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
Farai Dziva|Former ZBC radio and television presenter, Ezra Tshisa Sibanda, has postulated that Robert Mugabe’s wealth should be shared among his political victims.
Below is Sibanda’ s argument :
Robert Mugabe is reported to have died and left just over $10m in cash, farms and several houses, but left no will.
We know the truth, he had more money and assets than declared- scattered all over the world. No one has legal right to his estate since he had no will, probably he didn’t want any member of his family to benefit from his loot.
Since he left no will, his cash and assets should be shared by families of victims he killed and maimed.
His wife and children should not get anything from Mugabe’s Estate.
They are all rich so the money he accrued through his evil deeds, corruption and mass murder should be forfeited and paid to victims!
By A Correspondent- A Twitter account believed to be run by the president’s spokesperson George Charamba, has said Senator David Coltart‘s son, lawyer Doug Coltart is funding the ongoing doctor’s strike.
Jamwanda was responding to a Twimbo who had asked:
Who capacitated the “incapacitated” Drs to demomstrate? The banners and posters are not cheap.
Jamwanda responded:
Dougie Coltart who affords to fly in some small helicopter with bags of money to pay the doctors to remain on strike. Zvino zvaponga!! Good question Sec for Administration!! Really using your vast skills to interrogate strange occurrences in our Land. Hapana kwavanosvika havo asi
The Doctors staged a protest today where they marched and presented their petition to the parliament.
By Dorrothy Moyo| The parliamentary committee set up to investigate for members of Parliament for allegedly bribing a businessman they were interviewing, a lumpsum USD400,000, has punished the MPs by slashing down 1 days allowances.
The MPs who include Norton legislator, Temba Mliswa were cleared of charges against with the committee however noting that they could not reconcile a debt figure of USD2,000n ended up being USD400,000 as discussed during the meeting held in the dark of the night.
The four were found to have brought the house into disrepute by holding a secret meeting in the dark of the night outside business hours and physically outside the Parliament Building.
The case draws a parallel to that of MDC MPs who were punished by the same Parliament 2 months ago and made to lose over 5 months worth of allowances, as punishment for refusing to recognise Emmerson Mnangagwa as President.
Below was the Executive Summary
The Committee of Privileges, hereinafter referred to as “the Committee”was established on 18 February 2019 by the Committee on Standing Rules and Orders to inquire into the allegations of corruption against Hon. Mliswa, Hon. Chikomba, Hon. Ndebele and Hon. Sibanda. The Committee was mandated to inquire into the allegations and table a report to the National Assembly. This Report therefore contains the processes, procedures adopted by the Committee, the submissions made by various witnesses during the inquiry, the observations, findings and recommendations of the Committee.
The Chairperson of the Committee takes this opportunity to express his gratitude to all the Members of the Committee for their immense contribution to the inquiry that culminated in this Report. Similarly, the Committee wishes to thank the Offices of the Speaker, Clerk of Parliament and staff for the support in the execution of its mandate and the production of this report.
Against this background, and, on behalf of the Committee, I have the honour and pleasure to present this report to the National Assembly.
1. Part I: Establishment, Mandate and Composition of the Committee
Pursuant to Standing Order 24 of the Standing Rules and Orders of the National Assembly, the Committee was established on 18 February 2019. The terms of reference of the Committee were to inquire into the allegations of corruption against Hon. Mliswa, Hon. Chikomba, Hon. Ndebele and Hon. Sibanda.
In particular, the Committee was mandated to-
1.1 inquire if Hon. Mliswa, Hon. Chikomba, Hon. Ndebele and
Hon. Sibanda solicited a bribe of $400 000 from Mr. Goddard as facilitation fees for Mr. Goddard to secure a mining contract at Hwange Colliery Company;
1.2 determine if the conduct of the four Honourable Members of
Parliament constitutes a breach of privilege amounting to contempt of Parliament; and
1.3 report in writing, its findings and recommendations to the
Committee on Standing Rules and Orders on or before 15 March
2019 and to the National Assembly on or before 18 March 2019.
The following seven Members of Parliament were appointed to serve in the Committee:-
(i) Hon. Sen. Chief F. Z. Charumbira (Chairperson);
(ii) Hon. J. T. Samukange;
(iii) Hon. C. Madiwa;
(iv) Hon. I. Gonese;
(v) Hon. T. Mavetera;
(vi) Hon. P. Mpariwa; and
(vii) Hon. Dr. Nyashanu.
2. Part II: Basis of the Inquiry.
Pursuant to the provisions of Standing Order 68(d), Hon Mataranyika raised a motion on a “Notice of Privilege” to the National Assembly of Zimbabwe on 7 February 2019. The Notice detailed specific allegations of corruption against 4(four) Honourable Members of Parliament. The four members’ are;
2.1 Hon. T. Mliswa;
2.2 Hon. L. Chikomba;
2.3 Hon. A Ndebele; and
2.4 Hon. P. D. Sibanda.
The allegations emanated primarily from a report published by the Herald newspaper on 4 February 2019. In the report, it is alleged that the 4 (four) Honourable members of Parliament solicited for a bribe from Mr. James Ross Goddard (“Mr. Goddard”). The motion was debated by the Members of the National Assembly resulting in a ruling by the Speaker that a prima facie case had been established against the 4 (four) accused Honourable members. In accordance with the Standing Rules and Orders of the National Assembly, the matter was referred to the Committee on Standing Rules and Orders which subsequently established a Privileges Committee to conduct inquiries into the allegations.
The referral to the Privileges Committee recognizes that the allegations against the four Honourable members, if proven, were injurious to the good standing and reputation of Parliament. The inquiry is a sine qua non because Parliament is the constitutional watchdog over other branches of Government with respect to corruption and improper conduct.
The matter is indeed of profound public importance. It is indisputable that the inquiry into the alleged conduct of the four Honourable Members is in the public interest. The enquiry will also foster public confidence in the institution of Parliament and presents a unique opportunity to disabuse the mind of the public against the slightest perception of tolerance to corruption by Parliament.
This inquiry is consistent with prior Parliamentary resolutions where it resolved to be decisive in investigating allegations of corruption and to take stern action against its members whose conduct is found engendering improbity.
In the case of S v Ngara 1987 (1) ZLR 91 (S) @ 101A-C, Dumbutshena CJ remarked that: –
“Any form of corruption resorted to by public officials … whose duty it is to uphold the law and by their conduct set an example of impeccable honesty and integrity, is rightly viewed with abhorrence. It is a dangerous and insidious evil in any community and in particular requires to be guarded against in a developing country”.
This inquiry will reaffirm the commitment of Parliament to the elimination of corruption which as noted in the “Global Corruption Barometer Africa 2019 report” has been on the rise. The need for decisive action cannot therefore be overstated in boosting public confidence in Parliament’s oversight role.
By Ezra Tshisa Sibanda|Robert Mugabe is reported to have died and left just over $10m in cash, farms and several houses, but left no will.
We know the truth, he had more money and assets than declared- scattered all over the world. No one has legal right to his estate since he had no will, probably he didn’t want any member of his family to benefit from his loot.
Since he left no will, his cash and assets should be shared by families of victims he killed and maimed.
His wife and children should not get anything from Mugabe’s Estate.
They are all rich so the money he accrued through his evil deeds, corruption and mass murder should be forfeited and paid to victims!
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
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?”
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?”
AN unlicensed driver from Beitbridge allegedly hit and killed a six-year-old boy who was cycling home.
Matabeleland South provincial police spokesperson Chief Inspector Philisani Ndebele confirmed the incident that occurred on Sunday at around 7PM in Shuleshule area.
He said Anna Mthunzi (29) also from Shuleshule was driving along a dust road when she lost control of the vehicle and hit Joseph Dube.
“I can confirm that we recorded a fatal accident which occurred in Shuleshule area in Beitbridge.
Anna Mthunzi was driving along a dust road with one passenger on board when she lost control of the vehicle which veered off the road.
“She hit a cyclist Joseph Dube aged six years.
He sustained head injuries and fractured both legs. He was rushed to Beitbridge District Hospital where he died upon admission.
Mthunzi is facing charges of culpable homicide and driving without a licence,” Chief Insp Ndebele said.-Chronicle
Dr Walter Mzembi’s quotes
Our eyes must be focused on creating a progressive generation, rather than focusing on elections. Our worry must be the future, generation of ideas, participate in progressive development, uniting together to achieve one common goal “development”.
We have a duty and obligation to deliver the best four country. We can still be resonate and do the best for our country. We need a better, Zimbabwe, a future, a hope and a new narrative. It is high time we must come back to our sense to give hope to the young generation by practicing progressive politics and change of mindset.
Eric Muzamhindo
I have seen people in hotels going to bathrooms carrying their drinks, even mineral water for fear of being poisoned. I have seen people refusing to offer transport to an opposition member or ruling party. In other countries, they campaign on same platforms during elections, they exchange regalia. We are not tolerant, we use hate language, and this has spilled even to sports and recreation, for those who have been watching our recent soccer matches involving our senior team, I have seen people waving political symbols in the national sports stadium. We cannot speak using same language, with one voice.
My simple question is who owns Zimbabwe? What defines Zimbabwe? If participating on the national tree planting day can result in shootings, then I think we have to suspend politics. Firing bullets, firing doctors, firing salvages etc. can’t we adopt a developmental stance? What is that we are fighting for? Zimbabwe is buffeted by toxic politics, indecisive fundamentals, conflicts and disputes and we have a duty and obligation to come up with progressive matrix which gives birth to development narrative.
Its over three solid decades and we have achieved nothing close to development. We need a better Zimbabwe, and it is my humble plea, we come together and focus on the development agenda and forget about elections. If I may ask you how much money has gone into elections? Last year we had over 500 million which was set aside for elections which could have achieved a lot. The same applies to 1980,1985,1990,1995,2000,2008 scenarios and this has given birth to disputes, conflicts, social imbalances, toxic politics and other misfortunes.
No one would want to hear of Murambatsvina, 2002 elections, land invasions, 2008 presidential run off, and the 2018 August 1 shootings as a result of disputed polls. I’m of the idea that we avoid polls mainly because as we speak, the ruling Zanu PF is already in the electoral mode, defining the 2023 narrative and one would then ask what about the promises that were fed to people during the drum up support towards 2018 watershed elections?
Hon MP from the MDC Alliance Memory Mbondiah posted a picture dishing out sanitary wear to women in rural areas. She was putting her MDC regalia and she was giving sanitary wear to a Zanu PF woman who was putting on a Zanu PF regalia, smiling. This was actually good and it created an atmosphere of unity, respect and love. I know some questioned the motive, but basing on the image, it should be the norm in our daily routines. I’m not sure what happened to the lady who received pads from the MDC Legislator, but this was a clear message to the leadership of this country, we are one and we must suspend politics and develop our country. Some people have been denied food handouts particularly in rural set up mainly because they are members of the opposition party. Is it a crime to belong to opposition politics?
