Patrick Chitumba, Midlands Bureau Chief
A JILTED gold panner from Shurugwi allegedly fatally struck his live in girlfriend with a machete on the forehead outside a bar after accusing her of ditching him.

Police arrested Tafadzwa Mazandu Charara of Kadolo Village, Shurugwi, on Thursday last week after a four- day manhunt following the callous murder.

Charara allegedly struck Siluzile Mupandawana with a machete on the forehead on October 29 at Lifa bar, Mambowa business centre in Shurugwi.

Charara last Friday appeared before Shurugwi magistrate Mr Musaiwona Shotgame facing one count of murder. He was not asked to plead and was remanded in custody to November 17.

Mr Shotgame advised him to apply for bail at the High Court.

The court heard that Mupandawana had chased Charara out of their lodgings allegedly because he was refusing to pay rentals. She was now living with another boyfriend and this angered Charara.

He allegedly ambushed Mupandawana outside Lifa bar and fatally struck her with a machete on the forehead.

Ms Bertha Bore appeared for the state.

In another case, a Kwekwe man has been sentenced to 24 months in prison for cultivating 162 plants of dagga in his yard in Mbizo suburb.

Walter Musiyiwa Manduku (54) was convicted on his own plea of guilt by Mr Story Rushambwa .

He was sentenced to 24 months but had six months suspended on condition of good behaviour.

Manduku stunned the court when he said he has been cultivating dagga for the past 37 years.

“I have been cultivating dagga at my yard for the past 37 years and I use it for smoking and religious purposes,” said Manduku.

Agreed facts are that on October 8 last year, police officers received a tip off to the effect that Manduku was cultivating dagga in his yard .

The police officers went to the house and found the 162 plants leading to his arrest.

Ms Yeukai Mugumba appeared for the state.

Zanu-PF Secretary for Information and Publicity, Cde Simon Khaya Moyo, addresses party members at a Matabeleland South Provincial Co-ordinating Committee meeting in Gwanda yesterday

Sukulwenkosi Dube-Matutu, Gwanda Correspondent
ZANU-PF Secretary for Information and Publicity, Cde Simon Khaya Moyo has urged party members to remain united ahead of the party’s extraordinary congress in December and general elections next year.

Addressing party members at a Matabeleland South Provincial Co-ordinating Committee meeting in Gwanda yesterday, Cde Khaya Moyo said members of the province had to present a united front ahead of the extra ordinary congress and 2018 elections.

“We are heading for the two most important events for our party namely the extraordinary congress and 2018 elections. I would like to remind you that the President (Cde Mugabe) during the Youth Interface Rally held in Gwanda, commended our province.

“This province is therefore important and we should have character and present a united front. We are a family and have one purpose. The gossiping and bad mouthing which is going on within party members from this province has to end as it will destroy the party,” he said.

Cde Khaya Moyo said there were party members that were falsely accusing fellow members of factionalism just to create disturbances within the party.

He said factionalism was meant to divide the party so party members should shun factionalism.

“Stop allocating people to certain factions. We never knew that there was something called factions in past and as a province we mustn’t entertain factions.

“We remain behind President Mugabe and Zanu-PF because that is where our father Joshua Nkomo left us. To those with malicious intent I will be clear that you are dividing the party through your actions and we don’t want to be divided. Take heed as party members because more disturbances might come,” he said.

Also speaking during the same meeting Politburo member, Cde Kembo Mohadi urged party leaders to desist from pursuing personal agendas.

He said leaders had to remember that they had been assigned on behalf of the party.

Cde Mohadi also urged party leaders to visit wards across the province to ensure that all party supporters were registered to vote.

“As party leaders you should lead by example and desist from individualism. Don’t pursue your personal agendas but those of the party. If you are in position it doesn’t mean that you would have won as an individual but it’s the party that would have won. You are merely assigned to represent the party.

“As the Biometric Voter Registration Process is ongoing I urge you to go to the grass roots and explain to the people the importance of registering to vote. Explain to people in a language that they will understand. This will be possible if we work as a team,” he said.

Cde Mohadi also urged youths to play an active part in ensuring the party’s success in the 2018 elections.

Matabeleland South provincial Zanu-PF Women’s League chairlady Cde Sister Moyo noted that some women in the rural areas were facing challenges in registering as voters.

Also speaking at the same meeting Zanu-PF Matabeleland South provincial chairman, Cde Rabelani Choeni said the province was lagging behind in voter registration. He urged provincial members to continue mobilising resources for the upcoming extra ordinary congress.

@DubeMatutu

Chief Superintendent Paul Nyathi

Andile Tshuma, Chronicle Reporter
POLICE have warned the public against violent and unruly behaviour at funerals saying law breakers risk being arrested.

In a telephone interview, national police spokesperson Chief Superintendent Paul Nyathi said police had noted with concern the unruly and weird conduct displayed by some mourners at funerals.

Chief Supt Nyathi said it was the responsibility of bereaved families and friends to ensure that deceased persons are buried in a peaceful and dignified manner and that they do not get on the wrong side of the law while mourning their loved ones.

The concern by police follows reported cases of violence during funeral proceedings in Bulawayo and Harare this week as well as in recent months.

“We have observed that members of the public engage in all sorts of public disorder during funeral processions for a number of reasons. Sometimes, mourners get over excited at funerals and for a second you get confused if it’s a funeral procession or a wedding,” said Chief Supt Nyathi.

“Members of the public are therefore warned against engaging in any acts of violence or bizarre acts during funeral proceedings. If parties have disputes, these should be resolved in a peaceful manner. Police will ensure that the law is applied without fear or favour on anyone who engages in violent acts at funerals.”

He warned commuter omnibus operators against carrying coffins on kombi rooftops during funeral processions of their colleagues or speeding around the city causing mayhem and disturbing peace.

“Sometimes these coffins have fallen from kombi rooftops and it is so bizarre one will wonder how a family would have allowed such to happen in the first place,” Chief Supt Nyathi added.

Last week, The Chronicle reported that mourners fled in terror when an injiva ran amok at his step grandfather’s funeral wake in Bulawayo, cutting up the corpse’s face, fondling his grandmother and demanding to see the colour of her urine.

He even broke open a coffin and demanded to inspect the corpse’s toenails.

Shadreck Matsose (41), who relatives say last came to visit in 2014, arrived at his late step grandfather’s house in Northend suburb on Monday and terrorised mourners who had gathered to pay their last respects.

Musician Jah Prayzah was also assaulted at his body guard’s funeral last Tuesday by angry mourners.

In another incident in September, the late Tawanda “MaPecca” Moyo’s relatives took his body to the business premises of the man who shot him, Mr Oricious Moyo, saying it was part of “rituals” to ensure justice prevails before proceeding to Lady Stanley cemetery for burial.

@andile_tshuma

Cde Josaya Hungwe

Harare Bureau
THE Zanu-PF leadership in various provinces yesterday joined calls for the elevation of First Lady Dr Amai Grace Mugabe to be one of the party’s two Vice Presidents.

The provinces also recommended the expulsion of Vice President Emmerson Mnangagwa and several party members for undermining President Mugabe’s authority.

President Mugabe has since fired Cde Mnangagwa as his deputy in Government.

In Masvingo, the provincial co-ordinating committee recommended the expulsion of national secretary for production and labour Cde Josaya Hungwe, deputy secretary for legal affairs Cde Paul Mangwana, deputy secretary for security Cde Lovemore Matuke and Central Committee member Cde Clemence Makwarimba.

