Tinashe Sambiri|Enigmatic politician Killer Zivhu has said President Chamisa is being targeted by those in power because they know he commands a huge following.

Zivhu wrote on Twitter :
Guys Chamisa and his team vanoziva zvavanoita zita haritongi Nyika ,chinotonga Nyika vanhu kuti MDC-A hazvipi mavhotsi , ukaona vanhu vachigwa newe it means ndiwe uneyose , why are they not fighting Madhuku, Muteki and Egypt Dzinemunhenzwa.”

He added:
More sanctions are coming worse than before, vari kutamba na Mwonzora vachimupa mazano ekupenga awa, vari kuda kuti government iripo idonhe , Chamisa will stick to MDC-A , morambidza ma candidates ake muchiti Party ndeya Douglas wakaipiwa ne court, mirayi muone zvichatevera.

Ukaona ruling Party ichifarira nokukuza opposition Party, chiziva kuti opposition Party iyoyo ndeya mapenzi, vatengesi, madununu, marombe anosvaga mari and useless and clueless politicians.”

Zivhu also castigated fake prophets who are exploiting desperate congregants.

“Guys boys dzinozviti ma Prophets idzi ndinotengepi zvidhoma zvavo zvavanoshandisa, munhu iyeye anofanirwa kusungwa kana ari mu Zimbabwe. Ndiye wapa Nyika vurombo , even political Leaders vajoinira zvoku porofitwa, Nyika haitongwi ne chiporofita guys.”

By A Correspondent- Human Rights NGO Forum executive director Musa Kika says the independence of the judiciary and equality before the law, not over-emphasis on the use of information communication technology (ICT), are important in fostering a democratic society.

Kika was reacting to Chief Justice Luke Malaba’s State Of the Judiciary Address (SOJA) delivered on Monday to mark the opening of the 2022 legal year.

In his SOJA, Malaba said the Integrated Electronic Case Management System (IECMS) was invaluable to enhance access to the justice system and buttress the rule of law.

However, Kika argued that by emphasizing the new e-filing system, Malaba ignored real issues affecting the country’s justice delivery system as ICT alone cannot be the anchor to the rule of law. Said Kika:

Thus, while the development of a culture of efficiency in the administration of justice is crucial, the enhancement, growth or enhancement, efficacy, and long-term survival of the rule of law in a constitutional democracy cannot be sustained by digitisation alone.

The importance of fostering public confidence in the sanctity and independence of the judiciary is what is more important.

The efficiency of the justice delivery system should also be guaranteed to safeguard the rights of a citizen through appointment and independence of the Judiciary.

Of the three branches of government, it is the Judiciary that carries the greatest burden to ensure that rule of law prevails.  The rule of law is the hallmark of any civilized and democratic society

By A Correspondent- Zimbabwe Broadcasting Corporation (ZBC) presenter Rutendo Makuti used nude pictures, audios and suggestive text messages to seduce Harare-based pastor Tapiwa Freddy, the cleric’s lawyers argued before a Harare magistrate on Thursday.

During cross-examination, Freddy’s defence counsel said Makuti consented to intimacy and demanded sex from the preacher.

The nude pictures, audio and text messages were produced in court and the defence counsel said the mobile number used to send the audios belongs to Makuti.

However, Makuti said she was not the one in possession of the phone at the material time.

Freddy is being represented by Everson Chatambudza and Jivas Mudimu.

The lawyers asked Makuti why she was sending audios asking for a kiss and sex from Freddy.

Makuti denied the allegations saying she never sent nude pictures to Freddy but they were taken from her phone.

She said:

I know the picture and it was taken by my husband while I was bathing. As for the other pictures, I don’t know. [It] was taken when my husband was alive and we were in Nyanga.

By A Correspondent- State-owned mobile network operator, NetOne, has launched “Dzidzo”, a data bundle for University students accessible at a discounted cost.

The 5GB bundle costs only ZWL$1 000 and will be valid for a week. The bundle is cheaper than the 5GB monthly bundle which goes for ZWL$4 400. 

In a statement on Thursday, NetOne head of marketing and public relations, Roselyn Chisveto, said:

The Dzidzo bundle will only be valid for a week. It will be accessed via the *171# platform by numbers in the student class of service.

A separate Class of Service was created and Universities will be assisting in providing links to their Registry Database, where registered students with NetOne numbers will be able to access the bundle.

-statemedia

The Election Resource Centre (ERC) has called on the Zimbabwe Electoral Commission (ZEC) to proclaim local authority by-elections after President Emmerson Mnangagwa proclaimed 26 March 2022 as the day for by-elections to fill in vacant National Assembly seats.

We publish below a statement issued by the ERC on Wednesday on the proclamation of by-elections:

The Election Resource Centre (ERC) welcomes proclamation 26 March 2022 as the day for by-elections through Statutory Instrument 1 of 2022 by the President of Zimbabwe.

The SI 1 of 2022 orders election to fill vacant parliamentary seats as provided for in section 38 of the Electoral Act.

The ERC has long maintained that the Statutory Instrument 225A of 2020 which had suspended by-elections was illegal.

Essentially, this explains the President’s proclamation of by-elections, setting aside SI225A of 2020.

The ERC now calls on the Zimbabwe Electoral Commission (ZEC) to proclaim the outstanding local authority by-elections according to Electoral Act Section 121 (1) b) (ii).

ERC would like to urge the electoral commission to take the opportunity of the 26 of March 2022 by-elections to implement the administrative reforms that do not require the legislature or the executive to take effect.

Particularly all the elements that ensure that the electoral processes are more transparent and open i.e inclusion of stakeholders in the processes, availing the voters roll and other materials openly.

Conclusively, we urge the ZEC, Parliament of Zimbabwe, the Government of Zimbabwe, Civics and Political Parties to critically reflect and agree on a roadmap on electoral reforms especially issues raised by the 2018 harmonized local and international election observer missions.

The scheduled by-elections must be used as a measure to test the country’s preparedness for a free, fair and credible election in the upcoming 2023 Harmonized elections. Therefore, there is an urgent need to implement electoral reforms.

By A Correspondent- The trial of MDC Alliance Makomborero Haruzivishe has been set for January 18.

Haruzivishe who was released from remand prison on Saturday after spending 10 months in prison appeared before magistrate Barbara Mateko today.

He faces several criminal charges including resisting arrest and incitement to commit public violence.

He was granted $20,000 bail on Friday by Justices Rodgers Manyangadze and Joseph Chilimbe sitting on appeal on the last of his pending criminal cases where he is charged for kidnapping with intent to promote public violence.

He was ordered to reside at his given address in Mt Pleasant and report twice weekly to the police.

He was arrested on allegations that they locked employees of Impala Car Rental inside their shop in central Harare while protesting the arrest of the then Zimbabwe National Students Union (ZINASU) president Takudzwa Ngadziore.

Ngadziore had been kidnapped and beaten days earlier by suspected state security agents outside another Impala facility in Harare.

The students were protesting the abduction of Midlands State University (MSU) student Tawanda Muchehiwa.

By A Correspondent- Battle lines have been drawn within the MDC-T ahead of the party’s congress, set for March 5, amid indications that party leader Douglas Mwonzora’s supporters are angling to dump his deputy, Thokozani Khupe.

Mwonzora yesterday announced that his party would hold its congress 21 days before the by-elections on March 26 this year.

“The national council (NC) directed that the party will hold its congress on March 5. This will be the ordinary congress. The main congress will be preceded by congress and branch, ward, district and provincial level,” Mwonzora said at a Press conference in Harare.

He said all positions would be up for grabs.

“In the MDC-T, it is not an offence to contest, so those who are hopeful and qualify are allowed to contest,” Mwonzora said.

Party insiders told NewsDay that the announcement by Mwonzora has set the stage for elections expected to ensure that Khupe and party chairperson Morgen Komichi, who have an uneasy relationship with Mwonzora are ousted.

“Congress is being pushed just a few days before what will be crucial by-elections, the target mainly is to deal with Khupe and her team of Khalipani Phugeni and Chief Ndlovu. These people have been seen as enemies of Mwonzora and they will be fired by the electorate,” said a highly placed source.