Change of Mindset
We need a paradigm shift or approach on development. We have a toxic environment, there is no soberness to deal with the current situation, and our environment is marred by violence, lack of understanding, political dominance, deaths, shootings and other imbalances. I remember there are some senior Government officials who lost their jobs as a result of being seen with an mdc member, or posing for a photo with an MDC person. I remember that police officer who was in trouble for saluting the then Prime Minister of Zimbabwe, Dr Morgan Tsvangirai. My simple question is, Tsvangirai was the Prime Minister for which country? We have failed to contain ourselves, to reflect soberness and level headed, and we have gone to the extreme with national politics. I was following Mnangagwa’s Facebook posts, and his recent updates on social media on his engagements, and as of late, 97% of the comments you find on social media are insults. He has been showered with all sorts of insults.
Recently Mwonzora was out of the country on Government, I supposed parliamentary business, with the speaker of Parliament, if I’m not mistaken it was an anti-sanction program, and he was in hot soup with some die hard supporters. My simple question the speaker of parliament is from which country? Do we deserve sanctions? Fine, we have to go through the effects of sanctions on the socio-economic development arena of our country, but do we deserve them? Few days ago, the SG for MDC, Charlton Hwende paid a courtesy call to the Zimbabwe diplomat, checking on students in Germany and other issues of diplomacy and International relations, what was wrong with that meeting? I’m not defending the meeting, I would ask a simple question, how many times have the USA President Donald Trump met the democrats and republicans? So many times, and have you heard any noise about it? They are progressive and they adopted a national development mindset to sustain their lives without any interference. It is only in Zimbabwe, where you see a senior Zanu PF member or opposition figure being summoned or suspended for posing for a picture with another person from another political party who does not subscribe to your political affiliation or ideology. This can only happen in Zimbabwe.
Why would you fire live ammunition to a fellow Zimbabwean? If I may say Nelson Chamisa is a 41 year old Zimbabwe who is participating in national politics. Anything bad about it? So why would you tamper with people’s peace for the sake of eliminating your own opponent, to achieve what? When I went through the August 1, shootings, it was a sad event, where some children were left vulnerable to so many kinds of trauma and social imbalances just because of a vote. Killing someone because of power? To achieve what? The other day I saw Dr Energy Mutodi posing for a picture with Advocate Nelson Chamisa the current MDC President on Tuku funeral, he was bashed on social media and some even said, “Do not contaminate our People’s president? What was wrong about it?
Do we need elections?
I’m of the opinion that we must suspend elections for ten years and build Zimbabwe. It’s high time, students, academics, politicians, civic society, business community come together and decide the future of our country. If I may ask what has elections achieved in this country other than leaving Zimbabweans with so many scars, torture and trauma. Each time we have elections in Zimbabwe, we have a story to tell. In 2000, we had serious problems when the boat was about to sink, in 2002, we had controversial land reform which spilled into elections leaving many people dead, displaced and some even fleeing the country. In 2008, we had the presidential run off, which left many opposition members dead, and in 2013, we had few issues mainly because we were coming from a power sharing agreement. In 2017, we had a military coup which gave birth to the so called new dispensation which left over 7 people dead on August 1 as a result of shootings. Today as we speak, the economy is literally dead, and what have we achieved so far after 2018 elections, other than relying on bandages from Botswana and other handouts from other countries. Billions of dollars have gone missing in the central bank of Zimbabwe, as a result of looting.
Conclusion
In a nutshell we are saying, we can do the best for our country. Look at Zambia, South Africa, Namibia and others within our region, they are doing the best. Look at the roadmap Lungu has achieved in Zambia. Every district has a hospital, he launched a 4000 road network for the entire Zambia for road rehabilitation, and look at the new Kenneth Kaunda airport refurbishment etc. we are still fighting over small issues, looting our country to the core, grabbing farms, mines etc.
Tinashe Eric Muzamhindo – D.Phil Candidate (Women’s University in Africa)
Farai Dziva|Outspoken leader of the Zimbabwe Divine Destiny church, Bishop Ancelimo Magaya has said Emmerson Mnangagwa lacks genuine interest in dialogue with the real stakeholders in the whole process.
Bishop Magaya, quoted by Daily News, accused Mnangagwa of dividing the church by meeting with leaders who always nod to everything he says even at the expense of the nation.
“The truth of the matter is that Mnangagwa is not sincere on the issue of dialogue.
His biggest challenge is that he does not know what it takes to end this crisis. He has to be sincere because he is at the centre of our problems.
Polad is a defective process because it’s a political dialogue including only political parties, unfortunately without the biggest opposition party.
Nelson Chamisa said he cannot go to dialogue without an independent convener,” said Bishop Magaya.
Farai Dziva|Outspoken leader of the Zimbabwe Divine Destiny church, Bishop Ancelimo Magaya has said Emmerson Mnangagwa is oblivious of what it takes to end the long standing political crisis in Zimbabwe.
Bishop Magaya, quoted by Daily News, accused Mnangagwa of dividing the church by meeting with leaders who always nod to everything he says even at the expense of the nation.
“The truth of the matter is that Mnangagwa is not sincere on the issue of dialogue.
His biggest challenge is that he does not know what it takes to end this crisis. He has to be sincere because he is at the centre of our problems.
Polad is a defective process because it’s a political dialogue including only political parties, unfortunately without the biggest opposition party.
Nelson Chamisa said he cannot go to dialogue without an independent convener,” said Bishop Magaya.
Farai Dziva|Outspoken leader of the Zimbabwe Divine Destiny church, Bishop Ancelimo Magaya has said Emmerson Mnangagwa is oblivious of what it takes to end the long standing political crisis in Zimbabwe.
Bishop Magaya, quoted by Daily News, accused Mnangagwa of dividing the church by meeting with leaders who always nod to everything he says even at the expense of the nation.
“The truth of the matter is that Mnangagwa is not sincere on the issue of dialogue.
His biggest challenge is that he does not know what it takes to end this crisis. He has to be sincere because he is at the centre of our problems.
Polad is a defective process because it’s a political dialogue including only political parties, unfortunately without the biggest opposition party.
Nelson Chamisa said he cannot go to dialogue without an independent convener,” said Bishop Magaya.
Firstly, I would like to thank God for this amazing gift that he has given to my old team CAPS United. I am at a loss for words on how grateful I am for this wonderful gift to my team.
I would like to thank the CAPS United president, Mr Farai Jere, for the risk he took when I first walked into his office, thinking about it now today, we couldn’t see what the future was holding.
I am grateful to God for the opportunity he gave me.
Thank you Mr Jere for remaining committed to this team, for remaining strong and these salary delays are common all over the world and you have remained a pillar of strength for CAPS United and, how you have soldiered on, despite all the hardships to keep this club intact, shows what a great leader you are.
I would also like to thank my coach, Moses Chunga, for spotting me when I was just coming from basketball, it’s an amazing story, he took a risk that most coaches wouldn’t but he did it and gambled on me.
And, today, I am what I am because of the opportunity he gave me.
I am grateful to him and I owe it to him for everything that is happening in my life till today and I thank you so much for what you did to me. I would like to thank the Ministry of Sports for the efforts they did to try and get me a letter of exemption of duty, though it didn’t pull through, I am grateful for the efforts and all the other Government officials who tried to assist in this quest of trying to get the exemption letter.
I am grateful to their efforts.
I hope through this gesture, other players can witness and be inspired.
I know most guys are inspired, I know the guys have always wanted to do something for their old clubs, even just grooming at grassroots levels.
I know guys are interested in this but it’s just that we need more support from our Government just to encourage us also, I don’t know how our Government can help us in this regard.
We would be super grateful and I am sure most guys are going to run up even in the small things, it doesn’t have to be a bus, just the small things will make a difference in your old team or the young upcoming players because Zimbabwe has a lot of talent.
It’s just that our talent is not being recognised the way it’s supposed to.
At the end of the day, praise to the Almighty God for all the blessing and such a wonderful day and the amazing thing that has happened, not only in my life, but also in the CAPS United family, to help the team with this bus.
I am grateful to everyone who played a role in my career, I give God all the grace, I have seen God doing miracles in my life throughout my career.
I have gone to places I never thought I would be, I have seen things I never thought I would see, through God and his guidance in my life, I am grateful for everything.
I am at a loss of words at what to really say, to express how I feel, I am thankful for everyone for their outstanding support, I can’t name their names otherwise my speech would be long but I am thankful to all the coaches who coached me in the national team.
They might not be involved in the CAPS United set-up but, to some point, they were involved in how they groomed me to be who I am today.
I would like to thank my family for always being there for me, my grandmother, my mum, my fiancé, my late grandfather, when he was still alive, always praying for me, always being there during the good times and the bad times, I am super grateful.
To all my former teammates that I played with, I am grateful for the times we spent together and the experiences.
My former captain Method Mwanjali, words cannot describe how big a role you played in my life for me to be the man I am today, all the support, the advice, I thank you so much Method, I will always be grateful.
This is a God-given gift, it has nothing to do with Nyasha, I know people are excited, it’s normal but at the end of the day I don’t want the attention on me, I hope people can praise God and thank God for this amazing thing He has done.
I had people from South Africa applauding this but at the end of the day I would like to thank God. I would like to thank the CAPS United family, the fans that believed in me from Day 1 till today, they still believe in me, it’s amazing how voices of people you know nothing about can impact your life in so many amazing ways, I am grateful to them, too.
They have supported my life from the word go to this very day and I thank them for all the support they gave me when I was playing for CAPS and also thank them for the support they gave me when I was playing for the national team.
I am not big on social media but I always follow, once in a while, I check what’s happening on the CAPS United Facebook page.
For all those who came to support, I thank you, for all those who came for the handover, I thank you, the media, I thank you. I apologise once more for not making it today but I am sure I will be free soon and I will meet people, when I can, and I will be able to answer some questions and talk to people like I have always done.
Nyasha Mushekwi delivered this speech, through his sister Nyari, at the National Sports Stadium yesterday on the occasion of the unveiling ceremony of the luxury coach he acquired for his former club CAPS United.
Togarepi ZANU found the behaviour by the MDCA Mps to be disrespectful of the office of the Head of State,in terms of Parly customs and practices which Parliament is expected to observe,” said Adv Mudenda
Zanu is the complainant Zanu is the jury Zanu is the judge
Paul Nyathi|Geoff Makhubo of the ruling African National Congress was elected the new mayor of Johannesburg.
Makhubo was elected at a Johannesburg council meeting on Wednesday.
Last week’s vote was delayed when Speaker Vasco da Gama stated that legal opinion was needed on the election process.
The battle for Johannesburg was settled on Wednesday. Needing 135 votes to seize control of a majority, the ANC’s nominee Geoff Makhubo squeaked home with 137 in his favour. The ballot was decided in the first round of counting, and the party have ended up with a majority of six councillors in the mayoral vote.
