“Girls who love to party and club usually know where to find me.”
These are not the words of one of America’s successful hip-hop artistes, but our very own Roland Muchegwa, famously or infamously known as Uncle Roland.
B-Metro caught up with the prominent South Africa-based socialite, who was quick to use the tête-à-tête to dismiss widespread falsehoods that he is wanted in Zimbabwe for battering his ex-wife.
The yellow-bone loving Uncle Roland said he was not a poster boy of domestic violence and was at pains to explain that he was self-exiled in South Africa and all was well with his ex-wife.
“About my ex I can’t deny that there were some squabbles, but we sorted it out and forgave each other, we moved on. It’s now more than four years since that incident happened.
“I think people should judge me on my present, I am not an abusive man, the rest is now history,” said Uncle Roland.
But with the history of abuse, are pretty girls safe around him?
“The girls are safe, as I’m safe too. As a human being I know there are always haters who wish me to fall. I’m cautious most of the times,” he said.
Uncle Roland is well known for living it up, partying and bowling in clubs, but there is more to the man who has become the blesser of choice. He is all about securing the paper and pushing the envelope. The 51-year-old made his fortunes through fuel deals across the Sadc region, mining and owns a big club in Cape Town, South Africa.
He is far from satisfied with what he has as he has partnered with some locals he could not name to set up an upmarket night club.
“I’m already partnering a big club in Zimbabwe and the business is actually paying off,” said he said.
Where does Uncle Roland chill and booze?
Not so long ago, videos of Uncle Roland bowling and splashing US dollar notes at Pabloz Night Club in Gweru circulated on social media streets and it was evident that this was one of his preferred joints.
With the December holidays packed with events all around the country, watch out for the international blesser, he might turn up in your town as he fancies being where people are.
“Girls who love to party and club usually know where to find me. I usually favour to be at Pabloz club and big shows,” he said.
About the video while on the back of a bakkie saying “back to reality” what did he imply?
“I meant back to basics (laughs). From blessing Mzansi chicks and now back to the streets of Harare,” said Uncle Roland. -B Metro
ZANU PF youths have been accused of terrorising business people in Harare by demanding donations for the ruling party’s People Conference which is slated for next week in Goromonzi.
About 7000 delegates are expected to grace the event with the party saying that preparations are going according to plan.
A businessman who spoke to the Daily News on condition of anonymity revealed that the youths were demanding money from business people.
He said:
We thought this ended with Mugabe when such demands were common, especially when there were rallies, national hero funerals, his annual birthday, but the culture is back now.
“The youths want me to contribute money, which they say is for transport and logistical costs. I wouldn’t mind if it was a genuine request but there is an element of demand.
This was confirmed by another businessman who expressed sadness over the development which he said was happening when things were hard for everyone.
The allegations were dismissed as false by Zanu PF Bulawayo’s fundraising committee spokesperson, Khumbulani Mpofu that the party was targeting its traditional donors admitting however that raisingtargeted $500 000 was utopian.
Business people used willingly fund the ruling party’s events to safeguard their business interests but the rapidly deteriorating economy forced many to assume a retreating role as they are also struggling to keep their businesses afloat.
Credit :Daily News
Farai Dziva|Elderly people and vulnerable children in Gutu District, Masvingo Province are being denied access to food aid for allegedly being sympathetic to the opposition.
This was revealed by MDC councillor for ward 27, Gutu South, Alderman Jeffrey Tangemhare.
“We have people who are really vulnerable; the elderly, widows, the sick and orphans. Most of these have totally run out of food because of the drought and now they are being left to starve to death by their own Government,” said Alderman Tangemhare.
Another source in area said:”Zanu PF activists have declared that they are determined to wipe out opposition supporters by denying them access to food aid.”
Farai Dziva|Elderly people and vulnerable children in Gutu District, Masvingo Province are being denied access to food aid for allegedly being sympathetic to the opposition.
This was revealed by MDC councillor for ward 27, Gutu South, Alderman Jeffrey Tangemhare.
“We have people who are really vulnerable; the elderly, widows, the sick and orphans. Most of these have totally run out of food because of the drought and now they are being left to starve to death by their own Government,” said Alderman Tangemhare.
Another source in area said:”Zanu PF activists have declared that they are determined to wipe out opposition supporters by denying them access to food aid.”
"Reform of any nature is difficult. Reform of the type and magnitude we are currently implementing at economic, political and legislative levels is even beyond difficult. It borders on the margins of hazardous in terms of degree of patients we as govt are asking from our people'' pic.twitter.com/lPP1LiXQgU
"Reform of any nature is difficult. Reform of the type and magnitude we are currently implementing at economic, political and legislative levels is even beyond difficult. It borders on the margins of hazardous in terms of degree of patients we as govt are asking from our people'' pic.twitter.com/lPP1LiXQgU
By A Correspondent- The United Nations (UN) Special Rapporteur on the Right to Food, Ms Hilal Elver who recently completed an 11 day mission after an invitation was extended by the government from 18 to 28 November 2019, exposed the dire state of the economy which has resulted in acute food insecurity in Zimbabwe, the Zimbabwe Peace Project has revealed.
ZPP said currently, many citizens are surviving on one meal a day and some have resorted to dehumanising means to obtain food for their families.
Reported the ZPP in its monthly monitor:
“In her preliminary report, the Special Rapporteur elaborated that “the most vulnerable segments of society, including the elderly, children and women, are forced to rely on early marriage, and sex trade to obtain food, behavioural patterns that often are accompanied by domestic violence, as coping mechanisms to mitigate the serious challenges they are facing.
This kind of struggle for subsistence affects their physical wellbeing and self-respect. It creates behaviour and conditions that violate their most fundamental human rights.
The Special Rapporteur’s report is a clarion call for the speedy address of the grim situation in Zimbabwe. She clearly articulated that women and children are mostly bearing the brunt of the food crisis.
The Special Rapporteur stated that “The vast majority of children I met in the rural parts of Masvingo and in Mwenezi, as well as in informal settings in the suburbs of Harare, appeared severely stunted and underweight due to reduced food availability caused by high levels of poverty and the consequence of the recurrent drought and floods.”
She added that she saw effects of infants who are deprived of breast milk as their mothers are failing to access adequate food to produce breast milk.
This, she explained has a far reaching effect on the health and welfare of the children.
The report confirms that almost 8 million Zimbabweans in both rural and urban areas will need food and other aid until March 2020.
However, the vulnerability of this population is being exacerbated by the blatant politicization of aid and deprivation for those perceived to be opposition supporters.
This was evidenced by the rise in the number of cases related to food and other aid to 55 cases recorded during the month of November up from the October cases at 33.
Masvingo province recorded the highest number of this violation at 22 followed by Mashonaland Central province with 10.”
It is
a pity that we have become a polarised nation with the ordinary citizen bearing
the brunt of elitist politics.
Zanu
PF, the ruling party since 1980, claims it won the 30 July election. MDC, the
main opposition since 1999, also claims it won the same election.
The
historical Supreme Court hearing with a panel of nine judges, witnessed by
every Zimbabwean with access to ZBC TV, the nation’s sole broadcaster, could
not save the nation from the looming political standoff.
If
anything, it rubberstamped it.
Zanu
Pf came out of the court all smiles headed towards the cockerel perched building,
the Zanu PF shrine, set to occupy the famous Munhumutapa Building and form the
next government.
The
MDC marched to Harvest House, their headquarters, sullen but ready to occupy
the streets and sing the illegitimacy song.
It has
since become apparent to Zimbabweans that the Supreme Court ruling threw the
country into a political logjam that has subsequently seen the nation heading
towards one destination, the dead end.
In all
this political quagmire, the ordinary Zimbabwean is stuck in the middle, left to manoeuvre in the socio-economic quicksand whilst the political elite from both ends of
the political spectrum lives in affluent suburbs driving top of the range cars.
Zimbabweans
are suffering. From all walks of life, whether one supports the MDC or Zanu PF,
it is fact not fiction that the centre no longer holds.
Perhaps,
the question that we must stop asking ourselves as a country is who won or who
did not win the election. We have asked this, times without number and it has all
been a wild goose chase.
Instead,
what we should probably be asking ourselves is where do we go from here and
what is good for the country. This is a simple question that however, has
evidently been lacking in the matrix of solving the Zimbabwean crisis.
The, it-is-us-who-won-the-election narrative maintained
by the two big parties betrays them – none of them has the interest of the
nation at heart.
They
are both pursuing party interests, at the expense of the larger Zimbabwean
dream.
Sadly,
even the ordinary voter has been hoodwinked into partisan politics and joined
the band wagon of sacrificing the national agenda on the altar of party
politics.
We
have become a nation at war with itself with zealots from the two big parties
being not only their own enemies but also foes of progress.
But,
the politically naive, those not affiliated to any of the big parties know what
they need and what is good for the country.
It is
them whose children kick dust from school having been chased for not paying
school fees. It is them who share pinches of salt over torn fences to season
food that has become so difficult to come by.
It is
them who are victims of elitist politics.
All
they need is a Mugabe and Tsvangirai of 2008 and the Government of National
Unity that followed in 2009.
However,
their voice is not heard as they are deemed not politically astute to
understand the dynamics of the polygamous government of 2009-2013.
Zanu
PF regrets it. The MDC regrets it. The big parties lament it was the greatest
political gaffe post-independence Zimbabwe. The big parties lost, but did the nation
not win?
We are
again at crossroads where neither a Zanu Pf win nor an MDC win matters. It is
the laymen in the street, the politically naive that must win.
Unless
the big parties and their hard-core fanatics stop chasing the wind, the
innocent will remain the proverbial grass that suffers when two bulls fight.
Nkosiyazi Kan Kanjiri is a Social Work Masters Student at the University Of Fort Hare, South Africa. He can be contacted on [email protected]
By A Correspondent- High Court judge Justice Webster Chinamora has ordered Kwekwe Polytechnic College to release the results for 93 electrical engineering and diesel plant fitting students.
The College had withheld the results of the 93 final students, who wrote their examination in March, on suspicion that they cheated after they scored extraordinarily high marks which were supposedly out of sync with the current regional trends.
In his ruling, Justice Chinamora absolved the students of the cheating allegations. He said:
It appears that candidates were penalised for the simple reason that they were expected to fail, without taking into account the possibility that they had confounded expectations for reasons other than cheating, for an example, preparing well for the examinations.
The students had petitioned the High Court to force the College to release their results and bar Higher Education Examination Council (Hexco) from ordering a re-write of the examination.
By A Correspondent- Controversial Madzibaba Spenlodge Madenyika who was facing fresh rape charges was last week acquitted with the presiding magistrate ruling that he had given him the benefit of doubt after realising that both he and the complainant were grossly dishonest.
Madzibaba Spenlodge was acquitted after a full trial by regional magistrate Morgan Nemadire.
In giving his ruling, Magistrate Nemadire said throughout the trial, the complainant showed that she was dishonest, she was an agent who sourced clients to stage fake miracles at Madenyika’s church which showed that she was a dishonest witness.
On the hand, Nemadire said Madenyika’s testimony in his defence case was not truthful and often contradicted himself and in the circumstances, the court is then forced to lean more towards the accused person even though it wasn’t really clear whether he raped her or not.
The State led by regional prosecutor Sheila Mupindu had claimed that on August 27, Madenyika called the complainant who is 27 years old and asked to meet her at a service station in Southerton so that he could give her some money.
At around 7:45, Madenyika picked up the complainant so that he could give her the money without anybody seeing it.
The court heard that Madenyika drove along Harare Drive and parked near Willow road with the complainant seated at the back.
It was further alleged that Madenyika went to the car’s back seat and began molesting the complainant before he raped her and ordered her not to tell anyone as he was going to publish the matter in newspapers.
After the incident, Madenyika drove away from the scene and later dropped the complainant who dropped her panties in the car before she went to her friend’s house who accompanied her to their pastor’s house who in turn discussed the issue with complainant’s husband.
By A Correspondent- Former Warriors striker Nyasha Mushekwi said he avoided the unveiling ceremony of a luxurious 45-seater bus he donated to Caps United because he did not want to steal the limelight and become the focus of attention.
Mushekwi, instead sent his sister, brothers and grandmother to attend the ceremony that was held at the National Sports Stadium, Caps United’s home ground, on Tuesday. Said Mushekwi:
If I had come there, everyone would be wanting to talk to me, the cameras would be on me and not the bus and I thought that wasn’t right.
This wasn’t about me, but about God delivering something special to my old club and it was good that I wasn’t there when the bus was presented.
But my family was there, my sister was there, she represented me well, and my brothers and grandmother were also there.
The brand new bus reportedly cost over US$200 000 including shipment from the Far East.
Mushekwi donated the bus to the Green Machine as a “thank you” gesture following the club’s contribution in moulding him into a professional footballer.
By A Correspondent- Former Tourism Minister Walter Mzembi has dismissed reports that he will deputise former Local Government minister Saviour Kasukuwere in a new political party to contest the 2023 elections.
Posting on the microblogging site, Twitter, Mzembi, who is said to be in South Africa, wrote:
I applaud every effort to democratise our country and wish @Hon_Kasukuwere well in his efforts, for the record I am not his Deputy in the #tysonwabantu nor in any structure.
I will pronounce myself in due course on Zimpolitics and my vision going forward.
Kasukuwere has begun a movement which is highly visible on social media – #Tyson WaBantu – as a launch-pad for his 2023 presidential bid.
By A Correspondent- An Isuzu KB250 vehicle was on Wednesday night side-swiped by haulage truck at the 140-kilometre peg along the Harare-Mutare highway killing four people on the spot.
The deceased persons are:
Edwin Kudzaishe (26) from Mutanda Village in Bikita
Janet Chawadza (52) from Chitiyo Village
Joice Mushamiviri (26) from Chitiyo Village
A Mutare man yet to be identified
In a statement, national police spokesperson Assistant Commissioner Paul Nyathi confirmed the accident.
He said:
The accident occurred around 7 pm on the 140 km peg along Harare-Mutare highway near Headlands, where the driver of an Isuzu KB250 heading for Mutare is said to have encroached into an opposite lane and side-swiped with oncoming haulage truck.
The driver of the Isuzu lost control of his vehicle and it veered off the road, overturned once before it landed on its wheels, killing four passengers instantly.
By A Correspondent- A Gokwe man was fined three cows after he bedded his stepmother before confessing that he had bedded half the married women in his area due to his insatiable sexual appetite.
Albert Musokeri (25) of Gokwe under Chief Chireya slept with his father’s second wife Ketina Musokeri (35) who is 10 years his senior.
A source close to the family said Albert and his stepmother had an affair close to two years behind Albert’s father, Joshua Musokeri. “Albert and his stepmother have been seeing each other for close to two years now but Albert’s father did not know about it.
“At some point he started suspecting that his wife was having an extra marital relationship with someone but not knowing it was his own son. He then hatched a plan to follow Ketina everywhere she went,” said the source.
On the fateful day, Musokeri followed his wife who had gone to fetch water but did not find her. He traced her shoeprint and caught the pair red handed having sex in the bush. He then reported the awkward incident to the village head who forwarded the matter to Chief Chireya.
Chief Chireya confirmed presiding over the case.
“I can confirm that l presided over a case where a man slept with his father’s wife. I ordered the man to pay three cows, and the woman to pay three goats,” said Chief Chireya.
“The young man also confessed that he had slept with over half of the married women from his area because his father had given him juju which resulted in him having a huge sexual appetite,” added Chief Chireya
By A Correspondent| More than 1 500 illegal artisanal miners and 3 471 people found in possession of dangerous weapons including machetes have been arrested so far as police moves a gear up to thwart the marauding machete gangs.
Addressing a press conference in Harare this afternoon, Home Affairs and National Heritage Minister Kazembe Kazembe said police will continue with the raids to ensure that sanity prevails in all mining areas across the country.
