Big Brother Africa (BBA) returns to the continent’s television screens on October 5 – a lot better and definitely hotter!
Dubbed Big Brother Hotshots, this year’s reality show is going to dish out drama, more entertainment than you can handle and most importantly a cool $300, 000 to the housemate who will manage to survive 63 days in Biggie’s house.

As we hurtle towards season 9, we reflect on bygone Big Brother Africa winners who have collectively pocketed a whopping $1,800,000. We’re taking you down memory lane and revisiting those who got a piece of the money pie in previous seasons.

Zambian, Cherise Makubale pocketed a $100,000 cash prize in the show’s inaugural season, just over a decade ago and after her release from the house where she fought for her place as the first Big Brother Africa winner, Cherise promised to buy a house for her British-born stepfather as a matter of priority.

Cherise is now reportedly living in the UK and is active in charitable ventures in Zambia and is rarely spotted in her hometown of Kitwe.
After a four-year hiatus, Big Brother Africa returned in 2007 where Tanzanian, Richard Bezuidenhout won after a tumultuous period in the house. He fell in love, had notable tantrums and survived nominations five times on his road to winning the cash prize. However, despite the controversy during his stay in the house, Richard went on to set up a film company in Tanzania and remains as one of Big Brother Africa’s success stories.

The next season’s winner came from Angola in the form of Ricardo David Ferreira Venâncio, who was popularly known as Ricco. He also went on to participate in Season 9 of Big Brother Brazil as a special guest. He stayed in the house for four days and they hosted an Angolan themed party.

Rumour has it that his tenure in Brazil was dedicated to studying when he wasn’t in the house.

Season 4, Big Brother Africa the Revolution saw Nigerian Kevin Chuwang Pam walk away with the $200,000 cash prize and a fiancé. He went on to marry fellow housemate Elizabeth Gupta from Tanzania and they have a three- year-old daughter.

Uti Nwachukwu was no stranger to being in front of the camera when he won the All Stars season of the show in 2010 and was the second Nigerian to walk away with the big bucks. Since his win Uti has ventured into music, even releasing an album. He has also used his win to make inroads into Nollywood, purportedly to further his modelling career.

Yet another Nigerian Karen Igho, together with Zimbabwean Wendall Parson, equally shared the $400,000 spoils in Amplified — the first ever series of Big Brother in the world to have two winners. Wendall set up a mining company in Shamva. He secured the mining spot in Shamva three years ago and is into gold mining. He also does custom milling with a stamp mill where miners take their raw ore to Parsons for the finer processing into gold. Parsons company trades under the name Wentso Milling.

Karen unfortunately battled with cancer last year but won the fight, announcing she was cancer free earlier in 2014.

It was South Africa’s turn in 2012 when Capetonian Keagan Petersen walked away with the much bigger $300,000 cash prize on StarGame. Almost a year later after his R2.4 million win, Keagan was reportedly still staying in his parents’ house. Keagan spent his money on a mini cooper, clothes and investments. He also went on to do a business diploma so he can learn how to manage his money and go into business to achieve his lifelong goal; to be a billionaire by 50.

Season 8 Big Brother The Chase winner — Namibian beauty Dillish Matthews not only walked away with the cash prize, but she saw her popularity soar with cosmetic endorsements and appearances across the continent. - BBAfans/Showbiz Reporter

Bruce Ndlovu Showbiz Correspondent
FOR many young artistes, following the success of a hit song is a tough act to master. While a top charting song may bring instant results it can overshadow their careers in the long run, as the songs they release thereafter fail to match the brilliance of the song that gave them their initial claim to fame.

The same goes for artistes that achieve a breakthrough with an album that wows music lovers. As in the case of the hit single, the pressure to follow up your initial success is great although in this case, on a much greater scale. Many have faltered and fallen by the wayside as their follow up albums fail to deliver on the promise of their first release.

The “sophomore” or second album curse has down the years claimed many artistes as they go from music lovers’ darlings to flops, tumbling from a hero to a zero in the space of two releases.

In Zimbabwe there is a new breed of young artistes that are dealing with a different kind of pressure. Unlike other young music industry upstarts, who are under scrutiny to follow up an excellent hit single or album, these artistes are under pressure to replicate the success established by catalogues of classic music left behind by their parents.

This young brigade of artistes led by Peter Moyo and Sulumani Chimbetu is thus faced with the unenviable tasks of not only forging their own identities, but also making sure that the strong fan bases are not starved of the staple diet of hits that their legendary parents left behind.

Also falling under this category of young artistes is Derick Majaivana, whose mission is to follow in the illustrious footsteps of one of Bulawayo’s favourite musical exports, Lovemore Majaivana. On one hand it may seem like Derick holds all the right cards, as he can pull any song from his father’s vast catalogue of music to send any crowd into a frenzy. On the other hand, a constantly high standard is asked of him as he attempts to shrug off the shadow of one of the country’s most famous artistes.

During his heyday Magee, as he was known to his legion of fans, was one of the most complete and prolific musicians in the country. While his lyrical and vocal prowess was unmatched, his stage presence was also not to be sneezed, as his nimble footed dance moves mesmerised crowds around the country. While he skillfully disguised the messages in his music through the use of metaphors and double meaning, he was and is still viewed as an articulate voice chronicling the struggles and experiences of the people of Matabeleland and Bulawayo.
Derick, who released his debut album Bayamemeza in June, however, says he is not daunted by his father’s glittering credentials. While Magee’s rare combination of charisma and musical excellence is a hard juggling act to master, Derick says he is ready to tackle head on.

He says people might think there is pressure on him and others to follow on the success of their parents, as their music left them a good reference point.

“I don’t think there is any pressure. While people might compare us to our fathers I don’t see it as a bad thing because they have to do that. I think their music is more like a guideline that we have to follow,” he said.

The biggest challenge facing Zimbabwe’s unique group of young artistes that have inherited their parents’ music is the direction that their own music should follow. If they do not deviate from what was left for them they bear the risk of being seen as mere mimics who are not able to cut it in the music biz on their own. On the other hand, if they abandon the musical direction that was left for them they risk losing the support of fans who in most cases want a continuation of their favourite artistes’ style.

Derick says that he has maintained the original sound established by his father’s music.

“I chose not to depart from the sound that my father made. My debut album was therefore more of a continuation of the music that he made while he was active,” he said.

During his prime, the older Majaivana was the most loved and supported artiste in Bulawayo, drawing support from both young and old. Derick’s task therefore is to resurrect the love affair between Majaivana and the city’s music fans, a task he says has been complicated by the challenging economic conditions prevailing in the country.