The flimsy lead should hold out until the 2021 Municipal Elections. The DA have now lost two metros they earned in 2016, after their coalition also collapsed in Nelson Mandela Bay. This is a dark day for the Blues, but all the talk will be about “Mayor Makhubo” for now.
DA’s Herman Mashaba vacated the position after he tendered his resignation in October.
The Zimbabwe Prisons and Correctional Services (ZPCS) is struggling to feed and provide medical attention to inmates due to shortages of food and drugs, officials have said.
This emerged at a Zimbabwe Human Rights Commission (ZHRC) consultative meeting held in Bulawayo yesterday to assess living conditions in Zimbabwe’s prisons and mental health institutions.
ZPCS provincial commanders, Ingutsheni Psychiatric Hospital and Ngomahuru Psychiatric Hospital officials were invited to share their experiences and challenges from their respective institutions.
The ZPCS commanders indicated that all prisons shared the same challenges of food, toiletry, clothing, medicine and incapacitation, all blamed on the hyperinflationary environment prevailing in the country.
Present at the consultative meeting were commanders from Matabeleland South, Midlands and Masvingo provinces.
ZPCS deputy officer commanding Matabeleland South, Assistant Commissioner Mkhulunyelwa Ngwenya said prisons were facing food and medication challenges.
“We are facing serious challenges, we cannot adequately feed our inmates, neither are we able to treat them due to lack of medicine in our institutions,” Ngwenya said.
The issue of lack of a balanced diet was said to have resulted in malnutrition among inmates.
The prisons officials admitted that they had no vehicles to transport inmates to the courts.
“We are highly incapacitated. We cannot take our inmates to court on time, hence violating their rights,” Ngwenya said.
Ingutsheni psychiatric doctor, Wellington Ranga, questioned the ZPCS chiefs on how they handled inmates with mental health problems when they did not have psychiatric nurses or psychologists within the institutions, at the same time claiming to be rehabilitation centres.
Ngwenya said as ZPCS, they did not have the capacity to recruit psychiatric nurses or psychologists.
ZPCS was also challenged on how they were properly managing their soccer team, Whawha FC, which was elevated to the Premier Soccer League yet failing to employ psychiatrists.
Paul Nyathi|Information just received indicates that at least four people have died in a horrific accident in Masvingo.
Though still sketchy, indications are that the driver of a commuter omnibus they were traveling in lost control of the vehicle near Morgenster Hospital resulting in the four dying on the spot.
Masvingo police Spokesperson Chief Inspector Charity Mazula has meanwhile confirmed the accident indicating that police national spokesperson Superintendent Paul Nyathi will provide more details at a later stage.
Own Correspondent|South African Home Affairs Minister, Dr Aaron Motsoaledi, has noted and welcomed the adoption of the Border Management Authority Bill by the National Council of Provinces (NCOP).
Minister Motsoaledi said the adoption of the Bill by the NCOP gives impetus to the country’s efforts to deal with the country’s porous borders which enable the illegal crossing of people, illicit goods, drugs, trafficking of people, particularly of women and children, and stolen vehicles.
“We welcome the adoption of the Bill by the NCOP. The department must now increase its efforts to prepare for the establishment of the Border Management Authority.
“The implementation protocols with border law enforcement agencies for the mandatory co-ordination of their respective functions within the border law enforcement area and at ports of entry must be finalised within six months of the Bill being signed into an Act,” said Motsoaledi.
The NCOP has referred the Bill to the National Assembly which will consider it before sending it to the President before it becomes law.
Minister Motsoaledi said that the department has been preparing for the implementation of the BMA through the Project Management Office.
The adoption of the Bill by the NCOP means that the work of this project management office will be accelerated.
Paul Nyathi|Member of Parliament of the MDC-T led by Thokozani Khupe, Priscilla Misihairabwi Mushonga has refused to join the Parliament Privileges Committee set up by Jacob Mudenda yesterday to decide on what parliament needs to do on Nelson Chamisa led MDC legislators who boycott parliament whenever President Emmerson Mnangagwa comes to the house.
On Mudenda's committee investigating MDC MPs for refusing to recognise ED Misihairabwi says:"I have a conflict of interest.I can't go and sit on a committee whose matter I have a preposition on,do you want me to reveal my conflict of interest?,&the speaker said, 'not necessary'." pic.twitter.com/uRUJBaObcP
Priscilla Misihairabwi-Mushonga, who was appointed part of the 10-member committee chaired by Jonathan Samkange, declined the appointment saying she was “conflicted”.
The committee is tasked with investigating the conduct of MDC MPs towards Mnangagwa and determine possible action to be taken by parliament.
It should report its findings by 28 February next year.
Paul Nyathi|Zanu PF has sensationally accused human rights activist Dougie Coltart of funding the doctors demonstration that took place in Harare on Wednesday.
The party’s usual spin doctor George Charamba pinpointed at Coltart when he responded to ZANU PF Youth League Secretary for Administration Tendai Chirau Twitter post questioning where the doctors got funds to prepare well presented placards for their march.
“Who capacitated the incapacitated Drs to demomstrate? The banners and posters are not cheap.”
In a sensational tweet on Wednesday Charamba through his account Jamwanda said, “Dougie Coltart who affords to fly in some small helicopter with bags of money to pay the doctors to remain on strike. Zvino zvaponga!! Good question Sec for Administration!! Really using your vast skills to interrogate strange occurrences in our Land. Hapana kwavanosvika havo asi.”
Chamisa Saluting ED As President Wil Stop Mnangagwa From Stealing from RBZ, & Stop Him From Killing Own Citizens Like DDT, Improve The Economy? @nelsonchamisa@edmnangarwa
Chamisa Saluting ED As President Wil Stop Mnangagwa From Stealing from RBZ, & Stop Him From Killing Own Citizens Like DDT, Improve The Economy? @nelsonchamisa@edmnangarwa
Correspondent|Zimbabwean leader Robert Mugabe left behind $10million (R146.2m) in a foreign currency account with local bank CBZ and extensive properties – including a farm and residential houses in Harare as well as his rural Zvimba home – which are set to be bequeathed to his flamboyant wife, Grace, and his four children.
The declaration of the contents in Mugabe’s estate by his family has, however, sparked allegations that some of the properties were omitted, as no will was found for the veteran politician, who died at the age of 95 in September.
The estate that was registered with the Master of the High Court in Harare includes 10 vehicles and five residential houses in Harare, three farming and rural properties in Zvimba, state media reported.
In January, three former employees appeared in court for allegedly stealing $1m in cash from a briefcase at Mugabe’s Zvimba home.
Mugabe’s luxury Blue Roof mansion in Harare, which had earlier been claimed by his ruling Zanu-PF party, was included in the list of his assets after President Emmerson Mnangagwa allegedly directed that the property be transferred to his family.
By Farai D Hove| The presidential guard soldier who open fire and emptied his magazine at state house 2 weeks ago has heen named.
Writing on his twitter portal, the exiled former Information Minister, prof Jonathan Moyo revealed his name as he said he has been detained at the KG6 Hospital for 2 weeks to date.
Wrote Prof Moyo: “Pvt Novet Joshua Magandu 33yrs old is detained & admitted at KGVI 2 Referral Hospital Ward 1, Bed 3 & wasting away from taking a cocktail of 5 of the strongest anti psychotic drugs.
“He’s lost mental & bowl control in 2 weeks. His family has had no access to him since his arrest!”
Paul Nyathi|Exiled former ZANU PF information guru Professor Jonathan Moyo has revealed that the allegedly insane soldier who fired live rounds at State House is admitted in a Military hospital and allegedly being denied access to his relatives.
Moyo made the revelation on his Twitter Handle.
Pvt Novet Joshua Magandu 33yrs old is detained & admitted at KGVI 2 Referral Hospital Ward 1, Bed 3 & wasting away from taking a cocktail of 5 of the strongest anti psychotic drugs. He's lost mental & bowl control in 2 weeks. His family has had no access to him since his arrest! https://t.co/DeBAzDp1ND
Mourners hold a poster during the state funeral of Zimbabwe’s longtime ruler Robert Mugabe at a national sports stadium in Harare.
Reuters – The process of establishing the assets of the late Robert Mugabe will take some time, his lawyer said on Tuesday, casting doubt on a state media report that the former Zimbabwean leader left $10 million (7.79 million pounds) and some properties in the capital.
Zimbabweans have speculated for years about Mugabe’s wealth, with many assuming that he and his family amassed a vast fortune – perhaps as much as $1 billion, according to a leaked U.S. cable from 2001 – during his 37 years in power.
The government-owned Herald newspaper said Mugabe’s daughter Bona Chikowore wrote in October, the month after her father’s death, to the High Court seeking to register the estate.
The paper listed assets including $10 million in a local bank, four houses in Harare, 10 cars, one farm, his rural home and an orchard.
One of the properties is the palatial home known as Blue Roof in an upmarket suburb where Mugabe lived.
The list does not include several farms that he reportedly owned or a dairy business he ran with his wife Grace, or any property outside Zimbabwe.
Mugabe’s lawyer, Terrence Hussein, told Reuters that the Master of the High Court would this week appoint an executor to compile Mugabe’s assets and liabilities.
He said the properties listed in the Herald report were not in Mugabe’s name while his rural homestead had no title because all communal land in Zimbabwe is owned by traditional chiefs.
Blue Roof and another house in Harare are owned by the ruling ZANU-PF party, although President Emmerson Mnangagwa has previously promised to transfer them to the Mugabe family.
COMPILE ASSETS
“The first task of the executor will be to compile assets and then decide who will be a beneficiary. Therefore the suggestion that the estate has been finalised is untrue and misleading. The long drawn-out process has only begun,” he said in response to written questions.
“The 10 cars are a vintage car collection which frankly had value only to him.”
The Herald said Hussein had also asked the court to register the estate, saying he and the family had not found a will.
Under Zimbabwean law, the estate of a person who dies intestate is distributed between their spouse and children.
Hussein would not say whether he had written the letter, saying the matter was before the court. Bona Chikowore did not answer calls to her mobile phone.
A diplomatic cable from the U.S. Embassy in Harare in 2001 published by WikiLeaks said Mugabe was rumoured to have more than $1 billion of assets in Zimbabwe and overseas but it had no reliable information.
Social media posts showing his sons Robert Jr and Bellarmine Chatunga with bottles of expensive champagne at a Johannesburg nightclub and reports of Grace’s shopping sprees have offered glimpses of lavish spending.
A legal dispute in 2014 over a $5 million villa in Hong Kong suggested the family had been buying overseas property. The government said it owned the house.
Latterly, Mugabe complained about his retirement package and said he could not afford to maintain Blue Roof.
Mnangagwa hinted last week that the Mugabe family owned a number of farms in Zimbabwe and that the government would leave them with just one, in line with rules limiting farm ownership.
