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By A Correspondent| Harare City Council has warned members of the public about an impending demolition of “illegal structures” erected between the National Heroes Acre and Belvedere West.

The local government authority warned:

Dear Residents

There is a group that is fleecing residents on the area between the National Heroes Acre and Belvedere West.

The group has created 92 illegal housing stands. That area is reserved for the extension of Harare Drive. Council has a court order to demolish illegal structures on that stretch of land.

Buying land there is obviously a waste of resources as the structures will soon be brought down. Act now. Demand your money back.

Corporate Communications Division
City of Harare

Own Correspondent|Trendsetting traditional healer and herbalist, Sekuru Kamwelo Banda has put Zimbabwe on the international map after being elected the President of the African Traditional Healers Association in what confirms his growing influence in the world .

Sekuru Banda as he is affectionately known has gained global recognition as he attends at least 15 international conferences annually presenting on African traditional medicine and exorcism of evil spirits.

“It is an honor that Sekuru Banda has landed a top post in Africa, he was voted the President of African Traditional Healers Association and will be representing Africa at international conferences on traditional medicines.

“This is on top of his international engagements where he attends at least 20 conferences annually,” said Sam, Sekuru Banda’s aide.

Sam added that Sekuru Banda’s influence was growing as marked by the number of traditional leaders who visit his shrine to learn about African herbs.

“Every month, Sekuru Banda receives more than 20 traditional healers at his shrine here in Zimbabwe where he imparts knowledge on the use of African herbs.

Most of his clients are traditional healers from Europe, Asia, Australia and America. Others also come from all over Africa thus making his schedule tight,” he added.
Sam further noted that Sekuru Banda is still performing wonders through the use of supernatural powers to assist victims of theft, broken marriages, lost love and affection and healing of various ailments that include the dreaded cancer, TB and other non-communicable diseases like hypertension and sugar diabetes.

“His multitudes of clients and patients visit him at different times. Some visit him during the day and the more shy ones who insist on privacy frequent his shrine at night. For one to meet Sekuru Banda, a prior appointment should be made through his assistants who then provide them with actual dates and time. Sekuru Banda is so busy that quite often he skips meals to cater for the needs of his clients.”

According to testimonies from the majority of his clients, 70% of the problems brought before the popular traditional healer are solved instantly while 20% take time to be solved while 10% won’t be addressed because the problems could be a result of punishment from the ancestors and God.

Striking doctors have stuck to their guns, snubbing disciplinary hearings called by the Health Services Board, saying they were still financially incapacitated to attend the hearings.

In a letter to Health Services Board chairman Paulinas Sikhosana yesterday, the Zimbabwe Hospital Doctors Association said: “This serves to inform you that the incapacitated doctors nationwide will not be able to attend the disciplinary hearings and any threats should stop forthwith to pave way for dialogue, provided an offer is made at the interbank rate.”

Doctors downed tools more than 50 days ago citing incapacitation and indicated they would only resume their duties after government has acceded to their demand for United States dollar-interbank rated salaries.

But government has shot down the doctors’ demands, fearing that it could open floodgates for other government workers to clamour for huge salary adjustments to cushion themselves against inflationary pressures.

Government recently took the doctors to court, which ruled that the strike was illegal and ordered them to return to work within 48 hours.

The doctors, however, refused to honour the court ruling, claiming they were not on strike, but incapacitated.

Government then threatened disciplinary action against the doctors, accusing them of refusing to obey a court ruling.

President Emmerson Mnangagwa last week claimed there was a third force behind the doctors’ strike, a statement dismissed by the medical practitioners.

The doctors yesterday said: “We believe we have not committed any misconduct by demanding a fair living wage.”

“I shall review my decision,” says Mudenda

By Own Correspondent| In a twist of events, Speaker Of Parliament Jacob has announced that he is performing a u-turn on punishing MDC MPs for refusing to acknowledge Emmerson Mnangagwa as winner of the 2018 elections.

Mudenda yesterday promised to review his decision which has seen him withdrawing allowances for MDC MPs for 5 months and furthermore banning MDC MPs from asking questions in parliament (from ministers).

Mudenda made the revelations while responding to what some colleagues claimed sounded like a self serving, fully rehearsed question, meant to save Mudenda’s reputation following a criminal case against him opened in Serbia last week. The man is now under criminal charges for crimes against humanity having confessed that he knows that on 1 August 2018 the military was used to change election results in Mnangagwa’s favour. (Mudenda himself is a direct beneficiary of the state engineered crime.)

Responding to a question by Norton MP Temba Mliswa, Mudenda said.

“As for the second part of your appeal, I shall review my decision and I need time to think about it very deeply so that I can come back and see what needs to be done in terms of the implications of our processes here in Parliament and outside Parliament when we are embarking on our Committee processes. So, I noted your concern.”

Meanwhile, Mliswa had asked saying, “Mr. Speaker Sir, I close by saying that the Members of Parliament on this side clearly when they disrespect[ed] the President – you chaired, you made a ruling on the allowances. At this point in time, I think it was unfair for the Hon. Minister, the Leader of Government Business to bring in the issue of them disregarding the President because there is no evidence as of yesterday which showed that they disregarded the President.”

There were inaudible interjections from some MPs from ZANU PF and Mliswa ended up asking, “Can I be protected Sir?”

          Mudenda then passed an order saying, “Order, can you allow the Member to conclude?”

