The rains are just around the corner and committed farmers should be winding up preparations for planting. Normal to above normal rains have been predicted for this coming cropping season so there is no reason why we should not realise another bumper harvest.

Last season the country harvested more than its food requirements so the emphasis this coming season is to produce for exports. The Government under its specialised maize production for the 2016/2017 summer cropping season, had set its target at seven tonnes per hectare but some farmers managed to produce more than 20 tonnes per hectare which is very encouraging.

Government has stopped maize imports thereby saving a lot of foreign currency which was being spent on importing maize.

More than 1,6 million households benefited from the Presidential Inputs Support Scheme last season and more are going to benefit this coming season from both the Presidential Inputs Support Scheme and Command Agriculture which have been expanded to cover other areas.

Government is providing inputs such as seed, fertiliser and chemicals and has already mobilised the required funding for the 2017/2018 season. We want to believe that seed houses and fertiliser companies have stocked enough to meet demand. A number of farmers participated in the Command Agriculture programme last season and many more are expected to participate this coming season.

In order to mitigate the effects of climate change, Government is rehabilitating irrigation schemes as well as establishing new schemes so that some of the crops are cultivated under irrigation. Irrigation schemes enable farmers to grow crops throughout the year. More than 300 000 families have benefited from the Government’s land reform programme since the launch of the fast-track land reform programme in 2 000.

The majority of the land reform programme beneficiaries are the once marginalised black people who are now proud owners of pieces of land in prime farming areas which used to be a preserve of the whites. The Government embarked on the land reform programme to correct the skewed land ownership which favoured the whites.

Most blacks before independence were confined to barren land while the few whites were settled in fertile land across the country. What was, however, surprising was that despite cultivating the poor soils, the black farmers produced about 80 percent of the country’s food requirements.

Government soon after independence embarked on the land reform programme meant to correct the past imbalances in the ownership of this finite resource. Now that the Government has put in place programmes to empower the new farmers, the country should regain its status of being the Southern African region’s bread basket.

Experience has shown that farmers who prepare for the planting season, realise good yields. Last season most of the inputs were delivered to farmers before the onset of the rains except for Ammonium Nitrate which was in short supply.

It is our fervent hope that those involved in the distribution of inputs learnt from last season’s shortcomings.

Former Vice President Emmerson Mnangagwa

Chronicle Reporters
NINE of Zanu-PF’s ten provinces have endorsed the sacking of the former Vice President Cde Emmerson Mnangagwa as the axe hangs over his allies accused of fanning factionalism in aid of his ambition to succeed President Mugabe.

President Mugabe on Monday fired Cde Mnangagwa with immediate effect over allegations of, among other things, disloyalty, disrespect, deceit and unreliability.

Announcing the decision at a press briefing in Harare, the Minister of Information, Media and Broadcasting Services, Cde Simon Khaya Moyo, said Cde Mnangagwa’s discharge of duties had become inconsistent with his official responsibilities.

Yesterday, Matabeleland South, North, Harare held respective meetings of the Provincial Coordinating Committees and joined other provinces in endorsing the firing of Cde Mnangagwa and proposing that Dr Grace Mugabe takes over the position.

The provinces joined Bulawayo, Mashonaland Central, Mashonaland East, Mashonaland West, Masvingo and Manicaland who have made similar calls while Midlands province is expected to hold its meeting today.

Harare recommended the expulsion of Politburo members Cdes Cleveria Chizema and Omega Hungwe and Harare East National Assembly representative Cde Terrence Mukupe while 22 others were recommended for suspension for being part of former VP Mnangagwa’s faction that was working to undermine President Mugabe’s authority.

Minister Kembo Mohadi

In Matabeleland South recommendations were also made for the axing of 15 members including State Security Minister Cde Kembo Mohadi and Home Affairs deputy Minister Cde Obedingwa Mguni over allegations of colluding with Cde Mnangagwa.

The recommendations were supported by the provincial women’s league and youth league.

Other members facing the axe include provincial chairman, Cde Rabelani Choeni, central committee members Cdes Reni Kibi and Thambudzani Mohadi, Matabeleland South provincial war veterans’ chairman Cde Section Ncube and former Matabeleland South Provincial Affairs Minister Abednico Ncube.

Also on the firing line are Cdes Never Khanye, William Dhewa, Elizabeth Moyo, Japhet Dube, Mthandazo Sibanda, Cecilia Ndubiwa, Qajiwe Mpande and Sifinini Rona Moyo.

Speaking during the meeting, Zanu-PF Matabeleland South provincial vice chairman, Cde Soul Mahalima Ncube, said the expulsion of the 15 party members were necessary to ensure order and unity within the party.

“The President has dismissed Mnangagwa from being Vice President and as a province we have to do something about his sympathisers who are among us.

Therefore we would like to recommend the expulsion of these 15 members who were working with him.

“As Mat South we endorse and are fully behind His Excellency’s decision to fire Mnangagwa, whom I can’t address as comrade anymore. We are also in full support of the amendment of the constitution to accommodate a female Vice President. We also recommend the elevation of First Lady Dr Amai Mugabe to the position of Vice President,” said Cde Ncube.

He said Cde Mnangagwa’s sympathisers within the province were blocking party development projects. He said once they were expelled from the party, it would be possible for the province to develop.

Cde Ncube said the province was not concerned with the President’s age but his high level of intelligence and wisdom which could be seen through his great leadership.

Cde Abednico Ncube

“As we forge ahead, the party needs unity and the dismissal of Mnangagwa and his sympathisers will ensure this happens. We have recommended that only 15 get expelled but I know that there are others that we didn’t mention.

“If your name wasn’t mentioned here yet you know what you are doing. I would urge you to take this as a warning. Make sure that you correct your ways because we won’t hesitate to dismiss people that want to divide our party,” he said.

Cde Ncube said former VP Mnangagwa and his sympathisers had shown great disrespect by mobilising a crowd to boo the First Lady Dr Grace Mugabe during the Youth Interface Rally in Bulawayo last Saturday. He said the province did not condone such behaviour.

Matabeleland South provincial Zanu-PF Women’s League chairperson Cde Sister Moyo and Youth League provincial vice chairman, Mr Lizwe Moyo, also declared their full support for the recommendations.

In Matabeleland North, the province welcomed the dismissal of Cde Mnangagwa and called for Dr Mugabe’s elevation to the position of Vice President.

Party provincial chairman Cde Richard Moyo hailed the province for staying away from factional politics.

“I want to thank you, from politburo members, central committee members, national consultative members, provincial executive committee in the province, women and youths. You don’t embarrass us as Matabeleland North. You don’t involve yourself in matters that you don’t understand. Stay put, you will be rewarded for your commitment to the party,” said Cde Moyo.

Cde Obedingwa Mguni

He said the province had resolved: “That Cde Robert Gabriel Mugabe will remain the sole candidate for the 2018 general elections.

“We also reiterate that there is only one centre of power. The province is also in agreement with the removal of ED Mnangagwa from the position of Vice President of the party and Government because of gross indiscipline, disloyalty and insubordination to the President of the State and party.

“The province also resolved that the party implement the resolution that was passed at the Victoria Falls National People’s Conference and in Masvingo that one of the Vice Presidents be a woman. Further the province resolved that the position be occupied by secretary of Women Affairs Dr Amai Grace Mugabe.”

Midlands province will hold a meeting today amid reports that some party youths had already started efforts to repossess party vehicles from Cde Mnangagwa’s loyalists including Mbizo legislator, Cde Usheunesu Mpereri.

