targeted sanctions imposed on the Zanu PF regime. – SOURCE: zsdemocrats.blogspot.com

Yadah, Harare City Survive Relegation

Chapungu and TelOne will join Hwange and Mushowani Stars to Division One after they got relegated on the final day of the 2019 Castle Lager Premier Soccer League season.

The Wifi Boys who got promoted into the top-flight last year finished the season in the 15th place after losing 4-1 to Chicken Inn.

Waru Waru, also from the Midlands, drew 2-2 with Highlanders and the result wasn’t enough to save them from the chop.

This leaves Bulawayo Chiefs, Yadah, Harare City and Herentals who were all facing the relegation ahead of the final round safe.Soccer 24

FC Platinum Win Third Consecutive Title

FC Platinum have been crowned the Castle Lager Premier Soccer League for the third successive time.

The Platinum Boys beat CAPS United 1-0 in an explosive title-deciding match played at National Sports Stadium on Saturday.

Perfect Chikwende scored the all-important goal in the 60th minute as FC Platinum finished the campaign with 61 points while the Green Machine got 59.

The league triumph is Lizwe Sweswe’s first as the head coach after taking over from Norman Mapeza in September.

The encounter had an evenly balanced start but it was the visitors who made a couple of threatening raids.

Chikwende had the first real opportunity on goal in the 14th minute but his effort went over. The midfielder got another chance moments later and this time his header from Never Tigere’s corner-kick was cleared off the line.

CAPS, on the other end, soon turned up the heat and started reaching for goal with Francis Tizayi forced to make some good saves along the way.

There was a big shout for a red card on the half-hour mark when Never Tigere’s crude challenge on the opponent, but the referee only cautioned the midfielder.

Makepekepe’s goalkeeper’s coach Witness Mukhuli got a red card while FC Platinum’s Nsiala Mawete Guyve also received his marching orders.

The expulsion of the Congolese forward brought little effect to the visitors as Chikwende volleyed home to break the deadlock on the hour.

CAPS United tried to come back into the game but were frustrated in the remainder of the game.

It ended with FC Platinum winning the maximum points while the Harare side finished the 2019 season in the third position after Chicken Inn beat TelOne to move into second place.Soccer 24

ZACC Arrests Marry Chiwenga For Seeking To Solemnize Her Marriage

Jane Mlambo| The wife of the powerful vice president Constantino Chiwenga, Marry is paying the price for seeking to solemnize her marriage, according to journalist Hopewell Chin’ono.

Chin’Ono tweeted that Marry had been arrested and taken to Rhodesville Police station on allegations of misrepresentation, money laundering and fraud.

Her misrepresentation crime according to Chin’Ono relates to an approach she made to Justice George Chiweshe to solemnize her marriage.

This could have incensed Chiwenga who at that time was critically ill and seeking medical attention in China with sources revealing that she was chased away marking the end of their marriage.

The former Miss Zimbabwe has fallen out of favour with her husband and was conspicuous by her absence at many public foras where Chiwenga attended.

Mnangagwa Fights To Save Extinguishing Zim Dollars

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

No Country Can Develop Without Own Currency -Mnangagwa

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

More Charges For Marry Chiwenga Revealed

By Own Correspondent| The wife of vice President Constantino Chiwenga, Marry has been picked by the Zimbabwe Anti Corruption Commission in connection with fraud and money laundering in what highlights her fall out with the powerful politician.

This is according to seasoned journalist Hopewell Chin’ono who broke the news on Twitter.

Chin’ono added that Marry was also being charged with misrepresentation and soiling the Vice President’s name after she approached Judge President George Chiweshe and said her husband wanted a marriage officer to solemnise their marriage.

Tweeted Hopewell:

Caps United Falter At Crucial Moment

FC Platinum have been crowned the Castle Lager Premier Soccer League for the third successive time.

The Platinum Boys beat CAPS United 1-0 in an explosive title-deciding match played at National Sports Stadium on Saturday.

Perfect Chikwende scored the all-important goal in the 60th minute as FC Platinum finished the campaign with 61 points while the Green Machine got 59.

The league triumph is Lizwe Sweswe’s first as the head coach after taking over from Norman Mapeza in September.

The encounter had an evenly balanced start but it was the visitors who made a couple of threatening raids.

Chikwende had the first real opportunity on goal in the 14th minute but his effort went over. The midfielder got another chance moments later and this time his header from Never Tigere’s corner-kick was cleared off the line.