          To this Mliswa said “Mr. Speaker Sir, you are a lawyer, you are an Advocate and I say so because there is no compelling evidence of yesterday which they did leading to disregarding the President.

“It was historical and not of yesterday. So, if at all they disregarded the President yesterday, I think a decision would have been taken. Therefore, I appeal to you Mr. Speaker Sir for the good of this Parliament and for the Leader that you have been, to be able to forgive.

“Forgiveness is also part of leadership because we have a lot more to do as parliamentarians in uniting this country. I therefore ask for your conscience in this regard to make a decision which will leave us united and not divided. I thank you Sir.”

By Own Correspondent| Auditor-General, Mrs Mildred Chiri has called for transparency in procurement processes saying that corruption has had a huge adverse impact on the country’s growth.

Mrs Chiri told the Chartered Institute of Procurement and Supplies (CIPS) 2019 annual congress in Bulawayo on Thursday that procurement was the cornerstone of economic development and yet the most vulnerable to corruption. She said:

The direct costs of corruption manifest in… loss of public funds through misallocations or higher expenses as well as lower quality of goods, services and works. Suppliers pay bribes in order to secure contracts but recover these through inflated prices, billing for work which was not performed.

They deliver work which is substandard by reducing quality of work or using inferior materials. As a result, the costs are exaggerated and quality of work is compromised. Such haemorrhage retards economic growth and development.

In most of her previous reports, Mrs Chiri reported massive corruption in most government departments and parastatals which robbed the country of millions of United States dollars.

She has been constantly recommending ways to address corruption, surprisingly, maladministration has been a recurring issue in her reports, a sign that authorities have no political will to implement her recommendations. 

-StateMedia

Harare City Council has warned members of the public about an impending demolition of “illegal structures” erected between the National Heroes Acre and Belvedere West. The local government authority warned:

Dear Residents
There is a group that is fleecing residents on the area between the National Heroes Acre and Belvedere West. The group has created 92 illegal housing stands. That area is reserved for the extension of Harare Drive. Council has a court order to demolish illegal structures on that stretch of land. Buying land there is obviously a waste of resources as the structures will soon be brought down. Act now. Demand your money back.

Corporate Communications Division
City of Harare

There is a planned anti-sanctions march in Harare on 25 October. The government has declared the day a public holiday and large crowds are expected around the Central Business District and National Sports Stadium. You should avoid any political gatherings or demonstrations. These can be unpredictable, can turn violent without notice and the response from the security forces may be disproportionate. You should exercise a high degree of caution and monitor local media and this travel advice for updates.

Taking photographs of members of police and armed forces personnel and of demonstrations and protests is not permitted. You should avoid political activity, or activities which could be considered political, including political discussions in public places. Ensure you carry identification, so that you can produce it if required to do so by the security forces.

Zimbabwe’s economic situation remains unpredictable. As of 24 June 2019, the only legal tender in Zimbabwe is the “Zimbabwe Dollar”. There is a shortage of physical cash and it’s currently not possible to make cash withdrawals using an international bank card. You should check with your tour operator or hotel what payment methods will be accepted.

Zimbabwe is currently experiencing severe electricity shortages resulting in extended periods without power. During blackouts, you should exercise a high degree of caution when driving as traffic lights may not be operational. Water rationing is being experienced in certain parts of the country. Contact your tour operator or hotel for latest updates.

Availability of fuel is sporadic and queues are common. You are advised to check in advance if you can make payment with an international payment card.

Tropical Cyclone Idai caused significant flooding and mud slides across many parts of eastern Zimbabwe in March 2019. Whilst the access situation has improved, many roads and bridges in the affected areas are still impassable. Electricity, water, and telecommunications networks have been impacted. If travelling to affected regions, take extra care and follow any advice given by the local authorities. Contact your hotel prior to travel to check that the hotel is still accessible and open.

On 6 September 2018, a cholera outbreak was declared in Harare by the Ministry of Health of Zimbabwe.

There’s a moderate level of crime in Zimbabwe. Remain vigilant, especially after dark, and make sure accommodation and vehicles are secure.

Always carry identity documentation or a copy of your passport.

Holiday and business visas are available at the port of entry. Don’t violate the conditions of your visa.

Dual British-Zimbabwean nationals who travel to Zimbabwe must have a valid travel document to re-enter the United Kingdom. It’s not possible to re-enter the UK using a Zimbabwean passport or emergency travel document without a visa or entry clearance endorsed.

Air Zimbabwe has been refused permission to operate flights to the EU because the airline has been unable to demonstrate that it complies with international air safety standards. British government employees travelling to and within Zimbabwe have been advised to use carriers that aren’t subject to the EU operating ban.

Although there’s no recent history of terrorism in Zimbabwe, attacks can’t be ruled out.

If you’re abroad and you need emergency help from the UK government, contact the nearest British embassy, consulate or high commission.

Take out comprehensive travel and medical insurance before you travel.

Paul Nyathi|THE American Foreign Relations Committee has issued a statement telling the government of Zimbabwe to focus on reforms instead of the anti-sanctions campaign.

The Committee said the government must implement the reforms outlined in the Zimbabwe Democracy and Economic Recovery Act.