Party provincial chairman, Cde Daniel Mackenzie Ncube yesterday confirmed the incident calling for calm in the province. “There has been tension with calls from every end with people saying let’s fire this one because he belongs to this or that faction but we have called for a PCC meeting to deliberate on the matter. I have reiterated that lets bury our differences and work as a party. This is my constant appeal,” he said.

Cde Ncube said there were clandestine meetings taking place in the province with people plotting against each other, a development which he said sends a wrong signal to the party’s highest decision making body.

“We are heading for crucial times and I have said this again and again, lets bury our differences and if our tomorrow’s PCC meeting succeeds, these are some of the issues we want to discuss while preaching unity, unity, and unity. This is what the President has taught us. Let us not deviate,” he said.

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.

Manicaland province recommended the expulsion of 38 members allegedly linked to Cde Mnangagwa’s faction, among them three Politburo members namely Cdes Oppah Muchinguri, Patrick Chinamasa and Chris Mushohwe.

Other notable members 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.

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

The Mashonaland East province recommended that Cde Joel Biggie Matiza and Deputy Speaker of the National Assembly Marbel Chinomona be fired for fanning factionalism in the province while 12 members are to be investigated for links with Cde Mnangagwa.

Rivaldo

Ricky Zililo, Senior Sports Reporter
CONFUSION is reigning supreme in the build-up to the international exhibition match featuring local former footballers and Barcelona Legends in Harare on Sunday.

Some former players, who have been selected to feature in the exhibition match by Zifa, have distanced themselves, claiming they were never approached.

Highlanders, who have been advertised as curtain raisers in a clash against Dynamos, also pleaded ignorance about the match.

Nhlanhla Dube, Highlanders’ chief executive officer, said he was shocked to see adverts indicating that they will play against Dynamos.

“I’m hearing it for the first time and I’m surprised that we will be playing Dynamos. All I can tell you is that I know nothing and maybe someone knows better,” said Dube, who heads Highlanders’ secretariat.

Most Highlanders executive members equally expressed their ignorance about the punted weekend game.

Highlanders gave their players time off after the 0-3 loss to Hwange and will only resume training this afternoon.

Our sister website Sportszone reported that Ephraim Chawanda, one of the ex-players named in the Zimbabwe Legends’ squad, has distanced himself from the match set for the National Sports Stadium on Sunday.

The former national team defender who captained Reinhard Fabisch’s Dream Time to the brink of World Cup qualification in 1993, used his Facebook timeline yesterday to distance himself from the match.

Chawanda, who was nicknamed “The rock of Gibraltar” for his reliability and steadiness in defence during his playing days, is now based in Botswana.

“My friends and family have been misled by the media that I will be in Zimbabwe for a certain game in Harare; it’s a lie. For those who put my name on such a list without consulting me, for lack of better words, please go to hell. I cannot be part of disorganisation or a circus that disrespects former footballers,” wrote Chawanda

The match is being organised by Zifa in collaboration with the Ministry of Sport, Recreation, Arts and Culture and is aimed at marketing Zimbabwe as a good tourist destination as well as to advance sports diplomacy.

Zifa announced a 33-man squad of former footballers, who were mixed with legends for the exhibition match.

“It is us (Zifa) who came up with the list. Tentatively we expect players to start arriving in Harare on Wednesday (yesterday),” said Zifa communications manager Xolisani Gwesela.

Asked if Zifa is providing airfares for overseas-based former players such as the UK-based duo of Japhet M’parutsa and Muzondiwa Mugadza as well as United States-based Thulani “Biya” Ncube, Madinda Ndlovu, who coaches in Botswana’s topflight, and the bulk of the squad based in South Africa, Gwesela said: “That is still work in progress.”

Selection of the legends’ team has stirred debate following the omission of some former players such as Ronald “Gidiza” Sibanda and Luke Petros-Jukulile from the list. It was later learnt through the team’s manager Ernest “Maphepha” Sibanda that Ronald had erroneously been omitted from the list and is part of the legends.

The inclusion of the likes of Edward Sadomba, who achieved virtually nothing in Warriors colours, has also been met with grumblings within the football fraternity.

Midfielders that were named in the list without Ronald are Calisto Pasuwa, Lloyd Chitembwe, Johannes Ngodzo, Kennedy Nagoli, Moses Chunga, Esrom Nyandoro, Tinashe Nengomasha, Joel Lupahla and Desmond Maringwa.

FC Platinum coach Norman Mapeza and United States-based Ncube, who captained the Young Warriors and senior national team in one year, are part of the defenders that were expected to report for camp in Harare yesterday.

One of the country’s greatest players Peter Ndlovu, Benjani Mwaruwari, the Mugeyi twins Wilfred and William, as well as Ian Gorowa and Zenzo Moyo were also named in the squad.

Sunday Chidzambwa was named coach and will be assisted by Rahman Gumbo and David Mandigora.

Walter Magaya of PHD Ministries was named chief liaison officer. Magaya has been Zifa’s benefactor; providing accommodation free of charge to the national teams.

Meanwhile, 20 Barcelona legends are expected to arrive in the country on Saturday.

They will be coached by Albert Ferrer, a former Barca and Chelsea right-back.

Some of the ex-stars that have confirmed that they will feature in the exhibition match are Eric Abidal, Rivaldo, Edgar Davids and Patrick Kluivert. Davids and Kluivert were in the country earlier this year to market the game.

Gianluca Zambrotta and Anderson Luís de Souza, better known as Deco, will also be available for the match.

Zim legends squad

Goalkeepers: Brena Msiska, Muzondiwa Mugadza, Gift Muzadzi, Japhet Mparutsa

Defenders: Ephraim Chawanda, Engelbrecht Dinha, Charles Yohane, Dumisani Mpofu, Dazzy Kapenya, Bekhithemba Ndlovu, Innocent Chikoya, Harrington Shereni, Thulani Biya Ncube, Norman Mapeza, Kaitano Tembo

Midfielders: Calisto Pasuwa, Lloyd Chitembwe, Johannes Ngodzo, Kennedy Nagoli, Moses Chunga, Esrom Nyandoro, Tinashe Nengomasha, Joel Lupahla, Desmond Maringwa

Strikers: Edward Sadomba, Agent Sawu, Zenzo Moyo, Benjani Mwaruwari, Peter Ndlovu, Madinda Ndlovu, William Mugeyi, Wilfred Mugeyi, Ian Gorowa

Technical team: Sunday Chidzambwa (head coach), Rahman Gumbo (assistant coach), David Mandigora (assistant coach), Kilian Kadye (physiotherapist), Nicholas Munyonga (team doctor), Walter Magaya (chief liaison officer), Ernest Sibanda (team manager). -

@ZililoR

Business Reporter
ZIMTRADE, the country’s trade facilitation agency says the recent removal of export permits by Government has opened a window for increased exports of locally manufactured products.

Manufactured products and services contribute less than 10 percent each to Zimbabwe’s exports earnings, which are dominated by minerals and tobacco at 80 percent combined, recent reports show.

In response to the need to bolster exports, Government has removed export permits for all industrial commodities as an initiative under the latest Statutory Instrument, 122 of 2017.

“This is a welcome development for exporters as this is set to significantly reduce the costs and time required for an exporter to send out shipments. Companies in the manufacturing sector are set to benefit from the removal of export permits,” said ZimTrade.

The 2011 World Trade Organisation review on Zimbabwe had highlighted that one of the impediments in exporting goods is the bureaucracy involved and the plethora of regulations, processes and permits.

As such, ZimTrade is optimistic the relaxation provided in S.I. 122 of 2017 will go a long way in remedying this situation.

“This export-driven initiative is important in increasing exports for the country and foreign direct investment inflows,” said the trade agency.

