..Let’s move away from this programming and see what has made our elections disputable for these last years…

The Douglas Mwonzora MDC T party has confirmed its leader’s hint that it has negotiated for a canceling of the 2023 elections. Mwonzora appeared on ZimEye last week and held a 2 hour public engagement during which he appeared to contradict himself by saying, “there is no such thing as a postponement of elections.” (AUDIO)

 

https://youtu.be/PYIXkyZEA80

This time the MDC-T has stepped up efforts to get the 2023 polls postponed, saying they were a waste of time and should only be held after electoral reforms have been implemented, the local Newsday reports. FULL TEXT

 

https://youtu.be/C5zgGFHbioc

MDC-T national chairman Morgen Komichi yesterday told NewsDay that the party believed that dialogue with President Emmerson Mnangagwa was the way to go.

The opposition party led by Douglas Mwonzora is currently engaged in meetings, deliberating on Mnangagwa’s response to its plea to postpone by-elections and also the 2023 elections.

On June 11, Mnangagwa and Mwonzora held a closed-door meeting at State House in Harare at a closed meeting, and it was reported that the MDC-T leader had asked the President to scrap the pending by-elections for more than 40 parliamentary seats and more than 80 council seats triggered by his party’s recall of MPs and councillors belonging to the MDC Alliance.

This was followed by a proposal in July by MDC-T senators during a sitting of the Parliamentary Thematic Committee on Peace and Security for the postponement of elections citing COVID-19 regulations.

On Saturday, the opposition party met with provincial executives to discuss Mnangagwa’s response to its proposals.

Komichi yesterday told NewsDay that elections without reforms were a waste of time as they would be disputed.

“People need reforms, and it will be foolhardy for people to just be programmed. Let’s move away from this programming and see what has made our elections disputable for these last years,” he said.

“We must come to reality and say because we don’t have electoral reforms, the outcome is predetermined and can be manipulated, and it will be stupid for Zimbabweans to go for an election or a programme that they know the outcome is predetermined.

“The time is now for the people of Zimbabwe to go to the drawing table to say what are the serious issues affecting us, and then we do a process to welcome whoever the winner is.”

He said Zimbabwe was now poorer because of the country’s preoccupation with elections for the last two decades.

“For the last 20 years, people are not concentrating on the economy, and that is why the country is poorer and poorer. Soon after voting, there is a dispute, court challenges, Sadc is involved and people do not benefit from
that.

“People want national dialogue, a process that guarantees them better living and is predictable. With the experience of the 2008 dialogue, the 1987 unity dialogue among others, they are positive on the dialogue process to resolve conflict. We have a challenge as Zimbabweans right now that we are only two years before elections, but we have never sat down to dialogue over a thing like electoral reforms, and you know our elections have been disputed since time immemorial. To me, it will be very unreasonable for us as Zimbabweans to just assume things will be okay on their own without us taking action as far as the pushing for national dialogue is concerned.”

Komichi also said there were negative perceptions regarding the Political Actors Dialogue as a Mnangagwa thing.

“But let us come back and say it was an effort to create a dialogue platform. What can we do as Zimbabweans to make it more friendly and inclusive? Let’s move away from the politics of acrimony,” he said.

On a possible coalition government with Zanu PF, Komichi added: “That will be the product of the dialogue, but what we need is something that will benefit the people of Zimbabwe. Whatever comes of the dialogue that will benefit the people of Zimbabwe will be welcome.”

The MDC-T has been accused of working with Zanu PF to block the 2023 elections and also decimate the Nelson Chamisa-led MDC Alliance.

Mwonzora’s spokesperson Lloyd Damba yesterday confirmed the on-going meetings by the party, saying they were triggered by Mnangagwa’s response to the party’s request.

Mnangagwa is said to have responded by saying there should be dialogue between the two parties.

“As I said before that the response by President Mnangagwa triggered meetings of various organs of the party, starting with that of the national standing committee, which was then followed by the national executive committee in pursuance to ratifying the dialogue process which many Zimbabweans are eager to see kick start,” Damba said.

“Yesterday’s meeting was a consultative meeting in line with our core value as a party that seeks the mandate of the organs and the membership of the party to make decisions for the good of the people of Zimbabwe such as the very important decision to resolve Zimbabwe’s political, social and economic woes through dialogue with Zanu PF and other State players. – Newsday/Additional

By A Correspondent-Police in Gwanda have recovered 16 cattle and seven donkeys after a weeklong operation against cattle rustlers in Gwanda District that have terrorised farmers and villagers over the last few months.

A suspect, Prince Dube alias Vusa Mutopini, was arrested for stock theft while 55 others were picked for offences that included public violence after they reportedly attacked livestock owners that were looking for their missing beasts.

The operation, codenamed, Lets Fight Stock Thieves/ Asilwiseni Amasela Ezifuyo, was undertaken by more than 100 police officers, some on horseback, from 26 September.
The 16 cattle recovered are worth US$4 800 while the seven donkeys are valued at $28 700. A car, a Ford Ranger, was left behind by one of the suspected stock thieves as he fled with police in hot pursuit.

In a statement, the Zimbabwe Republic Police confirmed developments regarding the operation.
“The ZRP has intensified an operation code named ‘Lets Fight Stock Thieves/ Asilwiseni Amasela Ezifuyo’. From 26-29/09/21, 16 stolen cattle valued at US$4 800 and seven donkeys valued at $28 700 were recovered at Guyu area, Gwanda. An unregistered Ford Ranger vehicle was also recovered and revenue valued at $12 000 was raised from other offences during the operation,” the statement read.
Acting Matabeleland South provincial police spokesperson Sergeant Stanford Mguni told Sunday News that 11 of the cattle had been recovered from suspected rustler Dube.
“Eleven of the cattle and two of the donkeys were freshly branded. All these were recovered from one source while the others were recovered elsewhere,” he said.

After the operation, the recovered cattle were put on parade at Shanyawugwe Shopping Centre for the owners to identify them. Sgt Mguni said so far, five cattle and five donkeys had been identified by their owners.
He said the other 55 people were arrested for attacking cattle owners that were going around searching for their livestock.
Shanyawugwe has earned a reputation as the stock theft “headquarters of the province”. In the past month, there has been sad news circulating on social media relating to massive stock theft incidents in Gwanda District.
In one story farmers from Kafusi in the south western end of Gwanda District, came together and organised a vehicle to transport them around the district in search of their missing cattle.
This was after they had been losing animals in droves. Their search took them to as far as the Makhado area towards Beitbridge where it is alleged that they recovered some of their stolen animals in a feedlot owned by an unnamed farmer.
They had to force entry into the farm as workers denied them entry. Last week, Botswana President Mokgweetsi Masisi ordered an official inquiry into livestock theft on his country’s border with Zimbabwe.

“The terms of reference for the commission of inquiry is to establish the problem of livestock rustling in the Bobirwa villages along the Botswana/Zimbabwe border and determine the extent of the problem,” a statement accompanying the appointment of the commission read.

By A Correspondent- Opposition MDC Alliance leader Nelson Chamisa has weakened the vibrant and outspoken party’s Vice Chairman, Job Sikhala and appointed Sesel Zvidzai to the same position.

Zvidzai, a former Deputy Minister of Local Government and Urban Development, confirmed the appointment in a Facebook post on Friday. Read the post:
After two days pasting together the jigsaw puzzle for the change we all need. Change that will deliver for us all, the Zimbabwe family.
Happy to make my contribution in my newly appointed post of VC of the Party of excellence by President Chamisa

Chamisa also appointed pro-democracy human rights lawyer and legislator for Hwange Central Fortune Daniel Molokele as the new Deputy Treasurer-General. Molekele confirmed the appointment:
Confirmation of my Appointment …
I am so humbled to confirm that President Advocate Nelson Chamisa has appointed me as the new Deputy Treasurer General of the MDC Alliance with immediate effect. Thank you.
There have been mixed reactions to the appointments with some suggesting that the appointment of Zvidzai is a blow for Job’ Wiwa’ Sikhala who is the elected Vice-Chairperson.
Some said Chamisa was violating the party’s constitution as the holders of that office must the elected by the people.

By A Correspondent- Pictures of Zanu PF’s Director of Information and Publicity, Tafadzwa Mugwadi has set social media ablaze with some saying he is struggling in life yet wants to make the public believe his party can transform their lives.

One Cde Never Maswerasei posted on Twitter saying the former MDC official was disgusting. He said:

Dear Tafadzwa Mugwadi: Mfanha iwe ndakambokuudza kuti hauna kurongeka brain dzako zvino chiona manje. Takatadzeiko kutinyadzisa zvakadai? Chii ichi babamudiki? Murikutanda botso here? Munhu waDirector of Comms for an entire ruling party. Ndikauyako ndoda kukurova zvekuti heki. [I once told you that you’re not organised. What have we done to deserve this embarassment? What’s happening young brother? Are you being tormented by some spirits? A whole Director of Communication for an entire party. I will beat you thoroughly when I come there.]

The governing party posted the same picture wishing him “the best of studies.”

MDC Alliance NewZealand posted the picture and said:

Communications @TafadzwaMugwadi. He lives in such insalubrious conditions which could be his source of anger everytime he opens his mouth. The guy insults and defend the corrupt @ZANUPF_Officials who live in Mansions & drives the latest top range cars.

Some said the pictures portrayed the life led by most of the supporters of the governing ZANU PF part adding that they need help for them to see how ZANU PF is destroying their lives.

Some defended the former Zimbabwe National Students Union (ZINASU) leader, saying he was at least not living a fake life.

Living standards in Zimbabwe have been deteriorating for the past two decades and many attribute the sad state of affairs to maladministration by the ruling ZANU PF.

Speaking to ZimEye later, Mugwadi said he was not at all at home, insisting that the building is in fact Manfred Hall, at the University Of Zimbabwe.

Tinashe Sambiri| The Ngaapinde songwriter has dropped another bombshell…

While Zanu PF is battling to discredit # Ngaapinde Hake Mukomana, the tireless songwriter has produced yet another gem titled Famba Nero…

By A Correspondent- Vice President and Health Minister Constantino Chiwenga has been dragged to court by a Kwekwe based teacher, Mercy Mjikwa, over new Covid-19 rules targeting unvaccinated citizens.

In an urgent chamber application, Mjikwa and Tolerance Nyamukapa are seeking to overturn the regulations, which bar unvaccinated people to sit-in in restaurants to be declared unlawful.

