Sandra Ndebele

Bongani Ndlovu, Showbiz Correspondent
DANCER-cum-singer Sandra Ndebele is a woman on a roll.

She is set to release another sizzling music video for her second single Tshibilika later this month.

Sandy, as Ndebele is warmly known by some, has been riding high on the song Ingoma which has garnered nearly 200 000 views on video sharing site YouTube.

Working with award winning producer Andy Cutta and featuring Afro house musician Leeknotic, Tshibilika was shot at Bulawayo night spot Tin Cup on Monday. The Afro pop house track was produced by Leeknotic and recorded at Afro Platinum in the city.

Ndebele said she had called on people to come help her record the music video and the response was overwhelming.

“There were many people of many colours and creeds that came to the music video’s shoot. I didn’t think so many people would come and support me. I’d like to thank everyone who came through for the shoot,” said Ndebele.

She said from the visuals, the music video would also contend to be shown on Trace Africa and Zambezi Magic.

“I liked what Andy Cutta showed me and it’ll make it to the DStv platforms Trace Africa and Zambezi Magic. It’s great working with an award winning producer like Andy Cutta, he knows what I want and translates it beautifully on the music video,” said Ndebele.

Turning to Ingoma, Ndebele said she was impressed that it will feature on Trace Africa.

“On May 15, the song will start playing on Trace Africa. I’m happy that this will expose me to other markets and people can see what I can do. I’m also amazed that the music video has gone to nearly 200 000 views on YouTube. It shows that there’s something good that I’m doing,” she said.

-@bonganinkunzi

Dazzy Kapenya

Ricky Zililo, Senior Sports Reporter
AMBITIOUS Zifa Southern Region Division One League side Casmyn are set to unveil former national team and Highlanders defender Dazzy Kapenya as the head coach tomorrow.

Kapenya, the 2002 Premiership Soccer Star of the Year, will replace Mduduzi Mpofu, who left Casmyn to join Division One table-toppers Bulawayo Chiefs as assistant to Thulani Sibanda.

Sources within Casmyn said Kapenya, who was spotted in the company of the club’s executive when they beat Amagagasi 2-0 and in their 3-2 away win against Chiwororo, is expected to sign his contract today.

“The executive has settled for Dazzy (Kapenya) following interviews held a few weeks back. The club is now working on paperwork and he should be signing his contract today, but will be unveiled before the club’s supporters at home on Saturday when Casmyn take on Makomo,” said the source.

Another source revealed that Kapenya beat How Mine development coach Sheunesu Chaka, Joseph Michael and former Highlanders, Bantu Rovers and Twalumba winger Fortune Ncube.

Casmyn, who are second on the league table with seven points from three games, will be hoping Kapenya can help them challenge for the league title.

Casmyn vice-chairman Erick Chipangura could neither confirm nor deny that they had settled for Kapenya.

“We’ve identified the person to take charge of the team, but I can’t tell you who that person is because he is yet to put pen to paper. Once he signs his contract, we will let you know,” Chipangura said.

Efforts to get a comment from Kapenya were fruitless as he was not picking up his phone.

Casmyn started the season with a 0-0 draw against Black Boots before collecting maximum points against championship favourites Amagagasi and new boys Chiwororo.

Some of the players behind Casmyn’s charge for honours include wingback Webster Kondowe, who scored a brace in the 3-2 win over Chiwororo, captain Charles Murusha and former Highlanders and Lancashire Steel winger Wellington Grippa Sibanda.

They also have ex-Black Boots holding midfielder Golden Kamanga, striker Brian Muza and attacking midfielder Wellington Sinyolo, who have been impressive in the opening stages of the season.

Fixtures

Tomorrow: Bulawayo Chiefs v Black Boots (Hartsfield, 12PM), Casmyn v Makomo (Turk Mine), Talen Vision v Indlovu    Iyanyathela (Luveve, 12PM), Mosi Rovers v Bosso 90 (Victoria Falls), ZRP Bulawayo Province v Amagagasi (Fairbridge), ZPC Hwange (BYE)

Sunday: Zim Leopards v Victoria Falls Tigers (White City, 1PM)

Week Three Results

Saturday: ZPC Hwange 1-0 Zim Leopards, Victoria Falls Tigers 1-3 Bulawayo Chiefs, Black Boots 0-4 ZRP Bulawayo Province, Amagagasi v Moto Moto (cancelled), Chiwororo 2-3 Casmyn, Makomo 0-1 Talen Vision, Indlovu Iyanyathela 5-0 Mosi Rovers, Bosso 90 (BYE)

— @ZililoR

Chief Justice Godfrey Chidyausiku

Justice Godfrey Guwa Chidyausiku, who served in local politics in the 1970s and the early years of our Independence and in the judiciary until March was one of the country’s best brains.

His death in South Africa on Wednesday due to kidney and liver complications at the age of 70 is therefore a tremendous loss, not only for his family but the nation as a whole.

After reading law between 1968 and 1972, Justice Chidyausiku practised for a few years before his election to Parliament in 1974 representing the African National Council that had been formed by Zanu, Zapu and Frolizi. He did much to oppose Ian Smith’s regime for three years before he left politics.  His work in parliament then had much gravitas and legitimacy given that he was representing the revolutionary movement.

He returned to politics at Independence in 1980 when he was elected on the Zanu-PF list and was appointed deputy minister of local government and later of justice. Justice Chidyausiku again left politics, never to return, when he became the Attorney General in 1982.

In 2000 Justice Chidyausiku accepted probably his most challenging job then, that of steering the drafting of the country’s first home-grown constitution.

It indeed was an onerous assignment if one considers the time context of his assignment — when emotions were boiling over as blacks were agitating for the reclamation of their land from whites, who at that time were refusing to budge and were receiving support from the Anglo-Saxon world. The draft constitution ended up being a contest over the land question, becoming the deciding factor whether it was to be endorsed in the referendum or not. The

“No” vote prevailed, not because it was a bad law, but because it contained a clause that sought to give constitutional backing to the land reform programme.

A year later, Justice Chidyausiku became the Chief Justice after the resignation of Justice Antony Gubbay in March 2001. Justice Gubbay, a white judge, had angered blacks and the Government by openly opposing the then fledging fast track land reform and redistribution programme. He had to be replaced by a person who had a better grasp of the law and its relationship with the national good.  That person had to be Justice Chidyausiku.

“To indigenise means to appoint black lawyers. There is no question about it. This is a black country,” the then Minister of Justice, Legal and Parliamentary Affairs, Cde Patrick Chinamasa, said explaining Justice Chidyausiku elevation.

He is better known for leading the Supreme Court bench which handed down an important judgment on the fast track land reform and redistribution programme.  On December 4, 2001, the bench he led declared the land reclamation exercise as legal, adding that the rule of law was actually prevailing on commercial farms.

“To expect the applicant to bring a totally crime-free environment in the commercial farming areas of Zimbabwe would be inconsistent with the concept of the rule of law and its practical application. — The land reform programme is a matter of social justice and not strictly speaking a legal issue,” he declared.

That was a landmark judgment pronounced by Justice Chidyausiku. It cleared the way for the repossession of land that had been taken away by whites through military conquest and plain brute force and with no regard to the rule of law between 1890 and 1979.

Certainly if he had continued in his old position, Justice Gubbay would not have ruled in the same way.

“Look at Gubbay, a very nice man,” said President Mugabe at the time. “But they (judges) drank tea with whites. They sympathise with the whites and cannot be seen to pass judgments against the (white) farmers.”

We are saddened by Justice Chidyausiku’s death because it came at a very untimely moment, just as he was beginning to enjoy his much deserved rest after 43 years of serving his motherland.

However, he leaves a rich legacy of patriotism, hard work, professionalism and consistency even in the face of daunting odds. He played a massive role, through his interpretation of the law, to advance key national policies and programmes.