Speaking at the recently held ZimTrade Annual Exporters’ Conference in Harare, the Minister of Industry and Commerce, Dr Mike Bimha, said: “As you may be aware, Government removed all, except four strategic products (fertilisers, second-hand equipment, sugar, and gypsum) from export licensing requirement as gazetted through Statutory Instrument 122 of 2017”.

ZimTrade said it is convinced efforts such as these will go a long way in increasing value to the economy.

“ZimTrade is encouraging companies to take advantage of these reforms so that they are able to compete in the export market,” it said.

Experts have stressed the need to boost exports as a long term strategy to addressing the liquidity problem in the economy. While Government has crafted a number of fiscal and monetary incentives to support local exporters, the issue of competitiveness is weighing down on export performance, said Dr Bimha.

Gilmore Tee with Gareth Cliff

Nhlalwenhle Ngwenya, ShowBiz Correspondent
IT seems socialite Gilmore Tee is playing his cards well as he has sealed another deal with Cliff Central, a popular online radio station in South Africa – which will see his podcast – The Gilmore Tee Vibe, being aired on that platform.

Just recently, Gilmore Tee, who also hosts the Thatha Wena TV show in Zimbabwe, partnered with another SA drama series, MTV Shuga.

The Gilmore Tee Vibe will be aired on the station owned by former Idols SA judge Gareth Cliff every Friday, starting from 6PM. The Gilmore Tee Vibe, which in its inception was available for free download online, was launched in February this year and became a go to site for most Zimbabwean podcast fanatics.

“The Gilmore Tee Vibe is a radio show that touches on all things Zimbabwean, from topical tunes, lifestyle, entertainment and everything that gives an inside view of the country,” said Gilmore Tee.

Co-produced by Tswarelo Mothobi, having the show on Cliff Central is a positive development for Gilmore as local content will be exposed to an international market while boosting Gilmore’s career as a talk show host.

“I’m extremely happy to be joining Cliff Central as a Radio Host and Producer of The Gilmore Tee Vibe, which started off as a podcast and is now a radio show.

“It’s been a long time coming and I’m grateful to the station’s team and my co-producer – Tswarelo Mothobi for believing in me and my ability to be the voice of Zimbabwe. This happened at the right time with the right radio station and I’m ready to put in the work,” said Gilmore Tee.

The radio show, whose buoyant point is beaming Zimbabwean perspectives across the globe, went live last Friday.

An elated Gilmore Tee said people should expect nothing but the best Zimbabwean freshly packaged stories.

“People should expect to hear high energy and engaging conversations on the show by Zimbabweans and obviously, us as a people changing our narratives by being our own voice.”

Turning to his deal with MTV Shuga, Gilmore urged people to support him and watch the youth drama which is airing at the Ster Kinekor cinemas in Bulawayo every Saturday.

“I’m extremely excited to be working with MTV Shuga in spreading awareness on HIV/AIDS across the globe. I’m grateful to God for granting these opportunities to me. My podcast, which will be aired on Cliff Central, will also have MTV Shuga content,” he said.

President Mugabe

Tendai Mugabe, Harare Bureau
THERE is no short cut to leadership of the people and Zanu-PF has no room for those who divert from the party’s principles to fulfill self-serving interests, President Mugabe has said.

He said the Zanu-PF ideology and principles remain supreme and it does not matter how long one has walked with the President.

President Mugabe said this while addressing thousands of party supporters who converged at the Zanu-PF headquarters to show him solidarity following disturbances that occurred during the Bulawayo Presidential Youth Interface Rally on Saturday.

His remarks were directed at former Vice President Emmerson Mnangagwa who was accused of sponsoring the disturbances for factional ends.

He said the party’s leadership was reaching the twilight of its political career but it should leave a clear and plausible trajectory for the youths to follow.

President Mugabe warned that short cuts to leadership were littered with challenges and obstacles.

“We have always said for us leaders we are about to go, it is the youth who must be the leaders,” said President Mugabe.

“When the youths take over they will be looking to see how we did things in this long journey, and then it will be the way they will go.

“We the leaders must do things the right way not like those that do things the right way during the day but at night they deviate from the right path. That’s what we don’t want. I doesn’t matter you were with the President, It doesn’t you were close to the President who invited you to join the party and you travelled the whole journey together.

“Youths must be carefull. The journey is long, there is no short cut.  There is no short cut to be the leader of the people just like there was no short cut to our independence. We had to walk the long walk.”

President Mugabe explained that former Vice President Mnangagwa was expelled on the same charges faced by his predecessor, Dr Joice Mujuru.

He said the difference was only that Cde Mnangagwa was faking his love for the President while Dr Mujuru was engaging in witchcraft to wrestle power from the President.

“What is happening is what caused Mai Mujuru’s dismissal. It’s just that Mai Mujuru was competing with the President that’s why she had some creatures which she kept in water,” said President Mugabe. “Hers were of a different type and they were supposed to fight in a bucket while tied with a cloth. Mine was supposed to be bitten to death, if it died, Mai Mujuru would have won.

“Now this one didn’t have this. ‘President is the one who gave me the job’. He lies to people in January to wait for March when he takes over as President. Youths, you must be ready to celebrate in March. Be ready July (Moyo) and others, I am the one taking over. It failed. Then he thought of going to inyanga and apostolic sects prophets and ask when I will die? To find out about the President’s death!

“Then he went somewhere where he was told ah don’t think about it, you will be the first. So he thought because he was made Vice President before Mphoko, when I go he will be acting President.

“‘After that I will the President. The President will carry me to victory’. That’s what he thought. Now the President has refused to die. He has refused to leave the post.”

In the same breath, President Mugabe denounced those fanning tribalism and regionalism saying such people should be expelled from the party.

He said the liberation struggle was not fought on tribal lines.

Meanwhile, President Mugabe has blasted his former deputy Cde Emmerson Mnangagwa for sponsoring the disturbances that happened during the 9th Presidential Youth Interface rally in Bulawayo on Saturday to further his narrow- minded ambitions to succeed him.

Some hooligans allegedly hired by Cde Mnangagwa booed First Lady Dr Grace Mugabe while she was addressing the meeting.

President Mugabe yesterday exonerated the party’s Bulawayo leadership for what happened last Saturday.

Addressing thousands of Zanu-PF supporters at the party’s headquarters in Harare yesterday, President Mugabe said everything that happened in Bulawayo was pre-planned to embarrass him and the First Lady.

“So you heard insults. Booing was done everywhere, it was a pre-planned thing. They said they were going to do it. ‘When the President arrives there shouldn’t be cheers to welcome him. But when I arrive, you then say mudhara achauya, and I respond mudhara achauya, mudhara achauya.

“Ah, power has come nothing is going to change. I don’t know sometimes people fail to use the brain because of love for power. You must think, think and ask yourself if you fit in a hole that a rat goes into, or where a tabbit goes. No, it doesn’t work like that. The road to leadership is long and arduous. There is no rest. I think you all know the long road we travelled.

“We didn’t think of becoming President until we got to Lancaster House. We told ourselves we were fighting for our people, but it emerged some of our aims, discipline, trying to build our party and uplifting our people and said who among us shall lead.

“To some people this does not exist. They think if they are close to the President and share jokes with him, make tea for him, that’s it. No I don’t do that. We play fair. You can brew nice beer and we get drunk, but the party ideology will stay, and we will not sell it because of beer, No! Or because of a cup of tea, No. We don’t sell our country because of bread  or cake. No we don’t do that.”

President Mugabe said it was shameful that one of his deputies (Cde Mnangagwa) could stoop as low as organising thugs to boo him and the First Lady to further his ambitions.

“He is not small in the party that we can say he is learning party ideology, doing such embarrassing things. Lacking supreme discipline which we should show at the top,” said the President.

