It’s all systems go as workers put finishing touches on the exhibition tent ahead of the official opening of Zanu-PF people’s conference which started yesterday.

Leonard Ncube, Chronicle Senior Reporter

PRIVATE homeowners in Victoria Falls have hiked rentals as they seek to cash in on the 15^th Annual Zanu-PF People’s Conference which started yesterday.

Mainline hotels and lodges in the resort town which have a combined 3,400 beds are fully booked for the week, thereby throwing a lifeline to private home owners to cash in on the development, charging between $30 and $35 per night per room.

Zanu-PF local organising committee, chaired by former Victoria Falls Mayor Alderman Nkosilathi Jiyane, and charged with organising accommodation for delegates, reportedly pegged private accommodation at an average of $35.

About 6 500 delegates, of which 2 500 are VIPs, are expected at the conference which ends on Sunday.

The VIPs are booked in mainstream hotels and lodges while the majority will be accommodated at schools.

About 6 500 delegates are expected to descend on Victoria Falls

Most residents have upgraded their houses into private lodges and are offering accommodation to visitors to the city.

A room that used to cost $20 is now pegged at between $30 and $35. During off peak periods some rooms even cost $10, but now they are attracting $35.

Traffic Safety Officers on safe driving campaign along the Lupane Victoria Falls road in Lupane today.(Pictures by Eliah Saushoma)

Most of those seeking accommodation at private houses are service providers drawn from different government Ministries whose accommodation is not covered by Zanu-PF and they share a room in threes or fours.

Demand for accommodation is usually high when there are big conferences and residents cash in on the opportunity.

The Zimbabwe Tourism Authority (ZTA) chief operating officer Givemore Chidzidzi recently said the hosting of the revolutionary party’s conference was a rare business opportunity for private home owners and an early boost for tourism players ahead of the festive season.

Lawrence Chitumba Herald Correspondent
Corruption is a crime difficult to detect and even more difficult to eradicate and if unchecked or inadequately punished it will continue to disadvantage society, police have said.

Speaking at the launch of the Business Against Crime Forum of Zimbabwe (BACFOZ) on Monday, Police Commissioner (Crime), Commissioner Solomon Mubatapasango said corruption and other white collar crimes were perpetrated by criminals masquerading as business professionals who possessed the requisite skills and experience to conceal the offences to avoid detection.

He said there was absolutely no doubt that crime seriously impinged on business growth and development, but regrettably crimes such as fraud, theft of trust property, corruption, cyber crime and money laundering continued to pervade business and industry.

“It is, therefore, my candid conviction that the introduction of BACFOZ in the CID Fraud Section will undoubtedly enable the section to tap the expertise, information, processes and technologies resident in business in order to enhance its detective, forensic and intelligence capabilities,” Comm Mubatapasango said.

He said police fully recognised that attempting to fight fraud and other criminal acts without forging synergies with relevant stakeholders was a fruitless battle.

“BACFOZ, therefore, becomes a cardinal initiative towards eliminating crime-enabling processes, systems and approaches bedevilling fraud policing and management in the country,” Comm Mubatapasango said.

“The ZRP is mindful that a downward trend in crime will further spawn a conducive environment for increased production in the business sector.

“Similarly, a boom in formal business also improves the Government’s revenue inflows thus enhancing socio-economic development in line with its economic aspirations and goals enshrined in the Zimbabwe Agenda for Sustainable Socio-Economic Transformation (Zim-Asset),” he said.

Comm Mubatapasango said ZRP has over the years been vigorously transforming policing services in tandem with policing dynamics on the global ter- rain.

He said a raft of strategies were put in place in an endeavour to embolden community participation in the fight against crime.

Ivan Zhakata Herald Reporter
At least 2 000 pedestrians have died on Zimbabwe’s roads after being hit by vehicles in the last three years, while more than 30 000 were injured during the same period.

Statistics supplied by the Traffic Safety Council of Zimbabwe (TSCZ) and the police show that most of those hit were without reflectors.

Speaking at the seventh annual Road Safety summit held recently in Johannesburg, South Africa, TSCZ director of Operations, Research and Marketing Mr Proctor Utete who was representing Zimbabwe, said there is need for publicising information on the importance of visibility enhancing regalia.

“Safety reflectors for pedestrians come in the form of armbands, tabards, reflective jackets/suits and even raincoats which are reflective,” he said.

“There is need for educating people on the need to wear reflectors and also giving them knowledge on how they work and help them.

“They need to have knowledge on the reason to wear reflectors as a pedestrian and we will be availing reflective materials at an affordable price,” said Mr Utete .

TSCZ said making use of safety reflectors was a solution to pedestrians’ visibility. It minimised fatalities.

TSCZ would be raising awareness on road safety by imparting knowledge and developing an understanding of the risks with a view to changing attitudes and behaviour.

TSCZ officers would be visiting schools, women’s groups, churches and youth organisations, among others to raise awareness of road safety for the benefit of pedestrians.

“It is recognised that the supreme law states that road safety campaigns as a stand-alone measure generally do not have a large effect on road safety. However, campaigns are crucial as a support for other measures such as legislation and enforcement,” he said.

Cde Simon Khaya Moyo

Nduduzo Tshuma in Victoria Falls—
The 15th Zanu-PF Annual National People’s Conference that started on Monday disproves among many lies by detractors that the party would disintegrate following the sacking of former Vice President Joice Mujuru, a senior official has said. Party spokesperson Cde Simon Khaya Moyo yesterday said the false prophesies by the party’s detractors have proved to be hallucinations.

Related……………….

• Editorial Comment: Debunking the factionalism construct
• Dates for 15th Zanu-PF conference set
• I don’t lead a faction: First Lady
• Kasukuwere reads riot act
• PLEASE STOP IT!…First Lady decries factionalism, urges selflessness
• Factions: An attack on President’s ideals

Mujuru and her cabal were fired from Government and party following the unearthing of a plot to topple President Mugabe. Afterwards the private media went into overdrive suggesting that the party would split with Mujuru taking with her a chunk of the party’s support base.

Instead, Cde Khaya Moyo said, the party was about to conclude its restructuring exercise which saw it grow in terms of numbers making it stronger than ever. He said the conference would also disprove claims by the private media who have in recent weeks tried to set an agenda for the indaba with suggestions that there was a push for structural changes in the party.