The meeting also called for the ouster of the Zanu-PF provincial chairman Cde Ezra Chadzamira for leading the onslaught to undermine President Mugabe in the province.

The party in Masvingo also passed a resolution urging President Mugabe to elevate First Lady Dr Amai Grace Mugabe — who is is also the Zanu-PF secretary for Women’s Affairs — as one of the party’s two Vice Presidents.

The meeting was attended by deputy secretary for transport and welfare in the Politburo Dr Daniel Shumba, Central Committee member and Foreign Affairs Minister Dr Walter Mzembi, Masvingo Provincial Affairs Minister and provincial vice chairman Dr Paul Chimedza, acting Zanu-PF provincial chairman Cde Amasa Nhenjana and political commissar Cde Jappy Jaboon among others.

The PCC meeting also resolved to issue a prohibition order to 24 members of the Zanu-PF Masvingo provincial executive for being part of a cabal from Masvingo that was working to undermine the President.

Cde Mzembi hailed the Zanu-PF Masvingo PCC for coming out with the two resolutions.

Dr Chimedza paid tribute to the ruling party in Masvingo for taking the bull by its horns by confronting individuals who were causing problems in the province.

Manicaland PCC also resolved to have Vice-President Emmerson Mnangagwa recalled from his post and the First Lady, Dr Amai Mugabe taking over.

The resolution was passed during a provincial executive committee and endorsed by a special extra-ordinary meeting held at Mutare Polytechnic a few hours later.

Tempers flared in both meetings after the province recommended the expulsion of 38 members allegedly linked to Cde Mnangagwa’s faction, among them three Politburo members.

The three are Cdes Oppah Muchinguri, Patrick Chinamasa and Chris Mushohwe.

Other notable members who were recommended for expulsion include Cdes Mike Madiro, Joshua Sacco, Moses Gutu, Winnie Mlambo, Joseph Mujati, Christopher Chingosho, Alice Chitima, Oliver Mandipaka, Gorden Chikwanda, Timothy Mapungwana, Monica Mutsvangwa, Ellen Gwaradzimba, Tasin Dube, Hubert Nyanhongo and Judith Mawire.

The first one to be ejected from the meeting was Cde Mujati while Cdes Mike Madiro, Moses Gutu and Alice Chitima immediately left the PCC meeting when their names were called out.

Zanu-PF national secretary for youth affairs, Cde Kudzi Chipanga, who arrived before the end of the meeting, said they were in agreement with the provincial executive’s resolution to have Cde Mnangagwa fired from the party.

“We have one-centre of power in Zanu-PF in President Mugabe. President Mugabe said anyone against the one-centre of power is free to leave. Those against that should form their own parties and we will meet you during the 2018 harmonised elections. We are also fully behind the Women’s League’s resolution to have a female Vice-President. We want a person who works well with President Mugabe, someone who is acceptable from Zambezi to Limpopo. That person who is most suitable for that position is Dr Amai Mugabe,” he said to wild applauses from the members.

Zanu-PF Women’s League national secretary for administration, Cde Letina Undenge, said they had unanimously agreed that Dr Amai Mugabe should be elevated to be Vice-President. “With Amai Mugabe coming in as Vice-President, things will improve for the better because she is a hands-on person,” said Cde Undenge.

Minister of Women Affairs, Gender and Community Development Nyasha Chikwinya also added her voice and said: “Women must support each other. We want the elevation of women to higher posts and we will support that. The only candidate suitable for the Vice-President’s office is Dr Amai Mugabe”.

Acting Zanu-PF youth chairperson, Cde Betty Dhliwayo said: “Cde Mnangagwa should be expelled for fanning factionalism. All those fingered to be part of his faction should not be allowed to contest for positions in the forthcoming Central Committee elections.”

Zanu-PF Mashonaland West provincial executive council recommended the expulsion of Cde Mnangagwa from the party for fanning factionalism.

The PEC recommended the expulsion of Politburo member Cde Prisca Mupfumira and Zvimba West National Assembly member Cde Ziyambi Ziyambi.

Treasurer Cde Farai Charakatenda read the recommendations of the PEC to the provincial coordinating committee meeting.

“The Mashonaland West provincial executive council recommends that Vice President Emmerson Mnangagwa be expelled from the party. The proposal was made by provincial youth chairman Cde Tawanda Rupiya and and seconded by Cde Nobert Kazembe,” said Cde Charakatenda.

“There were two other names which were mentioned including Cdes Prisca Mupfumira and Ziyambi Ziyambi. The proposal was made by Cde Godfrey Gandawa and seconded by Cde Nobert Kazembe”.

Cde Ziyambi however, argued that charges he was facing and the relevant sections in the party constitution were not spelt out.

Provincial chairman, Cde Ephraim Chengeta, said recent events across the country have laid a heavy burden on President Mugabe and First Lady. “There are challenges in the party which are known by everyone including you, the leadership. It is in the newspapers and on television,” he said.

“These are being caused by us the leadership resulting in a heavy burden on our leader President Mugabe and the First Lady Dr Mugabe. We move together with the President as Mash West. We follow the instructions of Dr Mugabe.”

He said Mashonaland West province stands by President Mugabe as one centre of power and Dr Mugabe.

The President, he said, has been resolute in defending positions that empower indigenous people no matter how unpopular they make him. The meeting was attended by Politburo members Dr Douglas Mombeshora and Cde Patrick Zhuwao, Central Committee members Dr Philip Chiyangwa and Cde Webster Shamu, provincial members among others.

The Mashonaland East PCC also made a resolution for the dismissal of Vice President Emmerson Mnangagwa accusing him of undermining the President by fanning factionalism.

The resolution was announced in an emergency provincial coordinating committee meeting at the provincial party office.

The PCC also recommended that Cde Joel Biggie Matiza and Deputy Speaker of the National Assembly Marbel Chinomona be fired for fanning factionalism in the province.

Addressing the PCC meeting after the PEC meeting, provincial chairperson Cde Benard Makokove said the PEC was also going to investigate 12 members who are also accused of being VP Mnangagwa’s allies.

“We resolved that the VP should be expelled from the party and are going to remove all Lacoste elements within the party. The province has also resolved to expel Joel Matiza and Mabel Chinomona,”said Cde Makokova.

Some of the dignitaries that attended the meeting included Defence Minister Dr Sydney Sekeramayi, Health and Child Care Minister Dr David Parirenyatwa, Minister of State for Mashonaland East Provincial Affairs Rtd Brig-Gen Ambrose Mutinhiri and Industry and Commerce Minister Dr Mike Bimha.

Mashonaland Central and Bulawayo have since made calls for the expulsion of Cde Mnangagwa from the party and the elevation of the First Lady as one of the two vice presidents.

Rev Mary Chipoka-Zenda and husband Trevor

Walter Mswazie, Masvingo Correspondent
REFORMED Church of Zimbabwe preacher Reverend Mary Chipoka-Zenda has a unique story which can only be equated to one Ludwig van Beethoven.

Beethoven, a classical music composer is widely regarded as one of the greatest composers in history.

His story is similar to Rev Chipoka-Zenda’s as they have both achieved what many would consider impossible for those perceived to be “disabled”.

Beethoven (1770-1827) gave his first public performance as a pianist when he was eight years old and studied in Vienna under the guidance of Mozart.

He earned his feathers as a great pianist known for “unpredictable and brilliant improvisations” but sometime in 1796, Beethoven began losing his hearing.