We will tell you why Zanu PF & Zanu PF Lite are so desperate for Chamisa to announce a new name. For now what you need to know is that Chamisa, as the antithesis of Zanu PF and its surrogate, must never do what those clueless formations will him to do. It’s that straightforward.

— Thabani Mpofu (@adv_fulcrum) January 13, 2022

At Harare Central Police Station, @PoliceZimbabwe is yet to advise @ARTUZ_teachers leaders & members of the charges they are preferring against them since they were arrested Wednesday. Our lawyers are currently attending to them at the police station.

— ZLHR (@ZLHRLawyers) January 13, 2022

By A Correspondent- Renovations at Manama Mission Hospital where infrastructure and buildings were extensively damaged by a violent storm late last year are nearing completion following the erection of a new roof.

Government allocated $28 million for repairs and upgrading of Manama Hospital after noting that all the institution’s infrastructure does not meet modern health care standards.

Roofs of several wards that include the maternity ward were blown off following heavy rains accompanied by strong winds.

The infrastructure damage is estimated at US$40 000.

Treasury initially released $8 million to repair the damaged infrastructure, but later availed more funds to upgrade the entire hospital infrastructure, which is in a poor state.

According to The Chronicle, the affected ward now has a new roof but the ceilings, plumbing, painting, flooring and electricals are yet to be completed.

Matabeleland South Provincial Public Works director Mr Sijabuliso Ncube said despite being on leave, he is aware that significant progress had been made towards completing repairs at the hospital.

“We have put up the roof on the affected ward and will soon be doing the finishing touches.

Now that the roof is done, we will be putting up the ceilings, electricals, painting and other repair work,” said Mr Ncube.

The strong winds and heavy rains, which hit Manama area, also left the hospital without electricity after solar panels were damaged, affecting water storage tanks and telecommunication cables, resulting in the suspension of critical services.

The suspended services include the expanded programme of immunisation (EPI), maternity delivery services, postnatal care services, isolation of Covid-19 positive mothers, antenatal care services and integrated management of neonatal, childhood illnesses and mortuary services.

Matabeleland South provincial medical director Dr Rudo Chikodzero said the hospital has had to make do with the current infrastructure to accommodate patients.

“The female patients are still having to share space with patients from other wards, as we await completion of the hospital repairs,” said Dr Chikodzero.

Four departments were extremely affected, leaving the hospital operating with just four wards, which accommodate all the admitted patients.

Media personality Dr Omphile Marupi, who was born at the hospital, co-ordinated a fundraising drive under the banner of Friends of Manama last year to help repair the health facility.

Friends of Manama brought together teachers, academics, businesspeople, politicians, service chiefs and ordinary people associated with the hospital in one way or the other.

Manama Mission Hospital was built in 1939 by the Evangelical Lutheran Church in Zimbabwe (ELCZ) using farm bricks and its roofing is a combination of corrugated iron and asbestos.

It is located 85km south of Gwanda town and has a catchment population of 82 500 based on the 1992 census.

The hospital mainly services the population of Gwanda South and Beitbridge West.

It also acts as a referral hospital for other parts of Beitbridge District, Maphisa, Kezi, parts of Mberengwa and Botswana.

Mrs Medeline Nare, a villager from the Manama area, said they were anxious to see the affected ward up and running again as the hospital has been a mainstay of their community.

“We’re happy that the hospital is being renovated and hope that the repairs will be completed soon.

It’s not good to have a hospital in such a state; the patients are not comfortable where they are now,” said Mrs Nare.

–statemedia

By A Correspondent- Two suspected poachers who were found in possession of 15 kilograms  of ivory were arrested  and dragged to court yesterday. 

James Ngocho (37) and Peacewell Muranganwa (26) pleaded not guilty to the charge before Guruve magistrate Rumbidzai Mugwagwa.

Mugwagwa remanded them  in custody to January  19 for trial.

The state alleges on January 4 the Muranganwa approached an undercover officer from the international  Organisation  in Harare with the intention of selling ivory which was in Guruve.

The two travelled to Guruve the following  day and along the way they picked a Zimpark Wildlife Officer who was also under cover and the second accomplice Ngocho.

The suspects  led the officers into a tobacco barn were three pieces of ivory weighing a total of 15kilograms were kept.

The officers produced their identity  cards and arrested the duo.

The  ivory is  worth US$2 567.

By A Correspondent- At least 45 divorce cases have been filed at the High Court this month, and one of the disgruntled divorce applicants is the Zimbabwe Electricity Supply Authority (ZESA) executive chairman Sydney Gata.

The High Court’s Family Court in Harare will this Thursday hear a total of 22 divorce cases.

According to official statistics, 1 351 couples filed for divorce last year, an increase from 1 117 cases handled in 2020.

Gata is one of the prominent figures who have filed for divorce. He is divorcing his wife, Ntombana R. Gata (nee) Mogomoza.

Details regarding the couple’s breakup were not readily available, but the matter is already before the High Court.

One Hansen Inkope, who is divorcing his wife Farirai, has already appeared in court and the divorce case became the second to be filed at the High Court this year.

Popular bus operator, Decent Rimbi of Rimbi Travel and Tours is also going through a nasty process of divorcing his wife, Everjoice Rimbi (nee) Sithole. However, Decent has been barred by the courts from disposing of the couple’s property before the finalisation of the matter at the High Court.

The court heard Rimbi had rushed to court soon after the couple’s fallout and filed for divorce. He filed for divorce after his wife hired thugs to assault his girlfriend.

The businessman also instructed his security guards to bar his estranged wife from accessing the company offices and property.

However, Everjoice filed an urgent chamber application in December last year, seeking an interdict against her husband. She is claiming she helped Decent to build the business empire from scratch.

The High Court ruled in favour of Everjoice and ordered that no assets should be disposed of until the divorce case is finalised.

“It is hereby declared that the applicant as co-owner, co-shareholder and co-director has the right to remuneration, profits, and use of the union and company assets pending determination of divorce proceedings…first respondent (Decent) to pay costs of this suit,” the provisional judgment reads.

“The first respondent and all those acting through him be and are hereby barred and interdicted from preventing applicant or her duly authorised representative from accessing company premises…and using the motor vehicle…the first respondent and all those acting through him are barred and interdicted from taking any money from the business’s revenue without the involvement and consent of the applicant.”

Everjoice wants equal entitlement to the couple’s houses in New Marimba, Marlborough, and Glen View 1 Extension all in Harare. She also wants unfettered ownership of the company’s 10 buses that are currently being shipped from China, 16 buses plying different routes in Zimbabwe, a road tanker, tractor, several trailers, and light vehicles.

Other couples are also divorcing for various reasons, but the majority of them are due to infidelity.

By- A make or break meeting between Government and civil servants’ union leaders failed to kick off yesterday as representatives could not connect on Zoom due to connectivity and power challenges and employees have since requested to meet on Friday.

The parties were yesterday expected to hold a National Joint Negotiating Committee (NJNC) meeting to deliberate on the welfare of Government workers.
They were supposed to meet for the first time this year during an indaba that was expected to lay the guiding framework of how public sector wages and living conditions will be made better throughout the year.
Government has since said it will be paying its employees Covid-19 allowances in foreign currency.

Civil servants will receive their US$75 monthly Covid-19 risk allowance in cash as well as pensioners their US$30 allowances. In 2021, Government paid bonuses in US dollars.
In an interview, Apex Council president Mrs Cecilia Alexander: “There were connectivity problems so we failed to communicate smoothly so given the importance of the meeting and the level of interaction, we the workers side have requested for a physical meeting on Friday.”
Zimbabwe Confederation of Public Sector Trade Unions secretary-general Mr David Dzatsunga said key speakers could not contribute.
“The meeting could not take off because of connectivity challenges that we experienced, especially by some of the key speakers who could not connect.