“I will not waste my time commenting on hallucinations. This is not a congress, but a conference, it’s not elective. Our main focus is on the economy,” said Cde Khaya Moyo. He reiterated that after last year’s congress, constitutional amendments were made making President Mugabe the sole appointing authority for positions in the party except for Central Committee members that came from provinces.

“We all serve at the pleasure of the President,” said Cde Khaya Moyo. He said the conference, being held under the theme; “Consolidating people’s power through Zim-Asset,” looks at the economy and exchange of ideas on how to boost it and not the sensationalist stories that have been published in the private media.

“It must be understood that the economy belongs to all of us Zimbabweans and it is the responsibility of every patriotic Zimbabwean to find strategies to boost it,” said Cde Khaya Moyo.

He said the party was looking forward to the Central Committee meeting in Harare today where a number of issues discussed at the Politburo on Monday, at the start of the conference, will be debated. Cde Khaya Moyo repeated his message that only accredited delegates would be welcome at the conference.

He said all was set for the official opening of the event on Friday by President Mugabe.

“Committees will discuss a number of issues affecting both the party and country. Agriculture will also be discussed at the conference because it appears we’re headed for another drought and strategies will have to be found on how to mitigate the effects and how vulnerable families will be assisted,” said Cde Khaya Moyo.

He said the conference came at a time when Zanu-PF had won back a significant number of seats from the MDC-T, a development he said was welcomed within the party. “We are happy about that, but it doesn’t mean that we should rest on our laurels.

“We must keep working hard and avoid being distracted by a private media that is struggling for relevance by making up stories,” said Cde Khaya Moyo. “We need to look at the numbers that we won. “We have to continue coming up with practical solutions to people’s problems and build the party so that we increase numbers.”

Innocent Ruwende and Tendai Rupapa—-
Three councillors and Harare Municipal Medical Aid Society (HMMAS) board chair Sasha Jogi have been arrested for allegedly siphoning over $70 000 from the society. Another councillor is reportedly on the run. One of the councillors is facing additional charges of using his position to acquire a commercial stand in Waterfalls, which he traded with a 30-tonne truck. More councillors are expected to be nabbed as investigations have been widened to include other council businesses from which they are suspected of benefiting. Several of the councillors were summoned and questioned yesterday, but were released pending further police investigations.

Related……………. 

• Harare City swindles US$6m medical aid subscriptions
• Council medical aid faces collapse
• City mulls health insurance cover for residents

The four councillors, who are HMMAS board members, are alleged to have awarded themselves hefty amounts as sitting allowances against the approved rates. It is not clear how much each of the councillors received.

One of the councillors, Hammy Madzingira (Sunningdale), appeared in court yesterday charged with fraud or alternatively criminal abuse of duty as a public officer, while Budiriro councillor Panganai Charumbira and Mbare councillor Anthony Shangadeya were picked up yesterday. Mbare councillor Maureen Nyemba is on the run after she failed to report to police for questioning. Reports last night showed that HMMAS board chair Jogi had been arrested over the same matter.

This comes after Local Government, Public Works and National Housing Minister Saviour Kasukuwere ordered an audit into the city’s business entities and joint ventures most of which have not been contributing to the city’s revenue streams. The audit followed revelations that most city deals, especially joint venture agreements, were riddled with corruption.

City business ventures include the city’s farms, nursery, real estate (Rufaro Marketing Property Asset), hospitality and parks.

Among the city’s business ventures, only City Parking has been declaring reasonable dividends to council. Council sources yesterday said this could be the start of a spate of arrest of councillors who are abusing funds in other council entities. Harare mayor Mr Bernard Manyenyeni yesterday confirmed the development, but said he was still to be briefed on the matter by Dr Jogi.

“Yes, the councillors have been summoned by police,” he said. “I am not aware if they have gone. I would urge them to cooperate fully with the investigations. “The matter relates to HMMAS and I await a response from chairman of the board (Dr Jogi).”

Allegations against councillor Madzingira, who represents Ward 10 (Sunningdale), and sits in the council’s two committees – human resources and finance – are that he and other board members who are still at large hatched a plan to siphon money from HMMAS.

They allegedly paid themselves varying amounts of money and Madzingira was given $10 000 as sitting allowances. Sometime this year, Madzingira is alleged to have applied for a commercial stand in Waterfalls using a non-existent company called Trend Security Pvt Ltd. It is alleged he tendered forged company documents to the City of Harare purporting as if he was one of the directors of the said company.

Acting on the misrepresentation, the City of Harare gave him the stand which he later gave away in exchange of 30 tonne truck, trailer and $20 000 cash. Madzingira was charged with fraud or alternatively criminal abuse of duty as a public officer when he appeared before Mr Elijah Makomo. Mr Makomo dismissed an application by the State to place him on remand after police detained him beyond the time allowed by the Constitution.

The State will proceed by way of summons.

Monica Mutsvangwa

Tendai Mugabe and Lloyd Gumbo—
The Zanu-PF Women’s League yesterday passed a vote of no confidence in its secretary for Administration Cde Esphinah Nhari and spokesperson Cde Monica Mutsvangwa, and recommended their expulsion from the party for pushing factional politics. The decision was reached at the wing’s meeting at the revolutionary party’s headquarters in Harare which came up with recommendations to be presented at the ongoing Zanu-PF 15th Annual National People’s Conference in Victoria Falls.

Related………….

• Executive disputes Mutsvangwa probe
• Women’s League probes Mutsvangwa
• Tempers flare at Mutare meeting
• Noone can destroy Zanu-PF – Mutsvangwa
• ‘Mutsvangwa still in Central Committee’ 

Women’s League deputy secretary Cde Eunice Sandi Moyo last night confirmed the development. She said Cde Nhari was found guilty of chanting a factional slogan “Pasi neG40” at First Lady Amai Grace Mugabe’s rally in Gutu last Friday. For Cde Mutsvangwa, Manicaland Province recommended that she be expelled for indiscipline and disrespecting party procedure.

On Cde Nhari, Cde Sandi Moyo said: “The women themselves said the slogan that she chanted was not proper because it pushed factionalism. “The issue is not about the First Lady, but about her (Cde Nhari) putting the name of the Women’s League into disrepute by chanting a slogan about G40 which is divisive and meant to divide the party. The women said as a senior party cadre, she was not supposed to say that.”