CAPS, on the other end, soon turned up the heat and started reaching for goal with Francis Tizayi forced to make some good saves along the way.

There was a big shout for a red card on the half-hour mark when Never Tigere’s crude challenge on the opponent, but the referee only cautioned the midfielder.

Makepekepe’s goalkeeper’s coach Witness Mukhuli got a red card while FC Platinum’s Nsiala Mawete Guyve also received his marching orders.

The expulsion of the Congolese forward brought little effect to the visitors as Chikwende volleyed home to break the deadlock on the hour.

CAPS United tried to come back into the game but were frustrated in the remainder of the game.

It ended with FC Platinum winning the maximum points while the Harare side finished the 2019 season in the third position after Chicken Inn beat TelOne to move into second place.Soccer 24

BREAKING: It Never Rains For Marry Chiwenga As She Is Arrested By ZACC

The wife of vice President Constantino Chiwenga, Marry has been picked by the Zimbabwe Anti Corruption Commission in connection with fraud and money laundering in what highlights her fall out with the powerful politician.

This is according to seasoned journalist Hopewell Chin’ono who broke the news on Twitter.

More to follow….

Chapungu, TelOne Relegated

Chapungu and TelOne will join Hwange and Mushowani Stars to Division One after they got relegated on the final day of the 2019 Castle Lager Premier Soccer League season.

The Wifi Boys who got promoted into the top-flight last year finished the season in the 15th place after losing 4-1 to Chicken Inn.

Waru Waru, also from the Midlands, drew 2-2 with Highlanders and the result wasn’t enough to save them from the chop.

This leaves Bulawayo Chiefs, Yadah, Harare City and Herentals who were all facing the relegation ahead of the final round safe.Soccer 24

Journalists “Chucked” Out, Barred From Covering Zanu Pf Annual People’s Conference

Thandiwe Garutsa left

By A Correspondent| Six journalists from NewZimbabwe.com were barred from covering Zanu Pf’s Annual People’s Conference.

The reporters had their accreditation cards seized Friday by Zanu PF security who went on to bar the news crew from covering t national people’s conference in Goromonzi, Mashonaland East.

Reporter, Thandiwe Garusa was further manhandled by overzealous security who demanded to scroll her phone in search of images she allegedly took “illegally” from the scene.

The six scribes were ordered to “go back and have fun in Harare” after being told they were not welcome anywhere near the venue.

However, other journalists from private media were allowed into the venue.

No reasons were given for the particular ban on the online publication’s journalists.

Reporter, Costa Nkomo narrated the incident:

“Getting to the entrance was not a problem at all; however a guy who identified himself as Madondo who was standing by the gate called us back as soon as we had entered upon which he demanded to see our accreditation cards which we proceeded to produce.

“He took the accreditation papers and disappeared inside the venue for about 20 minutes only to return carrying our application for accreditation forms and saying we were not supposed to have been accredited in the first place.

“He told us he had been given some orders by one Katsande that we had to leave immediately adding sarcastically that we must go back to Harare and ‘have fun’ since it was now a ‘free day’ for us.”

Further enquiries about the identity of the official revealed the said Madondo’s real name was Liberty Bizure, the chairperson of the Zimbabwe for Youth Development Agenda (ZYDA).

Efforts by NewZimbabwe.com editors in Harare to seek the intervention of Zanu PF secretary for administration, Obert Mpofu were not successful.

One of the reporters Thandiwe Garusa was manhandled by Bizure who snatched her phone and demanded she unlocks it so he could find out if she had taken a picture of him.

NewZimbabwe.com

Kadewere Leads French Ligue 2 Scoring Chart

Warriors striker Tinotenda Kadewere is dominating the French Ligue 2 in terms of scoring goals as he is now five strikes clear at the top of the division’s top marksmen chart.

The 23-year-old former Harare City man scored again last night in his side’s 1-2 defeat to Clermont Foot, taking his tally for the current campaign to 16, five ahead of second-placed Yoane Wissa.

Kadewere’s 16 strikes in the French second tier division have mostly come away from home, with the Zimbabwe international finding the back of the net on 10 occasions on the road and six at home.Soccer 24

Caps Stumble At Crucial Juncture

Farai Dziva| Harare giants Caps United have yet again stumbled at the crucial juncture.

As a result, FC Platinum have been crowned the Castle Lager Premier Soccer League for the third successive time.

The Platinum Boys beat the Green Machine 1-0 in an explosive title decider at the giant National Sports Stadium.

Perfect Chikwende scored the all-important goal in the 60th minute.

