Sunday News Reporter—
CIVIL Servants representatives and the Government will once again meet tomorrow in Harare to discuss pay dates and modalities for July salaries among other issues as the two parties work to avoid a standoff that came after June salaries were delayed. The Government delayed paying civil servants their June salaries, citing cash flow constraints, resulting in some of the workers downing tools last week. Apex Council chairperson Mrs Cecilia Alexander confirmed the meeting yesterday.

“We are meeting with our employer on Monday (tomorrow) morning to discuss the pay dates for the month of July. We want to hear what the Government has to say but our position is that July salaries must be paid before the end of the month,” she said.

Mrs Alexander said other matters affecting civil servants will also be discussed including allegations that inspectors from the Civil Service Commission were going around schools threatening teachers who participated in the stay away.

She said the representatives will also press for the adjustment of June pay dates for the rest of civil servants and pensioners. Teachers, uniformed forces and health workers have since been paid their June salaries with the rest of civil servants and pensioners expected to be paid on Thursday this week.

“We are going to push for the pay dates for the rest of civil servants to be brought forward in the name of parity. We have also received reports that civil service inspectors have been harassing and intimidating our members. That’s another issue that we have added on the agenda. Some of our members have been threatened with dismissal and we are saying no to that. The strike action was a collective decision and no individual should be persecuted. We will be tabling this matter with the Government and make it clear that we want such behaviour to stop,” she said.

Progressive Teachers’ Union of Zimbabwe (PTUZ) president Mr Takavafira Zhou said civil servants were going into the meeting to negotiate in good faith.

“We are however, concerned with the lack of time frames in our negotiation. I think it is time we have time frames in our discussions so that we can have logical disputation. Let’s give each other time frames to say if such and such a time lapses and we have not agreed then we declare a deadlock to the discussions and we pursue other options,” said Mr Zhou.

The Government has said it will regularly meet its workers to discuss pertinent issues to ensure there is harmony among the partners.

Harare Bureau—
UNITED States Ambassador to Zimbabwe Mr Harry Thomas and his French counterpart, Ambassador Laurent Delahousse, helped engineer last week’s civil disturbances in Harare and Bulawayo, Home Affairs Minister Dr Ignatius Chombo has said. Minister Chombo said the two were working through dodgy groups and leveraging on social media to foment civil disobedience and ultimately destabilise Zimbabwe. His National Security counterpart, Minister Kembo Mohadi told our Harare Bureau, “We will continue to gather more intelligence on the disturbances.”

A group going by the name “Tajamuka/Sesijikile”, fronted by former MDC-T youth leader, Promise Mkhwananzi, has been calling for civil disturbances through social media while National Vendors’ Union of Zimbabwe president, Stern Zvorwadza has also been on a crusade to foment an uprising against the Government.

Sources told our Harare Bureau that Ambassador Thomas has met civil organisations representatives almost weekly since his posting to Harare in December 2015. On 6 May, 2016, Mr Thomas met Pastor Evan Mawarire at his official residence, and later tweeted, “Wonder if #Zimbabwe’s #ThisFlag movement will spread to the US and other nations.”

Mawarire trades under the banner “#ThisFlag” and has been openly propagating an anti-Government sentiment mainly on social media platforms WhatsApp, Twitter and Facebook. Ambassador Delahousse is also believed to have met Mawarire several times.

Minister Chombo said the Government has intelligence linking the French and American embassies in Harare to last week’s sporadic disturbances. Our Harare Bureau could not determine what action Government would take.

“We have gathered from our intelligence that there is the involvement of Western embassies in all these disturbances that have been taking place. The evidence that we have gathered so far shows that the French Embassy in Harare and other Western embassies are part of this plot as part of their regime change machinations.”

Dr Chombo challenged the embassies to deny it.

“We know for certain that these groups are receiving sponsorship from these embassies. My challenge to them is to come out in the public to deny this. I know they cannot do so because they know the truth. I also want to challenge the protesters who are behind this violence to go and protest at the French embassy and the United States embassy for the sanctions that the West imposed on Zimbabwe.

“Of course, they will never do that because they know that the Americans are their sponsors. Any element or individual who causes unnecessary chaos and mayhem will have nobody else to blame except themselves. The duty of police is to maintain law and order, and they will carry out this task with their full might.”

Last week, Harare and Bulawayo witnessed sporadic disturbances following calls by shadowy elements for workers not to report for duty and to sabotage certain businesses. Several characters were arrested, and are being charged with public violence. The incidents appeared co-ordinated as they began with protests at Beitbridge Border Post over the import restrictions recently introduced by the Government.

Authorities quickly pointed to a third force, with the Cross Border Traders’ Association distancing itself from the skirmishes that saw vehicles and a Zimra warehouse being burnt and buildings stoned. That became more apparent as photographs of characters with T-shirts emblazoned with the hashtag Tajamuka emerged. Images from disturbances in Harare days later also show “protesters” wearing similar T-shirts.

Vusumuzi Dube and Richard Muponde Sunday News Reporters
INFORMATION, Media and Broadcasting Services Minister Dr Christopher Mushohwe last week received death threats after making a statement exposing perpetrators of last week’s riots. Dr Mushohwe made these revelations while speaking at a Matabeleland North Zanu-PF inter-district meeting held in Lupane yesterday. Dr Mushohwe said he got anonymous calls from individuals threatening him and his family but said he would not be deterred from exposing the forces behind the riots and Beitbridge destructions.

“These people thought they are clever in the sense that they believed that they were faceless individuals but we now know them, even these people who made these death threats to my family and myself we now know them and we are not worried or feel threatened at all.

“We know that the opposition previously claimed that they were not involved in all this pandemonium but we now know that they have a heavy hand in all this. We know that they received large sums of money from embassies to instigate this unrest in a move to use social media to effect some sort of regime change agenda,” said Dr Mushohwe.

The minister accused the country’s opposition of hiding behind a misguided notion that the violence was being led by “citizens” further revealing that these “citizens” were just a handful of individuals who were abusing social media platforms.

“When all this started I was in China where I engaged various institutions on matters pertaining to my ministry. I asked them, among other things, how they managed the use of the social media considering that they have over 700 million mobile network users, of which they said it was the easiest task, they actually said none of those 700 million users could post something on social media without the Government knowing.

“They actually laughed at me when I told them that in Zimbabwe we have just 1,5 million users, yet someone then thinks we are that dull such that we cannot monitor how they use the social media. I should warn all those who are abusing the social media to cause unrest in the country that we are coming for them,” said Dr Mushohwe.

He said the ruling Zanu-PF would not just give in to a handful of misguided elements, saying they had got the mandate to lead the country hence they would do so without fear or favour. He further warned the general public not to fall victim to the trickery of those individuals as the majority of them were just interested on selling out the nation to the West.

“As Zanu-PF we are a party with a history and known ideology. We are unlike some of these individuals who were bought by other countries. We have a constitution that governs our party therefore if people feel that they are not satisfied with the manner in which certain things in the country are being done, there is a way in which they air their views hence these problems can be easily solved.

“Right now they all know that industries in the country, especially in the Matabeleland region were shut down because of the very sanctions which they called for. It is because of this that most people then resorted to the establishment of small and medium scale enterprises, which we as Zimbabweans manage on our own. They then go on to tell us to stay away from the very companies which we run. Where is the logic in all this? It is clearly someone being cruel and not interested in our growth.”

He said strikes only used to work when people were striking against white bosses not the prevailing scenario where everyone was running SMEs.

The minister also took the opportunity to clarify the Government’s Statutory Instrument Number 64, saying the opposition was busy misleading people instead of stating the truth — which they were aware of — that this was not an import ban as was being stated in the social media.

