By A Correspondent- The country’s examinations body, the Zimbabwe Schools Examinations Council (Zimsec) has announced that the November 2019 Ordinary Level results are out.
The examinations body said that candidates who sat for the examinations are expected to collect their results from their respective centres starting tomorrow.
Zimsec also revealed that candidates can also get their results online from the Zimsec Results Portal, which is accessible on the Zimsec website.
This is a developing story. Refresh this page for latest updates..
Farai Dziva|Dancehall star Enzo Ishall has reportedly ditched Passion Java of “twabam” fame.
Java is preparing court papers to sue the youthful musician, it has emerged.
See below an article that was published by H-Metro:
ENZO Ishall might be in trouble after he signed a new contract with his new management led by Teemak with a pending contract with the flamboyant prophet Passion Java.
It is reported that the Bhiza Rinoda Mutasvi singer had a verbal agreement with the Passion Java Records during the time he was under his record label.
A video of Java has since started circulating as he was saying they are going to sue Enzo and his new management.
“They are just going to receive papers which will be inviting them to court, tobva tati twabam.
“Pane munhu akaba munhu wedu anoda kutsvagwa anoda kupusungwara and ikozvino tombopusa pamberi apo tozongwara.
“He will just see akunzi akudiwa kucourt, tokuti twubudu,” said Java.
However, Passion Java’s move has been viewed as an attention seeking stunt even though he insists they are taking the matter seriously.
Fellow dancehall artistes have since shown interest on the tiff between Java and Enzo’s new management.
Seh Calaz went on to say that Enzo must create his own brand and stop being signed season after season everywhere as if he is a soccer player.
By A Correspondent- Police have launched a manhunt for a Bulawayo teacher who allegedly incited pupils at Njube High School to demonstrate against the recent school fees hike and the poor salaries earned by their teachers.
This was confirmed by the Zimbabwe Republic Police national spokesperson Paul Nyathi in an interview with a local publication.
Said Nyathi:
We are investigating the case of a teacher who is alleged to have taken manila, written messages and accompanied the students on a demonstration.
We have not yet apprehended the suspect, but we are confident that he will be arrested soon.
Brian Mutsiba, a biology teacher at the school and a former prisons officer, is accused of having mobilised 153 Form 1, Form 3 and Form 6 learners to stage a demonstration against the absence of teachers and the recent fees hike.
He is accused of having removed President Emmerson Mnangagwa’s portrait from the staff room and taking down the Zimbabwe flag from its mast at the school before embarking on the march.
By A Correspondent- Water is pumped to millions of residents in Zimbabwe’s capital city came from reservoirs contaminated by dangerous toxins, according to a report seen by the Guardian.
A study conducted by South African company Nanotech Water Solutions concluded that the health of 3 million Harare residents may be endangered by the provision of water containing toxins that can cause liver and central nervous system diseases.
The study, conducted last year, has been seen by the Guardian but has not been made public.
“The primary objective of the trial was to demonstrate the oxidative capacity of chlorine dioxide on the plant’s incoming and inherent algae … and its associated toxins, pathogenic (disease-causing) micro-organisms and other micro-contaminants,” said the report.
Oxidation is a chemical treatment process designed to remove organic and inorganic materials in water. The removal of algae and associated toxins, especially hepatotoxins (toxins that affect the liver) and neurotoxins (toxins that affect the central nervous system), is crucial to the production of safe drinking water.
The toxins, said the report, are found in the algae at Harare’s major water reservoirs, including the Chivero and Manyame lakes. The foul smell and brownish colour of water in Harare are associated with a plethora of algal species, the researchers added.
According to the US Environmental Protection Agency, harmful algae produce dangerous toxins in fresh or marine water. The agency warns people to keep away from from water that is green, scummy or smells bad.
News of the report has enraged local people, said Precious Shumba, founder and coordinator of the Harare Residents’ Trust.
“Residents have complained numerous times about the strong stench coming out of the water that the city of Harare is delivering to ratepayers,” she said.
“The water has visible impurities, which creates doubts and insecurities among consumers.”
Shumba said residents were living in fear of contracting diseases as a result of the dirty water, and no longer trusted the city’s supply.
“There is fear of falling sick with cholera, typhoid and other deadly diseases which might be caused by these dirty particles in the city water. The city has always defended the quality of their water, claiming that the particles are harmless, but no one really takes them seriously on this,” Shumba said.
Harare’s mayor, Herbert Gomba, has defended the city’s water quality, insisting it remains safe to drink.
“It’s safe, according to reports from our quality team,” he said.
“I am sure you are aware we are facing forex challenges and that the infrastructure is old and was never meant for the huge population we now serve. Again, we are owed a lot by our people, money which can be used to do more work if we are paid by all who consumed our water. We are working hard to pump more water through refurbishment of the infrastructure.”
Harare city council spends $3m (£2.3m) every month on chemicals intended to purify the water.
Poorer residents like Joyce Mutseyami, 40, who lives in the sleepy Harare suburb of Kambuzuma, are particularly affected by the crisis as they cannot afford to buy still water. Gone are the days when she felt she could drink straight from the tap.
This week, residents had no water for three days. Mutseyami was among many dashing out to their shared backyard taps, waiting in line to collect a bucketload of the muddy liquid that gives off a foul smell and a brownish froth. It was a typical scene in a city that is often without running water for long periods.
“I don’t have a choice [other] than to drink this water. I boil it before consumption because my children may contract diseases,” Mutseyami said.
“One day we will all wake up sick because you are never assured, even if you boil the water, that it is safe. We have petitioned the council before and even took samples of the water, but nothing has been done. It’s getting worse.”
With a baby strapped on her back, Talent Mupemhi, 30, waits impatiently for her turn to fetch water from a local borehole. She has no trust in the local tap water. Yet it was the use of unsafe boreholes and wells that probably led to Zimbabwe’s cholera outbreak in 2018.
Water brawls often erupt when people who dare to skip the line are caught by angry residents. Some even take advantage of the residents’ desperation to charge for borehole water.
Mupemhi has waited for two hours. She does this every day.
“I endure long queues every day to fetch water because I have no choice, tap water is unsafe. I only use it for washing,” said Muphemhi.
“I was once hospitalized after drinking tap water, it is dirty and has a foul smell. Surely people are dying slowly because they do not know what this water contains. There is sewage flowing around, slipping into drinking water. Do you think we are safe?”
Farai Dziva|Dancehall star Enzo Ishall has reportedly ditched Passion Java of “twabam” fame.
Java is preparing court papers to sue the youthful musician, it has emerged.
See below an article that was published by H-Metro:
ENZO Ishall might be in trouble after he signed a new contract with his new management led by Teemak with a pending contract with the flamboyant prophet Passion Java.
It is reported that the Bhiza Rinoda Mutasvi singer had a verbal agreement with the Passion Java Records during the time he was under his record label.
A video of Java has since started circulating as he was saying they are going to sue Enzo and his new management.
“They are just going to receive papers which will be inviting them to court, tobva tati twabam.
“Pane munhu akaba munhu wedu anoda kutsvagwa anoda kupusungwara and ikozvino tombopusa pamberi apo tozongwara.
“He will just see akunzi akudiwa kucourt, tokuti twubudu,” said Java.
However, Passion Java’s move has been viewed as an attention seeking stunt even though he insists they are taking the matter seriously.
Fellow dancehall artistes have since shown interest on the tiff between Java and Enzo’s new management.
Seh Calaz went on to say that Enzo must create his own brand and stop being signed season after season everywhere as if he is a soccer player.
Farai Dziva|Njube High School teacher, Brian Mutsiba has said his life is in danger and he can only return to work when his safety is guaranteed.
According to a police report Mutsiba allegedly incident students and pupils at Njube High School to embark on an “illegal demonstration.”
He is also accused of removing Emmerson Mnangagwa’ s portrait from the school staff room.
See Mutsiba’ s letter:
Letter from Brian Mutsiba…
Njube High School teacher…
I would like to convey my most sincere and profound gratitude to all fellow Zimbabweans who have rallied behind and supported the cause on education that was spearheaded by Njube High School Students.
I still stand by the firm belief that this youthful generation exibited elements of ghandism by exercising non violent resistance by marching peacefully.
Thank you for your prayers fellow Zimbabweans. My heartfelt gratitude to those who have helped me in the past 3 days, whose names I can not say for fear of victimisation. A million thanx goes to ARTUZ . The first union that went out of its way and try to locate me and extend a helping hand to a fellow colleague in this our noble a profession. Again whose members I shall not mention by name. A warm thank you to both ZIMTA and PTUZ have also made their position clear. I am further sincerely humbled and thankful for the support coming lawyers and humanitarian organisations.
To those who have called me by other names that are unkind, I also thank you. It Will never wipe away the power that is in the freedom of expression.The pen is mightier than the sword and the voices of the young have the grip of a vice.,eternally binding. To those who view the action of children as unjust, I can only be pitiful of the cataract that has made your eyes blind ,and the tumor in the brain that takes away reason. The young and old can not ignore that the education system is ailing and full of gangrene. As such it has gone putrid and the cleansing of such wounds demands serious attention on issues affecting education.
The presence of officials from the Presidents Office, Military Intelligence and Prisons intelligence on that fateful day is testimony enough to say there are threats on my life. So naturally when there is a clear and present danger, one is compelled to seek safety. Remember some have taken the icecream trail to rid the liver of a little poison.
World Leprosy Day is the last Sunday in the month of January and commemorated globally. This year in 2020 it’s on the 26th January. Events of the day are mainly to raise awareness of the disease in our communities. The theme is “Ending discrimination, stigma and prejudice.” For many years when the disease used to be common those affected were treated as outcasts and would usually be thrown out of the community from others.
Leprosy is an infectious disease that affects skin and nerves. It progresses slowly such that symptoms might take as long as 5 years and in some individuals 20 years before they manifest.
Symptoms include painful pale skin ulcers and long lasting lumps. Since it also affects nerves loss of feeling and muscle weakness might also be present. If eyes are affected it causes blindness.
Early diagnosis and treatment is important in management of leprosy to avoid complications. Diagnosis is by a skin biopsy.
Treatment depends on symptoms one presents with but however antibiotics are used to treat the disease. If there is nerve damage it is not treatable and will lead to disabilities.
In Zimbabwe there is a Leprosy center located in Mutoko called Mutemwa Leprosy Center.
The centre cares for those affected by the disease helping them recover and receiving treatment.
For more information follow/ like our Facebook page :Zimbabwe Online Health Centre
Farai Dziva|MDC leader Nelson Chamisa has said the opposition party will not “allow anyone to seize the people’s struggle.”
Chamisa made the remarks while presenting his Vision 2020 in Harare on Tuesday.
“The reality on the ground is that more than two years after November 2017, and more than 18 months after the 30 July 2018 election, time is running out for Zimbabwe.
Impatience engulfs the nation and the real danger is that all and sundry will be engulfed by forces and processes that are intolerant to the continued reproduction of the terrible status quo.
We remain committed to genuine dialogue. Our position will not change. What we want is useful dialogue. It is not dialogue for the purposes of accomodation, photo opportunities or political expediency.
We are a party that has learnt that the people’s struggle must not be hijacked by incomplete or captured processes that provide limited relief, improper answers and imperfect temporary remedies.
We reiterate our position that dialogue must lead to a transitional mechanism that stops the country’s slide towards total collapse. This must be followed by genuine reforms and free elections,” said Chamisa.
Farai Dziva|Professor Jonathan Moyo has related how state security agents “brutally killed” his father on January 22, 1983.
Moyo said members of the Fifth Brigade, together with CIO operatives were instructed by Perence Shiri and Emmerson Mnangagwa to “kill his father.”
“On 22 January 1983 my father Melusi Job Mlevu was brutally murdered by Perence Shiri’s Fifth Brigade & Mnangagwa’s CIO. They tortured him in front of his family; had him dig a shallow grave under torture, pumped bullets into his body & left the grave open,” Moyo posted on Twitter.
ZANU PF leader, Emmerson Mnangagwa’s name was featured in a video showing houses that have been demolished allegedly by the Zimbabwe Republic police and victims are heard speaking in Shona complaining about how government is taking extra judicial measures against them saying that the are going after artisanal miners, Mashurugwis.
“We have never seen or experienced a country since childbirth,” says one of the victims.
“This should have happened if the farm owner had complained, but not in a case where the owner of the property says that he wants the people to remain housed there.”
“We have never heard of the Mashurugwis, they left a long time ago”, says another.
Others are heard saying randomly:
The government was supposed to wait for you and then relocate you to other places.
“Dont take advantage of people saying because you are a government you have the right to do what you want. There are children at stake here.
“There was once a ZANU PF gang that came here saying we must register and then go to meetings in Kadoma. After the Kadoma meeting, vaMnangagwa said to us (sic). “
By A Correspondent- A man from Bulawayo has appeared in court for allegedly violating a court order which prohibited him from insulting or threatening his ex-wife.
Collen Mutizwa (35) of Mzilikazi suburb allegedly insulted and threatened to stab Ms Joana Manyemba (31) if he ever saw her with other men.The two are tenants at the same house.
Mutizwa was not asked to plead to a charge of failure to comply with terms and conditions of a court order when he appeared before Bulawayo magistrate Mr Lizwe Jamela.
He was remanded on $200 bail to January 27.
The court heard that on June 14 last year, Mutizwa was issued with a protection order which barred him from insulting or threatening his wife.
Prosecuting, Mr Denmark Chihombe said on Wednesday last week at around 9AM, Mutizwa went to Ms Manyemba’s bedroom window and started pulling down curtains.
He allegedly tore a mosquito net through the opening.
“The accused person began insulting the complainant and calling her a prostitute in front of her children.
“He also threatened to stab her with a knife if he sees her with other men,” Mr Chihombe said.
The matter was reported to the police leading to Mutizwa’s arrest.
Farai Dziva|MDC leader Nelson Chamisa on Tuesday called for a holistic approach towards attaining the people’s freedom.
Chamisa made while presenting “Vision 2020 in Mbare, Harare on Tuesday.
“Fellow Zimbabweans,
Our country is at a crossroads. We stand where they stood, lets make history. Get involved.
We are the biggest shareholders of this country as brought back or we claim it with urgency.
Freedom is not a distant phenomenon. Freedom is not far away from us. It is next to us, within is and around us. There is no greater power than a people united!
Freedom must come. If doesn’t come we must bring it. We are its vehicles and conveyancers.
If not you, then who?”
He added:”Power is not somewhere remote. Power is within us, the people!
We have heard you cry for action. Action is not the responsibility of one person. Do not allow individuals to personalise the struggle for freedom. Stand with us to restore this country. It is time pull together to mend the social fabric that has been torn apart by this tragic failure of leadership.
Fellow citizens,
I would like to assure every person who has ever put their faith in this movement that we will not abandon the cause. The path ahead may seem unclear, but we are resolved and continue to work tirelessly to bring about change that transforms the lives of every woman, man and child who belongs to this soil.
Ours is an inter-generational mandate that requires each individual to look inside themselves and ask what action they can make to harness the winds of change.
The time is now. If we are to achieve freedom, prosperity and equal opportunity the we have to act as one, individually and collectively.”
By A Correspondent- A Harare woman is at odds with her husband, who allegedly took their children for DNA tests secretly.
Pergy Chikore opened up at the Harare Civil Court where she applied for a protection order against her husband Tirinarwo Manyanga citing physical and verbal abuse.
Chikore and Manyanga have been fighting after the husband took the children for DNA tests without his wife’s consent. “We started fighting after Manyanga took my children for DNA testing after he accused me of cheating on him,” said Chikore.
She said her husband was also in the habit of insulting her in front of their children using obscenities. “He shouts at me in front of my children, telling them I am a prostitute and that he is not their father.
“He even insults my firstborn every day. “Manyanga abuses me every day, taking advantage that he bribes the police, and he cannot be sued for that. “I reported him several times, and nothing happened to him as he gives the police money.
“Sometimes he even goes to report first because he will be using a car, and by the time I get to the police station it will be too late,” said Chikore.
Chikore said she is now having some serious health problems as she is abused every day. In response, Manyanga denied the allegations.
“I love my children, and I never went for DNA tests,” said Manyanga. Magistrate Tildah Mazhandi granted the protection order in Chikore’s favor, urging the two to maintain peace with each other.
Farai Dziva|Emmerson Mnangagwa’s government has informed former Zanu PF Political Commissar, Saviour Kasukuwere about the decision to repossess his farm.
According to a letter written by the Ministry of Lands, government has decided to take over the farm for replanning purposes.
This afternoon we review the case of a video showing houses that have been demolished allegedly by the Zimbabwe Republic police and victims are heard speaking in Shona complaining about how government is taking extra judicial measures against them saying that the are going after artisanal miners, Mashurugwis.
“We have never seen or experienced a country since childbirth,” says one of the victims.
“This should have happened if the farm owner had complained, but not in a case where the owner of the property says that he wants the people to remain housed there.”
“We have never heard of the Mashurugwis, they left a long time ago”, says another.
Others are heard saying randomly:
The government was supposed to wait for you and then relocate you to other places.
“Dont take advantage of people saying because you are a government you have the right to do what you want. There are children at stake here.
“There was once a ZANU PF gang that came here saying we must register and then go to meetings in Kadoma. After the Kadoma meeting, vaMnangagwa said to us (sic). “
Farai Dziva|MDC leader Nelson Chamisa on Tuesday called for a holistic approach towards attaining the people’s freedom.
Chamisa made while presenting “Vision 2020 in Mbare, Harare on Tuesday.
“Fellow Zimbabweans,
Our country is at a crossroads. We stand where they stood, lets make history. Get involved.
We are the biggest shareholders of this country as brought back or we claim it with urgency.
Freedom is not a distant phenomenon. Freedom is not far away from us. It is next to us, within is and around us. There is no greater power than a people united!
Freedom must come. If doesn’t come we must bring it. We are its vehicles and conveyancers.
If not you, then who?”
He added:”Power is not somewhere remote. Power is within us, the people!
We have heard you cry for action. Action is not the responsibility of one person. Do not allow individuals to personalise the struggle for freedom. Stand with us to restore this country. It is time pull together to mend the social fabric that has been torn apart by this tragic failure of leadership.
Fellow citizens,
I would like to assure every person who has ever put their faith in this movement that we will not abandon the cause. The path ahead may seem unclear, but we are resolved and continue to work tirelessly to bring about change that transforms the lives of every woman, man and child who belongs to this soil.
Ours is an inter-generational mandate that requires each individual to look inside themselves and ask what action they can make to harness the winds of change.
The time is now. If we are to achieve freedom, prosperity and equal opportunity the we have to act as one, individually and collectively.”
Farai Dziva|MDC leader Nelson Chamisa on Tuesday called for a holistic approach towards attaining the people’s freedom.
Chamisa made while presenting “Vision 2020 in Mbare, Harare on Tuesday.
“Fellow Zimbabweans,
Our country is at a crossroads. We stand where they stood, lets make history. Get involved.
We are the biggest shareholders of this country as brought back or we claim it with urgency.
Freedom is not a distant phenomenon. Freedom is not far away from us. It is next to us, within is and around us. There is no greater power than a people united!
Freedom must come. If doesn’t come we must bring it. We are its vehicles and conveyancers.
If not you, then who?”
He added:”Power is not somewhere remote. Power is within us, the people!
We have heard you cry for action. Action is not the responsibility of one person. Do not allow individuals to personalise the struggle for freedom. Stand with us to restore this country. It is time pull together to mend the social fabric that has been torn apart by this tragic failure of leadership.
Fellow citizens,
I would like to assure every person who has ever put their faith in this movement that we will not abandon the cause. The path ahead may seem unclear, but we are resolved and continue to work tirelessly to bring about change that transforms the lives of every woman, man and child who belongs to this soil.
Ours is an inter-generational mandate that requires each individual to look inside themselves and ask what action they can make to harness the winds of change.
The time is now. If we are to achieve freedom, prosperity and equal opportunity the we have to act as one, individually and collectively.”
HOPEWELL CHIN’ONO: Today the Acting President & all senior Government bureaucrats including @Jamwanda2 & @nickmangwana were at the Airport to receive a 15 year old former @airmalaysia Boeing 777 bought by Robert Mugabe. In this video, the same plane was welcomed again in 2018. What is going on?
MZEMBI: “New deception” . In 2012 Cabinet considered a deal for an assortment of planes, 34 in all from the same source 59/41 in favour of Malaysians plus mgt control. Deal rejected , they prefer to buy one each for obvious reasons. I negotiated it.
CHARAMBA: Kutibvunzawo kani!! He was in charge of Tourism & briefly, Foreign Affairs. The man at heart of negotiations was Minister Joram Gumbo with whom we travelled repeatedly to Malaysia for meeting with then Head of State. Let’s not sound knowing hoping to raise our worn profiles.
MZEMBI: Dont want to waste my time on an officer who never sat in Cabinet . I have records, minutes etc
CHARAMBA: Nor do I on a bygone minister bruised by changes!!
No! I sat, still sit, before Cabinet !!
MZEMBI: “Before “Cabinet not “in” Cabinet. Zvoto zvine mazera , certainly out of bounds for you.
Farai Dziva| Deputy Chief Secretary to the President and Cabinet (Presidential Communications) George Charamba has claimed that MDC leader Nelson Chamisa’s Vision 2020 presentation yesterday was full of contradictions.
Charamba further claimed Chamisa’s speech was a “complete nothing full of contradictions”.
“If you try and strip this whole so-called agenda speech of all the flowery nature of his language, what stares you in the face is a series of contradictions,” Charamba told a state run paper.
“He now seeks to introduce the military into the dialogue without realising that he is running foul to the Constitution. At one level, you can’t be saying security forces must be apolitical, but at the same time you are making them a stakeholder in a political dialogue.
“Secondly, he has lifted the issue of legitimacy as a precondition for dialogue. The question then that stands is what else remains? When he says legitimacy is not a precondition, so what else necessitates a dialogue yet in fact all along and by his own confession including his interaction with churches, he was saying the number one question is the question of legitimacy?”
Farai Dziva| Deputy Chief Secretary to the President and Cabinet (Presidential Communications) George Charamba has claimed that MDC leader Nelson Chamisa’s Vision 2020 presentation yesterday was full of contradictions.
Charamba further claimed Chamisa’s speech was a “complete nothing full of contradictions”.
“If you try and strip this whole so-called agenda speech of all the flowery nature of his language, what stares you in the face is a series of contradictions,” Charamba told a state run paper.
“He now seeks to introduce the military into the dialogue without realising that he is running foul to the Constitution. At one level, you can’t be saying security forces must be apolitical, but at the same time you are making them a stakeholder in a political dialogue.
“Secondly, he has lifted the issue of legitimacy as a precondition for dialogue. The question then that stands is what else remains? When he says legitimacy is not a precondition, so what else necessitates a dialogue yet in fact all along and by his own confession including his interaction with churches, he was saying the number one question is the question of legitimacy?”
By A Correspondent- The Zimbabwe Union of Journalists, ZUJ, has condemned MDC Alliance security officials for harassing journalist Robert Tapfumaneyi at a party event in Harare on Tuesday.
Tapfumaneyi who works for online media platform, Sly Media was manhandled by the security details who indicated reservations for him to cover the event.
In the process, the security details allegedly grabbed Tapfumaneyi’s camera and threw it to the ground. The camera is being assessed for possible damages.
The attack adds to the increasing number of journalists who have been threatened, beaten or arrested by security forces and political activists.
ZUJ Secretary General, Foster Dongozi said that the attack on Tapfumaneyi was totally unacceptable.
“The MDC and its activists should put it in their heads that no journalists should be harassed, beaten or murdered, even if they are from ZBC while they are doing their work,” he said.
“We therefore demand that the party should issue a public apology to colleague Tapfumaneyi given that he was bullied in public and replace his equipment if it was damaged during the scuffle.”
Dongozi further urged the MDC to come up with a clear protocol on how to engage the media at their public events.
By A Correspondent- The trial of seven Cameroonian soldiers accused of participating in the killing of two women and two children has begun behind closed doors, two judicial sources said yesterday, after a video of the incident sparked an international outcry.
The soldiers were arrested after the video surfaced on social media in July 2018. The shaky footage showed two women, one with an infant strapped to her back, being led across a patch of dusty scrub land by uniformed men who accused them of belonging to the Nigerian militant group Boko Haram.
Moments later, two of the men stepped back, levelled their rifles and fired a series of rounds into the victims.
Government and army officials initially dismissed the video as “fake news” meant to tarnish the government’s image, but later announced arrests in the case.
The sources said the trial began on Monday in a court in Yaounde, capital of the West African country.
Six of the soldiers admitted to having participated in the killings, but said their commander had given the order to open fire, said the two sources, who were not authorised to speak publicly about the case.
The commander has denied giving the order, the sources said. It was not clear how long the trial would last.
Cameroon has been battling Boko Haram for years in the country’s far north, as the jihadist group fights to carve out an Islamic caliphate based across the border in Nigeria.
Rights activists, including Amnesty International, have accused government soldiers of repeatedly engaging in torture and extra-judicial killings in the far north. The government denies that there are systematic abuses.
The conflict with Boko Haram in the Lake Chad Basin has cost more than 30 000 lives and displaced millions more over the past decade, frequently spilling over into Cameroon, Niger and Chad.
By A Correspondent- A Rural Electrification Agency (REA) employee based in Bulawayo has been taken to court for allegedly stealing 3 500m of aluminium conductors worth $100 000.
Maxwell Muchetu (36), appeared before Bulawayo magistrate Lizwe Jamela on Monday charged with theft and was not asked to plead.
He was granted $500 bail and remanded to February 6.
The court was told that on January 17 at 2pm, Muchetu and Patricia Noko, who is still at large, stole 3 500m HD aluminum conductors from their employer’s storeroom.
They loaded it into a Toyota Hilux driven by Moses Zivengwa to whom they misrepresented that he had been hired by REA to transport the conductors.
Zivengwa allegedly took the conductors to Thandolwenkosi Mhlanga at number 144A Fife Street and 15th Avenue in the city centre for safekeeping.
Ananias Manjoro saw the pair taking out the company’s property without paperwork and reported the matter to REA official Prince Trust Ndlovu.
Investigations led to Muchetu’s arrest and the recovery of the conductors.
By A Correspondent- Chiredzi will hold another by-election in less than two months, after the passing on of ward 16 councillor Emmanuel Nyathi on Sunday afternoon.
The last by-election was held in November last year following the resignation of Andrew Ndebele (Zanu-PF), who was voted for in the July 2018 harmonised elections. Ndebele resigned in June last year due to poor health.
Zanu-PF retained the Chiredzi South ward 12 council seat after Anold Rukanda defeated John Mazhata (MDC Alliance) in a by-election.
Chiredzi Rural District Council chairperson, Edward Matsilele, said Nyati died on his way to Collin Saunders Hospital in Triangle on Sunday.
“We have lost a dear friend, a brother and a father. As you know we held our last full council meeting while he was in Harare where he was seeking treatment. As council, we would like to express our deepest condolences to the Nyathi family and the people of Ward 16,” Matsilele said.
Zanu-PF Masvingo provincial spokesperson Ronald Ndava said the party had lost a great cadre.
“As a party, we feel we have lost one of our trustworthy councillors. During his time we never heard any cases of diverting of even a single grain of government inputs like some councillors do.
“We will be with his family in these trying times,” he said, adding that Nyathi will be buried today.
By A Correspondent- NUST communication and marketing officer Lindiwe Nyoni defended the new fees structure, saying they are above board.
She said:
The tuition fees that our students are supposed to pay are capped at $5 000 in line with Government’s directive. But what makes the total fees exceed the $5 000 cap are the levies that take into account processes that make it possible to run certain programmes.
Each programme or faculty have certain levies that are charged to ensure it’s smooth running for the benefit of the students as well as the effective running of the university.
Higher and Tertiary Education, Innovation, Science and Technology Development Minister Professor Amon Murwira said there was nothing wrong with the fees as long as the tuition did not exceed $5 000.00.
Meanwhile, the University of Zimbabwe fee structure shows that students in the Faculty of Arts would pay $5 310 while those studying medicine will pay $8 755.
By A Correspondent- The Zimbabwe Republic Police (ZRP) has declared Jumbo Mine in Mazowe and its vicinity a no-go-area in a bid to curb machete gang violence.