The league triumph is Lizwe Sweswe’s first as the head coach after taking over from Norman Mapeza in September.

The encounter had an evenly balanced start but it was the visitors who made a couple of threatening raids.

Chikwende had the first real opportunity on goal in the 14th minute but his effort went over. The midfielder got another chance moments later and this time his header from Never Tigere’s corner-kick was cleared off the line.

CAPS, on the other end, soon turned up the heat and started reaching for goal with Francis Tizayi forced to make some good saves along the way.

There was a big shout for a red card on the half-hour mark when Never Tigere’s crude challenge on the opponent, but the referee only cautioned the midfielder.

Makepekepe’s goalkeeper’s coach Witness Mukhuli got a red card while FC Platinum’s Nsiala Mawete Guyve also received his marching orders.

The expulsion of the Congolese forward brought little effect to the visitors as Chikwende volleyed home to break the deadlock on the hour.

CAPS United tried to come back into the game but were frustrated in the remainder of the game.

It ended with FC Platinum winning the maximum points while the Harare side finished the 2019 season in the third position after Chicken Inn beat TelOne to move into second place.Soccer 24

FC Platinum Win PSL Title

FC Platinum have been crowned the Castle Lager Premier Soccer League for the third successive time.

The Platinum Boys beat CAPS United 1-0 in an explosive title-deciding match played at National Sports Stadium on Saturday.

Perfect Chikwende scored the all-important goal in the 60th minute as FC Platinum finished the campaign with 61 points while the Green Machine got 59.

The league triumph is Lizwe Sweswe’s first as the head coach after taking over from Norman Mapeza in September.

The encounter had an evenly balanced start but it was the visitors who made a couple of threatening raids.

Chikwende had the first real opportunity on goal in the 14th minute but his effort went over. The midfielder got another chance moments later and this time his header from Never Tigere’s corner-kick was cleared off the line.

CAPS, on the other end, soon turned up the heat and started reaching for goal with Francis Tizayi forced to make some good saves along the way.

There was a big shout for a red card on the half-hour mark when Never Tigere’s crude challenge on the opponent, but the referee only cautioned the midfielder.

Makepekepe’s goalkeeper’s coach Witness Mukhuli got a red card while FC Platinum’s Nsiala Mawete Guyve also received his marching orders.

The expulsion of the Congolese forward brought little effect to the visitors as Chikwende volleyed home to break the deadlock on the hour.

CAPS United tried to come back into the game but were frustrated in the remainder of the game.

It ended with FC Platinum winning the maximum points while the Harare side finished the 2019 season in the third position after Chicken Inn beat TelOne to move into second place.Soccer 24

“Dialogue Must Not Be For Positions But For National Vision”: Chamisa Responds To Chiwenga

By A Correspondent| The country’s most powerful politician, Nelson Chamisa has said he wishes to have dialogue not for the purpose of negotiating positions, but for establishing a vision for the nation.

Chamisa was speaking during the memorial of the late Morgan Tsvangirai’s daughter, Vimbai in Harare on Saturday.

Addressing a large crowd gathered to remember Vimbai Java, Chamisa responded to ongoing headline screamers in the state media.

He said:

“I was pressured just go talk to ED, but as a leader I say we will have dialogue, but not for positions. We can only have dialogue to share a vision for our country, where we can have a future in which there are no rigged elections.”

Chamisa was speaking addressing a wide range of topics as he also remembered his mentor, Morgan Tsvangirai. – ZimEye

ZIMBABWE AUSTERITY MEASURES GRIND TO A HALT

BY DR MASIMBA MAVAZA

Zimbabwe’s minister of Finance has declared the austerity measures officially over.

Addressing the delegates to the ZANU PF 18th National Conference in Goromonzi Mthuli states that the government could afford to “turn the page on austerity” as he taburlated the success of the two years old austerity measures. The minister claimed that a rise in spending this year and next would “bring about a new life of renewal”.

Critics warned that his claims were overblown and that two years of spending cuts would continue to take their toll. would it be correct that a line is being drawn under austerity. The minister indicated that by 2023 Zimbabwe will be operating under a budget of billions of United States dollars.

The minister has cast light into sources of the countries fortunes boasting of prospective income of over thirty billion dollars a year.

The minister rightly said the increase represented the largest increase in at least 30 years and was a turning point after two years of spending cuts. He also topped up next year’s capital spending by over Six billion above the current and this would be in US dollars.