“If you want to buy food for your families we are not saying you cannot do this but let us be honest, what will we be aiming to achieve if we say people can go buy meat, for example in South Africa, we are indirectly trying to destroy our own beef industry. It further boggles the mind that people would want to go buy Cremora powdered milk from South Africa when we have a Nestle plant in the country.

“The same applies to the lies being peddled around the issue of the introduction of bond notes, it is a straightforward matter that is being blown out of proportion with some claiming that this is an attempt to bring back the Zimbabwean dollar via the back door.

“But we now know that the people spreading all these lies are white businesspeople who are running their businesses in the country who are the key perpetrators of the externalisation of money, we know that currently they are not banking locally but with bond notes we know that they will be forced to bank locally hence we will now have money in circulation,” said Dr Mushohwe.

Meanwhile, the minister called on party members to remain united as the country approaches the 2018 elections saying that unity was the key to success.

“Let’s not worry ourselves with these other opposition parties, they are currently in tatters and are not going anywhere at all. We have to work on building our party from the cells and ensure that come 2018 we have a clean sweep. As we work we must never forget that the party has one centre of power, which is President Mugabe.

“Anyone out there who is dreaming that they will ever be President ahead of President Mugabe should simply wake up and wash themselves with cold water. These opposition leaders are just dreamers and should be advised so, take Joice Mujuru for example, she was lifted from nowhere to where she is by President Mugabe.

“I remember in 1980 when we achieved independence, the President organised a secret school at Zimbabwe House, under my leadership, Mujuru was taught at that school but now she thinks she can topple President Mugabe, she is clearly dreaming and some of us know that but we have previously been quiet hoping she would wake up from her dream sooner rather than later,” said Dr Mushohwe.

The meeting was also attended by Politburo member, Cde Joshua Malinga, Matabeleland North provincial chairperson, Cde Richard Moyo, Minister of State in the office of Vice-President Emmerson Mnangagwa, Cde Clifford Sibanda among other senior party officials in the province.

Meanwhile, addressing a Zanu-PF meeting in Gwanda, Foreign Affairs Minister Simbarashe Mumbengegwi also said the issue of restricting imports was meant to revive industry especially in Bulawayo.

“There was a misunderstanding in the implementation of regulations of goods from South Africa. It was not a ban, it is a regulation to try and encourage the revival of local companies so that people here buy local products and support the local industry. Bulawayo used to be an industrial hub and we want that industry to be revived. Hyperinflation of 2008 killed our currency and we had to use the US dollar which needs us to export than to import because it will be flying away,” said Minister Mumbengegwi.

He added that the multi-currency system was a migratory measure to kick start the economy.

“The problem we got is that our people said they don’t want to use all currencies but the dollar because it was more valuable than other currencies. However, the Government discovered that we cannot control its flight and set to introduce bond notes which have the same value with the US dollar but the difference is you can’t run away with them,” said Minister Mumbengegwi.

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Walter Mzembi

Isdore Guvamombe in Kigali, Rwanda
THE Executive Council of the African Union — a gathering of the continent’s foreign affairs ministers — yesterday endorsed Tourism and Hospitality Industry Minister Dr Walter Mzembi as the continent’s sole candidate for the United Nations World Tourism Organisation Secretary-General’s post. The endorsement comes two days after the AU Committee on Candidature and International Deployment accepted Dr Mzembi’s application for approval as the continent’s candidate. No other candidate challenged him, hence the recommendation to the Executive Council.

The Executive Council has now recommended African leaders to approve the endorsement at the ongoing AU Heads of State and Government Summit here. If Heads of State assent, the continent will be legally bound to rally behind Dr Mzembi who also chairs the African Commission on Tourism of the UNWTO.

“The Executive Council takes note of the Ministerial Committee of African Candidates within the international system and approves election to the post of Secretary General of the World Tourism Organisation, the selection process of which starts October 2016, the candidature of Dr Eng Walter Mzembi of the Republic of Zimbabwe,” reads a statement released yesterday afternoon.

The UNWTO is the world’s biggest tourism organisation under United Nations statutes, and Dr Mzembi seeks to replace incumbent Secretary General Dr Taleb Rifai whose term expires in 2017. The nomination court sits in Egypt in October and the election will be held in May 2017 in Madrid, Spain. Sadc has already endorsed Dr Mzembi’s candidature.

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Thokozani Khupe

Vusumuzi Dube and Tinomuda Chakanyuka Sunday News Reporters
MDC-T deputy president Ms Thokozani Khupe is reportedly fuming after party president Mr Morgan Tsvangirai on Friday effectively diluted her power and influence in the beleaguered party by appointing two more deputy presidents, bringing the number of the party’s second-in-command to three. Mr Tsvangirai pulled the shocker, when he appointed Mr Nelson Chamisa and Engineer Elias Mudzuri as two additional vice-presidents to Ms Khupe, the first time a president of a local political party has had three deputies.

Ms Khupe who is rumoured to be leading a faction within the party is said to have been irked by the appointments, especially that of Mr Chamisa who is also accused of leading a faction which allegedly has the likes of the deputy national spokesperson, Ms Thabitha Khumalo, Bulawayo Central legislator Ms Dorcas Sibanda and fired former senator Matson Hlalo.

The four (Mr Chamisa, Ms Khumalo, Ms Sibanda and Mr Hlalo) are also reportedly linked to a group within the party, the MDC Veteran Activists Association (VAA), that has constantly been opposed to Ms Khupe’s leadership and influence within Matabeleland.

So intense and apparent were the factional fights that they were telling at the party’s “beat the pots” demonstration that was held in Bulawayo yesterday. Ms Khupe was the only senior official who attended the march with Ms Khumalo and Ms Sibanda conspicuous with their absence.

Questioned on her reaction to Mr Tsvangirai’s appointments, Ms Khupe said her boss was the only one who could comment on the matter. “Any questions regarding the recent appointments of the two deputy presidents please talk to Dr Morgan Richard Tsvangirai,” retorted Ms Khupe.

Ironically the party’s national spokesperson, Mr Obert Gutu on Friday also posted on social media saying he was not taking any questions pertaining to the recent appointments.

“As the MDC-T national spokesperson, kindly be advised that I have absolutely no comment on the appointments for the office of vice-president that were announced at a Press conference in Harare on Friday, July 15 2016. I refer all questions and/or queries to president Morgan Tsvangirai,” read Mr Gutu’s post on his Facebook account.

Impeccable party sources have revealed that while party members aligned to Mr Chamisa were celebrating, Ms Khupe’s faction felt let down and a number of caucus meetings were being convened to discuss the development.The first was convened on Friday and the other yesterday.

“Members feel that this is a direct ploy to weaken Ms Khupe who is believed to be pushing to replace Mr Tsvangirai ahead of the 2018 elections as the party’s president. On Saturday (yesterday) I know there was a caucus in Bulawayo where the issue was discussed at length but nothing can be done now as the president’s decision is final.

“We also understand that neither Ms Khupe nor any of the party’s senior leadership was consulted in the run-up to the latest appointments, it was a decision only known by himself (Tsvangirai), Chamisa and Mudzuri. Ever since the appointment he hasn’t even contacted Ms Khupe to discuss the matter,” said the source.

The source further revealed that there were now fears that Ms Khupe would soon be stripped of her position as Mr Chamisa positions himself to take over the party leadership.

“Even if you saw the beat the pots campaign, some senior members in the province did not bother attending, which explains the low numbers of members who attended. The campaign has been labelled a ‘MaKhupe campaign’ hence the move to boycott and expose Ms Khupe,” said the source.

About 500 MDC-T members took part in the beat the pots campaign yesterday out of the touted 6 000. Mr Chamisa lost to Mr Douglas Mwonzora in the race for the party’s secretary-general post during their 2014 congress despite the former going into the election as a clear favourite having secured more nominations from provinces. It was reported then, that Mr Chamisa had fallen from grace after the Khupe-led faction had convinced Mr Tsvangirai that the lawyer wanted to topple him.

