Chicken Inn’s Divine Lunga beats his marker David Temwanjira of Shabanie Mine in a match played at Luveve Stadium in Bulawayo in this file picture

Ricky Zililo, Senior Sports Reporter
WARRIORS and Chicken Inn left-back Divine Lunga is expected to jet out of the country for a medical, as he closes in on a move to an unnamed South African Premiership side.

Three Absa Premiership sides Kaizer Chiefs, Durban-based Golden Arrows and newly promoted Black Leopards have reportedly made inquiries about the availability of Lunga.

South Africa’s Soccer Laduma reported that Chiefs were impressed by Lunga during the 2018 Cosafa Cup which Zimbabwe won in Polokwane a fortnight ago. The defender featured in all the Warriors’ three games, helping the national team clinch the title for a record sixth time.

Chicken Inn spokesperson Tavengwa Hara yesterday confirmed that South African clubs were interested in their player and referred inquiries to Lunga’s agent Gibson Mahachi, whose phone was not being answered.

“An offer from one of the three clubs has been made and the player should be travelling to South Africa any time this week. He will not be going for trials, but for medical examinations. As for which club he is going to, you may call his manager (Mahachi),” said Hara.

Chiefs have an opening for a foreign player following the axing of Zimbabwean winger Edmore Chirambadare, who had an unsuccessful two-year stint at Amakhosi. Chirambadare was offloaded with Brilliant Khuzwayo, who has since signed for Orlando Pirates, Tsepo Masilela, William Twala, Keagan Buchanan and Sibusiso Khumalo.

Should he choose Chiefs, Lunga will link up with the Zimbabwean duo of defender Teenage Hadebe and midfielder Willard Katsande.

Zimbabweans at Arrows are Lunga’s former Chicken Inn teammate and captain Danny Phiri as well as ex-Highlanders striker Knox M’tizwa,
Chicken Inn are reportedly skeptical about releasing players for trials at South African teams without finalising transfer fees.

The Gamecocks felt that they were short changed in deals that they made when Tendai Ndoro moved to Mpumalanga Black Aces in 2013, Danny Phiri’s move to Golden Arrows in 2016 and the present deal which will see goalkeeper Elvis Chipezeze leaving for Baroka FC.

“The club wants the players to leave after they have agreed on a fee instead of them attending trials. What they realised is that in the past the clubs they dealt with did so in bad faith, inviting players for trials and giving them contracts before they agreed terms with Chicken Inn.

“Upon return from trials, the players would accuse the Chicken Inn executive of standing in their way and that is why now they want to directly negotiate with the clubs that want the services of the player to avoid being short changed,” said a source at the club.

@ZililoR

Mr Delma Lupepe

Business Editor
PROMINENT businessman Mr Delma Lupepe is not facing arrest as insinuated by some media reports, his lawyers have said.

In a statement through his personal legal representatives Messrs. Mashayamombe & Partners Legal Practitioners, Mr Lupepe expressed concern over a recent rash of lopsided reports coming from the private media insinuating that he will soon be arrested over a $280 000 Ecobank debt. The lawyers said the debt in question emanated from a loan that was awarded to Merlin Limited, a private company in which Mr Lupepe is a major shareholder and director.

“We have been instructed by our client to give a definitive position on those reports about our client’s alleged upcoming civil arrest. In simple words, our client is not facing arrest and will not be arrested as widely reported,” reads the statement.

The lawyers said during its operation Merlin required re-equipping and re-tooling for out of date spinning and weaving equipment. They said Mr Lupepe, “being a conscientious” stakeholder, put up his personal family residence as security for a loan from Ecobank so that those funds would be used for helping revitalise Merlin.

“Unfortunately, due to no fault on his part, the spares, equipment and machinery required were never acquired due to amongst other reasons; a debt overhang on its operations and the forex exchange shortages, which the country experienced,” reads the statement.

The lawyers said Merlin Limited defaulted on repayments for this loan, which triggered legal action being taken against the company and Mr Lupepe as its guarantor. During the course of those legal proceedings, Merlin went into involuntary judicial management upon application by its employees whose salaries had fallen into serious arrears, they said.

“This resulted in a legal situation where Merlin could no longer be subjected to litigation pending finalisation of the judicial management process in the form of a business rescue or liquidation,” said the lawyers.

“Ecobank continued with its legal action against our client despite the fact that it had not exhausted its legal options to claim against Merlin. Mr Lupepe has vigorously defended this matter for the past five years and unfortunately lost the case in the High Court resulting in the entire debt for the loan repayments accruing to him.”

Mashayamombe & Partners Legal Practitioners said Ecobank, through its attorneys of record, then attached Mr Lupepe’s residential home and that “after failing to get a satisfactory bid at a public auction”, undertook the irregular action of acquiring the property in their name by way of set off without informing Mr Lupepe.

“This acquisition is currently under challenge before the courts but Ecobank then continued to seek and obtain an ejectment order through the High Court of Zimbabwe, which order, Mr Lupepe has appealed against.

“In lieu of his failure to repay the loan advanced to Merlin, Ecobank have now issued a Summons for Civil Imprisonment widely reported in some national publications,” reads the statement. The lawyers said Mr Lupepe has since obtained a financial guarantee from the Zimbabwe Asset Management Company (Zamco) permitting him and his fellow shareholders to negotiate a settlement of all outstanding debts due and owing by Merlin Limited.

Nhlanhla Dube

Ricky Zililo, Senior Sports Reporter
HIGHLANDERS will take a development side to face Dynamos in today’s curtain-raiser to the exhibition match between World Class Legends and their Zimbabwean counterparts at the National Sports Stadium.