Without him leading the judiciary, the land reform programme might not have been the success it has been and an enduring lesson it has been for the world’s dispossessed peoples. Without him, the courts could possibly have reversed a popular programme that sought to redress a historical grievance over which tens of thousands died fighting during the First and Second Chimurenga/Umvukela and other systematic, more localised killings that happened as whites gobbled up the land.

We wonder what sort of justice that was going to be, one that tolerates such social injustice. The injustice of having the rightful owners of a resource crammed in small, rocky and infertile pieces of land while the ultimate pillagers frolicked on ill-gotten, expansive fertile farms.

Rest in Peace Son of the Soil, as fine a jurist as they come.

Oliver Kazunga, Senior Business Reporter
CREDITORS of the troubled Hwange Colliery Company Limited (HCCL) have voted in favour of the scheme of arrangement expected to be the starting point for the company to settle its $352 million debt.

The colliery, which owes different creditors, last week held a scheme meeting in Harare where a majority of the creditors voted in favour of the scheme of arrangement.

In an update on the results of the scheme meeting, the scheme chairperson Mr Andrew Lawson indicated that 71 creditors of the 80 that attended the meeting voted in favour of the scheme. Creditors opposed to the scheme of arrangement were eight while one abstained.

Had the creditors rejected the scheme of arrangement, HCCL management could have looked at other options such as judicial management.

In a statement, HCCL managing director Engineer Thomas Makore said:

“A substantial number of creditors attended the meeting and others through their proxies. The meeting was chaired by Mr A Lawson in the presence of legal advisors, financial advisors and scrutinisers. The Creditors resoundingly voted yes in support of the Scheme of Arrangement”.

Eng Makore said Hwange colliery was grateful and acknowledged the decision made as a watershed and turning point in the firm’s strategic plans.

“The scheme of arrangement documents were submitted to the High Court for sanction. Thereafter, it will be implementation of the scheme plan,” he said.

The HCCL boss stated that the scheme of arrangement affords the coal producer an operating space to implement business and turnaround plans.

“The company’s assets are protected through the scheme of arrangement.

“As part of its strategy, the company will convert current to long term liabilities and seek working capital facilities from banks . . . Adequate supply of coal to the national electricity utility will remain a priority while supply of profitable coal and coke grades to industry and export markets will ensure that the company operates profitably and meets its obligations in terms of the scheme of arrangement and monthly operating expenses,” said Eng Makore.

It is believed that the financial resources will be channelled towards production activities at opencast and underground mines as well as metallurgical operations so that production volumes increase to above break-even point.

Between 2015 and last year, the colliery was faced with a myriad of litigations and writs of executions as its revenue base shrunk from $67 million to $39 million. Workers had also taken the company to court demanding judicial management as an option citing a string of alleged mismanagement and corruption charges against the top executives. The company has been failing to pay workers for several months.

It is also hoped that the scheme of arrangement will go a long way in facilitating the turnaround strategy of the colliery, once Zimbabwe’s largest coal producer.

The firm has already indicated plans to convert current to long-term liabilities and seek short to medium and long-term working capital facilities from banks.

Last month, Eng Makore announced that his organisation had secured two 25-year coal supply agreements with the Zimbabwe Power Company and an independent power producer, Lusulu Power in Matabeleland North.

The agreements, which would see HCCL producing 400 million tonnes of coal per month, were part of the initiatives to support and sustain the colliery’s turnaround strategy.

In 2015, the Government granted HCCL three new concessions in Western Area, Lubimbi East and West following concerns that the colliery’s present concessions would run out within five years.

The new concessions, which are expected to prolong the lifespan of Hwange by 50-70 years, have an estimated resource of about 750 million tonnes of mainly coking coal and thermal coal.

HCCL targets to improve production volumes from 40 000 tonnes per month at present to 500 000 tonnes per month in the long-term.

— @okazunga.

Madlela S’khobokhobo

Danisa Masuku, Showbiz Correspondent
POPULAR comedian  and signer Madlela S’khobokhobo has released a single, Thina siyiBosso — dedicated to his favourite team — Highlanders FC.

Known for hit track, Ngamnanka uSaMaMoe, the musician said the single was inspired by his love for the team he grew up supporting.

He said it was meant to encourage Highlanders supporters to cheer the team even if the chips are down.

“As an ardent Highlanders supporter, I’ve noted with concern that some of the supporters’ don’t cheer the team when it’s losing. Instead, they start to throw missiles onto the football pitch. As supporters, we have to desist from such unbecoming behaviour because it’s bad for the team as it’ll have to pay a fine,” said Madlela.

“The song is meant to cultivate a sense of responsibility and love to the supporters.”

Thina SiyiBosso features veteran broadcaster Ezra Tshisa Sibanda who does a commentary on the song. It also features Maskandi artiste Do It. Mthabisi, a former guitarist with Jeys Marabini plays the lead, rhythm and bass guitar.

The song was produced by popular artiste Unity Moyo, formerly with Achuzi.

Madlela said fans could buy the song online via iTunes adding that they were working on availing it as a caller tune for various mobile phone networks.

The track will be included on his forthcoming album due for release in September.

For now, the artiste is hard at work rehearsing for his performance at the Bulawayo Amphitheatre tomorrow where Martin Sibanda and his Ndolwane Super Sounds will be launching their album.

Erol Akbay

Ricky Zililo, Senior Sports Reporter
HIGHLANDERS might be sitting at the top of the Castle Lager Premiership table, but coach Erol Akbay is having sleepless nights.

The Dutchman revealed at the club’s weekly press conference yesterday that he was feeling the heat of leading the technical team of the country’s oldest club.

Highlanders sit on 12 points from five matches, two points clear of second-placed Ngezi Platinum Stars, who have played a game more.

“At Highlanders every week there’s pressure. Everyone expects you to win because you are a big club and that puts pressure. My players understand the pressure we face week in week out and that’s why we try to win every game, but it’s not easy as we have to work hard.

“As it is, we’re at the top and I’ll be lying if I say I don’t feel the pressure. I feel it (pressure) and we’ve to make this positive pressure, work on playing good football and do well,” said Akbay.

The Dutchman is in the last season of his two-year contract and is hard-pressed to deliver the league title that Bosso last laid their hands on in 2006 under then coach Methembe Ndlovu.

Last season Akbay led Bosso to a third place finish, giving hope to Bosso fans that 2017 could be the Bulawayo giants’ year.

However, the road to the championship won’t be easy, as there are other coaches that are under pressure to win the coveted PSL title as well.

Although most gaffers and the clubs are coy on declaring their championship aspirations, some teams and coaches hard pressed to deliver include Lloyd Chitembwe from champions Caps United, last season’s runners-up FC Platinum coached by Norman Mapeza. Tonderai Ndiraya of Ngezi Platinum Stars, whose side took part in the Caf Confederations Cup, 2015 champions Chicken Inn, who are under the tutelage of Rahman Gumbo, Sunday Chidzambwa’s ZPC Kariba as well as Lloyd Mutasa and Dynamos are all drooling for the title.

To remain on course for the championship, Akbay, who chooses to be diplomatic whenever asked about the title race, needs to avoid dropping points willy-nilly.

Highlanders also need to beat fellow title contenders to enhance their chances of winning the league.

“What is important for us is to play good football and win our games,” said Akbay.

His side received a rude awakening in Week Two, going down 0-1 to Shabanie Mine at home having started their season with a 2-0 win over Bulawayo City.

Since losing to Shabanie Mine, Highlanders have gone on to register victories against ZPC Kariba (3-2), Tsholotsho FC (2-1) and last Sunday’s 1-0 win over Ngezi Platinum.

Still on the positive, Highlanders have managed to bag 12 points, up from 10 they had at this point of the season in 2016.