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Dr Charles Utete

Harare Bureau
DR Charles Utete was an unassuming torchbearer who quietly shaped Zimbabwe’s Government, working behind the scenes to create a civil service that could meet the country’s ever-changing development needs, President Mugabe has said. Dr Utete served as Secretary to then Prime Minister Mugabe and as Chief Secretary to the President and Cabinet from 1981 to 2003.

The highly respected veteran mandarin collapsed and died at his home in Harare on Friday. In a condolence message sent last night from Rwanda where he is attending to African Union business, President Mugabe spoke passionately about a dedicated public servant who went beyond the call of duty in executing a weighty mandate.

“An intellectual of renown, Dr Utete was at the centre of the transformation of our civil service from what it was at Independence, ensuring its rapid Africanisation but without compromising on systems, efficiency and best practices,” President Mugabe said.

He went on: “This was no small task given the entrenched white Rhodesian ethos which had made the civil service a key lever of settler rule, black discrimination and oppression. “Given his prior association with the liberation movement and vast knowledge in the tenets of public administration, we did not hesitate to appoint him to this key post which he discharged with distinction.

“As head of the civil service, he was at the centre of service delivery, always coordinating the drafting of policy initiatives which saw the new Government record key milestones, including reconciling a war-torn society, rehabilitating and re-integrating thousands of war displaced, as well as embarking on successive programmes of socio-economic transformation that underpinned our espousal and commitment to majority rule.”

President Mugabe said the signing of the Unity Accord in 1987 and its attendant constitutional changes creating an Executive Presidency in 1988, Dr Utete “characteristically rose to the occasion, again playing a seminal role in readjusting the massive bureaucracy to the requirements and challenges implied by the new political and administrative situation”.

The Head of State and Government said this load was “made heavier by successive shifts in economic policies which followed as the country tried out various models of growth and social development”.

President Mugabe said, “When Government embarked on the Fast-Track Land Reform Programme in 2000, Dr Utete found himself once again at the centre of even more taxing planning challenges which he managed admirably.

“A loyal, committed team player, the late Dr Utete’s services went far beyond the duties of a civil servant, readily making seminal inputs to key party policies which helped Zanu-PF deal with emerging issues and challenges.

“What I personally found admirable about him was his humility and self-effacement against such a lofty role and his multiple contributions. He never beat his drum. “It was the mark of the man who even after leaving Government in 2003, continued to accept and discharge assignments we continued to load on him in his ‘retirement’.”

The President said Zimbabwe would forever remember Dr Utete’s services to land reforms via his chairmanship of the Presidential Review Commission. “On behalf of the party, Zanu-PF, the Government which he helped shape and which he served whole-heartedly, and on my own behalf, I wish to express my deepest, heartfelt condolences to the Utete family, especially to Mrs Utete and the children who have lost such a loving and caring husband and father respectively.

“We robbed them of much of what would have been family time, and for their unconditional forbearance, but we in Government are truly grateful for his service and loyalty. “As they grieve over the untimely death demise of the late departed, may they derive solace and comfort in his having served his nation well and truly, which today salutes and thanks him heartily as he joins his Maker.”

Born in Chivhu on 30 October 1938, Dr Utete did his schooling at Kwenda Mission, Tegwani High and Goromonzi High schools. He attended the University of Rhodesia and in 1963 graduated with a BSc (Honours) in Economics, before furthering his studies in the United States (Master’s in Political Science, Tufts University), Canada (MA and PhD in International Relations and Public Administration, University of Ottawa).

Dr Utete went back to the US and lectured there, before returning to Zimbabwe in 1979 to join the University of Rhodesia as a senior lecturer in Political Science before serving as Dean of the Faculty of Social Affairs.

In February 1981, Dr Utete was appointed Secretary to Prime Minister Mugabe, and then Secretary to Cabinet in 1983 — a post he would hold for 20 years. After his retirement in April 2003, Dr Utete headed the Presidential Land Review Commission, which assessed progress in implementation of the Fast-Track Land Reform Programme.

He also served and/or chaired various boards, including Cairns Holdings, the Industrial Development Corporation, Seed Co Zimbabwe, Zimpapers (1980) Limited and Astra Industries Ltd, as well as being patron of Chivhu District Hospital.

He is survived by his wife, Verna, and five children.

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John Mangudya

Harare Bureau
THE African Export-Import Bank and Lazard — a New York Stock Exchange-listed financier — will mobilise US$1,1 billion to help Zimbabwe clear its arrears with the World Bank and secure new funding. 

The Government and Britain are also working on mending relations after Harare explained to London that Zimbabwe’s gripe was solely with former British Prime Minister Mr Tony Blair. Zimbabwe owes external creditors US$10 billion, with arrears to the World Bank, African Development Bank and IMF at US$1,15 billion, US$600 million and US$110 million respectively.

The three global financiers want Zimbabwe to settle these arrears as a pre-condition for fresh capital. The new deal negotiated by Finance and Economic Development Minister Patrick Chinamasa during his Europe tour two weeks ago will leave Zimbabwe with the less burdensome AfDB and IMF arrears to clear.

Minister Chinamasa told our Harare Bureau, “. . . we had marathon meetings with the Afreximbank and Lazard, an international bank. The discussions centred on the strategy which they have committed to putting together for us on the arrears due to the World Bank. They have put together a syndication of banks to address the World Bank arrears. With this understanding and commitment from Afreximbank and Lazard, we are now definitely on course to fulfilling what we set out in our arrears clearance strategy. I can safely say that everything is now on course.”

Reserve Bank of Zimbabwe Governor Dr John Mangudya, who attended the meetings, chipped in saying: “What is now happening is that Lazard and Afreximbank will mobilise the funds from the international financial markets for Zimbabwe. The plan is that we should have raised the money to clear our arrears to the World Bank by September before the boards of AfDB and the World Bank meet.”

Minister Chinamasa said he held discussions with Britain’s minister for African affairs Mr James Duddridge, and the two agreed to enhance Harare-London engagement.

“I had a meeting at the Foreign and Commonwealth Office with Minister James Duddridge, and we had a very constructive meeting and both agreed that we have to work hard for Zimbabwe and the UK towards normalisation of Zim-UK bilateral relations in order to leverage on the economic potential between our two countries for our mutual benefit.

“In my participation at the Chatham Roundtable Meeting and also in my meeting with Mr Duddridge, I underscored the point that Zimbabwe has no quarrel with the British monarchy, no quarrel with the British people and no quarrel with the Conservative Party and that our sole quarrel is with (former British Prime Minister) Tony Blair and Claire Short for misleading the British people on the nature of the dispute between Zimbabwe and the UK.

“I also emphasised that we need to settle outstanding issues arising from the decolonisation process, in particular, land compensation. In Brussels, I had a meeting with the European Union Department of Development. (Some time ago) we signed a US$230 million deal for the support of sectors such as education, health and agriculture. The discussions also centred on disbursement of that US$230 million grant.

“While there, I also visited the European Investment Bank which has its headquarters in Brussels. We owe the European Investment Bank about US$280 million; so we discussed a payment plan. I emphasised, in our meeting, that the bank should resume support to Zimbabwe’s private sector because the public sector rides on the back of the private sector. It is the private sector that pays taxes which anchor the public. I also took the opportunity to thank them for the lines of credit they have provided for some of our commercial banks. I asked them to increase the lines of credit through the commercial banks.”

In France, Minister Chinamasa met his French counterpart, Mr Michel Sapin, with Paris pledging to support Zimbabwe’s debt clearance strategy. He also engaged potential investors with several financiers expressing interest in Zimbabwe. Zimbabwe’s debt clearance strategy entails settling IMF arrears via Special Drawing Rights valued at about US$130 million. A bridging loan will take care of AfDB dues.