Bosso and Dynamos were invited by the Zimbabwe Tourism Authority (ZTA) to be part of the exhibition match, which is part of the authority’s drive to market the country as a tourist and investment destination of choice, in line with the government’s “Zimbabwe is open for business” campaign.

Nhlanhla Dube, the Highlanders’ chief executive officer, said the invitational competition came at the right time when the Premiership is on a mid-season break and presents fringe players an opportunity to get game time.

“This game has everything to do with Highlanders’ strategic approach to development. What happens is that we have a side that plays invitational games made up of first team players, who fall under the juniors’ category, and these are in the Division One side Bosso-90 and our Under-18s. Players earmarked for promotion from Bosso 90 as well as the juniors are going to compose the squad travelling for the friendly match against Dynamos,” said Dube.

“This is a friendly game and an opportunity for players to develop all aspects of the game to travel with the team and play in different venues.”

ZTA chose the country’s biggest teams in order to draw numbers to the giant stadium where supporters will also enjoy free entrance.

The match will give coach Madinda Ndlovu an opportunity to look at fringe first team players such as goalkeeper Nedrick Madeya, defenders Ashford Faira, Andrew Mbeba and Vincent Moyo, midfielders Owen Gombami, Munyaradzi Chitambwe and Talent Machimbirike as well as strikers Daniel Msendami, Edmore Moyo and Timothy Zivave.

Moyo, Mbeba and Chitambwe have made cameo appearances in the league.

Dynamos’ coach Lloyd Mutasa told our Harare Bureau that he will use the opportunity to have a further look at his team.

“It’s an element of coming together as a family so that we establish that strong bond again and it’s always good playing against a team such as Highlanders. This match will also give us the opportunity to look closely at some of the players we have, whether we have the right kind of personnel or not. The window is opening soon, we will need to sit down as a team to see areas that need beefing up,” said Mutasa.

Organisers yesterday said they had set aside a “good package” for the team that wins the curtain-raisers match expected to kick-off at 1pm.

A team of former football stars, who include Fernando Morientes, Gianluca Zambrotta, Francesco Coco, Patrick Kluivert, Julio Baptista and Edmilson is in the country and also toured some of the country’s resorts such as Victoria Falls.

The event is expected to be broadcast by Manchester United, Barcelona and Real Madrid televisions as well as their social media platforms.

@ZililoR

BaShupi and Wadzanai Gumbo in happier times

PERFORMING artiste BaShupi and his wife Wadzanai Gumbo have parted ways!

The split comes amid accusations and counter-accusations of cheating and tearing each other down.

BaShupi, whose real name is Peace Ndlovu, opened up to Gem Nation News and confirmed that his marriage to his former personal assistant was off.

“There comes a time when going separate ways is the right thing to do. I couldn’t handle her and neither could she and when a marriage gets to that point, you know it’s time to leave,” BaShupi said.

He explained briefly when pressed further on their divorce and why they were keeping it under wraps.

“We had our fair share of problems. At this point, we (are) both not ready to go public about it but the truth is we are no longer together.”

Efforts to get a comment from Wadzanai were in vain.

It became apparent that the once lovey-dovey couple was headed for splitsville when BaShupi made headlines for hitting on a girl only identified as Nickie.

Screenshots from BaShupi on WhatsApp demanding to “see some sexy pictures” of Nickie went viral.

BaShupi, however, has remained unperturbed by the divorce insisting that he will find his way up. The Godo singer is one of the young musicians who are viewed by many as “kept man”.

The couple, though childless, was always inseparable with their white wedding at the MSU campus Great Hall in Gweru being one of the most talked about celeb weddings in 2015. BaShupi even invited the media to cover his traditional marriage ceremony held in Gweru where he paid over $4 000 as bride price.

BaShupi, who is known for his wailing sounds on most of his recordings, rose to fame when he collaborated with rapper Stunner Da Des on the club banger Godo also known as MaShark. The song was an instant hit having been released at the height of what became to be known as Loan Sharks, those who profited from lending money.

BaShupi made a huge splash when he also featured on Ma1 often called Tobigwa neMamonya, another scorcher by rapper PK. On the track, BaShupi nicely laid his vocals (woyi yerere) which almost became an anthem.

Since then, BaShupi has been more of a cover artiste although he hinted a big surprise for his fans this year. – GemNation

Mr Nelson Chamisa

The MDC Alliance is complaining that they have been unable to get a copy of the voters’ roll from the Zimbabwe Electoral Commission (ZEC).

It appears only they have been unable to lay their hands on this very important document because everyone else who needs it and is eligible to getting one has it.

“@ZESN1 has purchased the electronic copy of the 2018 voters’ roll. The voters’ roll we obtained is searchable and can be analysed. We will assess the voters’ roll for accuracy, completeness and currency to build confidence in the credibility of the elections,” twitted the Zimbabwe Election Support Network on Monday afternoon.

“After requesting a copy of the voters’ roll on Friday, we finally have a digital copy. Huge thanks to our team’s head of election systems for his patience and hustle. My team is gold. Next step data analysis,” Fadzayi Mahere, an independent parliamentary candidate posted, also on Monday afternoon.

UK Ambassador Catriona Laing said through her Twitter handle that the UK embassy had accessed the voters’ roll, posting: “As we have explained, we did what many others have done today which is go to Zec, queue up, pay the fee and receive a CD copy of the roll.  @CSU was there as was EU observer mission.”

Added the UK embassy on its official Twitter handle: “Today we managed to access a copy of the voters’ roll from @ZECZim offices. Our official went there early this morning, queued, paid 20 US and came back with a copy.”