Cde Sandi Moyo said party supporters in Manicaland felt they could no longer work with Cde Mutsvangwa. “The problem with her case has to do with indiscipline where she did not want to follow the procedures of the party,” she said. “The League wanted to cleanse itself of indisciplined cadres. We don’t expel because we are a wing of the party. We recommend the views of the women that have been made unanimously and overwhelmingly.”

Cde Sandi Moyo said the meeting came up with several resolutions for the conference, which included endorsing President Mugabe for Life President. “The second one is that we will continue to support Amai Mugabe for the good work she is doing and her leadership in the Women’s League,” she said.

“The third one is the reinstatement of the women quota in the Presidium in the party’s constitution.” Cde Sandi Moyo said the women recommended that they be given 50-50 representation in Government at all levels and that the party constitution be aligned with the national constitution.

She said another recommendation was for a law against child marriages to protect girls. Cde Sandi Moyo said they wanted the party to deal with “all unruly elements that engage in divisive agendas”. Meanwhile, the 15th Zanu-PF National People’s Conference enters the third day today with a Central Committee meeting slated at the party’s headquarters in Harare.

Among other things, the Central Committee, which is the party’s highest decision making organ outside congress, will receive a report on various issues discussed by the Politburo which met on Monday.

Further, the Central Committee is also likely to discuss the future of party members who are serving in acting capacities as provincial chairs and youth chairpersons. Indications are that those who are acting are likely to be confirmed substantive in their current positions until 2018. Zanu-PF secretary for information and publicity Cde Simon Khaya Moyo confirmed the Central Committee meeting.

He said although he had not yet seen the agenda of the meeting which is usually crafted by the secretary for administration (Cde Ignatius Chombo) any issue could be up for discussion. “The Central Committee is meeting tomorrow (today) in Harare to receive a report from the Politburo on preparations for the conference,” he said.

“The Central Committee will also give its detailed views.” On the issue of members who are serving in acting capacities Cde Khaya Moyo said: “It is up to the Central Committee to decide on that, because it is the highest decision making organ outside congress. Remember the Politburo reports to the Central Committee so it is the one which has a final say on that.”

He said the Central Committee would also express its views relating to the confinements of the conference to ensure that it focused on its theme which is “Expressing People’s Power through ZimAsset.”

Delegates to the conference are expected to arrive in Victoria Falls tomorrow. Cde Khaya Moyo said President Mugabe who is the party’s First Secretary will officially open the conference on Friday setting the tone for various discussions.

After the official opening, the conference would break into sub-committees to discuss various issues. Some of the issues that would come under intense discussion include the state of the party and the economy.

On state of the economy, discussions would focus mainly on ZimAsset with particular attention on progress made so far in terms of implementation. “Delegates will leave on Thursday for Victoria Falls and buses have already been dispatched to various provinces and we don’t expect any difficulties,” said Cde Khaya Moyo.

“After the official opening on Friday there will be other discussions by sub-committees and the President will close the conference on Saturday evening,” he said.

President Mugabe shakes hands with Central Committee member Cde Oppah Muchinguri-Kashiri upon his arrival at Zanu-PF Headquarters in the company of First Lady Amai Grace Mugabe. Picture by John Manzongo

Lloyd Gumbo Senior Reporter
President Mugabe has raised concern over the growing tendency to issue votes of no confidence by Zanu-PF officials against their colleagues.

He made the remarks while addressing the Central Committee meeting in Harare this afternoon where he also took a swipe at senior party officials who are feeding the private media with lies meant to tarnish their colleagues’ images.

“Kurwisana hakuperi? Iwo ma vote of no confidence akauya awa. Ko nyaya dzacho hadzitauriramwe here?

“Asi kana munhu asinganzwi zvirikutaurwa navamwe achida kutora gwara rake iye woga hongu anosungirwa kurangwa zve. Asi tinoenda ka netsikawo yekuti munhu anomboyambirwa. Try to correct each other, warn each other before you take action. It doesn’t help us,” said President Mugabe.

He said there were some senior party officials who were manufacturing and leaking information to the private press with the intention of putting other party officials in bad light.

“Then there are lies, formulation of lies, manufacturing of lies, talking about the purported actions of people which never happened. Kunyepa, tava vanyepi. We go day and night wanting to get information if we can’t get it, manufacture the information that damages the group that we are opposed to most. Chii chirikumboitika kuma provinces kwenyu? Chii chirikumboitika mu politburo?” queried President Mugabe.

Details to follow…..

Paidamoyo Chipunza Senior Health Reporter
Zimbabwe’s population is expected to reach 19,3 million by 2032 up from the current 13,1 million with a bulging economically active age group and a narrow dependent age group, an analysis into the 2012 population census has revealed.

Life expectancy is also projected to increase from 57 to 67 years for males and from 64 to 75 years for women during the same period.

The number of children per woman will also decline from a high of about seven children (1969 census) to about four children per woman in 2032.

The economically active age group (15 to 64 years) is projected to increase from 55 percent to 64 percent while the number of persons below 15 years is projected to decline from 41 percent to 32 percent between 2012 and 2032.

Presenting the population projections, at a local hotel in Harare yesterday, consultant Dr Gibson Mandishona said the average population growth for the projected period is 2 percent compared to 1,1 percent growth in the past 20 years.

“This is due to steadily rising life expectancy at birth, reduced Aids related deaths, expanding educational levels, rising incomes, urbanisation and improved public health systems,” he said.

Mr Mandishona said the number of households was also projected to grow from 3,1 million in 2012 to 5,7 million in 2032.

In her presentation on fertility analysis, consultant Professor Marvelous Mhloyi said data from previous census show that the country’s fertility rate (the number of children per woman) was in transition from a high of about seven children to four in 2032.

She said although the fertility rate was on the decline generally, the number of adolescents and older women (over 35 years) falling pregnant was on the increase.

“Fertility in Zimbabwe still occurs too early (in adolescent girls) and late (women beyond 35 years) and this partly contributes to the high maternal and infant deaths,” she said.

Presenting on mortality trends, which also impact on population structure of the country, consultant Dr Henry Chikova said trends show that death rates were on the decline.