Matabeleland North topped the list of the illegal miners arrested with 546, while Bulawayo had the least with 27. Mashonaland East had 53, Midlands (200), Harare (200), Manicaland (42), Masvingo (46), Mashonaland Central (83), Matabeleland South (147) and Mashonaland West (186) illegal miners arrested.
“We have met with our Mines and Mining Development ministry counterparts and the police commanders today to discuss the tropical issues of the machete wielding gangs.
The media is awash with stories of machete wielding gang wars and this is worrisome to us as we want peace and security to prevail.
“We will continue with the raids because we are saying Zimbabwe is open for business. We cannot attract investors if law and order is not prevailing in the country. We have moved a gear up in the raids as these issues are of a security threat,” said Minister Kazembe.
Zimbabwe is facing one of the most serious food crisis in its history. The MDC is concerned at the lack of government response to the hunger that is befalling the nation as it continues to skirt around the problem, giving little information to the people and hoping that donor agencies and bilateral partners will fill the gap.
The recent UN special rapporteur, referred to the crisis, hinting that some 5.5 million rural people will require food aid soon, on an escalating basis. However, for the first time ever, a huge 2.2 million people will require food assistance in the urban areas.
The Party believes this figure will bloom chiefly due to unemployment and further erosion of spending power coupled by a collapsing health sector.
Maize production was reduced by 54% due to El Nino induced drought that has left the country with a huge food deficit. The current stock holdings are approximately 100 000 tones, which translate to below ONE month’s supply of 120 000 tones. Sadly Zimbabwe is five months short of the next crop harvest.
Recent imports from Tanzania and the Republic of South Africa are a drop in the ocean when compared to national demand while the only meaningful import of 45 000 tonnes from the Americas is yet to dock in Maputo probably some three to four weeks to come.
The MDC notes that the Mnangagwa government is unable to source the required funding to pull the nation from the looming catastrophe and has had to depend on the very little raised by bi lateral partners of the targeted USD 300 million.
The party further notes that government’s recent removal of 30% grain subsidies has further complicated the already dire situation and has resultantly led to massive increases in the cost of basic commodities.
The party urges Mr. Mnangagwa’s administration to ensure that the 30% subsidy is reinstated to cushion the rural and urban poor who largely depend on maize and wheat products.
While the MDC is aware of the hardships being faced by both millers and grain producers, we believes that life is sacrosanct and therefore cannot sacrifice life at the expense of profiteering.
Hunger and starvation knows no political party, race or creed. We therefore call for fair distribution of all social grants of food and agricultural inputs
In Summary we urge the Mnangagwa regime to: 1.Reinstate the 30% subsidies on basics. 2.Ensure that the retail price of all basics reflects the reinstatement of the subsidies 3.Urge Grain Marketing Board (GMB) to complete the current forensic audit as a matter of urgency, and avail the findings to both donors and the public. 4.Ensure that food distribution is non-partisan.
The MDC is concerned with the fast unfolding crisis in the beef and dairy industry as cattle food costs and supplements are now out of the reach of most farmers. The increase in costs is a death knell on this industry which heavily relies on the local market.
Rusty Markhan Secretary for Lands and Agriculture Movement For Democratic Change
By A Correspondent- Vice President Kembo Mohadi said the government is focusing on the establishment of “community bakeries” across the country to make bread affordable while at the same time economically empowering community members.
Speaking at the launch of the Community Resilience Bakeries Programme at Waterfalls Incubation Centre on Thursday, Mohadi said:
… the Government has embarked on a national programme of supporting the establishment of community-based bakeries, which offer affordable bread to our communities.
Not only are these bakeries closer to our people, they are run by community members, who will also generate income from these projects.
The launch comes at a time when established bakeries have hiked the retail price of bread from about $14 to around $18 per standard loaf.
Also present at the launch were Minister Monica Mutsvangwa, in her capacity as acting Minister of Women Affairs, Community, Small and Medium Enterprises Development, provincial affairs ministers and ZANU PF Politburo members.
By A Correspondent- Westgate Industrial Training College principal Juma Banda has been accused of allegedly victimising a student and a female subordinate for turning down his sexual advances.
A woman staff member who worked in the catering department had to resign in a huff after she could not bear the harassment.
Banda has also been fingered by a female student, Lungile Mtshede, over alleged victimisation after the woman allegedly turned down his sexual advances.
Mtshede said victimisation started after she turned down Banda’s advances during the first term this year. The woman said she initially did not tell her husband as she respected the principal as her superior “but it seems you continue to fight me that is why I have decided to expose you”.
“I’m a student at the learning institution. Before I went for attachment Banda proposed love and I told him that I could not fall in love with him because I’m a married woman. He insisted that we have to fall in love but I maintained my stance. After that he started to abuse me,” she said.
She said while she was on attachment she would go to the college to consult her lecturer but Banda would fume at her.
“He would get angry saying I’m trespassing and I’m not supposed to consult my lecturer because I’m on attachment,” she said.
She also noted in her written complaint that Banda accused her of consulting lecturers about preparations for practical trade tests, an allegation she denied.
Mtshede went on to say the abuse went a gear up.
“When I was on holiday at my rural home in Tsholotsho on 08 August this year, I was summoned to come to the college by Banda through his secretary. When I told her that I’m in Tsholotsho she insisted that I must come without fail. I then went to the college and he harassed me with unprintable words.
“I would like to inform you that I’m not a prostitute. I told you that I’m married but you kept on proposing to me.
“After turning down your love proposals you decided to fix me since I’m a student at your college. In conclusion I would like to inform you that I have taken another copy of sexual harassment to your superiors for their consideration.
“On 13 October 2019 I met you outside Administration block and greeted you as my principal but instead you frowned at me because I did not entertain your advances,” read a letter which was copied to Banda and acting Head of Department for electrical (T. Chikotsi) and a deputy director TEP (Higher Education. A local publication is in possession of the letter in which the woman sought to be reimbursed her travel expenses for having been summoned from Tsholotsho allegedly for unclear reasons.
The initial refund letter was written on 9 August 2019 and a final demand of the $349 in expenses is dated 16 October 2019.
A woman who was working in the catering department said when she turned down Banda’s sexual advances her life became unbearable at the learning institution.
“I had a torrid time at the hands of Banda after I turned down his love proposal. He would accuse me for no apparent reason. As a way of tormenting me he ordered me to stop working from the canteen and said I would have to clean toilets. I had to resign because I could not bear the harassment,” she said.
When contacted for a comment Banda terminated the call after this reporter introduced himself. After that his mobile number went unanswered
PRESS STATEMENT ON SCHOOL INFRASTRUCTURE DEVELOPMENT AS KEY PILLAR OF THE COMPETENCY-BASED CURRICULUM
BY HON. AMBASSADOR N. C. G. MATHEMA, MP MINISTER OF PRIMARY AND SECONDARY EDUCATION
A key focus of the competence-based curriculum is the development of skills, attitudes and values in addition to the knowledge which was the main thrust of the previous curriculum.
A key pillar of the New Curriculum is the development of school infrastructure so that learners and teachers concentrate on their work in a conducive teaching and learning environment.
Quality teaching and learning, and quality outcomes are guaranteed only if the school environment is suitable and this includes classrooms, specialist rooms and teachers’ accommodation.
The provisions for the teachers should be in keeping with their status. One of our challenges in the past is that once classrooms were constructed school commenced operations without regard to the circumstances of the teacher.
As a Ministry, we have our Education Management Information System (EMIS), and personnel at provincial, district and school levels that provide data on school infrastructure issues.
While we have this system of capturing data, I would also like to invite all Members of Parliament of both Houses to share with me any infrastructural challenges they may have with schools in their constituencies.
The intention is to ensure that no school is left behind as we do everything in our power to make all schools fruitful teaching and learning environments.
I want to emphasize that the education sector has space for all people of goodwill. We want to unlock the potential of all schools, and that of every teacher and learner.
This is a task where I would like the whole nation to participate in, and this is why I am extending a special invitation to all Honourable Members of Parliament in the two Houses to engage me with their written submissions about the status of schools in their constituencies.
As the nation is aware, the 2019 Zimbabwe School Examinations Council (ZIMSEC) Grade 7 results were released on 22 November 2019.
The selection into Form One is done through the electronic Ministry Application Platform (MAP), which is intended to reduce the inconveniences of the past when parents would criss-cross the country in search of a place at considerable cost.
Also, the public had raised concerns that negotiating for places directly with schools was creating space for some unscrupulous practices.
The Ministry of Primary and Secondary Education’s policy is that the selection of learners into Form One is done by an Admissions Committee at each school.
The Admissions Committee consists of the Head of the school, the Deputy Head, the Senior Master/Woman, one Head of Department, one teacher and one representative of the Responsible Authority.
In addition, one Education Inspector from the Ministry of Primary and Secondary Education will supervise and monitor the selection process at each boarding school.
It should be noted that there are 326 685 learners who completed Grade 7 in 2019. On the other hand, the nation has a total of only 24 000 boarding places.
We estimate that about 100 000 learners are seeking boarding places. Those who will not be successful in securing boarding places will, therefore, be accommodated at day schools in their school zones.
Clearly, there is a shortfall for boarding schools; the demand is just too high. But then, we actually have a national schools deficit of not less than 2 500 schools.
I am, therefore, inviting the Private Sector to partner with Government and the Ministry for us to build more schools in order to meet the demand and to improve the Infrastructure at our schools for both classrooms and teachers’ accommodation.
My best wishes to all the learners joining Form One in 2020.
Jane Mlambo| The Zimbabwe Energy Regulatory Authority (ZERA) has reversed its earlier decision to reduce fuel blending level from E20 to E10 with the authority saying the move was done without consulting government and ethanol suppliers.
In an earlier communication, ZERA had announced that fuel will be blended with ethanol upto 10 percent from the usual 20 percent though it did not cite reasons for the move.
The authority has since reversed its earlier decision back to 20 percent arguing that it had assurances that the normal blending level will be sustained.
Zanu PF aligned and controversial businessman Billy Rautenbach’s company Green Fuel is the sole producer of ethanol in the country.
The tycoon has attracted a lot of controversy following mass eviction of Chisumbanje villagers to pave way for the project which is sitting on over 5000 hectares of arable land previously used by peasant farmers.
Jane Mlambo| Former local government minister, Saviour Kasukuwere has hit the ground running with pictures of women clad in t-shirts inscribed Tyson Wabantu emerging on social media.
Though we could not ascertain the place, this confirms that the former state security agent is now on a trail to canvass for support to challenge the incumbent President Emmerson Mnangagwa.
Social has since responded dismissing the bulky politician as a chancer who will fall the same way former vice President Joice Mujuru, Ambrose Mutinhiri and many other people did.
By Nkosiyazie Kanjirih| It is a pity that we have become a
polarised nation with the ordinary citizen bearing the brunt of elitist
politics.
Zanu
PF, the ruling party since 1980, claims it won the 30 July election. MDC, the
main opposition since 1999, also claims it won the same election.
The
historical Supreme Court hearing with a panel of nine judges, witnessed by
every Zimbabwean with access to ZBC TV, the nation’s sole broadcaster, could
not save the nation from the looming political standoff.
If
anything, it rubberstamped it.
Zanu
Pf came out of the court all smiles headed towards the cockerel perched building,
the Zanu PF shrine, set to occupy the famous Munhumutapa Building and form the
next government.
The
MDC marched to Harvest House, their headquarters, sullen but ready to occupy
the streets and sing the illegitimacy song.
It
has since become apparent to Zimbabweans that the Supreme Court ruling threw
the country into a political logjam that has subsequently seen the nation heading
towards one destination, the dead end.
In
all this political quagmire, the ordinary Zimbabwean is stuck in the
middle, left to manoeuvre in the socio-economic
quicksand whilst the political elite
from both ends of the political spectrum lives in affluent suburbs driving top
of the range cars.
Zimbabweans
are suffering. From all walks of life, whether one supports the MDC or Zanu PF,
it is fact not fiction that the centre no longer holds.
Perhaps,
the question that we must stop asking ourselves as a country is who won or who
did not win the election. We have asked this, times without number and it has all
been a wild goose chase.
Instead,
what we should probably be asking ourselves is where do we go from here and
what is good for the country. This is a simple question that however, has
evidently been lacking in the matrix of solving the Zimbabwean crisis.
The,
it-is-us-who-won-the-election narrative
maintained by the two big parties betrays them – none of them has the interest of
the nation at heart.
They
are both pursuing party interests, at the expense of the larger Zimbabwean
dream.
Sadly,
even the ordinary voter has been hoodwinked into partisan politics and joined
the band wagon of sacrificing the national agenda on the altar of party
politics.
We
have become a nation at war with itself with zealots from the two big parties
being not only their own enemies but also foes of progress.
But,
the politically naive, those not affiliated to any of the big parties know what
they need and what is good for the country.
It
is them whose children kick dust from school having been chased for not paying
school fees. It is them who share pinches of salt over torn fences to season
food that has become so difficult to come by.
It
is them who are victims of elitist politics.
All
they need is a Mugabe and Tsvangirai of 2008 and the Government of National
Unity that followed in 2009.
However,
their voice is not heard as they are deemed not politically astute to
understand the dynamics of the polygamous government of 2009-2013.
Zanu
PF regrets it. The MDC regrets it. The big parties lament it was the greatest
political gaffe post-independence Zimbabwe. The big parties lost, but did the nation
not win?
We
are again at crossroads where neither a Zanu Pf win nor an MDC win matters. It
is the laymen in the street, the politically naive that must win.
Unless
the big parties and their hard-core fanatics stop chasing the wind, the
innocent will remain the proverbial grass that suffers when two bulls fight.
Nkosiyazi Kan Kanjiri is a
Social Work Masters Student at the University Of Fort Hare, South Africa. He
can be contacted on (+27) 079 422 6246 or [email protected]
The award winning Traffic Safety activist, Emmanuel Machikwa said the gonyet is carrying a huge bucket that covers almost the whole road. (VIDEO LOADING AND STORY CONTINUES BELOW VIDEO FOOTAGE)
When Talent Chiwenga’s accident happened, it was also involving a large gonyet. Beitbridge to Harare via Masvingo is the normal route for abnormal trucks, the NGO; “Agenda for Youths” has said in a twitter post.
The truck left at 10:30 a.m. and has an escort.
Drivers are being advised to stop once they see the escort. Motorists are also told to slow down and exercise extreme caution.
Farai Dziva|In spite of the claims by government that rubber bullets were used to disperse rowdy opposition supporters in Marondera, MDC deputy president Tendai Biti insists ZRP cops fired live ammunition at youthful party leader, Nelson Chamisa.
Biti on Tuesday met with diplomats accredited to Zimbabwe to brief them on the situation in the country and what transpired in Marondera on Sunday.
“We briefed them on the Marondera situation. We gave them a chronology of events. We told them there was no meeting, but it was just a tree-planting event,” said Biti.
He added: “They wanted the facts because government said there were no gunshots. The fact of the matter is there was live ammunition.
The whole story doesn’t hold water. Even if they only released teargas, as they lie, why do that?”
THE Zimbabwe Energy Regulatory Authority (ZERA) has announced a reduction in the levels of ethanol used in blending with unleaded petrol from 20% to 10%. The change is with immediate effect.
Announcing the increase the mandatory ethanol blending of unleaded petrol from 10 percent to 20 percent in June this year, ZERA said the increase in the ethanol to unleaded petrol ratio was expected to reduce the import bill and make the fuel available since ethanol is locally produced.
The statement by ZERA reads:
NOTICE TO THE FUEL SECTOR OPERATORS – BLENDING RATIO
Please be advised that the level of the blending of anhydrous ethanol with unleaded petrol has been reduced from E20 to E10.
Implementation is with immediate effect, 5 December 2019.
Press Statement|MLO would like to dismiss with contempt it deserves, the misleading falsehood that has unfortunately found its way into the media that the President of MLO Cde Paul Siwela sneaked into the country to bury his father.
For the record, Cde Paul Siwela did not sneak into Zimbabwe nor attend his father’s funeral due to the well known fact which is in the public domain that the government of Zimbabwe wants to assassinate him.