“People didn’t just put us at the top without discipline, behaving like lizards which just run around aimlessly, or like locusts, or frogs that just jump around. We are there because we know what we are doing and people that chose us did so because of our discipline and uniting people in our country Zimbabwe to be what it is today, no matter where we come from, not that those that say those from Mash East, ar those from the Midlands are better, but these don’t come from our area. It doesn’t matter whether they are Karanga, or Venda. You are not greater than any other people because you belong to a particular province which has prescribed greatness to its people. No. That’s why I am saying when the war was fought it wasn’t fought so that those from Zvimba can be the leaders, Manicaland will have ordinary people, the Karanga will also be ordinary people. We never fought the war like that.”

President Mugabe continued: “We hope to continue with our rallies. Only Harare was left but I want to thank people of Bulawayo. You are not the ones who caused the problem.

“It’s us the leaders who were wrong. You had done very well and people had come in their numbers. Bulawayo is not Harare, the population is smaller, but the people came in their numbers. We were very happy.

“We were very happy, very proud of our leadership in Bulawayo but we are sorry we spoilt all the good work that you had done. It was just one person who decided to disorganise.

“You disorganised all of us but we dealt with you and I hope we can deal with others who were conspirators, who were conspirators alongside him. Going forward we are going to do things the right way, it’s only Harare that’s left”

President Mugabe said the party should work hard to ensure that what happened in Bulawayo would never be repeated.

Wilson Mutekede

Sports Reporter
THE Zimbabwe Warriors, featuring the first batch of their British Brigade, conceded a goal four minutes into time added on as they slumped to defeat in their friendly international match against Lesotho in Maseru last night.

Caretaker coach Wilson Mutekede and his assistant Lloyd Chitembwe thrust three of the recruits from the British Brigade – Macauley Bonne, Tendayi Darikwa and Kundai Benyu – straight into battle in the team’s first XI.

Leicester City’s Admiral Muskwe was thrust to the bench.

The Warriors had the better chances in the first half, in which they played with two forwards – Bonne and captain Tendai Ndoro – but their conversion rate let them down.

The artificial surface at the Sesotho Stadium was a different test for the likes of Bonne, Darikwa and Benyu who are not used to playing on such a surface even though all the three players put in a decent shift in their first game for the senior national team.

Darikwa was the best of the lot, which was probably expected, because of his experience and he was devastated after the last-minute defeat he said he was even now more determined to try and win the next match against Namibia in Windhoek on Saturday.

Muskwe of Leicester City was introduced as an 81st minute substitute for Ndoro and twice he fashioned some good chances for his teammates in his cameo show.

‘’The new boys, given this was their first game for the team at this level because Bonne had only played one game for the Young Warriors in that friendly in Morocco where he scored, showed a lot of promise and they could be very good additions for the main team,’’ team manager Wellington Mpandare told The Herald last night.

‘’Most of the focus was on what these new players could add to the team and the coaches were convinced that they can bring in something different going forward.

‘’Darikwa is very devastated, as I am speaking to you, he is very hurt by the defeat because he considers himself a winner and has been saying he wants to make up for all this by winning the game in Namibia on Saturday.

‘’For players who are not used to playing competitive matches on artificial surfaces, these boys put in a good shift and that’s the progress we are looking for even though we all would have loved to win the game and the nature of the loss, the last-minute goal, was disappointing.’’

The two teams were meeting for the first time since their seven-goal thriller, which the Warriors won 4-3, in the COSAFA Castle Cup on their way to winning the tournament in South Africa a few months ago.

The last time the Warriors were in Maseru, for a Chan qualifier in October 2015, the match ended 1-1 at the Sesotho Stadium.

Darikwa played the full game last night, Bonne was also given a full run while Benyu was pulled out in the 75th minute and replaced by Liberty Chakoroma.

The Warriors are expected to arrive home at 10pm tonight before they fly out tomorrow for their date against Namibia on Saturday.

Former Vice President Emmerson Mnangagwa

Farirai Machivenyika, Harare Bureau
Former Vice President Emmerson Mnangagwa was yesterday expelled from Zanu-PF, two days after President Mugabe dismissed him from Government.

President Mugabe fired him from Government on various charges including discharging his duties in a manner inconsistent with his official duties, disloyalty, disrespect, deceitfulness and unreliability and a lack of probity in the execution of his duties.

His expulsion from the revolutionary party follows recommendations that were made by all the party’s 10 Provincial Coordinating Committees.

Zanu-PF Secretary for Information and Publicity Cde Simon Khaya Moyo made the announcement of his expulsion yesterday following the 313th ordinary session of the Politburo.

“The National Political Commissar Cde Saviour Kasukuwere gave a comprehensive report on the activities in the Commissariat department. All the 10 provinces, the Women’s League and the Youth League endorsed the expulsion of former Vice President Emmerson Mnangagwa as vice president of the Republic of Zimbabwe by His Excellency Cde RG Mugabe.

“On the request of the 10 provinces, the Women’s League and the Youth League, the Politburo has unanimously expelled former Vice President and Second Secretary of the party Cde E.D Mnangagwa as a member of the party. The Politburo received reports from nine provinces indicating that they have identified a number of party leaders in their provinces who had been involved in Lacoste factionalism in violation of party rules, guidelines and procedures. The Politburo directed that such cases should be directed to the National Disciplinary Committee for action and recommendations in accordance with the constitution of the party,” Cde Khaya Moyo said.

Cde Khaya Moyo could not be drawn to comment on a statement released by Mr Mnangagwa yesterday.

“We do not deliberate on what is not addressed to us but we take note,” he said.

He said the Politburo had also expelled Cde Magura Charumbira from Bulawayo province who was part of the thugs that booed the First Lady Dr Amai Grace Mugabe at the province’s Youth Interface rally last weekend.

Cde Khaya Moyo added that the Politburo received a report from Secretary for Administration Cde Ignatius Chombo on preparations for the Extraordinary Congress.

“He (Cde Chombo) told the Politburo that the Congress would be held from December 12 to December 17 in Harare. The theme of the Congress is ‘consolidating the gains of Zim-Asset through unity, peace and development’,” he said.

Meanwhile, Agriculture, Mechanisation and Irrigation Development Minister Dr Joseph Made also briefed the Politburo on the preparedness for the forthcoming cropping season.

Dr Made said 1,8 million households would benefit from the Presidential Input Scheme while 400 000 hectares had been targeted for maize under Command Agriculture.

He also said 1,4 million tonnes of maize had been delivered to the Grain Marketing Board with the  parastatal paying farmers $497 million while $43 million is outstanding.

President Mugabe

LIBERATION movements such as Zanu-PF, the African National Congress of South Africa, Swapo of Namibia, MPLA of Angola and Frelimo of Mozambique often go through episodes of internal turmoil where there are tussles for power but more often than not, they emerge unscathed — in fact quite strong and united from these ructions.

In these monolithic organisations, an individual is never bigger than the collective hence their enduring longevity and staying power which has seen them straddle over the geopolitics of the Sadc region for so long. It has been the neocolonialists’ project to dilute the influence of these revolutionary parties by sponsoring internal rebellions and splits but that has come to grief due to the strong values and principles that are steeped in the struggle for self-determination.

Their connection to the masses was honed during that era and remains unshakeable to this day — explaining their continued hold on power. Since independence, the ruling Zanu-PF party has experienced many upheavals and threats to its rule but has managed to overcome them due to its people-centred policies and the fact that it has remained true to its founding values.