The annual public spending deficit – the difference between government income and expenditure – reached almost 200% in the wake of the financial crisis. Most of the traditional sources of advice – the International Monetary Fund, the OECD, the governor of the Reserve Bank said government spending cuts were needed to balance the books.

Under the old dispensation, the Treasury forced through measures that increased local authority spending by about 60% and imposed 40% over spending on many government departments.

Public investment also came to a virtual standstill, bringing to an end years of improvements to hospital and school buildings and any infrastructure. The austerity measures then saw budgets not saved from Mthuli’s knife: The nation experienced hardships which were never seen since records began. Mthuli’s plan, was supposed to spur growth and reduce the government deficit – the gap between income and expenditure – to zero by 2022.

Cuts to the schools budget were introduced two years ago, leading to widespread staff lay-offs and rising deficits, especially in secondary schools.
to show the effect of diminished government funds being spread across more people with domestic debts being wiped out.

The economic crisis hurt businesses and the financial sector. While the government used all of taxpayer funds to bail out some government projects much of which has subsequently been recouped. the dramatic cuts in public spending meant ministers had reduced means to support households – the bedrock of spending in the economy – and the wider business community.

At the time, he proposed maintaining public investment, arguing that with borrowing rates at historic lows in the post-crash period, there was an opportunity to improve the infrastructure on the cheap.

With government unprepared to step in, businesses remained nervous about the future and private investment failed to take off. Un Employment jumped to a record high, but without an increase in public or private investment, productivity stagnated and wages rose more slowly than inflation, leaving household incomes depressed.
The Ispending plans were enough to reverse about two-thirds of the real-terms cuts to average day-to-day spending on public services since 2010.

However, this achievement is even less significant when the rising population is taken into account. On a per-capita basis, only one-third of the cuts are reversed. The average rise also masks substantial variation within the total.
These are commitments that are likely to limit the scope for further increases in departmental or welfare spending.
Reversing these cuts will take more than Mthuli is prepared to offer in his spending review.

However, one would review the government’s fiscal rules, which bind the Treasury’s ability to lift austerity because they curb spending.
The person in the street will be expecting life to be easier. Removal of austerity entails that basic life expectations are now expected. There will be no hardships as the government will be chipping in where it becomes heavy.

As Mthuli explained yesterday the treasury always keeps some cash aside so there is cash kept for the betterment of life as we know it.
Austerity is a self induced suffering meant to make tomorrow better.
As of now cash will be trickling back into our cash machines.
for the next few months the government will be buying the RTGS from banks in exchange with the new currency.

The idea is to completely wipe out the RTGS in order to remove two sets of currencies which fuels inflation.
Social services will now be fully subsidised and we expect a serious economic boom.

As for now Zimbabweans sits in great expectations hoping to see the great times unfold before their own eyes.

[email protected]

CHAMISA RESPONDS TO CHIWENGA: WE WANT DIALOGUE “NOT TO SHARE POSITIONS” BUT “TO SHARE A VISION” FOR COUNTRY

By A Correspondent| The country’s most powerful politician, Nelson Chamisa has said he wishes to have dialogue not for the purpose of negotiating positions, but for establishing a vision for the nation.

Chamisa was speaking during the memorial of the late Morgan Tsvangirai’s daughter, Vimbai in Harare on Saturday.

He was also responding to Emmerson Mnangagwa’s deputy, Constantino Chiwenga who yesterday alleged thar he (Chamisa) is power hungry and wants to the whole world.

Addressing a large crowd gathered to remember Vimbai Java, Chamisa responded to ongoing headline screamers in the state media.
He said, I was pressured just go talk to ED, but as a leader I say we will have dialogue, but not for positions. We can only have dialogue to share a vision for our country, where we can have a future in which there are no rigged elections.

Chamisa was speaking addressing a wide range of topics as he also remembered his mentor, Morgan Tsvangirai. – ZimEye

Respect The Will Of The People” Commands Chiwenga – He Didn’t, Blatantly Rigging Elections Again

By Patrick Guramatunhu| “We appeal to all political actors to respect the will of the people….we need to appreciate at every level that in the Second Republic the economy comes first before politics and as members of Zanu-PF you should make sure you lead the cadres in Government to do what we would have agreed here.

It becomes imperative for all of us to be aware that we work for the people and national good before those of individuals,” said VP Chiwenga.

Chiwenga was speaking at the Zanu PF Annual People’s Conference, in Goromonzi. 

This is as cynical as the village bully who keeps trading on everyone else’s toes and feelings and yet insist he is the peacemaker! 