His safety is not guaranteed in the golgotha (place of skull) which is named Zimbabwe. This falsehood peddled by unscrupulous individuals and journalists borders on insensitivity and lack of respect for the bereaved Siwela family that should be allowed to mourn their departed loved farther in peace.
There are misinformed individuals who want to portray genocidist Mnangagwa as a saint because they have been offered positions in his government or organizations that are connected to the Zimbabwe government.
We remind you that the devil has been there since the formation of the makeshift state called Zimbabwe. He was Minister of State During Matabeleland genocide between 1980 and 1987. Worse more, he was the main strategist in the butchering of the people of Matabeleland calling them cockroaches.
He was Minister of Justice when Cde Paul Siwela Siwela was arrested and charged with treason which attracts a death penalty.
Mnangagwa is the most cruel being that walks on Zimbabwe soil. Those who present him as a saint must first tell us what caused Mugabe’s sudden death. They must show us where his comrades, Jonathan Moyo, Saviour Kasikuwere, Patrick Zhuwao and others are right now.
It would be gross negligence on our part as MLO to believe that our leader, Cde Paul Siwela’s safety is guaranteed in a country where even the safety of leaders belonging to the ruling party is not guaranteed.
In 2017 Mnangagwa returned to Zimbabwe only when his safety was guaranteed by the Zimbabwe defense forces, it is in the same manner Cde Paul Siwela shall return to Matabeleland, when his safety is guaranteed by the new Matabeleland Defense Force
Farai Dziva|Matabeleland Liberation Organisation has described Emmerson Mnangagwa as the most cruel being in Zimbabwe.
Read full statement below:
MATEBELELAND LIBERATION ORGANISATION (MLO)
PRESIDENT Paul Siwela will return only when Matabeleland is secured by Matabeleland Defence Forces
MLO would like to dismiss with contempt it deserves, the misleading falsehood that has unfortunately found its way into the media that the President of MLO Cde Paul Siwela sneaked into the country to bury his father.
For the record, Cde Paul Siwela did not sneak into Zimbabwe nor attend his father’s funeral due to the well known fact which is in the public domain that the government of Zimbabwe wants to assassinate him.
His safety is not guaranteed in the golgotha (place of skull) which is named Zimbabwe. This falsehood peddled by unscrupulous individuals and journalists borders on insensitivity and lack of respect for the bereaved Siwela family that should be allowed to mourn their departed loved farther in peace.
There are misinformed individuals who want to portray genocidist Mnangagwa as a saint because they have been offered positions in his government or organizations that are connected to the Zimbabwe government.
We remind you that the devil has been there since the formation of the makeshift state called Zimbabwe.
He was Minister of State During Matabeleland genocide between 1980 and 1987. Worse more, he was the main strategist in the butchering of the people of Matabeleland calling them cockroaches.
He was Minister of Justice when Cde Paul Siwela Siwela was arrested and charged with treason which attracts a death penalty.
Mnangagwa is the most cruel being that walks on Zimbabwean soil. Those who present him as a saint must first tell us what caused Mugabe’s sudden death. They must show us where his comrades, Jonathan Moyo, Saviour Kasikuwere, Patrick Zhuwao and others are right now.
It would be gross negligence on our part as MLO to believe that our leader, Cde Paul Siwela’s safety is guaranteed in a country where even the safety of leaders belonging to the ruling party is not guaranteed.
In 2017 Mnangagwa returned to Zimbabwe only when his safety was guaranteed by the Zimbabwe defense forces, it is in the same manner Cde Paul Siwela shall return to Matabeleland, when his safety is guaranteed by the new Matabeleland Defense Force
Izenzo kungemazwi!
Israel Dube
MLO Secretary for Information and Public Affairs
Former Zimbabwe Hospitals Doctors Association Secretary General Dr Bhebhe has alleged that a fake doctors association has been formed to negotiate a deal with the government over the more than 90 days strike that has been happening in the country.
Said Bhebhe, “A certain organization called PDAZ has claimed to be working with the Ministrey of Health and Child Care and government in trying to solve the ongoing impasse We understand its motivation is to strike a deal for doctors without the consent of the doctors. We shall see how this will end.”
The ZHDA has refused to bow down to the pressure of government who has fired doctors.
Journalisst Hopewell Chin’ono said the newly formed association called Progressive Doctors Association of Zimbabwe is formed is made up of army doctors.
“The Herald should simply say Government is forming an organisation to be called Progressive Doctors Association of Zimbabwe (PDAZ) with mainly army doctors who have been meeting for the past 3 weeks at State House!
“Forming a fake doctors association does not change the terrible state of public hospitals, instead of forming these funny associations, Government should be addressing the real issues!” Chin’ono said.
The government announced on Tuesday that the doctors who did not attend work on Monday will not be readmitted if they reapply.
OFFICER-IN-CHARGE at Marondera Central Police Station, Chief Inspector Emson Jokonya, who allegedly fired shots during opposition MDC leader Nelson Chamisa’s visit to the farming town at the weekend, has been transferred over the incident.
Jokonya will now head Epworth Police Station and will be replaced by one Chief Inspector Mangwende.
According to top police sources, a signal was sent across all police stations informing of Jokonya’s transfer together with other police officers in different provinces.
“A signal is here, Jokonya has been transferred to Epworth and this was triggered by the weekend skirmishes that angered the authorities. He is not the only police officer who was transferred but there are others too. However, we are aware that he is the main target following the clash with Chamisa,” said the police source.
But national police spokesperson, Assistant Commissioner Paul Nyathi said he was not aware of Jokonya’s alleged transfer.
Chamisa claims that he survived death by a whisker after police officers fired live shots during his tree-planting programme at Dombotombo Clinic on Sunday. A number of people were injured after police teargassed the medical centre as they tried to bar Chamisa from leading the programme. Ad by Valueimpression
Police had earlier barricaded Cherutombo Primary School, the initial venue for Chamisa’s tree-planting event before the opposition party moved to the council-owned Dombotombo Clinic.
However, police rubbished claims that they fired live shots, saying they only used teargas to disperse the crowd after a defiant Chamisa had called for an unsanctioned rally.
Activists have been circulating a picture of Jokonya and his mobile number on various social media groups accusing the top cop of firing live ammunition at Chamisa.
Yesterday, the police boss could not be reached for comment and had exited all WhatsApp groups in Marondera.
By A Correspondent| The Zanu PF team that was meant to visit the USA and other countries has cancelled the trip after Zimbabweans based on the USA threatened to embarrass the Officials.
The group had planned to have massive demonstrations in Texas and Washington DC and deploy some of their members in the meetings to disrupt the “engagement from within.”
In a statement, one Zimbabwean explained saying, their argument is why should Zanu pf or the government of Zimbabwe want to come and engage Zimbabweans in the Diaspora when they refuse to engage with Zimbabweans back home.
In Zimbabwe Zanu pf and government officials gang up to abuse, beat up, arrest, abduct and sometimes kill Zimbabweans.
Zimbabweans in Zimbabwe do not feel safe with the government.
They live in fear of the government. The government continues to persecute and terrorize the citizens it is meant to protect. And this is the reason why Zimbabweans in the Diaspora want Zanu pf Emmerson Mnangagwa declared terrorists.
Diasporans have also declared war against Zanu pf officials including Emmerson Mnangagwa who travel outside Zimbabwe gobbling millions at the expense of the suffering majority – the war is a legal one where all those who are aiding and abeting state terrorism in Zimbabwe will be prosecuted.
All diasporans have been put on alert for Zanu pf traveling officials, a case in point Mudenda escaped arrest by a whisker as he had to be rushed out of Serbia with Serbian prosecutors threatening to throw him behind bars.
This trend awaits any Zanu Pf official who dares to come to the USA, UK, Australia, SA and Europe.
The MDC’s Deputy Information Secretary Tim Muringai speaks to ZimEye –
Farai Dziva|The Mighty Warriors, will face Mauritius in the AFCON first round qualifier in April 2020.
Should Zimbabwe triumph in their first-round tie, they will face the winners between Zambia and Mozambique in the last qualifying round scheduled for June.
The Mighty Warriors will be looking to return to the competition after they failed to qualify for the 2018 AWCON edition. The team has also struggled in other campaigns of late, missing a spot at the 2020 Olympics games.
Eight nations have been given byes into the second round, including defending champions Nigeria along with Equatorial Guinea, Cameroon, Morocco, Mali, Ghana, South Africa and Cote d’Ivoire.
11 winners of the second round will qualify for the 12-team final tournament billed to be staged between November 23 to December 1.
First round fixtures:
Zambia vs Mozambique
Malawi vs Eswatini
Zimbabwe vs Mauritius
Namibia vs Botswana
Gabon vs Central Africa
Angola vs Congo
DR Congo vs Sao Tome and Principe
Tanzania vs Kenya
Burundi vs Uganda
Ethiopia vs Djibouti
Liberia vs Senegal
Gambia vs Guinea Bissau
Togo vs Niger
Algeria vs Burkina Faso
Farai Dziva|The Castle Lager Premier Soccer League end of year awards ceremony will be held on Friday in the capital, Harare.
According to Soccer 24, the awards ceremony will be held at Manna Resorts at 6 pm.
The Castle Lager Zimbabwe and Zimpapers TV Network will also show the event on their Social Media accounts.
2019 Soccer Star of the Year Finalists:
Ariel Sibanda (Highlanders)
Clive Augusto (Chicken Inn)
Evans Katema (Mushowani Stars/ Dynamos)
Ian Nekati (ZPC Kariba)
Joel Ngodzo (CAPS United)
King Nadolo (TelOne)
Never Tigere (FC Platinum)
Phineas Bamusi (CAPS United)
Prince Dube Highlanders)
Ralph Kawondera (Triangle United)
Wellington Taderera (Black Rhinos)
Following an exclusive expose’ by ZimEye which began in February this year, the Zimbabwe Republic Police has announced arrests.
The investigation began in February when ZimEye revealed the presence of mashurugwis operating under a man aligned to CIO minister Owen Ncube. On Monday ZimEye reported recent mass murders in Mazowe.
The police together with the minister of Home Affairs, Kazembe Kazembe have announced they have launched raids to arrest the miners.
Matabeleland North is topping the list of the illegal miners arrested with 546, while Bulawayo had the least with 27.
Mashonaland East had 53, Midlands (200), Harare (200), Manicaland (42), Masvingo (46), Mashonaland Central (83), Matabeleland South (147) and Mashonaland West (186) illegal miners arrested.
“We have met with our Mines and Mining Development ministry counterparts and the police commanders today to discuss the tropical issues of the machete wielding gangs. The media is awash with stories of machete wielding gang wars and this is worrisome to us as we want peace and security to prevail.
“We will continue with the raids because we are saying Zimbabwe is open for business. We cannot attract investors if law and order is not prevailing in the country. We have moved a gear up in the raids as these issues are of a security threat,” said Minister Kazembe.
Farai Dziva| Warriors star midfielder Marvelous Nakamba will feature in Aston Villa’s starting eleven as his team faces Chelsea.
The 25-year-old was an unused substitute in the last two league games, a 2-0 win win over Newcastle and a 2-2 draw with Manchester United Old Trafford.
Nakamba will battle it out with Chelsea’s experienced duo of N’Golo Kante and Mateo Kovacic.
It was the nightmare before Christmas all over again for
Everton and Marco Silva.
There were no Jurgen Klopp celebratory sprints onto the pitch on this occasion, although that was no consolation for the vanquished visitors.
The annual injury-time goal at The Kop end this year was Liverpool’s fifth, Gini Wijnaldum putting the tinsel on a curious game in which the league leaders were emphatically superior while remaining occasionally vulnerable in defence.
If Divock Origi’s last-gasp winner in this fixture a year ago was torturous for Silva, the Belgian’s sequel in this 5-2 hammering may mean the bell tolls on the Portuguese coach’s Goodison career.
Silva knows a heavy defeat makes it difficult – virtually impossible – for his board to keep him for the visit of Chelsea this weekend.
There was a period, particularly when Sadio Mane scored Liverpool’s fourth in the 45th minute, he may have considered himself lucky to make it to half-time. There will be little surprise if a statement materialises on Thursday.
It was almost cruel, taunting even, that Liverpool twice conceded shortly after taking a three goal advantage in the first half – keeping the visiting fans in their seats, forlornly yearning a comeback to rival Lazarus – when many must have considered escaping when their side conceded four in the first half of a Merseyside derby for the first time since 1935. Not since 1982 have they yielded five to their neighbours.
Everton are now in the bottom three, The Kop gleefully singing ‘going down’ to those who stayed until the bitterest of ends.
Never has the gap between these clubs looked so stark. Rarely has Everton’s immediate and long-term prospects seemed so bleak.
Even Klopp’s generous fiddling with his line-up – he left out Mohamed Salah and Roberto Firmino – did not spare Silva.
Liverpool looked like they would beat Jordan Pickford at will at one stage – Sadio Mane should have had a hat-trick – although their prospects of a relaxing 90 minutes continue to be undermined by an unreliable defence. Everton were offered a chance to avoid complete humiliation thanks to Michael Keane and Richarlison.
They might have scored more, Moise Kean particularly culpable.-Telegraph
ZANU PF youths have been accused of terrorising business people in Harare by demanding donations for the ruling party’s People Conference which is slated for next week in Goromonzi.
About 7000 delegates are expected to grace the event with the party saying that preparations are going according to plan.
A businessman who spoke to the Daily News on condition of anonymity revealed that the youths were demanding money from business people.
He said:
We thought this ended with Mugabe when such demands were common, especially when there were rallies, national hero funerals, his annual birthday, but the culture is back now.
“The youths want me to contribute money, which they say is for transport and logistical costs. I wouldn’t mind if it was a genuine request but there is an element of demand.
This was confirmed by another businessman who expressed sadness over the development which he said was happening when things were hard for everyone.
The allegations were dismissed as false by Zanu PF Bulawayo’s fundraising committee spokesperson, Khumbulani Mpofu that the party was targeting its traditional donors admitting however that raisingtargeted $500 000 was utopian.
Business people used willingly fund the ruling party’s events to safeguard their business interests but the rapidly deteriorating economy forced many to assume a retreating role as they are also struggling to keep their businesses afloat.
Credit :Daily News
BY DR MASIMBA MAVAZA Mashonaland East province which is the province which house the Vice President of Zimbabwe retired Army General Chiwengs sets to witness fireworks as the ZANU PF conference begins.
It’s great to be here in Goromonzi at the best conference for years, ZANU PF welcomes you to the Mashonaland East Province, to be specific Goromonzi the land of the great, where the big brains of the nation reside in silence not well noticed but in motion. We welcome all the comrades from everywhere welcome to the Province of Sekuru Chaminuka the province of Mbuya Nehanda and we know that some of you may have been mildly peppered with abuse on the way in but are you abashed? Are you downcast? Of course not. We are ZANU PF and we get on with serving the people. The Mashonaland East province is honoured to be hosting the progressive revolutionary party this year. This is the Second historical conference where His Excellency the President Emmerson Dambudzo Mnangagwa chairs since his ascendency to power in 2017.
The nation went through the most gruelling austerity measures which made most of us a laughing stock with the suffering masses. But there is no prosperity without sweat. The fruits of prosperity are watered with the blood of austerity, we have pulled through but it was hard and heavy.
But we know the whole of conference remains full of gratitude to His Excellency and to Mai Auxillia for their wisdom and their forbearance, and yes, we will work together and see our country back to unlimited unconditional and unstoppable prosperity. This conference is the conference of hope trust and patience. We will be building on your legacy and make it the legacy never to forget.