Read the full statement below:

U.S. Sen. Jim Risch (R-Idaho), chairman of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, today released the following statement regarding efforts of the government of Zimbabwe to spread misinformation and deflect blame for the dire economic conditions faced by the country:

“Responsibility for the current political and economic crisis in Zimbabwe falls solely on the ruling regime that has governed the country for decades. If Zimbabwe’s leaders put as much time, financial resources, and effort into delivering on their long-promised reforms as they have in distorting facts and organizing “anti-sanctions” campaigns, Zimbabweans would not continue to suffer under the dire economic and humanitarian conditions they face today. The US does not sanction people without just cause – sanctions are a response to malign activity.

“The U.S is an enduring partner and friend to the Zimbabwean people, which is reflected in our decades-long support to the country’s humanitarian and development needs. Zimbabwe’s leaders, starting with President Mnangagwa, continue to have a clear path towards strengthening the U.S.-Zimbabwe bilateral relationship through reforms outlined in the Zimbabwe Democracy and Economic Recovery Act. The ruling party should focus on the needs of the Zimbabwean people instead of their bad governance, corruption, and state capture. Regional institutions should also focus their energies on supporting democracy, not kleptocratic regimes.”

Background: In 2003, the United States began to impose sanctions on select individuals in the ZANU-PF regime and entities known to facilitate human rights abuses, undermine the rule of law, and engage in the looting of state resources for personal or political gain. While the targeted sanctions have been in place, the U.S. has continued to invest in humanitarian and development aid for Zimbabwe, spending more than $2 billion over the last 10 years. The government of Zimbabwe has used misinformation to blame U.S. sanctions for the country’s political, economic and humanitarian situation and has coordinated anti-sanctions protests across the country for Oct. 25.

FOUR villagers from Fort Rixon in Insiza district allegedly ganged up and fatally attacked their neighbour using sticks, knobkerries and axe handles after they allegedly caught him having sex with their female dog.

The incident occurred at Battlefield village and the four accused persons were arrested on Sunday two days after committing the crime.

Mduduzi Ncube (36), Gerald Lunga (30), Nhlanhla Ncube (25) and a 15 year-old juvenile who cannot be named for ethical reasons allegedly beat up Sifelani Nkomo to death for bestiality.

They jointly appeared before Bulawayo magistrate Mrs Ulukile Mlea-Ndlovu facing murder charges and were remanded in custody to November 5 pending provision of a trial date at the High Court.

Mduduzi, Nhlanhla and Lunga were remanded at Khami Remand Prison while the juvenile was taken to Bulawayo Prisons’ juvenile section.

The prosecutor, Mr Nkathazo Dlodlo, said on October 18, Mduduzi caught the deceased having sex with one of his dogs and was incensed.

He teamed up with the other accused persons and they allegedly armed themselves with sticks, knobkerries and axe handles.

When they confronted Nkomo, he tried to flee but the accused persons caught up with him.

“When the deceased tried to flee, the accused persons managed to catch up with him and they indiscriminately assaulted him using sticks, knobkerries and axe handles all over the body resulting in his death,” said Mr Dlodlo.

The court heard that soon after killing him, the four accused persons fled from the scene leaving the body on the ground.

A passer-by stumbled upon the body and reported the matter to the police. 

Investigations were conducted leading to the arrest of the four accused persons.

State Media|A SIX-year-old boy was found dead near Lot 4 suburb in Zvishavane after he was reported missing after he left for school in the morning but did not return home.

It is suspected that the child could have been kidnapped on his way to school and killed before the body was dumped in a nearby bush in Lot 4 high density suburb.

It is understood that the Grade One pupil, Elohim Ziwanza of Izaya Park left home at around 6.30AM to go to Makwasha Primary School but did not return home.

The boy’s mother searched for him with the help of relatives and school authorities but their efforts were in vain.

She then went to report him as missing at the local police station.

Police Officer Commanding Zvishavane District Chief Superintendent Albert Ncube confirmed the incident which occurred on Tuesday.

“Yes l can confirm that a child who had earlier been reported missing was found dead near Lot 4 suburb in Zvishavane.

“Investigations are still in progress to establish what transpired.

“Elohim a Grade One pupil at Makwasha Primary School is now deceased and his mother had appealed to members of the public to come forward with information that may help but unfortunately the boy was found dead.

“His mother said her son left home around 6.30AM for Makwasha Primary and never returned home.”

Authorities at the school are said to have told the mother that the boy did not attend school on the day he was reported missing.

“Our deepest condolences go out to the family of this young child. This is a loss no parent should bear,” said a senior teacher at the school.

AN average Zimbabwean family of five people required at least ZWL$2 192 in September this year to meet its basic needs for it not to be deemed poor, a 20 percent jump from the previous month, data released on Thursday shows.

In August, the same family required ZWL$1 827 according to the Zimbabwe National Statistics Agency. Prices of goods and services have continued to go up since the beginning of the year on the back of a loss in value of the local currency against major currencies, especially the United States dollar. “The TCPL (Total Consumption Poverty Line) for an average of five persons stood at $2 191.62 in September 2019,” Zimstat said.

“This means that an average household required that much to purchase both food and non-food items for them not to be deemed poor.”

The TCPL is commonly referred to as the Poverty Datum Line (PDL). While the quantities of commodities in the food basket is fixed, Zimstat said the PDL varied by province, with the lowest being $2 007 in Mashonaland Central and Matabeleland North being the highest at $2 365.

Zimstats said during the same month, an individual required $176.61, up from $145.06 in August.

The continued rise in the cost of living places the majority of workers below the PDL as many of those in formal employment are earning below ZWL1 000. Government is facing pressure from its employees who recently declared that they were incapacitated to come to work due to the continued rise in the cost of living against stagnant incomes. Workers are demanding that their salaries, like most critical goods and services, be pegged to the interbank rate. — New Ziana.