Dr Chikova said although death trends worsened between 1992 and 2002 as a result of HIV and Aids, an analysis into 2012 census results showed that mortality trends were improving.

“A comparison of the 2002 and 2012 population censuses shows that mortality in Zimbabwe significantly improved between the two censuses so did maternal mortality, which reduced by half,” he said.

Dr Chikova attributed the decrease in deaths to availability of antiretroviral drugs which prolonged lives of many.

Zimbabwe National Statistics Agency (ZimStat) director general Mr Mutasa Dzinotizei said fertility and mortality rates were key to defining the country’s population growth.

He said analysis by the consultants including the population projections, show that the country was in a demographic transition and stands at a threshold of entering the demographic dividend that can be harnessed in the coming 20 years.

Demographic dividend is the freeing up of resources for a country’s economic development and the future prosperity of its populace as it switches from an agrarian to an industrial economy.

In the initial stages of this transition, fertility rates fall, leading to a labour force that is temporarily growing faster than the population dependent on it. All else being equal, per capita income grows more rapidly during this time too.

“This is not for technical analysis only, The data that we have analysed should now filter to the policy makers to provide basis for their policy formulation,” said Mr Dzinotizei.

Speaking at the same occasion, United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) country representative Mr Cheikh Tidiane Cisse said the analysis came at an opportune time when a number of national development processes were taking place.

These processes include the mid term review of the Zimbabwe Agenda for Sustainable Socio-Economic Transformation (Zim Asset), development of a new Zimbabwe United Nations Development Assistance Framework (ZUNDAF) for period 2016-2020, review of the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs)and the adoption of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

Herald Reporter
The Public Service Commission has reportedly begun an audit of police officers in Harare Province to get rid of ghost workers.

Police sources said an order was issued last week that officers should be present at their respective work stations, ready for the head count.

“It has also been ordered that those on maternity leave, vacation leave and occasion leave or any other time off or night duty be present starting from Monday this week so that they will be counted,” said a source.

It was reported that some of the PSC officials had by yesterday conducted the process at Mbare Police Station, Southerton Police Station, Borrowdale Police Station and Highlands Police Station.

The sources said officers at other stations were preparing for the audit.

In an interview, Public Service, Labour and Social Welfare Deputy Minister Tapiwa Matangaidze yesterday denied the reports that they were conducting such an exercise.

“That is not correct and there is no Government policy on that directive,” he said.

But events on the ground indicated yesterday that police officers have been recalled to their stations for the head count.

Last month, Cabinet approved the civil service audit, heralding a new chapter in the public sector through the implementation of measures such as reduction of student teachers and trainees’ allowances, termination of any salaries still paid for teachers at trust and private schools and resuscitation of pension contributions by civil servants.

Some of the changes, meant to reduce the Government wage bill and steer economic growth, were with immediate effect.

All vacant posts have been abolished, bus fare for civil servants has been re-introduced, under-used staff is being redeployed, funding of bridging courses has been scrapped, while all members who were abusing various types of leave, tampering with pay sheets and attendance registers have been charged.

Reports indicated that the audit would be done in other sectors of the civil service like the Judicial Service Commission, Defence Forces Service Commission, Police Service Commission, Prisons and Correctional Service Commission and the Heath Services Board.

President Mugabe and First Lady Amai Grace Mugabe greet jubilant delegates on arrival for a Central Committee meeting at the revolutionary party’s headquarters in Harare yesterday

Lloyd Gumbo Senior Reporter
President Mugabe yesterday castigated ambitious cadres in Zanu-PF who fight for positions through personality clashes which threaten to split the party.

The President, who is the Zanu-PF First Secretary and President, said most of the differences were initiated by party cadres who sought personal advancement.

President Mugabe was speaking at the Zanu-PF Central Committee meeting in Harare, which is part of the ongoing 15th Annual National People’s Conference he will officially open in Victoria Falls tomorrow.

The President said while problems were expected on how to organise the party, elections, administration and recruitment of new members, problems bedevilling the party presently were to do with personality clashes for positions.

“So, we have a problem at the moment that threatens to split the party,” warned President Mugabe.

“Some are looking at the forthcoming elections, yet they are still far. They come in the year 2018.

“But the ambitious ones are working, some openly, some behind the scenes in all kinds of ways in order to place themselves in positions which they think will make them to be elected.

“Some want to be in those positions now, hazviite, just now! Elections take place once in five years, at the end of the five years, we all resign and the ambitious ones can line up.”

President Mugabe said party cadres were allowed to be ambitious, but should follow party rules.

He said some people who joined Zanu-PF recently already harboured ambitions for senior positions in the party and Government.

“Zvigaro hazviturunurwe sematamba, zvinouya nechimiro chako, nekudiwa kwako nevanhu (leadership positions are not low-hanging fruit that you just grab. They are bestowed by the people, out of their love and respect for you),” he said.

“Vanhu vanokuda here? Abantu bayakuthanda yini (do the people love you)?

“Mabasa awakaita anoita kuti vazokuvhotera ndeapi? Kana munhu akauya nezuro unouyu, akapinda after maelections atakaita before 2014 kucongress anotoda kuti dai ndapihwawo chigaro chepamusoro (what have you done for the people so they can vote for you?)

Vamwe vakapinda muParliament 2013, vakatopinda vachiti zvandapinda ndobva ndapihwa ministry. Hatimbodaro! Uri ani? Kutotsutsumwa kuti ah ko ini ndanyimirwei, ko unenge uri ani? Ane zviito zvakadii? Ane nhoroondo mumusangano yakadii?”

The President said although cadres could have personal hatred of each other, they were expected to accommodate one another for the good of the party.

He raised concern with the growing tendency within the party structures of officials wantonly passing votes of no confidence against other party cadres.

“The rules of the party apply and must apply in an orderly manner, a just manner to everyone, don’t discriminate,” said President Mugabe.

“The party has all kinds of individuals. It has individuals we like and individuals we dislike. It’s not everybody we like. We don’t like the manners of so-and-so perhaps. We don’t appreciate the habits of the person next to you, but he is a member of the party and he must be tolerated.”

President Mugabe hailed the Women’s League and the Commissariat department for ensuring the party was well-oiled to win by-elections that have been held since the 2013 harmonised elections.