We will remember your predecessor Cde Robert Gabriel Mugabe who passed on unfortunately he died under the evil spell of the domestic violence which we saw even in his death where he was denied a hero’s funeral by his wife. His Excellency has been the president for only two years but he has done so many things that give cause for hope. Our hospitals are finally getting the investment but they are let down by the staff who are controlled by a third force which we can see and causing havoc in our health system. the other staff in the essential services people who are sworn to save lives are being controlled to the extent of neglecting their duties and holding on to their unrealistic demands of higher rewards completely negating their oath of providing the medical care of our people, they are not the only ones in the essential services affected by the current economic situation, yet they want their demands to over shadow all other professions and all and sundry. Efforts are currently geared towards normalcy in the health sector not only for the doctors but for all involved in that sector and all civil servants.
Police colleges where idealistic young men and women are enrolling in large numbers to fight crime across the country, there have been a great transformation in our police force where corruption is fast departing. The police force is now serving people not tormenting people as was the norm. The president in these two years has made political partnership with business community and other political entities around the world the most successful political partnership in history which we will protect and we will defend against those who would wantonly destroy it.
After the new dispensation took over a lot of problems were planted in the path of the government, but the government managed to navigate through and made very significant investments and we are proud of the role this government is playing in every one of those investments and they are only possible because It was His Excellency’s government that tackled the debt and the deficit left by the last government, now we can proudly say ZANU PF has paid our debts and austerity measures have paid.
Mashonaland East hosts the conference when the nation now has the hope of real life, the youth now own mine claims, corruption is being tackled and the light is now flickering at the end of the tunnel. Zimbabwe has stood up and entered the trenches in a fierce fight against sanctions. The SADC region has joined us for the first time to fight the sanctions; the United Nations has heard our cries and sanctions are besieged. Mashonaland East province takes pride in that this conference we host today reviews these progresses we have made in making our nation better again. It is the conference where we see the open door policy yielding fruits. Our people are desperate for us to focus on their priorities yet some unprogressively minds still hinge on the past and failing to focus with the nation.
Zimbabwe has officially come out of the austerity measures so we can we must and we will even though things have not been made easier we will work for a better future of our youth, our children and our people. We as ZANU PF must outsmart outshine the puppets MDC and the G40 incarnate Kasukuwere who want to get on with their programme for total national discord turning the whole revolution which is great for this country – into chaos. Zimbabwe is in the shadows of bitter love, its bitter but its love, we are people who are prepared to suffer now so that we can correct the wrongs accrued through the ages. It’s painful to remove the culture of eating without saving, we need to fight to remove the negative mind set in the people, and we need to change that mind-set at a national level.
We need to promote progressive mind-set which is prepared to harvest fruits not on the spot but in the near future; this is because the entire mind set has to change. People have to learn to use this environment of peace and tranquillity people must learn to think outside the box how to make things work without corruption in a manner which is appealing to the society.
As for those in opposition their idea of serving the national interest was to write to EU and the USA urging them not to remove sanctions. It’s time to respect the lives of the people and call for the sanctions to go. We should be worried that after two years and half years people are beginning to feel that they are being taken for fools. They are beginning to suspect that there are forces in this country that simply don’t want success delivered at all. If they are right in their suspicions they will lose trust in us, on that point we need to root out those who cannot tore the line and those who are only Armchair leaders. We need leaders who lead from the front.
As a country we need to take back control of our money and our economy and our laws The health delivery is holy to the people of this country because it is life that it doesn’t matter who you are or where you come from but when you are sick the whole country figuratively gathers at your bedside and does everything it can to make you well again, and everybody pays to ensure that you have the best doctors and the best nurses and the most effective treatments known to medical science. The government is committed to solving the deadlock with the health workers. as we begin this ZANU PF conference in the Great Mashonaland Region, the land of the great Chief Chikwaka Matemai and other respected chiefs we urge the delegates to visit our Mutoko caves, Murehwa caves, visit Chief Mangwende to show you areas which are holy and dear to our country and province. ZANU PF will show one and all that it is united and there is no fight between our leaders and that we are a united front. [email protected]
Farai Dziva|Elderly people and vulnerable children in Gutu District, Masvingo Province are being denied access to food aid for allegedly being sympathetic to the opposition.
This was revealed by MDC councillor for ward 27, Gutu South, Alderman Jeffrey Tangemhare.
“We have people who are really vulnerable; the elderly, widows, the sick and orphans. Most of these have totally run out of food because of the drought and now they are being left to starve to death by their own Government,” said Alderman Tangemhare.
Another source in area said:”Zanu PF activists have declared that they are determined to wipe out opposition supporters by denying them access to food aid.”
Farai Dziva|Elderly people and vulnerable children in Gutu District, Masvingo Province are being denied access to food aid for allegedly being sympathetic to the opposition.
This was revealed by MDC councillor for ward 27, Gutu South, Alderman Jeffrey Tangemhare.
“We have people who are really vulnerable; the elderly, widows, the sick and orphans. Most of these have totally run out of food because of the drought and now they are being left to starve to death by their own Government,” said Alderman Tangemhare.
Another source in area said:”Zanu PF activists have declared that they are determined to wipe out opposition supporters by denying them access to food aid.”
By Nigel Gwirikwiti|Firstly, Robert Mugabe was a fascist , an evil doer.
In fact , Mr Lipstick and Mugabe dually authored the economic disequilibrium/ doldrums the Republic is experiencing currently.
The two were at the epicenter of framing the current ambience of economic stagnation prevailing in the Republic .
Notwithstanding all the above aforementioned vices ; Mugabe was as clever as a fox.
Effortlessly, he mastered the artistry of cunning , mendacity , sneakiness with peculiar intelligence. Undoubtedly, he was an academic Czar an intellectual oligarchy . By virtue of his earned academic credentials, he was the most learned Heads of State, during his tenure. Ironically, his unprecedented longevity became a liability for the Republic.
In spite of all his intelligence and cunning propensities, the nation is perplexed upon the declassification of the dossiers that Mugabe never left a will . Knowing Mugabe’s cunningness/ intelligence it’s either he left a will that mysteriously disappeared or he deliberately opted not to leave a will, for a reason.
Surprisingly, Bona has now been designated the executor of Mugabe’s estate. Consequently, by law, she is now the curator at the primacy of the administration and distribution of the estate.
Bona has a certain elegance , believability factor , sincerity . I am sure she with diligently execute her legal duties with thoughtfulness and intelligence .
I am just curious. How come Mugabe’s properties abroad were not declared ? It’s practically impossible that Mugabe does not have a mansion in Singapore!
Mugabe was as clever as a fox ! Even in his “ mausoleum “ , he is still cunningly exhibiting his skills .
"Reform of any nature is difficult. Reform of the type and magnitude we are currently implementing at economic, political and legislative levels is even beyond difficult. It borders on the margins of hazardous in terms of degree of patients we as govt are asking from our people'' pic.twitter.com/lPP1LiXQgU
Own Correspondent| A new party named Zanu PF Original has notified the Zimbabwe Electoral Commission of its existence according to a copy of the letter circulating on social media.
The letter signed by Timothy Chimusoro who is the National Coordinator notified ZEC of its existence requesting to be included in all election related correspondencies.
A few weeks ago, another party named MDC Zimbabwe based in Gweru announced its existence with the electoral mother body accepting the request.
It remains to be seen if ZEC will accept the Zanu PF Original request considering that it could cause identity challenges to the current ruling party.
"Reform of any nature is difficult. Reform of the type and magnitude we are currently implementing at economic, political and legislative levels is even beyond difficult. It borders on the margins of hazardous in terms of degree of patients we as govt are asking from our people'' pic.twitter.com/lPP1LiXQgU
Farai Dziva|Former Tourism Minister Walter Mzembi has distanced himself from Saviour Kasukuwere’ s political project.
Regarded as one of the G-40 kingpins, Mzembi had been tipped to deputise, Kasukuwere in the supposed new political formation.
However Mzembi has dismissed suggestions that he will be the second in command in Tyson’s formation.
“I applaud every effort to democratise our country and wish
@Hon_Kasukuwere
well in his efforts, for the record I am not his Deputy in the #tysonwabantu nor in any structure.
I will pronounce myself in due course on Zimpolitics and my vision going forward,” tweeted Mzembi.
Farai Dziva|Former Tourism Minister Walter Mzembi has distanced himself from Saviour Kasukuwere’ s political project.
Regarded as one of the G-40 kingpins, Mzembi had been tipped to deputise, Kasukuwere in the supposed new political formation.
However Mzembi has dismissed suggestions that he will join be the second in command in Tyson’s formation.
“I applaud every effort to democratise our country and wish
@Hon_Kasukuwere
well in his efforts, for the record I am not his Deputy in the #tysonwabantu nor in any structure.
I will pronounce myself in due course on Zimpolitics and my vision going forward,” tweeted Mzembi.
Farai Dziva|Former Tourism Minister Walter Mzembi has distanced himself from Saviour Kasukuwere’ s political project.
Regarded as one of the G-40 kingpins, Mzembi had been tipped to deputise, Kasukuwere in the supposed new political formation.
However Mzembi has dismissed suggestions that he will join be the second in command in Tyson’s formation.
“I applaud every effort to democratise our country and wish
@Hon_Kasukuwere
well in his efforts, for the record I am not his Deputy in the #tysonwabantu nor in any structure.
I will pronounce myself in due course on Zimpolitics and my vision going forward,” tweeted Mzembi.
Farai Dziva|The Castle Lager Premier Soccer League end of year awards ceremony will be held on Friday in the capital, Harare.
According to Soccer 24, the awards ceremony will be held at Manna Resorts at 6 pm.
The Castle Lager Zimbabwe and Zimpapers TV Network will also show the event on their Social Media accounts.
2019 Soccer Star of the Year Finalists:
Ariel Sibanda (Highlanders)
Clive Augusto (Chicken Inn)
Evans Katema (Mushowani Stars/ Dynamos)
Ian Nekati (ZPC Kariba)
Joel Ngodzo (CAPS United)
King Nadolo (TelOne)
Never Tigere (FC Platinum)
Phineas Bamusi (CAPS United)
Prince Dube Highlanders)
Ralph Kawondera (Triangle United)
Wellington Taderera (Black Rhinos)
"Reform of any nature is difficult. Reform of the type and magnitude we are currently implementing at economic, political and legislative levels is even beyond difficult. It borders on the margins of hazardous in terms of degree of patients we as govt are asking from our people'' pic.twitter.com/lPP1LiXQgU
By A Correspondent| A Bulawayo woman has appeared in court charged with physical abuse after she allegedly stabbed her husband in a dispute over popular musician Jah Prayzah (pictured)’s show.
Rebecca Manzini (18) of Entumbane in Bulawayo is being charged with domestic violence after she allegedly attacked her husband, Jeffreys Gumbuti (33) with a broken bottle. This was after the woman had refused to go back home in Mbalabala with her husband because she wanted to attend the popular musician’s show which had been scheduled for later that day.
Manzini was not asked to plead to the charge when she appeared before magistrate Nomasiko Ndlovu on Monday. She was remanded to December 9 on $100 bail.
The court heard that on November 29 at around 1 o’clock in the afternoon, Gumbuti arrived home from Mbalabala only to discover that his wife was not around. He waited for her but she did not show up.
It is the State’s case that Gumbuti then went to a farm inputs shop in the city centre where he bumped into Manzini who was in the company of her younger sister.
Gumbuti allegedly advised Manzini that they should both go back home, but the latter refused saying she wanted to attend Jah Prayzah’s show at the Homestead Hall in Bulawayo.
Gumbuti advised Manzini’s younger sister to stop misleading the latter.
The court heard that Manzini suddenly ran amok and stabbed Gumbuti on the left side of the neck with a broken beer bottle.
Gumbuti sustained injuries as a result of the attack and was taken to hospital for treatment. A report was made to the police, leading to Manzini’s arrest.
By A Correspondent- Addressing the politburo Wednesday, president Emmerson Mnangagwa castigated armchair leaders urging Zanu Pf to remain a listening party which prioritised the people’s needs and servant leadership.
Mnangagwa said:
“We will not tolerate armchair leaders. The culture of the Second Republic is servant leadership. Those who are not prepared to fold their sleeves and work for the party, bad luck. We must remain a listening party.”
Zanu Pf on Wednesday held its crunch Indaba at the party headquarters in Harare.
The meeting followed an announcement by the party’s Secretary for Administration Dr Obert Mpofu inviting party heavyweights to the politburo meeting.
Said Mpofu:
Zanu Pf’s Secretary for Administration Obert Mpofu wishes to advise all members that there shall be a Politburo meeting to be held on Wednesday 4 December 2019 at the party headquarters commencing at 1000 hours.
The ZANU PF politburo is the party’s highest decision-making body outside Congress.
The politburo is constituted by members most of whom are handpicked by the party’s First Secretary, Emmerson Mnangagwa who in turn holds office for five years after nominations from the provinces.
By A Correspondent- A Bulawayo businessman who operates a farm and mine in Inyathi in Matabeleland North province allegedly shot two suspected illegal gold panners who were rushed to hospital after sustaining life threatening injuries.
This emerged when Nhlanhla Makuyana (56) approached the High Court seeking bail pending trial.
Bulawayo High Court judge Justice Martin Makonese released Makuyana on $300 bail and ordered him to reside at his given address and not interfere with State witnesses until the matter is finalised.
He also ordered the applicant to report twice a week on Mondays and Fridays at Bulawayo Central Police Station as part of the bail conditions.
Makuyana, a retired civil servant, is facing attempted murder charges after allegedly shooting and injuring two suspected illegal gold panners who had strayed into his mine in Inyathi.
In his bail application through his lawyers, Abigail Masawi Law Chambers citing the State as a respondent, Makuyana said there were no compelling reasons by the State for refusal of bail.
He said his farm has been invaded by illegal gold panners and efforts to get assistance from the police proved fruitless.
“On the day in question, mindful of a previous incident on the farm, I had gone to check on the intruders armed with a licensed 303 rifle. I only fired warning shots when the intruders became confrontational. I submit that the State has no compelling reasons to curtail my liberty,” he said.
Makuyana said as a family man with various properties including a house in Harare, a flat in Bulawayo, a plot, a mine and several cars, he had no reason to abscond.
He also disputed the assertion by investigating officers that if released on bail, he was likely to interfere with State witnesses.
According to court papers, on October 29 this year at around 8.40AM, Makuyana was at his farm known as Twin Farm in Inyathi district when he spotted two suspected intruders walking along a fireguard at the boundary of his farm.
He allegedly opened fire and shot them in the thighs. They sustained injuries and were taken to Inyathi District Hospital.
A report was made to the police leading to Makuyana’s arrest.
By Nomusa Garikai- “Zimbabwe is on the brink of man-made starvation and the number of people needing help is “shocking” for a country not in conflict, a United Nations special expert on the right to food said Thursday,” reported New Zimbabwe.
“I urgently call on the government, all political parties and the international community to come together to put an end to this spiralling crisis before it morphs into a full-blown conflict,” said Hilal Elver, the UN special expert.
She blamed widespread corruption, mismanagement, natural disasters, droughts and sanctions for the crisis. “It comes from (a) dysfunctional system,” she said.
This makes shocking reading, the more so because this is a nightmare we have seen coming these last 39 years and have done little to stop it.
Many Zimbabweans out there have known that corruption, for example, was rampant. In 2016 Mugabe admitted the nation was “swindled out of US$ 15 billion in diamond revenue alone”. The dictator never arrested even one swindler and/or never recovered even one swindled diamond dollar.
When Mnangagwa took over from Mugabe after the 2017 military coup; he promised “zero tolerance on corruption”. End words! Two years down the line, he too has yet to arrest one diamond swindler and/or recovery one swindled diamond dollar.
We know the wholesale looting of diamonds and other resources is still going on to this day. In 2017, the then Minister of Finance, Patrick Chinamasa, told parliament government was getting 1/6 of the expected diamond revenue. That has not changed!
The diamond mining has continued at its frantic pace. Mugabe booted out of the country a Chinese company, one of the many companies accused of the wholesale looting. The Chinese played a key role in bankrolling Mnangagwa’s blatantly vote rigging of the 2018 elections and, as a reward, the booted out Chinese company was allowed back in Zimbabwe.