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Sunday News Reporter
A BULAWAYO man allegedly shot his wife 11 times before turning the gun on himself after discovering WhatsApp messages and pictures that suggested she was in love with another man. The incident happened last Sunday in Johannesburg, South Africa when the man, Knowledge Matwasa allegedly shot himself on the forehead after shooting his wife Aquila Matwasa.

The two have been married for more than 20 years and have three children. They are, however, alleged to have had longstanding marital disputes. Knowledge’s brother, Mr Charles Matwasa confirmed the incident to the Sunday News saying as a family they had tried to intervene in the two’s marital dispute but failed to restore peace as the two would only temporarily live in harmony before they start fighting again.

“My brother told me about his sexual problems with his wife, where he claimed he was now impotent. We tried everything in our power to rectify the situation, we even tried traditional means but it failed. The issue was also brought to the attention of his wife’s family and they summoned them for counselling. When I later asked my younger brother about the situation he told me that things were now better,” said Charles.

It is alleged that while the husband was trying to find solutions to his personal challenges, Aquila was seeking marital pleasure from other men. As the couple continued fighting, the husband was suspecting that his wife was having an affair with another man as the wife was nagging him for divorce. Reports are that Knowledge allegedly saw pictures and messages on his wife’s cellphone that proved that his wife was enjoying a picnic in Cape Town with another man. “He called me at around 10pm telling me how much he misses me, I think this was a way of him saying goodbye to me. Around 1am, this is when the incident took place,” said Charles. Plans are underway to bury the couple back home.

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Minister Prisca Mupfumira

Tinomuda Chakanyuka Sunday News Reporter
CIVIL SERVANTS who embark on unlawful job action in future risk having their salaries cut for the days they will be absent from work as it is Government policy that “no work no pay”. Public Service, Labour and Social Welfare Minister Prisca Mupfumira said although a decision was yet to be made regarding docking salaries from workers who took part in the 5 July stay away called by worker unions due to late payment of salaries, in future, workers who embark on unlawful job action will face the consequences.

She also confirmed that Civil Service Commission inspectors went around Government institutions on the day of the civil servants stay away compiling data on workers who did not report for work. Minister Mupfumira said although she was yet to be appraised on what action would be taken to those who did not report for work, it was Government policy that if a worker does not report for work without a valid reason, then the employer will dock the salary for the day or days.

“What I know is that inspectors went around schools to see who was at work and who was not. They have a register which has reasons and I am yet to be appraised on what action has been taken. I would need to find out what disciplinary action will be taken, if any. There is no victimisation here. Normally we say no work no pay. If others work and you don’t and still get paid, how will those who reported for work feel? People must know in future that no work no pay,” she said.

However, Apex Council president Mrs Cecilia Alexander said an agreement had been reached with their employer that workers who took part in the 5 July job action should not be punished, as they did so at the behest of their labour unions.

“We met with our employer on Monday and presented our case and the response we got was that it was not Government position to victimise workers who went on strike. As far as I am concerned, the situation has since been addressed after the meeting. We asked all those that had their salaries docked to submit their names and they have since been paid their salaries. If there are any who were affected we are calling on them to bring their cases forward for redress,” she said.

Responding to Minister Mupfumira’s sentiments that the job action was illegal Mrs Alexander said, “I don’t know if we can call it a strike or what but the situation on the ground was that workers were incapacitated to come to work because they had not been paid,” she said.

In addition, some civil servants have started receiving charge sheets concerning their participation in the stay away, which was held without following labour rules. Part of the letter, in Sunday News possession which was written to a teacher at a school in Bulawayo by the school head reads in part:

“This office notes with concern that you acted dishonestly on 05/07/2016 when clocking out. You failed to follow lawful clocking regulations. You clocked ahead of the actual time you left school campus. The office views your action as unprofessional and as such your action constitutes an act of misconduct in terms of the Public Service regulations of 2000 as amended. You are therefore called upon to submit a written explanation within 48 hours for your failure to be honest in your conduct”.

Minister Mupfumira added that although most Government workers reported for work on the day in question, the stay away was illegal as civil servants unions had not followed set rules to call for a strike or stay away.

“What is fortunate is that most civil servants went to work except for a few and I’m sure inspectors will come up with a report detailing the reasons for those that did not report for duty,” she said.

Minister Mupfumira said there were certain procedures that civil servants needed to follow before taking any industrial action.

“We have laws which say we must meet as the National Joint Negotiating Council (NJNC) four times before we can say we have reached a deadlock and we never reached that situation. In any case the notification we got was in just a single day which is not adequate. The law is clear on how many days should be given as notification. One day is not adequate. We are not victimising anyone but people must simply bear the consequences of their actions,” she said.

The Government has since paid all civil servants their oustanding dues and when activists who sought to highjack the situation affecting civil servants called for another stay away under the banner of “Shut Zimbabwe” last week, the initiative failed dismally with Zimbabweans of all walks of life going about their businesses as usual.

Twitter: @irielyan

IT WAS all white as more than 6 000 members of the African Apostolic Church (VaApostora VeAfrica) from across the country converged on Irisvale Farm in Nswazi on Friday to attend the church’s Matabeleland South annual three-day Holy Communion Service.

The gathering was also attended by church founder and leader Paul Mamvura Mwazha (98) who also ministered to his multitude of followers. Each province meets annually to receive communion, where thousands of members of the church gather to receive biblical teachings, share testimonies and receive prophecies. The gathering began on Friday and ends today, with an extra 1 000 (plus) people still expected to attend.

Most of the members arrived by bus on Friday at the gathering venue where they pitched up tents, which they used for shelter for the duration of the occasion.

This was the second gathering to be held in the country this year, following a similar one held in Dimbiti in Marondera District at the beginning of this month.

In an interview, the publicity and information secretary for the church, Bishop Elson Tafa said each province gathers to receive Holy Communion once a year.

“Each province gathers once a year, with no specific dates to receive Holy Communion. The gathering lasts three days, where congregants are preached to and also given the chance to give testimonies from walking in God’s path,” he said.

Bishop Tafa noted that for one to receive Holy Communion, their heart and soul had to be pure, hence the three-day gathering.

“We gather for three days, in this particular case we gathered on Friday, where we attend services, have prayer sessions and also prophecies. For one to receive communion their heart needs to be pure and clean of sin. We are all on our way to Heaven and need to be cleansed of the dirt of sin in order for us to be with God. We start having prayers in the morning and the gathering and services are open to anyone,” he said.

Bishop Tafa added that they would erect a sanctuary for the receiving of communion.

“The service will begin between 9 and 10 am. We hope the erection of the sanctuary will be complete by the time the service begins in the morning. We will begin working on it around 2am,” he said.

The church was founded in 1918. Mwazha was born on 25 October 1918 in Chirumanzi District in the Midlands Province.

His father, believed to be one of King Lobengula’s “warlords”, died when Paul was still a toddler, prompting his mother, Saramina, to move to her home in Sadza in Chivhu.

“When he turned 18 he left Sadza for the first time to attend his fourth year at Salvation Army Station, Howard Institute. He proceeded to the teachers’ training faculty and qualified as a teacher in 1941. He was made headmaster of various schools in Mashonaland, including in his home area — Chivhu.

“He began preaching the word of God in 1941, after receiving a spiritual calling, erasing the divide between teacher and preacher, allowing himself to be guided by the Holy Spirit. He based most of his decisions on prayer and guidance from revelations and spiritual visions,” said Evangelist Nicholas Mutombwa from the church’s publicity and information department.

He said Mwazha became a Methodist Evangelist in 1951 and was part of the congregation directed by the leadership of the Wesley Methodists to prepare to receive the Holy Communion in 1953.