He took a swipe at a provincial chairperson whom he said questioned his decision to appoint some people from that province to some positions.

The chairperson, whom President Mugabe did not name, argued that the officials had been appointed without the province’s blessings.

“Iwe chairman weprovince une masimba here ekuti President paanenge asarudza vanhu iwe ungati kwete ndanga ndichida ngana nangana? “To hell with you. I choose people according to my knowledge of them, what I think their capabilities amount to and whatever experience, I think you have.

“They may not be your friends, but they are party members and they must be accepted, saka ndiri kuda kunzwa ivavo vanoti avava havasi vedu nekuti hatina kuva sarudza, tozonzwa kuti iwe waka sarudzwa nani.”

President Mugabe said there was need for party cadres to promote unity among Zimbabweans and shun tribalism and regionalism.

He said all Zimbabweans regardless of which tribe or province they hailed from, deserved equal opportunities in all the country’s provinces, including farm allocations.

President Mugabe said Government was putting mechanisms in place to improve people’s livelihoods through the implementation of programmes such as Zim-Asset.

“Well Zim-Asset yes, but Zim-Asset must be propped and I am sure you can see some of the efforts that we have been making to get those of our friends outside Africa with the assistance that could come our way,” he said.

“Recently, we had a visit of the Chinese President Xi Jinping. A number of programmes, as you will be told later, were discussed and agreed, some will continue to be discussed and possibly agreed.

“I got an assurance from him (President Xi) that they will help us as much as possible, provided we proceed to work on projects and programmes that they can accept as deserving that assistance.

“There have been efforts by the leadership of the party and leadership in Government, also to seek more assistance from countries like Brazil, Belarus, and Russia etc. So, this assistance will be forthcoming, its effect cannot be felt today, but by next year, we hope the change will be felt by our people.

“So, let’s remain united, let’s remain focused, purposeful and hard working and I want to say your history of oneness is what we use as we talk to our friends that Zimbabwe is united. It was united when it fought the enemy, it is one. It is non-racial, non-tribal and truly national.”

President Mugabe bemoaned the effects of climate change such as drought that he said made life difficult for Zimbabweans.

There was need for the country to adapt by utilising the rains it receives and practice water harvesting, he said.

Cde Khaya Moyo

Lloyd Gumbo Senior Reporter
zanu-pf yesterday expelled three more officials, including a former Government minister, in a move which also saw two officials being suspended for five years and four others for two years for indiscipline.

Former Minister of State in former Vice President Joice Mujuru’s Office Mr Sylvester Nguni, who was serving a three-year suspension, was expelled by the Central Committee.

Mr Nguni is the National Assembly member for Mhondoro-Mubaira and his expulsion from the party is expected to trigger a recall from the Legislature.

He was also a Central Committee member for Mashonaland West Province.

zanu-pf spokesperson Cde Simon Khaya Moyo confirmed the development after a Central Committee meeting in Harare yesterday.

“Also expelled is Christwell Mutematsaka who was a Central Committee member from Mashonaland Central and Batsirai Musona, who was also the provincial secretary for security in Mashonaland Central Province,” he said.

“There are also members who were suspended for five years and these are: Godfrey Tsenengamu, the former provincial chairperson for the Youth League in Mashonaland Central, Paul Rwodzi, who was the provincial secretary for administration in the Youth League in the same province.

“The others were suspended for two years and these are Chiratidzo Mukarati, who was the Harare provincial chairlady, Godwills Masimirembwa, former Harare provincial chairperson, Happiness Nyakuedzwa, who was the provincial chairperson of the Women’s League for Manicaland and Danny Musukuma, former Harare provincial secretary for Legal Affairs.”

The expulsion and suspension of the cadres follows a similar fate that befell Dr Mujuru and other former senior officials such as Messrs Didymus Mutasa and Rugare Gumbo.

The action was taken after it was discovered that there was a group within the party operating under the Mujuru cabal which was angling to remove President Mugabe through dubious means.

Cde Khaya Moyo said the Central Committee confirmed the positions of acting chairpersons and substantive ones.

Bulawayo is chaired by Cde Dennis Ndlovu, Harare – Cde Charles Tawengwa, Manicaland – Cde Samuel Undenge, Mashonaland Central – Cde Dickson Mafios, Mashonaland East – Cde Biggie Matiza, Mashonaland West – Cde Ephraim Chengeta and Masvingo – Cde Ezra Chidzamira.

Cde Rabelani Choeni chairs Matabeleland South, while Cde Kizito Chivamba chairs Midlands and Cde Richard Moyo (Matabeleland North).

Cde Khaya Moyo said there were resolutions made by all the provinces that would be presented at the party’s 15th Annual National People’s Conference in Victoria Falls.

“All the provinces supported the President and First Secretary of the Party as the sole candidate for the position of President and First Secretary of the party and the country at the 2018 elections and beyond,” he said.

“This was the position from all the provinces. It was unanimous. The Women’s League has gone further through resolutions that were read by the National Political Commissar (Cde Saviour Kasukuwere) that they continue to support the First Lady as secretary for the Women’s League for the current term and beyond.

“They also resolved that there was need for gender parity where they want the Zanu-PF Constitution to be aligned with the national Constitution where it says there must be 50-50 representation in all positions.

“The women also resolved that they want the party Constitution to be amended and reinstate the previous position that one of the Vice Presidents must be a woman.”

Central Committee members at zanu-pf Headquarters in Harare yesterday

Felex Share in Victoria Falls
All roads lead to Victoria Falls today as delegates to the Zanu-PF 15th Annual National People’s Conference arrive for the official opening of the important indaba tomorrow.

A few delegates were already here by yesterday for the conference.

President Mugabe, who is the revolutionary party’s First Secretary, will officially open the conference which entered its third day with a Central Committee meeting in Harare yesterday.

The event will take place at the Elephant Hills Resort Golf Course.

At the venue yesterday, service providers were busy tying the loose ends, while companies that will exhibit at the business expo were also putting up their stands.

The business expo will run concurrently with the conference.

The sound system, lighting power, communication system and water supply tanks were also undergoing final checks.

Zanu-PF Matabeleland North provincial chairperson Cde Richard Moyo said the province was ready to host the big event.

He said a tree planting ceremony, where President Mugabe was expected to plant a tree, would be held tomorrow at the venue.