Very few Zimbabweans have ever raised such issues as corruption, mismanagement, vote rigging and the myriad of other local problems with the Zanu PF government. Even now with the country now in serious economic, political and social trouble; Zimbabweans have not raised these burning issues with the country’s corrupt, incompetent and tyrannical leaders, much less putting an end to the madness.
Zimbabwe is a failed and dysfunctional nation and whist the international community can help up get out of this mess but it is for us, Zimbabweans, to take a lead in demanding meaningful change. So far, for the last 39 years, e have done very little.
By A Correspondent- A self proclaimed Buhera prophet has landed himself in soup after he bedded a 13-year-old girl three times before she eloped with him.
Tafadzwa Mabanga (26) of Chief Chamutsa in Buhera pleaded guilty to having sex with a minor when he appeared before Chipinge magistrate, Joshua Nembaware.
He was convicted and remanded in custody to today for sentence.
In mitigation, Mabanga pleaded for leniency and indicated that he wanted to marry the girl.
“You worship I am married with two children, one aged two years while the other is one-month old. I wanted to marry to the girl,” Mabanga said.
Prosecutor Gift Bikita told the court that sometime in August this year at around 4pm, Mabanga met the girl, who is aged 13 and doing Grade Six, on her way home from school and proposed love to her.
However, the girl turned down his proposal.
In October, he met her again while she was in the company of her friend and she accepted.
During the same month, the girl fell sick and went to his house for a prayer session and Mabanga lured her into his bedroom where he became intimate with her with her consent.
Last month, the girl asked for permission from her mother to go to church and it was granted.
She met Mabanga and they became intimate again after which he gave her $20.
The court heard that on November 18 at around 3pm, he went to the girl’s homestead in the absence of her parents and slept with her before buying her silence with $30.
The following day, the girl eloped to his homestead and they started staying together.
The matter came to light five days later after the girl’s mother gathered that she was staying with Mabanga and made a police report, leading to his arrest.
By A Correspondent- Zanu PF Bulawayo province is holding a fundraising event in the city tomorrow as it races against time to raise funds for the party’s annual people’s conference in Goromonzi next week.
Southern Eye has established that Zanu PF’s fundraising committee in the city is having sleepless nights as the party’s usual targets, private companies, have declared incapacitation to fund them.
Each province is expected to raise at least $500 000 to mainly feed Zanu PF delegates attending the conference.
Last week, chairperson of the Bulawayo fundraising committee Charles Chiponda claimed that the province had raised as much as 30% to 40% of their required budget.
But spokesperson of the fundraising committee Khumbulani Mpofu in an interview yesterday said the going has been tough for them with targeted traditional donors only making unfulfilled promises.
“We have traditional donors who we are targeting, but we are racing against time. As at present, they are just giving us promises since, as you know, the situation is difficult for many companies. It’s tough, but we are positive that some traditional donors will come through even at the last minute and assist,” Mpofu said.
In the past, the ruling party was accused of coercing some private companies to donate towards its conferences and other activities.
There have also been reports of some party activists taking advantage of the fundraising drive to divert donations for personal use.
In 2015, Zanu PF youth district chairpersons ousted their provincial executive – then led by Mpofu who is the current fundraising committee chairperson – on charges of corruption and using the party name to extort struggling companies of monies, groceries and fuel, which they later shared among themselves.
By A Correspondent- The government has announced a reduction of mealie meal prices, with the retail price of 10kg now set at $50.
This was revealed by Finance and Economic Development Minister Mthuli Ncube in a statement on Thursday morning.
He said:
As you may be aware, His Excellency the President, E.D Mnangagwa announced that subsidies on maize have been restored in order to cushion the vulnerable groups of our society from the negative impact of increases in basic food prices.
In this regard, the new subsidy model will, therefore, target the production of roller meal resulting in the retail price of ZWL$50 for a 10kg bag.
Last month, Ncube announced the removal of mealie meal subsidies while presenting the 2020 national budget statement.
The move was, however, reversed a few days later by President Emmerson Mnangagwa while addressing ZANU-PF youths in Kadoma.
By A Correspondent- Popular gospel artist and pastor Neyi Zimu has died.
The “Jehova Retshepile Wena” hitmaker was a pastor at All Nation Revival Ministries.
He died on Wednesday night at Busamed Hospital in Modderfontein,South Africa following a long illness.
News of this death comes not long after his wife Nelisiwe Sibisi-Zimu revealed that her husband was battling skin cancer and was admitted at Chris Hani Baragwanath Academic Hospital where he was undergoing chemotherapy.
Condolence messages continue to pour in following the death of Zimu.
2 weeks ago, Sun City, Spiritual Awakening, this special tribute lifting Neyi Zimu up in prayer was performed. ?? Go well Ps Zimu, you have run your race. You ran it well. You touched so many of our lives. Ro livhuwa. ?? #RIPNeyiZimupic.twitter.com/ZB2XlAU8Jp
By A Correspondent- An armed member of the Presidential Guard has been arrested for committing a spate of robberies in the Masasa mining area in Mazowe last month.
The matter came to light at the Bindura Magistrates Courts yesterday where the suspect, Brighton Chizororo (30) of Chirwadzise village, Chief Ndanga in Masvingo appeared before magistrate Ethel Chichera facing robbery charges.
Chizororo pleaded not guilty to the charges and was remanded in custody to December 10 for trial.
Prosecutor Tariro Janhi alleged that on November 24, Chizororo and his accomplice only identified as Buju, who is still at large, armed themselves with an AK47 assault rifle, serial number ZA31605, loaded with 11 rounds, and a syjambok before storming Masasa Mine.
Upon arrival, the pair waylaid unsuspecting miners Chrispen Mahere (40) and Munyaradzi Masusu. Buju moved behind the miners wielding a syjambok while Chizororo pointed the rifle at them.
He cocked the rifle while ordering them to lie down and they complied.
He then allegedly demanded cash and was given $500 before ordering the miners to run from the scene.
The accused moved to another gold claim where they met Anold Chomusina (23) Maccani Mapiriyawo whom they robbed of US$20 using the same modus operandi.
However, the miners teamed up after their misfortune and pursued the robbers. They caught up with Chizororo, disarmed him while his accomplice varnished into darkness.
This comes after another Presidential Guard solder was arrested few weeks ago after he fired a gun whilst on guard duty at Zimbabwe State House. He allegedly complained that he was facing economic hardships.
“A young presidential guard soldier emptied his magazine firing in the air at State House in Harare this morning. He was arrested as he was reloading. He complained of hardships and said he ‘can’t survive in dead economy’. He’s been detained by the military at its holding cells!” Jonathan Moyo posted on Twitter.
By A Correspondent- Bona Mugabe-Chikore has been appointed the executor of her late father, former President Robert Mugabe’s estate.
Read a report by a local publication:
“Former President Robert Mugabe’s eldest child, Bona, has been appointed an executor of his estate. Her role is to identify and gather all the late president’s assets before overseeing their distribution to beneficiaries.”
Mugabe died on 6 September this year in Singapore where he had been receiving treatment for a couple of months.
His body was flown to Zimbabwe and later buried at his rural home at Kutama village in Zvimba district a few weeks after his death.
By A Correspondent- President Emmerson Mnangagwa broke tradition when he addressed the 334th Zanu pf politburo at the beginning of deliberations in Harare on Wednesday.
He began by welcoming the Vice President Constantino Chiwenga who attended his first politburo meeting since his return from China where he was receiving treatment for about four months.
Mnangagwa told the meeting that the party was ready for the People’s conference to be held in Goromonzi next week adding that preparations were going according to plan.
He added that his association with communities around the country gave him an informed view of what the citizens need.
The president also thanked China for the medical assistance given to Chiwenga.
By A Correspondent- The great thinker T.E Lawrence once said, “All men dream, but not equally.
Those who dream by night in the dusty recesses of their minds, wake in the day to find that it was vanity: but the dreamers of the day are dangerous men, for they may act on their dreams with open eyes, to make them possible.”
All dreamers who dream that Zimbabwe will ever rise and be a normal country that it used to be are dreamers who dream by night and wake up to realise that they only had been dreaming.
The poor results of Grade 7 pupils in Zimbabwe is a clear indication of how much a failed state Zimbabwe is and an indication whether or not it will ever rise again from the dust.
Imagine what kind of leaders will Zimbabwe produce some 3 to 4 decades to come if its schools are under-performing as they are doing in all these past years.
When all other countries in the world are investing much in their young generations, Zimbabwe is totally destroying its simply because of its extreme desire of suppressing and oppressing Mthwakazi people in all forms.
It does not come as a surprise to us as Mthwakazi to learn that most of the schools that under-performed are Mthwakazi schools.
Maybe Zimbabweans could be scratching their heads trying to figure out what went wrong as they have the government that wishes them well.
On the other hand it may not worry them again as they know that failing at any level of education has never been a hindrance to them to further their studies or landing them jobs anywhere as their government will issue them with back door certificates.
Their only worry could only be on, are they ever going to be able to run their country with success?
That should be their only worry, bearing it in mind that if one of their most educated Mugabe failed them as he did with loads of educational qualifications that he was said to be having, then what will one reliant on back door certificates do for them.
Our investigation has revealed that teachers in Mthwakazi schools have not been getting paid while those in Mashonaland have been getting their pay. Although late sometimes, Mashonaland based teachers were getting paid to see them in school yards doing their work.
The investigation further revealed that with the stay away of teachers having started back in January, some teachers in Mthwakazi schools only went to their schools to safeguard their jobs, not to teach children.
Very few of the teachers did their duties as usual under the conditions of no pay and those were Mthwakazi born teachers, while many of the Shona teachers deployed in Mthwakazi schools were going for days out of their school yards and if in school, they would dare be seen in learning rooms.
Therefore as people without the government for now and people who believe in a future that is bright when its young generation is happy, we call upon all Mthwakazi communities to unite and decide what is best for their children.
It is said, “Education is the passport to the future, for tomorrow belongs to those who prepare for it today.” “If you think education is expensive, try ignorance.”
It is the time that we trust the Zimbabwe and Shona government no more with the future of our children. Together as communities, let us put together the little of the resources we have and pay teachers who will educate our children.
The colonial Zimbabwe government hates us and it will never do anything for us because it strives to see us continue under its rule. For that reason it will do all it can to deprive our children some education because it fears the brain of an educated man.
If we start doing that, that will also help determine who teaches our children.
By Tinashe Eric Muzamhindo- Zimbabwe is buffeted by lack of cohesion, it is buffeted by incapacitation, and it is buffeted by intra-party politics, indecisiveness and inconsistencies.
Political & Economic Indicators
1. The soldier who fired gunshots around State House
2. The woman who caused an ordeal around Munhumutapa
3. People running away from ED rallies during 2018 elections
4. MPs walking out of Parliament in defiance of ED
5. Mugabe’s snub
Complexities have forced 99% of the population to label “the” Government, the regime, rather than our Government. The general consensus is that Mnangagwa’s administration have failed and the conclusion is that it’s now a failed state.
A regime is described as authoritarian, and it is derived from a Latin word, regimen which means to rule. My comprehensive analysis is that there is a gap between the Government and the people.
There is no citizen engagement, decisions are made out of emotions and there is no tolerance, passion and love, these are based on gossip, lies and deception. One of the key aspects which has led us to be where we are today is the concept of “arrogance” and “force”.
Let’s come close home. Let’s analyze the phrase “Command Agriculture”. Look at the word “Command”, and how do you attract investors or development partners on the basis of “Command” or “force”.
For all these years when this facility was established, honestly you tell me we don’t have technocrats in the Government who could easily tell that the brand for this exercise reflected hostility?
How do you appeal to donors and potential investors with the command type of mentality? How do you define fairness, or can one negotiate when command is applied on any business model?
Success of any nation thrives on fairness, competence, best
practice, good business model, sense of humour, soberness, level headed and
high level of maturity, and the above mentioned factors feed into success
matrix of any given economy.
How do you define Command type of Governance? Command narrative
given birth to the following:
1. Looting
2. No negotiations
3. No fairness
4. No consultations
5. Don’t look back
6. Lack of cohesion
7. Inconsistencies
8. No trust
9. No love
10. Arrogance
The bottom line is the gap between Government and its own citizens is created by lack of understanding the real situation on the ground.
Demonstrations are a simple way of communicating to those who hold the instruments of power that we are grieved and frustrated.
From the time Mnangagwa took over the reigns of power in Zimbabwe, barely have you seen people demonstrating peacefully, it is either the demos are disrupted, banned or there is violence.
ED has never uttered a word concerning the state of our situation, and people are living from hand to mouth and life goes on like that. His silence may be concluded in three ways;
1. That’s none of my business
2. Who cares?
3. He is detached
4. He doesn’t have any solutions
5. Dare it and you will see?
It is so sad to see people hating their own Government. It is no
longer “our” own Government, it is the Government. Is it necessary to have
such kind of situation? Decisions can lead to such conclusions. Decisions can
be based on frustration, anger, emotions and love. Do you have any feedback
system in Zanu led administration? The question is do they really care about
people? Or is it arrogance? Do they appreciate that they are living beings out
there? Who cares?
Decision 1 – dismissing medical doctors plunging the whole
country into serious crisis
Decision 6 – killing of civilians on August 1 (case closed)
Apparently there is a disconnection between Government and
civilians and it’s detrimental. With the growing frustration amongst citizens,
a bad precedence is likely to be set when citizens are aggrieved.
Hameno ikoko
Tinashe Eric Muzamhindo – Doctor of Philosophy Candidate
(Women’s University in Africa)
By A Correspondent| Mutare residents were left suspecting satanism and black magic after a couple on board a silver Toyota sedan dumped a seven-metre long python behind Mutare Motoring Club and sped off.
The reptile which was placed in a sack was covered with several red cloths
Initially, witnesses suspected that the couple might have dumped a baby and rushed to the scene to investigate.
They were left dumpfounded when they opened the sack and discovered the giant reptile and an assortment of witchcraft-related paraphernalia.
The snake was then dragged into the Central Business District by an unknown man with the mob in hot pursuit.
Business was literally brought to a standstill as people jostled to see the snake which was eventually taken to Mutare Central Police Station.
Officer Commanding Mutare Central Police Chief Supritendent Florence Marume said a 21-year-old woman has since been arrested over the case.
“We have arrested a suspect over the case and we are still investigating the matter,” she said.
Own Correspondent|Reports just received indicate that taxi drivers and their touts in Gwanda have beaten up a ZUPCO Bus Driver for allegedly taking away their business.
Sources who spoke to ZimEye.com on Thursday morning said that the driver was beaten up on Wednesday evening as he found his way home after knocking off from work.
“The bus driver was beaten up at the local taxi rank as he intended to board a taxi home after leaving the bus at the depot,” the sources indicated.
“The touts and the drivers beat him up claiming that he was taking away their business. They further refused him to use their taxis to go home telling him to use the ZUPCO Bus,” added the source.
Police in Gwanda could not immediately confirm the issue.
NewsDay|EXILED former Zanu-PF national political commissar Saviour Kasukuwere, who is being linked to a new plot to bounce back and challenge President Emmerson Mnangagwa in the 2023 elections, has generated a fierce political storm after accusing serving ruling party elites of spending time on trivia instead of addressing the country’s worsening political and economic crisis.
Kasukuwere was the national political commissar when the late former President Robert Mugabe was toppled in a military coup in November 2017, and is reportedly launching a comeback bid.
A movement under the banner “Tyson waBantu” is taking shape amid reports the former Youth minister is angling to take Mnangagwa head-on and is enjoying the support of trained youths from the Zimbabwe National Youth Service, some youths in Zanu-PF and disgruntled ruling party officials, among others.
But the Zanu-PF national political commissar Victor Matemadanda at the weekend described Kasukuwere as a baby whose movement had no capacity to dislodge Zanu-PF.