Zimbabweans must have been excited this week following the sacking of Vice President Emmerson Mnangagwa by President Mugabe with opponents of the vanguard party prophesying all manner of doomsday theories for Zanu-PF. The excitement in the near-comatose opposition ranks was palpable with pseudo-analysts and experts predicting either a Zanu-PF split, internal rebellion or implosion following the announcement of the dismissal of the former VP by the Minister of Information, Media and Broadcasting Services, Cde Simon Khaya Moyo, on Monday.

Social media also went into overdrive, with fake messages, half-truths and outright lies being peddled on various platforms such as WhatsApp, Facebook and Twitter. But like it has done before when faced with a threat from external forces, the party has come out strongly to show its solidarity with its leader and in the process confounded the prophets of doom who saw the sacking of former VP Mnangagwa as an opportunity to sow seeds of division and separate President Mugabe from the people.

Zanu-PF structures across the country have since Monday been coming out in strong support of the stance taken by the President with a solidarity march being held in Harare yesterday culminating in an address by Cde Mugabe, the First Lady Dr Grace Mugabe and other senior party officials at the Zanu-PF headquarters.

Elsewhere in the provinces, the message has been the same — the party stands with the President and unequivocally supports the decision he took to relieve the former VP of his duties. The booing of the First Lady at the Bulawayo Interface Rally on Saturday clearly showed that indiscipline had reached unacceptable levels within the party and it was time to remove the cancer that was slowly gnawing away at the soul of Zanu-PF.

Yesterday, Zanu-PF structures said they had resolved to stand by the First Lady in the wake of vilification by some elements aligned to deposed former VP Mnangagwa.

Party provincial chairpersons, women and youth leagues, war veterans, provincial affairs ministers said they would continue to support the First Family and would not stand idle as elements aligned to former VP Mnangagwa undermined her.

Provincial chairpersons said they had already come up with a list of people who were working with deposed VP Mnangagwa with recommendations that disciplinary measures be taken against them.

Speaking at the rally held at Zanu-PF headquarters in Harare aimed at showing solidarity with the First Lady, Zanu-PF national political commissar Cde Saviour Kasukuwere said all provinces were disappointed by what happened in Bulawayo.

“All the provinces were disturbed by what happened in Bulawayo. Your Excellency, we did not know that you have a Vice President who is also a border jumper,” said Cde Kasukuwere responding to reports that former VP Mnangagwa tried to skip the border into neighbouring Mozambique on Tuesday.
On her part, the First Lady, who has been endorsed by all party structures to occupy the post of Vice President, assured the nation that she would help President Mugabe towards economic prosperity. “He, (President Mugabe) is also my President. I love my President. I respect my President. I will help him to make this country prosper,” said Amai Mugabe to a wild applause from the floor.

Now that the people have spoken, we expect the party to close ranks and continue with its preparations for the Special Congress slated for December.

We also urge party cadres to exercise the highest level of discipline and desist from violence during the process of reorganising their structures. Just like it did after the expulsion of former VP Dr Joice Mujuru in 2014, Zanu-PF will emerge stronger and more united from the latest episode.

Minister Walter Mzembi

Nyemudzai Kakore, Harare Bureau
ZIMBABWE will re-engage its erstwhile coloniser the United Kingdom and the United States of America to mend broken relations and create vibrant trade and economic ties, Foreign Affairs Minister Dr Walter Mzembi has said.

Addressing heads of diplomatic missions in Harare yesterday, Minister Mzembi said economic diplomacy shall ride on an enabling legislation and other legal instruments like the Indigenisation and Economic Empowerment Act and the President’s 10-Point Plan.

He said in the globalised and interdependent world, an egocentric pursuit of foreign policy would be both “blind and defeatist”.

“I shall seek an honest and forthright dialogue with these countries in order to let go the past and explore and pursue mutually beneficial economic opportunities. The rapprochement we seek shall be anchored in new vibrant trade and economic relations,” he said.

“As we seek new economic relations, we will refocus on the 2015 Lima Process on our debt payment plan. I am confident that together, we can revive that process. We will honour bilateral economic agreements we entered into with our valued partners including Bilateral Investment Promotion and Protection Agreement (BIPPAS). Where we have discomforts, we are prepared to find solutions which will not prejudice either party.

“Our national interests are the progress and prosperity of our people. I will not be inventing a new foreign policy per se because it is already in place having been spelt out by none other than His Excellency, the President Cde R.G Mugabe at independence on the 4th of March 1980 when he called on the nation to reconcile, stating “let’s turn our swords into plough shares.”

Minister Mzembi said he would be nurturing and consolidating old friendships to make Zimbabwe the most attractive foreign investment designation while regional cooperation and continental integration would also remain key.

He commended countries that have stood with Zimbabwe during her time of need including Russia, China, India, Iran, Cuba, Malaysia and Pakistan.

“Pan African principles, values and ethos shall guide our foreign policy in consonance with the direction already charted by our President, a great African icon himself,” he said.

“I look forward to working closely with our African colleagues to deepen and transform these relations into significant and mutually beneficial economic ties, and most importantly, to realise our integration in line with the Sadc Revised Indicative Strategic Development Plan (RISDP) as well as the African Union Agenda 2063 towards peaceful and prosperous Africa,” he said.

Responding to Minister Mzembi’s sentiments, Dean of African Diplomats, Mr Mawapanga Mwana Nanga said: “Everything you said sounds like beautiful music to our ears. We know your background as a man of his words and action. As diplomats we are here to help not only the interest of our countries but the mutual interest of both your country Zimbabwe and our respective countries.”

Trino Bambino

Showbiz Correspondent
CUBE Studios, a record label in Bulawayo that is taking the arts industry by storm, will hold a Beach Party at Queens Sports Club on Saturday as a way to liven up the city’s entertainment scene.

The Beach Party will feature Zodwa Wabantu’s local lookalike, Trino Bambino as a guest socialite alongside DJs Sweeto, Crazy Black, Bryce DJ Klassiq, Asht T, Nitefreak, Stokswit, Kemm Vocal, Staffa, Banele, Master M, Sons of Voodoo, Kintsugi, Zulu da House Maniac, Crazy Black and Kwabatsha. It will start at midday and entrance is $3. Ladies can enter for free before 3PM.

Cube Studios who want to make a mark on the local arts scene are behind the hit track Woza Kimi sung by their artistes Nitefreak and Kemm Vocals. The track is currently on number two on Skyz Metro FM’s top 20 chart show.

With the sweltering temperatures being experienced in the city, the dress code to the party according to Mduduzi Sibanda, founder of Cube Studios, will be strictly beachwear.

“We want it to be a beach party and we’ve brought in sand which we’ll use to come up with an artificial beach. We’d like the people to come in full beachwear.

“No shoes will be allowed at the venue as we want to maintain the theme of the beach party,” said Sibanda.

Established in 2014, Sibanda said they had studied the local entertainment scene and identified a gap they needed to fill in terms of entertainment in the city, hence why they were hosting this unique event.

“We held a Pool Party in September and it was very successful. So we realised that there was hunger for such type of entertainment and events by the people of Bulawayo. This is why we’ve come up with this event and a bigger one will be held next month.”

Dr Jesimen Chipika

Victoria Falls Reporter
MOBILE financial services have overtaken traditional methods of transacting with $11 billion worth of transactions being recorded through innovative digital platforms alone between January and September this year, according to the Reserve Bank of Zimbabwe (RBZ).

In the context of the prevailing cash shortages in the economy, many consumers have resorted to mobile money and electronic platforms to conduct their transactions.

RBZ Deputy Governor, Dr Jesimen Chipika, told delegates during the International Association of Deposit Insurers (IADI) Africa Regional Committee Conference in Victoria Falls on Monday that mobile platforms have become the dominant financial hub for consumers in Zimbabwe.