Mjikwa argues the rule could affect her ability to participate in public gatherings, enter public places, and she might lose her job.

On September 17, Chiwenga, who is also Zimbabwe Vice President, issued Statutory Instrument (SI) 228B,  which ordered all restaurants and hotels offering restaurant services to serve customers on a sit-in basis only if they exhibit proof of having been fully vaccinated.

The SI also allows public gatherings for a maximum of 100 people subject to strict adherence with Covid-19 regulations such as wearing of face masks, temperature checks, sanitising of hands, and social distancing.

“I submit that the compulsory vaccine mandate contained in the Statutory Instrument above is inconsistent with the provisions of the Constitution and, therefore, invalid to that extent,” the High Court application reads.

“For the government to impose vaccination…is not only to invade my dignity but to also attack it irreparably.”

Mjikwa also cited Home Affairs Minister Kazembe Kazembe, Justice Minister Ziyambi Ziyambi, and Attorney-General Prince Machaya as the respondents.

She told the court the new mandate should be declared illegal as it disregards the public’s constitutional rights to choose and unofficially forces people to get vaccinated.

“I am now required to be vaccinated before I can be allowed to enter facilities such as health spas, theatres, gymnasiums, and public gatherings at the discretion of the convener of the gathering.

“In short, these regulations are unmistakably coercive and cannot reasonably be considered anything other than an unlawful mandate.

“If I refuse the inoculation, I am subjected to disciplinary proceedings including termination of my employment. The conduct referred above, therefore, flouts the Constitution and the declaration of my fundamental rights.”

Mjikwa is begging the courts to nullify the mandate and declare that SI 228B unconstitutional as it breaches sections 134, 51, 56, 58, 66, 68, and 71 of the Constitution.

The readmission of MDC Alliance vice-president Tendai Biti and five other recalled People’s Democratic Party (PDP) MPs to Parliament has been blocked again after Benjamin Rukanda appealed the High Court judgment that reinstated the MPs at the Supreme Court.

Last week, High Court judge Justice Joseph Mafusire ordered that Biti and his five colleagues be readmitted as MPs.

---

Justice Mafusire said Rukanda had no basis to recall the MPs that include former Mbizo MP Settlement Chikwinya, Willias Madzimure (Kambuzuma), Kucaca Phulu (Nkulumane), Regai Tsunga (Mutasa South), and Sichelesile Mahlangu (Pumula).

Chikwinya Friday said they were only notified of the appeal by Rukanda after a decision had been made. He said:

Rukanda, Lucia Matibenga and other Zanu PF sponsored individuals who are working against the MDC Alliance and the elected people of Zimbabwe who were in Parliament did the obvious and appealed against the judgment of Judge Mafusire.

He said this was the third time that Rukanda and Matibenga had appealed against the ruling and under the circumstances, their return to Parliament remained on hold.

Over 40 MDC Alliance MPs have been recalled since last year after a Supreme Court judgment that nullified the appointment of Nelson Chamisa as MDC-T leader.

By A Correspondent- Prominent Bulawayo lawyer Tavengwa Hara has distanced himself from the shadowy Citizens for Convergence for Change (CCC) that listed him as its lawyer upon notifying the Zimbabwe Electoral Commission (Zec) of its existence and intention to contest the 2023 elections.

The CCC has often been cited as an alternative party name to the Nelson Chamisa-led MDC Alliance owing to unending contestation for the name with the Douglas Mwonzora-led MDC.

Mwonzora recently laid claim to the MDC Alliance name.

In a letter addressed to Zec dated 20 September, CCC secretary-general Farai Zhou named Varaidzo Musungo and Hara as presidential candidate and lawyer respectively.

“In the interests of better communication, we are sourcing offices in Harare and will advise once we have these. In the meantime, we ask that you contact us through our legal practitioners, Messrs T Hara and Partners, 2nd Floor, CIPF Centre, J. Moyo, 10th Street, Bulawayo,” the letter reads.

President Emmerson Mnangagwa’s spokesperson George Charamba and Zanu-PF secretary for administration Obert Mpofu also posted the same letter on Twitter, fuelling speculation that the CCC was a government-sponsored vehicle to undermine Chamisa.

In fact, Charamba posted the letter on Twitter while it was being typed and before it had reached Zec.

Hara told The NewsHawks he knows nothing about CCC or the people involved in the project, strengthening the suspicion that it is yet another ploy to destabilise the opposition.

“Besides the lawyer-client confidentiality issues, is that letter signed? It (letter) is not even signed. I don’t know anything about it (CCC). I cannot waste my time commenting on things I have no knowledge of things that are on social media,” Hara told The NewsHawks.

Zhou, in the Zec letter, put a Vuhera (Buhera) post box office address.

Bulawayo analyst Effie Ncube said the revelations by Hara confirmed opposition fears of state and Zanu-PF-sponsored manoeuvres to undermine and frustrate the democratic opposition from fighting for a better life for long-suffering Zimbabweans.

“Well, it was very clear from the beginning that this was a fraudulent exercise that is meant to undermine democratic opposition,” Ncube said.

“It is a state-sponsored exercise so that it keeps the opposition divided, so that it keeps the opposition unable to focus on the mis-governance and on corruption so that the opposition does not spotlight the poverty and unemployment and hunger but keeps fighting for its survival.

“The MDC should take advantage of the gaps and really protect the people’s logo or name, as it were, so that no one takes advantage of it going forward.”

Exiled minister Jonathan Moyo once urged the MDC Alliance to legally register the CCC.
In a recent interview in Bulawayo, Chamisa (Chamisa) all but confirmed that the opposition party was moving towards unveiling a citizen-led movement.

“We are in the process of building a citizen movement, a people’s movement, a citizen alliance across the board. We want an omnibus, a broad church that accommodates everyone, a broad organisation that accommodates everyone so that we are able to deliver change,” Chamisa said in the interview.

“Some are saying it is a new name, no, it’s a new direction. Some are saying are you going to give us a different name , yes, it’s a different force altogether that galvanises all the people of Zimbabwe. A lot is happening; there will be no confusion for the people when the time to decide to vote comes.”

A number of new opposition parties are being launched as the country heads towards the 2023 general elections.

The 2018 elections had a total of 23 presidential candidates

By A Correspondent- The minister of Defence, Oppah Muchinguri-Kashiri, has surprised the nation by blaming the late former President Robert Mugabe for the failed country’s economy.

Muchinguri was giving a vote of thanks after President Emmerson Mnangagwa commissioned a Dairy Production and Milk Value Addition Centre of Excellence at the Chinhoyi University of Technology (CUT) farm last week when she said this.

She said she was recently left tongue-tied when she was asked tough questions on government performance in the past 40 years by the public.

She, however, said the country had realised meaningful development in the past three years that Mnangagwa has been in power.

“President, I was being asked what we were doing in the last 40 years because there was no development. The only meaningful development being witnessed only started three years ago…where were you Cde Muchinguri, I was asked,” said Muchinguri-Kashiri.
“I had no answer to that, President, but I later said, maybe God wanted things to be done in the second republic. I am sure that was a good answer I gave.”

Both Muchinguri-Kashiri and Mnangagwa were key members of Mugabe’s government since 1980. The same government was accused of running down the economy, gross human rights violations among other challenges.

-The Standard

By A Correspondent- Expecting mothers at Manama Hospital in Matabeleland South survived by a whisker after the maternity ward they were in had its roof blown away by strong winds on Sunday Afternoon.

Heavy rains accompanied by strong winds pounded the area just after 4 pm leaving a trail of destruction at the hospital.

There were no injuries reported.

Sources at the hospital who spoke to CITE said they were caught surprise as there were no signs of rain prior to the incident.

“There were no signs of rain prior to the incident. The weather suddenly changed and strong winds started blowing and they destroyed the roof of the maternity ward,” said the source.

Meanwhile, the patients who were at the maternity ward were moved to another ward.

Contacted for a comment, Matabeleland South Provincial Medical Director, Dr Rudo Chikodzore said she is yet to get a full report.

“I just received a call now. The team is on the ground yet to send full details,” said Dr Chikodzore.

The Zimbabwe Electoral Commission must be apolitical and should not dance to the whims of the ruling party.

By Leonard Koni- By not allowing MDC-Alliance which has more than two million people to the stakeholders meeting and not recognizing the party is just a recipe of disaster. The party represents a big number of people than those who attended the meeting. Priscilla Chigumba must be ashamed of herself.

The last week’s behaviour leaves a lot to be desired and it really exposes it’s double standards of discharging it’s duties and cannot be trusted by electoral players in Zimbabwe.

Its existence in Zimbabwe is now a complete joke, nightmare and a disaster.

This is prima farcie evidence that the institution has been captured since time immemorial by the ruling party hence the call for electoral and media reforms should be instituted before it’s too late.

Its unfortunate that the electorak body is now acting like a Zanu PF cell which always wait for a command from those who have the levers of political power.

ZEC has officially come a referee a player at the same time and has ceased its constitutional duty of supervising and running elections to the satisfaction of Zimbabweans.

The recruitment of ZEC officers must also be questioned, interrogated and scrutinised. It looks like the institution is wholly manned by central intelligence officers who appear to be enablers of the regime. It must stop being partisan and deliver its mandate without fear or favour.

It is critical that the Zimbabwe Electoral Commission must be proactive and ensure that there is a level playing field for all contesting political parties. ZEC must be an examplary leader in electoral democracy and supervising elections from time to time.

In 2008 ZEC deliberately delayed to announce the Presidential elections  pitting the two late rivals Morgan Tsvangirayi of MDC and Robert Mugabe of Zanu PF. On March 29, 2008 unofficial preliminary results indicated a favourable result for Tsvangirayi.

Results were not officially released until May 2, when it was announced that Tsvangirai had garnered more votes (47.9 percent) than Mugabe (43.2 percent).

Gift Konjana who contested the 2018 parliamentary election under an MDC Alliance ticket, and a flawed counting process by (ZEC) saw the electoral body declaring Nduna of Zanu PF, the winner.

Soon after the count and declaration of     Nduna as the winner, Konjana demanded a recount and he came out a winner. ZEC admitted to the anomaly but up to now the case is still being swept under the carpet.

This underlines the level of toxicity in the Zimbabwe Electoral Commission.

By A Correspondent- The MDC Alliance accused President Emmerson Mnangagwa of “banning our movement” on Thursday after officials were blocked from attending a meeting of the Zimbabwe Electoral Commission (ZEC) in Harare.