A non-governmental organisation, Election Resource Centre, which sued Zec over the voters’ roll last week, accessed a soft copy of the document on Monday too.

The NGO posted on Twitter: “ERC has successfully purchased a copy of the final voters’ roll. You can access soft copies for a fee: 1. Ward Voters’ Roll $2, 2. Constituency Voters’ Roll $10, 3. National Voters’ Roll is $20 PS: All candidates can access the Voters’ Roll for free.”

It is certain that many more interested parties have had access to the version of the voters’ roll that is available, the digital one.

The big question is why is it that only the MDC Alliance does not have it?  Have they asked Zec for it and their request turned down? If that is the case, why would Zec give everyone else the voter register and not them?  That is very, very unlikely.

As we have said before on these pages, MDC Alliance thrives on chaos. To them chaos is a campaign strategy. They want to cast aspersions on Zec and the whole system thinking that doing so will, as a matter of fact, undermine the credibility of an election they know they will most probably lose. In our view, they want to begin to do that early enough so that when the figures come out not in their favour, they would turn around and say “there is no way we could have won with all those anomalies we highlighted long back.”

It is a strategy they have used before. We can say it worked at that time when the system of the day was excessively inward-looking.

Now the new Government of President Mnangagwa has opened everything up.  The opposition, including MDC Alliance has been all over the country campaigning.  Police are clearing all their rallies. Peace is prevailing all over the country.  Actually, the majority of cases of politically motivated violence that have been reported so far have occurred within MDC-T itself. The Zimbabwe Peace Project, an opposition-aligned civil society body says in a report for May that about 24 cases of political violence happened in MDC-T while only two involved Zanu-PF.

The openness includes the opposition enjoying much coverage in the public media.  In addition, the President has invited observers from all over the world, including those from Europe and America who were barred in the past. Unlike before, Zec will invite representatives of political parties to witness the printing of ballot papers.

All the foregoing measures help enhance transparency in the management of elections in the country.

However, matters of a security nature, among them location of biometric voters’ roll servers and procurement of some materials will remain under the strict purview of Zec, which, needless to say, is a constitutional body that cannot be directed by anyone, not least political parties whether governing or opposition.

There is little room for the alliance and its opposition colleagues to find credible excuses but they appear to be clutching at a very tenuous voters’ roll one.

We don’t think they are succeeding in fooling anyone.

Zec chairperson, Justice Priscilla Chigumba said in terms of the law candidates can only receive free copies of the voters’ roll when their names are officially published.

“I think in the next day or so you will see a list of all successfully nominated candidates, presidential, national assembly, and council appearing in newspapers which is also a legal requirement. What the law then says (is) immediately on gazetting the names of those successfully nominated candidates they must be provided with free copy of that voters roll.”

Printing of the voter register is underway, she said.

It is our hope that the day when the list of official candidates is gazetted, the printed version of the roll would be available. We will then see what other argument the MDC Alliance would pick against Zec.

Police take away the body of the dead copper cable thief

Nyaradzo Bakari, Chronicle Reporter
A SUSPECTED copper cable thief died on Monday night while another was severely burnt after they were electrocuted by a 66 000-volt power line in Umguza district.

Elmon Ndlovu died on the spot while his accomplice Norman Moyo (22) sustained severe burns all over the body after trying to steal Zesa cables in Nkenyane along the Bulawayo-Nkayi Road.  Moyo was taken to Mpilo Central Hospital yesterday afternoon.

A passerby, Mr Romeo Mlambo, who was going to a nearby river found Ndlovu and Moyo, who had been on the police wanted list for stealing copper cables. Ndlovu’s death and Moyo’s injury could potentially bring to an end criminal activities that had plunged many areas into darkness in the district.

Mr Mlambo went to investigate after hearing Moyo howling and reported to the police.

“It was around 9AM and I was going to Koce River when I heard cries. I walked towards the direction where the cries were coming from, only to find the two lying there helplessly. Moyo was crying for help and seemed to be in pain,” he said.

“It was horrible, their faces were hard to recognise with the burns. This is very bad because people do not seem to learn from the past. When people die committing a crime, it should be a lesson to many but these thieves do not learn from such events.”

Theft of copper cables has been on the rise in recent years, with Government saying it has led to a delay in implementation of projects as a lot of money is lost replacing them.

The tools used by the cable thieves

When a Chronicle news crew arrived at the scene at around 12 noon yesterday Zesa officials and emergency departments’ personnel were already there, conducting investigations.

Moyo’s clothes were scorched, with his shoes burnt beyond recognition.

Various tools, including a pliers and catapults were found in one of their bags while a rope, which they allegedly used to pull down the cables was hanging from a tree.

Ndlovu and Moyo were part of a syndicate on the police’s wanted list.

When Givemore Machedu was arrested for the theft of 800 metres of copper cables in Matobo district last month, he implicated the two.

Machedu was jailed last month for 15 years by a Gwanda magistrate after he was found in possession of copper cables valued at $1 587, which he and his accomplices had stolen.

Bulawayo Police provincial spokesperson Inspector Precious Simango confirmed that Ndlovu and Moyo had been on the wanted list for stealing copper cables.

“I can confirm that we are investigating a case of theft of copper cables where two accused persons cut copper cables. One died on the spot while the other had severe injuries. The injured man told the police that they were electrocuted on Monday night at around 9PM. The cable they cut was about 500 metres and we are yet to estimate its value,” she said.

Insp Simango said the duo had been on a copper cables thieving spree.