“He is a Zimbabwean preacher and has walked in the footsteps of his biblical predecessors, Moses, Elijah and Christ. Through a series of visions and revelations he saw the path to follow and eventually established the church we call African Apostolic Church to bring this ministry to the world. His relationship with God reached steadfast levels as he spent most of his time praying and singing to the Lord.

“He would have his private moment interrupted by spiritual voices, giving him distinct messages and more often he would witness an almost physical vision of Jesus Christ and revelations on what the future held for him. It was one of these visions that announced to him the name of the church in 1959,” said Evangelist Mutombwa.

He said Mwazha has attempted to recount and list the many visions and revelations he witnessed, leading to the establishment of the Apostles of Africa.

“The movement has grown into a large and vibrant Christian grouping with its roots in Zimbabwe and its Christian teaching becoming much familiar to many people,” added Evangelist Mutombwa.

He also said Mwazha had two books that had been published laying an account of how he converted from the conventional worship to develop the African Apostolic Church.

“He has tried to chronicle his journey in two anthologies. The account makes a profound reading and reference for believers in Christ and non-believers alike.

“It’s a record that proves useful to students as a primary source providing original insight into theology in Africa. It stands as proof of God’s living presence and guidance in the spread if his word,” said Evangelist Mutombwa.

To date the church has grown regionally and internationally, with branches across Southern Africa and some in America, United Kingdom and Dubai.

Harare Bureau
MDC-T vice-president Ms Thokozani Khupe’s tenure in the post could end soon amid indications party leader Mr Morgan Tsvangirai is sidelining her because she organised demonstrations and meetings without his blessings.

Ms Khupe’s flopped #beatthepot demonstration a fortnight ago in Bulawayo, and another meeting in Mutare, were organised without Mr Tsvangirai’s consent as the opposition leader underwent cancer treatment in South Africa.

Believing his deputy was staking a claim to the MDC-T presidency, Mr Tsvangirai unilaterally appointed Messrs Nelson Chamisa and Elias Mudzuri as party VPs. A party insider told our Harare Bureau, “Khupe has seriously fallen out of favour with Tsvangirai and her future in the party is bleak. The problem is she has been doing her own things as if she is the leader of the party. For now, she is surviving on the basis that the party wants to protect its Matabeleland vote.”

An MDC-T official said Ms Khupe’s rise to party VP had been hotly contested as the grassroots preferred Ms Gertrude Mthombeni, who is now late, to her. MDC-T insiders also suspect that a lawsuit against Mr Tsvangirai over his appointment of Messrs Chamisa and Mudzuri could have been sponsored by the Khupe faction.

The opposition is sharply divided as one faction is rallying behind Ms Khupe along side the likes of Mr Douglas Mwonzora (secretary-general), Mr Obert Gutu (spokesperson) and Mr Abedinico Bhebhe (organising secretary).

Mr Chamisa is said to be backed by party deputy secretary-general Dr Tapiwa Mashakada, deputy chair Mr Morgan Komichi, Bulawayo East MP Ms Thabitha Khumalo, deputy treasurer Mr Charles Hwande and deputy organising secretary Mr Amos Chibaya.

MDC-T spokesman Mr Gutu however, said; “The MDC-T is a united party. We have absolutely no factions in our party … In the MDC-T, we are one very big, happy and united family under the able and charismatic leadership of Morgan Tsvangirai.”

However, a source said: “Khupe and her followers are just a disgruntled lot who feel Chamisa was not supposed to have been elevated. There is fear that Chamisa is likely to take over from Tsvangirai who is facing ill-health.

Khupe is not popular and hence she doesn’t stand a chance to succeed Tsvangirai.”

Indications are that the two new MDC-T deputy leaders have already drawn battle lines as they race to succeed Mr Tsvangirai, who returned to South Africa for treatment soon after announcing their appointments.

“Chamisa commands more support than Mudzuri in terms of grassroots . . . Mudzuri has more maturity and experience though. They are not in good books because they have competing interests,” said an official.

FIRST Lady Dr Amai Grace Mugabe celebrated her 51st birthday yesterday. In a statement yesterday, Information, Media and Broadcasting Services Minister Dr Christopher Mushohwe described Dr Mugabe as a role model for the girl child who has lived by example to fulfil long time dreams.

“The Minister of Information, Media and Broadcasting Services, Hon Christopher CC Mushohwe; Hon Deputy Minister Cde Thokozile Mathuthu; Permanent Secretary, Cde G Charamba and members of staff of the Ministry, join His Excellency the President, Cde RG Mugabe; the First Family and the nation in celebrating the First Lady Amai Dr Grace Mugabe’s 51st birthday anniversary.

“On this great day, we walk with the First Lady along memory lane extolling her great virtues and remarkable achievements in life. She is a role model for the girl child who lives by example to fulfil lifelong dreams; scholarship, entrepreneurship, philanthropy, charity, caregiver (chirera nherera), making a difference in society by bringing joy and happiness in the lives of others,” said Dr Mushohwe.

He said the First Lady has been a great and wonderful mother to Zimbabwe in addition to looking after her own family, especially iconic leader and State President, His Excellency Cde Mugabe.

“We pray that God continues to bless her with good health, divine wisdom, abundant love, success in her future endeavours, but above all, a blessed long life. We say to her, Congratulations, Makorokoto, Amhlophe. We love you.”

Dr Mugabe was born on 23 July 1965 to migrant parents in Benoni, South Africa. She was the fourth child in a family of five. In 1970, at the age of five, she moved back to Zimbabwe to live with her mother in Chivhu while her father stayed and worked in South Africa supporting the family from there. She did her primary education in Chivhu before she went to Kriste Mambo in Manicaland for secondary school.

In 1996 she married President Mugabe. The couple have three children together —Bona, Robert Junior and Chatunga while she has another child Russel from her previous marriage.

Tinomuda Chakanyuka Sunday News Reporter
AT least 64 villagers from Dete in Hwange District have been ordered to vacate two farms belonging to the Roman Catholic Church after the High Court ruled that they were illegally occupying the church properties. The two farms are part of Marist Brothers Secondary School, which is run by the church. Bulawayo High Court Judge Justice Nicholas Mathonsi, on Thursday gave the villagers 48 hours to vacate the two farms commonly known as Nazareth Ranch.

He also ordered the officer commanding police Matabeleland North Province to demolish all structures erected by the villagers.

The Roman Catholic Church would, however, need to secure a writ of eviction from the same court before it can drive the villagers out of the two farms. At the time of going to press, the church was yet to secure the injunction. The church had been locked in a protracted wrangle with the villagers for the past 10 years as the settlers had been resisting eviction.

Through its lawyers, Webb, Low and Barry, the church filed a court application in January this year seeking an order compelling the villagers to move out of the properties. Justice Mathonsi ruled in the church’s favour noting that the church, as the owner of the farm, had a vindicatory right to the property against the villagers.

“The action rei vindicatio is available to the owner whose property is in the possession of another without his or her authority or consent. It’s the concept that the owner cannot be deprived of his or her property against his will. Clearly the applicant’s right of ownership and indeed vindication is unassailable . . . ,” noted the judge.

Justice Mathonsi dismissed the villagers’ defence which relied on Section 74 of the Constitution of Zimbabwe.

The section provides that, “No person may be evicted from their home, or have their home demolished, without an order of court made after considering all the circumstances.”

Through their lawyers, Sansole and Senda Legal Practitioners, the villagers contended that they could not vacate the properties as they had no alternative accommodation. Justice Mathonsi noted that the church had no obligation to provide housing or alternative accommodation and that the applicant was protected by the law against illegal occupation of its land.

Initially the villagers had opposed the eviction on the basis that they were authorised to occupy the farm by the late Headman Bitu after he had been given the land by Brother Mariso of the Roman Catholic Church who was then stationed at Marist Secondary School.