Tomorrow Highlanders take on Chapungu in Gweru, a side which gave them a hard time in their last meeting at Ascot Stadium where the Bulawayo giants needed a late goal from Prince Dube to collect maximum points.

Dube has been in fine form for Highlanders, scoring three of the club’s eight goals and his partnership with Rodrick Mutuma, who broke his duck when Bosso beat Tsholotsho FC 2-1 in Beitbridge, will be trusted to unlock Chapungu’s defence.

However, tomorrow’s game will not be a walk in the park, as Chapungu are still searching for their first victory of the season and go into the match smarting from a 4-0 loss to Caps United.

PSL Match Day Seven Fixtures

Tomorrow: ZPC Kariba v Bulawayo City (Nyamhunga), Tsholotsho FC v Harare City (Dulivhadzimo), Ngezi Platinum v Shabanie Mine (Baobab), Chapungu v Highlanders (Ascot), Bantu Rovers v Yadah FC (Luveve)

Sunday: Chicken Inn v How Mine (Luveve), FC Platinum v Hwange (Maglas), Triangle United v Black Rhinos (Gibbo)

— @ZililoR

President Mugabe

Victoria Ruzvidzo and Darlington Musarurwa in Durban, South Africa
PRESIDENT Mugabe has dismissed assertions that Zimbabwe is a fragile state, stressing that those that labelled it so were misguided and ill-informed about the state of development in the country.

Speaking at the World Economic Forum on Africa here yesterday, President Mugabe said Zimbabwe was one of the most developed countries in Africa and did not exhibit traits of a fragile state.

“Zimbabwe is one of the most highly developed countries in Africa and after South Africa I want to know which country has that level of development that we have in Zimbabwe.

“We have 14 universities, our literacy is over 90 percent and it’s the highest in Africa. Yes, we have our problems. Yes, certainly, but we have resources more than an average country in the world.”

He said Zimbabwe was endowed with natural resources such as gold and diamonds, while the country was expecting a bumper harvest this year for crops that include maize, cotton and tobacco.

“We are not a poor country and we can’t be fragile with these resources. If someone wants to call us fragile, they are free to do so. I can call America fragile.

“They went on their knees at one time and they were assisted, some of their companies.”

A United States-based think tank Fund for Peace in collaboration with Foreign Policy Magazine ranked Zimbabwe as a fragile state.

The ranking, which has stirred controversy since it started in 2005, ostensibly assesses vulnerability to conflict or collapse.

Mr David Rothkopf — the publisher of the Peace Magazine — has also been questioned for his links with the US administration.

Rothkopf is the founder of Intellibridge Corporation, a provider of “open-intelligence” for the US “national security community”, among other clients.

Before founding the company, he was the managing director of Kissinger Associates, the international advisory firm founded by former US secretary of state Henry Kissinger.

South African President Jacob Zuma, who met President Mugabe later in the day for bi-lateral talks, said he agreed with President Mugabe’s take.

Briefing local journalists after the meeting with the President, the South African President said: “Well, I think the President answered that very well in the discussion because he indicated and said it is the view of others to call it fragile, but as far as he is concerned he described how Zimbabwe is, and I agree with the President.”

Immediate past president of the African Development Bank (AfDB) Dr Donald Kaberuka also noted that there is a tendency of appropriating the term on African countries only, which is not correct.

Experts, he argued, had to focus more on the concept of fragility and not fragile states as almost every country was arguably fragile to some extent.

“The idea of fragile states is an old concept. There are no fragile states. Every country has got elements of fragility. Anyway for people in this room I think you should remember that before 1945, the areas with the largest fragility were in the European Union space. In fact, the whole construct of post-1945 multi-lateralism was built on European problems. By 1960 when many of the countries in Africa were getting independent; in fact Asia at the time was the continent were the elements we refer now as fragility were most dominant.”

Bretton Woods Institutions — the World Bank group and the International Monetary Fund (IMF) — were formed to respond to the critical need by European countries to rebuild from the ruins of World War II, which ended in September 1945.

Dr Kaberuka however urged African leaders to deal with elements of fragility on the continent, which seemed to be worsening in recent times.

“For instance, famine in Sudan is not an issue of drought but it’s an issue of governance, of power and of failure to attend to the concerns of the people,” he said.

Delegates from Zimbabwe’s private sector attending the forum here said President Mugabe’s view was beyond contestation.

Old Mutual Africa Emerging Markets chief executive officer for Rest of Africa Mr Jonas Mushosho said the veteran statesman’s views are consistent with those that are widely held in the market as fragility should be viewed within the context of every state.

“Fragility should not be seen in the light of states. There is an element of fragility and solidity in every state,” he said, stressing that Zimbabwe’s participation at the WEF 2017 was highly commendable.

“If you have the state of the world being discussed as is the case here, then it’s very positive that the President and so many ministers are here to listen to other views. We will emerge richer by tapping into what is happening around us.

Mr Rinos Mautsa, who is part of the World Economic Forum Global Shapers community, said the President’s principled stand against attacks from countries wishing Zimbabwe ill was encouraging for the youths.

“As youths we commend the President for standing up for our country and for emphasising that governments are duty-bound to create employment for the young as a critical component of the development process.

“Fragility is a highly contested phenomenon. What matters most in the end is who is conceptualising it, at what time and with what intentions. Zimbabwe, like any other country has its fair share of challenges but to refer to it as a fragile state is a totally misconstrued assertion,” he said.

The Global Shapers community is a network that is led by young people who are considered to have a passion to develop their communities.

Asked about the role youths could play in shaping the continent’s future, President Mugabe indicated that they needed to be oriented in order to play a meaningful role in economic development.

“It depends on the situation, but I think the issue of the youths can be addressed in a number of ways. First of all, we have to educate them in order for them to take some part in the development of the economy, so they can have, and if they take as many as 11 or more years at school — in our case we want them to go up to at least ‘O’ level — but in other countries it might be different.

“And even in our case they want to proceed much further, which is good, to ‘A’ level, secondary education, and university, but you cannot accommodate them all at the universities. You could have (them) have diplomas at the tertiary training programmes; that’s that.

“Practical work also, they must have,” he counselled.

“They can be trained as carpenters, as technicians and so on. That is one area. But they also want to take part in politics, and we have organised them.

Parties depend on the youth for viability — youths and the women for viability. But politics, as politics, that does give them money, you know; it’s to get them into a situation where they can support the Government.”

According to President Mugabe, civil unrest on the African continent is being stoked in some cases by the fact that youths become impatient with the pace of economic growth, especially in cases where investment remains low.

“In our situation, our economies are still developing and are not able to grow at a speed which can absorb the employment of the youth and the population of the young, both boys and girls.

“These young ones look up to government to give them employment, so governments must do everything in order to ensure that they have food and beyond food.”

The WEF ends here today.

The ambulance which crashed into another car in Bulawayo yesterday

Nqobile TshiliChronicle Correspondent
THREE people were injured and rushed to United Bulawayo Hospitals (UBH) following an accident involving an ambulance and a private vehicle in Bulawayo’s central business district yesterday.

The accident occurred at the intersection of Leopold Takawira Avenue and Robert Mugabe Way around 8AM.

Bulawayo’s Chief Fire Officer Mr Richard Peterson said the ambulance was rushing to an accident scene when it crashed into the other vehicle.

Mr Peterson said the driver of the ambulance and two people who were in the other vehicle were rushed to hospital.

“Our driver was taken to UBH complaining of neck and shoulder pains before he was later moved to a specialist. The driver of the other vehicle and his passenger were also taken to the same hospital with minor injuries,” said Mr Peterson.

He said it was worrying that some motorists were not giving the right of way to emergency services.

Mr Peterson said the ambulance driver was rushing to an accident scene where four vehicles had piled up.  Details of the pile up could not be established.