However, the illness did not deter him from producing some of his finest works including the 9th Symphony, the 5th Piano Concerto, the Violin Concerto, the Late Quartets, and his Missa Solemnis. Beethoven was completely deaf for 25 years when he made these achievements.

What makes Rev Chipoka-Zenda’s achievements synonymous with the legendary Beethoven?

After becoming the first ever preacher with both speech and hearing impairments, Rev Chipoka-Zenda has become a revelation to the hearing impaired community in Masvingo.

The 32-year-old Rev Chipoka-Zenda’s achievements have demystified misconceptions associated with people living with disabilities. She also made history by becoming one of the top pastoral students training in Cape Town, South Africa.

Living above societal myths, her sermons have had congregates singing her praises for the astute preacher that she is.

She has since been appointed resident Chaplain for the Henry Murray School of the Deaf at Morgenster in Masvingo.

Her story is best described by the people who bear witness to her amazing achievements.

RCZ moderator, Reverend Dr Rangarirai Rutoro, said Rev Chipoka-Zenda is an amazing woman of God whose preaching has touched the hearts of many, despite the perceived language barrier.

He said the gifted preacher who uses sign language with the assistance of an interpreter has seen many church-goers learning “unique” preaching that “the church will not need an interpreter” at the end of the sermon.

“We’re the first church in Zimbabwe and beyond the region to have a preacher who is hearing impaired. This is a milestone achievement as Rev Chipoka-Zenda has gone through rigorous and painstaking pastoral training up to the diploma level like any of our pastors.

“She was enrolled at our pastoral college in Cape Town, South Africa where her lecturers are also singing praises about her character and work ethic,” said Dr Rutoro.

Dr Rutoro, who is also Chancellor at the Reformed Church University, said Rev Chipoka-Zenda had defied all odds by becoming a pastor.

This feat, he said, will put the Reformed Church in good stead where the hearing impaired will have an opportunity to understand the word of God fully.

Dr Rutoro said the church has a well ingrained reputation of nurturing the physically challenged including those with hearing and speech impairment.

“We’re known as champions in assisting children living with disabilities through the Henry Murray School of the Deaf at Morgenster and Copota School for the Blind in Zimuto communal lands.

“We’ve provided this community, which is an integral part of society, with an opportunity to learn and venture into their preferred disciplines or careers with special emphasis on the word of God, since we’re a Christian church,” said Dr Rutoro.

“This has seen a number of talented children emerging as role models in their own right because we’ve presented them with a conducive platform to unleash their God given talents.”

Dr Rutoro said the physically challenged have had the opportunity to learn vocational skills in the process becoming a marvel to a society which inadvertently “stigmatised” them.

“We have, however, scored a first by ordaining Rev Chipoka-Zenda as a pastor despite her condition and this is a milestone achievement for us as a church. This will go straight to the enviable annals of the church,” he said.

Dr Rutoro said Rev Chipoka-Zenda was motivated to become a preacher by Henry Murray’s head, Mr Kudakwashe Rugare and has never looked back since then.

Her former teacher at Emerald Hill School for the Deaf, Mr Lincoln Matongo, was ecstatic about Rev Chipoka-Zenda’s achievements. He was over the moon about seeing one of his students attaining such a “blessed” position in life despite societal misapprehensions.

“I’m on cloud nine after learning that Mary, my product, is now a qualified pastor. God has done her great favour and to the hearing impaired community at large.

“Let this be a challenge and motivation for others in the same situation. I’m really happy to be associated with such an achievement and it gives us the zeal to keep producing children with skills that can see them excelling in society,” said Mr Matongo.

Zimbabwe Open University special needs expert Professor David Chakuchichi said Rev Chipoka-Zenda’s achievements should be an eye-opener to society and country at large.

He said this was an illustration that people perceived to be disabled have the potential to do great things in life if provided with an enabling environment.

“What we’ve witnessed are the works of special needs education and I would want to commend her teachers and the schools that she attended for her success. The teachers were able to identify Mary’s passion, strength and skill and went on to nurture her,” said Prof Chakuchichi.

He said there were many things that people living with disabilities can do for the community and even change the lives of the able bodied for the better.

“I want to thank the RCZ for being at the forefront in assisting children with disabilities. They’re doing a great job. We’ve seen the hand of God upon Mary who has defied all odds and become a pastor with a Diploma in Pastoral Training for that matter. “The church has over the years helped Zimbabwe through training and teaching in this constituency. We have the likes of Munyaradzi Munodawafa, who, despite his partial blindness is now a music artiste of note.”

Prof Chakuchichi said the late Paul Matavire, whose songs are still hits even to this day, was also a product of such a system.

The Copota School of the Blind, which is also under the stewardship of the RCZ, has been an inspiration to this country.

“Through Mary, a number of deaf people who couldn’t attend church due to the language barrier will now be encouraged to attend as there’s someone who can relate with them,” he said.

RCU vice chancellor Professor Wiseman Magwa encouraged Rev Chipoka-Zenda to enrol for a Degree in Theology as she has demonstrated the zeal and ability to withstand the academic heat.

“We’ve seen her pedigree and I think she won’t face any hurdles in pursuing a degree programme with a Christian university like ours. We’ll readily accept her without any problem,” he said.

Born in 1985, Rev Chipoka-Zenda, originally from Nangwi Village, under Chief Zimuto, is the third daughter of Mr and Mrs Jonathan and Egneta Chipoka.

She did her primary education at Henry Murray before she went to Emerald Hill for her secondary education and then moved to the National Institute of the Deaf in Cape Town, South Africa. At the institute, Rev Chipoka-Zenda first did a Certificate in Theology before proceeding to do the diploma given her enthusiasm in evangelism.

A visit to her workplace revealed that Rev Chipoka-Zenda, who recently walked down the aisle with her sweetheart, Mr Trevor Zenda, who is also hearing impaired, commands respect and demonstrates a high degree of assertiveness and astuteness.Before anyone gets to know that she is hard of hearing, one cannot tell from her attention to detail.

She possesses the rare work ethic of a leader, manager and woman of God. Members of the clergy in her church say her professionalism bears testimony to the old adage, “disability does not mean inability”.

Rev Chipoka-Zenda lacks none of the characteristics of a Chaplain with the responsibility of overseeing a school with more than 200 pupils and 20 staff members.

She is comfortable at her work place; performing her duties to perfection and is well versed with the church programmes such that she rarely misses any church activities.

“I’m elated about becoming the first deaf pastor at my church,” said Rev Chipoka-Zenda.

“I nearly gave up my studies during training because of some challenges but my lecturers encouraged me to soldier on. I persevered and became one of the lecturers’ darlings and successfully completed my pastoral training,” she said in a WhatsApp chat interview.

She said she derived her inspiration from her husband, who stood by her during her studies and encouraged her to soldier on despite the challenges she faced.

“I nearly dropped out of school but my husband kept on encouraging me. My sponsors also made life easy for me as I was left to concentrate on my books and not paying fees. Our church moderator, Dr Rutoro, also played a big role in my studies which helped me to become a reverend and chaplain at the same time,” she said.

@wallebswazie3

Johannes Ngodzo

Ricky Zililo, Senior Sports Reporter
FACED with the possibility of ending their two-year flirtation with the topflight league, Bulawayo City have roped in former national team midfielder Johannes Ngodzo to assist to keep the sinking ship afloat.

Ngodzo, an ex-Bantu Rovers coach who led the club into the Premiership after winning the 2016 Southern Region League, began work with City last week.

He travelled with the team to Harare where they lost 0-2 to Yadah FC.