“Last month they stole 1,5km cables valued at    $7 000 and 600 metres worth $3 000 from Glenkara. We urge members of the public to desist from criminal activities because the law always catches up with them,” she said.

Some time last year, an unidentified man was found dead hanging on an electric pole in Queens Park East suburb after being electrocuted by a 11 000-volt power line.

Last month, another duo was sentenced to 20 years in jail for stealing Zesa cables worth $1 925 from a power line in Figtree.

In February three Bulawayo men were each sentenced to  10 years in prison for stealing Zesa copper cables in Figtree.

@NyarieBakie

Cde Obert Mpofu

Farirai Machivenyika, Harare Bureau
Zanu-PF has warned rogue party members that registered to contest the forthcoming elections as independents and are abusing President Mnangagwa’s picture and name in their campaign material.

The ruling party’s Secretary for Administration Cde Obert Mpofu yesterday said at a press conference that such elements should stop their actions or risk facing the full wrath of the law.

Some losing candidates in the Zanu-PF primaries have registered as independents, but have incorporated President Mnangagwa’s picture and the #EDhasmyvote as part of their campaigns.

“I am pleased to inform you that all Zanu-PF candidates were successfully registered at the Nomination Courts without any incidents for the 2018 harmonised elections,” said Cde Mpofu.

“However, it has come to our attention that some of our Zanu-PF party members have decided to contest as independent candidates.

“Some have already printed their campaign materials using His Excellency’s picture to justify their position to the electorate. This is criminal and an act of political fraud. By so doing they are deemed to have resigned from Zanu-PF forthwith.”

Cde Mpofu showed the campaign poster for former Zanu-PF Central Committee member Noah Mangondo who was disqualified to contest the Murehwa South primary and went on to register as an independent.

The poster had the President’s face and #EDhasmyvote inscribed on it.

Cde Mpofu said they would report to the police anyone caught abusing the name of the party and the President.

He said some rogue elements in Bulawayo province were printing material portraying winning Zanu-PF candidates as members of the opposition in an attempt to mislead the party supporters.

“Let me warn them that we will deal with them through the legal systems of the country and we have reported them to the police to deal with them,” said Cde Mpofu.

“Finally, we want to communicate to all our provincial structures to immediately inform the Secretary for Administration and Secretary for Legal Affairs at the party headquarters any manifestation of such malpractices.”

Cde Mpofu said they were still compiling the list of all Zanu-PF members that registered as independents and it would be released in a few days time.

He appealed to those that lost in the primaries against doing anything that would jeopardise their membership of the party.

“We are appealing to all those that lost in the primaries not to do anything that will have them expelled from party,” said Cde Mpofu.

Prosper Ndlovu, Business Editor
THE Zimbabwe Asset Management Corporation (Zamco) is in talks with Merlin Limited shareholders over a possible bailout that will assist the company to acquire new equipment to operationalise its new business model and clear outstanding legacy debts.

Although no official figures have been availed, close sources say the deal is close to conclusion and that a creditors’ meeting would be called soon to bring closure to sticking matters that have stalled revival of the giant textile firm.

A letter of commitment from Zamco dated 12 June 2018 seen by Business Chronicle, and addressed to Mr Delma Lupepe, one of the key shareholders, reads: “We advise that Zamco are prepared to assist in availing funding to rescuscitate Merlin Limited provided the creditors agree on a scheme of arrangement as proposed by the shareholders.”

Zamco chief executive Dr Cosmas Kanhai also confirmed the development. “I can confirm that we are working together with the assistance from Government, the Reserve Bank of Zimbabwe and the judicial manager. But I think it’s too early to divulge full details now,” he said.

The move to engage Zamco was reportedly an initiative of the shareholders, who are seeking lasting solutions to revamp the Bulawayo-based company.

Provision of fresh capital would greatly assist the firm to procure modern plant equipment, as existing machinery is obsolete and clearance of arrears owed to different creditors in the short term. Fruition of these recapitalisation efforts could see Merlin exit judicial management quickly and position the company to profitability once again.

The company requires at least $30 million in the next five to 10 years to revamp the whole production process and recently filed a High Court application, through its judicial manager, Mr Cecil Madondo, seeking to dispose obsolete and non-core assets to raise additional working capital.

Commenting, Mr Lupepe said the new political administration has created positive conditions for the revival of Merlin and other industries in Bulawayo.

“The new Government is genuine in working to rescuscitate and we are a perfect example. Upon revival we expect to Merlin to create 2000 jobs including downstream. The firm would also play a huge role in cotton value addition and help reduce raw exports,” he said.

Merlin has already proposed a new business model with new products that include diapers and sanitary products, which are largely being imported. The firm has said it will also continue producing traditional nappies and towels for the rural market and selected clientele such as hotels.

Mr Lupepe has faced negative publicity of loan arrears he said were advanced to Merlin with him as guarantor. Some media reports had suggested the business tycoon risks being jailed or losing personal properties over failure to clear the loans.

“The problems I am facing over these loans are not personal but related to loans advanced to Merspin (Merlin) but these are being taken care of. Creditors would soon be called and their monies would be paid in a couple of weeks.

“It’s unfortunate that certain quarters misunderstand their job as that of bringing down businesspeople rather than try to uplift them and aid industry revival in Bulawayo,” said Mr Lupepe.