“Our driver was responding to a road traffic accident which occurred along Leopold Takawira Avenue where four vehicles had piled up. Our driver was moving along Leopold Takawira Avenue before crashing into another vehicle at the intersection of Leopold Takawira and Robert Mugabe Way. As a result of the accident our vehicle became a write off,” said Mr Peterson.

“It’s not the first time our vehicles have been involved in road traffic accidents. We call on motorists to observe the rules of the road and provide passage for emergency services responding to save lives. As a result of this accident our driver did not reach those who needed help,” he said.

Mr Peterson said the accident also meant that the council was an ambulance down, which he said would retard efficiency.

The council is already limping in the ambulance department due to a botched deal which saw the municipality losing about a $100 000 ambulance vehicle tender to Harare briefcase companies.

Mr Peterson appealed for private sector to partner with the city in the emergency department.

— @nqotshili.

VP Emmerson Mnangagwa reads the plaque on the refurbished ward at Masvingo General Hospital during a tour of the institution yesterday

Walter Mswazie, Masvingo Correspondent
CHURCHES in Zimbabwe should pray for peace and unity as the country will soon be preparing for harmonised elections scheduled for next year, Vice President Emmerson Mnangagwa said yesterday.

Addressing Seventh-Day Adventist (SDA) congregants, Zanu-PF members and Government officials during a handover ceremony of a refurbished private ward at Masvingo General Hospital to the Ministry of Health and Child Care, VP Mnangagwa called on the SDA and other churches to pray for peace during the elections.

VP Mnangagwa who was also the guest of honour hailed the SDA for supporting Government’s Zim-Asset aspirations through refurbishing health facilities.

He said the country’s leadership is happy when churches preach to promote peace, love and unity.

The church refurbished the ward into a state-of-the-art structure at a cost of $40 000, provided new linen that include three blankets for each bed, sheets, pillows and electrical fittings.

The church provided satellite television, put a new ceiling, repaired window panes and painted the private ward as well as landscaping.

The SDA drilled a borehole at the hospital, donated prison uniforms to Mutimurefu Prisons, baptised 120 inmates and trained over 200 of them in Bible courses.

“We are happy that the SDA and other church denominations prayed for the rains and God gave the country the rains which have seen us having successful Command Agriculture. I also implore the SDA and other churches to pray for the nation as we are approaching 2018 harmonised elections. We want our people to have peace and unity during these elections. It is in this spirit that I challenge all churches and religious denominations to preach peace, tolerance and productivity for our great nation,” said VP Mnangagwa.

He said the Government embraces the concept of Public and Private Partnerships (PPP) where churches like the SDA have assisted the Ministry of Health and Child Care in the improvement of health delivery system.

He said the church has since 1980 been actively promoting the provision of health care.

“The new private ward here is a success story of collaboration and development. I am advised that this kind of gesture by the SDA church has become an annual event. In 2015 for example, a ward was refurbished at Harare General Hospital. In 2016, a similar partnership introduced a private ward at Gwanda Provincial Hospital,” he said.

He hailed the SDA for their devotion to the service and well-being of Zimbabweans. He said last month the SDA held a successful health expo at the civic centre in Masvingo offering free treatment to the community where about 3 000 people benefitted.

“I also want to point out that our country’s supreme law, Constitution of Zimbabwe Amendment (No: 20) Act acknowledges the supremacy of the Almighty God, in whose hands our future lies. In addition, the constitution extols the centrality of unity, peace, hard work and tolerance as critical building blocks for development,” he added.

Speaking at the same occasion Masvingo Minister of State for provincial affairs Cde Shuvai Mahofa hailed the SDA for helping the Ministry of Health and Child Care in refurbishing health facilities. She said the SDA should also help abused children.

SDA Zimbabwe Union Conference president Pastor Dr Micah Choga said the church has established 57 preaching sites in and around Masvingo to promote the concept of evangelism which is their engine.

Present at the occasion were SDA secretary general Dr Enock Chifamba, Masvingo MPs, Minister of Psychomotor Activities in Education Cde Josiah Hungwe, Deputy Minister of Agriculture, Mechanisation and Irrigation Development Cde Davis Marapira, Masvingo Provincial Medical Director Dr Amadeaus Shamu, Masvingo General Hospital staff, SDA congregants, Zanu-PF members among others.

— @walterbmswazie3

Arnold Schwarznegger (middle) addressing journalists on the opening day of Arnold Classic Africa at Sandton Convention Centre in Johannesburg, South Africa

Mehluli Sibanda in Johannesburg, South Africa
ZIMBABWEAN athletes taking part in the second edition of Arnold Classic Africa at Sandton Convention Centre enjoyed a great start with two of the three who competed yesterday managing to finish in credible positions.

Michael Shoniwa settled for third place in the Junior Classic Bodybuilding which had five competitors while Juandre Nel was fifth out of 12 in the Junior Men Under-23 Bodybuilding. The other Zimbabwean, Kirsty Baxter who entered the Masters Women Bikini Fitness failed to get a placing.

The performance of Shoniwa and Nel must have impressed the National Federation of Zimbabwe Body Building and Fitness leadership, president Kenneth Murungweni and spokesperson Quiet Shangai who are attending the biggest multi sport show on the continent.

Arnold Schwarzenegger, the man behind Arnold Classic Africa said that they believe in equality for all human beings by promoting health and fitness for everyone all over the world as Arnold Classic takes place in six continents.

“Our competition the Arnold Classic is the Olympics of the ordinary folks, anyone, we are the most inclusive organisation that you can find. We don’t care if you are young or old, woman or man, handicapped physically. We believe as the Arnold Classic organisation that every human being has the right to be healthy and to be fit and to participate in sports,’’ said Schwarzenegger.

He expressed his gratitude to the South African government for its continued support of Arnold Classic. Yesterday’ s press conference was attended by Gauteng Premier David Makhura, South Africa African Sports Confederation and Olympic Committee president Gideon Sam, Gauteng MEC for sports Faith Mazibuko as well partner and promoter of Arnold Classic Africa Wayne Price.

The event enters its second day today with more Zimbabwean bodybuilders taking to the stage. Zimbabwe has 23 competitors taking part in various categories at Arnold Classic.

— @Mdawini_29

Cde Chombo

Freeman Razemba and Fidelis Munyoro
The Government has written to the police giving the force the green light to use spikes and guns to stop vehicles only in extreme cases of criminality, but ordered the implementation of an earlier instruction to reduce the number of roadblocks.

Home Affairs Minister Dr Ignatius Chombo said yesterday that he wrote to Police Commissioner-General Dr Augustine Chihuri with the instructions following complaints received by his ministry from the public.

“The ministry received several reports concerning roadblocks which are said to be very close to each other,” he said.

Dr Chombo said he told Dr Chihuri and his team to rationalise the roadblocks.

“For example, in Epworth as a district, there should be at least two roadblocks that are at distances that are reasonable,”he said.

Dr Chombo said the use of spikes came into effect after several police officers were being ran over by kombi drivers trying to evade roadblocks.

“However, what we are saying now is that these roadblocks (rationalised ones) should have spikes,” he said. “Both guns and spikes should only be used in extreme cases at these roadblocks and that is the advice given to the police by the Government.

Dr Chombo said they had noted that there were some places, especially in rural areas, where spikes were unnecessary.

“In rural areas, no one can run away from the police and it is not necessary to use spikes in such areas,” he said. “There are areas that they should be used when necessary and not everywhere.”

Dr Chombo warned motorists from driving in a way that would endanger passengers and police officers

Police chief spokesperson Assistant Commissioner Charity Charamba said she would be able to give finer details on the issue next week.

“It is unfortunate that I cannot give you the details now,” she said.

“I need to verify first. I will give you the details on Monday next week after making inquiries.”

Over 50 percent of tourists interviewed during a recent Zimbabwe National Statistical Agency survey said they felt harassed by heavy police presence on the roads.