Ngodzo joins the technical team led by Mandla Mpofu and also includes veteran trainer Barry Daka, Tavaka Gumbo, Try Ncube and goalkeepers’ coach Reginald Buhali.

Jerry Sibanda, City’s chairman, said Ngodzo is only coming in as a consultant.

Ngodzo and Ncube did not sit on the technical bench when they lost to Yadah, a result that left City just a place above relegation with 35 points from 31 games. Hwange, who occupy the last relegation slot in 15th place, are on 34 points.

“It’s true that Johannes Ngodzo is helping the team and please note that he has not been appointed to the position of assistant coach, but is only helping out as a consultant. He is here to analyse the game for the coach alongside Try Ncube, and they are not allowed to sit on the bench because they are not holders of Caf A Licences,” said Sibanda.

“What we noted was that at times the head coach might be under pressure to identify areas of concern and as such someone who is not on the bench can note those and pass the message to the head coach,” he said.

City are left with three tricky encounters, Dynamos (home), Caps United (away) and wrap up the season against Bantu Rovers in Bulawayo.

The City boss firmly believes they will survive the chop.

“We’re behind our coach and his team. We are confident of pulling through because a victory and a draw can save us,” Sibanda said.

To survive the axe, City have to win their remaining games, starting with the home encounter against title chasing Dynamos.

Bantu Rovers and Tsholotsho have already been relegated, leaving third from bottom Shabanie Mine, who drew 1-1 against Black Rhinos, Hwange, who clobbered Highlanders 3-0, City, Harare City, who lost 1-2 away at Triangle United, and Yadah fighting for their survival.

Shabanie face Hwange in Zvishavane, a match that both sides desperately need to win to keep their survival chances alive. Shabanie’s last two games are against How Mine (away) and Yadah (home).

The survival road for Hwange will see them welcoming fellow strugglers, Harare City at the Colliery before they end their campaign with a trip to ZPC Kariba.

Yadah face champions Caps United and Highlanders, sides that are virtually playing for pride. Yadah end their season with a trip to Zvishavane against Shabanie.

Harare City will are in a tight corner as they will play their last two games away against Hwange and How Mine. But before that, Harare City will welcome Black Rhinos, who might find themselves sucked into the relegation mix should they lose.

Rhinos have 39 points, are five points clear of relegation, and dropping points while the bottom teams win can make their last games nervy.

Matchday 31 Results

Friday: How Mine 0-1 Caps United, Chicken Inn 1-0 Tsholotsho FC
Saturday: Yadah FC 2-0 Bulawayo City, FC Platinum 3-0 ZPC Kariba, Black Rhinos 1-1 Shabanie Mine
Sunday: Bantu Rovers 0-1 Ngezi Platinum, Hwange 3-0 Highlanders, Triangle United 2-1 Harare City, Dynamos 1-0 Chapungu

Table

P     W     D     L     F     A     GD     Pts
Ngezi Platinum Stars     31     19     6     6     51     26     25     63
FC Platinum     31     17     12     2     35     14     21     63
Dynamos     31     18     7     6     49     24     25     61
Chicken Inn     31     18     5     8     32     19     13     59
Caps United     31     14     11     6     40     26     14     53
How Mine     31     13     7     11     28     31     -3     46
Highlanders     31     12     7     12     32     32     0     43
ZPC Kariba     31     11     8     12     27     30     -3     41
Triangle United     31     10     10    11     33     35     -2     40
Chapungu     31     10     10     11     23     25 -2     40
Black Rhinos     31     10     9     12     33     30     3     39
Yadah FC     31     9     10     12     29     36     -7     37
Harare City     31     9     8     14     28     26     2     35
Bulawayo City     31     10     5     16     32     42     -10     35
Hwange     31     9     7    15     27     35     -8     34
Shabanie Mine     31     7     11     12     22     31     -9     33
Tsholotsho FC     31     4     12     15     19     40     -21    24
Bantu Rovers     31     4     4     23     26     63     -37     16

@ZililoR

Methembe Ndlovu

Ricky Zililo, Senior Sports Reporter
RELEGATED Premiership side Bantu Rovers has been split after its directors Methembe Ndlovu and Peter Grieve decided to part ways.

The partnership between Ndlovu and Grieves as Rovers’ bosses comes to end after nine years. Rovers were formed in 2009 and have played in the topflight four times, in 2009, 2010, 2014 and 2017.

Announcing details of the split yesterday, Ndlovu said Rovers’ general manager Wilbert Sibanda will become president and chief executive officer of the professional football side, while Ndlovu will be president and chief executive officer of the Bantu Rovers Youth Development Academy.

“I’ve been working alongside a partner (Grieve) who was here last year to visit the club. He will be working with Wilbert in the senior team. Wilbert will become president and CEO of the senior team. I will work with the academy and we will introduce an Under-21 side. Agent Sawu will be technical director of the Bantu Rovers Youth Development Academy,” said Ndlovu.

“When these kind of things happen there’s a lot of speculation, so we wanted to make sure we make ourselves available. The reason we decided to do this is that while Peter and I shared a passion for developing players and giving them a pathway to the highest level of football, we’ve been doing lots of things from the same basket.

“The impetus for the change is that we’re trying to develop players as footballers and young men so that they get to move on with their lives. In business language, we’re in production and trying to create a platform to nurture youngsters. The second part is to create a football side where they get to have a landing spot on the professional side. We thought we will be more effective if we decuple,” said Ndlovu.

The Academy will consist of the current youth teams of Under-14, 16, 18 and an under-21 team. There are plans to introduce a girls’ programme in the last quarter of 2018.

Peter Grieve

Ndlovu is excited by the paths they are taking and believes Sibanda deserves his new role.

“Wilbert is stepping up to the next level as an administrator becoming the president and CEO of the professional side. I think with his commitment, aptitude and application over the last 10 or so years, he has really earned it. I want to say congratulations and wish the professional side all the best and I look forward to collaborating with them,” said Ndlovu.

Sibanda revealed that the professional side will take a hiatus in the first half of 2018, meaning that Rovers might not have a team in the First Division. He said they want to concentrate on Grieve’s newly acquired European team in Gibraltar.

“Recently Grieve extended his investments in Europe and focus for the first half of 2018 will be on ensuring our sister club in Gibraltar, Europa PT FC, is ready to accept select Zimbabwean players in the July 2018 transfer window. After that the professional side will then turn attention to recruiting a technical staff, signing players and building the club infrastructure in anticipation of the 2019 season,” said Sibanda.

The professional side is expected to change its name at a later stage.

“For now we will still have Bantu Rovers, the professional side and Bantu Rovers’ Academy. In time, the professional side will announce its new name. Another thing to note is that the Academy’s Under-21s will not compete in the same league as the professional side, meaning that our preferred destination for the academy will be Division Two,” Ndlovu said.

Andy Muridzo

Bongani Ndlovu, Showbiz Correspondent
SPORT, Recreation, Arts and Culture Minister Makhosini Hlongwane has condemned in the strongest of terms, the continued perpetration of violence against artistes in public entertainment platforms saying such violence corrodes the peace and tranquillity which the arts sector should foster.

This criticism comes in the wake of a video that surfaced showing Military Touch Movement’s Andy Muridzo taking to his heels with a mob of children in hot pursuit throwing missiles at him.

Muridzo was reportedly supposed to perform at a family show at Banket Mine on Saturday but delayed to take to the stage, angering show goers.