In a statement on Tuesday, national police spokesperson Assistant Commissioner Paul Nyathi warned that anyone found operating illegally in the area will be arrested:
Police operations at Jumbo Mine and other areas in Mazowe have so far been successful. The ZRP has intensified the maintenance of law and order at Jumbo area in Mazowe.
A team of senior officers visited the area to check progress on Monday afternoon. Members of the public are accordingly advised that Jumbo Mine and its environs are now a no-go area with immediate effect.
Ass. Comm. Nyathi further warned villagers in Mazowe who have offered sanctuary to MaShurugwi gangs that the long arm of the law will catch up with them.
Police also arrested seven illegal miners on allegations of masquerading as police officers and members of the Zimbabwe National Army (ZNA) in Mutoko after they invaded Ngororombe Mine.
Wrote Malvern Mulingachonzi: I lost my Cousin Brother. He was shot dead and sustained multiple wounds of bullets. They stole everything in the house in Pretoria. So could you please mourn with me Kelvin Mulingachonzi.
By A Correspondent- Higher and Tertiary Education, Innovation, Science and Technology Development Minister Professor Amon Murwira said universities are free to charge operational levies as only tuition fees have been capped at $5 000 per semester.
Murwira made the remarks following the National University of Science and Technology’s (NUST) announcement of new fees.
Said Murwira:
The levies are a must. Technology levy and other things are necessary but what we control as Government is the tuition.
We cannot determine how much accommodation fees cost when we do not own it. As we say we want more productivity at universities. For example, last year the University of Zimbabwe did not increase fees, you know why?
Because they have a very productive farm at seven tonnes per hectare and milling company which mills mealie-meal.
So, it means their prices were moderate. So that is what we are trying to encourage all other universities so that we don’t have too high prices for accommodation.
According to the NUST communication and marketing officer, Lindiwe Nyoni, each programme or faculty has certain levies that are charged to ensure its smooth running for the benefit of the students as well as the effective running of the university.
By A Correspondent- A 54-year-old Zvishavane man has appeared in court after he was allegedly caught pants down rap_ing his seven-year-old niece by the minor’s brother.
The man who cannot be named for ethical reasons, allegedly rap_ed his niece, a Grade Three pupil, four times in 2017 in his bedroom.
The man pleaded not guilty when he appeared before Gweru Regional Magistrate Mrs Phathekile Msipa facing four counts of rape.
He was remanded in custody to February 3 for continuation of trial.
Prosecuting, Mr Talent Tadenyika said on an unknown date in 2017, the complainant was living at her grandmother`s homestead.
Each time she passed through the accused person’s homestead from school, the man would tell her to come back after changing her uniform.
“When she came back the accused person’s wife would either go to the river to wash or to fetch water at the borehole. The accused`s son would go away leaving the complainant in the company of the accused who would then rap_e her,” said Mr Tadenyika.
The court heard that at one time, the girl left home and went to the accused person’s house.
Her brother was later sent to look for her.
While at the man’s house, he allegedly peeped through the window and saw the accused person rap_ing his sister.
The brother ran away in fear and did not tell anyone.
The matter came to light when the complainant`s brother later approached her and asked her what had transpired.
As she was telling him, her aunt overhead her and told her mother leading to the arrest of the accused person
Accommodation prices being charged by the UZ institutions and locations around the UZ campus which include Mt pleasant, Avondale etc is enormous.
Houses in this locations charge around 60usd to 180usd which is not affordable to average citizen of Zimbabwe, Considering that the largest population of UZ student come from a bracket of civil servants which earn an average of 1000rtgs to 2000rtgs per month which is 40usd to 80usd in USD equivalents.
The Landlords of locations around UZ have taken a monopoly over the UZ off campus accommodation thereby are charging high prices.
Through this we discovered that they is need for an extensive accommodation plan to help many student coming from far away places like Bulawayo, Mutare etc not to fall into the trap of paying high prices for on and off campus accommodation thus the creation of UZ TO HIGHFIELD CONNECT .
HIGHFIELD It is a suburb which is 10km away from to town . It prides itself in housing prestigious supermarkets and food outlets like OK, TM pick n pay, Choppies, Crown choice and Chicken inn.
It also houses Econet ,Netone and Telecel shops and Many reliable banks. It has the same traits as the CBD as its transport system extends to other locations like Glen Norah ,Chitungwiza, DZ ,Kambuzuma, Westgate Kuwadzana etc.
Through numerous debates with landlords within this location .They agreed to an average price of 10usd to 20usd per head which is affordable to many.
ZUPCO direct to UZ campus will be initiated and this would cost $2.
Having a large number of students registered with the UZ TO HIGHFIELD CONNECT would determine the number of buses to be offered by Zupco.
Our grand plan is to have as many as 5000+ UZ students registered with the UZ TO HIGHFIELD CONNECT.
For more infomation contact: 0779200900 / 0785008588
By A Correspondent- Presidential spokesperson George Charamba has trashed as a series of contradictions opposition MDC alliance leader Nelson Chamisa’s Agenda 2020 statement delivered in Mbare (Tuesday).
Charamba questioned why the military should be included in the dialogue arguing that Chamisa was backtracking on the preconditions for dialogue.
He said in the state run media:
If you try and strip this whole so-called agenda speech of all the flowery nature of his language, what stares you in the face is a series of contradictions.
He now seeks to introduce the military into the dialogue without realising that he is running foul to the Constitution. At one level, you can’t be saying security forces must be apolitical, but at the same time you are making them a stakeholder in a political dialogue.
“Secondly, he has lifted the issue of legitimacy as a precondition for dialogue. The question then that stands is what else remains? When he says legitimacy is not a precondition, so what else necessitates a dialogue yet in fact all along and by his own confession including his interaction with churches, he was saying the number one question is the question of legitimacy?”
Watch below the full speech by Chamisa to hundreds of party supporters who turned up at Stoddart grounds:
By Tinashe Eric Muzamhindo- Dramatic monologue entangled over “failed State Presidency”
“Jubilation over a second hand plane, whilst
Paul Kagame opens a 2.5 Billion dollar car industry”
Emphasis over ma vegetables and potatoes, as
Edgar Lungu of Zambia embarks on a solar project to end the notorious load shedding.
“Every district in Zambia has a hospital, and
he launched a 4000 road network for the whole country”.
Refurbishment of Kenneth Kaunda New Airport,
and launch of Spaghetti road project in Lusaka.
We have become a laughing stock in Zimbabwe to receive another 1994 model used plane which some impeccable sources claim this was Zimbabwean plane which has been brought for the second time.
Whilst the whole cabinet left Munhumutapa offices, using State Resources to celebrate what they call a clinched deal on airport, whoever made arrangement of those chairs is deliberately doing this to embarrass the “Presidency” and expose the office to enemies and vultures of criticism.
Don’t forget not so long, the former Finance Minister, Patrick Chinamasa opened a bin in Rusape all the way from Harare, splashing State resources and putting a ribbon on a bin whilst UK has snubbed Zimbabwe.
Zimbabwe is the only country that has been snubbed perhaps judging by these silly mistakes and the lightweight presidential events, the overall conclusion is to snub the failed State Presidency.
Botswana donated bandages perhaps to bandage
the wounded Presidency from citizens’ anger. Just this past weekend Mnangagwa
and Chiwenga were posing for photos in the maize field, and you can easily tell
their minds are limited to those photo shoot outs and posing in different
styles holding maize cobs whilst over 6 million people are starving.
To them it’s about farming and poverty that
has been exhibited by photo shoots in maize fields. Not even a single industry
has been visited.
All those lies packaged by failed propaganda team led by Nick Mangwana who peddled falsehoods that Mnangagwa built over 2000 schools perhaps in the Atlantic Ocean near Mozambique.
They have been gagging Zimbabweans by their falsehoods and taking literally everyone for granted. All they can simply do is to claim that we have done this and that.Our major problem is we have “Presidents” who love photo shoots or shootouts, they love Herald front page every day.
They were too ambitious when Mugabe was alive to the extent that they admired him without really taking notes on how he handled himself in public and his PR stance.
It was photo shoots alover Harare
International Airports and even the journalists covering the event were
wondering exactly what these boys and girls were doing. Perhaps it is raka raka
of today. We have a crisis emanating from a legitimacy tag hovering over
Munhumutapa building. The fast gasping oxygen tightening propaganda team is
losing control and the centre can’t hold and the bottom line everyone has
concluded in the corridors of power and shake shake building >
“State Presidency has expired, and exhausted, and generally the public sentiments are Mr. President simply resign from this office. Even the ever smiling Chasi who could hardly spend a day without posting a twitter is now exhausted with lies and the Energy Ministry is too big for him. All he can do is to post about candles and water levels in Kariba.
Its four months now after the ZPC board has been appointed, it is reportedly that the board is already stinking with corruption, millions has already been looted. Their eyes are on farms, looting Command Agriculture facility, looting inputs and everything etc.
Coincidentally, Mugabe was the best farmer during his tenure as President, and Mnangagwa is also the best farmer during his controversial lightweight tenure. Surprisingly he is the best farmer.
Congrats Murambwi.” Shumba”, why don’t you pose for photo shoots with Kuwadzana residents were sewer is spilling in the public roads? The ever smiling President in the Maize fields.
The Office of the President has been reduced into a packrat club which has a chairperson who does not have the knowledge of his roles. Honestly if it was a village head role, wheels should have come off and ED would have been recalled.
If a State college can charge $4000 and then the following day a State President can pose for photo shoots in a maize field then one wonders if there are special Management Courses that can be introduced or leadership is an inbuilt thing which does not require all this.
The honest truth is the man has literally
failed and asante sana part is what the whole nation is expecting!!!
Zimbabwe’s main opposition leader said Tuesday he will roll out anti-government street protests this year, declaring that the collapsing economy will improve only if political issues, including a long-disputed election, are resolved.
Nelson Chamisa told hundreds of Movement for Democratic Change party supporters in the capital, Harare, that he will use the protests to push for a ”transitional authority” to run the southern African nation until credible elections are held.
“This year is going to be a year of demonstrations and action,” he said to cheers. “It is time to fight for a Zimbabwe we all want, and have been dreaming of. Come what may, we will not be intimidated.”
Zimbabwe held largely peaceful elections in 2018 in a transition from former leader Robert Mugabe’s nearly four-decade rule. But days later the military shot dead several people in Harare as opposition supporters protested a delay in releasing results.
President Emmerson Mnangagwa, a former Mugabe protege, has said Chamisa should accept the election results, but the opposition leader still asserts the vote was rigged even though the constitutional court threw out his legal challenge.
Zimbabwe’s military and police have crushed subsequent anti-government protests, while opposition events are routinely banned.
Police were uncharacteristically absent at Tuesday’s rally, although officers mounted roadblocks on roads leading into downtown and circulated with loudspeakers shouting: “Don’t be used, please go to work”.
Own Correspondent|3 Foreign Nationals caught with R1 Million worth of Stolen Goods headed to Zimbabwe. Goods worth over R1 Million were recovered on Monday when 3 foreign nationals were caught in a Toyota Quantum headed to Zimbabwe.
According to a Facebook post on SA Long Distance Truckers Page, the stolen good included more than 200 brand new cellphones and tower batteries.
More than 200 brand new cellphones
The Facebook Post read – Well done police. 3 foreign nationals arrested on their way to Zimbabwe with stolen goods valued at over 1 million rands. Among the goods were over 200 brand new cellphones as well as tower batteries and laptops.
Below is a picture of the Toyota Quantum that was used to transport the stolen goods. The vehicle seems to have Eastern Cape plates.
It is not yet clear where these thieves were coming from and from which country there are from but we will give you more information as it becomes available…
AN army camp commandant, who was responsible for the maintenance of the Defence House, is expected to appear in court on allegations of manufacturing fake payment invoices for cleaning services that were not rendered, which saw the Ministry of Defence losing $306 135 in the process.
Luxwell Ngara (51)is expected to appear at the Harare magistrates court charged with fraud.
He is alleged to have teamed up with three accounts officers from the same ministry- Danison Muvandi, who is on the run, Peter Muchakazi and Kunofiwa Mervyn Madondo, who have since appeared in court on similar allegations-and raised invoices towards payment of non-existent cleaning services to Maids on Wheels Private Limited.
Ngara was arrested by officers from the Zimbabwe Anti-corruption Commission.
ZIFA has said that Zimbabwe has an opportunity to qualify for the 2022 FIFA World Cup hosted by Qatar. This comes as Zimbabwe has been put in Group G together with Ghana, South Africa and Ethiopia.
The Warriors have had an encounter with South Africa and Ghana before and the records are not that bad.
Meanwhile, football fans have often said that Zimbabwe lacks enough preparation for international matches therefore to does not matter how weak its opponents are, it will not qualify until the issue has been resolved.
Zimbabwe was left disappointed when the Warriors failed to proceed from the group stages at last year’s AFCON edition.
The team was composed of skilled players whilst the group consisted of “fair” teams.
Warriors midfielder Marvelous Nakamba put up a good show in Aston Villa’s dramatic 2-1 win over Watford at Villa Park last night.
The 26-year-old showed glimpse of brilliance and looked like the player he was when he burst onto the scene after a move from Belgian side Club Brugge last August.
Nakamba’s first half performance comprised of a 83% pass accuracy rate, eight ball recoveries, two tackles won and one blocked cross.
Ultimately, the Zimbabwean midfielder got a well-deserved 7 out 10 rating by the Birmingham Mail.
“Much better from the Zimbabwean who looked a little like his old self again. Has definitely been rocked by some sort of confidence setback. Up against the likes of Capoue and Doucoure so never easy but he did his all to attempt to keep Villa ticking. Kept plugging away. Rallied until the very end and his efforts were rewarded,” wrote Villa Correspondent Ashley Preece.
Only Tyrone Mings, who scored the last gasp winner which delivered 3 points for Dean Smith’s charges, got a better rating than Nakamba, with the Warriors star even getting the same one with star skipper Jack Grealish.
State Media|Alternative Investment Market (AIM)-quoted miner, Caledonia Mining Corporation, says it has completed the acquisition of an additional 15 percent shareholding in Blanket Mine from Fremiro Private Limited (Fremiro), taking its interest from 49 percent to 64 percent.
Caledonia chief executive Steve Curtis, yesterday said Fremiro will now hold approximately 6,3 percent of the miner’s enlarged issued share capital following a US$16,6 million gross consideration for the 15 percent stake.
The deal was settled through the cancellation of a loan — which stood at $11,5 million as at June 30, 2018 — between Fremiro and Caledonia and the issue of 727 266 new shares in Caledonia.
“The company has concluded its transaction with Fremiro to increase Caledonia’s shareholding in Blanket to 64 percent.
“I am confident that Fremiro, now as a significant shareholder in the company, will continue to be supportive of Caledonia’s business going forward,” Mr Curtis stated.
Last year, Caledonia announced it had entered into a legally binding agreement with Fremiro to purchase the 15 percent stake in Blanket.
Fremiro acquired its shareholding in Blanket when Caledonia implemented transactions in 2012 to comply with the Zimbabwean Indigenisation and Economic Empowerment Act.
As part of the transactions, Caledonia sold 41 percent of Blanket to indigenous Zimbabwean shareholders.
At least 15 percent was sold to Fremiro, 16 percent went to the National Indigenisation and Economic Empowerment Fund, while the Blanket Employee Trust Services (Private) Limited received 10 percent.
The financing of these acquisitions was facilitated through approximately US$30 million of facilitation loans to the above parties apportioned pro rata between the parties based on shareholding.
In addition, 10 percent of Blanket was donated to the local community in the form of the Gwanda Community Share Ownership Trust.
Following amendment of the Indigenisation Act in 2018 to remove the 51 percent Indigenisation requirement for gold mining businesses, Caledonia and Fremiro agreed on a transaction whereby Caledonia would purchase Fremiro’s shareholding in Blanket.
The miner’s gold production during 2019 was approximately 55 182 ounces, ahead of revised production guidance of 53 000 ounces driven by improved power availability and grade control.
According to Curtis, in the quarter ended December 31, 2019, approximately 16 876 ounces of gold were produced – 24 percent higher than the previous quarter — exceeding a prior production record of 16 425 ounces set in the final quarter of 2017.
In 2020, Caledonia anticipates gold production to be between 53 000 and 56 000 ounces.
The mining firm increased its third quarter dividend by 9,1 percent to 6,875 cents per share on the back of improved financial performance, buoyed by higher production and better gold prices.
Caledonia – which recently completed a five-year investment programme at its Blanket Mine — now has more financial flexibility and its rate of capital expenditure is going to be reduced to give flexibility of cash reserves on an increased dividend.
It has been in an intensive capital expenditure drive with its latest investment being a US$44 million Central Shaft to be commissioned in fourth quarter of 2020.
The miner has been spending an average of USD$21 million per annum investing heavily in capital goods for efficiency.
Illegal gold panners arrested at Vova mining site arrive at Gwanda Urban Police Station
State Media| Police in Matabeleland South province have arrested 60 illegal gold panners during a raid at Vova mining site in Gwanda as part of an operation to fight illegal mining activities blamed for violent crimes involving dangerous weapons such as machetes.
In an interview, Matabeleland South provincial police spokesperson Chief Inspector Philisani Ndebele said the gang was found in possession of axes during the raid which was conducted in the early hours of Monday morning.
He said police in Matabeleland South launched an operation on Sunday targeting illegal mining sites in the province.
“We raided an illegal mining site in Vova area on Monday morning where we arrested 60 people comprising 44 males and 16 females. Vova is one of the hot spots in the province where we have recorded murder and serious assault cases involving weapons such as machetes and axes. We found the gang in possession of a few axes and some illegal vending wares such as beer. We however, didn’t recover any machetes and we assume that they had probably hidden them in the bushes,” he said.
“This raid is part of an ongoing operation which we started on Sunday and we will continue conducting them in other mining areas across the province where there are illegal activities. Other problematic areas include Mphoengs in Mangwe, Filabusi and Esigodini. Recently, we received reports of violence in Matshetsheni area in Gwanda as some gold deposits were discovered there.”
Chief Insp Ndebele said the operation was also part of a clamp down on Mashurugwi who had been reported to have caused violence in some mining towns across the province. He said in a recent incident a man was murdered in Mphoengs area in Mangwe by a group of machete wielding men in a dispute over a mining area.
Chief Insp Ndebele said violent crimes being recorded in mining areas were as a result of fights over claims.
“The problem we have in the province is of illegal mining activities which have resulted in violent crimes as people fight over claims. As police we continue to urge people to register their mining operations. Once all mining operations are regularised and people enclose their mines then we will have less cases of people fighting over undesignated areas. These groups of people known as Mashurugwi are also taking advantage of this chaos and they are descending on innocent people and harming them,” he said.
Last week, police in Matabeleland South issued a three months prohibition order against carrying of dangerous weapons in public as part of efforts to reduce criminal activities involving these weapons which are being recorded in the province.
In Matabeleland North province, police spokesperson Chief Inspector Siphiwe Makonese said Operation “No to anarchy” has been ongoing in Inyathi, Bubi District for the past few months.
She said they were still compiling statistics detailing arrests and successes during the operation.
ZANU-PF Midlands province yesterday launched a $370 000 community bakeries programme with 10 constituencies receiving the first lot of the revolving fund.
The loan package comes in form of baking ingredients like flour with beneficiaries expected to start paying back the money after three weeks.
The programme is being financed by the Women’s Bank and is expected to be rolled out to all the districts and wards so that the communities have access to cheaper confectionery items while empowering themselves.
Launching the programme in Gweru, the Minister of State for Midlands Provincial Affairs and Devolution Larry Mavima said the programme — a brain child of the ruling party — is aimed at providing affordable bread to members of the public adding that it is open to all Zimbabweans.
“We want you to produce your own cheap foodstuffs. Women Bank is funding this programme. Remember it’s a loan and not donation. We therefore need to work together so that we pay back this loan.
“If we fail to pay back it means we let down other beneficiaries. Members of Parliament, please make sure after four weeks the loan is paid back. It’s a big challenge to you. It’s about uplifting our livelihoods. It’s about empowerment,” he said.
Minister Mavima said Zanu-PF is involved in a number of empowerment programmes for its people.
“Zanu-PF is an empowering party. Projects for everyone from the youths to the women are being implemented and we must be found participating.
“The revolving funds should go to all the 28 constituencies. Now only 10 have benefited at this launch.
“Let’s make sure we drive this programme ahead of 2023. Let’s start passing each other the ball, let’s work for our people, for our party, for our President, “ he said.
Bakeries in Vungu, Chirumhanzu, Chiwundura, Zvishavane Ngezi, Silobela, Shurugwi North, Mberengwa South, Gumunyu, Gokwe North Nembudziya, Gokwe Mapfungautsi constituencies received the first starter packs.
A BULAWAYO woman has appeared in court facing a murder charge after she allegedly doused her husband with petrol before setting him on fire in a dispute over an extra marital affair.
Sindiso Ndlovu (41) of Emakhandeni suburb allegedly committed the offence at their home in Maphisa in October last year and her husband, Busani Ncube succumbed to the serious burns this month while admitted to United Bulawayo Hospitals.
Ndlovu, who was initially charged with attempted murder, appeared before Gwanda magistrate, Miss Lerato Nyathi facing a murder charge.
Representing Ndlovu, Mrs Barbara Mushaninga from Legal Aid Directorate tendered a consent of bail pending trial from prosecutors.
“I have sought consent from the chief public prosecutor and I’m making an application to tender the said consent. I submit that my client will abide by the stated conditions with no variations,” she said.
The State did not oppose the application on condition that Ndlovu does not violate the bail conditions.
She was remanded out of custody on her own cognisance to January 31.
Miss Nyathi advised her not to interfere with State witnesses, reside at 2723 Emakhandeni Bulawayo, not to go to the house she stayed in with her husband in Maphisa, surrender her passport to the clerk of court and report at Luveve Police Station fortnightly on Fridays until the matter is finalised.
Prosecuting, Miss Glenda Nare said Ndlovu attacked her husband on October 19 while they were at their home in Maphisa.
“On 19 October 2019 Ndlovu had a misunderstanding with her husband Busani Ncube. She assaulted him, poured petrol on him and set him alight using matches and he sustained severe burns as a result of the attack.
“Ncube died on 8 January while admitted to the United Bulawayo Hospitals after succumbing to the burns he sustained.
“A 25 litre container of petrol was recovered in their bedroom,” she said.
Ndlovu is said to have discovered that her husband was having an extra marital affair which resulted in the altercation between them.
On the day he was attacked, Ncube arrived home at night from a drinking spree at Maphisa Business Centre and his wife confronted him over the alleged affair.
She poured petrol on her drunk husband and set him on fire.
LOCAL universities have announced their new fee structures which will see students paying between $5 000 and $9 000 per semester depending on their programmes.
The National University of Science and Technology (Nust) was one of the first institutions to make public its new fees.
According to information obtained from the institution’s website www.nust.ac.zw, students in the Faculty of Communication and Information Science will pay total fees of $5 120; Faculties of Engineering and Built Environment $5 250; Faculty of Commerce $5 788; Faculties of Science and Technology Education and Applied Sciences will pay $6 500; and Faculty of Medicine $7 500.
The University of Zimbabwe fee structure shows that students in the Faculty of Arts would pay $5 310 while those studying medicine will pay $8 755.
Nust communication and marketing officer Mrs Lindiwe Nyoni said the university’s fees were above board.
“The tuition fees that our students are supposed to pay are capped at $5 000 in line with Government’s directive. But what makes the total fees exceed the $5 000 cap are the levies that take into account processes that make it possible to run certain programmes. Each programme or faculty has certain levies that are charged to ensure its smooth running for the benefit of the students as well as effective running of the university,” said Mrs Nyoni.
Higher and Tertiary Education, Innovation, Science and Technology Development Minister Professor Amon Murwira said while tuition fees remain capped below $5 000, institutions were allowed to charge operational levies.
“The levies are a must. Technology levy and other things are necessary but what we control as Government is the tuition,” said Prof Murwira.
He said universities have to be productive which in turn will reduce costs including accommodation.
“We cannot determine how much accommodation fees cost when we do not own it. As we say we want more productivity at universities. For example, last year University of Zimbabwe did not increase fees, you know why? Because they have a very productive farm at seven tonnes per hectare and milling company which mills mealie-meal. So, it means their prices were moderate. So that is what we are trying to encourage all other universities so that we don’t have too high prices for accommodation,” he said.
Nust students’ representative council president Innocent Dombo said the new fees were too high for students considering that their parents and guardians were not earning that much.
“While the Minister engaged the Vice Chancellors in coming up with the new fees structure, we feel he forgot the important stakeholder which is the students’ body. We did not have our input yet the issues were mostly pertaining to us. Importantly, the new fees are just too high. We thought that everything was going to be capped under $5 000 but we are now getting that the cap was just for tuition and total fees are as high as $8 000 in some instances,” said Dombo.
He said already students are fretting over accommodation fees that are charged in foreign currency in Bulawayo.
Government has availed a $90 million students loan facility as it aims to ensure higher and tertiary education is accessible to all.
Own Correspondent|THE Zimbabwe Hospital Doctors Association (ZHDA) has finally accepted the Higherlife Foundation mentorship offer, a move that is likely to bring some sanity to the health sector.
In November last year at the height of the doctors strike as a result of incapacitation, the Foundation offered a ZWL100 Million, Training Fellowship for Junior and Senior Resident Medical Officers employed at Public Healthcare institutions of Zimbabwe.
The Zimbabwe Hospital Doctors Association (ZHDA) commended Higher Life Foundation for its further commitment to financially support all doctors and urged all of them to apply.
“In light of the recent developments, the ZHDA wants to extend its gratitude to the HLF for extending its offer once again to all Government doctors.
“The ZHDA is encouraging its entire membership to go and apply for the training fellowship before the stipulated deadlines,” said ZHDA in a statement.
HLF has reopened its fellowships to all doctors including middle and consultant doctors in Government health facilities with immediate effect.
HLF chief executive officer Mr Kennedy Mubaiwa said the latest development, which will run for the next six months, will see senior consultants getting a monthly subsistence allowance of $10 000 and $7 500 for other senior doctors including provincial medical directors and middle level doctors.
Junior doctors will continue getting $5 000 per month, a smart phone, a VAYA taxi ride from home, uniforms and diagnostic aids.
The offer is only valid to the two thousand doctors currently employed at government institutions.
Own Correspondent|SENIOR doctors have agreed to expand the emergency services mode in hospitals in a bid to ease the suffering masses.
In a statement, the Senior Doctors Association of Zimbabwe (SHDA) said the resolution was agreed on following an exercise they carried out early this year where they went through the hospitals together with hospital managers; to inspect and physically see the restocking that had been done as well as highlighting on the state of the hospital equipment in the central hospitals around the country.
Senior doctors, have been providing limited services and attending to emergency cases only since December.
The doctors’ return follows a meeting between the Senior Hospital Doctors Association (SHDA) executive and its constituency on Monday from which they agreed to return to work.
The executive had initially met with Acting President Constantino Chiwenga last Wednesday where the Government reportedly committed to deal with challenges bedevilling the health sector from a “holistic approach”.
This holistic approach requires provision and consistent supply of medical drugs and sundries, equipment, as well as better salaries for all health workers for a complete and functional healthcare system.
In recent months, the Government — through Natpharm (Pvt) Ltd and other partners — has been restocking the national drug and sundries requirements.
The Ministry of Health and Child Care set up a technical committee to coordinate the process of hospital equipment procurement.
In a statement released after Monday’s meeting, SHDA said following their assessment of the state of hospital equipment and national drugs restocking exercise, they resolved to upscale the level of services they will be providing to patients seeking treatment from public health institutions.
“On 15 January 2020, the SHDA executive met the Acting President Honourable CDGN Chiwenga and deliberated on the issues bedevilling the health delivery system of the nation. The Acting President expressed his commitment to a holistic approach to handling the situation.
“In a meeting of the members of the SHDA on 20 January 2020, members agreed to upscale from only offering emergency services to include urgent cases which could not be assisted all along based on assessments done by their executive,” said SHDA.
The association said its members’ decision was triggered by the need to ease the plight of patients.
SHDA expressed concern over the implementation of the nurses’ flexible working hours, which they claimed was compromising patient care, hence the need to only focus on “urgent and emergency” cases to limit on admissions.
The nurses’ flexible working hours are a Government directive allowing nurses to work long hours thrice a week from 7am to 7pm.
The normal nursing shift starts from 7am to 4pm for five days a week.