Bulawayo is one of the hardest hit cities by the economic conditions, with many industries closed and jobs lost, a fact that is not lost on Derick who recognises the enormous task at hand as he seeks to restore his father’s lost glory.

“I am aware of the support that my father used to enjoy in Bulawayo but right now I cannot say for sure how my music has been received by the people of Bulawayo because they are not yet familiar with it. It’s also difficult to organise shows because the economic situation is really bad at the moment,” he said.

Although the going was tough he, however, said that he was encouraged by the support he had received from music industry players since the launch of his six-track effort.

“Everything has gone smoothly so far and my music has been played a lot on all radio stations, I really can’t complain at this point in time,” he said.

The music of legends such as Simon Chimbetu, Tongai Moyo and Leonard Dembo is likely to live even longer in the memory of music fans with their sons taking the torch from them after their deaths. Hot on the heels of the release of his debut album, it is now time for Derick to step up to the mettle and emerge from his father’s shadow.

Melissa Mpofu Showbiz Editor
WITH just a week left before what was tipped to be one of Africa’s biggest festivals’ kicks off, organisers of the TribeOne Dinokeng Festival in South Africa have announced that the event will no longer be taking place.The event was set to take place from September 26 to 28 in Tshwane with over 200 artistes including Winky D, America’s Nicki Minaj, Macklemore and Ryan Lewis, J Cole and Kid Ink having confirmed their participation.

Fans and artistes who had already geared up for the festival hoping to see the “Anaconda” live on African soil for the first time were left in the lurch after organisers cited a lack of service delivery promised by the City of Tshwane (CoT).

“TribeOne Festival regrets to announce that the inaugural TribeOne Festival, set to take place in Cullinan on 26, 27 and 28 September 2014, has been cancelled. The event was to be hosted by the City of Tshwane.

“Site preparation and related infrastructure development required to host the festival, being the responsibility of the CoT, fell behind schedule to a material extent, such that it was no longer realistically possible to stage and deliver the festival to the scale and quality that the organisers had always planned,” said Yolisa Pasipanodya — on behalf of the organisers, Rockstar 4000.

“TribeOne Festivals apologises to all of those who were looking forward to the Festival — both the ticket holders, and the international and local performing artistes who were booked by TribeOne Festivals for the event.”

The City of Tshwane responded saying TribeOne festival organisers had chosen an open space which had no infrastructure for the venue and requested the city to develop roads, install water supply and electricity and prepare the stage area, all of which the city delivered.

“Although the City has, in good faith, supported the festival by providing a venue for the festival, installing the necessary infrastructure, and making an agreed financial contribution, the City recently learnt with shock of the event organisers’, led by Sony Music Entertainment Africa, unilateral decision not to proceed with the staging of the mega music festival.

“The organisers had chosen an open space which had no infrastructure whatsoever for the venue, and requested the City to develop roads, install water supply and electricity and prepare the stage area, all of which the City delivered,” the City of Tshwane said in a statement.
They said they would challenge the cancellation of the event.

Speaking on behalf of Winky D — his manager, Jonathan Banda, said the news had come as a blow to them.

“We had prepared for the festival, especially our slot on the last day of the event. But we understand the organisers’ decision to cancel the event and will be looking forward to working with them in future,” Banda said.

He, however, said although they were disheartened, they were grateful to the organisers for having invited them to perform.

“The fact that we were invited to perform at this festival which was meant to attract over 200 world class artistes is a bonus for us. It shows we have sent a good message out there in terms of our good performances,” he said.

Winky D was the only Zimbabwean included on the TribeOne festival line up.

The cancellation of the much-hyped festival attracted mixed reaction from those who had already purchased tickets to the three-day event with most of them saying they were gutted.

Run Jozi rapper AKA who was set to perform at the festival told followers on Twitter: “LMAO! You can’t possibly troll me for TribeOne being cancelled . . . I got paid. What did you get?”

Comedian Shampoonizer (@TipsnTones) quipped on his Twitter “TRIBEONE CONCERT IS CANCELLED!!! If u were hoping to see ANACONDA then try NATIONAL GEOGRAPHIC shemm”.

Organisers have, however, promised to reimburse all ticket holders although details on the process were not immediately available.

Nkosilathi Sibanda
IT is a season to be jolly in Bulawayo. Ask why and I will direct you to Raisedon Baya and the rest of the gang at Intwasa Arts Festival.
These guys tell us there will be yet another edition of Bulawayo’s most celebrated arts fiesta. Yellow posters are plastered all over. One cannot ignore this.

This has been the norm every September in this city. Intwasa has been at the forefront of the urban beats movement, especially in heightening the showbiz industry.

Since the first edition, I have been there and enjoyed with a couple of friends in the arts. It pays to be honest and say I have had moments both pleasurable and boring.

This coming week, I will be there again. The rest of the art lovers will be there too. Fully charged, I am going to rally behind this biggest showpiece in the land of Kings and Queens. In having an expectant mind, I cannot help to pile up some reservations in the way Intwasa is organised.

This is why I chose to direct this to Raisedon Baya the festival director.

Actually, I initially wanted to write him a letter. While on it, I presumed the Intwasa director is not a man of letters this time around.

Given the pressure his is faced with, it is best that friends in the urban movement share their experiences and expectation on Intwasa.

There is nothing as encouraging as Intwasa in a city that is looking for a messiah to redeem its lost pride as Zimbabwe’s cultural hub.

Raisedon and the rest of the art directors might be the messiah that we cry for. This is not to give these guys props, but acknowledging the immense effort they put in trying to mend things up.

Festivals of such magnitude have their ups and downs. We have had moments when we would want to spit at Raisedon’s face.

Not because we hate him or detest what his team is doing. There are so many reasons why Intwasa is held in high regard.

In Bulawayo if we are not talking about the trade fair in April, we are stuck on the usual conversations of the closure of manufacturing industries (remember, when these industries sneeze, the arts cough the most).

Intwasa has to introduce arts lovers to a fun-filled summer. That has to be done, lest we comment badly and face the wrath of its organisers.

Thank you for the consistency. In so many corridors, we hear people in hush tones, talking negatively about the work Raisedon and company have done in the past years. Every project has its pitfalls. What we loathe is the failure of the organisers to correct their mistakes.

Is Intwasa correcting its shortcomings? We lie in wait, to see what is on the menu. The trend with arts festivals is to give so much hype on activities that do not occur.

Money is splashed on advertising and media placements, yet fans are disappointed. We are tired of mediocrity seriously. Intwasa, being the flagship show of the arts, must avoid embarrassment, lest we snub it for good. This festival is not counted among the worst performing and must remain so.

This goes to all other festivals as well.

Raisedon Baya, you will agree that some of the performers you employ at the festival have failed us. Many of these artistes are the typical one-day wonders.