The video follows another incident where Muridzo’s stablemate, decorated star Jah Prayzah was also recorded leaping over graves as a mob threw missiles at him at the funeral of his bodyguard Chris Nyemba in Harare last week.

In a statement, Minister Hlongwane said government was gravely concerned at the flurry of attacks on artistes.

“Government is deeply concerned that a pattern is evolving where artistes are treated without respect and not accorded the dignity they deserve. Artistes are important assets for our national cultural heritage and image development and therefore, they should be accorded the well deserved respect,” said Hlongwane.

He implored people to desist from stoning artistes.

“The Minister would like to implore the public to restrain themselves from attacking artistes where differences would’ve emerged and find ways to amicably resolve disputes.”

Reports from the attack by Muridzo suggest that he was late for the show. Last week at the Ultimate Braai Day in Harare, Jah Prayzah was stoned by fans for being late for that show, as well as another show in Masvingo.

Soul Jah Love is another artiste whose shows have ended violently after he would have failed to turn up or appears late on stage.

With this in mind, Minister Hlongwane pleaded with artistes to be more professional.

“I call on artistes involved with the music subsector to approach their work professionally by meeting their contractual obligations to their publics and audiences.

“Budding artistes should understand that music is an industry with rules of engagement which must be followed and respected if the sector is to be taken seriously.

“This mishap in Banket also exposes administrative deficiencies in the managerial aspects of bands and musical groups,” said Hlongwane.

He said they were working hard to professionalise the arts industry as a whole.

“In that regard, the Ministry of Sport, Recreation, Arts and Culture will be working with the sector to strengthen and develop managerial and entrepreneurial capacities of artistes and their managers.”

Business Reporter
STANBIC Bank Zimbabwe is celebrating 25 years as a financial services provider under Standard Bank group in the country. On 30 October 1992, ANZ Grindlays signed a deal selling all its African businesses (Zimbabwe included) to the Standard Bank Investment Corporation. Renamed Stanbic Bank Zimbabwe Limited on 16 August 1993, the financial institution has grown from a nine branch business to 20 branches and three private banking suites countrywide.

Chief executive, Mr Joshua Tapambgwa, attributed the bank’s growth and success to its dedicated stakeholders, including their parent company Standard Bank Group, customers and employees.

“Stanbic Zimbabwe has been receiving a lot of support from its different stakeholders and we are extremely grateful. We owe our success to everyone who believes in our capabilities and all who are with us on this journey of moving Zimbabwe forward,” said Mr Tapambgwa.

Standard Bank Group is present in 20 African markets and celebrated 155 years in the banking industry this year. These stand as leverage for the Zimbabwean subsidiary, which picks up the positive and negative learnings from their parent company and puts them to good use, said the bank.

“Our presence in 19 other African countries has given us great insights into different market structures and we have used that wisdom to build a business model that works for our distinct market,” Mr Tapambgwa explained.“Our governance structure is strongly influenced by our values, one of which is delivering to our stakeholders. We take our business and customers seriously and ensure that we deliver positively throughout the years.”

Recently, Stanbic Bank was voted the Best Commercial Bank in Zimbabwe for the year 2017 and rated one of the strongest banks in the country.

Siqokoqela Mphoko

Wilson Dakwa, Business Reporter
RETAIL giant Choppies Zimbabwe scooped three awards while its director Mr Siqokoqela Mphoko won the Retail Personality of the Year award at the first edition of the Confederation of Zimbabwe Retailers (CZR) Matabeleland region annual regional retailers and wholesalers awards ceremony held in Bulawayo on Friday.

Choppies won the best retailer-branch network in Matabeleland, best retail/wholesale employer of the year and the Matabeleland retailer of the year award. Choppies was also the first runner up for the Fast Growing Retailer/Wholesaler of the year award, which was won by Zapalala. Zapalala also walked away with the Supermarket of the Year Supplier’ choice.

Food 4 Less’ Trust Kwembeya was awarded the Best Manager of the Year accolade while Patience Kawadza won the Best Woman Retailer of the Year.

CZR president Mr Denford Mutashu applauded retailers for their contribution towards employment creation and industry revival. “The retail sector would like to thank the manufacturers and suppliers for the consistent unconditional support you have given during this difficult time of the economy. However, the sector is seized with the challenges in the country that include contracting demand owing to low disposable incomes,” he said.

“I would like to sincerely thank you all for soldiering on and helping with efforts to revive local industry and create employment in Matabeleland and Bulawayo. Challenges will always be there but let’s focus on the positives such as the vast opportunities for all of us to grow. Let’s expand into the marginalised areas, the rural consumer is key and requires to be empowered through convenience of services.”

Mr Mutashu urged Government to expedite the local content policy, which seeks to buttress the S.I. 64, which was promulgated to support local industry through this critical incubation period.

He also highlighted that the retailer sector was currently battling price increases and has been in continuous engagement with relevant stakeholders to stabilise prices across the sector. Meanwhile, N Richards Group won the Retailer/Wholesaler of the Year – local procurement award with the Best Rural Retailer Outlet going to Manta Investments (Tsholotsho). Under the Retail Legends award, Life Time Achievement awards were given to the Aziza Hawa (Fazak), Welcome Mabuza (Buy & Build), Elias Androu (Fortwell), Mukundrai BNaik (Umkoko), Fanuel Zvenyika (Greens) and Vupenyu Hove (Broadway Spar).

The Wholesaler of the Year in Matabeleland was won by Fortwell Wholesalers while the Supermarket of the Year consumers’ choice was won by Greens Supermarket. Lobels Biscuits scooped the Groceries Supplier of the Year.

Golden Harmony (Plumtree) won the best small to medium enterprise (SME) retailer of the year award while Defenmas Investments (Beitbridge) and Dubula General Dealer (Plumtree) were the 1st and 2nd runner up respectively. Mr Mutashu urged all retailers to contribute towards collective efforts to reignite the economy and pursue a national industrialisation strategy to boost exports. He, however, bemoaned foreign currency shortages and cried foul over the emergence of the parallel market foreign exchange system high premiums of between 10-36 percent.

“The shortage of foreign currency continues to affect confidence and pricing in the country. Importation of raw materials and goods unavailable on the local market requires urgent attention to prevent imminent shortages of goods. The foreign currency shortage has led to the emergence of the cash parallel market at very high premiums ranging between 10-36 percent.

“This has a negative effect of raising prices of goods and services for the consumers. We appeal to government to continuously double efforts on the ease of doing business, which will enable reduction of bank charges, mobile money charges and make Zimbabwe a destination of choice for Foreign Direct Investment (FDI), which has eluded us yet we have huge potential and untapped resources both natural and human capital,” he added.

@WilsonDakwa1

Family and friends congratulate Lorraine Maphala (second from left) at the Intombie awards

Langalakhe Mabena
VIMBAI Musvaburi, the organiser of the inaugural Intombie Young Women in Business Awards, has been hailed for honouring and celebrating fellow women who are excelling in different sectors by hosting the well subscribed awards ceremony.

The awards held at the Nesbitt Castle in Bulawayo on Saturday were meant to uplift women, most of whom are undermined by society.

Afro pop singer Ammara Brown, comedian Samantha “Gonyeti” Kureya, former Miss Tourism Zimbabwe beauties – Lorraine Maphala Phiri and Samantha Tshuma and VIP Hosting boss, Lungi Dlodlo were some of the winners.

The awards, which were hosted by radio personality Ruvheneko Parirenyatwa and Muvhango lead actor Lesley Musina, saw a lot of local celebrities and businesspeople attending. It was a classy event with a strict black tie dress code and the attendees adhered, giving the event the glamour it deserved.