A queue for Mealie Meal at a supermarket in Harare.
Own Correspondent|Subsidised mealie-meal supplies have remained erratic across the country, with major supermarkets running out of the commodity, forcing most consumers to access it on the black market.
The shortages have also turned some people into “professional queuers” as they hop from one supermarket to the other anticipating deliveries, either for own consumption or for the black market.
A consumer, Mr Raymond Muza said since Sunday, he had been trying to buy mealie-meal from Westgate Shopping Mall, but there were no supplies.
“I decided to come to the Central Business District, but there is no single shop selling it,” he said.
He ended up buying a bucket of maize at Mbare Musika for $110.
Other consumers said they had been getting the product on rare occasions.
In Bindura, there were no supplies, with the last deliveries having been witnessed at OK Supermarket last weekend.
Vendors are selling a 10kg bag of mealie-meal for $70 cash at Chipadze and Chiwaridzo shopping centres.
In Masvingo, all major retailers had no stocks.
A few shops in the city that had supplies were selling a 10kg bag for $65.
Some unscrupulous “professional buyers” are reported to be buying the subsidised mealie-meal for resale at the main Chitima Market for prices ranging between $65 and $70.
In Beitbridge, most retail shops have imported brands from South Africa.
On average, a 12,5kg is being sold for R50 in South Africa and R60 in Zimbabwe.
Local brands are being sold at around $110 per 10kg bag.
In the Midlands Province, residents are relying on imported brands, with retailers and wholesalers saying they last received mealie-meal deliveries about two weeks ago.
Gain Cash and Carry Gweru branch was the last to receive mealie-meal, but was forcing consumers to buy groceries of $1 000 and above to get the subsidised mealie-meal.
In Mutare, there is serious shortage of the subsidised mealie-meal as all major supermarkets did not have supplies.
OK Supermarket got supplies on Monday and they ran out, while Pick n Pay got a delivery yesterday.
“We only received 200 bags of 10kg maize meal and these were snapped up by customers the moment we put them on our shelves,” said a Pick and Pay employee.
Other major shops like Spar are still to receive supplies this week.
Own Correspondent |Subsidised mealie-meal supplies have remained erratic across the country, with major supermarkets running out of the commodity, forcing most consumers to access it on the black market.
The shortages have also turned some people into “professional queuers” as they hop from one supermarket to the other anticipating deliveries, either for own consumption or for the black market.
The re-introduction of subsidised mealie-meal by Government brought relief to most people as the commodity is pegged at $50, while it is selling for up to $100 on the black market.
But while the decision by Government was noble, citizens are battling to access the product as it is in short supply.
Whenever deliveries are made, consumers — especially those selling on the black market — stampede to get the product.
Some retailers are accused of releasing small quantities to the public, while diverting it to the black market.
Grain Millers Association of Zimbabwe (GMAZ) chairperson Mr Tafadzwa Musarara said shortages were a result of the non-availability of maize.
Grain Marketing Board general manager Mr Rockie Mutenha asked for questions to be put in writing through the public relations department.
Industry and Commerce Minister Sekai Nzenza was not reachable.
Mr Musarara said: “It is purely an issue of maize availability and the shortage has nothing to do with the subsidy, which we have resolved.
“The issue of availability stemmed from the fact that GMB was the primary source.
“However, Government allowed millers to import maize starting December 2019 and we have made efforts to import the maize. We signed up for 50 000 tonnes of imported maize per month from South Africa. Initially the maize imports will come from South Africa and later on from Brazil.
“As such, the subsidy for roller meal will cover both maize from local suppliers and imported grain. The maize will start arriving in the country as early as next week and that should improve the situation.”
GMAZ spokesperson Mr Garikai Chaunza, said: “We have been meeting members of the Confederation of Zimbabwe Retailers in Bulawayo today (yesterday) to try and find a lasting solution on the channelling of the subsidised mealie-meal to the black market.
“We resolved that supplies will be made to reputable retailers so that adequate monitoring is done. This is meant to address the issue of having mealie-meal being diverted to the parallel market.
“We are expecting the first consignment this weekend and tenders will be offered to transporters to speed up the transportation process.
“We will be working closely with the police to ensure that the grain reaches its intended destination.
“At least 110 000 tonnes are needed to satisfy the market per month.”
Mbeki came in December. When he had arrived in Zimbabwe, he said to me I have heard of your popularity; I know you are the most popular, but why are you not agreeing with your colleague Mnangagwa?
Own Correspondent|Bulawayo, Provincial Affairs Minister Judith Ncube had to intervene yesterday and stopped Galaxy Cash and Carry Supermarket from selling the subsidised roller meal on condition that a customer bought groceries worth $150.
There was an uproar from customers at the supermarket located along Fort Street between 7th and 8th Avenues who complained that they only had money to buy mealie-meal.
Minister Ncube said she visited the supermarket and convinced the owner to sell the mealie-meal unconditionally.
She condemned the abuse of the subsidised mealie-meal, saying it was a controlled commodity meant to benefit ordinary citizens.
“I visited the supermarket and spoke to a man who seemed to be the owner. He said he placed the condition as a way of controlling the long queue, but from my observation the queue was short compared to what we normally witness.
“I do not know what their motive was. We managed to reason with the owner and we were able to rectify the problem,” she said.
Minister Ncube said she will engage the Consumer Council of Zimbabwe to look into the situation because it was unfair for retailers to demand that consumers buy some goods as a precondition.
She urged consumers to resist bad practices and condemned businesses that seek to make mega profits out of people’s misery.
Mr Shelton Matanga, who was among those on the queue, said people had been waiting for hours to buy mealie meal.
“We arrived here at around 7am after realising that there was a delivery of the subsidised roller meal. We are already struggling and we do not have the extra $150 they are demanding,” he said.
State Media|Supreme Court yesterday ruled that all debts incurred before February 22 last year must be settled in the local currency at a 1:1 rate against the US dollar in line with Statutory Instrument (SI) 33 of 2019.
The SI abolished the multi-currency regime and reintroduced the Zimbabwe dollar.
Chief Justice Luke Malaba made the landmark ruling in an appeal case involving Zambezi Gas Zimbabwe (Pvt) Limited against mining services provider N.R. Barber (Pvt) Ltd and the Sherriff of Zimbabwe.
Zambezi Gas had appealed against a High Court judgment which instructed the gas company to pay a May 2018 debt using the interbank rate and not 1:1 rate which was effected in February 2019.
N.R. Barber’s lawyers argued that in interpreting SI 33/19, the court should have regard to the principle of parity.
The firm enjoined the court to have regard to the fact that a judgment was a judicial fact that resulted from adjudication.
The contention was that in interpreting the statute, the court should place N. R. Barber in the position it would have been in had SI 33/19 not been enacted.
It was argued that the SI was a bridge between the US dollar and the RTGS dollar and in that regard, the court should have considered the interbank exchange rate as a means of arriving at parity.
But Chief Justice Malaba ruled that the payment of RTGS$4 136 806,54 made by Zambezi Gas was in full and final settlement of the debt in terms of Section 4(1) (d) of the S.I. 33/ 2019.
He found that the arguments by N.R. Barber were devoid of merit.
“Counsel (N.R Barber lawyer) would like the court to believe that a conversion of a foreign currency denomination to a local currency denomination amounts to a lesser value in the local currency,” he said.
“This reasoning is wrong at law. There can be no parity to talk about once it is accepted that the RTGS dollar is a currency denomination with a set legal value.
“It is the legal tender used in Zimbabwe and as such carries a specific value. Once a conversion of the value of an asset or liability denominated in United States dollars is made to the value of RTGS dollars, the converted value remains the same, as the two different currency denominations both carry value.”
Chief Justice Malaba noted that no exchange rate could be applied as the judgment debt remained a judgment debt with a value after it was converted to the local currency.
“The RTGS dollar has the value given under the one-to-one (1:1) rate and it remains on that value even after the effective date,” he said.
“The first respondent (N. R. Barber) and likewise the court a quo was wrong at law in trying to find parity by adding value on the RTGS dollar through the interbank rate.”
Section 4 (l)(d) of SI 33/19 stated that for such unique liabilities, including judgment debts, a rate of 1:1 between the US dollar and the RTGS dollar would apply.
The transactions entered into after the effective date, would fall under the provisions of section 4(1)(e) of SI 33/19, added the Chief Justice.
To this end, Chief Justice Malaba said the payment of RTGS$4 136 806,45 made by the appellant as settlement of the judgment debt was a full and final settlement of the judgment debt in terms of Section 4(1)(d) of SI 33/19.
The court heard that N.R. Barber offered services to Zambezi Gas in May 2018 charged at US$3 885 000.
Following the promulgation of S.I 33 of May 2019, Zambezi Gas paid RTGS$ 4 136 806,54 to N. R. Barber being debt plus interest.
N. R. Barber then approached the High Court to force Zambezi Gas to pay an additional US$3 992 018,31 arguing that RTGS$4 136 806,54 Zambezi Gas had paid was equivalent to US$144 778,23 as per the payment date’s interbank rate in May.
Zambezi Gas was challenging a US$3 885 000 lawsuit, which the High Court had ordered the company to pay N.R Barber regarding a mining services the latter had provided at Entuba Coal Mining Concession in Hwange in 2014.
The ruling will see Zambezi Gas paying N.R Barber Z$3 885 00.
Mafongoya & Matapura law firm represented N.R Barber in the matter.
TWENTY years after their battle ended in mayhem at the National Sports Stadium, claiming 13 lives of Zimbabwean football fans in a stampede, the Warriors and Bafana Bafana will again clash in a World Cup qualifier.
The draw for the 2022 World Cup group stage qualifiers was conducted in the Egyptian capital, Cairo, last night.
Fate has seemingly kept the two neighbours apart in World Cup battles since that dark July day in 2000 when their showdown ended prematurely under a cloud of tear smoke and pandemonium and death in the stands.
It remains the darkest day in the history of Zimbabwean sport.
Bafana Bafana, who had reached the 1998 World Cup in France, were battling for a second straight appearance at the global football showcase when they arrived in Harare at the turn of the millennium.
A double strike by Delron Buckley and some antics by the visiting players to try and mock the huge crowd provided the ingredients for a perfect storm, with the home fans responding with an assortment of missiles which were thrown onto the pitch.
Amid the chaos, the police fired teargas into the crowded bays, triggering a stampede, which after matters had calmed down, claimed the lives of 13 Zimbabwean football fans.
Alec Fidesi, then a six-year-old ardent Dynamos and Warriors fan, was the youngest to die.
FIFA, moved by the tragedy, donated US$10 000 to each family of those who were lost in the stampede.
Bafana Bafana went on to qualify for the 2002 World Cup in South Korea and Japan, while the Warriors, who are yet to make an appearance at the global football showcase, failed in their bid to reach the finals.
However, in the wake of the tragedy, even a battle for a place at the World Cup took a back seat as the nation mourned its citizens who had gone to support their national football team but didn’t return home to tell the story.
Since then, Bafana Bafana and the Warriors have been kept apart in the World Cup qualifiers, with South Africa playing at the 2010 showcase by virtue of being the hosts, while failing to make it to the 2014 and 2018 finals.
The South Africans have appeared at three World Cup finals, the same number as the Black Stars of Ghana, who are the top seed in Group G which also features Ethiopia.
The Ghanaians were the toast of the continent, if not the world, at the 2010 World Cup in South Africa when they came within just a penalty conversion, in the final minute of their match against Uruguay, to become the first African nation to reach the semi-finals of the global football showcase.
However, Asamoah Gyan, their leading striker at that tournament, failed when it mattered most, blazing his shot against the crossbar, and giving the South Americans a lifeline which they used as they beat the Black Stars in the penalty shootout drama that followed.
Some believe the Ghanaians have yet to recover from that blow and failed to reach the last World Cup finals in Russia.
There have also been some serious domestic problems in Ghanaian football, which led to the resignation of some key leaders and referees in shame after they were caught in a sting operation done by an undercover journalist.-State media
Zimbabwe will continue to re-engage the United States (US) despite challenges affecting the resumption of normal relations between the two countries, Vice President Kembo Mohadi said yesterday. He was speaking after a courtesy call from US Ambassador to Zimbabwe, Mr Brian Nichols.
Relations between the two countries have been strained in the past two decades after the US imposed sanctions on Zimbabwe, protesting the implementation of land reform and a general desire by Washington to effect regime change in Harare.
Since the coming in of the Second Republic led by President Mnangagwa, the Government has been pursuing the re-engagement drive with the US and other Western countries to normalise relations.
A policy to maintain and grow relations with those countries that Harare has good working relations with has also been adopted.
While dialogue with countries in the European Union (EU) has yielded positive results, not much headway has been made with the US, which maintains a negative stance against the Government despite efforts to repeal laws that were seen as retrogressive.
VP Mohadi, who met Ambassador Nichols and discussed the ongoing reforms and the humanitarian situation, said Harare and Washington will continue talking.
“We had a very good interaction with His Excellency the Ambassador of the US to Zimbabwe.
We discussed a number of issues that include reforms in terms of legislation, the legislative reforms and we also discussed electoral reforms and drought mitigation,” said VP Mohadi.
“The US has been pleased to provide Zimbabwe with the assistance since the inception of our independence and they continue to do so in the area of education particularly and health and also agriculture, which is food mitigation.
“So we are still going to be cooperating with them. We might have had hiccups here and there, but that sometimes happens even at family level, you have such things but it doesn’t mean we are not communicating or we are not dialoguing. We will continue dialoguing and get to where we understand each other better and everything else will be ok.”
In his remarks, Ambassador Nichols said:
“The VP explained some of the political and economic reforms that this Government is pursuing but we all need to see the concrete outcome of that process in order to have a closer relationship at a government-to-government level.
But that being said, we have agreed to maintain our channels of communication open and I hope he will indulge me in the future to meet me so that we can continue with this dialogue.”
Ambassador Nichols said they discussed the impact of drought on Zimbabwe and requirements to mitigate the effects.
“It was a courtesy call to check in with His Excellency, the Vice President on the current situation but more specifically to continue our dialogue on issues of food security, mitigating drought, linking with the effects of Cyclone Idai and to discuss the important economic reforms that Zimbabwe is pursuing and will be central to finding a lasting solution to the challenges that this country faces and I reiterated our commitment to the welfare to the people of Zimbabwe,” said Ambassador Nichols.- State media
Fellow Zimbabweans, Your Excellencies, Members of the Diplomatic Community, Honourable Members of Parliament, Mayors and Councillors, distinguished guests, ladies and gentlemen, it is an honour for me to present AGENDA 2020 which defines the year 2020 as the decisive year for dealing with the broad challenges facing the nation.
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Today we gather here at Stodart Hall in Mbare, this great place of history, a place of hope and inspiration which has served as a revolutionary springboard for many of our country’s nationalist trailblazers, religious torchbearers as well as sports and artistic luminaries among many other leading lights who have, over the years, scaled the heights as the “Class of Stodart Hall”, in search of a Zimbabwe that the people want but which remains a pipe dream TO BE PURSUED, BUT YET TO BE ATTAINED.
Because we are meeting in January and given that it is our first time to do so this year, let me take this opportunity to extend to everyone compliments of the new year. But as I do so, I’m alive to the fact that compliments of the new year have already been superseded by complications of the last year, which have followed us into the new year; and which are standing in the way of any prospect for a happy and prosperous year for Zimbabweans.
This year, 2020, is an important year not least because it marks the end of a decade and the start of a new one. Over the last decade, and indeed over the last two decades, Zimbabweans have not been able to realistically wish each other a happy and prosperous new year, with any credibility. The last decade, and the one before it, have seen the destruction of happiness and prosperity in our country in ways that are unprecedented.
Throughout the last decade, Zimbabweans have moved from one year to another, on a wing and a prayer while plunging from crisis to crisis and darkness to darkness, with oppression and the brutal denial of basic human rights as the order of the day.
We declare 2020 a year of breakthrough in reclaiming the people’s victory and 2020-2030 a decade of hope rapid radical transformation.
In March 1997 Zimbabwe launched Vision 2020. Vision 2020 promised: • Housing for all by 2020, • Healthcare for all by 2020, • Education for all by 2020, and • Jobs for all by 2020
Today we have none of all the promises THAT 2020 is upon us. As sure as the sunrise, time has come to test our resolve and has found us wanting.
We have no healthcare, no housing, no universal education and no jobs. 23 years later we have a rapidly deteriorating healthcare system where doctors have to protest for medicines and equipment and where teachers cannot afford to send their own children to school.
We have a beautiful AND RICH country, with talented people and a wealth of natural resources. Ours is ONLY a failure of leadership.
The Zimbabwe of today is the product of and an expression of poor leadership. The crisis in Zimbabwe is man-made. We are a broken and divided nation, led through fear, governed by force and ruled through violence.
Man-made poverty is being used as a tool of repression and oppression, while poverty has been weaponised to enrich a few. Food continues to be used as a political weapon to sow divisions, fuel hate and instill fear. This can’t be allowed to continue.
Right now, we are struggling with everything and anything education, school fees and teachers conditions of service, doctors, water, electricity, transport and social service delivery in general
People have been impoverished beyond measure, no jobs, no income, no lights, no water, no fuel, prices are escalating while incomes are plunging. It’s just hell on earth, a beautiful country and hitherto relatively prosperous country turned into a hellhole by a failed, rogue and corrupt politics and policies.
THIS IS THE SIGNAL!
The old order has failed to bring forth the new. They have shown that they possess neither the appetite nor capacity to change. They’re vacuous. Their politics is vapid, insipid and out of time.
To place any hope on the past and on yesterday’s people is an act of cruelty and a betrayal of our children’s future.
• The old order is struggling on the governance and legitimacy fronts.
• The old order is struggling on the re-engagement front. • The old order is struggling on the national convergence platform.
• The old older is struggling on the economic front. • The old order is struggling on the policy FORMULATION AND IMPLEMENTATION fronts.
• The old order is struggling on the credibility and integrity fronts.
THIS IS THE SIGNAL!
So the ridiculous slogans about a new dispensation, open for business and second republic this and that have been shown to be superficial rhetoric and delusions of clueless regime now muddling through on the basis of directionless experimentalism hoping that somewhere along the way it will stumble on solutions to our problem. That’s not how things work. We need serious and competent leadership with a clear vision and pathway forward through structured reform, re-engagement and talks
THIS IS THE SIGNAL
We have heard you ask time and time again. What are you doing to provide an alternative, and I say to you again, we are the people’s leadership. We hold within us your deep desire for change. We are the unfulfilled expression of the people’s true will. We are you. It is you who voted for us. You, whose vote was stolen in 2018. You who WE will continue to fight with, side by side.
We will act, we will LEAD AND REPRESENT, we will speak up in parliament, we will challenge unlawfulness, we will work in every community. We will not betray the people’s vote nor let their voice be silenced. This is our Agenda in 2020.
We will walk the path of resistance. We are emboldened and resolved. Come what may. We will not be intimidated.
It is time to fight for the Zimbabwe we want and have so rightly dreamed of and worked for. In 2020 we will focus our efforts on the people’s fight:
1.The fight for a people’s government, reforms and return to legitimacy. 2.The fight for a better life, dignity and livelihoods. 3.The fight against corruption. 4.The fight for rights, freedoms, security of persons and rule of law. 5.The fight in defense of the constitution and constitutionalism.
Breaking Barriers Initiative (BBI)
This year, 2020, is the people’s year to start the people’s decade.
It is the year of the people’s action.
This is the year when something must and will give. This year is our revolutionary moment.
A new page must be turned in the making of a new Zimbabwe, whose journey was started by the MDC when the glorious movement of the people first entered Parliament in 2000. But for us to turn the required page in 2020, we must extend our hand, our open hand of peace, of democracy, of human rights and of sustainable development; to our neighbours, friends, comrades and compatriots.
The change we have sought as the MDC is not change for us as a political party but change for us as Zimbabweans. That is why we have become a people’s movement. Our political party is an instrument for change meant to benefit each and every Zimbabwean regardless of who they are, their station in life, their tribe, their national origin, their totem or even their political affiliation.
In order for the people to stamp their authority on 2020 as the people’s year to kick start the people’s decade, it is important for us to understand that where and when the people have spoken, as they did on 30 July 2018, the people must act to implement what they have said.
Politics is not about words but about action. In the best political traditions, praxis, that is action, has always defined politics. This is an existential truth. That is why, in the final analysis, we are judged not by what we say but by what we do or do not do. It is the sins of commission and omission that shall follow us.
As we christen 2020, the year of the people’s action, I’m happy to announce the launch today of the Breaking Barriers Initiative (BBI), from my office as MDC president, designed to enable the people of Zimbabwe from across the full political spectrum of our nation to act together, support each other and speak with one voice beyond political boundaries and divisions created by the mashurugwi regime which have built artificial barriers between and among Zimbabweans.
Our BBI seeks to bridge and break the negative barriers that have developed between and among us Zimbabweans over the last 40 years, and which have thus come in the way of real change, especially over the last two decades, to the detriment of the people and the advantage of the regime’s merchants of division.
The BBI has the following objectives:
• Foster and engender the development, articulation and celebration of a community-based, dynamic, multicultural, multi-ethnic, multiracial, multilingual, multi-religious, intergenerational and progressive national identity of being a Zimbabwean which has an inclusive spirit de corps;
• Facilitate structured and inclusive conversations among Zimbabweans on their welfare, well-being, livelihoods, national interest and priorities on such issues as infrastructural development, food security, job creation, water and sanitation;
• Create local and national platforms for common action in the defence of the rule of law, human rights and basic freedoms for all Zimbabweans;
• Support the development, incubation and promotion of technological and engineering solutions to fight and eradicate poverty, hunger and disease in the country; and,
• Promote the teaching, learning and application of Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics STEM in primary, secondary, tertiary and university education to empower the youth, develop a knowledge-based and technological driven economy, Artificial Intelligence, machine learning and propel Zimbabwe into the fourth industrial revolution.
• Engage Zimbabwe’s friends and cooperating partners in the international community to rationalise their humanitarian support and developmental projects to ensure they benefit the people of Zimbabwe in their communities.
These objectives are not exhaustive but are illustrative of some of the work proposed to be done under the BBI to address the people’s aspirations as an expression of the people’s year of action. To move the BBI forward, there are three important action issues that must be addressed urgently, and these are:
• Safeguarding the people’s livelihoods; • Restoring legality and legitimacy; and, • Asserting the people’s sovereignty.
Safeguarding People’s Livelihoods
Fundamental to all politics is the livelihood question: are people able to put food on the table for their families; do people have a roof over their heads; are people able to send their children to school; and basically, are people able to live? For an overwhelming majority of Zimbabweans, the answer is a resounding no.
In addition to threatening to cut, and actually cutting, the lives of some Zimbabweans short while endangering others, the Mashurugwi regime has virtually destroyed the livelihoods of Zimbabweans, with most no longer able to make ends meet and others living from hand to mouth. The regime’s delinquent economic policies that have destroyed the multicurrency system, adopted a Zimdollar that is not available and is presiding over an economic meltdown with the second highest inflation in the world after Maduro’s Venezuela, have impoverished everyone save for the mashurugwi cabal and its filthy rich cronies who have used corrupt schemes like command agriculture to buy overseas based private jets and to import luxury vehicles like Lexuses, Bentleys and Lamborghinis for themselves, their wives and children and unashamedly splashing ill-gotten opulence in a country that has become a poverty AND HUNGER desert.
The people have spoken enough about and against this scourge which has come about at the expense of their destroyed livelihoods. Enough is enough. This year, in 2020, the people will speak through action, against the scourge and in defence of their right to their livelihoods, which they must now begin to reconstruct for themselves and their families. In this regard, and as part of BBI, I will stand with the people and act together with them in defence of their livelihoods under the MDC’s Agenda 2020.
Restoring Legality and Legitimacy
The collapse of the people’s livelihoods, destroyed by the mashurugwi regime, is directly linked to and is a consequence of Mr. Emmerson Mnangagwa’s illegitimacy and, arising from that illegitimacy, the illegality of the framework and actions of his administration.
It is now common cause that the 2018 presidential election was stolen. The most damning and unimpeachable evidence of the audacious electoral theft has been exposed to be in the report on the 2018 harmonised elections compiled by the Zimbabwe Electoral Commission (ZEC) and tabled before the National Assembly in Parliament on 27 June 2019 by justice minister Ziyambi Ziyambi.
This is a matter that must be of great concern to everyone, especially the voters who voted in the 2018 presidential election – not just the 2,6 million who voted for me – but all the voters who are committed to the holding of free and fair elections in accordance with the Constitution of Zimbabwe.
Section 67(1)(a) and (b) of the Constitution, dealing with political rights, provides that:
Every Zimbabwean citizen has the right—
(a) to free, fair and regular elections for any elective public office established in terms of this Constitution or any other law; and
(b) to make political choices freely.
While the Constitutional Court made its determination of the application I initiated challenging the controversial ZEC declaration and announcement of Mr. Emmerson Mnangagwa, as the winner of the 2018 presidential election, and while we respected that decision as we disagreed with it, there’s now a new development after the case, coming from ZEC itself, which shows beyond any argument or doubt that the results of the 2018 presidential election were transmitted, captured and collated unlawfully, improperly and irregularly as to void the election and invalidate any result that was declared and announced following the unlawful, improper and irregular transmission, capture and collation of the results from the country’s 1,985 ward centres to ZEC’s national command centre in Harare.
The compelling evidence of how the presidential election was rigged by ZEC, is enough for anyone and all of the 2,6 million voters who cast their vote for me to go to court on grounds that their political rights enshrined in s67(1) of the Constitution were violated. There’s also now a clear and present basis for taking the matter of the 2018 presidential election to the African Court on Human and Peoples Rights. Such actions would be well within the BBI, as an expression of the people’s action to restore legality and legitimacy under the MDC’s Agenda 2020.
Those who say the 2018 presidential election should be forgotten about, and focus should now be on 2023, ain’t seen nothing yet. It’s them who should forget about covering up the giant 2018 election fraud. Especially now that ZEC itself has, perhaps inadvertently or even mischievously, come out with incontrovertible evidence that election was not conducted in substantial compliance with the law. So, first things must come first. There will be no 2023 election without resolving the 2018 election. Looking ahead to 2023, the most important electoral reform is the resolution of the 2018 presidential election. A critical and unavoidable starting point is the resignation of all ZEC commissioners and management team which is infested with seconded military, intelligence and police operatives, masquerading as politically neutral professionals when their remit is to rig elections for Zanu PF.
Asserting People’s Sovereignty
The bedrock of the BBI, and the Nation’s Agenda 2020 on the basis of which the people will speak through actions for change, is that the people have awoken to the truth that, in terms of the new Constitution adopted by the people in a referendum in 2013, sovereignty belongs to the people, and not to the State or its institutions and agencies. This is why s88(1) of the Constitution provides that “executive authority derives from the people of Zimbabwe”; s117(1) says legislative authority of Zimbabwe is derived from the people, and s162 stipulates that “judicial authority derives from the people of Zimbabwe”.
These are important constitutional imperatives whose import is that national sovereignty belongs to the people by virtue of the constitutional provisions that derive executive authority, legislative authority and judicial authority from the people.
When the institutions, agencies or offices to whom the people have vested their executive authority, legislative authority or judiciary authority; as has happened with regard to the stolen 2018 presidential election, the failure to hold accountable those behind the violent brutalisation of citizens on 1 August 2018 and between 14 and 28 January 2019; along with the destruction and erosion of the people’s livelihoods, leave the people with no constitutional choice but to assert their sovereignty.
The people have a constitutional right to directly exercise their executive authority, legislative authority and judicial authority when those vested with such authority, abdicate or repudiate their constitutional responsibilities and obligations.
Triple Action for Change
In summary, the BBI under the Nation’s Agenda 2020 translates into a model of triple action for the people to mark 2020 as the year of the people and to start the new decade as the people’s decade through revolutionary actions for change, in accordance with the Constitution of Zimbabwe.
The long and short of it is that enough is enough. A lot of damage has been done to Zimbabwe and Zimbabweans in the name of the State. There’s a difference of night and day between officeholders and the State. In a constitutional democracy, such as ours should be, the State belongs to the people, as its creators; it does not belong to its officeholders.
Ours is a National democratic struggle whose success depends on nationwide transformation and reform, Ours is a National Democratic struggle whose main facets entail different zones of struggle.