He also paid tribute to the support given by the political and traditional leadership towards pushing for the revival of Merlin. The firm resumed production in the dyeing section early this year on a lower note following the implementation of a business rescue strategy that saw one of its creditors injecting a minimum $2,1 million working capital. The company was placed under judicial management in 2012. Going forward, Merlin has focused not only on producing napkins but a range of high quality and high demand products locally and for exports. There are also plans to set up a ginning plant that would go a long way in reducing production costs while increasing the value of the business through additional revenue from lint sales and by-products such as seed oil and animal feeds. Through the ginnery, Merlin focuses on producing and selling yarn, which is on demand locally and in the region.

Online Reporter

THE Coca-Cola Company and Schweppes Zimbabwe Limited have bowed to consumer pressure announcing on Wednesday that they will soon “return” the original Mazoe recipes for all flavours.

“We have listened to consumer demand and appreciate all the feedback that has been received. In order to meet those desires but still provide choice, both the original recipes of Mazoe and the reduced sugar recipes will be offered,” said the company in a statement.

“We stand by the safety of all ingredients used in our products and we’re committed to offering choice to help people reduce added-sugar in their diets. Both variants will be clearly labelled, actively encouraging and enabling consumers to enjoy our added-sugar beverages responsibly.”

More to follow ……..

DJ Zinhle amd Kairo

DJ Zinhle has gone through a lot of hardships and shrugged off many labels‚ including constantly being told while growing up that she was lazy‚ leaving her feeling like she would “not amount to anything in life”.

The Colours hit-maker‚ who recently released a motivational book hoping to inspire women to unlock their true potential‚ revealed her own battles growing up in an interview with Azania Mosaka on Real Talk this week.

“I totally believed that I was not going to be anything amazing because I was told so many times that I was lazy. Being a younger sister, I grew up believing that I wouldn’t amount to anything.

“I was told that ‘nobody is going to marry you’ and these were things that I worried about so much as a child‚ like ‘who is going to love me? How am I going to get a job? What am I going to do when I grow up?’”

She said she learnt to relax and not put so much pressure on herself and also preached the gospel of being grateful for what you have and not be miserable about what you do not. DJ Zinhle recounted a lesson her daughter Kairo taught her when she was devastated by AKA leaving after Kairo’s birth.

“When Kairo was young‚ she must have been two months old‚ I was going to take a bath and I saw her face. I was going through emotions and was in pain‚ and I looked at Kairo and said; ‘Kairo‚ daddy is gone’ and I was crying.

“Kairo looked at me‚ as if to say; ‘look around you‚ mommy. Look at everything else. Pain has a way of blinding us to everything else that is amazing.”

The star revealed earlier this year that she felt overwhelmed when completing her house‚ which had been under construction for some time.

“I made it work but I have been feeling a little overwhelmed lately. It is a bit too much especially with the house project‚ I thought I was going to die at one point‚“ she told WTF Tumi’s Tumi Morake.

She said she had learnt to cope with all the endless demands by taking it one moment at a time and leaning on the support of others.

Speaking to TshisaLIVE around the same time‚ Zinhle said she often felt exposed when helping women with social issues.

“My reality show was one of the toughest things that I have had to do. It was emotionally draining to the point that I often went home to go sleep because it was too much. It was tough to hear their stories and it hit me hard.”

AKA on the other hand said his romance with his ex, Bonang had taken a toll on DJ Zinhle and his relationship with his mom.

“Now that I’m out of the relationship‚ I can now big her (DJ Zinhle) up for being a great mom and an amazing woman. My mom‚ our relationship was obviously strained for obvious reasons,” said AKA.

He said he played a big part in the guilt and destruction that came with the “saga” that saw him leave his baby mama for a new relationship.

“I just want people to understand that I fully know what I was putting on the line and maybe now, I understand what I kind of didn’t appreciate when I had it.” – SundayWorld

Tendai Biti

EDITOR — There is a video clip on the internet where Tendai Biti was said to be addressing a handful of supporters at Newlands shopping centre in Harare. In his remarks, he denigrates an opponent and his wife.

Biti used derogatory terms to describe Mrs Marry Chiwenga, wife to Zanu-PF second secretary and Vice President Constantino Chiwenga.

Misogyny is rearing its ugly head again in the MDC Alliance and it’s becoming a permanent fixture.They can try to deny it, but the MDC Alliance is running a campaign which is hostile towards women.

Besides elbowing out all women who look able to challenge their toxic masculinity, the principals in the MDC Alliance have extended their acts to insulting women in opposite political camps. The Zimbabwe Electoral Commission has been calling for peaceful and non-violent elections. The country has largely heeded the call but it is people like Tendai Biti who have been using archaic political methods.

Patriarchal insults should have no place in our politics and it is for this reason that the country and those in Harare East have to vote wisely. The MDC Alliance and Tendai Biti have to be punished at the ballot. They have continuously shown that they are unfit for office. Imagine having policy makers who do not respect women!

Nadine Chabvira

Vice President Chiwenga

George Maponga in ZAKA
Vice President Constantino Chiwenga yesterday urged Zimbabweans to be patient with the new administration led by President Mnangagwa as it deserves more time to fully complete its programme of rebuilding the economy.

VP Chiwenga said Government was focused on steering Zimbabwe into a middle income economy by 2030.
Addressing hundreds of Zanu-PF supporters at a rally held at Mutsambwe Secondary School in Zaka North to drum up support for President Mnangagwa and the ruling party National Assembly candidate Cde Robson Mavhenyengwa, VP Chiwenga said Government was working flat out to bring the country back into the community of nations through its re-engagement efforts.

“The new administration led by President Mnangagwa has been running around to make sure the country fully recovers and my appeal to you is that let us be patient and work together, pulling in the same direction in unity,’’ he said.

VP Chiwenga appealed for peace in the forthcoming harmonised elections set for July 30.