“We are prepared as a province to host the delegates and everything has been sorted out from food to accommodation,” said Cde Moyo.

“Tomorrow (today) is the travelling day and delegates will be coming from various provinces. Some started trickling in yesterday and we have also arranged transport for delegates to be carried to Victoria Falls.”

Cde Moyo added: “There are a lot of companies, including indigenous ones, which will be exhibiting at the conference and they have also erected their stands. At the moment I do not have the exact number of the companies exhibiting, but they will be showcasing their products from agricultural implements, industrial and other machinery.”

The conference is being held under the theme: “Consolidating People’s Power through Zim-Asset.”

Cde Moyo said no gatecrashers would be allowed at the venue as all people had to be accredited.

“The party has been frank on this one and if there is one planning to gatecrash then he or she will be disappointed,” he said. “Only accredited delegates will be allowed in and no opportunists will be taken on board.”

The conference has brought a business boom to private home owners in the resort town, with most of them converting their houses into temporary lodges to accommodate some of the delegates.

More than 5 000 delegates are expected to attend the conference and major hotels and lodges are fully booked, leaving private home owners to cash in on the demand.

Some of the house owners are charging between $25 and $35 per night per room.

Other delegates will be accommodated at the various schools dotted around Victoria Falls.

Demand for accommodation is usually high when there are big conferences in the resort town and residents cash in on the opportunity.

“We are fully booked this week and we are geared for brisk business,” said one worker at Mopani Lodge.

“We will also provide dinner, breakfast and accommodation to the delegates.”

Also recording brisk business are tour operators, taxi owners and restaurant and bar owners.

The Zanu-PF Politburo, which kick-started the conference on Monday, asserted that the indaba would be about finding strategies that will improve people’s livelihoods and fulfil the promises the revolutionary party made to the electorate during the 2013 harmonised elections.

Zanu-PF secretary for Information and Publicity, Cde Simon Khaya Moyo has emphasised that no politics would take centre stage at the conference as only President Mugabe had the right to appoint members into leadership positions.

All the provinces have come up with their resolutions to be presented to the conference, chief among them being the endorsement of President Mugabe as the leader of the party ahead of the 2018 harmonised elections.

Innocent Ruwende Municipal Reporter
As investigations into alleged fraud at Harare Municipal Medical Aid Society by city councillors intensify, Mbare councillor Antony Shangadeya yesterday appeared in court for allegedly siphoning over $10 000 from the society while police questioned two more councillors in relation to the swindle.

Two officials in the housing and city evaluation department were also summoned for questioning as police took heed of Government’s directive ordering them to investigate and arrest councillors and officials involved in graft.

Another councillor, Hammy Madzingira, has since appeared in court facing fraud charges involving $70 000 after he allegedly awarded himself thousands of dollars as sitting allowances.

He was charged with fraud or alternative criminal abuse of duty as a public officer.

Shangadeya, who faced the same charge, appeared before Harare magistrate Mr Elijah Makomo who granted him $100 bail.

Sources close to investigations said alternative HMMAS board members, Clrs Loveness Gomba and Maureen Nyemba were summoned and questioned but were released pending further investigations.

The arrests come after Local Government, Public Works and National Housing Minister Saviour Kasukuwere ordered for an audit into the city’s business entities and joint ventures most of which have not been contributing to the city’s revenue streams.

These include the city’s farms, nursery, real estate (Rufaro Marketing Property Asset), hospitality and parks.

The audit followed revelations that most city deals, especially joint venture agreements, were riddled with corruption.

Board chair Dr Sasha Jogi and Cllr Panganayi Charumbira were released after questioning.

On Tuesday, Harare Mayor Bernard Manyenyeni, urged councillors to cooperate with police.

Yesterday Mayor Manyenyeni said he was still to be briefed by councillors over the incident.

However, MDC-T leader Morgan Tsvangirai is said to have summoned MDC-T councillors today over the arrests.

The State alleges that the councillors and other board members who are still at large hatched a plan to siphon money from HMMAS.

They allegedly paid themselves varying amounts of money and Madzingira was given $10 000 as sitting allowances.

In August this year, Minister Kasukuwere suspended all 18 Gweru councillors, including the mayor and his deputy on allegations of gross misconduct and mismanagement of council funds and affairs.

Minister Kasukuwere said Government will not tolerate the abuse of ratepayer’s money by city fathers and officials.

Government had directed the Anti-Corruption Commission and police to deal with corruption in councils.

Bulawayo Bureau
AN undisclosed number of people were injured while having meals at a Chicken Inn fast-food outlet in Bulawayo when its ceiling collapsed on them yesterday.

A witness, only identified as Ashley said she was inside the building when the accident happened at around 3pm, opposite Tredgold Building.

She said she heard a loud bang and suddenly, everyone was screaming.

“Some customers fled from the outlet. I saw blood on the floor as I fled as well,” said Ashley.

She said the staff quickly took control of the situation and asked everyone out before closing the doors to the Creamy Inn and Fish Inn section of the facility.

“We saw two people badly injured but they were quickly taken out through the back door before police were even called to the scene.

“We identified one of the victims as a ZAOGA pastor and the other one was a man who appeared to be in his twenties.

“I had to fork out $2 to send a cab to (Bulawayo) Central Police (Station) to fetch the officer in charge when I saw that no one had called the police,” she said.

Witnesses said staff at the outlet even barred a fire brigade crew from entering the premises.

“They only relented when that white man came,” said a woman, referring to Bulawayo chief fire officer Richard Peterson.

Another witness, Melusi Moyo said he was disappointed by the way the staff handled the accident. “They refused to tell anyone the number of people who were injured or where they had taken them,” he said.

Peterson said he could not comment on the incident as the management only told him that the injured people had been taken to “their clinic” along Jason Moyo Street and 5th Avenue.

Innscor managing director Warren Meares said: “As far as I was told, it was a minor accident, no broken bones, no stitches, just a bandage for one guy. However, I am on my way, flying down there to assess the situation. I am told the victims were attended to at some clinic and all actually walked to their homes.”

Efforts to get a comment from Bulawayo Metropolitan Province police spokesperson, Inspector Precious Simango were fruitless.