We then agreed that maybe we should have a special arrangement that we have an in-person meeting, if possible,” said Mr Dzatsunga.
Meanwhile, the Zimbabwe Teachers’ Association (Zimta) proposed to Government to pay workers in foreign currency, suggesting that the lowest paid worker should get US$671.
According to the Zimta position paper on salary review for the first quarter of 2022, this was necessitated by the “decimation of salaries and allowances for teachers in particular and civil servants in general”.
In its list of demands, Zimta said they could accept that half their salary be paid in US dollars and the other in local currency.
“The lowest grade civil servant is paid US$671, gross salary.
Or that, alternatively, that all workers at least be paid fifty percent (50%) of the improved salary in USD, with the balance paid in ZWL.

Or alternatively that all civil servants be paid their improved salary in USD every quarter,” read the position paper.
Last month, civil servants said they hoped Government would accede to their request for salaries to be paid in foreign currency as the country starts a new year saying this will improve their standards of living.
Government employees said at that time that payment of bonuses in foreign currency has given them hope for a better 2022.
Government paid workers bonuses in foreign currency as a way of cushioning them from an inflationary environment.

-State media

By-MDC-Alliance President has reached at least 1 million followers on his tweeter handle.

Chamisa said these would be converted into votes in the next year’s elections.
He posted on the same platform:

Wow!! We have done it. We have hit the mark and reached a milestone. We’re now 900 000. Almost getting to a million. Thank you, friends. Thank you family. God bless you!

Wow!! We have done it. We have hit the mark and reached a milestone. We’re now 900 000. Almost getting to a million. Thank you friends. Thank you family. God bless you! pic.twitter.com/1OlpDIfUOR

— nelson chamisa (@nelsonchamisa) January 13, 2022

B-A Bulawayo man who has made his mother’s life a living hell by having noisy s*x has appeared in court.

The man’s mother, Loveness Makonye (58) of Entumbane suburb, revealed that she hardly sleeps as her son, Talent Makonye (29), frequently hires sex workers and has noisy s*x with them.

Makonye described her son as a s*x maniac who hardly lets a day pass by without disturbing her peace. Attempts to make him change his ways have been abortive as Talent turns violent and insults her.

He told her she has no right to reprimand him as the house belongs to his late father.

In her affidavit, she said: “I am applying for a protection order against my son Talent.
Whenever he is from drinking alcohol, he would bring a lady and they would start making noise during their s*x sessions thereby disturbing my peace. When I try to warn him against disturbing my peace he would shout at me.
At one point I knocked at his door, he then opened the door while hurling insults at me. He then assaulted me saying I’m disturbing him. I have engaged his uncle to talk to him, but he does not reform.”
The presiding magistrate Jeconia Prince Ncube granted Makonye a protection order against her son. Talent was ordered to refrain from bringing his lovers home. He was also ordered not to physically and verbally abuse his mother.

By- A Kariba is receiving medication in Zambia after being attacked by three crocodiles on Lake Kariba shores last Thursday.

Alexander Chimedza has since been taken to Zambia for medication after suffering a broken hand, injured thighs and broken fingers in the fight that also claimed the life of one crocodile.

Alexander Chimedza before the mishap

Speaking to H-Metro, Chimedza’s wife Primrose Madufu, 23, said she had heard of the mishap after her husband had already been taken to the hospital.

“Chimedza was looking for worms to use in fishing around 8am on the banks of the dam when the crocodiles attacked him.

“He managed to put his hand in the mouth of one of the crocodiles and hit died,” said Madufu.

She said her husband was taken to Zambia on Monday where he is being treated as well as having skin grafted to other parts that were seriously injured.

“Chimedza was taken to Zambia where he is having skin grafting.

“He is responding well from the medication and procedure being taken by the medical staff where he is being treated,” said Madufu.

-State media 

By A Gokwe-bound CAG bus rammed into the back of a kombi that was travelling in the same direction along the Gokwe-Siyabuwa road, killing a female passenger on the spot while five others were injured.

Midlands Provincial police spokesperson, Inspector Emmanuel Mahoko confirmed the accident which occurred on Wednesday morning.

He said the driver of a kombi which was travelling to Gokwe reduced speed intending to turn right at an intersection when it was hit in the back by the bus which was also headed towards Gokwe town. Said Insp. Mahoko:

The bus which was being driven by one Rufaro Charangwa (42) rammed into the back of the kombi, killing a female passenger on the spot.

Five other people in the kombi were injured and were taken to Gokwe District Hospital.

More: The Herald

By- Seventeen (17) have been killed, while eight (8) others were injured in a horrific road traffic accident in South Africa’s Limpopo Province.

A 22-seater bus collided head-on collision with a Toyota SUV on the N1 near Mookgophong off-ramp in Limpopo on Tuesday night resulting in multiple fatalities and injuries.

Limpopo Transport and Community Safety spokesperson Mike Maringa confirmed the incident, saying 17 occupants of the bus, including the driver, were burnt to death. Said Maringa:

The bus burst into flames and 17 occupants trapped inside, including the driver were burnt to death. The driver of the SUV was also killed on impact.

Eight people survived, six are seriously injured and two escaped with minor injuries.

It is alleged that the driver of the Toyota SUV lost control of the vehicle due to a burst tyre resulting in the collision.

Meanwhile, Limpopo Transport and Community Safety MEC Mavhungu Lerule-Ramakhanya consoled the affected families and wished speedy recovery to the survivors.

More: IOL

A Bulawayo man who has made his mother’s life a living hell by having noisy s*x has appeared in court.

The man’s mother, Loveness Makonye (58) of Entumbane suburb, revealed that she hardly sleeps as her son, Talent Makonye (29), frequently hires sex workers and has noisy s*x with them.

Makonye described her son as a s*x maniac who hardly lets a day pass by without disturbing her peace. Attempts to make him change his ways have been abortive as Talent turns violent and insults her.

He told her she has no right to reprimand him as the house belongs to his late father.

In her affidavit, she said: “I am applying for a protection order against my son Talent.
Whenever he is from drinking alcohol, he would bring a lady and they would start making noise during their s*x sessions thereby disturbing my peace. When I try to warn him against disturbing my peace he would shout at me.
At one point I knocked at his door, he then opened the door while hurling insults at me. He then assaulted me saying I’m disturbing him. I have engaged his uncle to talk to him, but he does not reform.”
The presiding magistrate Jeconia Prince Ncube granted Makonye a protection order against her son. Talent was ordered to refrain from bringing his lovers home. He was also ordered not to physically and verbally abuse his mother.

By A Correspondent- Bulawayo comedian Zex Mdawini Sibanda was reportedly assaulted last week on a Zupco bus after he joked about lodgers in a manner which did not go down well with some of the passengers.

Sibanda throws jokes in public while recording them before circulating the audios or videos on social media platforms.

Most of his jokes have gone viral, but last Thursday it was a different story altogether when the comic tried to entertain passengers travelling to Old Pumula, his residential area.

In one of the audios, Sibanda could be heard saying: “Hallo, eh Gumede, NguMdawini ulandlord wakho. Bengisithi izolo laphana ngikunika ama articles of co-existing rules and regulations, ezokuhlala koMdawini residence, ngikhohlwe umthetho oyione, ngicela ukungezelela. Wena irent oyibhadalayo ngeyomduli, letoilet, lamanzi lamagetsi fullstop. Kumafruits awungeni. Ngithi ezihlahleni zami zamagwava lamamengo awungeni Gumede. Ngoba wabhadalela ukuzohlala awubhadalelanga ukuzokudla, ngilamanga?,” which could loosely be translated to say: “Hello Gumede, it’s Mdawini your landlord. I was saying yesterday when I gave you the articles of co-existing, rules and regulations for residing at Mdawini residence, I forgot one rule I want to add it. The rent that you are paying is for the walls, toilet, water and electricity. You must not touch my fruit trees. I mean my guava and mango trees, you must not touch, because you paid for residence, not to eat. Am I lying?)

Sibanda said as he did his antics, it so happened that there was a Gumede on the bus and he and his colleagues felt offended.

The angry Gumede and his friends accused Sibanda of influencing landlords to increase rentals.

“During the show, some three guys started an argument with me saying I influenced their landlords to increase rentals in Pumula,” Sibanda said.