“Let us hold the coming elections in peace so that we continue building our country,” he said. “Jobs will be galore, among other benefits. We should stop fighting and antagonising each other unnecessarily. We will never go back to the past and we will enjoy the fruits of our rebuilding programme. Let us be patient.

“Some of us, we are in the sunset of our lives, but we want to build a better Zimbabwe for future generations. We do not want the future generation to curse our graves when they walk past them. Let us open a new chapter of a Zimbabwe that is devoid of conflict. What was happening (under the previous regime) where some people publicly harangued others is now behind us. Let us act as if nothing was happening.’’

VP Chiwenga said next month’s harmonised polls were a constitutional requirement.

“We will hold elections next month after we rectified problems that were there, in November last year,” he said. “President Mnangagwa had to proclaim dates for the elections as per the constitution. We will go for elections, but we buried the past.  We will continue with good things that were happening in the past, but leave out the bad. Be assured, however, that we will never go back to the past.’’

VP Chiwenga urged Zimbabweans to shun tribalism and regionalism, saying the country should always be united.

“We need to unite and have more friends and few enemies,” he said. “Even in our own homes, can we antagonise everyone who comes our way? If you have many enemies you end up not even knowing where your problems come from.

“We must have friends in Africa and throughout the whole world and that is the only way we can build a prosperous Zimbabwe that future generations will be proud of.”

VP Chiwenga urged Zimbabweans to massively vote for President Mnangagwa and Zanu-PF on July 30, as a way of paying tribute to the good work he has done for the country in a short period of time.

He said President Mnangagwa was working tirelessly to ensure investment came to Zimbabwe, and so far over $16 billion worth of investment had been pledged.

He called on Zanu-PF supporters to bury divisions that might have been caused by primary elections and work together to ensure overwhelming victory for the ruling party on July 30. “Let us unite and forget what happened during our primary elections,” he said. “There are some who are too clever and use short cuts in a race, but those who would have lost should not dig in and refuse to work with the winners. There is always next time. We say no to independent candidates. Let us rally behind the winners.’’

VP Chiwenga said no individual was bigger than Zanu-PF and called all aspiring Zanu-PF candidates who contested in primary elections in Zaka to come on stage where he ordered them to publicly pledge to support those who won.

He also slammed corruption, saying it negatively impacts on the economy. He revealed that Government was working on a new law to deal with money changers, while efforts would be intensified to make Zimbabwe a cashless economy hinged on the use of plastic money.

VP Chiwenga was accompanied by his wife Marry, Zanu-PF deputy national political commissar Cde Omega Hungwe, Agriculture, Lands and Resettlement Deputy Minister Cde Davis Marapira, Masvingo Provincial Affairs Minister Senator Josaya Hungwe and Masvingo provincial chairman Cde Ezra Chadzamira.

Miss Mines Filabusi Thembelihle Ncube (seated), 1st princess Mashia Mapfundematswa (right) and 2nd princess Bridget Shava (left) pose for a photo after the modelling contest held in Filabusi, Matabeleland South, on Saturday

Showbiz Reporter
SEVENTEEN-YEAR-OLD beauty, Thembelihle Ncube was crowned Miss Mines Matabeleland South after shrugging off competition from 13 other contestants at the provincial preliminary held at Filabusi Business Centre last weekend.

Mashia Mapfundematsva, 19, was crowned first princess while Bridget Shava, 20, was announced as the second princess.

For her efforts, Ncube got 200 broiler chicks and project equipment. Mapfundematsva and Shava were given 150 and 100 broiler chicks respectively as well as project equipment.

Ncube automatically secured a slot to contest for the Miss Mines Zimbabwe national final whose date is yet to be unveiled.

The judges were unanimous that Ncube had what it takes to represent the Matabeleland South province as its mining ambassador. The teary beauty said she was happy that she had won. She said she would try her best to live up to the expectations that come with her new responsibilities.

“I’m at loss for words as this (winning) was the least of my expectations. I really thank God for being crowned Miss Mines Matabeleland South 2018,” Ncube said.

“I’ll use the opportunity to help the girl child, especially in the rural areas where most girls don’t have sanitary pads. This is a complete change to my life and I’ll make the best of it.”

The pageant, which was held under the theme “Idayimani-Ngoda Dzacho-The Jewels” was held to celebrate rural life and uplift the lives of marginalised rural girls. It was organised by Simuka Modelling Agency and sponsored by businessman, miner and aspiring Zanu-PF Member of Parliament for Insiza North, Farai Taruvinga.

The pageant also sought to educate the girl child about reproductive health, sexual abuse, early child marriages, HIV and Aids as well as child labour.

Hwange Thermal Power Station

The implementation of the $1,5 billion Hwange Thermal Power Station expansion project in Matabeleland North is expected to start soon. The China Exim Bank has released the initial $200 million to kick-start the project which involves the expansion of units 7 and 8 to add 600 megawatts of electricity into the national grid.

The project, being undertaken by Chinese firm Sino-Hydro, is one of the many infrastructural projects to be funded by the Chinese government following the successful visit to China by President Emmerson Mnangagwa in April.

On Tuesday key stakeholders comprising the Zimbabwe Power Company (ZPC) officials, Sino-Hydro representatives, Ministry of Energy and Power Development officials and officials from Hatch, the engineering company carrying out feasibility work met in Victoria Falls to discuss details regarding the implementation of the project.

President Mnangagwa is expected to preside over the project’s groundbreaking ceremony on Wednesday next week. The implementation of the project will once again shame the prophets of doom who have dismissed the mega deals signed between the Zimbabwean and the Chinese government following Cde Mnangagwa’s visit to China.