Elita Chikwati Agriculture Reporter
The International Red Locust Control Organisation for Central and Southern Africa (IRLCOCSA) member states are on high alert for the build-up of migratory pests as the current weather system increases the prevalence of insects.

The IRLCOCSA has six member states namely, Zimbabwe, Zambia, Mozambique, Malawi, Kenya and Tanzania.

Visiting IRLCOCSA director, Mr Moses Okhoba, who met Agriculture, Mechanisation and Irrigation Development Minister, Dr Joseph Made and senior officials in the Department of the Research and Specialist Services, yesterday said migratory pests were of economic importance as they affected the whole region greatly threatening food security.

The pests can wipe out vast swathes of crops and pastures within a short space of time.

Mr Okhoba said he was also in the country to assess the level of preparedness of the 38th regular session of Government Council of Ministers of the IRLCOCSA that would be hosted by Zimbabwe early next year.

The council is chaired by Dr Made.

“Governments have spent a lot of money ensuring food security. About $6 billion is spent supporting farmers in the region and this investment can be wasted if migratory pests are not prevented on time.

“Migratory pests are a big danger to the economy if not managed well. Because of climate change the region has seen an upsurge of pests,” he said.

Mr Okhoba said the 2015-16 rainfall season characterised with intermittent rainfall could allow the build-up of populations of armyworm and locusts.

“Our aim as an organisation is to prevent the build-up of migratory pests as control is expensive. We inform our member states monthly of the situation on the ground and assist in the control of the pest,” he said.

Mr Okhoba said climate change was one of the major challenges confronting the organisation.

“Due to climate change, we have frequent outbreaks of pests. We have seen armyworm which used to attack tender crop now attacking maize even at tasselling stage, locusts have increased breeding. The pests can only be contained if the member countries pull resources and work together,” he said.

Mr Okhoba said the 38th ministerial meeting in Zimbabwe would give member states the opportunity to share knowledge and experiences on the prevention, control and management of migratory pests.

The organisation has the mandate to manage and coordinate control and surveillance of migratory pests such as armyworm, red locusts and quealea birds among others.

Members of the fire brigade retrieve the charred bodies from the main bedroom on the first floor.

Munyaradzi Musiiwa Midlands Correspondent
THREE members of the same family from Lundi Park low density suburb in Gweru were burnt beyond recognition while another escaped without injuries when their apartment was inexplicably gutted by fire in the early hours of today, Police have confirmed.

The tragic incident occurred at round 3 am when Adrian Pile (56), his wife Lisa (37) and their One-year old baby of Collin Brand Street in Lundi Park, Gweru were sleeping.

Their eldest son Jeremiah escaped without injuries.

Narrating the ordeal, a seemingly distraught Jeremiah said the fire started at around 3 am and it came from the bedrooms on the first floor and razed down the stairs before destroying the entire furniture and property in the house.

He said he sought assistance from the neighbours to rescue his father and stepmother but to no avail.

“I was sleeping in the lounge when the fire started. I was awakened by smoke coming from the bedrooms upstairs and I ran out and called for help from neighbours.  When we returned the house had been engulfed by the fire and my parents were crying out for help,” he said.

Jeremiah watched helplessly as his parents were reduced to ashes.

Details to follow…..

Daniel Nemukuyu Senior Court Reporter
At least 2 414 men this year swallowed their pride and approached the magistrates’ courts countrywide suing for domestic violence, an indication that tables are now turning in the history of family disputes in the country.

In the past years, domestic violence was believed to be a crime against women but statistics from the courts show that men are also being battered in the home and are now gathering the courage to approach the courts for recourse.

Although women are still dominating as victims of domestic violence, men are also exercising their right to protection of the law by reporting their wives at court.

Between January and November 2015, at least 2414 men approached the family court complaining of domestic violence.

During the same period, some 6 510 women sued men for domestic violence, leaving the total number of domestic violence cases handled by the courts countrywide at 8 924.

Statistics for 2015 show that although people with disabilities were the least affected, more men in that category were suffering compared to women.

This year, five men with disability appeared in court as victims of domestic violence while one woman sued.

From January to December last year, the magistrate courts received 2 538 applications from men while women filed 6 916 matters, leaving the total number of domestic violence cases at 9 454.

Details to follow….

Chelsea have sacked manager Jose Mourinho seven months after he led them to the Premier League title.

The 52-year-old Portuguese had been in his second spell at the club, taking charge in June 2013. Chelsea finished eight points clear last season and won the League Cup, but have lost nine of their 16 league games so far and are 16th in the table, one point above the relegation places. Mourinho’s final match was Monday’s 2-1 defeat at leaders Leicester City.

Pep Guardiola, Guus Hiddink, Brendan Rodgers and Juande Ramos have all been touted as possible successors.

“Chelsea Football Club and Jose Mourinho have today parted company by mutual consent.

“All at Chelsea thank Jose for his immense contribution since he returned as manager in the summer of 2013.

“His three league titles, FA Cup, Community Shield and three League Cup wins over two spells make him the most successful manager in our 110-year history.

“But both Jose and the board agreed results have not been good enough this season and believe it is in the best interests of both parties to go our separate ways.

“The club wishes to make clear Jose leaves us on good terms and will always remain a much-loved, respected and significant figure at Chelsea.

“His legacy at Stamford Bridge and in England has long been guaranteed and he will always be warmly welcomed back to Stamford Bridge.

“The club’s focus is now on ensuring our talented squad reaches its potential.

“There will be no further comment until a new appointment is made.”

He leaves with Chelsea just a point off the relegation zone and 20 points behind Leicester. Champions League qualification via one of the top four spots in the Premier League looks highly unlikely. However, the Blues are through to the last 16 of European football’s biggest club competition, where they will face French champions Paris St-Germain in February and March.

Mourinho only signed a new four-year contract on 7 August and is Chelsea’s most successful manager. He won three Premier League titles, two of those in his first spell between 2004 and 2007. The Portuguese has also won the FA Cup, in 2007, and the League Cup three times – in 2005, 2007 and 2015.

It has not only gone wrong in the Premier League for Mourinho, he has also had his issues off the pitch. A 2-2 draw with Swansea on 8 August was overshadowed by a fallout with his medical team, in particular club doctor Eva Carneiro. Carneiro had her role downgraded after Mourinho said his medical staff were “naive” for running onto the pitch to treat attacking midfielder Eden Hazard.