They come and go, as easy as the winter sun. It is plausible that raw talent be exposed. Young and uncelebrated artistes need to be screened for such festivals. Even the big gurus have to be grilled too.

Let us grow quality and retain the city’s status in the arts. Enough with wonder kids who only appear in September. At one time, on this platform, we touched on the aspect of artistes boozing themselves down. Our entertainment idols know best how to get the alcohol down their throats.

Of course they are human and I could be sounding selfish to some on this comment on drunkenness in the arts industry.
If it is possible, could artistes binge in hiding and make sure they maintain a sober stupor in front of our kids and friends invited to the festival.

Intwasa Arts Festival koBulawayo is not a rock and roll carnival. Bulawayo is a city that prides in championing family values and so should Intwasa. Artistes have the penchant to drink and have the audacity to say they perform best when drunk. Is that so?

Businesses are on the brink of collapse, I doubt they would sponsor the arts whole heartedly, with the little money they have.

Intwasa presents an opportunity for artistes to rebrand their self image and change the attitude and the way the public perceives their behaviour. In their nature, festivals are a money generating venture. If Raisedon and his team don’t guard against “embarrassing” artistes, then they spell doom for the festival.

Come next Tuesday, we will be clad in our party gear. We are an expectant lot Raisedon Baya. Please tell the artistes to give their best.

The urban movement is not only preoccupied with Intwasa, we mourn the death of one of the likable character in Bulawayo.

Rest in peace Lungisani aka “Tompo”, you kept us in stitches in Sinjalo. 6th Avenue will never be the same.

Let’s keep talking urban. WhatsApp on 0773 481 603

Simbarashe Mutizwa Showbiz Reporter
NEWLY crowned Miss Earth Sandiswe Chikomborero Bhule says she has been given a huge role to play after being chosen to be the country’s environmental ambassador and representative at Miss Earth World finals later this year.Bhule was crowned queen at a pageant held at Bulawayo Theatre last weekend, battling stiff competition from 12 other contestants.

The 25-year-old model is now preparing to contest with over 100 beauties in Manila, Philippines on November 29, in the world finals.
Simbarashe Mutizwa (SM) caught up with the beauty (SB) and had a chat with her.

SM: Who is Sandiswe Chikomborero Bhule?
SB: I was born on July 18, 1989 in Harare moved to Bulawayo where I was raised. I attended Fairview Primary School and Bulawayo Adventist High School. I then moved back to Harare in 2005 where I did A-level at Mabelreign.

SM: When did you start modelling?
SB: I can say I started modelling professionally this year. Miss Earth was the first national contest I took part in. The only other contest was a kids’ one when I was 10 years old.

SM: Who inspired you to model?
SB: Growing up, I used to watch beauty pageants and remember seeing Dionne Best being crowned Miss Zimbabwe in 1995. I told my mum I wanted to be crowned queen like her. Now, years later, I’m following in her footsteps.

SM: Of all the pageants, why did you choose to enter Miss Earth?
SB: I fell in love with Miss Earth’s mandate as I for the past two years found myself falling in love with the environment. When I heard about the pageant, I did not hesitate to join.

SM: Considering that Miss Earth was the first pageant you contested in, what does being crowned queen mean to you?
SB: I have a huge responsibility ahead of me, that of being the environmental ambassador, not only in Zimbabwe but also outside borders. I am excited to be representing the country in the Philippines where I will contest for the Miss Earth world finals. I am going to do my best to bring the crown to Zimbabwe. I am happy that I managed to break the stereotypes found within beauty contests, were some people think being short means you cannot take part in a contest. I think I’m the first short and dreadlocked contestant to be crowned queen.

SM: What are you planning to do as Miss Earth?
SB: My plans are to continue with the project that I was doing when we were Miss Earth finalists. I did a project with Kuwadzana Primary School which was known as Environment Matters. This project resulted in an environmental club being formed at the school and we made shopping bags out of old T-shirts. I am also planning to plant 10,000 trees in Zimbabwe together with my runner-ups. We have already planted 17 trees at King George VI Primary School in Bulawayo.

SM: How are you preparing for the Miss Earth World finale?
SB: Going to the Philippines is a big step for me. I want to be conversant with issues concerning my country, so I can represent our nation well on an international platform. I am working hard towards the event to get that sculpted look. I am also taking good care of my skin and learning more about our culture.

 SM: Besides modelling, what else to you do?
SB: I work at the Hypercube Hub as a Hyper Geek responsible for the administration and events. I also started my own trust called Footprints to offer children life skills training.

SM: What are your hobbies?
SB: I enjoy surfing the internet, writing poems and stories, listening to music and being at a quiet place all by myself.

Marvelous Moyo  Gwanda Correspondent
TALKS to merge the Professor Welshman Ncube-led MDC and the Renewal Team led by Tendai Biti are now at an advanced stage.
This was revealed by Samuel Sipepa Nkomo, the Renewal Team’s interim chairman at a party meeting in Gwanda last Sunday. Nkomo said there is no single party in Zimbabwe that can defeat Zanu-PF on its own.

“I’m the current leader but at my age I cannot be the party’s president. However, there is no single opposition party that can defeat (President) Mugabe thus we’re having talks with other opposition parties. We’re currently discussing with MDC led by Welshman to merge with the Renewal Team and I can say the talks are going very well. If that happens, we will actually have a formidable organisation,” said Nkomo.

He said MDC-T lost in last year’s elections mainly because of the imposition of candidates.

“This party is God-appointed and we’ll not do anything against the will of God,” added Nkomo, who was accompanied by the Renewal Team’s secretary for social welfare Lucia Matibenga and secretary for defence and security and also Luveve MP Reggie Moyo.

MDC spokesperson Nhlanhla Dube said they were having “informal talks” with the Renewal Team on a possible merger.

Fanuel Ncube

Mashudu Netsianda Senior Court Reporter
A FORT RIXON man who speared his neighbour’s herdboy to death after he found him romping with his wife in their matrimonial home has been jailed for 16 years.Fanuel Ncube, 37, of Village 3, Pioneer Estate in Insiza District, was yesterday convicted of the murder of Ndabezinhle Sibanda with actual intent by Justice Lawrence Kamocha at the Bulawayo High Court.

Ncube escaped the gallows after Justice Kamocha ruled that there were extenuating circumstances.

“It’s clear Ncube was angered by Sibanda after finding the victim in bed with his wife. He failed to contain his anger and brutally assaulted Sibanda to death using lethal weapons. The victim died of multiple injuries inflicted on him during the attack,” the judge said.

Justice Kamocha said if there were no strong extenuating circumstances, Ncube would have been sentenced to death.