“I thought it was all in the name of humour, but one guy who identified himself as Gumede stood up and assaulted me.”

Sibanda said he tried to defend himself but was overpowered by the trio and was rescued by other passengers.

However, the comedian said he did not report the matter to the police because the assault was an occupational hazard.

He said his skit was meant to entertain the public and was not personal

Tinashe Sambiri| MDC Alliance leader President Nelson Chamisa says he is ready to “crush the head of the snake.”

Zanu PF leader Mr Emmerson Mnangagwa and MDC-T’s Douglas Mwonzora are conspiring to pull down President Chamisa before the coming polls.

The two politicians are afraid of President Chamisa’s rising influence and they are working tirelessly to block him from participating in electoral processes.

However, President Chamisa has pointed out that he is aware of his political opponents’ tactics.

“I generally dislike snakes. Snakes are poisonous and venomous .

And I’m determined to crush the head of any snake absolutely and completely. Good morning friends,” President Chamisa wrote on his official Facebook page.

Political observers argue Mr Mnangagwa and Mr Mwonzora have one thing in common- both men are quaking in their boots as they are afraid of being defeated by President Chamisa in the 2023 Presidential Election.

By A Gokwe-bound CAG bus rammed into the back of a kombi that was travelling in the same direction along the Gokwe-Siyabuwa road, killing a female passenger on the spot while five others were injured.

Midlands Provincial police spokesperson, Inspector Emmanuel Mahoko confirmed the accident which occurred on Wednesday morning.

He said the driver of a kombi which was travelling to Gokwe reduced speed intending to turn right at an intersection when it was hit in the back by the bus which was also headed towards Gokwe town. Said Insp. Mahoko:

The bus which was being driven by one Rufaro Charangwa (42) rammed into the back of the kombi, killing a female passenger on the spot.

Five other people in the kombi were injured and were taken to Gokwe District Hospital.

More: The Herald

By- Latest details on the Monday ouster from the cabinet of the State Security Minister, Owen Mudha Ncube, revealed that he was fired on the instigation of the newly installed Zanu PF Midlands provincial chairman Larry Mavhima.

According to NewZimbabwe.com, Mavhima held a three-hour-long meeting with Mnangagwa at his Pricabe Farm in Kwekwe last Sunday, where he complained about Mudha’s violent behaviour.

The news portal said Mavima sought an emergency meeting with Mnangagwa intending to resign from the chairmanship after an aborted Provincial Coordinating Committee (PCC) meeting in Gweru the day before.

The meeting was abandoned after Ncube threatened to assault Public Service Minister Paul Mavima and Gokwe Nembudziya legislator Justice Mayor Wadyajena during the proceedings.

Ncube had also bussed machete-wielding thugs to surround the venue of the meeting to intimidate his opponents.

During the meeting with Mnangagwa, Mavima (Larry), reportedly said he could not work with Mudha because of his violent tendencies.

Mavima is reported to have told Mnangagwa that numerous provincial leaders were considering leaving the party because of Ncube’s conduct. Said a ZANU PF insider:

What happened is that after the Saturday fiasco at the PCC meeting, some senior ZANU PF members advised Mavhima to go straight to the president and give him a full report of what transpired.

And so on Sunday, he went to the president’s farm and they spent about three hours conversing about the issues.

The message he carried to the president was simple and clear: nobody was able to work with Mudha anymore.

So it was a question of either to retain Mudha and risk dismantling the province or sack him and save the situation. Any leader in that situation would decide the way that ED did.

You should visit the province and see how excited people are about this development.

In fact, this axe had been hanging over his head since last year when he started deploying some CIO (Central Intelligence Organisation) operatives and machete gangs to harass his rivals in a bid to win the provincial chairmanship position which he wanted.

So basically, the man had the rug proverbially pulled off his feet and when the province decided that Mavhima should be the unopposed chairman, he resorted to fighting for his proxies who were seeking other positions through violence and intimidation.

The situation had become very tricky and the President really faced the inevitable choice of having to fire him.

But he was not working alone. He was working in direct consultation with July Moyo, who leads a faction in the province that wants to dominate affairs here.

It will not, therefore, be surprising to see the axe falling on him because he is basically the master controller and these are his runners.

Ncube was fired from the Government on Monday for “conduct that was deemed inappropriate for a Minister of Government”.

More: NewZimbabwe.com

By-MDC-T leader Douglas Mwonzora has pressed the MDC-Alliance leader Nelson Chamisa to drop his party name.

Mwonzora has done this by writing to the Zimbabwe Electoral Commission, advising them that no other party should use MDC-Alliance in any election. 

Mwonzora announced this ahead of the March 26 by-elections in which MDC Alliance led by Nelson Chamisa intends to participate. 

Below is Mwonzora’s letter to the Zimbabwe Electoral Commission blocking Chamisa from using the name MDC-Alliance:

Re: Signatories for Candidates For the Movement for Democratic Change

We advise that in the forthcoming by-elections we intend to field candidates in Parliament and Local Government. We are the owners of the Movement for Democratic Change name. Over the years there has had so many derivatives put on it. However, the leadership of this party was defined by the Supreme Court in the judgment in SC 56/20. Pursuant to this judgment the party held its Extraordinary Congress on the 27’h of December 2020 where I was elected the substantive President of the Party. By virtue of the Composite Political Agreement signed on the 5’h of August 2017 and the subsequent meetings of the MDC Alliance, I assumed the leadership of the MDC Alliance.

We, therefore, advise that our signatories for the candidates of the Movement for Democratic Change and its derivatives in the coming elections and by-elections are:

Douglas Togaraseyi Mwonzora — President 

Morgen Komichi — National Chairman 

Paurina Mpariwa — Secretary-General 

Ghandi Mudzingwa — Secretary for Elections

We advise that no one else is allowed to sign for and present candidates for and on behalf of the MDC, any of its derivatives and the MDC Alliance.

We attach hereto the relevant signature forms for your information. 1 also attach the constitution of the MDC, the Supreme Court judgment and the Alliance Agreement.

By- Chief Musarurwa, born Enos Musakwa (52), appeared in court on Tuesday facing two counts of attempted rape involving a 14-year-old girl.

The minor told the court that the traditional leader cornered and fondled her in an attempt to rape her.

Musarurwa, who is being represented by Norman Mugiya of Mugiya and Muvhimi Associates appeared before Chivhu Provincial Magistrate Batanai Madzinhira.

In the first incident which occurred in September 2020, the minor said she went to fetch water from a borehole near Musarurwa’s homestead when the chief lured her to his place.

The traditional leader allegedly took the girl into a corridor in his house where he fondled her breasts, caressed her v*gina and kissed her. He then allowed her to go.

In the second incident that allegedly took place on 9 August 2021, Chief Musarurwa visited the juvenile at her place of residence and found her in the company of her parents.

He reportedly managed to persuade the girl to get into his official car and then drove off.

Musarurwa allegedly parked his car and fondled the complainant’s breasts, caressed her v*gina and kissed her for about ten minutes before letting her go.

The girl reportedly went home crying and told her mother about the incident. The case was later reported at Chivhu ZRP on 25 August 2021.

Musarurwa is denying the allegations, claiming that he spent the month of September 2020 in Harare.

The traditional leader also said he is a victim of a border dispute between himself and Chief Chivese.

In the second count, Musarurwa admitted to visiting the complainant’s place on 9 August 2021 but said he had gone to see Jacob Tsodzo (father of the complainant) who was not feeling well.

Musarurwa said he was asked to talk to the girl who had allegedly become a problem in the community.

Meanwhile, the case was reported six months ago and it took many complaints from the parents before Chivhu Police brought it to court.

Corence Chimbadzwa represented the State. The case was postponed to 14 January 2022 for the continuation of trial.

More: The Mirror

By- Harare Magistrate Mrs Gloria Takundwa has deferred the matter of MDC Alliance’s Harare West MP Joana Mamombe and activist Cecilia Chimbiri to February 10 for a possible trial date.