The church’s Hwange Diocese Bishop, Father Joseph Albert Serrano Anton, in his founding affidavit, said the church resorted to evicting the villagers led by Mr Micmas Sibanda to pave way for the construction of Advanced Level classroom blocks at Marist Brothers School.

Father Anton said the disputed farms known as Remainder of Railway Farm 43 and Nazareth Ranch in Dete were purchased by the church in 1966 and in 1977 with the intention of moving St Mary’s Mission Secondary School, the Seminary and the Sister’s Convent, to the acquired property.

He said the church enjoyed peaceful occupation of the farms until 2006 when the villagers led by Sibanda occupied the properties claiming to have been authorised by the late local headman Andrew Bitu.

“Since 2006, I have been attempting to evict the respondents through peaceful measures and negotiations by the Vicar-General, Father Marko Rumuma and the priests but they refused to vacate the farms and instead chose to approach the district lands officer,” said Father Anton.

In October 2013, the church through the Speaker of the National Assembly, Advocate Jacob Mudenda, wrote a letter to President Mugabe in which he recommended that the villagers be persuaded to vacate the farms peacefully by June 2014.

According to the letter, Adv Mudenda also recommended that the Ministry of Lands and Rural Resettlement and the Office of Minister of State for Matabeleland North Provincial Affairs assist the villagers to relocate in terms of the Government’s Resettlement Policy and Procedure.

The recommendations by Adv Mudenda were adopted and the villagers were allowed to remain on the farm until July 2014. However, the villagers still refused to vacate the properties at the end of the set period. The villagers shall pay the legal costs of the matter.

@irielyan

Harare Bureau—
VICE-PRESIDENT Emmerson Mnangagwa has said he has no association with the so-called Lacoste group linked to a plot to either topple or succeed President Mugabe by hook or crook, and has reaffirmed his long-standing and unwavering loyalty to his boss. VP Mnangagwa said he and President Mugabe shared a “personal relationship” dating back to the 1960s and 1970s when he was Special Assistant to the President. And after Independence that relationship continued to flourish as President Mugabe appointed him to various portfolios leading to his elevation to State VP and ruling party VP and Second Secretary.

He said divisive elements abusing his name and linking him to factionalism, including Government ministers, were doing so in violation of the spirit and letter of the Constitution and their Oaths of Office. The private media have long claimed VP Mnangagwa leads a ruling party faction called “Lacoste” that is fighting the “G40” faction to take over from President Mugabe in both Zanu-PF and Government.

The private media allegations gained the support of, first, Zanu-PF Women’s League secretary for finance Cde Sarah Mahoka, who in February challenged the VP not to “sit like a lame duck” and to pronounce himself on the matter at a gathering at the party’s headquarters.

Then last week, Manicaland Provincial Affairs Minister Mandi Chimene openly called for President Mugabe to sack VP Mnangagwa over factionalism. However, Zanu-PF’s President and First Secretary put his foot down, telling the thousands in attendance that the party leadership would remain intact.

Yesterday, VP Mnangagwa told journalists at his Munhumutapa Office in Harare that he would not tolerate the false allegations against him. He also described as unfounded claims linking him to a treasonous “communiqué” released after a Zimbabwe National Liberation War Veterans Association meeting in Harare on 21 July, 2016.

“I have never at any one time directly or indirectly established, formed, convened or sought to benefit from the alleged grouping (Lacoste), or other such groupings of dubious and libelous character as alleged. Equally, I have been on the receiving end of various people who are said to use my name and office for personal gain, self-aggrandisement and political clout, among other benefits, only known to themselves. I abhor this corrupt ascription and despicable malpractice which I have never sanctioned at any point and want the perpetrators to stop.”

When our Harare Bureau asked him what action would be taken against those abusing his name, he said the relevant party structures would decide. “That decision cannot be made by an individual; it can only be made collectively by the party in its various fora such as the Politburo or Central Committee,” he said.

VP Mnangagwa described his long “personal relationship” with President Mugabe, and his party membership spanning more than 50 years. “Let it not be forgotten that both during my incarceration for a period of 10 years — from 1965 to 1974 — and after my release in 1974, I have always had a personal relationship with the President, Cde RG Mugabe, who to me is not just a father figure but a principal mentor, after whom I fashion all my political behaviour. Again for the sake of the young generation in the party, it was the President, Cde RG Mugabe, who selected and appointed me in 1977 to take up the sensitive post of Head of Security during the armed struggle as the Special Assistant to the President in charge of both military and civil divisions.”

He went on, “That same confidence expressed itself in 1980 at Independence when the President, Cde RG Mugabe, then Prime Minister, appointed me Minister of State Security. All these appointments leading to what I am today speak of the close and trustworthy relation I have maintained with my President.

“It is a relationship I cherish and regard dearly that I will not allow anyone to malign or soil. To that end, as I have done for the better part of my life, I re-affirm and pledge as in the past, to defend and stand by the person and legacy of His Excellency, the President and First Secretary of our tried and tested revolutionary party. I have in no way, either by acts of commission or omission, sought to arrogate power and authority to myself, away from His Excellency the President and First Secretary, Cde RG Mugabe.”

The VP also said: “However, I have recently witnessed a disturbing and alien trend whereby party cadres concoct unfounded, unproven, blatant lies, and callous utterances and accusations against me with the ultimate objective of deprecating and maligning my person and standing.

“I have further observed with grave concern as members of the Party at various levels exhibit untoward behaviour and make utterances contrary to the dictates of the party constitution and protocol. Equally, some fellow Government ministers have made statements based on unfounded, unproven and disrespectful allegations against me in contravention of the spirit and letter of the national Constitution and their Oaths of Office.

“The war veterans, being a reserve force, under the Zimbabwe Defence Forces, are guided by known professional and ethical standards and expected decorum, and any divergence from this is not acceptable. As Vice-President and Second Secretary of the tried and tested revolutionary Zanu-PF party, I have not offended against or diverted from the ideology of the party, its canons, precepts, principles and established practices. I have served the Party for over 54 years, often with my life, all the time showing unflinching dedication, undivided loyalty and absolute commitment.”

The Vice-President said he decided to address the Press conference after consultations with President Mugabe.

“His Excellency, the President and First Secretary of the Party while addressing a gathering of party members at Zanu-PF headquarters on July 27, 2016 stated that ‘if accused, it is also up to us to tell the people that the accusations are false’. It is against this background that I have decided to address you today, specifically in relation to the emerging worrying national developments within our Party, as well as the various innuendos being made which may be interpreted as maligning me, both in my personal and official capacities.”

He said President Mugabe has often underscored the importance of leadership as an embodiment and tool for unifying the membership of the party and, by extension, the nation.

“In this regard, he has repeatedly spoken about desirable party leadership traits some of which include discipline, the ability to unify the membership, loyalty to the ideals and leadership of the party, consistency in word and deed as well as the need for leaders to be servants of the people.”

He added, “ As I stated in The Sunday Mail of July 24, 2016 in respect of the alleged rebellious clique which I strongly condemn, all true war veterans know that the President is their Commander-in-Chief and must be loyal and committed to the President and party. I don’t think those who say such things are loyal or genuine war veterans. They must be loyal. I still stand by that.”

VP Mngangagwa reiterated that there was one centre of power in Zanu-PF.

“The 6th National People’s Congress held in December 2014 boldly consolidated the principle of ‘One Centre of Power’, a principle I firmly and unequivocally subscribe to. The unity of the party and its leadership is its lifeblood and soul. It is this unity which ensured that we successfully prosecuted the armed struggle for liberation. It is this unity that saw us ward off the concerted, relentless machinations by agents of regime change to enable us to have the Independence, sovereignty and national peace and stability we enjoy today.”