“The court noted that Sibanda did not behave in a proper manner when he provoked Ncube by going to his house and sleeping with his wife,” said the judge. “It’s clear from the evidence led in court that Ncube had marital problems which were known by his relatives, the in-laws and members of the neighbourhood watch committees, but they did nothing to help resolve the matter until Ncube decided to do what he did.”

The judge said Ncube’s case was “unique.”

“A look at the other side of the coin revealed that the attack on Sibanda was vicious and brutal, inflicting multiple stab wounds. This court has found that this case is unique and decided to depart from the norm and tamper with justice for mercy. The justice of this matter would therefore be met with a 16-year jail term,” ruled Justice Kamocha.

Prosecuting, Whisper Mabhaudhi narrated how on the night of February 5 this year, shortly after 9PM, Ncube lost his rag after walking in on the two in his bedroom hut.

He picked up a spear and drove it through Sibanda’s head, killing him instantly.

Ncube’s wife, Catherine Dope, 22, fled in terror and hid in a maize field.

Ncube arrived home from Bulawayo where he worked as a security guard and knocked on the door of his bedroom. There was no response and he could only hear voices coming out of the candle-lit room.

“He became suspicious and kicked the door open and found his naked wife in bed with Ndabezinhle and their two year-old son,” said Mabhaudhi during trial.

Livid, Ncube picked up a spear and two knobkerries. He struck Sibanda twice on the forehead with a knobkerrie.

As the victim lay helpless on the floor, he drove the spear through his head. After the grisly killing, Ncube went to his uncle, Mhlabeni Sibanda’s homestead and told him what he had just done, the court was told.

In his defence through his lawyer Tungamirai Nyengera, Ncube argued that he only acted in self defence claiming Ndabezinhle attacked him. He insisted that Ndabezinhle accidentally stabbed himself.

“I arrived home and it was raining when I knocked on the door but there was no response although the candle was lit. When my wife eventually opened the door, that’s when I found Ndabezinhle and he tried to flee, but I managed to block him during which we started wrestling,” he said.

“As we were fighting, Ndabezinhle looked around and picked a knobkerry and a spear intending to strike me. I realised that I was in danger and gathered courage and wrestled with him. I then managed to grope for another knobkerrie, which was hanging on the wall and hit him with it while at the same time trying to disarm him,” he said.

Ncube said he managed to overpower his rival.

“As he lay on the floor on his back, he was still holding the spear and he was struggling to strike me, but I pinned him down. As I was pondering on my next move, Ndabezinhle was busy struggling to dislodge me during which he accidentally stabbed himself on the neck. The next thing he was motionless.”

He also added that he had a long standing domestic feud with his wife over her extramarital affair with Ndabezinhle. He said the community leadership and his uncle had failed to take any action and on that particular day he saw no point in informing them of the intruder at his home.

The defence laywer had proposed a five year jail term for Ncube.

Dr Joseph Made

Harare Bureau
THE government has urged farmers to surpass the target of two million tonnes of maize projected in the Zim-Asset economic blueprint for the 2014/2015 agricultural season following the launch of a $2,4 billion agriculture fund yesterday.The fund, which is set to benefit thousands of farmers countrywide, is a joint venture initiative between a local organisation, Lasch Enterprises and the Zanu-PF Youth League, with assistance from various government ministries to help address youth unemployment and food security.

Agriculture, Mechanisation and Irrigation Development Minister Dr Joseph Made said in a statement read on his behalf at the launch by his deputy Cde Davis Marapira that the country would be self-sufficient and able to export the surplus under the guiding vision of “Towards an Empowered and Growing Economy.”

“This joint venture crop input scheme complements the 2014/2015 agricultural season government crop and livestock input scheme to support small holder farmers who are the cornerstone (99 percent) of our agriculture in Zimbabwe,” he said.

“This programme is targeted to support 1,6 million households with crop or livestock input packs to stimulate production of key food and nutrition security crops.”

Dr Made said maize, small grains, sugarbeans/cowpeas, cotton and livestock were set to benefit from the Lasch/Zanu-PF Youth League agricultural fund.

He said the government was concerned with the low average national yield of 0,59 metric tonnes per hectare for maize.

Dr Made said with the support from government, developmental partners and the private sector in the form of seed, fertilisers and extension services, improvements in crop yields in various farming sectors would be achieved.

“Food security and nutrition as a strategy under Zim-Asset begins with farmers working hand-in-hand with input suppliers and companies like this joint venture,” he said. “I’m informed that farmers need to pay administration and insurance fees for them to register and access inputs.

“The loans do not attract any interest, but should be religiously paid back after harvest. I would like to urge our farmers to pay back their loans so that the loans revolve and can have greater impact on the agricultural economy.”

Senior Minister of State in the President’s Office, Cde Simon Khaya Moyo, said through the joint venture, the Youth League had chosen to show detractors the correct path.

“The joint venture has proposed what some would view as an audacious and very ambitious mission – to be the renowned vehicle for successful sourcing, providing and extending agricultural loans and inputs to all farmers in Zimbabwe,” he said.

Minister Moyo said Zim-Asset required that all organisations and private companies devise strategies and operational plans that contribute to the strategic goals proposed in the economic blueprint.

Lasch Enterprises managing director Evans Zininga said it was their hope that support for the scheme would go a long way in uniting Zimbabweans in farming.

Dr Godfrey Gandawa

Timoth Makohliso Midlands Reporter
THE government has covered ground in establishing state universities in the three remaining provinces of Matabeleland South, Mashonaland East and Manicaland and the project should be complete by 2015, Deputy Minister of Higher and Tertiary Education, Science and Technology Development Dr Godfrey Gandawa has said.

He said Bills for the establishment of the state universities in the three remaining provinces were at various advanced stages of being adopted and will be turned into charters soon.

Dr Gandawa said this in an interview held on the sidelines of a graduation ceremony at Gweru Polytechnic College yesterday.

“I can confirm that the establishment of state universities in the provinces of Mash East, Manicaland and Mat South is now in its advanced stages. We already have universities in these provinces that are only waiting to be affirmed as state universities,” said Dr Gandawa.

He said in Manicaland there was now the Manicaland University which is being managed by the Midlands State University (MSU).
In Matabeleland South there was the Gwanda State University housed at Epoch Mine and administered by the National University of Science and Technology (Nust) while in Mashonaland East there was the  Mashonaland East University of Agriculture Science which he said will soon be declared a state university.

“We’re expecting to complete the process by 2015. We are very much positive of meeting our targets as all the bills are now at various advanced stages. Once they sail through, the universities will be given their charters, come 2015 the mandate would have been fulfilled,” said Dr Gandawa.

President Mugabe is a strong advocate of quality education for Zimbabweans.