“All of a sudden you find babies like Kasukuwere being introduced and referred to as veterans of the struggle. How can they be veterans of the struggle while only 45 years old?” Matemadanda told a Zanu-PF provincial meeting in Mashonaland West.
Kasukuwere hit back saying: “It was a tragedy that Matemadanda, a senior official in the governing party was focusing on trivia while the country was burning.” Ad by Valueimpression
“At least I was not a taxi driver like him while others were fighting in the liberation struggle. He must not lie to us. Just because he has an ugly face it doesn’t mean he went to war,” Kasukuwere fumed.
“He wants to use his ugly face kuvhundutsira vanhu (to scare people). He must tell people who he went to war with, who he reported to and what he did during the war. In any case, there is no need for trivia when the people are suffering like this,” the former Local Government minister said.
“We have a serious challenge on our hands. The health sector is in a crisis, people are dying and the country is on its knees. We can’t bury our heads in the sand and start focusing on issues that do not help the people.
“We need to focus on real issues on the ground and how to save the people from the crisis.”
By A Correspondent| A kombi driver is allegedly on the run following an accident which claimed five people.
Five people were killed, three of them on the spot, while 11 others were injured when a commuter omnibus they were travelling in veered off the road and overturned near Morgenster Mission Hospital early yesterday morning.
The driver, Takudzwa Chipindu, disappeared from the scene after the crash and his whereabouts were still unknown by yesterday evening.
National police spokesperson Assistant Commissioner Nyathi said the accident occurred around 5am when Chipindu allegedly lost control of the vehicle at the 31-kilometre peg along the Morgenster Hospital-Masvingo Road.
He said the injured were rushed to Morgenster Hospital where two more people died on admission, while the bodies of the deceased were taken to Masvingo General Hospital mortuary. Asst Comm Nyathi said the commuter omnibus was carrying 16 passengers.
He said the vehicle, a Toyota Hiace, hit a tree, veered off the road to the right side and overturned before landing on its right side, killing three of the passengers instantly.
“Surprisingly, the driver ran away after the accident and we expect him to cooperate with the police,” said Asst Comm Nyathi.
“We have launched a manhunt and the long arm of the law will catch up with him.
“Motorists should be responsible and drive cautiously without speeding, especially ahead of the festive season.
Late Sawujadi Phiri Zimbabwe National Darts Player to be remembered this weekend.
Own Correspondent|The Zimbabwe Darts fraternity will this weekend convene in Gwanda, Matabeleland South province for a three day Darts Tournament in memory of the late national darts team player, Sawujadi Phiri.
Phiri, who hailed from Gwanda and was the Vice Chairperson of Matabeleland South Darts Association, died on the 6th of July this year at Mpilo Hospital in Bulawayo after a very short illness.
Mat South Darts Secretary Bongani Dube said that a total of twenty teams from across the country have confirmed their participation in the tournament which will see the winners walk away with a live cow plus cash.
“I can confirm that twenty of some of the country’s best teams have confirmed that they will be coming to Gwanda to spend their weekend playing darts for a noble cause,” he said.
“Sawujadi Phiri is a household name in Zim Darts and so every darts player in the country is motivated to play in her memorial,” he said.
Dube further indicated that the Association intends to make the memorial tournament an annual event.
Abel Chapani the Treasurer of the Association said that a bulk of proceeds from the tournament will be donated to the Phiri family.
“The tournament is not about us but about Sawujadi Phiri and so after paying out the prizes all the proceeds from the tournament will be donated to the Phiri family,” he said.
Sawujadi Phiri was born on the 30th of June 1976 at Esigodini Hospital.
She did her primary education at Mvuthu Primary School from 1983 to 1989 before proceeding to Mvuthu High School also in Esigodini from 1990 to 1993.
She started playing the game of darts in Gwanda in 2012. She became a member of the Mat South Ladies Darts team two years later.
She made her maiden appearance for the Zimbabwe Senior Ladies team in 2018 at the ZONE 6 games in Malawi where she scooped medals in all the events she participated in including a gold on ladies doubles.
Participating teams
Blanket Mine B (Gwanda), Flight Masters (Zvishavane), ZRP Support Unit Buchwa, Delta Bulawayo, Shake It (Bulawayo), Wise Waters (Bulawayo), Maphisa (Matobo), ZNA Mbalabala (Mbalabala), Vumbachikwe Mine (Gwanda), Prisons (Gwanda), Blanket Mine A (Gwanda), Sharks Gwanda Juniors (Gwanda), Archers (Bulawayo), Mushengenene Darts Clubs (Zvishavane), Bulawayo Veteran Stars (Bulawayo), Club Harvest (Gwanda), ZRP Gweru (Gweru), Mboma Darts Club (Gweru), Gwanda and District Club (Gwanda).
A ZANU PF MP has bowsed up a tanker meant to carry fuel with drinking water branded “ZANU PF.”
Hon MP Raj Modi truck is seen driving around Bulawayo South with the nothing but water inside. It is also inscribed, ” free water for Bulawayo community.”
Own Correspondent|Emmanuel Macron, Boris Johnson and Justin Trudeau have scrambled to wriggle out of their embarrassing diplomatic blunder where they mocked Donald Trump behind his back and caused the humiliated President to quit the Nato summit early.
The three leaders each moved to defuse the friction with their famously thin-skinned US counterpart, who scrapped a scheduled press conference and jetted out of London on Wednesday night.
Macron raged that the video – said to be captured by freelance cameraman Andy Laurence and handed to broadcasters by Nato – had surfaced at all and refused to be pressed on the gossip which was caught on hot-mic.
The French premier said: ‘I am not going to comment on stolen videos. That video wasn’t supposed to be filmed in that room.’
Relations between Macron and Trump were already prickly after the French President branded Nato ‘brain dead’ – comments the US leader slammed as ‘very nasty’.
The British Prime Minister pleaded ignorance when grilled by reporters about his part in the Palace gossip circle and said: ‘I really don’t know what is being referred to there.’
Asked if he had been laughing at the President, he added: ‘Complete nonsense. I don’t know where that has come from.’
His Canadian counterpart, who was blasted by Trump as ‘two-faced’, also sought to squirm his way out of the awkwardness by insisting that they were not ridiculing the President but merely expressing surprise he chose to announce details of an upcoming G7 summit.
Trudeau said: ‘We were all surprised and I think pleased to learn that the next G7 will be at Camp David. I think that was an unscheduled announcement and I think everyone’s team, every different leader has teams that every now and then have their jaw drop at unscheduled surprises like that video itself for example.’
The Canadian PM had a quiet word and a handshake with Trump as he arrived at the summit on Wednesday, and later tried to shrug off the episode.
He said: ‘As you all know, we have a very good and constructive relationship between me and the President.’
But asked if the gaffe had given him pause for thought, Trudeau said that ensuring the focus of attention remained on matters of substance ‘is something that we’re all going to try to do a little harder.’
After watching the viral clip, Trump tweeted that he would leave the summit without holding a scheduled press conference, bringing an acrimonious end to the military alliance’s 70th anniversary gathering.
The President wrote: ‘When today’s meetings are over, I will be heading back to Washington. We won’t be doing a press conference at the close of NATO because we did so many over the past two days.’
At around five o’clock UK time he boarded Marine One at the Grove Hotel in Watford and flew to the runway where Air Force One was preparing to take off.
In the bombshell clip, Trudeau makes the most cutting comments, laughing about Trump’s lengthy Q&A sessions with reporters and saying even the President’s staff were shocked at some of his actions.
Paul Nyathi|Zimbabweans have questioned the genuineness of late former President Robert Mugabe’s estate tabled to the Master of the High Court claiming that the list definitely does not show everything that Mugabe owned before his death.
The late veteran leader’s daughter Bona Mugabe notified the Master of the High Court of Mugabe’s estate which comprised of a few houses a rural home, 10 vintage vehicles and US$10 million in a bank account.
Declared properties:
* House Number 129 Forbes, Road, Waterfalls
* Villa Number 65, Gunhill, Harare
* Number 27 Quorn Avenue, Mt Pleasant
* Lot GB Helensvale and Lot 1 of subdivision B of Sub G of Helensvale
* Highfield Farm
* Zvimba rural farming plot (about 5 acres)
* Zvimba rural home (one hectare)
* Zvimba orchard (about five acres)
* 10 cars
Conspicuously missing from the list isGushungo Holdings which the whole world knows belonged to Mugabe. 96
“It is their company which is well known so we expected it to top the list.
“But it is not there. May be they sold it without our knowledge,” said an unnamed family member raising the concern to media.
“If they could deliberately leave Gushungo Holdings from the list, what else could have been left out?” the family member asked rhetorically.
The late former President is believed to have bought properties in Capetown, South Africa, Malasyia and in some Nothern American islands.
Citizen|The return of the ANC to power in the City of Joburg and the election of Geoff Makhubo as its mayor is a “tragedy” for the city’s residents and could potentially harm President Cyril Ramaphosa’s anticorruption crusade, according to an analyst.
Outspoken political analyst Dr Ralph Mathekga said the election was not a true victory for the ANC because it came to power without promising to change anything in Johannesburg.
“The ANC is back in power without doing anything or promising to do anything differently in Joburg. We cannot interpret this as an ANC victory, but a Democratic Alliance blunder.
“What did the ANC promise to do for people of Johannesburg before they were voted back? Nothing,” Mathekga said.
The analyst added: “If we are not careful as a nation, we will find ourselves supporting battles that will have no positive consequences for South Africa.”
He said the ANC victory could also signal a sad moment for Joburg residents, as it could mean a return to poor service delivery, such as rubbish not being collected, the billing system malfunctioning and corruption. This would contradict the aim of Ramaphosa’s “new dawn” and deal a blow to his efforts to run a corruption-free administration.
When Makhubo was officially nominated ahead of the vote, cries of “tsotsi, tsotsi”, aimed at the corruption-accused ANC politician, could be heard resounding through the chamber.
Mathekga questioned Makhubo’s election, despite his poor track record as former MMC for finance, and accusations of corruption hanging over his head.
Makhubo was alleged to have shares in the Gupta-linked Trillian Capital, a firm implicated in state capture.
The ANC welcomed the results and celebrated the victory.
In a tweet, Gauteng Premier David Makhura congratulated Makhubo, saying: “Joburg is one of the cities that has the responsibility to pull our nation out of the current economic challenges. We are confident that you will lead our people to prosperity”.
Another analyst, Somadoda Fikeni, said the ANC would have to work hard to win back the confidence of people who were disillusioned by its past mistakes in the city.
How the numbers added up
Geoff Makhubo won with 137 votes. The Democratic Alliance (DA) only managed 101, meaning at least three of its councillors didn’t vote for its candidate in a surprise outcome (the DA has 104 seats).
All of the EFF’s 30 councillors voted for its candidate, Musa Novela, which contributed to helping Makhubo to defeat the DA’s Funzela Ngobeni by a wide margin.
All the smaller parties, including the Inkatha Freedom Party, supported the ANC.
It was established ahead of the vote that two councillors were not present, making the total number of participants 267 as opposed to the expected 269 – which would be the total of council seats, 270, minus that of ANC councillor David Monamodi, who died in November.
The dispute over what constituted a majority – with some parties arguing that the candidate with the highest amount of votes would become Joburg’s new mayor and others saying that a majority must mean over 50% of the vote – was resolved earlier yesterday.
Council speaker Vasco da Gama said a majority could only mean more than half of the votes.
This meant that of 267 councillors present, a majority vote would be 134 votes or more – or 50% plus one.
Coalition of African National Medical Associations
PRESS STATEMENT ON THE MASS DISMISSAL OF MEDICAL DOCTORS IN ZIMBABWE
The continuing dismissal of doctors by the Zimbabwean Government over their protest on grievances which relate to conditions of service and other legitimate demands has come to the attention of the Coalition of African National Medical Associations (CANMA).
We have on record that over 500 doctors have been discharged at present, and this exercise is still ongoing. This unfortunate development is quite worrisome, particularly as a critical part of any health system is its workforce with healthcare personnel being the wheels that run the healthcare system and provide necessary healthcare services to the populace for sustainable socio-economic development.
The African healthcare situation has long faced difficulties related to the chronic shortage of her health workforce, most especially due to the insufficient supply and retention of doctors in the African continent. The African situation is so critical with evident ominous effect.
In 2006, there was a global shortage of 4.25 million health workers according to the World Health Organization. According to this 2006 WHO report, of the 57 nations facing a dire shortage of health workers, 36 were in sub-Saharan Africa.
Every year thousands of qualified doctors and other health professionals leave Africa for better remunerative offers and better working conditions.
In Zimbabwe in particular, it has been reported that the flight of doctors has been so overwhelming to prompt the unfortunate contemplation of recruitment of Cuban doctors by the Zimbabwean government, to fill the gap, an act that undermines the genuine efforts of the coalition of all national medical associations in Africa (CANMA) to convert the overwhelming brain drain of doctors from Africa to brain gain for continental development.
It is in view of the foregoing disturbing picture that CANMA finds very odd and antithetical to health system development, the latest action of the Zimbabwean government, dismissing over 500 of its medical personnel.
Accordingly, CANMA strongly condemns this action and urges the Zimbabwean government to reverse its dismissal/discharge order and seek more amicable means of getting back to the negotiation table with the aggrieved medical doctors and their professional groups and unions.
In this regard, CANMA is very willing to partner with the government of Zimbabwe to ensure speedy resolution of this impasse and strengthen future partnerships for the sake of the Zimbabwean health system and her people.
Dr Oşahon Enabulele Coordinator, CANMA 29th November 2019.
By Patrick Guramatunhu- Zimbabwe’s economy is in total meltdown; unemployment has remained 90% plus, 3/4 of the population are living on US$40 per month and the country’s estimated 1000% hyperinflation is dragging them even deeper into poverty, public health care has all but closed down and people are dying of easily treatable ailments, etc.
The situation is alarming but what makes it worse is that those in position of power and authority do not seem to even notice it!
“His Excellency the President has a meeting with all political actors who participated in the 2018 harmonised elections under the Political Actors Dialogue (POLAD) except for one or two political parties that are yet to join others,” commented VP Chiwenga.
“There is no doubt that a peaceful environment in our country translates into socio-economic development, empowerment and growth of our country.
“Let me, therefore, reiterate His Excellency’s view that as Zimbabweans we are capable of finding enduring solutions to our own challenges. As such, home-grown solutions are to be pursued than international mediation that other parties are trying to pursue.
“Hatiende kunotsvaga nyamukuta kunext door. Vana nyamukuta vedu tinavo muno.” (We are not going to seek political midwives outside Zimbabwe when we have competent ones right here.)”
VP Chiwenga was addressing a delegation of church leaders who have been calling on MDC to accept Mnangagwa as the legitimate president and then join other politicians in POLAD.
No doubt, VP Chiwenga was looking pointedly at the church leaders when he mentioned the “capable local midwives”! He, like Mnangagwa is particularly pleased with the church leaders who have been calling on Chamisa to recognise Mnangagwa as the legitimate president.
As for the “home-grown solution”; this is just reckless political arrogance at its worst because after 40 years of blundering from pillar to post and with the country up to her eyes in this economic mess, it is nauseating to keep talking about a home-grown solution.
So the country not only needs help to dismantle its corrupt and dysfunctional political system but, worse still, needs help to acknowledge the system has failed regardless of the heartbreaking human tragedy unfolding in the country.
VP Chiwenga and his Zanu PF colleagues are shrewd enough to know that no political midwife worth his salt would ever want to be involved in the Zimbabwe crisis unless they believe there is a realistic chance the democratic reforms necessary to guarantee free, fair and credible elections will be implemented this time. SADC took on the challenge and was the guarantor of the 2008 Global Political Agreement and GNU that failed to get even one reform implemented. They would not want their fingers burnt once again.
Mnangagwa’s insistence that all parties to the political dialogue must first publicly acclaim him as the legitimately elected president of Zimbabwe; ruling out the need for any far reaching reforms. Zimbabwe’s local leaders are also demanding that the opposition parties endorse Mnangagwa as the legitimate president; no wonder Zanu PF is warming up to local midwife rather than outsiders.