He added, “To this end, my association with colleague Cabinet ministers, fellow Politburo members and the party membership in general, has always been to the extent and within the confines of my delegated authority and responsibilities. I chair more than five Cabinet Committees; this should never be construed as being tantamount to running a parallel Government. These false, concocted, malicious and frivolous allegations will neither deter nor detract me from diligently and effectively executing my duties and responsibilities as assigned to me by His Excellency, the President, Cde RG Mugabe.

“This brings my strong views on allegations related to my perceived association and purported leadership of the so-called ‘Lacoste’. I have never at any one time directly or indirectly established, formed, convened or sought to benefit from the alleged grouping, or other such groupings of dubious and libellous character as alleged.”

Tinomuda Chakanyuka Sunday News Reporter—
ZRP Ross Camp Primary School and Christian Brothers College (CBC) have been named as the best performing schools in Bulawayo at Grade Seven and Advanced Level respectively, while Mpopoma High School and Girls College are joint best at Ordinary Level in the province. An analysis of the November 2015 Grade Seven, O and A-level examinations by the Ministry of Primary and Secondary Education showed that the four schools posted the best results in the province.

For primary schools, the ministry considered the percentages of candidates who obtained distinction at each school, while for O-level they considered the percentage of candidates with 7As and above at each school.

For A-level, the number of pupils with 15 points from three subjects was taken into account. The four schools were on Friday awarded with accolades at the Bulawayo Metropolitan Province Better Schools Programme Annual Merit Awards ceremony held at the Large City Hall.

ZRP Ross Camp Primary School posted the highest percentage (33 percent) of candidates who obtained aggregate four units at Grade Seven examinations in 2015 as 22 out of 98 candidates at the school had four units. The school also posted the best results in Mathematics and General Paper. A total of 66 out of 98 candidates at the school obtained distinctions in Mathematics while 38 out of 98 had distinctions in General Paper.

Centenary Primary School posted the best results in English Language with 16 out of 21 candidates attaining distinctions, while Induna had the best results in iSiNdebele with six out of 17 pupils passing with distinctions. A total of 316 pupils attained distinctions at Grade 7 in the entire province.

Mthombothemba Primary School had the most improved Grade 7 results in the province, recording a 74 percent pass rate in 2015 up from 32 percent the previous year. The province recorded an 87 percent pass rate in the November 2015 Zimsec Grade Seven results, improving from an 85 percent pass rate recorded the previous year.

At O-level, Girls College had the highest number of candidates with 7As and above (23) in the selective category, while Mpopoma which is in the non-selective category of schools, had 14 candidates with 7As and above to top the category.

Roberta Katunga Senior Business Reporter—
POWER utility company Zesa has threatened to reintroduce load shedding after energy regulator, Zimbabwe Energy Regulatory Authority (Zera) turned down the company’s proposed 13,6 percent tarrif increase, officials have said. They added that the company was now pinning its hopes on the Government getting a “proper” costing and generation structure which might influence Zera to rethink the decision. Zera has invited bids for companies to carry out an independent review of the operation and cost structure of Zesa and its subsidiaries.

Zera recently announced that it turned down a request by Zesa to approve a power increase from 9,86c/kWh to 11,2c/kWh. Zesa business planning and development manager Mr Patrick Chivaura told business leaders in Bulawayo during the Confederation of Zimbabwe Industries conference that ended in the city on Friday that his company would have to load-shed hence private companies must quickly move in to fill in the gap by investing in their own power plants.

“The regulator rejected our tariff application saying our tariffs are too high, if our tariffs are too high, then industry must maybe invest in its own plants,” said Mr Chivaura.

However, Zesa has since the beginning of the year improved in power generation, resulting in no load- shedding for both domestic and industrial customers. Late last year, Zesa was implementing tight load- shedding which in some cases saw areas going for more than 20 hours a day without electricity.

The improvement was on the back of a deal with South African power company Eskom to provide power to Zimbabwe on a pre-paid facility. At its best, Zimbabwe only produces 1 300 megawatts against a national demand of 2 000MW of electricity at peak consumption and covers the deficit through imports.

In an interview, Zesa board chairman Dr Herbert Murerwa said the company was now waiting to prove its case for tariff increase from the recommendations of the international consultant.

“Energy is a commodity that is important and the cost of production of that energy has to be taken into account. This is a commodity that the country cannot run out of. We are waiting for the recommendations of the independent consultant,” said Dr Murerwa, a former Minister of Finance. It has also emerged that Zesa was pinning to finance most of its capital expenditure from the tariff increase. Zesa spokesman Mr Fullard Gwasira revealed that Capex budgeted for this year was $1,498 billion against power generation of 11,440GWh.

Capital expenditure, or Capex, are funds used by a company to acquire or upgrade physical assets such as property, industrial buildings or equipment. It is often used to undertake new projects or investments by the firm.

“Zesa is still importing power from Eskom as prepaid electricity just like we are doing in our homes and ZETDC prepays power imports worth $6,6 million a month to Eskom alone. While our 2016 tariff application has not been approved, Zera does acknowledge the fact that there has been a change in the generation mix,” said Mr Gwasira.

He said changes in the generation mix would put a strain on the utility especially in the immediate term before they realise any cost savings given the fact that the last tariff increase was in 2012. Mr Gwasira said the tariff increase rejection would impact negatively on maintenance and Capex.

“The fact that Zesa has been able to keep the lights on for the past four years despite not having a tariff increase reflects the efficiency interventions which management has been able to put in place over the years,” he said.

According to Zesa’s financial report, the power utility is set to record a decrease in revenue. The report, seen by Sunday News showed a forecasted revenue of $781 886 718 against expenditure of $954 995 514 at 9,86c/kWh tariff as compared to last year’s audited revenue of $851 271 331. If Zesa had been granted a tariff of 11,2c/kWh, forecasted revenue for the year would have been $901 938 903.

Robin Muchetu Senior Reporter
THE War Veterans Council of Elders yesterday said they will not go to court to challenge the leadership of Mr Christopher Mutsvangwa who was recently expelled from Zanu-PF but will just go ahead and organise a congress where new leaders will be elected. This come after last week, the Zimbabwe National Liberation War Veterans Association successfully filed an interdict barring some of its member from claiming leadership of the former freedom fighters.

Those who were interdicted from interfering were Cdes Joseph Chinotimba, George Mlala, Charles Mpofu, Ester Munyaradzi, Stephen Moyo and Robert Mukwena.

However, addressing scores of war veterans at the Zanu-PF provincial offices at Davis Hall in Bulawayo, Cde Chinotimba said they will not waste time going to court over the issue of control of the war veterans association.

“Why waste time and money going to court, we are going straight to congress. The way in which we are campaigning for Zanu-PF to win elections is the same way we will campaign for Mutsvangwa (Christopher) and his team to fall,” he said.
Cde Chinotimba said the Council of Elders do not recognise the leadership of Mr Mutsvangwa.

“We do not recognise Mutsvangwa and his war veterans, I am here to talk to war veterans that are aligned to Zanu-PF. Mutsvangwa can lead his faction we do not care, they are not our business at all. I am not here for him at all we will continue with our own people not his,” said Cde Chinotimba.

He said bogus war veterans will be expelled from Zanu-PF.
Cde Chinotimba said people like disgraced former war veterans leader Mr Jabulani Sibanda were expelled from the party after insulting President Mugabe just like Mr Mutsvangwa.

Another elder Cde Mlala said he heard through the Press that there was a court interdict against him and would not comment about it before being served with the order.
He said war veterans were part of Zanu-PF.

“All war veterans are Zanu-PF, the moment you leave the party you cannot stand and be called a war veteran when you have been expelled from the party. You also cannot chant Zanu-PF slogans too, this is what we are telling people throughout the country,” he said.

Cde Mlala said the interim executive made up of 10 comrades that is leading the Bulawayo Province in the association is there to stay following the instruction of President Mugabe.