Zanu PF blatantly rigged last year’s elections. The party denied 3 million Zimbabweans in the diaspora the vote, Mnangagwa says he won the elections with 2.4 million votes. ZEC failed to produce something as basic as a verified voters’ roll, for Pete’s sake. 

The EU, Commonwealth and all the other nations and organisation with a democratic record have all condemned last year’s elections as a farce. “The electoral commission lacked full independence and appeared to not always act in an impartial manner.

The final results as announced by the Electoral Commission contained numerous errors and lacked adequate traceability, transparency and verifiability,” stated the EU Observer Mission final report. 

“Many aspects of the 2018 elections in Zimbabwe failed to meet international standards.”

So, last year’s elections process “failed to meet international standards of transparency, traceability and verifiability”.

Zanu PF, as the party in government, was responsible for making sure the elections process met all the international standards and thus passed the free, fair and credible acid test with flying colours. It is nonsense to suggest such a flawed and illegal electoral process could ever produce a legitimate result. 

In other words, Zanu PF can claim it was the winner of last year’s elections and therefore has the people’s mandate to govern; this will not change the facts on the ground that last year’s election process was flawed and illegal and therefore this Zanu PF regime is illegitimate! 

Zanu PF has blatantly rigged elections in the past and we have, foolishly, allowed the party to get away with it setting a very dangerous precedence.

As we can see, the party has not only rigged elections but now considers it as its right to rig elections! 

After 39 years of rigged elections, the disastrous economic and political consequences of the decades of misrule and the country now in economic ruins, the need to break the vicious cycle of rigged elections and bad governance is now a matter of life and death.

Zanu PF rigged last year’s elections and the party must be forced to step down so the nation can implement the necessary reforms to stop vote rigging – this is not negotiable. 

To get out of the economic mess the country is stuck in, we must cure ourselves of the curse of rigged elections and bad governance.

The politics must lead the economy. A pariah state ruled by corrupt, incompetent, vote rigging and murderous thugs will never deliver economic recovery. Never!

“George Charamba Behaves Like A Drowning Man”

Mr George Charamba behaves like a drowning man clutching on a simple straw.

The statement that quotes our Leader David Magagula on, had a completely different meaning from his and it had a specific purpose to save which it did very well.

All Charamba is trying to do is to use the same statement to destroy Mthwakazi in the same manner it destroyed Zanu, which is just a joke.

For starters, what Charamba lacks in understanding is that although Mr Magagula was not wrong to point out that Mnangagwa hails in Shurugwe (Selukwe isizwe) but that alone did not and does not qualify him or any other deployed Shona person to be a Mthwakazian.

By the geographic location of the place he hails from, he is a ‘Mthwakazian’ but what Charamba needs to understand is that, that was not the reason behind the release of that statement. Shame on Charamba.

How could he stoop so low and release such a lie not worth to be called propaganda in an effort to hurt Mthwakazi independence agenda.

If Mnangagwa is a Mthwakazi by the cooperation of his great grand father into Mthwakazi whom he claims he happened to be a Mthwakazi warrior, where are the graves of Mnangagwas or who has ever had of them? When did the grand father fight in Mthwakazi army? Into which battalion did the so-called hero belong?

This is cheap politics that Charamba is trying to engage in. One will realise that before Magagula released that killer statement in 2012, Mnangagwa was one of the endeared Zanu members but things changed to bad after the release of that statement.

He got blamed for attempting to overthrow Mugabe, leading to his expulsion in 2017. Mistrust and factionalism that was witnessed in Zanu after that statement, was what the statement intended to do otherwise whether hailing from Mthwakazi land, Mnangagwa is not a Mthwakazian and is not welcome in Mthwakazi.

As the spokesperson of him, all we can tell Charamba is that the heat they (Zimbabweans) are feeling from Mthwakazi independence push is evident in all they are doing or saying, for their relief, he must go tell his boss (Mnangagwa) tell him that we (MLF) are prepared to meet and discuss the withdrawal timetable of the Zimbabweans from Mthwakazi.

Otherwise ignoring the Mthwakazi independence call and acting as if everything is fine is what makes them tell senseless stories with no historical reference as he is now doing.

The road chosen by Mthwakazi people was forced to them by you (Zimbabwean Government) on the advice of the British and now the situation is too hot to handle hence you want to be part of Mthwakazi.

We want our country and we want it now.

Mayihlom’ihlasele!!!Vuka Mthwakazi!Vuka!!!