ABOUT 10 girls between the ages of 14 and 18 from one secondary school in Hwange District dropped out of school this term after they got married.

Matetsi Secondary School is located in a resettlement area almost halfway between Hwange and Victoria Falls.

School authorities have raised concern as seven of the girls failed to write their Ordinary Level examinations after their parents married them off.

One girl reportedly returned to write examinations after giving birth.

Two recent cases involve two Form One siblings aged 14 and 15 whose parents allegedly forced them into marriage after the older one fell pregnant.

Some members of the community said early child marriage and teenage pregnancy cases are common in Matetsi, with some of them perpetrated by parents who marry off their minor daughters for economic gains.

They advocated for the arrest of parents who force their children into early marriage.

The school’s development committee chairman, Mr Emmanuel Shoko, confirmed the incidents.

“It’s true and we are shocked as a community. We had a meeting with education officials on 30 September where the District Schools Inspector (DSI) Mr Germination Ncube tasked us to mobilise villagers and community leadership.

“We called for a meeting but only a few people turned up and we had to reschedule. We don’t know the cause of these early child marriages yet and we are keen on investigating. If these girls were boarders, we would blame the environment they live in but they are all from within the community which scares us as we suspect there could be something wrong in our homes,” said Mr Shoko.

Matetsi Ward Councillor Vulindlela Mhlanga attributed early child marriages in the area to moral decay.

“We’re preparing for a ward meeting with the DSI because we’re worried that while we’re busy building schools some people are abusing children willy-nilly. We’re still investigating but what we’re getting is that some cases are not reported.

“It’s worrying to have seven girls failing to write O-Level exams and some Form Ones getting married. Each community should have its values and as Matetsi I think we adopted a bad trend of abusing children which is affecting their education,” said Cllr Mhlanga.

A Hwange based civic rights organisation Buwalo Matalikilo Trust (BMT) initiated investigations into the cases after its officers noted the school dropouts.

BMT executive director Mrs Anna Mandizha-Ncube called for behaviour change among community members.

“As BMT we’re aware of school dropouts in Matetsi which were brought to our attention by our volunteer Gender Actions Teams (GATS). We reported some of the cases to the police and we believe investigations are in progress. We have also engaged stakeholders because these early child marriages have become worrisome and shocking,” said Mrs Mandizha-Ncube.

Her organisation has been doing awareness programmes such as ‘Changing the River’s Flow for Young People, Asikhulume/Let’s Speak and Rights Action and Accountability’ aimed at concientising the community about gender-based violence and rights abuses.

“This issue needs urgent attention. We will continue campaigning against early child marriages and encouraging communities to report such cases. The community needs a serious paradigm shift on how it addresses these issues of gender-based violence because we have noticed a culture of concealing cases. It’s our plea then to all stakeholders for serious holistic intervention,” said Mrs Mandizha-Ncube.

Hwange DSI Mr Ncube said the Ministry of Primary and Secondary Education is investigating the issue.

“We heard about school dropouts and visited Matetsi to investigate. We still have to speak to the community because we haven’t established the root cause.

“We noted that some kids just disappeared while some got pregnant and are married hence the need to speak to the community so we help each other. School authorities cannot shape these children alone without the input of parents who we expect should value their children’s education,” he said.

Watch video below. ..

Farai Dziva|Zanu PF stalwarts have threatened to torch inform centres belonging to COTRAD, an NGO based in Masvingo.

Impeccable sources revealed:

There is a community nusery along Mutirikwi River between ward 16 and 18, Masvingo Central Constituency.

The purpose of the nursery is to address climate change and deforestation in the two wards.

Tree and vegetable seedlings were devoured by livestock because area wasn’t protected.

COTRAD together with the community decided to approach a company that specialises in barbed wires.

The company agreed to fence the garden on behalf of COTRAD.

After after fencing the nursery, we visited the place with the ambassador of Germany.

Zanu PF apologists felt sidelined.

Zanu PF activist Mr Makombo convened a meeting vakatyisidzira vanhu kuti musashanda ne organisation inouya nevarungu vanoda kuita regime change mu community medu.

Zanu PF yakadana vanhu nezuro ku meeting pakanyorwa mazita evanhu vakabika sadza musi we function yauya ambassador nema community structures e COTRAD akanyorwa mazita zvakare

Mukadzi ainyora mazita anonzi Olivier Chineka- vanhu varikuteeregwa mudzimba ma youth leaders emu ward 16.

ZANU PF blocks @BitiTendai from contributing in parliament. Debate: sanctions motion introduced by Hon Nyathi (ZANU PF), seconded by Hon Paradza. Biti wanted to also contribute and they moved to block @BitiTendai – VIDEO LOADING

— ZimEye (@ZimEye) October 24, 2019

HON. ZHEMU: Thank you Mr. Speaker Sir for giving me the opportunity to add my voice to the removal of sanctions. I want to tell it as it is, Mr. Speaker Sir. Who brought the sanctions Mr. Speaker Sir? We have people right here seated with us, Hon. Members who went begging for sanctions. They are not even listening to the whistle that is being given in this House.

Mr. Speaker Sir, let me educate them on the need to have the sanctions removed – [HON. MEMBERS: Inaudible interjections.] –. We have very educated people here, including those on my right but they use their education against their own country, against their own people. People are dying, people are suffering because of people who went to beg for sanctions to be imposed illegally on Zimbabwe.