Two years ago, President Mugabe spoke of the government’s intentions to establish state universities in the remaining three provinces in the country in his 32nd Independence Anniversary address at the National Sports Stadium in Harare in 2012.

From one university at Independence in 1980,  the country now has a state university in all but the three provinces.

Justice Nokuthula Moyo

Kamangeni Phiri Midlands Bureau
A GOKWE North village head and his son were beginning 15-year-jail terms each yesterday after they were convicted of killing a man during a row over food aid.Village head Kezias Mugomeri, 60, and his son Gerald Martin Mugomeri, 40, repeatedly struck Stanlaus Dube — the head of a neighbouring village — with logs and the back of an axe, breaking his spine, the Bulawayo High Court heard on the Gweru circuit.

Skirmishes broke out at Mudondo Primary School on October 16, 2008, while villagers were waiting for food aid from a non-governmental organisation, the court heard.

Yesterday, Justice Nokuthula Moyo said Dube’s murder was senseless as he convicted the pair of a lesser charge of murder with constructive intent.

Justice Moyo told the two killers: “Food aid or a donation is gratuitous. You should just accept it. You don’t pay anything towards it so you shouldn’t fight over it. I therefore find you guilty of murder with constructive intent.”

Mugomeri and his son had pleaded not guilty to the murder of Dube, who was Headman Chikwenhere.

When the trial opened on Wednesday, Justice Moyo discharged two co-accused, brothers Andrew Chananavara, 32, and Simbisai, 37, due to lack of evidence linking them directly to Dube’s death.

Prosecuting, Tafadzwa Mupariwa said on October 16, 2008, at around 10AM, Mugomeri and his son as well as Dube were at Mudondo Primary School awaiting food aid from the NGO, Concern World Wide.

A meeting was then held which was also attended by Dube and his killers.

Mupariwa said during the meeting, one Norman Moyo enquired from the Concern officials whether Dube’s village and two other villages, Chenjerai and Mugomeri, would receive their share of food since they had disputes during the registration of the food programme.

One Concern official then informed them that food aid for these villages was available but would only be distributed after their differences had been resolved by the Gokwe North District Administrator.

After the meeting, two of Dube’s sons — Innocent and Denford — then confronted Moyo and demanded to know why he had raised the issue of the villages which had  dispute. They then punched and kicked him.

Gerald and his father, Kezias, rushed to Moyo’s aid and started assaulting Innocent and Denford.

The prosecutor said other members of the Mugomeri family then joined in the fight and started throwing stones at the two Dube brothers.

The two Dube brothers, the court heard, sensed that they were outnumbered and fled. The Mugomeri family gave chase at the fleeing group.

Gerald and Kezias Mugomeri as well as the Chananavara brothers, Andrew and Simbisai, caught up with the late headman Dube.

Gerald grabbed Dube’s jacket while Kezias struck him on the back of the head with a log. Dube fell to the ground. Gerald then struck Dube on the head twice with the back of an axe, the court heard.

Andrew and Simbisai Chananavara also threw stones at Dube.

The four then turned and walked away, leaving Dube on the ground.

Mupariwa said Dube was taken to a nearby homestead but died before he could get any medical help.

A post-mortem report revealed that Dube died as a result of a closed head injury and fracture of cervical spine.

ONE thing that sports lovers in the country should be pleased about is that the country’s President is a keen follower.
He follows tennis, cricket and the most popular sport, football and this week shocked many when he laughed at Premiership side Caps United for losing to FC Platinum on two consecutive games with their player scoring an own goal.

When he was speaking after lighting the torch for the upcoming African Union Sports Council Region Five Under-20 Youth Games at State House on Thursday, he said participants should avoid own goals like Caps United.

“To the participants, the Games will provide affirmation of empowerment at both personal and collective level. Apart from enhancing health, wellness and quality life, participation in these Games also develops skills such as team work, goal getting and the pursuit of excellence. Goal getting, we must shoot accurately. The ball must always be shot into the net, not into your own net…Caps, Caps what did you do? My boys support Caps. They lost by own goal score, just the one against the team they were playing, sad. It was one (zero) win by the team through the own goal. Aaa…kana mudzimai haakubikire sadza musi wacho (even your wife won’t cook for you on that day).”

The President revealed earlier that his sons, Robert (Jnr) and Bellarmine Chatunga are Caps United supporters, and at one time even talked about a football match he was watching the previous night on television. And by the way, he was given a life membership card by Bulawayo giants Highlanders.

It is a pity that our beloved Warriors have failed to conquer in major tournaments to make our President walk with pride when the national team is discussed. Nonetheless, he has offered his support on numerous occasions, giving them attention despite his busy schedule to host them at the State House when going for major tournaments like the African Cup of Nations, with the Ministry of Local Government pledging support in form of housing stands as winning incentives. And during the hyper inflation era, the Warriors were kept afloat being able to fulfil international assignments through government support via some state institutions in most cases.

The own goal lesson should therefore spur Zifa to put their house in order, aware that even the highest office in the land is watching them.

Taking into account the bad publicity that has been associated with Zifa, with a lot of questions regarding corporate governance being raised, it is obvious that the President supported the idea of launching a bid to host the 2017 African Cup of Nations tournament simply for the love of the game, and knowing that the majority of Zimbabweans are football lovers, and in addition, the benefits that such an event will bring to the country.

The national association put together a bid to host the tournament as a replacement to Libya, who were deemed unsuitable due to political tension. Zimbabwe is among a number of countries interested in replacing Libya which include neighbours Zambia, Ghana, Nigeria, Algeria and Morocco, among others.

While the country has not hosted a tournament of such magnitude, there is no doubt that the country is blessed with some of the best brains in Africa who if given a chance, would organise a splendid tournament. When the country was given the right to host the tournament in 2000, the right was taken away after Zifa failed to get government backing in terms of infrastructural development, among other things.

Now the President has put his weight behind the bid, with the Ministry of Sports, Arts and Culture and the Ministry of Tourism and Hospitality Industry playing a leading role.

Sports Minister Andrew Langa said after Libya withdrew from hosting the tournament due to security concerns in that country they saw it as an opportunity to launch a bid. He added that they had already engaged neighbouring countries in particular Zambia with a view to co-hosting the tournament.

“We met His Excellency President Robert Mugabe and he gave us the nod. We saw it desirous to host the 2017 African Cup of Nations following the withdrawal of Libya to host the tournament on account of security concerns. Libya who have been an all weather friend of Zimbabwe could be engaged by Zimbabwe to maintain and retain their tournament presence by financially and materially endorsing and supporting Zimbabwe’s bid to replace them and that engagement can be done at government as well as football levels,” Langa said.