British Police in West Midlands have announced they are searching of a 21-year old Zimbabwean man who is wanted for for alleged robbery. Their “wanted person’s ” notice reads:
#WANTED| Do you know the whereabouts of Brian Dube, aged 21, and Natasha Teasdale, aged 23, from Coventry?
The pair are wanted for a robbery at an address on Southcott Way in #Coventry on Friday 15 November.
Anyone with information can contact us via LiveChat at west-midlands.police.uk between 8am and midnight, or call 101 anytime.
Crimestoppers can be contacted anonymously on 0800 555 111. Please quote crime reference 20CV/270698F/19.
A travel agency has taken Zimbabwe Football Association (ZIFA) to court after the football body failed to settle a US$55,000 debt incurred during the 2019 COSAFA Women’s Championship.
ZIFA who is yet to respond to the claim flew 52 people to Port Elizabeth, South Africa for the tournament which ran from July 31 to August 11.
Travel Genius has approached the High Court after the association ignored several demands to settle the bill.
“First defendant (ZIFA) is in material breach of the agreement in that service was rendered and it has failed to pay the total amount of US$55,164 on the agreed date. Despite several demands, the first defendant has failed, neglected or refused to pay the said amount,” the travel agent’s lawyers said in the summons filed at the court.
ZIFA has been sued several times this year for failing to clear their debts.
In September, a garnishee order was placed on the association’s accounts after a former employee approached the courts, seeking to recover a compensation package of $518,331.81. They were also ordered to pay back US$1,2 million to Postal and Telecommunications Regulatory Authority of Zimbabwe (Potraz) borrowed to send the Warriors to Africa Cup of Nations in Gabon in 2017.
The current total owed by the football body stands at over US$ 8 million.Soccer 24
LONDON– Cristiano Ronaldo’s sister launched an epic rant at Virgil van Dijk after the Liverpool star made a joke about the Juventus hero at the Ballon d’Or awards.
Anfield ace Van Dijk finished second to Lionel Messi as the Barcelona forward bagged a record sixth Ballon d’Or trophy, while Ronaldo finished a distant third.
Ronaldo did not attend the glitzy do in Paris and instead showed up at the 2019 Gran Cala del Calcio do in Milan to pick up the Best Player in Serie A gong.
Ronaldo knew he would not claim a sixth Ballon d’Or and Van Dijk made light of the fact in an interview with Dutch TV channel RTL7 before the gala.
Asked if Ronaldo’s absence meant he had one fewer rival to beat to claim the crown, the Champions League winner said: “Was he a rival then?”
The tongue-in-cheek response prompted an almighty rant from 34-year-old Ronaldo’s older sister Katia Aveiro on Instagram.
She wrote: “I think there are people living completely frustrated and unrealistic!
“It is well-known that Ronaldo will not win tonight’s prize. Although he has won important collective titles . . . but this is another conversation. We will see where the truth about football will come!
“Now, dear Virgil, where you are going, Cristiano Ronaldo has gone and come a thousand times.
You see, my dear Virgil, that Cristiano Ronaldo was a tri-champion in the country where you have been playing for years and you still haven’t got your hand on the trophy. Cristiano Ronaldo was even the best player and best scorer in the country where you play, Virgil. By the way, he was younger than you.
“Then, dear Virgil, Cristiano Ronaldo went to other places and became the greatest player in the history of Real Madrid. Tell you something, Virgil? Maybe so, because this club, with this Cristiano guy, even beat you in the Champions League final . . .’’’ — The Sun.
Farai Dziva|The Confederation of African Football (CAF) has informed ZIFA about the minimum standards required to enable a stadium to host international games.
The continental body banned the use of all local stadiums, except Barbourfields, for its matches following an inspection conducted last month.
According to the Herald, ZIFA has been ordered to improve pitch conditions, floodlight systems and signage among other things.
CAF also revealed some of the things needed to be maintained at Barbourfields Stadium.
CAF STADIUM REQUIREMENTS
Pitch condition must be improved and the surface must be green and marked clearly in white.
In-field goalposts must be easily removable and spare goalposts must be available for quick installation.
The two covered benches should be at pitch level.
For evening matches, the floodlights LUX capacity must be according to the Caf CL match requirements. A minimum 1 200 Lux should be provided all over the pitch, covering uniformly every area of the playing field.
A uniform signage system around the stadium to facilitate entry or exit of people. It also wants clear adequate signposts to guide spectators to their sectors.
Entry gates, exit gates and doors must be operational and similarly clearly indicated by signs which are universally understood.
Installation of stadium specific sign-age from media entrance to all the various facilities for the media.
Installation of sign-age around the medical facility and throughout the stadium to notify supporters.
Barbourfields Stadium, to add “five individual seated toilets” in the dressing rooms, a massage table in each dressing room, a tactical board (white board/flip chart with pens) as well as good ventilation or air-conditioning.
A doping room which must be near the teams’ dressing rooms and must be “inaccessible to any person that is not involved with the doping control process”. It must be equipped with a television set, a refrigerator equipped with non-alcoholic drinks, sealed mineral water bottles, waste-paper bin for bottles, a ventilator and sufficient seating for at least eight people.
The toilet area must be immediately next to the doping control room with direct private access
Numbered bucket seats fixed to the floor at Barbourfields as well as a safety certificate from the concerned authorities in which they will set the permitted capacity for the stadium together with detailed terms and conditions that the stadium management must comply with in order to operate the stadium at its permitted capacity.
Farai Dziva|Kaizer Chiefs and Warriors winger Khama Billiat has made another donation to Nellmapius Primary in South Africa.
Through his Khama Billiat Foundation, the 29-year-old also donated a football kit and sanitary wear to his former school, Gwinyiro Primary in Mufakose.
This donation is the second for the foundation since its inception.
“The Khama Billiat foundation embarked on its second project today…
Nellmapius 6 Primary School in South africa…we are here to donate sporting kits,school shoes and sanitary pads,”said Billiat
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?”
By Farai D Hove| The presidential guard soldier who open fire and emptied his magazine at state house 2 weeks ago has heen named.
Writing on his twitter portal, the exiled former Information Minister, prof Jonathan Moyo revealed his name as he said he has been detained at the KG6 Hospital for 2 weeks to date.
Wrote Prof Moyo: “Pvt Novet Joshua Magandu 33yrs old is detained & admitted at KGVI 2 Referral Hospital Ward 1, Bed 3 & wasting away from taking a cocktail of 5 of the strongest anti psychotic drugs.
“He’s lost mental & bowl control in 2 weeks. His family has had no access to him since his arrest!”
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?”
Farai Dziva| Constantino Chiwenga has all but poured cold water on hopes of dialogue between Zanu PF and the MDC after announcing that there is no need for external mediators in the process.
Chiwenga believes the country has the capacity to find home-grown solutions to its problems.
Chiwenga made the remarks while introducing Emmerson Mnangagwa at a meeting held between the country’s Presidium and members of the Inter-Denominational Council of Churches at State House on Monday.
“His Excellency the President has a meeting with all political actors who participated in the 2018 harmonised elections under the Political Actors Dialogue except for one or two political parties that are yet to join others.
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,”said Chiwenga, quoted by The Herald.
“Hatiende kunotsvaga nyamukuta kunext door. Vana nyamukuta vedu tinavo muno.”
Farai Dziva| Constantino Chiwenga has claimed that Zimbabweans have the capacity to resolve their internal problems.
Chiwenga believes the country has the capacity to find home-grown solutions to its problems.
Chiwenga made the remarks while introducing Emmerson Mnangagwa at a meeting held between the country’s Presidium and members of the Inter-Denominational Council of Churches at State House on Monday.
“His Excellency the President has a meeting with all political actors who participated in the 2018 harmonised elections under the Political Actors Dialogue except for one or two political parties that are yet to join others.
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,”said Chiwenga, quoted by The Herald.
“Hatiende kunotsvaga nyamukuta kunext door. Vana nyamukuta vedu tinavo muno.”
By Ezra Tshisa Sibanda|Robert Mugabe is reported to have died and left just over $10m in cash, farms and several houses, but left no will.
We know the truth, he had more money and assets than declared- scattered all over the world. No one has legal right to his estate since he had no will, probably he didn’t want any member of his family to benefit from his loot.
Since he left no will, his cash and assets should be shared by families of victims he killed and maimed.
His wife and children should not get anything from Mugabe’s Estate.
They are all rich so the money he accrued through his evil deeds, corruption and mass murder should be forfeited and paid to victims!
Farai Dziva|Former ZBC radio and television presenter, Ezra Tshisa Sibanda, has postulated that Robert Mugabe’s wealth should be shared among his political victims.
Below is Sibanda’ s argument :
Robert Mugabe is reported to have died and left just over $10m in cash, farms and several houses, but left no will.
We know the truth, he had more money and assets than declared- scattered all over the world. No one has legal right to his estate since he had no will, probably he didn’t want any member of his family to benefit from his loot.
Since he left no will, his cash and assets should be shared by families of victims he killed and maimed.
His wife and children should not get anything from Mugabe’s Estate.
They are all rich so the money he accrued through his evil deeds, corruption and mass murder should be forfeited and paid to victims!
AN unlicensed driver from Beitbridge allegedly hit and killed a six-year-old boy who was cycling home.
Matabeleland South provincial police spokesperson Chief Inspector Philisani Ndebele confirmed the incident that occurred on Sunday at around 7PM in Shuleshule area.
He said Anna Mthunzi (29) also from Shuleshule was driving along a dust road when she lost control of the vehicle and hit Joseph Dube.
“I can confirm that we recorded a fatal accident which occurred in Shuleshule area in Beitbridge.
Anna Mthunzi was driving along a dust road with one passenger on board when she lost control of the vehicle which veered off the road.
“She hit a cyclist Joseph Dube aged six years.
He sustained head injuries and fractured both legs. He was rushed to Beitbridge District Hospital where he died upon admission.
Mthunzi is facing charges of culpable homicide and driving without a licence,” Chief Insp Ndebele said.-Chronicle
22 people have been killed with machetes by Mashurugwis at Jumbo mine, Mazoe. No arrests. The Mashurugwis have been previously linked to the state security minister, Owen Ncube and the ZANU PF leader Emmerson Mnangagwa @edmnangagwa – REPORT @InfoMinZW@SADC_News@DrTaxs
Farai Dziva|Outspoken leader of the Zimbabwe Divine Destiny church, Bishop Ancelimo Magaya has said Emmerson Mnangagwa is oblivious of what it takes to end the long standing political crisis in Zimbabwe.
Bishop Magaya, quoted by Daily News, accused Mnangagwa of dividing the church by meeting with leaders who always nod to everything he says even at the expense of the nation.
“The truth of the matter is that Mnangagwa is not sincere on the issue of dialogue.
His biggest challenge is that he does not know what it takes to end this crisis. He has to be sincere because he is at the centre of our problems.
Polad is a defective process because it’s a political dialogue including only political parties, unfortunately without the biggest opposition party.