Mr. Speaker Sir, re-engagement is about opening up the doors that were closed by those who went to beg for sanctions. We cannot stand and fold our arms when our people are suffering because of the ills of some of us right here in this House. Mr. Speaker Sir, I would like to open up everyone’s mind here about the importance of reengagement. Reengagement is seeking to open the closed doors of negotiations of being able to export our products.

Honourable Speaker Sir, give us a chance, Hon. Mliswa can you give me a chance to debate quietly please. Thank you – [HON. MEMBERS: Inaudible interjections.] – SADC has come up with a plan, with 25th of October being a day that we need to tell the world that it is unfair for the sanctions to be imposed on Zimbabwe. They are illegal in that they were not sanctioned by the United Nations. They were sanctioned by the big powers. They are illegal sanctions so they have to be removed.

I need to remind people here that sanctions are actually a special warfare. It is a war that is being waged against Zimbabwe – [HON. MEMBERS: Inaudible interjections.] – I support the notion that those who went begging for sanctions are terrorists. They must be treated as such, because it is causing a lot of suffering to our people. Sanctions are used to further the agenda of regime change. The Americans are using it to try and change the regime in Zimbabwe which is a regime change agenda. They are fighting a war against the innocent people to say that sanctions are targeted is to be blinkered. You are looking in one direction, not in the other direction. We want to remove the blinkers from those people today. Sanctions are not targeted. They are affecting the general people in the rural areas. We will not allow people to have these blinkers forever. That is why SADC saw it fit to declare 25th October as an anti-sanctions day against Zimbabwe. So those of us who went begging for sanctions must go back and beg for them to be removed – [Hear, hear] –

When national duty calls we must all raise our reasoning above party politics. Sanctions are a party politics gimmick. We must all raise our reasoning above party politics so that we put the nation first. The nation of Zimbabwe comes first, individuals like some of those who went to beg for sanctions do not come first. Zimbabwe comes first.

As I said in my opening speech of the First Session of the Ninth Parliament, sanctions are an evil, they are a devil. They are a demon that has to be exorcised. Sanctions are catastrophic. Our people are suffering. Go to the hospitals, there are no medicines because of the imposition of illegal sanctions against the people. You celebrate that even if you aspire to be the ruling party to come into party, are you going to rule graves when all people are dead because of sanctions? – [HON. MEMBERS: Inaudible interjections.] –

No sane person can ever go and beg, kneel on your knees for sanctions to be imposed on your country, on your own people. That is murderous. It is terrorism in one form or the other. Sanctions hurt the ordinary people. Mr. Speaker Sir, there is no corruption which is more than going to beg for sanctions for your people. Begging for sanctions is the mother of all corruption that you can ever think of – [HON. MEMBERS: Inaudible interjections.] –

Mr. Speaker Sir, I would like to go sector by sector,dissect and try to open the people’s eyes on what sanctions have done to the sectors in Zimbabwe. I will start with the health sector. The manufacturing companies that manufacture drugs are closed. They are not able to import drugs into the country. They cannot import the raw materials. People are suffering. There are no medicines because of sanctions that some of us went to beg for – [HON. MEMBERS: Inaudible interjections.] – Importation of the necessary drugs, HIV for example, the Anti Retroviral drugs are hampered because some of us here look at us with the corner of their eyes and smile yet people are dying.

Let us look at industry and commerce. Foreign direct investment is hampered to come into the country. That is why we have companies not coming to invest because the funds are blocked out there. Banks that try to assist companies to bring cash into Zimbabwe are being fined. We have heard CBZ has been fined quite a lot of money –$3.8 billion, Standard Chartered Bank was fined US$18 million for having assisted companies to bring money into Zimbabwe and people smile about that. Open your eyes, open up your mind. People think properly, see the truth – [HON. MEMBERS: Inaudible interjections.] –

Our exports for example, let us look at what has happened to the diamonds in Chiyadzwa. They have been closed out of the market because they are alleging – false allegations that there are children working in Chiyadzwa. How can we have children work in Chiadzwa yet we have a lot of adults who are not employed, we can never have that, it is not true, it is a bad gimmick. Let us look at mining, we need to retool the mining sector, we need to open up the closed mines, we need to get the latest technology to mine our diamonds and gold. We have people who do not see this, people who beg for sanctions to be imposed on an innocent nation. Look at the countries that have imposed sanctions on us, they are the big foreign powers who have imposed sanctions; they want a regime change agenda which is not achievable. I thank you Mr. Speaker Sir for having given me this chance.

HON. BITI: Thank you Hon. Speaker for recognizing me so that I can also add a voice to this critical debate. Hon. Speaker Sir, the issue of sanctions – [HON. MEMBERS: Inaudible interjections.] – the issue of sanctions is a key debate in our country but the starting point …

HON. T. MOYO: On a point of order, Mr. Speaker.

THE TEMPORARY SPEAKER (HON. M. KHUMALO): What is your point of order?

HON. T. MOYO: My point of order is that the Hon. Member should excuse himself because he is an interested party – [HON. MEMBERS: Inaudible interjections.] –

THE TEMPORARY SPEAKER: Order Hon. Members.

Some Hon. Members stood up and started making inaudible interjections. Hon. Members on both sides started singing and making inaudible interjections.