THE BATTLEFRONTS
1.Leading the struggle -The Party modernization Agenda
The party held a successful congress in 2019, ushering in new and dynamic leadership with a range of skills and competencies.
Your movement remains strong. We have a clear ideology and a passion for change that puts the people first. We have structures across Zimbabwe. We have growing membership in every village, farm, township and suburb. We have good leadership team. We have sound, realistic policies.
Our vision is clear.
The people’s party was born out of the working-class and working people’s struggles, toil and sweat.
The people’s party has had 21 years of resilience, service and sacrifice. We continue to stand strong on the foundations of our birth and our hopes for the future. We have survived all manner of mischief because the people’s cause cannot be killed. It survives at the will of the people.
We have entered a period of renewal. Renovating our systems. Reviving our culture of excellence and sharpening our strategy.
We are taking the fight for democracy deep into the rural areas. Rural development is not an option but a necessity. In 2020 we will focus our efforts on securing rural development as a key pillar for national transformation.
We are working to revamp party administration, party communications, party discipline, funding, community projects and party candidate selection rules to make them more efficient, transparent and people-centred.
We will continue visiting and supporting political prisoners and their families.
We will also focus on the survivors of political violence and maintain a roll of honour for those who have died in the struggle for change.
We will emphasize the supremacy of strong, active grass-root structures across the country.
We are, and must be, trusted leaders of society. Fit and proper to provide everyday answers to everyday problems. Our leaders and representatives must be different, accessible, available, able, credible, dependable, reliable.
We will put more emphasis on fundraising and mobilization strategies guided by principles of accountability and transparency. We will also make party membership easier using modern systems of online registration and robust performance contracts, monitoring and evaluation frameworks for its leaders and members.
2.The Parliamentary Agenda
Fellow Zimbabweans, as part of Agenda 2020, we will deepen our role in Parliament. In 2019, our Members of Parliament continued to work hard under difficult conditions on behalf of the citizens we represent.
Our refusal to recognise illegitimacy has not compromised our mandate in Parliament. The state propaganda machine will have you believing that the MDC has abandoned the peoples’ cause. The reality is we continue to fight for transparency and accountability.
Fighting illegitimacy does not undermine our work. In all things the needs of the citizens come first. Restoring legitimacy and credibility to our executive is key among them. True change demands both electoral and perfomance legitimacy.
We are not walking out on our work. The work of our portfolio committees continues without forgetting our longer term goal of fighting for reform.
We fought a spirited battle against the adoption of the Maintenance of Peace and Order Act. This is just another POSA, if not worse in some aspects. We stood on principle. We will work harder and smarter to highlight our Member of Parliament’s contribution in various committees and portfolios.
In Parliament, we will fight even harder for the Diaspora vote. Not only was this promised to this nation, but it is the right of every citizen. My opposite number in Zanu PF made various assurances while on the election campign trail and even after in 2018 that once elections were concluded, mechanisms would be put in place to ensure the diaspora vote. To date, no steps have been taken to make this a reality. They are quick to look for diaspora money and skills but show no interest in giving the diaspora their right to truly influence the direction of Zimbabwe.
This is simply another of many examples of a tragic and failed leadership.
The party will use parliament as a theatre of struggle for a better life for Zimbabweans, struggle for democracy.
We will strengthen our debating capacity, ensuring that we have more motions that are people-centred and focus on peoples every day issues above all else.
We’ll build the capacities of our MPs through a parliamentary research unit to improve the quality of debates and contributions.
We will introduce performance scorecards for our MPs and mandatory regular Constituency Feedback Meetings will be implemented to ensure that parliamentary debate is truly representative of the communities we serve.
I am calling each and every one of you to action in your community. We have no government. The development of our communities is now left to us.
Get in touch with your local councillor, find your Member of Parliament. If there are community interventions you are interested in supporting, get involved. None but ourselves will reverse the under-development that our country continues to face. We cannot outsource this function to development partners. We can work with them, but there can be no development of Zimbabwe without us as Zimbabweans determining and driving our own agenda.
3.Local Authorities Agenda
Those who meddle in the game of propaganda want to tell you that service delivery is failing because of the MDC. They want you to believe that every problem under the sun belongs to us because they have failed.
We are going to launch the smart cities policy document that will focus on how we govern differently detailing issues to the local authority’s service delivery, infrastructure, the vision of the city.
We are also going to launch the smart villages policy that will entail our model smart homesteads smart sources of energy solar for each rural home borehole per village infrastructure for villages, schools, bridges, etc.
We are also going the emphasize on proper and true devolution, and a people-centered devolution bill in line with the spirit in the constitution.
We continue to work under sabotage. The Ministry of Local Government still appoints all town clerks, CEOs and other officials. This means they continue to sabotage our efforts for change. Government still approves and limits our budgets. We are not able to determine rates leaving us unable to make enough money to provide adequate services. We are also not exempt from very real consequences of the prevailing economic environment where sourcing forex for goods and services such as water chemicals and road equipment etc. is difficult and dependent on the charity of the Ministry of Finance. The system is broken.
Despite that we will make a greater effort in professionalising service delivery and community development.
We will work to remove the bottlenecks compromising service delivery, in particular:
• Giving procurement to local authorities as opposed to local government.
• Moving joint ventures powers back to council and away from central government.
• Removing the approval of the budget from central government in particular the local authority and residents.
• Stopping unconstitutional ministerial directives and political interference from central government.
• Removing hiring and firing of senior employees or staff in local authorities from the local government.
We will take a no nonsense approach to dealing with integrity, excellence and accountability to cleanse our leadership against corruption and incompetence in the zones we lead.
I am awaiting verified feedback from the Integrity and Accountability Panel, led by Advocate Thabani Mpofu. This panel’s work is to position our councils according to expected and acceptable standards of excellence. The corrupt will be identified and removed from office. 2020 will not be an ordinary year. It will be a year of action. Collective action.
4.Electoral Agenda
Over the years, our elections have been a bloody affair. But for us, life is more precious than politics, blood is more precious than power. No drop of blood must be lost on account of politics or elections in Zimbabwe.
As you all know, we have had a number of by elections which have been manipulated to produce a predetermined outcome.
It’s a myth that the cheating Zanu PF wins and is popular in the rural areas. What is fact is that Zanu PF cheats more in the rural areas using intimidation, fear, disinformation and food as political weapons. We must stop the cheating.
There must be a link between the delimitation process and census data to ensure transparently and a level playing field to avoid gerrymandering or manipulation of boundaries.
The Zimbabwe electoral commission must be revamped and have professional secretaries who are independent before and non-partisan.
We want a raft of electoral reforms in line with the recommendations of the International election observer mission reports as detailed in our RELOAD document we recently launched in 2019.
We are going to launch our alternative electoral bill detailing the reforms Zimbabweans are demanding. This bill is ready and has already been finalized by our elections department.
5.Governance Agenda: Re-imagining the State
The security of persons and national peace are very important to us. We take note of the lawlessness seeping through society through the activities of state protected machete gangs. No amount of propaganda can change the fact that these gangs are as a result of the lawlessness and selective application of the law that has been taken over the country.
The individuals concerned are well known in their communities. The shops and factories manufacturing the machetes and other instruments of destruction that they are using are well known. Under these circumstances, it beholds reason why they are not being brought to account. We place the birth and origin of these machete yielding characters squarely at the doors of the elites in violent Zanu PF functionaries who in any event are the holders of the gold claims that these groups were originally created to defend.
There is a need to inquire on the circumstances of how they were born and created as well as to compensate the victims including families that have lost their loved ones. This is why, we propose the setting up of a judicial commission of inquiry into this issue as a matter of urgency.
Security services
Let me be categoric about the security services, a new government that I wil lead will not temper with the military or security services, they are not the problem. We will avail the right politics and a conducive environment for our men and women in uniform to shine and excel, a task which they know best.
A legitimate Government will have no need to use the security services against its own citizens.
Our military and security services should be well fed and resourced, it is cruel to neglect the welfare of our defenders of the nation.
Ensuring the independence of institutions is a must in creating the Zimbabwe we want. At the present moment our institutions are crippled by a lack of budgetary support and excessive executive interference.
State capture has eroded most of our institutions. We therefore put firmly the proposal that the independence of institutions in Zimbabwe must be at the fore of any progressive reform agenda.
In this respect, the following Chapter 12 institutions must be prioritised: The Zimbabwe Media Commission, the Zimbabwe Human Rights Commission, Zimbabwe Anti-Corruption Commission, and the National Peace and Reconciliation Commission. These play a key role in safeguarding our democracy.
6.Constitutional Agenda
In December 2019, the government of the day gazetted Constitutional Amendment No 2 – HB23/2019. The Bill proposes a raft of amendments to the Zimbabwean Constitution.
The Constitutional Amendment in the main seeks to restore the Imperial Presidency that we thought we had dealt with decisively in 2013 through the approval in a referendum of a new constitution.
Any Constitutional Amendment must be negotiated like the old constitution itself. We are seeing a self-serving decision to personalise the State through unnecessary Constitutional amendments. The country is plagued by pressing issues which require measured and visionary leadership.
Instead we have those obsessed with consolidating personal power. They told the world that reforms take time. But when it comes to changing laws for their own selfish ends, they are fast.
The calls for the alignment of the constitution must ring louder than before. There should be no amendment to the people’s contract without first aligning the constitution –Alignment not amendment.
7.The Economic Agenda
The Economist’s Intelligence Unit expects inflation to average 165.5% in 2020, owing to shortages of basic goods and US dollars and sustained currency weakness. The ongoing drought will continue to constrain exports and necessitate imports in 2020.
Unemployment and joblessness remain a palpable threat to national security. Government is best that governs least. Governments don’t run companies. The best they can do is to govern and create a conducive environment for ease of doing business.
Modern defense, is not in military in nature but economic. A functioning economy is the strongest defense force for any nation.
We must return to basics.
It is important that measures be undertaken to encourage massive productivity to drag the economy out of recession. Attracting investment will be critical and to do so Zimbabwe’s ease of doing business must be attended to.
The Zimbabwean economy is in a tailspin suffocating from massive headwinds across all sectors of the economy.
The economy is not performing and therefore the country is suffering from the twin deficits of democratic legitimacy and performance legitimacy. Without these two ingredients, that constitute two ingredients of the Social Contract, the state can implode at any moment and that is why it is essential to create a soft landing through national dialogue.
Macroeconomic Stability
In the past few years, the economy has embarked on an expansionary fiscal policy characterised by huge budget deficits and excessive expenditure. We propose that fiscal consolidation must be pursued and that we should live within our means – We eat what we kill.
The Public Finance Management Act must be amended to prescribe the issuance of TBs. More importantly if government is to borrow, such borrowing should not exceed 3 percent of GDP.
Monetary Policy and Exchange Rate
In February 2019 through SI 33 of 2019, the government introduced the Zimbabwe dollars. The sudden introduction of the Zim dollar was irrational. It is not possible to issue a currency and expect that currency to survive without attending to the fundamentals. We have seen the local currency loosing value thereby undermining savings and investments. We propose therefore the repeal of SI142 of 2019, and the Finance Act number 2 of 2019. In short, we propose the redollarization of the economy in the immediate short term. In the mid-term, Zimbabwe has no choice but to join the Rand Monetary Union.
The Zimbabwean economy is so integrated with the South African economy which is its largest trading partner, due to the high cost structure imposed by the USD.
Inflation:
The mismanagement of monetary policy, the creation of money by the RBZ, an expansionary fiscal policy and the creation of treasury bills have all contributed to the return of hyperinflation in Zimbabwe. Zimbabwe’s rate of inflation standing unofficially at 700 percent and officially at 402 percent is now the second highest in the world.
Inflation needs to be addressed by a cocktail of measures which include fiscal consolidation, macroeconomic stability and proscription of the Reserve Bank’s rogue money printing activities. Having gone through the sludge of inflation in 2008 it is not acceptable that the present government has allowed hyperinflation to bounce back, the current situation is an indictment against the present regime.
Dealing with Debt
Zimbabwe’s huge debt, upward of $11 billion to International Financial Institutions and the Paris Club of Lenders, as well as more than $18 billion of domestic debt continues to be a challenge.
Zimbabwe at this point is a failed state, there is no way to beat about the bush. It is a state that needs business rescue. That requires not only developmental funding to be made available, but equally for debt payments to be suspended for a period of 5-10 years to allow the critical work of national rebuilding to truly occur. Some kind of a negotiated debt moratorium.
Corruption
Zimbabwe has risen dramatically on the global Anti-Corruption Index. Recent work in the Public Accounts Committee has unearthed massive corruption done through the Ministry of the Finance itself.
In 2017 treasury without supporting vouchers siphoned off USD 2,9 billion ostensibly to Command Agriculture. This is captured in the Auditor General’s report. The same report of that same year shows that USD 3,3 billion was siphoned outside parliament and public finance management regulations again channelled towards command agriculture.
Immediate action must be taken to ensure that state sanctioned looting does not happen again.
The Plight of Workers
The average worker in Zimbabwe faces unmitigated suffering. Since January 2019, the Zimbabwean dollar has lost 85% of its value thereby effectively devaluing the wage of the worker. As this has been happening, massive inflation has also short up which is now in access of 700%.
The MDC thus supports, the call for a living wage being made by unions and indeed supports, the introduction of a US$ wage in respect of all civil servants and workers in the private sector.
Such a call, is consistent with our demand that Si142/2019 must be repealed and that the country must effectively redollarise.
This is the only way forward.
We will also support the call by the unions for collective job action to protect their positions.
Power and Energy
The shortage of both fuel and electricity has become a human rights issue. Zimbabwe has moved from a situation where on average 18 hour power cuts were being experienced to a situation where there are now total power blackouts in many areas of Zimbabwe.
The Constitution protects the Right to Human Dignity in Section 50. Our current power crisis is indeed an infringement of the right to human dignity and indeed the right to life.
We propose that the government must immediately scrape the huge subsidies of almost US$70 million per month that they are dishing out to cartels in the form of Trafigura and Sakunda.
The fuel subsidies should then be used to import at least 400 megawatts of energy from Eskom or HBC in Mozambique. In the long-term we propose that 2000 megawatts of energy must be found particularly from Hwange 7 and 8. We need to focus on renewable energy, methane gas and the potential 30 or so hydro stations in Manicaland. This exercise will require massive capital and therefore the resolution of Zimbabwe’s economic crisis is imperative to national development and the restoration of human dignity.
In a nutshell, A raft of measures are therefore urgent and important; – Decisively dealing with corruption – Fixing politics, restoring confidence and trust. – Getting Zimbabwe to be a productive country – Push up the productivity capacity – Clear Vision, plans, the best people to do the job with clear KPIs. – Strong institutions – Dealing with livelihoods – Smart infrastructure in particular, smart energy and alternative energy sources – Dollarization and a basket of currencies – Workers salaries and civil servants wages must be paid in US dollars – Dealing with the debt crisis through HIPC – Fees must fall – Prices must fall
8.The Agricultural Agenda
In 2020, we face one of the most difficult years we have ever faced as a nation. The World Food Programme says Zimbabwe is one of its 2020 hunger hotspots. This is painful to every Zimbabwean, because we know we should not be in this position. We used to feed the entire region. Today we are one of the world’s biggest beggars. It is a failure to lead that brought us here.
Yes, we have a drought. We salute all the partners working to help our people. However, what kills people is not the drought, it is a failure to prepare. A failure to prepare, is a failure to lead. When people in a country as rich as ours go to bed hungry, there has been a failure to lead.
Our country is not a desert. Droughts have always been there. Having a drought is not the issue but having a drought without A plan is problematic.
If 4.1 million of your own people have to be fed by donors, while you live in luxury, there has been leadership failure. When children in a country as rich as ours are dropping out of school because they are hungry, there has been a failure to lead. When the whole country has been overtaken by violent thugs, raping women and killing each other in the mines, with no action being taken, there has been a failure to lead.
Thanks to an ecosystem of unpreparedness and lack of planning, Zimbabwe finds itself in the middle of a humanitarian crisis that the World Food Programme has described as the worst in the world.
5.5 million people are in a critical vulnerable food status across the length and breadth of the country. At the same time, as the food situation worsens, Zanu PF has privatised the distribution of food in many parts of rural Zimbabwe.
The weaponisation of food must stop and stop as a matter of urgency.
Meanwhile, as MDC we will engage the international community with a bid to ensure that the humanitarian crisis is mitigated and social safety nets are provided for. We will prioritize green and climate smart agriculture with an emphasis irrigation and issues of titles for land.
Land
Zimbabwe is for all of us. This county and this land is for all us.
Land is owned b the people of Zimbabwe. No political party owns land.
We will invest in irrigation schemes after giving new farmers title deeds.
9. The Social and Humanitarian Agenda
Health – We will push for the 15% health support in line with the Abuja declaration.
Education
We will push for the implementation of the DAKAR FRAMEWORK 22% budget support instead of the 13 % of the budget dedicated to education.
Investing in the Youth
– We must pursue a quota system for our youth and create equal opportunities for all.
10.The Political Agenda – Resolving the Political Crisis
Giving peace a chance
Our crisis is a crisis of governance born out of a legitimacy crisis because of the rigged, stolen and disputed 2018 election. There is no credible future election without the resolution of the disputed election. The result of 2018 must be respected.
We must return to legitimacy and democracy. Zimbabwe must have a political dialogue that is credible and genuine underwritten by the international community to facilitate a transitional authority that will pave way for reforms. The National Transition Authority is the appropriate vehicle to turnaround this country.
In 2019, we published our RELOAD document the crux of which was essentially to give peace a chance. In that document we made it clear that the resolution of the Zimbabwean crisis require dialogue, which we were to push through political pressure in all legitimate forms. The basis and purpose of that pressure was to force the government of the day, to agree to dialogue focused on Comprehensive Reforms to be implemented through a National Transitional Mechanism.
The reality on the ground is that more than two years after November 2017, and more than 18 months after the 30 July 2018 election, time is running out for Zimbabwe.
Impatience engulfs the nation and the real danger is that all and sundry will be engulfed by forces and processes that are intolerant to the continued reproduction of the terrible status quo.
We remain committed to genuine dialogue. Our position will not change. What we want is useful dialogue. It is not dialogue for the purposes of accomodation, photo opportunities or political expediency.
We are a party that has learnt that the people’s struggle must not be hijacked by incomplete or captured processes that provide limited relief, improper answers and imperfect temporary remedies.
We reiterate our position that dialogue must lead to a transitional mechanism that stops the country’s slide towards total collapse. This must be followed by genuine reforms and free elections.
The Case for a Transitional National Authority: The Road to Credibility
Our opponents like to call us names. But they cannot change facts.
Our country did better when the MDC was in Government. What more if we are the government!
When we entered the GNU, inflation had reached 500 billion percent. By the time the GNU ended in 2013, inflation was just 1.63%. As soon as ZanuPF was left to run the economy, inflation started rising. Annual inflation is now over 480%. They are now trying to hide the figure.
You only have to look at your standard of living to know this truth. In 2012, a teacher was earning US300. It was not much, but they could afford basics. They could send their children to school. Today, that same teacher is being paid the equivalent of about US$40.
Before GNU, the economy shrunk 16.5% in 2008. Under GNU, the economy grew by: • 5.4% in 2009, 11.4% in 2010, 9.3% in 2011, and 10.6% in 2012. As soon as GNU ended, economy grew just 2.4% in 2014. In 2019, the economy fell 7.5%.
These are facts.
Fellow Zimbabweans, Our country is at a crossroads. We stand where they stood, lets make history. Get involved. We are the biggest shareholders of this country as citizens.
Zimbabwe was taken away from us. It must be brought back or we claim it with urgency. Freedom is not a distant phenomenon. Freedom is not far away from us. It is next to us, within is and around us. There is no greater power than a people united!
Freedom must come. If doesn’t come we must bring it. We are its vehicles and conveyancers.
If not you, then who?
Power is not somewhere remote. Power is within us, the people!
We have heard you cry for action. Action is not the responsibility of one person. Do not allow individuals to personalise the struggle for freedom. Stand with us to restore this country. It is time pull together to mend the social fabric that has been torn apart by this tragic failure of leadership.
Fellow citizens,
I would like to assure every person who has ever put their faith in this movement that we will not abandon the cause. The path ahead may seem unclear, but we are resolved and continue to work tirelessly to bring about change that transforms the lives of every woman, man and child who belongs to this soil.
Ours is an inter-generational mandate that requires each individual to look inside themselves and ask what action they can make to harness the winds of change. The time is now. If we are to achieve freedom, prosperity and equal opportunity the we have to act as one, individually and collectively.
We must be not only be bold in pointing out our problems but brave enough in solving them.
The road that lies ahead is not an easy one. There are no quick fixes. None but ourselves will deliver the change that we want.
The state of our nation is the signal. Zanu PF has given us the signal. Our pain and suffering is too much. This is the signal. Change starts with you and me. It’s time to answer the call.
We will conquer. We will win.
Isaiah 58: 12
“Your people will rebuild the ancient ruins; you will restore the age-old foundations; you will be called Repairer of the Breach, Restorer of the Streets of Dwelling.”
God Bless You! God Bless Zimbabwe
Watch the video below for the full text of this and more…..
Police who have ignored Emmerson Mnangagwa’s Gaika, and other Mashurugwi (machete wielding criminals) mines in Midlands, have announced that they have sealed off Jumbo Mine in Mazowe, Mash Central.
In a statement, they said this is a move aimed at restoring sanity to the area which has been invaded by thousands of illegal miners from across the country.
The mine has been declared a no-go area and by yesterday, a total of 1 715 illegal miners had been arrested countrywide under the ongoing operation code-named “Chikorokoza Ngachipere/No to Machete Gangs”, launched on Tuesday last week.
Jumbo Mine has been a haven for illegal activities with a high prevalence of machete wars that claimed lives and injured many.
Since 2018 when Metallon Gold stopped its activities at Jumbo Mine, an influx of artisanal miners was recorded.
In a statement, national police spokesperson Assistant Commissioner Paul Nyathi said anyone found operating illegally in the area would be arrested.
“Police operations at Jumbo Mine and other areas in Mazowe have so far been successful. The ZRP has intensified the maintenance of law and order at Jumbo area in Mazowe. A team of senior officers visited the area to check progress on Monday afternoon. Members of the public are accordingly advised that Jumbo Mine and its environs are now a no-go area with immediate effect.
“Police would like to warn machete gangs that they only have themselves to blame should they continue to harass and terrorise innocent members of the public. Police would like to assure the public that we are firm on the ground to deal with all criminal elements.”
Asst Comm Nyathi said preliminary investigations revealed that some farmers living near Jumbo Mine had been harbouring illegal panners, including those on the police wanted list.
“We have gathered intelligence that some nearby farmers are sheltering illegal miners,” he said.
“We want to warn them that the long arm of the law will catch up with them. We will arrest anyone involved in such activities without fear or favour.”
Meanwhile, police at Makosa in Mutoko have arrested seven illegal miners on allegations of masquerading as police officers and members of the Zimbabwe National Army.
They were arrested after invading Ngororombe Mine. Police recovered three pairs of handcuffs and a Toyota Wish that was being used as a getaway vehicle.
Last week, 77 illegal miners were sentenced to two years in prison each by a circuit court in Shamva for illegal mining, while 112 got 50 days each on charges of criminal trespass.
The court remanded another 66 in custody pending trial and fined two for illegal possession of mbanje, one $80 (or 30 days) and one $500 (or five months).
More than 1 000 illegal structures have been demolished in the Mazowe area.-state media/additional reporting
The Zimbabwe Revenue Authority (Zimra) directed operators of all cross border passenger vehicles to submit a full list of people and goods in their vehicle at least three hours before arriving at the border.
In a statement issued on Monday, Zimra told all transport operators to submit in writing a signed declaration, Customs Road Manifest (Form 1) and produce all documents relating to the goods, freight and journey as may be requested by the revenue officer.
“The person in charge of any vehicle other than a railway train, shall submit manifest of the passengers, crew and goods being conveyed by the vehicle, signed by the person authorised to sign such manifest at the place of departure for Zimbabwe,” read the statement.
“The manifest must be transmitted to the Zimbabwe Revenue Authority at the destined port of entry, in the case where the vehicle is an omnibus or any vehicle conveying goods or passengers for profit, no later than three hours before arrival of the vehicle at the port of entry or within such shorter time as the commissioner may allow.” The authority warned that failure to comply with the provisions of the Customs and Excise Act is an offence attracting a fine or imprisonment.- state media
Traditional chiefs, who are exempt from paying toll fees when travelling in their Government-allocated vehicles, now want the exemption to include private vehicles.
Zinara this year resolved to exempt only vehicles that were allocated to traditional leaders by Government from paying toll fees, doing away with the old open-ended system which Zinara reckons was being abused by the chief’s relatives and others.
In a letter to the Secretary for Local Government and Public Works, Mr Zvinechimwe Churu, Zinara acting chief executive officer, Engineer Moses Chigonyati, noted that the change in system was designed to curb abuse of exemptions by traditional leaders.
“Traditional chiefs are exempt from paying toll fees. Previous exemptions were by way of cards that were issued and would be presented to the cashier at the tollgate who would then process free passage,” said Eng Chigonyati.
“We note that this arrangement exempted the person from paying toll fees instead of the vehicle. It created loopholes where any vehicle carrying a chief would request free passage. There are likely issues of abuse where the cards were given to undeserving people or relatives to use at tollgates,” said Eng Chigonyati.
“We advise that there has been a shift in policy as regards chiefs’ exemptions where Zinara will in 2020 exempt their allocated Government vehicles. We are therefore requesting a list of chiefs and their Government allocated vehicle registration numbers for exemption processing in the system,” added Eng Chigonyati.
He asked the ministry to communicate the decisions to all traditional leaders across the country “to avoid inconveniences at our tollgates when vehicles not exempted are denied passage”.
But traditional leaders attending the National Council of Chiefs’ strategic planning workshop in Mutare last week felt belittled by Zinara.
“This is an insult,” said the council’s president, Chief Fortune Charumbira. The traditional leaders, he said, want total exemption from toll fees.
“Some of our chiefs here have the capacity to buy their own vehicles. Does this mean that when they use such a vehicle and not the Government allocated one they are supposed to pay toll fees,” fumed Chief Charumbira.
Traditional leaders, historically, are considered the “owners” of the land and consider the Zinara notice as a violation of their rights.-state media
The High Court has reserved ruling in the case in which Acting President Constantino Chiwenga and his estranged wife Marry Mubaiwa are fighting for the custody of their three minor children, the matrimonial home and other assets including top of the range vehicles.
After her release from remand prison, Mubaiwa approached the High Court on an urgent basis last week demanding access to her children, property and the home.
The case was brought before Justice Christopher Dube-Banda who directed the parties to resolve their dispute amicably through an out-of-court settlement.
However, the parties reached a deadlock paving the way for the hearing yesterday before the same judge who reserved ruling to a later date.
Mr Taona Nyamakura argued the matter for Mubaiwa while Advocate Lewis Uriri, instructed by Manase and Manase Legal Practitioners, appeared for Acting President Chiwenga.
Speaking to the media after the hearing, Acting President Chiwenga’s lawyer Mr Wilson Manase said: “The deliberations were very good and we presented our case just like they presented theirs. As you know, Advocate Lewis Uriri argues very well but the judge, at the end of the day, decided to reserve judgment and we will follow whenever the court is ready with it,” he said.
“The major issue, which they (Mubaiwa’s lawyer) brought before the court is they wanted an order of expoliation which covered issues to do with children and the house, where she thought she could reside but the Honourable Vice President stays there.”
Mr Manase said there are bail conditions, which prohibit Mubaiwa from interfering with witnesses and the National Prosecuting Authority had already filed an application to amend the bail order.
“Mind you there is an attempted murder charge in which the accused is said to have threatened the life of the Vice President so they cannot live together,” he said.
“There were also other issues to do with properties; we cannot comment much until the judge has said something.”
Mubaiwa’s lawyer Mr Tawanda Nyagura refused to comment saying: “The matter is sub judice and we cannot comment further.”
In the application, the ex-model accused the Acting President of abducting the children and of willfully breaking the law after he placed soldiers to thwart her from accessing their home.
In a related matter, Justice Pisirayi Kwenda postponed the case in which the prosecution wants Mubaiwa to surrender into the court’s custody all three valid Zimbabwean passports reportedly issued to her as part of her bail conditions.