Mamombe and Chimbiri are facing allegations of staging an illegal demonstration in breach of Covid-19 regulations banning gatherings.
However, Mamombe and Chimbiri put the State on notice that if it fails to furnish them with a trial date on the next sitting they will apply for refusal of further remand.

The two activists were arrested after holding a news conference on the steps of the Harare Magistrates Court denouncing the arrest of pro-democracy campaigner Makomborero Haruzivishe.

-Herald

By- MDC-T leader Douglas Mwonzora has written to the Zimbabwe Electoral Commission advising them that no other party should use the name MDC-Alliance in any election. 

Mwonzora announced this ahead of the March 26 by-elections in which MDC Alliance led by Nelson Chamisa intends to participate. 

Below is Mwonzora’s letter to the Zimbabwe Electoral Commission blocking Chamisa from using the name MDC-Alliance:

Re: Signatories for Candidates For the Movement for Democratic Change

We advise that in the forthcoming by-elections we intend to field candidates in Parliament and Local Government. We are the owners of the Movement for Democratic Change name. Over the years there has had so many derivatives put on it. However, the leadership of this party was defined by the Supreme Court in the judgment in SC 56/20. Pursuant to this judgment the party held its Extraordinary Congress on the 27’h of December 2020 where I was elected the substantive President of the Party. By virtue of the Composite Political Agreement signed on the 5’h of August 2017 and the subsequent meetings of the MDC Alliance, I assumed the leadership of the MDC Alliance.

We, therefore, advise that our signatories for the candidates of the Movement for Democratic Change and its derivatives in the coming elections and by-elections are:

Douglas Togaraseyi Mwonzora — President 

Morgen Komichi — National Chairman 

Paurina Mpariwa — Secretary-General 

Ghandi Mudzingwa — Secretary for Elections

We advise that no one else is allowed to sign for and present candidates for and on behalf of the MDC, any of its derivatives and the MDC Alliance.

We attach hereto the relevant signature forms for your information. 1 also attach the constitution of the MDC, the Supreme Court judgment and the Alliance Agreement.

#BREAKING– @ARTUZ Membership currently demonstrating at NSSA House where the #NJNC is currently taking place. They are demanding the restoration of the Pre 2018 October Salaries ….
Visit https://t.co/RMz9FsvEJW for more pic.twitter.com/ZIN0qDEjaO

— ZimEye (@ZimEye) January 12, 2022

JUST IN: Our lawyers are attending to locating some @ARTUZ_teachers members who have send a distress call to us indicating that they have been arrested in Harare. More details to follow…

— ZLHR (@ZLHRLawyers) January 12, 2022

JUST IN: Our lawyers are attending to locating some @ARTUZ_teachers members who have send a distress call to us indicating that they have been arrested in Harare. More details to follow…

— ZLHR (@ZLHRLawyers) January 12, 2022

We have just got Trust Maanda, our member lawyer to assist in offering emergency legal support services to @ARTUZ_teachers leaders & members detained at Harare Central Police Station.

— ZLHR (@ZLHRLawyers) January 12, 2022

Among those detained at Harare Central Police Station & being represented by @TinasheChinox of @ZLHRLawyers is a freelance journalist Mary Mundeya.

— ZLHR (@ZLHRLawyers) January 12, 2022

Tinashe Sambiri| MDC Alliance leader President Nelson Chamisa says he is ready to “crush the head of the snake.”

Zanu PF leader Mr Emmerson Mnangagwa and MDC-T’s Douglas Mwonzora are conspiring to pull down President Chamisa before the coming polls.

The two politicians are afraid of President Chamisa’s rising influence and they are working tirelessly to block him from participating in electoral processes.

However, President Chamisa has pointed out that he is aware of his political opponents’ tactics.

“I generally dislike snakes. Snakes are poisonous and venomous .

And I’m determined to crush the head of any snake absolutely and completely. Good morning friends,” President Chamisa wrote on his official Facebook page.

Political observers argue Mr Mnangagwa and Mr Mwonzora have one thing in common- both men are quaking in their boots as they are afraid of being defeated by President Chamisa in the 2023 Presidential Election.

The Crisis in Zimbabwe Coalition would like to congratulate its membership for the successful hosting and conclusion of its 13thAnnual General Meeting which was held virtually on January 12, 2022.

In compliance with the Constitution of the Coalition, 49 member organizations convened virtually for the AGM on January 12, 2022 to elect the Chairperson and Vice Chairperson of the Coalition.

This was after elections for the two posts had been disrupted by rowdy state elements during the Coalition’s Bulawayo AGM of December 15, 2021.

The members below were confirmed as the Executive Committee members of the Crisis in Zimbabwe Coalition:

1. Chairperson – Peter Mutasa

2. Vice Chairperson – Busi Dube

3. Spokesperson – Obert Masaraure

4. Treasurer – Gamuchirai Mukura

Other Board Members are represented by the following organisations;

5. Women’s Academy for Leadership and Political Excellence (WALPE)

6. Election Resource Centre (ERC)

7. Zimbabwe Human Rights Association (ZIMRIGHTS)

8. Zimbabwe Divine Destiny

9. Chinhoyi Residents Trust

10. Students Christian Movement of Zimbabwe (SCMZ)

11. Berina Arts

AGM Resolutions

The following emerged as key resolutions from the AGM:

1. To devolve and decentralize the institution as a way of enhancing its capacity to identify and respond to organic issues affecting members and citizens in their localities. This is also in line with the national call for devolution.

2. The realignment of the Coalition’s institutional structure and scope of its Thematic Committees to suit the contemporary operational environment and the devolution agenda.

3. To carry out a needs assessment and capacity development initiative for its membership.

4. To vigorously push for the alignment of the Zimbabwean constitution with emphasis on equal gender representation, electoral reforms and youth agency.

5. Affirmed an inclusive and broad based national Restore Zimbabwe Campaign (in line with the 2021 Strategic Planning process) in response to the Zimbabwe government’s failure or refusal to implement and abide by the national constitution and several African advisory papers including the Mothlante Commission

6. In light of the continued shrinking of the democratic space in Zimbabwe and threats to a key gain of our independence; one-person-one-vote, the Coalition resolved to mobilize at a grassroots level as well as the African regional level as part of efforts to resolve the Zimbabwean crisis

7. The Coalition noted with concern the continued ethnic attacks on communities in Matabeleland including the refusal or failure of the Peace and Reconciliation Commission to manage an inclusive national healing process on Gukurahundi.

Our position is that Zimbabwe cannot move into a nation state if this past genocide is not attended to.

8. To continue putting ordinary people’s interests at the centre of the Coalition’s policy advocacy.

Blessing Vava

National Director

By A Correspondent- Transport and Infrastructural Development Minister, Felix Mhona, on Wednesday, announced three additional members to the Zimbabwe National Road Administration (ZINARA) board.

The new board members are Advocate Kingston Magaya, Angeline Matopodzi and Brenda Nhliziyo.

The latest appointments follow that of the new ZINARA board chair, George Manyaya, and his deputy, Lizwe Bunu, a fortnight ago. Mhona said in a statement:

The immediate task that I have given the new board members is to come up with strategies to decongest the toll gates, refurbishment and construction of Toll Plaza to ensure seamless revenue collection.

As a listening Government, we have received concerns from residents in built-up areas on the location of certain tollgates and I am happy to announce that we are now going to relocate the Eskbank, Shamva, Dema and Skyline Tollgates.

-statemedia

Pana secretary ari kudzingwa basa very soon, ndatofana kumunyarira pano pa tweeter. Nokuti achaitwa Christmas party muna February, ndatopedza zvangu chisingaperi chinoshura pabateyi ipapo

— Hon Zivhu (@killerzivhu1) January 11, 2022

By A Correspondent- The Reserve Bank of Zimbabwe (RBZ) said that the Financial Intelligence Unit (FIU) is investigating several institutions including businesses and schools for currency manipulation.

In a statement issued by RBZ Governor John Mangudya today, the FIU will take punitive measures against currency manipulators, among them, imposing fines and freezing their bank accounts.

The statement read:

The Reserve Bank of Zimbabwe would like to advise the public that the Financial Intelligence Unit (FIU) is currently investigating cases of breaches of the Bank Use Promotion Act and currency manipulations by some business entities.