A survey conducted by our Harare Bureau revealed that police officers were still using spikes, especially on routes plied by commuter omnibuses.

This was despite earlier calls from some Government officials that the spikes should be used only at roadblocks as a measure to ensure motorists complied with instructions to stop.

Last month, police said throwing spikes at moving vehicles was illegal and police officers found engaging in such practices would be dealt with accordingly.

According to the police, spikes should only be placed in front of vehicles when police officers suspect that the driver might drive away.

This came after legal experts and transport operators recently described as uncivilised, the use of spikes by police to enforce compliance, saying there were other modern and effective methods of traffic control and management.

The anti-spikes war pitting motorists and the police recently spilled into the High Court, with a human rights activist seeking an order declaring the practice of deflating vehicle tyres unconstitutional.

Zimbabwe Human Rights Association director Mr Okay Machisa filed an application at the High Court challenging the constitutionality of the practice, which has the potential of damaging property, injuring or killing people.

The court challenge was filed at a time when the issue was the subject of widespread debate.

Recently, a heated debate arose in Parliament over the use of deflating devices by the police, with most legislators slamming law enforcement agents.

At some point, Home Affairs Deputy Minister Cde Obedingwa Mguni was quoted urging members of the public who witness the “dangerous practice” to take video or photographic evidence so that the officers could be punished in the courts.

He said Government was ready to take action if law enforcers executed their duties in an unruly manner.

Tendai Chikuni

Ricky Zililo and Lovemore Zigara, Sports Reporters
CASTLE Lager Premier Soccer League pacesetters Highlanders have a gruelling encounter against winless Chapungu at Gweru’s Ascot Stadium this afternoon.

Chapungu anchor the table with just two points from six games and pressure is mounting on the airmen’s technical team and players to collect their first set of points.

Coming from a 4-0 away loss to Caps United, Chapungu will be hoping to spring a shocker and hand leaders, Bosso their second defeat of the season.

To do so, Chapungu have to be in their best form against a Highlanders side that has ruled out complacency going into today’s game.

Erol Akbay is aware of the danger posed by Chapungu to his team’s championship hopes and says Highlanders need to be “more aggressive” if they are to come out of Ascot with maximum points.

“Chapungu are a dangerous side especially now that last week they lost 4-0 to Caps United. They will certainly want to avoid losing especially before their home fans so we have to be more aggressive to get a win in Gweru. It is going to be a difficult game for us and we have to be mentally strong but we are ready for Chapungu,” said Akbay.

Highlanders will be without suspended left back Honest Moyo for the Chapungu encounter, meaning that Akbay will have to shift things around his defence.

How Akbay structures his defence line will be key this afternoon as Bukhosi Ncube who played in that position last season is out with a knee injury.

Akbay is likely to move Tendai Ngulube from his defensive midfield role to the left side of defence with Erick Mudzingwa coming in to anchor in the midfield.

Goalkeeper, Ariel Sibanda, defenders Peter Muduhwa and Tendai Ndlovu, evergreen midfielder Rahman Kutsanzira, playmaker Allan Gahadzikwa and striking pair of Prince Dube and Rodrick Mutuma will lead Bosso’s search for goals.

Chapungu gaffer Tendai Chikuni believes his side can turn the tide even though the odds are heavily staked against the airmen.

“We don’t want to approach the game with a negative mind and as such we have been psyching the guys all week in order to restore their confidence after the results of the past week. We are playing at home and we have nothing to defend and we will go all out for a win,” said Chikuni.

“We know Highlanders are on top of the table and are playing well but we will play our normal game. I know that history is against us but at times history is there to be broken,” added the Chapungu gaffer.

Chapungu will be hoping that their attack which has so far netted just three goals will come to the party against a Highlanders rearguard which has been mean in terms of leaking goals.

The airmen will be hoping that Allan Tavarwisa, veteran forward Phillip Marufu and Brighton Mugoni provide the much needed goals.

Meanwhile, Bantu Rovers play host to Yadah FC at Luveve Stadium this afternoon hoping for a victory having gone for three games without a win.

Yadah FC who are bankrolled by PHD Ministries’ Prophet Walter Magaya are likely to have an appreciative backing at Luveve with their church congregants based in Bulawayo eager to see the team which is bankrolled by their “papa”.

Rovers’ hopes will be pinned on the likes of goalkeeper Stephen Chimusoro, left back Jillen Nsingo, midfielders Lucky Ndlela and Munyaradzi Chitambwe as well as striking trio of captain Bukhosi Sibanda, Obrey Chirinda and Newman Sianchali.

Yadah FC players to watch are former national team goalkeeper Tafadzwa Dube, left back Brian Briya Chikwenya formerly with Bulawayo City and Bulawayo Chiefs as well as ex-How Mine utility player Moses Gutu.

They also have strikers Wellington Kamudyariwa and Moses Demera, skipper Brian Mapfumo and ex-FC Platinum winger Tatenda Dzumbunu capable of giving Rovers anxious moments.

Tomorrow, Chicken Inn and How Mine lock horns in a Bulawayo derby to be played at Luveve Stadium, with both sides’ confidence levels high after recording victories in their last games.

Chicken Inn made seven changes from the side that lost 0-1 to Black Rhinos and went on to beat Hwange at the Colliery Stadium 1-0 while How Mine edged Bantu Rovers 1-0.

Chicken Inn gaffer Rahman Gumbo will be hoping that his side replicate the fighting spirit they exhibited against Hwange while his How Mine counterpart Kelvin Kaindu is keen on having his strikers convert the chances that they create.

PSL Match Day Seven Fixtures

Today: ZPC Kariba v Bulawayo City (Nyamhunga), Tsholotsho FC v Harare City (Dulivhadzimo), Ngezi Platinum v Shabanie Mine (Baobab), Chapungu v Highlanders (Ascot), Bantu Rovers v Yadah FC (Luveve)

Tomorrow: Chicken Inn v How Mine (Luveve), FC Platinum v Hwange (Maglas), Triangle United v Black Rhinos (Gibbo)

POSTPONED: Dynamos v Caps United (TBA)

— @ZililoR

K.O

Bruce Ndlovu
Three years ago South African rapper K.O was on top of the world.

He had just released his blockbuster album Skhanda Republic and was in a fierce three-way tussle with fellow wordsmiths Cassper Nyovest and AKA for the number one spot in South African hip-hop.

Out of the three, some believed that K.O had the better album, as the musical vision which he had pioneered with Teargas was on the brink of full realisation under his star-studded Cashtime Life record label.

In a year in which Doc Shebeleza, Phumakim’, All Eyes on Me and other countless hits had obliterated the charts and finally managed to nudge house music from the top of the charts, his single Cara Cara was widely acknowledged as the most impactful.

If there was any song that best characterised the Skhanda movement, it was Cara Cara.

Over a laidback, swaggering beat, K.O and Cashtime Life’s resident lyricist Kid X traded fun but compelling verses. A catchy chorus ripped from an old Trompies classic gave the track a sing along quality that attracted young listeners while also managing to woo diehard kwaito lovers.

Kwaito was not dead, but instead it had been reborn with K.O and his troop of Skhanda priests playing midwife as it was reborn from the ashes.

In a matter of months bucket hats, gold chains and all stars were back in vogue as South African hip-hop’s heart was snatched from the fancy malls of Sandton and delivered,  its heart still pounding, into the dusty streets of Soweto.

The trend was followed in most major urban cities around Africa.

Three years late, however, the tables have turned on the man they call the Skhanda god. A raft of newcomers have pushed him further away from the top spot while the feuding pair of Nyovest and AKA continue to dominate.

Nomuzi Mabhena, Kid X, Ma-E and Maggz have all left Cashtime Life, leaving K.O as the solo artiste on a label that many thought was poised to takeover the industry.

In an interview with Saturday Leisure, the rapper revealed that the blame for the collapse of his empire should be heaped on artistes who were satisfied with merely hitching a ride on the Cashtime gravy train without actually contributing anything of substance.