So the local midwives with their home grown solution will not move us an inch out of this economic and political mess. Not one inch! The only reason VP Chiwenga and his Zanu PF colleague are keen on these church leaders playing a role is that the leaders recognise that Zanu PF does not want any meaningful democratic reforms to be implemented. The party does not want free, fair and credible elections because that will undermine it’s iron grip on power; not now, not ever.
The corollary is equally true and unmovable; without free, fair and credible elections Zimbabwe will never ever have any meaningful economic recovery; not now not ever! The prospect of Zimbabwe’s dire economic situation continuing unresolved with people now dying like flies is simply unthinkable.
Zimbabwe’s economic situation demands a solution that will end the curse of rigged elections and bad governance and since the local midwives cannot deliver such a solution the country must look further afield for those who can and will implement the reforms
Academic Tinashe Eric Muzamhindo writes: On Tuesday evening, I followed the cabinet briefing proceedings led by Hon Mutsvangwa who happens to be the Minister of Information and publicity, I failed to get either meaning or logic, and to conclude that: is this what men and women are discussed the whole of Tuesday?
I thought it would be wise if they can put a draft or raka raka game in the cabinet, or any micky and mouse plonker so that they can spent the whole day pleasuring themselves.
I expected the following to be discussed :
1. 4.1 million people facing starvation. What are they doing about it?
2. National projects which brings Foreign Direct Investment (FDI). Case studies of other countries, for example power projects, etc.
3. Re-direction of expenditure into the mainstream of the economy. How do we boost the economy? Capital injection into critical sectors of the economy such as Agriculture, Tourism, mining etc.
4. Development partnership with potential investors and partners. They should be discussing business models which drive the market force and earn this country USD.
Eric Muzamhindo
5. Tourism sector. We have one of the best resort areas such as Vic Falls, Kariba, how do we turn them into business models, commercialisation of those sectors to attract foreign direct investment
6. National Development Agenda in line with five year plan (2018-2023). We can never attract a single investor without any proper NDA. We need one.
7. Foreign Policy
8. Human Rights Obligations. Deal with that and update the nation
9. Policy inconsistencies
10. Research and Development Agenda must follow after proper establishment of neutral institutions which are not politically inclined to Zanu PF
11. Institutional reforms eg public sector. What have you done so far?
12. Corruption which is rampant across all the sectors of the economy.
13. Update of the 5.9 billion which went missing through the vehicle of Command Agriculture. There was no single invoice or voucher of that disbursement
I was very disappointed after following those proceedings, after I saw the Minister of Energy talking about raka raka things instead of updating the nation about :
1. New power stations and projects which attract investors.
2. Update on the Gwanda solar project. 7 million was chewed and nothing happened.
3. Reforming the energy sector
4. The latest appointment of the energy board.
5. By the way energy parastatals is a cash cow for lubricating the regime.
Chasi is now baptized into the system, he was busy campaigning on the social media before he became a full cabinet minister and most people they labelled him ” chibaba chibabest”, and some even suggested that he runs for Zanu PF ticket , 2023, now that he is baptized and he has been shown how it is done, he is now silent and he is just enjoying the gravy train.
Minister of Finance
We have become a laughing stock of the whole world. So far two countries have issued official conflicting statements over the budget statement released by Mthuli over figures . We have China and USA, and this is a bad signal that our finances are in wrong hands. Nobody knows how much this country is making and national debts and other critical issues. Even during Chinamasa period it never happened. Patrick must more professional and consistent. We were expecting the following :
1. Disclosure of the national debt.
2. Local and foreign debt and how we arrived on such figures.
3. How much aid we have received so far and how the money was used by the Government?
4. Corruption.
5. Short term recovery plan.
6. Where is the new currency which was promised?
7. The liquidity hasn’t improved and what is the problem?
8. Allegations from China and USA over aid figures. What is the signal? Could there be something wrong over the person handling state funds?
Coming to the minister of public works and National housing. I thought this ministry would be placed under local Government to cut expenditure. I laughed off when I heard the Minister talking about building flats for medical personnel around the country. Minister I expected the following :
1. Development partnership with potential partners around the globe on national projects which improve the livelihood of people. We can do well with bigger projects. We must think big and broaden our mind when we sit in those cabinet boardroom and discuss bigger projects, fellowship programs which can attract funding.
2. Identify land which can be built more housing units for civil servants who can’t afford housing schemes and identify local and foreign partnership schemes, this is what Zambia is doing and this is how it is done Mr Minister.
Honestly how can a minister sit comfortably in that boardroom to tell us about building two blocks of flats? So what is the difference between this minister and a primary school headmaster chairing an sdc committee on building one school block?
We need serious business in that boardroom !!!
Agriculture
We need to identify potential investors who can partner with us in the agro-based sector, we have so much potential in the sector, we can manufacture products, using a proper business model concept of a win -win solution and then this will creat employment for our local graduates and increase Foreign Direct Investment (FDI), and increase exports to deal with our balance of payments. We must identify key commercial farms that can be set aside for commercial agriculture and we must restore the glory of bread basket economy within the region.
Not to spent the whole day talking about Mugabe’s farms which he grabbed during the land reform program? The whole day bhakhiti??..
Mining
We need a proper mining investment policy. The current one is outdated and it must be reviewed. We have those boys with mabemba, killing people in Kwekwe, Kadoma, Chegutu, and I guess you know the commander of that project. There must be proper laws to deal with that. We have so much potential to turn around the economy. We need to come up with business models that can leave Zimbabwe richer with more capital injection etc
In a Nutshell
To be honest I’m so disappointed with what is happening in our country. What is being discussed in the cabinet board room every Tuesday? Unless you tell me there will be questions like how many farms do you have? Do you need another additional one? Did you manage to get inputs? What about latest V8 vehicles, was it a good model? What about you did you manage to get fuel coupons? What about stands and lithium project did you manage to squeaze yourself in? What are those Chinese and Russians saying?
So what is the discussion around the development of this country?
When are we going to develop Zimbabwe?
Anything meaningful remaining for this generation and the future?
Hameno !
Tinashe Eric Muzamhindo – D. Phil Cand
Muzamhindo is a Policy Advisor and leading Consultant in Project Management and he can be contacted at [email protected]
Correspondent|BULAWAYO woman has appeared in court charged with physical abuse after she allegedly stabbed her husband in a dispute over popular musician Jah Prayzah (pictured)’s show.
Rebecca Manzini (18) of Entumbane in Bulawayo is being charged with domestic violence after she allegedly attacked her husband, Jeffreys Gumbuti (33) with a broken bottle. This was after the woman had refused to go back home in Mbalabala with her husband because she wanted to attend the popular musician’s show which had been scheduled for later that day.
Manzini was not asked to plead to the charge when she appeared before magistrate Nomasiko Ndlovu on Monday. She was remanded to December 9 on $100 bail.
The court heard that on November 29 at around 1 o’clock in the afternoon, Gumbuti arrived home from Mbalabala only to discover that his wife was not around. He waited for her but she did not show up.
It is the State’s case that Gumbuti then went to a farm inputs shop in the city centre where he bumped into Manzini who was in the company of her younger sister.
Gumbuti allegedly advised Manzini that they should both go back home, but the latter refused saying she wanted to attend Jah Prayzah’s show at the Homestead Hall in Bulawayo.
Gumbuti advised Manzini’s younger sister to stop misleading the latter.
The court heard that Manzini suddenly ran amok and stabbed Gumbuti on the left side of the neck with a broken beer bottle.
Gumbuti sustained injuries as a result of the attack and was taken to hospital for treatment. A report was made to the police, leading to Manzini’s arrest.
AmaShurugwi mines are wrecking harvoc in Matabeleland North
Own Correspondent|Matabeleland North Provincial Affairs Minister Richard Moyo has blamed a group of artisanal miners called AmaShurugwi for terrorising residents in his province.
He said amaShurugwi were killing people, raping women and slaughtering residents’ livestock while conducting illegal mining activities.
“Our people are living in fear because of the violent behaviour of the illegal gold miners who come from other districts. The guys who are called amaShurugwi attack locals if they find them also panning for gold. They are always carrying axes and machetes. They are so daring that if the gold belt is stretching to people’s homesteads, these criminals violently force them out of their homes so that they can extract the minerals,” said Moyo.
He called on the police to take action against the violent illegal miners who are causing untold suffering to members of the public.
“We are engaging police to ensure that they increase deployment of their officers in these areas affected by the violent gold panners,” said Moyo.
Deputy Chiefs’ Council president, Chief Mtshane Khumalo, whose jurisdiction covers Bubi district said the illegal gold panners were not just making life a hell to communities but their livestock as well.
“A lot of animals are falling into pits left by these illegal gold miners who have no regard whatsoever for locals. They brutalise people while damaging the environment. They even dig shafts in grazing lands so some of the villagers are now losing their livestock and cannot even confront the violent gold panners,” said Chief Khumalo.
“When these gold panners come, they build their shacks that are not fit for human habitation. As it is, we have water shortages and the toilets are not enough to cater for everyone. This exposes the community to diseases,” he said.
Recently, Midlands Minister of State for Provincial Affairs Larry Mavima said amaShurugwi had caused extensive damage in the province resulting in Government deploying the provincial Joint Operations Command.
national police spokesperson Assistant Commissioner Paul Nyathi
ONE person died while another was severely injured in Inyathi, Bubi district, Matabeleland North when a gang of about 50 gold panners went on a rampage attacking other miners in the area.
In a Twitter post, the Zimbabwe Republic Police said the violence occurred on Sunday and Monday.
“Fifty artisanal miners armed with machetes and axes went on a rampage, attacking other miners. Two male adults were severely assaulted and they sustained serious injuries. One resultantly died upon admission to Inyathi Hospital. The accused person, who informed other gold panners of his heinous deed, is still at large,” tweeted ZRP.
In a follow up interview yesterday, national police spokesperson Assistant Commissioner Paul Nyathi said they were investigating the alleged murder and reports of violence in gold rich areas across the country.
“We have made arrests, people have appeared in court, we are aware that there are areas where people have reported the so-called gold rush which is causing chaos and disputes. Members of the public should report incidents where the so-called gold rush is taking place so that appropriate and swift action can be taken before people engage in acts of violence,” said Ass Comm Nyathi.
He, however, said they have not yet received any cases of women being raped and livestock being slaughtered in Matabeleland North by gold panners.
Asst Comm Nyathi said they have partnered with the Ministry of Mines and Mining Development to fight against escalating illegal gold panning wars that have claimed lives in the Matabeleland North.
“We also appeal to mining companies that where some mines have been decommissioned, security measures have to be put in place to curtail chances of people coming in to try to get gold and, in the process, engaging in some of these disputes which can easily be resolved,” Asst Comm Nyathi said.
State Media|POOR management has left the National Sports Stadium exposed to the kind of sanctions which saw the Confederation of African Football banning the country’s biggest stadium from hosting international match. The giant stadium has fallen short when it comes to the need for it to have bucket seats, turnstiles and surface maintenance equipment.
The lack of bucket seats, turnstiles that will guarantee the safe movement of fans, in the event of an emergency, the bumpy surface and poor state of dressing rooms have been highlighted by CAF as part of the reasons the country’s main stadium failed their latest test.
CAF banned the giant stadium from hosting international matches, until renovations are carried out.
Rufaro, which is in a desperately poor state despite a recent multi-million dollar facelift by City of Harare, remains outlawed from staging such games.
The Mbare stadium is in a worse state than was the case before the “facelift” amid fears the millions, which council poured into the project, might have slipped into the pockets of people rather than improving the stadium.
Mandava Stadium in Zvishavane has also failed to pass the test.
Barbourfields was handed a temporary reprieve with CAF officials demanding that some improvements be done or it will suffer the same fate.
Fears abound that the Warriors and other national teams could be forced to play their home matches outside the country in what would be a huge embarrassment for the nation.
It has also emerged that the Warriors told their management, ahead of their 2021 AFCON qualifier against Botswana, that they were not comfortable playing at the bumpy National Sports Stadium and wanted the match moved to Barbourfields.
There have been complaints from the Warriors that many of them are ending up picking injuries whenever they come home for national duty.
The maintenance of the stadium rests with the Ministry of Local Government, Public Works and National Housing after the Chinese Government handed over the facility in 1987.
The stadium has hosted many important events, including the 1995 All-Africa Games.
Recommendations made after Zimbabwe hosted the continental Games, especially those related to the evacuation of people in the event of an emergency, were never implemented in full.
The plan was that it was safer for the people to be evacuated onto the field, in the event of an emergency, than for them to try and push their way out of the stadium.
Thirteen fans died at the giant stadium in 2000 in a stampede while this year also marks the 30th anniversary of the Hillsborough Stadium disaster, which claimed the lives of 96 Liverpool fans, in Sheffield, England.
The National Sports Stadium was closed for 20 months, from November 2006, for major renovations under the auspices of the Chinese Government.
According to the information on the China Aid Data website, the Asian country, which has proved to be Zimbabwe’s all-weather friend, granted the country US$10 million for the renovation of the stadium in 2006 in preparation for the 2010 World Cup.
Initially, the Chinese government had given a grant of US$5.8 million to fund the improvements.
However, the amount almost doubled because of rising costs.
The then Minister of Local Government, Public Works and National Housing Ignatius Chombo said a number of areas, including the roof, public address system, electronic scoreboard, sewage system and offices, needed to be renovated.
The description of the work was recorded under the Project ID 18845, according to the China Aid Data website.
“In October of 2006, China began the renovation of the Zimbabwe National Sports Stadium in the capital of Harare.
“Phase one of the renovation was expected to be completed within 20 months at an initial cost of $5.8 million USD, disbursed with a previous grant provided by the Chinese government.
“Jiangsu International Economic-Technical Cooperation is responsible for the project.
‘‘The maintenance work includes repair of the giant stadium’s roof, toilet facilities, attendant sewer reticulation system, scoreboard, public address system, sub-station equipment and electrical reticulation components.
“Offices will also be refurbished and redecorated. In April of 2009, the renovations were completed. Phase two (making improvements on the playing ground) of the renovations were expected to be completed in 2010.
‘’In 2010, China handed over the finished stadium to the Zimbabwean government. The total renovation was completed at a cost of $10 million USD.”
However, red flags have been raised over the lack of maintenance by the c
ZIFA communication manager, Xolisani Gwesela, yesterday said the latest verdict by the CAF stadium inspection team has left Zimbabwe in a tight spot.
The CAF inspectors looked at many items essential to the modern game that include the state of the pitch, dressing rooms, access areas, medical and media facilities as well as floodlights.
The doping rooms, which are mandatory, were found to be non-existent, with no basic equipment.
“It’s a sad situation. This is why we have always been appealing, time and again, to the local authorities and stadium owners to take serious action when it comes to the upgrading of facilities.
“All over in Africa, stadiums have been improving. It’s only us who are lagging behind.
‘‘CAF noted in their letter that we have shown no commitment in that area and they have made it clear that we could be forced to play some of our home matches outside the country if we do not show any commitment.
“The ball is now in our court. In the meantime, we can only use Barbourfields for national teams and CAF inter-club competitions and it becomes a big challenge let’s say when we have two CAF games on the same weekend,” said Gwesela.
ZIFA have since approached the Government to help fix the challenge the national game now faces.
State Media|Norton Member of Parliament Temba Mliswa and three other legislators accused of soliciting a US$400 000 bribe from a local businessman, were yesterday barred from sitting on the Parliamentary Portfolio Committee on Mines for bringing the House into disrepute.
They were also directed to apologise to the National Assembly for their conduct and are now set to lose a day’s sitting allowance.
Parliament’s Privileges Committee chaired by Chiefs Council president Fortune Charumbira said although there was no concrete evidence linking the four to the US$400 000 bribe allegations, they should be punished for bringing the august House into disrepute after they allegedly convened meetings at night, away from Parliament Building under the guise of holding official business.