The prosecution also wants her to live at a different address from the matrimonial Borrowdale home she shared with her estranged husband. The matter was postponed to allow Mubaiwa’s lawyer in the case, Ms Beatrice Mtetwa, to file her opposing papers.
Mubaiwa is on remand for attempted murder, fraud and money laundering. She has surrendered one diplomatic passport as a bail condition set by the High Court.
The State has been informed there is a second diplomatic passport expiring on December 11 this year and an ordinary passport expiring on February 21, 2022.
The prosecution wants all three passports in the custody of the court until the trial is over.- State Media
Farai Dziva|An MDC official has been arrested for allegedly possessing a petrol bomb.
According to the opposition party ZRP cops broke into MDC Harare Province Deputy Youth treasurer and
Epworth councillor Kudakwashe Chatambudza’s house and arrested him for allegedly possessing a petrol bomb.
“Police in riot gear this morning besieged the house of our cllr for ward 4 kudakwashe Chatambudza and arrested him on allegations of keeping petrol bombs,” said MDC Secretary General Charlton Hwende.
Farai Dziva|An MDC official has been arrested for allegedly possessing a petrol bomb.
According to the opposition party ZRP cops broke into MDC Harare Province Deputy Youth treasurer and
Epworth councillor Kudakwashe Chatambudza’s house and arrested him for allegedly possessing a petrol bomb.
“Police in riot gear this morning besieged the house of our cllr for ward 4 kudakwashe Chatambudza and arrested him on allegations of keeping petrol bombs,” said MDC Secretary General Charlton Hwende.
Farai Dziva|An MDC official has been arrested for allegedly possessing petrol bombs.
According to the opposition party, ZRP cops broke into MDC Harare Province Deputy Youth treasurer and
Epworth councillor Kudakwashe Chatambudza’s house and arrested him for allegedly possessing petrol bombs.
“Police in riot gear this morning besieged the house of our cllr for ward 4 kudakwashe Chatambudza and arrested him on allegations of keeping petrol bombs,” said MDC Secretary General Charlton Hwende.
Farai Dziva|Norton MP Temba Mliswa believes former Zanu PF Political Commissar Saviour Kasukuwere’ s movement is insignificant.
See Mliswa’s argument :
The story of Daniel Shumba is like that of Mutumwa Mawere.
They have become bitter, for the latter because he dabbled in politics, seeking to dictate who should run the country, telling Mugabe things and Mugabe would tell ED.
We need businessmen who get into politics to help the country, who fund and support those leaders who are doing good. Not getting embroiled in toxic political factionalism that does not advance the welfare of the people.
The politics of those who are bitter isn’t sustainable. It’s toxic& personal.
My sekuru Kasukuwere, forget about this Tyson Wabantu Movement, you have been cleared by the courts, come and do business. Let’s not attack the country from out there. @shumba327 come lets work together.
Mbeki came in December. When he had arrived in Zimbabwe, he said to me I have heard of your popularity; I know you are the most popular, but why are you not agreeing with your colleague Mnangagwa?
Farai Dziva|A teacher at Njube High School has been accused of removing Emmerson Mnangagwa’s portrait from the staff room and inciting students to embark on an unlawful demonstration.
See police report below :
MEMORANDUM
TO: THE OFFICER COMMANDING BULAWAYO WEST DISTRICT
FROM: OIC NJUBE
DATED 20/01/2020
SUBJECT: DEMONSTRATION BY NJUBE HIGH SCHOOL STUDENTS
This Memo serves to inform you that:
INFORMANT
Name: Ndlovu Archford
Contacts: 0772 885 616
Residential address: Njube High School, Bulawayo
Business address: Njube High Secondary School.
ACCUSED
Name: Brian Mutsiba
NR: 08-709411-D-66
Contacts: 0771 788 104
Res: 311 Emakhandeni, Bulawayo
Business: Njube High School, Bulawayo
CIRCUMSTANCES
On the 20th day of January 2020 and at around 1000 hours, the accused incited over 153 forms one, three and six students to partake in an unlawful demonstration. In doing so, the accused removed the portrait of the President of the Republic of Zimbabwe from the staff room and went on to un-hoist the National Flag from its mast. He then exited the school gate with the students he had mobilised for the unsanctioned march.
From the school, they turned right into B.B. Burombo Road then used a footpath to connect Luveve Road.
On reaching the robots opposite Entumbane Complex, the demonstrators gathered and started chanting songs saying, Imfundo ngeyethu into oyenzayo siyayizonda amongst others. The procession then started marching along Luveve Road towards Emagetsini. They were waving placards inscribed Where is UNICEF?”, “This is for every Zimbabwean child” and “SOS serve our souls”.
The Presidents portrait and Zimbabwean flag were being carried by two students.
When they got near to the intersection of Luveve Road and Masiyephambili Road, the demonstrators grouped again and deliberately turned the portrait and the national flag upside and started making loud chants. They then knelt down facing the eastern direction and sang “Nkosi sikelela iAfrica”.
During that process, the headmaster, Mr Zibusiso Msimanga N.R. 53-042510-B-58, cell number 0772 402 047 arrived at the scene and ordered the school children to stop what they were doing and go back to school. The children complied and went back to school but along the way the accused kept on influencing the students to be defiant.
On entering the school campus, one of the pupils who had participated in the march hoisted back the flag. The children then went back to their classes. The accused disappeared from the school upon arrival from the march.
ZRP Njube attended the scene and called the pupils to assembly. The children who had participated in the demonstration voluntarily came into the open about their participation.
They were invited to write reasons for their participation in the demonstration which are—
The fees have been hiked from $92-00 to $440-00.
The teachers are earning low salaries.
Teachers not attending lessons.
Beneficiaries of the BEAM programme being made to pay half of the fees and
The general high cost of living.
A follow-up of the accused was made at number 311, Emakhandeni by Numbers 066556S Constable Magwira and 087615H Constable Muzvuwe. Seen was Sandra Tshuma; N.R. 79-126259-C-79, Cellphone number 0771 778 123, aged 32 years who indicated that the accused relocated to an unknown address three years back. She indicated that the accused was a fellow tenant at the house.
Preliminary investigations show that accused is a former prison officer and subscribes to ZIMTA. He is an abuser of alcohol and is staying alone.
Report has been entered on RRB 403903. The accused is being charged for Contravening section 37 (1) (a) of the Criminal Law Codification and Reform Act Chapter 9:23 {participating in a public gathering with the intent to promote public violence, breach of peace or bigotry} and also for Contravening section 6 of the Flag of Zimbabwe Act; Chapter 10:10 {insulting the flag}.
Scene was also attended by the Officer Commanding Bulawayo West District; Chief Superintendent Bizeki, members from the Presidents Office, Military Intelligence, Prison Intelligence and different media houses.
Indications are that the accused is the one who masterminded the demonstration.
The school pupils were merely following their teachers orders.
Also observed was that the spokesperson of MDC-Alliance president, Nkululeko Sibanda was seen milling around.
039730J CHIEF INSPECTOR RAMAPHOSA ZRP NJUBE
Farai Dziva|A teacher at Njube High School has been accused of removing Emmerson Mnangagwa’s portrait from the staff room and inciting students to embark on an unlawful demonstration.
See police report below :
MEMORANDUM
TO: THE OFFICER COMMANDING BULAWAYO WEST DISTRICT
FROM: OIC NJUBE
DATED 20/01/2020
SUBJECT: DEMONSTRATION BY NJUBE HIGH SCHOOL STUDENTS
This Memo serves to inform you that:
INFORMANT
Name: Ndlovu Archford
Contacts: 0772 885 616
Residential address: Njube High School, Bulawayo
Business address: Njube High Secondary School.
ACCUSED
Name: Brian Mutsiba
NR: 08-709411-D-66
Contacts: 0771 788 104
Res: 311 Emakhandeni, Bulawayo
Business: Njube High School, Bulawayo
CIRCUMSTANCES
On the 20th day of January 2020 and at around 1000 hours, the accused incited over 153 forms one, three and six students to partake in an unlawful demonstration. In doing so, the accused removed the portrait of the President of the Republic of Zimbabwe from the staff room and went on to un-hoist the National Flag from its mast. He then exited the school gate with the students he had mobilised for the unsanctioned march.
From the school, they turned right into B.B. Burombo Road then used a footpath to connect Luveve Road.
On reaching the robots opposite Entumbane Complex, the demonstrators gathered and started chanting songs saying, Imfundo ngeyethu into oyenzayo siyayizonda amongst others. The procession then started marching along Luveve Road towards Emagetsini. They were waving placards inscribed Where is UNICEF?”, “This is for every Zimbabwean child” and “SOS serve our souls”.
The Presidents portrait and Zimbabwean flag were being carried by two students.
When they got near to the intersection of Luveve Road and Masiyephambili Road, the demonstrators grouped again and deliberately turned the portrait and the national flag upside and started making loud chants. They then knelt down facing the eastern direction and sang “Nkosi sikelela iAfrica”.
During that process, the headmaster, Mr Zibusiso Msimanga N.R. 53-042510-B-58, cell number 0772 402 047 arrived at the scene and ordered the school children to stop what they were doing and go back to school. The children complied and went back to school but along the way the accused kept on influencing the students to be defiant.
On entering the school campus, one of the pupils who had participated in the march hoisted back the flag. The children then went back to their classes. The accused disappeared from the school upon arrival from the march.
ZRP Njube attended the scene and called the pupils to assembly. The children who had participated in the demonstration voluntarily came into the open about their participation.
They were invited to write reasons for their participation in the demonstration which are—
The fees have been hiked from $92-00 to $440-00.
The teachers are earning low salaries.
Teachers not attending lessons.
Beneficiaries of the BEAM programme being made to pay half of the fees and
The general high cost of living.
A follow-up of the accused was made at number 311, Emakhandeni by Numbers 066556S Constable Magwira and 087615H Constable Muzvuwe. Seen was Sandra Tshuma; N.R. 79-126259-C-79, Cellphone number 0771 778 123, aged 32 years who indicated that the accused relocated to an unknown address three years back. She indicated that the accused was a fellow tenant at the house.
Preliminary investigations show that accused is a former prison officer and subscribes to ZIMTA. He is an abuser of alcohol and is staying alone.
Report has been entered on RRB 403903. The accused is being charged for Contravening section 37 (1) (a) of the Criminal Law Codification and Reform Act Chapter 9:23 {participating in a public gathering with the intent to promote public violence, breach of peace or bigotry} and also for Contravening section 6 of the Flag of Zimbabwe Act; Chapter 10:10 {insulting the flag}.
Scene was also attended by the Officer Commanding Bulawayo West District; Chief Superintendent Bizeki, members from the Presidents Office, Military Intelligence, Prison Intelligence and different media houses.
Indications are that the accused is the one who masterminded the demonstration.
The school pupils were merely following their teachers orders.
Also observed was that the spokesperson of MDC-Alliance president, Nkululeko Sibanda was seen milling around.
039730J CHIEF INSPECTOR RAMAPHOSA ZRP NJUBE
BY DR MASIMBA MAVAZA| Safety of journalists is the ability for media professionals to receive, produce and share information without facing physical or moral threats.
VIDEO LOADING BELOW…
Journalists play a very important role in any democratic society, they disseminate information to humanity they bring to light the hidden issues. Journalist in short are the mouth piece of the nation. They represent the expression and the society has a duty to protect journalists as they ensure the freedom of expression which is a human right. Journalists are a reflection of a healthy democratic society only if they are given a journalistic space.
Journalists can face violence and intimidation for exercising their fundamental right to freedom of expression. The range of threats they are confronted to include murder, kidnapping, hostage-taking, offline and online harassment, intimidation, enforced disappearances, arbitrary detention and torture.
It was then ironic when a Zimbabwean journalist face harassment from those they expect to be the custodians of tolerance. Chamisa’s security assaulted a journalist, while Chamisa was busy talking about tolerance and a political space.
In an embarrassing move which forced the MDC to apologise after its ‘overzealous’ security assaulted journalist in Harare MDC withdrew into their shells after their behaviour left them with egg shells in their devilish faces.
The opposition MDC led by Nelson Chamisa says it apologizes for the assault inflicted by its “overzealous” security on a journalist. In a statement, the party’s deputy spokesperson Luke Tamborinyoka blasted the MDC security personnel for acting in an unprofessional and overzealous manner, saying he has also personally spoken to the assaulted journalist and tendered in the party’s apology. Chamisa completely ignored the journalist and only sent his deputy or his pretence of a spokesperson whom he demoted after Tsvangirai’s death to offer a half hearted apology.
Tamborinyoka had to take to the twitter to write a message apart from the word “apologies” the statement was just a Statement celebrating the demonic actions exhibited by the vanguard. This is what was said by Tamborinyoka, writing on social media: “Dear colleagues. My sincerest apologies over the way Robert Tapfumaneyi has been treated by our overzealous security personnel.” This was simply informing his thugs about the barbaric behaviour of his vanguards and sending a veiled heads up.
The photo journalist from Sly Media was covering Nelson Chamisa’s political address in Mbare when he was attacked, shoved and manhandled by the MDC Security team who dragged him away from the event.
The harassment of journalists is a phenomenon that has prompted growing concern in recent years. Journalists who report on contested social and political issues increasingly find themselves the target of abuse through social media, online comment fora and other online means, in some cases including violent threats of death and rape. In this case Tapfumanei was assaulted punched kicked and threatened with death by the self styled Mashurugwi known in MDC as vanguards. Despite this being done under the nose of Chamisa nothing was done to stop the humiliation and harassment of a journalist in the course of his duties.
To think that this was a party which claims to be defenders of freedom, this was very low even by their standards. While retaliation for the content of professional output is common to all journalists, being jumped at by a party which claims to be democratic is knee shaking and indeed killing.
In some cases, this abuse is seen to form part of an organized campaign led by political or other interest groups to silence critical discussion. But in the case of this journalist the actions was unprovoked.
One of the core values of MDC was to safeguard freedom of expression. This behaviour resembles a dog’s breakfast.
This action has shown that journalists are targeted for harassment, they face severe personal and professional consequences. Worse still, if journalists decide to avoid covering MDC rallies or events which in turn denies audiences’ ability to receive information of public interest MDC will loudly complain of Press blockade.
The risks that harassment pose to the free flow of information and the democratic exchange of ideas demand an urgent response. A multi-pronged approach is essential, given the numerous factors that prompt attacks on journalists.
It is clear that state-led measures are needed to combat harassment as a societal phenomenon. Measures should range from increased media literacy to an overall commitment by political actors to reduce the polarization that feeds the barbaric actions there is a clear need for proper legal remedies, to ensure that aggressors are held accountable for their actions to deter would-be attackers.
This kind of online environment can have a profound “chilling effect” on journalism and can ultimately negatively impact one of the tenets of a democratic society, press freedom. Journalists may avoid reporting or attending certain functions that they know, or suspect, will be met with harassment and abuse. harassment of journalists interferes not only with the media’s right to impart information of public interest, but also with the public’s right to receive such information.
There are many ways in which a journalist can be harassed or abused and some of these methods are not dissimilar to the harassment or abuse that people can experience in the undemocratic world.
MDC are the ones who shed crocodile tears yet they show their unmasked cruelty on the defenceless journalists.
Violence has always been in the DNA of MDC and each gathering bears scars of violence.
It is not new that the leaders of MDC condone violence. Tsvangarai allowed Biti and Mangoma to be assaulted by the youth at harvest house while Tsvangirai shouted batai munhu. Biti had to show his agility by jumping in Tsvangirai’s car. Not to be outdone Chamisa set his youth on Khupe at Tsvangirai’s funeral. Mwonzora had to be saved from the marauding hyenas called the Vanguard.
Sekai and Trudy were badly injured when they were laid upon by the MDC youth from Mabvuku.
This culture of violence in the MDC is so manifested in their leadership.
But as for attacking journalists MDC has reached the lowest level of insanity
Welcome to another edition of the Constituency Update as we kick-start the beginning of a new year and the start of another new era.
New beginnings always inspire a resuscitation of spirits and an increased drive to reach set targets. We have already begun this new-year with the correct impetus as some significant events have already happened or begun to happen. This early we have already seen the visitation of the First Lady, the coming in of some potential investors and the imminent opening of a big mining company.
The same unity that we saw recently during the visitation of a Ukrainian delegation should continue in our town since politics can only take us so far.
FIRST LADY’S VISIT
THE First Lady visited Norton as part of her Angel of Hope initiatives and she handed over hampers to some senior community elders besides also undertaking some household chores.
The objective of the event was to encourage the spirit of love within communities through such acts as supporting the vulnerable. This move should be applauded considering the current polarity bedeviling the country leading to limited progress in almost all spheres as people cannot bring themselves to work together for a common good.
My office shall also be handing out basic food hampers so as to complement this great initiative by the First Lady.
MARIDALE WATER ISSUE
Recently i held a constituency meeting with Maridale residents where we focused on various issues affecting them and also as part of my regular feedback engagements.
Prominent among the issues raised is the contentious matter of borehole water that is allegedly rationed according to individual payments for supposed power to run the borehole.
As I have always stressed water cannot be denied from people as it is a right and any initiative that is structured in such a way as to disenfranchise others from accessing the water becomes unwelcome nothwistanding the logic of the setup.
There is need to reach an understanding and agreement with residents so that everyone is able to access this water. Measures can be taken, with support from Norton Town Council (NTC) to enable the facility to run in a sustainable way that allows everyone to get water.
CDF FUNDS
The Constituency Development Funds (CDF) have been released and we held a meeting at Dudley Hall Primary School this past week. Besides members of the constituency also in attendance were some Councilors that include, Councilor Mafusire, Councilor Matiza, Councilor, Shoko and Councilor Dube.
The main challenge with the CDF funds, as we discussed, is that the fund has already been decimated by inflation and it’s a headache to really come-up with any significant project towards which it can be channelled to make much of a difference.
Thus as we think around the best way to deal with this scenario I will continue working along the usual system of utilizing my own financial channels to support the constituency.
FOOD SUPPORT
We have received a 15 tonne rice donation which is supposed to be donated to the vulnerable members of the Norton community. This program comes in the wake of the debilitating drought from last year and the current food shortages seemingly worsened by this season’s own current rain problems.
I have since put in place measures whereby the rice will be donated in the different Wards through the agency of the local Councilors. To make the program easier and more transparent we shall have the rice packed into 2kg packets.
All these measures are already underway and we can get status feedback from our Ward Councilors.
PASSING AWAY OF CDE NYASHA SIMON SIBIYA
Recently we lost Cde Simon Sibiya and he was buried in Ward 15.
Cde Sibiya was one of the pre-eminent heroes of the Norton struggle against land barons and his legacy in Kingsdale speaks of a man who did much for the empowerment of the ordinary person against the thieving scourge of politically connected land barons.
His legacy leaves us with the obligation to remain steadfast and resolute as we seek to bring closure to such sagas as the Kingsdale and Mashlands stands issues.
May His Soul Rest in Peace.
UKRAINIAN BUSINESS DELEGATION
Norton continues to prove how it is an attractive business opportunity for many investors and this week I came with an Ukrainian team which included the First Secretary and Ambassador for Ukraine in South Africa and other African countries, Mr Andrii Sobchak and Mrs Sharpe.
The tour that we had saw us visiting Norton Hospital, where we saw the abject state of the facility, and Katanga Shopping Centre. The objective of all these diplomatic moves is to draw attention to the town and exhibit the potential that we have.
NORTON MINERS MEETING
In the wake of the violent outbreaks as perpetrated by some illegal miners, commonly referred to as Mashurugwi, its gladdening to see that as a town our mining sector is making significant strides coming up with safety measures.
Currently they have come up with an identification system that makes it easy for the police to recognise the illegal from the genuine miners.
We still hope that the security forces will come down hard upon these criminals and avert a potential civil crisis in the country. It’s a known fact that some prominent political personnel are involved and we thus call for increased seriousness and transparency in dealing with all these aspects of the problem.
We remain a country caught in the harsh climate of a bad economy and with so many pressing matters but as we start the New Year let us strive to make the most of that within our control. Working together and being transparent in our conduct will alleviate a lot of the challenges and make Norton a better place for everyone.
By A Correspondent- Rusape Town Council has passed a resolution to borrow a staggering $6 million to buy luxury cars for senior executives, triggering a backlash from furious residents.
The residents described the planned spending spree as unnecessary and extravagant since service delivery was at the lowest ebb in the town.
The residents said RTC was prioritising luxury vehicles at the expense of perennial problems like erratic water supply, burst sewer pipes, untrafficable roads and inadequate schools in the town.
A no-holds-barred full council meeting held in December had rejected the proposal to purchase the cars for $6 million through lease financing which attracts exorbitant interest.
RTC seeks to purchase a Toyota Fortuner for town secretary Mr Solomon Gabaza and double cabs for heads of department (HODs).
Two HODs have gone for more than two years without council vehicles.
The issue has divided council with Ward 6’s Cllr Blessmore Pambureni saying council should instead borrow to finance essential services such as upgrading water and sewer reticulation infrastructure, road equipment and machinery before feting executive officials.
He said the latest move by RTC was against the directive issued by President Mnangagwa recently in Bulawayo, where he strongly warned local authorities against extravagant expenditures at the expense of service delivery.
“We have an unprecedented water crisis in Rusape and it is insensitive to the plight of residents to borrow to finance luxury. The President warned us against spending a fortune on luxurious cars, but on service delivery. We can only buy cars when service delivery and the economy have improved,” said Cllr Pambureni.
Works and planning committee chairman Cllr Ndabanenge Mataga (Ward 7) said council was seeking to appease a few individuals at the expense of the suffering masses.
“The current economic situation in the country is unfavourable for that. Yes, it’s specified in their contracts, but we cannot afford it at the moment. A husband cannot demand conjugal rights from a wife admitted in the Intensive Care Unit (ICU),” charged Cllr Mataga.
Vice chairman and Ward 10 Cllr Peter Kwesha said council could not buy luxuryedcars when revenue collection and service delivery had gone down.
“Council’s collection efficiency has drastically gone done. Let us listen to the concerns of the residents first. We should not burden the residents, but look at other options like cheaper vehicles or offsetting the cars with stands,” said Cllr Kwesha.
Ward 1 Cllr Patrick Chipere said council risks being sued for failing to honour its part of the bargain.
“There is danger of being sued. We also took the decision to protect the council fleet. If we don’t buy them these vehicles now they will use pool cars, and at the end of five years we will be forced to buy them brand new personal vehicles in fulfilment of their contracts,” said Cllr Chipere.
Council chairman Lyton Sithole last week hastily convened a special full council meeting in less than the prescribed 24 hours’ notice to railroad the resolution.
After facing resistance from some councillors, Cllr Sithole put the matter to vote and five voted for the purchase of the cars.
Residents said such borrowings should have their blessing since their rates will be used to service the debt.
They want the council to satisfactorily account for the revenue collected from them so far, before deciding to borrow from anywhere, and to reveal how the debt will be serviced and whether this will result in an increase in the rates paid by residents.
They have threatened to petition the Minister of Local Government expressing their objection to the idea of borrowing to finance luxury.
By A Correspondent- Luke Tamborinyoka, the Deputy Spokesperson of the MDC led by Nelson Chamisa has issued a statement apologising over the harassment of journalist Robert Tapfumaneyi.
We present the statement in full below.
Dear colleagues. My sincerest apologies over the way Robert Tapfumaneyi has been treated by our overzealous security personnel. I sincerely and profusely apologise on behalf of the MDC which does not condone such dastardly acts.
I have engaged and personally spoken and apologised to Robert about the whole event. In the meantime, I am engaging the security department so that stern action is taken against the responsible individuals.
Advocate Fadzayi Mahere, the Secretary for Education for the opposition MDC led by advocate Nelson Chamisa has said that the Supreme Court ruling on debts incurred before the 22nd of February 2019 has a number of negative effects.
Her remarks come after Justice Luke Malaba together with Justice Nicholas Mathonsi and Justice Susan Mavingira ruled that all the debts can be settled using the local currency at a one as to one ratio.
Before Statutory Instrument 133 of February 2019 was promulgated, the local currency was not at par with the United States dollar.
Commenting on the ruling, advocate Mahere observed that the ruling made it possible for civil servants to pay the loan back in Zim Dollars at a rate of 1:1 with the former USD value.
She added:
The flip side is that your employment contract also turns in ZWL even though it was in USD. Nobody really wins.
Debtors who accrued debt in the USD era will celebrate. However, the long term consequence of the law stipulating that USD debts are now payable in ZWL at the false rate of 1:1 is that big, patient capital won’t come to Zim because of the obvious property rights violation.
By A Correspondent- MDC leader Nelson Chamisa has implored his counterpart from Zanu Pf, Emmerson Mnangagwa to prioritise useful dialogue that is credible and genuine as a way of facilitating for a transitional authority that will pave way for reforms.
Addressing hundreds of party supporters at Stoddart grounds in Mbare, Chamisa said:
“We must return to legitimacy and democracy. Zimbabwe must have a political dialogue that is credible and genuine underwritten by the international community to facilitate a transitional authority that will pave way for reforms.
The National Transition Authority is the appropriate vehicle to turnaround this country. In 2019, we published our RELOAD document the crux of which was essentially to give peace a chance. In that document we made it clear that the resolution of the Zimbabwean crisis require dialogue, which we were to push through political pressure in all legitimate forms.
The basis and purpose of that pressure was to force the government of the day, to agree to dialogue focused on Comprehensive Reforms to be implemented through a National Transitional Mechanism.
The reality on the ground is that more than two years after November 2017, and more than 18 months after the 30 July 2018 election, time is running out for Zimbabwe.
Impatience engulfs the nation and the real danger is that all and sundry will be engulfed by forces and processes that are intolerant to the continued reproduction of the terrible status quo.
We remain committed to genuine dialogue. Our position will not change. What we want is useful dialogue. It is not dialogue for the purposes of accommodation, photo opportunities or political expediency.”
Watch the video downloading below for this and more……
By A Correspondent- Zimbabwe Revenue Authority has issued a statement directing individuals in charge of all vehicles to provide a list of goods and passengers to ZIMRA at least three hours before arrival at the border post.
The statement reads in part:
The person in charge of any vehicle, other than a railway train, shall submit manifest of the passengers, crew and goods being conveyed by the vehicle, signed by the person authorised to sign such manifest at the place of departure for Zimbabwe
The manifest must be transmitted to the Zimbabwe Revenue Authority at the destined port of entry, in the case where the vehicle is an omnibus or any vehicle conveying goods or passengers for profit, no later than three hours before arrival of the vehicle at the port of entry or within such shorter time as the Commissioner may allow.
The taxman added that violating this directive from the Customs and Excise Act is an offence which attracts a fine or imprisonment.
There have been reports suggesting that the “porous” borders of the country constitute a soft spot for revenue leakage
By A Correspondent- Police yesterday released 12 names of the 17 people who perished in a bus accident that occurred near Odzi along the Harare-Mutare Highway on Saturday evening.
National police spokesperson Assistant Commissioner Paul Nyathi identified 12 people while two other names are being withheld as their next of kin have not yet been notified.
He said three other victims – two females and one male – were still to be identified and urged members of the public to visit Mutare Provincial Hospital to identify the bodies.
Among the people who died in the accident are General Bande Bus driver Emmanuel Munhuwenyu from Mutare and conductor Milton Mayaveni.
Others are Aaron Jambaya, Shanel Dumbura (an infant aged 5 from Mutare), Cecil Vumbunu (54), Irvene Marware from Mutare, Francis Masonza from Mutare, Jane Chikukwa (Rusape), Tanatswa Foroma (Mutare), Zoey Nyanyiwa (65) (Mutare), Sabie Mukweza (75) Mutare, and Tawana Sigauke (Mutare).
Fourteen people died on the spot while three others died on admission at Mutare Provincial Hospital after a haulage truck which was carrying timber was involved in a head-on collision with a General Bande bus.
Police said preliminary investigations indicated that the bus driver was speeding and the bus burst its left front tyre, leading to the accident.
Meanwhile, two people died on Sunday evening, while four others were seriously injured when a Mitsubishi Colt they were travelling in veered off the road and crashed into a tree after the driver hit a pedestrian along Luveve Road near Josiah Chinamano Primary School, Emakhandeni in Bulawayo.
Bulawayo Fire Brigade senior divisional officer Linos Phiri confirmed the accident yesterday.