Nelson Chamisa said he cannot go to dialogue without an independent convener,” said Bishop Magaya.
Farai Dziva|Outspoken leader of the Zimbabwe Divine Destiny church, Bishop Ancelimo Magaya has said Emmerson Mnangagwa is oblivious of what it takes to end the long standing political crisis in Zimbabwe.
Bishop Magaya, quoted by Daily News, accused Mnangagwa of dividing the church by meeting with leaders who always nod to everything he says even at the expense of the nation.
“The truth of the matter is that Mnangagwa is not sincere on the issue of dialogue.
His biggest challenge is that he does not know what it takes to end this crisis. He has to be sincere because he is at the centre of our problems.
Polad is a defective process because it’s a political dialogue including only political parties, unfortunately without the biggest opposition party.
Nelson Chamisa said he cannot go to dialogue without an independent convener,” said Bishop Magaya.
Farai Dziva|Outspoken leader of the Zimbabwe Divine Destiny church, Bishop Ancelimo Magaya has said Emmerson Mnangagwa lacks genuine interest in dialogue with the real stakeholders.
Bishop Magaya, quoted by Daily News, accused Mnangagwa of dividing the church by meeting with leaders who always nod to everything he says even at the expense of the nation.
“The truth of the matter is that Mnangagwa is not sincere on the issue of dialogue.
His biggest challenge is that he does not know what it takes to end this crisis. He has to be sincere because he is at the centre of our problems.
Polad is a defective process because it’s a political dialogue including only political parties, unfortunately without the biggest opposition party.
Nelson Chamisa said he cannot go to dialogue without an independent convener,” said Bishop Magaya.
Dear editor, please can you write or tweet to Reverend Andrew Wutaunashe.
Chamisa Saluting ED As President Wil Stop Mnangagwa From Stealing from RBZ, & Stop Him From Killing Own Citizens Like DDT, Improve The Economy? @nelsonchamisa@edmnangarwa
Is everything happening in the country, shortages of fuel, legitimate incapacitation of the doctors, no tools of work and lack of medication, expensive electricity and unaffordable basic commodities to name a few being caused by Chamisa not recognising Mnangagwa?
It’s high time these so called men of God stopped slushing to ED , if they want real changes in the country and if they mean well. It’s a waste of time to flock to the State house for heaping praises at ED. The hero worshipping must come to an end. If people are going to meet Mnangagwa they must honestly speak the issues that are affecting the people they purport to represent. People are dying in hospitals it’s not even time to discuss that Chamisa should recognise ED it’s neither here nor there and not important at all .
They must be constructive , put pressure on ED to fix the economy as he is the Leader ruling Zimbabwe recognition is not the issue unless you are trying to tell us indirectly that Chamisa has the keys to unlock the Economy and fix the problems in the country. Is ED failing to do the job he was mandated by people to do because Chamisa feels strongly that he was the winner of 2018 Election ? What is the real issue that’s making them flock to the State house. If I was ED I would not listen to any of them hypocrites they were doing the same with Bob.
They are there to make their stomachs full , there for selfish reasons . They are actually wasting ED’s time , he needs people who can honestly tell him where he is going wrong and how they propose he fixes the mess in the country.
The way people are being brutalized for just trying to have their desperate voices heard and those that are walking innocently on the streets. They don’t even talk about the killings that have happened on the streets in Harare not once but twice , innocent people were gunned down in broad daylight , the slow genocide happening in-the hospitals and you don’t mention all that, how shameful is that. Chamisa chete, chete is the issue. Be Godly man and do what you stand for and be careful that you will be judged harshly on the day of reckoning.
I am proud of the Catholic Bishops they went to the State House to plead with ED about the Health issues the country is facing and as the governing person to sort it out.
Stand up and be counted, your children and your grandchildren one day will be ashamed of carrying your last name.
Chamisa is not the issue , he is not governing , the country is burning, only and until most of these church leaders realise that they are not what the Church or Christ calls them to be , things will be sorted out in our country. Call a spade e a spade or stay at your houses and stop pretending like you care for the masses that are suffering and dying everyday.
Opinion|CLAIMS by President Emmerson Mnangagwa that his nemesis and MDC leader Nelson Chamisa has failed God by refusing to accept the disputed outcome of the 2018 presidential elections and Constitutional Court ruling are a clear demonstration of the arrogance, self-righteousness and conceit of the Mnangagwa administration which believes that its ascension to power was by divine design.
Mnangagwa cannot attribute to himself the all-knowing qualities that are only found in God, especially in view of the fact that his policies and the conduct of politics by his party stink to high heaven.
But perhaps what is most sad is how local church leaders he met with at State House to find a home-grown solution to the country’s deteriorating political and economic crises have shown that they are not neutral players and can, therefore, not be tasked with the responsibility of playing the role of mediators and peacemakers.
We know that many of these so-called indigenous church leaders are just out to gain some filthy lucre from politicians. It is not surprising that some of those leaders even started begging for residential stands, demonstrating that they are just out to selfishly gain something rather than to help resolve the crisis bedevilling the country.
The church has a moral and spiritual responsibility to call politicians and the government to order when they violate the principles of common decency. The church should be encouraging Mnangagwa and Chamisa to make the necessary concessions to ensure that there is genuine dialogue that will lead to the resolution of the country’s political and economic crisis.
It is quite disconcerting and rather unfortunate that the Indigenous Interdenominational Council of Churches leader Andrew Wutaunashe — long known as a Zanu PF bed fellow — would warn Mnangagwa against entering into negotiations centred on his legitimacy. Such entrenched positions do not create a conducive environment for dialogue, but the ordinary people will continue to suffer even when these pastors get land and other goodies from the system.
Wutawunashe’s history is a matter of public record. He is the same man who declared former President Robert Mugabe as close to Jesus and is now perambulating with the same man who forced out Mugabe by the gun and is now declaring him the answer to the challenges facing the country. Are these not clear, open double standards? Which God is he representing and claims to know? In the old days this is what would qualify as utter blasphemy.
These churches should just do us a favour by becoming neutral players that speak truth to power without becoming cosy with any particular side.
This meeting at State House shows it’s not only politicians who are polarised on partisan lines but the churches as well. All the country requires is detoxing at the moment. Pity the Zimbabweans, they have no peacemakers at all except some corrupt individuals masquerading as men of cloth.
Pity them Zimbabweans for having such so-called men of cloth who instead of representing the poor, dine with the rich and the oppressors. Did Jesus not say in Matthew 11: 28: “Come to me, all who are toiling and loaded down, and I will refresh you.” How do these so-called men of cloth sleep?
What we know for real is they will soon be devoured. What do you expect if you ride a hyena? We implore all the so-called men of cloth, if indeed they are genuine, to come together on their own for a common position not to be pitting Mnangagwa against the opposition’s Chamisa to the country’s enemies delight.
It boggles the mind why each of the two politicians has a group of churches and pastors supporting them. For what?
That’s uncalled for. Citizens have suffered enough, we say enough are the lives which have already been lost due to this political impasse.
Churches must be neutral, not this grandstanding. We need healing, not this mischief by some church leaders.
Miss Deaf Zimbabwe stranded in Seychelles. After being voted second princess at Miss Deaf Africa in Seychelles last Saturday, Zimbabwean representative Takudzwa Phiri missed her flight home and is now stranded on the Indian Ocean archipelago.
Phiri (19) raised the country’s flag as she made it into the top three, with Miss Deaf Malawi taking the Miss Deaf Africa crown, while Miss Deaf Mauritius was crowned first princess.
Miss Deaf Interpreter Takunda Tapfuma said Takudzwa missed her flight home on Monday.
“Owing to financial constraints, Takudzwa had gone to the competition alone without a patron or an interpreter,” he said. “This is the reason why she missed her flight because she could not communicate when she needed help.
“We tried looking for sponsorship to send a team to the pageant, but we could not find the support. Takudzwa managed to find her individual ticket, hence she had to go without an escort.”
Tapfuma said arrangements were being made to try and bring Takudzwa home as soon as possible. “We want to liaise with the South African Airways to ask them if they can reschedule her flight for another day considering her condition,” he said. “In the mean time, Takudzwa will be staying with the people who hosted them for the event.
“These people said they are even willing to help with availing half the amount for a new ticket, but we do not have the money for top up. Despite this ruinous situation, Takudzwa represented the country very well, as she scooped second princess prize out of 12 contestants from different countries.” The event was organised by the Association of People with Hearing Impairment (Aphi), in collaboration with Berjaya Beau Vallon Bay Resort.
State Media|FC Platinum are expected in Bulawayo tomorrow ahead of their Group B Caf Champions League mini-group match against Tunisian giants, Étoile du Sahel, at Barbourfields Stadium on Saturday.
The two sides had contrasting fortunes in their opening matches last Friday, with the Tunisians defeating record Caf Champions League winners Ahl Ahly 1-0, while Pure Platinum Play were unfortunate to go down 1-2 to Sudanese side AL Hilal at the intimidating Al Hilal Stadium where over 500 anti-riot police were also in attendance.
The heavy police presence was attributed to the side’s shock defeat to archrivals El Merriek in a league match that triggered crowd trouble, as their fans could not stomach losing to their rivals ahead of the Caf Champions League mini-league opener.
Despite losing their opener, Pure Platinum Play were left convinced that had they converted their chances or even been more alert in defence, the final outcome of the match could have been different.
“I think we should have done better really, especially in terms of our defending. We should have defended better than the way we did. Look, these are big games and if you give such teams chances, they utilise them, no doubt about that, and those two goals were such chances. With the quality of players we have, we ought to have done much better,” said FC Platinum coach Lizwe Sweswe in his post-match analysis.
He expressed confidence that they will do better in this mini-league phase compared to their maiden appearance in which they managed just two points from six matches.
Despite the two goals FC Platinum conceded, the story could have been different had they buried the chances that came their way, especially a first-half headed miss by Tawana Chikore following a sleek move.
Chikore headed his effort over the bar with the goalkeeper completely beaten.
FC Platinum had done well to weather a torrent of attacks from the hosts, who literally camped in the final third inside the first 15 minutes, as they searched for an early goal. However, the three-man defence of the outstanding Gift Bello, Lawrence Mhlanga and William Stima, ably supported by holding midfielder, Kelvin Madzongwe, guarded their territory with aplomb.
State Media|ZIFA have engaged the Ministry of Local Government, Public Works and National Housing to map the way forward after the National Sports Stadium failed to meet the Caf minimum requirements.
The association have also approached stakeholders at Mandava in Zvishavane which also failed the Caf test.
Zifa invited Caf officials to inspect the stadiums hoping Mandava, in particular, would pass so FC Platinum could play their Caf Champions League matches at home.
But, for the umpteenth time, Mandava failed to meet the standards and FC Platinum will host their 2019-2020 Caf Champions League group matches at Barbourfields.
They take on Tunisian giants, Etoile du Sahel, this weekend.