Police arrested three MDC Alliance officials outside the ZEC offices, apparently to foil a flash demonstration. In the rumpus, 10 journalists were also rounded up and held at a police station for two hours before being released without charge.

The MDC Alliance said one of its officials, Wilias Madzimure, had been barred from a stakeholder meeting called by ZEC to discuss “topical issues” ahead of elections in 2023.

Just days earlier, a memo from ZEC official Majefure Sunduza to the independent elections body’s acting CEO Jane Chigidi leaked. In it, Sunduza asked: “Now that we have started planning for stakeholder engagement, what is our position on MDC Alliance?

“We are aware that they have taken us to court and the courts do not recognise them. However, in the absence of a prompt response from the powers that be, we will not invite MDC Alliance to our provincial stakeholders meetings. As always, your timely assistance is appreciated.”

MDC Alliance vice president Tendai Biti said: “The exclusion of the democratic movement from ZEC’s provincial consultations is another crude reminder of the barbarism and unrelenting quest by Emmerson Mnangagwa of totally banning our movement.”

Biti maintained that the MDC Alliance was “the biggest party in Zimbabwe”, adding: “No amount of chicanery will stop change in Zimbabwe.”

MDC Alliance spokesperson Fadzayi Mahere said ZEC’s admission that there were “powers that be” influencing the conduct of a constitutional body betrayed its lack of impartiality.

“It is manifestly unconstitutional for ZEC to prejudice the lawful interests of the MDC Alliance by excluding us from the engagement process. Regrettably, ZEC has betrayed its captured hand through this unprofessional conduct and exposed its bias against the people’s party,” Mahere said.

In a statement, ZEC chief elections officer Utoile Silaigwana did not specifically address the MDC Alliance allegations that Madzimure was barred. Instead, he said broadly: “Contrary to some press reports, no political party has been barred from attending these meetings which are currently in progress throughout the country.”

Silaigwana said ZEC would hold the meetings in each province once a month, adding: “The commission will ensure that all stakeholders get an opportunity to be invited at the roundtable whose purpose is to share information and discuss topical electoral issues. It is the commission’s mandate to interact with all stakeholders in an impartial manner.”

By A Correspondent- Prominent human rights activist and former broadcaster Jestina Mukoko has condemned the harassment of Marry Chiwenga by the Zanu PF regime.

Marry is being denied access to treatment by individuals reportedly receiving orders from her former husband Constantino Chiwenga.

Mukoko described the harassment of Marry as heartbreaking.

“Heartbreaking. As a woman and mother I stand with Marry Chiwenga she deserves to access treatment where she chooses and she has a right to access her children. This is cruel inhuman treatment. What does this say about our leaders?@edmnangagwa,” Mukoko wrote on Twitter.

Women’s rights defender
Namatai Kwekweza also wrote:
“This is not okay! This is heartbreaking”

Tinashe Sambiri| The Ngaapinde songwriter has dropped another bombshell…

While Zanu PF is battling to discredit # Ngaapinde Hake Mukomana, the tireless songwriter has produced yet another gem titled Famba Nero…

ABOUT five million households in different parts of the country are expected to benefit from the Presidential Rural Poultry and Goat Pass-On scheme that will see the Government dishing out goats and chicks to empower rural families.

Beneficiaries will receive the goats and poultry for free, but will be expected to pass-on to the next recipients when the breeds give birth.

Initially, the poultry programme will target households in Matabeleland North, Matabeleland South, Masvingo and Midlands provinces where 1,8 million households are expected to benefit from this year to 2025.

The Goat Pass-On scheme is expected to uplift the rural folk in all the country’s eight rural provinces with three million households expected to benefit from this year until 2025.

Under the poultry scheme, the Government has deliberately targeted the four southern provinces to mitigate against the impact of climate change, because parts of these areas traditionallyreceive low rains.

In an interview, the Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Lands, Agriculture, Fisheries, Water and Rural Development, Dr John Basera, said the two schemes are funded by President Mnangagwa.

“I think you have noticed that this is a Presidential Scheme funded by His Excellency President Mnangagwa. It’s a subsidised scheme. We have deliberately started with the southern part of the country because these are provinces which receive little rain. Livestock thrives in these provinces. However, we are not leaving Mashonaland provinces outside, they will also be catered for as we go,” Dr Basera said.

-State Media

ABOUT five million households in different parts of the country are expected to benefit from the Presidential Rural Poultry and Goat Pass-On scheme that will see the Government dishing out goats and chicks to empower rural families.

Beneficiaries will receive the goats and poultry for free, but will be expected to pass-on to the next recipients when the breeds give birth.

Initially, the poultry programme will target households in Matabeleland North, Matabeleland South, Masvingo and Midlands provinces where 1,8 million households are expected to benefit from this year to 2025.

The Goat Pass-On scheme is expected to uplift the rural folk in all the country’s eight rural provinces with three million households expected to benefit from this year until 2025.

Under the poultry scheme, the Government has deliberately targeted the four southern provinces to mitigate against the impact of climate change, because parts of these areas traditionallyreceive low rains.

In an interview, the Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Lands, Agriculture, Fisheries, Water and Rural Development, Dr John Basera, said the two schemes are funded by President Mnangagwa.

“I think you have noticed that this is a Presidential Scheme funded by His Excellency President Mnangagwa. It’s a subsidised scheme. We have deliberately started with the southern part of the country because these are provinces which receive little rain. Livestock thrives in these provinces. However, we are not leaving Mashonaland provinces outside, they will also be catered for as we go,” Dr Basera said.

-State Media

Zimbabwean preacher Apostle Talent Chiwenga has said the younger generation must have a say in the affairs of this country adding that ZANU PF’s ideas are too old for this generation.

In a video circulating on social media, Chiwenga said the future of this country belongs to those under the age of forty hence the need to allow them to participate in political and development discourses.

He said it was wrong to believe that the young generation is too young to determine the future they want considering that most of the war veterans went to war when they were mere teenagers.

His remarks come when Zimbabwe is preparing for the 2023 general elections with the opposition hoping to dislodge the governing ZANU PF from power for the first time in history.

ZANU PF has been in power since 1980 when the country got independence from Britain. The party claims it is poised for another landslide victory.- Pindula News

By A Correspondent- At least five people were killed while property valued at over US$230 000 was destroyed by veld fires that consumed over 750 000 hectares of land this year, the state media reports.

More than 3 100 wildfires were recorded during this year’s fire season up from 848 last year.

A total of 858 farmers have also been fined for failing to put in place standard fireguards, and for starting fires that caused extensive damage to the environment.

Environmental Management Authority (EMA) environmental education and publicity manager, Mrs Amkela Sidange, told The Sunday Mail that incidences of veld fires were on the increase.

“A total of 370 veld fire incidents that burnt 99 342,88 hectares of land were reported in the week ending October 1 2021,” she said.

“Since the beginning of the veld fire season, a total of 3 175 fire incidents burning 757 751 hectares of land were recorded. The cumulative burnt area translates to a 54,05 percent increase compared to the same period in 2020 where 491 883,06 hectares were burnt from the recorded 848 veld fires.

“Veld fires have destroyed agricultural produce, equipment, household property and plantations worth US$234 057.”

The majority of the veld fires have been recorded in resettlement areas in Mashonaland West, Manicaland and Mashonaland East provinces.

“The major causes of the veld fires were anthropogenic in nature being land clearing (31,58 percent), arson (15,79 percent), illegal mining (36,84 percent), poor ash disposal (15,79 percent) and children playing with fire,” Mrs Sidange said.

Presidential spokesperson George Charamba has lost his former wife with whom he birthed three of his children.

Charamba, who is Deputy Chief Secretary-Presidential Communications in the Office of the President of Zimbabwe, announced the sad news through his Twitter handle this Sunday morning.

The incident happened within hours after the top public official had buried his brother.

“WHEN IT POURS: Barely 12 hours after burying my brother Tinashe “Zvichemo” Charamba, the mother of my first three kids in my first marriage, Dr Rudo Grace-Gwata Charamba is late. She passed on in the early hours of this morning at Westend Hospital where she had been admitted for…kidney-related complications. May her soul rest in eternal peace,” he said.

It is the second time in a space of four years for the long serving public official to lose a partner.In May 2017, Charamba lost his wife, Idaishe Olivia Charamba, who succumbed to liver complications.Idaishe, who was a lawyer, died aged 45.Just like his just deceased former wife, Idaishe died at West End Hospital in Harare.

-Zimstar News

Amazing thing about this thread is the total absence of varakashi. I wonder if it’s to do with Mugwadi being unworthy of defending or being indefensible. Or does the subject come too close to the their own living conditions?

— Handina Zita (@HandinaZ) October 3, 2021

Now l understand why Mugwadi behaves zvinonyadzisa. Mukomana wemutoriro and he is so close to be a street kid.

— ?????? ???????? (@kabswamie) October 3, 2021

Unlike others l will not laugh at Mugwadi. It's like making fun of mental health illness. This is a pandemic among young people across political divide. Young people must liberate themselves we can't continue surviving on the benevolence of the geriatrics!#RegisterToVoteZW pic.twitter.com/QOzcgu0jiX

— David Siampondo???? (@davidsiampondo_) October 3, 2021

https://twitter.com/Denzoo99/status/1444547981215158273?s=20

Tafadzwa Mugwadi surely he is a zanupf abused and used murakashi who is staying in the gutters when he lives in a pig sty why did social media expected something better from him, its only a jacket and tie to cover up dirty pic.twitter.com/vKcPPwfstq

— Noel Mwendamberi (@NoelMwendas) October 3, 2021

Tafadzwa Mugwadi surely he is a zanupf abused and used murakashi who is staying in the gutters when he lives in a pig sty why did social media expected something better from him, its only a jacket and tie to cover up dirty pic.twitter.com/vKcPPwfstq

— Noel Mwendamberi (@NoelMwendas) October 3, 2021

A 14-YEAR-OLD Guruve form one student committed suicide by hanging on Friday.

Rodney Bernard’s body was found hanging on a tree in Guruve growth point after he was confronted by his parents over a missing US$5.

Mashonaland Central police spokesperson Inspector Milton Mundembe confirmed the case.

A witness Farai Dumbura said the now deceased went missing for two days before being found hanging on a tree by a passerby.

“The deceased had a misunderstanding with his parents over a missing US$5 and decided to hang himself his body was discovered by a passerby two days later,” Dumbura said.