“Everyone right now is focusing on themselves because before this we put the label in the forefront. We saw how some of the people who didn’t have music out when the label was hot were benefiting by default. These were enjoying or benefiting because of association.

“That was crippling in the long time because they didn’t get their chance to shine. But that was our way of compensating for their failure to put out enough music. So at least they got to eat even though they were not making a lot of moves or they were not forward thinking. So we told everyone that they had to focus on themselves,” said K.O.

On Friday, the two men that many thought were K.O’s rivals, Nyovest and AKA, released an album and single respectively, earning the adulation of both fans and critics.

Freed of the burden of carrying other rappers, K.O believes that it might be time for him to release another album and rewrite the blueprint of South African music.

“That is why I have Cashtime Life which is my baby and I’m focusing on my own album. I can’t really be focusing on someone else’s talent right now. I just want everyone to step up and do the same because sometimes when you reach out and offer your assistance, it’s not appreciated or reciprocated by the very person that’s not doing what they’re supposed to in the game.

“It all come back to you. You’ve people blaming you for not doing this or not doing that, overlooking everything that you have done out of the kindness of your heart. I’m trying to avoid going through that with another artiste,” he said.

Many hip-hop insiders have accused the self proclaimed Skhanda god of being a snob, something they say is typified by his refusal to work with certain artistes. Nyovest is one of the artistes who has been rumoured to be on his blacklist in the past, with K.O remarking that they was a style clash between the two which prevented them from collaborating.

His decision to pick and choose the artistes that he works with has led some to conclude that he has isolated himself, leading to his current decline.

“I never said I don’t want to do features. I don’t want to do features with artistes that don’t have a business plan around their own music. Especially if we’re collaborating on a particular song I just don’t want to throw away my time and my talent and waste it on a record that doesn’t even go anywhere.

“At least if you’re going to do a collaboration you need to somehow utilise it and not waste other people’s time and talent. So it’s just a form of appreciation.

I don’t charge for features so the least you can do is work the actual record because at the end of the day it has to be a win-win situation for both artistes on it,” he said.

With time, the foundations of his Cashtime Life label have proved to be nothing more than dust and with new rappers appearing on the scene, K.O has softened his hard-line stance on who he chooses to get into the recording booth with. For all his failings in the last few years, a K.O verse is still worth its weight in gold and according to him he will be handing out a few gems to other rappers in the next few months.

“I’m definitely looking forward to collaborating with more organised people. You’re going to hear some features on my album and you will hear more stuff I did with other outsides outside my own work,” he said.

When K.O’s Skhanda rap exploded on the scene, it held the promise of providing more than music. The movement came with a complete lifestyle of its own, transforming the fashion outlook of many youths who identified with its kwaito influenced style.

Despite the explosion of Cashtime branded fashion on the streets, K.O says that ultimately the label gained little in monetary terms.

“We learnt the hard lesson with the Cashtime Life merchandise. We saw the fake stuff spreading across Africa. We had made such a huge impact that the kids wanted it all over the continent.

“At the same time we were losing out on our own intellectual property and not cashing in on some serious revenue. This time around we’re more organised and our copyright is in order. We haven’t put it in people’s faces yet because there’re some things we need to lock down in terms of distribution locally and throughout the continent,” he said.

A man carries 2 litres of petrol bought from an illegal fuel dealer in Emganwini suburb, Bulawayo, yesterday

Andile Tshuma, Chronicle Reporter
Backyard filling stations have sprouted in Bulawayo and are being supplied cheaper fuel by enterprising locals that are smuggling the fuel from Botswana.

Bulawayo, the country’s second largest city is just 100km from Plumtree border which divides Zimbabwe and Botswana.

Locals are taking advantage of the cheaper fuel in Botswana and are smuggling it through the porous Plumtree border post and some undesignated entry points.

Most motorists now prefer the cheaper fuel being sold at the backyard filling stations despite the risk of buying contaminated fuel.

A fuel dealer said yesterday that he was buying unleaded petrol at $0.75 a litre in Botswana against an average of $1.35 being charged by local filling stations for blended fuel. The Botswana Pula is trading at 1 to 9 against the Dollar.

The backyard fuel stations are charging as little as $1,10 per litre for unleaded petrol depending on the quantity a client demands.

The Chronicle news crew went on an investigative expedition along Plumtree road, Nketa Drive, Masiyephambili drive and some parts of the Central Business district. More than 19 illegal filling stations were spotted and the sign is a two litter bottle filled with petrol placed along the road.”

Most of the motorists that are buying the fuel are pirate taxi drivers, especially drivers of the ‘notorious’ Honda Fit, which has become a face of crime in the city.

One of the fuel dealers said he makes up to $600 every month.

“There are no jobs at the moment and we are trying to earn a living from buying and selling fuel. We are taking advantage of our proximity to the Botswana border and we are supplying the Bulawayo market,” said a local fuel dealer based in Plumtree town.

He said he was buying the fuel from Francistown and taking it to Plumtree town where most of the buyers were from Bulawayo.

“We have to bribe police officers as we cross into Plumtree. We have no choice, times are hard. The police are not a problem, they suffer like us and gladly accept our bribes,” he said.

Motorists interviewed said they preferred the imported fuel as it gave them a better milage compared to the blended fuel.

“The fuel from these dealers is better because it lasts longer compared the the blended fuel. It is also cheaper compared to fuel from the pump so I save money,” said Mr Tonderai Hondo a taxi driver who plies the City Bellevue route.”

Police said the dealers risk being arrested for illegally selling fuel.

Bulawayo Police spokesperson Assistant Inspector Abednico Ncube also warned motorists against buying fuel from the illegal dealers.

He said: “Selling or buying fuel from undesignated areas is a crime. Those found on the wrong side of the law will be arrested.”

“Motorists should be careful because they run the risk of buying contaminated fuel from backyard dealers.

“The public should join hands with the police in fighting crime,” said Ass Insp Ncube.

Chief Fire Officer Mr Richard Peterson said keeping fuel at home was dangerous as those doing so risk starting fires.

“Nobody is allowed to sell any flammable liquid or gas from their home or unlicensed premises. People should stop risking their lives.

“We have often attended to fires caused by fuel kept in homes that have destroyed property or burnt people,” said Mr Peterson.

— @andile_tshuma.

VP Mnangagwa

Zvamaida Murwira, Harare Bureau
Vice President Emmerson Mnangagwa yesterday launched a $90 million funding package aimed at capacitating various upcoming businesses across the sectors and help formalise their operations to ensure they contribute to the economy.

The effort comes as the Government enhances efforts to stimulate economic growth through small to medium enterprises.

The $90 million package was facilitated by the Reserve Bank of Zimbabwe and will be administered by the Ministry of Small to Medium Enterprises and Cooperative Development in collaboration with various financial institutions.

Of the $90 million facility, $10 million will go to horticulture, $15 million to cross border traders, $40 million for the gold facility, $15 million for wwomen empowerment while $10 million has been earmarked for business linkages.

The launch, held under the theme “Promoting Financial Inclusion for Micro, wSmall and Medium Enterprises and Cooperative Development”, was attended by representatives of SMEs from different sectors, bankers and senior Government officials.

In his address, VP Mnangagwa said the funding package will complement several policy intervention measures such as Zim-Asset and the Ten Point Plan for sustained economic growth and the country’s industrialisation policy whose over-arching goal is to ensure the rapid transformation of the economy.

“As Government, we recognise the critical role played by the MSMEs and cooperatives in addressing the issue of poverty reduction, job creation and income generation,” said VP Mnangagwa.

“That is why the Ministry of SMEs and Cooperative Development, in collaboration with the RBZ have organised this important launch in order to avail funding facilities for the identified five sub-sectors.”