The National Sports Stadium was also deemed unfit to host international matches and if nothing is done, the national team will have to shift to Bulawayo.
But yesterday, Zifa president Felton Kamambo said the association have since engaged Government and other relevant authorities to help renovate the facilities.
“We had invited Caf to come for inspections but, unfortunately, Mandava and the National Sports Stadium failed the test,’’ he said.
“We have engaged Government on the National Sports Stadium issue.
“We are not the owners of this giant facility. We only use the stadium as and when we can.
“So, the right thing was to approach the authorities. We are glad that we are moving towards the right direction and I am sure, in no time, we will be inviting Caf for another inspection again.
“We are also in the process of engaging those in charge of Mandava so that we can help each other, pointing the flaws at the venue.
“FC Platinum need to switch back from Barbourfields for their home games for convenience purposes.”
Kamambo said there were several areas which Caf said needed attention at Barbourfields.
“We have also engaged the Bulawayo City Council regarding Barbourfields Stadium,’’ Kamambo said.
“There are some major areas which need to be looked at. For example, the issue of lighting.”
Caf stadium requirements
Pitch condition must be improved and the surface must be green and marked clearly in white.
In-field goalposts must be easily removable and spare goalposts must be available for quick installation.
The two covered benches should be at pitch level.
For evening matches, the floodlights Lux capacity must be according to the Caf CL match requirements. A minimum 1 200 Lux should be provided all over the pitch, covering uniformly every area of the playing field.
A uniform signage system around the stadium to facilitate entry or exit of people. It also wants clear adequate signposts to guide spectators to their sectors.
Entry gates, exit gates and doors must be operational and similarly clearly indicated by signs which are universally understood.
Installation of stadium specific signage from media entrance to all the various facilities for the media.
Installation of signage around the medical facility and throughout the stadium to notify supporters.
Barbourfields Stadium, to add “five individual seated toilets” in the dressing rooms, a massage table in each dressing room, a tactical board (white board/flip chart with pens) as well as good ventilation or air-conditioning.
A doping room which must be near the teams’ dressing rooms and must be “inaccessible to any person that is not involved with the doping control process”. It must be equipped with a television set, a refrigerator equipped with non-alcoholic drinks, sealed mineral water bottles, wastepaper bin for bottles, a ventilator and sufficient seating for at least eight people. The toilet area must be immediately next to the doping control room with direct private access
Numbered bucket seats fixed to the floor at Barbourfields as well as a safety certificate from the concerned authorities in which they will set the permitted capacity for the stadium together with detailed terms and conditions that the stadium management must comply with in order to operate the stadium at its permitted capacity.
The National Sports Stadium in Harare can no longer host Zimbabwe’s international matches
The Confederation of African Football (Caf) has ruled that Zimbabwe’s National Sports Stadium in Harare no longer meets their standards to host international matches.
The giant stadium has also been optimistic President Emmerson Mnangagwa’s favourite venue for his gatherings that have seen him end up speaking to predominately empty concrete seats in recent days.
The only stadium approved by Caf is Barbourfields Stadium in Bulawayo, 440km from Harare, which has been given temporary approval.
“Caf has even warned us that failure to upgrade the stadiums could mean that in future we will be forced to play our home matches in neighbouring countries,” said Zimbabwe Football Association spokesperson Xolisani Gwesela.
The National Sports Stadium has been used for all national team games of late, as Rufaro Stadium in Harare fell short of Caf standards last year.
Last month Caf inspected the National Sports Stadium, Barbourfields and Mandava Stadium in Zvishavane – the home ground of Zimbabwe’s Champions League representatives FC Platinum.
Mandava also failed the inspection, meaning that FC Platinum will continue to play their Champions League home games at Barbourfields, a journey of 180km.
Zimbabwe beat Mauritius 3-1 in an African Nations Championship (CHAN) qualifier at Barbourfields in August which is the only international the stadium has hosted in the past five years.
“We always have been appealing to owners of the stadiums and the local authorities to upgrade their stadiums, and we now have a crisis,” said Gwesela.
“We have been notified by Caf that major renovations will be needed for the National Sports Stadium NSS and Mandava for them to meet their standards.”
This development comes a week after Fifa president Gianni Infantino announced plans that football’s world governing body has to raise $1bn dollars to build at least one stadium meeting Fifa standards in every African country.
Zimbabwe’s next full international matches will be in March as the group stage of the 2022 World Cup qualifying gets underway.
MDC Senate chief whip Lillian Timveous says her party legislators will next week enter Parliament with their mouths gagged in protest over Zanu-PF MPs’ disruptive behaviour during committee meetings.
] They are also bitter over an unofficial gag order imposed on them by Justice minister Ziyambi Ziyambi.
The opposition legislators said they were also concerned over the push to have them investigated and punished for refusing to recognise President Emmerson Mnangagwa.
The MDC chairs eight portfolio committees in the National Assembly and two thematic committees in the Senate and their sittings have often been disrupted by the ruling party in revenge to the opposition snub of the President.
Timveous, who also sits in the Standing Rules and Orders Committee (SROC), told NewsDay recently that the MDC was tired of the squabbling and had no option except to protest. She said Zanu-PF was planning to change the standing rules and orders and form a Privileges Committee to investigate MDC legislators for walking out on Mnangagwa in Parliament.
“They are disrupting the committees chaired by the opposition because they do not want to be investigated for corruption,” Timveous said.
“Next week, we will come with sellotape wedged on our mouths in protest that we have been gagged in Parliament as an opposition and we are not allowed to speak anymore,” she said.
Timveous said when the SROC sat last Thursday to try and resolve the impasse; Zanu-PF attempted to set up a Privileges Committee made up of its members only to investigate the MDC legislators for walking out on Mnangagwa.
“We then walked out of the SROC because we cannot allow a Privileges Committee composed of members of Zanu-PF only to investigate us. Parliament is not Zanu-PF headquarters. It uses public funds and the Zanu-PF chief whip Pupurai Togarepi cannot even tell us that we do not deserve the Parliament vehicles because they are not funded by Mnangagwa. Those are Parliament funds.”
Togarepi confirmed that his party wants the MDC legislators investigated for snubbing Mnangagwa.
“Yes, we want them investigated because in our view they are violating both the Constitution and the Standing Rules and Orders. We would like Parliament to use powers vested in it to deal with the opposition MPs’ disorderly behaviour,” he said.
“The decision of the Constitutional Court in the election dispute is final. They are actually in contempt of court and we cannot allow such intransigence to go unchallenged. Funny enough, they do not raise the legitimacy issue when there are benefits coming from government, but they do so when they are expected to represent the electorate.
“The President together with Parliament forms the legislature. They debate Bills which cannot be laws without the signature of the same President they do not recognise. Such hypocrisy cannot be allowed in our democracy and violating the Constitution in Parliament should be totally condemned. These terrorist tendencies should be stopped immediately,” Togarepi said.
Paul Nyathi|Police have reported that a thirteen year old boy died over the weekend after helping himself to a bottle of heavy alcohol.
1/2 A 13 year old male Juvenile died in Bulawayo on 01/12/19 after consuming undiluted alcohol (klipdrift). The alcohol had been left in a car by his friends who went to watch a football match and left him to guard their vehicle.
2/2 When the friends returned, they found him heavily drunk and they took him to his parents who tried to render first aid but his situation deteriorated until he died. #nototeenagealcoholabuse.
The United State has become the second country to dispute Finance Minister Mthuli Ncube’s development aid figures presented in the National Budget.
The exposè has left Mthuli Ncube’s credibility as Finance Minister questionable as he is expected to give thoroughly investigated and highly accurate information failure to which may be enough cause for him to resign or to be fired.
A senior United States official working in Zimbabwe said that the development aid figures released by Mthuli Ncube in the 2020 national budget statement, are less than what his country provided in the 2019 financial year.
Deputy Ambassador Thomas Hastings, said the amount of financial aid to Zimbabwe this year was understated by the government.
“… They recently released the total amount of money that we gave in 2019, it was about $330 million. So, it was a bit more than it was in the budget report that’s the total amount that includes our work with PEPFAR (U.S. President’s Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief), it includes work that we have provided this year for food relief, people who are faced with food insecurity because of the drought and other causes it includes drought and any other causes and it also includes the assistance that was given to people who suffered the consequences of Cyclone Idai. So, putting all the numbers together it was over $330 million this year.”
Thomas said Zimbabwean authorities should include all the development aid provided by the United States in 2019.
“Well, it’s important to include all of the programs and that’s why we recently put the information out there to make sure that the total amount of our assistance was made on to the people of Zimbabwe.”
He could not be drawn to comment on suggestions that the undervaluing of the development aid provided by the Zimbabwean government was being deliberately done by President Emmerson Mnangagwa’s government.
“I don’t know about that, you have to talk to the Ministry of Finance about how they came up with all those numbers … when you take the amount of work we do with health, with food assistance and Cyclone Idai and emergency relief, that’s how much it totaled.”
In the budget statement, Ncube indicated that Zimbabwe this year obtained development support from USA amounting to $252,722,653.
Mthuli Ncube also admitted understating the amount of financial aid that China gave to the Southern African nation in the first nine months of this year.
At the budget presentation, Ncube said the country received US$194 million from donor countries in the first three quarters, of which only US$3.6 million came from China. The Chinese embassy in Harare put the figure at US$136.8 million and urged the Zimbabwean government to “make a comprehensive assessment of the bilateral support figures and accurately reflect the actual situation when formulating the budget statement”.
The statement by Ncube, which was issued after the meeting with Chinese officials on the matter said that “the two sides agreed to continue working on a common accounting mechanism”.
It did not, however, specify the accounting formula to be used or the exact amount that Beijing has advanced to Zimbabwe between January and September 2019.
State Media|A WOMAN from Bulawayo has been arrested after she allegedly strangled her new-born baby and dumped the body in a sack.
Sithokozile Ndlovu (26) from Old Pumula suburb who was pregnant was allegedly seen by her neighbours trying to throttle the baby soon after giving birth.
The following morning, the neighbours discovered the baby was missing and made a report to the police.
Ndlovu pleaded not guilty to an infanticide charge before Western Commonage magistrate Mr Stephen Ndlovu.
The magistrate remanded her in custody to December 17 for continuation of trial.
Ndlovu said her baby died while she was giving birth.
“I didn’t strangle my son, he died while I was giving birth. I only admit that I wrapped him in a sack and threw him away,” she said.
For the State, Mr Tony Kamudyariwa said on November 29, Ndlovu allegedly choked her new-born baby inside her bedroom.
“At around 10PM, the accused person strangled her new-born baby and wrapped him in a blanket before putting him in an empty sack. The following morning, she proceeded to a nearby stream where she dumped the baby,” he said.
Mr Kamudyariwa said Ndlovu denied being pregnant when she was questioned by the police but changed her story after her neighbours contradicted her.
Ndlovu’s neighbour, Ms Nokuthula Luphahla, said in court that she heard noises from her neighbour’s bedroom.