Chief Charumbira said this when he tabled the Privileges Committee report in the National Assembly. The committee was set up early this year to investigate Mr Mliswa, Gokwe Kabuyuni MP Leonard Chikomba (Zanu-PF), Magwegwe MP Mr Anele Ndebele and Binga North representative Mr Prince Sibanda ( both MDC-Alliance.)
The four were being investigated on allegations of demanding a US$400 000 bribe from local businessman Mr James Ross Goddard of JRG Contracting (Pvt) Ltd, as “facilitation fee” to help his company secure a mining contract at Hwange Colliery.
In the report, Chief Charumbira said his committee recommended that the four MPs be cleared on charges of soliciting for a bribe due to lack of sufficient evidence but said measures should be taken to rein in their behaviour.
“The committee is of the view that measures should be taken to ensure MPs are not involved in activities which are inconsistent with parliamentary decorum and as a deterrent measure,” said Chief Charumbira.
“It is the findings of the committee that the conduct of the four of convening a meeting with Mr Goddard and his team outside the parameters of official committee business at night and by further engaging in a discussion on a matter that was before the committee created an impression of impropriety.”
The committee noted that it was not clear why the legislators ended up discussing the Hwange issue instead of the debt Chikomba said he was owed by Mr Shepherd Tundiya, the facilitator of the said meeting, at Mr Goddard’s Borrowdale offices.
It was also noted that the US$400 000 issue was raised by Chikomba to Mr Tundiya in a car park who went on to submit his banking details but Mr Mliswa had long left the venue saying he had pressing family business.
“While the three Honourable Members, namely Hon Chikomba, Ndebele and Sibanda, indicated that the main purpose of the meeting was in pursuit of the debt owed to Hon Chikomba, the committee finds the explanation disingenuous as the issue was never discussed in Mr Goddard’s office,” said Chief Charumbira.
He said there were conflicting statements on how much Chikomba was owed by Mr Tundiya as two different figures of US$2 100 and US$1 600 had been mentioned and why it had become urgent, given that it dated back to 2007.
The committee questioned whether a debt of US$2 000 would have ballooned to US$400 000 regadlesss of the exchange rate used.
“This begs the question, would a debt of US$2 000 have taken a businessperson of Mr Goddard’s stature to travel all the way from Shangani to Harare at night accompanied by his mining director to only give assurance to four MPs that he would take over and pay the debt on behalf of Tundiya? This puts to credence the allegations relating to solicitation. In response to a question why US$2 100 had risen to US$400 000 Hon Chikomba characterised it as a casual comment,” said Chief Charumbira.
The committee noted that it was also interesting that Mr Ndebele said he had accompanied Chikomba in his capacity as a lawyer for the latter but surprisingly when the issue of US$400 000 was raised by Chikomba, he sat in his car.
FIVE people died, three on the spot, while 11 were injured when a commuter omnibus they were travelling in overturned after the driver lost control near Morgenster Hospital in Masvingo yesterday morning, police have confirmed.
National police spokesperson Assistant Commissioner Nyathi said the crash happened at around 5 AM.
The driver allegedly fled from the scene and his whereabouts are still unknown.
Asst Comm Nyathi said the bodies of the deceased were taken to Masvingo General Hospital mortuary for post-mortem while the injured were rushed to Morgenster Hospital where they are receiving treatment.
The condition of the injured is said to be critical.
He said the commuter omnibus had 16 passengers.
“I can confirm there was a fatal road traffic accident at 31 km along Morgenster-Masvingo Road. The driver of the kombi was travelling towards Masvingo and allegedly lost control of the vehicle,” said Asst Comm Nyathi.
He said the Toyota Hiace hit a tree, veered off the road to the right side, rolled once and landed on its right side killing three people on the spot.
Asst Comm Nyathi said the driver who was only identified as Takudza Chipindu fled from the scene.
“Surprisingly, the driver ran away after the accident yet we expect him to cooperate with the police. We have however launched a manhunt and the long arm of the law will catch up with him,” he said.
Asst Comm Nyathi advised the motoring public to be extra cautious when travelling on national roads, especially towards the festive season.
“Motorists should just be responsible and drive cautiously without speeding. They should learn to be responsible so that they make sure that they do not cause unnecessary road carnage which has claimed many lives.”
ONE person died while another was severely injured in Inyathi, Bubi district, Matabeleland North when a gang of about 50 gold panners went on a rampage attacking other miners in the area.
In a Twitter post, the Zimbabwe Republic Police said the violence occurred on Sunday and Monday.
“Fifty artisanal miners armed with machetes and axes went on a rampage, attacking other miners. Two male adults were severely assaulted and they sustained serious injuries. One resultantly died upon admission to Inyathi Hospital.
The accused person, who informed other gold panners of his heinous deed, is still at large,” tweeted ZRP.
In a follow up interview yesterday, national police spokesperson Assistant Commissioner Paul Nyathi said they were investigating the alleged murder and reports of violence in gold rich areas across the country.
“We have made arrests, people have appeared in court, we are aware that there are areas where people have reported the so-called gold rush which is causing chaos and disputes.
Members of the public should report incidents where the so-called gold rush is taking place so that appropriate and swift action can be taken before people engage in acts of violence,” said Ass Comm Nyathi.State media
A SELF-PROCLAIMED prophet from Bulawayo has been sentenced to a wholly suspended three months in prison after he stole a cell phone from a church member.
Godfrey Mabhena (50) from Old Lobengula suburb stole a Huawei X3 cell phone from Ms Patience Makondo (19) while he was praying for her father who is blind.
Mabhena pleaded guilty to a theft charge before Western Commonage magistrate Ms Tancy Dube.
The magistrate sentenced him to three months in prison which was wholly suspended on condition that he does not commit a similar offence within the next three years.
Mabhena said he was possessed when he stole the cell phone.
“I do admit to the charges levelled against me, I stole the cell phone after being pressured by devious elements, we are people of flesh,” he said.
For the State, Mr Tapiwa Solani said the prophet committed the offence on November 20 this year.
“At around 1PM, the accused person went to the complainant’s place of residence to pray for the complainant’s father who is blind. He took advantage of the complainant’s disability and took the cell phone valued at $200 while the complainant was away,” he said.
Mr Solani said Mabhena was arrested after police found the stolen cell phone wrapped inside a sack at his home.-State media
FIVE people died, three on the spot, while 11 were injured when a commuter omnibus they were travelling in overturned after the driver lost control near Morgenster Hospital in Masvingo yesterday morning, police have confirmed.
National police spokesperson Assistant Commissioner Nyathi said the crash happened at around 5 AM.
The driver allegedly fled from the scene and his whereabouts are still unknown.
Asst Comm Nyathi said the bodies of the deceased were taken to Masvingo General Hospital mortuary for post-mortem while the injured were rushed to Morgenster Hospital where they are receiving treatment.
The condition of the injured is said to be critical.
He said the commuter omnibus had 16 passengers.
“I can confirm there was a fatal road traffic accident at 31 km along Morgenster-Masvingo Road.
The driver of the kombi was travelling towards Masvingo and allegedly lost control of the vehicle,” said Asst Comm Nyathi.
He said the Toyota Hiace hit a tree, veered off the road to the right side, rolled once and landed on its right side killing three people on the spot.
Asst Comm Nyathi said the driver who was only identified as Takudza Chipindu fled from the scene.
“Surprisingly, the driver ran away after the accident yet we expect him to cooperate with the police. We have however launched a manhunt and the long arm of the law will catch up with him,” he said.State media
MOSES CHUNGA, the coach who gave Nyasha Mushekwi his professional breakthrough, says he wasn’t surprised by the striker’s decision to buy a luxurious 45-seater bus for CAPS United.
The bus was unveiled at a glitzy function held in the shadows of the National Sports Stadium on Tuesday.
Mushekwi is believed to have spent in excess of US$200 000 to finally get the bus home and present it to the CAPS United family.
The former Warriors forward chose not to attend the unveiling ceremony, telling The Herald he feared he would choke under the emotions.
Crucially, said Mushekwi, he didn’t want the occasion to be about him but to be about the Green Machine family.
‘‘If I had come there, everyone would be wanting to talk to me, the cameras would be on me and not the bus and I thought that wasn’t right,’’ he said.
‘‘This wasn’t about me, but about God delivering something special to my old club and it was good that I wasn’t there when the bus was presented.
‘‘But my family was there, my sister was there, she represented me well, and my brothers and grandmother were also there.’’
Chunga was the Green Machine coach when Mushekwi arrived as a raw footballer after having switched from playing basketball.
The China-based striker singled out Chunga for special praise in a speech where the bus was unveiled.
‘‘Firstly, I would like to thank God for this amazing gift that he has given to my old team CAPS United,’’ said Mushekwi in a speech read, on his behalf, by his sister Nyari.State media
By Patrick Guramatunhu| Zimbabwe’s economy is in total meltdown; unemployment has remained 90% plus, 3/4 of the population are living on US$40 per month and the country’s estimated 1000% hyperinflation is dragging them even deeper into poverty, public health care has all but closed down and people are dying of easily treatable ailments, etc. The situation is alarming but what makes it worse is that those in position of power and authority do not seem to even notice it!
“His Excellency the President has a meeting with all political actors who participated in the 2018 harmonised elections under the Political Actors Dialogue (POLAD) except for one or two political parties that are yet to join others,” commented VP Chiwenga.
“There is no doubt that a peaceful environment in our country translates into socio-economic development, empowerment and growth of our country.
“Let me, therefore, reiterate His Excellency’s view that as Zimbabweans we are capable of finding enduring solutions to our own challenges. As such, home-grown solutions are to be pursued than international mediation that other parties are trying to pursue.
“Hatiende kunotsvaga nyamukuta kunext door. Vana nyamukuta vedu tinavo muno.” (We are not going to seek political midwives outside Zimbabwe when we have competent ones right here.)”
VP Chiwenga was addressing a delegation of church leaders who have been calling on MDC to accept Mnangagwa as the legitimate president and then join other politicians in POLAD.
No doubt, VP Chiwenga was looking pointedly at the church leaders when he mentioned the “capable local midwives”! He, like Mnangagwa is particularly pleased with the church leaders who have been calling on Chamisa to recognise Mnangagwa as the legitimate president.
As for the “home-grown solution”; this is just reckless political arrogance at its worst because after 40 years of blundering from pillar to post and with the country up to her eyes in this economic mess, it is nauseating to keep talking about a home-grown solution.
So the country not only needs help to dismantle its corrupt and dysfunctional political system but, worse still, needs help to acknowledge the system has failed regardless of the heartbreaking human tragedy unfolding in the country.
VP Chiwenga and his Zanu PF colleagues are shrewd enough to know that no political midwife worth his salt would ever want to be involved in the Zimbabwe crisis unless they believe there is a realistic chance the democratic reforms necessary to guarantee free, fair and credible elections will be implemented this time. SADC took on the challenge and was the guarantor of the 2008 Global Political Agreement and GNU that failed to get even one reform implemented. They would not want their fingers burnt once again.
Mnangagwa’s insistence that all parties to the political dialogue must first publicly acclaim him as the legitimately elected president of Zimbabwe; ruling out the need for any far reaching reforms. Zimbabwe’s local leaders are also demanding that the opposition parties endorse Mnangagwa as the legitimate president; no wonder Zanu PF is warming up to local midwife rather than outsiders.
So the local midwives with their home grown solution will not move us an inch out of this economic and political mess. Not one inch! The only reason VP Chiwenga and his Zanu PF colleague are keen on these church leaders playing a role is that the leaders recognise that Zanu PF does not want any meaningful democratic reforms to be implemented. The party does not want free, fair and credible elections because that will undermine it’s iron grip on power; not now, not ever.
The corollary is equally true and unmovable; without free, fair and credible elections Zimbabwe will never ever have any meaningful economic recovery; not now not ever! The prospect of Zimbabwe’s dire economic situation continuing unresolved with people now dying like flies is simply unthinkable.
Zimbabwe’s economic situation demands a solution that will end the curse of rigged elections and bad governance and since the local midwives cannot deliver such a solution the country must look further afield for those who can and will implement the reforms. – SOURCE: zimbabwelight.blogspot.com
A ZIMRA data capture clerk, Herry Phiri has resigned after he was charged with 183 counts of fraud.
He allegedly forged customs clearance certificates to evade duty. Phiri appeared before Beitbridge Resident Magistrate, Langton Mukwengi and was granted $5 000 bail and ordered to report three times per week at Beitbridge Police. He was remanded to a later day for continuation of trial.
The complainant in the matter is Zimbabwe Revenue Authority (ZIMRA) represented by Benjamin Masendeke.
It is the State case that on June 29, 2019 at Malindi Transit shed in Beitbridge, the accused cleared a Mercedes Benz E200, 2009 model, Engine number 27195631124819, chasis number WDB2110412b394378 for Charles Muzavazi of Marlborough in Harare using forged customs clearance certificate number 248968A.
He then gave Muzavazi a forged certificate which belonged to Loreen Mudapakati of Seke, Chitungwiza who cleared a Honda Fit Airwave and not a Mercedes Benz in order to evade Mercedes Benz E200, 2009 model duty.
The forged certificate is not issued by ZIMRA stores as per procedure and it’s not in ZIMRA Beitbridge records. ZIMRA suffered prejudice of $5 816.64 and the Benz was seized under notice of seizure number 010132L.
The appointment of Dr Sydney Gata as executive chairman of Zesa Holdings (Pvt) Ltd, continues to draw criticism with the country’s development and technical partners in crafting the Public Entities Corporate Governance Act becoming the latest to express their displeasure.
Energy and Power Development Minister Fortune Chasi in November announced a new board of directors for the power utility to be chaired by Dr Gata in an executive capacity with the minister justifying the appointment as compelling.
The move has quickly been received with sharp criticism from human resources experts as well as good corporate governance proponents.
Now, a World Bank consultant and a retired judge has joined the critics and bemourned the appointment of an executive chairperson at the utility.
Speaking at the official launch of the Act in Harare yesterday, World Bank consultant in public financial management and State entities reforms, Mr Sonny Mabheju, said while the Act provides for specific roles for State entities’ board of directors and management separately, it, however, does not provide for both combined.
“There is really no specific provision for that (executive chairman appointment) . . . it (the Act) sets the board members separately from executive management,” said Mr Mabheju.
“Specific terms for the chief executive and his team are specifically provided for in the Act, and also terms for the board members and the board chair are also specifically provided for in the Act.
“There is no section anywhere in the Act where there is provision that there can be an executive chairperson and in any case, in most cases that scenario is being discouraged,” he said.
Former High Court judge, Justice Moses Chinhengo who spoke after Mr Mabhengu, concurred with the World Bank consultant and added that the undesirability of an executive chairman in state entities is self-evident.
The arrangement, he said, was fertile ground for conflict between management already in situ and the incoming executive chairman.
“The undesirability of it is self-evident. You have an executive chairman coming into a parastatal, I am very certain the first thing he will say is he wants the biggest office,” said Justice Chinhengo.
“Now the CEO who must be head of the organisation — you start off with a conflict immediately. Where is he going to sit? Will he accept the executive chairman and sit in some corner office,” he queried.
The Public Entities Corporate Governance Act was enacted into law last year as Government moved in to foster accountability and effective management of state-owned entities many of which had been rundown due to management inefficiencies and corruption.
In the case of Zesa, Minister Chasi has, however, insisted that the creation of an executive chairman’s post was in the best interest of the power utility.
“I also needed somebody who will break the barriers, who is not bureaucratic, who understands and is current regarding what Government is looking at with regards to Zesa,”
“ . . . requires that you have somebody who is in situ on a day to day basis and if you have somebody who has the experience and knowledge of the organisation, why should we double the expenses by having a CEO and a chairman who will be doing basically the same thing except chairing the meeting,” argued the Minister.
The Act will also see the end of “career CEOs” as the it stipulates that one can only serve for a maximum of two, five year terms. -Herald