The audience was treated to polished stage performances from Bulawayo hip hop King Cal_vin who performed songs from his upcoming album King Kong.

The New Band provided soft Afro Jazz covers with fashionista-cum-musician Mbo Mahocs.

Musvaburi thanked the Bulawayo community for supporting the event saying she did not expect such a huge turnout.  “We’re very happy with the attendance especially considering that these awards are in their infancy. Because of the support we received from the public and different stakeholders, we’re guaranteed that we’re on the right path and we hope to make the awards an annual event”, said Musvaburi.

Former Miss Zimbabwe, Lorraine Maphala Phiri with her Real Hair by Lorraine brand outshined Vault Cosmetics founder Jackie Mugido in the Hair and Beauty category.

Samantha Tshuma shows off her award

Generations The Legacy actress Chiedza Mende who portrays a male character Wandile on the soapie scooped the Women in Film award, surpassing Rumbi Katedza, Danai Gurira and Eve Mwatse.

Other winners of the night were Kirsty Coventry who scooped the Sports Award and Posh Boutique owner, Nomathemba Primrose Ndebele who outshined fashionista and Addicted 2 Shoes boss Pokello Nare to win the Fashion Award.

Below are the Intombie Young Women in Business Award winners:

Women in Weddings-Lungi Dlodlo
Women in Law-Zimbabwe Lawyers for Human Rights
Women in Media – Samantha ‘Gonyeti’ Kureya
Women in Film – Chi Mhende
Women in Education-Malaika Asima
Women in Farming-Rudo Boka
Women in Music – Ammara Brown
Woman in Photography-Jenna Ashley Armand
Women in Fashion – Nomathemba Primrose Ndebele
Women in Sport – Kirsty Coventry
Women in Hotel and Tourism – Samantha Tshuma
Women in Medicine-Dr Rumbidzai Mucheni
Women in Hotel and Tourism-Samantha Tshuma
Women in Commerce-Mavis Mataranyika

SPECIAL AWARDS

Young achiever – Maud Chifamba
Young CEO – Natalie Jabangwe
NGO supporting women-World Vision
Humanitarian Award-Tsitsi Masiyiwa
Breakthrough Award-Chipo Matima

Nqobile Tshili, Chronicle Correspondent
THE Government should capacitate the country’s health sector so that health care can be affordable to every Zimbabwean.

Debating in the Upper House on Sustainable Development Goal Number 3 “Ensure healthy lives and promote well-being for all at all ages”, Senators on Tuesday last week said the country’s healthcare system was out of the reach to the ordinary people.

They said the prices of drugs were very high while public hospitals spelt a gloomy picture for those seeking health care.

The senator representing people living with disabilities, Mr Nyamayabo Mashavakure, said the Government should capacitate pharmaceutical companies to ensure that it can control the pricing of medical drugs.

He said the price increase saw medical drugs shooting up in some cases by over 100 percent.  “There is also the issue of medication, though it is not the only thing but it is one of the things that make us have good health.

“Therefore, Government should consider resourcing our pharmaceutical companies so that they will be able to produce affordable medication so that we will be able to curb certain diseases like malaria, TB and HIV. Companies like CAPS and Datlabs are Government companies and even privately owned companies should make drugs which are competitive. This will help in making drugs affordable,” said Sen Mashavakure.

Zanu-PF senator for Harare Cde Charles Tavengwa weighed in the debate saying the public hospitals painted a distressful picture for those seeking medical treatment.

He said in most cases a sense of despair is witnessed when one enters the country’s public hospitals.

“There are times when one dreads to enter a hospital, especially our public hospitals. When you approach or enter the wards, there is this air of desperation, smell of sickness or ailing in the air, there is fear of death and you are witnessing winding queues; people screaming and wailing, usually that is after the death of someone,” said Cde Tavengwa.

Zanu-PF Mashonaland West senator Cde Tapera Machingaifa said hospitals should provide a model of a healthy system which is not the case with most of the country’s rural hospitals.  He said some rural hospitals were operating without ambulances, dysfunctional mortuaries and in some cases uncommitted staff members. “When I look again at these hospitals, we need to live a healthy life.

“When we grew up, we heard that the health officials would take an oath of allegiance, showing that they want to help people who are sick. They were in the health sector not for finances but they would get their salaries after their dedication to duty. When you get into that hospital, these health providers will be busy on WhatsApp on their phones, leaving the sick alone,” he said.

@nqotshili

Madlela Skhobokhobo

Bongani Ndlovu, Showbiz Correspondent
RHUMBA musician Madlela S’khobokhobo has mourned the 60-year-old man Mangangi Mathe, who collapsed and died in Sizinda, Bulawayo last Saturday, reportedly after dancing to his hit track Ngamnanka uSaMamoe.

Madlela who thrilled thousands at the Youth Interface Rally at White City Stadium on the same day, said he was devastated by the news.

Tragedy struck during the Zimbabwe Boxing Federation (ZBF) national championship tournament at Sizinda South Beer Garden where Mathe was imbibing.

The tournament ended prematurely when Mathe, who is said to have been been diabetic, dropped dead while dancing to his favourite song “Ngamnanka uSaMamoe” sung by Skhobokhobo.

“It’s painful to learn that he collapsed and died while enjoying my song. We’re mourning with the family and we’re very sorry for their loss,” said Skhobokhobo.

He said he was yet to visit the family as he was still looking for their contacts.

“I’m still looking for the family contacts so that I visit and pay my condolences. It is only right. I think ubuntu should prevail.

“Although the song was not the cause of his death, from what I read, it’s clear he loved the track.”

Zanu-PF Secretary for the Women’s League, Dr Grace Mugabe

Paidamoyo Chipunza, Harare Bureau
ZANU-PF’s Harare provincial Women’s League and Mashonaland West have thrown its weight behind First Lady Dr Grace Mugabe for the post of Vice President following the dismissal of Cde Emmerson Mnangagwa from the post on Monday.

Speaking during the official launch of the Zanu-PF Harare province biometric voter registration (BVR) database for women yesterday, provincial chairperson Mrs Joyce Kasinamunda said the Women’s League fully supports President Mugabe’s bold decision to fire Cde Mnangagwa.

“Harare supports the removal of Cde Mnangagwa from the post of Vice President and has resolved to recommend our Secretary for the Women’s League, Dr Amai Grace Mugabe for the post of Vice President.

“We therefore appeal to you Amai Undenge to take up our resolution and recommendation upwards for consideration,” said Mrs Kasinamunda, referring to national Women’s League Secretary for Administration Cde Letina Undenge, who was the guest of honour at the BVR database launch.

Amai Undenge, who was standing in for Dr Amai Mugabe at the launch, promised to forward the women’s recommendation to the relevant party structures.

“We must learn that if you are assigned to do a task by your superior, it does not mean you must override him and take over his leadership role like what Cde Mnangagwa was doing. He had become a frolic of his own. He had gone outside his job description,” said Cde Undenge.

She said President Mugabe was patient with him for a long time, hoping he would reform and do what was expected of him but nothing changed.

Cde Undenge also said the ouster of Cde Mnangagwa would bring peace within Zanu-PF as there would no longer be issues of infighting emanating from factionalism.

“The removal of Cde Mnangagwa will bring peace in the party as there will be no infighting for positions, no hate speech against each other and no more factionalism. We will now be working together as a party,” said Cde Undenge.