“I rushed to my neighbour’s house and I found her holding her new born baby by the neck and there was blood all over her bed. I asked her what she was doing and said she was not ready to be a mother and didn’t want the baby,” she said.
“Before Ndlovu killed her baby, she asked for an empty 10kg sack from me. I didn’t know her intentions.”
The matter was reported to the police leading to Ndlovu’s arrest.
State Media|CONSUMERS have raised concern over the high data prices in Zimbabwe saying most people including the working class can no longer afford to buy data bundles that can cover their research and communication needs.
Of late, all telecommunications service providers in the country have continued to increase the cost of data every month.
This has seen Zimbabwe being listed among regional countries with the most expensive data.
Consumer Rights Association spokesperson Mr Effie Ncube said data was no longer accessible by a majority of consumers including the working class.
He said his organisation continues to lobby the Government and relevant authorities to look at data prices.
“The data prices are exorbitant and unaffordable even by the working class in Zimbabwe, and we have frequently called on the Postal and Telecommunications Regulatory Authority of Zimbabwe (Potraz) and the Government to look into the cost structure of data with a view to making sure it is affordable to the rest of the population in the country,” said Mr Ncube.
“Given the centrality of data in driving business, research in education, health care and in every facet of life, it will be important for the Government to strictly regulate the cost of data and voice calls otherwise communication will be rendered impossible for all the people in the country.”
In South Africa, he said, that country’s competitions commission recently intervened and ordered service providers to reduce their data prices by 50 percent margins, adding that locally they also want the Competition and Tariff Commission to take a similar approach.
In separate interviews, some consumers told Business Chronicle that they were unable to buy data as it is expensive and even if they afford, it will be too low to complete their services.
A student from the National University of Science and Technology who declined to be named said:
“It’s now difficult to buy data, so I’m forced to go to the campus each time I do my research and that also costs me on transport.”
Another consumer, Mr Nicolas Sithole, said he has abandoned social media platforms like WhatsApp as he no longer affords to spend $15 per week on data.
“I cannot afford the $15 WhatsApp weekly data bundle, even the cheaper one which goes for $8, it does not even last a week. Now for my Internet needs, I survive by scouting free internet spots in the Central Business District,” he said.
Early this year, Zimbabwe was reported to have the most expensive data in the world with a gigabyte averaging $75,20, which was 289 more times as much as in India.
However, Internet service providers have in the past cried foul over the operational costs they were incurring when using generators to power boosters in times of load shedding saying this has contributed to incessant increases in data costs.
THE High Court has dismissed an application for bail pending trial by a serial Bulawayo fraudster who allegedly masqueraded as a top Central Intelligence Organisation (CIO) officer and President Mnangagwa’s close security aide and duped Ingwebu Breweries of 375 litres of fuel and $1 200.
Henessy Dube (40) of Entumbane suburb allegedly met Ingwebu Breweries managing director Mr Dumisani Mhlanga and produced a fake CIO identity card.
He identified himself as a director of operations in the CIO.
Dube then allegedly offered to assist the company to recover money from its debtors purportedly using his influence by virtue of being in the President’s Office. He is also facing charges of raping two women he had hired as nurse aides and stealing his brother’s identity card, academic and professional certificates and using them to secure a teaching job at a school in Tsholotsho district.
Dube is facing charges of fraud, impersonating a public officer, theft, rape and making a false statement to deceive a registration officer in violation of Section 10 (1) (b) of the National Registration Act.
The ruling by Bulawayo High Court judge Justice Martin Makonese follows an application for bail pending trial by Dube through his lawyers Tanaka Law Chambers citing the State as a respondent.
Justice Makonese ruled that there was no guarantee that if released on bail Dube would not abscond given the gravity of the offences he allegedly committed.
“In this present case, the applicant faces several charges of rape, fraud relating to the theft of identity documents and impersonation. As regards to his previous conduct, there is sufficient proof that he faced charges of rape and theft in Kezi and those dockets were closed after he disappeared,” said the judge.
“There is an outstanding warrant of arrest against the applicant and with his previous abscondment, it is clear that applicant is not a suitable candidate for bail. I am satisfied that from the aforegoing, the applicant is not a suitable candidate for bail and in the result, the application for bail pending trial is hereby dismissed.”
In his bail statement, Dube said he was a proper candidate for bail and argued that chances of absconding were non-existent. He further contended that stringent reporting conditions would cure the fear of abscondment.
Dube further argued that the seriousness of the offences was not a factor against the granting of bail. He said the State case is weak and he is willing to stand trial.
The State, which was represented by Mr Khumbulani Ndlovu, opposed the application, arguing that Dube was a flight risk.
One of the investigating officers also testified that Dube had been on the run hence there was no guarantee that if released on bail, he would stand trial.
“In this matter, the applicant’s previous conduct reflects that he has propensity to abscond to avoid trial. The past conduct is consistent with applicant’s desire to flee on the day of his arrest,” said the investigating officer.
In papers before the court, it was stated that sometime at the beginning of May this year during the Zimbabwe International Trade Fair, Dube hatched a plan and went to Ingwebu Breweries head offices in Bulawayo intending to see management.
During that time, Ingwebu Breweries was facing operational challenges, some of which emanated from a failure by its debtors to honour their commitments.
Dube approached the company’s managing director and introduced himself as the director of operations at the CIO based in Harare. He told Mr Mhlanga that he was in Bulawayo as part of a team of President Mnangagwa’s close security aides during the ZITF period.
He produced a fake CIO identity card bearing the names Majaha Julian Dube and indicated to the Ingwebu Breweries managing director that he had picked information pertaining to the ill-treatment of workers and war veterans by management including the impending retrenchment of workers.
Dube told the managing director that the President was not amused and due to his misrepresentation, Mr Mhlanga was convinced and he briefed Dube on the goings on at the company with the accused person promising to render assistance.
A few days later, Dube returned to Ingwebu Breweries and offered to use his authority to pressurise the company’s debtors, which included companies contracted on beerhall franchise, to pay their debts and the management agreed.
Some debtors reportedly paid up after Dube’s intervention.
Dube further pressurised management at Ingwebu Breweries to employ his friends under the guise that they were students on attachment from the CIO.
Their contracts were signed by management and they were given tasks to spy within the company’s various departments.
It was later established that the accused person was not employed by the CIO and due to his misrepresentation, Dube benefited in the form of 375 litres of fuel allocation and $1 200 among other undisclosed benefits.
It also emerged in court that on December 7, 2012, Dube acquired a national identity card under the names Henessy Dube NR 08-682325-J-53 bearing his portrait. On June 3, 2017, Dube allegedly took another identity card NR 08-719040-R-53 with his picture but under the names Majaha Julian Dube.
Checks with Registrar-General’s Office showed that the names Majaha Julian Dube and all the particulars including the portrait belonged to his brother based in South Africa and is suspected to have acquired citizenship of that country.
Armed with his brother’s identity card and his academic certificates, Dube applied for a teaching post in the Ministry of Primary and Secondary Education. He was subsequently employed as a teacher and deployed in Tsholotsho in Matabeleland North under EC Number 5710690W.
He however, unceremoniously breached the contract and absconded. Dube has a previous conviction after masquerading as a doctor for six months at Mpilo Central Hospital.
State Media|FORMER Vice President Phelekezela Mphoko yesterday notified the court that he wants to approach the Constitutional Court to determine whether he is still entitled to Presidential Immunity as set out in Section 98 of the Constitution.
The former VP notified the court that he also intends to approach the upper court to seek clarification on whether he was also protected under the defence of Good Faith as pronounced in Section 98 of the Constitution.
He made the notification when he appeared at the Harare magistrates’ court where is facing criminal abuse of office charges.
Mphoko allegedly instructed junior officers at Avondale Police Station in Harare to release former Zimbabwe National Road Administration (Zinara) acting chief executive Moses Juma and former board member Davison Norupiri, who was Zinara’s finance committee chairperson, from the cells.
Juma had been jailed on abuse of office charges.
“Take notice that the accused person contends that a Constitutional matter has arisen in these proceedings and by operation of Section 175 (4) of the Constitution requests that the matter be referred to the Constitutional Court for determination,” said Mphoko in his notification letter tendered to the court.
Mphoko, through his legal team led by Advocate Tawanda Zhuwarara said five Constitutional questions, which need referral to the ConCourt, have arisen in the matter.
He wants the ConCourt to also decide on:
“Whether Presidential Immunity as set out in Section 98 of the Constitution extends to acts and or omissions by the Vice President (and former Vice President) who alleges and intends to prove that such acts or omissions actuated during the discharge of his or her duties accordance with Section 99 of the said Constitution.
“Whether the defence of Good Faith as enunciated in section 98 (4) of the Constitution is available to a Vice President (and former Vice President) who alleges and intends to prove that such acts and or omissions were actuated during the discharge of their duties in accordance of section 99 of the said Constitution.
“Whether by operations of Section 99 and 107 of the Constitution, the defence of “obedience to orders” is available to a Vice President (and former Vice President) who alleges and intends to prove that such acts and or omission were actuated during the discharge of their duties in accordance with Section 99 of the said Constitution.
“Whether by operations of Section 110 (1) as read with section 207(2) of the Constitution the President and or Vice President has the immutable authority to direct, intervene, instruct and command the police service and its constituent members.
“Corollary to the aforementioned questions is the question whether the defence of claim of rights is available to a President of Vice President who intervenes in the activities of the police service and its constituent members.”
Mphoko also made the notification after Harare regional magistrate Mr Hoseah Mujaya turned down his application to have his trial transferred to a Bulawayo court.
The former Vice President claimed that he could no longer afford to travel from Bulawayo to Harare for his court hearings.
Mphoko also argued that the witnesses can afford to travel to Bulawayo through State assistance.
He also claimed the need to attend to his social, economic and health needs would result in him making numerous applications for postponements, disturbing the court systems in the process.
“There is also a corresponding Prosecutor General in Bulawayo and there is no justification for the matter not to be dealt with in Bulawayo,” said Mphoko’s lawyer Adv Zhuwarara in his application.
The State led by Mr Lovett Masuku said Mphoko should not seek to extend his social and economic problems to the witnesses, as they are employed officers with other duties to execute.
“A matter can be heard anywhere if the Prosecutor General consents to the change of venue, but in this particular matter that has not been done,” he said.
In his ruling magistrate Mr Mujaya concurred with the State saying the PG has not consented to the change of venue and dismissed Mphoko’s application.
He is expected to return to court on December 6 for trial continuation.
State Media|THE Meteorological Services Department (MSD) has predicted rain, cold weather accompanied by strong winds and lightning to affect mostly the Southern parts of the country beginning today.
In a statement, the MSD said: “Due to the moisture confined over the Northern provinces, very isolated thunderstorms occurred in Matabeleland North, Mashonaland East and Mashonaland West provinces. However, for all these cases the only notable recorded amount was 6mm at Binga.