VP Mnangagwa said the SMEs sector had grown to become the bedrock of economic growth, as most retrenchees and graduates had been absorbed and were stimulating development.

“Given the potential contribution that MSMEs and cooperatives can make to the Zimbabwean economy, it is important that they be provided with the necessary tools to ensure that they grow into large entities that can further provide decent jobs, contribute to the alleviation of poverty, and address economic inequalities in our societies,” he said.

VP Mnangagwa said despite their significance, micro, small and medium enterprises continued to struggle to acquire funding and knowledge on financial inclusion.

“While the availability of funding has been improving, access to the same, especially by MSMEs and cooperatives, has been elusive because the funds are too expensive,” he said. “Moreover, MSMEs remain largely informal and, therefore, considered risky business.”

Through Command Agriculture, said VP Mnangagwa, the Government had demonstrated how access to capital and proper business planning and implementation could enhance production and efficiency.

“We will also be launching the Command Livestock on Tuesday, which will include beef, goats, fisheries, chicken and sheep among others,” he said.

Speaking at the same occasion, Small to Medium Enterprises and Cooperative Development Minister Sithembiso Nyoni said SMEs had become the biggest provider of jobs.

She said Government scaled up its support for the sector to enhance increased production.

Minister Nyoni urged entrepreneurs to be disciplined and comply with the requirements of financial institutions.

RBZ Deputy Governor Dr Jesimen Tarisai Chipika urged SMES to deposit their sales in bank accounts.

She said the central bank will soon roll out banking agents in unserviced remote areas.

“We already have 400 access points,” said Dr Chipika. “We want SMEs to be in the mainstream of the economy. As SMEs we must be prepared to be formalised, otherwise banks will collapse because it would be difficult to trace you.

“We cannot give money to people of no fixed abode.”

Jacob Zuma

SOUTH Africa — the continent’s most advanced economy — has been downgraded to junk status by credit rating agencies following the sacking of former Finance Minister Mr Pravin Gordhan and his deputy Mr Mcebisi Jonas in March. The firing of a Cabinet minister apparently triggered a flurry of activity in Western capitals with the value of the rand falling while demonstrations were organised across the country to protest the decision.

President Jacob Zuma was accused of kow towing to the whims and caprices of the Gupta family while his new appointee to the critical Treasury portfolio, Mr Malusi Gigaba, was dismissed as a lackey who would do the bidding of the President and his acolytes.

What is, however, missing from the narrative is that white capital is feeling increasingly threatened by the radical economic transformation policies being ushered in by the Zuma administration and the Gupta State capture allegations are just but a sideshow in a bigger high stakes race for the resources of South Africa.

President Zuma is pioneering a new thrust to economically empower the majority black people who for years have suffered under the yoke of apartheid and been disillusioned by the slow pace of transformation following the advent of majority rule in 1994. South Africa is a classic case of racial inequality with the top 10 percent of the mainly white national population earning incomes which are more than 100 times more than the bottom 10 percent. Records all show that about 75 percent of all wealth in South Africa is owned by a mere 10 percent of the population (read white people).

Whites constitute about nine percent of the population, blacks (76 percent) and coloureds about nine percent, according to the 2011 census. What is ironic in all this is that the anti-Zuma brigade is made up of mainly blacks — members of the ANC and its alliance partners, mine workers and other poor people who live in shacks mainly because the powerful white-owned media in that country has set the agenda.

President Zuma is being vilified and demonised not because he is in the clutches of the Gupta brothers but due to his audacity to threaten white capitalist interests. For this he will surely pay the price as evidenced by the hullaballoo created by his building of a rural homestead in Nkandla and the State capture allegations. These diversionary tactics are being used by the powerful 10 percent white population which controls all economic activity in South Africa to ensure that the radical economic transformation initiative does not come to fruition.

Zimbabwe’s economic empowerment drive — anchored on the land reform programme and the indigenisation and economic empowerment policy — have provided a plank upon which the Sadc region can tap into. Granted, it has not been plain sailing and there were glitches here and there in implementing the two groundbreaking programmes but the results are there for all to see. The land reform programme has spawned a new breed of farmers with cash crops such as tobacco and maize being produced by new farmers who are exporting to the region and beyond.

Entire communities have been transformed by the Community Share Ownership trusts whereby locals are benefiting from the natural resources in their communities. Generally, the lot of the majority back people in Zimbabwe are far better off than they were under colonial rule simply because they have taken ownership of their God-given natural resources.

Going forward, Zimbabwe’s economy will rebound anchored on the successful agricultural season and earnings from mineral resources but the major difference with South Africa is that it is in the hands of the indigenous population.

Zimbabwe has endured years of sanctions, vilification and demonisation because of its people-centred policies and President Zuma and the people of South Africa should prepare for the same treatment should they be bold enough to forge ahead with radical economic transformation.

The onslaught against Zimbabwe continues to this day as evidenced by the characterisation of the country as a fragile state by United States-based think tank Fund for Peace in collaboration with Foreign Policy Magazine.

Speaking at the World Economic Forum for Africa in Durban on Thursday, President Mugabe dismissed the assertions, stressing that those that labelled Zimbabwe a fragile state were misguided and ill-informed about the state of development in the country. He said Zimbabwe was one of the most developed countries in Africa and did not exhibit traits of a fragile state.

“Zimbabwe is one of the most highly developed countries in Africa and after South Africa I want to know which country has that level of development that we have in Zimbabwe.

“We have 14 universities, our literacy is over 90 percent and it’s the highest in Africa. Yes, we have our problems. Yes, certainly, but we have resources more than an average country in the world,” Cde Mugabe said.

We totally agree with the President.

Highlanders Football Club vice chair Modern Ngwenya unveiled Nhlanhla Dube as the new CEO in Bulawayo earlier this week

Sikhumbuzo Moyo, Senior Sports Reporter
HIGHLANDERS Football Club is a gold mine that is being mined using basic tools and there is need to quickly retool so as to get real value from it, newly appointed chief executive officer Nhlanhla Bahlangene Dube has said.

In a wide ranging interview, the former club committee member and secretary general said the mentality of relying on gate takings as the only major source of income after sponsorship needs to come to an end as the club has an immense potential.

“We need to retool, we need to equip ourselves so that we can do ‘extensive gold mining’ if you like. That means we must communicate broadly and effectively and carry our fans along, they must understand what it is that we are trying to do, what we want to achieve so that they buy into our vision,” said Dube.

He said the club cannot rely on gate takings alone because it has no monopoly over that source of revenue due to statutory laws which it has to fulfil from those revenue inflows.

“We certainly can improve the revenue we generate from the gate takings and they are various ways of doing that, but certainly the elasticity from that is restricted in that we share the gate takings, we don’t own the stadium and we come out with a third or less of what comes out of the gates.

“For every dollar that a fan pays for a home match, the club safely remains with between 33 and 35 cents from that dollar. So for every $3, Highlanders at most gets a dollar, so you cannot grow it to more than that because a lot of these deductions are statutory.

“Also the stadium itself can only take a certain number of fans and you want to find a balance between what you charge and the number that can get into the ground. If you charge what the market can’t support at the time, then you will lose your numbers and if you charge too low your take on the dollar drops as well,” said the Bosso head of secretariat.

Dube said Highlanders’ fastest growth was in two zones, growing its sponsorship base and selling its merchandise at a reasonable price.

“We have our main sponsor who has carried us for a number of years but because of the projects that the club has, intends to do and must do, there are gaps and we therefore need to find other partners to fill those gaps.

“If we are to embark on a project that has been thought about for a number of years which is to equip our training facilities we need to find a sponsor. We obviously need to find a sponsor for our junior teams and our women football. This is a huge growth area which does not have a direct sponsorship yet the club has to spend money,” he said.

Dube said the other area which could be a very viable revenue stream was the selling of merchandise. He said many questions have to be answered such as – “Are we using all the sales channels that are available? Do we have the best product mix and can everyone find what they want?