Zambia has, however, already submitted its bid to host the 2019 edition. Negotiations though have begun at government level.

“We are still waiting for the outcome from Zambia. If they win the right to host the 2019 edition then we will engage other neighbouring countries like Mozambique. Zambia and Zimbabwe share a lot in terms of the history of the Bantu people who are found on both sides of the Zambezi river. To crown it all the two southern African countries co-hosted the best ever UNWTO Conference in 2013 and the two countries need to exploit the legacy projects arising from co-hosting the UNWTO.

“Zimbabwe would have preferred to go it alone but we find ourselves hamstrung by the Confederation of African Football’s Article 32 of the Statutes governing the application which requires that:

“Any member association proposing its country for the organisation of the African Cup of Nations must have organised the final tournament of at least one of the following competitions:

a) The 2000 African Nations Championships
b) The Under-20 African Championships
c) The Under-17 African Championships
d) The African Women Football Championships
e) The Under-23 African Championships

Zimbabwe has previously submitted bids without success, for the following Continental and other championships:

a) The African Cup of Nations — which was awarded at the eleventh hour to Ghana and Nigeria
b) The 2010 African Cup of Nations — which was won by Angola.
c) The 2015 Fifa Women’s World Cup which was won by Canada.

“Zimbabwe’s bids were seriously weakened as we did not have the required letters of guarantee from the head of state,” said Langa.

While the country is reeling under economic challenges, it does not stop us from hosting major continental events which will bring a positive change to the lives of ordinary people. There are a lot of benefits from such an event, with tourism set to benefit from about 40,000 visitors expected. This means tourism, which the government has identified as having the potential to boost the economy, will experience an influx of visitors.

Experts believe that soccer lovers who will be coming are going to visit some of the country’s well-known tourist destinations in between the soccer matches they prefer to watch. Apart from boosting tourism, a lot of jobs are going to be created in various sectors before and during the tournament. May our prayers be answered.

For comments and contributions, email lncube@chronicle.co.zw. You can follow this writer on twitter and facebook.

Nation Dube

Tobias Mandoreba Hwange Correspondent
CASTLE Lager Premier league title dark horses Hwange are more than ready to shoot down Chapungu as the coalminers and the airmen lock horns at the Colliery Stadium tomorrow afternoon.Hwange went into the league’s two week break wearing long faces after their trip to Zvishavane turned into a nightmare with a 2-0 clobbering in the asbestos mining town.

Before that Hwange had forced a share of spoils in a 1-1 draw with Harare giants Dynamos in the capital.

But the two week break in the league programme seems to have given Nation Dube and his lieutenant Brian Njobvu time to sharpen their daggers for war as the league inches towards the decisive stage where boys are separated from men.

“ We are coming from a loss to Shabanie Mine hence we are hard pressed to collect maximum points at home as we are not prepared to drop points in two consecutive matches.

I have talked to my boys about the need to start getting positive results up to the end of the season as we want to finish in a respectable position. Almost every year we were always fighting relegation but this year we told ourselves that we don’t need such unnecessary pressure on our backs,” said Dube yesterday.

The soft spoken coach added that morale in the camp was high as the boys were geared to bring back the smiles on the faces of the home supporters.

Chronicle Sport’s efforts to talk to the team captain Gerald Ndlovu, however, hit a brick wall as Dube said his players were now in the mood for the battle with Chapungu and nothing else.

“All my players’ minds are now fixed for the match and I would not want to subject the captain to unnecessary pressure with media interviews, in fact that is the reason we are camping away from Hwange as we need to give the players some peace and time to be ready for all the games especially at this time, ” he said.

Dube will be hoping that his lethal striker Evans Rusike recovers in time for the game as he has been out of action for the better part of the last two months.

Rusike is likely to partner Alec Marime and Gilbert Zulu upfront as the coalminers look for that sting to bounce back to winning ways.
In the middle of the park, a lot is expected from the likes of Rodwell Chinyengetere, Isaac Masame, Farai Vimisai and Talent Chamboko.

The defence partnership of captain Ndlovu and David Boriwondo is expected to provide sentry to young goal minder Takabva Mawaya.

Dube’s trusted anchorman Andrew Tshuma is out due to suspension after picking up three yellow cards and will be replaced by young Collen Muleya.

Meanwhile, Hwange supporters are also smelling blood with their secretary Lisutu Ndlovu declaring war on Chapungu.

“Hwange comes into the match wounded and we are venting all our anger on Chapungu tomorrow. I have had a chance to watch the boys training and I am sure we will be celebrating at the end of the day.

“The drums will be beaten late into the night after we roast the Chapungu team on the coal fires,” declared Ndlovu.

Godfrey Nyakudya

Sikhumbuzo Moyo Senior Sports Reporter
LEADING mining equipment supplier Chaferfly Enterprises will once again be the major sponsor of the annual Hwange Open Golf Championship set for the first weekend of next month.Harare’s Robson Saurombe is the defending champion in the professionals section and is expected to put up a strong challenge in defence of his crown.

Vumi Moyo, the Hwange Golf Club captain, told Chronicle Sport that the course will be a hive of activity from October 3 to 5 with the Pro-Am set for the first day.

“Our dates have been confirmed. This time around  the Pro-Am participation is optional  for non championship division players,” said Moyo.

Championship division players are handicapped at plus to six.

“For those who will participate in the Pro-Ams, it will be their round One of their strokeplay,” said Moyo.

The golfers will compete over 54 holes starting on a Friday right up to Sunday. For the amateurs, there are four divisions in the men’s category, according to the players’ handcapp.

After the Championship Division, there is Division A for players handicapped seven to 12, Division B (13 to 18) and  Division C (19 to 24).
Moyo said there will be a slight variation for the women’s category with the division margins being subject to change depending on the number of entries per division.

There are three divisions for the ladies, the gold, silver and bronze divisions, all categorised according to handicapps as well.

Gold Division is for players handicapped between 0 to 18, silver (19 to 27) and bronze (28 to 36).

The captain said the greens and fairways were in an excellent condition with the course still maintaining its status as one of the most challenging but interesting courses to play in.

“Obviously our signature hole (hole 13), remains one of the course’s key point of attraction,” said Moyo.

Chaferfly Enterprises, as has been the norm in the last four years, will be the major partner of the Hwange Open that has been graced by legends like Nick Price, who won it in 1974.

Chaferfly Enterprises’ managing director Godfrey Nyakudya, whose company is slowly becoming a key figure in golf sponsorship in the country, confirmed his company’s presence at this year’s edition of the tournament.

“We have held meetings with the club’s chairman Victor Rakabopa and yes, we continue to partner Hwange Golf Open. This is a major golf event in the country,” said Nyakudya.