She eventually left on 22 September and is now taking legal action against Mourinho and the Blues.

Mourinho also received a suspended stadium ban and £50,000 fine for claiming referees were “afraid” to award his team penalties in a 3-1 home loss to Southampton in October.

He subsequently had to serve a one-match stadium ban and pay a £40,000 fine for his behaviour during a 2-1 defeat by West Ham, when he spoke to referee Jon Moss at half-time.

It is unlikely he will be out of management for long, given his record of success at Chelsea and other top European clubs.

He guided Porto and Inter Milan to Champions League glory in 2004 and 2010 respectively, then led Real Madrid to the Spanish La Liga title in 2012.

At 52, he is still some way from retirement age, but he has expressed a wish to coach the English and Portuguese national sides at some stage in his career.

In fact, he claimed he turned down the chance to become England boss when Steve McClaren was sacked in 2007. Mourinho has a proven track record of bringing success over the short-term but doubts will remain over his ability to build a dynasty.

Will that make his candidature less appealing to the kind of club he is used to managing, such as German giants Bayern Munich, rising French stars Paris St-Germain or Premier League duo Manchester United or Manchester City?

The Blues may be struggling at the wrong end of the Premier League table, but they are still in the Champions League and both domestic cups, while achieving European qualification is not impossible.

The key for any new manager is improving the morale of a talented squad that has underachieved this season. Players such as Hazard, Diego Costa, Willian, and Oscar were key to Chelsea winning the league title but performances have fallen well below the heights they reached last year.

After the 2-1 defeat by Leicester Mourinho said he felt his “work was betrayed” by his players, and midfielder Cesc Fabregas has said it is time for everyone to step up.

“If you are a big player and paid like a big player, you must play like a big player and behave like a big player,” said the Spain international.-BBC

Callisto Pasuwa

National team coach Callisto Pasuwa and his entire backroom staff have been relieved of their duties, ZIFA vice-president Omega Sibanda has announced in a statement. Chicken Inn coach Joey Antipas is the new senior team gaffer.

“At an extraordinary meeting of the ZIFA national executive committee on 17 December at Harare, it was resolved that the technical department led by Callisto Pasuwa be relieved of their duties with immediate effect”, reads the statement.

The rest of the new technical team is as follows

ASSISTANT COACH 1: TONDERAI NDIRAYA

ASSISTANT COACH 2: MANDLA MPOFU

GOALKEEPER’S COACH: PETER NKOMO

TEAM MANAGER: WELLINGTON MPANDANE

FITNESS MANAGER/LIASON OFFICER: COSMAS ZULU

TEAM DOCTOR: DR TOGAREPI

PHYSIOTHERAPIST: FARAI MUGUWE

KITMAN: TBA

Details to follow……………

Happiness Zengeni and Tinashe Makichi—
Zimbabwe has made considerable progress in improving its business environment after scoring high during the first 100 days of the Rapid Results Framework enunciated by President Mugabe in August. The framework was adopted in line with the 10-Point Plan, to create an enabling environment for local entrepreneurs to thrive and incentivise foreign investors to bring in capital and new technologies.

Five thematic Technical Working Groups reporting to the Steering Committee were constituted to conceptualise reforms and deliver on action plans developed by stakeholders.

The initiative was launched in September to fast-track key business environment reforms with the support of the World Bank and other development partners. Speaking at the Performance Review workshop for the first 100 days, Office of the President and Cabinet Deputy Chief Secretary Retired Colonel Christian Katsande yesterday said results from the thematic working groups were encouraging.

“The thematic working groups scored an impressive performance in the first 100 days under the Rapid Results Approach, but only two have remained a cause for concern. The RRA that we pursued resulted in instilling teamwork among the groups and they got to know new things that they have not been aware of.

“We need to build on these achievements as we move from quarter to quarter and also work towards attaining desired requirements on the sectors that underperformed,” said Rtd Col Katsande.

Groups which showed improvement are Getting Credit (82 percent complete), Starting a Business (88 percent) and Property Registration (93 percent). The goal of the Starting a Business group is to reduce the days it takes to start a business to 30 days from the current 90 days by December 31, 2015. The Technical Working Groups drafted and amended nine pieces of legislation, by-laws and regulations, while streamlining various processes within multiple Government ministries, departments and agencies.

Among the laws drafted is the new Insolvency Bill to promote a culture of corporate rescue to preserve jobs in companies that are viable but experience challenges. Movable Property Securities Interest Bill was also drafted to permit responsible lenders to lend against movable assets as collateral and thereby improve access to finance for SMEs in particular.

A Shop Licensing Bill was amended to eliminate regulatory burdens that confront entrepreneurs trying to formalise their businesses. A Commercial Court Bill will be drafted to permit expeditious settlement of commercial disputes through accelerated processes.

Secretary for Justice, Parliamentary and Legal Affairs Ms Virginia Mabhiza, who is also the team leader of the thematic working group on Starting a Business, said her group continues to find ways to restructure some Government departments to sustain viability. She said there is need for serious buy in at the level of Cabinet ministers for the idea of reforming the business environment to prevail.

“There is need for restructuring of some departments to sustain viability and we are also looking at finalising a comprehensive review of the Companies Act while covering issues beyond the limits of ease of doing business. “There is need for serious buy in at the level of Cabinet Ministers and also lack of participation from the private sector has been a cause for concern,” said Mrs Mabhiza.

On business processes that straddled multiple Government agencies, these were streamlined and of particular mention are processes to pay taxes at the Zimbabwe Revenue Authority and processes to secure Construction Permits from the Harare City Council.

The next review will be done in April 2016 while the global Doing Business review will start in May and rankings subsequently released in October next year. The World Bank Doing Business report released in October showed that Zimbabwe is now ranked at 155 of 189 countries on the Ease of Doing Business. This is up 16 places from its original ranking last year of 171 and two places down from its rank on the revised list.

The report noted that Zimbabwe only showed an improvement in two of the topics; Getting credit ranked 79 from 90 and Protecting minority investors at 81 from 87. The country did not do well on Starting a business (182 from 179), Paying taxes (145 from 142), Trading Across Borders (100 from 99).

Efforts are, however, being made to improve this ranking next year.