Hon. Members having continued behaving in a disorderly manner, THE TEMPORARY SPEAKER (HON. M. KHUMALO) adjourned the House at Five o’clock p.m without putting any question in terms of Standing Order Number 113 until Tuesday, 12th November, 2019.

Watch video below. ..

By A Correspondent| President Emmerson Mnangagwa has thanked Russian president for being a true friend of Africa following the hosting of African leaders at the Sochi summit.

Said Mnangagwa:

“It’s an honour to represent the people of Zimbabwe at the Russia-Africa Summit in Sochi, along with my fellow African Heads of State and Government. Thank you to a true friend of Africa, President Putin, for hosting us at this special event.”

Paul Nyathi|MDC leader Nelson Chamisa has dispelled ZANU PF’s assertion that the country is collapsing because of the targeted sanctions imposed on some ZANU PF leaders and companies.

Chamisa instead threw the blame for the collapse of the country on the ruling party elites who are busy looting the country’s finances and resources.

“Who doesn’t know that money is looted here in Zimbabwe? One person taking $95 Million another taking $75 million then we hear people putting the blame on sanctions, ” said Chamisa.

Chamisa said this while addressing mourners at the funeral wake of a Harare vendor who died in remand prison last week after he was allegedly tortured by police.

Tafadzwa Hilton Tamangani was one of the 11 vendors that were arrested near the MDC headqauters in central Harare during a police crackdown that followed the recent discovery of old police helmets at a nearby building.

Watch Chamisa speak in the video downloading below:

Paul Nyathi|The ZANU PF Government has issued a circular instructing every University to release 500 students per campus to attend the Anti-sanctions march scheduled for Friday.

A circular to Bindura University says each campus is required to supply 500 students to attend the anti-sanctions march. Buses will be availed by the universities to ferry students from main campus at 0730hrs.

See the letter below:

Parents with borders at Churchill High School were left infuriated today after the school hiked boarding fees by 100% citing increases in the price of meat and bread. The latest increase comes after Churchill School demanded that parents buy groceries for their kids at the beginning of the term

The sad reality is that parents’ salaries remain stagnant whilst costs keep ballooning on a daily basis.

Dear Parents The School has applied for a boarding fees top of 1200 to match the cost of goods and services. A few highlights are the cost of meat which has gone up by 270% and bread which has gone up by 120% since, opening. While we understand the inconveniences this demand will exert On your bUdgets,there is not much that could be done to avoid the costs, We expect that you pay half the required amounts while we await approval to enable the school to continue, to offer services to your child.

PROPERTY worth thousands of dollars was destroyed when one of the boys’ hostels at Tongogara High School in Zimbabwe’s Midlands province was gutted by fire, which is suspected to have been caused by students who were allegedly smoking in the dormitories.

The fire burnt blankets and curtains and subsequently destroyed the whole floor. Students, most of whom were sitting for Ordinary Level Zimsec examinations, were left stranded as their clothes, books and other valuables were destroyed.

Acting Midlands Provincial Education Director, Reverend Tedious Mativenga confirmed the incident which occurred on Wednesday afternoon.

Reverend Mativenga said noone was injured.

He said the Ministry of Primary and Secondary Education, together with police details are carrying out investigations to establish the cause of the fire.

“I can confirm that one of the hostels at Tongogara High School in Shurugwi was gutted down by fire which broke out in the afternoon. The fire brigade was called immediately and managed to put out the fire. However, the top floor of the double storey hostel had already been destroyed. We have sent a team on the ground and the police are also investigating the matter to establish the cause of the fire,” he said.

ZTN

Paul Nyathi|Ntabazinduna Chief, Felix Nhlanhlayamangwe Ndiweni has told people going out to the Anti Sanctions March on Friday to instead use the march as an opportunity to tell President Emmerson Mnangagwa to resign.

Ndiweni said this while addressing journalists in Bulawayo on the prospects of the SADC induced march set for Friday.

Ndiweni said the current sanctions in place should actually be intensified instead of being removed.

“The current targeted international sanctions must not be removed or relaxed for they are not responsible for the current economic and social meltdown in Zimbabwe,” said the firebrand traditional leader.

“Those who wish to join the sanctions marches on the 25th of October 2019; go out, join the marches and call out loudly for Emmerson Dambudzo Mnangagwa to do the honourable thing and resign with his administration because they have failed the people, they have bankrupted this country.”

“We reject the notion that our economic and social meltdown is a result of the targeted international sanctions.

“International sanctions can be removed today but it would not rectify and improve our economy or our social lifestyles.

“What we know is that the current group of individuals who are phenomenally wealthy would get even richer.

“The vast majority of us who are poor would get even poorer,” he said.

Ndiweni accused government of buying guns and expensive cars while claiming to be under sanctions.

“We have never seen comprehensive international sanctions upon a nation that still allows the nation in question to purchase 600 sniper rifles.

“This very administration recently purchased 600 top-of-the-range sniper rifles.

“This very administration recently purchased 300 AK47 assault rifles. The administration purchased offensive and not defensive riot equipment and hundreds of twin cab vehicles for the ruling party (Zanu PF),” he said.

Ndiweni also accused SADC of failing to appreciate the root cause of the country’s problems.

“For many years now, the leaders of SADC countries have chosen to listen to only the narrative of this administration in Zimbabwe.

“That course of action has not yielded the necessary results. Perhaps it is now time that the true narrative of the people of Zimbabwe is given a chance to be heard.