She said the party was looking forward to inviting all women to also participate in building the country’s economy through Zanu-PF.

Turning to the BVR database launch, Cde Undenge said it was important to know how many women had registered to vote and how many were still facing challenges.

She urged all district chairpersons attending the meeting to go and work with their cell leaders to come up with statistics on who has registered and who has not.

“Women constitute the majority of eligible voters in Zimbabwe and it is important to ensure that all those who are eligible to vote have registered. We will assist all those facing registration challenges so that all those who are supposed to vote are registered,” said Cde Undenge.

Women from from Mashonaland West added a note to the growing chorus for the reinstatement of the clause providing for one of the two vice presidents to be female.

The nomination of Dr Mugabe comes hard on the heels of the sacking of Emmerson Mnangagwa as Vice President for disloyalty.

Speaking at a Women’s League meeting in Chinhoyi yesterday, national Women’s League secretary for finance Cde Caroline Mugabe said: “As Mashonaland West province Women’s League, we are saying, we want First Lady Dr Grace Mugabe to be our Vice President,” said Cde Mugabe.

“We want the resolution we made in 2015 to be implemented as soon as today. We see Dr Mugabe as a mother who cares for the orphans, who works hard, who loves God and always asks for wisdom.”

Secretary for gender, Cde Jennifer Mhlanga said women should also be represented at the highest level in the country.

Cde Mhlanga said Dr Mugabe has shown unparalleled leadership qualities in the Women’s League which will add value at a higher level.

“As women, we want to be represented at the highest decision making table. We have seen her capabilities and we want her to be our Vice President,” she said.

National executive member Cde Hilda Bhobho said Dr Mugabe is God fearing as one of her good qualities to lead.

Acting chairperson Cde Mary Phiri said women are unwavering in their call for the First Lady to ascend to the position of Vice President.

The meeting was also attended by provincial chairman Cde Ephraim Chengeta, Minister of State Cde Webster Shamu and youth chairman Cde Tawanda Rupiya and provincial Women’s League members among others.

Innocent Ruwende in Bonn, Germany
The World Meteorological Organisation has warned that 2017 will be one of the three hottest years on record, with many high-impact events including catastrophic hurricanes and floods, debilitating heat waves and drought.

In a statement which was released on the opening day of the United Nations Climate Change Conference in Bonn, Germany, WMO Secretary-General Petteri Taalas, said the average global temperature from January to September 2017 was approximately 1,1 degrees celcius above the pre-industrial era.

“As a result of a powerful El Niño, 2016 is likely to remain the warmest year on record, with 2017 and 2015 being second and/or third. 2013-2017 is set to be the warmest five-year period on record. Long-term indicators of climate change such as increasing carbon dioxide concentrations, sea level rise and ocean acidification continue unabated. Arctic sea ice coverage remains below average and previously stable Antarctic sea ice extent was at or near a record low,” said WMO.

“The past three years have all been in the top three years in terms of temperature records. This is part of a long term warming trend. We have witnessed extraordinary weather, including temperatures topping 50 degrees Celsius in Asia, record-breaking hurricanes in rapid succession in the Caribbean and Atlantic reaching as far as Ireland, devastating monsoon flooding affecting millions of people and a relentless drought in East Africa.”

Patricia Espinosa, executive secretary of UN Climate Change which is hosting the Bonn conference, said: “These findings underline the rising risks to people, economies and the very fabric of life on Earth if we fail to get on track with the aims and ambitions of the Paris Agreement.

“There is unprecedented and very welcome momentum among governments, but also cities, states, territories, regions, business and civil society. Bonn 2017 needs to be the launch pad towards the next, higher level of ambition by all nations and all sectors of society as we look to de-risk the future and maximise the opportunities from a fresh, forward-looking and sustainable development path.”

Zimbabwe Climate Change Management director Mr Washington Zhakata said climate change was the unpredictable ingredient that, when added to existing social, economic and political tensions, has the potential to ignite violence and conflict with disastrous consequences.

Minister Supa Mandiwanzira

Kiyapili Sibanda, Business Reporter
GOVERNMENT has mobilised $7 million to fund youth technicians to develop software packages and applications that can be used to boost economic activity in the country.

Information Communication Technology, Postal and Courier Services Minister Supa Mandiwanzira revealed this during the official opening of the Nkulumane Communication Information Centre in Bulawayo on Saturday.

He said his ministry has raised $7 million to give youths who are innovative to develop softwares and applications under the “Innovation Drive” initiative meant to empower youths in the country.

“As Government we must invest in our own people to become masters of their own destiny by developing their own software.

“We have started a programme where the President will officially open it. We have raised $7 million to give out to youths across the country who are innovative and are able to develop applications and softwares that we can use in our country,” he said.

“We are calling this initiative the “Innovation Drive” and it is done in partnership with all telecommunication operators in the country. We believe this will address the huge amount of US dollars we are shipping out to purchase softwares outside the country in European companies as well as Indian companies.”

Minister Mandiwanzira said this initiative will change the face of the economy as it will create employment opportunities in the country.

He also noted that the Communication Information Centres that are being opened countrywide were meant to lessen the burden for people when they want to acquire critical information and different Government documents.

“The CICs that are being opened around the country are meant to offer different e-Government activities to lessen the burden of queuing at the Registrar’s Office, for instance. We want people to apply for passports without any hassles,” said the minister.

@Kiyaz_Cool

Tendai Ndoro

Grace Chingoma, Senior Sports Reporter
ZIMBABWE international forward Tendai Ndoro says he was humbled to get the armband in the series of friendly matches which begin with tonight’s tie against Lesotho at the Sesotho Stadium.

The match kicks off at 7pm.

The Warriors will be in action again on Saturday against Namibia in the Hage Geingob Cup.

And, in the absence of captain Knowledge Musona who was injured during a league match in Belgium on Sunday, the Warriors bosses have handed the task to the Al Faisaly striker.

Ndoro will be deputised by Nottingham Forest defender Tendayi Darikwa, who was surprisingly given extra responsibilities on his Warriors debut appearance.

“I am very pleased to lead the boys in the two games we have,” said Ndoro, speaking from Maseru.

“We just wish to work together as a team and to have the amband in these games will even motivate me further to do well in my international career.

“I am very proud to represent my country again, so we just wishing to work together as a team and produce results in tomorrow’s (today) game and Saturday’s game.

“We welcome the new players but in football, we always know there is nothing called new players.

“I know and trust that they will adapt well, football is just the same.”

The former Chicken Inn and Orlando Pirates forward, who recently moved to Saudi Arabia, says he is enjoying his game as well as life in the Middle East.

Warriors midfielders Marvelous Nakamba and Golden Arrows Kuda Mahachi linked up with the rest of the team in South Africa before proceeding together to Lesotho.

However, Black Rhinos goalkeeper Herbert Rusawo and CAPS United midfielder Devon Chafa could not secure seats on yesterday’s flight and were expected to follow early this morning from the capital and quickly rejoin the team before the evening match.

FC Platinum winger Ali Sadiki, Bulawayo City Ishmael Wadi and Yadah exciting teenager Leeroy Mavunga were dropped from the team.

Chafa had been dropped but had to be recalled after Musona pulled out while Rusawo was also last-minute addition due to an injury to Polokwane City goalie George Chigova.

ZIFA technical director, Wilson Mutekede, who is only holding fort in these two games waiting for the Association to appoint a substantive gaffer, has said he wants to give a run to all the players in the friendly matches.

Mutekede and his assistant Lloyd Chitembwe will also be able to have a closer look at the England-based players.