Police warned people to respect human life and avoid suicide.- Bulawayo24

By A Correspondent- A Harare magistrate Friday postponed to October 13 the case in which MDC Alliance legislator for Harare West Joanah Mamombe is accused of faking her own abduction.

Mamombe, who appeared before magistrate Stanford Mambanje, is being charged together with other party activists Cecilia Chimbiri and Netsai Marova.

Prosecutor Michael Reza had asked the court to proceed to trial claiming an application made at the High Court by the trio to stop the proceedings had been dismissed.

Reza, however, did not have the court order, claiming he could not bring it to court, but had made a loud phone call with the prosecutor dealing with the case at the High Court in the presence of the accused’s lawyer.

The accused persons’ lawyer Jeremiah Bhamu, however, accused the State of misleading the court, claiming Friday’s remand was for the purpose of confirming the status of the matter at the High Court. Bhamu said:

With respect to whether the trial can proceed, the record will show that last time, we appeared before magistrate Vongai Muchuchuti-Guwuriro, who said she should wait for the matter to be concluded by the High Court.

Today was not a trial date, but to advise the court of the status of the High Court application. No order has been placed before you or if the State has that order.

Ruling on the matter, Mambanje said if the matter is coming for trial, it should have gone to the right court. He added:

I didn’t know the matter was coming for trial. This court will be bound by the High Court order to stay the proceedings.

The trio claims it was abducted by suspected state security agents from a police station after their arrest at a demonstration in Warren Park last year May.

They were found dumped in rural Bindura and the state claims they faked their abduction.

By A Correspondent- Prominent Bulawayo lawyer Tavengwa Hara has distanced himself from the shadowy Citizens for Convergence for Change (CCC) that listed him as its lawyer upon notifying the Zimbabwe Electoral Commission (Zec) of its existence and intention to contest the 2023 elections.

The CCC has often been cited as an alternative party name to the Nelson Chamisa-led MDC Alliance owing to unending contestation for the name with the Douglas Mwonzora-led MDC.

Mwonzora recently laid claim to the MDC Alliance name.

In a letter addressed to Zec dated 20 September, CCC secretary-general Farai Zhou named Varaidzo Musungo and Hara as presidential candidate and lawyer respectively.

“In the interests of better communication, we are sourcing offices in Harare and will advise once we have these. In the meantime, we ask that you contact us through our legal practitioners, Messrs T Hara and Partners, 2nd Floor, CIPF Centre, J. Moyo, 10th Street, Bulawayo,” the letter reads.

President Emmerson Mnangagwa’s spokesperson George Charamba and Zanu-PF secretary for administration Obert Mpofu also posted the same letter on Twitter, fuelling speculation that the CCC was a government-sponsored vehicle to undermine Chamisa.

In fact, Charamba posted the letter on Twitter while it was being typed and before it had reached Zec.

Hara told The NewsHawks he knows nothing about CCC or the people involved in the project, strengthening the suspicion that it is yet another ploy to destabilise the opposition.

“Besides the lawyer-client confidentiality issues, is that letter signed? It (letter) is not even signed. I don’t know anything about it (CCC). I cannot waste my time commenting on things I have no knowledge of things that are on social media,” Hara told The NewsHawks.

Zhou, in the Zec letter, put a Vuhera (Buhera) post box office address.

Bulawayo analyst Effie Ncube said the revelations by Hara confirmed opposition fears of state and Zanu-PF-sponsored manoeuvres to undermine and frustrate the democratic opposition from fighting for a better life for long-suffering Zimbabweans.

“Well, it was very clear from the beginning that this was a fraudulent exercise that is meant to undermine democratic opposition,” Ncube said.

“It is a state-sponsored exercise so that it keeps the opposition divided, so that it keeps the opposition unable to focus on the mis-governance and on corruption so that the opposition does not spotlight the poverty and unemployment and hunger but keeps fighting for its survival.

“The MDC should take advantage of the gaps and really protect the people’s logo or name, as it were, so that no one takes advantage of it going forward.”

Exiled minister Jonathan Moyo once urged the MDC Alliance to legally register the CCC.
In a recent interview in Bulawayo, Chamisa (Chamisa) all but confirmed that the opposition party was moving towards unveiling a citizen-led movement.

“We are in the process of building a citizen movement, a people’s movement, a citizen alliance across the board. We want an omnibus, a broad church that accommodates everyone, a broad organisation that accommodates everyone so that we are able to deliver change,” Chamisa said in the interview.

“Some are saying it is a new name, no, it’s a new direction. Some are saying are you going to give us a different name , yes, it’s a different force altogether that galvanises all the people of Zimbabwe. A lot is happening; there will be no confusion for the people when the time to decide to vote comes.”

A number of new opposition parties are being launched as the country heads towards the 2023 general elections.

The 2018 elections had a total of 23 presidential candidates

https://twitter.com/DMwonzora/status/1444552346353246214?s=20

Pictures of ZANU PF’s Director of Information and Publicity, Tafadzwa Mugwadi have set social media ablaze with some saying he is struggling in life yet he wants to make the public believe his party can transform their lives.

One Cde Never Maswerasei posted on Twitter saying the former MDC official was disgusting. He said:

"If you want to get read of Mugwadi to save a puppets narrative, give him books and put the examination time table," said a puppet.

Me: "If you want to explore the beast in me, set an exam." pic.twitter.com/SfHBOAlIuh

— Hon. Tafadzwa Mugwadi (@TafadzwaMugwadi) October 1, 2021

Dear Tafadzwa Mugwadi: Mfanha iwe ndakambokuudza kuti hauna kurongeka brain dzako zvino chiona manje. Takatadzeiko kutinyadzisa zvakadai? Chii ichi babamudiki? Murikutanda botso here? Munhu waDirector of Comms for an entire ruling party. Ndikauyako ndoda kukurova zvekuti heki. [I once told you that you’re not organised. What have we done to deserve this embarassment? What’s happening young brother? Are you being tormented by some spirits? A whole Director of Communication for an entire party. I will beat you thoroughly when I come there.]

The governing party posted the same picture wishing him “the best of studies.”

MDC Alliance NewZealand posted the picture  and said:

Communications @TafadzwaMugwadi. He lives in such insalubrious conditions which could be his source of anger everytime he opens his mouth. The guy insults and defend the corrupt @ZANUPF_Officials who live in Mansions & drives the latest top range cars.

Some said the pictures portrayed the life led by most of the supporters of the governing ZANU PF part adding that they need help for them to see how ZANU PF is destroying their lives.

Some defended the former former Zimbabwe National Students Union (ZINASU) leader saying he was at least not living a fake life.

Living standards in Zimbabwe have been deteriorating for the past two decades and many attribute the sad state of affairs to maladministration by the ruling ZANU PF

The readmission of MDC Alliance vice-president Tendai Biti and five other recalled People’s Democratic Party (PDP) MPs to Parliament has been blocked again after Benjamin Rukanda appealed the High Court judgment that reinstated the MPs at the Supreme Court.

Last week, High Court judge Justice Joseph Mafusire ordered that Biti and his five colleagues be readmitted as MPs.

---

Justice Mafusire said Rukanda had no basis to recall the MPs that include former Mbizo MP Settlement Chikwinya, Willias Madzimure (Kambuzuma), Kucaca Phulu (Nkulumane), Regai Tsunga (Mutasa South), and Sichelesile Mahlangu (Pumula).

Chikwinya Friday said they were only notified of the appeal by Rukanda after a decision had been made. He said:

Rukanda, Lucia Matibenga and other Zanu PF sponsored individuals who are working against the MDC Alliance and the elected people of Zimbabwe who were in Parliament did the obvious and appealed against the judgment of Judge Mafusire.

He said this was the third time that Rukanda and Matibenga had appealed against the ruling and under the circumstances, their return to Parliament remained on hold.

Over 40 MDC Alliance MPs have been recalled since last year after a Supreme Court judgment that nullified the appointment of Nelson Chamisa as MDC-T leader.

By A Correspondent- The minister of DEfence, Oppah Muchinguri-Kashiri, has surprised the nation by blaming the late former President Robert Mugabe for the failed country’s economy.

Muchinguri was giving a vote of thanks after President Emmerson Mnangagwa commissioned a Dairy Production and Milk Value Addition Centre of Excellence at the Chinhoyi University of Technology (CUT) farm last week when she said this.

She said she was recently left tongue-tied when she was asked tough questions on government performance in the past 40 years by the public.

She, however, said the country had realised meaningful development in the past three years that Mnangagwa has been in power.

“President, I was being asked what we were doing in the last 40 years because there was no development. The only meaningful development being witnessed only started three years ago…where were you Cde Muchinguri, I was asked,” said Muchinguri-Kashiri.
“I had no answer to that, President, but I later said, maybe God wanted things to be done in the second republic. I am sure that was a good answer I gave.”

Both Muchinguri-Kashiri and Mnangagwa were key members of Mugabe’s government since 1980. The same government was accused of running down the economy, gross human rights violations among other challenges.

-The Standard

By A Correspondent- At least five people were killed while property valued at over US$230 000 was destroyed by veld fires that consumed over 750 000 hectares of land this year, the state media reports.

More than 3 100 wildfires were recorded during this year’s fire season up from 848 last year.

A total of 858 farmers have also been fined for failing to put in place standard fireguards, and for starting fires that caused extensive damage to the environment.

Environmental Management Authority (EMA) environmental education and publicity manager, Mrs Amkela Sidange, told The Sunday Mail that incidences of veld fires were on the increase.

“A total of 370 veld fire incidents that burnt 99 342,88 hectares of land were reported in the week ending October 1 2021,” she said.
“Since the beginning of the veld fire season, a total of 3 175 fire incidents burning 757 751 hectares of land were recorded. The cumulative burnt area translates to a 54,05 percent increase compared to the same period in 2020 where 491 883,06 hectares were burnt from the recorded 848 veld fires.
“Veld fires have destroyed agricultural produce, equipment, household property and plantations worth US$234 057.”
The majority of the veld fires have been recorded in resettlement areas in Mashonaland West, Manicaland and Mashonaland East provinces.

“The major causes of the veld fires were anthropogenic in nature being land clearing (31,58 percent), arson (15,79 percent), illegal mining (36,84 percent), poor ash disposal (15,79 percent) and children playing with fire,” Mrs Sidange said.