“Positions elected in Masvingo still stand up to date and they are all known. Douglas Mahiya was not in Masvingo but now he is calling himself the secretary for information and publicity in our association, he was never elected, they are defying the President. Cde Mandi Chimene was the one elected to that position,” he said.

Cde Mlala said Bulawayo Province will remain under the leadership of Cde Roy Maphosa.
He further said the executive that was endorsed by Mutsvangwa in Gwanda was null and void.

He dismissed as false allegations that Mr Mutsvangwa has the bulk of the war veterans in his faction.
“We removed Jabulani, and now Mutsvangwa, how is it unconstitutional, it is rather surprising that he said so,” said Cde Mlala.
Cde Mlala said war collaborators should not be cheated by some rouge war veterans who go around saying they were vetting them.

He said a war veteran can stand as a witness only and that people should go back to the provinces where they assisted the freedom fighters and be vetted there.

Mehluli Sibanda Senior Reporter
EFFORTS by anti-Government agents to use the second cricket Test between Zimbabwe and New Zealand which got underway at Queens Sport Club in Bulawayo yesterday to further their political agenda proved to be an enormous failure. Only a few people with the Zimbabwean flag started whistling as the five-day match went into the 36th over after the lunch break.

A handful in the terraces and grandstand mumbled through some jumbled up verses of the national anthem before all the excitement died down.
Two excitable fans were also seen running up and down the terraces carrying flags but that too did not last for that long.
From there cricket fans were able to watch their favourite sport without any further disturbances.

Pastor Evan Mawarire, the leader of #ThisFlag movement had posted an online video encouraging his followers to sing the national anthem during the 36th over of the match.

He was hoping to maximise on the presence of international television covering the match but the cameras never showed any of the goings on in the terraces and the commentators never made mention of it.

Earlier in the day, Women of Zimbabwe Arise members arrived at Queens singing. As cricket authorities struggled to deal with the situation, the police handled the situation by locking the gates situated along First Avenue and George Silundika Street so that the trouble causers could not get into the ground. The protesters were quickly cleared away by police on horses.

Hilariously, activist Mrs Jenni Williams gave those in charge manning the gate a tough time when she came with a $5 alleged “bond note” which she insisted she wanted to use to get into the stadium.

Seeing that she had failed to attract attention, Mrs Williams kept on insisting and was later bundled into a police van and taken away.
She posted on social networking site Twitter that she had been taken to Donnington Police Station where she was detained.

While Bulawayo spokesperson Assistant Inspector Abednico Ncube said he could not comment since he was out of town attending a funeral, but police officers said 10 women were arrested at the cricket ground.

They said the women will be charged with criminal nuisance.
Twitter: @Mdawini_29

Harare Bureau
WELFARE Services for War Veterans, Collaborators and Ex-Detainees Minister Retired Colonel Tshinga Dube has launched a blistering attack on Minister of State for Manicaland Provincial Affairs Cde Mandi Chimene and war veteran Cde George Mlala for trying a hostile takeover of the Zimbabwe National Liberation War Veterans Association (ZNLWVA) leadership.

Rtd Col Dube had no kind words for Cdes Chimene and Mlala whom he accused of leading a faction within the ZNLWVA to destablise the association.
He told our Harare Bureau that, “We want factionalism among war veterans to end. I want to put it on record that I do not support what was done by the group led by Mandi Chimene and George Mlala to attempt to take leadership of war veterans without following proper procedures.

“We do not want factionalism among the war veterans that is why we have called for the congress where we expect the input of all the war veterans not just of one faction.”

Efforts to get a comment from Cdes Chimene and Mlala were fruitless as their mobile phones went unanswered.
However, Minister Dube’s intervention comes hard on the heels of a High Court order which barred Cdes Chimene, Mlala, Buhera South MP Joseph Chinotimba, Charles Mpofu, Ester Munyaradzi, Stephen Moyo and Robert Mukwena from masquerading as ZNLWA leaders.

This was after the ZNLWVA had filed an interdict seeking to bar some of its members from claiming leadership of the former freedom fighters’ organisation, saying their move would destabilise the country.

Rtd Col Dube said, “There used to be factions among ex-detainees and ex-restrictees but these were resolved and now they are united. The mandate I was given by President Mugabe was to unite the war veterans. If the war veterans are united it will be easy to take care of their welfare.

“There are a number of commercial projects which we have earmarked for the war veterans but it would be difficult to implement these projects if we do not have one united war veterans body, because we don’t want to be accused of favouring a certain faction.”

Rtd Col Dube said ZNLWVA would soon convene a special congress to elect new leadership to replace the Cde Christopher Mutsvangwa-led executive because the latter’s relations with Zanu-PF has irretrievably broken down.

It has since become complicated for war veterans to work under the current leadership when their chair Cde Mutsvangwa had been expelled from the party.
He went on, “We have asked the war veterans to consult on the congress that they are supposed to have before the end of the year; so that is what they are still doing. At the moment, there are no possible candidates to speak of because consultations are still taking place.

“We want war veterans to be properly constituted, according to the Constitution of Zimbabwe. After that the Ministry will form a board of trustees which will superintendent issues to do with their welfare. This board of trustees shall be in place by next year, we have already sent the blueprint to Cabinet, and so any time from now Cabinet will approve it then we take the document to Parliament for ratification.”

Harare Bureau
ZANU-PF has thrown a lifeline for seven party bigwigs whose suspensions were either lifted or reduced after being exonerated on various charges.
Former Politburo member Cde Nicholas Goche, former Zanu-PF Harare provincial chairlady Cde Ratidzo Mukarati, former Harare secretary for legal affairs Cde Danny Musukuma and Cde Masawi had their suspensions lifted.

The ruling party’s National Appeals and Review Committee of the Central Committee chaired by Vice-President Phelekezela Mphoko also cleared Minister of State for Midlands Provincial Affairs Cde Jason Machaya and Industry and Commerce Deputy Minister Cde Chiratidzo Mabuwa as allegations against them were found to be without substance.

Zanu-PF secretary for administration Dr Ignatius Chombo said, “Cdes Machaya and Mabuwa were found innocent because they did not attend the meetings which culminated in the allegations against them.”

“Cdes Goche, Masawi, Mukarati and Musukuma had their suspensions lifted after their respective provinces — Harare and Mashonaland Central — wrote that the cadres had shown remorse and were working well with the party.”

Former Information, Media and Broadcasting Services Deputy Minister Cde Monica Mutsvangwa had her suspension reduced from three to two years.
Dr Chombo, who is also Home Affairs Minister, said the case of former Politburo member Cde Webster Shamu was yet to be determined as the Appeals Committee was waiting for a letter from the latter’s home province – Mashonaland West – on how the former political commissar has been relating with Zanu-PF.

“Once the letter comes in, which we expect soon, then his case will be finalised,” he said. Four councillors from Manicaland Province, Dr Chombo added were expelled from the party although he could not immediately name them. The councillors were fired from the ruling party alongside rogue war veterans namely; Cdes Victor Matemadanda, Douglas Mahiya, Francis Nhando and Headman Moyo as well as Chimanimani West legislator Engineer Munacho Mutezo.

The Disciplinary Review Appeals Committee of the Central Committee — the Appeals Committee has reviewed 25 cases which resulted in the expulsion of one party member while 14 cases of two-year suspensions were upheld and will run until completion in December 2016.

In the coming sittings, the Appeals Committee will review 27 cases, marking an end to cases of party members who appealed against their suspensions.
Cases of suspended three provincial chairpersons Cdes Joel Biggie Matiza (Mashonaland East), Ezra Chadzamira (Masvingo) and Kizito Chivamba (Midlands) would be heard next week.

The National Disciplinary Committee (NDC) chaired by Cde Patrick Chinamasa recently presided over the cases that resulted in the expulsion of eight party  members at district and provincial levels.