“Six people, who were involved in the car accident, are Bukhosibakhe Mlilo (driver), Sibonginkosi Mpofu (24), Senzo Ndebele (32), Modester Zakariya (26), Sibusiso Nyathi, a male juvenile, Prince Ndebele (13) and the pedestrian was not identified,” Phiri said, adding that the driver, who was trapped in the car, died before the Fire Brigade could rescue him.
Bulawayo provincial police spokesperson Inspector Abednico Ncube confirmed the accident and urged drivers to exercise caution when driving on wet and slippery roads.
Fellow Zimbabweans, Your Excellencies, Members of the Diplomatic Community, Honourable Members of Parliament, Mayors and Councillors, distinguished guests, ladies and gentlemen, it is an honour for me to present AGENDA 2020 which defines the year 2020 as the decisive year for dealing with the broad challenges facing the nation.
Today we gather here at Stodart HALL in Mbare, this great place of history, a place of hope and inspiration which has served as a revolutionary springboard for many of our country’s nationalist trailblazers, religious torchbearers as well as sports and artistic luminaries among many other leading lights who have, over the years, scaled the heights as the “Class of Stodart Hall”, in search of a Zimbabwe that the people want but which remains a pipe dream TO BE PURSUED, BUT YET TO BE ATTAINED.
Because we are meeting in January and given that it is our first time to do so this year, let me take this opportunity to extend to everyone compliments of the new year. But as I do so, I’m alive to the fact that compliments of the new year have already been superseded by complications of the last year, which have followed us into the new year; and which are standing in the way of any prospect for a happy and prosperous year for Zimbabweans.
This year, 2020, is an important year not least because it marks the end of a decade and the start of a new one. Over the last decade, and indeed over the last two decades, Zimbabweans have not been able to realistically wish each other a happy and prosperous new year, with any credibility. The last decade, and the one before it, have seen the destruction of happiness and prosperity in our country in ways that are unprecedented.
Throughout the last decade, Zimbabweans have moved from one year to another, on a wing and a prayer while plunging from crisis to crisis and darkness to darkness, with oppression and the brutal denial of basic human rights as the order of the day.
We declare 2020 a year of breakthrough in reclaiming the people’s victory and 2020-2030 a decade of hope rapid radical transformation.
In March 1997 Zimbabwe launched Vision 2020. Vision 2020 promised: • Housing for all by 2020, • Healthcare for all by 2020, • Education for all by 2020, and • Jobs for all by 2020
Today we have none of all the promises THAT 2020 is upon us. As sure as the sunrise, time has come to test our resolve and has found us wanting.
We have no healthcare, no housing, no universal education and no jobs. 23 years later we have a rapidly deteriorating healthcare system where doctors have to protest for medicines and equipment and where teachers cannot afford to send their own children to school.
We have a beautiful AND RICH country, with talented people and a wealth of natural resources. Ours is ONLY a failure of leadership.
The Zimbabwe of today is the product of and an expression of poor leadership. The crisis in Zimbabwe is man-made. We are a broken and divided nation, led through fear, governed by force and ruled through violence.
Man-made poverty is being used as a tool of repression and oppression, while poverty has been weaponised to enrich a few. Food continues to be used as a political weapon to sow divisions, fuel hate and instill fear. This can’t be allowed to continue.
Right now, we are struggling with everything and anything education, school fees and teachers conditions of service, doctors, water, electricity, transport and social service delivery in general
People have been impoverished beyond measure, no jobs, no income, no lights, no water, no fuel, prices are escalating while incomes are plunging. It’s just hell on earth, a beautiful country and hitherto relatively prosperous country turned into a hellhole by a failed, rogue and corrupt politics and policies.
THIS IS THE SIGNAL!
The old order has failed to bring forth the new. They have shown that they possess neither the appetite nor capacity to change. They’re vacuous. Their politics is vapid, insipid and out of time.
To place any hope on the past and on yesterday’s people is an act of cruelty and a betrayal of our children’s future.
• The old order is struggling on the governance and legitimacy fronts.
• The old order is struggling on the re-engagement front. • The old order is struggling on the national convergence platform.
• The old older is struggling on the economic front. • The old order is struggling on the policy FORMULATION AND IMPLEMENTATION fronts.
• The old order is struggling on the credibility and integrity fronts.
THIS IS THE SIGNAL!
So the ridiculous slogans about a new dispensation, open for business and second republic this and that have been shown to be superficial rhetoric and delusions of clueless regime now muddling through on the basis of directionless experimentalism hoping that somewhere along the way it will stumble on solutions to our problem. That’s not how things work. We need serious and competent leadership with a clear vision and pathway forward through structured reform, re-engagement and talks
THIS IS THE SIGNAL
We have heard you ask time and time again. What are you doing to provide an alternative, and I say to you again, we are the people’s leadership. We hold within us your deep desire for change. We are the unfulfilled expression of the people’s true will. We are you. It is you who voted for us. You, whose vote was stolen in 2018. You who WE will continue to fight with, side by side.
We will act, we will LEAD AND REPRESENT, we will speak up in parliament, we will challenge unlawfulness, we will work in every community. We will not betray the people’s vote nor let their voice be silenced. This is our Agenda in 2020.
We will walk the path of resistance. We are emboldened and resolved. Come what may. We will not be intimidated.
It is time to fight for the Zimbabwe we want and have so rightly dreamed of and worked for. In 2020 we will focus our efforts on the people’s fight:
1.The fight for a people’s government, reforms and return to legitimacy. 2.The fight for a better life, dignity and livelihoods. 3.The fight against corruption. 4.The fight for rights, freedoms, security of persons and rule of law. 5.The fight in defense of the constitution and constitutionalism.
Breaking Barriers Initiative (BBI)
This year, 2020, is the people’s year to start the people’s decade.
It is the year of the people’s action.
This is the year when something must and will give. This year is our revolutionary moment.
A new page must be turned in the making of a new Zimbabwe, whose journey was started by the MDC when the glorious movement of the people first entered Parliament in 2000. But for us to turn the required page in 2020, we must extend our hand, our open hand of peace, of democracy, of human rights and of sustainable development; to our neighbours, friends, comrades and compatriots.
The change we have sought as the MDC is not change for us as a political party but change for us as Zimbabweans. That is why we have become a people’s movement. Our political party is an instrument for change meant to benefit each and every Zimbabwean regardless of who they are, their station in life, their tribe, their national origin, their totem or even their political affiliation.
In order for the people to stamp their authority on 2020 as the people’s year to kick start the people’s decade, it is important for us to understand that where and when the people have spoken, as they did on 30 July 2018, the people must act to implement what they have said.
Politics is not about words but about action. In the best political traditions, praxis, that is action, has always defined politics. This is an existential truth. That is why, in the final analysis, we are judged not by what we say but by what we do or do not do. It is the sins of commission and omission that shall follow us.
As we christen 2020, the year of the people’s action, I’m happy to announce the launch today of the Breaking Barriers Initiative (BBI), from my office as MDC president, designed to enable the people of Zimbabwe from across the full political spectrum of our nation to act together, support each other and speak with one voice beyond political boundaries and divisions created by the mashurugwi regime which have built artificial barriers between and among Zimbabweans.
Our BBI seeks to bridge and break the negative barriers that have developed between and among us Zimbabweans over the last 40 years, and which have thus come in the way of real change, especially over the last two decades, to the detriment of the people and the advantage of the regime’s merchants of division.
The BBI has the following objectives:
• Foster and engender the development, articulation and celebration of a community-based, dynamic, multicultural, multi-ethnic, multiracial, multilingual, multi-religious, intergenerational and progressive national identity of being a Zimbabwean which has an inclusive spirit de corps;
• Facilitate structured and inclusive conversations among Zimbabweans on their welfare, well-being, livelihoods, national interest and priorities on such issues as infrastructural development, food security, job creation, water and sanitation;
• Create local and national platforms for common action in the defence of the rule of law, human rights and basic freedoms for all Zimbabweans;
• Support the development, incubation and promotion of technological and engineering solutions to fight and eradicate poverty, hunger and disease in the country; and,
• Promote the teaching, learning and application of Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics STEM in primary, secondary, tertiary and university education to empower the youth, develop a knowledge-based and technological driven economy, Artificial Intelligence, machine learning and propel Zimbabwe into the fourth industrial revolution.
• Engage Zimbabwe’s friends and cooperating partners in the international community to rationalise their humanitarian support and developmental projects to ensure they benefit the people of Zimbabwe in their communities.
These objectives are not exhaustive but are illustrative of some of the work proposed to be done under the BBI to address the people’s aspirations as an expression of the people’s year of action. To move the BBI forward, there are three important action issues that must be addressed urgently, and these are:
• Safeguarding the people’s livelihoods; • Restoring legality and legitimacy; and, • Asserting the people’s sovereignty.
Safeguarding People’s Livelihoods Fundamental to all politics is the livelihood question: are people able to put food on the table for their families; do people have a roof over their heads; are people able to send their children to school; and basically, are people able to live? For an overwhelming majority of Zimbabweans, the answer is a resounding no.
In addition to threatening to cut, and actually cutting, the lives of some Zimbabweans short while endangering others, the Mashurugwi regime has virtually destroyed the livelihoods of Zimbabweans, with most no longer able to make ends meet and others living from hand to mouth. The regime’s delinquent economic policies that have destroyed the multicurrency system, adopted a Zimdollar that is not available and is presiding over an economic meltdown with the second highest inflation in the world after Maduro’s Venezuela, have impoverished everyone save for the mashurugwi cabal and its filthy rich cronies who have used corrupt schemes like command agriculture to buy overseas based private jets and to import luxury vehicles like Lexuses, Bentleys and Lamborghinis for themselves, their wives and children and unashamedly splashing ill-gotten opulence in a country that has become a poverty AND HUNGER desert.
The people have spoken enough about and against this scourge which has come about at the expense of their destroyed livelihoods. Enough is enough. This year, in 2020, the people will speak through action, against the scourge and in defence of their right to their livelihoods, which they must now begin to reconstruct for themselves and their families. In this regard, and as part of BBI, I will stand with the people and act together with them in defence of their livelihoods under the MDC’s Agenda 2020.
Restoring Legality and Legitimacy
The collapse of the people’s livelihoods, destroyed by the mashurugwi regime, is directly linked to and is a consequence of Mr. Emmerson Mnangagwa’s illegitimacy and, arising from that illegitimacy, the illegality of the framework and actions of his administration.
It is now common cause that the 2018 presidential election was stolen. The most damning and unimpeachable evidence of the audacious electoral theft has been exposed to be in the report on the 2018 harmonised elections compiled by the Zimbabwe Electoral Commission (ZEC) and tabled before the National Assembly in Parliament on 27 June 2019 by justice minister Ziyambi Ziyambi.
This is a matter that must be of great concern to everyone, especially the voters who voted in the 2018 presidential election – not just the 2,6 million who voted for me – but all the voters who are committed to the holding of free and fair elections in accordance with the Constitution of Zimbabwe.
Section 67(1)(a) and (b) of the Constitution, dealing with political rights, provides that:
Every Zimbabwean citizen has the right—
(a) to free, fair and regular elections for any elective public office established in terms of this Constitution or any other law; and
(b) to make political choices freely.
While the Constitutional Court made its determination of the application I initiated challenging the controversial ZEC declaration and announcement of Mr. Emmerson Mnangagwa, as the winner of the 2018 presidential election, and while we respected that decision as we disagreed with it, there’s now a new development after the case, coming from ZEC itself, which shows beyond any argument or doubt that the results of the 2018 presidential election were transmitted, captured and collated unlawfully, improperly and irregularly as to void the election and invalidate any result that was declared and announced following the unlawful, improper and irregular transmission, capture and collation of the results from the country’s 1,985 ward centres to ZEC’s national command centre in Harare.
The compelling evidence of how the presidential election was rigged by ZEC, is enough for anyone and all of the 2,6 million voters who cast their vote for me to go to court on grounds that their political rights enshrined in s67(1) of the Constitution were violated. There’s also now a clear and present basis for taking the matter of the 2018 presidential election to the African Court on Human and Peoples Rights. Such actions would be well within the BBI, as an expression of the people’s action to restore legality and legitimacy under the MDC’s Agenda 2020.
Those who say the 2018 presidential election should be forgotten about, and focus should now be on 2023, ain’t seen nothing yet. It’s them who should forget about covering up the giant 2018 election fraud. Especially now that ZEC itself has, perhaps inadvertently or even mischievously, come out with incontrovertible evidence that election was not conducted in substantial compliance with the law. So, first things must come first. There will be no 2023 election without resolving the 2018 election. Looking ahead to 2023, the most important electoral reform is the resolution of the 2018 presidential election. A critical and unavoidable starting point is the resignation of all ZEC commissioners and management team which is infested with seconded military, intelligence and police operatives, masquerading as politically neutral professionals when their remit is to rig elections for Zanu PF.
Asserting People’s Sovereignty
The bedrock of the BBI, and the Nation’s Agenda 2020 on the basis of which the people will speak through actions for change, is that the people have awoken to the truth that, in terms of the new Constitution adopted by the people in a referendum in 2013, sovereignty belongs to the people, and not to the State or its institutions and agencies. This is why s88(1) of the Constitution provides that “executive authority derives from the people of Zimbabwe”; s117(1) says legislative authority of Zimbabwe is derived from the people, and s162 stipulates that “judicial authority derives from the people of Zimbabwe”.
These are important constitutional imperatives whose import is that national sovereignty belongs to the people by virtue of the constitutional provisions that derive executive authority, legislative authority and judicial authority from the people.
When the institutions, agencies or offices to whom the people have vested their executive authority, legislative authority or judiciary authority; as has happened with regard to the stolen 2018 presidential election, the failure to hold accountable those behind the violent brutalisation of citizens on 1 August 2018 and between 14 and 28 January 2019; along with the destruction and erosion of the people’s livelihoods, leave the people with no constitutional choice but to assert their sovereignty.
The people have a constitutional right to directly exercise their executive authority, legislative authority and judicial authority when those vested with such authority, abdicate or repudiate their constitutional responsibilities and obligations.
Triple Action for Change
In summary, the BBI under the Nation’s Agenda 2020 translates into a model of triple action for the people to mark 2020 as the year of the people and to start the new decade as the people’s decade through revolutionary actions for change, in accordance with the Constitution of Zimbabwe.
The long and short of it is that enough is enough. A lot of damage has been done to Zimbabwe and Zimbabweans in the name of the State. There’s a difference of night and day between officeholders and the State. In a constitutional democracy, such as ours should be, the State belongs to the people, as its creators; it does not belong to its officeholders.
Ours is a National democratic struggle whose success depends on nationwide transformation and reform, Ours is a National Democratic struggle whose main facets entail different zones of struggle.
THE BATTLEFRONTS
1.Leading the struggle -The Party modernization Agenda
The party held a successful congress in 2019, ushering in new and dynamic leadership with a range of skills and competencies.
Your movement remains strong. We have a clear ideology and a passion for change that puts the people first. We have structures across Zimbabwe. We have growing membership in every village, farm, township and suburb. We have good leadership team. We have sound, realistic policies.
Our vision is clear.
The people’s party was born out of the working-class and working people’s struggles, toil and sweat.
The people’s party has had 21 years of resilience, service and sacrifice. We continue to stand strong on the foundations of our birth and our hopes for the future. We have survived all manner of mischief because the people’s cause cannot be killed. It survives at the will of the people.
We have entered a period of renewal. Renovating our systems. Reviving our culture of excellence and sharpening our strategy.
We are taking the fight for democracy deep into the rural areas. Rural development is not an option but a necessity. In 2020 we will focus our efforts on securing rural development as a key pillar for national transformation.
We are working to revamp party administration, party communications, party discipline, funding, community projects and party candidate selection rules to make them more efficient, transparent and people-centred.
We will continue visiting and supporting political prisoners and their families.
We will also focus on the survivors of political violence and maintain a roll of honour for those who have died in the struggle for change.
We will emphasize the supremacy of strong, active grass-root structures across the country.
We are, and must be, trusted leaders of society. Fit and proper to provide everyday answers to everyday problems. Our leaders and representatives must be different, accessible, available, able, credible, dependable, reliable.
We will put more emphasis on fundraising and mobilization strategies guided by principles of accountability and transparency. We will also make party membership easier using modern systems of online registration and robust performance contracts, monitoring and evaluation frameworks for its leaders and members.
2.The Parliamentary Agenda
Fellow Zimbabweans, as part of Agenda 2020, we will deepen our role in Parliament. In 2019, our Members of Parliament continued to work hard under difficult conditions on behalf of the citizens we represent.
Our refusal to recognise illegitimacy has not compromised our mandate in Parliament. The state propaganda machine will have you believing that the MDC has abandoned the peoples’ cause. The reality is we continue to fight for transparency and accountability.
Fighting illegitimacy does not undermine our work. In all things the needs of the citizens come first. Restoring legitimacy and credibility to our executive is key among them. True change demands both electoral and perfomance legitimacy.
We are not walking out on our work. The work of our portfolio committees continues without forgetting our longer term goal of fighting for reform.
We fought a spirited battle against the adoption of the Maintenance of Peace and Order Act. This is just another POSA, if not worse in some aspects. We stood on principle. We will work harder and smarter to highlight our Member of Parliament’s contribution in various committees and portfolios.
In Parliament, we will fight even harder for the Diaspora vote. Not only was this promised to this nation, but it is the right of every citizen. My opposite number in Zanu PF made various assurances while on the election campign trail and even after in 2018 that once elections were concluded, mechanisms would be put in place to ensure the diaspora vote. To date, no steps have been taken to make this a reality. They are quick to look for diaspora money and skills but show no interest in giving the diaspora their right to truly influence the direction of Zimbabwe.
This is simply another of many examples of a tragic and failed leadership.
The party will use parliament as a theatre of struggle for a better life for Zimbabweans, struggle for democracy.
We will strengthen our debating capacity, ensuring that we have more motions that are people-centred and focus on peoples every day issues above all else.
We’ll build the capacities of our MPs through a parliamentary research unit to improve the quality of debates and contributions.
We will introduce performance scorecards for our MPs and mandatory regular Constituency Feedback Meetings will be implemented to ensure that parliamentary debate is truly representative of the communities we serve.
I am calling each and every one of you to action in your community. We have no government. The development of our communities is now left to us.
Get in touch with your local councillor, find your Member of Parliament. If there are community interventions you are interested in supporting, get involved. None but ourselves will reverse the under-development that our country continues to face. We cannot outsource this function to development partners. We can work with them, but there can be no development of Zimbabwe without us as Zimbabweans determining and driving our own agenda.
3.Local Authorities Agenda
Those who meddle in the game of propaganda want to tell you that service delivery is failing because of the MDC. They want you to believe that every problem under the sun belongs to us because they have failed.
We are going to launch the smart cities policy document that will focus on how we govern differently detailing issues to the local authority’s service delivery, infrastructure, the vision of the city.
We are also going to launch the smart villages policy that will entail our model smart homesteads smart sources of energy solar for each rural home borehole per village infrastructure for villages, schools, bridges, etc.
We are also going the emphasize on proper and true devolution, and a people-centered devolution bill in line with the spirit in the constitution.
We continue to work under sabotage. The Ministry of Local Government still appoints all town clerks, CEOs and other officials. This means they continue to sabotage our efforts for change. Government still approves and limits our budgets. We are not able to determine rates leaving us unable to make enough money to provide adequate services. We are also not exempt from very real consequences of the prevailing economic environment where sourcing forex for goods and services such as water chemicals and road equipment etc. is difficult and dependent on the charity of the Ministry of Finance. The system is broken.
Despite that we will make a greater effort in professionalising service delivery and community development.
We will work to remove the bottlenecks compromising service delivery, in particular:
• Giving procurement to local authorities as opposed to local government.
• Moving joint ventures powers back to council and away from central government.
• Removing the approval of the budget from central government in particular the local authority and residents.
• Stopping unconstitutional ministerial directives and political interference from central government.
• Removing hiring and firing of senior employees or staff in local authorities from the local government.
We will take a no nonsense approach to dealing with integrity, excellence and accountability to cleanse our leadership against corruption and incompetence in the zones we lead.
I am awaiting verified feedback from the Integrity and Accountability Panel, led by Advocate Thabani Mpofu. This panel’s work is to position our councils according to expected and acceptable standards of excellence. The corrupt will be identified and removed from office. 2020 will not be an ordinary year. It will be a year of action. Collective action.
4.Electoral Agenda
Over the years, our elections have been a bloody affair. But for us, life is more precious than politics, blood is more precious than power. No drop of blood must be lost on account of politics or elections in Zimbabwe.
As you all know, we have had a number of by elections which have been manipulated to produce a predetermined outcome.
It’s a myth that the cheating Zanu PF wins and is popular in the rural areas. What is fact is that Zanu PF cheats more in the rural areas using intimidation, fear, disinformation and food as political weapons. We must stop the cheating.
There must be a link between the delimitation process and census data to ensure transparently and a level playing field to avoid gerrymandering or manipulation of boundaries.
The Zimbabwe electoral commission must be revamped and have professional secretaries who are independent before and non-partisan.
We want a raft of electoral reforms in line with the recommendations of the International election observer mission reports as detailed in our RELOAD document we recently launched in 2019.
We are going to launch our alternative electoral bill detailing the reforms Zimbabweans are demanding. This bill is ready and has already been finalized by our elections department.
5.Governance Agenda: Re-imagining the State
The security of persons and national peace are very important to us. We take note of the lawlessness seeping through society through the activities of state protected machete gangs. No amount of propaganda can change the fact that these gangs are as a result of the lawlessness and selective application of the law that has been taken over the country.
The individuals concerned are well known in their communities. The shops and factories manufacturing the machetes and other instruments of destruction that they are using are well known. Under these circumstances, it beholds reason why they are not being brought to account. We place the birth and origin of these machete yielding characters squarely at the doors of the elites in violent Zanu PF functionaries who in any event are the holders of the gold claims that these groups were originally created to defend.
There is a need to inquire on the circumstances of how they were born and created as well as to compensate the victims including families that have lost their loved ones. This is why, we propose the setting up of a judicial commission of inquiry into this issue as a matter of urgency.
Security services
Let me be categoric about the security services, a new government that I wil lead will not temper with the military or security services, they are not the problem. We will avail the right politics and a conducive environment for our men and women in uniform to shine and excel, a task which they know best.
A legitimate Government will have no need to use the security services against its own citizens.
Our military and security services should be well fed and resourced, it is cruel to neglect the welfare of our defenders of the nation.
Ensuring the independence of institutions is a must in creating the Zimbabwe we want. At the present moment our institutions are crippled by a lack of budgetary support and excessive executive interference.
State capture has eroded most of our institutions. We therefore put firmly the proposal that the independence of institutions in Zimbabwe must be at the fore of any progressive reform agenda.
In this respect, the following Chapter 12 institutions must be prioritised: The Zimbabwe Media Commission, the Zimbabwe Human Rights Commission, Zimbabwe Anti-Corruption Commission, and the National Peace and Reconciliation Commission. These play a key role in safeguarding our democracy.
6.Constitutional Agenda
In December 2019, the government of the day gazetted Constitutional Amendment No 2 – HB23/2019. The Bill proposes a raft of amendments to the Zimbabwean Constitution.
The Constitutional Amendment in the main seeks to restore the Imperial Presidency that we thought we had dealt with decisively in 2013 through the approval in a referendum of a new constitution.
Any Constitutional Amendment must be negotiated like the old constitution itself. We are seeing a self-serving decision to personalise the State through unnecessary Constitutional amendments. The country is plagued by pressing issues which require measured and visionary leadership.
Instead we have those obsessed with consolidating personal power. They told the world that reforms take time. But when it comes to changing laws for their own selfish ends, they are fast.
The calls for the alignment of the constitution must ring louder than before. There should be no amendment to the people’s contract without first aligning the constitution –Alignment not amendment.
7.The Economic Agenda
The Economist’s Intelligence Unit expects inflation to average 165.5% in 2020, owing to shortages of basic goods and US dollars and sustained currency weakness. The ongoing drought will continue to constrain exports and necessitate imports in 2020.
Unemployment and joblessness remain a palpable threat to national security. Government is best that governs least. Governments don’t run companies. The best they can do is to govern and create a conducive environment for ease of doing business.
Modern defense, is not in military in nature but economic. A functioning economy is the strongest defense force for any nation.
We must return to basics.
It is important that measures be undertaken to encourage massive productivity to drag the economy out of recession. Attracting investment will be critical and to do so Zimbabwe’s ease of doing business must be attended to.
The Zimbabwean economy is in a tailspin suffocating from massive headwinds across all sectors of the economy.
The economy is not performing and therefore the country is suffering from the twin deficits of democratic legitimacy and performance legitimacy. Without these two ingredients, that constitute two ingredients of the Social Contract, the state can implode at any moment and that is why it is essential to create a soft landing through national dialogue.
Macroeconomic Stability
In the past few years, the economy has embarked on an expansionary fiscal policy characterised by huge budget deficits and excessive expenditure. We propose that fiscal consolidation must be pursued and that we should live within our means – We eat what we kill.
The Public Finance Management Act must be amended to prescribe the issuance of TBs. More importantly if government is to borrow, such borrowing should not exceed 3 percent of GDP.
Monetary Policy and Exchange Rate
In February 2019 through SI 33 of 2019, the government introduced the Zimbabwe dollars. The sudden introduction of the Zim dollar was irrational. It is not possible to issue a currency and expect that currency to survive without attending to the fundamentals. We have seen the local currency loosing value thereby undermining savings and investments. We propose therefore the repeal of SI142 of 2019, and the Finance Act number 2 of 2019. In short, we propose the redollarization of the economy in the immediate short term. In the mid-term, Zimbabwe has no choice but to join the Rand Monetary Union.
The Zimbabwean economy is so integrated with the South African economy which is its largest trading partner, due to the high cost structure imposed by the USD.
Inflation:
The mismanagement of monetary policy, the creation of money by the RBZ, an expansionary fiscal policy and the creation of treasury bills have all contributed to the return of hyperinflation in Zimbabwe. Zimbabwe’s rate of inflation standing unofficially at 700 percent and officially at 402 percent is now the second highest in the world.
Inflation needs to be addressed by a cocktail of measures which include fiscal consolidation, macroeconomic stability and proscription of the Reserve Bank’s rogue money printing activities. Having gone through the sludge of inflation in 2008 it is not acceptable that the present government has allowed hyperinflation to bounce back, the current situation is an indictment against the present regime.
Dealing with Debt
Zimbabwe’s huge debt, upward of $11 billion to International Financial Institutions and the Paris Club of Lenders, as well as more than $18 billion of domestic debt continues to be a challenge.
Zimbabwe at this point is a failed state, there is no way to beat about the bush. It is a state that needs business rescue. That requires not only developmental funding to be made available, but equally for debt payments to be suspended for a period of 5-10 years to allow the critical work of national rebuilding to truly occur. Some kind of a negotiated debt moratorium.
Corruption
Zimbabwe has risen dramatically on the global Anti-Corruption Index. Recent work in the Public Accounts Committee has unearthed massive corruption done through the Ministry of the Finance itself.
In 2017 treasury without supporting vouchers siphoned off USD 2,9 billion ostensibly to Command Agriculture. This is captured in the Auditor General’s report. The same report of that same year shows that USD 3,3 billion was siphoned outside parliament and public finance management regulations again channelled towards command agriculture.
Immediate action must be taken to ensure that state sanctioned looting does not happen again.
The Plight of Workers
The average worker in Zimbabwe faces unmitigated suffering. Since January 2019, the Zimbabwean dollar has lost 85% of its value thereby effectively devaluing the wage of the worker. As this has been happening, massive inflation has also short up which is now in access of 700%.
The MDC thus supports, the call for a living wage being made by unions and indeed supports, the introduction of a US$ wage in respect of all civil servants and workers in the private sector.
Such a call, is consistent with our demand that Si142/2019 must be repealed and that the country must effectively redollarise.
This is the only way forward.
We will also support the call by the unions for collective job action to protect their positions.
Power and Energy
The shortage of both fuel and electricity has become a human rights issue. Zimbabwe has moved from a situation where on average 18 hour power cuts were being experienced to a situation where there are now total power blackouts in many areas of Zimbabwe.
The Constitution protects the Right to Human Dignity in Section 50. Our current power crisis is indeed an infringement of the right to human dignity and indeed the right to life.
We propose that the government must immediately scrape the huge subsidies of almost US$70 million per month that they are dishing out to cartels in the form of Trafigura and Sakunda.