The breaches have become particularly pronounced and prevalent at some schools and pharmacies.

The FIU will deploy all tools at its disposal to deal with such malpractices including the imposition of fines, freezing of bank accounts and blacklisting from the enjoyment of financial services.

Members of the public are urged to report offending businesses and service providers to the FIU on hotline numbers 0780434475 and 0714039897.

By A Correspondent- In a shocking twist of events senior ZANU PF members from Tsholotsho, Matabeleland North are throwing each other under the bus and revealing how and who was working with exiled former G40 kingpin Jonathan Moyo.

In a leaked audio, former MDC senator Believe Gaule accused Esau Siwela the Tsholotsho Rural District chairman of housing Prof Jonathan Moyo when he ran as an independent candidate against a ZANU PF candidate.

Siwela and Gaule have a long-standing feud with tensions simmering because of the recently held ZANU PF provincial elections. Siwela refused to back Gaule for the Mat North Provincial chairmanship which infuriated Gaule.

Gaule was challenging Richard Moyo for the Provincial chairmanship post.

Listen to the audio below:

By A Correspondent | Former ZCTU president, Peter Mutasa has emerged victorious in the just ended Crisis in Zimbabwe Coalition election.

The Labour union activist is known for his strong anti regime stance and anti neo-liberal policies governing Zimbabwe. He stood toe to toe against the regime when he was President of the Labour movement, ZCTU (Zimbabwe Congress of Trade Unions).

Congratulatory messages have started flocking in from various organisations and activists saluting and wishing the new chairperson well.

He will be deputized by Bush Dube while ARTUZ President Obert Masaraure will be spokesperson.

More to follow….

I generally dislike snakes. Good morning friends. pic.twitter.com/3Aaf4UZCl0

— nelson chamisa (@nelsonchamisa) January 12, 2022

Don’t worry or lose sleep even for a second. Relax!

— nelson chamisa (@nelsonchamisa) January 12, 2022

By A Correspondent- The High Court will for the second time hear an application filed by prisoners in 2017, seeking to be allowed to vote during elections, after the judge who initially heard the matter, Justice Clement Phiri, passed on before delivering judgment.

The application will now be heard by Justice Munamato Mutevedzi on January 25 this year.

Phiri, who initially presided over the matter, passed on in January 2021 after reserving judgment in July 2018.

The applicants in the matter, Yvonne Musarurwa, Tungamirai Madzokere and Last Maengahama, were prisoners when they filed the application, but have since been released.

Through their lawyer Tererai Mafukidze of the Zimbabwe Lawyers for Human Rights (ZLHR), the prisoners said they wanted the High Court to issue an order compelling Justice minister Ziyambi Ziyambi, Zimbabwe Electoral Commission (Zec) chairperson Justice Priscilla Chigumba and Zec to register prisoners on the national voters’ roll and facilitate their voting in elections.

They argued that for the period they were in detention, Zec never carried out any voter education campaigns, including voter registration or enabled prisoners to vote during general elections and by-elections.

The prisoners assert that they have the right to vote in elections and referendums as enshrined in section 67(3)(a) of the Constitution regardless of their status.

“Zimbabwean prisoners have for a long period been disenfranchised,” ZHLR said.-newsday

By A Correspondent- Villagers in rural Kariba and the Negande and Luunga areas of Binga said they were now living in fear following a spate of cold blood murders perpetrated by unknown armed assailants.

The incidents started in 2019 when a war veteran from Chief Negande area was shot dead in the middle of the night at his homestead.

Last year, villagers in the Negande area said they recorded three fatal shooting incidents, but no suspects were arrested after the cases were reported at police stations in Binga and Karoi.

Last month, two people from Mayove village under Chief Negande were lucky to survive after their homes were attacked by unknown gunmen in the middle of the night.

Binga villager Nkopo Masteki from Chief Sinamusanga area was also shot and injured by unidentified people, while another villager only identified as Nchumpopa from Siamupa was shot dead on January 2 this year.

On January 6, Wireless Siamalongo Munsaka (63) was shot dead by unknown persons at Ngotola village, Nsemwa, Siabuwa.

Kariba’s ward 4 councillor Jason Charinga on Monday said: “The presence and use of firearms of late has become a serious concern to these poor communities.

“We are appealing to authorities at Nyaminyami and Binga to urgently intervene and carry out co-ordinated investigations into this matter, and bring whoever is responsible to book before things go out of hand. Criminals cannot take the law into their own hands.”

Matabeleland North police spokesperson Inspector Glory Banda said:

“Cases of murder are becoming so rampant in Matabeleland North and there is need to combat their prevalence.

“These murders normally are a result of misunderstandings over family and social issues. Irritable and vindictive lawless citizens are usually quick to wield weapons such as axes whenever they are wronged.”

She added:

“As police in Matabeleland North province, we are carrying out patrols and crime awareness campaigns entreating the populace not to resort to crime, but to settle issues amicably.”-newsday

By A Correspondent- Chitungwiza deputy mayor Kiven Mutimbanyoka’s business has been placed under investigation by the Zimbabwe Revenue Authority (Zimra) following allegations that he smuggled fruits, vegetables and groceries worth US$100 000 from South Africa into the country. Mutimbanyoka reportedly owns FreshCo, Brandstep Imports and Cruscate Investments directly and indirectly.

A source told NewsDay that Zimra’s loss control department launched an investigation on Saturday and seized the goods purported to have been smuggled at FreshCo along Emmerson Mnangagwa (Enterprise) Road and at his house in Greendale, Harare, after a tip-off by a disgruntled former employee.

The alleged smuggled goods, whose estimated value is US$100 000, include onions, potatoes, carrots, apples and groceries.

“Mutimbanyoka fired workers unceremoniously last week, and this didn’t go down well with them as they were very loyal to him. So in revenge, they exposed all his deals to Zimra on Saturday,” the source said.

His goods allegedly passed through Beitbridge Border Post to his warehouse in Greendale without paying duty. After whistleblowers alerted Zimra, they went and sealed the “smuggled goods,” one of the ex-employees said.

They said Zimra pounced on the deputy mayor’s businesses in the company of police officers.

Mutimbanyoka allegedly failed to produce permits and papers showing that he paid duty for the goods.

He then allegedly threatened the Zimra officials saying that he was politically connected.

Zimra spokesperson Francis Chimanda could neither confirm nor deny the issue.

“Zimra is not allowed to provide comments on issues involving individual taxpayers. But once it is in the public domain we can give updates saying so and so is appearing before the courts today,” Chimanda said.

Mutimbanyoka confirmed to NewsDay that Zimra was conducting an investigation on FreshCo.

“It’s very true that Zimra staff came at the instigation of my former partner Knowledge Muzanenhamo.

“These are just allegations and it’s a case of sour grapes.

“We parted ways and he somehow thinks that the way to get back at me is through fabricating stories.

“Zimra did an investigation and is still investigating. We are waiting for the outcome, but as it is I am still very innocent,” he said.

“Zimra imposed an embargo on FreshCo stopping us from selling the goods alleged to have been smuggled.

“It’s an allegation, the issue will just die a natural death,” he said.

FreshCo is co-owned by Mutimbanyoka and his mother Charity Munoambirwa.

Brandstep is registered in the name of his wife Petronela Chibvute, while Cruscate Investments is also owned by Mutimbanyoka.-newsday

OPPOSITION MDC-T leader Douglas Mwonzora has written to the Zimbabwe Electoral Commission (Zec) seeking to bar his rival and leader of the MDC Alliance, Nelson Chamisa, from using the acronym MDC.

Mwonzora claimed that his faction had assumed the name MDC Alliance, despite participating in the 2018 elections under the MDC-T banner.

Critics have described the MDC-T leader’s antics as a desperate attempt to confuse voters ahead of by-elections set for March 26 this year and general elections expected next year.

“We are the owners of the Movement for Democratic Change name, over the years there has been so many derivatives put on it. However, the leadership of this party was defined by the Supreme Court,” read the letter by Mwonzora to Zec chairperson, Justice Priscilla Chigumba dated January 3.