Other corporate bodies expected to lend their support include Care Insurance, Table Mining, Portnex among others.

Sports Reporter
HWANGE comes alive this morning when Hawkflight Construction through their Coolland brand bankroll a 10km Road Race and a soccer tournament.Four teams — Baobab Rovers, Methodist, Coolland and Mpumalanga Select will take part in the football tournament.

Obert Masara, a finance executive at Hawkflight Construction, said the sporting activities were part of their social community responsibility programmes.

“We held similar events at Maphisa last Saturday and as an emerging retail outlet in the Southern region, we have decided to have Coolland sponsored soccer tournaments.

“We will give away prizes to the participants and after the soccer competition, we are going to have an ultimate draw which will see one lucky shopper getting a car.

“This is a way of paying back to the community that has been supportive of our company and we are saying thank you through sport that brings people together,” said Masara.

Winners of the soccer competition will get R1,500 with the losing finalists taking home R500. There are also consolation prizes for the teams that fail to progress to the final.

In athletics, the winner will get R500 with the first runner-up in each category walking away with R200. Both men and women will compete in senior race which is for athletes above 30 years of age and the open event (18-29 years).

Daniel Vheremu

From Paul Mundandi in Zvishavane
FC PLATINUM captain Daniel Vheremu has warned Dynamos against expecting any favours from them in today’s league encounter at Mandava Stadium.DeMbare enjoy a three-point lead ahead of second-placed Highlandes but a loss today and a win for Highlanders at Harare City might have some serious repercussions for their title charge.

“We are playing for ourselves, and we are not going to do Dynamos any favours. Dynamos beat us in 2011 when we wanted the championship but tomorrow (today) we are playing to get maximum points but its not a grudge match,” said Vheremu.

He said the difference in points between them and Dynamos was not much and if they win their remaining matches, they can win the championship.

FC Platinum beat DeMbare 2-0 last season under Llyod Mutasa. This season the platinum miners lifted the Uhuru Cup at the expense of the Glamour Boys in a match played at the giant National Sports Stadium.

Everyone has huge confidence in the newly appointed championship winning coach, Norman Mapeza who led the now relegated Monomotapa to the winners’ podium in 2010.

His arrival has already seen them lifting the ZNA Commaders’ Charities Shield after pummelling Caps United 6-0.

Zambian international Obrey Chirwa is expected to spearhead the miners’ attack and will be assisted by Michelle Katsvairo.

FC Platinum boasts of talented left back Quadr Amin and they also have James Marufu, Aaron Katebe, hardworking Thabani Kamusoko, Simon Shoko and shotstopper Petros Mhari. They are all available for selection this afternoon.

A victory by the home side will bring smiles to its passionate followers and there will be huge celebrations as far away as Bulawayo as the southern region hopes to see a shift in the championship race.

Coach Mapeza will be under pressure to  prove his mettle against another giant at  Mandava as Highlanders have already collected maximum points while Caps United have fallen twice.

DeMbare go into today’s match without one of their most trusted lieutenants this season in Themba Ndlovu who is serving a one match suspension for picking up three yellow cards.

His absence might see newboy Elisha Muroiwa making his long awaited entry into the DeMbare starting line-up.

The Glamour boys remain unbeaten in their last 11 league games, having suffered a 0-1 defeat at the hands of Hwange, way back on June 15.

David Coltart

Sikhumbuzo Moyo Senior Sports Reporter
FORMER Minister of Education, Sports, Arts and Culture David Coltart yesterday said Bulawayo has President Mugabe to thank for hosting the African Union Sports Council Region Five Under-20 Games to the city.Coltart confirmed a majority of Cabinet members were against the Games, set to be held in Bulawayo from December 4 to15, coming to the second largest city and that he almost felt he was fighting a losing battle to have the games in the city until the President’s intervention.

Those against the Games coming to Bulawayo cited the issue of costs, arguing that Harare had existing and better facilities.

The government has since availed $14 million which will go towards renovations and administrative costs of the games.

Writing on his website in response to President Mugabe’s revelation that some within the government were against having the Games in Bulawayo, the former Minister said the intervention by the Head of State was critical.

“When the matter came for final discussion it appeared as if I was losing the battle to have it allocated to Bulawayo and in all fairness to President Mugabe his intervention was critical. After arguing the case for Bulawayo, it was clear to me that I was losing the argument because an overwhelming majority were against it coming to Bulawayo, including certain heavyweights, and I assumed that it was a lost cause. I said as much and it was then that President Mugabe intervened for the first time saying that I needed to be bolder in advancing my argument and that he agreed it should be held in Bulawayo. The moment he disclosed his hand all the opposition coming from a few Zanu-PF heavyweights evaporated and a final decision was  made to hold it in Bulawayo,” said Coltart in his statement.

Speaking during the a ceremony to light the torch for the Games at State House on Thursday, President Mugabe said it appeared the view in Cabinet was to move the games to Harare and it was then that he asked Coltart whether he was becoming spineless.

“I said are you becoming spineless Mr Coltart, come on, strengthen your spine, the Games will be held in Bulawayo. It jolted him a bit and he said well, we will try and he went on coming to Cabinet, reporting progress here, the lack of it elsewhere, especially in regard to funding of the programme and right up to the day we had our elections, July 31,” said President Mugabe.

The President also said that the region’s secretary general Mvuzo Mbebe had tried to have the Games moved from Bulawayo by approaching Vice-President Joice Mujuru, apparently in bid a to canvas for her support.

To Coltart, that came as no surprise to him.

“I am not surprised to learn from President Mugabe’s statement that after I left Ministry, there were some who tried again to get the Games moved to Harare. No doubt this was a case put forward by those who had opposed me on this issue from the beginning and who thought that once I was out of office it would be easy to roll Cabinet over on the matter. In this regard I am obviously pleased and grateful that President Mugabe maintained his support for the Games to be held in Bulawayo,” said the former Cabinet Minister.

Timoth Makohliso Midlands Reporter
A POLICE officer based at Maboleni Base in Lower Gweru has been playing rich at the local business centre drinking beer regularly using money paid as fines by suspects. Constable Ishmael Dzimbanhete Munyanyiwa, 35, of ZRP Maboleni, was fined $50 (or 30 days) by Gweru magistrate Vimbai Makora. The police constable who was facing two counts of theft was partially relieved when Makora acquitted him on the other charge.

For the state, Andrew Marimo told the court that on June 20 at around 8AM, Munyanyiwa was handed over the charge office with all the station equipment and assets by Constable Bernard Mujaji who was knocking off.

Marimo said among the assets handed over to Munyanyiwa was a recording book, Z69 (J) and $20 cash which was supposed to be handed to the administration office for banking.