The fuel subsidies should then be used to import at least 400 megawatts of energy from Eskom or HBC in Mozambique. In the long-term we propose that 2000 megawatts of energy must be found particularly from Hwange 7 and 8. We need to focus on renewable energy, methane gas and the potential 30 or so hydro stations in Manicaland. This exercise will require massive capital and therefore the resolution of Zimbabwe’s economic crisis is imperative to national development and the restoration of human dignity.
In a nutshell, A raft of measures are therefore urgent and important; – Decisively dealing with corruption – Fixing politics, restoring confidence and trust. – Getting Zimbabwe to be a productive country – Push up the productivity capacity – Clear Vision, plans, the best people to do the job with clear KPIs. – Strong institutions – Dealing with livelihoods – Smart infrastructure in particular, smart energy and alternative energy sources – Dollarization and a basket of currencies – Workers salaries and civil servants wages must be paid in US dollars – Dealing with the debt crisis through HIPC – Fees must fall – Prices must fall
8.The Agricultural Agenda
In 2020, we face one of the most difficult years we have ever faced as a nation. The World Food Programme says Zimbabwe is one of its 2020 hunger hotspots. This is painful to every Zimbabwean, because we know we should not be in this position. We used to feed the entire region. Today we are one of the world’s biggest beggars. It is a failure to lead that brought us here.
Yes, we have a drought. We salute all the partners working to help our people. However, what kills people is not the drought, it is a failure to prepare. A failure to prepare, is a failure to lead. When people in a country as rich as ours go to bed hungry, there has been a failure to lead.
Our country is not a desert. Droughts have always been there. Having a drought is not the issue but having a drought without A plan is problematic.
If 4.1 million of your own people have to be fed by donors, while you live in luxury, there has been leadership failure. When children in a country as rich as ours are dropping out of school because they are hungry, there has been a failure to lead. When the whole country has been overtaken by violent thugs, raping women and killing each other in the mines, with no action being taken, there has been a failure to lead.
Thanks to an ecosystem of unpreparedness and lack of planning, Zimbabwe finds itself in the middle of a humanitarian crisis that the World Food Programme has described as the worst in the world.
5.5 million people are in a critical vulnerable food status across the length and breadth of the country. At the same time, as the food situation worsens, Zanu PF has privatised the distribution of food in many parts of rural Zimbabwe.
The weaponisation of food must stop and stop as a matter of urgency.
Meanwhile, as MDC we will engage the international community with a bid to ensure that the humanitarian crisis is mitigated and social safety nets are provided for. We will prioritize green and climate smart agriculture with an emphasis irrigation and issues of titles for land.
Land
Zimbabwe is for all of us. This county and this land is for all us.
Land is owned b the people of Zimbabwe. No political party owns land.
We will invest in irrigation schemes after giving new farmers title deeds.
9. The Social and Humanitarian Agenda
Health – We will push for the 15% health support in line with the Abuja declaration.
Education
We will push for the implementation of the DAKAR FRAMEWORK 22% budget support instead of the 13 % of the budget dedicated to education.
Investing in the Youth
– We must pursue a quota system for our youth and create equal opportunities for all.
10.The Political Agenda – Resolving the Political Crisis
Giving peace a chance Our crisis is a crisis of governance born out of a legitimacy crisis because of the rigged, stolen and disputed 2018 election. There is no credible future election without the resolution of the disputed election. The result of 2018 must be respected.
We must return to legitimacy and democracy. Zimbabwe must have a political dialogue that is credible and genuine underwritten by the international community to facilitate a transitional authority that will pave way for reforms. The National Transition Authority is the appropriate vehicle to turnaround this country.
In 2019, we published our RELOAD document the crux of which was essentially to give peace a chance. In that document we made it clear that the resolution of the Zimbabwean crisis require dialogue, which we were to push through political pressure in all legitimate forms. The basis and purpose of that pressure was to force the government of the day, to agree to dialogue focused on Comprehensive Reforms to be implemented through a National Transitional Mechanism.
The reality on the ground is that more than two years after November 2017, and more than 18 months after the 30 July 2018 election, time is running out for Zimbabwe.
Impatience engulfs the nation and the real danger is that all and sundry will be engulfed by forces and processes that are intolerant to the continued reproduction of the terrible status quo.
We remain committed to genuine dialogue. Our position will not change. What we want is useful dialogue. It is not dialogue for the purposes of accomodation, photo opportunities or political expediency.
We are a party that has learnt that the people’s struggle must not be hijacked by incomplete or captured processes that provide limited relief, improper answers and imperfect temporary remedies.
We reiterate our position that dialogue must lead to a transitional mechanism that stops the country’s slide towards total collapse. This must be followed by genuine reforms and free elections.
The Case for a Transitional National Authority: The Road to Credibility
Our opponents like to call us names. But they cannot change facts.
Our country did better when the MDC was in Government. What more if we are the government!
When we entered the GNU, inflation had reached 500 billion percent. By the time the GNU ended in 2013, inflation was just 1.63%. As soon as ZanuPF was left to run the economy, inflation started rising. Annual inflation is now over 480%. They are now trying to hide the figure.
You only have to look at your standard of living to know this truth. In 2012, a teacher was earning US300. It was not much, but they could afford basics. They could send their children to school. Today, that same teacher is being paid the equivalent of about US$40.
Before GNU, the economy shrunk 16.5% in 2008. Under GNU, the economy grew by: • 5.4% in 2009, 11.4% in 2010, 9.3% in 2011, and 10.6% in 2012. As soon as GNU ended, economy grew just 2.4% in 2014. In 2019, the economy fell 7.5%.
These are facts.
Fellow Zimbabweans, Our country is at a crossroads. We stand where they stood, lets make history. Get involved. We are the biggest shareholders of this country as citizens.
Zimbabwe was taken away from us. It must be brought back or we claim it with urgency. Freedom is not a distant phenomenon. Freedom is not far away from us. It is next to us, within is and around us. There is no greater power than a people united!
Freedom must come. If doesn’t come we must bring it. We are its vehicles and conveyancers.
If not you, then who?
Power is not somewhere remote. Power is within us, the people!
We have heard you cry for action. Action is not the responsibility of one person. Do not allow individuals to personalise the struggle for freedom. Stand with us to restore this country. It is time pull together to mend the social fabric that has been torn apart by this tragic failure of leadership.
Fellow citizens,
I would like to assure every person who has ever put their faith in this movement that we will not abandon the cause. The path ahead may seem unclear, but we are resolved and continue to work tirelessly to bring about change that transforms the lives of every woman, man and child who belongs to this soil.
Ours is an inter-generational mandate that requires each individual to look inside themselves and ask what action they can make to harness the winds of change. The time is now. If we are to achieve freedom, prosperity and equal opportunity the we have to act as one, individually and collectively.
We must be not only be bold in pointing out our problems but brave enough in solving them.
The road that lies ahead is not an easy one. There are no quick fixes. None but ourselves will deliver the change that we want.
The state of our nation is the signal. Zanu PF has given us the signal. Our pain and suffering is too much. This is the signal. Change starts with you and me. It’s time to answer the call.
We will conquer. We will win.
Isaiah 58: 12
“Your people will rebuild the ancient ruins; you will restore the age-old foundations; you will be called Repairer of the Breach, Restorer of the Streets of Dwelling.”
By A Correspondent- The Supreme Court has ruled that all debts incurred before the 22nd of February 2019 shall be settled in the local currency on a one to one basis in line with the Statutory Instrument 33 of 2019.
The judgement was made by Chief Justice Luke Malaba together with Justice Susan Mavingira and Justice Nicholas Mathonsi in an appeal case involving Zambezi Gas Zimbabwe (Pvt) LTD against V.N.R.Barber and the Sherriff of Zimbabwe.
Zambezi Gas Zimbabwe had appealed against a High Court judgement which instructed the gas company to pay a debt using the date’s interbank rate in May 2018 and not 1:1 which was effected in 2019.
The court heard that V.B.R Barber offered services to Zambezi Gas Zimbabwe services in May 2018 charged at US$3 885 000.00. Following the promulgation of S.I 33 of May 2019, Zambezi Gas, paid RTGS$ 4 136 806.54, to V.B.R. Barber, being debt plus interest.
V.B.N Barber then approached the High Court to force Zambezi Gas to pay an additional US$ 3 992 018.31 arguing that RTGS$ 4 136 806.54 Zambezi Gas had paid was equivalent to US$144 778.23 as per the payment date’s interbank rate in May.
Chief Justice Malaba, however, ruled that the payment of Rtgs$ 4 136 806.54 made by the Zambezi Gas was in full and final settlement of the debt in terms of Section 4(1) (d) of the Statutory Instrument 33 of 2019.
Police are very concerned for the welfare of 15-year-old Kunaka Chinganga who has not been seen for 4 days.
Police are very concerned for the welfare of 15-year-old Kunaka Chinganga who has not been seen for 4 days.
By A Correspondent | British Police are searching for a 15-year-old boy who has not been seen for seven days.
Kunaka Chinganga was last seen in McDonalds on Sutton High Street at about 10.30hrs on 14 January.
Marie Spear, from the South Area Missing Person’s Unit, said: “Kunaka’s disappearance is very out of character and his family and friends are very worried about him.”
Anyone who has seen Kunaka or knows anything about his whereabouts is asked to call police on 999 quoting reference 20MIS001896
The Biggest Global Conversation On The World’s Future Starts Now.
NEW YORK, United States of America , January 21, 2020, -/African Media Agency (AMA)/- January 1, 2020 saw the launch of the UN75 initiative – the largest, most inclusive conversation on the role of global cooperation in building a better future for all. The initiative will see the UN spark dialogues throughout 2020 in diverse settings across the world.
In a ‘global reality check’, four innovative data streams will build the first ever repository of crowd-sourced solutions to major global challenges.
The UN75 dialogues together with a ‘One-minute Survey’ that anyone can take, opinion polling in 50 countries and artificial intelligence sentiment analysis of traditional and social media in 70 countries, will generate compelling data to inform national and international policies and debate.
In calling for participation, the Secretary-General said:
“No country, no community, is able to solve the complex problems of our world alone. We need to come together, not only to talk, but to listen. It is absolutely essential that you all join the conversation. We need your opinion, your strategies and your ideas for us to be able to deliver better for the people of the world that we must serve.”
Intended to engage constituencies across borders, sectors and generations, the UN75 team is collaborating with a wide multi-sector network, including the UN Resident Coordinators, for a diverse and global reach, and for dialogues to be convened in every country of the world.
In a global listening exercise, with an emphasis on youth and groups not already engaged with the UN, the UN75 initiative aims to better understand expectations of international cooperation in light of pressing global challenges.
The views and ideas that are generated will be presented, by the Secretary-General, to world leaders and senior UN officials on September 21, 2020, at a high-level event to mark the 75th anniversary.
To inspire and inform the dialogues the UN is also partnering with Vox Media’s brand studio, Vox Creative to create a video informed by interviews with 38 people from around the world, sharing their experiences and opinions related to important global issues, to be launched January 6, 2020.
Those who want to be a part of the conversation – physically or online – can see how to join through the website: www.un.org/UN75. – Agencies
Luke Tamborinyoka, the Deputy Spokesperson of the MDC led by Nelson Chamisa has issued a statement apologising over the harassment of journalist Robert Tapfumaneyi.
We present the statement in full below.
Dear colleagues. My sincerest apologies over the way Robert Tapfumaneyi has been treated by our overzealous security personnel. I sincerely and profusely apologise on behalf of the MDC which does not condone such dastardly acts. I have engaged and personally spoken and apologised to Robert about the whole event. In the meantime, I am engaging the security department so that stern action is taken against the responsible individuals.
Fellow Zimbabweans, Your Excellencies, Members of the Diplomatic Community, Honourable Members of Parliament, Mayors and Councillors, distinguished guests, ladies and gentlemen, it is an honour for me to present AGENDA 2020 which defines the year 2020 as the decisive year for dealing with the broad challenges facing the nation.
Today we gather here at Stodart Hall in Mbare, this great place of history, a place of hope and inspiration which has served as a revolutionary springboard for many of our country’s nationalist trailblazers, religious torchbearers as well as sports and artistic luminaries among many other leading lights who have, over the years, scaled the heights as the “Class of Stodart Hall”, in search of a Zimbabwe that the people want but which remains a pipe dream TO BE PURSUED, BUT YET TO BE ATTAINED.
Because we are meeting in January and given that it is our first time to do so this year, let me take this opportunity to extend to everyone compliments of the new year. But as I do so, I’m alive to the fact that compliments of the new year have already been superseded by complications of the last year, which have followed us into the new year; and which are standing in the way of any prospect for a happy and prosperous year for Zimbabweans.
This year, 2020, is an important year not least because it marks the end of a decade and the start of a new one. Over the last decade, and indeed over the last two decades, Zimbabweans have not been able to realistically wish each other a happy and prosperous new year, with any credibility. The last decade, and the one before it, have seen the destruction of happiness and prosperity in our country in ways that are unprecedented.
Throughout the last decade, Zimbabweans have moved from one year to another, on a wing and a prayer while plunging from crisis to crisis and darkness to darkness, with oppression and the brutal denial of basic human rights as the order of the day.
We declare 2020 a year of breakthrough in reclaiming the people’s victory and 2020-2030 a decade of hope rapid radical transformation.
In March 1997 Zimbabwe launched Vision 2020. Vision 2020 promised: • Housing for all by 2020, • Healthcare for all by 2020, • Education for all by 2020, and • Jobs for all by 2020
Today we have none of all the promises THAT 2020 is upon us. As sure as the sunrise, time has come to test our resolve and has found us wanting.
We have no healthcare, no housing, no universal education and no jobs. 23 years later we have a rapidly deteriorating healthcare system where doctors have to protest for medicines and equipment and where teachers cannot afford to send their own children to school.
We have a beautiful AND RICH country, with talented people and a wealth of natural resources. Ours is ONLY a failure of leadership.
The Zimbabwe of today is the product of and an expression of poor leadership. The crisis in Zimbabwe is man-made. We are a broken and divided nation, led through fear, governed by force and ruled through violence.
Man-made poverty is being used as a tool of repression and oppression, while poverty has been weaponised to enrich a few. Food continues to be used as a political weapon to sow divisions, fuel hate and instill fear. This can’t be allowed to continue.
Right now, we are struggling with everything and anything education, school fees and teachers conditions of service, doctors, water, electricity, transport and social service delivery in general
People have been impoverished beyond measure, no jobs, no income, no lights, no water, no fuel, prices are escalating while incomes are plunging. It’s just hell on earth, a beautiful country and hitherto relatively prosperous country turned into a hellhole by a failed, rogue and corrupt politics and policies.
THIS IS THE SIGNAL!
The old order has failed to bring forth the new. They have shown that they possess neither the appetite nor capacity to change. They’re vacuous. Their politics is vapid, insipid and out of time.
To place any hope on the past and on yesterday’s people is an act of cruelty and a betrayal of our children’s future.
• The old order is struggling on the governance and legitimacy fronts.
• The old order is struggling on the re-engagement front. • The old order is struggling on the national convergence platform.
• The old older is struggling on the economic front. • The old order is struggling on the policy FORMULATION AND IMPLEMENTATION fronts.
• The old order is struggling on the credibility and integrity fronts.
THIS IS THE SIGNAL!
So the ridiculous slogans about a new dispensation, open for business and second republic this and that have been shown to be superficial rhetoric and delusions of clueless regime now muddling through on the basis of directionless experimentalism hoping that somewhere along the way it will stumble on solutions to our problem. That’s not how things work. We need serious and competent leadership with a clear vision and pathway forward through structured reform, re-engagement and talks
THIS IS THE SIGNAL
We have heard you ask time and time again. What are you doing to provide an alternative, and I say to you again, we are the people’s leadership. We hold within us your deep desire for change. We are the unfulfilled expression of the people’s true will. We are you. It is you who voted for us. You, whose vote was stolen in 2018. You who WE will continue to fight with, side by side.
We will act, we will LEAD AND REPRESENT, we will speak up in parliament, we will challenge unlawfulness, we will work in every community. We will not betray the people’s vote nor let their voice be silenced. This is our Agenda in 2020.
We will walk the path of resistance. We are emboldened and resolved. Come what may. We will not be intimidated.
It is time to fight for the Zimbabwe we want and have so rightly dreamed of and worked for. In 2020 we will focus our efforts on the people’s fight:
1.The fight for a people’s government, reforms and return to legitimacy. 2.The fight for a better life, dignity and livelihoods. 3.The fight against corruption. 4.The fight for rights, freedoms, security of persons and rule of law. 5.The fight in defense of the constitution and constitutionalism.
Breaking Barriers Initiative (BBI)
This year, 2020, is the people’s year to start the people’s decade.
It is the year of the people’s action.
This is the year when something must and will give. This year is our revolutionary moment.
A new page must be turned in the making of a new Zimbabwe, whose journey was started by the MDC when the glorious movement of the people first entered Parliament in 2000. But for us to turn the required page in 2020, we must extend our hand, our open hand of peace, of democracy, of human rights and of sustainable development; to our neighbours, friends, comrades and compatriots.
The change we have sought as the MDC is not change for us as a political party but change for us as Zimbabweans. That is why we have become a people’s movement. Our political party is an instrument for change meant to benefit each and every Zimbabwean regardless of who they are, their station in life, their tribe, their national origin, their totem or even their political affiliation.
In order for the people to stamp their authority on 2020 as the people’s year to kick start the people’s decade, it is important for us to understand that where and when the people have spoken, as they did on 30 July 2018, the people must act to implement what they have said.
Politics is not about words but about action. In the best political traditions, praxis, that is action, has always defined politics. This is an existential truth. That is why, in the final analysis, we are judged not by what we say but by what we do or do not do. It is the sins of commission and omission that shall follow us.
As we christen 2020, the year of the people’s action, I’m happy to announce the launch today of the Breaking Barriers Initiative (BBI), from my office as MDC president, designed to enable the people of Zimbabwe from across the full political spectrum of our nation to act together, support each other and speak with one voice beyond political boundaries and divisions created by the mashurugwi regime which have built artificial barriers between and among Zimbabweans.
Our BBI seeks to bridge and break the negative barriers that have developed between and among us Zimbabweans over the last 40 years, and which have thus come in the way of real change, especially over the last two decades, to the detriment of the people and the advantage of the regime’s merchants of division.
The BBI has the following objectives:
• Foster and engender the development, articulation and celebration of a community-based, dynamic, multicultural, multi-ethnic, multiracial, multilingual, multi-religious, intergenerational and progressive national identity of being a Zimbabwean which has an inclusive spirit de corps;
• Facilitate structured and inclusive conversations among Zimbabweans on their welfare, well-being, livelihoods, national interest and priorities on such issues as infrastructural development, food security, job creation, water and sanitation;
• Create local and national platforms for common action in the defence of the rule of law, human rights and basic freedoms for all Zimbabweans;
• Support the development, incubation and promotion of technological and engineering solutions to fight and eradicate poverty, hunger and disease in the country; and,
• Promote the teaching, learning and application of Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics STEM in primary, secondary, tertiary and university education to empower the youth, develop a knowledge-based and technological driven economy, Artificial Intelligence, machine learning and propel Zimbabwe into the fourth industrial revolution.
• Engage Zimbabwe’s friends and cooperating partners in the international community to rationalise their humanitarian support and developmental projects to ensure they benefit the people of Zimbabwe in their communities.
These objectives are not exhaustive but are illustrative of some of the work proposed to be done under the BBI to address the people’s aspirations as an expression of the people’s year of action. To move the BBI forward, there are three important action issues that must be addressed urgently, and these are:
• Safeguarding the people’s livelihoods; • Restoring legality and legitimacy; and, • Asserting the people’s sovereignty.
Safeguarding People’s Livelihoods
Fundamental to all politics is the livelihood question: are people able to put food on the table for their families; do people have a roof over their heads; are people able to send their children to school; and basically, are people able to live? For an overwhelming majority of Zimbabweans, the answer is a resounding no.
In addition to threatening to cut, and actually cutting, the lives of some Zimbabweans short while endangering others, the Mashurugwi regime has virtually destroyed the livelihoods of Zimbabweans, with most no longer able to make ends meet and others living from hand to mouth. The regime’s delinquent economic policies that have destroyed the multicurrency system, adopted a Zimdollar that is not available and is presiding over an economic meltdown with the second highest inflation in the world after Maduro’s Venezuela, have impoverished everyone save for the mashurugwi cabal and its filthy rich cronies who have used corrupt schemes like command agriculture to buy overseas based private jets and to import luxury vehicles like Lexuses, Bentleys and Lamborghinis for themselves, their wives and children and unashamedly splashing ill-gotten opulence in a country that has become a poverty AND HUNGER desert.
The people have spoken enough about and against this scourge which has come about at the expense of their destroyed livelihoods. Enough is enough. This year, in 2020, the people will speak through action, against the scourge and in defence of their right to their livelihoods, which they must now begin to reconstruct for themselves and their families. In this regard, and as part of BBI, I will stand with the people and act together with them in defence of their livelihoods under the MDC’s Agenda 2020.
Restoring Legality and Legitimacy
The collapse of the people’s livelihoods, destroyed by the mashurugwi regime, is directly linked to and is a consequence of Mr. Emmerson Mnangagwa’s illegitimacy and, arising from that illegitimacy, the illegality of the framework and actions of his administration.
It is now common cause that the 2018 presidential election was stolen. The most damning and unimpeachable evidence of the audacious electoral theft has been exposed to be in the report on the 2018 harmonised elections compiled by the Zimbabwe Electoral Commission (ZEC) and tabled before the National Assembly in Parliament on 27 June 2019 by justice minister Ziyambi Ziyambi.
This is a matter that must be of great concern to everyone, especially the voters who voted in the 2018 presidential election – not just the 2,6 million who voted for me – but all the voters who are committed to the holding of free and fair elections in accordance with the Constitution of Zimbabwe.
Section 67(1)(a) and (b) of the Constitution, dealing with political rights, provides that:
Every Zimbabwean citizen has the right—
(a) to free, fair and regular elections for any elective public office established in terms of this Constitution or any other law; and
(b) to make political choices freely.
While the Constitutional Court made its determination of the application I initiated challenging the controversial ZEC declaration and announcement of Mr. Emmerson Mnangagwa, as the winner of the 2018 presidential election, and while we respected that decision as we disagreed with it, there’s now a new development after the case, coming from ZEC itself, which shows beyond any argument or doubt that the results of the 2018 presidential election were transmitted, captured and collated unlawfully, improperly and irregularly as to void the election and invalidate any result that was declared and announced following the unlawful, improper and irregular transmission, capture and collation of the results from the country’s 1,985 ward centres to ZEC’s national command centre in Harare.
The compelling evidence of how the presidential election was rigged by ZEC, is enough for anyone and all of the 2,6 million voters who cast their vote for me to go to court on grounds that their political rights enshrined in s67(1) of the Constitution were violated. There’s also now a clear and present basis for taking the matter of the 2018 presidential election to the African Court on Human and Peoples Rights. Such actions would be well within the BBI, as an expression of the people’s action to restore legality and legitimacy under the MDC’s Agenda 2020.
Those who say the 2018 presidential election should be forgotten about, and focus should now be on 2023, ain’t seen nothing yet. It’s them who should forget about covering up the giant 2018 election fraud. Especially now that ZEC itself has, perhaps inadvertently or even mischievously, come out with incontrovertible evidence that election was not conducted in substantial compliance with the law. So, first things must come first. There will be no 2023 election without resolving the 2018 election. Looking ahead to 2023, the most important electoral reform is the resolution of the 2018 presidential election. A critical and unavoidable starting point is the resignation of all ZEC commissioners and management team which is infested with seconded military, intelligence and police operatives, masquerading as politically neutral professionals when their remit is to rig elections for Zanu PF.
Asserting People’s Sovereignty
The bedrock of the BBI, and the Nation’s Agenda 2020 on the basis of which the people will speak through actions for change, is that the people have awoken to the truth that, in terms of the new Constitution adopted by the people in a referendum in 2013, sovereignty belongs to the people, and not to the State or its institutions and agencies. This is why s88(1) of the Constitution provides that “executive authority derives from the people of Zimbabwe”; s117(1) says legislative authority of Zimbabwe is derived from the people, and s162 stipulates that “judicial authority derives from the people of Zimbabwe”.
These are important constitutional imperatives whose import is that national sovereignty belongs to the people by virtue of the constitutional provisions that derive executive authority, legislative authority and judicial authority from the people.
When the institutions, agencies or offices to whom the people have vested their executive authority, legislative authority or judiciary authority; as has happened with regard to the stolen 2018 presidential election, the failure to hold accountable those behind the violent brutalisation of citizens on 1 August 2018 and between 14 and 28 January 2019; along with the destruction and erosion of the people’s livelihoods, leave the people with no constitutional choice but to assert their sovereignty.
The people have a constitutional right to directly exercise their executive authority, legislative authority and judicial authority when those vested with such authority, abdicate or repudiate their constitutional responsibilities and obligations.
Triple Action for Change
In summary, the BBI under the Nation’s Agenda 2020 translates into a model of triple action for the people to mark 2020 as the year of the people and to start the new decade as the people’s decade through revolutionary actions for change, in accordance with the Constitution of Zimbabwe.
The long and short of it is that enough is enough. A lot of damage has been done to Zimbabwe and Zimbabweans in the name of the State. There’s a difference of night and day between officeholders and the State. In a constitutional democracy, such as ours should be, the State belongs to the people, as its creators; it does not belong to its officeholders.
Ours is a National democratic struggle whose success depends on nationwide transformation and reform, Ours is a National Democratic struggle whose main facets entail different zones of struggle.
THE BATTLEFRONTS
1.Leading the struggle -The Party modernization Agenda
The party held a successful congress in 2019, ushering in new and dynamic leadership with a range of skills and competencies.
Your movement remains strong. We have a clear ideology and a passion for change that puts the people first. We have structures across Zimbabwe. We have growing membership in every village, farm, township and suburb. We have good leadership team. We have sound, realistic policies.
Our vision is clear.
The people’s party was born out of the working-class and working people’s struggles, toil and sweat.
The people’s party has had 21 years of resilience, service and sacrifice. We continue to stand strong on the foundations of our birth and our hopes for the future. We have survived all manner of mischief because the people’s cause cannot be killed. It survives at the will of the people.
We have entered a period of renewal. Renovating our systems. Reviving our culture of excellence and sharpening our strategy.
We are taking the fight for democracy deep into the rural areas. Rural development is not an option but a necessity. In 2020 we will focus our efforts on securing rural development as a key pillar for national transformation.
We are working to revamp party administration, party communications, party discipline, funding, community projects and party candidate selection rules to make them more efficient, transparent and people-centred.
We will continue visiting and supporting political prisoners and their families.
We will also focus on the survivors of political violence and maintain a roll of honour for those who have died in the struggle for change.
We will emphasize the supremacy of strong, active grass-root structures across the country.
We are, and must be, trusted leaders of society. Fit and proper to provide everyday answers to everyday problems. Our leaders and representatives must be different, accessible, available, able, credible, dependable, reliable.
We will put more emphasis on fundraising and mobilization strategies guided by principles of accountability and transparency. We will also make party membership easier using modern systems of online registration and robust performance contracts, monitoring and evaluation frameworks for its leaders and members.
2.The Parliamentary Agenda
Fellow Zimbabweans, as part of Agenda 2020, we will deepen our role in Parliament. In 2019, our Members of Parliament continued to work hard under difficult conditions on behalf of the citizens we represent.
Our refusal to recognise illegitimacy has not compromised our mandate in Parliament. The state propaganda machine will have you believing that the MDC has abandoned the peoples’ cause. The reality is we continue to fight for transparency and accountability.
Fighting illegitimacy does not undermine our work. In all things the needs of the citizens come first. Restoring legitimacy and credibility to our executive is key among them. True change demands both electoral and perfomance legitimacy.
We are not walking out on our work. The work of our portfolio committees continues without forgetting our longer term goal of fighting for reform.
We fought a spirited battle against the adoption of the Maintenance of Peace and Order Act. This is just another POSA, if not worse in some aspects. We stood on principle. We will work harder and smarter to highlight our Member of Parliament’s contribution in various committees and portfolios.