Dr Ignatius Chombo

Nonsikelelo Moyo in Victoria Falls
THERE is an urgent need to put safety nets and extend deposit protection to financial technology (fintech) linked deposits for the benefit of consumers so as to foster financial inclusion, Finance and Economic Development Minister, Dr Ignatius Chombo has said.

In a key note address read on his behalf by his principal director Mr Pfungwa Kunaka during the International Association of Deposit Insurers’ (IADI) Conference in Victoria Falls on Monday, Dr Chombo called for the regulation of digital financial services.

“There has been a phenomenal growth in digital financial services and products in Africa especially those linked to mobile money services. Expanding access to financial technology linked deposits requires introduction of basic protections for the clients of financial services,” he said.

“The knowledge that their rights are effectively protected may bring in new customers to the financial sector, and encourage the uptake of new products, and effectively help to advance the agenda of financial inclusion.”

The minister’s sentiments come at a time when the Zimbabweans have embraced mobile money with Econet and NetOne — the two biggest players in the telecommunication sector — introducing new products to entice the market. NetOne recently introduced an innovative mobile financial service product called OneMoney, which can be linked to a ZimSwitch enabled debit card and can transfer money from Wallet to the bank or Zipit to Wallet and so forth.

Given the prevailing cash shortages in the economy, more people are increasingly using mobile money and other electronic transactions like swiping.

Econet has also launched a new mobile money service that enables customers to swipe with any ZimSwitch enabled cards via Steward Point of sale machines dubbed Swipe-into-EcoCash.

The innovative service allows EcoCash registered customers with ZimSwitch-enabled cards to swipe when making payments. As such, Dr Chombo encouraged deposit protection schemes to keep abreast with the evolving developments in financial technology linked products.

“It is noted that consumer protection in the financial sector has continued to gain prominence since the Global Financial Crisis of 2007 to 2009. Thus, it is imperative that Deposit Protection Schemes and other financial safety net players, keep themselves abreast with rapidly evolving developments in financial technology (fintech) linked products; and find innovative ways to extend protection to consumers of such products.”

Dr Chombo said financial regulators and researchers the world over were working flat out to find ways to regulate and offer protection to consumers and providers of fintech linked products as well as enhance financial stability.

The two-day conference, which started on Monday and ended yesterday, ran under the theme “deposit protection and financial technology linked deposits”.

The event was attended by the Deputy Governor of the Reserve Bank of Zimbabwe, Dr Jesimen Chipika, (IADI) secretary general, Mr David Walker, IADI and Deposit Protection Corporation chief executive officer and managing director, Mr John Chikura, Bankers’ Association of Zimbabwe representatives as well as board of directors of the Deposit Protection Corporation.

@nonsy_m

Chiedza Mhosva

Showbiz Correspondent
MISS World Zimbabwe, Chiedza Lorraine Mhosva, who is in China representing the country at the Miss World contest is seeking votes to land her an automatic top 40 spot for the grand finale set for November 18 at the Crown of Beauty Theatre in Sanya.

Miss World introduced “Head to Head Challenge Rounds” and Chiedza has been placed in group 18. Other countries in the group include Vietnam, Spain, South Sudan and Belize.

According to Miss Zimbabwe spokesperson, Tendai Chirau, Chiedza needs the country’s votes to land the automatic qualification from her group.

“We call upon Zimbabweans all over the world to vote for Chiedza in order to help her make it to the top 40, a week ahead of the finale on November 18.
Those that want to participate can visit the Miss World Facebook page or download the Miss World application,” said Chirau.

In a statement, Miss World organisers said the challenge has split 120 nations into 20 groups of six nations each. The winners will be decided through a live draw where 20 winners will gain automatic qualification to the top 20.

“There will be a ‘Top 40’ comprised the following, 20 Head to Head challenge winners, five Fast Track Event’s Winners and 15 Judges’ selection. If a contestant does not win her Head to Head challenge, she still has a chance to be in the Top 40 by winning a fast track or through judges’ selections,” read the statement.

President Mugabe

Fidelis Munyoro, Harare Bureau
President Mugabe’s move to show his former deputy Cde Emmerson Dambudzo Mnangagwa the exit door is lawful because he was serving in Government at the pleasure of the appointing authority, legal experts said yesterday.

Cde Mnangagwa followed the route of his predecessor, Dr Joice Mujuru, who was fired from Government in 2014 on similar accusations of entangling herself in factionalism and disloyalty to the President and Zanu-PF party.

Announcing the termination of Cde Mnangagwa’s employment with the Government, Information, Publicity and Broadcasting Services Minister Simon Khaya Moyo said the former VP had become disloyal, disrespectful to the President.

“His Excellency the President, RG Mugabe has exercised his powers to relieve honourable Vice President, ED Mnangagwa, of his position as Vice President of the Republic of Zimbabwe, with immediate effect,” said Minister Khaya Moyo.

Legal experts said President Mugabe, who enjoys unfettered powers conferred upon him by the Constitution simply exercised his powers.

“Legally, the termination of the employment of then Vice President Mnangagwa is lawful because his appointment was a constitutional appointment,” said Harare lawyer Mr Tendai Toto.

“It is in accordance with the Constitution that the President of the Republic exercised his powers to appoint VP Mnangagwa and now he has exercised the same powers and prerogative to disappoint.

“Cde Mnangagwa was serving Government at the pleasure of the President in accordance with the law and the Constitution. What it means is that henceforth, he has no business to do in Government.”

Mr Toto said the Ministry of Justice that he was stewarding as the Minister of Justice, Legal and Parliamentary Affairs got taken away from him at the last Cabinet reshuffle.

He said Cde Mnangagwa was for now a member of Zanu-PF pending congressional developments in the near future.

“Politically, a lesson has been learnt that our membership of political parties can also get terminated once the majority of the decision making body therein decide that you are no longer desired as member, you can get an exit kick,” said Mr Toto.

Veteran lawyer, Mr Terence Hussein said: “While we thank him for his service to our country, the President is the chief executive of the State and is allowed to hire those he has faith in and dismiss those that he does not.

“In Government, you sit at the pleasure of the President. But these Vice Presidents were appointed and because they were appointed, they can as the President wishes, be disappointed.”

United Kingdom-based law lecturer Dr Alex Magaisa wrote on his Facebook wall that having lost the Vice Presidency, Cde Mnangagwa also lost the right to appear and speak in Parliament.

“Under the Constitution, when a person becomes a Vice President he ceases to be an MP,” wrote Dr Magaisa.

“That is why (Cde) Mnangagwa gave up his seat in 2014 when he became Vice President. He bequeathed it to his wife, Auxillia, thus keeping it in the family.

“Just three weeks ago, he was not only Vice President but Leader of Government Business by virtue of holding the portfolio of Justice and Parliamentary Affairs Minister.

“He lost the latter in the reshuffle and now he is completely out of Parliament.”

Dr Magaisa said it was a heavy fall for Cde Mnangagwa who had been in the corridors of powers for almost four decades.

“Now that he is without power, the rest will follow suit,” said Dr Magaisa adding, “His staunchest allies might follow him in solidarity but politicians are not known for their loyalty. Now that (Cde) Mnangagwa is without power, he will find that it’s a very lonely place.”

Zanu-PF leadership in various provinces are calling for the elevation of First Lady Dr Grace Mugabe to be one of the party’s two Vice Presidents. The provinces also recommended the expulsion of Cde Mnangagwa and his lieutenants for undermining President Mugabe’s authority.