By A Correspondent- Harare City Council has secured a court order to evict thousands of families who were settled illegally on its Crowborough Farm’s Lot 2 of Parkridge Estate by land barons.

The matter has been with the courts since 2017 when housing cooperatives illegally allocated the affected families land.

City of Harare spokesperson Michael Chideme said the occupiers were destroying council property.

“Crowborough paddocks have been invaded and court orders have been granted to evict the occupants. These families have been living on council land and we have been giving them notices since the late former President Robert Mugabe’s era. They have been ignoring the notices,” Chideme said.

“We don’t really have an exact figure of how many families are living there but some of them are moving away while others are still being duped in acquiring land. They have destroyed waste water recycling infrastructure and irrigation for pastures.”

Chideme said not even a piece of land on this farm has been allocated to residents.

“It’s just the work of bogus cooperatives who until this day continue to allocate stands illegally on that farm and these housing cooperatives should face the wrath of law,” he added.

-The Standard

By A Correspondent- MDC Alliance leader Nelson Chamisa said the reshuffle of his top leadership yesterday was meant to revamp the party.

Chamisa, on Friday, moved to reward some of his loyalists with key positions in the MDC Alliance’s national executive.

Notable figured he appointed into the executive, include Daniel Molokele, the new deputy treasurer-general, Ostalos Siziba (deputy spokesperson), and Promise Mkwananzi (committee member).

“I am so excited,” Chamisa said on Twitter. “We have competent, smart and hardworking people in our leadership team.

“Thank you Zimbabwe for believing and staying with us. Zimbabwe is the land for the special, gifted and talented.

“A new great Zimbabwe is our task.”

By A Correspondent- Vice President and Health Minister Constantino Chiwenga has been dragged to court by a Kwekwe based teacher, Mercy Mjikwa, over new Covid-19 rules targeting unvaccinated citizens.

In an urgent chamber application, Mjikwa and Tolerance Nyamukapa are seeking to overturn the regulations, which bar unvaccinated people to sit-in in restaurants to be declared unlawful.

Mjikwa argues the rule could affect her ability to participate in public gatherings, enter public places, and she might lose her job.

On September 17, Chiwenga, who is also Zimbabwe Vice President, issued Statutory Instrument (SI) 228B,  which ordered all restaurants and hotels offering restaurant services to serve customers on a sit-in basis only if they exhibit proof of having been fully vaccinated.

The SI also allows public gatherings for a maximum of 100 people subject to strict adherence with Covid-19 regulations such as wearing of face masks, temperature checks, sanitising of hands, and social distancing.

“I submit that the compulsory vaccine mandate contained in the Statutory Instrument above is inconsistent with the provisions of the Constitution and, therefore, invalid to that extent,” the High Court application reads.

“For the government to impose vaccination…is not only to invade my dignity but to also attack it irreparably.”

Mjikwa also cited Home Affairs Minister Kazembe Kazembe, Justice Minister Ziyambi Ziyambi, and Attorney-General Prince Machaya as the respondents.

She told the court the new mandate should be declared illegal as it disregards the public’s constitutional rights to choose and unofficially forces people to get vaccinated.

“I am now required to be vaccinated before I can be allowed to enter facilities such as health spas, theatres, gymnasiums, and public gatherings at the discretion of the convener of the gathering.

“In short, these regulations are unmistakably coercive and cannot reasonably be considered anything other than an unlawful mandate.

“If I refuse the inoculation, I am subjected to disciplinary proceedings including termination of my employment. The conduct referred above, therefore, flouts the Constitution and the declaration of my fundamental rights.”

Mjikwa is begging the courts to nullify the mandate and declare that SI 228B unconstitutional as it breaches sections 134, 51, 56, 58, 66, 68, and 71 of the Constitution.

By A Correspondent- The MDC Alliance Namibia has pointed out that ZEC is taking direct orders from Zanu PF.

In a statement released on Friday, MDC Alliance Namibia slammed both ZEC and Zanu PF for attempting to suffocate the people’s struggle.

According to MDC Alliance Namibia, electoral reforms are imminent.

Read statement below:

Zec is unqualified to administer free ,fair and credible democratic elections in Zimbabwe, Mdc Alliance Namibia echoes.

01 October 2021

Mdc Alliance Namibia is both perplexed and infuriated to learn that the captured Zimbabwe Electoral Commission (Zec) has barred the alternative government Mdc Alliance from its provisional consultations in provinces meant to deliberate electoral developments claiming they don’t know who the Political Behemoth Mdc Alliance is. The futile attempt to annihilate the people’s democratic project will not suffice despite several efforts to replace the genuine revolutionaries with their surrogates.

As a district which subscribes to the People’s Party led the pragmatic and organic leadership of President Advocate Nelson Chamisa Wamba Dia Wamba, we absolutely condemn the arbitrary arrest of our vibrant councillor, Denford Ngadziore and journalists who were arrested for demanding Constitutional Democracy. We shall continue to advocate for the unconditional release of the incarcerated youthful leaders Cde Makomborero Haruzivishe and Councillor Denford Ngadziore.

It was quite pathetic and astounding to hear the remote-controlled Zec Spokesperson Commissioner Joyce Kazembe confirming that the Mdc Alliance was not invited. She said:” We didn’t extend our invitation to Mdc Alliance to be part of a stakeholder meeting because the matter regarding the name Mdc Alliance is still before the courts”.

This clearly unearthes how Zec takes instructions from the Shake-Shake building. Mdc Alliance Namibia concurs with the party Spokesperson Advocate Fadzayi Mahere who postulated that the development was an incontrovertible confirmation that Zec was partisan and deliberately serves the interests of the clueless Harare regime. We shall continue to believe that Mdc Alliance is the biggest political outfit in the country and we will remain convinced that there is no lawful excuse for barring it from stakeholder engagement being the only political formation that has managed to submit an alternative Electoral Bill in line with our reform agenda.

Furthermore, the Nelson Chamisa led Mdc Alliance is the sole party which has reignited the loud calls for comprehensive political and electoral reforms ahead of 2023 harmonised elections. It is the Mdc Alliance only that has incessantly drawn serious attention clamouring for non-partisan administration of electoral processes by the supposed independent institution.

As an external assembly, Mdc Alliance Namibia shall continue to pile political and diplomatic pressure on the desperate Zanupf regime exposing the inadquacies of the current Electoral Act as well as the dismal failures of the Zimbabwe Electoral Commission to implement all measures as are consistent with the independence of an electoral body. Given this background, it becomes imperative for all social democrats across the globe to unite against a compromised institution.There is need to amplify our revolutionary voices so that our projected 6 million votes in 2023 will come to fruition. #RegisterToVote.

Moreover, Zec has to put into cognisance that only the Mdc Alliance driven by President Advocate Nelson Chamisa had already issued, for ease reference 20 Principles for Reliable, Inclusive and Credible Elections in Zimbabwe( PRICE ).

As Constitutional Democrats, we urge all stakeholders to rejuvenate these as we think that addressing them will automatically put this beloved country on the road to legitimate electoral outcomes. Zec must be ashamed of itself! We demand an independent institution to run elections in Zimbabwe, we are tired of rigging, violence and intimidation. Right now Denford Ngadziore is in the hell hole cells, tortured for demanding a free, fair and credible Zec. We demand his immediate release.

In a nutshell, Mdc Alliance Namibia still believes that diaspora vote is one of the fundamental electoral demands which may enhance the country’s democracy and electoral processes. As the country’s mammoth contributors of foreign currency earnings, our right to vote should be non-negotiable. We comprehend that the world is run by those who show up through participatory democracy.

Elections belong to the people and it is part of independence therefore every eligible voter should exercise his/her right to vote by virtue of being a Zimbabwean regardless of one’s geographical location. Foreign nationals from Mozambique, South Africa, Namibia only to mention but a few resident in Zimbabwe participate in the electoral processes of their mother countries! What is so special about these SADC countries? Is our motherland an exception? Dangerous freedom is the only panacea to a free, fair and credible election in Zimbabwe.

NgaapindeHakeMukomana

UChamisaKabangene

FreeCdeMako

FreeDenfordNgadziore

FreeAllPrisonersOfConscience

HandsOffOurJournalists

WeDemandAnIndependentZec

ZecMustFall

JoyceKazembeMustFall

Mdc Alliance Namibia
Rundu Branch Spokesperson
Robson Ruhanya

By A Correspondent- Former Bulawayo deputy mayor Alderman Amen Mpofu has died after battling a kidney ailment for some time.

NewsDay reports that Mpofu died at Mpilo Central hospital on Friday.

MDC Alliance Bulawayo spokesperson, Swithern Chirowodza confirmed Mpofu’s death saying they have lost a hero who believed in serving the community. Chirowodza said:

His untimely death robs the citizenry and the party of a respected former local government representative. He was a pillar of the MDC Alliance party. He lived and breathed MDC-A and stood with the party through its most difficult times. He was a tremendous asset. His death is a loss not only to his Party but to the political arena of the country as a whole. I extend my deepest condolence.

Bulawayo deputy mayor Mlandu Ncube said Mpofu is the one who introduced him to local government politics. Said Ncube:

As I rose through the ranks I have always been a great admirer of this humble but very effective Alderman. In fact, he is the one who introduced me to local government politics way back in 2007. He believed in the young while spending his years in public life, serving society. Known for his sharp mind, his role in strengthening the party would always be remembered.

In April this year, CITE reported that Mpofu was seriously ill and was battling a kidney ailment that had damaged both organs and left him bedridden.

Back then, MDC Alliance posted on its Twitter account that Alderman Mpofu had refused medical assistance from the First Lady, Auxilia Mnangagwa.

But Alderman Mpofu refuted claims that the first lady had approached him with assistance.

Presidential spokesperson George Charamba has lost his former wife with whom he birthed three of his children.

Charamba, who is Deputy Chief Secretary-Presidential Communications in the Office of the President of Zimbabwe, announced the sad news through his Twitter handle this Sunday morning.

The incident happened within hours after the top public official had buried his brother.

“WHEN IT POURS: Barely 12 hours after burying my brother Tinashe “Zvichemo” Charamba, the mother of my first three kids in my first marriage, Dr Rudo Grace-Gwata Charamba is late. She passed on in the early hours of this morning at Westend Hospital where she had been admitted for…kidney-related complications. May her soul rest in eternal peace,” he said.