In Parliament, we will fight even harder for the Diaspora vote. Not only was this promised to this nation, but it is the right of every citizen. My opposite number in Zanu PF made various assurances while on the election campign trail and even after in 2018 that once elections were concluded, mechanisms would be put in place to ensure the diaspora vote. To date, no steps have been taken to make this a reality. They are quick to look for diaspora money and skills but show no interest in giving the diaspora their right to truly influence the direction of Zimbabwe.
This is simply another of many examples of a tragic and failed leadership.
The party will use parliament as a theatre of struggle for a better life for Zimbabweans, struggle for democracy.
We will strengthen our debating capacity, ensuring that we have more motions that are people-centred and focus on peoples every day issues above all else.
We’ll build the capacities of our MPs through a parliamentary research unit to improve the quality of debates and contributions.
We will introduce performance scorecards for our MPs and mandatory regular Constituency Feedback Meetings will be implemented to ensure that parliamentary debate is truly representative of the communities we serve.
I am calling each and every one of you to action in your community. We have no government. The development of our communities is now left to us.
Get in touch with your local councillor, find your Member of Parliament. If there are community interventions you are interested in supporting, get involved. None but ourselves will reverse the under-development that our country continues to face. We cannot outsource this function to development partners. We can work with them, but there can be no development of Zimbabwe without us as Zimbabweans determining and driving our own agenda.
3.Local Authorities Agenda
Those who meddle in the game of propaganda want to tell you that service delivery is failing because of the MDC. They want you to believe that every problem under the sun belongs to us because they have failed.
We are going to launch the smart cities policy document that will focus on how we govern differently detailing issues to the local authority’s service delivery, infrastructure, the vision of the city.
We are also going to launch the smart villages policy that will entail our model smart homesteads smart sources of energy solar for each rural home borehole per village infrastructure for villages, schools, bridges, etc.
We are also going the emphasize on proper and true devolution, and a people-centered devolution bill in line with the spirit in the constitution.
We continue to work under sabotage. The Ministry of Local Government still appoints all town clerks, CEOs and other officials. This means they continue to sabotage our efforts for change. Government still approves and limits our budgets. We are not able to determine rates leaving us unable to make enough money to provide adequate services. We are also not exempt from very real consequences of the prevailing economic environment where sourcing forex for goods and services such as water chemicals and road equipment etc. is difficult and dependent on the charity of the Ministry of Finance. The system is broken.
Despite that we will make a greater effort in professionalising service delivery and community development.
We will work to remove the bottlenecks compromising service delivery, in particular:
• Giving procurement to local authorities as opposed to local government.
• Moving joint ventures powers back to council and away from central government.
• Removing the approval of the budget from central government in particular the local authority and residents.
• Stopping unconstitutional ministerial directives and political interference from central government.
• Removing hiring and firing of senior employees or staff in local authorities from the local government.
We will take a no nonsense approach to dealing with integrity, excellence and accountability to cleanse our leadership against corruption and incompetence in the zones we lead.
I am awaiting verified feedback from the Integrity and Accountability Panel, led by Advocate Thabani Mpofu. This panel’s work is to position our councils according to expected and acceptable standards of excellence. The corrupt will be identified and removed from office. 2020 will not be an ordinary year. It will be a year of action. Collective action.
4.Electoral Agenda
Over the years, our elections have been a bloody affair. But for us, life is more precious than politics, blood is more precious than power. No drop of blood must be lost on account of politics or elections in Zimbabwe.
As you all know, we have had a number of by elections which have been manipulated to produce a predetermined outcome.
It’s a myth that the cheating Zanu PF wins and is popular in the rural areas. What is fact is that Zanu PF cheats more in the rural areas using intimidation, fear, disinformation and food as political weapons. We must stop the cheating.
There must be a link between the delimitation process and census data to ensure transparently and a level playing field to avoid gerrymandering or manipulation of boundaries.
The Zimbabwe electoral commission must be revamped and have professional secretaries who are independent before and non-partisan.
We want a raft of electoral reforms in line with the recommendations of the International election observer mission reports as detailed in our RELOAD document we recently launched in 2019.
We are going to launch our alternative electoral bill detailing the reforms Zimbabweans are demanding. This bill is ready and has already been finalized by our elections department.
5.Governance Agenda: Re-imagining the State
The security of persons and national peace are very important to us. We take note of the lawlessness seeping through society through the activities of state protected machete gangs. No amount of propaganda can change the fact that these gangs are as a result of the lawlessness and selective application of the law that has been taken over the country.
The individuals concerned are well known in their communities. The shops and factories manufacturing the machetes and other instruments of destruction that they are using are well known. Under these circumstances, it beholds reason why they are not being brought to account. We place the birth and origin of these machete yielding characters squarely at the doors of the elites in violent Zanu PF functionaries who in any event are the holders of the gold claims that these groups were originally created to defend.
There is a need to inquire on the circumstances of how they were born and created as well as to compensate the victims including families that have lost their loved ones. This is why, we propose the setting up of a judicial commission of inquiry into this issue as a matter of urgency.
Security services
Let me be categoric about the security services, a new government that I wil lead will not temper with the military or security services, they are not the problem. We will avail the right politics and a conducive environment for our men and women in uniform to shine and excel, a task which they know best.
A legitimate Government will have no need to use the security services against its own citizens.
Our military and security services should be well fed and resourced, it is cruel to neglect the welfare of our defenders of the nation.
Ensuring the independence of institutions is a must in creating the Zimbabwe we want. At the present moment our institutions are crippled by a lack of budgetary support and excessive executive interference.
State capture has eroded most of our institutions. We therefore put firmly the proposal that the independence of institutions in Zimbabwe must be at the fore of any progressive reform agenda.
In this respect, the following Chapter 12 institutions must be prioritised: The Zimbabwe Media Commission, the Zimbabwe Human Rights Commission, Zimbabwe Anti-Corruption Commission, and the National Peace and Reconciliation Commission. These play a key role in safeguarding our democracy.
6.Constitutional Agenda
In December 2019, the government of the day gazetted Constitutional Amendment No 2 – HB23/2019. The Bill proposes a raft of amendments to the Zimbabwean Constitution.
The Constitutional Amendment in the main seeks to restore the Imperial Presidency that we thought we had dealt with decisively in 2013 through the approval in a referendum of a new constitution.
Any Constitutional Amendment must be negotiated like the old constitution itself. We are seeing a self-serving decision to personalise the State through unnecessary Constitutional amendments. The country is plagued by pressing issues which require measured and visionary leadership.
Instead we have those obsessed with consolidating personal power. They told the world that reforms take time. But when it comes to changing laws for their own selfish ends, they are fast.
The calls for the alignment of the constitution must ring louder than before. There should be no amendment to the people’s contract without first aligning the constitution –Alignment not amendment.
7.The Economic Agenda
The Economist’s Intelligence Unit expects inflation to average 165.5% in 2020, owing to shortages of basic goods and US dollars and sustained currency weakness. The ongoing drought will continue to constrain exports and necessitate imports in 2020.
Unemployment and joblessness remain a palpable threat to national security. Government is best that governs least. Governments don’t run companies. The best they can do is to govern and create a conducive environment for ease of doing business.
Modern defense, is not in military in nature but economic. A functioning economy is the strongest defense force for any nation.
We must return to basics.
It is important that measures be undertaken to encourage massive productivity to drag the economy out of recession. Attracting investment will be critical and to do so Zimbabwe’s ease of doing business must be attended to.
The Zimbabwean economy is in a tailspin suffocating from massive headwinds across all sectors of the economy.
The economy is not performing and therefore the country is suffering from the twin deficits of democratic legitimacy and performance legitimacy. Without these two ingredients, that constitute two ingredients of the Social Contract, the state can implode at any moment and that is why it is essential to create a soft landing through national dialogue.
Macroeconomic Stability
In the past few years, the economy has embarked on an expansionary fiscal policy characterised by huge budget deficits and excessive expenditure. We propose that fiscal consolidation must be pursued and that we should live within our means – We eat what we kill.
The Public Finance Management Act must be amended to prescribe the issuance of TBs. More importantly if government is to borrow, such borrowing should not exceed 3 percent of GDP.
Monetary Policy and Exchange Rate
In February 2019 through SI 33 of 2019, the government introduced the Zimbabwe dollars. The sudden introduction of the Zim dollar was irrational. It is not possible to issue a currency and expect that currency to survive without attending to the fundamentals. We have seen the local currency loosing value thereby undermining savings and investments. We propose therefore the repeal of SI142 of 2019, and the Finance Act number 2 of 2019. In short, we propose the redollarization of the economy in the immediate short term. In the mid-term, Zimbabwe has no choice but to join the Rand Monetary Union.
The Zimbabwean economy is so integrated with the South African economy which is its largest trading partner, due to the high cost structure imposed by the USD.
Inflation:
The mismanagement of monetary policy, the creation of money by the RBZ, an expansionary fiscal policy and the creation of treasury bills have all contributed to the return of hyperinflation in Zimbabwe. Zimbabwe’s rate of inflation standing unofficially at 700 percent and officially at 402 percent is now the second highest in the world.
Inflation needs to be addressed by a cocktail of measures which include fiscal consolidation, macroeconomic stability and proscription of the Reserve Bank’s rogue money printing activities. Having gone through the sludge of inflation in 2008 it is not acceptable that the present government has allowed hyperinflation to bounce back, the current situation is an indictment against the present regime.
Dealing with Debt
Zimbabwe’s huge debt, upward of $11 billion to International Financial Institutions and the Paris Club of Lenders, as well as more than $18 billion of domestic debt continues to be a challenge.
Zimbabwe at this point is a failed state, there is no way to beat about the bush. It is a state that needs business rescue. That requires not only developmental funding to be made available, but equally for debt payments to be suspended for a period of 5-10 years to allow the critical work of national rebuilding to truly occur. Some kind of a negotiated debt moratorium.
Corruption
Zimbabwe has risen dramatically on the global Anti-Corruption Index. Recent work in the Public Accounts Committee has unearthed massive corruption done through the Ministry of the Finance itself.
In 2017 treasury without supporting vouchers siphoned off USD 2,9 billion ostensibly to Command Agriculture. This is captured in the Auditor General’s report. The same report of that same year shows that USD 3,3 billion was siphoned outside parliament and public finance management regulations again channelled towards command agriculture.
Immediate action must be taken to ensure that state sanctioned looting does not happen again.
The Plight of Workers
The average worker in Zimbabwe faces unmitigated suffering. Since January 2019, the Zimbabwean dollar has lost 85% of its value thereby effectively devaluing the wage of the worker. As this has been happening, massive inflation has also short up which is now in access of 700%.
The MDC thus supports, the call for a living wage being made by unions and indeed supports, the introduction of a US$ wage in respect of all civil servants and workers in the private sector.
Such a call, is consistent with our demand that Si142/2019 must be repealed and that the country must effectively redollarise.
This is the only way forward.
We will also support the call by the unions for collective job action to protect their positions.
Power and Energy
The shortage of both fuel and electricity has become a human rights issue. Zimbabwe has moved from a situation where on average 18 hour power cuts were being experienced to a situation where there are now total power blackouts in many areas of Zimbabwe.
The Constitution protects the Right to Human Dignity in Section 50. Our current power crisis is indeed an infringement of the right to human dignity and indeed the right to life.
We propose that the government must immediately scrape the huge subsidies of almost US$70 million per month that they are dishing out to cartels in the form of Trafigura and Sakunda.
The fuel subsidies should then be used to import at least 400 megawatts of energy from Eskom or HBC in Mozambique. In the long-term we propose that 2000 megawatts of energy must be found particularly from Hwange 7 and 8. We need to focus on renewable energy, methane gas and the potential 30 or so hydro stations in Manicaland. This exercise will require massive capital and therefore the resolution of Zimbabwe’s economic crisis is imperative to national development and the restoration of human dignity.
In a nutshell, A raft of measures are therefore urgent and important; – Decisively dealing with corruption – Fixing politics, restoring confidence and trust. – Getting Zimbabwe to be a productive country – Push up the productivity capacity – Clear Vision, plans, the best people to do the job with clear KPIs. – Strong institutions – Dealing with livelihoods – Smart infrastructure in particular, smart energy and alternative energy sources – Dollarization and a basket of currencies – Workers salaries and civil servants wages must be paid in US dollars – Dealing with the debt crisis through HIPC – Fees must fall – Prices must fall
8.The Agricultural Agenda
In 2020, we face one of the most difficult years we have ever faced as a nation. The World Food Programme says Zimbabwe is one of its 2020 hunger hotspots. This is painful to every Zimbabwean, because we know we should not be in this position. We used to feed the entire region. Today we are one of the world’s biggest beggars. It is a failure to lead that brought us here.
Yes, we have a drought. We salute all the partners working to help our people. However, what kills people is not the drought, it is a failure to prepare. A failure to prepare, is a failure to lead. When people in a country as rich as ours go to bed hungry, there has been a failure to lead.
Our country is not a desert. Droughts have always been there. Having a drought is not the issue but having a drought without A plan is problematic.
If 4.1 million of your own people have to be fed by donors, while you live in luxury, there has been leadership failure. When children in a country as rich as ours are dropping out of school because they are hungry, there has been a failure to lead. When the whole country has been overtaken by violent thugs, raping women and killing each other in the mines, with no action being taken, there has been a failure to lead.
Thanks to an ecosystem of unpreparedness and lack of planning, Zimbabwe finds itself in the middle of a humanitarian crisis that the World Food Programme has described as the worst in the world.
5.5 million people are in a critical vulnerable food status across the length and breadth of the country. At the same time, as the food situation worsens, Zanu PF has privatised the distribution of food in many parts of rural Zimbabwe.
The weaponisation of food must stop and stop as a matter of urgency.
Meanwhile, as MDC we will engage the international community with a bid to ensure that the humanitarian crisis is mitigated and social safety nets are provided for. We will prioritize green and climate smart agriculture with an emphasis irrigation and issues of titles for land.
Land
Zimbabwe is for all of us. This county and this land is for all us.
Land is owned b the people of Zimbabwe. No political party owns land.
We will invest in irrigation schemes after giving new farmers title deeds.
9. The Social and Humanitarian Agenda
Health – We will push for the 15% health support in line with the Abuja declaration.
Education
We will push for the implementation of the DAKAR FRAMEWORK 22% budget support instead of the 13 % of the budget dedicated to education.
Investing in the Youth
– We must pursue a quota system for our youth and create equal opportunities for all.
10.The Political Agenda – Resolving the Political Crisis
Giving peace a chance
Our crisis is a crisis of governance born out of a legitimacy crisis because of the rigged, stolen and disputed 2018 election. There is no credible future election without the resolution of the disputed election. The result of 2018 must be respected.
We must return to legitimacy and democracy. Zimbabwe must have a political dialogue that is credible and genuine underwritten by the international community to facilitate a transitional authority that will pave way for reforms. The National Transition Authority is the appropriate vehicle to turnaround this country.
In 2019, we published our RELOAD document the crux of which was essentially to give peace a chance. In that document we made it clear that the resolution of the Zimbabwean crisis require dialogue, which we were to push through political pressure in all legitimate forms. The basis and purpose of that pressure was to force the government of the day, to agree to dialogue focused on Comprehensive Reforms to be implemented through a National Transitional Mechanism.
The reality on the ground is that more than two years after November 2017, and more than 18 months after the 30 July 2018 election, time is running out for Zimbabwe.
Impatience engulfs the nation and the real danger is that all and sundry will be engulfed by forces and processes that are intolerant to the continued reproduction of the terrible status quo.
We remain committed to genuine dialogue. Our position will not change. What we want is useful dialogue. It is not dialogue for the purposes of accomodation, photo opportunities or political expediency.
We are a party that has learnt that the people’s struggle must not be hijacked by incomplete or captured processes that provide limited relief, improper answers and imperfect temporary remedies.
We reiterate our position that dialogue must lead to a transitional mechanism that stops the country’s slide towards total collapse. This must be followed by genuine reforms and free elections.
The Case for a Transitional National Authority: The Road to Credibility
Our opponents like to call us names. But they cannot change facts.
Our country did better when the MDC was in Government. What more if we are the government!
When we entered the GNU, inflation had reached 500 billion percent. By the time the GNU ended in 2013, inflation was just 1.63%. As soon as ZanuPF was left to run the economy, inflation started rising. Annual inflation is now over 480%. They are now trying to hide the figure.
You only have to look at your standard of living to know this truth. In 2012, a teacher was earning US300. It was not much, but they could afford basics. They could send their children to school. Today, that same teacher is being paid the equivalent of about US$40.
Before GNU, the economy shrunk 16.5% in 2008. Under GNU, the economy grew by: • 5.4% in 2009, 11.4% in 2010, 9.3% in 2011, and 10.6% in 2012. As soon as GNU ended, economy grew just 2.4% in 2014. In 2019, the economy fell 7.5%.
These are facts.
Fellow Zimbabweans, Our country is at a crossroads. We stand where they stood, lets make history. Get involved. We are the biggest shareholders of this country as citizens.
Zimbabwe was taken away from us. It must be brought back or we claim it with urgency. Freedom is not a distant phenomenon. Freedom is not far away from us. It is next to us, within is and around us. There is no greater power than a people united!
Freedom must come. If doesn’t come we must bring it. We are its vehicles and conveyancers.
If not you, then who?
Power is not somewhere remote. Power is within us, the people!
We have heard you cry for action. Action is not the responsibility of one person. Do not allow individuals to personalise the struggle for freedom. Stand with us to restore this country. It is time pull together to mend the social fabric that has been torn apart by this tragic failure of leadership.
Fellow citizens,
I would like to assure every person who has ever put their faith in this movement that we will not abandon the cause. The path ahead may seem unclear, but we are resolved and continue to work tirelessly to bring about change that transforms the lives of every woman, man and child who belongs to this soil.
Ours is an inter-generational mandate that requires each individual to look inside themselves and ask what action they can make to harness the winds of change. The time is now. If we are to achieve freedom, prosperity and equal opportunity the we have to act as one, individually and collectively.
We must be not only be bold in pointing out our problems but brave enough in solving them.
The road that lies ahead is not an easy one. There are no quick fixes. None but ourselves will deliver the change that we want.
The state of our nation is the signal. Zanu PF has given us the signal. Our pain and suffering is too much. This is the signal. Change starts with you and me. It’s time to answer the call.
We will conquer. We will win.
Isaiah 58: 12
“Your people will rebuild the ancient ruins; you will restore the age-old foundations; you will be called Repairer of the Breach, Restorer of the Streets of Dwelling.”
God Bless You! God Bless Zimbabwe
Watch the video below for the full text of this and more…..
Farai Dziva|
Mamelodi Sundowns coach Pitso Mosimane has revealed the reason Knowledge Musona refused to join the Tswane giants.
The former Kaizer Chiefs forward was at one point heavily linked with a return to the ABSA Premiership after getting frustrated at Belgian giants Anderlecht due to lack of game time.
The 29-old Zimbabwean, however, decided to stay in Belgium and joined top-flight side Eupen on loan until the end of the season.
Explaining why Musona didn’t join Sundowns after making a desperate attempt to sign him, Mosimane said they could not match the player’s financial demands.
According to Soccer Laduma, he said: “I can confirm to you that we wanted Musona and he decided to go to Aspire (who own Eupen), and we can’t match the Qatar offer, but it is okay.”
By A Correspondent- Advocate Fadzayi Mahere, the Secretary for Education for the opposition MDC led by advocate Nelson Chamisa has said that the Supreme Court ruling on debts incurred before the 22nd of February 2019 has a number of negative effects.
Her remarks come after Justice Luke Malaba together with Justice Nicholas Mathonsi and Justice Susan Mavingira ruled that all the debts can be settled using the local currency at a one as to one ratio.
Before Statutory Instrument 133 of February 2019 was promulgated, the local currency was not at par with the United States dollar.
Commenting on the ruling, advocate Mahere observed that the ruling made it possible for civil servants to pay the loan back in Zim Dollars at a rate of 1:1 with the former USD value.
She added:
The flip side is that your employment contract also turns in ZWL even though it was in USD. Nobody really wins.
Debtors who accrued debt in the USD era will celebrate. However, the long term consequence of the law stipulating that USD debts are now payable in ZWL at the false rate of 1:1 is that big, patient capital won’t come to Zim because of the obvious property rights violation.
Warriors striker Tino Kadewere has been shortlisted for the French Ligue 2 Player-of-the-month for December.
The 24-year-old in-form striker, who is on the verge on a move to Ligue 1 side Olympique Lyon though he is likely to be loaned back to Le Havre according to recent reports, scored two league goals in the month of December, one against Clermont Foot and the other against Chambly.
To win the accolade, Kadewere faces competition from Valenciennes’ Teddy Chevalier and RC Lens’ Florian Sotoca.
Fans will vote online to determine the winner.Soccer 24
The Supreme Court has ruled that all debts incurred before the 22nd of February 2019 shall be settled in the local currency on a one to one basis in line with the Statutory Instrument 33 of 2019.
The judgement was made by Chief Justice Luke Malaba together with Justice Susan Mavingira and Justice Nicholas Mathonsi in an appeal case involving Zambezi Gas Zimbabwe (Pvt) LTD against V.N.R.Barber and the Sherriff of Zimbabwe.
Zambezi Gas Zimbabwe had appealed against a High Court judgement which instructed the gas company to pay a debt using the date’s interbank rate in May 2018 and not 1:1 which was effected in 2019.
The court heard that V.B.R Barber offered services to Zambezi Gas Zimbabwe services in May 2018 charged at US$3 885 000.00. Following the promulgation of S.I 33 of May 2019, Zambezi Gas, paid RTGS$ 4 136 806.54, to V.B.R. Barber, being debt plus interest.
V.B.N Barber then approached the High Court to force Zambezi Gas to pay an additional US$ 3 992 018.31 arguing that RTGS$ 4 136 806.54 Zambezi Gas had paid was equivalent to US$144 778.23 as per the payment date’s interbank rate in May.
Chief Justice Malaba, however, ruled that the payment of Rtgs$ 4 136 806.54 made by the Zambezi Gas was in full and final settlement of the debt in terms of Section 4(1) (d) of the Statutory Instrument 33 of 2019.
Mark Harrison says he was attracted to join Highlanders because of its passionate fans.
The British gaffer arrived in the country last week to take his new coaching role at Bosso, six months after he left Harare City to return to England.
His contract with the Bulawayo giants will last until the end of 2021 season.
“Highlanders is the biggest football club in the country with a massive fan base. That particularly attracted me to the team,”Harrison told The Herald.
The former CAPS United gaffer said he is aware of the demands at a club which last won the league title in 2006.
“I am at the club to win the Premiership. I have to help them achieve their aim and if not this season then it has to be next year.”
Farai Dziva|Norton MP Temba Mliswa believes former Zanu PF Political Commissar Saviour Kasukuwere’ s movement is insignificant.
See Mliswa’s argument :
The story of Daniel Shumba is like that of Mutumwa Mawere.
They have become bitter, for the latter because he dabbled in politics, seeking to dictate who should run the country, telling Mugabe things and Mugabe would tell ED.
We need businessmen who get into politics to help the country, who fund and support those leaders who are doing good. Not getting embroiled in toxic political factionalism that does not advance the welfare of the people.
The politics of those who are bitter isn’t sustainable. It’s toxic& personal.
My sekuru Kasukuwere, forget about this Tyson Wabantu Movement, you have been cleared by the courts, come and do business. Let’s not attack the country from out there. @shumba327 come lets work together.
World Leprosy Day is the last Sunday in the month of January and commemorated globally. This year in 2020 it’s on the 26th January. Events of the day are mainly to raise awareness of the disease in our communities. The theme is “Ending discrimination, stigma and prejudice.” For many years when the disease used to be common those affected were treated as outcasts and would usually be thrown out of the community from others.
Leprosy is an infectious disease that affects skin and nerves. It progresses slowly such that symptoms might take as long as 5years and in some individuals 20years before they manifest.
Symptoms include painful pale skin ulcers and long lasting lumps. Since it also affects nerves loss of feeling and muscle weakness might also be present. If eyes are affected it causes blindness.
Early diagnosis and treatment is important in management of leprosy to avoid complications. Diagnosis is by a skin biopsy.
Treatment depends on symptoms one presents with but however antibiotics are used to treat the disease. If there is nerve damage it is not treatable and will lead to disabilities.
In Zimbabwe there is a Leprosy center located in Mutoko called Mutemwa Leprosy Center. The centre cares for those affected by the disease helping them recover and receiving treatment.
For more information follow/ like our Facebook page :Zimbabwe Online Health Centre
Farai Dziva|A teacher at Njube High School has been accused of removing Emmerson Mnangagwa’s portrait from the staff room and inciting students to embark on an unlawful demonstration.
See police report below :
MEMORANDUM
TO: THE OFFICER COMMANDING BULAWAYO WEST DISTRICT
FROM: OIC NJUBE
DATED 20/01/2020
SUBJECT: DEMONSTRATION BY NJUBE HIGH SCHOOL STUDENTS
This Memo serves to inform you that:
INFORMANT
Name: Ndlovu Archford
Contacts: 0772 885 616
Residential address: Njube High School, Bulawayo
Business address: Njube High Secondary School.
ACCUSED
Name: Brian Mutsiba
NR: 08-709411-D-66
Contacts: 0771 788 104
Res: 311 Emakhandeni, Bulawayo
Business: Njube High School, Bulawayo
CIRCUMSTANCES
On the 20th day of January 2020 and at around 1000 hours, the accused incited over 153 forms one, three and six students to partake in an unlawful demonstration. In doing so, the accused removed the portrait of the President of the Republic of Zimbabwe from the staff room and went on to un-hoist the National Flag from its mast. He then exited the school gate with the students he had mobilised for the unsanctioned march.
From the school, they turned right into B.B. Burombo Road then used a footpath to connect Luveve Road.
On reaching the robots opposite Entumbane Complex, the demonstrators gathered and started chanting songs saying, Imfundo ngeyethu into oyenzayo siyayizonda amongst others. The procession then started marching along Luveve Road towards Emagetsini. They were waving placards inscribed Where is UNICEF?”, “This is for every Zimbabwean child” and “SOS serve our souls”.
The Presidents portrait and Zimbabwean flag were being carried by two students.
When they got near to the intersection of Luveve Road and Masiyephambili Road, the demonstrators grouped again and deliberately turned the portrait and the national flag upside and started making loud chants. They then knelt down facing the eastern direction and sang “Nkosi sikelela iAfrica”.
During that process, the headmaster, Mr Zibusiso Msimanga N.R. 53-042510-B-58, cell number 0772 402 047 arrived at the scene and ordered the school children to stop what they were doing and go back to school. The children complied and went back to school but along the way the accused kept on influencing the students to be defiant.
On entering the school campus, one of the pupils who had participated in the march hoisted back the flag. The children then went back to their classes. The accused disappeared from the school upon arrival from the march.
ZRP Njube attended the scene and called the pupils to assembly. The children who had participated in the demonstration voluntarily came into the open about their participation.
They were invited to write reasons for their participation in the demonstration which are—
The fees have been hiked from $92-00 to $440-00.
The teachers are earning low salaries.
Teachers not attending lessons.
Beneficiaries of the BEAM programme being made to pay half of the fees and
The general high cost of living.
A follow-up of the accused was made at number 311, Emakhandeni by Numbers 066556S Constable Magwira and 087615H Constable Muzvuwe. Seen was Sandra Tshuma; N.R. 79-126259-C-79, Cellphone number 0771 778 123, aged 32 years who indicated that the accused relocated to an unknown address three years back. She indicated that the accused was a fellow tenant at the house.
Preliminary investigations show that accused is a former prison officer and subscribes to ZIMTA. He is an abuser of alcohol and is staying alone.
Report has been entered on RRB 403903. The accused is being charged for Contravening section 37 (1) (a) of the Criminal Law Codification and Reform Act Chapter 9:23 {participating in a public gathering with the intent to promote public violence, breach of peace or bigotry} and also for Contravening section 6 of the Flag of Zimbabwe Act; Chapter 10:10 {insulting the flag}.
Scene was also attended by the Officer Commanding Bulawayo West District; Chief Superintendent Bizeki, members from the Presidents Office, Military Intelligence, Prison Intelligence and different media houses.
Indications are that the accused is the one who masterminded the demonstration.
The school pupils were merely following their teachers orders.
Also observed was that the spokesperson of MDC-Alliance president, Nkululeko Sibanda was seen milling around.
039730J CHIEF INSPECTOR RAMAPHOSA ZRP NJUBE