“That is very important because it then becomes club business that we don’t share with other partners, we don’t share that with PSL we don’t share that with the sports commission, we don’t share that with Zifa, we don’t share that with the City Council,” he said.

The former Bosso secretary general said ineptitude on the part of his department has long term effects on the delivery of the club’s objectives but also called on the fans to also take ownership of the club through good behaviour as it has a positive effect on the club’s corporate image.

“Good behaviour by the fans has positive effects on our corporate image and on our sponsorship. It can add serious value on our partners. A negative behaviour from our fans can have far reaching effects, for instance if a fan or two throw oranges on the pitch, collectively, those oranges have a total value of a dollar but they immediately translate to possibly $5 000 in fines from the PSL, they translate into potentially $100 000 or $200 000 that you would have lost from a potential sponsor. So we must understand in real value terms what our behaviour, good or bad does to the image of the club and to its opportunities,” said Dube.

The former secretary general takes over from veteran administrator Ndumiso Gumede who retired last year.

“I take over from a man whose larger than life image we all know and I have to keep the fire burning,” said Dube.

— @skhumoyo2000.

Andile Tshuma, Court Reporter
A BULAWAYO woman bit off a chunk of flesh from the sexual organ of another woman that she caught red-handed having sex with her husband at a church shrine.

The woman walked away with 105 hours of community service after a magistrate ruled that she  was extremely provoked.

Pauline Zhou’s moment of pleasure turned into a nightmare when Bonakele Ncube (32) walked in on the 24- year-old having sex with her husband, Mr Samuel Mkhwananzi, at the shrine of a church that was not named in court.

Zhou could hardly walk and hobbled along with her legs wide apart when she came to court yesterday.

The court heard that Ncube savagely attacked Zhou as her husband tried in vain to restrain her.

She sunk her teeth into Zhou’s privates and would not let go, until she tore off a chunk of flesh.

The court heard that as Zhou writhed in pain, Ncube grabbed an unknown sharp object and tried to stab her on her privates.

She missed her target and stabbed her in the thigh.

Ncube pleaded guilty to assault before Western Commonage magistrate Mr Lungile Ncube, who sentenced her to community service.

“In assessing sentence, the court will consider that the complainant is a first offender, a female offender who was unfortunate to find her husband being intimate with another woman. This is an example of extreme provocation. An option of community service will reform the accused person.”

In mitigation Ncube said she bit Zhou out of rage.

Ncube told the court that she lost her temper after she caught Zhou red-handed having sex with her husband.

“I assaulted her Your Worship. I found her in the act with my husband at his church.

“She was sweating profusely showing that they had been very busy,” said an emotional Ncube.

She said she once approached Zhou after suspecting she was having an affair with her husband but Zhou denied the allegations.

Zhou according to court papers had made a report that Ncube attacked her at a public place after suspecting she was sleeping with her husband.

She later admitted Ncube caught her pants down with the prophet.

Mr Mufaro Mageza appeared for the state.

— @andile_tshuma

Martin Sibanda

Bongani Ndlovu/Mkhululi Ncube, Showbiz Reporters
IT was a grand occasion in South Africa last week when Martin Sibanda and the Ndolwane Super Sounds launched their much awaited second album Konke Sizokulungisa at a packed Hillbrow Theatre.

Pictures and videos that have been circulating on social media sites show that fans were having the time of their lives at the launch.

The second launch is on today at the Amphitheatre in Bulawayo which has become the popular venue for musical shows.

The big question is: Will Martin and his band now popularly known as Amajongosi maintain the the momentum that they set in South Africa?

Martin and the Ndolwane Super Sounds are the first group from the Southern region to be the headline act at the imposing Amphitheatre.

With his last album being Bakhuzeni released five years ago, this launch is poised to whet the appetite of his legion of fans and prove that artistes and music from this region sell and have a following.

The line up for the launch features one of the best live performers in the form of Clement Magwaza of the Kokotsha makokotsha fame and Man of the Moment Madlela Skhobokhobo known for his runaway hit Ngamnanka. The others are hard hitting Mas’kandi artiste Zinja Ziyamluma and Zimdancehall artiste Linx Kariloss who both bring a different flavour to the line up.

The Big Boss, as Martin is fondly referred to by his fans, said the South African launch was awesome with many turned away as the venue was full to capacity.

“Taking from what I saw in Johannesburg I think izogcwala ngoba (Amphitheatre will fill up because), what I discovered is many people were pained by the leak of my music before the release,” said Sibanda.

He said many of them had pledged to support his music as a way of fighting piracy and as such he was looking forward to a full house at the Amphitheatre.”

Sibanda promised a show people won’t forget any time soon.

“When I’m on stage I know that I’ll be performing for my pay masters who are my fans. So I can only offer them the best. I’ll first give them yester year hits to warm them up before dishing out the album,” said Sibanda.

He said after the show he would embark on a tour around Zimbabwe and South Africa and hopefully overseas.

“From here we will take the album around the country, have other shows in Port Elizabeth and Johannesburg in June. I hope I’ll be travelling the world,” said Sibanda.

Tickets for the show are pegged at $5 or 100 rands, with a limited number of copies of the album being sold at the venue today.

ZPCS Principal Correctional Officer and Provincial Farm and Projects manager Oswell Ushe (left) stresses a point to Chief Deli (second from right) while stakeholders listen during an Isiphala Senkosi Anju Farm tour in Nyamandlovu yesterday

Andile Tshuma, Chronicle Reporter
CHIEFS in Umguza District have received 10 tonnes of maize donated by the Zimbabwe Prisons and Correctional Services (ZPCS) under the Isiphala Senkosi programme.

The National Aids Council (Nac) provided farming inputs to Anju Prison farm which is run by the ZPCS, which provided labour and expertise.

Speaking at the official hand-over ceremony at Anju Prison farm in Nyamandlovu, Umguza District Administrator Mrs Gloria Round said the Isiphala Senkosi project should be implemented in other provinces as it could be a permanent solution to food shortages.

“We have many vulnerable households in our communities. Our chiefs cannot afford to provide for the people from their own pockets. It is therefore very important to have such partnerships as this one so that our leaders are empowered to take care of communities,” she said.

ZPCS acting officer commanding Matabeleland North Assistant Commissioner Moddie Nkomo said the prisons project, which will benefit chiefs Ndiweni, Ndondo and Deli from Umguza district was part of their plans to assist the Government in taking care of poor households.

“We have lots of labour. We empower our inmates with various skills, including farming. We have agronomists. We grow food and we have been supplying all Matabeleland prisons. It is therefore necessary that we put our resources to good use. We are very happy that Nac approached us and decided to embark on this pilot project with us. We hope that this project will grow bigger and better,” she said.

Nac Provincial Coordinator for Matabeleland North, Mr Dingani Ncube said good nutrition was vital for people living with HIV/Aids.

“People living with HIV fall under the vulnerable, especially in child headed households. It is crucial that people living with HIV and are on anti-retroviral treatment get enough food. We therefore approached ZPCS after noticing that there could be a partnership that could be beneficial to the community.

Prior, we only donated farming inputs to chiefs, to give to their needy members of communities. However, we decided last year that this time we would give Anju farm the inputs and then revive the Isiphala Senkosi,” said Mr Ncube.

“We are very happy about the success that we have realised on our pilot project. We are taking this to other provinces. This is only the beginning. Greater things are coming.”

Chief Deli of Nyamandlovu said chiefs go through difficulties, especially during drought years, when our communities go hungry.

“This will enable us to provide for our communities during trying times. We commend such efforts by Nac and the ZPCS.

“We hope that such programmes will not only be for us but will be implemented elsewhere so that other chiefs in other areas can also be given resources to provide for their communities,” said Chief Deli.

@andile_tshuma