It is the second time in a space of four years for the long serving public official to lose a partner.In May 2017, Charamba lost his wife, Idaishe Olivia Charamba, who succumbed to liver complications.Idaishe, who was a lawyer, died aged 45.Just like his just deceased former wife, Idaishe died at West End Hospital in Harare.

-Zimstar News

By Farai D Hove | An expelled ZANU PF former MP, Killer Zivhu has sworn to die while crushing on the party leader Emmerson Mnangagwa.

Zivhu is a former MP for Chico South and was recently kicked out of the murderous party after proposing talks between his then boss Mnangagwa’s wife, Auxillia and Nelson Chamisa’s wife. Soon after that, the property developer quickly sought the party to forgive him.

At a time he is still to hear from ZANU PF, Killer has said he will die while attached to Mnangagwa.

He announced in a video posted on Saturday saying:

We are moving with our President Mnangagwa’s Vision 2030. “Right now I am drilling a borehole to help our community.

“I will continue supporting our President’s program. I will die while crushing on Mnangagwa.

“On Mnangagwa is where I will stay, no matter how difficult things may get.”

THE Government is considering re-opening land borders to the general public in time for the festive holidays as the country has officially gone past the Covid-19 third wave and continues to see a decline in new cases and deaths.

The land borders were closed to the general public intending to travel outside the country when the pandemic started in March last year.

Only selected groups like returning residents, work and permit holders in neighbouring countries were allowed through the borders.

Commercial cargo is also permitted to pass through the borders.

Home Affairs and Cultural Heritage Minister Kazembe Kazembe told Sunday News yesterday that the decision to open the country’s land borders will be done in due course, taking into consideration the progress in the country’s Covid-19 response.

He said the National Covid-19 Taskforce would make appropriate recommendations to Cabinet before the dates of re-opening are announced.“As you know there is a national taskforce tasked with dealing with such matters and as a Minister I cannot make a unilateral decision.

However, if the taskforce sees it fit they will make their submissions. President Mnangagwa will then make a decision on that matter.

However, judging from the prevailing situation chances are high that the borders might be opened soon,” he said.

Kazembe said the decision will be reached after exploring all the necessary variables and making sure that the opening of the borders will not impact the country’s Covid-19 containment measures.

Signs that borders might open are also evident as Government has continued to revamp the country’s main port of entry and exit-Beitbridge Border Post, sources said. President Mnangagwa is expected to officially open the new look border soon after the first phase of the project was completed.

The border is being revamped under a US$300 million modernisation programmme that will see the upgrading of the buildings, warehouses, roads, installing new weigh-bridges and a new main freight terminal building under phase one.

The second and third phases will involve construction of new terminals for buses, light vehicles and pedestrians. There will also be construction of water and sewer reticulation infrastructure and 220 houses for border staff. Completion of the entire project will spur economic growth in terms of regional trade and development.

Meanwhile, the Government has declared that the Covid-19 third wave is officially over as the country continues to gain momentum in its fight against the pandemic. Zimbabwe has gone through the first, second and third waves of the disease.

National Covid-19 taskforce coordinator Dr Agnes Mahomva told Sunday News that the third wave had been contained.“The third wave, yes, we have controlled the third wave, there are no two ways about it.

We are actually now urging everybody to continue being focused in order for us to make sure we are not hit by a fourth wave because if we are hit by a fourth wave it will really create a lot of challenges for us. The numbers are quite stable, we are very happy.

It simply means the measures that we have been implementing as a Government and our stakeholders including communities are working.

“However, we really would like to continue encouraging communities and individuals to please continue to adhere to those prevention measures. That is the reason we are succeeding, if we stop, if we are complacent, the numbers will automatically begin to go up because we still have cases, a few cases can actually spiral out of control.”

Asked on the management of cases in schools following reports of several cases, Dr Mahomva said cases were significantly low.

“Covid-19 in schools, yes, that was a bit of a concern for us but the good news is that all of the cases that have been identified in schools either do not have any symptoms whatsoever or they have mild symptoms. It really speaks big volumes to the standard operating procedures and guidelines that we worked on in the previous outbreaks and strengthened and hence we were able to identify cases and were able to make sure that they were either isolated and those who have been in contact with Covid-19 positive people quarantined in those facilities,” she added.

According to the latest Covid-19 statistics by the Ministry of Child and Care, the country has continued to record a decrease in the number of cases while the number of those being vaccinated  also increased with almost half of the 18 years old and above population having received their first dose of Covid-19 vaccines. 

As of Friday, the country recorded 208 new cases and one death which was recorded in Harare.

There were 382 new recoveries and the National Recovery Rate rose to 94 percent. In terms of vaccination, a total of 3 097 391 people have received their first Covid-19 jabs while 2 289 213 have got their second doses.

“As of 30 September there were 94 hospitalised cases: New admissions 11, asymptomatic five, mild to moderate 62, severe 21 and six in Intensive Care Units,” said the Ministry of Health and Child Care in its daily update.

-State Media

Dear Comrades and friends,In case you’re wondering, I’m enduring prison quite well. I’ve been prosecuted countless times over the past decade that I made a gentlemen’s agreement with pain.

Having been arrested an average of three times a year, tortured numerous times since 2011, I have come to appreciate that pain has its place and I don’t mock its power.

But it is a power that doesn’t touch my soul.It is seven months now that, for my democratic views, I have been assigned to a condition of sub-humanity.

The inhumane conditions which I am living under, with little to no rights at all, are however mentally preparing me for the day we would reclaim our humanity through making sure that #ZanuPFMustGo, by any means necessary.

It indeed would have been impossible to pull through the seven months (since 17 February 2021) without your indispensable solidarity; from #FreeMako street and social media actions, contributions for my welfare, prison visits, legal representation and continued demands for my freedom through the #MakoMonday initiative.I greatly appreciate it and may God bless you all for the love.

Just like our bigger and collective fight for a democratic and inclusive Zimbabwe where citizens’ issues and concerns are heard and addressed, these seven months have not been an easy road.

The sacrifices of many for protesting in demand for my freedom are an attestation to that. I met a number of them in prison and at the courts; some had visible fresh torture injuries.

Painful and disgusting as it is, it serves as a reminder that the main thing to remember is we are proud of what we are and what we stand for.

I know some may be interested in knowing my current prison ordeals but for obvious reasons I can’t narrate them now. All I can say for now is there are experiences that work the heart, yet leave the face unblemished, like a blow that neither bruises nor breaks the skin, but leaves a lingering soreness in the recipient.

For me, my current prisoner situation is that blow.

Of the four charges I was facing in February, only one has been concluded in what was clearly a travesty of justice that resulted in my conviction and sentencing which I have since appealed against. Due to the unjust conviction, I was slain in the spirit, burnt and healed, bruised and raised, crucified and resurrected.

This solidifies in me the art of endurance.

Yes, ENDURANCE is the word. I knew the word but never had the opportunity to really “feel” it, “touch” it, but was forced by circumstances imposed on me by Emmerson Mnangagwa’s dictatorship to live it. Indeed I’m living it, and I’m not so blind to military state capture to believe that it will end any time soon, as the subsequent capture of the justice system can prolong the seven months I have endured to seven years through more unjust convictions, but to me it doesn’t matter anymore.

I will endure it to the very end.You know, we have to face the facts; things aren’t getting any better. They are getting worse.

All we are asking for is a Zimbabwe where every child gets a fair chance of quality education and every adult gets a fair chance of a decent earning, but all we are getting is corruption and abuse — yet in 2017, many believed things have changed, but they changed for the worse.Just another dictator, ED, with an even worse agenda; the perpetuation of military state capture, a worse type of governance with an increasingly ruthless, ever widening network to act it out

.Who knew before 2017 that there is a terror network of state agents called the “FERRET” squad who would be deployed against unsuspecting citizens with specific order to abduct, torture and harass them?Who knew before 2017 that there was a car rental company called IMPALA that is contracted by the government to ferry terror squads to our homes and move citizens to torture bases.

Because of such terror networks that are sponsored with our taxes; thoughts of real death, not the remediable conceit now of imprisonment as a unique death, becomes an insistent, strident companion to such an extent that when gunshots were fired during my arrest: I was ready.

Despite all this, we must never waver from the fact that justice is the first condition of humanity, and we deserve pure, undiluted justice.We must tattoo it in our hearts that “I have the power, you have the power, and together we can make the change because people’s power is stronger than the individuals in power”.

With this tattoo we must action our power through exercising our constitutional rights of freedom of assembly, association, demonstrate and petition in the streets, freedom of expression on social media, for now is the right time to stop agonising and intensify organising. After all, we are the ones we have been waiting for.

More importantly comrades and friends, we must register to vote because after all is said and done, all popular democratic revolutions end in the ballot box.

Worry more about yourselves, the future of our beloved Zimbabwe, the next generation — and worry less about me, for I definitely will come out, sooner or later, dead or alive.

After all, as I was enduring my birthday on 23 April, yeah, ENDURE, because birthday in prison is unlike birthday anywhere else. In prison, one doesn’t exactly celebrate their birthday, one ENDURES it.

As I turned 29 years old, I reminded myself that some say life begins at 40, so I’ve got 11 years to 40.

But since the life expectancy for Zimbabwean men is around 30 years, I cherished the realisation that I have already lived a full life, so either way I am in charge

I REMAIN IN CHARGE

Makomborero Haruzivishe

Tinashe Sambiri|Zimbabwe’s economy requires permanent transformation strategies not stopgap measures meant to hoodwink citizens, MDC Alliance leader President Nelson Chamisa has said.

The economy is fragile as a result of poor government policies, according to President Chamisa.

He also presented the MDC Alliance economic recovery plan.

See statement below:

The economic ‘stability’ is fragile stability and is not going to last! The 2 giant elephants in the room are exchange rate disparities between the formal rate & black markets which are far apart by 100% (the black market rate is 2x the official rate) and corruption.

We will have a rapid accelerated transformation and a boom in the economy that would make Zimbabwe shine great & more importantly create gainful employment opportunities for all the people,raising the standard of living for the hardworking Zimbabwean people.

Our New Government will institute a market-sensitive, people- centered & development-oriented sound economic policies which are predictable,consistent, investor friendly & business boosting thus fostering an enabling business environment which guarantees return on investments

The exchange rate disparities and the punitive export retention negatively affect exporters – the goose which lays the golden eggs.This has created arbitrage opportunities and unofficial forex trading which will worsen the disparities, total collapse of the auction system.