“Should that be agreeable, then the probability is very high that the Zimbabwean problem may be finally resolved.”

The Airports Company of South Africa (Acsa) has impounded an aircraft owned by Air Zimbabwe over debt.

Insiders at Air Zimbabwe told TimesLIVE that one of the national airline’s aircraft, a Boeing 767-200, was impounded at Johannesburg’s OR Tambo International Airport on Wednesday.

This comes as Air Zimbabwe was suspended from using the airport due to non-payment of debt.

Air Zimbabwe owes Acsa payments for landing, parking  and passenger services for flights into Johannesburg.

As a result of the suspension by Acsa, Air Zimbabwe could not operate its Johannesburg-Harare flight on Wednesday and this resulted in some passengers failing to travel while others were accommodated on other airlines.

The seizure of Air Zimbabwe’s aircraft in South Africa, which is the airline’s only operational aircraft after all of its planes were grounded, forced it to cancel its Harare-Johannesburg flight on Thursday, including its domestic flights between Harare-Bulawayo and Victoria Falls.  

NewsDay|If there is one thing Zimbabwe can ill afford at this critical moment in time, it is a public holiday. A holiday, by its very simple definition is “an extended period of leisure and recreation, especially one spent away from home or in travelling”.

So it boggles the mind when President Emmerson Mnangagwa and his esteemed Cabinet see it prudent to declare a holiday on October 25 just to allow some ruling apparatchiks to vent their frustration at being shackled by sanctions.

What also defies logic is: Why are we as a nation wasting so much precious time, money and energy demonstrating against the United States and European Union sanctions slapped on some individuals and entities when there are many other prosperous nations out there willing and able to help us ride out of this debilitating socio-economic quagmire?

This is Russia’s first real bold move to announce superpowers’ return to Africa. We hear that more than 50 African leaders and 3 000 delegates have been invited.

anctions which were invited upon us by the late former President Robert Mugabe.

If America and the EU don’t want to befriend us because of our bad human rights reputation, why are Mnangagwa and company dragging us into a useless fight? Is it not more judicious for him to gather the troubled nation of Zimbabwe and tell it that this is the time to put our shoulders to the wheel and work for the prosperity of this country because there are new friends out there willing and able to help us rise from the doldrums.

This holiday will only serve to make us look like fools and will completely disrupt an already disorderly environment of strikes and non-productivity. In coming up with the idea of a holiday on October 25, did the government ever spare a thought for the thousands of children who are currently sitting for their final examinations? It sounds as if this was just a rushed, off the cuff kind of decision made for political expediency.

Paul Nyathi|Zimbabwean police and state security authorities revealed how brutal and uncaring they are after they failed to even be courteous and cultural enough to visit the Tamangani Family after their son died in police custody last week.

This was revealed in an emotional speech by opposition MDC leader Nelson Chamisa in a funeral wake address at the Tamangani Family home in Harare on Thursday.

The visibly disturbed Chamisa told the gathering that had the same incident happened in other countries, it would not have been business as usual as authorities would be seeking a thoroughly investigation on the death and giving the family support.

Watch Chamisa speak in the video downloading below:

Paul Nyathi|Zimbabwe National Roads Administration (ZINARA) has suspended the payment of tollgate fees for vehicles carrying people for the Anti-sanctions march.

In a memorandum directed to all tolling managers dated 24 October 2019, ZINARA Acting Chief Executive Officer S. Muzenda wrote:

Please be advised that all vehicles visibly carrying people to the Anti-Sanctions march at the various centres are to be exempted from paying toll fees tomorrow (25 October 2019).

All Tolling Supervisors should be advised of this instruction and the vehicles concerned should be allowed to use the side booms to avoid unnecessary congestion.

Watch video below. ..

By Paul Nyathi|Information just received by ZimEye.com indicates that controversial ANC secretary General Mr Ace Mahashule (from South Africa) Will be in Beitbridge town on Friday to give a backing to ZANU PF in the anti sanctions march at the border town.

The reports indicate that ZANU PF Secretary for Administration Obert Mpofu has since been dispatched to the border town to host Mahashule.

The two politicians will lead residents in the town in a march through the town that will end at Dulivhadzimu stadium where they will address the gathering.

South Africa’s ruling African National Congress (ANC) early this week threw its weight behind SADC’s call for transnational solidarity against the sanctions on Zimbabwe and urged all its structures to organise activities on October 25 to send a message against the embargo.

He said the party’s National Executive Council (NEC) met on September 25 and resolved to join the rest of the SADC bloc in staging the anti-sanctions solidarity activities.

Ace Magashule, while addressing a Press conference at Luthuli House in Johannesburg said “the party’s NEC met on 25th September and made a call to end the global sanctions on Zimbabwe, our neighbour.”

“The day of solidarity will be the 25th of October 2019 and all ANC and Alliance structures are requested to mobilise activities on this day. It will happen throughout SADC.”

The day of solidarity against sanctions on Zimbabwe by the United States (US) and the European Union (EU) was declared at the 39th SADC Summit Heads of State and Government in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania, recently.

Video loading below. ..

Farai Dziva|Zanu PF stalwarts have threatened to torch inform centres belonging to COTRAD, an NGO based in Masvingo.

Impeccable sources revealed:

There is a community nusery along Mutirikwi River between ward 16 and 18, Masvingo Central Constituency.

The purpose of the nursery is to address climate change and deforestation in the two wards.