“For the nine months ending 30 September 2017, 485 million transactions valued at $11 billion were processed on the mobile platforms, representing an increase of 89 percent and 62 percent respectively from 2016,” she said.

“From 2010 when the first mobile platform was licensed, mobile financial services have grown tremendously to the extent that they have overtaken traditional methods of transacting.”

In view of the transformative digital financial systems, Dr Chipika said the apex bank has already come up with a regulatory and supervisory framework for mobile money in Zimbabwe. She noted that local financial sector players have taken advantage of technological developments, which has resulted in the growth and modernisation of digital financial services.

“To this end, the adoption of new payment modes has permeated all sectors in the economy including insurance, securities and banking,” said Dr Chipika.

She said as the central bank they have allowed partnership arrangements between mobile payment service providers and deposit-taking financial institutions in line with the National Payment Systems (NPS) Act. As a result banks in Zimbabwe are now able to offer mobile payment services to the transacting public. Zimbabwe adopted a bank-led model in order to facilitate oversight of deposit-taking activities. The RBZ recently issued guidelines for retail payment systems and instruments with the objective of promoting the efficiency, effectiveness and stability of electronic payment systems and the use of e-money.

These provide best practices for managing risks in the introduction and operation of electronic payment schemes, said Dr Chipika. In terms of the retail payments guidelines, banking institutions are accountable for all transactions conducted via digital platforms, including those involving fintechs and mobile money. Dr Chipika said the emergence of disruptive financial technologies has not only broadened access to an array of financial services but has significantly impacted on the financial stability mandate of deposit insurers.

The two-day conference ran under the theme — “Deposit Protection and Financial Technology Linked Deposits”. Delegates’ discussions were centred on how digital technology has transformed the types and distribution mechanisms of banking and financial services across the globe and gaps for policy making.

Advocate Jacob Mudenda

Oliver Kazunga in Victoria Falls
THE 2018 fiscal policy statement should provide a sound investment framework to ensure the success of Special Economic Zones (SEZs) and mobilisation of domestic resources to foster economic growth.

The Speaker of Parliament, Advocate Jacob Mudenda, said this yesterday while officially opening the Parliamentary pre-budget seminar for legislators and Cabinet ministers here.

“Your submissions today should enunciate the need for a well-grounded economic investment framework that is predicated on the Special Economic Zones (SEZs) whose enabling legislation has been passed by Parliament,” said Adv Mudenda.

“Parliament has to exercise intense oversight in order to ensure that the proposed SEZs are not white elephants but a sound bedrock for local resource mobilisation emanating from accelerated investment therein.”

Adv Mudenda said the gathering should come up with local resource mobilisation strategies to guarantee Gross Domestic Product (GDP) growth in 2018 and the narrowing of the budget deficit to four percent. He said the 2018 fiscal year would be under immense spotlight as it was the final year in the implementation of Zim-Asset.

“As we take stock of the achievements made and challenges we have encountered, our people are expecting more localised solutions and interventions in order to consolidate the gains arising from the implementation of Zim-Asset,” said Adv Mudenda.

He also said the upcoming budget statement should address the debilitating issues of procrastination, indolence and inertia that has slowly become endemic and proving to be the biggest enemy in Zimbabwe’s bureaucracy apart from the scourge of corruption.

“The question is, more than a decade down the line, where is the One Stop Investment Centre? Where is the Minerals Exploration Bill which will enable the country to precisely know the worth of our vast mineral resources underground that could underpin a profound growth of our Sovereign Wealth Fund?

“Where is the evidence-based informal sector formalisation policy, which ought to encourage its growth and development?
Where is the revised Indigenisation and Economic Empowerment Act reconfigured in line with the Presidential Policy Directive of 14th April 2016? We must kill the

vices of procrastination, indolence and inertia if we are to positively respond to the questions I have just posed,” said Adv Mudenda.

He, however, said the upcoming fiscal policy statement presents an opportunity for a prudent and targeted response to the well documented socio-economic challenges facing the country.

The Speaker also spoke about the delinquencies of misplaced lending, narrow composition of exports, large quantities of money tied up in Real Time Gross Settlements balances and securities, and dwindling foreign assets among others.

The gathering also noted with concern that Zimbabwe was receiving little Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) of around $300 million compared to other regional countries such as Mozambique and Zambia, which have been attracting in excess of $3billion and nearly $2 billion respectively since 2011.

“Against this background, our continued focus on domestic resource mobilisation thus remains relevant and timely since we are experiencing inadequate foreign direct investments. Parliament, working very closely with the executive, should come up with strategic policy and legal framework paradigm shifts attractive to foreign direct investors, albeit not ignoring domestic investments,” said Adv Mudenda.

He called on the legislators to marshal innovative and creative ideas to enable Zimbabwe to affirm its resourcefulness. Therefore, he said, it was imperative that the country’s policies and strategies be aligned to canvassing for a robust budget in the context of limited resources.

The conference acknowledged the immense contribution and assistance received from co-operating partners who continue to assist Government through technical and financial assistance. — @okazunga.

President Mugabe

Nduduzo Tshuma
ZANU-PF Bulawayo Province must heed President Mugabe’s calls to retain lost seats to the MDC-T by uniting and working towards one goal of defeating the opposition.

Addressing the 9th Presidential Youth Interface rally at White City Stadium, a stone’s throw from the home of his late deputy and one of the founding fathers of the country’s liberation, Dr Joshua Nkomo in Pelandaba, President Mugabe called on the party leadership to “wake up” and reclaim the province.

The province, rich in liberation history with institutions like Stanley Hall, Stanley Square and McDonald Hall, representing the nascent stage of the liberation struggle, has been dominated by the opposition from 2000 to 2015, a phenomena President Mugabe said should be changed.

The ruling Zanu-PF in the 2015 by-elections managed to end the MDC-T dominance in the city by winning back six seats, which should be the starting point.

The Zanu-PF legislators, two years after election, have proved how Bulawayo had since 2000 to the time of the by-elections in 2015, been orphaned in terms of representation.

The MDC-T had deployed to Parliament political misfits from former postmen, netball coaches to messengers whose awe to be at the august House was so overwhelming that they forgot the people who got them there.

President Mugabe in his address, said the interface which attracted thousands of party supporters resembled a reawakening of the party in a province generally regarded as a stronghold of the opposition.

“Abadala balapha vukani. Get up and regard this as an obligation, obligation to get Bulawayo on top and not allow (MDC-T leader, Mr Morgan Tsvangirai and (MDC-T deputy president, Ms Thokozani) Khupe to be ahead of you,” he said.

“Let Bulawayo regard this as a reawakening. The meeting, this interface is a reawakening of Bulawayo, a new reawakening, a new reawakening and we shall not again be seen lacking in support of our party Zanu-PF,” he said.

“We want change, Bulawayo must change. I’m glad that so many have come out. It’s the second city to Harare and we can’t afford to be losing it.”

“We shall not allow the opposition to take the lead. No! That is a pledge we must make. If it means staying awake organising the people and sleeping only three, four hours, let’s do so. Let’s do so in the interest of our city in the interest of our people,” he said.

President Mugabe challenged Bulawayo to emulate the two Matabeleland provinces where the ruling party is dominating.

“ELupane they showed us that lesson. It was excellent there. But we know we’ve had problems here koBulawayo, but anyway those who came out were many but it could have been better. It is a start,” he said.

The President said people from Matabeleland North and South must help Bulawayo.

“People from eMatojeni, people from Plumtree, Lower Gweru et cetera, you can spare some time to help Bulawayo to redeem itself,” he said.

As the country heads towards elections next year, it is important for the province to work hard towards mobilising supporters and encouraging them to register to vote under the new Biometric Voter registration.