By A Correspondent | A Gokwe man convicted over looting in the January 2019 demonstration, yesterday received a visit from top MDC Alliance official Maureen Kademaunga.

Farai Chidziva (38) is one of several MDC members whose case was comprehensively investigated by the UN rapporteur for Human Rights in 2019, and yet the state got them convicted for looting.

Commenting following her visit, Kademaunga who donated groceries, said she “visited Farai Chidziva at Whawha prison where he is serving for “participating” in the 01/2019 fuel protest. He is 1 of 6 such political prisoners, with 5 of them serving from St Thomas where I visited them last week. He is in good health but yearning for freedom.”

1) Visited Farai Chidziva at Whawha prison where he is serving for "participating" in the 01/2019 fuel protest. He is 1 of 6 such political prisoners,with 5 of them serving from St Thomas where I visited them last week. He is in good health but yearning for freedom. @mdczimbabwe pic.twitter.com/AjXI5KJiPf

— Maureen Kademaunga: Sunningdale Constituency (@MaureenKade) October 2, 2021

Farai Chidziva was accused and convicted by Gokwe regional magistrate Mr Musaiona Shortgame for public violence and theft.

He was arrested together with 18 others acquitted due to lack of evidence, was convicted after a full trial that saw more than 10 witnesses testifying. 

Mr Shortgame initially sentenced him to seven years behind bars before suspending one year on condition he does not commit a similar offence for the next five years. Another year was suspended on condition that he restitutes a total of $3 362 to four complainants whose properties were damaged.

2/2 After taking the pills the woman’s condition deteriorated resulting in her discharging a foetus in a plastic bucket. Police has since arrested the two suspects. #notocrime

— Zimbabwe Republic Police (@PoliceZimbabwe) October 2, 2021

Showers forecast for Zimbabwe tomorrow (Sunday). Expected mainly in Lupane, Tsholotsho, Figtree, Bulawayo, West Nicholson, Beitbridge, Chipinge, Chimanimani, Mutare, Nyanga, Buhera, Chivu, Plumtree, Rusape and Gwanda. More showers expected on Monday. pic.twitter.com/928SSFXu3B

— ZIMCAST (@ZIM_CAST) October 2, 2021

1/ My response to all those who are saying I should comment about Marry Chiwenga's issue…

This is my response and my personal opinion about her case.

1. Marry Chiwenga is not above the law

2. She is not compelled to go to court if she is not feeling well.

— Linda Tsungirirai Masarira (@lilomatic) October 2, 2021

Prominent social media user Mbuya Gudo from Dotito has mocked the Zanu PF leader Emmerson Mnangagwa for reducing himself to a mere ward councillor.

Mnangagwa is known for his penchant for officiating at low key events.

Mbuya Gudo wrote:
A whole President kutoti tucha tucha kunovhura a restaurant come on Mnangangwa is turning our country into a joke seriously!!!

Military under Chiwenga killed over 200 people in Marange just to pave way for Chinese mining company Anjin. Saka kuhondo vanhu vakaenderei shuwa…

A whole President kutoti tucha tucha kunovhura a restaurant come on ???????? Mnangangwa is turning our country into a joke seriously!!! pic.twitter.com/RyoubMWrKT

— Mbuya Gudo from dotito (@MamoyoT) September 29, 2021

Media personality Khanyi Mbau is back in Dubai like she never left and her bae Kudzai Mushonga is a happy man, who went out of his way to give his woman a royal welcome back to the desert city.

After chanting “shiti indoda eDubai” and then making a hit track out of it with Sir Trill, Khanyi Mbau has changed her tune to ”landela indoda eDubai”.

The queen of bling boarded a first class flight back to Dubai on Thursday, heading back to her bae. She shared a snap of her passport with the plane ticket while waiting for her flight at the airport and switched off the comment section on Instagram.

The pair’s relationship hogged headlines when Khanyi abruptly left Dubai during their vacation and landed in SA without Kudzai’s knowledge. This led to Kudzai thinking Khanyi had gone missing and the whole thing played out on Instagram as Mzansi watched.

However, as things unfolded it became clear that Kudzai was remorseful and Khanyi was willing to forgive him. The pair must have fixed what was broken because last week Khanyi was video calling Dubai and the pair were having an online party for two.

They have also been saying cute things to each other on social media, with Kudzai always singing Khanyi’s praises and Khanyi admitting that she didn’t harbour any ill-feelings towards the Zimbabwean businessman.

Khanyi got a welcome back fit for queen, with everything from riding in Maybach V Class to getting a bouquet of roses and a sparkly gift from Cartier.

The pair looked smitten and got cosy in the car. 

-Timeslive

By A Correspondent- A driver of a commuter omnibus (kombi) has narrated how police officers assaulted his conductor on 14 September leading to his death three days later.

The body of the 28-year-old Luke Zuze, the kombi conductor, is still at Parirenyatwa Hospital mortuary as the family awaits the burial order.

Zuze was fatally assaulted by four wanted police officers after he had allegedly refused to pay a bribe for carrying passengers in a kombi not registered under the Zupco franchise, resulting in a fight.

The assault happened at around 5:30 pm along Granary Road and the conductor died three days later in hospital. The kombi driver, George Pirwa, Friday narrated the incident:h

We were coming from Mbare and when we were near Whitehouse, we pulled off the road to drop off some passengers. That is when two of the police officers confronted us, telling us that we had been arrested.

One of the police officers jumped inside the vehicle while the other one remained standing outside. Zuze walked towards the door on the driver’s side since he was outside the vehicle and took the car keys and then ran towards the shops at Whitehouse.

Pirwa said the police officer standing outside the vehicle went after Zuze and caught him about 70 metres away from the kombi.

The officers called their colleague who had remained behind with Pirwa informing him they had arrested the conductor. The police officer ordered the driver to disembark from the vehicle so that they go to the scene where Zuze had been arrested.

They arrived and found the handcuffed Zuze lying facing downwards making sounds suggesting he was suffering in pain. The police officer that had arrested him was assaulting him and his colleague joined in the assault.

Zuze later shouted that he had broken his left leg when the police officer tripped him to the ground during the arrest.

Pirwa checked Zuze’s leg and discovered that it was broken.

An unregistered white Toyota Mark 11 that the police officers were using arrived at the scene carrying two other police officers.

They ferried Pirwa and Zuze and drove along High Glen Road before stopping the car just after the roundabout near High Glen Shopping Centre.

They then threatened the duo with detention adding that they were going to prepare dockets so that they would be sent to court for prosecution.

Pirwa later called his colleague named Ronald requesting him to attend to his kombi which he had left in Whitehouse.

He ran out of airtime and one of the police officers asked for Ronald’s number and called him using his mobile phone.

They drove to Sally Mugabe Hospital where one of the officers made arrangements to ensure that Zuze was admitted.

The officers then asked for his driver’s licence and took the kombi keys before they disappeared.

Pirwa remained with Zuze at the hospital and the following morning he went to a police base in Whitehouse to make a report.

When the officers who made the report were called, they said they were handling the case and had opened a docket at Marimba Police Station but failed to give a reference number.

Pirwa was then ordered to go to Marimba Police Station where he discovered that no such report was made and that the officers are not based at that station.

An assault report was made but when Zuze died a few days later, the report changed from assault to murder before being referred to CID Homicide for further investigations.

Hospital officials said Zuze’s body needed to undergo a COVID-19 test for a post mortem to be conducted. Zuze tested positive.

The body was then referred to Parirenyatwa Hospital where post-mortem for such cases is conducted.

The forensic post mortem was conducted on Wednesday this week September 29, and results are expected within 30 days.

The family is now waiting for a burial order. Zuze, who stayed in Westlea, is survived by his wife and two children, one aged five and a newborn baby.

ZIMBABWE Lawyers for Human Rights (ZLHR) on Thursday 30 September 2021 petitioned Zimbabwe Republic Police (ZRP) Commissioner-General Godwin Matanga to furnish the human rights organisation with a written undertaking in which law enforcement agents shall be directed to desist from the prevalent practice of throwing teargas canisters into
loaded public transportation vehicles.

In the letter written by Tinashe Chinopfukutwa and Paidamoyo Saurombe, ZLHR told Matanga that the indiscriminate throwing of teargas canisters into loaded public transport vehicles amounts to excessive and unjustifiable use of force by ZRP members and amounts to a violation of the passengers right to human dignity and the right to personal security as provided for in Section 51 and Section 52 of the Constitution.

ZLHR said its concern and request follows the recent circulation on social media of a video, where ZRP members allegedly threw teargas canisters into a Mulaudzi bus, which was carrying passengers.

In the video, passengers could be seen stampeding and scurrying to escape the teargas fumes which had engulfed the bus and it was clear from the video that some of the victims are young children, who were clearly choking from the teargas fumes.

The lawyers also advised Matanga that they are in the process of preparing a court application for the ZRP members’ conduct in question to be declared a violation of passengers’ fundamental rights guaranteed in the Constitution and for an order prohibiting such conduct.

By A Correspondent- Zimbabwe’s economy requires permanent transformation strategies not stopgap measures meant to hoodwink citizens, MDC Alliance leader President Nelson Chamisa has said.

The economy is fragile as a result of poor government policies, according to President Chamisa.

He also presented the MDC Alliance economic recovery plan.

See statement below:

The economic ‘stability’ is fragile stability and is not going to last! The 2 giant elephants in the room are exchange rate disparities between the formal rate & black markets which are far apart by 100% (the black market rate is 2x the official rate) and corruption.

We will have a rapid accelerated transformation and a boom in the economy that would make Zimbabwe shine great & more importantly create gainful employment opportunities for all the people,raising the standard of living for the hardworking Zimbabwean people.

Our New Government will institute a market-sensitive, people- centered & development-oriented sound economic policies which are predictable,consistent, investor friendly & business boosting thus fostering an enabling business environment which guarantees return on investments

The exchange rate disparities and the punitive export retention negatively affect exporters – the goose which lays the golden eggs.This has created arbitrage opportunities and unofficial forex trading which will worsen the disparities, total collapse of the auction system.

By A Correspondent- A 48 year old man, who allegedly axed his wife to death in Harare, has committed suicide in Beitbridge after failing to skip the border to South Africa.

It is reported that on September 27, Tinashe Ruzaya Paunosvisva of the Ushewekunze area in Harare killed his wife Ronah Masango with an axe while their two minor children watched in horror.