NewsDay has a copy of the letter.

“I was elected substantive president of the party, by virtue of the composite political agreement signed on August 5, 2018 and subsequent meetings of the MDC Alliance, I assumed leadership of the MDC Alliance,” Mwonzora claimed.

“We advise that no one else is allowed to sign for, and present candidates for, and on behalf of the MDC, any of its derivatives and the MDC Alliance.”

Mwonzora was elected leader of MDC-T on December 27, 2020, taking over from Thokozani Khupe, who was shunted to the vice-presidency.

The MDC Alliance bloc, led by the late Morgan Tsvangirai was formed in August 2017, comprising mainly the MDC-T, Welshman Ncube’s MDC-N, Tendai Biti’s People’s Democratic Party and several smaller parties.

Tsvangirai died from cancer complications on February 14, 2018 at a private medical facility in Johannesburg, South Africa and Chamisa, who was one of the three vice-presidents, was elected acting party leader for a year the following day.

He was the alliance’s presidential candidate in the July 30, 2018 elections and competed against President Emmerson Mnangagwa to whom he narrowly lost in a bitterly contested
poll.

Chamisa was elected the substantive leader of MDC Alliance at a congress held in Gweru in May 2019. Mwonzora contested for the post of secretary-general at the congress, but lost to Chalton Hwende.

He jumped ship to join Khupe’s MDC-T after the Supreme Court ruled that the process which made Chamisa acting party president after Tsvangirai death was illegal and, therefore, null and void.

Zec has previously stated that it does not register political parties.

The commission spokesperson Joyce Kazembe said as Zec, they had not received Mwonzora’s letter.

Sources from Chamisa’s camp yesterday told NewsDay that the party held a crucial meeting to discuss the elections on Tuesday.

“There were divisions over the issue. But it was finally agreed that Chamisa’s candidates will register under the MDC Alliance name. It was resolved that if Zec rejects them, the party has a fall-back plan,” the source revealed without mentioning the plan.

MDC Alliance spokesperson Fadzayi Mahere refused to comment on the issue.  She said the party would make an announcement at the right time.

-additional reporting Newsday

31st July Court Update

President Jacob Ngarivhume is back in court today for the trial of his Incitement to cause violence case.

The matter will be heard as follows;

~Rotten Row Magistrate Courts ~Court 14 ~12th January 2022 ~Time 0800hrs

It continues to be an arduous journey and the state continues to persecute those who fight corruption but we are not deterred.

Let’s stand in solidarity with our President.

TZ Communications

The Central Banker Report Cards, published annually by Global Finance since 1994, grade the central bank governors of 101 key countries and territories, including the European Union, the Eastern Caribbean Central Bank, the Bank of Central African States, and the Central Bank of West African States.

According to the report, only two central bankers made the top 10 global list: Abdellatif Jouahri, the Governor of Bank al-Maghrib (Morocco), and Tarek Amer, Governor of the Central Bank of Egypt (CBE). Meanwhile, the Central Bank of Zimbabwe’s Governor John Mangudya has the least rating (D) of all the African counterparts.

Abdellatif Jouahri

The report showed that Abdellatif Jouahri, the Governor of Bank al-Maghrib (Morocco), earned an “A grade,” which is the highest distinction awarded by “Central Banker Report Cards” for the fourth time in a row. He was credited for his efforts in tripling the supply of funds to commercial banks and expanding the range of bonds and securities the apex bank would accept in exchange for refinancing.

Governor of the Central Bank of Egypt (CBE) Tarek Amer also received an “A” grade for his efforts to restore Egypt’s macroeconomic stability.

Globally, the top ten central bankers with an “A” rating are Roberto Campos Neto (Brazil), Dimitar Radev (Bulgaria), Tiff Macklem (Canada), Mario Marcel Cullell (Chile), Yi Gang (China), Jiri Rusnok (Czech Republic) ), Tarek Amer (Egypt), Christine Lagarde (European Union), Mohammad Yousef Al-Hashel (Kuwait).

The magazine grades are based on an “A” to “F” scale for success in areas such as inflation control, economic growth goals, currency stability and interest rate management. (“A” represents an excellent performance down through “F” for outright failure.)

Let’s look at the performance ranking of other central bank governors in Africa, according to Central Banker Report Cards 2020.

1. Tarek Amer | EGYPT: GRADE (A–)

Tarek Amer

He oversaw a three-year IMF-backed reform program beginning in 2016 that restored macroeconomic stability to Egypt. In an emergency meeting on March 16, 2020, the central bank responded to the impact of the coronavirus by cutting its overnight deposit rate by 300 basis points to 9.25%. It also said it would postpone the payment of any credit liabilities on individuals and institutions, including mortgages, without any fines for delayed payments.

2. Abdellatif Jouahri | MOROCCO: GRADE (A)

Abdellatif Jouahri

Bank al-Maghrib, Morocco’s central bank, cut its policy rate 25 basis points in March to 2% to counter the effects of a drought and the coronavirus. In April, it tripled the supply of funds to commercial banks and expanded the range of bonds and securities it would accept in exchange for refinancing. The Professional Group of Moroccan Banks agreed to allow individuals and businesses to postpone payment of loan instalments for three months upon written request.

Governor Abdellatif Jouahri said in a statement on July 29 that Morocco’s economic performance was “not enough to meet the increasing social aspirations” of the population, suggesting that more economic stimulus measures, particularly those aimed at micro and small enterprises, were likely.

3. Patrick Njoroge | KENYA: GRADE (B+)

CBK Governor Dr Patrick Njoroge

As Kenya’s tea and flower exports resumed in late July, Central Bank Governor Patrick Njoroge said the country’s economic recovery would be driven by growing remittances from workers abroad and a bumper harvest of corn, the country’s staple.

The central bank lowered its benchmark rate 125 basis points to 7% at the onset of the crisis. It also lowered reserve requirements and permitted commercial banks to restructure distressed loans.

4. John Rwangombwa | RWANDA: GRADE (B+)

John Rwangombwa

Rwanda’s central bank responded quickly to address the effects of the coronavirus on its fast-growing economy. In March, it cut bank reserve requirements to ease liquidity constraints. In April, the central bank cut its benchmark interest rate by 50 basis points to a record low of 4.5%. It also allowed commercial banks to restructure outstanding loans for borrowers facing temporary cash-flow challenges arising from the pandemic.

The government announced a $52 million package for local banks to help support funding for business continuity. The World Bank provided $14.25 million of International Development Association credit in immediate funding to the Rwanda Covid-19 Emergency Response Project.

5. Lesetja Kganyago | SOUTH AFRICA: GRADE: (B+)

Lesetja Kganyago, Governor of the Reserve Bank of South Africa, poses for a photo in the Manhattan borough of New York October 6, 2015. REUTERS/Carlo Allegri

The South African Reserve Bank responded aggressively to the coronavirus-driven economic crisis, cutting interest rates five times through July to a record low of 3.5% as the economy weakened and kept inflation low. The country’s inflation rate fell to 2.1% in May, the lowest in more than 15 years.

Governor Lesetja Kganyago said the Reserve Bank’s purchases of government debt beginning in March were aimed at reducing the dysfunction in the market and were not quantitative easing. He said the country would feel the measures the central bank took only as the economy reopened. Kganyago was reappointed last November to a new five-year term as governor.

6. Ernest Addison | GHANA: GRADE (B–)

Bank of Ghana Governor, Ernest Addison

Governor Ernest Addison led a consolidation of Ghana’s banking system, which reduced the number of banks from 35 to 23 last year. As a result of the reforms, Ghana’s banks were better prepared for the recession. In mid-March, the central bank cut its policy rate 150 basis points to 14.5%. It also cut the primary reserve requirement to 8% from 10%, and the capital conservation buffers to 1.5% from 3%.

Nonperforming loans rose to 18.1% in June, with rising defaults from the hospitality and construction sectors. The central bank gave commercial banks more leeway in terms of classifying bad debts.