Chinese President Xi Jinping agreed to avail funding for the various infrastructural projects but the country’s enemies have been peddling falsehoods that China would never release such funding. Officials from China’s National Reform and Development Commission are already in the country training locals in the requisite skills to implement the mega deals.

The team is led by Madam Song Gongmei, who is the deputy Director General of the International Centre of the National Reform and Development Commission.  The National Reform and Development Commission is a Chinese think-tank responsible for the dynamic and far reaching reforms that happened in China during the past 40 years.

President Mnangagwa and his high powered delegation secured a number of deals that are set to propel Zimbabwe’s economic turnaround when they visited China. The country’s enemies including the private media instead of focusing on the many positives of Cde Mnangagwa’s trip were however concentrating on trivia.

Today these prophets of doom are left with egg on their faces as the nation starts implementing yet another electricity generation expansion project after the completion of the $533m Kariba South Extension Project that added 300 megawatts into the national grid. The new dispensation led by President

Mnangagwa has on many fora said that its thrust now is on turning around the country’s economy as opposed to just politicking.

The nation is already enjoying the benefits of the Government’s policy thrust and therefore the challenge to Zimbabweans is to play their part in ensuring that we bequeath to future generations, a prosperous Zimbabwe.

Highlanders coach Madinda Ndlovu receives his winners’ medal from Tourism and Hospitality minister Prisca Mupfumira

Ricky Zililo in Harare
Dynamos 1-1 Highlanders
(Highlanders won 3-2 after penalty shootouts)

HIGHLANDERS’ coach Madinda Ndlovu emerged from yesterday’s #VisitZimbabwe curtain raiser to the World Class Legends and Zimbabwe Legends match at the National Sports Stadium happy with the performance of the Bosso development squad.

Highlanders fielded a side dominated by players from their development team, Bosso 90, who compete in the Southern Region Division One League.

The young Bosso lads held their own against a Dynamos first team, with Ray Lunga, a fringe Highlanders’ first team player, giving Bosso the lead in the 32nd minute.

DeMbare equalised through Valentine Kadonzvo in the 58th minute.

Lunga was then denied a brace and winner towards the end of the match when his shot cannoned off the crossbar.

The result had to be decided through penalties and Bosso goalkeeper Nedrick Madeya was the hero, saving two penalties.

Madeya saved Panashe Mutasa and Marvelous Mukumba’s spot kicks while Gift Saunyama missed for Dynamos. DeMbare scored through Marshall Machazane and Valentine Ndaba.

Andrew Mbeba, Brian Jaravaza and Madeya converted their spot kicks for Bosso. Denzel Khumalo, who had a good game in open play, and Lunga missed their penalties.

“We gave the boys freedom to express themselves as they had nothing to lose and they did just that. Had we lost, the headlines were going be ‘Bosso lose to Dynamos’. We’re happy with our development project at Highlanders,” said Ndlovu.

Despite losing, Dynamos assistant coach Lloyd Chigowe was satisfied with his team’s performance.

“We created lots of scoring opportunities, which is good. I think we played well especially in the second half,” Chingowe said.

The Zimbabwe Tourism Authority organised yesterday’s match as part of its sports tourism initiative.

The visiting World Class Legends have been engaged as the country’s tourism ambassadors as part of strategies to market the country as a tourism destination of choice in the region and beyond. — @ZililoR

John Chikura

Oliver Kazunga, Senior Business Reporter
DEPOSITORS of the defunct Royal Bank who are yet to submit their claim forms to the Deposit Protection Corporation (DPC) have up to the end of next month to do so after which deadline no insurance claim forms will be entertained.

In a public notice early this week, DPC chief executive officer Mr John Chikura advised Royal Bank’s depositors who have not yet submitted their claim forms to do so by July 31.

‘Notice is hereby given concerning the impending termination of compensation from the Deposit Protection Fund to depositors of Royal Bank Limited (in liquidation) by July 31, 2018.

“If a claim is not made within the prescribed period, the unclaimed protected deposit shall be forfeited in terms of section 38(6) of the DPC Act (Chapter 24:29) and all the rights thereto shall revert to the corporation,” he said.

Mr Chikura said depositors of Royal Bank who have not yet lodged their deposit insurance claims were thus advised to file their claim forms on or before July 31.

Royal Bank was placed under provisional liquidation on February 2013 and subsequently placed on final liquidation on November 19, 2014.

Meanwhile, payments on the liquidation front would remain in force in accordance with the framework and parameters as provided in the Companies Act (Chapter 24:03) as read together with the insolvency Act (Chapter 6:04).

Last year, DPC announced that it had started taking legal action against shareholders and directors of banks whose institutions failed due to poor corporate governance.

Eight banks have collapsed in recent years due to alleged lack of corporate governance and corruption among other issues.

Banking institutions that have also failed recently include AfrAsia Kingdom (formerly Kingdom Bank), Tetrad, Interfin Banking Corporation, Trust Bank, Allied Bank and Genesis

The DPC is an independent statutory body established by Government in terms of the DPC Act (Chapter 24:29) to administer the Deposit Protection Scheme.

Among other benefits, the DPC guarantees compensation up to the cover limit for eligible deposits in the event of a bank failure or a contributory institution.

The deposit protection also reduces chances of panic withdrawals and bank runs thereby contributing to the stability of the financial sector and overall economic growth.

The corporation which has offices in Harare, began operating on July 1, 2003 and has since opened a regional office in Bulawayo to cater for various stakeholders including depositors in Matabeleland region. — @okazunga.