“With the high-pressure system ridging over the south east coast of the subcontinent, an influx of moisture is expected to bring drizzly, cold weather and relatively strong winds over Bulawayo Metropolitan, Matabeleland South, south of Midlands, Masvingo and South of Manicaland and South of Mashonaland West provinces.
“The rest of the country should be under mostly sunny and hot conditions with chances of afternoon thunderstorms in places”.
It said more rains should be expected tomorrow in Bulawayo, Matabeleland South, South of Midlands, Masvingo and South of Manicaland Provinces as the high-pressure system from the South strengthens.
“Strong winds may blow off roof tops, taking down trees and power lines. There will be chances of lightning strikes over the northern areas. Mindful of these strong winds, remain indoors when roof tops have been blown off, and hide under desks or tables.
“It has been proven that thatched huts are more resistant to wind than metal or tile roofed houses. Do not hide under isolated trees during storm activity,” read the statement.
The announcement comes at a time when the country has been eagerly awaiting the rainy season to commence after months of hot weather and drought.
More than 9 000 cattle have died.
There was a false start to the rainy season a few weeks ago which was characterised by violent storms but a long dry spell has ensued since then.
A number of places in Matabeleland North and South provinces have already fallen victim to storms and strong winds, with two people reported dead in Maphisa, Matabeleland South. About five people have been struck by lightning, two from Bulawayo’s Cowdray Park suburb.
State Media|Property and woodwork machinery worth millions of dollars were on Monday night destroyed by fire at Glen View Area 8 Home Industry Complex along Willowvale Road in Harare.
This was the fourth time this year alone that fire gutted the complex.
Generators, compressors, chairs, beds, kitchen cupboards, lounge suites, tables and wardrobes were among the items destroyed.
The cause of the fire had not been established yesterday, with traders giving different explanations ranging from an electrical fault to suspected foul play.
Some said the place was “haunted” because of the high frequency of the mysterious fires.
A trader whose property was destroyed, Mr Clifford Mapfumo, pleaded for the erection of better structures as the current ones were exposing them to fire outbreaks.
“The challenge here is that it is now a pattern that each year there is a fire. Sometimes, the cause of the fire has been human error and this time around, we believe it was an electrical fault.
“We use highly flammable substances here like thinners and glue and people have resorted to compressors and generators that use petrol. Whenever there is a fire, it is hard to control.
“Vanishes used in making furniture are highly flammable and our shades are below standard as they were erected using plastics and cardboard boxes,” he said.
Mr Misa Shuro said a number of the traders lost all their machines.
“It is suspected that there was an electrical fault, but l think cigarette smokers had a hand in the fire. Everything on my stand including our display stands and wardrobes were destroyed,” he said.
Mr Eddison Mazambani said “We are counting our losses. We don’t know how best we can be assisted on issues of fire outbreaks because each year we experience them three to five times.
“We lost room dividers, kitchen units, beds and wardrobes. I think only one sofa was recovered,” he said.
Mr Issah Chapepa said he suspected foul play.
“There might be something happening behind the scenes. l lost sofas, wardrobes and TV stands,” he said.
The Harare City Council recently appealed to Government to help in restoring order at the complex.
Own Correspondent|ZANU PF with the help of the Speaker Of Parliament Jacob Mudenda, has gone ahead with its move to set up an all themselves Privileges Committee to investigate whether or not opposition MDC parliamentarians were in contempt of Parliament when they boycotted sittings attended by President Mnangagwa.
The unfortunate committee which will see ZANU PF being a complainant, judge and jury against the MDC was announced by Mudenda on Tuesday.
Mudenda announced that Parliament’s Committee on Rules and Orders had appointed the eight-member committee chaired by Mudzi South legislator Jonathan Samukange (Zanu-PF) to come up with appropriate recommendations for punishment when they find the opposition legislators guilty of contempt of Parliament.
The decision to form the committee followed successive incidents since 2017 where MDC legislators would refuse to rise or recognise the presence of Mnangagwa when he attended Parliament.
Other members of the Committee are Omega Hungwe (Dzivaresekwa), Cecil Kashiri (Magunje), Kindness Paradza (Makonde), Alignia Samson (Proportional Representation), Levi Mayihlome (Umzingwane), Stars Mathe (Nkayi South) and Senator Joseph Chirongoma (Mashonaland West) all of ZANU PF.
Adv Mudenda gave the detailed terms of reference.
“The terms of reference for the Privileges Committee are as follows: to investigate the conduct of MPs of the MDC-A in consecutive instances whereby they (1) (a) did not rise for His Excellency the President (b) walked out of Parliament on His Excellency and (c) did not bother to attend Parliament whenever His Excellency the President attended,” he said.
“(2) To establish whether such conduct as outlined above constitutes contempt of Parliament and any other incident that may arise from the investigation, and to report its findings and recommendations to the National Assembly by the 28th of February 2020.”
He said the decision to constitute the Privileges Committee by the Standing Rules and Orders Committee followed a point of privilege raised by Zanu-PF Chief Whip Pupurai Togarepi regarding the conduct of the MDC where he said since 2017, they did not rise as a mark of respect or walked out of the Chamber each time Mnangagwa attended sittings in his official capacity.
“Honourable Togarepi found the behaviour by the MPs to be grossly disrespectful of the office and person of the Head of State and Government in terms of Parliamentary customs and practices which the institution of Parliament in any jurisdiction is expected to observe,” said Adv Mudenda.
“He also found such conduct to undermine the dignity and integrity of the August House. The Speaker ruled that there existed a prima facie case of contempt of Parliament and accordingly the National Assembly resolved that the Committee on Standing Rules and Orders appoints a Privileges Committee to investigate the conduct of the MDC and come up with corrective punitive measures.”
Three months ago, Adv Mudenda directed that MDC Alliance legislators lose their sitting allowances when they failed to attend the State of the Nation Address (SONA) delivered by Mnangagwa.
LONDON– Cristiano Ronaldo’s sister launched an epic rant at Virgil van Dijk after the Liverpool star made a joke about the Juventus hero at the Ballon d’Or awards.
Anfield ace Van Dijk finished second to Lionel Messi as the Barcelona forward bagged a record sixth Ballon d’Or trophy, while Ronaldo finished a distant third.
Ronaldo did not attend the glitzy do in Paris and instead showed up at the 2019 Gran Cala del Calcio do in Milan to pick up the Best Player in Serie A gong.
Ronaldo knew he would not claim a sixth Ballon d’Or and Van Dijk made light of the fact in an interview with Dutch TV channel RTL7 before the gala.
Asked if Ronaldo’s absence meant he had one fewer rival to beat to claim the crown, the Champions League winner said: “Was he a rival then?”
The tongue-in-cheek response prompted an almighty rant from 34-year-old Ronaldo’s older sister Katia Aveiro on Instagram.
She wrote: “I think there are people living completely frustrated and unrealistic!
“It is well-known that Ronaldo will not win tonight’s prize. Although he has won important collective titles . . . but this is another conversation. We will see where the truth about football will come!
“Now, dear Virgil, where you are going, Cristiano Ronaldo has gone and come a thousand times.
You see, my dear Virgil, that Cristiano Ronaldo was a tri-champion in the country where you have been playing for years and you still haven’t got your hand on the trophy. Cristiano Ronaldo was even the best player and best scorer in the country where you play, Virgil. By the way, he was younger than you.
“Then, dear Virgil, Cristiano Ronaldo went to other places and became the greatest player in the history of Real Madrid. Tell you something, Virgil? Maybe so, because this club, with this Cristiano guy, even beat you in the Champions League final . . .’’’ — The Sun.
Vice President Constantino Chiwenga says there is no need for external mediation in Zimbabwe, as the country has the capacity to find home-grown solutions to its problems.
Most of the parties that took part in the 2018 harmonised elections were already participating in the dialogue initiated by President Mnangagwa to find a common understanding on how to move the country forward, he said.
The Vice President made the remarks while introducing President Mnangagwa at a meeting held between the country’s Presidium and members of the Inter-Denominational Council of Churches at State House on Monday.
The main opposition MDC-Alliance led by Nelson Chamisa has refused to be part of the Political Actors Dialogue (Polad), demanding an external mediator as a precondition.
Said Chiwenga: “His Excellency the President has a meeting with all political actors who participated in the 2018 harmonised elections under the Political Actors Dialogue except for one or two political parties that are yet to join others.
“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.”State media
Farai Dziva |An MDC official has said Emmerson Mnangagwa does not have the right to speak for God.
In the statement below MDC youth assembly spokesperson, Stephen Chuma says Mnangagwa’s utterances about MDC leader Nelson Chamisa are blasphemous:
Statements attributed to the ConCourt installed President, Emmerson Mnangagwa in today’s edition NewsDay clearly shows that the septuagenarian is either possessed or rather suffers from a chronic mental condition.
With a screaming front-page headline, ‘ChamisaHasFailedGod’ , the story carries statements attributed to Mr Mnangagwa where he sensationally shoulders blame to our God fearing Peoples President, Advocate Nelson Chamisa for the very mess he authored.
Unashamedly, a knavish Mr Mnangagwa depicting a holier-than-thou attitude sensationally claims that President Chamisa has failed God because he refused to accept the ZEC cooked and ConCourt approved daylight robbery of the people’s will.
Exhibiting treachery and hypocrisy typical of biblical Pharisees, Mnangagwa even had the audacity to pose as arch-angel Gabriel who speaks on behalf of God.
This is the same old man who brought the wrath of God to our country by sensationally claiming that his government is better than God’s Heaven!
Clearly Mnangagwa views himself as an advisor to God and at most better than God!
It is such daring, belittling and demeaning attitude towards God that has seen his military regime commiting some of the worst heinous crimes against humanity as was the case on 01 August 2018.
God abhors sin and it is not mendacious that Emmerson Mnangagwa has sinned before God and men.
The same old man who once claimed that the voice of God is the voice of people, deliberately denied the people’s will by stealing their presidential vote.
If there is a person who has failed God then that person is Emmerson Mnangagwa!
Honestly how can a man who presided over horrendous murders, rape, abductions and torture without repent claims to be on God’s side?
Is it not ironic that the very same man who brought misery and untold penury to our people claims to be on God’s side?
The Holy Bible is awash with examples of evil rulers who dared God and the fate that befell such hypocrites is clearly recorded.
One such man is King Nebuchadnezzar and we all know what became of him after attacking God’s own.
Just like as Pontius Pilate nailed the Son of Man while exonerating a notorious criminal Barabbas, Emmerson Mnangagwa is walking in the same deleterious path by nailing Pastor Nelson Chamisa while absolving known criminals in his government.
Like a hard hearted Pharoah who presided over exploitation and oppression of God’s people a Red Sea disaster is fast approaching for Emmerson Mnangagwa’s military dictatorship.
No amount of blame shifting and name soiling can save this military dictatorship.