He then escaped to Beitbridge with the intention to cross over to South Africa, but later committed suicide at the Lutumba Business Centre, some 20km before Beitbridge town along the Masvingo road, after failing to jump the border.

The police officer commanding the Beitbridge district, Chief Superintendent Tichaona Nyongo confirmed the incident today.

“He was wanted in connection with a case of murder at Southlea Park in Harare. The man’s body was found lying by the roadside at Lutumba Business Centre by a passer-by who informed the police. A search was done leading to the discovery of a suicide note in his pocket,” he said.

The body has been taken to the Beitbridge district hospital mortuary for a post-mortem.

Paunosvisva wrote a suicide note, stating that had his wife listened to him, they could still be together.

By A Correspondent- A pediatric cardiac centre opened this week at Mpilo Central Hospital to cater for children suffering from heart ailments and is headed by a history-maker, Zimbabwe’s first female paediatric cardiologist.

She was born three months after the country gained its independence from colonial rule and little did she know she would live to be Zimbabwe’s first female pediatric cardiologist.

Dr Davidzo Murigo-Shumba and her male counterpart in Harare Dr Charles Henry Bennerman are the only two pediatric cardiologists in the country.

Pediatric cardiologists specialise in diagnosing and treating heart problems in children.

Dr Murigo-Shumba once worked as a junior doctor at Mpilo before leaving to further her studies in South Africa, only to come back to Zimbabwe a few days before the opening of the Bulawayo pediatric cardiac centre.

Her love for children whose hearts she will be taking care of dates back to the 1980s in Bikita where she was raised.

She went to Victoria High School in Masvingo and proceeded to the University of Zimbabwe where she studied medicine before chasing her dream to specialise in pediatrics- a branch of medicine that involves the medical care of infants, children and adolescents.

Dr Murigo-Shumba spent four years specialising in pediatrics in neighbouring South Africa and three years to become a pediatric cardiologist.

She decided to come back home and serve hundreds of children who have struggled to access the services locally.

Pediatric cardiologists diagnose, treat, and manage heart problems in children, including congenital heart disease (abnormalities of the heart children are born with) such as holes between chambers of the heart, valve problems and abnormal blood vessels.

In Zimbabwe children with congenital heart diseases could only access life saving treatment in South Africa or India.

It is estimated that the services which were not accessible locally as there were no specialists like Dr Murigo-Shumba cost a minimum of US$10 000 excluding travel and accommodation costs.

A number of affected children have lost their lives in search of the services as charges were beyond the reach of ordinary Zimbabweans.

Only a handful secured sponsorship to travel to India and South Africa for medical care.

Dr Murigo-Shumba said her love for children motivated her to invest her time and brains in studying cardiology as she is aware that many are suffering in Zimbabwe without local interventions.

She is now back in Zimbabwe to play her part.
She is the second pediatric cardiologist in the country after Dr Bannerman based in Harare.

Dr Murigo-Shumba is stationed at the recently opened cardiology unit at Mpilo Central Hospital’s pediatric hospital to serve the people from the Southern region which includes Bulawayo, Masvingo, Midlands, Matabeleland North and South provinces.

“My name is Davidzo Murigo-Shumba, a pediatric cardiologist who specialises in caring for children with heart diseases. I am happy to be back at Mpilo where I was a junior doctor some time back while I was doing medicine,” she said.

“I have been training at the KwaZulu Natal University in Durban where I spent four years specialising in pediatrics and then an additional three years to become a pediatric cardiologist.”

“I love children and it brings a smile to my face and heart when I eliminate the pain they are going through. So that is a passion for me. While I was training in pediatrics I was exposed to many other specialities and I fell in love with pediatric cardiology,” she said.

“I had this passion and desire to help them as I know they go through this suffering because non-communicable diseases do not get as much attention in Zimbabwe in general.”

Dr Murigo-Shumba said she is ready to join forces with other pediatrics at Mpilo and other health care workers to help children with heart diseases.

She also said heart diseases are prevalent and urged communities to take time and read around them so that they are able to help their children once affected.

“I am back home and came a few days ago just in time for the pediatric cardiology ward opening and I look upward to working with the rest of the team at Mpilo, the rest of the country to try and improve health care cardiology in our children. My focus will be to ensure that these specialised services are available locally here at Mpilo so that we save lives,” she said.

“This is because some of these heart diseases, if not treated within the first few days of life, one may die. Trying to get the diagnosis, looking for money to travel to India may serve no good hence we are happy that the Ministry is pushing that we have our own services right here in Zimbabwe.”

On being the first female pediatric cardiologist, Dr Murigo-Shumba said it was made possible by her parents’ and community support.

She said the girl child can grow into anything they like in Zimbabwe as the sky is the limit.

“I had supportive parents who motivated me to think big from the time I was in Bikita where I come from. I have never looked back since then and even now with my two daughters, I know they can live to be great assets in this country as long as I support them. To fellow women and girls, I say the sky is the limit, let us dream big and never allow to be told we cannot do it!”

Renowned Bulawayo pediatrician Dr Wedu Ndebele said the opening of the cardiology unit at Mpilo was a dream come true for the region.

He said he can happily die knowing that children will access specialised services at the hospital.

“I am happy to have witnessed this day because for years it pained us to see our children going through heart diseases knowing that there was nothing we could do locally. Now that we have a unit and our own specialist Dr Murigo-Shumba, I can die now because there is a future for our children. This is something worth celebrating and we are grateful to the Ministry of Health and Child Care, Brave Little Hearts — an organisation that lobbied for this unit and all our stakeholders who keep supporting us in the journey of saving lives,” said Dr Ndebele.

According to the latest World Health Organisation data published in 2018 Coronary Heart Disease Deaths in Zimbabwe reached 5 896 or 4,96 percent of total deaths.

In children, congenital heart diseases end up becoming deadly because of late diagnosis and lack of necessary interventions.

On Wednesday, Zimbabwe joined the rest of the world in marking World Heart Day which is observed annually on September 29 with calls for combined efforts to end heart-related diseases whose prevalence is growing.

Former Bulawayo deputy mayor, Alderman Amen Mpofu has died after battling a kidney ailment for some time.

Mpofu died at Mpilo Central hospital on Friday.

MDC Alliance Bulawayo spokesperson, Swithern Chirowodza confirmed Mpofu’s death saying they have lost a hero who believed in serving the community. Chirowodza said

His untimely death robs the citizenry and the party of a respected former local government representative. He was a pillar of the MDC Alliance party. He lived and breathed MDC-A and stood with the party through its most difficult times. He was a tremendous asset. His death is a loss not only to his Party but to the political arena of the country as a whole. I extend my deepest condolence.

Bulawayo deputy mayor Mlandu Ncube said Mpofu is the one who introduced him to local government politics. Said Ncube:

As I rose through the ranks I have always been a great admirer of this humble but very effective Alderman. In fact, he is the one who introduced me to local government politics way back in 2007. He believed in the young while spending his years in public life, serving society. Known for his sharp mind, his role in strengthening the party would always be remembered.

In April this year, CITE reported that Mpofu was seriously ill and was battling a kidney ailment that had damaged both organs and left him bedridden.

Back then, MDC Alliance posted on its Twitter account that Alderman Mpofu had refused medical assistance from the First Lady, Auxilia Mnangagwa.

But Alderman Mpofu refuted claims that the first lady had approached him with assistance.

Tinashe Sambiri|Zimbabwe’s economy requires permanent transformation strategies not stopgap measures meant to hoodwink citizens, MDC Alliance leader President Nelson Chamisa has said.

The economy is fragile as a result of poor government policies, according to President Chamisa.

He also presented the MDC Alliance economic recovery plan.

See statement below:

The economic ‘stability’ is fragile stability and is not going to last! The 2 giant elephants in the room are exchange rate disparities between the formal rate & black markets which are far apart by 100% (the black market rate is 2x the official rate) and corruption.

We will have a rapid accelerated transformation and a boom in the economy that would make Zimbabwe shine great & more importantly create gainful employment opportunities for all the people,raising the standard of living for the hardworking Zimbabwean people.

Our New Government will institute a market-sensitive, people- centered & development-oriented sound economic policies which are predictable,consistent, investor friendly & business boosting thus fostering an enabling business environment which guarantees return on investments

The exchange rate disparities and the punitive export retention negatively affect exporters – the goose which lays the golden eggs.This has created arbitrage opportunities and unofficial forex trading which will worsen the disparities, total collapse of the auction system.

By A Correspondent- Fearless MDC Alliance vice chairperson Hon Job Sikhala has described police officers who threw teargas canisters into a loaded bus as witches.

Overzealous cops fired tear smoke into a bus full of passengers in Masvingo…

https://twitter.com/JobSikhala1/status/1443079708543963141?s=20

Hon Sikhala also dismissed talk of infighting in the MDC Alliance:

Let it be known very clear. We under the drive of the people are focused on the business to bury ZANU PF once and for all.

Those who wish and dream factionalism in the People’s project can go and mate donkeys.

We are united than never before. Kurota uku
Mukomana Ngaapinde Hake….

MDC Alliance President, Nelson Chamisa has appointed Hwange Central legislator Daniel Molokele as the new party deputy treasurer.

Molokele broke the news of his new appointment on Twitter.

“Confirmation of my Appointment … I am so humbled to confirm that President Advocate Nelson Chamisa has appointed me as the new Deputy Treasurer General of the MDC Alliance with immediate effect. Thank you,” said Molokele.

Molokele is one of the few legislators aligned to Chamisa who have not been shown the exit door.

The other legislator is Job Sikhala of Zengeza West Constituency.

Nine High Court Judges AppointedNine High Court judges have been appointed by President Mnangagwa on the recommendation of the Judicial Service Commission following the public interviews of 35 candidates conducted by the Commission.

The new judges were sworn in by Chief Justice Malaba on Tuesday 29th September, the day after the appointments were announced. In alphabetical order the nine new members of the High Court bench are:

Hon. Kate Catherine BACHI-MUZAWAZI

Hon. Joseph CHILIMBE

Hon. Samuel DEMEHon. Rodgers Manyangadze FOROMA

Hon. Never KATIYO

Hon. Elijah MAKOMO

Hon. Lucie-Anne Chipo MUNGWARI

Hon. Munamato MUTEVEDZI

Hon. Bongani NDLOVU.

Though all the appointees have the legal qualifications required by the Constitution, they bring with them varied legal backgrounds.

Only two – Justices Bachi-Muzawazi and Ndlovu – come direct from private practice as legal practitioners.