Tree and vegetable seedlings were devoured by livestock because area wasn’t protected.

COTRAD together with the community decided to approach a company that specialises in barbed wires.

The company agreed to fence the garden on behalf of COTRAD.

After after fencing the nursery, we visited the place with the ambassador of Germany.

Zanu PF apologists felt sidelined.

Zanu PF activist Mr Ephias Makombo convened a meeting vakatyisidzira vanhu kuti musashanda ne organisation inouya nevarungu vanoda kuita regime change mu community medu.

Zanu PF yakadana vanhu nezuro ku meeting pakanyorwa mazita evanhu vakabika sadza musi we function yauya ambassador nema community structures e COTRAD akanyorwa mazita zvakare

Mukadzi ainyora mazita anonzi Olivier Chineka- vanhu varikuteeregwa mudzimba ma youth leaders emu ward 16.

Former Sunday Mail Editor Edmund Kudzayi has deleted his much publicised documentary exposing electoral irregularities over an error in the V11 sequencing.

Kudzayi said he will publishing the corrected version in a few weeks.

I’ve withdrawn the #Excelgate documentary from YouTube due a significant error in the V11 sequence.

I’ll be publishing another documentary on the election in a few weeks and will use the opportunity to correct the error.

— Edmund Kudzayi (@EdmundKudzayi) October 24, 2019

An average Zimbabwean family of five people required at least ZWL$2 192 in September this year to meet its basic needs for it not to be deemed poor, a 20 percent jump from the previous month, data released on Thursday shows.

In August, the same family required ZWL$1 827 according to the Zimbabwe National Statistics Agency (Zimstat).

Prices of goods and services have continued to go up since the beginning of the year on the back of a loss in value of the local currency against major currencies, especially the United States
dollar.

“The TCPL (Total Consumption Poverty Line) for an average of five persons stood at $2 191.62 in September 2019,” Zimstat said.

“This means that an average household required that much to purchase both food and non-food items for them not to be deemed poor.”

The TCPL is commonly referred to as the Poverty Datum Line (PDL).

While the quantities of commodities in the food basket is fixed, Zimstat said the PDL varied by province, with the lowest being $2 0007 in Mashonaland Central and Matabeleland North being the highest at $2 365.

Zimstat said during the same month, an individual required $176.61, up from $145.06 in August.

The continued rise in the cost of living places the majority of workers below the PDL as many of those in formal employment are earning below ZWL1 000.

Government is facing pressure from its employees who recently declared that they were incapacitated to come to work due to the continued rise in the cost of living against stagnant incomes.

Workers are demanding that their salaries, like most critical goods and services, be pegged to the interbank rate.

-New Ziana

Farai Dziva| Tafadzwa Hilton Tamangani who was allegedly beaten to death by the police will be laid to rest on Friday.

See full statement below :

After being murdered in cold blood in the cells of remand prison, his body still lies motionless in the mourtaury.

His Excellence President Adv Nelson Chamisa to pay a Condolence Visit Today Thursday in Zengeza East Unit D.

A funeral service will be held Today Thursday @ 4pm Nyaradzo Funeral Parlour Chitungwiza (Zengeza)

Thereafter body will be taken to Zengeza Unit D where it will spend the night

Body to be ferried to his rural home on Friday morning where he will be laid to rest.

All party members and vendors who wish to pay condolences visit, meet today Thursday at MRT House. Transport will be readily available.

Fare Thee Well Rasta
Rest in Peace young Warrior

Organising Secretary Dunga

Watch video below. ..

By Brian Nichols| Blessed with abundant mineral resources, rich farmlands, ideal weather, stunning national parks, and a well-educated, industrious people, Zimbabwe should be the economic powerhouse and the breadbasket of southern Africa, and even more popular as a tourist destination and business investment opportunity, as it once was.

What then, is holding Zimbabwe back? It’s not sanctions. There are only 141 Zimbabwean people and companies on the United States sanctions’ list. That’s right, just 141, in a country of 16 million. They are on the list for good reason. These are people who have engaged in corruption, committed human rights abuses, and undermined Zimbabwe’s democratic process. Blaming sanctions is a convenient scapegoat to distract the public from the real reasons behind Zimbabwe’s economic challenges —corruption, economic mismanagement, and failure to respect human rights and uphold the rule of law.

There is no United States trade embargo on Zimbabwe. American companies are interested in investing in Zimbabwe but are deterred by the massive levels of corruption, economic uncertainty, and weak rule of law. So, investors turn to other promising opportunities in the region and wait for the country to embrace the political and economic reforms that would make it a more attractive destination.

The greatest sanctions on Zimbabwe are the limitations the country imposes on itself. Zimbabwe is ranked 160 out of 175 nations on Transparency International’s corruption list. Zimbabwe loses more than US$1 billion per year to corruption. That’s huge compared to the size of Zimbabwe’s entire economy — around US$26 billion. The government says fighting corruption is a priority but have government and government-connected perpetrators been held accountable? No. If the country’s laws were evenly applied and enforced, government coffers would be full and the economy would be humming; tax revenue and foreign exchange would not leak from the Treasury, and government would recover some of the money that has made a privileged few extremely wealthy. It’s not sanctions, it’s corruption.

Passengers intending to travel to Harare have been left stranded at the Victoria Falls International Airport after an Air Zimbabwe flight that was due to fly at 730am was delayed.

Now it’s over five hours and they are still seated inside the airport waiting endlessly for the flight to take them to Harare.

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