To their credit, Bulawayo Province which in recent months experienced chaotic scenes leading to violent clashes at the Davies Hall party offices, has managed to heal the divisions and started working as a unit.

The important realisation that divisions would only help in giving the opposition the advantage, shows not only political maturity but determination to change the fortunes of the party in the province.

The unity of purpose was proved by the successful hosting of the 9th Presidential Youth Interface Rally whose numbers impressed President Mugabe.

The Head of State, however, said there was potential that the province could have organised more people which is what the provincial structures should now direct their efforts on.

Even national secretary for youth affairs, Cde Kudzanai Chipanga had kind words on the organisation of Bulawayo towards the interface.

After the President’s address, the Zanu-PF Bulawayo provincial structures met to strategise on the elections with the structure’s chairperson Cde Dennis Ndlovu emphasising on unity.

Besides being a guide to the Zanu-PF structures, President Mugabe’s calls should also be heeded by the citizens of Bulawayo not to repeat the mistake of electing chancers into Parliament or any office for that matter.

For the Bulawayo Zanu-PF structures, the job to reclaim the seats is the easiest at a time the MDC-T is imploding due to a number of challenges ranging from factional divisions to Mr Tsvangirai’s health.

Efforts to form a coalition of opposition parties have also failed so really there is nothing standing in the way of the Zanu-PF reclamation exercise.

This is the perfect opportunity for Bulawayo Province, which for many years has lagged behind other provinces to come to the party.

Bekithemba ‘Super’ Ndlovu

Ricky Zililo, Senior Sports Reporter
YOUNG Warriors coach Bekithemba Ndlovu believes they have been given a fair draw for the 2017 Cosafa Under-20 Championships to be held in Zambia next month.

The tournament is set for Kitwe from December 6-16, with teams using Nkana Stadium and Arthur Davies Stadium.

Zimbabwe, six-time Cosafa Under-20 Championships winners, are in Group C with Angola, Lesotho and Namibia. None of the Young Warriors’ opponents have ever won the title, giving Zimbabwe the favourites’ tag in the group.

“I think this is a fair draw. We can’t afford to relax because nowadays there are no small teams. What I’ve realised over the years is that most countries have developed. What we need is to up our preparations and make sure we get our players ready for the tournament,” said Ndlovu.

The Young Warriors last won the tournament in 2007.

Last year, Zimbabwe failed to go past the group stages in Moruleng, South Africa. The Young Warriors had a forgettable tournament, which included a heavy 5-1 defeat by eventual winners Zambia in their opening match and a 0-0 draw against Malawi.

The top teams in each group will advance to the semi-finals along with the best-placed runners-up.

Defending champions Zambia were drawn against Swaziland, East African guest nation Uganda and Malawi in Group A.

Group B has been termed the “group of death” and is made up of last year’s runners-up South Africa, North African guests Egypt, Mozambique and Mauritius.

Ndlovu said the team needs to be in camp for at least two weeks if it is to adequately prepare.

“Resources permitting, my wish is to camp for two to three weeks so that we embark on team building and get the players to understand the coaches’ philosophy,” he said.

Shortlisted Young Warriors players have been training in Bulawayo and Harare for about a week, with Ndlovu taking charge of sessions in the City of Kings while Mark Mathe and Mike Madzivanyika are responsible for training programmes in Harare.

Yesterday, Ndlovu’s charges made up of Premiership players such as Highlanders’ Bukhosi Ncube, the Bulawayo City duo of Thabo Lunga and Clive Rupiya, Bantu Rovers’ Nyasha Garayi as well as the How Mine pair of Nqobile Ndlovu and Tanaka Chanengeta held Bulawayo City to a 1-1 draw in a friendly match.

Ndlovu will be in Harare on Sunday to watch boys from the capital playing a friendly against Black Rhinos.

Cosafa Under-20 draw

Group A: Zambia, Swaziland, Uganda, Malawi
Group B: South Africa, Egypt, Mozambique, Mauritius
Group C: Angola, Lesotho, Namibia, Zimbabwe
— @ZililoR

Ricky Zililo, Senior Sports Reporter

THE last three matches of the season involving Castle Lager Premier Soccer League title chasing and relegation threatened sides will be played simultaneously.

Both the championship and the relegation battles have reached fever pitch, with football lovers set for an electrifying finish.

In a bid to uphold the spirit of fair play, PSL chief executive officer Kennedy Ndebele said the games will be played on the “same day, same time”.

Barring circumstances beyond their control, the 2017 season will end on the weekend of November 26/27.

“Everything being equal, we will end our season on the last weekend of November, in time to send the country’s representatives for continental club competitions. Teams involved in the championship and relegation races will play their last three matches at the same time, on the same day. We’re looking forward to an exciting finish,” said Ndebele.

Following last weekend’s incident in Kariba where the ZPC Kariba and Chicken Inn encounter at Nyamhunga Stadium had to be played on a Sunday morning instead of Saturday because of a waterlogged pitch, the league is hopeful that local authorities will speedily attend to drainage issues.

“Of course we expect stadium owners to attend to drainages and if possible provide pumps to drain water at the stadium. They may even have fire tenders on standby to clear storm drains,” Ndebele said.

Besides Kariba’s Nyamhunga Stadium, Ascot Stadium in Gweru is another facility which has had matches postponed because of its poor drainage system. Barbourfields and Luveve stadiums had their drainage systems sorted when the city played host to the 2014 African Union Sports Council Region Five Under-20 Youth Games.

Mandava Stadium in Zvishavane has one of the best drainage systems.

FC Platinum are tied on 63 points with log leaders Ngezi Platinum Stars, Dynamos are two points behind on third position while Chicken Inn sit on 59 points and are on fourth position.

League games resume on Wednesday, with Ngezi and Chicken Inn locking horns at Baobab Stadium before taking on FC Platinum at Mandava next weekend. Ngezi wrap up their campaign at home against Triangle United. FC Platinum’s next opponents are relegated Tsholotsho in Beitbridge and their last game is against Chapungu in Gweru.

DeMbare’s remaining games are against Bulawayo City (away), Bantu Rovers (away) and Chicken Inn (home).

The Gamecocks will play Chapungu at home in between their Ngezi and Dynamos trips.

At the tail end of the table, Bantu Rovers and Tsholotsho have been relegated, leaving third from bottom Shabanie Mine, Hwange, Bulawayo City, Harare City, Yadah, Black Rhinos and Chapungu entangled in the relegation dog fight.

Remaining PSL fixtures

Matchday 32, Wednesday, November 14: Bulawayo City v Dynamos (Barbourfields), Ngezi Platinum v Chicken Inn (Baobab), ZPC Kariba v Triangle United (Nyamhunga), Harare City v Black Rhinos (Rufaro), Chapungu v Bantu Rovers (Ascot), Tsholotsho FC v FC Platinum (Dulivhadzimo), Caps United v Yadah FC (National Sports Stadium), Shabanie Mine v Hwange (Maglas)

Thursday, November 15: Highlanders v How Mine (Barbourfields)
Matchday 33, Saturday, November 18: FC Platinum v Ngezi Platinum (Mandava), Chicken Inn v Chapungu (Luveve), Bantu Rovers v Dynamos (Barbourfields)

Sunday, November 19: Caps United v Bulawayo City (National Sports Stadium), Yadah FC v Highlanders (Rufaro), How Mine v Shabanie Mine (Luveve), Hwange v Harare City (Colliery), Black Rhinos v ZPC Kariba (Morris Depot), Triangle United v Tsholotsho FC (Gibbo)
Matchday 34 (weekend of November 25/26): Bulawayo City v Bantu Rovers, Dynamos v Chicken Inn, Chapungu v FC Platinum, Ngezi Platinum Stars v Triangle, Tsholotsho FC v Black Rhinos, ZPC Kariba v Hwange, Hrare City v How Mine, Shabanie Mine v Yadah FC, Highlanders v Caps United — @ZililoR.