Marimo said Munyanyiwa kept the money to himself.
The court heard that Cst Munyanyiwa went  parting with the state’s money.

Marimo said the matter then came to light on June 23 when a Sergeant Maramwidze  audited the Z69 book where the money collected is recorded.
It was discovered that the money was missing.

The court heard that Sergeant Maramwidze instituted an inquiry into the movement of the said money and found out that Cst Munyanyiwa was the last person to have handled it.

Marimo said Cst Munyanyiwa was informed of the missing money and he admitted to have taken the money and requested for time to look for it so that he could replace it, which he eventually did.

Thubelihle Mabhena Chronicle Reporter
PEOPLE should aspire for party leadership positions to benefit the party and the country and not for personal gain, Zanu-PF Bulawayo provincial chairman Professor Calistus Ndlovu said. Addressing members of the Provincial Co-ordinating Committee at Davies Hall yesterday, Prof Ndlovu said people should avoid using money to get elected for party posts.

“People are free to be ambitious but not to have selfish ambitions. People should not go out misusing money buying votes.
“We want a disciplined, unified party. Members should stop opportunism because as a party we can’t afford to be irresponsible.

“Today we’re building a country for the betterment of our children and not to enslave them.
“Stop using opportunism to divide and create falsehood in the party, let’s be mature and defend the interests of the people,” he said.

Prof Ndlovu said President Mugabe was angered by some party leaders who he said were jostling for leadership positions and creating divisions within the party, instead of serving the people.

“There should be unity in the party and respect for individuals and the nation itself,” he said.
Addressing the same meeting, the recently elected deputy secretary for women’s affairs, Cde Nomthandazo Eunice Moyo, who is also the Minister of Provincial Affairs in Bulawayo, said there was a need for party members to work together for the growth of the party and the country.

“Let’s work as a united front as we’re representing the people’s interests. We’ve issues we cannot solve because of dis-unity,” she said.
The meeting also saw the recently elected Women’s League national executive members being presented to the provincial leadership.
These were Cde Moyo, Cde Judith Ncube, secretary for land, Cde Esnath Moyo, deputy secretary for labour and Cde Rose Phiri, deputy secretary for business liaison.

Minister Patrick Chinamasa

Harare Bureau
In an unprecedented development in Zimbabwe, the head of the IMF mission to Harare Domenico Fanezzi, will share a public platform with the Minister of Finance and Economic Development Patrick Chinamasa in Harare tomorrow. This development marks a new chapter in Zimbabwe’s relations with the multilateral institution whose engagement in the past has been frosty and comes in the wake of a new momentum in the country’s efforts to revive the economy following the historic agreements to support major infrastructure development projects with China and Russia.

It is a clear sign that the government is committed to re-engaging all its development partners as there has been normalisation of dialogue with the IMF, African Development Bank, the World Bank and the European Bank. It is against this background that the IMF reopened its country office in July following which the current visit by the IMF mission is not just the usual Article 4 consultations, which are due for a third review, but also involves substantive negotiations on a successor staff monitored policy programme after the expiry of the earlier one.

The breakfast forum facilitated by Herald Business, will give Minister Chinamasa and Fanezzi a rare public opportunity to constructively interact and engage with the full spectrum of the local business community on the country’s economic future focusing on major economic policies on fiscal and monetary issues.

The forum will be moderated by Busisa Moyo, who is the current president of the Confederation of Zimbabwean Industries Matabeleland chapter while Dairibord Zimbabwe CEO, Anthony Mandiwanza and former World Bank country manager for Zimbabwe, Nginya Mungai and Zimbabwean businessman, JR Goddard will be the discussants.

Business Herald has been promoting and facilitating these forums in the interest of promoting national efforts for the government and the private sector to engage each other in the spirit of the Zim-Asset.

Caesar Zvayi at the United Nations
PRESIDENT Mugabe arrived here on Saturday to attend the 69th Session of the United Nations General Assembly. The session starts tomorrow with UN Secretary-General Ban Ki Moon calling on world leaders to unite in the face of the myriad devastating crises to uphold human dignity, the rule of law and the principles of the UN Charter.

World leaders gather at a troubled time for the UN that analysts say risks going the way of its predecessor, the League of Nations, that twice failed to save the world from the scourge of war.

Then it was the sabre-rattling Germany, but today it is the nation that plays host to the UN, the United States that is war-mongering all over the world.

Ban Ki Moon expressed hope that world leaders will be able to tackle the horrendous violence in Syria and Iraq, where conflict and governance failures spawned by US expansionism have provided a breeding ground for extremism.

The Palestinians once again cry for justice in the wake of “yet another needless and devastating war” in Gaza, Israelis and Palestinians seem more polarized than ever.
International consensus, Ban Ki Moon said, was critical to address the challenges posed in an increasingly complex world.

He said world leaders must act against serious threats to global and regional peace and security including in Ukraine, Libya, Mali, South Sudan and the Central African Republic. In Nigeria, the advances of Boko Haram grow more alarming every day.

Sam Kahamba Kutesa, Uganda’s foreign minister who was elected president of the 69th UNGA in June envisioned a momentous year for the world body as he saw a historic opportunity to formulate a post-2015 development agenda that is transformative, brings tangible results in fighting poverty, and leads to improving lives of all people.

“We’ll commemorate the 70th anniversary of its founding, the 20th anniversary of the ground-breaking Beijing Conference, 15 years since the adoption of the Millennium Declaration and 10 years since the World Summit of 2005,” Kutesa was quoted as saying.

President Mugabe, who is accompanied by First Lady Dr Grace Mugabe, Foreign Affairs Minister Simbarashe Mumbengegwi; Environment, Water and Climate Minister Saviour Kasukuwere and several senior government officials, was welcomed at JFK International airport by ambassador to the UN Fredrick Shava and his wife, ambassador to Namibia Rofina Chikava, Defence attache Air Commodore Simon Nyowani and embassy staff.

The 193-member’s grand debate runs from Wednesday, September 24, through Wednesday, October 1, under the theme, “Delivering on and implementing a Transformative Post-2015 Development Agenda.”

The heads of state and government will take turns at the podium to deliberate the world’s most pressing issues.
Three high-level thematic debates and one high-level event will be convened during this session, according to the UNGA president.

“The main objective of the debates and event is to provide an opportunity for member states and all relevant stakeholders to have in-depth deliberations on the selected topics, in an interactive and participatory manner, with a view to making contributions to the process of formulating the post-2015 development agenda,” the UNGA president said.

One of the thematic debates Kutesa has planned for the session will focus on implementing the new development agenda and on how to mobilise resources.
And the second debate, to be held in March 2015, will focus on “advancing gender equality and the empowerment of women in the post-2015 development agenda.”