7. Florens Luoga | TANZANIA: GRADE (B–)

Florens Luoga

The Bank of Tanzania cut its discount rate for lending to banks 200 basis points to 5% in May. It also lowered reserve requirements 100 basis points to 6% to provide additional liquidity to banks. The central bank said it would provide regulatory flexibility to banks and other financial institutions for loan restructurings to borrowers experiencing financial difficulties due to the coronavirus. Mobile money operators were allowed to increase their daily transaction limits.

Tanzania’s GDP rose 5.7% in the first quarter, supported by demand for gold. GDP grew 7% in 2019, and the Finance Ministry expects growth to slow to 4% this year and inflation to remain below 10%.

8. Emmanuel Tumusiime Mutebile | UGANDA: GRADE: (C+)

Bank of Uganda Governor Emmanuel Tumusiime-Mutebile. (Africa tembelea)

The Bank of Uganda cut the central bank rate 100 basis points in April and another 100 basis points in June, bringing the rate down to 7%. After commercial banks failed to reduce their loan rates in response to the central bank’s easing, Governor Emmanuel Tumusiime-Mutebile sent a letter to bank CEOs on July 6 threatening to impose interest rate caps. The average bank lending rate rose from 17.7% in April to 18.8% in July. The Uganda Bankers’ Association said in a statement on its website that commercial banks would begin cutting their rates within 30 days.

9. Yinager Dessie | ETHIOPIA: GRADE (C)

Yinager Dessie

Governor Yinager Dessie says Ethiopia plans to set a central bank benchmark rate and introduce a floating-rate foreign exchange system in three years. The country has foreign currency shortages and double-digit inflation. On May 19, the central bank imposed limits on cash withdrawals and suspended foreclosures for three months. It provided additional liquidity to private banks to facilitate debt restructuring.

10. Godwin Emefiele | NIGERIA: GRADE (C)

Godwin Emefiele, CBN Governor

Under governor Godwin Emefiele’s watch, inflation rose to 12.3% in April, and the country’s foreign exchange reserves have fallen significantly. The central bank held its policy rate at 12.5% in July amid fears that lower rates could pressure the naira currency. However, private credit has declined sharply, despite efforts by the central bank to convince commercial banks to boost lending.

By A Correspondent- ZimEye will be livestreaming a press conference by MDC T leader Douglas Mwonzora at Harvest House this morning.

Refresh this page for latest updates on this story and more.

By A Correspondent- President Emmerson Mnangagwa had issued a warning to deal decisively with divisive elements within the ruling party before sacking State Security Minister, Owen Ncube on Monday.

In his address during last week’s ZANU Politburo meeting, Mnangagwa threatened to take action against officials fanning factionalism within the party.

Ncube was fired from the Government for “conduct that was deemed inappropriate for a Minister of Government”, according to a terse statement issued by Mnangagwa’s office.

No specific reason was given for Ncube’s dismissal but it is believed that his sacking had to do with recent disturbances that rocked ZANU PF Midlands provincial structures.

Ncube reportedly hired thugs that disrupted last Saturday’s Provincial Coordinating Committee meeting meant to elect members to fill vacant posts.

The meeting was abandoned following disturbances by the thugs without completing its agenda.

Addressing the Politburo meeting held before Ncube’s sacking to endorse provincial chairpersons that won the 28 December provincial elections, Mnangagwa said:

Let me further hasten to say that constitutionalism, unity, peace, harmony and development remain our absolute compass, now and going into the future.

Irregularities and political chicanery across party structures must be decisively dealt with and expunged from the party.

I urge the party leadership to always listen to the aspirations of the people at every level.

It is equally important that the party leadership and membership in general work concretely to achieve a better quality of life for our people.

It is after all the people who have entrusted us with the mandate to govern over our great country.-statemedia

By A Correspondent- Government representatives and the Zimbabwe Confederation of Public Sector Trade Unions (ZCPSTU) are set to meet this Wednesday for a fresh round of salary negotiations.

Civil servants are cautiously optimistic ahead of the National Joint Negotiating Committee (NJNC) meeting today after the Government paid their 2021 bonuses in US dollars and pledged to pay their COVID-19 allowances in foreign currency.

Speaking to Zimpapers Television Network (ZTN), Public Service, Labour and Social Welfare Minister, Paul Mavima said:

We have our position but obviously cannot disclose it before we meet with the employees.

Whatever the outcome, we shall go back to Cabinet where the issue will be discussed.

As the employer, we have the best interests of the civil servants at heart.

ZCPSTU secretary-general David Dzatsunga said they would rather wait to hear what the Government has decided to offer them than celebrate prematurely. Said Dzatsunga:

We are obviously cautiously optimistic because we are still happy with what is in the kitty and what they are going to bring. But we don’t want to celebrate prematurely.

Civil servants will from this month receive their US$75 monthly COVID-19 risk allowance in cash as well as pensioners their US$30 allowances.-statemedia

By- MDC-T leader Douglas Mwonzora has cliched on to the MDC-Alliance party name and said that no other party is allowed to use the name MDC or its derivatives in any election. 

Mwonzora announced this ahead of the March 26 by-elections in which MDC Alliance led by Nelson Chamisa intends to participate. 

Below is Mwonzora’s letter to the Zimbabwe Electoral Commission blocking Chamisa from using the name MDC-Alliance:

Re: Signatories for Candidates For the Movement for Democratic Change

We advise that in the forthcoming by-elections we intend to field candidates in Parliament and Local Government. We are the owners of the Movement for Democratic Change name. Over the years there has had so many derivatives put on it. However, the leadership of this party was defined by the Supreme Court in the judgment in SC 56/20. Pursuant to this judgment the party held its Extraordinary Congress on the 27’h of December 2020 where I was elected the substantive President of the Party. By virtue of the Composite Political Agreement signed on the 5’h of August 2017 and the subsequent meetings of the MDC Alliance, I assumed the leadership of the MDC Alliance.

We, therefore, advise that our signatories for the candidates of the Movement for Democratic Change and its derivatives in the coming elections and by-elections are:

Douglas Togaraseyi Mwonzora — President 

Morgen Komichi — National Chairman 

Paurina Mpariwa — Secretary-General 

Ghandi Mudzingwa — Secretary for Elections

We advise that no one else is allowed to sign for and present candidates for and on behalf of the MDC, any of its derivatives and the MDC Alliance.

We attach hereto the relevant signature forms for your information. 1 also attach the constitution of the MDC, the Supreme Court judgment and the Alliance Agreement.

By- The dismissal from Government of former National Security Minister, Owen Ncube on Monday followed warning by President Mnangagwa during last week’s Politburo meeting that the revolutionary party would decisively deal with rogue elements causing disharmony within its structures.

Ncube was fired from Government for “conduct that was deemed inappropriate for a Minister of Government”.
While no specific reason for his dismissal was given, Ncube is believed to have been behind recent disturbances that rocked Zanu PF Midlands provincial structures.
In his address during the Politburo meeting held before Ncube’s dismissal to endorse provincial chairpersons that won the recent intra-party elections, the President called for unity following the polls, but warned that disruptive elements would be dealt with.

“Let me further hasten to say that constitutionalism, unity, peace, harmony and development remain our absolute compass, now and going into the future. Irregularities and political chicanery across party structures must be decisively dealt with and expunged from the party.
“I urge the party leadership to always listen to the aspirations of the people at every level. It is equally important that the party leadership and membership in general work concretely to achieve a better quality of life for our people. It is after all the people who have entrusted us with the mandate to govern over our great country,” he said.
In addition, the President urged party cadres to embrace the results of the polls saying they should inspire them to learn, develop and mature in their political career.
“In all our dealings, members must conduct themselves honourably, informed by the party constitution, rules, procedures, principles and ethos,” President Mnangagwa said.

Reports from the Midlands claim that Ncube hired thugs that disrupted last Saturday’s Provincial Coordinating Committee meeting meant to elect cadres to fill vacant posts.
The meeting was aborted following disturbances by the thugs without completing its agenda.
Ncube was first appointed into Government as Midlands’ Provincial Affairs and Devolution Minister in 2017 before his elevation to the National Security Portfolio in 2018.

-State media