Dr Ignatius Chombo

Oliver Kazunga in Victoria Falls
FINANCE and Economic Development Minister Dr Ignatius Chombo says the 2017 national budget deficit could rise to $1.82 billion from $400 million largely driven by the cumulative expenditures that are set to close the year at $5.6 billion.

Speaking yesterday during the 2018 Parliamentary pre-budget seminar underway here, Dr Chombo stressed the need for fiscal discipline saying the budget deficit was largely financed through Treasury Bills and recourse to overdraft at the Reserve Bank of Zimbabwe.

“In the outlook to December, cumulative expenditures are projected to reach $5.582 billion, up from the budgeted $4.1 billion,” he told delegates.

“This would raise the budget deficit for the full year from $400 million to $1.82 billion.”

The Minister said the increase in budget deficit was not sustainable and undesirable. Despite the envisaged increase in Zimbabwe’s budget deficit by year end, he said 2018 overall economic growth was expected to average three percent supported by agriculture, mining, construction, tourism and Information Communication Technology.

“Inflationary pressures, however, threaten to increase to about 2.5 percent in 2018,” he said.

In line with Gross Domestic Product (GDP) growth, exports were expected to increase to $4.6 billion and imports to $7 billion.

Dr Chombo said revenues were projected at $4 billion comprising tax revenue amounting to $3.763 billion and Retention Funds expected to raise $293 million.

“As part of strengthening accountability and transparency over public resources, Treasury from the 2018 Budget, will require that all Revenue Retention Funds are appropriated by Parliament, and accounted for through the Public Financial Management System (PFMS) and integrated into the Budget documentation,” he said.

The 2018 national budget, Dr Chombo added, would strengthen fiscal discipline and improve the credibility of the fiscal statement through adherence to anchors such as limiting borrowing from the RBZ as well as reducing Government debt to GDP ratio. — @okazunga.

Bongani Ndlovu, Showbiz Correspondent
CLUB 263 in Bulawayo suffered another pepper spray attack on Monday, bringing to three reported cases at the establishment with the manager saying it was the work of their enemies.

The first time such an attack happened at the venue was in April last year when the joint was then Cloud 9. The second time was in March this year when there was a stampede that led to the door at the club to be broken down as the patrons, who had packed the joint, rushed out to get some fresh air.

On Monday one patron who declined to be named said they were having a drink with friends and went to the toilet at around midnight.

“When I got back from the toilet, I immediately felt my eyes itching and I started sneezing. People rushed to the door trying to get some air. I’ve never experienced such,” said the patron.

He said owners of the joint should take stern measures to curb this from ever happening again.

“What if there was someone who has asthma? They could’ve died after inhaling that pepper spray. Or someone could’ve died after being crushed during a stampede when people are rushing for air outside? They should catch these people and also they should beef up security,” he said.

DJ Obama, manager at the joint, said these protracted attacks showed it was the work of enemies of the joint.

“We still believe it’s a planned work of our enemies who are not happy with our success. It’s not a coincidence that it always happens when the club is full and our competition empty. It also doesn’t make sense that someone can just pepper spray people for no reason, there has to be a motive and the motive is clear for all to see,” he said.

DJ Obama said they had reported the case to the police and had beefed up security.

“We’ve increased security and installed cameras to make sure it does not happen again. We’ve reported the issue to the police and we’re confident that they will catch these people,” said DJ Obama.

GENEVA— The UN Human Rights Committee on Thursday gave Democratic Republic of Congo a year to report on actions it has taken to hold free and fair elections and clean up its rights record.

The United Nations watchdog, whose 18 independent experts monitor countries’ compliance with a global human rights treaty, said Congo should come back with an explanation by November 10, 2018, rather than after the regular four years between reviews.

Congo should “cooperate with all stakeholders to establish an agreed electoral calendar for the holding of free, peaceful and honest elections as soon as possible”, the committee said in its report on the central African country.

Congo’s electoral commission said on Sunday the election to replace President Joseph Kabila, originally scheduled for late 2016 and repeatedly delayed, would be held on December 23, 2018.

The main opposition parties have rejected the date, saying it broke the law and an agreement to go to the polls this year.

The African Union has said the new electoral timetable must be “scrupulously respected” and US Ambassador to the United Nations Nikki Haley has said citizens are “hungry for democracy and new leadership”.

“Further delays and attempts to hold onto power will only serve to isolate the DRC’s leaders and government,” she said on Monday.

The UN committee’s report also said Kabila’s government should put an end to intimidation and human rights violations against opposition candidates, and ensure they were protected.

The government should take steps to make judges, officials and the public aware of the rights guaranteed by the UN treaty, it said, listing shortcomings such as the treatment of women and indigenous minorities, torture, extrajudicial killings, child labour and arbitrary detention.

Sexual violence was persistent both in peaceful areas and in conflict zones, where it was used as a weapon of war by armed groups and by Congolese soldiers alike, the committee said.

It was particularly concerned about the situation in the Kasai region, where the United Nations has said a rebel militia largely composed of children has been confronted by a militia suspected of a campaign of ethnic massacres and rapes.

The United Nations has set up a fact-finding mission to investigate the Kasai atrocities, although the government has insisted Congo’s justice system is in charge.

It has acknowledged isolated human rights violations in the Kasai conflict and other conflict zones but denies its troops systematically use disproportionate force.

But the UN committee said Congo’s National Human Rights Commission was unable to operate outside Kinshasa, had received no funds since March 2017, and was not regarded as independent.— Reuters.

The Member of Parliament for Mpopoma-Pelandaba constituency in Bulawayo, Cde Joseph Tshuma this week took it upon himself to conduct a mini survey of retail shops in the city following reports of massive price hikes.

Cde Tshuma said the survey confirmed that most retailers had indeed increased prices of basic commodities. He said there was no justification of the price increases because manufacturers had not increased prices.

Cde Tshuma said it was wholesalers and retailers that had increased prices, a confirmation that they were just after profiteering. He said what has worsened the plight of consumers is that some retail outlets are not accepting swipe, EcoCash and telegraphic bank transfers yet Government is encouraging the use of plastic money.

The country is facing a critical shortage of cash and the Reserve Bank of Zimbabwe has said the solution to the cash crisis is for people to embrace the use of plastic money. The shops that are refusing the use of plastic money and demanding cash are therefore going against the grain and must urgently be whipped into line.

What is even more frightening is the fact that some shops are not just demanding cash but are demanding to be paid in United States dollars yet Government adopted the use different currencies in 2009 and also introduced bond notes. The shops that are demanding cash payments are hiding behind shortage of swipe machines but the truth is that most of these shops never applied for the machines.

The Confederation of Zimbabwe Industries who are the manufacturers of most basic commodities, have said they have not increased prices and as such the increases are not justified. The unscrupulous businesses that are fleecing consumers by charging exorbitant prices, are taking advantage of the fact that no action is being taken against them. These unethical businesses have realised that Government just makes empty threats. It is the consumers that continue to suffer while the retailers and wholesalers make super profits from charging exorbitant prices.

We want to once again appeal to the business community to be sensitive to the plight of consumers most of whom cannot afford basics. It is a fact that most workers have not had a salary increase for years now while others are not receiving regular salaries.

The economic challenges the country is facing demands businesses that uphold business ethics and value their consumers who give them business. It is also time measures are put in place to stop this price hikes madness.