Pamela Shumba, Senior Reporter

PRESIDENT Emmerson Mnangagwa will on Saturday tour Ekusileni Hospital in Bulawayo province, before addressing a rally at White City Stadium.

Zanu-PF Bulawayo provincial secretary for information, Cde Christopher Ndlovu yesterday said preparations for President Mnangagwa’s visit to Bulawayo are at an advanced stage.

“We’re ready to host President Mnangagwa in our province on Saturday. He’ll tour Ekusileni Hospital and also address a rally at White City Stadium.

“Everybody from Bulawayo is invited to attend the rally and meet the President. It’s not for Zanu-PF members only. We’ve already sent people on the ground to invite the people of ulawayo to the rally,” said Cde Ndlovu.

President Mnangagwa is also expected to visit Matabeleland South Province tomorrow,  where he will launch the command agriculture programme at the Gwanda Show Grounds and address the people at Phelandaba Stadium.

Harare Bureau

LISTED diversified media group Zimpapers registered revenue growth for the first five months of the year on the back of positive performance across all its divisions.

Zimpapers chief executive Pikirayi Deketeke told the company’s annual general meeting this afternoon that the group had posted positive outcomes in respect of both the topline and the bottom-line.

The group achieved a revenue of $16, 5 million against a budget of $16, 25 million, and prior year revenue of 15, 1 million.

During the period under review, the media giant registered a profit of $1, 8 million against a budget of $1, 3 million and prior year figure of $1, 2 million with a profit margin of 11 percent.

“So for this year we have managed to continue with our growth trajectory in terms of both the topline and the bottom-line despite a significant increase in our operations.

“In terms of group profitability, January to May Zimpapers surpassed its profit budget by 43 percent and prior year profit by 53 percent. When you look at the divisions, media is one aspect of the business and the other is commercial printing. Overall all divisions performed above budget and prior year profitability levels, which means the company did relatively well during the period under review.

“From those numbers, publishing and digital contribute 72 percent of the profits, commercial printing coming in second at 18 percent, radio at 10 percent for this year,” said Mr Deketeke.

In terms of group sales revenue during the five months period, the group achieved set revenue budget and surpassed prior year revenue by 9 percent.

Advertising contributed 58 percent this revenue, while copy sales (circulation) contributed 22 percent, commercial printing 18 percent, digital media around 1, 5 percent, and new products about 0, 5 percent.

“Revenue contribution was along more or less similar lines with publishing and digital contributing the bulk of revenue at 70 percent and commercial printing at 18 percent, radio at 12 percent. When you compare with 2017 publishing and digital came down from 75 percent to 70 percent, radio managed to maintain at 12 percent, but the biggest growth came from commercial printing from 13 percent to 18 percent this year,” the CEO told shareholders.

Vice President Chiwenga

Walter Mswazie in Maranda, Mwenezi

PRESIDENT Emmerson Mnangagwa will hand over 2 000 head of cattle to Matabeleland farmers in Gwanda today to help resuscitate the country’s beef industry under the Command Livestock Programme.

Addressing a capacity crowd at rally at Maranda High School in Mwenezi West yesterday, Vice President Constantino Chiwenga said the new dispensation led by President Mnangagwa wascommitted to reopening the Cold Storage Company through promoting livestock production in the country.

Th e VP urged people of Mwenezi to rally behind President Mnangagwa, parliamentary and council candidates so that Zanu-PF wins resoundingly to complete Operation Restore Legacy. He urged Zanu-PF members to shun violence as the new dispensation was in strong support of a non-violent and credible plebiscite on July 30.

VP Chiwenga said through the wisdom of President Mnangagwa, the country was now food secure aft er he led Command Agriculture which saw farmers delivering at least two million metric tonnes of grain to the Grain Marketing Board.

Vice President Chiwenga said the issue of Mujingwe Wildlife Conservancy in Mwenezi West where some people illegally settled themselves would be resolved as a matter of urgency to avoid human-animal confl ict which characterises the area.

Turning to irrigation, VP Chiwenga said Government had a deliberate program for every district to have irrigation infrastructure.

He also read the riot act on farm owners who have illegally extended their farm sizes, ordering them to stick to what they were allocated so that others can have land. Turning to the road network, he said Maranda was going to have one main road tarred to attract investment into the district.

“Tomorrow, we are going to give Matabeleland North and South 2 000 cattle under the Command Livestock Programme. Each province will receive 1 000 cattle,” said VP Chiwenga.

“We know Masvingo and Matabeleland North and South are cattle provinces. Aft er giving Matabeleland, we are coming to Masvingo as we want CSC which we are going to open soon to benefi t. We are now waiting to complete Operation Restore Legacy which brought our President Mnangagwa to power through voting on July 30.

President Mnangagwa was anointed by the gods to work for the multitudes of people in the country and he wants to develop Zimbabwe for it to be recognised by the whole world.”

This he said, was however, only possible if ruling party parliamentary and council candidates are elected as well. He urged all party candidates to campaign vigorously in their respective areas.

“Zanu-PF will never be the same again. We are all servants of the people and we should work for the people. Let us put all the squabbles which characterised our primary elections behind and campaign as a team as we want unity to prevail in

the party,” he said He advised school authorities against sending away pupils over non-payment of fees saying children were future leaders. He said Government would improve access to health care through the supply of adequate drugs in all clinics and hospitals.

Speaking at the same rally, Masvingo Minister of State for provincial aff airs Cde Josaya Hungwe hailed VP Chiwenga for his role in ushering in the new dispensation.

He appealed to people of Mwenezi to vote for Zanu-PF in the forthcoming harmonised election.